Robson and Bullivant – prospectors

Way back in 2005, (gosh! that was 18 yrs ago), I was in correspondence by email with the relatives of John Errington ROBSON,  a lady by the name of Alison Dixon (Grandaughter), Jim Robson (Son), and Steve Potts. John Errington Robson was born on 24th Sep 1865 in Hetton le Hole, Durham, Northumberland England (this […]

The Coolgardie Chambers – a family story

The Coolgardie Chambers was one of the first ‘Chamber’ buildings in Bayley Street, Coolgardie. I was recently sent these two amazing photographs by Julie Marshall who has allowed me to share them with you. Thank you Julie. Julie tells me, her Great Grandfather is Edward Charles Sharland or ‘Ned’. He is identified in the above […]

Coolgardie – a womans point of view

West Australian 14 January 1896, page 10 The following article which deals with Coolgardie as it was in June last, is republished from a recent issue of the Sydney Sunday Times: We have the statement made that a goldfield is spoilt as soon as women and newspapers get a footing on it. Whether this is […]

The Smetherham’s – a family story

The Coolgardie Memories of the Smetherham’s by Elsie Turner William SMETHERHAM and his wife Angelina ‘Louisa’ nee MOYLE arrived in Coolgardie from Eaglehawk near Bendigo in the mid 1890’s. With them came their children – 6 year old twins Elsie and Sydney and 2 year old William junior. Their first home in Coolgardie was in […]

William James Cecil – grave tales

This wonderful photograph was taken at the rear of the ‘Fancy Goods Depot’ at 65 Bayley Street, Coolgardie. In the photograph are Annie Cecil, William James ‘Jim’ Cecil, and their two sons Clyde and Les Cecil. The photograph was taken in 1906 by Jack Bayley who was Annie’s Brother-in-law. The family ran this store for […]