An Easter Hike around our Lake

 Back in 1947 these five scouts from Speers Point walked right around out lake. That's over 170kum.

They were George Barnier, ' Bob Forster, John Wallace, Colin Adams and Dave Oughten. 

1947 'Scouts Walked Around Lake Macquarie', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 12 April, p. 3. , viewed 15 Apr 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article157767088

Lance Corporal William George Judd

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for permission to share this post.

__________________________________________________________________________

11 November 2021

Served during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

71 years ago today, on the 11th November 1950, Lance Corporal William George Judd (commonly referred to as George), 2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion (Reg No-3118), labourer from Speers Point, New South Wales and Charlestown Road, Warners Bay, N.S.W., father of two, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 64. ANGLICAN 3-183. 24.

Born at Moonbi, Tamworth, New South Wales on the 28th April 1886 to Thomas Albert and Mary Anne Judd of Warners Bay, N.S.W.; husband of Selina or Selma Francis M Judd nee Behrends (married 1909, Hamilton, N.S.W., died?), William enlisted August 1915 with the Mining Corps at Newcastle, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137965849 - report that the Judd brothers having enlisted and are now in camp.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137963642 - presentation and farewell.

Admitted to hospital 4.1.1918 (haemorrhoids).

Older brother Daniel Sydney (1st Australian Tunnelling Company, Reg No-153, born 1883, died 1931) also served 1st A.I.F.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140974870 - report that brother Daniel seriously ill in hospital.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140986067 - report that brother Daniel (Sid) now convalescent.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137493269 - report that brother Daniel arriving home soon.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137489241 - welcome home Sid.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139653109 - presentation to Sid at the Sulphide Hall, Boolaroo, N.S.W.

Younger brother Arthur Guy (3rd Battalion, Reg No-4495, born 1888, died 1965) also served 1st A.I.F.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138741357 - report that brother Arthur returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138742599 - report that brother Arthur has arrived in Australia.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138735863 - report that brother Arthur welcomed home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138747694 - public welcome home for Arthur at the Sulphide Hall, Boolaroo, N.S.W.

Younger brother Garnett Leslie (2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, Reg No-7748, born 1896, died?) also served 1st A.I.F.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122221341 - report that brother Garnet to receive sheepskin vest and balaclava cap.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122223048 - Garnet farewelled and presentation.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140077961 - public welcome home and presentation to Garnet at the Sulphide Hall, Boolaroo, N.S.W.

Younger brother Albert Percy (born 1893, died 1960), enlisted 21.8.1915, discharged medically unfit (hydrocele) on the 30.12.1915.

William returned home September 1919, being discharged on the 15th November 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139436432 - reported that William and brother Garnet returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140067655 - William and Garnet welcomed home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140066928 - report of welcome home.

Mr. Judd’s name has been inscribed on the Boolaroo District Roll of Honour (photo, unveiled on the 14th December 1916, 14 names originally inscribed, 148 names now inscribed) and the Sulphide Corporation Pty Ltd Cockle Creek Works Roll of Honour (photo, unveiled on the 25th March 1922, 91 WW1 names originally inscribed, 101 names now inscribed, 16 Fallen, 42 WW2 names inscribed, 2 Fallen, as of 2015, in storage at the Newcastle Regional Museum warehouse at Maryville, N.S.W.).

I located William resting in an unmarked grave, another Forgotten Digger of The Great War, so November 2019 I placed a cross adorned with poppies on the gravesite, taken a photo of the grave and uploaded the photo onto the Northern Cemetery website as a permanent record of his service.

http://sandgate.northerncemeteries.com.au/.../index.php...

I will be submitting an application to DVA asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip to restore Honour and Dignity to William.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.

Halloween Celebrations

Articles found at Trove indicate that, in yesteryear, Halloween was celebrated in several places areound our Lake. No evidence of Trick or Treating was unearthed!!!

