ISSN 0811-3394 )UEENSLAND FAMILY HIST JRIAN

Journal of the Family History Society Inc.

August 1999 Volume 20 Number 3

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QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 78 Vol 20 No 3 AUGUST 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY Preamble The organised study of genealogy and family circulated some time after this event and carried history began in Queensland with the formation these details along with brief notes about the of the Ipswich Genealogical Society on newly-formed Ipswich, and Nambour 8 September 1977. The Church of Jesus Christ Chapters. of Latter-Day Saints had decided to open, Expansion was swift - the Sunshine Coast through sponsorship, a branch genealogical Chapter was formed on 24 June and the library of the Genealogical Society of Utah, and Toowoomba Chapter on 16 August 1978, as a result Bishop Ian C.Waters of the Ipswich followed by Rockhampton on 24 November, Ward of the Church called a meeting of all Bundaberg on 25 November and Inala on interested persons in the Ipswich area. 5 December. Gold Coast followed in early Approximately 30 people attended the inaugural 1979 after a preliminary meeting on meeting and the Ipswich Genealogical Society 9 December 1978. was formed with Mr Warren Stone as president. Joan Hodgson became Secretary of the Mrs Lynora Waldron of Jindalee had been Brisbane Chapter soon after joining in late teaching genealogical research at the Technical winter 1978, on her return to Brisbane after and Further Education Centre (TAFE), and had some years in England where she had spent a stimulated much interest. It was suggested that great deal of time on family research. She was the Society might wish to expand to Brisbane to a member of a number of English societies and cater for students who may require assistance had information and contacts that no other after completing their studies. member had at that time. Realising the necessity to co-ordinate A draft constitution of the Genealogical genealogical work throughout Queensland, and Society was drawn up and circulated. Among therefore the need for a statewide society, the Society's objects it was proposed to: Bishop Ian Waters instituted proceedings that publish a journal and newsletters; produce a resulted in a name change from the Ipswich yearly directory; and organise annual Genealogical Society to the Genealogical conventions. Society of Queensland, Ipswich Chapter. The Society was to consist of Branches which Lyn Waldron's most recent TAFE class had would be known as Chapters. The Society was been conducted from February to April 1978 at to be run by an Executive Committee consisting the Education Centre, in George Street, and at of the president, two vice-presidents, secretary, the conclusion all the class were invited to a treasurer and publicity officer, which would public meeting on 17 May 1978 in a room at have general control and management of the the centre. The meeting attracted 24 people administration of the affairs, property and funds including three students of the recently of the Society between council meetings which completed genealogical course, Annie Thomas, would take place every three months. As well Joan Gibbs and Cecily Cameron. Merie as members of the Executive Committee, the Lowenstein of Jamboree Heights was elected Council would include two delegates from each president and Trevor Stanley of Riverhills, Chapter. treasurer, of the Brisbane Chapter of the The Society would have the power to impose Genealogical Society of Queensland. upon and collect fees, levies and other charges With two chapters in existence the election of from members and to borrow or raise money, a State Executive took place on 8 June 1978 and with or without security, from Chapters. This Bishop Ian Waters was elected President, Mr document was a major concern to members of Lynn Aberdeen, Vice-President and Mrs the Brisbane Chapter. Lynora Waldron, Secretary/Treasurer. A newsletter, undated and unnumbered, was Next page please

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 79 Vol 20 No 3 AUGUST 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY The first Annual Convention of the Society Chapter began meeting in April 1979 at the was held on 28 October 1978 at the All Nations Holy Trinity Church Hall, Hawthorne Street, Club in Brisbane and was a huge success. Nick , for payment of a nominal rent. Vine Hall, Director of the Society of Australian The first meeting of the publication sub- Genealogists in , was guest speaker and committee was held on 21 December 1978 at addresses were also delivered by Lynn the South Brisbane Town Hall, and Joan Aberdeen, Owen Mutzelberg and Ian Waters. Hodgson accepted the task of editing the The film The Strength of the Hill was shown, quarterly Journal. Called Generation, the first outlining the work being undertaken by the edition of 28 pages appeared in March 1979. Genealogical Society of Utah in preserving There were at that time 45 members of the world records. Brisbane Chapter. Plans were in hand to The first dated, monthly, newsletter appeared publish a directory of members' names. in January 1979. Circulated at meetings, it An Easter car rally was planned by the fund- was a folded foolscap, four page, roneoed raising committee and advertised in the document, containing an article by President Ian February Newsletter but was later cancelled Waters about the activities of the Society during owing to lack of support. the previous six months, and general In early March 1979, Joan Hodgson circulated information. a document on Some Observations on the It advised that office accommodation to house Genealogical Society of Queensland structure the growing society was located at 30a Grimes and the proposed Constitution. A little over a Street, Auchenflower [Brisbane suburb - Ed.] foolscap page long, the paper criticised the The offer of this space was made by Mr Orme constitution, and the proposed structure of the Hodgson whose wife Joan had recently been organisation which was to be controlled by a appointed secretary of the Brisbane Chapter. State Executive and Council. She suggested Members from the Brisbane and Ipswich discarding the constitution in its entirety, and to Chapters helped alter and decorate the rooms look instead for guidance from firmly which were ready for occupation by Tuesday established societies with similar aims and 17 April 1979, with plans to open every interests, and then adopt guidelines laid down Tuesday from 11 am to 2pm and 7pm to by the Justice Department of Queensland. 8.30pm. Joan felt the system of organising branches Very early steps were taken to begin building into Chapters was not entirely suitable for a a reference library. A number of sub- genealogical society. A proposed re- committees were formed to help with structuring of the Society was offered and draft publications, fund raising, education and rules laid down by the Justice Department were transcription. circulated. From its formation in mid 1978 the Brisbane On 28 May 1979 the Committee called an Chapter of the Society met on the third extraordinary general meeting of the Brisbane Wednesday of the month at the South Brisbane Chapter for Wednesday 6 June at Holy Trinity Town Ball, on the corner of Vulture and Church Hall, Hawthorne Street, to consider the Graham Streets. Meetings were very informal resolution: - the committee met for a few minutes prior to "That Brisbane Chapter take steps to remove the general meeting - but the small membership itself from the Genealogical Society of was very keen and visitors welcome. There Queensland and to accomplish this by was often a guest speaker. 'winding up' the Brisbane Chapter as such." After experiencing a few problems with room An extract from the Minutes of the meeting bookings and parking in streets nearby, at the held on 6th June stated: suggestion of Mark Norton the Brisbane Next page please

