Eden Timeline

A Glance At Eden's Rich History TimeLine

From the early habitation of the Tharwa people of the Yuin Nation, through European settlement up to today, Eden’s affinity with the ocean is deep. Whales, whaling and fishing have played a large part in the development of the town. The Greenseas fish cannery was a major industry for 40 years in Eden.

Killer whales have been key players in the history of whaling starting with the Tharwa, 6,000 years ago, and ending with the Davidson whaling family. The Orcas are now returning to Eden and are part of the whale watching attractions. Eden, in Twofold Bay, was designated a town in 1843 by Sir George Gipps, Governor of the colony of New South Wales, Australia. George Gipps was Private Secretary to George Eden, Earl of Auckland, Governor-General of India from 1836 to 1842 and he had been First Lord of the Admiralty.

Timeline

1888
1888
1888

St. Josephs convent erected.

 

Chinese camps established near various townships on the South Coast of NSW, near Eden accommodating about 40 or 50 men who do work under contract for landholders. Suspicion raised that ships were landing Chinese illegally at these camps and evading Immigration Act.

1890
1890
1890

Sabina and James Pike operated the Commercial Hotel between 1890 and 1893.

 

George Davidson became the master whaler and took over the Davidson family whaling business.

1894
1894
1894

EDEN TUESDAY.

A huge whale was killed here last night. It sank Captain Russell’s yacht Tea Tephi and damaged the wharf.

 

The Sydney Morning Herald Wed 29 August 1894

1896
1896
1896

The cottage, Loch Garrah” (which still stands) was built at Davidson Whaling Station by George Davidson.

1899
1899
1899

The decision of the postal authorities to institute a daily town delivery evoked general satisfaction in Eden according to the Sydney Morning Herald of 18th March.

1900
1900
1900

Shipping of cattle from Eden ceased.

 

EDEN ITEMS
On and after the 15th instant Eden is to be favored with a through mailbag from Sydney.

 

The postal authorities have signified their willingness to establish a telephone office at Kiah on certain conditions relating to guarantee etc., which are being considered by the residents of the river district. It is hoped that ere long an arrangement will be made for the establishment of direct telephonic communication between Kiah and Eden.

 

The Pambula Voice March 16, 1900

1901
1901
1901

1 January: Eden Post Office  opened on the corner of Imlay & Mitchell streets aka “Confusion Corner”.

1902
1902
1902

The Yambulla mail coach from Eden on Wednesday was carried off the crossing at Nullica Creek. A number of provisions were lost. The mails were saved with difficulty. The Towamba River was not crossable yesterday.

 

The Sydney Morning Herald 22 Dec 1902

1903
1903
1903

First railway sleepers cut.

1904
1904
1904

The Australasia Hotel opened and was operated by Sabina and James Pike until 1923.

 

Illawarra Steam Navigation Company incorporated as the Illawarra & South Coast Steam Navigation Company.

 

Store and residence built for Matt Howard at 178 Imlay Street. Matt sold benzene oil, motor vehicle accessories, and new tires and was an agent for motor cars.  The building is now a coffee/gift shop and part of the Heritage House Motel and Units.

 

“In consequence of representations from the Eden Progress Association, the Postmaster General has decided to institute a direct mail service between Bombala and Eden three times a week, and a letter-receiving office is to be established at Lower Towamba.”

 

The Sydney Morning Herald 24 Feb 1904