July 2 Lecture Report

Carollyn Williams: Tracing the Francis Family and Local History in Torquay

At our recent monthly meeting, society member Carollyn Williams — also Secretary of the Torquay Historical Society — delivered a warm and informative talk in two parts. She began by tracing the story of her Francis family ancestors, and then spoke about how this personal interest gradually drew her into a broader involvement with genealogy and the local history of the Torquay district.

Carollyn began her presentation in the present and stepped back through the generations to Joseph Francis and Jane Piper, who emigrated from Devon and settled in Sharp Street Chillwell. Each generation, she noted, shared common values: industriousness, religious faith, and a strong sense of civic responsibility. Her earliest ancestors were Wesleyans and played a key role in establishing the Noble Street Methodist Church in Chilwell. A stained glass window in the church was among their specific contributions.

Her grandfather, Arthur Francis (1877–1952), was a coachbuilder with a workshop at the corner of Moorabool and Fyans Streets in Chilwell, diagonally opposite the present-day Toyota dealership. Her great-grandfather William Francis (1848-1942) lived at the family home, known as Woodstock, which was located at 428 La Trobe Terrace.

Carollyn’s interest in family history was sparked by this house and its contents. She had come into possession of several family heirlooms, including her grandmother’s birthday book and a woollen and silk shawl, but was encouraged to speak with her father’s cousin — Dorothy Francis (1906–2011) — who was the true keeper of the family story.

It was Dorothy, a longtime member of our society, who urged Carollyn to write the history of Woodstock and to join the society herself. Carollyn fondly recalled being welcomed and meeting many of the society’s early luminaries.

Her growing passion for history led her to become involved with the Torquay Historical Society, where she now serves as Secretary. She noted that when the Torquay Police Station closed in 2007, it became the base for the historical society four years later. Today, Torquay is home to two historical societies, and most surrounding areas have small but active groups that collaborate in an informal regional network.

Carollyn shared a number of the Torquay Historical Society’s achievements in recent years, including:

• A Light Horse re-enactment at the High Tide Festival
• The publication of Torquay WWI Diggers and the installation of a commemorative plaque at the war memorial during the Gallipoli Centenary in 2015
• Restoration projects including a red phone box, the first Head Teacher’s desk, and a replica bathing box
• The marking of notable graves in Bellbrae Cemetery for its 150th anniversary
• The creation of historic markers and distribution of historic walking trail brochures
• The establishment of the Ros Lewis Library
• The organisation of a commemoration event marking 80 years since the local RAAF crash

Carollyn’s talk was both personal and wide-ranging, reflecting a deep respect for family memory and a commitment to preserving local heritage.

Link: Woodstock – an early house in Chilwell – In June 2022 Investigator published this article by Member and family historian, Carollyn Williams.