A CRIME AT THE YORK STREET CIGARETTE KIOSK

A CRIME AT THE YORK STREET CIGARETTE KIOSK

York Street runs parallel to George Street in the centre of Sydney. Just after World War II it was the scene of a brutal murder.   The victim, Jeanette Wicks. In 1935,  Jeanette Wicks divorced her husband  of seven years on the grounds of desertion.  She  subsequently

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THE KATOOMBA ART UNION AND THE ‘BABY’ ROLLS

THE KATOOMBA ART UNION AND THE 'BABY' ROLLS

A THOUSAND POUNDS FOR A SHILLING! In 1920, an art union lottery was established in the Blue Mountain’s town of Katoomba, conceived and administered by Mr Edgar Booth. The object was to raise money for the improvement of the local showground. First prize was originally a  £1,000

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BRUCE HIGGS – THE UNTOLD STORY

BRUCE HIGGS - THE UNTOLD STORY

This is the third episode in  the Higgs brothers saga. Each part has to stand alone, so apologies for repeating some information. If you want to read the original story click on the following link. Murder in the Blue Mountains. Bruce Doubleday Higgs was a Sydney underworld

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William Guy Higgs – Spoiled Larrikin or Callous Criminal?

William Guy Higgs -  Spoiled Larrikin or Callous Criminal?

On September 9 1922, twenty one year old  William Guy Higgs married Helena Potter in a society wedding at Hunters Hill. The couple honeymooned in the beautiful Blue mountains. The  groom was the fourth born of seven sons, and chose his older brother Hubert as best man.

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BLUE MOUNTAINS VILLAGES – HISTORY AND HUMOUR

BLUE MOUNTAINS VILLAGES - HISTORY AND HUMOUR

This piece began as a short, selective list of Blue Mountains villages. However, owing to the demands from residents of those left out it became somewhat longer. 😎 OK, HERE WE GO… I am cheating and listing the towns and villages  of the Blue Mountains alphabetically rather

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THE PARAGON, ONCE THE JEWEL OF KATOOMBA

THE PARAGON, ONCE THE JEWEL OF KATOOMBA

In 1916 The Paragon Café  was established  at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales  by Greek immigrant Theo Simos and his family.  It became an enormous success, and far more than a café.  The art-deco interior still features  a  banquet room, and a ballroom. 

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