Traces

Traces magazine delves deep into Australia’s history, from ancient Indigenous heritage to colonial times,convicts, local history, antiques and artefacts, family genealogy and more!

Welcome to the 31st edition of Traces!

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Traces

Heritage news

PALACE HOTEL, Perth

Beneath the prison floorboards • Following the removal of Fremantle Prison cell floorboards, archaeologists discovered an astonishing collection of artefacts from 134 years of incarceration. One item in particular helps tell the story of Lindsay ‘Rocky’ Vane, snake charmer and tattoo artist.

Like melons on a vine • The Australian-Go Yiu community forever intertwined

DANGER in the bay • Peter Baker explores the deadly history of Sydney’s Dobroyd Point bombora.

The one that got away • In 1892, Kate Rounsefell was swept off her feet by a suitor who showered her with gifts and promises of marriage. She was soon to discover that she was dangerously close to becoming the next victim of notorious serial killer Frederick Bailey Deeming.

What’s that thingamajjig?

FROM RAW DATA TO HUMAN STORIES • Starting out in family history research can be overwhelming. Where do you start? What should you look for? How do you know what’s true? Brad Argent has the answers.

Hazel and Edna Pritchard Sisters of sport • Sisters Edna and Hazel Pritchard were sporting stars, blazing trails ahead of their time. Now, decades after their deaths, a trunk containing Hazel’s letters from 1937 shines new light on the pressures of professional sport for women at the time, and the adventure it brought.

Bessie’s way PART TWO • Growing up, my grandmother, Bessie, was one of my favourite people. I wrote about her early years in Traces Edition 30 – from an Indian boarding school to her life in Glasgow. In this final installment, Bessie finds her forever home in Australia.

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Inspiration from 1938 • The 1938 edition of 87 Kitchen Inspirations is a delightful journey into the heart of Australian cookery during a time when culinary creativity blossomed amidst economic challenges. Brimming with charming illustrations, this publication promises to be a cook’s ‘guide, philosopher and friend’.

Tavern tasties

The hidden history of THE BRISBANE TRAM NETWORK • From 1885 to 1969, Brisbane had its very own tram network running across the city. The remnants of the network can still be found in certain suburbs today.

The Australiana Fund’s working collection • Established in 1978 as an independent collecting body, The Australiana Fund and its collection of artworks of national importance has played a pivotal role in enriching the cultural landscape of Australia’s Official Residences, including Government House and The Lodge, in Canberra, and Admiralty House and Kirribilli House, in Sydney.

The objects we cherish • Heirlooms are more than just old objects – they’re tangible links to our heritage that hold their own stories and memories. This edition, we asked you, our readers, to share your family heirlooms and the stories they tell.

Do you have a story to share? • Traces welcomes article submissions and pitches from historians, genealogists, family history researchers, authors and history lovers.