DescriptionThe small bay tree in front of The Biz printery and Wheatley’s Store is a descendent from a tree which once grew on the Smithfield Road residence of Ann Pike. Pike was the Fairfield district midwife from the late 1800s until about 1920.
Ann Pike often filled a little black bag with herbs to take on her rounds, including bay leaves from her tree. Bay leaves were once used for medicinal purposes, such as applying the oil to bruises and sprains, applying the leaves to assist with blood clotting and boiling to use as a drink for women in labour. Oil could be dropped into the ears to relieve pain, and it was also used to treat rheumatism, hysteria and flatulence.
When the NSW Department of Main Roads widened Smithfield Road, near the intersection of Victoria Street, the bay tree was replanted at the Oxford Street entrance to the Museum. The tree was later vandalised and taken by Fairfield City Council to the local rubbish tip. This tree grew from a cutting made by the Friends of the Museum.