1954 'IN BRIEF', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 13 October, p. 7. , viewed 26 Oct 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134092229

1949 'Halloween Party At Teralba', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 3 November, p. 4. , viewed 26 Oct 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134180687

1939 'WEST WALLSEND', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 4 November, p. 15. , viewed 26 Oct 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135452062

1952 'Women's News In Brief', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 7 November, p. 5. , viewed 26 Oct 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133565081

1940 'HELPING WAR EFFORT', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 1 November, p. 5. , viewed 26 Oct 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167528808

Trove Tuesday - Obits tell family stories

Some obituaries published in local newspapers are veritable gold mines of genealogical information. The following articles snipped from Trove tell of the lives and families of former Speers Point residents.

1922 'SPEERS' POINT.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 3 January, p. 5. , viewed 20 Jul 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140995143

"SPEERS' POINT" Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) 15 May 1926: 3. Web. 20 Jul 2021 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138164614>.

1920 'SPEERS' POINT.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 27 May, p. 7. , viewed 20 Jul 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138821307

1921 'SPEERS' POINT.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 13 July, p. 8. , viewed 20 Jul 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141071880

1922 'SPEERS' POINT.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 3 January, p. 5. , viewed 20 Jul 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140995143

Trove Tuesday - Lake Macquarie

 Traipsing through Trove last night I came across this poem, published in 1948, written by 11 year-old Janice Hughes of Speers Point.

1948 'Lake Macquarie', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 29 June, p. 4. , viewed 12 Jul 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134316232

Gulls noon-day dinner in Carey Bay - April 2020

Trove Tuesday - Sounds of the Past

By searching in the Music, Audio & Video category on Trove once can access recordings of interviews and news broadcasts featuring Lake Macquarie people from earlier times. Among the many treasures indexed and linked on Trove are numerous items from the ABC and other sources.

Click on the following links, found via a Trove search today in Music, Audio & Video category, to hear some recordings relating to local people.

Beatrice Carr interviewed by Peter Hempenstall in the Australia 1938 oral history project
Summary

Carr speaks of her family background; background in England; family coming to Australia; her marriage; school memories; family relations; lifestyle with husband; employment; home and living conditions during 1930s; recreation; Cardiff, N.S.W. during 1930s; religion; relations with Aborigines; childbirth; childcare; health care.

https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-199640634/listen

Golden sailors buoyed by Wangi wanderers

Summary

Australia's fifth gold medal at the London Olympics has come came from sailing duo Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen. It's not only another success story from the sailing team, but also a testament to the great sailing breeding ground that is Lake Macquarie, on the New South Wales central coast. The gold medallists were buoyed by a large contingent of Lake Macquarie residents who travelled to Weymouth, the site of the Olympic sailing course.

2012-08-09. Golden sailors buoyed by Wangi wanderers, Australian Broadcasting Corporation
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/worldtoday/golden-sailors-buoyed-by-wangi-wanderers/4188328

Ray Blissett interviewed by Stephen Rapley in the NSW Bicentennial oral history collection
Summary
Born at Bollaroo (sic) on Lake Macquarie, NSW, Blissett speaks of his childhood memories; father's employment as a bullocky; family moving to Walagam in 1912, family life; family moving around Newcastle district; family homes; memories of grandmother's home at Speers Point; parents' background; grandparents; recreation; family experiences during World War 1; living conditions; discipline ; employment; death of father in accident; memories of forests around Berry and Cambewarra Mountain; school relatives; employment in father's greengrocers in Eastwood, Sydney; scouting experiences; local community around Eastwood; parents selling business and returning to Newcastle celebrations; visit by Prince of Wales; transport; two-up games; employment in timber industry in Annangrove district, work, conditions, horse transport; joining the police force; religion; marriage; discrimination in force because wife was Catholic; courting his wife; work and experience in the police force, women in the force, conditions; experiences in riot control; timber workers strike; CIB; crime and criminals in Sydney including Tilly Devine and Kate Lee, brothels, politics; boxing and keeping fit; his career in the police force; police training; opinions of force today; drugs, crime today.

https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-216363690/listen

Mary MacKillop miracle woman speaks out
Summary

A New South Wales woman whose recovery from cancer was deemed Mary MacKillop's second miracle has spoken publicly for the first time Kathleen Evans from Lake Macquarie is a grandmother of 20.

https://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2010/s2789958.htm

Trove Tuesday - May Day

May Day, May 1st,  can refer to two celebrations the first day of a northern spring or, in some countries May Day is a day that recognises workers' rights. In some Australian States this is recognised with a public holiday on the first Monday in May. 

