History Parkes

stories, photos, anecdotes….. sharing the past

Category Archives: Notable Residents of Parkes Shire

A colourised version of the R.S. Howard & Sons Ltd logo, the original appeared in Parkes Champion Post Wednesday October 18, 1967 p. 7. After the buyout from Burns Philp, the Howards' logo added a thistle and underneath their tagline "The Friendly Store" was written "A Burns Philp Store"

The Howard Family

One of the many books in Parkes Library’s Family & Local History Resource room is called Honour The Pioneers. That could be the motto historyparkes lives by, with each post honouring those who … Continue reading →

Jun 27, 2019 · 4 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 · 3 Comments
Images source: (left) Portrait of 402745 Flight Sergeant (later Pilot Officer) Rawdon Hume Middleton VC, RAAF, attached to No. 149 Squadron RAF from Australian War Memorial website; (centre) UK. C. 1942. Portrait of 402745 Flight Sergeant R. H. Middleton VC, taken while he was undergoing training from Australian War Memorial website; and emblem of Middleton Public School, taken from school website.

Rawdon Middleton VC

The term ‘hero’ is an over-used and often inaccurate phrase allocated to popular celebrities and champions of sport. However Rawdon Middleton is a hero in the truest sense – a … Continue reading →

Apr 2, 2019 · 1 Comment
Front cover of Cliff Kearney's book about his cousin, Flying Officer Keith Kearney of Bogan Gate. Source: db Books website which can be found at https://www.dbbooks.com.au/p/17903/Flying-Officer-from-Bogan-Gate---Cliff-Kearney---sc---*signed*.html

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 →

Dec 21, 2018 · Leave a comment
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 in Parkes promoting the life story of Cec Pepper; front cover of Ken Piesse's book about Cec Pepper; and photograph of Sir Garfield Sobers and Cecil Pepper in the late 50s.

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 →

Dec 19, 2018 · 3 Comments

Len Unger – 100 years in the Parkes Shire

PLEASE NOTE: The oral history recording of Len Unger was conducted on his 100th birthday in his room at Rosedurnate Aged Care Plus Centre. There are activities within the building, … Continue reading →

Nov 21, 2018 · Leave a comment
Some of the images of November 1953 from Parkes and around the world. Clockwise from top left: Hungary and England walk out at Wembley on 25 November 1953. England lose at home for the first time 6-3 in what is now known as the Match of the Century; Dean Martin's "That's Amore" - now a signature song of his - first debuted in 1953 and was one of the most popular singles for the year; the Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket, piloted by Scott Crossfield, becomes the first manned aircraft to reach Mach 2 on November 20; "The Robe" was one of the most popular films of 1953, earning an estimated $32 million worldwide; a local advertisement for pre-cut homes in 5 designs by local builders Vanderfield & Reid; a selection of women's fashion for 1953; Melbourne Cup winning jockey, Jack Purtell, watches on as Governor-General William Slim makes the presentation; November 9 saw the death of Welsh poet and author, Dylan Thomas; and one of the Parkes department stores, McGlynn's, advertising their new Toyland - just seven weeks before Christmas!

A Look Back At…. November 1953

Some of the images of November 1953 from Parkes and around the world. Clockwise from top left: Hungary and England walk out at Wembley on 25 November 1953. England lose … Continue reading →

Jul 31, 2018 · 1 Comment
Portrait of Dr Dagmar Berne from the Univeristy of Sydney archives. Source: Neve, Marjorie Hutton (1980) 'This Mad Folly!' The History of Australia's Pioneer Women Doctors Library of Australian History: North Sydney page 81

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 →

Feb 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 →

Aug 25, 2016 · Leave a comment
Profile picture of Mariah Williams, member of Hockeyroos team for 2016 Olympic Games. Source: Hockey Australia website

Mariah Williams – Middleton maestro inspired by “Maradona”

With the commencement of 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 … Continue reading →

Aug 19, 2016 · Leave a comment

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