A toolbox and some tools that belonged to Alfred Stephens will be displayed and discussed, and a brief historical outline presented.

This story dates back to 1886 when, aged 15, Alf began in the Bowral building trade and soon made a name for himself - one major achievement being the Bowral Court House that he built using the unique local trachyte stone.

Alf's toolbox, a solid timber shipping trunk, was recently donated to the historical society by his great-grandsons, John and Tony Springett of Bowral.

It has sliding inner tool and saw-holder compartments and contains 33 tools and implements, some dating from the early 1900s, which include planes, saws, blades, files, squares, gauges, bobs, axes, chisels, bolts and pliers.

Alf was joined in business by his son, also Alfred, in 1903 and they undertook many buildings including Bowral's Empire Theatre which opened in 1915.

After Alf Senior retired in 1917, the business carried on as Alf Stephens and Sons, its accomplishments including Ranalegh House, Dormie House and the Bowral District Hospital in 1933.

In Canberra, they constructed 700 inner suburban houses.

The talk will be illustrated with photos of these and many other of their buildings.

All are welcome to come along on Thursday, April 24 at 2pm, upstairs in the old council building on Bowral Road, Mittagong.

Afternoon tea will be provided. Enquiries: 4872 2169.