Stinker’s History: Harry Cleary and the food run

I’VE often wondered how the Fingal Island light keepers and their families survived in the very early years with the unreliability of fresh food, particularly after the land artery was washed away in 1891.

Isolated on the island with little to no contact with the mainland, the families relied heavily on dried foods and what they could grow in their gardens.

Chickens supplied fresh eggs and an occasional baked treat while the keepers of the light were expected to catch fish and hopefully trap a lobster.

Red meat was at a premium as no animals were slaughtered on the island.

Born in Cooks Hill, Henry “Harry” Joseph Cleary (1891-1975) was a nine-year-old lad when, shortly after the death of his father, he was taken in by Christina and Magnus Cromarty.

Harry developed into an excellent horseman on the Cromarty farm at Bobs Farm.

The Robinsons of Nelson Bay were suppliers of meat and the light keepers on Fingal Island asked that it could be delivered.

Harry Cleary was the man for the job.

Riding into town, Harry would pick up the meat before riding his horse through the sand dunes to the beach at Fingal. The spit proved to be no problem to the horseman as his horse trotted, waded and swam across the dangerous water obstacle.

Sharks were of constant concern however the delivery needed to be made.

On arrival at the light house residence Harry and his horse were made welcome as the fresh meat was stored in the meat safe to be hung in the coolest spot.

Later when the tide dropped it was time for Harry to return to the mainland until the next delivery.

As a 24-year-old Harry headed off to war, returning four years later to marry Cecelia Morris, the grand-daughter of Christina and Magnus.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE