The Ghosts of Old Geelong Gaol.

The Ghosts of Old Geelong Gaol.

Old Geelong Gaol - source: Geelong Gaol Museum

 The Old Geelong Gaol was decommissioned from service in July 1991. From its opening in 1853 until its closure the gaol saw hundreds, possibly thousands of deaths. Two of those deaths were executions, and some were murders, but there were also many suicides, accidental deaths and deaths from illness. (the Geelong Gaol was used as a hospital for Victorian criminals). I have chronicled some of those deaths in previous posts on this blog.

 Ghost stories were often told by the prisoners themselves inside the gaol. Prisoners often reported the sounds of young girls playing, whistling or singing. This coincides with the known history of the gaol. From 1865 until 1871 the East Wing was used as an Industrial School for girls. It was shut down after a royal commission revealed that its conditions were “many degrees worse than that of any other school”.

 You may remember on Haunting: Australia I captured an EVP of what sounds like a young girl saying “Spooky” after I played a prank on Rayleen near the kitchens in Geelong Gaol. That wasn’t the only odd occurrence. On the top level, there is a room that I can only describe as a double room. We were told that it was used as an exercise room for young girls. During Haunting: Australia I captured on a video a shadow person, about the height of an 11-year-old girl, on video. The image blocks the light coming into the room from outside. The footage wasn’t used in the episode as the executive producer didn’t think it was “strong enough evidence” (but some of the things I contested as evidence made it into the show – go figure!).

Cell 55: The condemned man cell, used for holding men due for executions seems to be the epicentre of this haunting, with many people reporting paranoia, cold spots, being touched, and seeing a black shadow move through this area.
 One spirit identified in this area is that of executed murderer James Murphy. Murphy has been seen in the condemned man's cell and on the hanging platform. He has also been reported as standing around the cardboard cuttings that depict his hanging.

Cell 45: This cell is considered one of the most haunted in the gaol. Past inmates claimed to have heard girls screaming from inside and outside this cell while being imprisoned there. Others have claimed being pushed by unseen forces, and even pinched while in this cell.

Cell 75: This cell is home to a spirit nicknamed “Ranga”. It is claimed Ranga is the ghost of a former paedophile. Often people report the overwhelming stench of fresh urine in this cell. One ghost hunter claimed that he was punched so hard by an invisible force in this cell, that others outside could hear the physical impact of the spectral thumping!
 It is claimed Ranga stalks people he considers weaker than himself. He preys on these people and physically attacks them. He has been seen in the cell sitting on his bed, sometimes as a forming apparition, sometimes as an imprint upon the bed.

 The Morgue is claimed to be haunted by a spirit named Mary. No one is exactly sure who Mary might be, whether she was one of the schoolgirls or a prisoner who died while giving birth in the gaol hospital above. Or even a female prisoner's suicide. Mary makes her presence known in the morgue, but she is not the only ghost haunting this section of the gaol. Another spirit in the morgue is a male, who presses his face against the glass room divider and stares at those near the autopsy table.
 there have also been reports of ghost hunters being physically pushed out of the morgue, and people leaving with bruises from un-felt altercations with spirit.

Rayleen Kable in the Geelong Gaol Kitch during Haunting: Australia 2013

The Kitchens: located on the ground floor, the kitchen is reported to be haunted by an aggressive male spirit who likes to grab women’s breasts and behinds. This spirit has been known to run its hands up women’s thighs and do a manoeuvre Donald Trump has made famous!
 This spirit also plays with women’s hair and has been known to become aggressive to males, often scratching them.

External Shower Block: This area is reported to be haunted by former prisoners that were shanked. Ian Lawman, during Haunting: Australia, claimed to have psychically picked up on one prisoner’s near-death shanking experience in this section of the gaol. Other people report feeling very uncomfortable in this section of the gaol.

Gaurav Tiwari's full-spectrum "Gaol Gaurd" photograph 2013

 Centre-Circle: This is the section of the gaol where the prisoner's guard box is located. It is designed to be able to see clearly down all four wings of the gaol. During a meeting before filming Haunting: Australia, I noticed a man on the third level looking over the railings down at the team. He was dressed in dark blue, but his facial features were indistinguishable. Later, during an interview, while I was on camera, I heard footsteps walking along the gangway above me. The footsteps caught on camera, come along a level above then walk down the stairs right where I was being interviewed.
 This is also the section of the gaol where Gaurav Tiwari caught his full-spectrum photograph of the ghost of a gaol guard. The guard appears to be standing near the staircase looking toward the moan entry of the gaol. What many sceptics of the photo don’t realise is that, on the night, Gaurav and I tried to recreate and debunk the image. I stood in the place where the image is in the photo, and we measured height, circumference etc, to conclude that the image would’ve been at least a foot taller than me (I’m 183 cm – 6 foot) and its appearance seemed ‘stretched out’.
 If you look really closely at Gaurav’s photo you might also notice something else a little odd. The knees of the spirit appear to bend backwards!

Visit the old Geelong Gaol Museum: https://www.facebook.com/geelonggaolmuseum/

Or Geelong Gaol Ghost Tours: https://twistedhistory.net.au/tour/geelong-gaol-ghost-tour/

Allen Tiller © 2019

Cite this article: 

Tiller, A, The Ghosts of Old Geelong Gaol, Eidolon Paranormal Blog, (2019), 

Old Geelong Gaol (part 7): Thomas Menard – Murderer.

Old Geelong Gaol (part 7): Thomas Menard – Murderer.

Two Warrnambool quarrymen, under the employ of Mr JH Evans, got into an argument over the American Civil War.  It was 1865, and the American civil war between the North and the South had just ended in May. The two workers, James Sweeney, and US-born Thomas Menard, known locally as 'Yankee Tom', argued incessantly, almost coming to blows, until the fight was broken up.

