Lost Villeneuve

There are a few places around our area that have nicknames and some date back to settlement.
To help not forget these areas can you help us put a list together.
We have started with a few,
The Four Thousand - Cedarton
Pointons Pocket (And is it Pointons or Poynton's as it is spelt differently in various records we have) - Cedarton/Commissioners Flat)
Isons Hill - originally owned by AB Tripcony - Kilcoy-Beerwah Road
Boxsalls Hill - Joins Phillips Road Stanmore
Yoke Up Flat - Villeneuve
Cruice's Corner Kilcoy-Beerwah Road
Photo - From the Bonnie Heiman nee Kropp collection.
Bill Kropp and team at Yoke Up Flat across Villeneuve Stanley River side

Residence of Mr Herman Kropp, Villeneuve 1917
*Villeneuve-Neurum Reunion is on this Sunday 27th August 10.30am, all welcome but please RSVP for catering to 0429899115 or [email protected]

Don’t forget to RSVP for the Villeneuve-Neurum Reunion. The reunion is also open to people who have an interest in the area from the general public.

Don’t forget to RSVP for the Villeneuve-Neurum Reunion. The reunion is also open to people who have an interest in the area from the general public. Thank you for your continued support for this annual event.

The 43rd Annual Villeneuve-Neurum Reunion is coming up quickly.

Sunday 27th August 2023, commencing at 10.30am.

A light lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP Donna 0429 899 115 or email [email protected].

A repost of a photo that was originally posted to Lost Villeneuve in 2018. Handwritten description by Venetia Mitchell (nee Kropp).

Villeneuve State School Committee 1921

Left - Right back row:
Bill Johnson, Sam Runge, Mr Brown (teacher), Miss Pointon (sewing teacher)
Left - Right seated:
Charlie Burow, David Poole, William McLauchlan, Peter Duncan, Albert Boyd

The Green family - long time residents and pioneers of the Villeneuve area. Pictured here are the children of James Nevil (known as Nevil) and Beverley Green.

Nevil, Denise and Anne-Maree.

Photo taken approx 60 years ago.

Three once pupils of the little school at Villeneuve - David Poole, Betty and Coralie (nee Pritchard) at the 42nd Villeneuve Neurum Reunion held today at the Woodford Historical Society and Museum

The 42nd Villeneuve Neurum Reunion was held todayat the Woodford Historical Society and Museum

The little school at Neurum Creek

A provisional school commenced at Neurum Creek on 2 August 1880, became a State School on 1 January 1909 and on 2 February 1942, School No 379 closed its doors due to low enrolments. A total of 383 children received primary school education at the little school at Neurum Creek.

We were privileged to have one past student attend today’s reunion, being Ray King who was enolled at Neurum Creek State School in 1940.

The little school at Villeneuve

A school opened at Villeneuve in 1902 and closed in 1960, with Stanley Kropp being the first pupil enrolment and Peter Kenzler being the last pupil enrolment on the admissions register for School No 1020. A total of 607 students received primary school education at the little Villeneuve school.

We were privileged to have the following students attend today’s reunion:

Neville Green (enrolled 1937); Ron Trim (enrolled 1940); Linden Rees (enrolled 1941); Billy Green (enrolled 1943); John Harrison (enrolled 1945); Coralie Pritchard (enrolled 1946); Joyce Willett (enrolled 1948); Ray King (enrolled 1948); Betty Pritchard (enrolled 1949); Margaret Poole (enrolled 1950); Noela Runge (enrolled 1952); David Poole (enrolled 1955); and Martin Kenzler (enrolled 1960).

William George Draper, from Neurum, (left) Gavin Roberts (middle) and Mick Draper (right). Unsure of the exact year the photo was taken.

SAVE THE DATE

42nd Villeneuve/Neurum Get-Together

Sunday, 28 August 2022 at 10.30 am

Woodford Museum, 109 Archer Street, Woodford (ample parking at back via Elizabeth Street)

An invitation is extended to once pupils of Villeneuve and Neurum Creek State Schools or their descendants, descendants of past residents, present/past Villeneuve/Neurum residents

Light lunch will be provided.

Please bring along your photographs or other memorabilia that you would like to display on the day.

Enquiries/RSVP – Donna on 0429899115 or [email protected]

Villeneuve and its surrounds has a long history of dairy farms, however, sadly the numbers are now limited.

William George Draper, known as George, and his wife Marjorie Joy Draper (nee Miller), known as Marge, owned a dairy farm just down the road from Villeneuve, at Neurum.

