Street Names

The History of Newcomb

The name Newcomb was adopted to honour Caroline Newcomb who with her partner Ann Drysdale had established the 'Boronggoop' and 'Coriyule' runs on the Bellarine Peninsula and were referred to as the "Lady Squatters".

The area was established early in the history of the Peninsula, however the name was only adopted by the Shire of Bellarine in 1956. Prior to that time the area was variously known as East Geelong and West Moolap. Today, Newcomb is bounded to the west by Boundary Road and to the east by Coppards Road. ⁽¹⁾

One site of significance identified in the recent Bellarine Heritage Study is the house at No. 68 Portarlington Road. "This house is believed to have been built as a manager's house for Cheetham Saltworks in the 1890s. ... The Saltworks were a major employer in the region." ⁽²⁾

For history of the area prior to the naming of Newcomb, the history of Moolap should be consulted.

References :

1. Ian Wynd, Balla-wein : A history of the Shire of Bellarine, Shire of Bellarine, Drysdale, 1988, p. 161.
2. Huddle, Howe, Lewis, Francis, Bellarine Heritage Study : Volume Three - Culturally Significant Places, City of Greater Geelong, 1996, Record No. 165.

Newcomb History Links

Members of the Bellarine Historical Society and residents of the towns of the Bellarine Peninsula have commenced a major project to document the history of their local areas on the Internet. These histories will includes towns, buildings, families, schools, environment - in fact any subject which adds to the history of the Bellarine Peninsula.

These are not all encompassing histories and certainly will not replace the need for researchers to visit or contact the Bellarine Historical Society and other local repositories for more detailed information. The purpose of these histories is to increase the awareness of the depth of history on the Peninsula and to encourage further research into local archives.

Your Contribution

We'd love your input to the history of Newcomb. This is how you can help :

Please don't be bashful - your contribution can be anonymous or we'll happily put your name to it.

If you don't have email access, please mail information or questions to :

Publicity Officer, Bellarine Historical Society, PO Box 53, Drysdale, Vic 3222

Record Sources for Newcomb

Bibliography

Brownhill, Geo. H. Illustrated Guide to Geelong And District, Facsimile edn., Deakin University Press, Geelong, 1990.

Campbell, A. J. Tourist Guide to Geelong and Southern Watering Places, Henry Thacker, Geelong, 1893.

Richardson, John. The Lady Squatters : Miss Anne Drysdale and Miss Caroline Elizabeth Newcomb : 'Boronggoop' and 'Coriyule', Bellarine Rural City Council, Drysdale, 1986.

Wynd, Ian. Balla-wein : A history of the Shire of Bellarine, Shire of Bellarine, Drysdale, 1988.

Wynd, Ian. Geelong The Pivot : A Short History of Geelong and District, Cypress Books, Mont Albert North, 1971.

Created by : Susie Zada
© 1997 Susie Zada, Ocean Grove, Victoria, Australia
Last revised : July 17, 2004.
Email : szada@zades.com.au