The area dates from 1822, when James Blackman & William Lawson
marked a new road from Wallerawang to Dabee (Rylstone). It appears
on a map prepared by Thomas Mitchell (Surveyor General) in 1830.
The area, as a stagecoach stop, flourished for three decades with a
substantial traffic of goods, wool, meat, etc until the arrival of
the railway, which bypassed the area. This started the decline of
commercial activity, which finally closed in early 2001.
A composite map prepared for the Village in 1901 shows 4 successive
Post Offices the last being the Ilford Store. 3 Churches all
sand stone built, 2 Inns the Plough Inn still stands, a Dance
Hall, Butcher, Slaughter House, Boning works, Blacksmith, Police
station & lock-up. The first School operated in 1868 until the
present School opened in 1878.
The main industry of Ilford was & remains agriculture mainly sheep
& cattle. The area is remarkably stable as to families. There are
approx fifty-three families in Ilford & neighbouring Running Stream,
whose occupancy goes back to the 18th Century this says
a lot for the prosperity of the area.
Significant gold discoveries did not occur, although some diggers
keep trying; however the area was vital to supply food to the
diggings of nearby Sofala & Hill End.
