BLACKALL

THE "BLACK STUMP"

TUESDAY 2.07.2013: Stopped at the infamous Black Stump used for surveying purposes and which permanently marks the Astro Station established in 1887. Surveyors placed their transit on the stump for latitude and longitude observations and a stump was used rather than a set of legs to give more stability to the transit. At the time any country west of Blackall was considered to be "beyond the Black Stump". Visited the Blackall Cemetery - Jack Howe was a legendary shearer that shore an Australian record of 321 sheep in 7 hours 40 minutes in 1892. Also, in 1905 Roy Dunne set a record when he jumped his goat Nugget (as you do), over a 3' 6" hurdle. A photo of Roy and Nugget are on Roy's headstone.

The Blackall Caravan Park had left a flyer at the Information Centre advising of nightly entertainment (gold coin donation), and a camp dinner ($20.00), which was open to anyone. Rang and found out that even though we were not staying at the park we could still book in for the dinner and show. Poodle Palace was parked outside the van park and we carried in our chairs, plates, knives, forks and more importantly - the bottle of champagne! It was a great night - Graham Rodger, a bush balladeer (2013 Golden Guitar Winner at Tamworth), entertained us. We had a beautiful baked dinner cooked in the camp oven, followed by billy tea and damper. Bravo to the Blackall Caravan Park for their generosity and vision in opening up the evening to all - great night.

GRAHAM RODGER

Did you know? It is not widely known now but Blackall's claim to fame was once based on the popular, and for the time, risqué limerick:

 A popular girl of Blackall

Wore a newspaper dress to the ball,

Her rig-out caught fire

And burned her entire,

Front page,

sporting section and all.





 

The Eagle and the Nest was built with a focus on community and its connection to the Barcoo River. The eagle maintains vigil over the township and the river.