FERNLEA HUT VISITORS' BOOK EXTRACTS.
Page 6
23/10/05
W Percy Jones Late of Bondi NSW A Bonser Hut
I Mulcahy Hobart A Visited (?) Spot
Richard Massey Bondi NSW (this is a godsend)
W Platries(?) ditto (saved my life)
Richard Giles (This hut is “one of the best”)
29/10/05
Having visit the “Fernlea Hut” about six times and having a very pleasant outing. If any one wants a feed, the Fernlea Hut, the place, A dinner for a King.
Arthur Davison, Booberoo Rush
FL Dodery (?)
Maud Stump
J Marshall
Mr Lan Franchi (?) 17 Dec 1905 Victoria
25/12/05
Spent a jolly Xmas eve & Xmas day with some of the boys of Fernlea Hut. The surroundings of the Hut are sublime & it is a delightful place to spend a day in “The good old summer time”. This hut is within nice distance of the “Ferntree” & special lanterns or a guide are carefully provided to visitors who care to take the trip at night time. Intend to soon pay a second visit.
R. W. Howleth
N.B. I would advise all visitors to ask to be shown “Big Sim” who can light a cigarette with his eyes shut. He’s a perfect wonder.
Page 7
31/12/1905
Having been in Hobart on a visit I was told to visit the Fernlea Hut by my Brothers and I was Kindly shown over by Mr Wilkinson and I can say it is the Prittyest and the best Hut I have ever seen in my Life and I have enjoyed My self grand
I have the Honour of being
Yours faithfully
W.E. Carter
143 Burnley Street
Richmond
Melbourne
Victoria
29/12/05
To whom it may concern
In my visits round and about the Fern Tree I came across the “Fernlea” Hut. I was certainly struck with its situation. It is situated in one of the most glorious and (?)–ting lovely spots in the beautiful isle of Tasmania. Its surroundings are superb and I think every one that has a chance should visit it.
I have been to many huts in Southern Tasmania but the “Fernlea” in my estimation surpasses them all.
Thanking the “Fernlea Hut” committee for showing me around.
I am
Yours faithfully
Edward Harrison
Page 18
Impressions on Fernlea Hut.
After having visited all the other Huts with the exception of the Wellington Hut, we are all satisfied that this hut is the most comfortable, and beautiful, and it is easily attained
M. Sweettenham
Vera Chancellor
Kitty Sweettenham
SC Rennick
DL Rennick Melbourne Victoria 15/4/06
C F Rennick April 16th 1906 AD
Nellie Young
K. Young
W. Sweettenham
I Laird (?)
_________
Jack W Williams
Prudence Berner (?)
-(?) Lynch
-(?) Hill
H E Burrows
Sarah Lynch
D Challender (Party) 22/4/06
I M Manley 22/4/06
S M Allsebrook April 22 1906
Jack R Goodrick 22 –1906
22/4/06 All the above visited the Fernlea Hut & was treated A1 by the members of the hut. The view we got from the front door was also A1. We all with the members all success & luck D Challender chief in charge of the (?)
Page 24
M R Lester
Mt Gambier
South Australia
June 4th 1906
On Aug 5th /06I visited the Fernlea Hut with the Booberoos & was received splendidly by the Hut members. On leaving Melbourne I was informed that Tasmania was the most glorious place on God’s earth & without a doubt The Hut & surrounding prove that Statement up to the hilt. Mr George Jolly & Mr Jim Chandler led me up the road from Hobart up to the water reserve where we seated (?) - - white gate & photographed by Mr Chandler, after a rest at the Fernrest Summer House, we had a very exciting opossum hunt & eventually succeeded in Catching one which I am taking to Melbourne to prove my real (?) (The Best Sport on the Island). The dinner after this fun was throughly enjoyed & well done. We then set out for the Fern Bower travelling very rough hills thence to the Springs. To cut a long story short I have never met a better lot of chaps in all my travels & should I ever visit Tasmania my very first outing will be a day in the Mountains with this crowd.
