The James Family – a story in pictures

We are fortunate that the family stories and wonderful photos have been shared by Tony James. They show an excellent insight into life in the bush.

Tony Tells me – from 1924 to1927 my grandmother, Mary Josephine JAMES nee Hager [1891-1990] ran the wayside Hotel at Bilyuin Pool. My grandfather Oliver Melville Rupert JAMES [1891-1962], was a miner who was away at Lallahrook Mine each week.

Wedding of Oliver Melville Rupert JAMES to Mary Josephine HAGER, Sandstone 1915. (Tony’s James Grandparents)

Their 3 children Audrey [1916-2011], Oliver ‘Ted’ [1918-1967], my father Ronald [1920-2015] accompanied them and were educated by a resident governess.

In 1927-1934  the family moved to Peak Hill. My grandmother managed the Peak Hill Palace Hotel and my grandfather worked the Wembley Mine.

At Peak Hill Palace Hotel about 1928 Audrey, Nan, Ron, Miss Keely (Governess) and Oliver

Peak Hill Palace Hotel and the town in the background.

They left Peak Hill in 1934 for Kalgoorlie and then moved to Norseman in 1937 when my grandfather was appointed Underground Manager at the Norseman Gold Mines.

At Bilyuin Pool in the 1920’s

Peak Hill Bush turkeys for supper Oliver and Ron with Spot the beloved terrier.

James boys 1 –  Snake 0

Peak Hill picnic with the Morrow family & others

Nan and daughter Audrey at Bilyuin Pool mid 1920’s

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Moya Sharp

Owner at Outback Family History

My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.

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