 After their shift, the men returned to their lodgings. Menard was heard telling his bunkmates that the day's argument wasn’t over, and there would be worse to come. That night, as all the men lay in their beds in the shared bunkhouse, Menard arose and unloaded a six-shot revolver into Sweeney’s bunk.[1]

 Menard hastily escaped as the men panicked. He was later arrested near Beechworth.[2]

Sweeney languished in pain and remained alive after the shooting. He had a flesh wound on his upper abdomen on the left-hand side, another wound between his naval and his ribs on the same side, and one a little higher up where the bullet had gone between his ribs and lodged in his armpit.[3] Sweeney also had a bullet lodged in his arm. He lingered on for two more days in the hospital but eventually died due to a bullet lodged in his liver, dying on June 12 from his wounds.

Thomas Menard was also known by his other alias’ ‘Yankee Tom’ and ‘Thomas Barrett’. He was brought up on remand from Beechworth, via Melbourne for the murder of James Sweeney on June 10th, 1865. Menard was put on trial, with witnesses John Haw stating he had seen the whole event. When questioned, Menard showed no contrition and stated he would do the same again. He was duly convicted of murder and sentenced to death.[4]
 Thomas Menard was born in Louisiana, USA, emigrating to Australia in 1855. He was described as 28 years of age, five feet five inches tall, with brown hair, grey eyes and a medium build.

 Menard was given ample opportunity to confess his guilt in gaol. At first, he refused counsel from gaol-appointed priests, but the day before his execution changed his mind. [5]  Up until that point though, Menard had repeated that his actions were justified, that Sweeney got what he deserved and that he, would do the same again knowing his own outcome.

 The day before his execution, Menard’s views changed, and he admitted his guilt and sorrow for what he had committed, stating that he knew he deserved what was coming for him. Menard began to pray with the priests.

 A rosebud was given to Menard, of which he requested that it be placed in his coffin and buried with him.

 The hangman entered Menards cell before 10am on 28 October 1865. Menard appeared emotionless and allowed the hangman to go about his business pinioning Menards arms. At 10am, led by the Governor of the Gaol, Menard was led to the gallows. He was paraded in front of the Gaol Governor, Chaplains, Surgeons and Officers, and around 40 members of the public.[6]

  Menard stood on the trap door, over his head a small white cap was placed that partially covered his face. In his hand, he held a prayer he had written. The noose was placed over his head, and Rev Strickland read out a burial service. Menard made no sounds or movements. At the conclusion of Rev. Strickland’s sermon, the hangman lowered the cloth other Menard's face shook his hand and said a few words to him. Menard did not speak but nodded in recognition. The order was given, and the hangman released the lever. Menard dropped to his death, his handwritten note dropping from his hand. He was allowed to hang for 15 minutes before a doctor checked for signs of life.

The letter Menard was holding when he was executed stated (in his spelling):

“I stand this Day of Our Lord before his grace. I knew a man the name of Sweeny.

The first or second day he insulted me on the work. I never spoke. A day or two after I had sivel  word with King, which we settled. Was good friends after. The next morning Sweeny asked me where was I rered, what makes you let the Shelbag say any thing, why don't you strike him. I don't like quarrelling. This time anything Swny told me to do I dun it, and gave him anything he wanted as a neighbor. He commenced growling, I then went to another place; the foreman called me down to help him. I dun so. Swny came over and turned back sayd Yankee, I will kick your— I do not allow Irish to kick. Do it. He got in vilant rage, going to strike. I stoped him. I looked at him, sayd I will give you a cause. I will have, them arms of yours when I go home. If you do you will never harm no more. This saild his death. Have I dan wright or evil. God forgive me. Was he (illegible) Duck Yafrican he wd never be shot. That he was Irish he cryd for mercy. I could give no quarters knowing his wrongs. His mate grond fearfull. Could give no assistance with his life lost. I can't say I am sorry. God forgive me. With you all I lave the old world its troubles blesd. I go along to the new one. Farewell, I do not wish to say any more. The secrets of my heart go to the grave with me."

 THOMAS MENARD.

Thomas Menard was interred in the Geelong Gaol grounds with the letter, he had written and the rosebud he had been given inside his coffin.

A death mask was made of Thomas Menard which is on display in the gaol.

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2019

---

[1] 'INCIDENTS OF THE MONTH.', Geelong Advertiser, (25 October 1865), p. 2.

[2] 'INCIDENTS OF THE MONTH.', Geelong Advertiser, (25 October 1865), p. 2.

[3] 'THE LATE MURDER IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT.', The Australasian, (12 August 1865), p. 7.

[4] 'VICTORIA.', Launceston Examiner, (19 October 1865), p. 3.

[5] 'EXECUTION OF MENARD AT THE GEELONG GAOL.', Border Watch, (11 November 1865), p. 1.

[6] 'EXECUTION OF THOMAS MENARD, ALIAS YANKEE TOM.', The Australian News for Home Readers, (25 November 1865), p. 6.

Grahams Castle - Research

Graham's Castle

"Graham's Castle"

Or

"Prospect House"

Rumoured to be the first haunted house in South Australia, Grahams Castle was located in Prospect, South Australia, just north of Adelaide.

The house was built J.B. Graham, an Adelaide Business man, who had invested in the Burra mines, and made a small fortune.

Newspaper Articles and Timeline

 1868

The South Australian Advertiser

 Saturday 5 December 1868

DIED

BATHE. —On the 4th December, William Nicholas M. De Bathe, aged 21 years, only son of James Bathe, Esq., of Graham's Castle, Prospect Village.

 

1870

South Australian Register

 Wednesday 25 May 1870

. ROMAN CATHOLIC PICNIC.

