Occasionally, a piece of history arrives that captures the voice of the past more intimately than any official record. One such treasure is a letter written in 1899 at Toganmain Station by Jim O’Connor, a shearer and farmer whose words reveal a deeply personal view of life in the Riverina at the close of the 19th century.
The Holding Pen
A place to round up thoughts, stories, and snapshots from Toganmain.
This story came in from Sharon Gibbins, and it reaches right back to the early days of Toganmain — further than most.
This story came through Tracy McLaughlin, who’s been quietly helping us gather names, photos, and memories in all sorts of ways.
Here's a surprise! A song all about Toganmain. Take a listen and follow along with lyrics below.
Darren O'Loughlin recalled one of the last shearings held at Toganmain — back in August 2016.
Ian Rowles reached out with a family story tied to Toganmain. His father-in-law, Gordon Charles “Charlie” Croker, was born in 1907 in Crookwell, NSW, and came from a family of sheep farmers.
Every time someone adds their name to the list, it’s a quiet reminder of just how far Toganmain reaches.
I was going through the latest newsletter sign-ups the other day, and what struck me wasn’t just the number — it was the stories.
Kay Turner contributed an invaluable visual archive to the Toganmain restoration.
Tom Lockhart, now 88 and living in Tasmania, once worked as a shearer at the Toganmain Woolshed in the late 1950s.
Mike Smith, a retired livestock agent and wool showfloor manager from South Australia, had spent over 50 years in the wool industry.
In 1991, Michael Grambeau worked at Toganmain as a rouseabout.
Ted Speed and Annie Kessell, from Kangaroo Island, made a return visit to Toganmain while on holiday.
David Lewis has shared a couple of stories with us — one about the dogs that worked the shed with him, and another about the quiet presence of veterans who passed through Toganmain. But he’s since been back in touch with a few more memories, and I reckon they’re worth including.
Robert and Kaye Emmett, from Horsham, Victoria, recalled a weekend spent working at Toganmain in August.
The Toganmain Woolshed Precinct Incorporated wishes to thank the following businesses for their generous support.
