Johannes Morschel migrated from Germany to Australia in 1854, sponsored to work at Terrara House, Terrara for Domestos. Johannes witnessed the terrible floods of 1874 in Terrara that changed the hub of the region with many establishing Nowra as the new township. Johannes secured land in Boxsells Lane in 1893. His second eldest son Jacob farmed the land with him. His next son John ended up settling in Morschels Lane which today is named after the family.

Johannes had 13 children.

Jacobs grandson David Morschel has dairy farmed in Pestells Lane since age 9, moving from Boxsells Lane. After his father's death David took over managing the dairy farm from age 17. He is still there in Pestells Lane. As is his sister Anne, who lives down the road. David is an interesting character and has lived most of his life in isolation on the property.

Therese Sweeney managed to secure his trust to participate in this important dairy history.

Introduces the listener to Therese Sweeney, Historian and her interest & experience producing dairying histories by immersing herself for years in communities. This new project aims to capture and publish the 20th century dairying history of Berry & surrounds through the voices of the descendants; their life stories, memories and anecdotes of ancestors and their hardships and victories as farmers and early settlers. Toward a regional history, pioneers who laid the foundations in developing the dairy industry to what it is today in Australia. dairying was the primary industry in the Shoalhaven region throughout the 20th century.

Therese engages a leading local historian from Berry and a 5th generation farmer in this first episode to position the work from the late 19th century. An overview if you like, as to what to expect in episodes to follow, the themes and thos families to be engaged whom the lanes are named after from Bomaderry to Berry NSW..