MONDAY MEMORIES: Anyone who has travelled through Sheepyard has seen the magnificent Fry’s Hut, but do you know the story behind it?
Born in Mansfield in the late 1890s, Fred served the Woods Point and Gaffneys Creek goldfields by providing supplies on a horse drawn wagon and worked until motor vehicles took over. Fred then worked as a stockman at Wonnangatta Station until settling at Howqua Hills where he worked for the Forest Commission and later the Lands Department. He was regarded very highly as a bushman and hut builder and is credited with building many huts in the Howqua area including Fry’s, Ritchies and Noonan’s to name a few.
Fred died in 1971 and the Forest Commission was surprised to learn they owned a share of Fry’s Hut, which was later granted to them by Fred’s estate so the hut could be preserved due its historical value and magnificent setting.
Thanks to the High Country History Hub for the photo of Fred on Horseback, and to @hutsvictoria for the photo with Fred at his home in the 1960s.
Nelle's journey 