Around the Lake on Christmas Eve

 On Christmas Eve we reflect on times past. Several local events were reported in the news in days gone by.  We found these on Trove.

1908 'Hotel Tragedy.', The Gloucester Advocate (NSW : 1905 - 1954), 21 March, p. 11. , viewed 23 Dec 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article156563479

1919 'TORONTO.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 3 January, p. 5. , viewed 23 Dec 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139649488

1930 'Lake Yachts', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 29 December, p. 8. , viewed 23 Dec 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164217040

1933 'AT THE LAKE.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 27 December, p. 4. , viewed 23 Dec 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136677506

1936 'Accident Victim', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 6 January, p. 5. , viewed 23 Dec 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166486890

1949 'Christmas Tree For Arcadia Vale', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 13 December, p. 4. , viewed 23 Dec 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134173127

1939 'PERSONAL', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 14 December, p. 6. , viewed 23 Dec 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135454094

Sad end for Henry Humble

 Newspaper articles on Trove reported on the death of Henry Humble of Charlestown in 1952.

1952 'BURNS FATAL', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 21 August, p. 2. , viewed 01 Dec 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133185149

1952 'Family Notices', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 21 August, p. 2. , viewed 01 Dec 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133185154

Trove Tuesday - Toronto in 1886

 

One can read the article accompanying this post here : 1924 'PEN-NOTES AND PENCILLINGS.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 29 November, p. 5. , viewed 01 Dec 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137780436

Meetings at Marmong Point

On the third Saturday of the Month (except for December when it is the second Saturday of the month) The Lake Macquarie Family History Group holds its regular meeting at The Marmong Point Community Hall. Following are a few photos from last weekend's meeting. 

Checking a new addition to the library

When Covid came along we held regular meetings via zoom but our members were thrilled when we went back to face-to face events earlier this year. These gatherings provide opportunities for fellowship, learning and research. 

Members enjoying a catchup

Between 10pm and 4pm members and visitors are welcome to drop into the hall for a few hours or the day.  There are opportunities to get research help, borrow a book from our extensive library collection, join a discussion group, hear a guest speaker and have a cuppa with friends.

Cuppas and chats - an important activity

In our discussion group facilitated by our President, Anne, last Saturday members commented that what they most liked about our Group was the warm, friendly environment at our events. 

Two heads are better then one - Solving a research problem

A quiet moment perusing the library's journal collection

There is a good stock of secondhand books for sale

Our Guest Speaker on Saturday was local trainer Anthony Tietze who gave an interesting and informative talk on First Aid and CPR. Members enjoyed the practical components of Anthony's presentation and the opportunities to use equipment and act as patients. 

Terry Tietze with President Anne. 

Anthony demonstrating a defibrilator on Saturday

Our next meeting will be held on Saturday 12th December. There will be a $5 fee to cover catering expenses for the lunch provided. As we need numbers for the catering please contact the Secretary by email, secretary@lmfhg.org.au,  if you would like to join us. 

Trove Tuesday 100 Years Ago

Some of the stories about Lake Mac People printed a hundred years ago this week in the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) on Trove

Do you recognise any of these local names?

1922 'DISTRICT NEWS.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 1 November, p. 5. , viewed 15 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140008136

1922 'Family Notices', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 16 November, p. 4. , viewed 15 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140014308

1922 'TERALBA', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 13 November, p. 6. , viewed 15 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140009934

1922 'CARDIFF.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 16 November, p. 5. , viewed 15 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140014290

1922 'TORONTO', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 13 November, p. 6. , viewed 15 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140009932

Welcome to our new President.

Congratulations and best wishes to Anne Gleeson who has accepted nomination for President of the

President, Anne Gleeson

LMFHG at the Committee Meeting held on 11th November 2022. This position had remained vacant since the last President stepped down at our Annual General Meeting in August.

Anne writes: "I am married to Terry and we are the parents of 4, grandparents of 8 and great grandparents of 2. Terry and I have lived in Lake Macquarie for the past 25 years and my family has strong ties to the Newcastle area. Dad's family settled in Newcastle from Ireland in 1865.

 
Whilst I have been researching for the last 20 years my approach has not really been focused until the last little while. I am almost finished the University of Tasmania’s Diploma in Family History and this has assisted in organising my efforts.

I have a strong interest in writing family stories and some of these I share on my blog http://thehouseoflostvintage.blogspot.com/

It is my hope that I will be able to provide leadership to the Association which is pro-active and based on the needs of the members. I am keen to look at current processes and procedures to ensure they are effective and in keeping with the Aims and Objectives of the organisation."

Trove Tuesday - St Joseph's Convalescent Home

 St Joseph's Convalescent Home in Morisset is mentioned several times in Trove. 

Worker injured at the home.

