Learn about the historic township of Paterson during the Paterson Historic Walk on March 13.
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The walk, which starts at 1pm, will be hosted by Paterson Historical Society president, Dr Cameron Archer.
Paterson’s once-thriving orange industry will be the theme of the walk, which will include an afternoon tea break at the town’s museum.
“It will also include a visit to a World War II bunker behind a private residence in the village,” Dr Archer said.
“The proximity of the Paterson Public School to the railway bridge meant that the school children could have been collateral if the bridge was bombed by an enemy attack.
“This bunker was built by volunteer labour using rocks and railway sleepers.”
Bunkers like this were built across NSW and Queensland in preparation for any enemy air attacks.
“This one is unique because it is the only one known to be still intact,” he said.
“However, it cannot be entered because of decay of some of the railway sleepers.”
The Paterson Courthouse Museum will be open after the walk. The entry fee is included in the cost.
Society member Val Patfield’s book about the Paterson River orange industry will be launched at the courthouse at 1pm.
“Oranges were a signature crop in the Valley for decades from the late 1800s until after World War II,” Dr Archer said.
“They suited the smaller farmer who could work the orchard in association with other farm enterprises, usually dairying.
“The seeded sweet oranges thrived in the local climate and on the rich alluvial river flat soils although some were planted in steep areas that had been gullies in the rainforest.”
Cost is $5 per person.This includes entry to the museum and afternoon tea. Children are free.
