Community

Small communities developed in the suburbs along the North Shore railway line. Local churches and schools became focal points for residents. One of the earliest churches in the area was St. Paul’s Church at Pearce’s Corner, Wahroonga. A wooden structure was erected on the site in 1862 and replaced by a more permanent stone building in 1881.  As the population increased due to the railway links, the number of churches in the area proliferated and forged strong bonds with local schools.

[St. Paul's] Church Wahroonga, 1895, by Hugh Venables Vernon
Watercolour PXA 876, Vol. 4

Recreational pastimes such as tennis, cricket and golf became popular with both men and women in the area. Killara Golf Club, formed in 1898, attracted many prominent local residents. Photographer Sam Hood captured images of club members and activities during the 1930s.

 > View photographs of Killara Golf Club, 1930s, by Sam Hood