AT THE Umbrellas of Bermagui opening, one exhibit featuring a depiction of the infamous Bermagui Mystery particularly drew the attention of the crowds.
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Named “Lament for Lamont” and created by artist Paul Fletcher, the umbrella told the story of government geologist Lamont Young, his assistant Max Schneider and their three boatmen Casey, Towers and Lloyd who disappeared on October 9, 1880, while at sea off from Bermagui.
The men were never seen again, however their boat was discovered at Corunna Point with bullet holes in the side.
Intriguing details about the case were that the boat was found above the hide tide mark so it couldn’t have drifted there, it was smashed from the inside out, and there was a nearby abandoned campsite where food had been thrown around as if someone there had been disturbed.
Mr Fletcher said suspicion fell on Mr Schneider after the incident, and a possible theory put forward by a constable at Tilba was that one of the men killed the others, tied the bodies together and threw them overboard – however he was “lampooned” by his superiors for this idea.
Mr Fletcher does have his own theories on the case.
“I think Max was somehow involved, and I firmly believe whoever was responsible knew the camp was there before they got to it, as it was just too much of a coincidence,” Mr Fletcher said.
When a book written on the case, titled Five Men Vanished by Cyril Pearl, was published in 1978, Mr Fletcher said the reward was still on offer for information that would lead to the discovery of Mr Young.
This story made Mr Fletcher want to create his umbrella, which was sponsored by Miracles By The Sea.
“I’ve lived here for eight years, but I was a little surprised that so many locals didn’t know much about it [the story],” Mr Fletcher said.
Hi umbrella was created using pens and acrylic.
“I wanted it to look like a steampunk sympathy card,” he said.
And what did he think of all of the people paying attention to his creation?
“I’m somewhat embarrassed, but I’m glad they are,” he said.
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