Karen B

Hot Enough For You?

english settlers go out in the midday sun “Hot enough for you?” It’s one phrase guaranteed to further raise the temperature of anyone who ventures outdoors in Queensland between November and March. The temptation is to inform the questioner of your unvarnished opinion of their mental state, IQ, standard of personal hygiene, and the questionableContinue reading “Hot Enough For You?”

Old Brisbane Town in Photos

Much of the old station still exists, it’s just hidden by the newer structures, of which the less said, the better. Where the Queen Street Mall ends today. Several gentlemen demonstrating the Colonial Lean, a pose almost universal to men in outdoor studies in old Queensland. I like to think it’s a result of theContinue reading “Old Brisbane Town in Photos”

Piratical Seizure of the Brig Wellington.

In my post on Henry Drummond, I referenced an interesting account of the seizure of the Brig Wellington in January 1827. Drummond was one of the prisoners on board that vessel, having been reprieved from the death sentence, and ordered to be transported to Norfolk Island. Here is the article, with the log of CaptainContinue reading “Piratical Seizure of the Brig Wellington.”

Henry Drummond – From Pickpocket to Pirate

It all began with a handkerchief. “On the 28th of September, between twelve and one o’clock in the day, I was in Wardour-street, Soho, something drew my attention to my pocket, and I missed my handkerchief. I saw the prisoner and another boy in front, and saw the prisoner tucking my handkerchief under his jacket.Continue reading “Henry Drummond – From Pickpocket to Pirate”

The Most Despised Woman in Old Brisbane Town.

In October 1851, Jane Ellis was the most despised woman in Brisbane. At her first Court appearance, crowds of angry citizens jostled for a seat in the public gallery, and when she was released on bail, Mrs Ellis had to be escorted through the hissing throng by two policemen. Mrs Ellis was the wife ofContinue reading “The Most Despised Woman in Old Brisbane Town.”

National Police Remembrance Day, September 29.

In the 161 years since separation, the Queensland Police Service has kept a roll of honour, remembering the officers killed in the course of their duties. The 3rd and 4th names on the Memorial are those of Constable Patrick William Cahill and Constable John Francis Power. The two young men died on 06 November 1867,Continue reading “National Police Remembrance Day, September 29.”

A Short and Troubled Life – Tales from the Proserpine.

The immigrant ship the Susanne Godeffroy departed Hamburg on 06 May and arrived in Queensland on 06 September 1865, carrying a cargo of hard-working and hopeful immigrant German families ready to try their luck in the New World. Among them was the Ammenhauser family – brothers Johannes and Conrad and their respective wives and children.Continue reading “A Short and Troubled Life – Tales from the Proserpine.”

Poor Nancy McCoy

Murdered by her husband and blamed by society. Around 10:30 on the night of 23 June 1856, residents of Brisbane Town heard screams from a cottage near George Street. It was a working-class neighbourhood, and raised voices were common, but this time it was the voice of a woman crying out “Murder!” It turned outContinue reading “Poor Nancy McCoy”

The Image of the Bushranger

A young man poses for a formal photographic portrait. He appears to be in a drawing room, although it may be a mock-up in a photographer’s studio. He sits on a wicker chair, one arm resting on a table, near some books. The tablecloth has a floral design and a curtain can be seen behindContinue reading “The Image of the Bushranger”

The Inside Job

Thomas John Augustus Griffin was a worried man. His past was catching up with him, and he needed money – fast – so that he could satisfy his debts, get away and possibly fake his death. Again. He could access some fast money, arrange an inside job, but it would be risky. He may haveContinue reading “The Inside Job”