Category Blog

After the death of John Benton Wild, his widow Emmeline Ann Susannah of Vanderville released 100 acres to establish a village in 1858.

John Benton Wilde 1803-1837
Emmeline Ann Susannah Wild nee Gaudry

Although her intention had been to call it “The Private Village of Vanderville”, it became known as The Oaks when the Post Office opened on January 1st 1858. This name was given by botanist George Caley when he visited the area in 1804 and named after the rose she oak trees which grew in profusion. (casuarina torulosa)

The remaining estate was sold at public auction in 1979 by John Henry Wild 2nd, son of John Benton.

The first Postmaster was Edward Reilly until 1885 and he was succeeded by widow Julietta Jones who ran the post office from her store on John Street...

Historical Society president Trish Hill attended the replacement of Bud Singh’s plaque at Camden Hospital.

Read about Bud Singh.

THE WILD CATTLE OF THE COWPASTURES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE OAKS

The area around The Oaks owes its early European history to the story of the Wild Cattle of the Cowpastures.

Captain Phillip purchased stores from South Africa when the First Fleet sailed to Australia. Included were cattle had been bred from Hottentott cattle which originated in Botswana. He purchased one bull, seven cows and one bull calf in addition to other live domestic stock suitable for starting a breeding program to provide a source of familiar meat in the new colony. Cattle pens were built on the ship and the cattle had their horns removed to prevent injury. On arrival however only five cows remained plus the bull and calf...