1935 'WORKMAN INJURED', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 9 February, p. 8. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136851313

The following poem was published in 1938.

1938 'Rest Home by the Lake Side.', Catholic Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1932 - 1942), 7 April, p. 14. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146422894

Former Chaplain passes away.

1941 'Of General Interest', Advocate (Melbourne, Vic. : 1868 - 1954), 22 May, p. 6. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172192002

An obituary for one of the residents

1945 'OBITUARY Two Senior Members of the Little Company of Mary', Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1954), 19 January, p. 9. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167786883

Obituary for a resident.

1946 'Father Hilly Dies In Retirement', Catholic Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1942 - 1954), 10 January, p. 5. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146485510

In 1947 plans were put forward to use the property as a Boys' Home.

(Read full article from link below)

1947 'NEW CATHOLIC TRAINING CENTRE FOR SUB-NORMAL BOYS', Catholic Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1942 - 1954), 25 December, p. 1. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146600513

Film of activities at the boys' home.

1952 'NEWCASTLE', Catholic Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1942 - 1954), 3 April, p. 10. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article147083371

Is this property still standing? Is it still owned by the Catholic Church?

Essential Supplies

Essential Supplies

On Monday 5^th November 1951 the Waterside Workers held their annual picnic at Blackalls Park.   The Picnic was for the workers and their families.  They took with them on the picnic:

6500 ice creams,  

250 gallons of ginger beer  (946 litres)

4 cwt. of sweets (203 kilograms) and an ambulance bearer.

State Conference

Excitement is building in the genealogy community around New South Wales as our State Conference is taking place this week on 16th and 17th September. 

Lake Macquarie Family History Group is a member of  The NSW & ACT Association of Family History Societies Inc., the umbrella group for societies in NSW. The conference hosts are our neighbour groups at Newcastle and Maitland. 

We have donated prizes of a years subscription to our group and a book for the conference raffle. 

Unfortunately the conference clashes with our monthly meeting but LMFHG members can still attend the sessions via zoom on Friday and watch the Saturday sessions on Youtube in the week following the event. 

It's not too late to register for the conference here:
 https://ridingthewavesofhistory.com.au/registration/ for just $40 for two days of genealogy education from a range of Australian genealogists including one of our members.

Conference Program

Commemorating War Veterans - Forever Remembered

Congratulations to Gary Mitchell and associates on the launch of their new website

Commemorating War Veterans - Forever Remembered

Paying tribute to War Veterans from the Hunter Region - Forever Remembered
www.commemoratingwarheroes.com

This new website supersedes Commemorating our WW1 War Heroes, which has been sponsored by Northern Cemeteries since April 2015.

All gravesite locations have GPS locations, Google Earth visuals and profiles of WW1 & WW2 veterans that I have so far located at Sandgate Cemetery, Belmont & West Wallsend Cemeteries. More cemeteri4es are to be visited and photographed in the future. 

Lest We Forget.

Corporal William Ernest Bookless

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for granting us permission to share his Facebook posts on our blog. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Served and suffered during The Great War, died tragically, resting at West Wallsend Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

82 years ago today, on the Wednesday afternoon of the 31st July 1940, Corporal William Ernest Bookless, 45th Battalion (Reg No-4555), miner from Eare Street, West Wallsend, New South Wales and Brown Street, West Wallsend, N.S.W., father of one (Billie or Billy), was laid to rest at West Wallsend Cemetery, age 46. GENERAL-OLD SECTION 3. Row S. Plot 33.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139379836 - funeral notice does not state service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139369119 - funeral notice states service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139367364 - report of funeral mentions service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139380353 - death notice states service.

Born at Homerton, Northern London, England on the 15th April 1894 to Henry John and Eleanor Bookless of 18 Heigham Road, Eastham, London, England; husband of Hannah Elvira Ancil Bookless nee Snedden (married 30.7.1921, West Wallsend, N.S.W., as BROOKLESS, remarried 1944 to George Cockerell Wright, died 1974), William enlisted August 1915 with the 1st Battalion at Newcastle, N.S.W.

Admitted to hospital 4.12.1916 (trench feet), 19.7.1918 (otitis media - middle ear infection), 23.9.1918 (abrasion left knee, abscess, severe).

Wounded in action - 12.10.1917 (GSW right knee, Battle of Passchendaele).

William was invalided home February 1919, being discharged medically unfit on the 17th April 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139647859 - reported returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159367565 - welcome home and presentation of a gold medal at the Hartland's Hall, Holmesville, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162564131 - William mentioned as being a returned member of the West Wallsend Rifle Club.

Mr. Bookless’s name has been inscribed on the Holmesville Community WW1 Honour Roll (unveiled on the 5th September 1916, unknown number of names originally inscribed, 70 names now inscribed, 14 Fallen, located at 22 George Street, Holmesville, N.S.W. - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133838999) and the West Wallsend and District Soldier's Memorial.

