Pittwater Online News

Formation Of The Avalon Beach SLSC

The Avalon Beach SLSC, and a reel and line on the beach, existed long before a clubhouse. Warringah Shire Council's Minutes of Meetings: 17/12/1923:  Resolved, - That maintenance Han Oliver be instructed to return to Mr. Small the life line which he holds, and the surf reel at Avalon Beach, and return the other line to station. 

Mr Small and Mr Wickham and others then became more organised; please note that it should be an 'A' instead of H for Mr. Small's initials:

A CLUB FOR AVALON. A surf life-saving club has been formed at Avalon, the spot rendered famous by the song, or vice-versa. A meeting was held on Sunday at the residence of Mr. H. J .Small, who was appointed president. Mr. Stan Wickham the Rugby Union International, is hon. secretary-treasurer of the new club. THE SURFERS. (1925, March 13 - Friday). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103545114

The foundation meeting - on the steps stand Sydney dentist, Dr. Arthur Cecil Hanson with A J Small (second from left in white trousers) on his right, Stan Wickham (3.) and Bert Paddon (also white trousers - born 1906) to his left.  Also among these founders of Avalon Beach is A G (Tom) Hanson - verandah, and Small’s son Geoff is on the far right of the verandah, who was also in the first squad. 

Third boy from left in balcony bay alcove is Neville Fox, gentleman without collar back row of those on steps looks like Mr. Henry Fox while the tall lad beside him looks like Vincent. If you compare the faces in this picture with those of the Fox-Williams wedding picture and that of the Pittwater rowers at Parramatta in 1935 further down the page, a few faces are definitely the same. The lad in the dark jacket is A J Small's son Arthur. Vincent Fox and Bert Paddon were both in the first successful bronze medallion squad of 31 January 1926 - (Geoff Searl). Above image courtesy Rod Hanson - Hanson Family 

See:  Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Williams Family   and Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Fox Family 

 

Above: a younger Neville Fox from Williams/Fox Family Album.s Below - An enlarged section from The Hanlon Family's picture of the first meeting of Avalon Beach SLSC founding members

In 1926, whether through the surf club association and its rowing of surf boats, or through meeting others on the estuary rowing, Vincent Fox and Bert Paddon began to feature as individuals and as a team among Pittwater Regatta winners;

So, if this is all reported correctly, Avalon Beach SLS Club was created Sunday, 8th of March, 1925. 

INSTRUCTION FOR AVALON. Collaroy and North Narrabeen Clubs are each sending an instructional team to Avalon Beach today. Mr. H. Ramsay Sharpe, vice-president , of the S.L.S.A. will be in charge of the teams. Avalon beach is steadily increasing in popularity, and a life saving club was formed there last year under the hon. secretaryship of Mr. Stan Wickham, the well-known footballer of earlier years. WHATS WRONG WITH COOGEE ?. (1926, January 3). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 5 Section: Social and Magazine Section. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128132940

DOWN AT AVALON. Three clubs — Collaroy, North Narrabeen, and Newport — made Avalon Beach their rendezvous last Sunday for the purpose of giving instruction to the new local club. Mr. Ramsay Sharpe was in charge of the teams, who were welcomed by Mr. Small, Dr. Hanson, Mr. Fox, and other residents of Avalon. An interested spectator of the general proceedings was Mr. Ruskin Rowe, one of the pioneers of Freshwater Club and now a member of Bondi. With a view of stimulating interest, Mr. Rowe has offered a prize of £2/2/to -the first Avalon member qualifying for the bronze proficiency medallion of the S.L.S.A.. BONDI FOR SURF CHAMPIONSHIPS COOK'S HILL NEXT SATURDAY. (1926, January 10). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 7 Section: Social and Magazine Section. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128124019

The first Bronze Medallions earned by Avalon SLS members were Geoffrey Small (son of Arthur), Cecil Holmes, Vincent Fox and Bert Paddon on June 31st, 1926.

There was already a reel and line at Avalon Beach prior to this time, it was stored in the dressing sheds built by Arthur Jabez Small early in 1921. 

How did a surf club building begin?: With delays in requested repairs to the dressing sheds:

21/11/1932:  By Cr. Austin --That the Inspector be empowered to repair the dressing sheds on Avalon Beach: Surfbathing By Cr. Austin 

5/12/1932: 59. A J Small drawing attention to the out-of-date dressing accommodation on Avalon Beach; (b), on the necessity for filling up, levelling off and turfing certain portions of the beach reserve, and the making of a solid pathway to the public lavatories, stating he is prepared to supply the buffalo turf free of charge, and would like to discuss several suggestions with the Works Committee on the spot. Referred to the Works Committee and A. Riding Councillors: 

19/12/1932: Two letters from; A . J Small (a) explaining his failure to meet the Works Committee at Avalon Beach Reserve: On 12th inst., and (b) re permits to erect tents on his camping ground at  Avalon Beach were read. Resolved, That Mr Small be given a further opportunity of discussing with the Works Committee the subject matter of the previous letter:.(Cre. Austin, Barber) Resol - That Mr. Small be requested to erect sanitary conveniences on his camping ground, one for each sex, and the Council's fixed charge for permits to erect tents be adhered to refer to letter to apper – fees for camping on private grounds.

16/1/1933: Avalon (10) Re-proposal for new dressing sheds at Avalon Beach Surfbathing "Received”. 

A proposal to repair old dressing sheds or build new dressing sheds quickly became another announcement, alike 1925's that:

Mr. H. Ruskin Rowe has taken the presidentship of the newly-formed Avalon Beach club. Mr. Stan Wickham, old Rugby Union footballer, is honorary treasurer, and Mr. A. Stevenson is honorary secretary. Following a report by Ken Hunter, captain of Palm Beach club, an association Instructor is to visit Avalon at an early date to give the necessary instruction to the club. Ted Hock, late of Coogee club, is manager of the golf links at Avalon. INQUIRY IN PROGRESS (1933, March 22).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (LAST RACE EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229055532 

13/3/1933 Avalon Beach Surf Building: Mr. Ford, Architect, who was present, submitted, at the invitation of the Council, plan prepared by him on behalf of Mr. A.J. Small, for public dressing accommodation at Avalon Beach, estimated to cost £2,000; if carried out in its entirety, and contended that the whole expenditure would be justified in order to make the building a revenue-producing one. He stated that Mr. Small's water supply at Avalon would be Made available to the building, and that Mr. Small guaranteed £200 towards the cost. Resolved, - That the Council co-operate with the Avalon people, and guarantee that it will support their application for a building up to £750, and that the Council ask the Relief Committee for a grant of £1000, £750 to be expended on Avalon Beach-and, £250 on North Curl Curl Beach, and that plans and specifications be sent in within one week. (Crs. Hughes, Austin) 

27/3/1933: At this stage the ordinary procedure was suspended to allow Mr. Jolley, representing the Avalon Beach Progress Association, to submit plan of proposed Clubhouse and dressing accommodation at Avalon Beach, estimated to cost: £750 - That the matter be referred to "A”-Riding Councillors to-report on to next meeting. (Crs. Sterland, Austin) In reply to Cr. Hughes, Mr. Jolley stated that the Avalon Beach people would have no objection to Mr.B. W. Ford.'s plan (also submitted to this meeting) provided the Council approved of it, and that it should be erected for £750. He also stated that whichever plan was adopted; the Avalon people did not propose to contribute anything towards the work- 57.  Avalon Beach SLS Club,. 20/3/33:requesting that Mr. D. Bartlett, a paid-life saver on Avalon Beach, be appointed a Beach Inspector. Resolved; -That Mr. Bartlett be appointed a Beach Inspector under Seal of the Council. (Crs. Austin Ritchie) 65. Bertram W. Ford -Architect 20/3/33, submitted amendedi plan for dressing shed-and-Clubhouse on Avalon Beach at estimated cost  of £750 and recommending that a charge be made for admission to the sheds to make buildings revenue producing. Mr. Ford was in attendance, stated that A. J. Small requested him to represent him in the matter, that If the plans submitted by him were Adopted, Mr. Small would-grant the use of his pumping plant, and would find £200 towards the cost of the building, if required, that he (Mr. Ford) was- Prepared to interview Mr. Hawkins, Assistant Minister for Labour & Industry, in support of the Council's application for A building loan for Avalon Beach, and also for North Curl-Curl: In reply to Cr. Hughes, he stated that he could erect the building in accordance with the plan Submitted for £750. -Resolved, - That the Council apply for a loan of £750 for the surf building at Avalon Beach in Accordance with Mr. Ford's plan,- and also a loan of £600 for a Surf Clubhouse at North Curl Curl Beach. (Crs, Hughes Austin)

10/4/1933: 15. E.Harding; 25/3/33, applying for position as foreman working on proposed surf sheds at Avalon Beach. Resolved “received”.

46. Bertram W. Ford, Architect: 8/4/33.;-submitting plans and specification of proposed Clubhouse at North Curl Curl Beach, estimated cost of building £600. The Clerk reported that Mr Ford expected payment of the usual Architect's fees in respect of the building both at Avalon Beach and North Curl H Curl Beach. Mr. Ford was present, and stated that his estimate of 600 for the North Curl Curl Tech included the Architect's fees. He also Stated that his estimate of £750 for the Avalon buildings would cover the Architect's fee and that he could erect a building for the money. Resolved. That the Council makes Application to the Building Relief Committee for a loan of £750 for the surf building at Avalon Beach and a loan of £600 for the surf buildings at North Curl Curl Beach, the architect fees to be included in both amounts. (Crs. Hughes, Austin)

Alexander Jolly's buildings all had an inherent quality of celebrating and seeming to come from the landscapes they were built in. He had been in Avalon for around a decade by this time and was considered a part of the artists who flocked here in order to create. Jolly had joined A. E. Dashwood, an estate agent, in land speculation in the developing Avalon area around 1923. He was a keen salesman and lived on the land for sale, in a small cabin or tent, until all lots had been sold. This experience of local bushland brought a re-awakening of his architectural inspiration and, consequently, a few clients. After being commissioned to design a building, Jolly continued his habit of living on the site, directing and often helping with construction. A lone proponent of organic architecture on steep bushland, his uncompromising buildings, using earthy colours and textures, appeared to grow out of the surrounds. Loggan Rock(1930) and Careel House (1931), both at Careel Head, and the Elephant House (1935), Taylor's Point, highlighted his personal philosophy. 

The Depression reduced sales in the area and by the late 1930's he moved with Dashwood to sell property on the south coast. He was known for being fond of a tipple before deciding to conquer a propensity to drink, and this may account for almost colourful records in Council Meetings bare essentials Minutes. Further entries in Warringah Shire records indicate that the community and Avalon SLS club did commit to match or pay back the costs involved in building a surf club facility, a decision that was followed again during the second surf club metamorphis.