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 80 Vol 20 No 3 AUGUST 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY "That the Genealogical Society of Two Workshops were held in the first year. Queensland, Brisbane Chapter, be Approximately 20 members attended the first disbanded under Clause 11 of the workshop, on English research, organised for Constitution, all just debts paid, and assets Saturday 7 July 1979 and many books, maps realised, and proceeds divided equally and other items were displayed. The workshop, amongst financial members." convened by Joan Hodgson and Mary Kelly, Twenty-eight members and two visitors were was held at the home of the secretary, at present at the meeting conducted by Trevor Indooroopilly. A second workshop, on Stanley, chairman for the meeting. Members Scottish research, was organised by Chas and were invited to speak and ask questions which Cecily Cameron and also held at Indooroopilly, were answered by the committee and by Mrs on 8 June 1980. Lyn Waldron representing the State Executive Cemetery outings or picnics had been held of the Genealogical Society of Queensland. for most of 1979 and by July recorded A secret ballot was held and scrutineers were Sherwood, Archerfield appointed, resulting in a vote of 22 to 6 in Aerodrome, Chapel Hill, Moggill, The Gap, favour of breaking from the GSQ, so the C.of E. Tingalpa, and a start made on Chairman declared that the Brisbane Chapter Hemmant/Tingalpa and . Transcribing would be disbanded. began at Dutton Park on Saturday 21 July 1979 BIRTH OF THE QFHS - and was completed early in 1980. It was still and the early years being checked and typed a year later. As soon Immediately after the meeting [disbanding the as the hot weather ended, work began on Brisbane Chapter of GSQ], all present were Balmoral, another large cemetery. The regular invited to stay and discuss the formation of a day for transcribing these Brisbane area new, autonomous society. This was carried on cemeteries was the Saturday following the a motion moved by Mark Norton and Jan monthly meeting, and often other family Santarossa. The old committee members members came to lend a hand. agreed to remain as an interim committee which In August 1979 the Society became a member thus comprised President Merie Lowenstein, of the Federation of Family History Societies Treasurer and Vice-President Trevor Stanley, which had been formed in England in 1974. Secretary Joan Hodgson, and committee Although the Society of Genealogists in members Cecily Cameron, Joan Gibbs, Lloyd had been founded in 1911, the formation of Rosewarne and Mark Norton. regional family history societies did not begin Two names were suggested for the new until 1954, and the turning point came in 1963 society - the Queensland Family History Society when the Birmingham and Midland Society for and the Queensland Association for Genealogy and Heraldry was founded. Genealogical Studies. The Federation (FFHS) was formed by 11 The inaugural meeting of the new Society Family History Societies, but when the first was held on Wednesday 20 June 1979 and those edition of the Family History News and Digest present voted to call the new organisation the appeared three years later in the summer of Queensland Family History Society. Joan 1977, there were 39 member societies and 15 Hodgson produced a six page newsletter for dis- groups or one name societies listed. By the tribution at the meeting. Subscriptions were set time QFHS joined, member societies numbered at $10.00 p.a., family membership $15.00, with more than 100. Arrangements were made for a $2.00 joining fee. Five more monthly news- members to receive the Family History News letters produced that year from July to and Digest. November were distributed to members at meetings and posted to those who did not Next page please attend.

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 81 Vol 20 No 3 AUGUST 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY Ann Swain and Marie McCulloch notified all historian' and Graham Gorrie, Archivist, spoke Australasian and Overseas societies of our in July. existence, and requested their Newsletters or The Library began operating at Grimes Journals in exchange for our own. A postal Street, Auchenflower, where books could be borrowing scheme was devised by Ann Swain, read on Mondays from 9am to 5pm, and on the whereby interested members would receive the first Saturday of the month from 1pm to 4pm. journals in the mail, to read and post on to the It was moved to the Secretary's home at next name on a list stapled inside the front Indooroopilly in May 1980 when the Grimes cover of the book. Street rooms were no longer available. The scheme was launched in November 1979 At the end of 1979 office bearers were: and was available to all members but later President Merie Lowenstein, Vice-President restricted to country members, when Bob Robinson, Secretary/Treasurer Joan membership grew. Originally known as Hodgson, Membership/Assistant Secretary Library Loan, the name was later changed to Cecily Cameron, Publicity Dawn Montgomery, Journal Loan Scheme. The purchase of a Committee Mark Norton, Joan Gibbs, Mary computer in the Swain household in early 1981 Kelly and Neville Cusack and sub-committee simplified the task, and the Swain family Ann Swain and Elizabeth Cooper. Trevor continued to administer the Journal Loan Stanley had resigned as Vice-President/ Scheme until 1998. Treasurer in September owing to family Membership had reached almost 50 by commitments and Lloyd Rosewarne had also November 1979 and six months later the resigned from the committee. newsletter had been registered for posting as a Early in the new year President Merie Publication Category 'B' which meant cheaper Lowenstein moved house and asked for leave postage. Our official P.O. Box at from the Executive to allow time for alterations Indooroopilly had also been established. A and renovations to be made to the new house. suburban post office box was chosen because it Bob Robinson acted as President during that cost $30 less than the General Post Office, time and Chas Cameron became acting Vice- where parking was also a problem. President. Marie McCulloch and Mark Norton Newsletters were produced monthly from were officially appointed research officers and June to November, edited by Joan Hodgson, Shauna Hicks cemetery liaison officer. Lynette assisted by Cecily Cameron who handled Low joined the sub-committee members. printing and distribution. It was run off on an The Committee met at Grimes Street on the office roneo machine. second Monday of the month as long as the Guest speakers were a feature of monthly rooms were available, after which it met at the meetings and included Paul Wilson, State homes of committee members. Archivist at Qld. State Archives, in September Joan Hodgson conducted an eight week, two- 1979; Roger Panchaud, who trained as an hour course in family history research at the Heraldic artist with the College of Arms, in Hubbard Academy commencing in February October; and member Ian Stehbens on his own 1980,- and in September Mary Kelly began an German research experiences, in November. eight week course in family history research at In the New Year [1980] we heard from Colin the Kenmore State School. Loxton in February, on records in South Africa. Members were offered help with their Four members - Cecily Cameron, Mark research at monthly meetings and printed forms Norton, Dorothy Grice, and Heather Smith - and charts were sold for little more than cost. talked about their family reunions, in March. The 'bulk' ordering of English certificates at a In April Dr John Steele told us of 'Early reasonable cost to members, began before the records of Moreton Bay helpful to the family end of 1979.

