And five generations after famous George Davidson shepherded whales into Twofold Bay assisted by killer whale Old Tom, the Davidson clan remains as proud and connected as ever, as proven by this week’s reunion in Eden.

Heather Davidson – George Davidson’s granddaughter by father Wallace – arrived last weekend from her adopted homeland of Norway, to meet up with her sister Jan and brother Robert.

“It’s been nine years since I was back in Eden,” Heather said. “It’s always nice to come back, and see everyone, and all the old places.”

Heather said her visit was thanks to nephew Mark – son of sister Jan – who paid Heather’s airfare to get the Davidson siblings together again. 

“Mark’s a rough fisherman, you wouldn’t think he’d do something like this,” Jan said with a laugh. “But he’s very sentimental about the Davidson clan, and thought we all needed to meet up as we’re not getting any younger.”

Also joining the reunion was Celine Davidson-Mogstad, Heather’s nineteen year old Norwegian granddaughter.

“We learn about the Davidson legend in Norway,” Celine said, blue eyes glittering. “The history of how they caught whales comes up in our history classes all the time.”

Fourth generation Davidson, Warren, agreed the legend is known worldwide, and was obviously keen for the family’s past to remain part of Eden’s identity.

“I reckon we could put Eden on the map with the next Whale Festival, importing whale meat from Europe and serving up some patties,” Warren said, with a laugh. “They’d be thousands picketing it, and thousands who’d want to try it. I better get on the committee!”

Mirroring Warren’s cheekiness was his four year old grandson Jaxon Davidson, the youngest of the clan.

Jaxon was delighted to hold an archival photo of his great, great, great grandfather George haloed by family, and when asked what he thought about whales he smiled wickedly and shouted “splash!”.

Robert Davidson, turning 80 next June, appeared with a small glass bottle in his hands containing a thick amber-coloured liquid. 

“Whale oil, here, smell it,” he said, passing it around. “It was handed down to me, I’ve got no idea how old it is.”

Heather took a big sniff, screwed up her nose, and recoiled backwards. “Oh, it smells like cod liver oil!”

The aroma brought back memories of her first years in Norway half a century ago when fish mongers sold fresh whale meat door-to-door.

“They still catch whales in Norway,” Heather said, which inspired an animated conversation in the group about whether whaling still has a place in modern society, and the years when it was unfashionable to even admit you were from a whaling family.

There was no cause for shame as far as Fay Davidson was concerned, whose late husband Rene was third generation Davidson.

“I don’t think anyone’s worried about the history of killing whales,” Fay said. “I don’t think killing ten whales a year - like George did – made much of an impact.”

None of the surviving family brandish a harpoon these days, but crossing the high seas in search of adventure is still very much part of their makeup, with Davidsons now scattered throughout Europe, Britain, America, Canada and across Australia.

Eden resident Jenine Grant, Heather Davidson’s niece, thanks modern technology for keeping the contemporary Davidson clan connected.

“We Skype each other all the time, Jenine said. “The generations are shifting worldwide, but we all stay in touch.”

It’s obviously going to take more than time or distance to water down the mighty Davidson bloodline, and it’s delightful to know that Eden – where the folklore first began – remains the heartland for this enduring family.