Para Glen Farm

**Fast Facts**
Place type:	Farm
Address:	2 Allendale Road
Town or Locality:	Kalbeeba

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Para Glen: A Farming and Racing Legacy on the South Para

Para Glen, situated along Allendale Road above Yatta Creek (now called Cockatoo Creek) in the South Para district (Kalbeeba) , represents a significant chapter in the agricultural and racing history of the Gawler region. From its establishment in the late 1930s until its sale in the mid-1970s, the property was associated with the Lehmann and Schultz families, whose activities in farming, sheep breeding, and horse training left a lasting impression on the district.

Early days

In 1937, Herbert (“Herb”) Lehmann purchased 700 acres at Yatta Creek (now known as Cockatoo Creek) from Theo Kemp, father of Dudley Kemp. The farmhouse there, known as The Glen, became the Lehmann family home. During this time, Dawn Lehmann (later Schultz) recalled riding her horse from the property to attend Gawler Primary School, leaving the animal at the Exchange Hotel stables a distance of about over 6 miles before continuing on foot.

Expansion to Para Glen

Two years later, in 1939, Herb Lehmann acquired a further holding of approximately 600 acres on Allendale Road, a property that would become known as Para Glen. This land now totalling 1313 acres straddled both sides of the South Para River and was developed into a mixed farming enterprise. The homestead was a substantial structure, shared between Herbert and Clarice Lehmann and, later, their daughter Dawn and her husband John Schultz.The Schultz Family at Para Glen John and Dawn Schultz moved into Para Glen on 14 November 1951, immediately after their wedding in Gawler. They occupied one end of the homestead, while Dawn’s parents lived in the other. The arrangement continued until late 1966, when the establishment of a sand quarry in the district forced changes in the family’s farming operations.

Farming Operations and Facilities

Para Glen was a fully functioning mixed farm, containing a wide range of facilities typical of larger rural holdings in the mid-20th century. These included a woolshed, training track, shearing shed, pig sty, dairy, pony yard, sheep yards, horse stables, mechanical shed, and fuel shed. The farm supported sheep breeding, dairying, and horse training, while also accommodating a wide variety of ponies and working animals.

Horse Training and Racing Success

One of the farm’s notable contributions to the region was in horse racing. Herb Lehmann and John Schulz operated a successful training estblishment at Para Glen, preparing a number of winning horses on the property. Their most prominent success came with Jamagne, who won the prestigious Adelaide Cup after training on Para Glen’s facilities. This achievement cemented the property’s reputation within South Australian racing circles. In 1961/62 part of the Para Glen property was sold to a neighbour to gain a sure supply of water for his property

Transition and the Quarry Years

By 1967, drought conditions and the increasing encroachment of quarry operations reshaped Para Glen’s future. The Lehmann family sold the land to quarry interests in 1969 but leased it back for seven years. With the sandpit expanding, John Schultz suggested his father-in-law seek alternative land if the family wished to continue breeding Poll Merino sheep. An opportunity arose at “Kalperri,” the property of Norm Stevens, only two and a half miles from Para Glen. The family acquired it and shifted some of their stud sheep operation there.

Neighbours and Local Connections

The Para Glen district formed a close-knit rural community. Neighbours included Geoff and Doll Hissey, whose property later became part of the quarry pit. The property itself passed through several owners over time, including the Bischoff, Longmuire, and Lehmann families. Conclusion The history of Para Glen reflects the story of mid-20th century farming families in the Murray–Gawler region: hard work, adaptation to environmental and economic pressures, and a close connection to both land and livestock. From humble beginnings at Yatta Creek to the celebrated success of Adelaide Cup winner Jamagne, Para Glen stands as a reminder of the intertwined legacies of farming and horse racing in South Australia.

Timeline of Key Events at Para Glen

1937 – Herb Lehmann purchased 700 acres at Yatta Creek (Cockatoo Creek) from Theo Kemp; the farmhouse was known as The Glen.

1939 – Lehmann acquired Para Glen, a 600-acre property straddling the South Para River almost doubling the size of the farm to over 1300 acres

14 November 1951 – John and Dawn Schultz moved into Para Glen after their wedding in Gawler.

1966–67 – Expansion of sand quarrying in the district and a severe drought affected operations at Para Glen.

1967 – The Schultz and Lehmann families purchased “Kalperri” from Norm Stevens, relocating their Poll Merino stud sheep.

1969 – Para Glen was sold to quarry interests, with the land leased back for seven years.

1976 – Final sale and conclusion of the Schultz and Lehmann family association with Para Glen.

References

Memories of Para Glen Farm

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