Sunday, August 23, 2015

Friends of Grossmann House leads walk that embraces the rich history of central Maitland

From the Maitland Mercury report:
From the home of the Maitland Mercury’s co-founder (Thomas Tucker) to land owned by Napoleonic war veterans, central Maitland is both interesting and intriguing in equal measures.
“This part of Maitland is such a charming contrast to what’s going on in the central business district because progress has actually marooned it in time,” Friends of Grossmann House historian Holly McNamee said.
“So we now have this ­little island of very narrow streets and lanes that has remained intact.”
The Friends of Grossmann House will lead a walk through iconic Bourke Street as part of its latest fundraising initiative.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury,

Morpeth retirement village Closebourne wins award

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Morpeth retirement village Closebourne has won the seniors independent living category in the coveted Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW awards.
The Lendlease development’s ­integration with the historic village impressed judges.
The careful restoration of Morpeth House, a historic building within the village, demonstrated Lendlease’s commitment.
“Using materials and methods from 150 years ago, the historical relevance of the building has been retained and its use transformed into a vibrant and interactive community centre,” Lendlease retirement living managing director Michael Eggington said.

Full article available at: Maitland Mercury, Aug. 17, 2015.

Maitland and District Historicl Society presents An Old Style Movie Experience

An Old Style Movie Experience

at St. John's Hall
Cnr. High & Cathedral Streets, Maitland

7pm Start – Saturday 29th August 2015
 
Admission $20.00 includes Supper at Interval

Come and see old movie film from the 1930's and 1940's, as it used to be.
 
Contact; Phone: 0438 623 299 or Email: maitlandhistorical@gmail.com

The History Council of NSW in collaboration with Sydney Living Museums Annual History Lecture

In the early twenty-first century, we see Anzac adrift.  As the Great War passes from memory to history the meaning of Anzac is more contested and more problematic than ever. Professor Bruce Scates will consider the fraught politics of commemoration as Australia and the world commemorate the Centenary of the Great War.  His lecture will examine the making and remaking of memorial spaces, the role the ‘memory boom’ has played in generating interest in the Great War, and explore new archives set to change the way we remember 1914-1918.

Event Type: Talk / Lecture

When: Tuesday, 8 September 2015 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: $50 General, $45 HCNSW Member/Concession
Contact: History Council of NSW, 02 9252 8715, admin@historycouncilnsw.org.au, http://www.historycouncilnsw.org.au

Restoring Stephens pattern no. 3 to Miss Porter's House, Newcastle

From the National Trust Magazine, August - October 2015.

Miss Porter's House, with its simple placement of bricks, doors, windows and splayed lintel patterns behind its decorative cast-iron balustrade, is a lovely example of the façade of a typical Edwardian terrace house...
Article by Roland Bannister.

Century-old paper returned to the Maitland Mercury

From the Maitland Mercury report:
A Louth Park home has revealed a secret hidden away for nearly a century beneath the floor coverings.
One of the sheets of newspaper that had been laid as insulation under lino, is from The Maitland Daily Mercury, October 7, 1918.
Others were from May 7 and July 9, 1921.
Yellow and a little torn in places, the 1918 paper makes interesting reading, particularly the advertisements.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 16, 2015.

Maitland Motorfest

From the Maitland Mercury report:
More than 300 classic cars, hot rods, motorcycles and other street machines lined Maitland Showground on Sunday for this year’s Maitland Motorfest.
Event organiser Bruce Corke said 308 vehicles featured in the motorfest and about 2500 ­visitors passed through the showground to look at the vehicles on Sunday.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 16, 2015.

Glitz and glamour at the Museum of Clothing

From the Maitland Mercury report:
When it comes to history Lani Furner wears her heart on her sleeve.
As a staunch devotee of the pin-up culture, Mrs Furner loves little more than adorning herself in the glamour of years gone by.
“I’m very attracted to the glamour of the 1950s and ’60s and also the shape of the garments,” she said.
“I love the hourglass shape and I think it’s very flattering on pretty much any body shape, but generally there are also stories behind the garments which I also love.”
The Phoenix Park woman will model a collection of garments from her favourite fashion era as part of The Museum of Clothing’s latest offering.
Titled Glitz & Glamour, the collection features a range of garments donated from people across the Hunter.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 13, 2015.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Ryerson Index now has 5 Million Australian Death and Obituary Records

The Ryerson Index is a free index to death notices appearing in Australian newspapers. The date range covered extends from the Sydney Gazette of 1803 up to newspapers published within the last week or so. The Index also includes many funeral notices, and some probate notices and obituaries.
Because the Index was originally created by the Sydney Dead Persons Society, its strength lies in notices from NSW papers - including in excess of one million notices from the Sydney Morning Herald alone.  However, the representation from papers from other states continues to grow, with additional papers being regularly added, so that the Index can now truly be considered an Australian index.             Indexing is being continuously carried out by a team of volunteers, too numerous to mention individually, who give freely of their time to ensure the site continues to grow. Site updates occur every couple of weeks, and more often in periods of high activity. The index itself cannot by definition be considered a primary source of data, but is purely a research aid to direct the researcher to the original source of a notice.