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 82 Vol 20 No 3 AUGUST 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY Members' Interests were published in the The first Directory of Family Names monthly newsletter from July 1979. produced by QFHS was circulated in May The Second Australasian Congress on 1981. It was compiled by Trevor Stanley and Genealogy and Heraldry was held in Adelaide, typed by Queenie Praeger. It replaced the May South , at Easter 4 - 7 April 1980. monthly newsletter. A supplement was The theme of the Congress was 'Our Colonial produced in May 1982, compiled by Marianne Heritage' and it was held under the sponsorship Eastgate and typed by Cecily Cameron. of the Australasian Federation of Family The third Directory produced in 1983 was History Organisations (AFFHO) and hosted by compiled by Joan Ainsworth and typed by the South Australian Genealogy and Heraldry Margaret Davis. A Directory of Family Names Society Inc. was then produced by the Swain family every Joan Hodgson, Mary Kelly, Mark Norton and second year until 1991. Chas and Cecily Cameron attended and there The Constitution of the Queensland Family they met Joan Ainsworth formerly of Brisbane History Society was drawn up with considerable who was living and working in Boroko, New assistance from Dawn Montgomery and Heather Guinea. Joan had been working on her family Smith, and at the annual general meeting in history in New Guinea and had also done June 1980, three changes were made: extensive cemetery transcribing in the Territory. 1. Proposed to offer life membership for $250 She joined the Society soon after and for ordinary members and $375 for family immediately became active in cemetery members. Life members to be limited to no transcribing when she returned to Brisbane. more than 10 % of the total membership. The First Australasian Congress on 2. The Committee of Management consisting of 'Genealogy in a Changing Society' had been a president, vice-president, secretary, held in Melbourne at Easter 1977, convened by treasurer and 3 to 5 committee members was the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies. to be changed to president, 2 vice-presidents, Papers from that Congress could be ordered at secretary, treasurer and 5 to 7 committee the Adelaide Congress and were available later members. in 1980. Papers from these two Congresses 3. No member of the Executive, that is the were a valuable reference source. 'Committee of Management' comprising The Third Australasian Congress on president, 2 vice-presidents, secretary, and Genealogy & Heraldry titled Under the treasurer, could hold the same office for Southern Cross was held at the University of more than three (3) consecutive years. Waikato, Hamilton, North Island New Zealand The last item had been introduced into the in May 1983. The special guest speaker was Elizabeth Simpson, Founder Secretary of the constitution of the English Federation of Family Federation of Family History Societies, who History Societies (FFHS), and Joan Hodgson spoke in Brisbane after the Congress, at a was keen to see the clause inserted into our own seminar conducted by GSQ and held at the constitution. The constitution was finally Mt.Gravatt College of Advanced Education. accepted by the Justice Department some considerable time after Ann Swain became AFFHO: The second annual general meeting Secretary. of the Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations (AFFHO), to which we (Following a request by the Justice were affiliated, was held on Easter Monday Department to bring the QFHS Inc. constitution after the Congress at Adelaide. QFHS more into line with the Department's 'model undertook to produce the first Australasian rules' our constitution was extensively Directory of Surnames, but this did not proceed. remodelled and amended and accepted by the Officials from AFFHO gave our Society much members in 1992.) needed help and advice in these early years.

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 83 Vol 20 No 3 AUGUST 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY Money-raising was a serious concern. A and Bob Robinson helped with the display and bring-and-buy stall operated at meeting nights Joan Hodgson travelled to Jondaryan for both for more than two years and when these ceased, weekends. Shauna and Roy Hicks also went to a meeting night raffle continued. On 20 June Jondaryan the first weekend to assist and help 1980 a Wine and Cheese evening was organised set up the stand. During the week, Kath and by Ann Swain and held at her home at The John Greenhalgh of Acland near Jondaryan, Gap. A very successful evening benefited the manned the stand. Society to the tune of $145. The Society regularly manned stalls at the Ann Swain and Marie McCulloch were the Heritage Week Festival, and Colonial George first to purchase life membership, providing a Street Festival, and the Hobbies Exhibition. welcome boost to the treasury. Within a year The transcription of Bulimba Cemetery was or two a further three single and one double life close to completion by the end of 1980 and as memberships were added: Dorothy Grice, the work progressed, members transferred the Dawn Montgomery, Doreen Payne and Chas information to index cards. These cards and Cecily Cameron. . formed a large part of our Library and storing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day this material in a private home, as well as a Saints at Kangaroo Point opened a branch growing number of books and journals, became genealogical library and members were able to a problem. view the 1978 edition of the Computer-File Marianne Eastgate and Janelle Milne, both Index (later renamed the International cataloguing librarians at Griffith University, had Genealogical Index' or IGITn. It was also joined the Society during the year. Towards the possible at this time to order English and end of 1980, Marianne suggested to the Society Scottish parish films through the Church, for that the library be moved to her first floor viewing. office in the Library Building of Griffith Merie Lowenstein did not seek re-election to University. The library was then accessible to the position of president at the First Annual members whenever the university library was General Meeting on 18 June 1980. Elected open and microfilm and microfiche readers were: President Chas Cameron, Vice could be used and printouts made. Presidents Bob Robinson and Neville Cusack In November 1980 the President, on behalf of (provisional), Secretary Joan Hodgson, the Society and Committee, signed a Lease Treasurer Merie Lowenstein, Committee agreement for our own copy of the Shauna Hicks, Cecily Cameron, Mary Kelly, International Genealogical Index(TM) or Dorothy Grice, Mark Norton, and Ann Swain (previously known as the Computer and Joan Gibbs (provisional). By the end of File Index or C.F.I.), with a representative of July 1980 we had 80 financial members and a the Genealogical Society of Utah. The early bank balance of $470.00. edition of the IGI°TM) was leased as it was not In early August, Joan Hodgson and Mark available for outright purchase. Our fiche were Norton participated in the Society's first due to arrive in March or April 1981 (they publicity stand at the Yeronga State High finally' arrived at the end of June) and the move School'§ Arts and Crafts Day and were both to Griffith University was timely. surprised and pleased at the reception. The Whilst our Library books could not be loaned display stands were made by Joan's husband out, by paying $5 per annum our members Orme Hodgson. could borrow selected books from the A great deal of effort by a number of University library.- The librarians produced a members resulted in a stand at the Jondaryan list of books in the University library, likely to Woolshed Association's 'Australian Heritage be of use to family historians Festival', 16 - 24 August 1980. Paula Crowe Next page please