The annual picnic of St. Laurence  Christian Doctrine Society was held at Graham's Castle, on the Lower., North-road,the property .of Mr. Valentine. Shortly before 10 a.m. about 250 children, with teachers and mends, assembled at the church, and headed by tho Concordat Band,' marched through Jeffcott street to Graham's Castle, which was reached about 11.

Besides influential laymen, the clergy were represented, there being on tho grounds Arch Deacon Russell, and Fathers Hintoroeker, O'Connell, and Theodore Bongaerts. The Committee had taken great pains to provide amusements for the picnicians. In one place young couples danced to the strains of the band and a violin. At another youngsters raced and jumped for small money prizes. Cricket, football kiss in the ring, swinging, and other amusements found admirers.

Plenty of refreshments were to be had, there being two stalls, the principal under the superintendence of Mr. Smith, of Hindley-street. During the day tho Committee waited upon Mrs. Valentine, and thanked her for placing the grounds at their disposal. After spending a pleasant day all reassembled and proceeded to the church, which they reached about 6 p.m. Service having been, held, the pleasure-seekers dispersed.

South Australian Register

Wednesday 25 May 1870

HER MAJESTY'S BIRTHDAY.

Tuesday, May 24, was ushered in with Queen's weather, and all who were Bent upon pleasure seeking had no 'room 'for, grumbling on this head.

Closed shutters along the business thoroughfares showed that the day was fixed in the trades holiday calendar, and shop, mart, Bank, and 'Change were deserted. At noon for once' a salute was not fired; but loyalty was exhibited in various other ways, and the levee was moderately attended.

Some of our young city men left by train to attend the Gawler Athletic Sports; numerous citizens found means of reaching favourite parts of the beach or nooks elsewhere; Port Adelaide attracted others to the stream, where yacht and canoe races were in vogue. In the outer country districts there were various sports, at Graham's Castle a picnic, and in town at night soirees, public meetings, and a concert. During the day Adelaide stay-at-homes- had many, country cousins visited the ever-pleasing Gardens

1887

South Australian Register

 Wednesday 25 May 1887

SUNDAY-SCHOOL PICNIC

  THE Anglican Mission Church of the Good Shepherd, Bowden, celebrated the anniversary of the Sunday school on Tuesday by a picnic on the grounds of Graham's Castle, prior to which a service was held in the Church. The Rev. Mr. Beaumont officiated. Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather about 150 joined in the various sports and games, The canal refreshments were provided.

1898

Border Watch

Wednesday 3 August 1898

SNAKES.

ADELAIDE. August 2,

A family of 33 snakes was discovered and killed in a building called "Graham's Castle,"near the city which is being pulled down.

 1901

The Register

 Tuesday 3 September 1901

REMOVAL OF AN OLD LANDMARK.

Travellers on the north line and the Lower. North road have for years been familiar with a building off Brand road,Prospect, which attracted .attention on account of its castellated walls, which, doubt less, caused it to be known as Graham's Castle. In a few days it will have disappeared, as it is now being demolished. Graham's Castle has had many vicissitudes. It was built about 1840, and had an at tractive appearance. Among pictures of old colonial scenes in the possession of different people there is one representing a picnic held in 1842 in the grounds surrounding the house, which is excellently drawn and painted. The property passed through various hands, and the castle became so dilapidated that it has been found necessary to remove it.

 1922

The Register

Wednesday 15 March 1922

  GRAHAM'S CASTLE.

From A. T. SAUNDERS:— The correspondent is very much at sea regarding Graham's Castle, Prospect House, Ac Graham's castle was demolished 20 years ago. Mr. Whinham lodged his boarder boys in it for some time. Some of them also boarded at his Buxton street establishment.

Mr. Richmond may have been one of the 108 passengers per Ariadne, and may have built Graham'ss castle in 1840; but I have no proof of it. I do not think that Mr. S. Marshall was here in1840  to assemble the organ, but this again, I cannot Say for certain.

Mr. Angas Prospect Lodge was not next to Graham's Castle. It was in Bowden, at the corner of Torrens road, opposite the park lands. It was in existence a few. weeks ago, and it still exists I think. Until quite recently it was tihe property of a descendant of Mr. Angas.

In 1853 John Adams occupied Prospect House, and Mr. (afterwards the Hon.) E. McEllister, occupied Prospect Lodge near Graham's Castle, and he or his widow occupied it well into the 60's or later.

This Prospect Lodge and Mr Angas's house were very different properties. The Register, 22/12/53 (p. 4, c. 5) has this advertisement:—

'To let, Prospect House near North Adelaide, the property of J. B. Graham, now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Adams, who are going to England; 52 acres of land; 32 acres laid out; stone wall, folding gates; furniture and organ for saie,'

Evidently the correspondent is also wrong regarding the organ. The Register. 28/7/49 (p. 2) records a deer hunt at 'Mr. Graham's seat, Prospect.' The Register, 29/8/49, records that (20/4/1849), at Holy Trinity, Brompton, John Benjamin Graham, of Vere Lodge, Old Brompton and Prospeot House, near Adelaide, South Australia, married Louisa, eldest daughter of Robert Rymill, Brompton Row.

Mr. Graham bought an estate in Germany, and lived there, and The Register (5/1/77, p. 5, c. 2), records his death in Germany. Mr. Graham arrived per Recovery, 19/9/39, and was in business in Hindley street. He was an ironmonger, but went into various ventures. In April, 1845, Mr. Graham voyaged in the Governor Gawler to Rivoi Bay.

He travelled over the pastoral country to Mount Gambler, and returned in May, just before the Burra discovery. He invested £2,000 in the Burra, and in 1848 was said to be drawing £16,000 a year from, that mine. The South Australian, 15/12/48, has an account of Mr. Graham's life.

The Register, 12/1/48, says, 'Mr. J. B. Graham, the largest proprietor of the Burra Mine leaves today for Calcutta per ship Gellert,' and gives an account of his life. It is recorded, .15/12/4S, that when Mr. Graham reached England, via Calcutta, he called his father's creditors together, and paid them in full as the Good Brother did in after years. In 1844, in Prospect Village, within the municipality (of Adelaide), John Richmond had 40 acres in wheat, barley, and potatoes.

The Register

 Friday 17 March 1922

GRAHAM'S CASTLE

From 'A CORRESPONDENT'— A Yankillila correspondent in The Register of Saturday, has evidently become much mixed up in reference to two well-known northerly- suburban residences of the early days: and even our old -friend, Mr. A. T. Sounders— usually so helpfully accurate— has not unravelled the tangle much. Graham's Castle was about three-quarters of a mile, or a mile, from Prospect Hall— not Prospect Lodge, or Propect House, as mentioned by both correspondents.

It faced the Lower North road, beyond Ovingham, and was surrounded by a strong, high wall Prospect Hall, which became the property of the late Mr. G. F. Angas, early in the sixties, faces the city boundary road, around the parklands, and the old Port road, now called the Torrens road, at the extreme north-east corner of Bowden-on-the-Hill.

It has born* no other name since I have known it than Prospect Hall, certainly the Angas family did not call it by any other name. In July of '1888 received and accepted a cordial invitation from the late Mr. G. F. Angus to take tea with him at Prospect Hall.

This incident brought about an intimate friendship between the family and myself, which has existed until the present day within a few weeks at 60 years! I have held, and still hold the whole family in the highest esteem possible. Mr. McEllister's residence' was nearly opposite to Prospect Hall, in the Prospect district, but not near Graham's Castle, as stated by Mr. A. T. Saunders. Mr. J. H. Angus purchased. Prospect Hall from his father later.

GRAHAM'S CASTLE.

From THOMAS Neill

— As one of the few surviving fellow passengers of the late J. B. Graham in 1839 (I know of four), I was much interested in the paragraph in The Register of Tuesday under the heading of 'Pictures and Prospect. '

I noticed, however, an error in a reference to Graham's Castle as still standing. The building -was demolished a -number of years ago and was not identical with Prospect Hall, as the writer assumes. The later building was not in Prospect, but at the corner of Torrens road and Park terrace, Bowden-on-the-Hill. The name probably had reference to the commanding view of prospect it possessed.

It was the town residence of Mr. G. F. Angas, one of the founders of the State. The reference to the residences of H. Hussey and T. Harkness are  correct.

Graham's Castle was nearly a mile farther north. The walls were finished with battlements and had a castellated appearance. Mrs. Adams, who was a portly dame, was Mr. Graham's mother, and Mr Adams his stepfather

1924

The Register

 Thursday 11 September 1924

OLD WHINHAMITES.

Dr. Angas Johnson, Messrs. R. E. P. Osborne, G. M. Duncan, and myself were chatting together and discovered that we were all old Whinhamites. Mr. Duncan

w.as a boarder from 1875 to 1879. 1 was the youngest of 120 boarders in Bob Whinham's time,' remarked Dr. Johnson. My father sent me to Whinham's to be thrashed,' explained Mr. Osborne, but Bob Whinham never touched me. He was one of the best friends I ever had.' 'He belted me,' said Dr. Johnson. 'And he kicked me from pillar to post,' added Mr. Duncan. Then they fell to recalling the pinkies, bandicoots, and native cats they saw when the boarders were housed at Graham's Castle. George Duncan has had a' wonderfully varied experience. He once managed a racing stud for Dorrie Doolette, another old Whinhamite. He hag had a big nursery for five years. Seven acres of it were under cover. He says too much money goes out in wages, and that it would be better if he had a' smaller place.'

1929

The Advertiser

  Friday 22 February 1929

EARLY YANKALILLA.

From A.T. SAUNDERS:—Respecting the interesting article in "The Advertiser" of Tuesday, I may state that the descendants of Mr. J.B. Graham bad an excellent picture ol Graham's Castle, Prospect, erected by Mr. Graham, about 1847, but not occupied by him for long.

His father died, and his Mother married Mr. Adams, the old couple living in the castle for some years.

Thanks to Mrs. Hancock, of Gladstone. I have Mrs. Adams's visiting card, with her name, and Prospect house. North Adelaide, on it. Mr. Graham arrived here a poor man "With a good reputation, and began business in Hindley-street as an ironmonger, his former employer in Halifax  (England) having helped him.

The "South Australian" quotes from the "Halifax Guardian" an account of this "Lucky Emigrant," who paid his father's debts. In January, 1848, Mr. Graham sailed from Adelaide for Calcutta in the German ship Gellert, and thus arrived in England. He married at Holy Trinity. Brompton, London, Miss Louisa Rymill sister of the gentlemen who. became so -well known here. He bought an estate in Germany, and died late in 1876. He arrived here on the Recovery, 1839, on 19th August, a surviving fellow passenger being Mr. Thomas Neill.

The Advertiser

  Saturday 19 October 1929

GRAHAM'S CASTLE

From A. D. CARLILE, St. Peters:— I was most interested in reading the remarks of Archbishop Spence about Graham Castle, as I was born there in the early seventies. My late mother and father always told the family about them living at the castle for some time, and how they were obliged to leave owing to disturbing noises heard at night. The same thing happened to the family that followed, who took the castle for a term, but only stayed a few months.

 1947

 The Advertiser

Friday 11 July 1947

Haunted By Children And Snakes

To the Editor

(Mrs.) IRENE ALTMANN. 13 Clifton street. Prospect.

