Eden Timeline
A Glance At Eden's Rich History TimeLine
From the early habitation of the Tharwa people of the Yuin Nation, through European settlement up to today, Eden’s affinity with the ocean is deep. Whales, whaling and fishing have played a large part in the development of the town. The Greenseas fish cannery was a major industry for 40 years in Eden.
Killer whales have been key players in the history of whaling starting with the Tharwa, 6,000 years ago, and ending with the Davidson whaling family. The Orcas are now returning to Eden and are part of the whale watching attractions. Eden, in Twofold Bay, was designated a town in 1843 by Sir George Gipps, Governor of the colony of New South Wales, Australia. George Gipps was Private Secretary to George Eden, Earl of Auckland, Governor-General of India from 1836 to 1842 and he had been First Lord of the Admiralty.
Timeline
1947
July: At a meeting of the Eden Fishermen’s Co-operative fishermen decided not to use Nimmitabel as the despatch centre but to send all fish direct to Sydney and Melbourne markets. The Co-operative also stressed the need for fast road transport to take the fish direct from Eden to Sydney.
Before the State Government established the Nimmitabel Co-operative, fish was transported by road from Eden to Melbourne. Subsequently, however, the fishermen were told that fish would have to be sent to Nimmitabel, where it was placed in the freezing chambers. From there it was later sent to Sydney and Melbourne.
Work began on the construction of the Green Products Cannery at Cattle Bay.
1949
Tuna cannery opened.
Eden Fishermen’s Club opened.
1950
Illawarra Steam Navigation Company goes into voluntary liquidation.
1952
Fires flared up again today in the far South Coast, destroying 10 homes in the small township of Wonboyn, about 20 miles south of Eden. Little could be learned of the extent of this fire late tonight, but several other homesteads and properties are believed to be endangered. Thousands of volunteers, smoke-blackened and without sleep for two days, have been separated into brigades and sent out to combat the fresh outbreaks.
Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 – 1954) 28 Jan 1952
Fires, which had been burning slowly in many areas over the past few weeks, were whipped up by the hot north-westerly on Friday morning last and became avenging monsters of red flames and choking smoke which hungrily devoured all before it and left in its wake smouldering ruins of houses, blackened trees and bare scorched earth which would bring tears to the eyes of the most hardened observer.
Friday, January 25, 1952 will live in the memories of our present generation as the day of the most devastating and destructive fires ever experienced on the Far South Coast Early in the morning a fierce hot north-west wind was in evidence and it soon became apparent that trouble was brewing for the coastal area.
1954
The sleeper-cutting industry ends in Eden with competition from W.A. blamed.
1957
Completion of restoration of Seahorse Inn by R.B. Whiter & sons. Restorations began in 1936.
1960
Mobil constructed a dedicated wharf, tanks, and plant for small-scale petroleum imports and distribution to southern New South Wales.
1961
The cannery formally owned by the Green family sold to Kraft Foods.
Kiah now has electricity after years of agitation by Kiah residents to have electric power extended to the area they now have their wish granted at last. The power line which has been under construction for some months has been energised as far as the Kiah hall. Some residents have been connected and are now enjoying the benefits of the power for which they have fought so tenaciously.
The date for the celebration of the turning on of the electricity has been set for August 25th when an outstanding night has been promised. The Magnet August 3, 1961
Increasing interest and sailing and powerboating in the district leads to the formation of the Eden Aquatic Club.
1969
Harris-Daishowa (Aust) Pty Ltd incorporated 20th December joint venture between Daishowa Paper Manufacturing Co and Harris Holdings Pty Ltd.
1971
The present Post Office was opened in Imlay Street.
Harris Daishowa constructed woodchip storage and packaging facilities.
Ben Boyd National Park was reserved.