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 84 Vol 20 No 3 AUGUST 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY The material was moved to the new library by Address labels were now produced on Joan Hodgson - quite a task - and the books computer thanks to Tony Swain. Tony main- were covered where necessary and prepared by tained the master copy of membership listings Mark Norton and his mother Joan, a librarian. and produced labels for the Society for 17 years An important project devised by Joan until 1998, when he handed over the job. Hodgson was begun in early 1981. Under Monumental inscriptions: At the end of project officer Neville Cusack, members began January 1981 the following cemeteries had been indexing shipping and passenger lists held at the transcribed. By QFHS members: Dutton Park, John Oxley Library. These lists of ships and South Brisbane; Bulimba (Balmoral); Sherwood people who arrived in the Colony prior to Presbyterian cemetery, with the following separation from NSW comprised the first part QFHS members taking part - Chas and Cecily of our Pre-Separation Index. The index was Cameron, Joan Gibbs, Dorothy Grice, Shauna donated to John Oxley Library which Hicks, Joan Hodgson, Doreen Jeans, Mary immediately gave it to the Queensland State Kelly, Merie Lowenstein, Gordon Murrell, Jan Archives. Neale, Mark Norton, Doreen Payne, Queenie Also in early 1981, Dorothy Grice became Praeger, Bob Robinson, Sheila Saunders, convenor of Sale of Publications. She was Dorothy Simson, and Annie Thomas. given $250 to start what was to become a time By Joan Hodgson: Brookfield; Marburg and consuming but very, very successful part of the Marburg Seminary Road; Woodlands, Marburg; Society's operations. Zion Evangelical Lutheran, Minden; Yandilla; Much of the selling of books at that time took Christ Church Milton (transferred from old place at monthly meetings and Dorothy carted Paddington Cemetery); Murphy's Creek (with heavy boxes of books to meetings every month additional information by Mrs Mona McCahon); for eight and a half years until she relinquished and five sections of Toowong. the position, for that of president, in June 1989. By Joan Hodgson and Mary Kelly: Uniting Whilst we could not yet afford to have the Church, Chapel Hill; Tingalpa Old Section and newsletter professionally printed, the editor Tingalpa C.of E. Joan Hodgson was keen to upgrade the general By Mary Kelly and Merie Lowenstein: appearance and this took place in February Waterworks Road, Ashgrove Uniting. 1981. Although still produced on foolscap By Gordon Murrell: Upper Kedron Creek, paper and printed as a 'love job' on an office Ferny Grove. duplicator, it now had a slightly more By Roberta Lawson: Archerfield Aerodrome, professional look, with a picture on the cover. Beatty Road. The publication was regularly 8 to 10 pages By Dorothy Grice: Forest Hill long. The cover picture which first appeared By Shauna Hicks: Peachester, Mellum Creek, was a pen and ink sketch by Mark Brelsford, of Beerburrum and Witta at Landsborough and the Workman's Cottage, Goomburra Station, Mooloolah, Dayboro, Maleny School lone Darling Downs. The artist gave Joan Hodgson graves. permission to reprint the picture which can be By Dawn Montgomery: Jondaryan, Darling found in Land of the Leslies by Mark Brelsford, Downs. published by Darling Downs Institute Press These 'picnics' had been an excellent way for 1978. The Workman's Cottage remained on members to get to know each other. the cover for two years. Editions of the We had a reciprocal arrangement with the newsletter appeared from February to Genealogical Society of Queensland with regard November in 1981 with the exception of May to the exchange of cemetery transcriptions to when the first Directory of Family Names was avoid duplication and for greater accessibility produced and distributed in its place. for members of both societies.

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 85 Vol 20 No 3 AUGUST 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY An agreement to this effect was signed by the Society, and was reimbursed for these as the presidents of both societies at GSQ library at cards were sold. The design used in the Stones Corner [Brisbane] on 1 July 1981. Society badge was first printed on Page 2 of the In addition to the above QFHS transcriptions, December 1983 journal. the following cemeteries transcribed by GSQ Newsletter to Journal. The February 1982 were placed in our library by their co-ordinator, edition of the Newsletter heralded further Wayne Roberts: St.Matthew's C. of E., changes. Postage had gone up by 50% and the Grovely; St.Alban the Martyr, Wilston; Bunya 10 monthly editions per year were reduced to Road Arana Hills; Vernon Baptist, Fernvale; six, bi-monthly from February to December. Mudgeeraba; Samford; Albany Creek; Bald The size was changed to A4 and pages Hills; Bryden Catholic, Esk; and Upper increased to 15 photocopied pages per edition. Caboolture Methodist, Morayfield. By February 1983 the newsletter had become Joan Hodgson resigned from the positions of a journal and the cover had undergone a design secretary, and newsletter editor, in February change by Keith Hollier, incorporating the new 1981 for family and health reasons. Her Society logo which was used for three editions. departure was quite a blow to the society she The name was changed to Queensland Family had led so ably and capably since its inception, Historian. but it was not long before other members took We were no longer able to handle the printing over her tasks. of the journal ourselves and the June 1983 Shauna Hicks had been Cemetery Liaison edition was printed by A. Webb & Sons Pty. Officer and she added the job of co-ordinator. Ltd., who still perform the task today. Photo- Assistant Secretary Cecily Cameron became graphs were reproduced on the cover from acting Secretary for a few months after which August 1983 and used to enhance the text and, Ann Swain took on the job and Cecily became for economy, the A4 size slightly reduced. editor of the newsletter with Joan Gibbs Dawn Montgomery began helping with the assisting with distribution. Merie Lowenstein production of the Journal in late 1984 and took also resigned from the treasurer's job at the over completely in June 1985. It says much for February meeting and Marie McCulloch stepped the quality of her work that she still holds this into the breach. position and has made many improvements. Based on an idea by Shauna Hicks, the Costs forced another change and in 1993 the Queensland Pre-Separation Group was journal became a quarterly produced in formed after a planning meeting held on February, May, August and November. A 23 April 1982. , Membership is open to much more professional heading appeared on members whose ancestors arrived in Queensland the February 1995 edition, courtesy of Colin before this state separated from New South Cunningham. Joan Gibbs gradually took over Wales in 1859. The group was officially the distribution of the journal in the early '80s launched at a dinner at Whepsted House in and carried on doing it with help from husband December 1982 and the official guests were Bill until 1997 - a marathon job for which she Deputy Premier and Treasurer Dr Llew received a QFHS Special Award in December Edwards and Mrs Edwards. 1991. To help with the finances in 1982, Treasurer Library: Accommodating the Library at Marie McCulloch arranged to have letterheads, Griffith University was a temporary arrange- With Compliments slips and greeting cards ment until suitable premises could be found. It printed at her own expense. This stationery worked well for some time but by the end of carried a logo which, with some alterations, 1984 we had well and truly outgrown the formed the basis of the Society badge. Marie available space for our books, journals and also designed and sold index cards through the index cards. Next page please