AHD Rawlings
Surrey Hills
Page 30
May Lewis
Lydia Rowling
Charlotte Lewis
Ina (?) Rennie
Carline Lewis
Bert Challender
W.H Hunt
- (?) Williams
W Hunt
Edith Osbourne
Isabel Crockett
(Bride) May Wathin (?) Launceston
Elsie M Crockett
Wilkinson = (?)
Come to offer our congratulations to J Wilkinson upon his marriage with the above who has taken the position of assistant Cook. Spent their Honeymoon in a Regal Style on the Balcony. W Bennie was Best Man & was assisted by Owen Tudor who carried out their duty effectively. The Supper was held in the Drawing Room & was beautifully decorated for the occasion by the Rev Walter Brown M.A. & was conducted with his usual Sanctimoniousness. However we trust we hope his spirits will improve before he officiates at ours. Mr N Hayton was indisposed & couldn’t turn up at the Last Minute. As the last time N. was in the Hut Hammock. It broke & he had (?missing end sentence)
Page 38
January 2nd 1907
We
Mr G Jolley & Family
And C.L. Connor and Young Lady
Spent a good day, at this little ranch. The only visitors we had, being a young couple on their way home from the Fern Tree. Many thanks to Proprieters for letting us take full charge of their (Retreat) which was one and all greatly appreciated.
Signed
Yours etc
G. Jolley
CL Connor
Mrs G Jolley
L Late
Mast G Jolley
Also (Our Billie) The Dog.
Wishing you all a happy New Year
The undermentioned & Members of the New South Wales Rifle Team wish the proprietors of “Fernlea Hut” a Most Happy & Prosperous New Year.
W.T. Palmer January 1st 1907
G.L.Ardill
Charl Edwards
Stan Edwards
Arthur W. Cutler
Page 39
20/1/07
Eveline C Burnett
Lily Burnett
Dick De Jersey
Mag. V. Walker (?)
Had a real good time (?) pudding was extra good & greatly appreciated by all present one in particular being greatly fond of it, he having devoured the whole contents.
Beautiful Retreat.
January 26th 1907
Visited this beautiful spot on the above date, having left Town by the 1.30 Tram & after a long & weary walk in the hot Sun we were all repaid a thousandfold when we entered the beautiful cool Gully, & at once started dinner at 4 pm, all were greatly fatigued, one in particular (?) who was the first to rush to the cold water to cool her blushing cheeks. We hope & trust that it won’t be long before we again pay this delightful spot another visit, & thereby enjoy another very pleasant outing
L. Hooper H Thomas(?)
I. Saunders
D. Leitch
Mabel Drake
L. Pyke
H. Flynn
E. Burleigh
Page 43
17/03/07
We will paint Mother Nature
For all she is worth
And out in the Bush we will tackle hard work
Fernlea is the spot I know you’ll all say
When you get to the door on a very hot day
You gaze at the ferns and rustic’s galore
The next little move to pass inside the door
Six simple simeons and Welcome you see
So if you’ve run out of grub then you sit down to tea.
The cook’s not a bad one I’m sure you’ll all say
We shall now play a game and then close up the day.
Pip pip
Rassey
I never wish for a better day or brighter times
It has been most bright and happy.
A few miles from the “Clock and Chimes”
With a girl for every chappy.
And have been made most welcome
By those who own this Fernlea hut
With everything most sweet and wholesome
I wish there was a shorter cut.
Stringy Bark
Herbert Smith 240 Lonsdale St Melbourne
March 23rd Constance M Marsh
March 23rd Many thanks for the nice time we had.
C S Dean (?)
March 31 T H F Porthons
April 1st Spent a most happy & enjoyable day. Was cordially welcomed by members. Hope it will not be the last time John (Jean?) B Phillips
Page 52
Sunday 17-11-09
(some illegible here) In company with J B Williamson Esq
and enjoyed myself immensely. The
Fernlea Hut is a bonzer hut
Tim
Ben (dogs? Or 10 ys?)
Simon J Buchan (??)
Nov 21st 07
Sunday
Sydney B Smith
Liverpool
S.S. Westralia
Hurbert J Hull
S.S. Westralia C. of Essex Nth London
A Nuttall Manchester
S.S. Westralia
Mine a Cascade Beer but there ain’t going to be any.