History Council NSW annual history lecture 2015 : anzac amnesia - how the centenary forgot the war

In the early twenty-first century, we see Anzac adrift.  As the Great War passes from memory to history the meaning of Anzac is more contested and more problematic than ever. Professor Bruce Scates will consider the fraught politics of commemoration as Australia and the world commemorate the Centenary of the Great War.  His lecture will examine the making and remaking of memorial spaces, the role the ‘memory boom’ has played in generating interest in the Great War, and explore new archives set to change the way we remember 1914-1918.

When: Tuesday, 8 September 2015 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: $50 General, $45 HCNSW Member/Concession
Contact: History Council of NSW, 02 9252 8715, admin@historycouncilnsw.org.au, http://www.historycouncilnsw.org.au

Maitland Historical Society Bulletin, August 2015

The August edition of the Maitland & District Historical Society Inc. available on the website
http://www.maitlandhistorical.org/bulletin.php

  • Edward Charles Close - from soldier to settler
  • St. James Anglican Church, Morpeth, celebrates 175th anniversary
  • The Trocadero - dining rooms and refreshments, High Street

National Trust / Grossmann House - walking Bourke Street, Maitland

Sunday, August 23 at 2.00, Wayne Campbell will take us through the streets of a section of Central Maitland.
 
The Bourke Street area presents a unique look at the early settled history of Maitland, with the streetscape still capturing elements of the 1850 subdivision of a part of the land of Molly Hunt / Morgan. Humble timber cottages, terraces, substantial brick dwellings, schools, a private hospital, and accommodation for early Maitland clergy, all side by side and bound by a network of narrow streets and laneways.
 
$25.00 / $20.00 National Trust members, price includes the usual sumptuous afternoon tea at Brough House.
 
Bookings essential. Ph: Holly 49344314.

National Family History month August 2015

During August events will be conducted across the country that focus on genealogy, family history, heraldry and related subjects including family reunions, seminars, talks, workshops, open days, history walks, book launches, expos to mention just a few activities. Check your state for details of local events and remember to also check the online events which you can do at home. Shauna Hicks' popular 31 Activities for Researchers and 31 Activities for Societies is happening again this year and details will be in the online events category.

More information at http://www.familyhistorymonth.org.au/

Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri wants the community to come up with ideas for how it should commemorate the area's smelting heritage

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri wants the community to contribute ideas on how to commemorate the area’s smelting heritage with a mural, sculpture or similar concept.
Aluminium smelting has been a part of  Kurri Kurri and Weston for almost fifty years since production began in 1969.
“We are open to ideas,” Hydro managing director Richard Brown said.
The smelter operated under five business names: Australuco; Alcan; Capral; VAW; and Hydro.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 12, 2015.

Hunter Valley Aboriginal rock art, featuring Baiame the creator, listed on the State Heritage Register

From the Maitland Mercury report:
rare Aboriginal rock art site that features a larger-than-life, painted male ­figure overlooking the Hunter Valley has been given the state’s highest form of heritage protection.
Heritage Minister  Mark Speakman said the site was nominated by the Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation which represents Wonnarua people, the traditional owners of the Hunter Valley.
“This rare and beautiful site is located on private farming land whose owners have had cordial relations with local Aboriginal people for three generations, making the site readily accessible for their ceremonial and educational use,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 10, 2015.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Life Interrupted: Gallipoli moments

Stories of our soldiers at Gallipoli – in their own words
Embark on a journey with our soldiers at Gallipoli. From the excitement of enlisting, to the reality and terror of battle. Through original diaries, photos and letters, get a glimpse of the Gallipoli campaign through the eyes, and in the words, of those who were there.
Personal letters, diaries and photographs from the State Library of NSW reveal captivating personal experiences of servicemen and nurses. Service records from the National Archives remind us that everyone was a volunteer, and they came from all walks of life to serve their country.

