Blackheath & District Horticultural Society Inc

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Who are “Blackheathens”? And how did we come to have the oldest horticultural society in Australia?

(Image “Boiling the Billy at Evans Lookout 1922” courtesy of Blue Mountains Library Social Studies Collection)

Initially named “Hounslow” Blackheath is recorded as having had a population of 12 residents in 1885. By the 1920’s it was the focus of a tourist industry aimed at bushwalking, looking at the various mountain views and generally accessing fresh air away from the smog and bustle of the city.

(Image courtesy of Blue Mountains Library Social Studies Collection)

Trains from Sydney contributed to the development of a thriving tourist and hospitality industry including hire cars to view the sights.

(Image courtesy Blue Mountains Library Social Studies Collection – note the telephone number at the top of the left page)

As a result, to support the tourist industry the town became a magnet to growing numbers of residents.

(Images above courtesy of Blue Mountains Library Social Studies collection)

On 30 March 1920 the Blackheath District Horticultural Arts & Industrial Society was founded membership being open to residents of Blackheath & Mount Victoria. Over the years the organisation became known as the Blackheath & District Horticultural Society.