Johns River

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Type : Station
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 417.800km
Opened : 12 April 1915
Closed : 30 June 1974
Status : Closed
Name meaning : Ironically named after Johns Creek (construction name was Stewart's Creek)
Notes : Original Up platform was 76.2 metres in length with timber buildings containing the genaeral and ladies waiting rooms, station masters office and an out-of room. A goods shed was provided. 12/12/1933 central interlocked loop added. 17/5/1981 goods siding removed.

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Johns River Station in 1981 (Graeme Skeet) - opened 1915, closed 1974. (the signal box remained in operation until 1983)

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From Anne Phillips: My Father Frank Phillips worked At Wauchope Station in the 1930s, also at Kundabung, Johns River, & Coopernook, before moving to Raglan Station in 1945, where he stayed until he retired after 48 years all up on the Railways. As children we Travelled from Raglan to Wauchope via Train every school holidays. My mother was P.J. Bournes daughter, he was Manager of the Hastings River Timber Mill. Thank you for letting me join your group. We are also trying to save Raglan Railway Station that is heritage listed, on the Western Line.

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Photo: Nita Point

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The staff instrument at Johns River. (1981)
[Copyright: Graeme Skeet]

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The lever frame inside the signal box. (1981)
[Copyright: Graeme Skeet]

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Location of the one-time station at Johns River (Six Maps)

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Syd Ramsay:

One of Sid Tiedman's son got on the train for Sydney. Coming home from Sydney he had no money so the guard put him in the guards van with a COD ticket on him. Once at John's river station he was not allowed to leave the platform until the fare was paid.

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Roger Goodwin:

Done a few shifts there. Another great railway station.
Who was the ASM there that was a bit of an artist painter. ?

Kerry Kidd:
Roger Goodwin Alan"shag" Willis was a relief ASM who was a very good artist. Also Leon Kennedy was a good artist as well. They both worked at Johns River on occasion.

Roger Goodwin:
Kerry Kidd I remember both of those gentlemen. The bloke I'm thinking of was indigenous and painted a pic for me. Shag was pretty handy with a brush too. 👍

Kerry Kidd:
Roger Goodwin there was an asm at Kendall who did a little bit as well but he was of Indian or Pakistani origin, Andrew "Bindi" Natara or something like that. Not sure of the correct spelling.

Roger Goodwin:
Kerry Kidd that's the bloke Bindi. And Kendall was my thought as well. Mate how names keep coming back. Thanks.

Roger Goodwin:
Kerry Kidd I know Leon has passed but where is Shag Willis. ?

Kerry Kidd:
Roger Goodwin I don't know mate, I will try and find out. Wayne Curtis should know.

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From Stroudy Petit:

Another photo of Johns River, this one I found in Dad's photo album, Dad was at Johns River from 1949 to 1952, the 2 other ASM's were Frank Ryan and Pat Callaghan.

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Johns River looking to Maitland, 1981 (Graeme Skeet)

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Down goods on Johns River viaduct, 15/11/84 (Munro)

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This photograph was found in an envelope at head office (Transport House) at the time it closed. There was no date provided only notated Johns River Up Distant. (Bob McAlpine)

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Crew change at Johns River (24)
1BN2 performs a crew change at Johns River, left John Inskip (Skippy) retired around a quarter of a century, middle late Ross Blanch (Blanchy), holding water bottle John Chapman (Chappy) retired.
Monday 29-09-1997.
Photo late Ray Price
Greg Riddel