Latest lecture lifts lid on Cobb & Co’s colourful past in central NSW

The stories of the company that changed the shape of western NSW by establishing new ‘high-speed’ transport links between towns, will be in the spotlight at the latest Orange Regional Museum lecture.

For Orange Regional Museum’s next public lecture, Heather Nicholls will draw on over ten years’ experience researching, interpreting and promoting the significant history of Cobb & Co in central NSW to present ‘A day in the life of Cobb & Co’.

Orange City Council’s Regional Museum Committee chair Cr Neil Jones said Cobb & Co had a huge impact on the region.

“Beginning in early 1854, four industrious Americans led by Mr Freeman Cobb established the firm that would become Cobb & Co and ultimately revolutionize travel throughout the colonies,” Cr Neil Jones said.

“When Mr Cobb sold the business in 1856 the firm retained the name and under the guidance of James Rutherford, from 1861, expanded into NSW.”

“After establishing a base in Bathurst, Cobb & Co changed the way people moved, communicated and did business throughout Central NSW. “

“There was a Cobb & Co office in Orange, and a there’s still a tangible link with the company through a fountain built by staff in Robertson Park.”

Orange Regional Museum Director Brad Hammond said the stories of Cobb & Co are a key part of the current exhibition.

“The restored Cobb & Co coach is a highlight of Orange Regional Museum’s current exhibition Journeys: people place stories,” Brad Hammond said. “The Museum invites audiences to engage further with the stories and people connected to the history of coaching in Central NSW by attending the latest lecture.”

The public lecture ‘A day in the life of Cobb & Co’ will be held on Saturday 11th March from 2pm at Orange Reginal Museum.

Bookings is essential as places are limited.

E : museum@orange.nsw.gov.au

or P: 02 6393 8444