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 86 Vol 20 No 3 AUGUST 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY These were packed up early in 1985 in It was not long before it became evident that anticipation of a move. Material on fiche we needed larger premises. Long before the remained available at Griffith after the books move came to larger premises, John Blake spent were removed and until the new library opened. much time and effort in the quest until he Although we were not required to 'man' the negotiated with Main Roads for our present library at Griffith, a number of members helped home in Bridge Street, Albion. in various ways, to keep the library functioning. Deanna Robertson and Jackie Buttress became These included Bob Robinson, Neville Cusack library co-ordinators in late 1991 and later took and Doreen Payne who was there almost every over the library roster as well, from Sue Schott. Saturday afternoon. Doreen continued to They played a big part in the move from Bowen work for the Library at Bowen Hills to index, Hills to the old Albion Fire Station in October transcribe and catalogue, and for this received 1992. Helpers included Joan Ainsworth, Barry a QFHS Special Award in December 1991. Alexander, John Blake, Marianne Eastgate, Hazel Fletcher, Mary Geiger, Dorothy Grice, Our new home consisted of two rooms on the Trish Hickey, Dorothy Joycey, Rosemary first floor and one ground floor room, in a Kopittke, Alison McCreath, Dawn building on the corner of Campbell and Tufton Montgomery, Ann Rainsbury, Sue Schott, Tony Streets, Bowen Hills, opposite Queensland Swain, Ernie Tiley, Don Wilkinson, and others. Newspapers. Barry Alexander was responsible Much work and planning went into the for finding the building, thanks to his contact Official Opening of the library on 20 April with the Main Roads Department. The building 1993 by the , Her was marked for demolition pending the Excellency Mrs Leneen Forde AC, who construction of the northern freeway. graciously consented to become Patron of the The following members were thanked in the Society. At the same time the reading room August 1985 journal, in connection with the was named in honour of Annie Thomas who move: Barry Alexander, Carolyne Bruyn, passed away in 1992 and who had held the Marianne Eastgate, R.Fawke, Dorothy Grice, positions of Treasurer, Secretary and Library Trish Hickey, Shauna Hicks, Keith Hollier, Assistant over the years, as well as doing an Lorraine Jordan, David Lang, the Lyall family, immense amount of typing and indexing for the Jim McRoberts, Margaret North, Ian & Fay & Society before the advent of computers. Shaun Peters, Max Read, Dick Roe, Rob & Open Day: From 1982 until 1989, the Dorothy Simson, Ken Slattery, Ann & Tony & Society conducted an annual 'Open Day.' The Rosslyn & Gregory & Douglas Swain, and Tom early seminars dealt with themes to which Woodlock. An appeal went out to members to researchers in Queensland could relate and later volunteer for library roster. extend the horizons. Papers presented were printed in book form and were available later, The library opened on 5 August 1985 although for purchase. Themes and dates were: not all resources were available. Some shelving 'Queensland Research Sources'- 12 September still had to be erected and other work 1982, at The Gap High School; completed. Fay Peters was the first library co- 'Life and Times in the early Moreton Bay ordinator, followed in 1987 by Margaret Colony'- 27 August 1983, at The Gap High Matthews. Sue Schott organised the roster of School; members, a job she held for almost 10 years, 'Queensland Local History'- 18 August 1984, at until the end of 1994. In the beginning the The Gap High School; library opened on the first and third Monday 'Man on the Land'- 7 September 1985, at The from 7pm - 9pm; Tuesdays 10am - 12.30pm; Gap High School; Wednesdays 10am - 3pm; Thursdays 10am - 'A Grave Look at Family History'- 12.30pm; Fridays 1 - 4pm (soon discontinued); 6 September 1986 at Bardon Professional Saturdays and Sundays 12.30 - 3pm. Centre;

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 87 Vol 20 No 3 AUGUST 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY 'OurMigratory Ancestors'- 12 September 1987, this work and was presented with the AFFHO at Bardon Professional Centre; Award for services to family history at the 6th 'Diversity in Family History'- 8 October 1988, Australasian Congress of Genealogy & at The Gap High School; Heraldry, held in Hobart, Tasmania, in May 'A Medical Look at Family History'- 1991. 2 September 1989, at The Gap High School. Others who helped: A short history such as Education Officer: Shauna Hicks was this cannot do justice to the amount of work appointed to the position of Education Officer in undertaken by members, or the tasks 1983 and in November of that year conducted performed. It is not easy to single out people a Workshop for Beginners, at Griffith for special mention, but those who tackled the University. Five workshops and a day job of secretary in the early years - Ann Swain, competing in 'The Elephant Hunt' were Dorothy Simson, and Annie Thomas - were organised during 1984 and held at Griffith grateful for the constitutional clause limiting the University Library. term to three years. ASRAM: An Adoption Scheme for Remote Joan Ainsworth spent five years organising Area Members (ASRAM) was set up in August and producing the index to the Monumental 1983 and Brisbane members were asked to Inscriptions at Toowong Cemetery, which volunteer to help remote-area members with earned her a Special Award. Queenie Praeger their research. Ann Swain was the originator assisted Ann Swain edit the newsletter for some and developer of the scheme which is still in months in 1981 during the editor's absence operation. Marie McCulloch was the first overseas. There were many others. ASRAM co-ordinator, followed by Sue Reid Finally, two members with experience in the mid 1987, Pearl Mahony mid 1989, and Jan fields of genealogy and family and local history, Veacock has been the co-ordinator since early but who were never on any committee, deserve 1994. mention. Arthur Ingram Myers on occasions Honour Boards and Special Awards: In drove from his home in Toowoomba to be guest 1989, ten years after foundation, the Committee speaker at monthly meetings. He was a commissioned two honour boards, one to record descendant of a First Fleeter, and Queensland office bearers of the positions of President, Chairman of the Australia Day Council when he Secretary and Treasurer, and the other to record died in 1983 aged 68. recipients of a new Award to be given, to Jennifer Harrison was another early member, QFHS members only, for services to family whose knowledge and experience in the fields history. These boards hang in the meeting of family and local history and her contacts in room of the Library. the academic world were of invaluable The Awards were first presented in November assistance to the Society over a long period. 1989. Joan Ainsworth and Annie Thomas For many years she organised guest speakers received Awardk for 1988 and Dorothy Grice for monthly meetings. and Ann Swain for 1989. The Awards are An article in June 1980 included a quote by presented annually, at the November general Anthony Camp which is as relevant today as it meeting of the Society. was then: Pre-Separation Population Index: Sixty The moreI do, the more I learn, and the more invited guests and members of the Society I find to do. The subject has so many facets attended the launch of the QFHS Pre-Separation that I can't even imagine when I might run out Population Index on Saturday 13 October 1990 of avenues to pursue, to the stage when I can at Newstead House. Based on an idea by say - 'I have done my Family History. ' Dorothy Grice, Dorothy and Marianne Eastgate This section of the Society's history was written by organised and co-ordinated this index. During Cecily Cameron with suggestions and editing from compilation, Marianne produced three Name Marie McCulloch, Ann Swain, Dr Jennifer Directories of the Moreton Bay Region. She Harrison, Dawn Montgomery and Betty Baker. received a QFHS Special Award in 1990 for ISSN 0811-3394 )uEENsLAND FAMILY HIST JRIAN

Journal of the Queensland Family History Society Inc.

