John Thomas – grave tales

Left: John THOMAS was a clarinet player in the Salvation Army Federal Band WA in 1897. Right: Edmond HAM. They operated a small claim together at Goongarrie. John Thomas married Isabella Mary YEARING on the 3rd Aug 1898 at age 32, in Coolgardie at … [Continue reading]

The Eyes Behind the Lens –

I think that Photographers are the people who have the least photographs of themselves. Mainly of course, because they are usually on the 'other' end of the lens. When I do happen to come across a photographers photo, I always take note.  For … [Continue reading]

The Exchange Hotel Broad Arrow

Following on from the recent article on the hotels of Broad Arrow I received an email from an OFH reader, John Hanley. His Gt Grandfather James Hanley owned and ran the Exchange Hotel and his family is fortunate in that the original cash book from … [Continue reading]

A Challenging Land – a verse by Ray Jackson

Here we have another 'Bush Verse' from the pen of Ray Jackson. You will have enjoyed his last poem, Camooweal Billabong, earlier this year. The following verse was entered in the Aust Bush Poets Assoc awards in Toodyay earlier this year and won 2nd … [Continue reading]

The Ghosts of Red Flag Well

Sophie Chapman died at the Ajax GM lease at Red Flag on the Mt Margaret Goldfields. 12 miles south west of Laverton and 2 miles from the Hawks Nest Rail Siding. Buried alongside Alexander McDONALD (age 27)  100 meters ESE of the old Red Flag … [Continue reading]