Narooma Historical Society Inc.

The Cowgill family has gifted an historic painting of Central Tilba to the Tilba community honouring their family’s deep connections to the district.

The artist is William Rumph, Tilba school teacher from 1895 to 1912 and leader of the Tilba Brass Band among other things. He originally gave the painting to then Tilba residents Len Hunt and Amy (nee Fookes) as a wedding present in 1912.

“Tilba was very special to our parents and to us as kids and we’ve spent a lot of time in this part of the world,” said Len and Amy’s grandson Geoff Cowgill. “But it doesn’t have the same meaning for our kids so nor does this painting.

“So after talking it over with my brother Nev and sister Marg, we decided we should return it to the Tilba community. Central Tilba’s Dromedary Hotel was suggested as a possible home where everyone could see and enjoy it.”

Dromedary Hotel Manager Bianca Humphries is delighted as are the pub owners.

“This is a wonderful gesture by Geoff and Nev,” she said. “People sometimes forget just how historic this pub is and how it means so much to so many people. We try to add to that with historic photos and community happenings.

“This painting will now hang in the dining room for all to see… we just have to rearrange a few things first!”

Ms Humphries said the growing historic collection including this painting is now part of the pub and would remain in the Tilba community.

Geoff said Len and Amy’s daughter Dulcie married Allan Cowgill and they had an interesting life together, mostly on the South Coast.

“They were dairy farmers at Bergalia and Narooma, and later proprietors of a Narooma guest house. Dulcie was also a talented pianist and Allan played drums and during the 1940s and 1950s they had a very successful dance band which was very popular on the South Coast; their favourite dance hall was at Central Tilba.