Rows of Canary Island date palms (Phoenix canierensis) grace Bent Street, Central Park and the corner of Isabella and Wynter Streets in Wingham. In 1919 there were numerous discussions about planting trees in Wingham to honour those who had fought in World War I. However concerns around costs, suitable plant type and lack of town planning hampered any initiatives to plant memorial trees.1
King George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935 however provided an opportunity to beautify Wingham. In celebration of the King’s 25 years on the throne a public holiday was held on 6 May 1935 where towns held ceremonies and planted trees.2 The scheme saw the Sydney Botanic Gardens supply suitable plants and expert advice.3 Well-known citizens and school children planted 12 date palms in Central Park and nine on the footpath surrounding the Wingham Brush Primary School.4 In the following weeks date palms were planted in the middle of Bent Street (from Canget to Farquhar Street).5 Bent Street was afterwards referred to as “Palm Tree Avenue” or “Palm Reserve”.6
Despite a few teething problems where roaming cattle ate the foliage and vandals stole the odd frond, most of the trees have survived the test of time.7
Author: Janine Roberts
References:
1 Wingham Chronicle, 8 April 1919, 2; 18 April 1919, 2.
2 Northern Champion, 15 May 1935, 4.
3 Manning River Times, 10 April 1935, 6.
4 Wingham Chronicle, 3 May 1935, 2.
5 Wingham Chronicle, 31 May 1935, 2.
6 Wingham Chronicle, 7 June 1935, 4; 11 February 1944, 2.
7 Wingham Chronicle, 5 June 1936, 2; 23 October 1942, 4.
