Rodd Island: Difference between revisions
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The island is named after [[Brent Samuel Rodd]], who had a long association with the island and the local area. He first attempted to buy the island from the government in [[1842]]. The Rodd family, who lived on the western shore of [[Iron Cove, New South Wales|Iron Cove]] in what is now the suburb of [[Rodd Point, New South Wales|Rodd Point]], used the island for recreation. Rodd tried again to purchase the island in [[1859]] and even put down a deposit of 17 pounds on it. However, the transaction was never completed and the island eventually became part of the first public recreation reserve in Sydney Harbour in [[1879]]. Despite being a solicitor, [[Rodd]] managed neither to purchase the island, nor to have his deposit refunded. |
The island is named after [[Brent Samuel Rodd]], who had a long association with the island and the local area. He first attempted to buy the island from the government in [[1842]]. The Rodd family, who lived on the western shore of [[Iron Cove, New South Wales|Iron Cove]] in what is now the suburb of [[Rodd Point, New South Wales|Rodd Point]], used the island for recreation. Rodd tried again to purchase the island in [[1859]] and even put down a deposit of 17 pounds on it. However, the transaction was never completed and the island eventually became part of the first public recreation reserve in Sydney Harbour in [[1879]]. Despite being a solicitor, [[Rodd]] managed neither to purchase the island, nor to have his deposit refunded. |
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Between [[1888]] and [[1894]], the island was used as a laboratory by scientists working for the [[Pasteur Institute]], who were researching the use of the [[chicken cholera]] microbe to control Australia's [[Rabbits in Australia|rabbit]] population. [[Louis Pasteur]] sent his nephew, Doctor Adrien Loir to conduct the experimentation in Australia and facilities were constructed on the island. [[Louis Pasteur|Pasteur]] was interested because he had been conducting similar research in [[France]] and [[Henry Parkes]] had offered a 25,000 pound reward to anyone who could solve the rabbit infestation problem. However, the research received an unfavourable report in [[1889]] and from |
Between [[1888]] and [[1894]], the island was used as a laboratory by scientists working for the [[Pasteur Institute]], who were researching the use of the [[chicken cholera]] microbe to control Australia's [[Rabbits in Australia|rabbit]] population. [[Louis Pasteur]] sent his nephew, Doctor Adrien Loir to conduct the experimentation in Australia and facilities were constructed on the island. [[Louis Pasteur|Pasteur]] was interested because he had been conducting similar research in [[France]] and [[Henry Parkes]] had offered a 25,000 pound reward to anyone who could solve the rabbit infestation problem. However, the research received an unfavourable report in [[1889]] and from June, [[1890]], the facilities were used to manufacture sheep and cattle vaccines for [[anthrax]] and [[pleuro-pneumonia]]. |
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The island was briefly home to [[Sarah Bernhardt|Sarah Bernhardt's]] dogs. They were quarantined there during her [[1891]] world tour at the suggestion of Loir. Bernhardt was a frequent visitor to the island during her time in [[Sydney]]. |
The island was briefly home to [[Sarah Bernhardt|Sarah Bernhardt's]] dogs. They were quarantined there during her [[1891]] world tour at the suggestion of Loir. Bernhardt was a frequent visitor to the island during her time in [[Sydney]]. |
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After [[1894]], the laboratories were demolished and the research station residence was converted into a dance hall, which still stands there, along with two summer houses and a gazebo constructed in the early [[20th century]]. At this time, the island was managed by the Rodd Island Recreation Trust. Further changes were in the pipeline but never went ahead because of an outbreak of [[bubonic plague]] in Sydney in [[1900]]. The Sydney Harbour Trust took over managing the island and they doubled its area by reclaiming land from the bay and constructing sea walls. Once the outbreak of the plague had finished, the island became a recreation area. |
After [[1894]], the laboratories were demolished and the research station residence was converted into a dance hall, which still stands there, along with two summer houses and a gazebo constructed in the early [[20th century]]. At this time, the island was managed by the Rodd Island Recreation Trust. Further changes were in the pipeline but never went ahead because of an outbreak of [[bubonic plague]] in Sydney in [[1900]]. The Sydney Harbour Trust took over managing the island and they doubled its area by reclaiming land from the bay and constructing sea walls. Once the outbreak of the plague had finished, the island became a recreation area. |
