Shepparton Beginnings
McGuire's Punt
(From Water the Vital Element)
McGUIRE 'S PUNT HUT, 18 5 3
The first building in Shepparton town as we know it today, was a punt house. This was a hut erected of slabs by one named McGuire, in the gold days of 1853. Its location was at the southwest corner of High and Welsford Streets. McGuire had established a punt at this spot on the Goulburn. Today is seen a track or cutting through the bank on each side of the river , at the foot of High Street. In the early days a sign was erected on the track at the eastern side of the river, on which was painted "From Bendigo." Punts remained in use until 1876. The last two owners of punts in this particular locality were Archer and Fraser. (History of Shepparton by WS James 1838-1938) |
Advert for the Emu Inn at McGuire's Punt, Melb Morning Herald 1853.
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HOW SHEPPARTON GOT ITS NAME
From 1853 to 1870, Shepparton was known as "McGuire's Punt," this name being inscribed on nearly all documents, particularly Government records. The name "Shepparton " was of later origin than " McGuire's Punt," and came first into use in 1855, when various documents now existent show the words "Shepparton or McGuire's Punt" thereon inscribed. The name has no relation to the town in England called Shepparton, as is erroneously thought. The early pioneers in correspondence called the town Sheppardtown, or Sheppard town, after Sherbourne Sheppard, the squatter at "Tallygaroopna" Station. However,
it gradually assumed the name of "Shepparton" from the first survey of the township. Sheppard's portrait may be seen at the Shire Council offices today.
(History of Shepparton by WS James 1838-1938)
From 1853 to 1870, Shepparton was known as "McGuire's Punt," this name being inscribed on nearly all documents, particularly Government records. The name "Shepparton " was of later origin than " McGuire's Punt," and came first into use in 1855, when various documents now existent show the words "Shepparton or McGuire's Punt" thereon inscribed. The name has no relation to the town in England called Shepparton, as is erroneously thought. The early pioneers in correspondence called the town Sheppardtown, or Sheppard town, after Sherbourne Sheppard, the squatter at "Tallygaroopna" Station. However,
it gradually assumed the name of "Shepparton" from the first survey of the township. Sheppard's portrait may be seen at the Shire Council offices today.
(History of Shepparton by WS James 1838-1938)
Allotments in the Township of Shepparton
at McGuire's Punt, Goulburn River, 1856 |
SHEPPARTON PROCLAIMED A TOWN
Shepparton was proclaimed a township on September 28, 1860 , when the name McGuire's Punt was dropped. John Downey cut up the rest of the village in 1874, and though all the streets were set out none were named. Whatever credit may be due for the well laid out town, the surveyor did not depart from the fine start set out by the survey of Wilmot. Alfred Leahy completed the survey of Shepparton in 1877, his first datum mark being taken at the site where the Commonwealth Bank now stands . Leahy had the streets all named at this period and set out all allotments on his plan. THE FIRST SURVEY OF THE TOWN The first survey of the township of "McGuire' s Punt" of "Shepparton " ( both names appearing on the original plan) was made by J. G. Wilmot on July 13, 1855, and was a good survey . (The photograph of the original plan may be seen today ). A description of the survey is as follows : "There were two streets , Wyndham and Welsford Streets, which were crossed by Fryer, High and Vaughan Streets. The latter three streets began at Wyndham Street and finished at the river." (History of Shepparton by WS James 1838-1938) |