As you will know we have done some recent ‘snapshop’ posts on various town such as Leonora and Abbotts. I had at first decided to review each town page on the OFH web site in alphabetical order but thats a bit dull don’t you think?? So I’m now jumping to Mt Magnet for no other reason than it has some great stories (as do all the towns of course).
So over the next few weeks I will be doing a number of posts on the town and the surrounding places such as Lennonville and Boogardie.
Hepburn Street, Mt Magnet c 1940
I once read that all you need to start a town was a church, a shop and a pub. Thus all needs are catered for. I’m not sure if this is exactly true but the pub part is definable a pre-requisite, and most Goldfields towns are over endowed with these per ca-pita.
We will be covering hotels, (of course), the cemetery, the local businesses and of course the people who made up this vibrant early Goldfields community. We will find out about those who tried to uphold the law and those who tried to break it, the ones who made a life there and the ones who just passed through.
The above photograph is one of my favourites. It is of the Kent family. Emily Kent, Jack Johnson holding Gertrude, William Johnson and Gertrude – 1897. Although part of their home is a bough shed you will see in the background a substantial brick chimney. The ladies have also made a huge effort to maintain their civilised way of life. Note the table cloth, the tea service and flowers on the table. The two ladies have also donned their best for the photograph and even little Gertrude has her black buttoned shoes.
Moya Sharp
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Hi Moya
Thanks for all the history and photo’s
Been in Kal from young baby but born in Mt Magnet
Again keep up the great work
Bill Nimmo
Thanks for your comments Bill, much appreciated. We will be having a few posts on Mt Magnet in the next few weeks!
Moya, really looking forward to the Mount Magnet and surrounding areas information. My grandfather moved into the area from Edjudina early 1900s. Among various exploits, he spent time at the Empress Mine, married Lennonville, worked at State Battery Boogardie and after living there moved to Magnet Magnet where my father was born 1919. My Grandmother was a Storehouse who lived Lennonville then Mt Magnet.
Really enjoy your site, thanks and keep up the great work!!
Greg Pascoe
Thanks for the great photos Moya. My fathers family (Seivwright) has a long association with Mt Magnet, Cue etc being station people and my mothers family (Laslett) with Kalgoorlie and Boulder. Love seeing all the information coming through.
LOVE this photo! Some forebears lived and worked in Kanowna from the late 1890s to about 1905 – it’s great to have some insight into how they may have lived.