Local history publications
Hornsby Shire Library & Information Service
Linking Lives to Learning and Leisure
As part of Hornsby Shire Council’s Centenary celebrations, the Council has launched a series of books commemorating local history. The first four books have been published, and further titles will appear as part of a continuing program. For further details of the publications program, please call 9847 6807.
In addition, the Hornsby Shire Library and Information Service has co-operated with Kingsclear Books to publish a pictorial history of Hornsby Shire.
Details of all these publications are given below. All are available for purchase at any of the Hornsby Shire libraries.
Hornsby Shire Library Centenary Publications
1906: THE BIRTH OF HORNSBY SHIRE
by Tom Richmond
Price: $15.00
More than a century has passed since the Shire of Hornsby was proclaimed by the New South Wales Government. In 1906, “Shire 130” covered a wide area of bushland, waterways, and scattered settlements. This work describes Hornsby Shire Council’s humble beginnings, comprising six appointed councillors meeting in a hired hall, which laid the foundations for local government as we know it today. The story is told with human interest and humour, and is set in the wider historical context.
About the Author
Tom Richmond OAM is a resident of Brooklyn and a descendant of one of the pioneer families. He is a well known local historian and a former Principal of Ku-ring-gai High School.
BAR ISLAND & LOWER HAWKESBURY RIVER SETTLEMENTS
by Tom Richmond
Price: $15.00
This book brings together for the first time the story of Bar Island, a small piece of history at the mouth of Berowra Creek. For thousands of years the Island was home to the local Aboriginal communities. In the 19th century it became the site of a church, school and cemetery. With the arrival of the railway the focus of settlement shifted from Bar Island to Brooklyn. The school closed, the church fell into ruins and the cemetery was neglected. Bar Island & Lower Hawkesbury River Settlements tells the story of the Island’s history and describes the heritage which still can be enjoyed today.
About the Author
Tom Richmond OAM is a resident of Brooklyn and a descendant of one of the pioneer families. He is a well known local historian and a former Principal of Ku-ring-gai High School.
BEECROFT AND CHELTENHAM IN WWI
by Tony Cunneen
Price: $20.00
The small suburbs of Beecroft and Cheltenham sent many of their young men to fight in World War I. The author describes the part these men played at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. These events are recounted in parallel with what was happening at home. As the war went on, the mood in Beecroft and Cheltenham became more sombre, as tragedy struck local families and injured veterans returned. The book captures the community life of the period and underscores the immense impact of the Great War on the people who lived through it.
About the Author
Tony Cunneen lives in Beecroft and teaches at St Pius X College in Chatswood. He has previously published Suburban Boys at War, an account of the experiences of young men from the North Shore in World War II.
A CENTURY IN THE SHIRE: THE STORY OF HORNSBY MASONIC LODGE 262 AND ITS ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY 1909-2009.
by John Winslow
Price: $16.00
In 1909, three years after Hornsby Shire came into being, Masonic Lodge 262 was founded. In its early years the lodge was dominated by railway workers who met in the School of Arts. The membership expanded and other lodges were formed. The book also tells the story of the building of the Masonic hall and its eventual destruction by fire.
It is a well illustrated account of a little-known organisation that has played and still plays an important role within the community.
About the Author
John Winslow is a Londoner who emigrated to Australia. He worked for Qantas for 28 years. He is author of two books on aviation.
GROWING UP IN ASQUITH: GRAMMA PIES AND GUM TREES
by Bob Davis
Price: $15.00
This book tells you what it was like to grow up in Asquith 60 years ago. It recalls all the simple pleasures of childhood such as the games played in a pre television age. Bob Davis tells us how he earned his pocket money selling vegetables and collecting golf balls from the nearby club. He captures the joy and hardships of life in the 1940s and 1950s in this affectionate memoir.
About the Author
Bob Davis is married with four children and four grandchildren. He enjoys bushwalking, fishing and teaching public speaking. He is a local campaigner and President of the Brooklyn Ratepayers Association and Secretary of Hornsby Shire Council’s seniors Advisory Committee. In 2003 he was presented with a Premier’s Community Service Award.
PROSPERITY AROUND THE CORNER: THE GREAT DEPRESSION IN HORNSBY SHIRE
by Joan Webb
Price: $15.00
This book examines the impact the Great Depression of the 1930s had on the people of Hornsby Shire. It tells a story of hardship and adversity, but also of generosity and self-sacrifice by the people of the Shire. It uncovers the forgotten history of parks and roads constructed by the unemployed in public works programs. We also read about “Hopeville”, the unique camp for the unemployed and destitute set up in Hornsby. A vibrant community spirit emerges from the pages through the personal experiences of residents who lived through those years.
About the Author
Joan Webb was born in Hornsby during the Great Depression. She taught in high schools before moving into teacher education where she developed an interest in environmental education.
Pictorial History: Hornsby Shire
PICTORIAL HISTORY: HORNSBY SHIRE
by Mari Metzke
Price: $24.95
This book is part of a Kingsclear Books series of pictorial histories which cover the suburbs of Sydney. The suburbs extending from Brooklyn to Castle Hill, Dural to Epping, Pennant Hills to Mt. Colah, Mt. Ku-ring-gai to Wisemans Ferry and Berwora are represented in a wide range of black and white photographs which give an overview of the history of the area from Aboriginal to modern times. Through the use of photographs and historical features the book outlines the area's origins and development.
About the Author
Mari Metzke is well known in history circles within New South Wales through her work with the Royal Australian Historical Society. Mari is a member of a number of committees including the History Council of NSW. She is also on the Executive Committee of the Convict Trail Project.
