Producing an account of Wandong’s industrial history has been a ten year challenge for the Wandong History Group aided by the assistance of two of Robert Affleck Robertson’s granddaughters – Brenda Johnson and Hilary McKelvie.   Our initial efforts charted the establishment of the Victorian Terra Cotta Lumber Company’s manufacturing plant at Wandong and the activities of Robertson and his sawmilling operations on Mt. Disappointment.  Since our Group’s formation we have produced several books detailing our town’s history, its businesses and the activities of our early settlers.

In November 2022 following exhaustive research by Hilary and Karen Christensen (President) we were able to produce a Robertson Family Tree providing further valuable material on members of the extended Robertson family.  To complement the Family Tree we have produced a further publication “From Scotland to the Antipodes: Building a Dynasty“.  This publication provides readers with more intimate details on members of the Robertson, Adams, Finlay and Affleck connections and their exploits.

The Family Tree and book launch event was held in November 2022 as part of our History Month activities and was well attended by members of the extended Robertson clan.  The event was attended by the two granddaughters Brenda and Hilary, with Hilary providing a welcome to those attending, many of whom had never met one another.  All were keen to see the photographic display of Robertson’s Wandong activities and then to undertake a tour of the town to view the homes, coffee palace and Catholic Church built by Robertson.  The day was a great success and we look forward to members of the Robertson clan continuing their association with the Wandong History Group and bringing to light new and intriguing stories about their famiy’s connection to Wandong.

Visit our shop to purchase a copy of this latest publication by the Wandong History Group.