Tatham, New South Wales facts for kids

Tatham is a small place, also known as a locality, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is located within the Richmond Valley Shire. The name Tatham has an interesting origin: it comes from the Bundjalung language, which is spoken by the Aboriginal people of this area. In Bundjalung, the word Jadham means "child."

Tatham was once a busy village. It had many important buildings and services that helped the community thrive.

A Glimpse into Tatham's Past

In earlier times, Tatham was a lively hub. It had several key places that were essential for daily life and trade. These included a wharf, a pub, a butcher's shop, a post office, and a number of schools.

The Importance of a Wharf

A wharf is like a special dock where boats can load and unload goods or passengers. For a village like Tatham, having a wharf on the Richmond River meant it was connected to other towns and cities. Farmers could send their produce to market, and supplies could be brought into the village. This made the wharf a very important part of Tatham's economy and daily life.

Village Life and Services

• The Pub: A pub, short for public house, was often the heart of a village. It was a place where people could meet, share news, and relax. It might also have offered food and a place for travelers to stay overnight.
• The Butcher's Shop: This was where fresh meat was prepared and sold to the villagers. It was a vital service for providing food for families.
• The Post Office: The post office was crucial for communication. People could send and receive letters and parcels, connecting them with friends and family far away. It often served as a central point for community announcements too.
• Schools: Having schools in the village meant that children could get an education close to home. This was important for the future of the community.

Remaining Historic Buildings

Even today, some parts of Tatham's history can still be seen. The old post office building, which once handled all the village's mail, is still standing. There is also an historic Roman Catholic church. These buildings are reminders of Tatham's past and the community that once thrived there.