They raised 6 children and enjoyed having their grandchildren and great grandchildren visit the farm. He used to butcher his own meat, he was a great horseman and also was a bullocky and timber cutter. Included in the photos, is George with his bullock team taken in their river paddock at Neurum. Also pictured is George on his horse named Sandy.

Marge, who had a love for all animals, is pictured holding a puppy. She hand raised many calves over the years and had trouble parting with them when they needed to be sent to the sales.

Signalman Archer David Poole Q99541 WWII.

Born 14/10/1911, son of David and Anna Poole of Villeneuve.

Enlisted 09/05/1941. Served in 3 Squadron Aust Mot Div Sigs.

Was KIA 08/08/1942. Buried at the Toowong Cemetery.

Information from War Service Men and Women of Kilcoy, Kilcoy District Historical Society. War medals and paperwork from private family collection.
Previously posted on Lost Villeneuve 2020.

Lest We Forget Rex Kropp, once a son of Villeneuve

Rex Kropp was born at Villeneuve on 20 August 1920 to Lily May McPherson and and Stanley Sampford Kropp. He attended the little school at Villeneuve.

Just before his 20th birthday, Rex enlisted in the Australian Army and served in the 1st Corps Troops Supply Column.

By the time Rex had turned 25, he had seen the inside the Stalag VIII-A, B and D, having been captured in Greece along with other Allied soldiers.

Lest We Forget

Photo source: www.monumentalaustralia.org.au

Lest We Forget, Archer David Poole

Archer was born to David and Anna Poole (nee Devantier) of Villeneuve in 1911 and was the brother of Stanley Poole. He was a son
of Villeneuve and attended the little Villeneuve school. On leaving school, Archer worked in and around Villeneuve and the wider district, and for a number of years was in employment at Tilney’s Mill at Villeneuve, as was his brother Stanley.

Archer enlisted in the Australian Army in World War II, enlisting at Kilcoy. He served as a Signalman in the 1st Motor Division Signals of the Army Citizen Military Forces. On 8 August 1942 he died from injuries sustained in a motor cycle accident on the Bruce Highway on the Woombye side of the Caloundra turnoff whilst conveying an official despatch.

Archer David Poole is buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Section at Toowong Cemetery. His name is located at panel 27 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. In 2022, Archer’s name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on Friday, 24 June 2022 at 6:08 pm and again on Friday, 23 September 2022 at 2:55 am.

Photo source: Lost Villeneuve

Kay Youngberry – this post is for you

A little infant who was buried at the cemetery at Villeneuve 131 years ago was William George Seeney, a child of William George and Charlotte Seeney (nee Kelsey). At that time, the little fellow’s father was in employment as a teamster.

It was on 8 September 1890 that, at 21 months of age (having been born on 12 January 1889 at Brisbane as stated on his death record), little William drew his last breath after developing croup three days earlier.

He was buried on 9 September 1890 at Villeneuve by Alfred Arnold, undertaker. A graveside service was conducted by Frank Villeneuve Nicholson, layman, and the service was witnessed by John Rosser and Maria Davidson.

John Rosser, schoolmaster of Villeneuve, was the informant of little William’s passing. His death was registered at Burnside, Caboolture, on 17 October 1890 and the District Registrar, Thomas Bryce, signed the paperwork.

Info source: BDM Qld
Photo source: this beautiful photograph is courtesy of Allen Shaw, Woodford Historical

Once children of Villeneuve, Kropp children from Glen Archer. Parents William George and Augusta Henrietta (nee Raaen).
Doreen Mary, Venita Margaret, Lillian May, June Elva and Glen Villeneuve.

Nathon Day - your Great Uncle Percy

This wonderful gem of a photograph is shared from Woodford Historical Society and is from the Ron Trim Collection. Ron was Villeneuve born and raised and is President of the Woodford Historical Society.

Laurie Kropp (left), Ron Trim and his dog Laddy and Percy Day (right). The photo was taken at the Trim's place which was next to the store.

Laurie Kropp, Ron Trim, Percy Day and Laddy

Villeneuve folk looking a picture of satorial elegance

This gem of a photograph is shared from Woodford Historical Society and is a photograph from the Ron Trim collection.

The railway tracks in the background and the fact that they are wearing overcoats suggest that this group of fine Villeneuve folk may have been waiting at Villeneuve Station to catch the train to the Brisbane Exhibition.

What year this photograph was taken is unknown. It would have to be 1943 or earlier as Mervyn Green (far right) died on 22 November 1943.