Today, we are taking a look at May Day events in the Lake Macquarie area, perhaps your ancestors took part in these events.

1924 'MAY DAY.', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 28 March, p. 1. , viewed 04 May 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163219836

1929 'May Day', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 8 March, p. 6. , viewed 04 May 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164027870

"LAKE MACQUARIE MAY DAY COMMITTEE." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) 23 April 1930: 8. Web. 4 May 2021 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133407411>

1931 'MAY DAY CELEBRATION', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 22 April, p. 4. , viewed 04 May 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164321236

1932 'MAY DAY AT BOOLAROO', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 11 April, p. 5. , viewed 04 May 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165364695

1946 'May Day Proceeds For Lake Memorial', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 28 January, p. 2. , viewed 04 May 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140602309

1950 'Suburban and District Lakeside A.L.P. Protest on Beer Shortage', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 2 May, p. 5. , viewed 04 May 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135294245

Trove Tuesday - Easter Happenings

We dived into Trove this week to learn about Lake Macquarie happenings in Easters past. There were many articles about sailing and Regattas so we sought out other activities.

There were Brides at Boolaroo.

1941 'EASTER BRIDES FAVOUR OLD WORLD GOWNS', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 14 April, p. 4. , viewed 29 Mar 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140430761 

1878 'COORANBONG.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 28 March, p. 2. , viewed 29 Mar 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133326738

1922 'MORISSET.', The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (NSW : 1906 - 1954), 20 April, p. 9. , viewed 29 Mar 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161545975

1931 'RATHMINES', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 8 April, p. 9. , viewed 29 Mar 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137703178

1930 'Easter Gift to Workers', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 14 April, p. 8. , viewed 29 Mar 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165784796

1941 'PERSONAL', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 10 April, p. 6. , viewed 29 Mar 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140427993

 

1944 'EASTER HOLIDAYS ON THE LAKE', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 10 April, p. 3. , viewed 29 Mar 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167600360

Trove Tuesday - Australia Day

As Australia Day falls on a Tuesday this year we will share a few posts that report on local celebrations.

Australia Day hasn't always been celebrated in January. The first Australia Day was celebrated in 1915 on July 30. The following article describes the activities planned for Boolaroo. 

1915 'BOOLAROO.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 28 July, p. 6. , viewed 26 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137206939

A comprehensive report of the 1915 activities at Toronto can be accessed from this link http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137205886.

By 1935 January 26th was recognised as Australia Day in all States.

1940 'PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAY', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 26 January, p. 12. , viewed 26 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140528766

 

Continue reading this very long article that mentions many local people from the following link to the article on Trove 
1932 'WALLSEND', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 8 February, p. 6. , viewed 26 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136865877

1950 'Australia Day Fete At Warner's Bay', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 27 January, p. 5. , viewed 26 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140640523

1940 'SWANSEA TO HELP AUSTRALIA DAY APPEAL', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 4 October, p. 11. , viewed 26 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132809302

1947 'Toronto Bowling Club', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 31 January, p. 12. , viewed 26 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132854223

Trove Tuesday - Storms

 As I sit at my desk collating this post I can hear the wind roaring and see the clouds gathering and whipping up waves on our Lake.

Carey Bay - 19 January 2021

Storms and the damage they cause are regular events in our area. Several articles in Trove record instances of storm damage in earlier years.

1953 'STORM DAMAGE IN NORTH', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 5 October, p. 1. , viewed 19 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140303349

Another paragraph in this long article describes further damage in the Lake Macquarie area.

Two years earlier in 1951 a child drowned during storms.

1951 'LAKE AREA AGAIN DELUGED AFTER WIDESPREAD RAIN DAMAGE ', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 17 January, p. 3. , viewed 19 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article157878967

1949 'Holiday Campers Pack Up After Worst Storm In 20 Years', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 11 January, p. 1. , viewed 19 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158240552

1944 'STORM DAMAGE AT CARDIFF', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 22 December, p. 1. , viewed 19 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134247041