The City of Liverpool and District Historical Society inc. Est.1959 | Other
The City of Liverpool and District Historical Society inc. Est.1959
Phone: +61 403 107 496
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25.01.2022 Warner Brothers are using our Whipping Triangle for a mystery production. Mystery as in they won't tell.
25.01.2022 Its DAY 4 of History Week! Everyday this week we will post a photographic tour of an historic Liverpool building. Today, its the former Liverpool Court House. The administration of law and order in convict era Liverpool was centred around what is nowadays known as the old Liverpool court house at the corner of Moore and Bigge Streets. It was probably built as the original Gaol House in the early 1820s and was once flanked by the original 1812 Court House and Soldier and Convict Barracks. At some time, which the records prove unhelpful, the Gaol House became the Court House. It served as a working Court House until 1972. Its interior still retains its character including the judges podium, Jury and Court Recorders boxes and stifling holding cells. Photos: Glen op den Brouw
25.01.2022 Historian and Member of the Liverpool Historical Society Brian Ahearn has published a monumental biography of his Irish ancestor Murty Ahearn. Murty, who spent much of his life in Liverpool and is buried in Pioneer's Memorial Park has his life altered irrevocably on the night of 7 March 1800 with the murder of Tithe Proctor John Boland and his family. A trial and sentence to suffer death was followed by 220 terrifying days on the infamous death ship Atlas. Murty spent time ...in Van Diemen’s Land working for Lieutenant Edward Lord and Lieutenant-Governor David Collins. He was assigned and married English convict Mary Abbey and had 17 children. While living at Bark Huts (Irish Town) he was a Police Constable and Inn Owner. His pioneering days at Liverpool, the Castle Hill revolt, bushrangers, and the over throw of William Bligh and Lachlan Macquarie and much more. Profusely illustrated, many by international artists commissioned for this book with numerous others in full colour. The 632 page hard cover book is available as a limited, full colour, author signed edition with only 150 copies available. For more information and to buy the book, click on the link for Brian's website https://www.ahearnhistoryhive.com/books
25.01.2022 Below the newly reopened Apex Park are lots of these. The graves of Liverpool's first settlers who were buried here between 1811 and 1821. Our book about who these pioneers of Liverpool were will be out before too long. Stay tuned!
25.01.2022 OBJECTS OF THE WEEK Some of the many items found in the ladies collection this week.
25.01.2022 ON THIS DAY In 1945, after chasing two suspects in Macquarie Street, policeman Sgt Newell, aged 47, collapsed and was unable to be revived. Sgt Newell had been stationed in Liverpool for four years. He lived on Bigge Street and was survived by his wife Doreen and two children. Doreen went on to live until 1994 and is buried with him.
25.01.2022 Were grateful to have our friends from the Liverpool Mens Shed pop in to help us with some repairs in the Bunker. Cheers Bob, Frank and President Alvan.
23.01.2022 Another blast from the past from our Way Back Machine. Just scanned from our collection for your viewing pleasure, boating bliss on a serene Georges River with the old Holdsworthy Bridge. The Railway Station and the tip of the Commercial Hotel are in the background c1910
22.01.2022 Our swish new display cabinets were delivered this morning to our swish new display space on level three of Liverpool Library. The first display New Arrivals is up featuring the latest donations to the society. The History of Liverpool in 60 Objects will be the feature exhibition once its installed. The exhibition cabinets and space are provided courtesy of a Liverpool City Council grants and a Council motion.
22.01.2022 It's a fitting tribute to Liverpool racing car legends Barry Seton and Midge Bosworth that a 1:18 scale model has just been released of their 1965 Bathurst winning Ford Cortina GT 500.
22.01.2022 President of Liverpool Rotary Barry Hancock presents Liverpool Historical Society President Glen op den Brouw and Public Officer Pamela Valentine their original 1949 banner for our collection. The president gave a talk about the Society at Rotary's weekly dinner meeting. We are extremely grateful to receive such an important object of Liverpool's social history.
