Welcome to our April’ish’ edition of the Hoschke Family Newsletter.

💐 Wishing all the mothers in our family a wonderful Mother’s Day!

🩷 This month we look at the 1930’s and one of the things that brings me great joy is seeing how loved Auntie Annie was by the community and what an important role she played in community life.

💡 Did you know she was chosen to switch on the first electric light on at the Orara Hall?

✨ That her front yard was the place they launched fireworks from for Empire Day celebrations? Me neither, but read on and find out!

Article of the Month – Early Days at Orara

This is a good summary of the early days at Orara.  It covers the geography, timber, lack of roads, social life, sport, access to medical facilities, gold mining, dairying, vegetable crops, bananas and the great public spirit.

Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW: 1915 – 1954), Saturday 13 December 1947, page 6

It is a little over 60 years ago since land was selected at Upper Orara, states Mr. G. Burling, a great champion of the area, in this interesting article on the growth of the district.

SIXTY YEARS OF SETTLEMENT AT UPPER ORARA

When, the settlers began to take up permanent residence the place was dense scrub on the flats and heavily timbered on the Hills. There being some good cedar and beech trees on the flats, which was cut and transported to Coff’s Harbour for shipment to Sydney. Some was cut by hand in what was known as pit sawing. This timber was used for buildings on the farms and some of it today is in a good condition.

Amongst the first settlers to arrive were John and Angus McLeod selecting land between Orara and Karangi, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ferrett and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Amandus Hoschke and family. It was not long before others looking for land and seeing the rich scrub country and the pure running water of the Orara river selected and later came to live on their holdings.

HARD LIFE

It was a hard life, and the people were isolated to a great extent. The only outlet was bush tracks to Coff’s Harbours and Coramba. Goods were transported by bullock wagon or in many cases were carried by the men. By degrees roads were made. The work was mostly done by the settlers and the money earned helped to keep their homes going until the farms became productive.

After roads were built, Mr. James Marles, of Coff’s Harbour provided a very good service by running a weekly van which carried most store lines and, collected the eggs [being sold by the settlers]. This was a boon to the settlers. The drivers were well-known and very popular. Some names that come to mind are Dick Ferret, Will Shepherd and Jack Davis.

DANCES AND PICNICS

As time went on the people had their relaxations and pleasures, Dances, picnics and concerts were held, when the residents would attend in a body and any newcomer would receive a hearty welcome. Cricket and football were played and, later, tennis. The homestead known as the “Cedars”, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alf Walsh was the centre from which most sport originated. The first cricket pitch and the first tennis, court were there, and before the hall was built the spacious barn was used for dances, concerts and social gatherings.

There were always local musicians available and good vocal artists. A well-known identity who visited the Walsh home was “Dad” McGearye, who acted as dentist to any one requiring attention for a troublesome tooth, and in some cases dispensed a tonic of his own making.

FIRST POST OFFICE

Meeting Mrs. John McLeod, who with husband are living at Warrell Creek brings to mind that Mrs. McLeod was the first postmistress at Upper Orara. The office was on the farm now owned by the family of the late Robert Ide. The Post Office was used as a receiving office for parcels of meat, bread and sundry things brought there by the mailman and others to be called for Mrs. McLeod was always courteous, and obliging.

The nearest doctor in the early days was at Bellingen, and the people owed a debt of gratitude to Mrs. Janet Ide and Mrs. R. J. Ferret for nursing attentions. Also, to various others who were always ready to assist, and if necessary, help to get a patient to a doctor.  

Included in the settlers were men of most trades, which included, William Small, surveyor, David Small, blacksmith; J. J. Boultwood, John McGuigan, John Watt and C. Pearson were carpenters. C. Pearson senr. was a bricklayer. Others were proficient farmers and dairymen. All contributed to the progress of the district.

BRIDGES BUILT

Bridges were gradually built over the south branch of Orara and Friday’s Creek, and in recent years over the west branch at Houlahan’s Crossing. This was a dangerous crossing in flood time and Pat Houlahan and sons were always ready to assist in getting food and produce across.

