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Tracing History Through Our Street Names in Tanilba Bay
Nestled on the shores of Port Stephens, Tanilba Bay has witnessed generations unfold, leaving behind echoes of a bygone era. The Tanilba Bay Heritage & History Trail serves as your digital gateway to these historical treasures, providing a glimpse into the lives and events that shaped our town.
Why are there World War 1 Street Names in Tanilba Bay?
Main Road through Tanilba Bay Named Avenue of the Allies
The main road through the estate was named Avenue of the Allies and measured a grand 46 metres wide. In 1929, Henry planted a row of Norfolk Island Pines on either side of the Avenue of the Allies.
Nineteen Street Names Dedicated to WW1
Out of the 24 streets within the estate, 19 were dedicated as a tribute to World War I, with four of them—Success, Conquest, Victory, and Peace—specifically commemorating the triumph of the Allied forces in the war. The majority of street names in this estate reflect the intense patriotism prevalent in the post-World War 1 era.
In this section: Click on any of the headings to go to the section
World War 1 Legacy in Our Street Names
Click on the links on the images or on read more below to explore the stories behind each street name, as we pay homage to the courage and resilience that define these historic figures.
Admiralty Avenue
Named after the pivotal British department in the Royal Navy.
Army Avenue
Named after the country’s largest military branch in WW1.
Ave of the Allies
Named after the 27 nations allied against the Central Powers.
Beaty Boulevard
Named after a Royal Navy battlecruiser squadron commander.
Clemenceau Cres
Named after France’s Premier during part of World War I.
Diggers Drive
Named after the ANZAC soldiers, known as ‘diggers.’
Foch Forum
Named after the coordinator of allies during WW1.
Haig Hexagon
Named after a British Army commander and 1st Earl Haig in WW1.
King Albert Avenue
Named after Albert 1, a distinguished WWI Belgian Army Commander.
Lloyd George Grove
Named after the UK Prime Minister and Minister for Munitions during WWI.
Pershing Place
Named after the senior American military commander in WW1.
President Wilson Walk
Named after the 28th President of the USA, serving from 1914-1921.
Monash Close
Named after the leader of the 13th Infantry Brigade in Gallipoli.
Poilus Place
Named for French soldiers with unique bushy beards and moustaches.
Weymss Way
Admiral of the fleet, Rosslyn Wemyss served in command positions WW1.
Navy Nook
Named after the Royal Australian Navy & Britain’s Royal Navy.
President Poincare Pde
Named after the President of France from 1913-1917.
Street Names Based on a Theme after WW1
Anti-German Sentiment After WW1
During World War I, anti-German sentiment was pervasive, leading to the internment of thousands of German-born residents and the renaming of German place names. Even as late as 1920, naturalised British subjects of German origin faced disenfranchisement. Given Henry’s immediate German ancestry, his choice of these street names likely served as a poignant expression of his loyalty to his country, affirming his allegiance in a time of adversity.
Street Names Reflect Loyalty to Australia
Henry chose street names in Tanilba Bay to reflect his loyalty to his country. This was a thematic approach with Conquest Crescent, Peace Parade, Success Street, and Victory View. Each street embodies positive outcomes, achievements, and themes of success and victory, reflecting Henry Halloran’s vision for the community.
Click on the images or on read more below to explore the triumphs envisioned by Henry F Halloran.
Success Street
Named for the triumph of the Allied Forces over the Central Powers in WW1.
Alliteration of Street Names by Henry F Halloran
Street Names Have Meaning
His meticulous selection of street names distinguishes Henry F Halloran’s developments and subdivisions, each having significant meaning, even if only known to him.
Deliberate Choice of Street Names
The deliberate choice of alliterative names (repetition of the beginning consonant) suggests a careful and intentional approach, likely for marketing and aesthetic appeal. Street names like Navy Nook, Army Avenue, and Diggers Drive contribute to a distinctive and memorable character within the neighbourhood while creating a historical connection, not only captivate attention but also honour the valiant heroes of World War I.
Establishment of Tanilba Bay as Town
On 4 December 1918, G D Allen, surveyor, submitted plans for a proposed subdivision to be called Tanilba Bay Estate. The survey was completed in December 1919. Henry F Halloran & Company was selling the estate but did not own the land.
The estate was a Garden City development with a curvilinear symmetrical layout but features both curved and straight streets; L-shaped, angled, and curved street corners; both rectangular and irregularly shaped blocks.
Exploring Local History Through Street Names of Tanilba Bay
Five Street Names Reflect History
Henry F Halloran’s homage to the area’s history extended beyond the war heroes. The remaining five streets—Caswell, Rigney, Pomona, Tanilba, and Tilligerry—are named to honour local individuals who played pivotal roles in the development and history of the area. Additionally, some streets, like Tanilba, are named to recognise the contributions of Aboriginal people, with Tanilba meaning “white flower”, the flannel flower which grows in large numbers in spring.
Not All Street Names Met With Approval
Not all choices were met with unanimous approval. Initial inhabitants expressed concerns to the council regarding the designation of Tanilba Track, advocating for a change to Tanilba Avenue. The council changed the street name which is disappointing as it did not maintain consistency with Henry’s alliterative naming convention. This disappointment underscores the significance placed on preserving Henry’s meticulous and meaningful legacy.
Click on the images or on read more below to uncover the stories behind the streets that pay homage to early European settlers, landmarks, and the cultural roots that have shaped ‘The Tanilba Way.’
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Browse our books and CDs in the Port Stephens Family History Society shop – perfect for history enthusiasts and family researchers.