History of Hornsby Pathfinder


Researching the History of Hornsby


The best place to begin local history research at Hornsby Library is the library catalogue which is accessible from the Hornsby Council Website or within the Library using the web OPAC

Try a search such as "Hornsby history" as a subject keyword to direct you to items that give a general history of the shire and its suburbs. Two books which make a good starting point are:

Pioneers of Hornsby Shire, 1788-1906, Hornsby Shire Historical Society
994.41HOR

The Shaping of Hornsby Shire Claire Schofeld
994.41.SCH

If you are interested in the historic houses in the Shire then look at:

Houses of Hornsby Shire. Vol 1: the large houses 1886-1926 by Helen Barker & May Elven
994.41 BAR

Houses of Hornsby Shire. Vol 2: the large houses 1880-1938 by Helen Barker
994.41 BAR

In addition to books and pamphlets held in the Local studies Section of Hornsby Library there are:

Archives

Archives are held in the Local Studies Stack collection and include Council and Community Organisation’s minutes, letters, financial records and letters.

Databases

The Street and Name Index is a valuable database available online through Councils website and gives a history of names and localities within the Shire.

Directories

The Sands directory is a good tool for finding residents and businesses in the Shire up to 1932. The first entry of Hornsby is in the 1913 edtion.

Electoral Roles

Electoral Roles for Hornsby Shire are held from 1959-1991. Not a complete run.

Heritage Reports

These provide valuable information on Hornsby Shire’s built and landscaped heritage. The Hornsby Shire Heritage Study gives a description of the over 800 listed items.
These include houses parks, trees and archaeological remains.

Magazines

Local colour, the magazine of the Hornsby Shire Historical Society is a valuable tool for local history research. There are copies available for loan as well as a complete set from January 1971 to date in the Local Studies collection.

Maps and Plans

These include early parish maps and subdivision plans. Parish maps can also be viewed at www.lpi.nsw.gov.au

Newspapers

Some local newspapers have been microfilmed and may be examined at Hornsby Library. These include the Advocate (incomplete run) and the Cumberland Argus.

Photographs

The local Studies section holds photographs for subjects relating to most of the suburbs of Hornsby shire. You can view digital copies of many of theses photographs through the online catalogue.

Rate Books

Rate books are a useful resource for identifying the approximate date of a property and the names of the rate payer. Microfilm copies are available for viewing within the library. Please contact the Local Studies team on 9847-6807.

Vertical Files

Pamphlets and newspaper clippings, letters and reports are held in the vertical files. They are in alphabetical order. Look under the name of the suburb.

A list of useful publications

METZKE, MARI
Hornsby Shire: a pictorial history
994.41 MET. Copies are also available for loan

SOMERVILLE, HEDLEY
A taste of Ginger : the story of a Hornsby institution - the Old Produce Store, of the Somervilles, Ginger Meggs and the many people and places that have made up the rich fabric of Hornsby's history.
R994.41SOM Copies are also available for loan

SOMERVILLE, HEDLEY
A bit more Ginger : a sequel to "A taste of Ginger" : some more of the interesting people, characters, places and events from Hornsby's rich past.
R994.41SOM Copies are also available for loan

OLLIF, LORNA
There must be a river : a history of the Hornsby Shire
R994.41OLL Copies are also available for loan

JOFFE, MICK
Yarns & photos : beautiful old Berowra & Hornsby to the Hawkesbury.
R994.41JOF Copies are also available for loan

PERUMAL MURPHY WU PTY LTD
Hornsby Shire Heritage Study
R711.409 PER. Local Studies collection only

CONYBEARE MORRISON & ASSOCIATES
Heritage impact assessment : Lots 1/2, 2 & 3 Coronation Street, Hornsby & Lots 4 & 5 Jersey Street, Hornsby.
RQ 711.409 Hor Local Studies collection only

PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF
Hornsby Quarry and environs land capability study and master plan : Master plan report & Land capability study.
R 711.409 Par Local Studies collection only. You can also found other information on the quarry at this call number and the vertical file collection.

SANDS DIRECTORY
Sand’s Sydney & NSW Directory 1858-1932/3
MIC 994.4SYD Family History Collection and ancestry.com

Vertical Files

Hornsby
PAM HOR Local Studies collection only

Other resources to place the history in a broader context:

Books

ANDERSON, KEN
Sydney’s suburbs: how and why they were named
R994.41AND

BRODSKY, ISADORE
North Sydney, 1788-1962
994.41BRO

KENNEDY, BRIAN
Sydney & Suburbs: a history and description
R994.41KEN

Photographs

PICMAN
The PICMAN catalogue contains records of the pictures, manuscripts, oral history and printed posters collections of the Mitchell Library, Sir William Dixson Library and Dixson Galleries.vww.sl.nsw.gov.au/picman

PICTUREAUSTRALIA
Picture Australia is an internet based discovery service that helps you find what digitised images cultural agencies hold in their collections. www.pictureaustralia.org