Tag History

I really like history, learning about it, and documenting what I know.

War Bride

My latest family history project is trying to connect with the story of my cousin, Lyla Brown/Curtis, who married an American soldier in the 1940s, and who went to live … Read the rest “War Bride”

South Lismore

As a child growing up in South Lismore, one of my strongest earliest memories was of the arrival at the nearby railway station of hundreds of people for the Aquarius … Read the rest “South Lismore”

Lex Watson's Book Collection for Sale

Behind Bars

It’s thirty years since the decriminalisation of consensual male sex in New South Wales, and “some of the leading figures responsible for that change have all died in a six … Read the rest “Behind Bars”

Darlinghurst History Walk

I spent the early part of the day teaching at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. As part of the lecture I gave, I repeated the mantra, “there are … Read the rest “Darlinghurst History Walk”

The Appin Inn, later renamed the Union Revived and licensed for a while by one of my ancestors, William Rixon

Appin Bi-Centenary

“I have a connection to the pub across the road” I told the woman who was looking after things at St Bede’s Catholic Church in Appin today. “Two of my … Read the rest “Appin Bi-Centenary”

Ten green bottles

Colonial Wine Tasting

Talk about four seasons in one day. What began as a fine sunny day in Sydney, had, by mid-afternoon turned into something cold and wet. Cold and wet enough to … Read the rest “Colonial Wine Tasting”