Green Family Properties
Kyneton and Baynton were the hub for homes for the Green families.
Spring Farm
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The information below has been taken from Robert Green’s “My Story” and Ken James and Noel Davis “A History of Baynton” 2012.
Spring Farm is 2.4 km east from Greens Lane.
Spring Farm (240 acres) was selected and purchased between 1862- 1866 by William Green (Robert and Lydia’s son). A creek ran through the property and there was almost a constant stream of running water. Robert and Lydia and their four sons, Robert, William (Billy), (Edward) Septimus and George (Octavius) moved to Spring Farm. Lydia refused to move there until a “proper” house of stone was built. These stone walls are still part of the Spring Farm house.
It was William (Billy Green) who established “Spring Farm”. He enclosed the flats and slopes adjacent to the creek with a hawthorn hedge and planted the 10 acres with a great variety of apples, pears, plums, apricots, cherries, peaches, nectarines, mulberries, nuts, raspberries and currants. From this orchard he supplied the diggers en route to Heathcote goldfields (then known as McIvor) about 25kms to the north. This was a good business venture. Apples sold at 20 pence per case and the small fruits and berries commanded very attractive prices.
“In spring this valley of hawthorn and multi-coloured fruit blossoms, intersected by the winding creek draped in willows and marked by tall poplars, won for the pioneer orchardist the reputation of a landscape gardener. It was probably the most beautiful homestead in the district.”
The Mission Hall can be viewed from the Mission Hill Road, 1.9 kms from Spring Farm.
In the early 1900’s, George (Octavius) Green, who had a heart for the young people of the district, along with his nephews Harry (William) and George Edward (married Agnes Isabella Kilpatrick in 1901), Andrew and Jack Kilpatrick and others, “began weekly meetings in homes on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Young people throughout the district came in little parties, across the hills, almost exclusively on foot, carrying their hurricane lanterns and their Bibles and Hymn books, generally singing as they went. Every meeting was crowded. It consisted of singing- plenty of it, short prayers, Bible reading, a five or six minute talk by someone selected for each meeting. There was always an opportunity for anyone to briefly say what he or she could not keep to themselves. Scores of young people were given new horizons and led into a truer view of living. The men of the district saw that things were happening and that something had to be done about it. A central meeting place was needed. Mr. Robert Kilpatrick gave a block of land; working bees built a stone hall, about midway between the churches” in Baynton and Emu Flat.
The Mission Hall was opened, with a packed and overflowing congregation, by Rev J.R. Crocket, the young local Presbyterian minister. The building was most likely designed and built largely by William Green. The activities included 11am Sunday School, all ages 7pm Sunday service, Thursday 8pm Fellowship meeting, Saturday 8pm Prayer meeting. A choir was organized for the musically talented in the district - this activity would not have been possible within the churches at that time. Debating teams and theatricals developed there as well.
Ada Millicent (Millie) Green of Spring Farm and Edward Hayes were married in the Mission Hall. It’s probably where they met and it seems to be the only wedding to take place there.
Spring Farm (240 acres) was selected and purchased between 1862- 1866 by William Green (Robert and Lydia’s son). A creek ran through the property and there was almost a constant stream of running water. Robert and Lydia and their four sons, Robert, William (Billy), (Edward) Septimus and George (Octavius) moved to Spring Farm. Lydia refused to move there until a “proper” house of stone was built. These stone walls are still part of the Spring Farm house.
It was William (Billy Green) who established “Spring Farm”. He enclosed the flats and slopes adjacent to the creek with a hawthorn hedge and planted the 10 acres with a great variety of apples, pears, plums, apricots, cherries, peaches, nectarines, mulberries, nuts, raspberries and currants. From this orchard he supplied the diggers en route to Heathcote goldfields (then known as McIvor) about 25kms to the north. This was a good business venture. Apples sold at 20 pence per case and the small fruits and berries commanded very attractive prices.
“In spring this valley of hawthorn and multi-coloured fruit blossoms, intersected by the winding creek draped in willows and marked by tall poplars, won for the pioneer orchardist the reputation of a landscape gardener. It was probably the most beautiful homestead in the district.”
The Mission Hall can be viewed from the Mission Hill Road, 1.9 kms from Spring Farm.
In the early 1900’s, George (Octavius) Green, who had a heart for the young people of the district, along with his nephews Harry (William) and George Edward (married Agnes Isabella Kilpatrick in 1901), Andrew and Jack Kilpatrick and others, “began weekly meetings in homes on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Young people throughout the district came in little parties, across the hills, almost exclusively on foot, carrying their hurricane lanterns and their Bibles and Hymn books, generally singing as they went. Every meeting was crowded. It consisted of singing- plenty of it, short prayers, Bible reading, a five or six minute talk by someone selected for each meeting. There was always an opportunity for anyone to briefly say what he or she could not keep to themselves. Scores of young people were given new horizons and led into a truer view of living. The men of the district saw that things were happening and that something had to be done about it. A central meeting place was needed. Mr. Robert Kilpatrick gave a block of land; working bees built a stone hall, about midway between the churches” in Baynton and Emu Flat.