Had a very stiff walk to the hut
Good tucker
Mine a beer 19/2/08
Page 53
30/11/07
Here we are again for the second time, rather a hot walk up here but rewarded with strawberries & cream when we arrived.
Had a bonser tea and reached home safely. “Dead Horse”
Marty(?) is the rowdy of the party
Nack(?) very quiet
Willie the silliest false (last word in another hand)
30/11/07
Minnie Moorley Marley NSW
This hut is nonetoflabbygastyoniony
Amen to this
G Rees 30/11/07
Dec 1st 1907
E. Tinter. This being the first occasion to visit the Fernlea Hut I think it is the best I have ever seen, the scenery is most beautiful. I have enjoyed myself thoroughly
Page 64
April 19th 20th
(illegible)
I Costello
Sydney
April 19th 20th
Stayed at Fernlea Hut Easter Sunday & Monday & had a very enjoyable time thanks to Mr J Wilkinson hoping to pay another visit in the future.
Charles A Ross
Illford
Essex
England
20/4/08
Payed another visit to Fernlea had a very delightful time. Intended walking to the top of the (?) Mount but it came on to rain foully(?), went as far as the Fern-Tree Bower & turned back nice & wet to dear Fern-Lea
Clara L. Wore
Page 68
Aug 2nd
Teddy Briggs
M Briggs
I Crockett
T. A. Biggs (got cold pork)
23-8-08
C.J. Sharp
J. Chandler
W. Punckhurst(?)
A. Davison
T. Enever
R. Sharp
A.W. Beeson of London, England
Late of the Royal Mail Ship Opir has had a most enjoyable Sunday in the famous Fernlea Hut it is the first time I have ever been in the Bush & I hope it is not the last time that I shall visit the hut,
Wishing them all success in their building of the new hut yours A. Beas (?)
L.H. Gibson chef SS Westralia
(illegible)
Fernery at the hut
(illegible)
20/8/08
G. Lovelock Bromley London C. Arthur
(illegible)
the two Broms (illegible)
Page 70?
April 12th Easter Monday
Many times I have heard about Fernlea Hut, but never thought I should spend such a pleasant time - -(?) . I have travelled all over the World & seen many sights, but I can safely say that I will look back on this holiday as one of the best I have spent in my life,
R. Roberts
Liverpool
England
April 12 Easter Sunday
Spent a most enjoyable time at Fernlea Hut, not forgetting the night. We got smoked dried hoping to have the Pleasure of (?) the same some future occasion
SS Westralia H Simpson England.
Easter Monday 1909
Had a most enjoyable walk (?) creek not withstanding a few falls
M. Sweettenham Sandy Bay
H. Sweetenham
Easter Monday 1909
Dorothy W Brent
Bath St Battery Point
Elsie Johanna Lemke
Mabel Lemke Bellerive
We think (?) perfect.
Page 83(?)
Kate B O’Reilly
Derwent Park
Near Hobart
5/11/09
18th December 1909
On a visit to Fernlea I was asked how I managed to lead a happy domestic life on the handsome amount of 30/- per week. The explanation is as follows:-
Beer 17 6
Wife’s beer 2 6
Bread 4
Rent paid next week 0 0
Weekly instalment on
Shakespeare’s Works 5 0
Charity 1 6
Tobacco 8
Butcher’s & Grocer’s
Bill 0 0
Little more beer 2 4
Packet of postcards 8
TOTAL 30/ 6
I find that the last week I ran into debt to the extent of 6d, which can easily be remedied by cutting the wife’s beer down to 2/-.
Sincerely yours,
Hopo.
Page 85?
January 1910
Archie B Johnstone January 8 1910
Leslie Commane January 8 1910
Andrew McIntosh Esq January 8 1910
Lazarous Ward
Michael John of Launceston
Only up while they make the Bed.
