Ramsay Street

(Shop numbers shown in brackets)

Ramsay Street is the main street of Haberfield and along with Dalhousie Street accounts for the larger portion of the commercial and business district of Haberfield.

In 1805 most of the area now known as Haberfield belonged to Simeon Lord who called it Dobroyde Estate. When David Ramsay married Lord's daughter, Sarah Ann, they received the land as a wedding present. Ramsay started orchards and built many fine houses including Yasmar (his name spelt backwards) and St David's Church. Yasmar up until recently was part of the correctional services complex on Parramatta Road. Ramsay is also credited with naming Ramsay Street, Dalhousie Street (after his old family home in Scotland), Boomerang Street and Waratah Street.

In 1901 there was something of a development boom as garden suburbs were created to combat the ill health caused by the crowded living of Inner Sydney. A developer by the name of Richard Stanton purchased 50 acres from Ramsay's children to create the present suburb of Haberfield. One of the claims made by Stanton was that the development would not have lanes, slums or pubs. The timing of the development of Haberfield has provided strong links to Federation. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the development was welcomed which, if true, makes Stanton the last and only developer who was ever welcomed in Haberfield. The additional of the entire suburb to the local heritage register will ensure that the unique nature of the suburb will be preserved for future generations.

Haberfield also owes a great deal to the Italians and Sicilians who have settled in Haberfield and set up many and varied family businesses. Regular customers travel many kilometres to sample the pizzas, cakes, pastries, bread, chocolate plus other epicurean delights and enjoy the hospitality and fine food in the many restaurants and cafes.

Ramsay Street is home to a variety of businesses and personalities. Commodore Antonio Bamonte OAM of Viatour Travel (No 125) is one such long term businessman with a very strong connection to the Italian community.

Colin Filmer of Filmer Architects (No 115A) is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to what can and cannot be done when building or renovating in Haberfield.
If you are interested in trying some of the really great food then call in and see Angelo at Zanetti's 5 Star Supermarket.

Dr Tanya Carter has operated the Haberfield Veterinary Hospital (No 55) since 1975 and has been a huge contributor of her time and resources to helping older residents with limited resources care for their much loved companion animals.
Haberfield is not just history and high buttoned shoes as Neil and Susan at Nouveau Design Australia (No 25) are able to demonstrate in their graphic design capabilities.