31 July to 15 November 2015
National Archives of Australia
Queen Victoria Terrace
Parkes ACT 2600

Century-old, historic Millfield homestead razed

From the Maitland Mercury report:
It was supposed to be the centrepiece of a massive centenary party once the frozen hills surrounding Millfield began to warm up.
But a 100-year-old homestead, which had survived a 150km trek to its new home atop a picturesque part of the Coalfields nearly 30 years ago, was in ruins on Tuesday after a fire ripped through it.
Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 4, 2015.

Wanted: photos of Maitland Town Hall

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Old photos of Maitland Town Hall are being sought to help Maitland City Council with major upgrades to the iconic building.
Council recently began work on the revamp, funded by the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund, to modernise the auditorium and performance space of the building.
But council is calling for people to share any old photos that capture the history of the building, particularly the inside of it.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 4, 2015.

Facebook page 'You Know You're From Maitland' attracts global interest

From the Maitland Mercury report:
It has connected more than 11,000 people across the globe, been used as an educational tool, sparked romances and continues to grow at about 10 new members a day.
The You Know You’re From Maitland Facebook page was launched in April 2014 and, 15-months on, has gained more recognition and followers than instigator Aaron Golledge could have ever imagined.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 4, 2015.

Maitland VIEW Club’s 50th anniversary wish: more members please

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Maitland VIEW Club is keen to boost membership as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, August 26.
Members extend an invitation to women keen to meet new people, to help others and to enjoy the company of like-minded women.
VIEW stands for voice, interests and education of women.
It was established by children’s charity The Smith Family, 55 years ago, to offer women the opportunity to have their voices heard on issues of national interest and to provide a ­service to the community, through the education of children, especially those from disadvantaged families.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury,

Tocal principal Cameron Archer to leave college

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Cameron Archer principal of Tocal Agricultural College, Paterson will be leaving his position in September.
This announcement follows the weekend celebrations marking the college's 50th anniversary.
Dr Archer who has been principal at the college for 27 years could be described best as Mr Tocal given his high profile not only in the Hunter Valley but throughout the state through his work in promoting agriculture and agricultural education.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, July 30, 20.

Lachlan Valley Railway will bring a 59 class steam engine to Maitland

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Steam engine lovers will get a treat next month when a 59 class locomotive stops in at Maitland.
The 5917 engine from Lachlan Valley Railway will be on a journey from Sydney to Tamworth when it makes an overnight stop at Maitland on August 13.
“This engine has been a bit of a stalwart to the society,” Lachlan Valley Railway director John Healey said.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, July 29, 2015.

Bicentenary a great occasion, but let’s get it right for all

From the Maitland Mercury report:
For Maitland residents who have non-Aboriginal heritage, the city’s bicentennial celebrations could be seen, at face value, as a chance to have a party and boost community spirit.
But Cr Loretta Baker’s words of warning at Tuesday’s council meeting are worth serious consideration.
No matter which way you look at it, a bicentenary of a city or town in Australia hinges on the arrival of European settlers in that place.
For many Aboriginal people, this was the beginning of a dark time that still has serious effects to this day.
So it may be easy for some people to get swept up in the idea of Maitland’s 200 year birthday, but there needs to be consideration of how, and whether, the occasion can be marked in a culturally sensitive way.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, July 29, 2015.

Questions over date of Maitland bicentenary

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Maitland’s bicentenary should be celebrated, the city’s leaders say.
But first, they need to settle the ­question of when that 200 years began.
Cr Philip Penfold raised this issue at this week’s council meeting when he asked the city’s experts to look into when it would be appropriate for Maitland to celebrate its 200 year anniversary.
He said he would like to see a year of community activities planned for the town’s anniversary.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, July 29, 2015.

Old Victoria Hotel (Roseneath) gets new lease of life in East Maitland

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Historic residence and one-time pub Roseneath will find new life with buyers James Morgan and Sonia van Huisstede. The couple bought the 1837 home at East Maitland for an undisclosed sum and plan to reopen the two-storey sandstone gem to the public as the Old Victoria Hotel.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, July 29, 2015.

Maitland council releases master plan for Walka Water Works

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Walka Water Works was once touted as a potential crocodile sanctuary and the possible home for a chocolate factory in Maitland.
But after the many ideas that have failed to take shape over the years, Maitland City Council now plans to turn the site into an education and tourist hub that celebrates the ­property’s ecology and historical contribution to the region.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, councillors voted to put the Walka Water Works Interpretation Master Plan on public exhibition for the next month.
Council has received a $40,000 grant from the state ­government to implement the first stage of the plan, which will focus on developing educational attractions at the site for school groups and visitors.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, July 28, 2015.