Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Books from local studies - a mystery, cowbells, and trains !


Above: from the Daily Advertiser, August 1920

The extraordinary case of Sister Liguori by Maureen McKeown



This book covers the case of Bridgid Partridge , the young Irish nun who ran away from the Mount Erin Convent in 1920. It's a gripping tale so no spoilers, but it struck me as a grim reminder of how women were viewed as property even in the 1920s. And, if you didn't do what what you were told, branded as mad, or worse. There is a copy for loan available as well as a copy in local studies. 



Bells of  the Australian Bush by Donald Cooney and Paul & Eleanor Knie

Includes a short history of bells used in farming (the first bells came from England with colonisation). These bells were made in traditional shapes. Then local makers started producing a variety of bells based on the old styles. This book contains stories about droving, farm life,and extensive information about the people that made the bells, the different types of bells, anecdotes about how the sound of particular bells carried. 

This book also includes the local bells made by August Menneke of North Wagga.




Railways of New South Wales 1855-1955, published by the Department of Railways, N.S.W.



Detail : from Railways of New South Wales, the Sydney interstate booking office circa early 1950s

This quaint but informative book covers the first one hundred years of railways in New South Wales. There are advertisements typical of the 1950s , black and white photographs of various trains and locomotives, and the most amazing line drawings by Hugh Seelenmyer throughout the book. It's worth looking at for the illustrations alone. This copy is available for in library use only - if you would like to see the book just ask at the desk and the library staff will be happy to assist you. 



Above : line drawings by Hugh Seelenmyer, in Railways of New South Wales


Above : Industrial Steel advertisement from Railways of New South Wales







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