Bertram Willoughby Ford, architect, would have met Mr. Small during the campaign to ensure what you have in strolling down the mall like space of Martin Place today exists. 

MARTIN PLACE CHANGE.  Protest Against Tunnel Scheme. AT a meeting convened by Mr. A. J. Small at the Real Estate Institute today, strong protest was voiced against a movement which is said to have as Its object the abandonment of the Martin Place extension scheme. The proposal, it was stated, was that a tunnel, as an outlet for traffic from the Harbor Bridge, should take the place of the extension. Ex-Ald. Courtenay moved, and Mr Cole. M.LC. seconded, that a committee consisting of Messrs. Charles B…. .Flackart, Small, and Williams, .should ask whether the candidates for the City Council would support the original scheme as favored by the City Council in 1923. MARTIN PLACE CHANGE. (1930, May 13). Evening News(Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117475328

Mr Small and Mr Ford stand beside each other in this picture - mid centre (Mr Ford 4th from right, Mr Small 5th from right):

DEFENDERS OF MARTIN PLACE. The Martin Place Extension Committee, which has appointed a sub-committee,. To ask City Council candidates if they will support the extension to Macquarie street against a tunnel proposal. DEFENDERS OF MARTIN PLACE. (1930, May 14). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117471732

During the time of plans being submitted and a building constructed B W Ford was President of the Town Planning Association of NSW, a position Mr. Small held a few years prior to him, among other works which underline his commitment to creating a paradise of Avalon and perhaps lend insight into why he allowed so many others to subdivide and sell land:

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS. Aims of Movement. "That every child shall have a chance to play and every citizen the opportunity for recreation" was adopted as a chief aim in the constitution of the New South Wales Parks and Playgrounds Movement, which held its first annual meeting at the New South Wales Cricket Association's Chambers on Wednesday. "The normal expansion of Sydneys playing fields should be, at a minimum, from 100to 120 acres of level land every year," says the report of the movement. A report on the whole matter by the Surveyor-General, who was being assisted by a committee of the movement, was expected shortly. "In the meantime, the executive of the movement has taken up (as an Immediate measure) the question of pressing for 'Five More Moore Parks."

The meeting, which was a full one, delegates from 30 bodies being present, was concerned largely with the elimination by the Legislative Council of the parks clauses of the Greater Sydney Bill. 'This meant', said Dr. C. E. W. Bean, honorary secretary of the movement, 'that, although the Greater Sydney authority, if established, could plan parks and playgrounds, It would not be able to acquire them, or even to accept them if given to it-powers which were possessed by greater-city authorities all over the world. '

On the motion of the chairman, Mr. A. J.Small, seconded by Mr. D. G. Stead, the meeting expressed its unanimous disapproval of the elimination of these powers from the bill. The liability of all State school playgrounds to taxation while many private school grounds were exempt was also strongly criticised in the report, a case being cited in which public land lying Idle was heavily rated as soon as it was permitted to be used as a play-ground for State schoolchildren. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. R.A. Bennett, it was resolved to urge that, in the bill projected by the Government, exemption should be extended to all school play-grounds. A committee was appointed "to co-operate with the city authorities in their task of re-organising the playground system of Sydney," And It was also resolved, on the motion of Mr. Burrows and Mrs. Wyatt, to urge the preservation by some means of the Pymble State forest. Mr. A. J. Small (president of the Town Planning Association) was elected as first president of the Parks and Playgrounds Movement. PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS. (1931, September 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16818070

Meanwhile, back at the beach, Mr Ford:

AVALON BEACH. Improvements being made at Avalon Beach include the improvement of a miniature golf course in conjunction with the erection of tea-gardens, the main feature of which will be a semi-open air pavilion, Mr. Bertram W. Ford, architect, has accepted the tender of Mr. J. A. Carter, contractor, Manly, for this work. The walls of the pavilion will be lined externally with shingles, and the roof of colour-blended tiles. AVALON BEACH. (1931, December 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16799986

MR. BERTRAM W. FORD. Town Planning President. Mr. Bertram W. Ford, formerly secretary of the Town Planning Association of New South Wales, has been elected president of the association. Mr. Ford has been Interested in town planning and architecture for several years. He was a fellow of the Institute of Architects for nearly 20 years. He was a staunch advocate for the extension of Martin-place, having for 12 years agitated for the fulfilment of this project. He is also president of the Balgowlah U.A.P.  Speaker’s' Association, and president of the Balgowlah Progress Association. MR. BERTRAM W. FORD. (1934, August 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17079789

Mr Ford held this position for well over a decade. His wife:

MRS. BERTRAM FORD — ALL-ROUND CHAMPION. 

Mrs. Bertram Ford is here shown acknowledging the plaudits of her friends after the finish of the Ladies' Sculling Championship, which she won on the Parramatta River on Saturday week. Mrs. Ford was also a member of the crew which won the Champion Fours on the same day. She has had a remarkable career having gained the highest championships and representative honors in three different branches of sport, while she has also shown exceptional proficiency in several others. She must now be regarded as the finest all-round woman athlete in Australia

Mrs. Ford has made history in lawn tennis, in which she has won some sixty championships, and secured absolute possession of nine silver challenge cups, each of which had to be won several times before becoming her own property. She has represented her State on twenty-two occasions. 

Mrs. Ford is the only New South Wales woman player who has ever won the three championships of Victoria— singles, doubles, and mixed — and her record during the past fourteen years includes individual successes against every first-class lady player whom she has met, either in Australia or New Zealand. 

The list is formidable, for it includes Misses Nunnelly and Powdrell, from New Zealand; Misses Addison, Stewart, and Boyd, from Victoria; Mrs. Molesworth, from Queensland; and Misses Collings and Bremer and Mrs Beatty, of this State, in addition to more recent champions.

On the ice, Mrs. Ford is recognised as one of the leading fancy figure skaters, and in ice hockey she has successfully represented her State in Melbourne within the last three months, and was invited to represent it in rowing before her recent championship win. She has shown herself equally proficient as a swimmer and surfer, and is an expert horsewoman. Mrs. Ford attributes much of her success in tennis and rowing to the advice of her husband, whom she regards as a leading authority on tennis, and a keen judge of rowing. 

YACHTING. (1922, November 15). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127923281

OBITUARY. MRS. BAKER JONES.  Mrs. Baker Jones, formerly of Stanmore and America, whose death occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs R Bertram Ford, at Balgowlah, was the daughter of an architect and bridge engineer. She came to Australia in 1852. She was married twice. Her first husband was Inspector W T. Baker, of Sydney and the second the Rev A. R. Jones, of Wales. She went to America for 10 years, but returned to Australia after the death of her second husband. A son Mr. Leslie Baker, manager of the Bank of Australasia at Glen Innes, and four daughters-Mrs. J Shield. Mrs. P. A. B. Williams, Mrs Bertram Ford, and Miss L. Knaggs Baker-survive her. The remains were privately interred at the Northern Suburbs Cemetery after a service at her home and graveside conducted by her son-in-law the Rev P A B Williams, of Hornsby. OBITUARY. (1938, December 31). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27975614

Mrs. B. S. B. Stevens, wife of the Premier of New South Wales, will be entertained at a garden party by Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Ford at their home, 16 West st, Balgowlah, on Tuesday, December 3, Mrs. E. S. Spooner, Mrs. Archdale Parkhill, and Mrs. H. W Lloyd will be other guests. SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. (1935, November 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17218636

The first clubhouse officially opened on January 23rd, 1934:

SURF LIFE-SAVERS PRAISED BY MINISTER. The work done by surf life-savers was warmly praised by the Minister for Labour and Industry (Mr Dunningham) when he was opening a clubhouse and dressing pavilion at Avalon Beach on Saturday. Mr Dunningham said he was in favour of Government aid for surf life-saving clubs, the work they did justified it, unfortunately, the state of the public finances did not make this possible at present. The practical Interest of the Government had been shown in the assistance given to provide adequate accommodation In 18 months a sum of more than £100 000 had been made available through the Unemployment Relief Council. The new building is a one story structure of brick with a tile roof. It was erected at a cost of nearly £800. It contains dressing rooms, and club casualty and reel rooms. SURF LIFE-SAVERS. (1934, January 29 - Friday).  The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17043744

Mr. Ford gets paid for his part - from Warringah Shire minutes of meetings:

Minutes of Meeting of Warringah Shire Council held on Monday, 29th January, 1934. Mr. Ford stated his case, and in reply to a question, stated he was prepared to accept £22.15.8 in payment of the ordinary Architect's fee for the compilation of plans, etc: Avalon Surf and also £10 for out-of-pocket expenses, and would hand over to the Council the contract plan and document held by him. Building Resolved, - That provided Mr. Ford hand deliver to the Shire Clerk the plan and specification of the surf building at Avalon, he be paid £22.15.8 and also £10 for out-of-pocket expenses, and that this offer be made to him without prcjudice. (Crs. Barber, Nicholas)

Many Improvements have been made at Avalon Beach during recent months, including the erection of a surf pavilion and club-house, designed by Bertram W Ford The same architect has designed the service station now being erected near the beach. This conforms to the natural surroundings. It is in the Spanish type and gives good facilities to visiting motorists. NEW WORKS. (1934, February 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17065984

THE COUNCILS. WARRINGAH. Figures supplied by the Warringah shire clerk (Mr. Jamieson) showed continued advancement during the past 10 years. The unimproved capital value in 1923 was £2,317,618, in 1927 it was £4,370,669, and in 1933 it was £3,514,976. The value of buildings erected in the shire during the past three years was £40,106 in 1931, £59,427 in 1932, and £71,594 in 1933. Outstanding rates at the end of 1933 totalled £65,000. Collection is difficult, because two-thirds of the ratepayers of the shire live elsewhere. Within the shire are 13 beaches patrolled by surf clubs. Last year a surf pavilion was erected at Newport at a cost of £2000, and another at Avalon Beach at a cost of £750. Rock baths were built at North Narrabeen Headland at a cost of £494. This is the tenth rock bath built by the council. A sum of £6700 was spent on a bridge and approaches over Harbord Lagoon, between North Curl Curl and South Curl Curl. This forms the connecting link in a marine drive from Harbord to Deewhy. Other important works carried out were the reclamation of a swamp area and the formation of a public reserve at Newport, at a cost of £5500; construction of drainage works on Barrenjoey-road at the entrance to Palm Beach, £695; construction of brick wall and an iron fence round Brookvale Park, £634; and drainage works at Deewhy and Mona Vale Flat. After years of agitation, land fronting Harbord Beach has been acquired at a cost of £4000, and extensive improvements will be carried out. THE COUNCILS. (1934, January 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17038853

Above: Official opening of Avalon Beach SLS Clubhouse - picture courtesy Avalon Beach Historical Society. 

