Lilydale is certainly well-named. The dale is there - one of those natural and picturesque depressions in the earth - and also the lilies when the season of blooming is here.
Years ago, Lilydale was known by the less euphonious name of Upper Piper, but a meeting was held by a number of people who thought something more musical and vocal should be chosen as the cognomen of such a naturally beautiful locality, and, after some discussion, and a certain amount of opposition from a few conservative spirits, the name of Lilydale was adopted. Whether it has any reference to, or connection with the old song which immortalises the many charms, physical and mental of a certain Lilydale, who lived and laughed and sang years ago, this scribe is unable to say, but the fact remains that the present name of this town seems to be very appropriate to its surroundings.
Lilydale lies in an amphitheatre of mountains and hills, some of the latter being partially cleared almost to their summits, the gaunt dry gum trees contrasting wiih those in their natural arboreal state, whilst over these the rocky form of Mt Arthur towers in stateliness and solitude.
The rural beauty of the town has been added to by the fact that many of the original settlers were sufficiently endowed with a love of Nature, to leave many clumps of indigenous trees standing, which when enhanced by the planting of exotic trees has greatly increased the scenic effect of the landscape.
Lilydale contains from 500 to 750 people, and in normal times is a thriving and prosperous district. One of the oldest inhabitants is Mr F. Proctor who came to this locality in 1887 and has made good in the blacksmithing and wheelwrighting trade, having built up a prosperous business, which is now successfully carried on by his son (Mr Leslie Proctor) who at present occupies the position of Warden of the Municipality which extends almost to Launceston on the western side, and to Nabowla on the Eastern side, consequently one was not surprised to hear that the population of the Municipality amounted to over 5000. [CONTINUES. "Proctor" should be "Procter". Many notable families listed in second half plus how Lilydale dealt with the worldwide flu epidemic of 1919. ]
One could see at a glance that, whilst only a small portion of the soil on the the uplands could be classed as first-class, the greater portion was obviously of a productive character, and specially suited for mixed farming. Good crops of oats, potatoes, root crops, such as carrots and parsnips are grown, and it is claimed that the district is one of the very best in Tasmania for the production of apples which are invariably excellent in flavour, colour, and commercial size.
Lilydale has an Annual Autumn Show generally held in April, and here again visitors have expressed general satisfaction at the display presented for their appreciation. Shale exists in the district some four or five miles from the town, and if the Government would assist by granting the services of a Diamond drill plant, probably something of a remunerative character would be found in this connection. Coal measures may exist here also, as Mt Arthur is thought by geological experts to be resting on sandstone, which, of course, is always an indication of the likelihood of coal being discovered.
Amongst the industries of Lilydale, as far as the town is concerned, are the Lilydale Standard Fruit and Cool Storage Company, which this season handled 12000 cases of fruit from local growers, employing a staff of twelve pickers. There is a sawmill attached to this business, which is mostly utilised for the making of cases for packing purposes.
Incidentally, one may mention that no less than 16 sawmills are in operation in the Municipality, evidence that the timber industry is one of much importance to the municipality. Mr J. B. White, also has a complete sawmilling plant in close proximity to the station. This fine plant has been running very successfully for about 12 months, cutting hardwood, which is also planed, about 15,000 ft passing through the mill per week. Most of this reaches the mainland in a dressed state and commands a ready sale at top prices. Half-a-dozen hands are usually employed full time, and one noticed a fine stock of timber in the yards ready for export after the seasoning process is completed. Timber experts say that the class of hardwood cut here is of tip-top quality and hard to beat in the State.
Amongst the most prominent residents of Lilydale and the adjacent districts are the Wilson family, Messrs Bostock, Wade, Sulzberger, Miller, W. J. & O. H. Granfield, the Brown family, Brooks family, Mr Malcolm C(?) Hammersley, Dickson, Arnold family, Dornauf, F. H & J.L. Mahnken, C. E. Brewer, Angus Campbell the late L. Bardenhagen, H. V. Bardenhagen, who is still carrying on his late father's storekeeping business ; Edward Luck, F. Celp [Kelp], Turner, E. H Mitchell and Mrs Abel. Many of these are still engaged in rural industries with much success.
The State School, at present utilised as an isolation hospital in connection with the pneumonic influenza out-break, is under the care of Mr A. W. Howard, a knight of the ferule who has given very general satisfaction to parents and children alike, as evidenced by the attendance which is usually over the century. Mr Howard has been teaching the "young idea how to shoot" here over four years with excellent results, as already stated, and, at present, is ably assisted by Miss Lewis, also a general favorite with parents and children.
The Anglican Church is represented by Rev Armson, the Presbyterian by Rev. Campbell, the Methodist by Rev. Walsh, and Salvation Army by Capt Jenkins, who has done some really fine work of a self-sacrificing character during the present influenza-epidemic.
Postal and telephone matters are attended to Mr E. Kirkham, who has been recently appointed to the position by the Department. One found something like 18 cases of isolated influenza at the State school, but in no case were serious results anticipated, as the careful nursing of trained ladies was having a good effect.
Lilydale. (1919, September 19). North-Eastern Advertiser (Scottsdale, Tas. : 1909 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved February 5, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151260839
P.S. The name "Celp" was usually spelt Kelp, but also Kilp and Kelb in early days.