Sir—Prospect House, referred to in the paragraph ("The Advertiser," 1O/7/47) regarding the gift of water colours to the National Gallery was the property known locally at that time as "Graham's Castle." The property comprised ( if I remember aright) all that area from Clifton street extension to Rose street, and from Braund road to the Lower North road (now Churchill avenue?). The house was reputed to be haunted. It was, I think, of two storeys, and above the stairs there was a lookout. From this vantage point we children had warning of anyone approaching the building, and by knocking at the front door when visitors were at the back, and vice versa, and hiding successfully in between, I am sure we helped to sustain the reputation of the house. It would not be many seconds before we would see the sight seers making for one of the entrances.

I heard that the walls on demolition, were found to be the home of quite a number of snakes, which may have had something to do with the legend that the "Castle" was haunted

© 2007 - 2014 Allen Tiller

www.eidolonparanormal.net

All content on “Eidolon Paranormal & The Haunts of Adelaide” sites, blog and corresponding media pages (eg Facebook, twitter etc) is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any means or process without the written permission of the author. © 2012, 2013, 2014

All photos remain the property of their respective copyright owners and are displayed here for the purpose of education, research and review under the copyright act "fair usage" clause.

Some photo's used here on this site are sourced from The Sate Library of South Australia, and The National Library of Australia and http://www.gawler.nowandthen.net.au - all photos are out of copyright and have no usage restrictions implied.

Schneider's Alley Research

 Schneider's Alley Research

 

This page features research on the people, stories and locations

associated with the "Schneider's Alley"  myth in South Australia.

 Dr Michael Schneider and Mrs Schneider had 4 children we are aware of three daughters, Anne Wendy, and Barbara, and one son Michael.

 If you have a new lead for us, a (verifiable) photo of Dr Schneider or a family member, or a photo of the gardens or garden parties, please email at Allen at eidolon@live.com.au

 

The Schneider Family

&

Clifton Manor

 We have gathered together some of the newspaper articles we have uncovered about the Doctor and his Family, as well as Clifton Manor and gardens .

 1852

‘Clifton’ House (1852) - 66 Hallett Road

The east end of High Street leads directly across Hallett Road into the driveway of ‘Clifton’, a large Gothic-style house built for George Deane Sismey (miller) in 1852. In 1872 it was bought by Nathaniel Knox (lawyer) who added a battlement tower and landscaped gardens. In 1934 the large estate was purchased by Dr Michael Schneider who kept kangaroos, emus and koalas in a large enclosure. In 1976 the estate was subdivided into over 100 allotments. The house now stands in Waratah Way. The hedge of ‘Clifton’ can be seen at 66 Hallett Road.

1934

The Mail

Saturday 11 August 1934

South Adelaide Club

The weekly run of the South Adelaide Horse Riding Club was held this afternoon to Stonyfell. The riders left Frewville and went through Linden

Park, Beaumont, and Burnside, thence through the properties of Dr. M. Schneider, Mr. R. Sims, and Stonyfell quarries and vineyards. Afternoon tea was served at Wattle Park. Those mounted were:- — Mrs. M. H. McKinnel on Bluebell, Miss Josephine Charllck en Streaky. Miss Rita Idle on Oxford Style. Miss Lorn a Williams on Billie Miss Marjorie Wil liams on Ranee. Miss Lily Macdonald on Sue. Miss Margaret Macdonald on Creamy. Miss Edna McDonald on Michael. Miss Margherita TilIett on Rine Up. Messrs. Rex Bastian on Benaserie. Mr. Hugh Coulter on Winn Palm, Mr. Howard Cashman on Lancer.

 

1937

The Advertiser

Tuesday 20 June 1933

WEDDING

Schneider — Parker

On Saturday, at St. Matthew's Church of England. Hamilton, Dr. Michael Schneider, of Adelaide, and Miss Margaret Parker, of Wales, England, were married by the Rev. A. E. Kain, of Kapunda.

The bridegroom is the fourth son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Ernst Schneider, of Stockwell, and the bride the elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Garret! Parker, of Gellygaer, Wales.

As the bride entered the church with Mr. Herbert Jory. of Adelaide, she presented a graceful figure, gowned in her lovely frock designed in London and made on Empire lines, of white crepe suede and trimmed with diamanté. The veil was or tulle, and trimmed with orange blossom. The bride carried a bouquet of pink carnations. Her attendant maid. Miss Tillie Steinert, of St. Kitts. Truro. wore a frock of Dale blue chiffon velvet, with picture hat to tone, and carried a bouquet of pale pink and blue sweet peas. The bridegroom was supported by his younger brother, Mr. William Schneider, as best man.

The 'Wedding March' and 'The Voice That Brea'hed O'er Eden' were rendered by the organist and choir. After the ceremony the party motored to the country home of the bridegroom's mother, at Stockwell.

 

 **************************

Monday 12 April 1937

 "Old Cop"

A TALL, slim man, most interesting, man with penetrating eyes, a slight stoop, and a remarkable fund of anecdotes, known among his personal friends as "old Cop"—to be respectful, and give him his proper name, Copley Playford, a former Resident Administrator at Darwin - takes his lunch at King William street Balfour's daily. He spent most of his life in the Territory and "could a tale unfold."

A tale! A bookful of them. And he does tell them, too. Watch the other diners—Mr. H. Tassie, M.L.C, and his colleague Hermann Homburg, Reg Laughton, Leo Seppelt, Rudi Buring, Milton Lester, Jimmy Hendry, Dr. Michael Schneider, and H. Krawinkel bend their heads forward so that they will not miss any of the titbits which "Cop" distributes.

He has not yet reached the evening of life, and has a lot of go in him in spite of his 70 odd, not out. Last year he went down to the Port to look at the ships. Took a fancy to a wind-jammer, climbed on board, and the next he knew of it was that he was making for Cape Horn. His only log page were a toothbrush, and collar stud.

