William John Rea (Ray) Tonkin was born on the 5th Feb 1895 in Bendigo Victoria but came to Kalgoorlie at a young age. He was a blacksmith and farrier by trade. He survived at Gallipoli and through WW1 and died 2nd Dec 1966 and is buried in the Kalgoorlie Cemetery. WJRT was a Gallipoli veteran. […]
Thomas Cantwell – Died of Thirst or Foul Play?
23/11/2014 By 1 Comment
Thomas Cantwell Died of Thirst or Foul Play? The following item appeared in the local paper in Camblin, Roscrea, Co Tipperary Ireland on the 24th Dec 1895- Perished between Norseman and Coolgardie, supposed from thirst, Tom Cantwell, one of the best fellows who ever pulled off a shirt. Poor Tom was one of the finest […]
Victor Watts – grave tales
08/11/2014 By 4 Comments
“A Most Unusual Story” This is a strange story about one of the men who are listed on the Eastern Goldfields Miners Memorial Memorial which is located at the WA Museum Kalgoorlie Boulder in Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie. His name is Victor Watts. Several years ago I had a phone call from a homeowner to say […]
The Kalgoorlie Hotels- Judds Pub
10/09/2014 By Leave a Comment
Kalgoorlie Hotel ‘Judds Pub’. Hannan Street Kalgoorlie This photo is not one often seen of this well know local iconic building. Built c 1896 from ‘white stone’ it has remained a going concern ever since. It hasn’t always been called ‘Judds’ it was named as such from James (Judd) Mahony who gave his nick […]
The Corner Shop – Elliott and Gaillard
08/09/2014 By 1 Comment
I am sure that this building in our main street will look familiar to many of my readers. Today it is little changed and is on the corner of Hannan and Porter Streets in Kalgoorlie. Today it is known as ‘Monty’s Restaurant’ formerly Montgomery Bros Drapery and Merchandise. However, in 1903 the business was as […]