Jan 1910
C Charles Touring Australia ex Scotland Jan 1910
W. Johnstone Ditto America Jan 8 1910
A Sutton
J. Johnstone America Jan 8. 10 R.M.S. Malwa (?)
Basil O’ Brien
Gervase O’ Brien
Glen Lynden Glenorchy
Jan 9th 1910
To the Proprieters of the Fernlea Hut
H Jolly (alias Red Label
E. McEllis(?) (alias Teddy Bear)
T. Walter (alias Claudie)
C F Connor (alias Rock Cod)
T.T. Scott (alias Scotty the Wrinkler)
The abovementioned paid a visit to this bachelors retreat, & were very much surprised at the dryness of the place. However a tramp to the Fern Tree did the trick, & the return journey was finished, Red Label finished all out, with Teddy Bear hanging on coming round the home turn, Scitty, the wrinkler ran wide, & was easily passed by Rock Cod, who was a real Trumpeter.
Page 101
Kitty McGrath 24-9-10
Had a good time. Rained like the b-
Sept 24th 1910 (?) Freeman
Sept 24th 1910 Alice Freeman
Had a ripping time.
Sept 24 (accompanied by picture of dog attacking person)
We had a ripping time.
Davey Langdon (?)
Oct 8 1910 T F Moss(?) Moonee Ponds Melbourne Vid
Jean Hamilton
New Town
C Tuffin(?)
GPO 9/10/10
Bert Mills
9/10/10 Sydney NSW
9.10.10 Frank Robson Alias Dick
Hobart
Charles CN Long, Nov 22-1910
Hobart
Page 112
Maud Whitehair
71 Great Buckingham St
Redfern
Sydney N. S. Wales March 12th 1911
My first visit to a Tasmanian hut, and I am hoping it shall not be my last. If I can spend each day of a month’s holiday in different Tasmanian Surroundings as pretty, I shall leave Hobart with the firm assurance that Hobart was the next place God made after Sydney.
March 25th 1911
C.S. Lowrey(?)
“Lawson”
Annandale St
Annandale
NSW Sydney
Was Quite interested with the huts on the Mountain, which has much resemblance to the Famous Blue Mountains of NSW. My Best respects to the large Bottle in the Corner
CSL
March 25-1911
Bert Mills
Lawton(?)
Dufford St
Paddington
Too full for words!!!
Page 122
Sunday 1 Sept 1912
A very pleasant day at Fernlea
Ray Hoggett
224 Elizabeth St
T. Atkinson
Lat Collis(?)
132 Bathurst St
Instructor Kings Hall Skating Rink(?)
Sunday Sept 1st 1912
Mig Collis 26 Queen St North Hobart
A very Pleasant day at Fernlea
Mick Hewitt
224 Elizabeth St
A very Pleasant day at Fernlea
Vernon Hooper 8 Sept 1912
Eric Wilkinslon ditto
The day was dark & stormy
The sun was shining bright
As E & V strolled to the Fernlea
The black birds whistled in the trees
get your hair cut
Altho the door was not locked
It took us two hours & three quarters one minute two seconds & a bit of string to enter, And when at last we entered it took us another two hours to light the fire with the use of 75 news papers one cwt of bark we at last got dinner
E & V
Hobart
Page 123
Gertrude Carter 29.9.12
Had a very enjoyable time
Stephen Carter 29.9.12
Had a very fine falls while admiring the Fernlea Falls, from the Verandah.
R Hewitt 29/9/12
Ditto
J Miller
Daily Pet (?)
Oct 27th 1912
H Lasson
9 Boyce St
Glebe Pt
Sydney
NSW
Thanks to the charming company I spend a very pleasant day at Fernlea
Oct 27th 1912
A. Shaw
34 High St
N. Hobart Tas
My first visit to Fernlea Hut
Which I think is delightful
Page 124
Florence Carrraker
Paying another pleasant visit which I always delight in
Fernlea is a long walk from Hobart
But well worth our time
Scenery beautiful – Company better.
F. H. Eling
Annandale NSW
27/10/12
19/1/13 E.M. Smith Hobart
19/1/13M.E. Brown Banksia Sydney NS Wales
19/1/13M Smith Hobart
19/1/13 B Welsh HFB
Micky would not move from his Master (Dad)
19/1/13 W E Challender
122 Argyle Street
Hobart
Nelson (Dog) stood the journey better than his master (Turkey)
Top of page
|