Stonehaven, run by the Sydney City Mission, was located at Park Road, Springwood in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, and was opened in 1929. Initially occupied by girls, it became a boys’ home. From 1942-1945 the children were sent to Cronulla Children’s Home and Stonehaven was occupied by the Defence Forces. In 1951 Stonehaven closed. Boys were sent to Haddon Hall.
Stonehaven was, according to the Sydney City Mission, a home for undernourished boys from congested areas of the city. The aim of the home was to build the children up physically and give them moral, religious training. The boys were expected to do household and gardening chores and the discipline was what could be described as harsh. Children attended Springwood Public School and went to the Methodist church every morning and afternoon. Most boys stayed for three months, but some stayed longer. The home had capacity for 21 boys.
Blue Mountains historian Shirley Evans advertised in The Sydney Morning Herald and Daily Telegraph for information from people who had stayed in Red Cross children’s homes in the Blue Mountains. Those who had been in Juong and Stonehaven said Juong was a happier place. However, homesickness was said to have been a problem for all the children.
When Stonehaven closed the building was bought by the Department of Main Roads and demolished as part of a road deviation scheme.
From
1929
To
1951
Alternative Names
Stonehave Home for Undernourished Boys
Sydney City Mission Children's Home
1929 - 1949
Stonehaven was situated at Park Road, Springwood, New South Wales (Building Demolished)
