It is appropriate to look back at the early days of the local tennis courts as we welcome to the Bay the new pump track and climbing wall Playspace adjacent to the tennis courts. Our forebears would have wide eyes of amazement and joy if they were to come back today. Let’s have a quick look at the beginning of the Empire Bay Tennis Club.

Have you ever wondered about the early days of our Bushfire Brigade on Shelly Beach Road?

Bushfires were as common in the early days as they are now.

The Empire Bay brigade was formed in December 1951 with 17 members. Within 2 years the brigade members built the fire station which was officially opened in November 1953. It was the only dedicated Bush Fire Station in the Gosford Shire at the time.

For 95 years, 47 Rosella Road, Empire Bay, was the local Christian centre for Empire Bay. Prior to 1974, there was no Rip Bridge and the nearest churches were at Woy Woy and Kincumber, with the Catholic Church at South Kincumber.

Arthur Rickard, a new and enthusiastic Sydney land developer, purchased the 152 acres (now Empire Bay) from the Noble family in 1905. The Noble family owned the 152 acres for 66 years without any development.

Arthur Rickard, eager to turn his investment into profits, quickly subdivided the 152 acres into 55 waterfront residential sites and 15 larger orchard or poultry blocks and had them on the market by November 1905. 

Built by Mr Arthur Davis, of Empire Bay, and his three sons, the Erina ll (80 tons) was constructed solely of timbers hewn from the bush near Empire Bay. The building took a year, and was done entirely by hand using axes, adzes and hammers. The shipyard was located near 34 Sorrento Road. The Erina ll was fitted with diesel motors.

On Saturday 25 August, 1934, the Erina ll, decked with bunting and a good crowd in attendance, was ready for her launch.

The crowd was excited, with fine words from the owner, Captain Childs, the champagne was splashed across her bow and the Erina ll was launched! Or was it? 

Empire Bay was originally known as ‘Sorrento Estate’ being the name Arthur Rickard & Co. created when they subdivided the land for sale in 1905/06. Arthur Rickard was an extraverted salesman and he wanted an exotic name for his 152 acre subdivision. He chose the name after the city of Sorrento in Italy.