Monday, June 12, 2017

An Historical Fix or, EPNS 1, PYHS 0.

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This week I am feeling historical. So I have been delving into the Yamba past. It's not very far to go to the beginning, the town dates only from 1864.


But I then discovered that others had delved before, notably the father of my Yambanic friend, Robert Lee, who wrote two books on the subject. Available from the much-publicised local Museum. At the 'Flat' end of my street. (My end is 'The Hill'). Open Tues-Thurs 10-4. They should have the original town plans, and some old photos too …


So,  this soggy-blue, windruffled morning (Tuesday) at 11am, having squelched through the puddles via the bit of our street, between the Hill and the Flat, to where someone has transplanted the last climb of the Alpe d'Huez, I arrived at the museum to find…

CLOSED while we prepare exhibition. Knock. So I knocked. And Knocked. And KNOCKED. Nothing. So I couldn’t buy my books, I couldn’t join the society, I couldn’t look at the plans and the photos…

It just remained for me to climb the Alpe d'Huez homewards without my fix of history. BUT...! As I crossed the greensward, under the old Pilot Hill flagpole, and bent to pick up a big shard of bottle-glass (as I do), I noticed something else in the grass ... my antiquarian senses quivered ... Look!


My history for today! An ancient silver (or is it EPNS) aboriginal spoon! And it’s even got traces of ancient aboriginal caster sugar on it! What do you mean, don't taste it?

Well, back to the proofs of the new book I suppose ... MENGIS, MESSENT, MIRAN ....


1 comment:

Unknown said...

I'm trying to reach Kurt Ganzl, author. I'm an Australian historian specialising in colonial history. Google me for further detail & my website. I have information concerning Willie. In turn, I think talking to you could help me solve some puzzles. My email is: babettesmith4@gmail.com
Hope to hear from you
BS