The Mission Hall was opened, with a packed and overflowing congregation, by Rev J.R. Crocket, the young local Presbyterian minister. The building was most likely designed and built largely by William Green. The activities included 11am Sunday School, all ages 7pm Sunday service, Thursday 8pm Fellowship meeting, Saturday 8pm Prayer meeting. A choir was organized for the musically talented in the district - this activity would not have been possible within the churches at that time. Debating teams and theatricals developed there as well.
Ada Millicent (Millie) Green of Spring Farm and Edward Hayes were married in the Mission Hall. It’s probably where they met and it seems to be the only wedding to take place there.
Hawthorn Farm
We need some old photos of Hawthorn Farm, please.
The information below has been taken from Robert Green’s “My Story” and Ken James and Noel Davis “A History of Baynton” 2012.
Hawthorn Farm is 3.5 km north east of the Baynton Hall. Travel north 0.5km, then turn right onto the Mission Hill Road. Travel east for 2.3km, then turn left at Green’s Lane. At 0.7km along Green’s Lane “The Old Barn” which is a granite building partly fallen down now, can be seen on the left, looking back towards the Mission Hill Road, amongst the trees (May need binoculars). The Edith Green (Anderson) family lived in a hut by the Old Barn for several years. Continue travelling 1.4 km to Hawthorn Farm.
The four Green brothers, Robert Hammond, William, (Edward) Septimus and George (Octavius) and their parents, Robert and Lydia, purchased blocks of land as they became available. Hawthorn Farm was originally selected by the Gavels and the Chanters. Son Robert’s 80 acres was purchased. Originally named “Table Top”, Robert renamed it “Hawthorn Farm”.
Notice the old mulberry tree and pear tree which would have been planted many years ago.
Robert married his cousin Emily (daughter of William and Martha Green) and they had four children: Emily, Elizabeth, Robert William (Billy) and Martha Leticia (Patti) none of whom married. Billy owned a T-model Ford, which was quite rare in Baynton before 1920. He had a shearing shed and shearing team and shore a great many of the district’s sheep. Billy had a steam engine to drive the machines, which was quite modern before 1920.
Behind the granite house would have been the shearing shed and Billy’s machinery. The bluestone building was used as a wash-house by the Greens.
Patti Green operated the Baynton telephone exchange from Hawthorn Farm.
Rowland Parry (William and Martha’s great-grandson, who was a cousin (once removed) of Billy Green, worked at Hawthorn farm during 1930’s. Emily died in 1937, then Billy and Rowland died in 1945. At this time, Rowland Parry's family lived with Patti at Hawthorn Farm. Rowland's wife Emmiline had six daughters and four sons with her to help around the property. Eileen Parry, the eldest child, was 20 years old when Billy and her father Rowland died. Rowland Kenneth Parry was the youngest, born the year his father died, 1945. Eileen took over operating the telephone exchange from Patti as well as operating the local post office for some time. Baynton even had its own postal stamp.
Hawthorn Farm was sold in 1960 when Patti died.
The current owners have lovingly restored the property.
The four Green brothers, Robert Hammond, William, (Edward) Septimus and George (Octavius) and their parents, Robert and Lydia, purchased blocks of land as they became available. Hawthorn Farm was originally selected by the Gavels and the Chanters. Son Robert’s 80 acres was purchased. Originally named “Table Top”, Robert renamed it “Hawthorn Farm”.
Notice the old mulberry tree and pear tree which would have been planted many years ago.
Robert married his cousin Emily (daughter of William and Martha Green) and they had four children: Emily, Elizabeth, Robert William (Billy) and Martha Leticia (Patti) none of whom married. Billy owned a T-model Ford, which was quite rare in Baynton before 1920. He had a shearing shed and shearing team and shore a great many of the district’s sheep. Billy had a steam engine to drive the machines, which was quite modern before 1920.
Behind the granite house would have been the shearing shed and Billy’s machinery. The bluestone building was used as a wash-house by the Greens.
Patti Green operated the Baynton telephone exchange from Hawthorn Farm.
Rowland Parry (William and Martha’s great-grandson, who was a cousin (once removed) of Billy Green, worked at Hawthorn farm during 1930’s. Emily died in 1937, then Billy and Rowland died in 1945. At this time, Rowland Parry's family lived with Patti at Hawthorn Farm. Rowland's wife Emmiline had six daughters and four sons with her to help around the property. Eileen Parry, the eldest child, was 20 years old when Billy and her father Rowland died. Rowland Kenneth Parry was the youngest, born the year his father died, 1945. Eileen took over operating the telephone exchange from Patti as well as operating the local post office for some time. Baynton even had its own postal stamp.
Hawthorn Farm was sold in 1960 when Patti died.
The current owners have lovingly restored the property.
Glenbrook Farm
We need some old photos of Glenbrook Farm, please.
The information below has been taken from Robert Green’s “My Story” and Ken James and Noel Davis “A History of Baynton” 2012.
