NepeanTimes 21 may 1932
The Map of Australia near Lawson swimming pool in Wilson Park is a
strong childhood memory of many and at one time it and the surrounding
park and pool was a very popular destination.
The photo taken on the opening day in 1932 taken tells a story of excitement and great civic pride. Were the girls from Stratford girls school ? They seem very close to the dignitaries – perhaps they were a choir who sang? The girls used to be great users of the pool and surrounds. A path from their school led directly there. There are barefoot children in the front row , eying off the water with their toes right on the edge, the first of many many children who would do exactly the same.
Dr. King goes on to say that... The contour map building was assisted by Frank Higgison one of the Higgison brothers who lived at 35 Allen Street Lawson.
Sadly he was later taken prisoner by the Japanese in Java in 1942 and died as a result of cruelty on the Borneo Sandakan death march in 1943.
The photo taken on the opening day in 1932 taken tells a story of excitement and great civic pride. Were the girls from Stratford girls school ? They seem very close to the dignitaries – perhaps they were a choir who sang? The girls used to be great users of the pool and surrounds. A path from their school led directly there. There are barefoot children in the front row , eying off the water with their toes right on the edge, the first of many many children who would do exactly the same.
The concrete contour map of Australia in Wilson Park Lawson was suggested to the Shire President by Mr John Garlick, formerly civil commissioner and chairman of Main Roads Board.
The map was set out and supervised by Shire Engineer Mr. B A Hoffernan and Mr. R Medcalf and expert concrete worker employed by BMS carried out the work. Professor J Mc Donald Holmes, department of Geography assisted with the contour surface.
It is 32ft X 24 ft. Scale of surface 75miles to 1 foot. One inch on the map= 6 1/2 actual miles. the model being 1:400,000 of the actual size.
All capital cities, State boundaries and rivers are correctly shown, and mountain ranges, which is 3 inches to 1000 feet.
Regulation colours for the school atlases- green sea level, grey 500 feet, chrome 1000 feet, red 2000 feet, brown 3000 feet, light red 4000 feet, white 5000 feet and over.
The map is surrounded by clear running water, kids sail boats in it from a waterfall above the park.
An official inspection was made by Shire Councillors, school children and pubic.
Professor Holmes was present and said it was of great educational value, and only one of its kind in Australia, complemented Shire Engineer on his fine work
.
The last time the map was restored took place in 1986, the work was carried out by The Lawson Chamber of Commerce and the local Bushfire Brigade.
In an article in the Echo local newspaper Doctor Keith King was quoted as saying. We would like to see this unique map fully restored, not only for its historical importance but as another tourist attraction for the district.
The photograph above was originally supplied by Doctor King and was taken at the opening ceremony in 1932 which was performed by Mr Percy Wilson, president of Blue Mountains Shire Council, shown with his wife on the bridge.
 |
| Frank Higgison |
 |
| Water Feature in 1969 |
 |
| Unknown Date but would appear to be early photo |