Aerial picture shows the open pavilions of the Clubhouse - circa 1935. 

The Avalon Golf Course

The State Records of NSW has this listing under Primary Application - Arthur Jabey Small 60 acres 1 rood 24 perches on Barrenjoey Road and on Pacific Ocean in Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Volume 3467 Folio 211 - Feb 1922 and a later that year:

NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT.

APPLICATIONS by the undermentioned have been made to bring the lands described under the provisions of the Real Property Act. Caveats may be lodged on or before the respective dates mentioned : 

No. 24,008. Arthur Jabez Small, 60 a. 1 r. 24 p., on Barrenjoey-rd. and Pacific Ocean, pt. block 1, Sth. Div., Pittwater Est. 20th Oct., 1922. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1922, September 15). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 5087. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222060038

Soon afterwards this item appears:

SEASIDE GOLF

Links at Avalon

People Interested in the attractiveness of seaside resorts are beginning to realise the value of golf links. The latest proposal is to establish a course at Avalon Beach. Avalon is a favorite holiday and week-end resort of the motorist, who enjoys a short run, and when links are in playing order Its popularity, will; increase. The course will be laid out on a sheltered pocket on the Manly side of the beach. The main road to Palm Reach will form its western boundary, so that there will be no question of its accessibility. 

The course will be of nine holes to commence with, and a beautiful site has been reserved for the clubhouse, within one minute of the beach and swimming pool. The ground at present is mostly covered with ti-tree, but clearing it will not be expensive or difficult. Patches have already been cleared, and are well grassed, the soil being sandy and most suitable for golf. The work of laying out the course and getting It In order will be taken In hand almost Immediately, and an effort made to get the links in playing order by next summer. SEASIDE GOLF (1923, February 27). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), , p. 5 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223446089 

Grass with sign reading Avalon Golf Links in preparation - photo by Rex Hazlewood, circa 1920-1929 Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, No.:c046220009h

As can be seen in the first panorama above, and enlarged sections from that run below, there was no road hugging the coast in this Enemark photograph of around 1925 and although the land has been cleared for a golf course, no greens are as yet in place, nor are there any sheds.

In the Spring of 1924:

AVALON BEACH. Whatley Watson, Ltd., will sell by public auction on the grounds, Park Estate, Avalon Beach tomorrow. Avalon Beach is 14 miles north of Manly, between Newport and Palm Beach. It is reached by tram from Manly to Narrabeen, thence by motor bus, which runs to a regular timetable to Palm Beach. It can easily be reached by car from Sydney in about an hour and a quarter, and in much less time from the Northern Suburbs, and now the Roseville and Spit bridges are almost completed the journey will soon be considerably shortened. There is also a steamer service from Clareville wharf (handy to the estate)to the Hawkesbury Riverrailway station, which is a very pleasant journey, passing en route through glorious scenery all the time, tennis courts are now available, and excellent golf links are nearly completed. These links have been laid out by one of Sydney's leading professionals, and comprise golfing country equal to, if not better than, any links in the metropolitan area. A club house is shortly to be erected. It is expected that these links will form an immense boon and attraction to golfers, owing to the badly congested state of all seaside links at the present time. FINANCE-COMMENCE-REAL ESTATE. (1924, October 5).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128144077

Park Estate, Avalon Beach 1924 - front page and back pages 1924 Items No.: c027560033h and c027560034h, Subdivision Plans courtesy State Library of NSW - and sections from to show details

Enlarged section of golf course cleared from Panorama of Avalon Beach, New South Wales, ca. 1925 [picture] / EB Studios. PIC P865/212/2 PIC P865 LOC photographs in Hurley Stack 52/4-Enemark 

Being still considered semi-rural is further underlined in this item by Mr. Small - an investigation into Palm Beach Golf Course found cows could be a problem there too as many were legended to have developed an appetite for the round white requirement of the game or general interference:

AVALON BEACH. 

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.

Sir,-My attention has been drawn to a letter in your columns' under the nom de plume "Spectator," in which, after paying a high compliment to the beauties of this district, inquiry is made both to the ownership of a number of cattle afflicted with "rickets" and also why the S.P.C.A. does not take action in the matter. This is not the first time that the question has been asked in your columns, and for the Information of "Spectator" and others Interested, a little explanation is necessary. 

In the first place the partial paralysis in evidence In the hindquarters, and which gives such a pitiable appearance to these poor beasts, is not a disease communicable from one to another, but is the effect of eating the Zamia Palm, or "Burrawang," as it is more commonly termed. Although predecessors of this particular herd have had the free run of the Barrenjoey peninsula for over half a century, yet It is only within the last 15 years or so, that the disease has made Its appearance, the habit of eating this plant being acquired during a particularly dry season.

As regards ownership, I understand that most of these animals belong to a dairyman at Newport, who has found It difficult to dispose of them on account of their condition. Every winter there are numerous deaths from cold or starvation but as they are always breeding the supply is kept up. It is not possible to impound them, as they cannot be driven, and the nearest pound is at Manly, some 14 miles away. Representations have been made to the shire council from time to time by the S.P.C.A., and others, over this matter, but apparently without result. In the meantime those unfortunate beasts are a distinct danger wandering about on the public roads, as they are unable-to move quickly out of the way of motorists. "Spectator" has done a good service by drawing attention to this matter, and early action should be taken by the responsible authorities to end this deplorable state of affairs, which can well be described as a blot on Warringah Shire. 

I am, etc., A. J. SMALL

Avalon Beach. Jan. 12. AVALON BEACH. (1925, January 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16201117 

Soon afterwards the links were complete and open- this item lists the fees:

AVALON BEACH CLUB. 

The nine holes at Avalon Beach (near Newport) are now ready, and interesting golf can be played there. The first player to equal the bogey of the course will receive a box of Sliver King balls, and a trophy will be given each month for a player sending, in the best card on handicap. Play is not restricted at present. The general public are permitted to use the links on payment of 2/6 for half -a day and 4/- a day. The course is beautifully situated on undulating country right on the sea. GOLF (1926, July 21). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), , p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128106053 

AVALON BEACH.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S VISIT.

Members of the Royal Australian Historical Society on Saturday visited Avalon Beach, between Newport and Barrenjoey, and inspected some of the historic spots in the district. The party was escorted by Mr. Arthur J. Small.

Among the places visited was Bilgola, the beautiful home of Mrs. Maclurcan, which has been erected on the site of the residence of William Bede Dalley, who was prominent in the political life of the State 40 years ago, and who took the initiative in the despatch of the New South Wales contingent to the Soudan. The building is surrounded by tall palms, planted during Mr. Dalley's occupancy of the original cottage.

The site of a coal bore on Avalon golf links was inspected, and St. Michael's Cave, on the Seashore, was viewed by the party. The latter spot was named by Arch priest Thierry, who, it was stated, intended to build a chapel in the cave.

At the conclusion of the visit, Captain J. H. Watson, president of the Royal Australian Historical Society, on behalf of the visitors, thanked Mr. Small for the visit. AVALON BEACH. (1926, August 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16329547 - Also visit St Michael's Arch, 1864

The golf course was designed by professional golfer Dan Soutar, a Scottish immigrant from Carnoustie who was a resident professional at Manly course during this era and is credited with the design of several Sydney golf courses as well as being instrumental in the formation of the Professioal Golfers of N.S.W.. There is more on this gentleman under 'Extras'.

PRO. GOLFERS

MONDAY AT AVALON

The Professional Golfers of N.S.W. will hold their next monthly outing on Monday, at the Avalon Golf Links, at the Invitation of Mr. A. J. Small, the owner of the course. A handicap stroke round will be played by the professionals during the morning, a cheque being presented by Mr. Small for the best nett score. The afternoon will provide an Interesting event, In the shape of an 18-hole match on handicaps between a team from the golfing members of the Millions Club and the professionals. About 20 professionals have announced their intention of taking part in the event. PRO. GOLFERS (1927, April 8).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), , p. 11 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223228223 

Mr. Small began shifting his interests later in 1927 - this item details how much he had increased his assets in the valley of Avalon:

REAL ESTATE

TO SELL AVALON NEW COY. FORMED 180-ACRE HOLDING

After 15 years of quietly developing a large tract of land at Avalon Beach, Mr. A. J. Small has disposed of his entire Interest to the Avalon Beach Estates. Ltd.

This new company was formed and registered to exercise the option to purchase, and has now formally taken possession. The area, comprising approximately 180 acres, is situated right at and adjoining the beach, and completely surrounds the golf course which was laid out by the well-known professional golfer Mr. D. G. Soutar, who claims that it is the best nine-hole seaside golf course in the State. Modern town-planning has played an Important part in this new subdivision, and generous allowance has been made for public parks and reserves. The selling agents are Willmore and Randall Ltd. And the first release will probably be offered to the public this week. REAL ESTATE (1927, November 16). The Sun(Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), , p. 23 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222739439 

Avalon Beach Subdivision

The Sydney Real Estate Company of Messrs. Willmore and Randall, Limited, have established a branch office at Scottish House, 45 Hunter-street. Newcastle, and are offering for sale at Avalon Bench an attractive and one of the few remaining seaside subdivisions close to Sydney.

Avalon Beach is situated on the Barrenjoey Peninsula, three and a half miles closer to Sydney than Palm Beach. The estate encircles the whole of the well known Avalon golf links, and adjoins the two surfing benches, Avalon and Bilgola, both of which have natural rock baths. From the Palm Grove subdivision at Avalon, It is said by many that the views rival or even excel, those of the famous Bulli Pass. Messrs. Willmore and Randall  Ltd., will ho Kind to furnish any Information regarding the above estate upon application to their offices at Scottish House. Avalon Beach Subdivision (1929, January 4). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), , p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164024910 

There were problems by June 1931 with this arrangement when another company claimed to have already bought certain parcels of this land in sub-sales. A similar problem was revisited again in another format from 1941 on for a few years, during a period when Australia was at war and numerous people had bought property in the area as blocks of land but resided elsewhere, when the then Warringah Council in trying to get payments on overdue rates submitted numerous names and descriptions, Mr. Small's Avalon Beach Estates among them, to the Public Trustee demanding payment thereof or the sale of these lands. Some were deceased estates. An example of these runs below to show the extent of absentee ratepayers. This means of collecting overdue rates extended pass the cessation of the conflict that was World War II when those who may have been serving outside of Sydney publications should have been home again - but perhaps too late to keep their piece of green amid salt airs.