22.01.2022 Its DAY 6 of History Week! Everyday this week we will post a photographic tour of an historic Liverpool building. Today, its the Liverpool Masonic Centre. This mid 1960s building, the third Masonic Lodge in Liverpool, is somewhat of an ugly duckling as far as architectural design but inside is a treasure trove of Liverpool history dating back to the late 1800s. The members of the Masonic Order represent a whos who of Liverpools (male) society of the times, ... Apart from the Honour boards, Freemason symbolic iconography and many other hidden gems, the seating at the Lodge originally came from the old Liverpool Regal theatre. Photos: Glen op den Brouw
21.01.2022 Its History Week! Everyday this week well post a photographic tour of an historic Liverpool Building. Today, its the seldom seen Mainsbridge House. Mainsbridge House was built around 1885 and is located on Flowerdale Road, Liverpool. The property was originally purchased by George Tillet in 1865. He named it Maryvale and it operated as a large dairy. Joe Mainsbridge, owner of the Mainsbridge Hotel bought the property in 1946. Mainsbridge House was acquired by the Department of Education in 1965 and has been the site of Mainsbridge Special School since 1969. Photos: Glen op den Brouw
20.01.2022 Did you know that we have a great online collection of historic Liverpool videos on our website that date back to the 1930s? Click on the link below to explore our online archive. https://www.youtube.com/cha/UCc1O4Rx6C-nNblGskCVOr_Q/videos
20.01.2022 Its been a great week for donations! Check out this outstanding collection from Peter Schell who donated his father John"s 1940s tennis trophies from the Liverpool Tennis Club. This is now one of the societies most important personal collections and we thank Peter for his generosity. If you have something with a Liverpool connection, please think of us and donate before its too late!
20.01.2022 Hard labour and transportation! Today we moved our items from the Bunker up to our NEW Exhibition Space on Level 3 of Liverpool Library. The History of Liverpool in 60 Objects will be the main theme of the room. New Arrivals will display recent donations to the society.
19.01.2022 ON THIS DAY 75 YEARS AGO How did Liverpool celebrate Victory in the Pacific and the end of World War Two? It was reported that within minutes of the news of the cessation of hostilities being received in Liverpool, there was heard "the blowing of whistles and sirens". ... The first of the revellers made their appearance when a band of about 30 young people armed with sundry lids etc, and led by a lady with a drum, marched down the Hume Highway to the Post Office. They were greeted with loud cheers and soon recruited a larger following. Throughout the day, celebrations were quietly but sincerely observed. One hour after the announcement of peace, a service of thanksgiving was held at St Lukes and many worshipers attended to give thanks to God. On the following day a victory picnic was held at Woodward Park and over 300 children participated in games and races for prizes. In the evening the Mayor Bernie Fitzpatrick (who later became the inaugural Vice President of the Liverpool Historical Society) on behalf of council, held a celebration dance that night which attracted a crushing 1000 people. Much good natured skylarking on the streets was also reported. Liverpools big Peace Celebrations however were not to be held until the 8th September. This occasion was reported to be the most outstanding event ever held here Photo: The Challenge Woollen Mills float that participated in the 8th of September celebrations. (Eric Hickman collection)
19.01.2022 The history of Liverpool's St Luke's Church is wonderfuly told in the newly released book Yesterday, Today and Beyond. A 247 page coffee table style book filled with lots of photographs and Liverpool social history. The book was written by Dr. Bryan Cowling who just happens to be a member of the Society. Currently you can only buy the book at St Luke's Parish Office Monday to Thursday between 10 am and 1pm. They can pay by cash ( $50) or credit card. ... It might be prudent if folk are making a special trip into the CBD to phone the Office Secretary Deb Kumar on 0466 577 657 to check that she will be there at the time they plan to visit.
18.01.2022 Today, on Liverpool's birthday, we were delighted to have the Mayor of the City of Liverpool Wendy Waller officially open our new Exhibition space the Havard Room at Liverpool Library. Located on the third floor, Liverpool's new History Museum will have three concurrent exhibitions, 'The History of Liverpool in 60 Objects', 'New Arrivals' and 'What has the Smart Phone done for us?' Unfortunately, at the moment, the Havard Room will only be opened by appointment. The room is however a 'Window into Liverpool's History' as it can be seen at anytime through the three large windows of our wonderful new exhibition space. To make an appointment, ring Glen on 0403107496.
17.01.2022 Old John Brown on display in the Library with a Sydney 2000 Olympic hat from the collection.
17.01.2022 The Historical Society's Rememberence Day Exhibition at Liverpool Westfield this week is a wonderful homage to 10 Liverpool World War One Soldiers. Many never returned. Thanks to Westfield for their generosity and Liverpool Girls High for their poppies that adorn the panels. The exhibition is located on the ground floor until 15 November. Lest we forget.
17.01.2022 OBJECTS OF THE WEEK We unearthed boxes of the Womans Weekly this week dating from the 1940s to the 70s. Slow work as theres plenty of good reading!
