WALKABOUT with Ruth EDGECLIFF RD - Part Two

Walkabout

with Ruth Edgecliff Road Part Two

In this Ed 37, I walk down the rest of Edgecliff Rd, the last part of my two part series. Suprisingly, I found a lot of hidden history in the backstreets.

I begin my walk at Harbourview Park, a small park surrounded by Victorian and modern houses.

Harbourview Park was established as a result of an agreement undertaken on Oct 15, 1900 between Woollahra Council and Edward Knox Harkness. The land on which the park is now established was originally part of the Cooper Estate, which belonged to the Cooper Family of whom Sir Daniel Cooper (1821-1902) of Woollahra House was the head.

Cooper sold it and surrounding land to Edward Knox Harkness. Harkness was a local land developer and builder who was responsible for (among other projects in the Municipality) developing the land around Bathurst St, Edgecliff Rd, Magney St, Harkness St, Russell St and Edward St.

As a result of the agreement, Harkness sold a number of lots of land to Council. This land, in addition to some other pieces of land originally dedicated as roadway and easements was used to form Harbourview Park.

I continue my walk down Russell St and right into Edward St, passing Harkness Estate Victorian houses then walk up steep Bathurst St, then left into Fletcher St.

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Harbourview Park

View St

Fletcher St

Rowe St Edgecliff Rd

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Adelaide St

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Source: www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au Photos: Ruth Kliman

Next to the Synagogue is Holy Cross College Primary School which was once Fletcher's Iron Works. They made the 'Younger' stove and iron railings from 1870 to 1950. It was demolished in 1952. Holy Cross College, was established on the site of the Waverley Brewery in 1908, erecting the substantial Federation Romanesque structure and duplicating the western end around 1918.

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I walk down Edgecliff Road and turn into Adelaide St to the Holy Cross Church. This Roman Catholic Church was built in 1907 and enlarged twice. The present church (Austin Mackay) was opened in 1940, is of Art Deco style with Romanesque windows and prominent stained glass depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Walking down Fletcher St situated at the corner of Small St and Fletcher St, there is a sandstone house on the corner. A plaque marks the shelling from the Japanese submarine attack in WW11. Shrapnel exploded here and created a small crater over a wide area causing damage to houses in Small St. Across the road is The Sephardi Synagogue, it was consecrated in 1962 and is the oldest Sephardi house of prayer in Australia. It was established by the NSW Association of Sephardim, an organisation that functions as an advocate for Jews in Australia of Spanish, Middle Eastern North African and Asian backgrounds, promoting the observance of Sephardi liturgy and the preservation of time-honoured traditions, as a constituent of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. In its early years, the Association was particular active in assisting Sephardim wishing to migrate to Australia.

Walking down Edgecliff Road towards Bondi Junction passing Grosvenor St I turn into Rowe St, which backs onto Syd Einfeld Drive overpass. I pass a house that has made a very significant impact on Sydney's senior Jewish community lives.

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This house is the home of COA. COA is an organisation created by Jewish seniors, for the benefit of Jewish seniors, with services delivered by Jewish seniors.

It started as a purely volunteer organisation. Within the first decade COA had developed a number of services in direct response to member needs, and had taken on five staff members to handle the administration required to run these services to government specifications. COA runs with 160 active volunteers, aided by 15 staff members - the majority of whom are part time.

Across the road is Jewish Folk Centre, which also offers social and cultural events for members of the Sydney community who are from Israeli origin.

Talking and teaching Tarot

with Ruth Marks

Hi Everyone, Omricon is spreading fast, but we can still go out ...be mindful and get tested if you have any symptoms.

Wear a mask, distance and keep up-to-date with the ever changing news about the virus.

Have a healthy happy new year. May 2022 be a better year. Take care. Stay safe.

If you need any advice or decisions to make please don't hesitate to phone Ruth Marks 0414 273 104.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 -Jan 19) THE WORLD is the Tarot card for CAPRICORN. This card shows a Goddess encircled by a wreath of leaves and fruits.

She looks free and unencumbered by worries or concerns. This relates to the starting of a new cycle. THE GODDESS is disciplined and responsible.

There will be personal growth and transformation ahead. She is ambitious and organised. She is ruled by the Planet Saturn. She can also be stern and judgemental. Achievement is in her blood. Many Capricorns start with nothing and grow to great heights. You are guaranteed success if you perservere. Most important that you make time for play. If you are feeling tired or in a rut or emotionally drained plan a trip. Travel will inspire you, you must take time for play. Lucky Gemstone: Diamond Lucky Number: 9 Lucky Colours: Brown and Green

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 19) THE STAR is the Tarot Card for AQUARIUS This Card shows a Goddess kneeling with one foot in a pool of swirling water where she is watering flowers which are beginning to bloom. This means growth on the horizon. She has a cosmic balance which indicates balance within. THE STAR is a very lucky card but does suggest you stick to one thing at a time and finish a job properly. It is important to pace yourself, this will give you better results. If you put your energy into one thing at a time you will be very successful. You are always ahead of time. You have inspiration in yourself so use it properly. This will enable you to have a successful year. If you can you must enjoy the waters and beaches around you as water inspires you. Lucky Gemstone: Amethyst Lucky Numbers: 12 & 7 Lucky Colours: Lilac & Green

Love and Light to all...Stay safe, be positive...

RUTH MARKS

TAROT CARD READER

0414 273 104

Google Ruth Marks Tarot Card Reader Tarot Card lessons available