Howard Parkyn Oral History

DETAILS

Overview
Howard Parkyn recounts the maritime and community history of Tewantin and the Noosa River, focusing particularly on the heritage vessel the Jannett. A descendant of Gympie goldfield families, Parkyn grew up between Gympie and Tewantin, later working on the river during the Depression. His father operated early passenger boat services before bridges connected Noosa, transporting locals, schoolchildren, and tourists to Noosa Heads by water.

Parkyn describes the Jannett as a cedar built motor launch constructed around 1918 by Brisbane boatbuilders Norman Wright for Major Reid, who named it after his wife. When Parkyn’s family acquired the vessel from the Reid estate circa 1930, it required considerable work after long storage. Once restored and kept in the water, it became an efficient and elegant boat, used extensively for river trips and fishing charters. Notable figures such as General Sir William Glasgow and southern racing identities were regular clients.

Parkyn eventually sold The Jannett to retired schoolteacher Bill Hooper, before it later passed to fishermen Buchanan and Bowden, and ultimately Max Walker, who replanked and re engined it. Parkyn’s broader recollections document early river transport, boatbuilding practices, local engines such as the Wilson and Olds models, and the evolution of tourism and boating culture on the Noosa River—highlighting craftsmanship, community enterprise, and changing recreational expectations.

Photograph

Howard Parkyn, Tewantin, 7 June 1995

Iris and Howard Parkyn, Tewantin, 7 June 1995

Oral History Transcript

Howard Parkyn Oral History - Transcript

Audio

Howard Parkyn Oral History - Audio

IDENTIFIERS

Subject (Keywords)Boats

CONNECTIONS

LocalityTewantinPersonHoward ParkynFamilyParkyn FamilyBusinessParkyn Boat HireBoatJannettMenuDecade | 1990-1999Location | Tewantin