NameRosemontTypeFarmResidenceDescriptionOn 4 June 1890, Thomas James and Rachel Welbury Arnold were married in Shellharbour Methodist Church. They lived at 'Bravella' at Dunmore, home of Thomas’ parents, William and Elizabeth James from 1890-1909.
In 1909, Thomas James built 'Rosemont' on 210 acres north of 'Bravella' and there he and Rachel raised their family.
Thomas’ brother, John, built 'Kurrawong', across the road. All three farms were built on what was known as the Bassett-Darley Estate, land originally part of the D’Arcy Wentworth grant.
Thomas James was an Alderman on Shellharbour Municipal Council for 12 years and Mayor for five years, retiring in 1931. Thomas was also secretary of the Illawarra Dairy Cattle Association for many years.
Upon his Aunt Ellen Arnold’s death in 1965, John Thomas James (son of Thomas James) inherited her property, including 'Aronda' (now a restaurant) at Shellharbour Village.