Research found during this period for other history pages indicates Warringah Shire Council had a tough war with very little to meet residents needs and a shortage on everything required that extended, as it did for all of Sydney and Australia, past the first year of peace. One item found the collection of steel or wire from fulltime residents for wartime use, among other call outs for scarce materials.

1929 had a few firsts at Avalon Beach Golf links - the first hole in one, and an indication that Mr. Small's passion for good Town Planning extended to genuinely caring for others. People would come from rural areas to Avalon Beach just as they did to Palm Beach:

A ONE AT AVALON 

E. LAWLER is a member of the Bondi Life-Saving Club. He took up golf a short time ago, and having a natural aptitude for all games, a lissome figure and youth on his side, looks like doing well if he sticks to It. Lawler Journeyed to Avalon and played the first hole, 150 yards, with an Iron club of sorts. The ball pitched on the edge of the green and never looked like keeping out of the hole. There is no opportunity at Avalon to pay the usual penalty, but If the swimming club, or any of them, read these notes, they will no doubt be able to exact it to the uttermost farthing. If they know what It is. If they don't read this it will be their own funeral. SOME ROUGH NOTES on GOLF (1929, April 17). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), , p. 3. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118781552 

IN AVALON'S VALLEY SUBDIVISION OPENED

Buyers Interested in the Pride of Avalon Estate, Avalon, will be motored to Inspect It by Messrs. McLaughlin and Co., of 72 Pitt-street, city, the managing agents.

This recently-opened subdivision Is within the shelter of Avalon valley, handily situated to beach, swimming pool, golf course, and the calm waters of Careel Bay, on the other side of the Barrenjoey Peninsular. It is just off the main road, and sheltered from boisterous winds, while its elevation affords fine views across the green plain which stretches from the ocean to Pittwater. This estate is being offered on easy terms, .which allow purchasers five years to pay. IN AVALON'S VALLEY (1929, March 15). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), , p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222706455 

(1930). [Six unidentified men and women playing golf, Avalon, New South Wales, 1930] Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147289636, courtesy National Library of Australia

GOLF. FOR T.B., DIGGERS AVALON TOURNAMENT

An open golf tournament of a rather novel nature will be held on the Avalon links, Newport, on Saturday, June 29, the total proceeds of which will be given to the T.B. Sailors and Soldiers Association. The links have been donated for the day, together with a handsome trophy for each event by Mr. A. J. Small. All green fees will be suspended, which are ordinarily 4/- for the day, and the following fees will be substituted: 5'- for all day, 3/6 for either morning or afternoon.

The novelty of the tournament lies In the in fact that no restrictions will be placed in the making up of either foursomes or singles, or two men, or they may be mixed. In the same way, In the four ball competition In the afternoon, four ladies may play together, four men or mixed. Both events will be bogey events, and members will play on their club handicap, while associate members will play on their L.O.U. handicap. 

Intending competitors are asked to make up their own parties. Post entries will be received. Luncheons or afternoon tea may be obtained at Mr. Stan Wickham’s restaurant adjoining the links, where at 5.30 Mr. Small has consented to present the winners and runner-ups with trophies.  GOLF (1929, June 15). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), , p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117733335 

Above: Avalon Beach General Store owned by Stan Wickham, on Avalon Parade, New South Wales, 1930, Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147289080 - courtesy National Library of Australia

GOLF. OPEN TOURNAMENT AT AVALON.

Owing to the heavy rain on Saturday the open golf tournament at Avalon which was to be held on behalf of the T B Sailors and Soldiers Association has been postponed until Saturday July 13 when It is to be hoped that a generous response will be mode to the cause by the golfers The tournament Is of a rather novel nature, Inasmuch that members and associate members are, permitted to make their own parties and play as they please cither mixed or otherwise There will be a single bogey competition In the morning and a Canadian foursomes In the afternoon also a sealed nine holes event. GOLF. (1929, July 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16548933 

Above: Motor cars driving along road, Avalon, New South Wales, 1930 Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147289886 - courtesy National Library of Australia - Avalon Public school will be built to the left of this image.

LOOKING around for a way to raise money for needy country folk, members of the Cumberland branch of the Country Women's Association alighted on the idea of a golf gymkhana, and are hoping for plenty of entries for the mixed foursome event at the Avalon Golf Links, which have been, generously given to them for September 5. It is to be an all-day affair, with picnic luncheon. Club women are all "in on" this. Note the committee list: Mrs. George Lee (Pennant Hills Club), Mrs. Hutchinson Smith Cammeray), Mrs. G. Hungerford (Carnarvon), Mrs. Victor Cornfield (The Lakes), and Mrs. Lough (Roseville). SUSAN SAYS (1931, July 12). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), , p. 30. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224723411 

This link with the CWA would last, not just in Cadet Pilots being trained in Avalon during the early years of the war but through the women, the mothers and daughters:

Margaret Copeland, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Copeland, of Bandon Street, left Forbes last Saturday evening to spend three weeks as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon and family at Avalon Beach. Mrs. Gordon is State President of the Country Women's Association. About People (1951, February 9). The Forbes Advocate (NSW : 1911 - 1954), , p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219104361 

The vision to create a place that took into account having open green spaces, making the most of an environment and ensuring places to play remained part of a community was an ethos Arthur Jabez Small followed and which that led to the formation of the Parks and Playgrounds Movement and becoming part of the Town Planning Association.

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS. 

Aims of Movement. "That every child shall have a chance to play and every citizen the opportunity for recreation" was adopted as a chief aim in the constitution of the New South Wales Parks and Playgrounds Movement, which held its first annual meeting at the New South Wales Cricket Association's Chambers on Wednesday. 

"The normal expansion of Sydney’s playing fields should be, at a minimum, from 100 to 120 acres of level land every year," says the report of the movement. A report on the whole matter by the Surveyor-General, who was being assisted by a committee of the movement, was expected shortly. "In the meantime, the executive of the movement has taken up (as an Immediate measure) the question of pressing for 'Five More Moore Parks."

The meeting, which was a full one, delegates from 30 bodies being present, was concerned largely with the elimination by the Legislative Council of the parks clauses of the Greater Sydney Bill. 'This meant', said Dr. C. E. W. Bean, honorary secretary of the movement, 'that, although the Greater Sydney authority, if established, could plan parks and playgrounds, It would not be able to acquire them, or even to accept them if given to it-powers which were possessed by greater-city authorities all over the world. '

On the motion of the chairman, Mr. A. J.Small, seconded by Mr. D. G. Stead, the meeting expressed its unanimous disapproval of the elimination of these powers from the bill. The liability of all State school playgrounds to taxation while many private school grounds were exempt was also strongly criticised in the report, a case being cited in which public land lying idle was heavily rated as soon as it was permitted to be used as a play-ground for State schoolchildren. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. R.A. Bennett, it was resolved to urge that, in the bill projected by the Government, exemption should be extended to all school play-grounds. 

A committee was appointed "to co-operate with the city authorities in their task of re-organising the playground system of Sydney," And it was also resolved, on the motion of Mr. Burrows and Mrs. Wyatt, to urge the preservation by some means of the Pymble State forest. Mr. A. J. Small (president of the Town Planning Association) was elected as first president of the Parks and Playgrounds Movement. PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS. (1931, September 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16818070

Town Planners' Party

When members of the Town Planning Association held their first annual Christmas party at the Arts Club last night, they showed they paid heed to the planning of nature by choosing native flowers for the decorations, so charmingly carried out by Mrs. Bertram Ford, the wife of the honorary secretary. 

THERE were gum tips in profusion, Christmas bells, Christmas bush, from the spot where It grows In its element at Dee Why, and Burrawang palms from the Avalon property of the president (Mr. A. J. Small). Town planning in various parts of the world was described by Mr. Small, who illustrated his talk with cine-kodak pictures of some of the 18 countries in the old and new world, that he visited on his world tour a few years ago. The audience wished that they could have seen the whole of the 10,000 feet of film taken by Mr. Small, but it is understood that it would take 12 nights to view it all. Among the guests, who were further entertained by a musical programme and dancing, were Mrs. A. J. Small, Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Ford. Dr. and Mrs. C. E. W. Bean, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pixley, Dr. and Mrs. J. J. C. Bradfield, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Mackenzie, Mr. and Mrs. David Stead, and Mr. and Mrs. H. Johnson. COPY NATURE (1931, December 23). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 17 (LAST RACE EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224285837 

Mr. Small, did his utmost to secure his preferred architect for the First Avalon Beach SLSC Clubhouse, 

AVALON BEACH.

Improvements being made at Avalon Beach Include the improvement of a miniature golf course in conjunction with the erection of tea gardens, the main feature of which will be a semi-open air pavilion, Mr. Bertram W. Ford, architect, has accepted the tender of Mr. J. A. Carter, contractor, Manly, for this work. The walls of the pavilion will be lined externally with shingles, and the roof of colour-blended tiles.  AVALON BEACH. (1931, December 29).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16799986 

The photos that run below show a small ticket office was built to begin with, as well as a shed mid-course. Plans of the later building show the ticket booth was incorporated into the clubhouse. 

Just down from this booth a larger structure can be seen in one of the enlarged sections. Records of the links indicate the manager’s residence was at first occupied by Mr Pollard, who worked for Mr Small as a labourer. He helped build Mr Small’s house, ‘Avalon’, in Bellevue Avenue and helped build the golf course. 

During the Depression Arthur Small continued promoting Avalon Beach as a haven for all, promoting the newly opened surf life saving clubhouse, all the new amenities, natural features and during the time of 'motor camps', made the golf links a feature attraction and struck deals with such auspcious organistaions as the N.R.M.A. to accommodate new visitors and keep decorum uppermost as policy for the links:

UNIQUE OUTING

Day at  Avalon Links

Something unique In the way of motor outings Is being organised by the N.R.M.A, The outing is to take tho form of a 'golf day' at Avalon links, Mr. A. J. Small, a member of the association, who owns the links, has Invited golfing members to be his guests for the whole of Saturday, July 2t1. Free tickets for admission to the links may be obtained from the N.R.M.A. For those who do not play golf an expedition, to St, Michael’s Cave, near Avalon Beach, is being arranged for the same day. This cave, the -largest on the New South Wales coast, is known to comparatively few visitors to the district.  UNIQUE OUTING (1934, June 23). The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 - 1939), , p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126719603 

MOTOR CAMP AT AVALON.

