Weatherboard house, formerly The Pines, Toalla Street, Pambula:

The weatherboard residence situated on the eastern corner of Toalla and Monaro Streets is one of a number of historic buildings throughout the township that contribute much the heritage ambience of Pambula.

The land was originally purchased by local police constable Adam Ballantine in 1857, after which it was subsequently sold in 1860 to William Abraham, described as a cattle dealer and owner of the adjoining blocks (allotments 19 and 20 of Section 16). By 1900, the property was owned by W. D. Pfeiffer who, in January 1901, offered “…an allotment of 100 foot frontage to Toalla Street, Pambula, by a depth of 264 feet…being portions of Allotments 1, 2, 19 and 20 of Section 16…” to the Postmaster General’s Department after tenders were called for a permanent post office site for the town. Although it was described as being “…in close proximity to the court house, police station and public school…” it was noted as being “unsuitably situated, being in a cross street and away from the business centre.”

The cottage was constructed in 1903 for Mr. W. D. Pfeiffer founder and first editor of the Pambula Voice, the only newspaper to have existed in the township for any length of time. He called for tenders in August that year for the interior of his “…new

cottage…” and in September it was reported that “Mr. Pfeiffer’s new cottage opposite the Public School is finished and considerably improves the appearance of that part of the township.”

The Pfeiffer family lived in the large weatherboard home “Glenairlie”, also located in Toalla Street, so it can be safely assumed that this building was rented out. The family only remained in Pambula until very shortly after the sale of the newspaper business in 1904, after which they moved to Mosman in Sydney.

W. D. Pfeiffer did, however, retain ownership of the houses at 69 and 65 Toalla Street as well as a number of stores. His

C. 1990s.

personal diary records the continuing ownership, and mentions renting this cottage as well as “Glenairlie” and three shops to various people. In 1906, an advertisement appeared in the Voice for a “…six roomed cottage (known as Mr. Pfeiffer’s) finest position in Pambula…” and naming E. English as “…agent for Mr. Pfeiffer”. Renovation work was carried out in 1910, with notable Pambula builder and contractor Mr. Job Koerber undertaking the work which “…muchly improved the appearance of the buildings.” Shortly thereafter, local police Constable Richard Bowern moved into the home, living there between approximately 1913 and 1918. Then, in December 1920, W. D. Pfeiffer wrote to G. R. Phillipps, placing the Pambula properties in his hands for six months to sell. These included the “top cottage” on half an acre of land at £300; as well as “Glenarlie” and three shops. In March 1921 he again contacted Phillipps, having sold both the cottage and “Glenairlie” to “Mr. Buckett of Millingandi”.

The following year, James Buckett and his wife leased their Boggy Creek (Millingandi) property to their sons and moved into the weatherboard cottage. After a short period, they were joined by their daughter Mary Margaret (“Ciss”) Dyall-Buckett. Mr. and Mrs. Buckett remained in the cottage for the rest of their lives, and after they passed away, their daughter inherited it. By 1929, when James Buckett passed away, the property had become known as “The Pines”.

“Ciss”, as she was more commonly known to local residents, continued to reside for some time in the building, and also owned and operated the Pambula newsagency. After 24 years in business, however, she sold out to Mr. W. T. Henderson in 1955, and it is likely that she sold the premises some time after this before moving to Parramatta. Earl and Elvie Robertson were the next owners, living on the property until their deaths.

The weatherboard cottage features a high angled corrugated iron double hipped roof and two brick chimneys, one each on the eastern and western sides of the building. The chimney on the eastern side appears to be missing its arched capping detail from the top. Part of the front portion is enclosed by a verandah with corrugated iron skillion roof and steps leading up from ground level. The verandah is enclosed by wrought iron railing and gate, with timber posts and timber brackets. Windows on the original portion of the building are timber framed four pane double hung sash, with timber framed awnings also featuring

Above and below. The cottage in 2003.

timber brackets with unfussy detailing. An addition has been made to the rear portion of the building.

The building makes a positive contribution to the town’s heritage precinct and values. It occupies a prominent position on the hillside above one of the main entrances to the township and for this reason, has a marked impact on the historical ambience of the town. It is a very good example of domestic timber architecture once typical of the Pambula district, demonstrating the characteristic style, construction techniques and materials used in this type of building in the town around the turn of the 20th century. Its probable use of local materials such as hardwood and bricks makes it an important example of local industry at the time of its construction. The land upon which it stands also has associations with Constable Adam Ballantine, early local policeman who played a pivotal role in the capture of four of the mutineers of the American whaling vessel Junior. The building itself is also associated W. D. Pfeiffer, founder and first editor of the town’s only successful newspaper, The Pambula Voice. The association with Mary Margaret (“Ciss”) Dyall, an early, long standing and successful business woman, adds to this importance as a tangible link with her presence in the township.

The building retains a prominent position on the hill overlooking the Pambula flats and is an important and identifiable local landmark.

NOTE: This property is privately owned. Inclusion in this publication does not indicate or imply any general or specific permission for the general public to have access.

2015.

Approximate location of site.

References and bibliography:

Baddeley, Ben, pers. comm,
Bega Standard
George, A. C. “Bubby” (comp.) History of Pambula – Old Records Early Days, unpublished note book, n.d.
George, Allan, pers. comm.
Magnet and Voice Centenary Supplement, Magnet, August 1992
NSW Land Titles Office: Old System Title, 1857-64, Book 70 No. 66.
O’Brien, Alf, Descendants of Jacob and Margaret Buckett (nee Penny), Published and printed by Alf O’Brien, Shellharbour, 1999
Pambula – Post Office Site, NL 17/2486, Series SP 394/1, National Archives of Australia.
Pambula Voice
Went, Bill, pers. comm.

Weatherboard house, formerly The Pines, Toalla Street, Pambula:

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timber brackets with unfussy detailing. An addition has been made to the rear portion of the building.

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Approximate location of site.