GRASS ROOTS

During 2009 I have set-up two Kelly related displays for local events.
The first one was at Tolmie (formerly Wombat) for the 123rd Tolmie Sports that were held on the 14th February and the second one was for the Maindample Heritage Day held on the 1st November to raise funds for our local Fire Brigade.

The display at Tolmie featured Stringybark Creek, the place where the Kelly Gang was created on the 26th October 1878, and the plans for the Stringybark Creek upgrade.

When I learnt that ‘Neds’ armour that was used by the Mansfield Primary school students in their entry in the Wakakirri storytelling festival was to be on display at the Heritage Day, I decided to do a bit on Stringybark / Mansfield and Maindample’s association with the Kelly Story.

1871: 14 year old Archibald McPhail who lived in the Maindample area saw Isaiah ‘Wild’ Wright riding Mr Newland’s stolen chestnut mare past his father farm. As a result of this he went to Beechworth to give evidence and when he was about to return home he got diphtheria and died. (indeed a sad event ) Some people were surprised to know that Maindample had a connection to the Kelly Story.

During the late 1860’s and early 1870’s MC Michael Kennedy (later Sgt) was stationed at the Maindample Police Camp and the Broken River Police Station. As part of his duties as Land Bailiff he inspected and reported on land selections, including the selection where we now live.

Sheila Hutchinson

(1) Tolmie Sports.

(2) Display Tolmie

(3) Views of the Kelly Trees

Maindample Heritage Day

Part of display (5)

Part of display 1