The N.R.M.A. has made arrangements for establishing a summer motor camp at Avalon Beach, 22 miles from Sydney, between Narrabeen and Palm Batch. There is a fine surf beach at Avalon, and a nine-hole golf course, on which members of the Association are entitled to pay at a reduced fee. A tennis court is situated nearby. All stores and petrol supplies may be obtained at Avalon. Full details of th2 camp may be obtained from the N.R.M.A. Touring Department. MOTOR CAMP AT AVALON. (1934, December 3). Moree Gwydir Examiner and General Advertiser (NSW : 1901 - 1940), , p. 1. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111879115 

Truth' Readers Have Their Say

AVALON IS DRY

IN last Sunday's 'Truth' a report appeared of a man being fined at the Manly Police Court for driving under the influence of Intoxicant liquor. Your comment stated that a day's golf at Avalon proved expensive for the accused, and his defence as reported would certainly lead anyone to believe that the drink in question was obtained and consumed at the golf course. This I can emphatically deny, there is no bar at Avalon, and if any drinking took place it was after the defendant left the course, and on his way to Manly. In fairness to a strictly-conducted golf course, where no opportunity whatever exists for obtaining intoxicating liquor, I trust you will find space to contradict the false impression created By the report in question. A. J . Small, Proprietor Avalon Golf Links. "Truth" Readers Have Their Say (1937, July 25). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 30. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169610169 

Despite the lack of money elsewhere Mr. Small was clearly an optimistic gentleman with a munificent heart. A new clubhouse, opened on Saturday March 16th 1938 was preceded by a gift to the community which Pittwater still holds as one of its great treasures of green space and peace among the rooftops. The following snippets share a tree, an architect and a builder's name:

ANCIENT RED GUM.

Centre of New Reserve.

BUSH NEAR AVALON.

'Set aside by' the Wild Life Preservation Society of Australia, primarily for the preservation of a giant example of the Sydney red-gum (Angophora lanceolata), the Angophora Reserve, at Avalon, was officially opened on Saturday afternoon by Sir Philip Street. 

The president of the society (Mr. W. G. Kett) said the reserve was a memorial to the line work in the cause of science done by their secretary, Mr. D. G. Stead.

Sir Philip Street said that the society, in preserving this great tree as a natural monument and setting apart the area with its interesting fauna and flora, was rendering a public service. 

The magnificent angophora, on which many axemen must have cast covetous eyes, was. he had been told, about 1,000 years old.

Mr. Kett said that, in the reserve, which contained about six and a half acres, there were many varieties of Australian trees and shrubs, and it was also the rendezvous of some of the most beautiful Australian birds. 

Other speakers were the president of Warringah Shire, Councillor Green, Messrs. R. T. Baker, and D. G. Stead.

The reserve is a fine example of Australian bush land, rising from a small valley to the top of a hill overlooking the coast and Broken Bay. About 150 persons attended Saturday's function. 

After the function, the visitors were entertained at afternoon tea by the society at the Avalon Golf House. 

ANCIENT RED GUM. (1938, March 21).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17450337 

Beautiful, isn't it? 

A magnificent redgum, probably 1000 years old, has been "dedicated" in the six-acre Angophora Reserve at Avalon. We wonder who will sit in the shade of this big tree after another 1000 years? What color will he be, and in what language will they whisper? One thing, will, endure.  The tree is close to the Avalon Golf Links; and whether Redgum lives to be 2000 or 3000 years old; the world will still talk golf. A WINDOW ON THE WORLD (1938, March 22). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 4 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229877986

THE "ANGOPHORA" RESERVE

Preserving Australia's Fauna

The Angophora Reserve, which is the Wild Life Preservation Society's new Bushland Sanctuary at Avalon, N.S.W., was officially opened and dedicated by the Hon. Sir Phillip Street, K.C.M.G., on Saturday last, March 19th. This reserve had been set aside primarily for the preservation of a giant 'example of the Sydney Red Gum (Angophora lanceolata) as a national monument. Owing to the junction of two great geological forms (Hawkesbury sandstone and Narrabeen shales) at this spot, the trees and shrubs present many features of interest to the botanist, field naturalist and bush lover. 

THE “ANGOPHORA” RESERVE (1938, March 23). Construction and Real Estate Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1930 - 1938), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222925110 

The Birds Laughed!

A PARTY of our C.P. girls accompanied Cinderella to Avalon on March 19 to attend the official opening of the Angophora Reserve, a forest sanctuary purchased by the Wild Life Preservation Society and dedicated to the conservation of Sydney's largest redgum (Angophora Ianceolata), a giant possibly 1000 years old, but still in his prime. As the different speakers addressed the guests scattered over the grass, on the importance of preserving our beautiful bush and teaching the young generation to reverence such splendid national treasures as our forests contain, loud applause came from an unexpected quarter. A group of kookaburras had accepted the invitation for all forest-lovers to celebrate the day, and shouted their glee from the branches overhead. It was the mast eloquent of all the tributes paid that day to the value of tree-conservation. Who says that birds can't understand?

The Birds Laughed! (1938, March 30). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 63. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166229598 

Searle, E. W. Red gum, angophora lanceolata, Avalon, New South Wales, circa. 1935 Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-142184682 

THE OPENING CEREMONY, ANGOPHORA PARK, AVALON, 19th MARCH, 1938

The ceremony took place beneath the giant Angophora (Red Gum) which is estimated to be 1,000 years old. In this native bushland, only one hour's run from the city, flora and fauna will find sanctuary for all time, thanks to the enterprise of Mr. David G. Stead, the Wild Life Preservation Society and Mr. A. J. Small who released the land at a tithe of its value.

THE OPENING CEREMONY, ANGOPHORA PARK, AVALON, 19th MARCH, 1938 (1938, April 6). Construction and Real Estate Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1930 - 1938), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222925313 

And another gift for the community:

AVALON

Another Contribution by A. J. Small

When the history of Avalon is written, one man's name in particular will be outstanding. It is that of Mr. A. J. Small. Not only has he given headlands and parklands to the people to preserve for them vantage points from which ocean views can be seen for all time, but he is still giving. His last act of graciousness was when he gave an area of seven acres of land at half value in order that the Wild Life Preservation Society could acquire its Angophora Park. Mr. Small also erected the fence and iron gates, made the approach, built the steps, and cleared the paths so that the giant Angophora (sometimes called Red Gum) which is said to be 1,000 years old and of immense girth, may be viewed in its natural surroundings. At the time of the opening (by Sir Phillip Street on March 19th) there was an improvised orchestra of birds — butcher birds, soldier birds, warblers, and jackasses, in fact a representative from practically all the feathered families — which came down to look curiously on the people who attended the opening and to contribute, to the scene. 

Afterwards, 100 invited guests accepted Mr. Small's hospitality to afternoon tea at the New Golf House at Avalon. The fine golf course there has not a club. All visitors can play there on an equal footing, and in this respect it occupies a unique position among the metropolitan golf courses. The new building, illustrated herewith, is of white sandstone with buttressed corners. The internal walls are of brick. In the lower storey are locker and retiring rooms for golfers with hot and cold showers for both sexes. The upper walls are shingled and the roof is covered with semi' glazed brown tiles. It is mainly occupied by a large combined lounge and dining room about 60 feet in length. The flooring is of tallowwood designed for dancing. For log fires in winter, an open fireplace, framed in 9in. x 2in. briquettes, has been provided, with a hearth of 9 feet wide. Manchurian Ash of exceptional figure lines the lounge artistically furnished in autumn tints. The architect for the golf building was E. Lindsay Thompson, and F. C. Fripp, the builder. AVALON (1938, April 6). Construction and Real Estate Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1930 - 1938), , p. 8. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222925312 

NEW GOLF HOUSE, AVALON

We illustrate the lounge room of the new Golf House which was opened on Saturday, 19th March. NEW GOLF HOUSE, AVALON (1938, April 6).Construction and Real Estate Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1930 - 1938), , p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222925273 

NEW GOLF HOUSE, AVALON GOLF COURSE 

Architect: E. Lindsay Thompson Builder: F. C. Fripp. NEW GOLF HOUSE, AVALON GOLF COURSE (1938, April 6). Construction and Real Estate Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1930 - 1938), , p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222925310 

Back on the golf course in the Spring of 1937:

MOONLIGHT GOLF.
AVALON PAR EQUALLED.

'Ted' Hock was responsible for a wonderful performance at Avalon links on Sunday night. When playing in the moonlight, he equalled par for the nine holes. The four-ball match in which he took part started at 8 p.m., and finished at 10. Hock's card for the nine holes with a par of 32 read: 2, 4, 4, 5, 4, 3, 4. 3. 3. The yardage was 2080, with the seventh hole the longest at 405 yards, and the eighth (90 yards); the shortest. Another of the party, P. J. Small, despite an 8 and a 6, had a score of 41. An astonishing feature was that only one ball was lost by the fourball, but four others were found. There have been other cases of moonlight golf in Australia. Rufus Stewart played an exhibition at Koonyonga course, Adelaide, at night, without losing a ball. He was round in 77. C. Campbell, the former Leura professional, was also in the seventies in a round at night on the Leura course, while more recently the younger professionals, R. Shadforth and A. Keane, met C. Byrne and C. Gaffney, in a moonlight match at the Manly district public course. MOONLIGHT GOLF. (1937, May 26- Wednesday ). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17371166 

Golf history made a night series - Cremin and Hock at Avalon, 17th of December 1937 
photographed by Ray Olson – courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy ACP Magazines Ltd.

PROFESSIONAL GOLF
Cremin Now Holds Two Titles

E. Cremin proved himself an outstanding golfer yesterday by winning the Professional Championship of N.S.W. from V. S. Richardson.

Cremin now holds the Australian and N.S.W. professional titles. Yesterday's championship final was played at Manly. The weather and condition of the course and greens were ideal for low scoring. Cremin and Richardson both are remarkably fine golfers, Richardson being considered a model stylist. Both, however, drove very wildly and visited many bunkers at the start. Richardson was six down at the ninth. This was due not so much to good golf by Cremin, who was out only in par 37, but to Richardson's own indifferent play. The first nine holes cost him 44, Which is a poor total for such a fine golfer even under the most adverse conditions. Commencing at the 15th hole, Richardson had a nice run of 4 4 3 (par 4 5 4) to Cremin's 5 5 4. At the last hole Richardson landed his bail from the tee 18 feet from the hole, while Cremin was wide about 25 feet on the right. 

