10th Generation  

AROL CHARLES HORT  1912

& Jhelma "Maude" Lynch

Maude & Pud Wedding Day 1935

Born & Bred in Warburton

My Parents 

Birth: Arol Charles Hort known as ‘Pud’ was born at Warburton in 1912, the second child of Charlie and Jessie Hort. People could never grasp his unusual name, and forever wanted to call him Erol or Harold and his nickname ‘Pud’ stuck with him all his life.

From the time of his birth Arol 'Pud' lived with his parents, sister and brother at the ‘Mississippi Stables’ a timber settlement in the bush above Big Pats Creek, here his father worked his horses hauling timber tram trucks to and from the mills and to East Warburton. He attended school at Big Pats creek before commencing his apprenticeship  as a motor mechanic. He hated being a mechanic and left the trade to work in the timber industry.

Pud worked as a bushman felling timber and for many years worked in the timber mills of the area. He worked for Bill Richards Mill at Starvation Creek, Matlock mill, working Monday to Saturday midday, then walking 30 miles home to East Warburton and back again Sunday afternoon. When it snowed the men took it in turns to walk in front, the others following in their footsteps. Over the years he worked at other mills, Mackie's, Federal, Hans Tuckman's  ‘Tuckie’s’ Mill prior to and after the war and when Hans sold the mill to Stan Peacock, he continued working for Stan.  In later years Pud and George Morris went into partnership in Hort & Morris Saw Mill  situated in Britannia Creek Road Wesburn. Pud had worked in all aspects of the timber industry, bush work, felling, millwork, sawyer, saw doctor, and mill owner.

Dad was known for his fitness and strength, and his capacity to work, he had the nature of a gentle giant, and showed kindness to everyone he met. He was the best gardener, a builder and great Dad and a good mate.

On gaining her Merit Certificate she left school at 14years of age and began work as a housemaid. Several positions she held over time were with; Mr & Mrs W.F.Loney at Maroondah Guest House East Warburton, Mrs. J. Hilditch Glenola Guest House East Warburton, Miss Leila Ward who owned a Guesthouse somewhere near where the Catholic school is now built and La La Guesthouse in Park Road Warburton. She also worked as a housemaid for Captain Blitz at his home in Giffords Road Warburton. For sometime prior to and up until her marriage she was employed at the guesthouse at the O’Shannesy Reservoir owned by the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works.

Mum is a hard act to follow, she was such an organised lady and full of life. She was a great cook, gardener, sports woman, wife and loving mother.

Marriage: Pud & Maude married in 1935 at Footscray.

After their marriage they made their home in a tiny little house on the bank of the Yarra River at Sunnydale farm at East Warburton. This home was on the right hand side of the road going towards East Waburton near the big bridge. Then they moved across the river  to a mill house at the Seasoning Works. Many years later they moved into Warburton where Pud had built a home and here they remained for the rest of their lives.

WW2: Arol joined the Australian Armed Forces in 1942 and served in 2/24th 9 Battallion. His tour of duty included the Middle East and Borneo.

Deaths of Arol & Maude Hort

Family Of Arol & Maude Hort

11th Generation