An interesting souvenir of the opening of the first railway in New South Wales from Sydney to Parramatta Junction is a miniature bucket.
The first train arrives at Parramatta from Sydney in 1855
When the railway was opened on September 22nd, 1855 the proprietor of the Vauxhall Hotel, which still stands today, advertised that he would sell rum at a penny a bucket. The buckets, however, were specially made for the occasion, and were solid wood, except for a small cavity in the top which contained about a teaspoonful of rum.
Men flocked to the hotel to take advantage of the offer, and it is said that they thoroughly enjoyed the joke. The little buckets were treasured as souvenirs of the historic event, and some of them are believed to be still in existence today. (Voice (Hobart, Tas.), Saturday 3 October 1936)
https://timegents.com/2017/07/03/vauxhall-inn-granville/ (Printed with permission)
The armistice of 11 November 1918 was celebrated in Concord with fervour. Citizens immediately formed tin-can bands and took to the street and within twelve hours of the news of armistice the Western Suburbs Master Carriers’ Association had organised what was then the largest procession in the history of the Western Suburbs. Beginning at Concord…
Perhaps you’ve packed, compiled or received a Christmas hamper full of goodies in the last few days. About this time 99 years ago, the Anzacs who had evacuated from Gallipoli were eagerly awaiting their Christmas hampers. Our lead photograph shows women distributing Christmas billies to men in Cairo, Egypt, December 1915. Driver Jack (John) O….
The Coronation of King Charles III The artist who painted the invitation for King Charles III’s coronation revealed that he was sworn to secrecy as he made the design. Andrew Jamieson, 61, didn’t even tell his family that he had been chosen to create the artwork for the reported 2,000 guests who would arrive at Westminster Abbey on 6…
An interesting social and community book, An Enduring Flame, covers the history of St Patrick’s Parish, Mortlake from 1885 to 2020. The book has been produced as part of the 125th anniversary of St Patrick’s Church, which was expressly built to serve the workers and families of the (now former) Gas Works. This scholarly 164-page-book carefully examines the…
I think I’d be pretty right in saying that as far as Australian history that is taught in schools pretty much covers the convicts, the explorers, and the wars. And while each is fascinating in its own right, I have found other bits of Australian history that also deserve to be known. Now I can’t…
Commode A commode is often assumed to be a euphemism for a toilet. Originally it referred to a chest of drawers or cabinet used for storing personal items. The name derives from the French word meaning convenience or suitable. French furniture makers in the 18th Century fashioned highly decorated cabinets topped with marble. These were…
One Comment
Mr.Peter Phelan•
The Vauxhall Inn is one of my earliest memories of Sydney. Both my father and g’father had cars and I remember a day when we drove down what was Dog Trap Rd, the railway crossing was still there,
×
Nurungi Printed Copy
Do not print this page until after the first of the new month
This window will automatically close after 10 seconds
The Vauxhall Inn is one of my earliest memories of Sydney. Both my father and g’father had cars and I remember a day when we drove down what was Dog Trap Rd, the railway crossing was still there,