Frankland to the Stirlings: A History of the Cranbrook Shire by Maxine Laurie

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges, with front cover tail right corner now protected with book tape. Interior and binding are still excellent. Signed by Maxine Laurie.

The book briefly covers the early days when Cranbrook was included in the Plantagenet Road Board, and then goes on to cover the years from 1926, when it became a Road Board in its own right.

Intrepid pioneers who ventured into an unknown inland have to be admired. From all walks of life, they came, struggling against adversity to make the district the solid, productive district now called home. Many came with little knowledge of land, and most with little money. Churches, schools, shops, doctors, dentists, hospitals and such facilities were practically unknown.

Wool became the main source of income with pasture improving with the use of superphosphate, sub-clover, and trace elements from the 1920s. Clearing was done with the axe, and fencing was done with the shovel and crowbar. Dams were sunk with horses and a scoop, and even in some cases, a wheelbarrow.

Cranbrook stretches from the picturesque Stirlings in the east to the heavily timbered country around Unicup, making the area very diverse and beautiful. Industries too are varied and include agriculture, horticulture, livestock and timber.

Published in 1994, to commemorate the one hundred years since Cranbrook was declared a town.