Thursday, April 14, 2011

Orange F.O.O.D. Week April 2001: Millthorpe in the Morning

The entire exquisite village of Millthorpe, established during the NSW pioneering era, is classified by the National Trust.  The village centre has cobbled, bluestone-bordered streets and splendid buildings of heritage architecture.  At 965m above sea level, Millthorpe experiences four distinct seasons, with snow in winter.
The village was established as an agricultural community around 1867, after the discovery of payable gold at nearby Ophir in 1851.  The local farmers decided that a Flour Mill would be an astute investment for the community.  The Mill was originally planned to be built at nearby Spring Hill, but the site was changed to Millthorpe (then called Spring Grove) by one vote, as some of the Spring Hill farmers failed to attend the meeting.  To reflect the importance of the town boasting the Flour Mill, the name of the village was then changed to Millthorpe.
We were lucky to be there in autumn, with vibrant cool-climate foliage.  But the temperature to us felt like the dead of winter!
Suitably rugged up, but still freezing, we set out for an early morning walk.
IMG_8485
Out the back door.

IMG_8486
Fresh figs in the back garden.

IMG_8492
Millthorpe cottage.

IMG_8494
The “ascending march of verandas up Pym Street” – very similar to how it would have looked c 1920, apart, of course, from cars, TV aerials and wheelie bins.

IMG_8497
The Railway Hotel, established in the early 1900s, glowed a brilliant orange, rivalling the stunning autumn trees.

IMG_8499
Millthorpe Railway Station, built in 1886.
When the railway station was built, Millthorpe became one of the largest rail centres in NSW, shipping flour, chaff and later peas and potatoes  to Sydney and other markets.
As the 20th century arrived, chaff was no longer required, and the grain industry and potato market both relocated.  Thus, the beautiful historical buildings of Millthorpe were left alone as development bypassed the village, and Millthorpe almost died.  It was only in the late 20th century with the rise of the food, wine and tourism industries that Millthorpe has been rediscovered and newly appreciated.

IMG_8501
“If God didn’t make little green apples…..”

IMG_8507
Autumn vine.

IMG_8509
Autumn leaves.

IMG_8517
Grand Western Lodge
This is a former pub which has now, we were told, been converted into a mental hospital.

IMG_8521
Somehow, it seems sacreligious to hang washing on a balcony like this.

IMG_8528   Morning shadows

IMG_8547
Bank of NSW.
This is now a B&B.

IMG_8552
Home again.

No comments:

Post a Comment