People & professions

Matthew Flinders’ cat

Matthew Flinders’ cat

December 5, 2014

People & professions, Such was life:

One of my favourite books in our children’s collection is a story written by explorer Matthew Flinders about his cat, Trim. This story languished for many years in the archives of the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich, until it was discovered and published in the literary magazine Overland in 1973.

Martha Needle – Melbourne’s 19th century serial poisoner

Martha Needle – Melbourne’s 19th century serial poisoner

November 20, 2014

People & professions, Such was life:

In 1894, Martha Needle was sentenced to death for the murder of her prospective brother in law, Louis Juncken, and executed in the Old Melbourne Gaol. She was also said to have poisoned her husband Henry, their three daughters Mabel, Elsie and May, as well as attempting to murder Herman Juncken.

Prince down a mine shaft!

Prince down a mine shaft!

January 2, 2014

People & professions, Such was life:

The most conservative of commentators would describe the 1867-8 Australian visit of the Duke of Edinburgh as ‘eventful’. Even before the Duke survived an assassination attempt, he raised eyebrows by voyaging… Read More ›

Tales of crime in Australia

Tales of crime in Australia

October 18, 2013

People & professions, Such was life:

The 1894 book Tales of crime and criminals in Australia, which can be viewed online, is an absorbing look at Victoria’s early criminal history. Far from being just a record of… Read More ›

Keening Kellys

Keening Kellys

October 9, 2013

People & professions, Such was life:

The State Library has been given an extraordinary letter that gives an eyewitness account of the aftermath of the 1880 Glenrowan siege, where bushranger Ned Kelly was captured by police.… Read More ›

Love and larceny at the Melbourne Hospital

Love and larceny at the Melbourne Hospital

August 29, 2013

People & professions, Such was life:

The winter of 1849 was an exciting time at the Melbourne Hospital as love blossomed between the resident apothecary and matron.

Bella Guerin: first female university graduate in Australia

Bella Guerin: first female university graduate in Australia

July 10, 2013

People & professions, Such was life:

Julia Margaret Guerin, known as Bella Guerin, became the first woman to graduate from a university in Australia, when she graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1883.

Albert Purchas: architect, soldier, inventor

Albert Purchas: architect, soldier, inventor

June 19, 2013

People & professions, Such was life:

A common question we get asked at the Library is where can I find information about a particular person?

Augusta L Dargon and the Melbourne Irish

Augusta L Dargon and the Melbourne Irish

March 14, 2013

People & professions, Such was life:

In honour of St Patrick’s Day, Manuscripts Librarian Kevin Molloy examines a little known Irish-Australian treasure:

Cobb  and Co

Cobb and Co

March 5, 2013

People & professions, Such was life:

On 30 January 1854, American businessman Freeman Cobb and three associates started a passenger coach service to Castlemaine and Bendigo.