Blog Review: Wilson SA..Death of a town!

Submitted: Friday, Jul 12, 2019 at 09:32

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Wilson SA..Death of a town!

Sad tale of a bush town with so much promise. The seasons seemed fine, the settlers were willing. What could be better? Reality occurred and the death knell sounded RIP Wilson SA Most of these

Member - Matwil

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Thanks for the memories. We visited there in 2017. Being Wilson's we had to, and getting to the cemetery and reading the stories on the notice at the entrance really brought home the stark reality of how harsh living was in those days. The one family who lost 4 children in 2 years and 3 of them dying in 1 year. The first dying in January 1888 aged 7 months and then twins aged 8 weeks each in October 1888. What hardship and dispair.

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Reply By: Member - 2208mate - Friday, Jul 12, 2019 at 10:18

Friday, Jul 12, 2019 at 10:18

Hi Matwil, Wilson's at Wilson hehe.
'Back in the day' compared with now.... what a difference!
Imagine if we were all transported back in time, there would be more than a few tears shed.
I have friends who are property owners in that area and at this time they are doing it tough but are still able to eat and receive medical treatment (well.... the country version of that where you have to travel great distances for specialists stuff.)
When at a 150 year old grave site the mind can certainly wander..
Catch ya....

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Reply By: westskip - Friday, Jul 12, 2019 at 13:46

Friday, Jul 12, 2019 at 13:46

We've visited here a number of times as my wife's great-grand parents farmed near here and also her grandparents. The hotel in Wilson was named after her great grandfather - Patrick Gillick and there is also a plaque there commemorating the opening of the district hall by him. The wife's great grandmother is buried in the Wilson cemetery.
The family property was at nearby Craddock and the property is still in the hands of distant cousins.

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Follow Up By: Member - 2208mate - Friday, Jul 12, 2019 at 16:01

Friday, Jul 12, 2019 at 16:01

Good one westskip,
If you have any pics of the bygone era I would be glad to show them on the Cradock facebook page.
Yes, Cradock remains alive and with a slightly increased population due to the popularity of the pub.
Cradock even has a heritage trail and a local has been working away with the war memorial.(You don't know of any mounted guns ect that are available, do you)
Catch ya, Tony.

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