In a recent exploration of Canberra's hidden history, the Yowie Man has turned his attention to the humble mounting block, revealing a surprising link between the nation's capital and the wild moors of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights.
A Step Back in Time
Mounting blocks, once essential for mounting horses and carriages, dot the Canberra region, often overlooked by modern passersby. These stone or concrete steps, typically found near old homesteads and churches, tell stories of a bygone era when horsepower was literal.
One particularly fine example sits in Weston Creek, a suburb of Canberra. This mounting block, carved from local stone, has been a silent witness to the area's transformation from rural paddocks to suburban streets. The Yowie Man, known for uncovering the quirky and obscure, has documented several such blocks across the ACT, each with its own tale.
Literary Connections
Perhaps the most intriguing discovery is the connection between a mounting block in the Canberra region and the famous novel Wuthering Heights. The Yowie Man draws a parallel between the sturdy, weathered stone of the local block and the iconic setting of Brontë's masterpiece. While not directly linked, the comparison evokes the enduring nature of both the physical structures and the literary themes of passion and isolation.
In Wuthering Heights, the eponymous house is described as a "perfect misanthropist's heaven," with its strong, grim stone architecture. Similarly, the mounting blocks of Canberra stand as stoic remnants of a past that continues to shape the present.
Preserving History
Local historians and heritage enthusiasts are working to preserve these mounting blocks, recognizing their value as tangible links to the region's agricultural and social history. The Yowie Man's efforts have brought renewed attention to these artifacts, encouraging residents to look closer at their surroundings.
"Every mounting block has a story," says the Yowie Man. "They were places where people stepped up into a new journey, literally and metaphorically. It's important we remember these small but significant pieces of our heritage."
How to Find Them
For those interested in exploring these historical treasures, the Yowie Man suggests starting at old churches, cemeteries, and early 20th-century homes in areas like Weston Creek, Queanbeyan, and Hall. Many are located on private property, so viewing from public roads is recommended.
The mounting blocks vary in design, from simple single steps to elaborate multi-tiered structures. Some bear inscriptions or dates, offering clues to their origins. Photographs and documentation are encouraged to aid in preservation efforts.
As Canberra continues to grow, these mounting blocks serve as reminders of a slower, more deliberate pace of life. They invite us to pause and consider the journeys of those who came before us.
