Welcome to the
Hyden Pictorial History
This Pictorial History has been underway for more than two decades: a history of Hyden’s first century. Mrs Ina Lynch unveiled a collection of photographs and interviews she lodged at the Telecentre in June ’95, evidence of pioneer pride for the history of the district.
In 2010, the centenary Sub Committee of the Progress Association mapped out such a history in photographic albums, and began event checklists.
Retiree Ted Mouritz took on the task of expanding and compiling the collection in 2012.
This is the result. It is an ongoing story with an ever expanding Archive.
Every group and team represented on this page was asked to contribute to their information to add photos and check information for accuracy. Where responses were received, the Hyden Pictorial History team implemented the information they received. Please contact us using the form below if you would like to amend, add or change any information relevant to you or your group/team.
Farming and Farm History
By 1930, seventy young, adventurous men had pushed out beyond the Kondinin railhead to carve farms out of the forest, full of hope for fortune and independence. High wheat prices, and generous government help drive that dream. They cleared the heavy forest of the valleys with axe, saw and fire at an acre a day, and relied on horses and utes on rough bush tracks. But by the mid 30s, the depression had forced their numbers down to 22. The survivors clung on with off-farm work, cropping, sheep and pigs. They were rewarded by the price, machinery and tractor boom of the late ‘40s. This first generation-the pioneers-then retired.
Find out more about Farming history in Hyden.
Town and District
Hyden town site was privately developed. A shanty town mushroomed parallel to the wheat dumps of the planned railhead. The official site on the hill was ignored. Isolation and community self-reliance quickly created a Post Office/licensed grocer, sports field and Pavilion (the old “Hall”), and a school.
But that ‘30s town lay dormant through the Depression/War period until the late ‘40s. Prosperity and another burst of self-help added the CWA building, Hall, churches, and the hotel/motel.
Find out more about the development of the Town & District.
Community
A vibrant, confident community spirit ruled over the ‘20s and ‘30s with basic facility building, monthly dances, multiple sports and celebrations. The Progress Association, a major driver since the ‘20s, directly lobbied the Premier to get the stalled railway extended from Karlgarin.
Community Groups
Find out more about the local community groups including the Hyden Progress Association, SES/FESA, Lions Club, St John Ambulance, the Choir, Country Women’s Association, Square Dancing and more!
Sports
Hyden was a sporty town from the start. Football and cricket at first, then tennis and golf. Even athletics in the ‘30s. Hockey and netball followed in the ‘60s, basketball for a while, rifle and pistol shooting and Off-road racing for individual enthusiasts.
Participation in sport has always been high, many playing multiple sports. And regular club celebrations have been the glue that helped build and sustain the Hyden community. The modern Rec Centre opened in ’80. It has fostered this key aspect of Hyden district culture since.
Find out more about the history of the various clubs in Hyden.
Tourism
Wave Rock with its standpipe was a community focus since the early ‘30s. The trickle of visitors to see the Wave from the ‘60s has grown steadily to over 120,000 per year, driving a flow of facilities to cater to their needs: petrol, food, accommodation and things to see and do.
Investment has grown to over $30 million including the 64-unit hotel/motel, airport and flying doctor reception facility. This investment has entailed constant building for decades.
The photo above shows part of what they come to enjoy: the Rock, the natural landscape, Lake Magic- and much more.
School
The Progress Association agitated to get a teacher by ’34, but ‘school’ was held in the open, hot, dusty sports Pavilion. Progress carted a little school house 40 mile by dray to open in ’37. A second building was added in the ‘50s, which was regularly extended.
Find out more about the history of Hyden Primary School!