On this page members of the Maitland and District Historical Society are sharing their research into a variety of aspects of the history of our locality. New stories will be added as they become available.
Use search to find stories about the person, place, topic or keyword you are interested in.
A dignitary’s death and funeral, 1893
In the nineteenth century, the funerals of important public figure were significant occasions. This was very much the case with Richard Young, the sitting Mayor of West Maitland at the time of his death.
John Gillies, mayor and MP
John Gillies was for two years the Mayor of West Maitland and became for 20 years a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, known best for his promotion of the interests of Maitland.
Dr R J Pierce, loved nineteenth century medico
Robert Pierce was a Dublin-born doctor who practised medicine In the Hunter Valley for several years. After his death a fountain was erected in High St in his memory.
The Glenbawn Dam rumour and the 1955 flood
There is a persistent belief among some Maitland people that the severity of the 1955 flood was due to the deliberate blowing up of Glenbawn Dam on the Hunter River above the town of Aberdeen. It is not true.
Re-naming of Maitland’s public high schools in 1987 and 1990
When state Minister for Education Rodney Cavalier re-named two Maitland high schools, there was a strong community backlash and Cavalier’s initiative was eventually overturned.