Decades before it was Earlwood, it was Parkestown. Imagine John Parkes arriving here in 1827. He obtained a land grant and started a logging camp in 1829.
Welcome to Earlwood. This suburb in Sydney has a rich and interesting past. It’s located just 10 kilometers southwest of Sydney’s central business district.
Let’s delve into the story of Earlwood. Originally, it was a 50-acre land grant given to John Parkes. He and his sons established Parkes Camp in 1829. They logged timber here. The area was later called Parkestown. Around 1905-06, the name changed to Forest Hill. Finally, in 1918, it became Earlwood.
The name Earlwood has an interesting origin. “Earl” reportedly commemorated a former mayor of Canterbury. “Wood” was the name of two brothers. They owned a pig and poultry farm on Wolli Creek. The Earlwood estate was a subdivision near Earlwood Primary School.
Early residents also included F and A Martin. They received land in the eastern part of Earlwood. Joshua Thorpe, an architect, also lived here. He was the Assistant Colonial Engineer. His 80-acre estate stretched from Cooks River to Wolli Creek. In 1828, Thorpe built a house called Juhan Munna. This Aboriginal phrase meant “to go away”. The house was later renamed Undecliffe. It was rented to managers of the Canterbury Sugarworks.
In 1850, solicitor P.A. Tompson bought the property. He built a bridge in 1854 on the site of Thorpe’s punt. Frederick Wright Unwin also acquired land. He was a solicitor and director of the Australasian Sugar Company. In 1840, he built his home called Wanstead. It was east of Thorpe’s property in the Undercliffe area. Initially, a punt crossed the Cooks River. Later, a wooden bridge was built. The road became Unwins Bridge Road. The name Wanstead survives in Wanstead Avenue and Wanstead Reserve.
Abraham B Pollack acquired eight grants in the 1830s. These totaled 790 acres covering most of Earlwood and Undercliffe. Subdivision of the land began in the 1880s.
After World War I, a war services subdivision was created. It was located west of Wardell Road. This was for retired soldiers and their families. The streets in that area commemorate famous men and battles from the war. You’ll find names like Kitchener, Hamilton and Vimy. Streets also include Fricourt, Polygon, Thompson and Guedecourt.
The area with Bedford, River, Grove, Richmond and Stone streets was known as the Canterbury estate. It was divided for workers of the quarry at the end of River Street. This estate included Louisa, Sparke, Caroline, Elsie and Ann streets. Some street names have changed over time. The Scott family operated the Scotties tissue factory here. It stood on the corner of Louisa and River Streets.
Between 1912 and 1957, electric trams ran along Homer Street to Earlwood. They provided service to the city via Marrickville and Newtown. Today, buses provide this service. Since the 1960s, Earlwood has seen a growing Greek population.
The Earlwood shopping center is on Homer Street. It’s a short distance up the hill from Bardwell Park railway station. You’ll find a Coles supermarket and various shops on Clarke Street. Earlwood offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. These include Greek, Thai and other European cuisines.
The current KFC site was once home to former Prime Minister John Howard. His parents operated fuel outlets in nearby Dulwich Hill. At one time, two cinemas existed on Homer Street. They were called The Chelsea and The Mayfair. Builder William Ernest May constructed some shopping center buildings and churches including the Chelsea Theatre.
The Earlwood Hotel is on the corner of Earlwood Avenue and Homer Street. The Earlwood-Bardwell Park RSL is located between Bardwell Park railway station and Wolli Creek. The club also manages the EBP Sports Bowling Club on Doris Street. The former Earlwood ex-servicemens club is on Fricourt Avenue.
Earlwood’s local library is on the corner of William Street and Homer Street. A heritage-listed post box stands outside.
Earlwood has evolved from a logging camp to a thriving residential suburb. It retains its unique character and rich history. From its indigenous roots to its post-war development, Earlwood’s story is etched into its streets. It is alive in its parks and is carried on by its diverse community.