Written and Published in 1906 by Arlene Collins nee Puddy. Although the school in Leonora close to Gwalia is well known and still going today, many poeple may not know there was also a school at Gwalia. This excellent book tell its story. In the introduction Arlene says: This year, 2006, marks the 100th anniversary […]
Not Just the Presidents Wife – Lou Henry Hoover
Lou Henry Hoover was the wife of Herbert Clark Hoover, the 31st president of the United States of America. There has been a great deal written about her husband’s time on the Goldfields of Western Australia but very little has been told about his wife’s achievements in her own right. During her time as ‘First […]
A Picnic in Bush – Sirr Family
I was recently sent this wonderful photograph from OFH reader, Peter Sirr, who has given me permission to share this great image from his family album. Peter tells me:- This is a Sirr family photo circa 1914 (or before). They are at a picnic on a woodline out of Gwalia/Leonora. The older white haired man […]
And Be Home Before Dark – a book review
Some of you may recall this excellent publication some years back, and some of you may have a copy, or have read it. Published in 2008, Im sure that you will agree with me that is is a wonderful recollection of a childhood spent ‘on the edge of nowhere’. The book has sold 25,000 copies […]
A Deadly Epidemic – Leonora update
Fevers and flu were common, mostly caused by poor sanitation and cross infection, and, until the arrival of antibiotics in 1945, pneumonia was often a fatal disease. In May 1919, an Italian miner called Luigi Morelli, contracted ‘broncho pneumonia influenza and died within six days. Eight more cases were diagnosed in rapid succession. The Public Health […]