Moulded bricks from the Nashwauk
These three decorative bricks were recovered from the shipwreck Nashwauk in 1855. They were destined for a new Freemasons building at Tea Tree Gully.
The Nashwauk was wrecked off the coast near the mouth of the Onkaparinga River on 13 May 1855. The ship carried 300 Irish migrant girls, all of which survived. It is believed the vessel was lured to the shore by a light burning in the attic window of 'Dalkeith House' (now demolished). Those rescued from the stricken ship and were cared for by local people. The following morning the steamer Melbourne and Government schooner Yatala were dispatched from Port Adelaide to pick up the stranded passengers. A north-westerly gale finally broke up the remains of the Nashwauk on 26 May. Sometime after the accident a local man purchased the hull and cargo for �135, recovered fittings and cargo from the wreck and sold them for £600 at an auction on the beach on 31 May.
Dimensions:
The stones measure:
- H: 300, W 280, D 120 mm
- H: 145, W: 145, D: 140 mm
- H: 290, W: 220, D: 100 mm
Maker: unknown