When the first plans of Grafton were drawn up in 1848, this area was set aside as a Market Reserve, where farmers were to bring their produce for sale.
The land was never used for this purpose and for many years the Grafton Council leased it for the grazing of cattle, particularly to William Noud, a blacksmith, who resided on the block and to Mrs White the proprietor of the Market Hotel, which was on opposite side of Pound Street..
In 1884 when the Grafton Municipal Council was looking for a suitable source for town water, a bore was drilled in the reserve to a depth of more than 200 feet, but when hard shale was struck the operation was abandoned and the shaft was partially filled in. A pump was later attached for stock water and gardening purposes.
This land was also used as an area where circus and other traveling troupers exhibited their daring deeds. It was also the scene for many a fiery political meeting.
Before the turn of the Nineteenth Century, trees were planted along Prince Street and those at the edge of the reserve sheltered many horses as their owners shopped in the nearby establishments.
About 1908 a drinking fountain was erected on the corner near the street and reticulated water was laid to help with the dust problem in the streets. The water came from a bore in Fisher Park and was pumped to an overhead tank. It was this scheme that helped save many businesses in the fire of May 1908, when the Market Hotel burned down. At the time the hotel proprietor was Mr. W J Weiley. Many of Mr. Weiley’s possessions were rescued and moved to the Reserve. After the fire, he applied to the Courts and Municipal Council to erect a temporary hotel bar and parlours on the Market Reserve so he could continue to carry on business. This was granted.
In 1908 a portion of the Reserve was dedicated as a site for the Grafton Fire Station. By 1911 a fully equipped fire station under the control of State Fire Commissioners had been completed and the city was very proud of its achievement. However, there was a problem. There were no horses on site to pull the fire engine. This was soon remedied when generous city residents stabled two fine draught horses nearby, for the use of the fire brigade in times of need.
New additions were added in 1923 including a high- class recreation room for the on-call and off-duty firemen. Although new amenities, fire trucks and, equipment have been added over the years the fire station building has changed little over the years and can be seen on the Reserve today.
Fire Station, Grafton
The Grafton Ambulance Society had been formed in 1892. In 1911 a new horse-drawn ambulance was housed at the hospital. In 1923 the Grafton Ambulance acquired their first motorized vehicle and a new brick garage to house it was built next to the Fire Station on the Market Reserve. (Site was to the right of the picket fence in above photograph). A new ambulance was purchased in 1927. However, it became obvious that the small garage was becoming inadequate and in 1929 a block of land on the corner of Fry and Prince Street was gazetted for the purpose of a new Ambulance Station. The new premises were built in 1936.
In 1930-1932 rail embankments were built on the northern side of the Reserve to carry the rail lines leading to the rail and road bridge which was opened in 1932.
Later the Grafton Municipal Council resumed and purchased adjoining lands and the whole area was turned into parklands and renamed Market square. Trees were planted and formal gardens constructed.
In recent years Market Square has been the venue for many community functions and activities from political and protest rallies and Carols by Candlelight, to the Jacaranda Festival ceremony of the crowning of the Jacaranda Queen. This takes place in early November under the flood lit Jacaranda Trees.
Market Square on a Sunday morning in Winter
Nola Mackey - Local History 