Welcome to the June edition of our newsletter, fashionably late as is becoming the norm! We hope everyone is enjoying the winter sunshine this weekend. This month Ian has taken a deep dive into the illnesses and injuries that afflicted the residents of the Orara Valley, they sure seem to be an accident prone group, or perhaps the work they were undertaking in order to clear the land was risky business?
🏥 Illnesses and Injuries in the 1900’s
👥 How many grandchildren and great grandchildren did Amandus and Mary have? We’d love to hear your guess on the number of great grandchildren in the comments.
💻 Facebook group – a reminder about our Facebook Group.
📆 A decade in time 1950 – 1959
Article of the Month
Injuries and Illness
The injuries are typical of the time but note in two cases the issue became infection, recorded as poisoning, probably as antibiotics were not available. Also, note that diphtheria, scarlet fever and typhoid were serious illnesses in those days.
Isolated from doctors and pharmacies, early Australian settlers in the 1900s relied on a mix of transplanted European herbal knowledge and essential bush medicine learned from Indigenous Australians. These pioneer remedies included herbal tonics, poultices and kitchen cupboard staples used to treat everyday illnesses, colds, and minor injuries.
Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), Tuesday 20 August 1929, page 3
Mr. Arthur Hoschke, of Upper Orara, is suffering from, a poisoned leg, which developed from the injury he received when he fell off a bicycle some time ago. Mr. W. R. Durbidge had a flitch of timber fall on his foot at one of the cranes at the Jetty on Friday and the foot was injured severely. Master Lloyd Denny, of Upper Orara fell on a sharp stone several days ago and cut his leg badly. He was brought into Coffs Harbour and three stitches were inserted in the wound.
APA citation PERSONAL. (1929, August 20). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article185719078
Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), Friday 11 March 1932, page 3
Mr. Arnold Hoschke, who has been suffering from a poisoned hand, is now recovering.
APA citation – UPPER ORARA. (1932, March 11). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article185199387
ACCIDENT. BULLOCK WAGGON AND SULKY COLLIDE.
An accident occurred on the Karangi to Upper Orara road on Friday evening. Mr. Arthur Hoschke, the mail contractor, was bringing the mail from Karangi, driving a horse in a sulky, when he met a bullock team driven by Mr. Lewis. The road is very narrow and has a nasty bend at this spot, and the waggon, struck the horse and shafts of the sulky, breaking the shafts right off.
The body of the sulky, in which were Mr. Hoschke and Miss Enid Mathie, fortunately rolled down a steep bank away from the team and waggon, and the occupants escaped serious injury. The horse had its leg broken and had to be destroyed. This is the same spot where a collision occurred a little while ago, between a motor lorry and a motor car.
APA citation – UPPER GRARA (1929, May 1). Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 – 1954), p. 1. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195197414
Jack Campbell’s bullock team 1930 – Note the size of the log being hauled by the team. Also, the dead trees in the background that were part of the original forest.
Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), Tuesday 12 June 1928, page 2
Mr. Arthur Hoschke met with a nasty accident last week. He was splitting and a piece of steel flew off a wedge and entered his shin. He had to seek medical attention and will be off work for a week or so.
APA citation – Upper Orara. (1928, June 12). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article185581416
Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 – 1954), Wednesday 3 November 1943, page 4
Noel, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hoschke, had a portion of the middle and fourth fingers of the left hand severed with an axe. After treatment at Coff’s Harbor Hospital he was allowed to return home. He is making satisfactory progress.
APA citation – UPPER ORARA (1943, November 3). Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article193048466
Upper Orara Sports.
All the events went off well, but there was one accident. In the flag race Vic. Ide’s horse fell and rolled on him, cutting him over the eye. But fortunately, it was not serious.
APA citation – Upper Orara Sports. (1928, June 8). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article185581366
Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), Wednesday 16 March 1921, page 2
The many local friends of Mr, E. (“Ted”) Hoschke will regret to hear that he met with a dangerous accident at Macksville on Friday, when a rifle exploded and the bullet lodged in his stomach. Mr. Hoschke is in Kempsey Hospital in a serious condition.