Glenbrook Homestead is 2.1 km south east of Baynton Hall. Drive 0.8km south down Darlington Rd, turn left at Young Rd, travel 1.2km east then turn right. Glenbrook is 0.1km on left side. A tall cypress hedge prominently planted at the front is a distinguishing feature. It was planted by Randall Green (who was considered very innovative) soon after he took over the farm. The hedge grew well and sheltered the homestead from the wind.
The four Green brothers, Robert, William (Billy), (Edward) Septimus and George (Octavius), with their father, Robert, purchased blocks of land as they became available. The regulations governing Selection required the selector to live on the land. The brother’s partnership meant sharing of equipment. They worked were needed, sometimes camping out in tents or wattle-and-daub huts for long periods. Around the turn of 20th century, the Green brother’s partnership was dissolved and the land divided up between them. William continued living at Spring Farm and also owned Glenbrook. William (Billy) Green’s sons, William Henry (Harry) and George worked Glenbrook for some time. Their sisters, Annie (Suze), Amy and Mary (Mollie) lived at “Hurstridge” (the house on the Lancefield Road on the west side of Glenbrook) where they kept house for Harry and George, milked cows and operated the post office.
George and Harry left Glenbrook and Randall took over, incorporating “Hurstridge” into Glenbrook. In 1910 Randall married Florence Moss and they had seven children: Randall Myles (1911), Elsie Millicent (1914), Florence Isobel (1916), Wilfred and Hilary- twins (1920), Joyce (1923) and Lois (1927). Florence operated the post office at Glenbrook for some years. She drove to Kyneton to shop regularly (weekly or fortnightly). There was a regular delivery of groceries to Glenbrook from Lancefield. Once an Indian Hawker visited Glenbrook selling sewing supplies and material. Randall grew his own forest and set up a sawmill known as “Red Poles’. He was very innovative and used gravitation to bring water from the springs of the hills for gardens and stock. Glenbrook was first in the district to have radio, sewerage and hot water for bathroom and kitchen.
Myles, Elsie and Florence went to school riding ponies to Baynton West Primary School. When the new school opened in 1925, the children could walk to school. The school teachers often boarded at Glenbrook. They included Ruby Nicholas (Barbara Anderson married her brother) and Norman Hine (Elsie Green married his brother, Jack Hine).
In 1956 Randall Green died at Glenbrook. His wife, Florence, daughter Flo, and Wilfred continued to farm at Glenbrook. When Florence died in 1972, Glenbrook was sold.
The four Green brothers, Robert, William (Billy), (Edward) Septimus and George (Octavius), with their father, Robert, purchased blocks of land as they became available. The regulations governing Selection required the selector to live on the land. The brother’s partnership meant sharing of equipment. They worked were needed, sometimes camping out in tents or wattle-and-daub huts for long periods. Around the turn of 20th century, the Green brother’s partnership was dissolved and the land divided up between them. William continued living at Spring Farm and also owned Glenbrook. William (Billy) Green’s sons, William Henry (Harry) and George worked Glenbrook for some time. Their sisters, Annie (Suze), Amy and Mary (Mollie) lived at “Hurstridge” (the house on the Lancefield Road on the west side of Glenbrook) where they kept house for Harry and George, milked cows and operated the post office.
George and Harry left Glenbrook and Randall took over, incorporating “Hurstridge” into Glenbrook. In 1910 Randall married Florence Moss and they had seven children: Randall Myles (1911), Elsie Millicent (1914), Florence Isobel (1916), Wilfred and Hilary- twins (1920), Joyce (1923) and Lois (1927). Florence operated the post office at Glenbrook for some years. She drove to Kyneton to shop regularly (weekly or fortnightly). There was a regular delivery of groceries to Glenbrook from Lancefield. Once an Indian Hawker visited Glenbrook selling sewing supplies and material. Randall grew his own forest and set up a sawmill known as “Red Poles’. He was very innovative and used gravitation to bring water from the springs of the hills for gardens and stock. Glenbrook was first in the district to have radio, sewerage and hot water for bathroom and kitchen.
Myles, Elsie and Florence went to school riding ponies to Baynton West Primary School. When the new school opened in 1925, the children could walk to school. The school teachers often boarded at Glenbrook. They included Ruby Nicholas (Barbara Anderson married her brother) and Norman Hine (Elsie Green married his brother, Jack Hine).
In 1956 Randall Green died at Glenbrook. His wife, Florence, daughter Flo, and Wilfred continued to farm at Glenbrook. When Florence died in 1972, Glenbrook was sold.
Fernbank Farm
Robert & Matilda Kilpatrick's family home
Robert and Matilda established this farm in the 1860's. It is the farm nearest to Spring Farm and a further up the hill nearer the Chapel.
Fernbank was left to Billy. Billy and Mollie sold it 1919 and rented a place opposite the Baynton Church for four years. |
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Alkoomie Farm
Baynton home of Billy & Mollie Kilpatrick
In 1923, Billy & Mollie bought Alkoomie, in East Baynton Sugarloaf area. Billy built a timber home there. “A very nice place” according to Lorna (Billy’s and Molly’s eldest child).
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