My Articles

LIGHTHOUSE LIFE; HIGH AND LOWS

LIGHTHOUSE LIFE; HIGH AND LOWS

Cape Everard Lighthouse in Victoria is now known as Point Hicks Lighthouse. The reason why is explained in a link at the end of this article. From The Argus, January 10 1935 STEAMER CAPE YORK TAKES TOYS AND STORES Although the Christmas and New Year festivities are

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Tom Piper & Hinkler the Pioneer Pilot

Tom Piper & Hinkler the Pioneer Pilot

Cabinet maker Tom Piper arrived in Ulverstone from Victoria in 1921 and set up business in Reiby Street. What an asset he proved to be. If I were asked to describe the furniture showroom of Mr. T.H. Piper, cabinetmaker, Ulverstone, at the main entrance to which is

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AMY SHERWIN & STELLA CAROL

AMY SHERWIN & STELLA CAROL

The soprano Amy Sherwin was ‘discovered’ as a young woman when members of an Italian Opera company heard her singing in rural Tasmania. Many years later something similar happened in England, but this time it was Amy who was the discoverer. As Amy’s own singing career began

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The Puzzle of a Truncated Portrait

The Puzzle of a Truncated Portrait

Isn’t this a striking, full length portrait? The subject is Tasmanian born artist Florence Rodway. It was completed by her friend and fellow artist Norman Carter (1875-1963), in 1910. Unfortunately no colour version exists. The first mention of the portrait in the press was in 1911; Mr

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THE GOLDEN FLEECE KINDERGARTEN

THE GOLDEN FLEECE KINDERGARTEN

The Kindergarten Union of New South Wales was established by a handful of educational reformers in 1895. They believed that Sydney’s deprived, inner-city children should be given the opportunity to experience gentle, play based learning before entering public school. A founding member of the group was the

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THE JOY OF TASMANIAN BLACKWOOD

THE JOY OF TASMANIAN BLACKWOOD

While visiting Tasmania a few years ago, I bought a miniature barrel (circa 1940s), made from Tasmanian Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon). It’s a very tactile object, but more importantly it reminds me of my childhood in the island state. On the lid is a tiny, silver map of

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FITZGERALD’S ON COLLINS ST.

FITZGERALD'S ON COLLINS ST.

Fitzgerald’s…..the name evokes memories for so many Tasmanians. In March 1886, Hobart born George Parker Fitzgerald (1843-1917) established a department store that would remain an integral part of the city for decades to come. I suspect this is one of the earliest photos of the building, not

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ROYAL WEDDING GIFTS FROM DOWN-UNDER

ROYAL WEDDING GIFTS FROM DOWN-UNDER

When Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten announced their engagement in July 1947, Australians were as excited as the British by the prospect of a royal wedding. With a November 20 date set, time was short, but every State came up with what they considered an appropriate gift.

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BIRDS – THE EYES HAVE IT!

BIRDS - THE EYES HAVE IT!

For birds, sight is the most critical of the senses for survival. Hence, their eyes are much larger in relation to the size of their heads (and brains) in comparison to other vertebrate, including we humans. A large pupil allows more light to enter. That’s why an

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STAMPS OF VAN DIEMEN’S LAND

STAMPS OF VAN DIEMEN'S LAND

By the 1850s Tasmania (still known as Van Dieman’s Land) was in need of its own, official postage system and legislation was duly passed. It was intended that the first stamps would be printed in England, but as the deadline of a November 1 1853 issue date

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