McMahons Hut
Reads or Bushfold#2
Also known as McMahons Hut, Russell Reads Hut or Bushfold N0.2 Hut
Located at the top of the Bushfold valley behind Mt Tennant, at GR835 653 on the Michelago map. The previous hut was at 834653. Access is by firetrail from Apollo Road.
History
This hut was burnt in the 2003 fires.
This area of Bushfold was originally selected by the McMahons but later came part of Booroomba Station until it was sold to Russell Read (often spelt incorrectly as “Reed”).
The first hut built here in 1955 by Russell Read, was damaged by a strong wind storm two years later. It was built by Russell Read with help from Cav Lalor, for his personal use to support grazing activities. It was used by Russell and his wife Muriel as casual accommodation, and included some home comforts such as a very nice Kooka stove.
It was damaged badly in the 2003 fires and finally pulled apart by the ACT Conservation service in July 2003. NPA volunteers cleared the site and the materials were eventually removed.
About 400m to the south-east stands the remains of the original shearing shed built by Russell in 1964.
The exotic trees were planted by the Pearson family.
Construction
Included iron walls and roof, Kooka stove and kero fridge. The skillion roof was unusual in that it was set particularly high.
Caretakers - none.
References
Matthew Higgins Namadgi Sites 1994 p8.
Val Jeffrey - pers comm, who preferred to call this hut “Reads”.