In Coolgardie, as late as April 1894, self-styled undertakers were making a fortune by making coffins from old jam cases and boxes and blackening them over to give a semblance of respectability. Only the destitute and friendless were packed away in … [Continue reading]
The Murchison – on dust storms and barmaids
Murchison Times and Day Dawn Gazette - 25 September 1897, page 4 The Murchison Author unknown (From the London Financial Times) The Murchison was the earliest explored field in West Australia, not the first goldfield—that was … [Continue reading]
The McGinniss family of Kunanulling
Outback Family History reader Meryl Watson has kindly shared these wonderful photographs and stories from her family history. My great-grandmother Edith Rose May nee HOWELL, married John Louis McGinniss aged 22yrs from Huon Tasmania on the 15th … [Continue reading]
Harold A S Cocking – pioneer profile
Southern Cross Times - Christmas Eve - 24 December 1904, page 25 Harold Cocking A Plucky Pioneer Mr. Harold Arundle Sidney Cocking was born at Latchley near Plymouth, Devon, England, and is a typical son of an English yeoman. It is … [Continue reading]
Thieves’ Gold – by N.E. Gledhill
Another 'Ripping Yarn' from the pen of N E Gledhill, kindly shared by his Great Nephew Allen Gledhill with thanks: The transcontinental roared westward through the shimmering film of heat that hung like a diaphanous curtain over the … [Continue reading]