Crawford Collection: Tenterfield

This series contains comprehensive archival material documenting the history of Tenterfield and the surrounding district from the earliest days of European settlement through to the mid-twentieth century, compiled primarily by Norman Crawford but including contributions from numerous creators. The collection's strength lies in Crawford's meticulous compilation of reminiscences from early settlers, which can be traced from original notes on small pieces of recycled paper and envelope interiors, to entries on note paper, and finally to printed form, often as printer's proofs in long slip form. These reminiscences document pioneer experiences, early industries, pastoral stations, mining operations, and community development.

The series includes Tenterfield District Historical Society records (minute books 1939-1958, correspondence, annual reports, treasurer's account book 1939-1959, membership records), extensive correspondence relating to local history research (including letters from historians Louise T. Daley, R.C. Law, and numerous local informants spanning 1898-1961), manuscript articles and research notes by Crawford on diverse topics including early settlement, Aboriginal place names, bushrangers, industries, churches, significant local figures, and geographical features. Major documentary holdings include extracts from Sub Gold Commissioners' letter books (Fairfield and Timbarra 1859-1863), Court of Requests records (1847-1869), electoral rolls (1894-1895), and reminiscences from over forty named early settlers including Edward Irby, E.D.S. Ogilvie, Thomas Welburn, and members of prominent families (Chauvel, Crawford, Hill, Sommerlad, Dickson, Clark, Heiss families). Materials relating to significant events and institutions document the send-off of the 'Kurrajongs' (January 1916), Tenterfield Municipal Jubilee (1871-1921), Sir Henry Parkes's famous Tenterfield Oration (1889) and commemorations, Back to Tenterfield Week (1949), Tenterfield Centenary (1942), royal visits, School of Arts developments, and various churches, schools, and community organizations.

Extensive photographic materials (over 200 items) depict Tenterfield streetscapes from the 1850s onwards, buildings, floods, rural scenes, agricultural shows, military groups (including Lloyd Lindsay Section Military Tournament 1896), sporting teams, brass bands, prominent citizens, pastoral properties (Bolivia, Yulgilbar, Maidenhead, Barney Downs stations), construction of water supply dam, and royal visits. The series contains substantial holdings of newspapers including bound volumes of Tenterfield Record (1875-1881, 1885, 1890) and Tenterfield Star (1886-1887), plus single issues and clippings spanning 1857-1958. Cartographic materials comprise fifteen parish maps, estate subdivision maps (including Tenterfield Station 1907, Windaroo Estate 1893), and railway plans. Publications include souvenir booklets, church histories, regional research monographs from the University of New England, historical society bulletins, military documents, electoral material, tourism brochures, and Crawford's published work Tenterfield (1949). Materials also document Crawford's broader interests including primary production, national development policy, new state movement, World War I and II, and social reform movements. Much of Crawford's work was published in historical articles for local newspapers and his book Tenterfield.