Swancott wrote about Woy Woy

I paid a visit to Woy Woy Library recently to see what information was available covering the early history of the Peninsula.

Very little I am afraid, but I was delighted to see that those marvellous little books by Charles Swancott are still on the shelf.

Charles was a member of the Brisbane Water Historical Society and during his productive life wrote a number of books, with Woy Woy and Hawkesbury being published in 1954. Because of the exponential growth of the district following electrification of the railway line in 1960, he published a further book titled Good Old Woy Woy in 1970.

His prodigious output was quite extraordinary as he also ran a busy hardware store in Umina with his son Dick.

He was also an accomplished artist being a member of the Royal Art Society.

His books are full of fascinating details of early pioneers and the subsequent development of Woy Woy and surrounding areas, including St Hubert's Island.

He would have carried out a great deal of research and in this regard he received assistance from the Mitchell Library and the Land Titles Office.

The latter provided valuable information regarding early land grants and subdivisions.

He also included brief histories of the formation of sporting and service clubs and the establishment of the various churches, banks and post offices.

I did take issue with him on one point.

When writing about the electrification of the railway, he says, and I quote, "Though unquestionably an economic waste in view of the fact that only limited future additional employment can be expected in the Central Coast area..."

This statement must surely rate on a par with an opinion expressed by the late Cr Jim Lawrence, while debating the proposed Rip Bridge, when he said, "This is a white elephant. It will be a bridge to nowhere!"

Unfortunately, Swancott's books have long been out of print and the few copies held by the library are unavailable for borrowing.

In writing about the library, I am reminded that back in the 50s, part of the building was used as the local Court House.

Access was gained from Oval Ave and the actual courtroom was little more than a shoebox. Apart from a bench for the presiding magistrate, a table for the Crown Prosecutor and the legal profession, and a few chairs, there was hardly room to breathe and when the court was in session and the case involved more than a few people, the room became hopelessly crowded.

It was only a matter of time before the court moved into the main part of the building and the old courtroom became the office for the clerk of petty sessions.

Many of the civil cases dealt with by the court at the time were applications for rent increases for rent-controlled premises, a legacy from World War I.

During morning recess, many members of the legal profession would wander across the road to Bell's Milkbar and Cafe (later Peter Walsh Real Estate) for a quick snack or coffee before venturing back to court to continue the battle on behalf of their clients.

In 1979, Council had to deal with a development application lodged by AV Jennings which, if approved, would have changed the face of Woy Woy.

The proposal was for the erection of a shopping centre on land occupied in part by Sterlands Hardware, Woy Woy Theatre and the old council chambers and fire station.

Many local residents were firmly against the proposal and, thanks to the vigorous fight put up by Cr Keith Whitfield, ably supported by a very active and vocal South Woy Woy Progress Assocation, the sale of the council chambers and fire station was refused and both buildings were saved for future generations.

It must be said that neither building has any great architectural merit but they were constructed in a style considered fashionable in the late 20s, with a portico supported by modest Doric columns and displaying the date of construction, being 1931, on the facade.

The good news is that both buildings now have heritage classification which effectively prohibits further development.

The library is centrally located and has become the living heart of Woy Woy.

The forecourt looks great and is the perfect place for a quick smoke, meeting friends, an opportunity to recover from the shock of paying council rates or a convenient spot to catch the next bus.

Keith Whitfield, by the way, was an alderman from 1977 to 1991 and even though some people may not have shared his political ideology, he fought valiantly and sincerely for the Peninsula during his time in council.

Email, 16 Oct 2009 Fred Landman, Daley's Point