THE Paterson Historical Society’s annual historic walk returns on Sunday.
The walk will commence at the Paterson Court House Museum and take visitors around the centre of the village, describing the origins of European settlement.
Buildings date from the 1830s, when the core of the village was surveyed and established as an official settlement adjacent to the river to service a wharf.
“The area is bountiful and would have supported a considerable population of Aboriginal people,” said the Society’s Cameron Archer.
“We know that the Aboriginal name for the river was ‘Yimmang’, and that Tocal is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘large’ or ‘plenty’.
“It is important to acknowledge that the colonisation of the Paterson Valley and the formation of the Paterson township came at the cost of displacing Aboriginal people who had lived on and with these lands for thousands of years.
“The arrival of Europeans had a profound impact on Aboriginal people.”
Mr Archer said Paterson village is a “treasure trove” of heritage buildings with many stories to tell.
The walk will pass through Tucker Park, now one of the region’s most popular parks.
At one time, part of it grew corn for coach horses, with visible evidence remaining in the unique corn staddle.
Nearby is the brick shed that once housed the district’s hearse.
“These were the days when Paterson was still serviced by riverboats and served as the service centre for the Paterson Valley,” Mr Archer said.
The walk has been held for over 40 years and continues to attract at least 50 people, and often many more.
“It gives locals and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the ambience and history of this beautiful location.”
The Society has been operating since 1974, with many dedicated people conserving the beautiful Court House Museum, researching and writing about the village and district, and opening the building to visitors every Sunday since its inception.
The cost of the walk is $10.00 per adult, including museum entry and afternoon tea.
There is no charge for children. Bookings are not required.
The walk starts at the museum at 1.00pm, but participants are requested to arrive at least ten minutes beforehand.
Recent publications by the Society will be available, including Robyn Dunlop’s history marking the Society’s 50th anniversary, and the memoir of foundation member Bill Keppie.
A hat, walking shoes, and a water bottle are recommended.
Reasonable mobility is required.
Following afternoon tea, a guided tour of the nearby Paterson Rail Motor Society Museum will be available.
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