Today’s blog post is 3 of 4 in my series on the journey of my family members of the Chittick family who arrived in Australia in 1873
Today’s post shares the story of my grandfather Charles Robert Chittick
Known to everyone as Charlie, my grandfather was the eldest son of Henry Chittick ( see previous post)
This is his story ( See footnote)
In the annals of Australia’s dairy farming history, the name Charles Robert Chittick resonates with a legacy of dedication, community service, and a profound influence on the agricultural sector. Born in 1888 in Jamberoo, Charles was the eldest of Henry and Margaret Chittick’s five children. His life, woven intricately with the fabric of his family’s dairy farming enterprise, Methodist faith and public service, tells a story of commitment and resilience.
Charles’ journey began in the late 1880s at Lemon Grove, Jerrara, the AIS stud farm established by his father, Henry. His early life was immersed in the family business, learning the intricacies of dairy farming and cattle breeding. A pivotal moment came at 16, with the death of his mother and a life-changing letter from his uncle Bob, which shaped many of his ideals.
In 1917, Charles married Winifred Heather Vance, marking the start of a new chapter. The couple took over the reins of the Lemon Grove stud at Jerrara, as Henry and his family moved to Alne Bank in Gerringong. While at Jerrara, Charles and Winifred welcomed their five children: Henry, Lloyd (deceased 1940), Robin, Betty, and Percy. This period was foundational in embedding family values and the importance of community in their upbringing.
In 1950, following the resumption of his Jerrara farm for a town water supply, Charles moved the family to Kiama, where he had purchased the property Strathleven from the Stewart family. In Kiama, while continuing to breed stud cattle, the family also conducted a milk vendoring business, run by his son Percy. Due to urban development, it became necessary to move the stud again, and in 1963, the present Lemon Grove property at Jamberoo was purchased from the Colley family.
Charles devoted a lifetime to producing cattle that would stand among the best of the breed, with stock from this stud used to establish many herds throughout the Commonwealth and overseas. This tradition is still being carried on today at Lemon Grove by his great-grandson.
Lemon Grove Farm today
Beyond the fields, Charles was a pivotal figure in community and public service. A foundation member of the Illawarra Dairy Shorthorn Society, which later became the A.I.S. Society, he played a significant role in shaping the industry. His involvement with the Kiama Show Society and the Jamberoo Junior Farmers Movement reflected his dedication to agricultural development and youth mentorship.
Elected an Alderman of the Jamberoo Municipal Council in 1931, Charles served the community until 1955, including three terms as mayor. His leadership and vision contributed significantly to community development and wellbeing.
His spiritual life was equally rich. Starting at 12, Charles dedicated himself to the Methodist Church, serving as a trustee, secretary, treasurer, and steward for decades. His faith and commitment to the church were cornerstones of his character, influencing his approach to life and community service.
Charles’ death in 1965 marked the end of an era for the Chittick family. His life’s work in dairy farming, community service, and spiritual commitment left an indelible mark on the regions of Jamberoo and Kiama. His wife, Winifred, passed away in 1976, aged 82, closing a chapter of a couple deeply embedded in their community.
The legacy of Charles Robert Chittick is a testament to the impact one individual can have on their community and industry. His life story, rooted in agricultural excellence, civic responsibility, and spiritual devotion, continues to inspire those in Jamberoo, Kiama, and beyond. As one walks through the fields of Lemon Grove or reflects on the history of the local councils and churches, the enduring influence of Charles Robert Chittick remains a beacon of commitment and service.
Footnote: The source of my blogs and photos is from “The Chittick Family History”, as chronicled by Mr. J.H. Chittick and Ms. Betty Chittick. It can be found in the National Library of Australia, and it is an enduring testament to a family’s journey through hardship to prosperity. I have done my best to blog it in a similar language to how it was documented in this book.
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