NameOak FarmTypeFarmResidenceDescriptionThomas Armstrong arrived in the Illawarra as a free settler, and settled at 'Oak Farm' from c.1870 until his death in 1921.
Armstrong was a Methodist lay preacher and donated land from his 209 acres for the Marshall Mount Methodist Church and Cemetery in Calderwood Road c.1870.
Armstrong was a prominent figure in the area: the first secretary of the Albion Park Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society, a Director of the first Butter Factory in Albion Park in 1885, Alderman 1879-1885, 1888-1897, 1905-1921, and Mayor on three occasions; 1884, 1895, 1914-1917.
Armstrong also planted one of the Norfolk Pine Trees, on Arbor Day 1895, that adorn the Shellharbour waterfront today.
The Armstrong home was made welcome to visiting Methodist ministers, who were given a meal or lodging for the night. The Thomas’ of 'Oak Vale' on Calderwood Road also shared this privilege, and were life long friends of the Armstrong family.
The Armstrong children were born and raised at 'Oak Farm'. Thomas Armstrong is buried in the Marshall Mount Methodist Cemetery.
Oak Farm, c.2003.