Just a reminder that Sue Castrique will be the speaker at our museum on Saturday, 3rd June at 2:00 pm sharp. She will tell us about Charles Ormsby, Superintendent at Cockatoo Island. For more information see “Guest Speakers”. These talks are open to … Continue reading “June Guest Speaker”

July Guest Speaker

Remember when grandma used to keep all her family photographs in a box by the front door so that if there was a house fire she could save them? The cat could fend for itself but, in the days before digital cameras and hard drives, if you lost a photog … Continue reading “July Guest Speaker”

Call for Volunteers

The City of Canada Bay Museum is looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of tasks. In particular the museum is focusing on collection management projects, auditing its collection, photographing objects, updating computer records and reorganising … Continue reading “Call for Volunteers”

Don’t Lose Your Memories

How many of us have fond memories of sitting on the lap of a parent, auntie, or grandparent, listening carefully and closely not to miss a word of their experiences, memories, and life stories? We didn’t know it then, but they told us their stories for … Continue reading “Don’t Lose Your Memories”

A Blacksheep Whitened

Lets say that your great-great-great uncle Remus Starr, a fellow lacking in character, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. A cousin has supplied you with the only known photograph of Remus, showing him standing on the ga … Continue reading “A Blacksheep Whitened”

The Value of One Member

Ten of our Museum members standing in a line, One moved to Queensland, and then there were nine. Nine ambitious members offered to work late, One had other plans, and then there were eight. Eight creative members had ideas fit for heaven, One lost the … Continue reading “The Value of One Member”

The Society for Providing Homes for Neglected Children (SPHNC), Concord

Ardill House, originally called Clermont House, was constructed in 1861 on a grant to Henry Bray, third Mayor of Concord. Henry died in 1896. Subdivision of the estate began in 1917 and in 1918 the house and existing grounds were donated by the then o … Continue reading “The Society for Providing Homes for Neglected Children (SPHNC), Concord”

Keith Elliott (1933-1991)

A tale of one persons dedication. Keith was born in Moss Vale in 1933 and, aged 14 months, became a resident at Rosslyn Hall, Rockdale. This Home was a link in a chain of charities forged by George Edward Ardill, MBE. The first half of the nineteenth c … Continue reading “Keith Elliott (1933-1991)”

200 Years Young in July

Macquarie’s Military Hospital – Fort Street School – National Trust Centre As the NSW National Trust celebrates its 70th anniversary in April this year (2015), another important `birthday’ will be marked in July when the imposing edifice at the top of … Continue reading “200 Years Young in July”

Enfield to Mortlake Tramway

Turning the First Sod The ceremony of turning the first sod of the tramway line, which is to connect the suburb of Enfield with Mortlake, was performed yesterday afternoon by the Minister for Works, Mr. O’Sullivan. Elaborate preparations had been made … Continue reading “Enfield to Mortlake Tramway”