Gunning & District Historical Society

 On the site of Chain of Ponds School. (l-r) author Garry Smith, GDHS archivist Keith Brown, Harold Hazell & Lyn Polsen (nee Hazell) This article is by guest blogger and Alchin family chronicler Garry Smith When the Chain of Ponds School burned down in October 1916 only the stone chimney and the water tank were left standing. The children still in attendance in that year were transferred to Lade Vale School. Among the many local names in attendance at the school during its history were Alchin, Hinds, King, Robinson, Waters, Bayley, Hately and Hazell; I am related to some of these families. Among the recent visitors to the site of the long gone school was Harold Hazell and his daughter Lyn Polsen (nee Hazell). Although I was there to represent the Alchin family, it is noteworthy that Harold’s grandmother, Mary Jane Hazell (nee Alchin) (1875-1941) was my great aunt. She was the daughter of Charles Alchin (1837-1908) and Mary Alchin (nee Stear) (1843-1897) – my grea...

Lawson Methodist Sunday School Picnic, 26th January 1914. Photo from Blue Mountains Local Studies / CC BY-SA 2.0   The long anticipated picnic of the Chain of Ponds Public School came off last Saturday, and was very successful. The youngsters assembled at half-past nine, and marched a short distance from the school into a corner of Mr. Hinds' paddock. On entering the gate they received sufficient sweets to allay their expectant appetites. They then began their day's sport, which was kept up vigorously by the promoters until dinner-time. The prizes in all cases being strongly contested for, delighted the spectators, and there soon began to appear on the scene a vast crowd of people, who, coming from all parts round about, kept increasing in number as the day advanced. The spread which was prepared by the mothers - was laid in the old schoolroom, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. The treat was all that could be desired; cakes of all descriptions,...