16.01.2022 Who remembers Mrs Greens Store on Newbridge Road Moorebank? Thanks to Tracy Green for sending us this fantastic photograph of her grandparents shop.
16.01.2022 Its DAY 3 of History Week! Everyday this week well post a photographic tour of an historic Liverpool Building. Today, its the original Liverpool Methodist now Serbian Church now doomed for demolition. The church was original built in 1855 and was located on the corner of Moore and George Street. When a stone church was built next to it in the 1880s, it became the church hall. When the site was sold in the early 1960s, the stone church was demolished and the hall relocate...d to its present site on Flowerdale Road. Despite the church being the 4th oldest existent building in Liverpool, it has been approved for demolition and two heritage applications rejected. This was determined to be due to the loss of integrity of the building ie, it no longer sits its in its original location and in some recent times, the original exterior weatherboard removed and it was re-clad with aluminium. Despite its many modifications, the buildings long social history with Liverpool should have seen it saved. Photos: Glen op den Brouw 2015.
16.01.2022 Object of the DAY! We unearthed this autographed picture of BIG Jim McGirr who was the Member for Liverpool and Premier of NSW between 1947 and 1952. Labor Premier McGirr is renowned for establishing the NSW Housing Commission . Written on the back is For Harry Scrivener who was applying for a subdivision of his property in 1950 and Housing for the people AND his autograph.
15.01.2022 Flashback Friday! From our photo archives comes this great pic of the Liverpool Musical Societys production of The Gypsy Baron on 4th July 1963. L-R Marilyn Wilson, Margaret Morn, Lorraine Rudd. Photo credit Stella Wilson.
15.01.2022 Our dedicated Accessions Officer, Germaine Bishop hard at work recording our latest donation, the family trophies from Peter Schell.
14.01.2022 Saturday morning heritage tour around Liverpool
14.01.2022 ON THIS DAY! On 16 September 1856, the Liverpool Jockey Club's Woodlands Racecourse had its grand opening. The following was reported in the Empire on 17 September: LIVERPOOL TURF CLUB RACES.... First DAY. Yesterday was the day so long and anxiously looked for by the sporting world-appointed for the commencement of the Liverpool Turf Club Races, and certainly a more suitable day could not have been chosen. The weather was all that could be desired bright, clear sunshine and a cloudless sky, tempted more than the ordinary number of pleasure seekers to avail themselves of the advantage offered by the railway to extend their acquaintance with the country, at the same that they could enjoy the gratification of witnessing what has become with us a national sport. It is no exaggeration to say that " thousands " of persons sought the pleasures of the day. Two special trains, in addition to the ordinary trains, conveyed hosts of determined pleasure seekers from Sydney and other places on the line of railway to Liverpool. Every train was crowded besides the large number of persons who came from the other side of the country. Carriages, gigs, and every kind of conveyance was in requisition. Never before in the history of the colony did Liverpool and its neighbourhood present such a busy and animated appearance as it did yesterday. See more
13.01.2022 The Story Behind The Stones The sad inscription on the headstone of the Mylrea family in Liverpool's Pioneers' Memorial Park. Father of the family Henry was one of two railway workers killed instantly when hit by the Melbourne Express train at Glenfield in 1922. Then in 1935, his son Leslie aged 20, was killed in a motorcycle accident at Waterfall. (Photo Bruce Shepherd)
13.01.2022 Items from the Ashcroft Butchers collection revealed some great pictures of the Ashcroft Estate around Collingwood House including of the long lost Ashcroft Slaughterhouse on the Hume Highway
12.01.2022 Welcome to The City of Liverpool and District Historical Society inc. Facebook Page We have been the custodians of Liverpools history since 1959 and are dedicated to the research, conservation, preservation and restoration of local history and the preservation of written, photographic and physical materials for present and future users. The society welcomes donations of ephemera, items of local interest and collections. Cash donations and bequeaths are also very welcome... Our monthly meetings are currently suspended due to Covid-19 but are usually held on the 2nd Saturday of every month from February to November. Insider tour meetings are held at various historic places around Liverpool. Keep up to date on our Facebook page for insider tour details. Please contact Glen op den Brouw 0403107496 for more information.
12.01.2022 History in the making.
11.01.2022 New Arrivals! We love donations and last week we received 30 framed photos of old Liverpool scenes from Harry Hunt of Hunt's Motel. This is a great photo looking north down Macquarie Street in 1892.
