Books

The Diary of Henry Langham. “A Trip over the Australian Alps”

Many of the photographs in this book have not been seen for over a hundred years. They were taken on hikes with the YMCA Rambling Society as they explored the Australian Alps. The pictures are a rare and valuable record of the Bount Buffalo region and other peaks of the Alps in late Victorian times.

 Journey into the Black Hole

A historic corner of the Australian Alps is explored immediately after the devastating bushfires of 2003.

DVD

The Blacksmith’s Family

Wandiligong is a former gold mining town in north east Victoria. It is also the place where Englishman Thomas Gardiner Smith and his wife Frances settled in the early 1860s. There Thomas became a town blacksmith for the many gold seeking hopefulls who came to the area. Thomas and Frances’ story and that of their family has been researched by grandson Philip Smith for over twenty years. This is their story.

Buckland Valley Riot

The rebellion that culminated in the infamous Buckland Riot of July 4th 1857.
Produced by the Bright and District Historical Society.
Written by Diann Dalbot with illustrations by Andrew Swift

A historic touring guide of the Lower Buckland, North East Victoria.
Text written by Diann Talbot and Andrew Swift

Chinese Deathe and Burials

The Chinese gold seekers came out to the Australian goldfields for the same reason every other nationality came; it was a race to stake a claim for prosperity. But unlike other nationalities the Chinese men were ostracized, their distinct way of dress, preferences in food choices and the worship of gods foreign and seemingly pagan to the Europeans set them apart.
By Diann Talbot.

Reminiscences of David Reid

The narrator Mr David Reid was the eldest son of Dr Reid RN. His mother, before being married to Dr Reid, was Miss Agnes Dyce. Dr Reid, with his wife, son and two daughters arrived in Sydney to settle there in 1823.
As given to JCH Ogier in November 1905.

The Diary of Henry Morgan

For many years there has been an interest in the early settlement of the Buckland Valley, and this diary remains an important primary source of information, yet has not been generally available. Three transcripts were available for copying but each had shortcomings and variations. The original hand written diary was not available.
Also included in this edition is a comprehensive index prepared by the late Mr Ron Howell, various related newspaper items and some maps of “Montana”.

This is the first in a multi-volume series called “When The Final Siren Blows” and is based primarily in the alpine regions of the Alpine and Buckland Valleys. It was a special project because I was able to do so with my father Syd, a man who gave me my love for the great game of Aussie Rules footy.
By Darren Lewis with Syd Lewis.

Chinese Temple Remains in Bright Historical Museum.
A study by Dr.Kok Hu Jin

In September, 1976, we celebrated the Centenary of the opening of the Beechworth railway. Wal Larsen’s great love for the history of our railways, especially here in the North-East, has led him into research and he is always coming up with gems from the past.
By Wal Larsen.

Bill Marriott was one of six children born in Fernoy, Ireland to British Army instructor, William and his wife Mary.
Bill Marriott was an ardent walker and knew Mt Buffalo plateau like the back of his hand. Bill showed many tourists how to climb Cathedral Rock and he bought a book and asked climbers to write their comments.
As told by Dan Webb and Bob Adams

Within these pages lies an extraordinary collection of previously untold private memoirs, as related by descentants of friends, relatives and associates of the extended Kelly clan of NE Victoria. They have broken a 136 year long silence believing it is historically important the Kelly family be remembered in TRUTH – not as portrayed by police and authorities.
By Eugenie Navarre

Wandiligong is as very special place in Victoria. Its natural setting is a place of unique beauty. However, as with all places of natural beauty, Wandiligong has at times been vulnerable to inappropriate development which has threatened its idyllic nature. Fortunately, the work of many people in the Wandiligong community has been effective in ensuring that the built environment has remained in keeping with the natural environment of the town.
By Bet Moore with Dave Deakin

Owing to the passage of time it is realised that this account of the pioneer settlers will be far from complete. A century ago the full story could have been told, but at that period people were too busy making history to trouble about recording it. In the absence of written records it has been necessary to rely on local folklore and memory. Whether they are true or false I am unable to say.
As recalled by Richard N. Jones 1979

In a forgotten gully just north of the township of Harrietville was once the noisy and busy industrial work site of the Rose, Thistle & Shamrock Gold Mine. It was the longest continually operating and the largest gold producing mine in the district. Once the focus of much of the community of Harrietville, this forgotten goldmine is rediscovered and its remaining features brought back to life.

Beneath one of Victoria’s highest peaks and one of the High Country’s most popular walking tracks has slumbered one fo the State’s most significant historic gold mining sites. This documentary will change forever what you may have once thought about this region and the history of the mountains.

This book is dedicated to railwaymen – the whole world over and to train spotters, railway buffs and railway enthusiasts – everywhere!

By Wal Larsen

Australia’s Bicentenary helps to remind us that there is much more to history than the big ‘milestone’ events. The multitude of small incidents that make up the lives of ordinary people, as individuals and in communities, play just as important a part in the growth of the State and the Nation. To learn more about them, we often turn to local histories of towns and particular districts written by local people. In many ways these are the best kind of written history.