Not a gambling Casino, but for decades Tamworth's leading entertainment and recreational venue.

Pioneered by a previous German AA Company shepherd, Charles Zartmann, who bought 2.3 hectares of land in 1864, surrounding the start of today's King George Avenue.

A real innovator, Zartmann cleared and drained the swampy land, planted grape vines and vegetables, and constructed the Casino building seen to the right of the photo.

On February 24, 1877 he opened his 'Little Paradise Gardens', following with a Grand Opening ceremony a year later, with the Uralla Band providing entertainment. Designed by the architect William Vett, the Casino was built during 1877, measuring 14m x 9m.

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The building had a galvanised iron covering above the roof, enabling a dance floor.

Beneath was a 'wine hall' where wine was made from Zartmann's local grapes, to be sold to enthusiastic local buyers. The Casino interior featured a portrait of Adam and Eve, both unclothed.

By November, 1878, dancing and roller-skating were taking place there every evening, with an admission charge of one shilling.

Music was provided by local performers, including the Singleton Orchestra and well-known pianist Harry Emerson.

A small zoo was started at Paradise Gardens, accommodating monkeys and other animals, along with two rows of bird cages.

Swings were provided for children, and for sixpence admission patrons could eat as much fruit as they wished in the copious orchard.

Important public celebrations were held at the Gardens, with a Banquet attendance of close to 80, taking place there in January, 1885 to celebrate the laying of the Tamworth Post Office Foundation Stone.

Later that year there were around 190 attending a Testimonial Dinner for local parliamentarian John Gill's retirement.

In 1888 a Ball was held to celebrate Tamworth's first 8 Hour Day Holiday, with dancing beginning at 9pm and concluding at 4am.

An associated 2-storeyed 'Wine Palace' was constructed in 1885, designed by W.S. Dowel, with dances being held and refreshments served on the roof area promenade.

The building, now a residence seen on the left at the start of King George Avenue, lost its top storey in a freak tornado in January, 1914.

Charles Zartmann died of pneumonia late in 1885, leaving behind a wife and three daughters, aged 13, 15 and 17.

With production and sale of wine the main business, the property over the years passed through the hands of Messrs Bryant, Holm, Bielefeld & Seehiband.

The Garden's entertainment aspect virtually concluded after the 1908 and 1910 floods.

The Casino building owner floodproofed the residence in 1964 and refurbished the interior, also planting pine trees that still stand around the residential building today.

Many locals joked at the time that Tamworth was indeed fortunate to have a main street that started with a Brewery (Royal Standard Brewery near Spotlight) and ended in Paradise!

Photo and caption submitted by Mike Cashman, Tamworth Historical Society.

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