Talented Artist Simon White was recently commissioned to paint a mural depicting three of Surrey Hills Pioneers including
JMelb's Great Grandfather -
Thomas Hogg!!
Thomas Hogg was involved in many different community organisations in Surrey Hills including the literary, athletic and choral societies, tennis, field naturalists and bowling clubs, the Progress Association and was also an elder of the Presbyterian Church. He also helped establish the Soldiers and Sailors Fathers’ Association after WW1.
Thomas Hogg laid the foundation stone at the Presbyterian Church and there is also a plaque within the chapel dedicated to his two sons who died in the war
Thomas was born on February 14 1857 in Pulteney, Wick, Scotland and arrived in Australia in February 1864 on the Pride of the Ocean, aged 6 (nearly 7). He started work as a ropemaker at the age of 13.
The painting of Thomas shows him in a familiar stance with his hand to his ear, this was due to a hearing loss as the result of an accident. A horse and carriage ran him down in Collins St, while he was walking to the bank one day.
Kinnoul verandah
Thomas and his wife Florence built the property "Kinnoul" in Surrey Hills where Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett now lives. JMelb remembers playing chasey on the verandah - the poles were "safe"! One of JMelb's sisters remembers playing outside in the large grounds, the other sister remembers collecting Autumn leaves for a school project. JMelb's brother remembers riding his bike to Kinnoul after school to water the garden.
Thomas had the term of endearment "Pakka" bestowed upon him when his oldest Grandchild Lynette couldn't say Grandpa. The whole family then called him by this name. JMelb remembers stories of Pakka and a picture of him at Kinnoul. Thomas lived to the age of 96 and died at his property Kinnoul in Surrey Hills
Also included in the mural is John Butler Maling who was a carpenter and builder who developed 13 acres in the 1860s, part of which is now occupied by Chatham Primary. Maling Ward of the City of Boroondara is named for him. Maling Road in Canterbury was also named in his honour in April 1899. He was also Boroondara Shire councillor for 30 years and became the first mayor of the City of Camberwell.
The final person to be included in this mural is Susannah Sarovich who was a milliner and a furrier before purchasing a small farm in 1910 fronting Whitehorse Rd, now the site of a community centre.
Thanks to Lesley (JMelb's cousin) for information on our family history
To find the cache please answer the following questions at the listed co-ordinates
ABCD = What year did Thomas Hogg arrive in Australia
E = Number of verandah posts on shops to the right of Susannah
F = Number of times the Letter R is on the Mural
G = Sadly, how many of Thomas's sons died in WW1?
H = Number of letters in Thomas Hogg's Term of Endearment
I = How many Community Roles did Thomas Hogg hold before WW1?
J = Shape of building you are standing in front of J=1 if square, J=2 if triangular, J=3 if rectangular
The cache can be found at
S37 DE.FBG
E145 0H.ICJ