On Saturday night, 175 years later, in the Yass Memorial Hall, a special Ball was held to commemorate Hume at Cooma Cottage.

The Memorial Ball also celebrated Cooma Cottage becoming the heart of the Old Hume Highway 31 and the Old Hume Highway 31 being officially listed on the heritage register by the National Trust NSW.

President of the National Trust (NSW), Ian Carroll OAM, spoke at the Ball. He congratulated the people of Yass for maintaining Cooma Cottage for the Trust and for future generations, recognising its importance in the history of our nation and its heritage value.

The Ball attracted more than 80 guests. In the hall, beautifully decorated in 1840s décor and table-settings, the women came dressed in 1840s ball gowns, and the men wore tails and top hat. They had been treated to pre-ball drinks at Cooma Cottage, followed by a ride down Comur Street in a horse-and carriage to the Ball. Guests danced to 19th century dances, posed for silhouette portraits, had their photographs taken and were enchanted by the beautiful voice of soprano Keren Dalzell.

During dinner, guests heard a character sketch of Hamilton Hume by author Robert Macklin, while Hamilton himself looked out over the ballroom from his portrait on the wall. Macklin’s new biography of Hume is timely; we will soon be celebrating 200 years since Hume and Hovell made their historic trek from Gunning to Corio Bay and back.

The Ball itself mirrored what could be claimed as the first ever held in the Yass District in 1840 at Douro, then owned by Henry O’Brien. O’Brien had built Coma Cottage for his brother Cornelius and sold it to Hume in 1840.

The manager of Cooma Cottage, Dr Rick Williams, would like to thank all the volunteers who helped plan and put the Ball together, and who helped in the post-ball clean-up. 

“A truly magnificent effort worthy of high praise, and a tribute to these volunteers within the Yass community”, he said.

 ITALICS: Contributed.