We're never quite sure how to define micro-toponymy: whether it's 'names for small features', or 'the placenames of a local area', or 'unofficial placenames that hardly anybody knows of'. Whatever the truth of the matter, you'll discover that this March issue is one that heavily features microtoponymy.)
Originally inspired by Council Clerk Bill Wilsons’ list of the hills between Lilydale and Launceston, I have been trying to collect local names for landscape features in the Lilydale district. Plot the properties, note the names and residents past and present. The Council has been giving names to roads over the last few decades and I can find Collins Road, Venns Rd, Bassetts Rd, Griffins Rd, Mahnkens Road, Fowlers Lane, Nicholls Rd, Windsor Rd and more.
Names of places known mainly to locals give us a sense of identity and belonging, just like nicknames for people. We associate memories with particular places. John Miller on a phone call from England in 2012 was reminiscing about going fishing as a boy in the Second River over behind Turners Place, Echo Bank, opposite the Falls.
Lilydalers all know where Bacala Crossing is and Dadson’s Hill at Bangor that Joe Griffin bought. Who remembers where McGaughey’s Flats were, where Bridestowe was originally and where old Mr Arthur Underlin used to live? Old residents can name the neighbours in all directions if you state a particular farming or orcharding family at a certain time, say Walkers at Lalla or Collins at Karoola. Here is Bill’s original list of 1949 and a link to my Lilydale District googlemap for which I would love to receive your corrections and fresh input.
Council Chambers, Lilydale. Tasmania. 2nd November 1949.
Mr G. E. Archer,
Private Bag,
Landfall. East Tamar.
Dear Mr Archer,
Before they are forgotten it is desired to obtain the correct names of the hills, etc. on the Main Road from Lilydale to Rocherlea. Please check the above list and advise me regarding any alterations and additions to the list.
Yours sincerely,
W. Wilson
Council Clerk
Names of hills, etc. on Main Road from Lilydale to Rocherlea
Brewer's Hill, where a deviation was made.
School Hill on Launceston side of Underwood Bridge.
Bennie's Hill up past property of F. W. Youl.
White Bottom, on top of Bennie's Hill now known as Flying Mile.
Three Hills on Launceston end of Flying Mile
Barber's Bottom (bridge) near property of Hedley Blyth.
Holloway's Hill from Prosser's Forest Road to junction of Turner's Marsh Road.
Callaghan's culvert in hollow past Junction. Culvert installed by Callaghan.
Fingerpost Hill, commencing at top of hill where a deviation was made and not used.
Three Bridges over Rocher's Creek.
Crown land on side of road near Three bridges known as Melcombe Regis.