Six-Foot Putt 

He chipped, and left a six-foot putt. Richardson then putted wildly and knocked Cremin's ball two feet nearer the hole, while Richardson again had to play. He holed, and Cremin had an easy putt. Cremin .was two up at the 18th. In the afternoon Cremin played far the better golf, and reached the turn in 433 3 5453 4—34, while Richardson, with good golf, was out in 36. Richardson was now three down. The ninth (560 yards) was halved in birdie fours. Each almost reached the green in two shots. Cremin was bunkered to the right of the green, from where lie exploded to four feet of the pin and holed in four. Richardson was just off the green to the left, but chipped to five feet of the pin and also holed. -At the 10th, Cremin landed two balls out of bounds and gave up the hole, which left him two up. The next two holes were halved in par fours. Cremin hooked a very long ball at the 13th into the creek, and. after picking out, pulled to the left. 

Found Bunker 

Richardson played his second into the bunker and Cremin, taking two to got out, gave up the hole. Richardson was bunkered on the right at the 217-yards 14th, and Cremin was about 20 feet from the pin, leaving an easy putt. He holed, leaving Richardson three down. Cremin was 12 feet from the pin at the 14th. Richardson's second just trickled over the far bank of the green. Cremin won the hole and match by 4 and 3. Cremin was sound in all departments of the game, while Richardson's pitching and putting were very faulty. During the week, he was playing these shots beautifully. Discussing an incident during the game, when it appeared that he threw his putter to the green, Richardson later said that It dropped accidentally. PROFESSIONAL GOLF (1937, October 24). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12 (SPORTING SECTION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229452880 

In 1945, perhaps in response to the overdue rates action Warringah Council was taking to apparently sell off lots of his land, Mr. Small began stating publicly that those in charge f the shire kept draining money from the Pittwater end of the peninsula without much return. This was a sentiment echoed by a few in the village, and certainly a song that would recur.

He had some powerful allies and friends when it came to defending the green spaces for public recreation - this following item would reecho in 1956, after Arthur Small had passed away and discussions were taking place to have the golf course moved to being owned by the council. During those lengthy was and means of figuring out how they could afford it, a few of those on council put forward in meetings, and on the record, that they shouldsimply resume the whole lot, sell off some, while others on council suggested selling off certain sections for housing to fund the purchase.

When others weren't pointing out their objections to certain plans on Mr. Small's, and the community's behalf, Mr. Small would speak. These items prove the history always repeats when taking into account very similar discussions taking place at present about how a community may best use its open green spaces so they remain just that - open green spaces:

AVALON GOLF LINKS

Sir,-The playing fields of Sydney are steadily being taken for Governmental and developmental purposes, and no provision is being made for their replacement.

The latest threat is to the golf course at Avalon Beach, through which Warringah Shire Council is contemplating making a road. The closing of this popular 9 hole public course would be a serious loss.

Bonnie Doon and North Brighton courses have been taken for Mascot Aerodrome, and The Lakes, Eastlakes, and Rydalmere links are still threatened.

There is a strong body of opinion against the proposed route, and it is hoped that, before the matter is finally decided, the value of the golf links as a recreation area will be taken into full account.

W. L. HUME,

Hon. Secretary, Parks and Playgrounds Movement of N.S.W. 

AVALON GOLF LINKS (1947, June 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18028473 

COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING

Sir,-Owners of land and other interested persons would be well advised to inspect the Cumberland County Council's plans for the future development of the metropolitan area.

These, with detailed plans, may be inspected by the public at C.E.N.E.F., 201 Castlereagh Street, for some months before reaching finality.

They will have such far-reaching effects on the life of the community that the most careful examination is necessary. It can be said that many proposals invite serious criticism from both town planning and economic angles.

At Avalon, over 100 allotments in a well-established subdivision, together with the new tourist hotel site, are earmarked as open or recreation spaces-despite the fact that many homes are already built or being built Thereon, and that the land is logically needed for district residential development.

Further to this extraordinary proposal, another main road deviation is shown on the detail plan which would create a speedway through the centre of the business area. Sound town planning is meant to build up-not to destroy.

There may be many other instances of faulty designing elsewhere, hence the warning to investigate before the tentative plans are adopted.

ARTHUR J SMALL, President, Avalon District Rate-payers' Association. COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING (1948, March 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18065835 

MASTER PLAN CRITICISED

Avalon Committee To Protest

Ratepayers and residents of the Avalon district have formed a protest committee to combat features in the Cumberland County Council's master plan which they consider extravagant or unsatisfactory.

The president of the Avalon District Ratepayers' Association, Mr. A. J. Small, said last night that the committee would co-operate with ratepayers in the other two ridings in the Warringah Shire in protesting against the extensive planning proposals for the shire shown on the master plan.

A recent large meeting of rate-payers at Avalon decided that the widespread freezing of land and property under the plan would inflict serious hardship on owners.

"It is a most unscientific method of town-planning," he said.

"We propose to meet the Minister for Local Government, Mr. J. J. Cahill, soon, to see if something cannot be done to remedy the position."MASTER PLAN CRITICISED (1948, April 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18067477 

AVALON PROTEST

Sir,-Mr. F. Clarkson attempts to support Mr. J. Palmer in statements that have already been disproved.

To minimise the Avalon meeting he says that only about 60 persons were present, and that the audience appeared to consist of estate agents and property owners. The answer is that 108 people were counted inside the room, with an overflow outside.

As far as is known, only two persons dealing in real estate were present. For that matter, it may be asked who would better know the effect of the master plan on land and property than experts whose business it is to deal with such matters?

Although all resolutions were carried unanimously, it has never been claimed that this represents the opinion of the whole of the "citizens" of Warringah Shire.

Mr. Clarkson says "the majority of far-sighted citizens are content to leave planning in the hands of experts and their representatives in the council." Heaven help the unfortunate ratepayers if this "open your mouth and shut your eyes" policy is adopted.

The fact is that public criticism has been invited by the County Council of its master plan. The recent meeting at the Sydney Town Hall, when about a thousand persons unanimously condemned the main planning proposals, is an indication of rising resentment against its drastic and unjust provisions, which are only now beginning to be understood.

ARTHUR J. SMALL. Chairman of meeting. AVALON PROTEST (1948, May 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18069842 

IN 1953 Mr. Small, a gentleman who may well be considered another 'Father of Avalon, passed away:

SMALL, Arthur Jabez.-October 5 1953 at his residence Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft and of Avalon loved husband of Jessie and loved father of May Winfred (Mrs W South) Geoffrey and Muriel (Mrs W H Hunt Springwood) Family Notices (1953, October 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18391626 

Sydney Benefactor 

Sir,-By a sad coincidence the death of Mr. John Downes, a pillar of the movement for playgrounds and recreation, has been followed within a fort-night by that of Mr. Arthur Jabez Small, another leader in the same cause.

Mr. Small will probably be remembered by Sydney historians chiefly for his almost singlehanded organisation of the movement by which, despite rebuffs, the Government was eventually induced to extend Martin Place from Castlereagh Street to Macquarie Street.

But Sydney and New South Wales owe to the late Mr. Small's energy many other advantages. In order to fit himself for his work as estate agent he attended university lectures on town planning, public administration, and half a dozen similar subjects. The Town Planning Association was never more vigorous than under his presidency. He was a pioneer of the Parks and Playgrounds Movement and its first president, and on his own property at Avalon the best and most beautiful sites were given as public parks or viewpoints.

His vision and boundless ingenuity were always sighting some opportunity for a recreation ground here or a main road there, and were constant spurs to a temperament which led him into many fights with authority. The community is the richer for many fights that he won, and the poorer for his failure in some that he lost.

E. W. BEAN. Lindfield. Sydney Benefactor (1953, October 14).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18393098 

After almost a year of wrangling with the Solicitors in charge of Mr. Small's estate on behalf of his wife and family, the August 20th, 1956 Warringah Shire Council Minutes of the Meeting records the original asking price of £38,000 for three parcels comprising the links will be met.

A note also records setting aside part of this for the use of the Avalon Public School, something the state Minister for Eduation had been following and supporting although never offering to help the council secure the purchase of the links.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919.—PROCLAMATION

(L.S.) E. W. WOODWARD, Governor. 12th March, 1958.

ORDINANCE No. 80, as proclaimed in the Government Gazette of 22nd September, 1922, and subsequently amended, is hereby further amended—

(1) in clause 1 by inserting at the end thereof the following new subclause:—

(k) This Ordinance shall apply to the Golf Links at Avalon vested in the Council of the Shire of Warringah as described in Schedule K hereto.

(2) by inserting after Schedule J the following new Schedule:—

Schedule K

Land at Avalon vested in the Shire of Warringah as Golf Links

Commencing at the intersection of The Crescent and Barrenjoey road, Avalon; and bounded thence by that road generally southeasterly and south-westerly to the north-eastern corner of lot 16, d.p. 27,698; by the north-eastern boundary of lots 6 to 16 and the south-eastern boundary of lots 1 to 6 north-westerly and north-easterly; by the north-eastern boundary of lot 1, northwesterly to Old Barrenjoey road; by that road north-easterly to The Crescent; and by The Crescent -generally north-easterly to the point of commencement. (S. 58-1,233)

By His Excellency's Command,

J. F. McGRATH.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN! LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919.—PROCLAMATION (1958, March 28).Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 816. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220278543 

A team of volunteer Bushcarers continue to maintain the perimeter of the golf links, gradually ridding this area of weeds.

What began as a community open green space for all continues. The buildings are listed as Heritage structures. The clubhouse is a favourite place for functions by locals. The view is of today and allows us to glimpse yesterday and what one man's vision gave to the valley of Avalon.

Above:  Pittwater Natural Heritage Association and Pittwater Environmental Foundation Volunteer Bush Regenerators at Avalon Golf Course. 

But wait, there's more!: 

THE VALE OF AVALON. Its Varied Attractions. (BY M. M. CAMPBELL.) Of all the many beautiful beaches abounding within reach of a short car run from Sydney, surely there is none, which for sheer loveliness, can compare with Avalon. As one tops the rise above it on the road from New- port, the eye rests with delight on the exquisite picture that it forms. Backed by a dense growth oi Angophoras and other native trees which clothe the hills behind it, the vale itself lies green and restful, and leads the eye down to the golden crescent of the beach. Beyond the rugged grandeur of the rocky point at the far end of the beach, green headlands run out to meet the ocean, and it is within one of these that a cave of unusual formation is to be found-the peculiarity of which is not observed from the out- side; but walk a little way into its dim recesses, then turn and look back, and you will see etched upon the brilliance of the blue water by the outline of the dark entrance rocks,' an almost perfect reproduction of the map of Australia. But the most exquisite sight the writer ever beheld at Avalon was seen from the beach one night when the light of the moon fell across the waves at such an angle that the crest of every breaking billow was irradiated by a shimmering Luna-bow. All the tints and tones of a rainbow were there-but subdued, muted as it were, into an etherealised loveliness never to be forgotten by the beholder. THE VALE OF AVALON. (1934, April 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17073748

...more modifications - from the Minutes of Meetings of the then Warringah Shire Council:

18/6/1934: 3. Mr. Noel Leahy, Architect, submitted his amended plan of proposed surf building at Avalon Beach in respect of which £1000 advance is being received from the Government, and he also submitted tenders for the work received in response to his advertisement, numbering four, the lowest being that of George Sheppard of Mona Vale, for £945: Resolved, - That the Architect be instructed to accept the tender of George Sheppard for £945. (Crs. Hughes, Austin) Resolved, - That tenders be called for the removal of the old surf building on Mona Vale Beach, and the re-erection of it on Bayview Park in its present form. (Crs. Austin, Nicholas)

Monday 23rd August 1934

Avalon Surf 1. Re completion of water supply and sanitation at new surf Building buildings on  Avalon Beach Reserve: Resolved, - That the work  be now carried out. (Crs. Hughes, Sterland)

10th September 1934

(Crs. Hughes, Nicholas) 2. Re fees collected on, and maintenance of, Governor Phillip Park: Consideration deferred at request of Inspector. 3. Reporting progress of work of installing septic tank and water supply at Avalon Beach surf building: "Received"

Monday 19th of November, 1934

(Crs. Hughes, Sterland) 2. Re water supply-to building on Avalon Surf Building Beach Reserve: Resolved, - That authority be given for the purchase of a 1,000-gallon tank and for the removal of the existing tank to Building the Council's depot, to be later used on Bilgola Reserve. (Crs. Hughes, Hitchcock) 

Monday 17th of December, 1934

4. Bilgola Beach Lavatories: The report was adopted, and it was resolved that no camping be allowed on the reserve after Reserve 31st,January. (Crs. Hewitt, Campbell) 5. Avalon Beach Water Supply: Resolved, That the report be adopted, and the draft Agreement with Mr. A. J. Small be accepted. (Crs. Hughes, Sheppard) Water 6. Extension of Water Supply and Sewerage: Recommendation Supply that the water extension be carried to Avalon and Palm Beach, was adopted, (Crs. Austin, Sheppard) 

Tuesday January 14th, 1936

(b) The recommendation that the Overseer be permitted to sink the well at Avalon another as adopted on the motion of Cr. Bathe, seconded by Cr. ljn. Ce) Resolved - That an estimate be prepared for regrading the floor in the Avalon dressing sheds,. (Crs. Austin, Batho)

20th October, 1936

12. Submitting estimate for installation of water supply and public conveniences on Avalon Beach Reserve: Resolved,- That tenders be called for the carrying out of this work separately, and the acceptance of a tender be left to the Shire Clerk.. Shire Engineer and Inspector. 

and:
 AVALON S.L.S.C. are building an addition to their club premises — a brick constructed boat-shed. DIFFERENT SWIMMING STYLES TO SUIT VARIOUS PHYSIQUES (1936, December 24). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), , p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135654054

This picture, courtesy of Norma Watt, shows what this fairly new structure quickly became:

Reg Wood, one of the boys from Woolloomooloo who served as a lifesaver on Avalon Beach, shared an insight into the state of the clubhouse during this time:

So you saw the second clubhouse get built?  Oh yes. When I first started going there we’d be there for the weekend. We got there by bus, walked up to the clubhouse, this was about four o’clock in the afternoon, and it was the first time we’d been over since winter, just the start of the season, we opened up the padlocked door and walked in….you’ve got no idea how bad the air was – the rats had been busy taking over the place – we had cold showers there and there were holes in front of the cold showers where they’d chewed through. so we ended up going into the boatshed, which was at the end then, and we slept on the wooden floors in there. Later on, when you got used to the place, you’d sleep in the sand hills – they were quieter! (laughs). We progressed, we went to hammocks at one stage; we put two big cables across the clubhouse and we’d hang hammocks on it and then we’d sleep in those.

Inspired by the remarkable work performed by members of the Woolloomooloo Police Boys' Club in patrolling Avalon Beach, a batch of youngsters from the Leichhardt Police Boys' Club became qualified life-savers during the week-end. They were tutored by Constable Ray Murdoch, a member of the Fresh-water Club, and amazed Surf Life Saving Association examiners by their proficiency and confidence. Murdoch gained his instructors' certificate, and M. W. Koller, R. H. Marshall, D. J. Marshall, A. Hensley, and W. P. Drury their bronze medallions. K. Taylor, who is only 15, secured his qualifying certificate. Although these youths are not attached to any club, they are now qualified life-savers, and are eligible for entry to any registered surf life-saving club. In the last two years more than 40 awards have been made to members of police boys' clubs. SURF LIFE-SAVERS AS HUNTERS. (1944, December 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17932315

Max and Norma Watt with Clubhouse behind them - 1945

Shark Max caught - showing northern end of Clubhouse - Norma says they sold tickets to see this to raise funds for the Avalon Beach SLS Club.

And while on sharks, what the son of J T Stapleton, real estate gentleman at Avalon, found while at the beach:

THEIR GOOD DEED These Scouts, while fishing at Avalon Beach recently, saw a shark near their rowing boat. One stunned the monster with an oar, and all three then dived overboard and dragged the 6ft. wobbegong ashore after having jagged a boat-hook into its mouth. From the left: J. Keegan, B. Kitson and P. J. Stapleton, who are seen holding the Jawbones. THE CALL OF SPORT. (1933, January 19). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 - 1950), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107809364

Extra Extras

SMALL-NORTON -December 15 1947 at St John's Darlinghurst Finetta Marla daughter ol the late Mr and Mrs A J Norton of Minneapolis USA to Arthur Geoffrey only son of Mr and Mrs A J Small of Wollstonecraft. Family Notices (1948, January 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 26. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18057707

A few insights into a long and winding road, in order to get at how this came about, and how an initial plan to simply refurbish the then existing 'dressing sheds' and the 'water closets' present in 1932 became a clubhouse. There are a lot of elements and people involved, two thirds who resided outside of the area, (per Warringah Shire records) here, and a lot of visitors who relied upon 'Vigilance and Service':

Mr. T. F. Moran, honorary secretary of the*Surf Life Saving Association, said 1,841 surfers were given first aid at Cronulla alone during the 1950-51 season. At Clovelly 525 were given first aid, and at Avalon, 300. Men Who Make Our Beaches Safe. (1952, January 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18258410

MASS RESCUE. At Avalon lifesavers  made a mass-rescue at about 2.30 p.m. An Avalon beltman, W. Ingram, swam 100 yards through the surf to rescue a man struggling in a strong current. By the time he reached the man the current had caught eight other people and was dragging them out to sea. Two other lines were manned, and two other club-members, A. Hyde and J. Duff, swam out to help Ingram. Each of the three lifesavers brought in three people. Mr. J. Luxford, ot Heath Street, Ryde, who was one of those rescued, was treated for shock at the clubhouse. Avalon lifesavers made 11 rescues in the morning.

JOINT EFFORT. At Palm Beach lifesavers from both Palm Beach and North Palm Beach set out with reels to rescue a man in difficulties between the beaches, about 200 yards from shore, yesterday afternoon. The Palm Beach belt team made the rescue, with North Palm Beach assisting. Mona Vale Beach had a shark alarm during the morning. Ten surf club members were swimming about 200 yards from shore and saw two sharks within 20 yards of them. The sharks turned away and moved slowly out to sea. Manly was the only beach which reported crowds smaller than usual for this time of the year. LIFESAVERS AID 55. (1952, December 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18294968

Of those that came before the above rescues, and the lead into the second clubhouse, there are a few broad strokes, veering slightly to the east, south and north of Avalon Beach, that kept 'Priest's Flat' a place for cows and horses well into the 1950's and show the change on the landscape. The Depression followed by World War II slowed urban growth here. At the time of 1933 construction of the first Avalon Beach SLS clubhouse the bulk of people reached here, if they could afford it and weren't coming to camp at Avalon Camping Grounds, via irregular buses, and still... via ferries and steamers:

S.S. ERRINGHI. Sailing THIS DAY for all parts Hawkesbury River and Pittwater, from Albion Wharf, foot Market-st. Cargo till 4.30,MA5838. Advertising. (1933, February 24). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28030424

After the passing away of Archpriest J J Therry his will bequeathed the whole of his Josephton Estate, which began to be sold off from April 1879. Prior to then people would land at what is now known as Careel Bay Wharf on steamers:

Descending to the valley, we crossed the farm purchased by Mr. Canty, which is believed to be carboniferous. Some years ago competent judges gave it as their opinion that coal existed there. A bore of four hundred feet, made in the ground many years ago, when an attempt was made to test it, passed through strata that indicated the immediate vicinity of the black diamond. Mr. Coghlan's diamond drill would soon settle the question whether coal could be struck there. Mr. Collins's farm is situated in the valley, being flanked on the east by St. Michael's Cave and the South Head of Broken Bay, and on the West by Mount St. Mary. After doing full justice to Mr. Collins's hospitality, we sallied forth under his guidance to survey that part of the estate in which we were interested. We directed our steps towards Long Beach, nearly opposite Scotland Island,  Pittwater Harbour. CRUIG BARRY.11th May, 1880. A TRIP TO PITTWATER. (1880, May 22). Freeman's Journal(Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 19. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133488037

EIGHT MAGNIFICENT BLOCKS OF LAND, CAREEL BAY, PITTWATER, SURVEYOR'S DESCRIPTION. W PRITCHARD will sell by auction, THIS DAY,  Thursday, JULY 6th, at 11 o'clock, in his Rooms, 289 George-street. The above magnificent blocks of land.

SURVEYOR'S DESCRIPTION. The land forms the pick of the late Rev. Therry's PITTWATER ESTATE, on CAREEL BAY. It is with regard to beauty of scenery, salubrity of climate, and fertility of soil, unsurpassed in this charming locality, and overlooks the tranquil waters of CAREEL BAY and PITTWATER HARBOUR, backed by the bold MOUNTAINS of the WORLD-FAMED HAWKKESBURY on the WEST ; and commands an immense and extensive view over the PACIFIC OCEAN on the EAST. Lots A and B. of block 1, rise in gentle terraces from the MAINROAD to BARRENJOEE, to a height of above 200 feet, and then slope down to the coast in a northerly direction. Lots C and D of Block 1 lie on gently rising ground, partly cleared, and are protected against southerly winds by a wall of high COAST CLIFFS. All these four lots contain an abundant supply of USEFUL TIMBER and practicable facilities for a PERMANENT SUPPLY OF FRESH WATER, particularly lots C and D. which are traversed by a watercourse running into CAREEL BAY.

