The remote ‘Hydro Electric’ town of Bronte Park had two events to celebrate in June 1953; the Coronation of Elizabeth II and the official opening of the Pine Tier Dam.
For two local youngsters it was also a celebration of their birthdays. Margaret Fiddes turned 8 and Don Kendall 10. The children were given the privilege of pressing the button to electronically ignite a 40ft high bonfire.
The makings of the bonfire would be considered very non-PC today; 75 lorryloads of timber soaked in about 1,300 gallons of sump oil. No wonder the flames shot to a height of 100ft .
You could be forgiven for thinking the following photo is of a murder scene in a black and white move. It’s actually a friendly snow fight in front of the fire.
Celebrations had clearly left a positive mark on the community of Bronte Park. Two weeks later there was a glowing tribute in The Mercury.
The little ‘frontier’ town was considered a householder’s paradise. In 1950 rent on a family home was only a pound a week, with free electricity. A ton of firewood per month was also free. By the time of the Coronation it boasted more public amenities than most other communities of comparable size.
A PERSONAL CONNECTION TO BRONTE PARK
My mother’s brother Reg Larcombe and his young family lived at Bronte Park and when I was four years old (1955) we had a holiday with them. It was mid winter, which seems a strange time to visit the Tasmanian highlands.
The first time I saw snow was during the drive up in my uncle’s car. Unfortunately the other memory I have is of being travel sick to the point of near death…well at least of wishing for death. At one point we stopped by the side of the road and I sat on a rock; green around the gills, but otherwise as white as the snow. 🤑 I begged to be allowed to stay there. ‘Just pick me up when you come back.‘ Well that was going to be a week later, so not really an option. 🥶. The only memory I have of that entire week in Bronte Park is meeting two little Polish boys from next door; Marcel and Andre. For some reason, when we drove home Andre was with us and we were both dreadfully sick! Oh dear me, I wonder whether he remembers the horror? I hope I didn’t set him off.
Strangely enough, when I asked my sister (who was then 6) what she remembers about the holiday she said; ‘Only being in a car and perhaps there was snow.‘
My cousin Pete Larcombe tells me that their neighbour’s family surname was Legosz.
BRONTE PARK’S ‘MAMA MIA’
Jan Legosz was part of the huge migrant worker community at Bronte Park in the post WWII years. One elderly woman who provided them with support and friendship was Mrs T. Geason. Assisted by her daughter Frances she held English classes, and helped with writing letters and completing forms. Her lessons were also social occasions, with students staying on for supper and a chat. She would cook a meal for any worker who missed out after returning late to camp. Italian workers, particularly the single men, affectionately called her Mama Mia (my mother). Mrs Geason retired aged 78, in 1958.
Eventually the Hydro Electric Commission’s work at Bronte Park was completed and the town slowly closed down. My aunt and uncle moved on to Poatina before settling down at Deloraine in the early 1960s.
Bronte Park and the surrounding area is now a tourist destination, popular with anglers, kayakers, bush walkers and lovers of wildlife.
I would love to hear memories of those who lived or worked in Bronte Park. 😊
To read more about Mrs Geason, CLICK HERE
