Left: Jack working timber on "Maxwelton" in 1938. (Balnarring & District Historical Society). Right: Jack Johnson
He kept busy earning his fox levies, prospecting on the old diggings, cutting wood, and doing assorted odd jobs for Downward and his neighbours, the Firths and the Heggens. Jack was a good worker. He was “on the wagon” as far as alcohol was concerned and Downward grew to like and respect this barely literate but highly trustworthy fellow. When the neighbours gathered for a beer and a chat around the table at “Maxwelton”, he would prefer a cup of tea instead. On one of those evenings when the boys had gathered for a yarn, a friendly banter broke out between Jack and one neighbour, Lou Connell, who prided himself on being a great hunter. Each man bragged of having the better trapping ability. To settle matters, it was decided that each man would hang his fox catch on a double-trunked tree situated between their two properties, and Downward would oversee and adjudicate the result. Jack would use one trunk of the tree and Lou the other in a friendly competitive display. And so the tradition of “Foxey’s Hangout” was begun. Draped continued next page...
new website NOW
LIVE! PENINSUL A ESSENCE WINTER 2016
PENINSULA WINTER 2015
Living & visitin
FREE
WINTER 2016
FREE
g on the Mornin
Living & visiting
on the Mornington
Peninsula
gton Peninsula
LIVING & VISITING ON THE MORNINGT ON PENINSULA
Sculpting Towards The Future • Sorrento • Our Peninsu ’s Own la Our Anzacs dive Original Skipping Girl • An winterFile • Like Mother with a• Style Unlikely Friendsh • Stilt Walking Get wet Like• Son • Followin ip Goddess • A Taste comic relief grown g The • Home House Rules • storm • A little Of Tuscany • Glass blowing Chopper Heaven on life • A perfect • Winter fashion on Western Port • Focus On Franksto An abstract view of a chatty cabbie Hill Estate • Focus n • Pin up girl • Tales ce • Recipe from Max’s at Red • A truffling experien
Peninsula Essence is a FREE magazine bringing you all the best the Peninsula has to offer.
www.peninsulaessence.com.au February 2017
E ssence | 85
PENINSULA