A Decade in Time 1940 – 1949
The 1930s were a decade of resilience, community spirit and generational change for the Hoschke family and the wider Orara Valley. Despite the hardships of the Depression years, the family remained deeply involved in local life through farming, timber work, education, public service and community events. The decade saw the younger generation achieve academic success, enter professional careers, marry and begin families of their own, while long-standing figures such as George, Annie and Ted Hoschke continued to play important roles within the district.
Fires, floods, illness and injury brought periodic hardship, yet the family’s strong ties to Upper Orara endured. By the close of the decade, George and Elizabeth Hoschke’s retirement to Coffs Harbour symbolised the gradual passing of responsibility from the pioneering generation to their children and grandchildren, just as the world stood on the brink of another global conflict.
1940
Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Hoschke, who recently left this centre to take up residence in their nice new residence, “Berwick,” Coffs Harbour, were pleasantly surprised to receive a presentation of an electric toaster from members of the Upper Orara P. C. Association in appreciation of long and valuable services to the P. & C. during their many years of residence here. Coffs Harbour Advocate
In June, Pte Norman Hoschke visited home for a few days while training at Ruthorford Camp. Coffs Harbour Advocate
Mrs. Baines (nee Miss Dot Hoschke) and family, of Newcastle, are holidaying with Miss Hoschke and Miss Davis at “Ferndale.” Coffs Harbour Advocate
Mr. E. T. Hoschke has sold his property and he and Mrs. Hoschke will be leaving the district shortly. They go to Laurieton, where they have purchased a property. Mr. Hoschke is a member of a well-known family here, and Mrs. Hoschke was a teacher at Upper Orara and Dairyville schools for a number of years. Daily Examiner
The community focus of the Hoschke family continued with mentions in local print media of their involvement in the Girls Friendly Society (Lena Hoschke), fundraising for the Upper Orara P&C (Arthur Hoschke, Frederick Hoschke & Norman Hoschke) and first aid classes (Annie Hoschke, A Davis)
1941
Mr. Colin Hoschke, of the Commercial Bank at Warialda, was married last Saturday at Tabulum, to Miss Edna Jones, of that centre. Colin, who is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Hoschke, Coffs Harbour and formerly of Upper Orara, is well-known here. Coffs Harbour Advocate
PTE. C. F. HOSCHKE of Mayfield, who has been reported missing left Australia in January 1940, and took part in the Libya fighting. When his relatives heard from him last, about two months ago he was in Tobruk. They do not know when he was last in action, but think that it was probably in Greece. The Newcastle Sun
Mrs. G. Manson and son Douglas are holidaying in Sydney. Mr. N. Hoschke and Mr. Bruce Ide are visiting relatives at Tamworth and Warialda. Coffs Harbour Advocate
1942
The year began with wedding bells when St. Matthew’s Church, Holroyd, was the scene of a very pretty wedding on Saturday, January 3, when Muriel, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Lewis of Merrylands, was married to Les, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Hoschke, of Greystaines.
In March, AC1 Norman Hoschke, RAAF, is spending short leave with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. Hoschke, at Coffs Harbour. He is accompanied by Miss Ilena Laing, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Laing, late of Upper Orara, to whom he became engaged recently. Coffs Harbour Advocate
Miss Nancy Hoschke, of the lnfants’ Department of the Dubbo Primary School, on the eve of her departure on transfer to Peak Hill, was the recipient of a glass cut powder bowl and tray from the residents of Hopetoun Guest House. The presentation was made by Mrs Ted Hilton who stressed the deserved popularity of Miss Hoschke. Dubbo Dispatch
RAWARD.—September 9, at Women’s Intermediate Hospital, Brisbane, to Phyllis (nee Hoschke), wife of L.A.C. Raward, R.A.A.F.—a son (Neil Douglas). Sydney Morning Herald
1943
Hoschke (nee Lewis) June 22 at Hillcrest Harris Park to Mrs and Mrs Les Hoschke of Merrylands – a son Colin Leslie. Sydney Morning Herald
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. Daily Examiner
WEDDING.
A wedding of considerable local interest took place at St. David’s Presbyterian Church, Haberfield. on July 10 last.’ The contracting parties were Cpl. Norman Hoschke, R.A.A.F., second son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Hoschke, of Coff’s Harbor, and Miss Ilena Laing, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Laing. of Sydney. Miss Laing who was given away by her father, favored a frock of stiffened net over taffeta, featuring a full circular skirt falling into a long train and trimmed with fan-like frills of the same material.
1944
Hoschke – August 16 at Wheatleigh Naremburn to Lieut & Mrs HC Hoschke – a son Brian Paul. Sydney Morning Herald
1945
The end of the war bought many stories of returning and recovering POW’s – Pte C E Hoschke was on the casualty list for recovered POW’s. There were many articles regarding the recovery and repatriation of released prisoners at the end of the war and one can only imagine the peace the community felt on their return.
In November of 1945 Ralph Ide & Arthur Hoschke were involved in the decision to cooperate with Karangi P&C Association in an effort to obtain free transport by bus to the high school for students from the Orara Valley. This would have opened up a lot of opportunities for education in general. Daily Examiner
1946
The year started with a sad passing, the death of Elizabeth Hoschke, wife of George William Hoschke in Coffs Harbour, NSW aged 66. It had earlier been reported that was seriously ill in Coffs Harbour District Hospital.
There was celebration at the marriage of Edith EM Tait and Irvine James Finucane at Wellington, NSW. Edith was the daughter of Mary & William Tait (nee Hoschke) and a granddaugther to Amandus and Mary. The birth of their son Peter was followed shortly afterwards by Edith’s tragic death at a young age. Death of Edith EM Finucane, daughter of Mary and William Tait in Wellington, NSW aged 28. Hoschke Family Reunion
Hoschke (nee Lillian Smee) – June 3 at Mater Hospital to Lieutenant and Mrs H C Hoschke, Lane Cove, a daughter Sandra Lynette. Sydney Morning Herald
A welcome home was extended to the returned men and women of the forces in the Orara Hall in Jun 1946. The hall was decorated and dancing, speeches and presentations were included in the program. Coffs Harbour had the proud record of the largest percentage of men enlisting in any part of the state according to Mr Claude Everingham, President of the Coffs Harbour branch of the RSL. Those honoured were Peter Coverdale, Jack Houlahan, Athol Manson, Bert Sinclair, Paul Quin, Alan Hunter, Cecil McDowell, Norman Hoschke, J Johnson, Leo McCann, Fred Herbert, Vic Stanlan & Mrs B Sinclair. Daily Examiner
Hoschke (nee Lewis) November 14 at Aloha Parramatta to Muriel and Les – a son Robert Henry Hoschke. Sydney Morning Herald
1947
Death of Henrietta Selina Hoschke, wife of Frank, in Coffs Harbour, NSW aged 68. It was reported that Coffs Harbour lost a valued resident and estimable citizen with her sudden passing from a stroke. Coffs Harbour Advocate
Hoschke – To Mr & Mrs C Hoschke (nee Miller) at Mater Hospital – a son David. Both well 10/12/1947 Newcastle Morning Herald
1948
1948 continued as the other years, many mentions of P&C involvement (Annie Hoschke, Arthur Hoschke, Ralph Ide), bowls competitions, CWA presentations (Annie), and visits home to family from those who had moved away.
1949
In the march of time, the much loved Coffs Harbour Orara Cooperative Dairy Society was coming to an end and in a show of respect the then 80 year old George William Hoschke was invited to chair the final meeting. This was in appreciation of his long and faithful service to the cooperative movement in the Orara and Coffs Harbour district. Coffs Harbour Advocate