11.01.2022 ON THIS DAY Liverpool was officially proclaimed a city on this day in 1960. Happy 60th birthday Liverpool.
11.01.2022 Our friends at Liverpool Rotary have supported many local projects over its 70 years. Unlike the Clock tower in Bigge Park, many of them unfortunately no longer exist like this clock and parklet in front of the Railway Station.
10.01.2022 The history of Liverpools St Lukes Church is wonderfuly told in the newly released book Yesterday, Today and Beyond. A 247 page coffee table style book filled with lots of photographs and Liverpool social history. The book was written by Dr. Bryan Cowling who just happens to be a member of the Society. Currently you can only buy the book at St Lukes Parish Office Monday to Thursday between 10 am and 1pm. They can pay by cash ( $50) or credit card. ... It might be prudent if folk are making a special trip into the CBD to phone the Office Secretary Deb Kumar on 0466 577 657 to check that she will be there at the time they plan to visit.
10.01.2022 A tour of the old Liverpool Railway Station.
09.01.2022 Stumped for a Fathers Day present? Its not too late to order one of our Liverpool history books. Free delivery if you live in 2170. http://liverpoolnswhistory.org.au/publications/
09.01.2022 ON THIS DAY 3 August 1961 The first sod was turned for the Green Valley Housing Project
09.01.2022 Our first visitors! Today, we had two lovely history teachers from Liverpool Girls High School visit our unfinished Havard Exhibition Room at Liverpool Library.
09.01.2022 We asked Liverpool Council to remove this hedge that was totally obscuring the plaque commemorating the opening of the Links Estate by Mayor Kevin Napier in 1972. We like to report the job has been completed and it looks much improved as a result. Thank you LCC.
08.01.2022 The upgrade of Liverpool's first burial ground at Apex Park has been completed and officially opened today by Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller. Liverpool Historical Society plaque LDHS 4 from 1962 has been returned to the park. We're pretty happy about that.
08.01.2022 The streets of our town...
07.01.2022 ON THIS DAY! On 16 September 1856, the Liverpool Jockey Clubs Woodlands Racecourse had its grand opening. The following was reported in the Empire on 17 September: LIVERPOOL TURF CLUB RACES.... First DAY. Yesterday was the day so long and anxiously looked for by the sporting world-appointed for the commencement of the Liverpool Turf Club Races, and certainly a more suitable day could not have been chosen. The weather was all that could be desired bright, clear sunshine and a cloudless sky, tempted more than the ordinary number of pleasure seekers to avail themselves of the advantage offered by the railway to extend their acquaintance with the country, at the same that they could enjoy the gratification of witnessing what has become with us a national sport. It is no exaggeration to say that " thousands " of persons sought the pleasures of the day. Two special trains, in addition to the ordinary trains, conveyed hosts of determined pleasure seekers from Sydney and other places on the line of railway to Liverpool. Every train was crowded besides the large number of persons who came from the other side of the country. Carriages, gigs, and every kind of conveyance was in requisition. Never before in the history of the colony did Liverpool and its neighbourhood present such a busy and animated appearance as it did yesterday. See more
07.01.2022 FEATURE HISTORY ARTICLE With the resignation last month of Liverpools CEO (Our fifth in 12 years), its timely to look back on the career of Liverpools longest serving Town Clerk, John Jack Marsh, who served in an era when a job was often a job for life but also where political skulduggery took its toll. JACK MARSH - A job for life...Continue reading
07.01.2022 We love donations! What a lovely surprise to receive an envelope of several old Liverpool Postcards from Joan Applin dating back to 1905/6. None better than this fabulous postcard of the A. E. Smith Boer War Memorial when it stood in the middle of the intersection of Macquarie and Scott Streets and was a working gas light. Thanks very much for thinking of us Joan.
07.01.2022 ON THIS DAY 7 November 1960 Liverpool celebrated its 150th birthday. The days festivities (actually held on the 5th) were filmed by Liverpool's legendary pharmacist and Liverpool Historical Society member Pat Murray. Please enjoy this remarkable footage https://youtu.be/X70uT97KZXA
07.01.2022 OBJECTS OF THE WEEK This week we shine a light on...lanterns! Just a few we discovered during our stocktake this week.
