Spencers Hut
Photograph copyright KHA, from David Butler.
Known as Spencers Hut
Located at the side of the track leading out of Blue Waterholes Creek, heading south to Pockets hut. At GR523555 on the Tantangara map.
History
The hut was built by Spencer to support the mining of lead in the nearby hill. There was a second hut just to the west of this location. For many years it was used by David Butler and his son, Peter Butler. David took this photo on the left in about 1950. It shows his Willies Jeep in the shelter beside it.
The hut was later used by graziers including Tom and Molly Taylor, who lived there for some years, including those with incredible snowfalls - 1942 and 1943.
It was still standing strongly in 1974, but heavy winds and snow collapsed one of the main poles, and the roof fell to the ground as a complete unit. The upright poles were not very strong, as they needed to be dragged to this location when the hut was built.
Proposals to make the local Karst area a "Special Management Unit" to protect the caves, may see the end of this shelter altogether, however, in the 1970’s it would have been easy to restore. Today, it is flat on the ground.
Construction
Bush poles with an iron roof and maltoid (panel board) walls, plus iron fireplace. It had a dirt floor.
Caretakers - None.
References
Hueneke Pp195 and 222.