Painter Henry Gritten’s early view of Kiama 1860 from a Robert Hoddle sketch 1830
An early view of Kiama near Black Beach by explorer and surveyor Robert Hoddle in 1830
Kiama’s Pink Post Office, looking from Black Beach.
It is not obvious today, but Kiama’s Black Beach ( named for the black grains of sand) was the site of Kiama’s very earliest history, with very little signs left today.
It is very clear in this photo below that the black colour comes from being wet, and the grains and pebbles are residue of basalt, possibly even from the Kiama Blowhole. None of the other beaches in Kiama having any granules anything like these.
The earliest buildings of Kiama were (except for the lockup where the police station is today) were on the BEACH side of Terralong street, and included the Hindmarsh general store, (roughly where the grand wooden stairs are)
and Kiama’s first council chambers (roughly where the public toliets near the railway bridge are today).
The first church service and public meetings were held under the grand old Fig Tree, sadly destroyed by lightning in the 1960s.
This early photo gives a sense of its size and importance.
The first landings of boats were made directly onto the beach, and early paintings of Kiama show Black Beach was the primary focus of the early township. Not so today!
Very few pieces of architecture in Kiama predate 1850. This bollard, ( one of two on the School Flat side of Black Beach) was part of the anchor chain system running across Kiama Harbour, before Robertson basin was dug out.
This is a shot of the same bollard from the other side of Kiama Harbour.
One interesting feature is the S.S. Bombo memorial plaque, under another Fig tree, roughly central to Black Beach.
22 sailors drowned, many well-known in the Kiama area.
Here is a shot of the seawall at Black Beach
as you can see in this earlier picture, the sea was eating away at the park, and even washed up to Terralong St. I recall it was built in the 1930s, but I will confirm the date.
I will add further detail on Kiama’s Black Beach’s Hidden Early History soon.
hi i am looking for any info into my family in the area apparently the carson and reid family had a lot to do with the early days thank you
stephen john carson
Hi Stephen, there is quite a bit, read my article on the Blue Metal Quarries in Kiama. Also contact the Family History Centre in Kiama, the Kiama Library and the Pilot’s Cottage Museum. There are a number of Carsons still living locally. John Carson is a common name and a photo of John Carson is on display at the Pilot’s Cottage in Kiama.
Hi
I am lookinf for information about my great great great grandparents, Click on a column heading to sort the column alphabetically. James William Burt and Louisa Green, married Kiama 1860. I would really appreciate any help
Heidi
Hi Heidi,
The Family History Centre in Kiama would have more detail, especially if you have the date and whether they were Catholic or Protestant, and what James did for a living. Neither Burt or Green ring a bell, but I will have a look around. You can contact the Kiama Family History Centre through Kiama Council or Kiama Library or by googling for their contact details.
I am looking for my grandmothers history. She was in Kiama in the 1930,s. My farther went to school at Bombo. I have found a photo of him at school in the library. I also found a writting about the death of my grandmother, but this is all. I have always been told that my grandparents were in entertainment. I know my grand mother was very involved with the children of Kiama. My grandmothers name is Winifred Hayward. If anyone has any infomation it would be so greatly appriciated.
Love this blog…will be showing it to my siblings.
Thank you
Leeanne
Hi Leanne,
Your best bet is to contact the Family History Centre in Kiama on 42331122 but Kiama Public School is having its 150th Anniversary (opened today) with a big display of class photos going back to the 1920s (in the old Bombo school now moved on site). Why not call by and have a look?