IRA murder: a Gloucester link
Dr Sinclair Finlay was born at Brackley House in County Cavan, Ireland – the same house where, decades later, his older brother met a violent end…
Skeleton found on Old Bar Beach
In 1934, a skeleton was found in the sand at Old Bar, between the surf club and the river entrance…
The Forgotten Doctor of Port Stephens: Sinclair Finlay
While sifting through old land records for Stroud and Gloucester, one name stood out—Dr Sinclair Finlay. Curious, I followed the trail and uncovered…
Ida Niemi: Independent Spirit on Wallis Island
At the age of 25, Ida Niemi left her Finnish hometown and journeyed to Canada in search of opportunity. A decade later…
Harmony Hill House, Wallis Island
In the late 1940s, Finnish immigrant John Sointu built this remarkable home on Wallis Island, near Forster…
“Top Town” Taree
For 23 weeks in 1953, “Top Town” fever gripped the population of Taree. Organised by the Daily Telegraph and broadcast by 25 radio stations across New South Wales, “Top Town”…
Croki punt crossing site
In 1887, a punt service was established to connect Ferry Road in Croki with Ruprechts Road on Mitchells Island…
Taree Park Sports Gathering 1939
Excitement filled the air at Taree Public School on the morning of Friday, 17 November 1939, as 700 students gathered for the District School Sports Carnival…
Upper Lansdowne Memorial Hall
Since its opening on 5 August 1925, the Upper Lansdowne Memorial Hall has stood at the heart of the community – a place where generations have gathered for meetings, dances, concerts, and even the occasional spirited brawl…
Frederick Trad: Australian-Lebanese Digger
Frederick Trad was born in Barhalioun, Lebanon, in 1922 and migrated to Australia as a child with his parents, Calil and Carolina. Upon their arrival, the family settled at Killabakh Creek…