Outback Family History

Elephant Advertising Beer

19/03/2015 By Moya Sharp Leave a Comment

This is one of my favourite photos of an Elephant being used to advertise Swan Beer in Coolgardie, probably would have looked better on a bigger elephant, don’t you think?? This pic is from the Book ‘Gold and Liquid Gold’, Obsolete Breweries of the Western Australian Goldfields by Geoff Spiller.

Oh! Who Could Paint a Goldfield – Henry Lawson

14/03/2015 By Moya Sharp 2 Comments

I came across this poem many years ago, and it is still my favourite:- Oh! Who could paint a Goldfield and paint the picture right? As old adventurers saw it in early morning light. The yellow mounds of mullock with spots of red and white The scattered quartz that glistens like diamonds in the light […]

Kunanalling School Honour Roll 1914 to 1918

14/03/2015 By Moya Sharp Leave a Comment

The township of Kunanalling is situated on the 90-mile road about 20 miles north-west of Coolgardie. It was originally known as the 25-mile, then later gazetted as Kunanalling. The once thriving town is now deserted, and the only remains are those of the Premier Hotel. The following names are those of the pupils who attended […]

Menzies – Fred W Dawson Produce Merchant

14/01/2015 By Moya Sharp Leave a Comment

From the Western Argus ‘Special Mining Number’ 24th April 1901 Mr Fred Dawson:- This is a prosperous business in the wholesale fruit, vegetables and general produce, carried on by Mr F W Dawson, who commands a large proportion of ‘out-back’ trade. He sends farm and dairy produce to all northern centres and has a turnover […]

The Story of a Sign – J Moriarty Hairdresser!

14/01/2015 By Moya Sharp 5 Comments

I was recently contacted by a reader who sent me the following story about his efforts to return a shop sign that came into his possession. So far he had hit a brick wall but thought you may like to read about his search so far and maybe someone will know a ‘Moriarty’ descendant. I […]