In 1988, I was contacted by a lady called Elsie Heitmann. She was trying to find out what happened to one of her relatives who went missing in Western Australia from South Australia. All she had to go on was the following photo, which was supposedly taken in Coolgardie by photographer Roy Millar. The man […]
The Christmas Find by John Drayton
Sunday Times 24 December 1916, page 18 It was not ‘Happy Christmas Hogan’s’ fault that he was born on the natal day of the Prince of Christianity. He certainly had had no voice in the matter which, it was apparent to him later, if not to his godfathers and godmothers in his baptism, was altogether […]
W H J Carr-Boyd: Explorer – Prospector – Raconteur
Although undoubtedly a fine bushman and an able prospector, William Carr-Boyd was better remembered as one of the great campfire entertainers of his generation. A man of engaging personality and unfailing optimism, he had a fine voice, a wide repertoire of songs and an amazing fund of anecdotes. He was one of the most enigmatic […]
Billy Frost – the seeker of shadows
Western Mail Perth – 16 September 1926, page 19 THE SEEKER – THE LATE BILLY FROST Prospector and Explorer By John Meiklejohn. Round the campfires of the various diggings during the 1890s, no name was more prominent than that of the late Billy Frost. He never had the fortune to make any sensational gold discovery, […]
Murty Broderick – He threw a seven!
Coolgardie Miner Saturday 23 June 1894, page 5 He Threw a Seven by Smiler Hayles He came to this field amongst the first army of gold-seekers who swept inland from the sea coast, intent upon burgling the treasure chests of nature. He was only one of the rough but gallant band of pioneers who, leaving […]