Hi Everyone, This year I've started a project cleaning headstones and graves at the Coffs Cemetery and thought this might be of some interest to others and a different way of sharing our stories. They will all be short and sharp, around 3 minutes long. Our first clean and video tells the story of George … Continue reading
Amandus the man and as a farmer
There is no doubt Amandus was a man who took risks, at the age of 20 he travelled to the other side of the world in search of a better life, he learnt to speak English and after a time working in the Bathurst area, he and Mary moved their family of then 10 children … Continue reading
TED HOSCHKE (1881 – 1971) IN WORLD WAR 1
Join us this Anzac Day to learn more about Edward Thomas Hoschke's service in World War 1. Ted was Amandus and Mary's 7th child and the only one to serve in World War 1. Ted served dutifully and returned home to recover, he went on to live a long life. Click on the image below … Continue reading
The Marriage of Hilda Minnie Hoschke to Robert Burnett Ide – 1913
This weeks article by Ian looks at a wonderful marriage celebration that the whole community was involved in, the marriage of Amandus and Mary's youngest daughter Hilda (Hulda) to Robert Ide. It is obvious from the information Ian sourced, that both families were held in very high regard and wonderful things were said of all … Continue reading
The turkey that laid the golden egg (well almost!)
Hi everyone, This week Ian has explored further into life for the early settlers of the Orara Valley. Turkeys, pigeons, wallaby and fish supplied food to old cedar cutters who depended on game for food. They had no time to go for food to Bellingen / Raleigh. Of course, now they are a protected species … Continue reading
2023 Updates, Survey and Potential Reunion
Hi everyone, Firstly, thank you all for your thoughts and kind words on the sad news of Doug's passing. Thank you to those who were able to attend his service and join us afterwards in the hall to share some memories. We would love some feedback on the content we have published in the last … Continue reading
Vale Doug Hoschke
We are very sad to let everyone know that Doug Hoschke passed peacefully this week. The funeral for Doug will be held at the Karangi Lawn Cemetery on Monday February 6 at 11am. It will be followed by refreshments at the Upper Orara Public Hall. Dress is colourful casual. If you are unable to attend … Continue reading
Success at last – Dairy Farming – Part 2
Continuing on with last week's article regarding the beginning of success for Amandus, his sons and other settlers at Orara, Ian this week takes a look at how Amandus' impatience led to him building his own separator to produce cream for sale. Click through here to read full article. There are specific dates for some … Continue reading
Success at Last for our Pioneering Ancestors
Hi Everyone, We have read about how hard it was for our early pioneers in the Orara Valley, they were very isolated with few resources and were self reliant within their small community. This week Ian's research shows us how the tide started to turn for them and the role that Amandus played in progressing … Continue reading
The party rages on at Orara
So tell me, when you think about a raging party happening over 120 years ago what would you picture? A quiet event finishing early in the evening perhaps? How about a raging party that had over 300 guests and started with athletics in the morning and continued with dancing through until 4am?! Seems the early … Continue reading
Hoschke Family in Australia 