For fifty years this quaint blue-granite Saddlery on High Street was the meeting place for those who enjoyed discussions on a wide variety of topics. Saddler George Woolnough continued to ply his trade, listening but undisturbed by the chatter and opinions of his many friends who wandered in. It was the compassion of George Woolnough that attracted so many to the High Street Saddlery from 1908 until his retirement in 1960.
One famous customer was A. B. "Banjo" Patterson, well loved Australian poet and author. "Banjo" lived here for only a short while and married a local girl, Miss Alice Walker of Tenterfield Station in 1903.
The land was originally bought by Sir Stuart Alexander Donaldson for 32 pounds 10 shillings in 1858. Sir Stuart was the owner of Tenterfield Station and went on to become the first Premier of New South Wales.
Sold in 1870 to Charles Pavel the first Saddler for 34 pounds, he then sold to the Australian Joint Stock Bank in 1874. The old building was perfect for use as a bank as the granite walls were over 20" thick.
For a time the Saddlery was the private home of Miss Catherine Bourke, 1895 to 1897, who then sold it to Dan Egan, the next Saddler. It is interesting to note that the solicitor who arranged these last three sales was Major J. F. Thomas of "Breaker" Morant fame.
The Tenterfield Saddlery was classified by the National Trust of Australia in 1972. The doors and woodwork are of red cedar and apart from the mainenance, the Saddlery is in its original condition.
After the first two saddlers, C. H. Pavel and Dan Egan, came George Woolnough, Ted Daly and the present Saddler, Trevor Gibson. Trevor now continues the essential but somewhat rare occupation in this modern day of Saddlery. Call in for a chat, you will usually be lucky enough to watch Trevor using his skills in his everyday occupation.
George Woolnough's grandson, Peter Allen, internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter, has perpetuated the memory of George Woolnough in one of his best known songs "The Tenterfield Saddler".
The Saddlery also draws fans of Peter Allen who want to see the home of the famous "Tenterfield Saddler". Even if you are not a fan, the Saddlery is still certainly worth a visit!