L-R: Lionel Kropp; Jane Strachan; unknown; Olive Ridley (Stanton); Bert Kropp; Angus Ross; Percy Day; Sadie Ross (Walker); Mervyn Green

L-R Lionel Kropp, Jean Strachan unknown, Olive Ridley (Stanton), Bert Kropp, Angus Ron, Percy Day, Sadie Roso (Walker) Mervyn Green

Beautiful painting of the Villeneuve Hotel by Noela Lowien.

"Villeneuve Hotel, 1956". Available painting by Noela Lowien artist.

Once little boys of Villeneuve

Life may not always have been easy, but Villeneuve mothers made sure their children always looked a picture of sartorial elegance.

Photo 1: tall lad at the back Ron Trim. In front L-R Rex Eaton, Claven Eaton, Garth Day
Photo 2: Norman Rees (L), Vernon Rees (R)

Photo sources: courtesy of the Trim and Rees families

Villeneuve State School Committee 1921

L-R back row:
Bill Johnson, Sam Runge, Mr Brown (teacher), Miss Pointon (sewing teacher)
L-R seated:
Charlie Burow, David Poole, William McLauchlan, Peter Duncan, Albert Boyd

Photo source: Reposted from Lost Villeneuve; previously posted 2018

The drowning of Tom Webster – 18 July 1889

Tom Webster was laid to rest at Villeneuve Cemetery.

By mid-July 1889 due to heavy rains, there was flooding in most Queensland rivers south of Bundaberg.

The Webster brothers (Sam and Tom) were selectors at Oakey Creek. Sam Webster was not in flood danger, but his brother Tom and his wife Christina were living on lower ground.

Esk timbergetter and teamster John Ryan was still in the area, as his return home had been delayed due to the flooding. Sam Webster and John Ryan decided to rescue Tom and Christina, taking with them a small punt.

They found the couple taking refuge from the rapidly-rising waters on the roof of their house. All four managed to get safely into the punt. The rescue went well for a while until the punt hit a submerged log and sank. Sam Webster managed to get into a tree. John Ryan, a strong swimmer, caught and held Christina Webster, but Tom Webster (aged approx 34 years) sank and fell victim to the hungry waters.

It was reported that John Ryan swam for over a mile with Christina before he reached a place of safety. After he recovered from his exhaustion, he went back to rescue Sam Webster from the tree in which he was taking refuge, but not without much labour and danger.

John Ryan received a Royal Humane Society of Australasia bronze medal for his courageous and persevering conduct in saving the life of Christina Webster which was presented to him by Frank Villeneuve Nicholson.

For Christina, it was the second husband she had lost to flooding events in a short space of time. Christina’s first husband, Edwin Webster. died during the flooding of 1887. She remarried her brother-in-law, Tom Webster, in late 1888 only to have also lost him to the flooding of 1889.

Info: Trove and Pat Walsh’s notes gathered for Qld’s centenary
Photo: Lost Villeneuve (reposted from 2016 post)

She lies in eternal rest at the little Villeneuve cemetery.

Nine year old Alice Roberts - a daughter of William and Mary Roberts living at Villeneuve Saw Mills – was sent by her mother to get two billy cans of water from the Stanley River, a task she may have done on numerous occasions.

That was about 1.20 pm on Wednesday, 17 February 1886. About five minutes later, her mother had an uneasy feeling come over her and called out to Mrs Seib, and the ladies went out to see where she was. Mrs Little and Mrs Thornton joined them, as did her father and other Villeneuve Saw Mills’ workers - Robert Seib, Arthur Boughan and William Smith. Mr Nicholson ordered that work stop at the mill and every person was called out to search for Alice. Selector William Tracey was working along the Stanley River close by and also joined in the search.

Spotting Alice’s hat resulted in her body soon being located, submerged underwater. She was pulled out of the water and laid on the bank. On Mr Nicholson’s orders, she was wrapped in a blanket with hot water applied to her feet. All endeavours to bring little Alice back to life were to no avail.

William Butler, a Justice of the Peace for the Police District of Esk, was summoned to conduct an inquest into her death which occurred later that day, where it was determined little Alice died by accidental drowning.

Info source: State Archives of Queensland
Photo source: courtesy of Allan Shaw, Woodford Historical Society

Meg Fitzgerald, a much-loved teacher at Villeneuve

Margaret Mary Fitzgerald was transferred from Mount Morgan Central State School to the position of Assistant Teacher at Villeneuve State School in September 1929.

