Memories of growing chicory at Rendelsham dating back almost 70 years were recently shared at the local history morning at the Millicent Public Library.


Millicent historian Chris Parmenter discussed the chicory industry in the South East dating back to the 1870s.


His 40-minute talk was followed by an impromptu sharing of stories by locals Garth Huppatz, Iain Stewart, John Galway and Des Farmer.


All four spoke of their work on the family farms in their youth as the chicory plants needed to be planted in the rich peat soils.


Weeding, harvesting, cleaning, drying and transporting to Adelaide for processing followed.


Derived from its ample roots, chicory is most often used as a coffee substitute and it is caffeine-free.


Growing chicory is labour intensive and it is thought the last commercial crop was grown at Rendelsham in the 1970s.


A number of kilns for drying the chicory were erected at Beachport and Rendelsham but only a handful remain.


It was estimated that three tonnes of wood were needed to dry one tonne of chicory.


Mr Parmenter described how the international popularity of chicory waxed and waned and it often followed the availability of coffee beans and labour.


According to the guest speaker, a portion of a one-time chicory kiln still stands at Beachport and it was formerly connected to the train station via a spur line along Foster Street.


He plans to have a display in md-2025 relating to local chicory growing and it is likely to be held at the Millicent Public Library and Millicent visitor Information Centre.


His talk was attended by 40 interested people and was followed by morning tea.