How Chinamans became Chinamans

Previously known as Rosherville Beach, Chinamans Beach gained its name from Chinese market gardens established in the area during the late nineteenth century. Records show a man named Cho Hi Tick created the gardens on land leased from Mary and John Armitage, the inheritors of Captain McLean’s estate in Shell Cove.[1] The Chinese worked their gardens until about 1890, when records of the name Ah Sue disappeared from the Sands Director’s list of residents in Spit Road[2]. It has also been suggested that the name Chinamans was based upon the presence of Solen Correctus shells, known as ‘Chinaman’s Fingernail shells.’ However, prominent Mosman historian Gavin Souter proposes that ‘as these are also found on other Middle Harbour beaches, market gardening seems the more likely origin.’[3]

[1] Souter, Mosman, p. 80.

[2] Souter, Mosman, p. 80.

[3] Souter, Mosman, p. 80.