The tragic circumstances of William’s death were reported.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139379851 - Miner's Sudden Death.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167456007 - inquiry into death of miner (natural causes, heart failure).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139380387 - Coroner's Report.

I have placed poppies at William’s gravesite in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

Many thanks to Smith Dick for the notification and database of those resting at West Wallsend General Cemetery.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.

Sapper John Joseph Dempsey

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for granting us permission to share his Facebook posts on our blog.

__________________________________________________________________________________
 

A Forgotten Digger of The Great War resting at Sandgate Cemetery, Honour and Dignity to be restored.

82 years ago today, on the Tuesday afternoon of the 9th July 1940, Sapper John Joseph Dempsey, 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company (Reg No-7356), station hand from Blende Street, North Broken Hill, New South Wales and Catherine Hill Bay, N.S.W. (1938), was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 53. CATHOLIC 2-61. 8.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139373977 - funeral notice states service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139370659 - obituary.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167459544 - death believed to be natural causes.

Born at Hackney, South Australia on the 10th April 1887 to John and Mary Dempsey nee Flahavan, John enlisted November 1916 with the Tunnelling Companies, September 1916 to February 1918 Reinforcements at Torrens Island Camp, South Australia.

Admitted to hospital 14.5.1918 (pyrexia), 24.5.1918 (influenza), 6.8.1918 (influenza), 7.10.1918 (contusion of head & hand, accidental).

John returned home July 1919, being discharged on the 17th August 1919.

Nothing located on Trove regarding enlistment, sickness, returning home, etc.

British War Medal & Victory Medal sent and returned 3.3.1924. (John Gillam).

Mr. Dempsey’s name has been inscribed on the Broken Hill Barrier Municipal District Roll of Honour, photo - https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/.../barrier....

I located John resting in an unmarked grave, another Forgotten Digger of The Great War, so April 2015 I placed a cross in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

I submitted an application to DVA July 2021 asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip, and this was accepted August 2021.

I will post photos when gravesite complete.

Lest We Forget.

Trove Tuesday - A Feud in Hue Hue

Neighbourly relations were too cordial ninety years ago in Hue Hue.

If the print is too small to read please open and read the article from the link below.

1932 'FEUD IN BUSH HAMLET', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 1 July, p. 7. , viewed 01 Feb 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165938799

Sergeant Augustine Cotter

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for granting us permission to share his Facebook posts on our blog.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Awaiting memorialisation at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

107 years ago today, on the 28th June 1915, Sergeant Augustine Cotter, 7th Australian Light Horse Regiment (Reg No-701), blacksmith (Walsh Island Government Dockyards, Newcastle, N.S.W.), of Railway Station, Fassifern, New South Wales, was Killed in Action on the Gallipoli Peninsula, age 22.

https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1727540/ - Roll of Honour.

Born at Newcastle, New South Wales on the 10th January 1893 (as Augustin) to William James (died 25.5.1936 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139227885) and Rose Kate (Katie, died 28.7.1946 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133164797) Cotter, Gus enlisted November 1914 at Liverpool, N.S.W.

Resting at Shrapnel Valley Cemetery, Gallipoli, Turkey. Plot III Row D Grave 37.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137200739 - Roll of Honour, 1915.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133890559 - Roll of Honour, 1916.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134864467 - Roll of Honour, 1917.

Mr. Cotter’s name has been inscribed on the Toronto Soldiers' Memorial, Toronto Red Cross Honour Roll, Gardner Memorial (photos, unveiled on the 16th September 1916, 15 names originally inscribed. 73 names now inscribed of the Fallen) and the St. Mary's-Marist Bros' School (Newcastle) Honour Roll. Name possibly inscribed on the Newcastle Technical College Roll of Honour (unveiled on the 13th June 1917, over 100 names inscribed, whereabouts unknown). Fassifern did not unveil a War Memorial or a Roll of Honour.

There is no headstone at the clearly marked curbed gravesite of the Cotter family, therefore no memorial inscription to tell us of their son’s supreme sacrifice during The Great War, so December 2017 I placed a Memorial cross adorned with poppies in remembrance of Gus’s service and sacrifice for God, King & Country. CATHOLIC 2-32. 61.

Older brother William Robert (7th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Reg No-702, born 1885, Newcastle, N.S.W., died 21.12.1962, resting at Murwillumbah Catholic Cemetery, photo 6) enlisted same day.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137207032 - brother William reported wounded.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133759102 - brother William welcomed home at the Toronto School of Arts Hall.

Older brother John Sylvester (7th Australian Light Horse Regiment & Army Postal Corps, Reg No-1623, born 1887, Newcastle, N.S.W., died 1966, Balmain, N.S.W.) also served 1st A.I.F.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.