History Parkes

stories, photos, anecdotes….. sharing the past

Category Archives: controversy

Yarrabandai

Many towns in the Parkes Shire have interesting histories; of sporting triumphs and heydays that look back to a time of larger populations. However only one village in the Parkes … Continue reading

November 27, 2020 · Leave a comment

Nelungaloo

One of the many villages whose prime period is in the past, Nelungaloo is an often overlooked and underappreciated part of Australian history. With not one but three famous Australians … Continue reading

December 17, 2019 · 3 Comments

James McGirr – from Parkes to Premier

One of more famous surnames within the Parkes Shire is McGirr. The McGirrs were among the pioneers of Parkes and their influence was great not just in Parkes but also … Continue reading

May 31, 2019 · 2 Comments

The Flying Officer from Bogan Gate

The story of Keith Kearney, a young lad from Bogan Gate, is similar to many others of his era. With life opening its doors of possibilities, the Second World War … Continue reading

December 21, 2018 · Leave a comment

Cec Pepper: The Parkes Lad Too Spicy for Bradman

Title picture of the larger than life personality that was Cecil ‘Cec’ Pepper. Clockwise from left: Cecil Pepper and Keith Miller walk out to bat during 1940s; author Ken Piesse … Continue reading

December 19, 2018 · 2 Comments

A look back at…. the summer of 1945

This post will look at something different in comparison to previous HistoryParkes entries. Newspapers from the past provide a valuable insight into the attitudes, priorities and challenges from yesteryear. Spanish-born American … Continue reading

March 31, 2017 · Leave a comment

Bogan Gate: Australian history merges in unique moment!

The Boer War. Bush poetry. The sport of polo. All three have links to Australian history. All three also merge together uniquely in one point of time in the country … Continue reading

March 10, 2017 · 4 Comments

Dr Dagmar Berne – pioneer of Australian women doctors

There are many people in the history of Australia who deserve greater recognition than they receive. And HistoryParkes would like to redress this injustice, primarily of those people who were one time … Continue reading

February 3, 2017 · 6 Comments

Scott Westcott – from Alectown to Copacabana (via Newcastle!)

As 2016 saw the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the Parkes Library history blog will focus on Olympians from the Parkes Shire. Each post will provide a snapshot of … Continue reading

August 25, 2016 · Leave a comment

Jim Bailey – misunderstood middle-distance misfit!

historyparkes wrote a series on Olympians from the Parkes Shire. Each post will provide a snapshot of the sportsmen and sportswomen who have worn the green and gold and called … Continue reading

July 6, 2016 · 2 Comments