His brother-in-law is the well-known Jim Cowling, of Norton's Summit. Who does not know Jim? His son. Dr. Cowling, is president of Mount Pleasant Show.

****************************************

Wednesday 29 September 1937

S.A. FOREST LEAGUE FORMED

Will Seek Regeneration Of Large Areas

A South Australian branch of the Australian Forest League was formed last night at a meeting at the Chamber of Manufactures.

Before Mr. David Fulton was elected president. Mr. George McEwin explained that the aim of the league was to work in co-operation with the Tree Lovers' Society and kindred bodies, to advance the idea of protecting our natural forests from further deterioration, and to encourage the Government to regenerate large areas. Mr. Fulton said that it was hoped to form branches in country towns. An advisory committee would be appointed to help in the selection of suitable trees. Professor J. B. Cleland spoke of the necessity of preserving the remnants of native vegetation on the Adelaide Plains and in the hills, the retention of belts of native trees along roadsides, and the planting of wayside trees; the importance of tackling the mistletoe problem, and saving from destruction the mulga and myall trees. Mr. A. D. Hardy, formerly of the Forestry Department of Victoria, and a member of the league branch in that States gave an illustrated talk on

afforestation and trees in various parts of the world.

Officers elected: —Patron. His Excellency the Governor; vice-patron. Sir William Sowden: president. Mr. David Fulton; vice presidents. Sir Douglas Mawson. Sir Henry Newland. Sir Robert Chapman. Professor Cleland. Captain S. A. White, and Mr. G. McEwin;

general committee. Sir William Mitchell. Dr. Michael Schneider. Messrs. J. H. Gosse, Gill Williams. A. K. Newbery. R. H. Martin and E. H. Ising;

Honorary treasurer. Mr. C. Colquhoun:

Honorary secretary. Mr. Donald Neill:

Ladies' Committee. Mrs. B. Mehrtens (convener).

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1938

The Advertiser

Friday 25 February 1938

"Out Among the People" 

  By Vox

  I WENT along to a meeting of the Australian Forestry League presided over by Colonel David Fulton, the other night, and realised what a lot of useful service it can render to this State.

  For example, Mr. George McEwin declared that every arterial road in South Australia should be lined with avenues of trees.

Dr. Michael Schneider spoke about! the new Crown lands being opened for allotment in the upper South-East, and suggested that a proviso should be put  in the lease to the effect that a certain area should be retained as timbered land to provide shelter, beautify the countryside, and prevent erosion.

  "Professor Corbin often used to tell me that where erosion has taken place In the higher rainfall areas, if farmers would only broadcast seeds at a suitable time of the year, young trees would spring up. and soon bind the soil together again.' Mr. McEwin said.

He incidentally mentioned that Mr. H. de N. Lucas, at Myponga. and Mr. Frank Verco. at Tintinara, were doing good work in tree planting.

Mr. McEwin also spoke of the splendid efforts of a local cobbler at Gisbome. between Melbourne and Mount Macedon. where for three or four miles east and west of the township the main street is lined with beautiful elms. The Forestry League intends to try and organise branches in country towns here. That is a splendid idea.

Trees And Birds

TALKING about street beautification. Colonel Fulton recommended every body to go along Victoria avenue, Unley Park, to see the magnificent shady plane trees, which had not been touched, although electric and telephone wires passed through them.

In places the swaying branches had worn the lining off the electric wires.

Mr. McEwin cited a case at a North Adelaide house where blackbirds had taken the coveting off electric wires. A painter happened to touch a bare wire, got a shock, and, falling, brought down a fair share of bougainvillea creeper with him.

Dr. Schneider raised an interesting point. He said that every year at late winter at Burnside he hangs up big lumps of string refuse and material in suitable places, and the birds queue up to take it away for their nests.

That reminded Mr. McEwin to tell us that on one hot day at Kuitpo forest he and some friends filled two buckets with water. Within a quarter of an hour there must have been 300 to 400 birds round them. First the tomtits, waxbills. and other small varieties had a drink, and at the finish the magpies and other big birds came along.

Let us plant plenty of trees, which attract the birds, which keep down the pests!

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Monday 26 December 1938

"Out Among the People" 

  By Vox

In A Burnside Garden on Saturday Leo Seppelt and I went up to spend the afternoon with Dr. Michael Schneider at "Clifton," Burnside, known for years as the home of the Knox family.

From the wooded heights one gets a fine view of the plains and the gulf. And what a restful environment!

We wandered down the shady gully, and admired the English, and exotic trees and lawns, all luxuriant in the rich moist soil. A plane tree there is the biggest in South Australia, according to the opinion of the late J. P. Bailey, former Director of the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

 Keen Nature lover, as well as a keen botanist, Dr. Schneider encourages the birds to frequent this fine estate over looking the city.

Cleaning up the undergrowth at the bottom of the gully, he told us the gardener found a banded landrail's nest with four eggs in it. These were put under a bantam, which hatched them out

We had the good fortune to see a mistletoe bird energetically searching for food in the trees. This bird is so small that it easily escapes attention. We also saw the black-cheeked honey eater, and the spine billed honey eater; these are particularly keen on the nectar in the Chinese lantern, ( the abutiloni flowers): saw many parrots, bronze wing pigeons, and Indian pigeons.

Miniature Zoo

"Clifton," Dr. Schneider has a miniature zoo. In a tall eucalypt we saw koala bears sleepily perched on tree forks.

A vermin-proof netting fence surrounds 30 acres, and in this enclosure are pairs of the Kangaroo Island. scrub, and red kangaroos, emus, Cape Barron geese, curlews, plover, fallow deer, English pheasants, peacocks, guinea fowls, ibis, a Pacific gull (which had crab for Christmas dinner), and a brolga (Native Companion).

It was feeding time, and animals and birds congregated near each other. They enjoyed the meat, wheat, maize, bran and pollard. No wonder they are in such good condition!