November 1999 Volume 20 Number 4

Print Post Approved PP413622/00006 Price $2.50

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 114 Vol 20 No 4 NOVEMBER 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY We continue our history, with memories from members from the LDS Church came to film Marianne Eastgate, past President, from Dorothy the cards and produce a reel of microfilm which Simson, past Hon. Secretary • & Membership the Society was able to sell. Secretary, and from Maureen Mutton and Marie McCulloch from our Daytime Meeting Group. The University had acquired a set of Hobart Further memories, and names of office bearers and Mercury newspapers which later they were award holders, will appear in future editions of this unable to house. As they were about to dispose journal. of them, I asked if QFHS Inc. could have them. Beginning of QFHS Library We didn't have to pay for them, but we did When the Society was formed in 1979, the have to find somewhere to keep them! Thanks Foundation Secretary Mrs Joan Hodgson kept a to members Annie Thomas and her family, small number of genealogical items in her own Dorothy Grice, Ann Swain, the Burnett FHS house. and others, these many volumes were eventually housed and remained at these locations till they I joined the Society in 1980 (Member 53) and were transferred to the present Library as I worked at Griffith University Library, I premises. thought it might be possible for QFHS Inc. to have their own Library there and use the One other main Library acquisition during this Griffith Library facilities such as photocopiers, period was a set of Parish maps donated from microform readers, etc. I approached the the State Archives. These were housed, I University Librarian, Mr Sid Page, and he believe, under Ann and Tony Swain's bed! kindly gave permission to use some shelves in The QFHS Pre-Separation Group had its first my office to house the QFHS Library and also meeting at the University Library and the use of the Library facilities, all without charge. Library computers were allowed to be used for Because I was employed by the University, I database entry of the Pre-Separation Index. was not able to spend much time showing Dorothy Grice and Annie Thomas spent many QFHS members how to use the QFHS Saturdays there entering the data and over resources. However, they were available to several Christmas holidays I had permission to members whenever the University Library was take a computer home to use for this purpose. open, which made pretty good "opening hours." By 1985, when new premises were found for In my own time I also volunteered to copy the Library at Bowen Hills, the QFHS Library IGI'm microfiche for members unable to get to had far outreached the few shelves in my office. the Library and this took up a considerable Items were stacked everywhere, under the amount of my time, especially as the microfiche , and in any other available place. After reader-printers in those days left a lot to be a marathon effort by members, moving desired! I recall member Doreen Payne spent everything, the whole of the top floor and the a lot of time on Saturdays, photocopying and one room of the ground floor of the new organising the Library, as also did Shauna premises were already nearly filled. Hicks. Between us, we made a rudimentary In writing this short history of the beginnings catalogue of the collection. of the QFHS Library, I would like to thank all The beginning of the Cemetery Index "original" members of the Society for their Collection led to obtaining cabinets and drawers patience and help in building up the resources from the University at a minimum cost. Later, which were the beginning of the great collection when the University Library Cataloguing went we now have at our present premises. I would on computer, we were able to obtain several also like to thank the Griffith University more cabinets and sets of drawers at no cost. authorities for their kindness in allowing us to The Cemetery Index was also housed in the use their facilities during this formative period. University Library and one Christmas holidays, Marianne Eastgate

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 115 Vol 20 No 4 NOVEMBER 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY From the Secretary's Desk interesting material on to a card file index and The Society's first news sheet is dated July you will find these still in use, but now greatly 1979. By August that year the membership was increased in size, at the State Archives at 40. At the end of the year the Hon. Secretary Runcorn. Joan Hodgson was encouraging members to My first visit to the State Archives, which was bring a friend to a meeting, with the aim of then at Dutton Park near the Boggo Road Jail, increasing membership. was a great experience. I was wanting to find One of the original members, Ian Stehbens material on North Queensland as my great (No.18), planned to take me to the February grandparents were early settlers at Cardwell. 1980 meeting but he was unable to go, so I One of the Archives staff happened to be waited until March to attend my first Society compiling a history on North Queensland, and meeting and joined that night, becoming she kept finding relevant bundles of material member no.50. At that time Merie Lowenstein that she wanted me to search through. One had taken over as President, Bob Robinson was particularly interesting item was a petition dated Vice President, Joan Hodgson was Secretary / 1867 after the destructive cyclone had ruined Treasurer, Cecily Cameron Assistant Secretary, the settlers road building efforts. My ancestor and Dawn Montgomery was Publicity Officer. had signed the petition. The archivist was 2 Even though I had previously taken a course overjoyed. run by Lyn Waldron of Klan Genealogical My husband was transferred to Maroon Supplies, on Tracing Your Ancestry, I was Outdoor Eduction Centre near Boonah, Qld., in really very inexperienced. I had been told January 1981. Fortunately, I was able to about the Society's Library which was housed continue to attend monthly meetings as Maroon at the Secretary's house, and members were was only about one and a half hours drive from encouraged to use this library. In those days it Brisbane. I drove to Brisbane during the day, was necessary to make an appointment to use attended the meeting, returned to my Brisbane this valuable collection stored in a room under home to sleep, and drove back to Boonah the Joan's house. next day. Most meetings were inspirational as It was about May when I took that first members would speak for a few minutes and adventurous step into the family history tell us of their latest find. collection. I was expecting to see several One meeting night, February 1981, became bookshelves crammed with wonderful source quite a drama. This was the night that Joan material, but I was stunned to find that I could Hodgson our hard working secretary, family hold the whole collection in one hand! The few history education mentor, newsletter editor, books had been either donated or loaned by keeper of the library, cemetery recorder, and a members. Joan also had her own collection of person who seemed to run everything, resigned. books, which covered several shelves. Her friend Merie Lowenstein who was the Probably the best source material at that time treasurer, also stood down. I think everyone in was the list of addresses of other Family the hall was in shock, wondering what we were History Societies, Local Historical Societies, going to do to fill their shoes. State Archives, and the various Registry offices. Sometimes, a sudden change of direction It was up to the researcher to try to find what brings good results. The Society had to quickly was available in the particular area where your reorganise. Cecily Cameron acted as Secretary ancestors had lived, and find books written for one meeting and took over the role as editor about that local area. At this stage, very little of the newsletter. Marie McCulloch became indexing of interesting source material had Treasurer and by the April meeting Ann Swain taken place, but the Queensland State Archives had taken over as Secretary. were indexing shipping records and other Next page please

