I did a lot of research on Amherst back in the late 1970's when trying to help someone in Yorkshire find out what happened to her three Great Uncles named 'Willis'. I spent hours in the State Library in Melbourne and I soon discovered that although William Willis was living in Amherst most of the social activity all took place at the larger nearby town of Talbot. For example this extract from the Talbot Advertiser of that time:
"Recitations by William Willis in Talbot 11th August, 1868 -
“The fifth of the present series of popular entertainments in Talbot was held on Friday evening at the Odd-Fellows Hall and passed off in a very satisfactory manner. Early in the evening the Talbot Brass Band paraded the town playing several popular airs of which three were given in front of the Hall in first rate style. The proceedings commenced at 8 o’clock.....it was proposed that Mr. James Fowler take the chair.” Then followed a long list, 21 items in all, by various Talbot citizens. For example”
Harrisons Private Band – Settlers March
Song - “Man the Life Boat” by Mr. Murphy
“Linktum Gun Boat” by Mr. Murphy
Recitation - “The Sea Captain” by Mrs. Scott
Song – “Tramp, Tramp, Tramp” - Mr. Anketell
SONG IN CHARACTER – “THE MAN THAT COULDN’T GET WARM” ...BY MR. WILLIS
Dialogue “Brutus & Cassius” by Messrs Scott & Evans.
The programme ended up with the National Anthem, encores for Mr. Murphy, and announced takings of 7 pounds.
Further on a small report - “The Committee of management of the Talbot Popular Readings held a meeting on Tuesday evening at the Commercial Hotel, Messrs. Fitzsymons, (in the chair), Fowler, WILLIS, Dunlop, .... present.....”
On August 25th, 1868 the paper reported the 6th & last of the series of Talbot Popular Entertainments. Again a full list including”
Solo on the bagpipe....”Flowers of the Forest” by Mr. McLeod in full Highland costume.
RECITATION – “THE LAST TEAR I SHED” BY MR. WILLIS
“Wee wee German Lairdie” and “The Heather Hills” by Mr. McLeod.
“Young Lochinvar” a recitation by Mr. Fowler.
“The Brave Sir Colin” and “Scotland Yet” by Mr.McLeod
Song “The Braw Wooer” by Mrs. Douglas
Duet “Huntingtower” by Mrs. Douglas and Mr. McLeod.
At the end of this evening Mr.Fowler proposed a vote of thanks....”although a Scotchman himself, he considered the programme on the present occasion contained too much of the Scottish element, and hoped next time English and Irish elements would be more noticeable. The motion was briefly seconded by MR. WILLIS’ Takings 11 pounds 5 shillings.”
I did take a run out to Amherst and could only find three old weatherboard homes still standing. Amongst the trees there were mounds everywhere where prospectors were hunting for gold. Soon found out where everyone had gone - the very large Amherst Cemetery in a lonely field on the road back to Talbot. Took the odd photo.
