This shed is a rebuild of the original shearing shed on “Rock Dhu”. The original shed was probably
constructed by the Careys, who owned “Rock Dhu” prior to the acquisition of the property by
HE (Harry) Norvill in April 1928 (original cheque book butt showing purchase payment of £6,939:8:10,
still in our safe custody).
Shed originally started with 4 blade stands on the western wall. It was then converted to 3 stands
petrol-motor driven overhead gear. In 1965, overhead gear, motor, wool press and sundries removed
to shearing shed existing today 100 metres below this point.
This shed was then converted to a weather shed only (storage of woolly sheep to keep them dry in
the days prior to shearing). A storm on Melbourne Cup Day 1977 took a section of roof off this shed.
From this time this shed gradually fell into ruin.
In around 1990, the remains were photographed, items of historical interest removed and a hole
dug in the ground, and what remained of the shed ‘dozed’. The hole was then filed in.
Years went by and, in the search for more space to store family history items and paintings, and to
provide work space, I had the idea to rebuild the old shearing shed using both round timber cut
from the paddocks and modern building materials.
Most of the upright, round poles have been placed in the holes where the original posts were.
The southern section of the shed is considerably bigger than the original (the plunge dip used
to be outside the shed, whilst now it is underneath).
In an effort to make the building architecturally interesting, the roof pitch angle was raised to
the maximum that we and the builders, and our equipment would allow. The building also
provides large, glass sliding doors with picture-window views for artists. The walls have provided
hanging space for my own paintings.
Beneath the floor of the southern section can be found the original tankstand that supported
the tank which provided water for the dip. |
