Tenterfield Saddler — Attraction in Tenterfield

Went here a few days ago and had a look around when we were there one of the ladies told us all the interesting history associated with the saddler.

Most known from the Peter Allan song Tenterfield Saddler. The song was written about his saddler grandfather George Woolnought who owned the saddlery from 1908-1960. The song highlights the central role played by the traditional tradesman and his place of work in the life of Tenterfield in that time.

Originally the building was constructed as a residence in 1860 by Sir Stuart Alexander Donaldson from Tenterfield station. I then become a saddlery in 1870 by saddler C H Pavel. In 1874 it was sold to the Australian Joint Stock Bank until it reverted back to a private home 1895-1887. The next saddler to own the property was Dan Edgar he had a client who turned out to be the famous poet and author Banjo Patterson. Banjo Patterson married Miss Alice Walker from Tenterfield station in 1903.

In 1972 the cultural architectural and social significance of the Tenterfield Saddlery was recognised by the National Trust Australia. Today the building is a retail outlet for leather goods and as a tourist attraction...

We drove 2 hours to take my mother to visit the Tenterfield Saddler on her birthday (something she specifically asked to do for her birthday now that we live in the general region). We got there 45 minutes before the advertised closing time (of 1pm).

My friend went across first as I was walking mum across the street.

The man who worked there appeared to hurry existing patrons out and slam the door shut behind him.

He didn’t acknowledge our presence or offer any courtesy to say they were closing early. He just f*ed off.

The other patrons said they were told he had somewhere else he needed to be.

Lovely for him!

I appreciate that the space may be manned by volunteers (my guess?) but that’s no excuse for bad manners.

I will also add that I have called the advertised number several times over the previous couple of months to confirm that they would be open.

Disappointed for my mother.

Disgusted at the bad...

What an amazing window into the life and time of George Woolnough, the grandfather of Peter Allen. Apparently expressions of interest have been requested to purchase, not only the building and it’s contents, but the trademarked name “Tenterfield Saddler” Of this 153 year old business. I appreciate there is value in the brand, however I feel that it would be better if someone bought the whole deal and just protected the history and value of the museum that it is, rather than try and capitalise on the name to perhaps the demise of the museum. I’ve added a photo of a sign displayed in the museum. I believe this to be a...