New Purchase: The Germans in Western Australia

Mary Mennicken-Coley's The Germans in Western Australia (1993) looks at the German presence, immigration and influence in arts, botany, commerce and farming, as well as the situation during the two World Wars in Western Australia. The book spans from 1833 to 1990s. Mid West locals may be interested in the chapters about von Bibra, Dirk Hartog Island, Port Denison and Tardun. A lot of information about other WA German families and places are to be found alongside with photographs, immigration records and community information.  

The book is not for loan, but can be read at the Library. 

Family History Workshop TODAY!

Don't forget the family history workshop today at 5.30-7.30.

This time we will be discussing resources found in the internet: where, what and what not to do.

Also,  the Discover Heritage Services tour will start at 10 am this morning. Find out what is available at your local Library.

Everyone welcome!

Oral History Morning - Rose Croasdale

Please join us for another interesting Oral History Morning, and learn something new about the past.

Last month Ernie Cripps kept us entertained with his account on farming life in the region.

Ernie Cripps last month.

On 18 April at 10am we can hear Rose Croasdale's story.

Rose Croasdale was born in the timber town of Mornington Mill in 1924. The story of Rose’s early life is the story of the Depression. In her father’s quest for work the family moved from Mornington Mill to Geraldton, Perenjori, Rothsay, Fields Find and Mt Magnet.

Rose had a succession of jobs in Mt Magnet, Geraldton and Perth. After World War II Rose Thomas married Jim Croasdale, who was to spend 30 years working for the W.A.G.R. After living in one of the railway houses (since demolished) in Chapman Road, they took up a farmlet at Yetna. During weekends and holidays they established a Conditional Purchase block near Yuna.

Australian Heritage Week at Geraldton Regional Library

The whole nation will be celebrating their heritage from 14 - 22 April.

Heritage Services section at Geraldton Regional Library will be offering the following special programs:

Tue 17 Apr

• Discover Heritage Services tour at 10am - find out more about the resources in Heritage Services!
• Family History Research Workshop at 5.30pm - Internet research: what is available online, where do I look, what are the pitfalls? Bookings necessary: 9956 6653.

Wed 18 Apr

• Oral History Morning at 10am - Live interview with Rose Croasdale after a morning tea.
• ABC Open/Now and Then project 2-4pm - ABC Open's Chris Lewis will present a continous loop of local stories, film footage, photographs and advise on the possibilities new technology offers to bring heritage alive.
• Discover Heritage Services tour at 3pm - find out more about the resources in Heritage Services!

A new display of Old School Memories will be available for viewing next to the Heritage Services area for the whole week.

Welcome!

March Oral History Morning - Ernest Cripps

This month's Oral History Morning will be held in

the Geraldton Regional Library on Wednesday 21 March at 10 am.

The guest interviewee is Ernest (Ernie) Cripps.

Ernie grew up on Mumby Farm, north of Northampton. He was a

member of a large family and his early education took place at

home under the Assisted Teacher Scheme. He then attended St

Patrick’s College.

In 1942 his class was evacuated to Tardun Agricultural School.

Back on Mumby, Ernie was engaged in the wide range of farming

activities. He later established, with his wife Barbara, Barellan

Farm in the Ogilvie district. Their son, Bradley now runs Barellan.

Two other sons, Terry and Michael run Wepowie Farm and Gabyon Station.

****

Before we start with the Oral History Morning, City Librarian Susan Smith  will briefly talk about one of the 2012 Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival guests, Ian Parkes. Ian Parkes describes his early life spent working on sheep and cattle stations in the Murchison District as well as Mt Augustus in his forthcoming memoir – A Youth Not Wasted.

Find out more at:

http://library.cgg.wa.gov.au/2012/big-sky-readers-and-writers-festival-2012/

Book launch success

It has been a busy time in Heritage Services, both behind the scenes and 'out there'. Geraldton's Wildflower - The Wax was successfully launched. Everybody enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, delicious nibbles and drinks and good company. The booklets are for sale at Geraldton Regional Library for $9.95. While you're at the Library, remember to check out the display of Geraldton Wax-inspired art and artefacts near the Heritage Services, courtesy of Gary Martin and Leon Baker Jewellers (charm).

Author Gary Martin.

Our special guest and botanist, Dr Neville Marchant, who officially launched the booklet.

Artist and curator Marina Baker, who launched the Big Skier, Small Works after-catalogue.

The day before we kick-started the new Oral History Morning year with Ross Viner and morning tea.

Ross Viner.

Oral History Mornings continue every third Wednesday of the month at 10am. Please call the Library at 9956 6659 and ask to be added to the mailing list.

Book launch

Geraldton Regional Library is pleased to announce the launch of the ninth booklet in the Mid West Heritage Series.

Geraldton's Wildflower - the Wax by local historian Gary Martin, is going to be officially launched by a well-known botanist, Dr Neville Marchant on Thu 16 February at 5.30pm at the Geraldton Regional Library.

Coinciding with the launch is the launch of Big Skies Small Works 'after-catalogue' by curator Marina Baker.

RSVP by Mon 13 February (Ph. 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au)