The Pilot Station, so well known to locals at Dunbogan and surrounds has always held a mystery.The station is a remnant of the light house and pilot era of Australian maritime navigation and stands on a headland facing the Pacific Ocean.
It holds a position on the coastline which has seen tragic death and accidental ship wrecks over the centuries.
It also holds a mystery in the unexplained death of Frances Williams the wife of the first pilot-boatman who was buried in a shallow sand grave on the grounds of the Pilot Station at the age of 27 leaving three children behind to Isaac her husband.
In the unfolding of her tragic story, the dramatic history of the valley and the remnants of the indigenous people’s place in the valley also becomes evident along with the footprint of their life and time which is imprinted in the land upon which the station sits.
https://www.jondrane.net/books/the-first-pilot/
Hi Jon,
Hope you’re well. I stumbled across your page – I’m a direct descendent on the Bogan side of the name Dunbogan, post the settlement being established in the mid 1800s (Bernard Bogan). Going back many a year, but given your story wondering if you have any other historical material as it relates to the history of the town?
Thanks and Regards,
Shane
Hi Shane thanks for connecting.
In the process of writing The First Pilot I collated a file of historical materials including a bit on the Dunn and Bogan story.
I am thinking of donating the materials to the maritime museum in Port Macquarie.
Jon
jondrane55@gmail.com