James Bastick 1877-1958

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James Bastick Snr. Image courtesy Orange City Council.



James Bastick joined Orange Municipal Council garden staff as a 17 year old in 1894. He served the community for 46 years, a tradition that was carried on by his son, James Joseph (Jim) Bastick. Between them, James and Jim curated Orange’s parks and gardens for more than 90 years.

Born in Orange in 1877, James was the fifth of eight children of Irish immigrants. James’ father, the local bailiff, died in 1885 when James was just eight years old. His siblings ranged in age from two to 16. James and his brothers joined the work force as youngsters to help support their family.

In 1898 James married Lilian McLean, with whom he had five children. By 1903 he was head gardener of Cook Park.

James accepted a position as head gardener in Wagga Wagga in 1911 but returned to Orange three years later. He worked for a time at Duntryleague and returned to Orange Council as head of parks and gardens until his retirement in 1946.

Bastick was instrumental in the creation of memorial avenues of trees to pay tribute to the district’s fallen service personnel following the First World War, most notably the avenue of 16 pin oaks in Newman Park in 1919 and the avenue of more than 100 deodar cedars that were planted along Bathurst Road in 1923.

James Bastick died in Orange on 27 April 1958, aged 81. His obituary in the Central Western Daily the following day remarked:

There is scarcely an institution or organisation in the District that did not at some time receive the benefit of his garden knowledge and friendly advice.
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