APA citation – PERSONAL (1921, March 16). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article185494041
Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 – 1954), Friday 27 May 1921, page 1
Mr Ted Hoschke underwent another operation last Friday, when the bullet was located and extracted. This makes the third operation since his recent accident, and his many friends hope that he will now make a good recovery [he lived until 1971].
APA citation – UPPER ORARA. (1921, May 27). Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 – 1954), p. 1. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195007184
TYPHOID FEVER.
On Sunday evening last a young man named Mr. W. Hoschke [this may have been Harold], a resident on the Upper Orara, who had been ailing for some days previously, and whose symptoms were diagnosed by Dr. Service, without seeing the patient, as those of typhoid fever, was brought to Bellingen for treatment, and when seen by Dr. Leary and Mr. Hicks they confirmed this opinion. On Monday morning, through the action of Senior-constable Jordan, it was deemed advisable for the welfare of the community to remove the patient from Mr. W. Best’s hotel to a private house near the public wharf, where the case could be isolated.
We are pleased to know the patient is on the mend with every hope of his recovery. As this is the second case of typhoid in a short period, both coming from other parts of the electorate, too much care cannot be exercised by householders just now in the way of taking every precaution to prevent infection by the use of disinfectants and general cleanliness.
A much-respected lady friend has kindly handed us the following useful information: – “Will you publish a simple but almost certain preventive for typhoid, which seems unfortunately to be on the increase. Let all mothers of families give their children rectified spirits of turpentine in the following quantities, every night, going to bed: 3 to 12 years old, 4 to 8 drops, in half a teaspoonful of sugar; above 12 years, 8 to 10 drops. It destroys the typhoid germ, and much suffering may be prevented by this simple and cheap remedy. If a child is seized with typhoid repeat the dose five or six times a day and let no solid food or meat in any form be given. I speak from certain knowledge and hope this little information may be of use to someone.”
APA citation – TYPHOID FEVER. (1902, March 14). The Raleigh Sun (Bellingen, NSW : 1898 – 1918), p. 2. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127665197
Grafton Argus and Clarence River General Advertiser (NSW : 1874 – 1875; 1879 – 1882; 1888; 1892; 1899 – 1922), Monday 12 February 1917, page 2
Coff’s Sanitary Report. The Sanitary Inspector, Coff’s Harbor reported:- Re cases of scarlet fever reported on F. Hoschke’s farm, Upper Orara. – The patients have quite recovered, and the usual precautionary and disinfecting measures were taken.
Re case of diphtheria reported on farm occupied by K. Allen. — The patient has recovered and usual precautions were taken.
Re case dn C. A. Gill’s farm on West Branch, Upper Orara. – The patient was removed to hospital; usual precautions were taken, and no further outbreak has been reported.
Re case of diphtheria, infant child of G. Stanton, West Branch, Upper Orara. – Usual precautions taken.
Re case of diphtheria, infant child of H. Hoschke, of Gordon street, Coff’s Harbor. – The patient was removed to Grafton Hospital and usual precautions taken; no further outbreak in the family has been reported.
A further outbreak of diphtheria has been reported to me today, the infant child of J. J. Smith, Duke Street, Coff’s Harbor. This case has not yet been at tended to.
I draw Council’s attention to the bad state of gutters running through High-street, Coff’s Harbor. They are blocked up with rubbish and stagnant water and in my opinion are detrimental to the public health. I have issued a summons against the proprietor of the Pier Hotel in connection with the use of the septic tank, as instructed by the Council, which case has not yet been heard. – Received; Engineer to attend to gutters.
APA citation – REGULAR MEETING. Committees. (1917, February 12). The Grafton Argus and Clarence River General Advertiser (NSW : 1874 – 1875; 1879 – 1882; 1888; 1892; 1899 – 1922), p. 2. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235744081
Facebook Group
A reminder that we’ve created a facebook group, which is a lot more user friendly that the page settings and allows us to have better conversations. Please help us out by joining and inviting your family members too, we’d love to meet new cousins!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hoschkefamilyreunion
A Decade in Time 1950 – 1959
1950
The new decade began with a new Hoschke generation finding their way in the world. Frederick Graham Hoschke, son of Arthur Charles passed the Leaving Certificate Examination, while in February Kevin Hoschke, son of Norman and Lena Hoschke won second prize in the U15’s 50 metres swimming race.