Before motor cars came people took a pride in their horses and some good ones were owned in the district. Perhaps Joe Smith, one time hotelkeeper, had the fastest in a horse named “Rowdy” which could beat anything on the road especially coming home from town. John Martin, erstwhile sailor, had the most steady one in a horse named “Bessie” who missed one of the turns coming from Coff’s Harbour. Horse, cart and driver landed in a gully to be rescued next morning unhurt.

SEARCH FOR GOLD

Prospecting tor gold was a favourite pastime. Some good specimens were picked up by keen men at the game, like Johnnie Wood and Johnnie McLeod. A mine was worked at Friday’s Creek for years by Richard Callopy and Bill Robinson with payable results until the inrush of water became too great. A show was also worked on John McCann’s property but petered out.

A stir was caused one Sunday afternoon when Bernice, daughter of Mr. R. Collopy got lost in the thick bush near their home. A search party was organised by Sergt. Pritzler, of Coramba, and Bernice was found after spending one night in the bush, some miles away near Boambee by Alf ide, a noted bushman.

MAIN INDUSTRIES

 In the early days, timber getting and corn growing were the principal industries in the district. Today dairying is in the front line. Many fine herds are to be seen. There are some fine banana plantations on the hills. Vegetables for market are extensively grown especially tomatoes. Timber is still one of the industries.

Upper Orara has an average rainfall of 56 inches per annum and is one of the Commonwealths daily recording stations. The water for Coff’s Harbour supply is drawn from the Orara near Karangi and is of excellent quality.

For a number of years Upper Orara has had electricity installed in most of the homes. Milking machines are extensively used. There are a daily mail service and telephone in most of the homes. The school, public hall churches are a credit to the area and are kept painted and in good order. There is a fine recreation reserve on the bank of the Orara which the people are justly proud of. It is of ample size, is well enclosed and has a fine lot of shade trees with a pavilion, cricket pitch, tennis courts and football field.

No doubt as time goes on if the people move to make it known, Orara should become a sight-seeing centre for tourists as it has a lot to offer in scenery.  There are two fine waterfalls, one at Friday Creek easy of access now, and another at the head of the west branch.

PUBLIC SPIRIT

Upper Orara has been fortunate in having, right from the early days, residents who were public spirited. Many have given a lot of their time and ability to place the district in the position it is today. The district also is indebted to assistance given by members of Parliament in getting things done. Those include Mr. A. J. McFarlane, Mr. George Briner, Sir Earle Page and Mr. Roy Vincent.

Orara upheld her prestige during World War I and World War 2. Good percentage of young men joined the colours and did their bit overseas and in Australia. During World War I, Harry Small, Edwin Hartley and Cyril Blanchard paid the supreme sacrifice. In the late war all the boys returned after doing their duty.

The writer of this article has pleasant recollections of association with others in the many projects for the district’s welfare, and in arranging functions to recognise their services to the district. When they would be leaving the district, many of the older residents have passed away with records of good work nobly done.

APA citation

Sixty Years of Settlement at Upper Orara (1947, December 13). Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved April 29, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article194904931

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Photo of the Month

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A Decade in Time 1930 – 1939

Timber and sawmilling remained a central local industry in the 1930’s alongside agriculture and horticulture. Local community life continued through the decade: the small settlement centred on the public school, hall and local social columns (regular “Upper Orara” notices appear in regional papers such as the Coffs Harbour Advocate).

For the Hoschke family, the 1930’s continued the community involvement of the Hoschke children, there are many mentions of George, Frank, Ted and Annie in the local media, along with many mentions of the grandchildren, the next generation. The 1930’s end with George and Elizabeth retiring to Coffs Harbour.

1930

Academic excellence from Ralph Ide and Colin Hoschke, who came 1st and 2nd in qualifying for for 2A Class, imagine there was quite the competition between the cousins! Coffs Harbour Advocate.