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 116 Vol 20 No 4 NOVEMBER 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY The Society Library had to find a new home speaker. This was the night that only 33 brave and Marianne Eastgate reorganised her own souls ventured out. You see, Brisbane was in work place and office at Griffith University the grip of a power crisis, but to make matters Library to squeeze in the Society's growing worse it was also rather wet. Can you imagine collection. In retrospect, the change was very driving through Brisbane traffic at night without good for the Society as a range of people took traffic lights and in the teeming rain? over the roles that Joan had tried to run single Fortunately, when we got to the hall at Holy handed. The Society seemed to come of age Trinity Woolloongabba, the power came on and and everyone took responsibility and the Society we were able to start the meeting. Later, thrived. Shauna had barely begun her talk "Archives for At the end of 1983, after three years at the Beginner" when the lights went out. But Maroon where I had spent so much of my time did this faze Shauna? No, she continued her working as a volunteer self taught typist for the talk in the pitch black hall and managed to Society's cemetery projects, the Simson family drown out the sound of the pelting rain on the returned to Brisbane. No-one was more pleased old galvanised roof. This event is immortalised than Ann Swain who needed to be replaced as in the April 1985 Queensland Family Historian Society Secretary. She seemed to think that as with my comments in "From the Secretary's I spent so much time writing letters to all and Desk." sundry, I would be ideal secretary material. Another memorable meeting was the night we Ann had earlier asked me to give a talk at the had a guest speaker no other than the highly July 1983 meeting night. The talk was called acclaimed Anthony Camp, Director of the "Armchair Research" and I tried to encourage Society of Genealogists, London. He was members to write lots of letters to various visiting Australia as a speaker for the 4th places, to find out more about their ancestry. Australasian Congress held in Canberra. It was I gave lots of examples of my own experiences 21 May 1986. and what I had received back just for my effort I got to the hall early, to make sure all was in writing a letter. ready, but when we opened the we I had no expertise as an orator. I was a received a shock. The normally barely clean housewife. In those days, Society guest hall had become a renovators' workshop. The speakers' talks were taped so country members whole hall was full of piles of timber, wood could get a copy just for the cost of a cassette shavings, saw horses and pots of paint. The tape and postage. Over the years I have workmen had simply closed the door on their received many letters from members thanking day's work and had ignored the fact that we me for my talk and telling me of their successes were holding a meeting in the hall that night. by following my example and writing a lot Shauna Hicks could cope with dramas but how more letters. would this English visitor manage to straddle I took over as Honorary Secretary from Ann piles of loose timber strewn all over the floor? Swain at the AGM June 1984. I had recently We had barely started to move things out of the been invited to attend committee meetings in way when Anthony Camp arrived. Dressed in preparation for taking this office. I had no his traditional blue suit, this English gentleman experience but Ann helped me a lot during my took it in his stride! first few months in office. A few things stick During my time as Secretary, I received lots in my mind as I think back on this wonderful of phone calls. In those times it was the learning experience. secretary's home phone number that was used How many of you remember the February as the phone contact for the Society. 1985 meeting? Shauna Hicks was guest

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 117 Vol 20 No 4 NOVEMBER 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY I usually rose at 7 a.m. but I can remember Brisbane most weekends to be with our sons crawling out of bed at 6 a.m. to answer one studying in Brisbane, and the QFHS Secretary gentleman who wanted to know what records Annie Thomas managed to get the necessary we had for Tasmania! I have never researched paper work delivered to me so I could continue in Tasmania, all my lot stayed on the mainland the task. and, besides, at 6 o'clock in the morning, I With so much free time on my hands at could not have cared less if Tasmania fell off Oakey, I continued my long term project of the end of the earth! I was not impressed. helping with the cemetery recording. Shauna One dark night when I was tucked up fast Hicks gave me the complete set of index cards asleep in my little bed, I was woken by that for Dutton Park cemetery. I have forgotten terrible ring. It was about 10.30 p.m. and I how many shoe boxes full of cards that thought "Who could that be?" I decided it must represented, or how many hours work. be urgent as nobody would ring at this hour Some of you will realise that Oakey is a very unless it was. It was a woman phoning for cold place, often rivalling Stanthorpe for the family history advice. 'After about an hour on winter minimums. Our rented house was rather the phone, I suggested she might like to join like living in the deep freezer. We also had the our Society. She answered "No, I belong to expense of a home in Brisbane so we had to be another society. But you have been so helpful, rather careful with the finances. We did have and I will ring you again." a heater, but to save on the enormous electricity Have you ever noticed that on the inside back bill, I always turned it off as soon as my cover of the Queensland Family Historian there husband left for work. Typing with gloves on is always an item "Information for Advertisers my hands was very difficult! and Publishers." This was first included in the One of the Society's early cemetery tasks was journal in August 1986. Why was this Bulimba [in Brisbane]. I joined the transcribing necessary? team for the Saturday afternoon 'picnic' in The well known family history guru Nick 1980, handwriting the memorial inscriptions on Vine Hall had recently published the names and sheets of recycled paper. This was used paper, addresses of all the family history societies - where we wrote on the back of it, not recycled including contact phone numbers. My personal in the sense we know it today. phone number was included. I have even had Then came the task of typing the handwritten phone calls on Christmas Day after people have script. After checking the details, the typed opened their present! script was transferred on to hand printed index I continue to this day to have phone calls cards. After more checking and when the using this number for the Society. I have cemetery transcribing was finished, and all the stopped being angry as it was not the book script was checked back to the original reader's fault. I try to help them or refer them monumental inscriptions in the cemetery, and to an appropriate committee member. It is now all corrections made, there was the index to be almost 12 years since I stepped down as typed. Secretary-, but I am sure to get more calls yet, I have no idea of how many person hours it thanks to Nick Vine Hall. I did send him an took to complete a cemetery like Dutton Park, appropriate letter. Bulimba or Toowong [three of Brisbane's My next position was that of Membership largest]. I hope those researchers who use Secretary 1987-1990. Even though my husband these records today, sometimes give a thought was once again transferred out to the country, for the people who plodded around the this time to Oakey, 120 km west of Brisbane, I cemeteries on those hot summer days and on continued with the job. We returned to the cold winter days when the westerlies blew. I am proud to say that I was part of the team.

