100 Stories from 100 Years
Artist: Chantale Delrue
footpath mosaics
2001/2
Location: Southern footpath, between Eady & Terry Streets, Glenorchy
100 Stories from 11 Years is a community history and public art project that celebrates the history of Glenorchy, its stories and its people, commemorating this community’s achievements since Federation through a focus on everyday stories from Moonah to Collinsvale, Austin’s Ferry to Lutana, Berridale and beyond.
Photographs: Rosie Hastie
1901 – 1911
In 1901, the population of Glenrochy was 2392.
Fanny Cochrane-Smith died. February 24, 1905
Shells symbolise the original inhabitants of the land, the Mouheneenner people.
Orchards: Leslie Murdock produced more cider than any other factory in the colonies.
The Wilcox Mofflin Tannery and the Murray Field Soap and Candle Factory were some of the major industries established during this period.
1911 – 1921
1914 saw the founding of the second Glenorchy industrial area and the first aeroplane flight in September by “Discovery”.
The establishment of the Electrolyte Zinc Works Company was in 1918.
1914 – 18. The Diggers went off to the First World War.
Many women worked for the Red Cross during the war years.
The selling of fish and buying of rabbit skins in the streets was part of everyday life.
The introduction of an extra tariff for every ratepayer was to help fund the eradication of coddling moth in the orchards.
1921 – 1931
During this decade the forest industry within Glenorchy was in full swing.
The red shoes represent the journey many women took on Friday nights to Hobart by tram, to go dancing, wearing corsages of camellias. They walked home bare foot to save money, carrying their stockings and shoes.
Many children jumped from the jetty at Montrose into the cool Derwent River during the hot summer months.
A poplar tree near the jetty fell and killed a child.
1931 – 1941
A member of the Glenorchy Community had a romantic cruise on the Lisa Lilly while others kindled their love under the spell of the full moon.
The ladle represents the soup kitchens that were a welcome respite during the Great Depression, which lasted till the end of the Second World War.
Glenorchy was known as ‘Snake Valley’.
The Glenorchy Railway was essential for the transport of local produce.
One Glenorchy family used a single pram to carry two babies, which were fondly known as the two-headed baby.
1941 – 1951
This decade saw the first sighting of Japanese recognisance planes.
High-grade zinc was produced at the Zinc Works being an essential element in the manufacture of the brass used in the production of ammunition shell and cartridge cases. The zinc was also used in galvanising iron for use in tank and ship fittings.
The migration of people from Europe to Glenorchy began after the conclusion of the Second World War.
Claudio Alcorso migrated to Australia from Italy and established the silk and textiles factory. Employees spun, wove, dyed, printed and finished the textiles.
1951 – 1961
In 1958 the first grape vines were planted at Moorilla.
There was a housing boom in Glenorchy during this decade, due to the establishment of new industries in the region.
A memorable Royal Visit. In 1954 Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II visited Tasmania.
This decade saw the establishment of the King George V football ground.
1961 – 1971
This decade saw the establishment of the first night club in southern Tasmania, the Blue Moon Club.
Floods and the devastating bushfires of 1967 swept through Glenorchy during this time.
Citizens of all ages were actively encouraged to propagate geraniums and grow them throughout the municipality as part of ‘the beautification of Glenorchy’, becoming known as Geranium City.
1971 – 1981
In 1975 the “Lake Illawarra” crashed into the Derwent Bridge carrying 9665 tons of zinc concentrate and demolishing a large part of the bridge.
True to the changeable weather of Tasmania, the Regatta that started out as a nice sunny day on the riverbank, turned into a storm.
1981 – 1991
This decade saw the arrival of the Hmong community and their establishment of market gardens in Glenorchy.
The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress was founded, situated at St Matthews Church.
Construction of the Derwent Entertainment Centre.
1991 – 2001
The arrival of the Olympic Torch in Glenorchy marked the start of the 2000 Olympics and a family laments the loss of a dear friend, the family cat.
‘Symphony Under the Stars’ was established as an annual free event at Tolosa Park, in partnership with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.