Book Review – Cast Iron Pillar Boxes of Western Australia by Sue Hobson

The Ledger Foundry

This latest book  is a wonderful blend of a family history and the manufacturing of the wonderful bright red pillar boxes that we have all seen.

Cast Iron Pillar Boxes

I am sure you will remember the campaign by the people of Kalgoorlie/Boulder to save the box on the corner of Hannan and Lane Sts  outside of the Kalgoorlie Hotel (Judds) which was successful.  

The book is beautifully done and the pictures are just amazing.  All the boxes in Kalgoorlie which were made by the authors family are featured along with others from around the state.

Sue tells us about the Ledger family who’s first arrival in Western Australia was Joseph Sowden Ledger who was a convict who was sentenced to 10yrs servitude for assault. Joseph left a wife in England but she refused to follow him to Australia so he re married to Mary Ann Hart, the daughter of a policeman in 1869. Joseph first set up business in his mothers maiden name, Sowden, to escape his convict background and new of his prosperity got back to his family and by 1880 his nephew Joseph joined him. In all 15 other members were to come to Western Australia. The family business of the Ledger Foundary was born and continued to  prosper. The business produced all sorts of items such as wrought iron, grave surrounds, bath etc. The most recognizable item is of course red pillar boxes.

You will find this book a most enjoyable read and I would recommend it.  The cost is $20.00 with $5.00 postage in Australia. You can purchase direct from the author at suehobson@bigpond.com or email me on the form below and I will send you and order form.

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Moya Sharp

Owner at Outback Family History

My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.

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