ALL lots have large frontages to the GOVERNMENT MAIN ROAD leading to the POST and TELEGRAPH OFFICE and LIGHTHOUSE at BARRENJOEE. which connects the land for sale with MANLY, LANE COVE, and M'CARR'S CREEK SETTLEMENTS: and on the portion from the old HOMESTEAD to BARRENJOEE the GOVERNMENT have voted £500 for improvements, so that communication with the POST and TELEGRAPH OFFICE will be EASY and ENJOYABLE.

LOTS A. B. and C of Suburban Lot 2, in the primary subdivision of the "PITTWATER ESTATE," are on level ground, bounded on the WEST by the waters of CAREEL BAY and on the EAST by the GOVERNMENT MAIN ROAD to BARRENJOEE. Lots A and B are pretty well timbered, and Lot C is nearly open ground, and enjoys on the South the frontage of another ONE CHAIN ROAD to the MOUTH of CAREEL CREEK.

THERE IS DAILY COMMUNICATION WITHIN A FEW MILES OF THE LAND FOR SALE, either by LAND or SEA, Coaches run duly from MANLY to NEWPORT, and thence a ride, drive, or sail for a few miles brings one to CAREEL BAY. The STEAMER FLORRIE, which runs in connection with the coaches from NEWPORT to GOSFORD, will also land passengers and luggage at BARRENJOEE; steamers run also direct from SYDNEY to the HAWKESBURY" and BRISBANE WATER, midland passengers at the LIGHTHOUSE STATION. The whole distance from MANLY is about 14 miles. The GOVERNMENT have voted the necessary funds for a bridge over the NARRABEEN LAGOON, and it is also clearing a new one-chain road from the LANE COVE-ROAD to the PTTWATER-ROAD, andeo avoids the NARRABEEN LAGOON. FOUR SCHOONERS are plying regularly between PITTWATER and SYDNEY, and so facilitate the transfer of heavy material.

PLENTY of SPORT with GUN, ROD. or BOAT.

(Signed) J. WANDELS, CE., 19-6-82.

The land in this locality has been proved to be well suited for ORANGE GROWING ; but in a few months there will not be an acre of land in the locality available for purchase. LITHOGRAPHIC PLANS may be had at the Rooms of the Auctioneer. TERMS AT SALE. Advertising. (1882, July 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13514755

Pittwater Estate Monday May 16th, 1881 - Richardson and Wrench - Item c050370020, courtesy  State Library of New South Wales. The parts coloured in pink are already sold.

The land eventually sold and resold. It is the era leading up to World War I and just past this that leads to the establishment of savers of lives on Avalon Beach. Although many people bought small and larger blocks, in 1915, a man who had vast experience in the medical profession, was married to a Methodist minister's daughter, established ear, nose and throat in Sydney, and having experienced enteric during service (Boer War) may have had multiple reasons for becoming the owner of the bulk of the estate still then named Careel Bay. 

Herbert Russell Nolan 179 acres 3 roods on Careel Bay at South Head of Broken Bay and on road from Manly to Barrenjoey in Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Volume 2560 Folio 195: 10/03/1914 to 16/03/1915 -  and at Clareville:  Beatrice Dora Gooud 31 acres 3 roods 5 3/4 perches Refuge Cove Pittwater, Parish of Narrabeen, County of Cumberland. Part lot 9 Villa Estates and lot 10 Southern Division Pittwater Estate. Part 1200 acres granted John Joseph Therry 31 August 1833. Volume 3441 Folio 134. Date range: 15/05/1922 to 14/04/1923 - both from NSW State Records.

No 15,531 APPLICANT -Frank Henry Burt, Sydney LAND -County Cumberland, parish Narrabeen, shire Warringah, 18 acres 1 rood 20 perches, at Pitt Water, lot 18, villa sites. Pitt Water Estate, and part 1200 acres (portion 20 of parish) granted to John Joseph Therry, adjoining properties of A E Wickham and W H Holt  Advertising (1908, December 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28149677 

DEATH OF DR. H. R. NOLAN.  Very general regret will be felt at the death of Dr. H. Russell Nolan, of Macquarie-street, which took place at his residence, Potts Point, early yesterday morning. Dr. Nolan was still in his prime-his age was 48 years; and though for some months he had been ailing, It was not expected that his illness would end so suddenly. He was a scholar of Newington College, and for many years had been a member of its council. After graduating at the Medical School of the Sydney University he went to Toowoomba, on the Darling Downs, and established a practice there. He married the eldest daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Kelynack, and was practising in Toowoomba when the Boer war broke out. He left for the front with the 2nd contingent of Queensland Mounted Infantry, and served until incapacitated by enteric. Proceeding to London, he entered upon a special course of study, and in 1902 came to Sydney, setting up In Macquarie- street as an ear, nose, and throat specialist, again establishing himself in a fine practice, and winning a wide reputation by his skill. He was appointed hon. assistant surgeon to Dr. Hankin at Prince Alfred Hospital, and on Dr Hankin's retirement received the senior position. He was appointed lecturer on diseases of the ear, nose, and throat at the Medical School of the Sydney University; and for some time had been medical referee in connection with the conference of the Methodist Church, founding a bursary for the theological students of the church In memory of his late father. His fine character and consistent generosity gained him many friends, and in his own profession his death is felt as a greatly. He leaves a widow and three sons. DEATH OF DR. H. R. NOLAN. (1915, February 4). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15568214

Captain Herbert Russell Nolan, 2nd Queensland Mounted Infantry. Photograph extracted from The Queenslander, 20 January 1900, pp. 117 - 123.

The list of those who attended his funeral indicates many who had contact with Pittwater's aquatic circles even if he did not sail himself.

FUNERAL OF DR. H. R. NOLAN. The funeral of Dr. Herbert Russell Nolan, second son of the late Rev. J. A. Nolan, took place yesterday in the Methodist section of the Rookwood Cemetery. The service held at Moville, Rockwall-crescent, Potts Point,  deceased's late residence, and the service at the graveside were conducted by the Rev. Howard Nolan, brother of the deceased, assisted by the Revs. James Colwell, L. H. Kelynack, and F. Colwell. The chief mourners were Messrs. Morven and Geoffrey Nolan (sons), the Rev. Howard Nolan, and Messrs. Henry, Oliver, Wesley, and Percy Nolan (brothers), the Rev. Harold Kelynack, and Messrs. W. Frank, Aubrey, Erich, and Athol Kelynack (brothers-in-Law). Among others present at the grave were the Rev. C. J. Prescott, the Rev. F. Boyer, the Rev. F. Colwell (President Methodist Conference), the Rev. Dr. Carruthers (Secretary of the General Methodist Conference, and representative of the Board of Missions), the Rev. James Colwell, the Rev. W. H. Williams, Sir Thomas Anderson Stuart, the Rev. C. E. James, Dr. Sinclair Gillies, Dr. S. Sheldon, Dr. Binney, Dr. Herbert Marks, Dr. W. A. Dunn, Dr. Woolnough, Dr. Mansfield, Dr. S. Lever, Messrs. C. Brunsdon Fletcher, Harold Rabone, W E V. Robson, M.L.A., E. E. de Gyulay, P. N Slade, Arthur Hardy, F. M'Cure, L. G. Priestley, S. Waterson, A. J. Phillips, A. Whitney Harold Cowlishaw, W. Cuthbertson, R. Cowlishaw, J. Barnard Clarence Prescott, G. Walker, and others. A contingent of cadets from Newington College represented the college at the graveside. FUNERAL OF DR. H. R. NOLAN. (1915, February 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15564750

'Moville' was at 7 Rockwell Crescent and was put up for auction by Stanton and Son Tuesday 23rd of November, 1920.

LATE DR. H. R. NOLAN. Probate has been granted of the will of the late Dr. Herbert Russell Nolan, medical practitioner, of Potts Point, who died on February 3. Testator appointed his widow, Emma Florence Nolan, sole executrix, and bequeathed to her the whole of his real and personal estate. The net value of the estate was estimated at £16,856 17s 1d, of which £14, 764,  3s -4d represented real estate. LATE DR. H. R. NOLAN. (1915, March 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15582712

At the other end of the vale we now call Avalon Beach, then known in part as 'Priest's Flat' the bulk of the land was owned this time by:

John Stevenson 361 acres situated on Bilgola Creek and on a road leading to the road from Manly to Barrenjoey Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen Volume 2554 Folio 103. Date range: 14/01/1913 to 18/02/1915. 

The Careel Bay and Marine Parade end of what was then 'Ocean Beach' and the Careel Ocean Beach Estate, and it's 1922 Brochure, show the structures, or lack of them, and placement of Dressing Sheds built by one Arthur Jabez Small. The enlarged sections below this brochure show roads, and park-like fields:

Sale of Ocean Water Frontages. One of the attractions of the New Year with big advantages attached by reason of the rarity of the opportunity is the auction sale, January 26, of ocean water frontages on a beautiful surf beach at Careel Bay, Pittwater, just above. Manly. No better way to spend Anniversary Day could be found than to visit the spot, for which every provision will be made, as may be gathered from the advertisements. The land for sale is the Careel Ocean Beach Estate, which is only three-quarters of a mile from Clareville Wharf at Pittwater. There are hundreds of splendid deep blocks fronting a beautiful ocean beach and intersected by a fine wide marine parade. Only £3 deposit is required for each £50 purchase, and the balance, in easy installments over a term of seven years. The auctioneers are Messrs. Stanton and Son, Pitt-street, and Messrs. Hanson, Strong and Robey, Manly. The solicitors to the Estate are Messrs. Bowman and Mackenzie, George-street, Sydney. Sale of Ocean Water Frontages. (1914, January 17). The Newsletter: an Australian Paper for Australian People (Sydney, NSW : 1900 - 1918), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116942799

Stanton and Son, Ltd, report, 15 lots in the Careel Ocean Beach Estate, with frontages of in all of 752 feet to Marine Parade for a total of £6781. REAL ESTATE. (1919, January 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15819701

Mr. Arthur J. Small, representative of the Avalon Beach Estates, states that the land sold to the Japanese is outside the boundaries of his estate, being correctly speaking in the district called Careel.  AVALON BEACH LAND. (1922, December 16). Evening News(Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118810692

Stanton & Son. Careel Ocean Beach estate [cartographic material] : "The hole in the wall", 2nd subdivision, 1922. MAP Folder 37, LFSP 499. Part 1. and Stanton & Son. Careel Ocean Beach estate [cartographic material] : "The hole in the wall", 2nd subdivision 1922. MAP Folder 37, LFSP 499. Part 2., courtesy National Library of Australia.