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Thursday 20 October 1938

Annual Wild Flower Show Tomorrow

Consignments of wild flowers, including about 500 waratahs from New South Wales, and 'kangaroo-paws' from Western Australia, will arrive tomorrow

for the annual Wild Flower Show and Natural History Exhibition which will be opened by the Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr. Playford) at the Town Hall tomorrow night. The show which is being arranged by the field naturalists' section of the Royal Society, will be open from 2:30pm. tomorrow, and will be continued on Saturday from 9 am. to 10 pm.

A party of field naturalists visited Humbug Scrub yesterday and collected various wild flowers, including orchids, which will be exhibited at the show. Another party will visit Mount Lofty today for other wild flowers.

  There will be a large variety of exhibits. including shells and tropical flowers from Darwin, coral and giant clams from the Barrier Reef, collections of minerals and crystals, polished native timbers, paintings by the late Miss Rosa Fiveash to be loaned by the National Gallery, native weapons, and churingas, and a competitive display of wild flower by schools, chiefly from the hills districts. 

Dr. Michael Schneider will exhibit a Queensland koala bear. Professor J. B. Cleland will show tiny ground flora. Captain S. A. White will exhibit a collection of birds, the Malacological Societv will display land, freshwater, and! marine shells, and two aborigines— Clarrie Long and Mark Wilson— will give a display of native craft work.  Mr. B. C. Cotton, of the S.A. Museum, is in charge of the show arrangements

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 1939

 The Advertiser

 Friday 17 March 1939

Garden Inspection

  A sanctuary for native birds and animals is a feature of the beautiful garden of Clifton, home of Dr M Schneider, at Burnside, which will be open for inspection on Saturday and Sunday April 1 and 2. Proceeds will be for the St. David's Church building fund Burnside

Trams will leave Grenfell street at 2.46 p.m., 3.10 p.m.. and 3 34 p m. on both days. Motor cars will meet these trams and take passengers to the garden which is situated at the end of High street. ,

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1940

 The Mail

Saturday 7 September 1940

Garden Posters

R. M. Schneider, of Clifton, Burnside, has offered to open the delights of his garden and its inhabitants — emus, Kangaroos, wallabies, and koala bears — to the public on September 28 and 29. This kind of 'Alice in an Australian Wonderland'' party is designed to help the funds of the Kindergarten Union of South Australia. Students of the Kindergarten College and of the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts are designing posters illustrating a delightful garden setting, which will be displayed in Adelaide. A prize has been offered for the best poster. Entries close on September 17.

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The Advertiser

Thursday 26 September 1940

Garden Inspection

On Saturday and Sunday Afternoons

  The garden of Dr. and Mrs. M. Schneider will be open for inspection, and Boy Scouts will act as guides from the Burnside tram. Cool drinks, tea and biscuits will be available. At 4 p.m. a bell is rung at which the kangaroos, deer, emus, and birds all come rushing to be fed. The Kindergarten College and Lucy Morice Kindergarten will benefit from the proceeds.

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1946

 

 

 The Mail

 

Saturday 9 November 1946

 

 

Garden Party At Private Zoo

THERE are a number of attractions billed for the garden party at the home of Dr. Michael Schneider at Burnside next Saturdav afternoon.

Afternoon tea will be served, and there will be cool drinks and afternoon tea. Children will love feeding time at Dr. Schneider's private zoo. which consists of emus, koala bears, and kangaroos. Cars will meet the trams at the Burnside Post Office and drive people to the function, which will begin at 3 p.m. Proceeds will assist the Y.W.C.A

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The Advertiser

 

Monday 18 November 1946

Garden Inspection For Y.W.C JL

The YWCA National Fund will be increased by almost £70 as a result of a garden inspection held at the home of Dr. Michael Schneider, Burnside, on Saturday afternoon. The 500 visitors roamed among the large grounds, and at 4 pm. watched the kangaroos, emus and koalas being fed. The chairman of the Central Regional Committee -Mrs. Robert Crompton and a number of YWCA helpers arranged the party. Afternoon tea and ices were available, and there was a trading table.

 

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1947

 

The Advertiser

 

Thursday 10 April 1947

Garden Party And Fete

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of St. Bartholomew's Church, Norwood, a garden party and fete will be opened by the Bishop of Adelaide (the Right Rev. B. P. Robin) in the charming garden of Dr. Michael Schneider, at Clifton. High street, Burnside, at 3 pm on Saturday. There will be stalls for cakes, produce, 'women's work, cool drinks and afternoon tea, and sideshows and special playground facilities for children will be added attractions. A free bus will meet the Burnside trams at the Burnside Post Office between 2 pm. and 3 pm., returning at 5 pm. and 6 pm.

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Monday 14 April 1947

Out Among The People

By VOX

I WAS up on the heights at "Clifton," Burnside, on Saturday afternoon, and seeing Stonyfell quarry a few hundred yards up the tree-clad hill recalled the days when John Crompton used to show me nice quartz crystals from there. After his extensive travels abroad, I can understand why a restful old-world mansion, incidentally bearing the Knox coat of arms, should appeal to Dr. Michael Schneider and his Welsh wife. The Bishop of Adelaide opened a fete in connection with St. Bartholomew's Church 90th anniversary, and apologised for being late. He saw a lot of cars inside "Clifton" entrance gates, took the wrong turning, and found he was among the National Council of Women. Among the large crowd at the fete was the Rev. F. J. Price, rector from 1914 to 1921.

