FARMER and lobster fisherman Frederick Henry ‘Fred’ Blanch (b 1883), son of John Blanch and Eliza Lorman (Eagleton), married Ella West in 1913.
Fred worked on his father’s farm on Marsh Road from the age of 14 and went net fishing near Mosquito Island.
In 1979 Fred died at the age of 95 years, being the longest living member of his family.
Wife Ella died at the age of 84 years.
The couple had two sons Stanley (1913-1971) and Norman (1916-2008).
Fred’s parents’ home still stands today at the corner of Nelson Bay and Soldiers Point Roads, opposite the old Anna Bay tennis courts.
Before buying 100 acres on the Marsh Road, Fred worked for his parents on their Anna Bay farm, fishing and farming oysters in Tilligerry Creek.
A trip to Newcastle took half a day’s travel while the Parson’s visit from Williamtown required an overnight stay.
Fred and Ella lived their married lives on Marsh Road.
In more recent years the farm had been operated by son Norman.
Fred recalled that the major problems living on Marsh Road were isolation and lack of adequate transport.
His longevity he put down to hard work and a tot of rum every night before retiring.
Son Norman, who continued on the Marsh Road farm, was very well known for the beautiful tomatoes that he grew and would sell from his property.
He would also box his tomato plants and sell those to the public.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
