The
site of the city’s Town Hall in Church Street, was once the Market Place,
chosen as such by Governor Macquarie in 1812.
A store was to be built to hold produce, and the market was to open at 6
a.m. on Thursdays by the sound of a “ring
of bells”. It was scheduled to close
at noon. The first market day was opened
on January 12, 1813, and Francis Oakes, the well-known Parramatta identity, was
appointed Market Clerk. At least one of
the original bells rung to open, close the old market is still in
existence. It was originally the bell of
the wrecked ship Clonmel, paddle
wheeler of 298 tons, the biggest steamship in Australian waters of the
time. The bell was lent to the market
trustees and used until the markets closed and the Town Hall was built on the
site.
1790: 40 acres under cultivation in the colony
growing pumpkins, potatoes, maize and cabbage.
1791: Governor Arthur Phillip orders planting of
first vineyard in Parramatta.
Dr. Thomas Arndell allotted 60
acres for the use of growing crops at Parramatta.
Governor Phillip allots 30 acres
to Cornish farmer, James Ruse, Land Grant No.1.
“New ground” at Toongabbie,
suitable for growing crops.
Lieutenant William Cummings
receives “land grant” East of Clay Cliff Creek for the use of growing crops for
the colony.
Phillip Schaffer commences
farming grapes and other crops on North side of Parramatta river.
1793: Elizabeth farm is built by John Macarthur.
James Ruse sells Experiment Farm to
Colonial Surgeon John Harris.
1804: With crops grown in the Parramatta area, the
first brewery in the colony.
1807: Oranges are grown at Baulkham Hills by George
Suttor.
1809: “Smut” disease devastates local wheat crops.
1811: Abundant Parramatta crops allow grain to be
exported to India.
1812: Establishment of “Public Markets” in
Parramatta, corner of Macquarie and Church Streets.
1813: First “Public Fair” held in colony, on land
now occupied by the Old Kings School.
1816: John Macarthur’s farm at Parramatta now
covers 850 acres.
Gregory Blaxland plants vineyard at
Brush Farm.
1822: Gregory Blaxland exports Parramatta grown Red
Wine to England.
1831: Drought devastates local Parramatta crops,
with many farmers leaving farms.
1841: James Byrnes Flour Mill erected on the banks
of the Parramatta River.
1868: Maria Ann Smith “Granny Smith” attempts to
grow variation of Tasmanian apples.
1870:
“Granny Smith” dies and is buried at
Ryde.