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 118 Vol 20 No 4 NOVEMBER 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY When the typing projects first started, not Money had to be found to pay for these really only did you give of your time, but you were valuable resources. The first set of indexes was also asked to provide the materials. Some announced in our October 1985 journal. They members were able to get recycled index cards were the early church records of Baptism, as their place of work was changing from card Burial and Marriage indexes from 1829-1855 files to microfiche indexes. For those stay at for Queensland. The next set was the Birth home mums like me, who had the time but not Index 1850-1869 and they arrived about April the money, providing masses of typing paper 1986, along with the Victorian Birth, Death and and an endless supply of typewriter ribbons Marriage index. Other States were indexing became a burden. and, as well, the Society had purchased the Shauna Hicks realised the problem and asked newly released edition of the the Committee to provide good quality bond Hon.Treasurer Annie Thomas kept a close eye paper and, eventually, carbon ribbons for those on our finances, and we seemed to always have important projects. This move coincided with just enough money when a new purchase was the metrication of paper sizes. We had been announced. The really big one was the using either foolscap or quarto paper, now we purchase of the St.Catherine's House Index used the new A4 size. This meant that all 1866-1912. Members were asked to make records could be bound into neat same size donations (of money) to the Library. We also booklets. needed to purchase second hand microfilm It was at the end of 1984 that Marianne readers to use the new index. Eastgate announced that we would have to find I will always remember the day when a postal another venue for our Library. By that time we delivery truck refused to deliver a parcel had outgrown her office and were using an because it was too heavy. We had ordered The extra room at Griffith University Library, but Great Seal of Scotland and it had arrived at the the University Library needed that space and we Sunnybank Post Office. The Great Seal was in had to go. It was announced in the June 1985 11 volumes, and some were rather large. The Queensland Family Historian that a new venue whole packet was in a mail bag which was large had been found at Bowen Hills, thanks to Barry enough to later store our large marquee type Alexander. tent! After a repaint, the new premises were ready I got my son to come with me to the post and our need was for office equipment like office and we were directed to the loading bay desks, chairs, library shelving, microfiche so the heavy bundle could be put into the back readers and photocopiers. They seemed to fall of my little car. The volumes cover from 1306 like manna from heaven, as first one then to 1668 and make interesting reading. Like all another member heard of some bargain. Thanks early records, the first nine volumes are in to the volunteers, the new premises were up Latin. Have you ever tried typing Latin? I and running, a few weeks later. thought I might copy a few extracts but gave up This period while I was Secretary, was an in favour of a photocopier. The volumes are all exciting time for family historians. The LDS bound in dark blue. Please find them in the Church opened their second genealogical library Library and feel the weight of the whole 11 in Brisbane. This was at Eight Mile Plains and volumes. However, they are a good source for the opening was announced in our December early Scottish research into land records, and 1984 journal. offer a chance to learn to translate Latin. I was able to announce more exciting news as Another project I was involved with was the the Queensland Government were putting their Strays Index. At first this was a QFHS project, early registration records on microfiche and but was later taken over by AFFHO. making them available to societies like ours.

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 119 Vol 20 No 4 NOVEMBER 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY Rae Hopkinson of Atherton in North a valuable source for family relationships. If Queensland felt she would manage this. Rae you ever have some time to spare, go back devised the system and when it was ready for through those old journals and read what I said its first edition, she sent all the material down in my little piece "From the Secretary's Desk." to Brisbane, as she could not type. Guess who The advice I gave is still relevant today. typed the index? I was still the very busy Dorothy Simson secretary, but between Christmas and New Year there is very little mail. The Monday Morning Group I decided that as I was Research Officer for I started typing on Boxing Day, two years in the Society, but had no formal learning in the a row - 1985 and 1986 - when I typed the first art, I should go to a series of lectures held at two indexes. We did not have the luxury of the local high school. These lectures were to home computers way back in those days. We be given by a lady who had experience in typed on a typewriter and if you made a family history research. mistake, you re-typed the whole page. People were beginning to realise that the unpaid typists Things seemed to me a little odd, as she was needed a little recognition for their work, and telling us things that I knew for a fact to be "Thank You's" were included in some of these wrong. Being the shy retiring type that I was booklets. then, I held back, but not for long. Eventually One last reminiscence, another of those phone I started to correct her, which was not the way calls, this time in office hours. The postman to win friends and influence people. had arrived in his truck with his usual large It was at these lectures that I met Maureen bundle of QFHS mail, and I was busy recording Mutton and Joan Ramsauer. Joan invited every item when the phone rang. The phone Maureen and myself back to her place for a cup was near my typewriter and, as I moved some of coffee and from that, Maureen offered her papers to write notes about the conversation, the home as a future meeting place. That is how gentleman on the other end of the phone heard the group started and it has grown over the my typewriter carriage whiz back as I placed years. some heavy papers on the keyboard. "Oh" he You do not have to be a member of the said, "You have a computer! I will just get my Society to come to these meetings as it is open details and you can key them in and give me to any one who may want help with their my pedigree." If only it was that easy! research. Most end up joining the Society but The computer age may make life easier, but it is not compulsory. I will now let Maureen the records produced are still only as accurate tell about the group. Marie McCulloch as the typist. By the time you get the finished product each record has been transcribed many times. Early typewriters were around by the When Marie McCulloch asked me to write turn of the century but most original records about our Monday meetings, I thought "How were still hand written for the first half of the can I put into words, and describe, something 20th century. Neatly presented computer that at times is so disorganised, but over the recordi need to be checked just as thoroughly as years has been very successful?" hand written records. Ladies (and on a few occasions, a gentleman) It is very easy to trace your family back to the have been coming to 20 Marmont Street, wrong ancestor. Records like wills, where the Geebung on the first Monday of each month, testator names his wife, children and since 1981. The average attendance would be grandchildren, confirm you are still on the about 10, and as I tell all newcomers "It's my correct family line. The Death Duty Index (see house, but Marie's brains." Queensland Family Historian October 1986) is Next page please

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORIAN Page 120 Vol 20 No 4 NOVEMBER 1999 THE HISTORY OF THIS SOCIETY It has become very much a self help group, as Our ladies have become very close, and have we are all willing to share our ideas, and help shared many joys and sorrows over the years, each other in different ways. Great joy is such as the birth of grandchildren, weddings, shared by all when someone is able to tell us etc. and, sadly, some illnesses and the death of they have "found him or her." Different two of our members. magazines are exchanged and these prove to be I don't know what else I can write, only to very helpful. say I enjoy having them to my house, and I'm Many of the holidays taken by the ladies are sure it's not only the coffee and biscuits that is to help with their research, and it's interesting the attraction. A big thank you to Marie for to hear of the new relatives they have putting up with us, all these years, and steering discovered, and see the photos taken, and even us in the right direction regarding our Family documents regarding their families. We are all History. interested, when someone reads us the life story Maureen Mutton of one of their ancestors - especially the more Postscript from Marie McCulloch: colourful ones. When the first Monday of the month is a public holiday, the meeting is on the second Monday of Nobody ever feels embarrassed to ask that the month. 'silly question' which they may not like to Maureen does not mention that when she is on mention at a much more formal meeting. Marie holidays the house is still open for the meetings. says we must have learned something in all She also did not mention that the death of her these years, as she is not asked so many husband George was another of our sorrowful questions now! Then along comes a new occasions. Thank you, Maureen, for so many person, and we are all willing to help again. years of hospitality to the members of this group.

"BASKET OF GOODIES FOR CHRISTMAS" You'll find a basket in the QFHS Library which we're going to fill with "goodies" to brighten up someone's Christmas, just as we did last year It will be our Christmas Project again, to give something back to the community and help folk who are less fortunate than ourselves. Members are invited to bring in a little something, e.g. a small toy, a tinned Christmas pudding, a box of talc, anything which you feel would be suitable to make up a hamper for the Society to present to the Salvation Army. Donations should be non-perishable of course. Then, before we close at Christmas, we will get in touch with the Salvation Army and present them with our very generously filled basket. We have chosen the Salvation Army because, as we all know, they too are in the business of 'finding relatives' and bringing families together. Wendy and the Library Management Team

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