Tocal is a 2200 hectare property situated on the Paterson River in the lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales. The Wonnarua Aboriginal people called the area around the lagoon 'tocal', which was their word for 'abundance'. James Webber was granted the first 1300 acres in 1822 and immediately began farming. Having established a very productive farm, he sold it to Caleb & Felix Wilson in 1834. Ten years later, Tocal was leased to the Reynolds family. The Reynolds bought the property and during their time at Tocal it was renowned as one of the finest Hereford and Thoroughbred studs in Australia. The Alexander Family bought the property in 1926. The last private owner of Tocal, Charles Boyd Alexander, died in 1947 without descendants. He was the sole heir to a considerable estate and his Will detailed a vision for an agricultural school for underprivileged children. He bequeathed the entire family estate to that vision. There are fascinating stories at every turn. Tales of bushrangers and businessmen, architects and graziers, social reform and philanthropy are woven through the highs and lows of life on this significant Hunter Valley property.
In July of this year, a weekend called "A Peek into the Past" was held at Tocal Homestead. This is my visual record of that memorable event.