There's something fascinating about ghost towns. Who lived there? Why did
they leave?
Joadja Creek, newly opened, is a reminder of a time when an isolated valley
housed a thriving community.
For thirty years the Australian Kerosene Oil and Mineral Company prospered,
bringing experienced miners and their families from Scotland. It built a private
railway and transported coal, kerosene, lubricating oils, soap and candles to
Mittagong for shipment and export. Petrol, then a useless by-product, was
flushed down the creek. However by 1911 the company was in liquidation, and
auctioned off.
In 'Joadja Creek' Leonie Knapman has portrayed the miners, their families,
the village and their achievements. Hundreds of photographs conjure up the
valley of a hundred years ago and how it is today.
Contents:
Foreword
Preface
Useful Terms
Introduction
Joadja Creek: Its Early History
A Difficult Site
The Australian Kerosene Oil and Mineral Company, Limited
Working for the Company
The Joadja Creek Comminity
The Decline of the Community
Joadja Creek Today
Appendix 1. The Technology of Joadja Creek
Appendix 2. Shale Oil: Its Geology
Appendix 3. Known Residents of Joadja Creek 1853-1911
Notes
Index
