Larkin Family

Isaac Larkin came to Australia in 1887 aged 22. He studied to become an orchardist at Ryde and then looked around for his own land. In 1893 he married Florence Bailey and the couple soon after moved to Manly where four of their seven children were born. For a time they were caretakers of the now defunct Powderworks site at Ingleside looking after the orchard on the property. Soon after they purchased their own farm, ‘Waratah Farm’ on Mona Vale Road not far from Powderworks Road. Larkin was a gifted orchardist and his farm did extremely well growing citrus fruits, passion vines and figs. He also grew what became known as the Narrabeen Plum.  After World War I the family changed the name of their property to ‘The Pines’ as it was surrounded by Pine trees.

Sons, Arthur and Leslie Larkin were keen cyclists and part of the Manly Cycling club.

With the outbreak of World War I Isaac and Florence's two eldest sons signed up- Robert losing a leg, returned to begin a car hire service while Arthur set himself up as a contractor, laying roads or making jetties and bridges. Arthur, with his team of horses constructed many roads in the area. His horses were stabled at his home in Wetherill Street Narrabeen.  Arthur Larkin married Olive Ware in 1923. Her parents, James and Selina Ware, had a holiday home in Collaroy.

Isaac died in Manly on 30 January 1944 aged 78. Florence died in 1951.