I HAVE read with interest recently, comments regarding the neglect of the historic Yuille homestead site.
Sadly, this neglect and lack of interest in this historic site is not new.
The land on which this site is situated came into my family in the early years of Ballarat and was owned by the family for four generations.
As a child, I can remember playing in the remains of the "Yuille House" at that time the remains consisted of the sandstone foundations and part of the chimney.
However, if my memory serves me correctly, it was when Sebastopol was being connected to the sewage system, that these ruins were destroyed without any thought to their significance or the history they held.
I also have a copy of a letter written to The Courier (and published) by my grandfather in 1934, at the time the Yuille Monument was being constructed at Lake Wendouree.
The letter (which apparently also included a photograph) states that the ruins were on his property and offering them as part of the construction of the cairn. The offer apparently was not accepted.
The letter also states that he had advised the historical society of the existence and that he had offered them full access to the site.
This part of Ballarat and its incredible historic significance has for years been overlooked, ignored and now neglected.
What a shame !
THERESA GRAHAM
Lake Wendouree
