ALEXANDRINA LIBRARY SERVICE  news

 

Dec  2007                                                                                           by Dawn Juers

 

No 41

 

Well it’s that time of year again, with an endless stream of parties! Here’s something for you to watch out for!  KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE.

 

This old Druid superstition originally had a much more important meaning than the modern excuse for a quick kiss. As well as being a cure-all in times of sickness, mistletoe was thought to have fertility-promoting qualities that were very powerful. It also often grows in oak trees, which themselves had magical properties. To hold mistletoe over a girl’s head was therefore to help her to conceive many children. [‘How Did Things Start’ by Timothy Hall’]

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The Goolwa RSL has launched a book telling the story of Goolwa’s long journey through war and peace from 1860-2006. “From Saddles to Sea Kings” by Frank Tuckwell. It is hoped that through sales of the book enough funds can be raised to establish a memorial walk to honour all who fought in the wars. It is for sale from the Goolwa RSL. A copy is available in the Goolwa History Room.

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On the 13^th of this month Robyn Lockwood from the Alexandrina Library demonstrated the new WIKI internet program ‘alexhistory’, and how it can be utilised for research and local and family history. If you would like to know more about this new concept email Robyn at robyn.lockwood@alexandrina.sa.gov.au

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Ancestry co.uk has revealed that a recent survey has found that people tracing their family history have discovered many secrets. The top 10 are:

·        Illegitimate children                   18%

·        Changed names                        14%

·        Secret adoptions                       6%

·        Missing persons                        6%

·        Unmarried parents                    6%

·        Unmarried grandparents            6%                 

·        Links to royalty             4%

·        Convicted thieves                     3%

·        Convicted murderers                2%

·        Bigamy                         2%

 

I’m sure there will be many of you who have found one of the above in your family research.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the cake trowel presented to the Rev J.H. Goss, Minister of the Methodist Church, Goolwa, after laying the foundation stone of the Goolwa Band Rotunda, December 15^th 1917, ninety years ago this month. The trowel is now in the National Trust Museum, Porter St. Goolwa. The above is a photo of the Rotunda and Memorial Garden– date unknown, but probably of that era. In a booklet by P.M. Wells he writes– “A memorial garden and bandstand helps to beautify the town, while a handsome memorial statue occupies a prominent position on the rise facing the garden. The garden caters for a bowling club, with a lawn, etc., whilst sufficient space has been left to lay out a croquet lawn.”

 

 

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Roller Flour 12/6 per bag

Bran 10d per bushel

Pollard 1/-

Screenings 2/-

W & A Johnston, Proprietors, Strathalbyn.

[‘Southern Argus’ Strathalbyn, Thursday December 20, 1900]

 

 

Notice to our customers

 

After this date the price of Imported Spirits will be sixpence per nobbler.

J. Wright, Australasian Hotel

 

George Glover, Goolwa Hotel

 

D. Evans, Corio Hotel

 

[Southern Argus’ Strathalbyn January 4, 1900]

 

 

 

 

 

Season’s greetings to you all

 

from

 

Dawn & the History Room Volunteers

 

 

 

 

Genealogy help is available by appointment on Thursdays, to guide you through your research. Please phone the Library on 8555-7000 to make an appointment. For comments, suggestions or to receive this newsletter – email

 

historyroom2004@yahoo.com.au or phone me, Dawn Juers on 8555-2885.

 

Back copies of this newsletter can be sourced on the Alexandrina Council website –

 

http://www.alexandrina.sa.gov.au/site/page/cfm

 

 

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