07.01.2022 Thanks to the kind, supportive and thoughtful folk at the RAHS!
05.01.2022 ON THIS DAY, 7 Nov, the town of Liverpool is founded in 1810. From the diary of Governor Lachlan Macquarie "Between 10 and 12 O'clock, we all set out in a boat, Dr. Redfern having previously joined, and accompanied by Mr. Moore, to view and survey the ground intended for the new Township, which lies about a mile higher up the River above Mr. Moore's on the Left Bank of it. We landed near Mr. Laycock's House, and having surveyed the ground and found it in every respect eligi...ble and fit for the purpose, I determined to erect a Township on it, and named it Liverpool in honor of the Earl of that Title" The Liverpool Historical Society acknoweldeges the Traditional custodians of the Liverpool area, the Cabrogal Clan of the Darug Nation. This always was and always will be Cabrogal land and we pay our respects to their elders past and present
04.01.2022 Its DAY 2 of History Week! Everyday this week well post a photographic tour of an historic Liverpool Building. Today, its Liverpools famous St Lukes Church. St Lukes is the oldest continually used Anglican Church in Australia. Building of the church commenced in 1818 and it held its first service 18 October 1819 but took a further five years to complete due to arguments between the renowned colonial architect Francis Greenway and its builders as well as some tragic accidents. The first builder Nathanial Lucas was found drowned nearby. A convict was found hanged in the tower while three were killed by lightning while sheltering in the tower during a storm.
04.01.2022 This years Annual lecture has been postponed till further notice but last years with JPY was the best yet!
03.01.2022 Its DAY 5 of History Week! Everyday this week we will post a photographic tour of an historic Liverpool building. Today, its the old Liverpool Hospital, now the South Western Institute of TAFE. Easily Liverpools finest colonial building and one of the finest early colonial buildings in the country, this jewel is another of the busy ex-convict architect Francis Greenways creations. He had long left the project of this impressive convict built building which wasnt comple...ted until 1830 even though the tablet above the entrance reads 1825. After being constructed as a purpose built hospital, it functioned as an asylum for infirm and destitute old men and boys from 1850 until 1961. The Liverpool Historical Society has several small displays inside the main building with convict paraphernalia and stories of the inmates of the asylum. Photos: Glen op den Brouw 2014 - 2020.
02.01.2022 Come October/November, the flowering Jacarandas put on a spectacular display at Liverpool Primary School. This is what it looked like in 2013 when the school celebrated its 150th birthday
02.01.2022 It's DAY 7 History Week! Everyday this week we will post a photographic tour of an historic Liverpool building. Today, our last History Week post is Kitchener House, Moorebank. Known as 'Kitchener House' as Lord Kitchener famously stayed here in 1910, this house pre-dates Kitchener's visit and was originally an orchard and vineyard called "Arpafeelie" belonging to William Smith and dates to the late 1890's. During WW1 it was used as the Nurses Quarters for the Field Hospita...l across the road. Later it was used as the Married Quarters of the Moorebank Commanding Officer which is when many of the bedrooms had 'unsympathetic' wardrobes installed. The house and garden is currently being restored by Goodmans. All of the non original internal additions have been removed. The original floorboards have been exposed. The following photos were taken in 2010 or 2020 in attempting a THEN & NOW. Hope you have had a great week!
02.01.2022 OBJECTS OF THE WEEK Helmets and Hats. Lotsa and Lotsa hats!
02.01.2022 Its DAY 7 History Week! Everyday this week we will post a photographic tour of an historic Liverpool building. Today, our last History Week post is Kitchener House, Moorebank. Known as Kitchener House as Lord Kitchener famously stayed here in 1910, this house pre-dates Kitcheners visit and was originally an orchard and vineyard called "Arpafeelie" belonging to William Smith and dates to the late 1890s. During WW1 it was used as the Nurses Quarters for the Field Hospita...l across the road. Later it was used as the Married Quarters of the Moorebank Commanding Officer which is when many of the bedrooms had unsympathetic wardrobes installed. The house and garden is currently being restored by Goodmans. All of the non original internal additions have been removed. The original floorboards have been exposed. The following photos were taken in 2010 or 2020 in attempting a THEN & NOW. Hope you have had a great week!
01.01.2022 Friday Focus on Forbesville. This fascinating 1940s aerial shot of upper Speed Street is the only photos Ive seen of Forbesville, that other grand residence in Speed Street that was sadly demolished in the 1960s. Built in the 1850s at 23 Speed Street, it appears to have been originally built and occupied by Charles Cary Forbes. He was followed by the Murray family and then Dr. James Pirie. When it went for sale in 1957, it was described as having 13 rooms and made of stone. It once had stabling and a coach house. Gone but not forgotten
01.01.2022 Not much on today? Peruse these 80 plaques of the Liverpool area.
01.01.2022 Heritage Watch! Tree down at Collingwood House
