Harry Peckman lived 88 years in the Mountains, born at Kurrajong in 1846 and dying in Katoomba in 1934. His memory is commemorated in Peckman Plateau and Peckman Road, Katoomba.
In his later years, interviewed by reporters about the "old days" of Katoomba, Harry told many tales.
Starting work at 12, Harry followed the railhead from Parramatta to Mount Victoria, transporting goods and people.
Harry remembered the disastrous gunpowder explosion near Weatherboard in 1865; two and a half tons of gunpowder for the rail works exploded, killing George Gamble.
Harry, unmolested by bushrangers himself, told of Moran and Smith who killed Trooper Madden at the Old Cherry Tree, Katoomba, in their attempted escape.
A poet, Harry published his work. An 1877 Sydney Morning Herald advertisement announced his new patriotic song, God Bless Australia.
The Australian, Richmond, Windsor and Hawkesbury Advertiser in 1881 published The Pitt Town Bullock Roast, a stirring ballad about a victory barbecue. Harry's poetry ranged from patriotic verse to descriptive lyrics of the Mountains, ballads of events and odes to departed people. A renowned bush poet, he spoke at dinners, concerts and other events throughout his life. (A collection of his poetry is in John Low and Jim Smith's, The Prince of Whips).
Around 1879, Harry was the first billiard marker for Mrs Meades, who opened the first billiard table in the Hawkesbury district at Windsor's Commercial Hotel.
Harry worked on various Katoomba committees, including the School of Arts and Katoomba Jockey Club.
Harry loved recounting tales of his Katoomba adventures when he and his brother John ran Peckman Bros Livery Stables, behind the Carrington in Parke Street.
Harry knew Katoomba when it was Collett's Swamp and The Crushers; he was at the picnic where Princess Betsy, First Nations elder, told John Neale the area was Kedumba.
Harry guided Lord and Lady Carrington over the Six-Foot Track to Jenolan Caves in 1887. By 1889 he was running popular daily horse and buggy trips to Jenolan Caves. He pioneered trips to Mount Wilson and Govett's Leap.
He chauffeured Lord Jersey around Katoomba. After the Duchess of Cornwall and York (later Queen Mary) lunched with Sir Frederick Darley in 1901, Harry showed her Leura and Katoomba.
Wearing a top hat, Harry began each trip with a bugle call. He recited his own and others' poetry, recounted history, indicated natural wonders, built fires and boiled billies. Journeying with Harry Peckman was an unforgettable experience.
The advent of the motor car destroyed Harry's business. He lingered on, his old horses and buggy driving those who ventured with him on journeys into the past. His 1934 death ended an era in Katoomba's history.
