Convict James Jenkins built 13 bridges to get his produce to market
Jenkins Street and Homestead Avenue are both located in Collaroy. Their names share a common source.
James Jenkins and his brother William arrived in 1802 as convicts, having been found guilty of stealing seven sheep. They had only two years left on their sentences and soon ventured into farming.
They were successful but changed course in 1810 to become shipbuilders at Darling Harbour where they again prospered. Jenkins Street at Miller’s Point was named after James Jenkins.
The brothers’ good fortune ended in 1814 when William was shot and killed during an armed robbery at the Parramatta Toll House where he was sheltering for the night. James gave up his shipbuilding and his real estate speculation and by 1821 had married and returned to farming, having being granted 50 acres at Roseville.
It was through a family friend that he became aware of the Northern Beaches and soon concentrated his efforts there. He rapidly bought up land and by 1825 owned all of the coastal strip from what is now Pacific Parade at Dee Why, north to Mona Vale Hospital.
To get his produce to market from this remote area Jenkins built, at his own expense, a road complete with 13 bridges. It ran from Narrabeen Lagoon to North Harbour at Balgowlah. He also built a modest homestead. This was located on a rise at what is today Collaroy, with a great view out to the ocean.
If you want to visit the location today, drive to the head of the straight section of Homestead Avenue. However, if you want to see the old homestead you are unfortunately 99 years too late. It was demolished in 1925.
All of the Jenkins land ultimately passed to the Salvation Army who are still active in the vicinity of the original homestead today.
Richard Michell is the vice-president of the Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Historical Society and the secretary of Friends of Dee Why Lagoon. Visit mwphs.org.au and fodyl.au respectively.