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During the [[World War II|Second World War]], from [[1944]], the island was used as a training base for the [[US Army]]. After the war, it reverted back to its former use as a recreation area. The island became part of the Sydney Harbour National Park in |
During the [[World War II|Second World War]], from [[1944]], the island was used as a training base for the [[US Army]]. After the war, it reverted back to its former use as a recreation area. The island became part of the Sydney Harbour National Park in February, [[1982]], and is now a popular picnic area and function centre. Loir's restored house was opened to the public in [[1996]].{{ref|messent}}{{ref|decrod}} |
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== References == |
== References == |
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* Blaxell, Gregory. ''The River: Sydney Cove to Parramatta''. Eastwood, N.S.W.: Brush Farm Historical Society, 2004. ISBN 0975141910. |
* Blaxell, Gregory. ''The River: Sydney Cove to Parramatta''. Eastwood, N.S.W.: Brush Farm Historical Society, 2004. ISBN 0975141910. |
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* {{note|messent}} David Messent ([[1994]]). ''The Complete Guide to Sydney Harbour''. ISBN 0646178881. Page 100. |
* {{note|messent}} David Messent ([[1994]]). ''The Complete Guide to Sydney Harbour''. ISBN 0646178881. Page 100. |
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[[Category:Islands of Australia]] |
[[Category:Islands of Australia]] |
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[[Category:Sydney localities]] |
[[Category:Sydney localities]] |
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Revision as of 23:36, 23 March 2006
Rodd Island is an island in Sydney Harbour, Australia. It lies in the centre of Iron Cove, between the Sydney suburbs of Drummoyne, Russell Lea, Rodd Point, Haberfield and Leichhardt, in the western section of the harbour upstream of the Harbour Bridge. Today the island is uninhabited, and forms part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. The island has had various other names over its history: Rabbit Island, Rhode Island, Snake Island and Jack Island.
History
The island is named after Brent Samuel Rodd, who had a long association with the island and the local area. He first attempted to buy the island from the government in 1842. The Rodd family, who lived on the western shore of Iron Cove in what is now the suburb of Rodd Point, used the island for recreation. Rodd tried again to purchase the island in 1859 and even put down a deposit of 17 pounds on it. However, the transaction was never completed and the island eventually became part of the first public recreation reserve in Sydney Harbour in 1879. Despite being a solicitor, Rodd managed neither to purchase the island, nor to have his deposit refunded.
Between 1888 and 1894, the island was used as a laboratory by scientists working for the Pasteur Institute, who were researching the use of the chicken cholera microbe to control Australia's rabbit population. Louis Pasteur sent his nephew, Doctor Adrien Loir to conduct the experimentation in Australia and facilities were constructed on the island. Pasteur was interested because he had been conducting similar research in France and Henry Parkes had offered a 25,000 pound reward to anyone who could solve the rabbit infestation problem. However, the research received an unfavourable report in 1889 and from June, 1890, the facilities were used to manufacture sheep and cattle vaccines for anthrax and pleuro-pneumonia.
The island was briefly home to Sarah Bernhardt's dogs. They were quarantined there during her 1891 world tour at the suggestion of Loir. Bernhardt was a frequent visitor to the island during her time in Sydney.
After 1894, the laboratories were demolished and the research station residence was converted into a dance hall, which still stands there, along with two summer houses and a gazebo constructed in the early 20th century. At this time, the island was managed by the Rodd Island Recreation Trust. Further changes were in the pipeline but never went ahead because of an outbreak of bubonic plague in Sydney in 1900. The Sydney Harbour Trust took over managing the island and they doubled its area by reclaiming land from the bay and constructing sea walls. Once the outbreak of the plague had finished, the island became a recreation area.
During the Second World War, from 1944, the island was used as a training base for the US Army. After the war, it reverted back to its former use as a recreation area. The island became part of the Sydney Harbour National Park in February, 1982, and is now a popular picnic area and function centre. Loir's restored house was opened to the public in 1996.[1][2]
References
- Blaxell, Gregory. The River: Sydney Cove to Parramatta. Eastwood, N.S.W.: Brush Farm Historical Society, 2004. ISBN 0975141910.
- ^ David Messent (1994). The Complete Guide to Sydney Harbour. ISBN 0646178881. Page 100.
- ^ New South Wales Department of Environment and Conservation (2004). Media Release - Rodds return to Rodd Island. Retrieved September 21, 2005.