MORE THAN TREES

The country town of Grafton is situated in the northern part of NSW. It is famous for it tree lined streets and it's Jacaranda Festival. (see last post). However, there is more to see there than the trees.

When we were there we had dinner on a hotel deck overlooking the Clarence River. It had been a very hot day so I guess this dog was enjoying a cool off. Naturally, the river is used for a lot of recreation sports and activities.

The next day we decided to check out some of the historic buildings in the town.

The Northern Rivers County Council

But you can't get far without noticing the street trees. 

This is a White Fig Tree. (Ficus virens)

Besides old commercial buildings there were many gorgeous old residences. Country towns seem to have avoided the bulldozers knocking down old buildings to make way for new ones.

We didn't get much further because this is Shaeffer House Museum, where we mooched around and learnt more about the history of Grafton.

It was built by F.W.C. Shearer in 1900 for his family. He was the first city architect for Grafton. Later the house was turned into flats but in 1966, the Grafton Council bought the house and it is now the home of the Clarence River Historical Society. The house was restored to its early glory and houses many artefacts.

The original wall paper was found underneath many others.

I also learnt there who was responsible for planting all the beautiful trees in Grafton. It was Henry Volkers, 1835 - 1911. He was born in Germany and arrived in Sydney in 1856. He moved to Grafton and in 1871 opened a shop. He advertised himself as a seedsman, florist and practical gardener. He planted many of the trees which adorn the streets of Grafton including the Jacarandas.

Jacarandas line most streets but look at the end of the street on the left there are huge fig trees.

Ficus microcarpa line this street nicknamed Fig tree Avenue. It is an amazing sight.