Pat (Cleive) Hoschke in Wickham was also awarded a permit to enrol in Newcastle High School. The Newcastle Sun

1931

April – Mr Walter F. Hoschke, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Hoschke, Coffs Harbour, was married at St Jude’s Church, Randwick, recently to Miss M. E. Greenwood, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Greenwood, of Randwick. Canon Cakebread performed the ceremony. Coffs Harbour Advocate

In August 1931 Mrs Ted Hoschke resigned from her position at Assistant Teacher at Upper Orara School, Several presentations were made to Mrs. Hoschke from the school with best wishes for her future welfare. Vera McCann handed her a gold mounted fountain pen, engraved; Jessie Davis a nice bouquet of sweet peas; Ilma Durrington a lovely cut glass vase, and Irene Ferrett a pretty basket of pink camelias and snow-drops. Coffs Harbour Advocate

1932

This year started with more examples of the ingenuity of the Hoschke family, Ted Hoschke discovered an effective bait for flying foxes, I wonder what he would make of their protected status in recent years. Northern Standard. By November he had eight seperate plantations on his property Nonegoby, one of which was 12 acres.

Arthur Charles Hoschke, son of Frederick Amandus married Jean Isabell GRAHAM, daughter of Thomas GRAHAM and Harriet Agnes ARGENT, on 19 Mar 1932 in Nambucca Heads, NSW.

In spring there was a presentation to Miss Annie Hoschke, who had been in charge of the Upper Orara Post and Telephone Office for fifteen years, always ready to help at any time of the day or night. Annie’s niece Miss Ada Davis would be taking over her place as Postmistress at Upper Orara. Daily Examiner

1933

Wonderful news to start the year with Arthur & Jean Hoschke welcoming their first child, a son Frederick Grahame Hoschke on January 8th, the birth simply noted in the local print media saying “Congratulations to Mr & Mrs A Hoschke – a son.” Coffs Harbour Advocate

Lionel Edgar Hoschke, aged 26, son of Frank qualified for Transfer or Promotion to the Position of Postal Clerk, Fourth Division, with Salary not Exceeding £258 per Annum. Commonwealth of Australia Gazette

In August, George William Hoschke, who was now aged in his early 60’s was not showing any signs of slowing down. “Mr. G. W. Hoschke, of Upper Orara, was stacking timber on his property yesterday morning, when the horse moved off suddenly and caught his hand between the chain and hook. The top of one of his fingers was cut almost off, being left hanging by only a small piece of skin. He came to Coffs Harbour to see a doctor, who is trying to save the top of the finger by a regrafting process.” Coffs Harbour Advocate

The younger grandchildren continued to display academic succes, Nancy Hoschke of Dubbo passed the Entrance Exam to enter high school in the coming year. National Advocate She would be offered a Bursary the following year to support her education.

1934

Lionel Edgar Hoschke had a great start to the year when he married Emma, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs AG Smith in Ballina in the 31 January. Following their intimate wedding they honeymooned in Sydney and the Blue Mountains, prior to Lionel’s transfer to Bogangate with the Postal Service.

Another celebration followed quickly with the marriage of Dorothy Nellie Hoschke to Jonathan (Jack) Holdforth Baines in Wyalong, NSW. Dot had earlier moved to the area with her mother Clunie and stepfather Issac Gould. Coffs Harbour Advocate

Colin Hoschke, son of Mr & Mrs GW Hoschke has been appointed to a position at the Commonwealth Bank in Lismore, he left to take up his duties in April of 1934 and his many friends wished him every success. Coffs Harbour Advocate

A grand ball was held in December to officially switch on the electric lights at the Upper Orara Hall. Miss Annie Hoschke was called on to officially switch on the lights, which she said gave her much pleasure. Coffs Harbour Advocate

1935

In January there was a World Jamboree held in Victoria and young Geoff Hoschke was selected to represent Coffs Harbour Boy Scouts. He wrote a lovely account of his trip which included marching in front of the Governor General and Lord Baden Powell, his account was published in the local paper and is a sweet read. Coffs Harbour Advocate

