Stinker’s History: In search of stories of Marsh Road Port POPUP - DAupdate Port Stephens Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - September 6, 2023 Marsh Road was a stretch of farms – dairy, small crops, melons, vegetables, fruit trees and later flowers and tourism. I NEED your help. For the past year or so I have been writing the history of Bob’s Farm and Marsh Road, gathering old photographs, articles and documents for a book that I intend launching in October 2024. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Recently I have been interviewing pioneering families between Salt Ash and Anna Bay who have stories to tell of their experiences growing up in pretty tough times in a swampy area that was continually threatened by rising tides. In the late 1800s and early 1900s sandy bush tracks meandered over the sand hills and along the bank of Tilligerry Creek. It wasn’t until 1924 that formal construction of Marsh Road commenced – the road has been causing trouble ever since as it continually slumps and gives way. Potholes have been an ongoing problem and somewhat surprisingly, another cause of concern was the burrowing of mud crabs, which would result in cave ins. It didn’t take long for me to realise that the Bob’s Farm community was something very special and quite unique. The pioneering families were hard working, honest and very proud. The men, women and children all relied on each other and shared each other’s highs and lows in life, gathering as one in the old Bob’s Farm Hall to celebrate every occasion. Could I ask that anyone who has a story to tell or an old photo that they are willing to share, please contact me at stinkerfishing@yahoo.com. By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE The Dalton’s early attempt to stabilise Marsh Road in 1917.
