TitleShawl - Sarah ThomasObject TypeTextileClothingDatec. 1838DescriptionThis Victorian woollen shawl was owned worn by Sarah Thomas from prior to her immigration to Australia in 1838.
Sarah added the decorative fringe at a later date.Makers MarkNilProvenance and SignifcanceSarah and William Thomas had three children by the time they migrated to Australia; William, John and Clorinda.
They arrived at Wollongong Harbour in 1838 on a steamer nicknamed Puffing Billy, and were immediately engaged by Henry Osborne of Marshall Mount. The Thomas’ occupied the gardener’s cottage.
William Thomas was employed as a carpenter and built the cedar staircase in Marshall Mount House. He also planted an English Oak on the farm, which still stands today. Sarah was engaged with house duties for the Osborne’s.
The family later moved to Log Bridge Farm at Yallah where their other seven children were born.
The Thomas family remained in Shellharbour and continued to prosper. John Thomas, who arrived with his parents in 1838, married Maria Haslam and lived at Shellharbour Village, owning a store and later a butchers business. John served briefly as an Alderman and was a member of the first Albion Park Show Committee. He was one of the founders of the Allowie Temperance Lodge, Church of England Shellharbour, where he served as Church Warden. His greatest work is considered to be his work with the Cooperative Shipping Company, assisting with its formation in 1856.
Another son, Henry (Harry) farmed at Clover Hill Macquarie Pass in 1894. He married Mary James, daughter of pioneers William and Elizabeth James of Dunmore, and most of their children were born at the farm. In 1912 they moved to St Ives at Dunmore, leaving their son Kenneth to carry on farm until the property was sold to Ben Turner in 1950.DonorParton, Joyce
CHARACTERISTICS
MaterialHeavy cotton with a printed paisley design in purple, maroon and white.
The shawl has a woollen cream fringe that was by Sarah at a later date.