As much as the Hoschke grandchildren were spreading across the state, they still enjoyed returning to the Orara Valley to holiday with family, as noted in print media in May – Mr. Bill Hoschke, who works with the County Council on the Clarence River, is spending a few days with his brother Arthur. Miss Phyllis Hoschke, of Newcastle, is holidaying with her aunt, Miss Annie Hoschke, at “Ferndale.” Coffs Harbour Advocate

In July Mr. Colin Hoschke, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Hoschke, who was in the Commercial Bank at Casino, had been transferred to Tabulum. Coffs Harbour Advocate

A stark reminder of how much illness affected the close knit valley was shared in November when only three pupils were well enough to sit the primary school final examination. Coffs Harbour Advocate

1936

Ted Hoschke, by now aged 55, retired from his long held position as the President of the Parents and Citizens Association owing to ill health. Ted had been a long standing figure in the life of the Orara Valley, both in industry and community aspects. Coffs Harbour Advocate

Empire Day celebrations were still a strong feature of the social calendar of the Orara Valley, this particular year a display of fireworks was held at night on Miss Annie Hoschke’s property, after which a concert and social were held in the hall across the road. Daily Examiner

By November there were celebrations at the marriage of another Hoschke grandson Ralph Robert Ide who wed Joyce Merle Stennett at the Methodist Church in Coffs Harbour, in what was described as a very pretty wedding. Ralph and Joyce honeymooned in Sydney, before settling in the Orara Valley. Daily Examiner

Shortly before Christmas it was feared that George William Hoschke’s house and plantation, among many other properties were wiped out when a blazing inferno ravaged the Orara District. Daily Examiner

1937

After being ravaged by fire before Christmas, 1937 started with large scale floods. Many locals experienced loss of land and stock, the bridge to George Hoschke’s farm was lost and Arthur Hoschke lost horses as well, some later recovered. Jack Hoschke procured a rope and bought cattle to safety after the were washed off a small island on the property of Mrs H McDowell. Daily Examiner

In May, Mr. Colin Hoschke, of the Commercial Bank at Dorrigo, had been holidaying with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. Hoschke. when he received notice of his removal to Coraki, which meant a promotion. Colin took up duty at Coraki that week. Coffs Harbour Advocate

A pretty winter wedding was celebrated at Palmer’s Island Methodist Church when William Frederick Hoschke married Jean Sonter, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Percy Sonter. Daily Examiner

1938

Leslie Harold Hoschke passed his commercial examination in Final Accountancy in January of 1938. SMH

A lovely summer wedding was celebrated in All Saints Church in North Sydney with the marriage of Henry Carl Hoschke, the youingest son of Frank & Hettie Hoschke and Miss Lillian Smee, elder daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Smee. Coffs Harbour Advocate

1938 was also the year that Arnold Arthur Charles & Ellen Maude Sussanah Hoschke sadly divorced after only two years. SMH

1939

After their marriage the previous year Henry Carl & Lillian Hoschke welcomed their first child, a son Graham Carl Hoschke on February 15. SMH

In April Mr. Arthur Hoschke, aged 32, was laid up with a bad leg as the result of an injury received whilst working a rotary hoe some weeks ago. Daily Examiner

Coffs Harbour is soon to gain two estimable residents in Mr. and Mrs G. W. Hoschke, of Upper Orara, who have purchased a block of land and intend to build a cottage on it almost immediately. Mr. Hoschke is retiring from active work and his sons will continue to work the farm at Upper Orara that their father worked so successfully for the past 20 years or more. Coffs Harbour Advocate

Miss Phyllis Garlick, who has been relieving postmistress at Karangi Post Office for several weeks, has returned ‘ to her home at Kinchela to prepare for her approaching marriage to Mr. Jack Hoschke, of Upper Orara. Macleay Argus Jack & Phyllis would marry on Wednesday 2 August 1939 at the Church of England Church in Kinchela. They honeymooned in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast of NSW before making their home at Upper Orara, NSW. Coffs Harbour Advocate

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Happy Mothers Day

Wishing all of our mothers a very happy Mother’s Day, without them, none of us would be here. If you have time, feel free to revisit our article on Mary from last year.

Mary’s Story: A Life Carved from the Land