Northmead residents will be familiar with James Ruse Drive, but did you know that before it became a section of freeway, it used to be a narrow lane heading from Kissing Point Road to the Orphan School, a lane which was known as Orphan School Lane.
The Orphan School still stands today in the grounds of Western Sydney University's Parramatta South Campus. Here is some more of its story from the City of Parramatta's History and Heritage website:
By 1829 the female orphanage housed 152 girls from a cross-section of colonial society including Aboriginal communities. Most girls had convict parents or mothers. Many had one living parent. Girls were accepted in the house from two years of age which was lowered from the original age limit of five. Girls received a basic education and were placed as domestic servants at thirteen.
Recognising the first post office receiving room set up in the district by Mrs Lizzie Cleburne in 1914.
In our preliminary research for significant people of the past, Lizzie Cleburne features having set up the first post office receiving room in October 1914.
The City of Parramatta History and Heritage website records:
The large residential subdivision known as the Northmead Estate was advertised for sale in November 1914. Comprising seventy-five lots, the blocks had frontages to Brien’s Road, Klein’s Road and Northmead Avenue and were conveniently located near the tramline. With a growing suburban population, local residents applied for the provision of a post office, which was initially set up in the home of Mrs. Lizzie Cleburne in October 1914. The name ‘Northmead’ was adopted when the official post office was opened in January 1916.
In our preliminary research for significant people of the past, Lizzie Cleburne features having set up the first post office receiving room in October 1914.
The City of Parramatta History and Heritage website records:
The large residential subdivision known as the Northmead Estate was advertised for sale in November 1914. Comprising seventy-five lots, the blocks had frontages to Brien’s Road, Klein’s Road and Northmead Avenue and were conveniently located near the tramline. With a growing suburban population, local residents applied for the provision of a post office, which was initially set up in the home of Mrs. Lizzie Cleburne in October 1914. The name ‘Northmead’ was adopted when the official post office was opened in January 1916.