Villeneuve folk young and old loved Meg. She boarded at the Trim’s and remained at Villeneuve assisting Head Teachers Harry Hine and Rob Whitten until August 1936.

Photo source: courtesy of Ron Trim

For Marilyn Brunetta – your Aunty Barbara

Photo 1 – cut and cropped from the 1930 Villeneuve School photo
Photo 2 – reposted, taken at the 2016 Villeneuve/Neurum Reunion

Barbara Bell Runge (nee McLauchlan)

a daughter of William McLachlan (once teamster, councillor and chair of Kilcoy Shire Council) and Barbara Sarah Bell (first Head Teacher of the Villeneuve School which opened in 1902) who married Percy Runge of Villeneuve.

Villeneuve State School 1930

Fourth Row – back row (L-R)
Teacher Harry Hine. Emily Crofton. Muriel Runge. Connie Runge. Valma McLauchlan. Hilda Raaen. May Walker. Gladys Beanland. Eva Tilney. Jean McLaughlan. Myra Raaen. Mavis Burow. Lynda Williams. Lillian Curry.

Third Row (L-R)
Noreen Crofton. Barbara McLauchlan. Ethel Williams. Olive Raaen. Maisie Durie. Rachel Ninness. Isobel Thornton. Alma Walker. Don McLauchlan. Keith Kropp. Alwyn Runge. Dudley Gall. Les Hubner. Dick Walker. Darel Kropp. Teacher Margaret (Meg) Fitzgerald.

Second Row – some standing/some seated/some kneeling (L-R)
Lester Kropp. Peggy Butler. Elsie Axelsen. Kate Raaen. Myrtle Hubner. Connie Crofton. Lorna Gall. Joan McLauchlan. Betty Thornton. Dulcie Walker. Peggy Frampton. Doreen Kropp. Frank Durrie. Jim Tinney. Vivian Runge.

First Row - seated on ground (L-R)
Laurie Kropp. Vernon Rees. Norman Rees. Clive Axelsen. Deri Hine. Dick Butler. Ita Hubner. Norman Beanland. Cecil Williams. Rex Kropp. Eric Maroske. Jack Curry. Harold Williams. Norman Frampton.

Photo source: Courtesy of local historian, Ron Trim

Photo 1 is of the Villeneuve Hall. In the distance are two bullock teams taking logs up to Hancocks Mill via the railway underpass.

Photo 2, the back of the Villeneuve Hall, was taken in early 1946 during a major flooding event. This photograph shows the water reaching about halfway up the underpass and up to at least the hall. How further up McLachlan Street the flood waters reached during this particular flooding event is unknown to me.

Photo 1 source: John Oxley Library and MBRC CLPC P2225
Photo 2 source: from local historian Ron Trim's Collection

Reposting a photograph posted on Lost Villeneuve 23 August 2016

This little gem of a photograph was taken during a major flooding event in 1931, and is of Ganger Angus Ross of Villeneuve arriving on his section trolley at the flooded Royston Bridge on the Kilcoy Line.

Photo source: from Lost Villeneuve’s personal photo collection

Scrolling through Lost Villeneuve’s photo albums, I repost these two little gems first posted on Lost Villeneuve 27 July 2016.

The bridge across the Stanley at Villeneuve from these two photographs was then a wooden structure that looks like it was as powerless in the grip of a water crisis as the more modern, higher and more sturdily built Lester Kropp Bridge is today.

Photo source: from Lost Villeneuve’s personal photo collection

With the road washed out at a bridge near Villeneuve, motorists had to patch up the damage as best they could before proceeding.

Source: The Telegraph, Fri 27 May 1938, p8

Here in Villeneuve we are facing another possible record breaking flood. Here is a photo from the 1999 flood and a photo taken this afternoon at The Lester Kropp bridge. The water is still running fairly fast and a lot more to come from upstream.

The Stanley river is in the backwaters of Somerset Dam. The construction of Somerset Dam commenced in 1935 but had to be suspended due to World War II. Work resumed in 1948 and the dam was completed in 1959. The dam was built for the dual purposes of water supply for the region and for flood mitigation.

Prior to Somerset Dam being built, the great flood of 1893 destroyed Frank Villeneuve Nicholson's sawmill, houses and the timber yard which was full of stacks of both sawn and log timber. Nicholson was ruined and had to go to Brisbane to find work.

Information from:

https://woodfordhistoricalsociety.com/frank-nicholson/

https://www.seqwater.com.au/dams/somerset