Walter Scott, aged 53, of Erina, works at a quarry in Killcare. He is rushed to Gosford Hospital after his hand is crushed in a work accident. The injury kills him.
It is March 18, 1953.
Walter John Scott, unmarried, is the last of more than 500 people buried at Point Frederick Cemetery from the early 1800s.
They included Scott’s parents and a heartbreaking number of babies, many of whom died during their teething stage.
TA Scott, after whom Tascott is named, was buried there.
Jonathan Porter, who came to Australia in 1814 as a convict, was aged 104 when he died and was the oldest person buried there.
Now, the stories of these people have been captured in a book published by Central Coast Family History Society, called Point Frederick Pioneer Park, Lives of the Pioneers.
It is a fascinating read about the pioneers of the area and the history of Pioneer Park, which is located at the end of Long Nose Point.
Long Nose Point is what Point Frederick was originally called.
The cemetery was officially deconsecrated in 1970 with the State passing the Gosford Cemeteries Bill, Act No 84.
As the book explains, Gosford Apex and Rotary clubs worked with the then Gosford Council to turn the cemetery into the memorial park it is today.
The plan was for a bushland park with walks and views over Brisbane Water presenting a selection of headstones, many of which had been vandalised or deteriorated over time.
“In this park, of both natural splendour and historical importance, Point Frederick Pioneer Park stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of those pioneers, who laid the foundations of the city, and who have now found their eternal rest amongst the peaceful surrounds and beauty of Brisbane Water,” the book Foreword states.
The book was launched on Saturday, February 3, by Central Coast Council’s local history librarian Geoffrey Potter, who said it built on earlier publications.
He acknowledged the group effort taken over many years.
The book took more than six years to bring together thanks to countless hours by volunteers.
Co-ordinator and editor, Margaret Entner, thanked all the members who had assisted in the work.
A NSW Government grant paid for the printing.
The book is available for $75 but get in quick as numbers are limited.
Visit the society at 4/8 Russell Drysdale St, Tuesdays-Fridays from 9.30am-2pm; phone 43245164 or email admin@centralcoastfhs.org.au
Merilyn Vale