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1952

 Saturday 21 June 1952

PARISH BALL

Still another successful parish ball ran a cheery course last night. Friends and parishioners of St Theodore's. Rose Park, filled Burnside Town Hall. The Bishop of Adelaide (Rt. Rev B P. Robin) and Mrs. Robin were among guests welcomed by Archdeacon and Mrs; T. T. Reed. Mrs. Robin wore flame moire taffeta; Mrs. Reed's turquoise chiffon sparkled with sequins. Her daughter Airlie went to the dance from the debutante ball at Mount Osmond. .Mrs. Michael Schneider used the colours of the church flag in the spectacular stage decor of silvered leaves, red and cream flowers against a black velvet curtain. Barber striped candles, autumn strawberry leaves, and cumquats were original decorations for supper tables. Miss Kathleen Williams was among young people at the dance. Her frock was cerise moire taffeta with a silver kid belt. In her party were her sister. Betty. Misses Mary Drewer. Anne Schneider. Messrs. John Warner. Geoffrey Sexton. Ian Knox. and Ross Tilley.

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1953

The Advertiser

Tuesday 24 March 1953

May 13 will be an exciting day for Mrs. Michael Schneider, of Burnside. She will sail in the Strathnaver for England to revisit relatives whom she has not seen for several years.

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The Advertiser

 

 Saturday 2 May 1953

Debut At Clifton Hall

Clifton Hall, Burnside, home of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Schneider, was brilliantly floodlit for their daughter Anne's big coming-out dance last night. Silver carnations encrusted with rhinestones decorated Anne's French needle-run net frock, which had a bustle and a softly draped stole. Mrs. Schneider, who was hostess to 300 guests, pinned orchids and tuberoses to her powder blue Chantilly lace frock. Younger daughter, Wendy, wore sky blue net sprigged with pink flowers, and her sister, Barbara, was in apple green embroidered organdie. Their cousin, Irene Schneider, wore rose pink net em bossed in silver. Mrs. Schneider, Wendy, Barbara and son Michael joined in the debutante

waltz which Anne began with her father and finished with Mr. John Warner. Large gold urns filled with flowers decorated the marquee, silver leaves trailed over a trellis and flower baskets hung from the top of the marquee poles. Guests, who included several family friends, drank toasts to Anne and also to her mother and Mrs. Malcolm Miller. The two will travel together to England this month. Among a crowd of Alice's young friends were Misses Patricia Playford, Janice McLachlan, Jennifer Harry, Rosemary Gross, Messrs. John OKeefe. Robert Allnut, Ross Tilly and Robert Temme.

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 Tuesday 6 October 1953

Rural News In Brief

BLIND SOCIAL

The Church of England Guild of Service to the Blind will entertain blind members and children from Townsend

House at the annual social at Dr. Michael Schneider's wild life sanctuary at Burn side on October 17.

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Tuesday 15 December 1953

CAROLS

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Schneider will have their traditional Christmas Eve party at Clifton Hall, Burn side. Guests will arrive at 8 p.m., Norwood Band will play on. the terraced garden in lantern light, and every one will join in carol singing. Again, according to custom, Mrs. Schneider will include mince pies on the menu, made from ah old English recipe.

Saturday 26 December 1953

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- SOCIAL NEWS

U.K. Visitor's First Christmas In S.A.

English visitor Mr. Jack Pennington, who arrived at the week-end, was intrigued with his first Christmas party away from home.

'With his sister, Mjss Hilda Pennington, who was a guest of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Schneider at a Christmas carol singing party in their garden at Clifton Hall, Burnside. Guests sat on a softly lit terraced lawn while the Norwood Band played by lantern light. After the carol singing Dr. and Mrs. Schneider gave the bandsmen a traditional Christmas drink. Then the guests went inside for supper.

Fishnet Stole

Mrs. Schneider covered her shoulders of her slim black frock with a black fishnet stole lined with downy white. Among guests' were: — The Dean of Adelaide (Very Rev. T. T. Reed), Mrs. Reed and their daughters, Airlie and Elaine, the Rev. and Mrs. Rex. Harley and Rev. and Mrs. S. Mainstone with their families, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Jory, Mrs. Cecil Emery, Mr. Arthur Owen, another English visitor

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 1954

 

 

The Advertiser

 

Thursday 8 July 1954

 

 

About People

 

Misses Wendy and Barbara Schneider will be the two youngest dancers to take part in the Lancers at the Adelaide Hunt Club ball tomorrow night. They will have dinner with their parents. Dr. and Mrs Michael Schneider, of Clifton Hall Burnside, who have arranged a party be forehand at the South Australian Hotel. Their other daughter Anne has invited young friends in for drinks and savouries at Burnside.

 

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The Mail

 

  Saturday 23 October 1954

 

Square dance

 

IN the spacious garden at Clifton Hall. Burnside, home of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Schneider. Selwyn Harley tonight celebrated his twenty-first birthday. Selwyn's parents, the Rev. and Mrs. R. R. Harley, of Toorak Gardens, entertained 50 guests. There were square dancing, games and competitions, community singing to accordion music, a treasure hunt, and a big barbecue.

Anne and Michael Harley helped to entertain friends of their brother, who is secretary of the Racing Drivers' Association.  Other guests included Joan Kimber. Pamela Trudgen, Anne ,Wendy, and Barbara Schneider, Audrey Bannister Daphne Gower. Joy Wilson, Beth and Pamela Canham, Maureen Snell. Lynette Holbrook. Pamela Hood, Maureen Critchley. Nola Gates, Graham Scarman. David Ellis, Neil Bannister. Allan Moore, Robert Scrymgour. Keith Hutton, Maurice Rayner. Ronald Harris, Gerald Norton. Tom Kelner, and Bob Dodson.

 

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The Advertiser

 

Friday 17 December 1954

 

keeping up a quaint tradition,

 

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Schneider are looking for a dark man to cross their threshold after midnight on New Year's Eve. They have asked friends to see the new year in with them at Clifton Hall, Burnside, and wait for a 'dark man' to bring them good luck through 1955.

 

 

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