Sarah Florentia Bladen Neill has been honoured as a woman ahead of her time, pioneering the silk industry in Australia and blazing a trail for future generations of women.
Corowa silk pioneer Sarah Florentia Bladen Neill has been honoured with a planting of a mulberry tree in her memory, and last week the authors of a book about her life returned to Corowa for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
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Sarah became a prominent figure in Corowa in the mid-1800s for her efforts in bringing the silk industry to Australia, including the mammoth task of transplanting 30,000 mulberry trees from Mt Alexander to Croppers Lagoon just out of Corowa.
On Monday, representatives from Federation Council, Corowa Rotary Club and Corowa Men’s Shed met with authors Marilyn (Mazz) Bennet and Ian Braybrook at RSL Park to unveil the plaque.
Authors Marilyn Bennet and Ian Braybrook with Mayor Cheryl Cook and Suze Rogashoff.
In 1993, Ian and Marilyn began their journey with Sarah after a tip led them to the now dilapidated silkworm building (megnanerie) that still stands on the road to Mulwala.
They began investigating this unique piece of history, which took them on a 24-year journey of discovery, culminating in the publication of their book, ‘Sarah’s Search – A Silk Odyssey’, in 2017.
Ian and Marilyn made the journey from Castlemaine to be at the unveiling, and Ian said the plaque would keep Sarah’s memory alive in the people who read the plaque and recognised her place in Corowa’s history.
“Sarah was such an important part of the history of Corowa,” Ian said.
“She was completely forgotten until about 10 years ago when we published our book.
“People don’t realise the sacrifices she made along the way trying to get the silk industry started, including three trips to Europe on a sailing ship, which was a massive effort.
“I think this was an important event for Corowa, and hopefully it stimulates more interest among locals.”
The gathering at Monday’s unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
Marilyn said while the megnanerie is on private land and isn’t likely to ever be fixed, it’s an important historical building that should be preserved because it's the only one in Australia.
“This is a great Australian story and a great story for women,” Marilyn said.
“I’m confident that eventually people will realize just how important she was in Australia.”
Corowa Rotary Club acting president Stacey Price said Marilyn came to the club last year to ask for assistance with their proposal to honour Sarah.
“They came to us with a moving presentation about what she did to get the silk industry started here.
“We decided to be part of that journey, so Rotary supplied the tree that was planted last year, and donated $500 towards the plaque.
“We believe it’s something the people of Corowa should know about and be proud of.”
The mounting stand was made by members of Corowa Men’s Shed.
Corowa Men’s Shed members made the mounting stand for the commemorative plaque and president Brendan Christy said they were delighted to be involved in the project and crafting the stand fell perfectly into their repertoire.
“When the Rotary Club approached us earlier this year to make the stand we said ‘yes’,” Brendan said.
“We didn’t know much about Sarah at the time, but this was an opportunity to learn more and be involved in a community project.”
Mayor Cheryl Cook said it was an honour to attend the unveiling event.
"Sarah Bladen Neill was a woman ahead of her time whose incredible drive left a lasting mark on early Corowa," Cr Cook said.
"Her vision to establish a silk industry in our town showed immense courage and innovation.
“Unveiling this plaque beside the mulberry tree is a proud moment for our local heritage; it’s a great reminder of the extraordinary people who helped shape the historic stories of our community."
