Big ones.
And they made them double brick - the bricks were also hand made.
Over the decades it was used as a place for the Cobb and Co to stop overnight, many horses rested in here on long journeys while their people rested in all sorts of camps and accommodation.
These stables have lived through a massive gold rush, federation, world wars, droughts, floods and the introduction of more inventions than those builders ever dreamed of.
One big storm a few weeks ago was all they could take and when a few bricks fell from the walls there was only one option left.
The old stables had to come down.
And just like it went up by hand over 150 years ago, it pretty much came down the same way.
A team of my family got together yesterday, we chipped and cleaned bricks, we threw bricks (not at each other) we wheeled them to piles and we threw the old ones to use for clean landfill. We sat in the dirt and dust (and even one very dried out dead rat) and knocked the ol girl to the ground.
It is so true what they say. Many hands make light work - but, a brick is still a brick and frigging heavy when you are moving thousands of them in one day.
The wood that could be salvaged has gone to those that know what they are doing and will be recycled and turned into a brand new design. The tin roof has gone to live out its days in the house next door where it will have an entirely new life.
Today there are sore muscles aching and dirty clothes to be washed and a little sadness of the end of a building. But there is also the excitement of seeing the space planted out with flowers and fruit trees and lawn, a space that might become a haven for people to sit, relax and enjoy the space for maybe another 150 years.
When I spoke to your Mum the other day, she said they were coming down. Thanks for the update. Hard work for you all, hopefully some fond memories and a whole new outlook for your Mum outside. Well done. Mrs. PeeDee.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I LOVE old buildings. Stables, houses, public buildings... we try to preserve whenever we can. Such a shame that building had to go. Glad you had many hands. And I bet those bricks were beautiful! What are you doing with the ones that you saved? xxx
ReplyDeleteSame Kymmie. The rest of the place has been restored. We saved around 5000 bricks, they will be re used in a new project, just not sure what that project is yet.
DeleteGorgeous pics - nothing like a family working bee to get everyone in the same place. Go and have a bubble bath!
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that it had to come down, but wonderful that it can be recycled and be loved once more.
ReplyDeleteFocusing on the positive, I'm sure something beautiful is yet to come of the bricks and the space and there will always be the story.
ReplyDeleteA shame that they had to come down, but I look forward to reading about how you re-use the bricks - old things in new ways.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame. Old buildings have so much life and character. Those bricks will be worth a bob though!
ReplyDeleteSad to have ended that way, but so great that you could recycle so much of it. A special story for whoever has the next use of those materials.
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame - but alas these things have to happen. Good for making brick paths maybe.
ReplyDeleteCor blimey, lady, I'm actually a bit teary!!! x
ReplyDelete