In March Mr E Hoschke was reported lost when he went mushroom chasing in Cunnamulla, Western NSW. Six carloads of people joined the search before he was found just after dark! The Western Herald
1950 continued with many mentions in print media that demonstrated the contributions of the Hoschke family in Anzac Day services, debutante balls, picnic sports and hospital fundraising.
An article in June 1950 on the history of the Upper Orara School explained that all of the early teachers boarded with the Hoschke family. Coffs Advocate
Winter 1950 saw the sad death of Dulcie Jean Hoschke, wife of Bill Hoschke and daughter in law of Fred and Clunie Hoschke at the young age of 29, leaving behind 4 young children.
It was a Hoschke family affair at the Post Office with a presentation made to Miss Vera McCann on her resignation as Postmistress. Vera in turn praised the assistance she had received in her role from Miss Annie Hoschke. Vera also commended to all the new Postmaster Mr Bruce Davis. Mr Bruce Ide, who Vera would soon marry, thanked the various speakers for their good wishes. Daily Examiner
The article below is a great way to round out 1950 and show the spread of the Hoschke descendants and their success….Hoschke, Davis, Ide all feature.
UPPER ORARA EXAM. RESULTS (1950, December 12). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article187617470
1951
1951 began with a celebration – Mr George Hoschke, who attained his 80th birthday this weekend, was tendered a surprise party at the home of his son. Mr. Norman Hoschke. The function arranged by and attended by immediate relatives was in the nature of a surprise and was very much appreciated by Mr. Hoschke. The guest of honor was toasted in a fitting manner and enjoyed the presence of as many of his relatives as could be there. Coffs Harbour Advocate
Mr Fred Hoschke, who recently gained a meritious pass in the LC has returned from Sydney where he completed the final tests for the position of Forestry Science Trainee. He will shortly commence his course at Sydney University. Coffs Harbour Advocate
1952/3
The Coffs Advocate took a look at some of the early settlers in the local area, its an interesting read – Early Settlers of Upper Orara Pt 1 & Early Settlers of Upper Orara Pt 2.
Although in his 80’s, George Hoschke maintained a keen interest in local print media and took the opportunity to fact check a previous article regarding the introduction of paspalum to the Orara Valley. Coffs Harbour Advocate
A family reunion of sorts – Mrs. J. Onions, of South Grafton, Mr. W. Hoschke, of Maclean, and Mr. Fred Hoschke, were visiting Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Hoschke during the week. Also staying for a holiday with Mr. Hoschke, is his mother, Mrs. Gould. Coffs Harbour Advocate
In Spring, over 50 people attended the first meeting of the newly formed Orara Agricultural Bureau in the Upper Orara Hall. Nineteen new members were enrolled bringing the total membership to 45. Mr. D. J. Nunn, president of the branch, and Mr. N. Hoschke were elected delegates to attend the next meeting of the Agricultural Association. Daily Examiner
1954
1954 began with sports….you name it and the Hoschke family were involved…cricket, bowls, surfing, tennis and more cricket! The community spirit continued with CWA membership, church involvement, Anzac Day, and the Presbyterian Ladies Guild.
The birth of Paul Richard Hoschke, son of Geoffrey and June Hoschke was celebrated.
The year rounded out with some great academic achievements of from younger members of the family, Neville, Graham and Colleen Hoschke. Coffs Harbour Advocate
1955
The birth of Michael Bruce Ide, son of Robert and Hulda Minnie Ide nee Hoschke was celebrated in Coffs Harbour, NSW.
1956
Mr Frederick Grahame Hoschke, B.Sc. (For.) Dip.For (Canberra) to be Forester, Forestery Commission of NSW, Department of Conservation, on probation – to take effect on 9th January 1956. Special Gazette
Winter saw the sad death of family patriarch George William Hoschke on 17 June 1956 in Coffs Harbour, NSW aged 85.
Birth of George Edward Hoschke, son of Ernest and Ellen, in Sydney, NSW.
1957 – 1959
October of 1958 saw the sad death of Harold Robert Hoschke in Parramatta, NSW, aged 75.
A reminder that we are heading into the territory of living descendants now and will take care when looking at coming decades to not share details but share general family updates.
Til next time!
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