Simsville and the Jarrah Mill: Myall River State Forest, New South Wales – Ian McNeil (2015)

Author: Ian McNeil
Edition: Second Edition
Publisher: Light Railway Research Society of Australia Inc., Melbourne
Year: 2015
Format: Softcover
Pagination: 96 pages
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout, including some colour illustrations, colour maps and portraits
Size: Approx. 30 cm
ISBN: 9780909340520

Description

Simsville and the Jarrah Mill by Ian McNeil explores the fascinating history of timber milling and logging railways in the Myall River State Forest, between Buladelah and Stroud in New South Wales.

The book traces the efforts of five companies to harvest the dense hardwood forests of the area, beginning with Millars’ Timber and Trading Company of Western Australia. The rugged terrain required the development of sawmilling operations and logging tramways linking the forest with the port of Allworth on the Karuah River, where timber was transported onward to Sydney by shallow-draft steamers.

A settlement known as Simsville developed around the sawmill and at its height was home to around 100 residents. The mill operated from 1912 until 1947, and the book records the names of more than 300 people associated with its operations.

Richly illustrated with photographs, maps and portraits, this is a valuable record of an important chapter in New South Wales timber, industrial and railway history.

Includes bibliographical references and an index.

Condition

Near Fine. A very well-preserved copy with only minimal signs of previous handling.

Why You’ll Love It

An excellent regional and industrial history title for readers interested in timber milling, logging railways, light railways, sawmills and the history of the Buladelah, Stroud and Karuah districts.

Its extensive documentation of the people associated with Simsville also gives it useful genealogical and local-history interest.