Old Lincoln’s Place – a Historical Farm in Portarlington On The Bellarine Peninsula.
Sadly this old Australian Pioneer farm has now been demolished, but the photos and memories will live on! It was a true example and reminder of living history, and humble yet challenging farm life before the increasingly evident progress and development that we see now in modern times.
Lincoln’s Place carries with it a great story! A story of an incredible woman – a strong survivor!
Mrs Lincoln arrived on the Bellarine when she was just fifteen years old, and later married at the age of twenty-two. A while later, Lincoln’s Place became their home, and they were blessed with six children. It was truly unfortunate that her husband died young and she was left to look after their six children and maintain the massive daily tasks of Lincoln’s Place. So much hardship was endured, including living through The Great Depression which brought a burden of longer hours, less rewards, and desperate times. Indeed it was a mammoth burden for a widow.
The farm remained a fully functioning dairy farm until the 1950’s. Sadly, it stood through time in ruins and could only be viewed from the road.
Driving past on regular occasions, and seizing available opportunities to take photos had me highly intrigued to say the least! Upon internet perusal, I was delighted to find that a book had been written about this intriguing property, and a copy for myself was hard to come by. It was certainly joyous ordering and receiving my own copy of the book: “Lincoln’s Place – The Story of an Australian Pioneer Farm”by Colin Thiele, and the paintings of Robert Ingpen.
I would like to share with you a paragraph I have selected from the book which shares the warmth of what once was…
“Sunshine and shadow work strangely at Lincoln’s Place. In spring and early summer the light fairly dances. Gables and edges gleam, the ochre face of the loft lifts and glows, the yellow lichen on the old mulberry tree turns to gold, the rusty remnants of tools and odd lengths of ancient chain hanging from hooks or branches take on vigour and clarity of form. In sheds and stables the doorways and dark apertures seem to deepen against the glow outside. Niches and crevices retreat. The world shines.“
After hearing whispers that the Old Lincoln Farm was being demolished, I knew I had to go and see for myself, as I was feeling somewhat shocked and in disbelief. Upon arrival, I witnessed it with my own eyes and captured many images. I had feelings of sadness, and disappointment as I stood there photographing, witnessing an end to a part of local history.
A short video that I put together on Lincoln’s Place.
