Local history publications
Hornsby Council has published a series of books that focus on the Shire’s history. All can be purchased from any of the Shire’s libraries.
Women of Hornsby Shire
Edited by Jocelyn Powell
$15
Explores the lives of 14 women who lived and worked in Hornsby Shire. Two were born in the mid to late 19th Century, the rest in the first half of the 20th century. All were intelligent, resourceful and enterprising women who contributed to society in many different ways.
About the Author
Jocelyn Powell is a botanist, environmental consultant and publisher with a long-standing interest in the history of the Hawkesbury. She is the co-author of Cruising Guide to the Hawkesbury River, Cowan, Broken Bay and Pittwater.
1906: The Birth Of Hornsby Shire
by Tom Richmond
$15
More than a century has passed since the Shire of Hornsby was proclaimed by the New South Wales Government. In 1906, “Shire 130” covered a wide area of bushland, waterways and scattered settlements. This work describes Hornsby Shire Council’s humble beginnings, comprising six appointed councillors meeting in a hired hall, which laid the foundations for local government as we know it today. The story is told with human interest and humour, set in the wider historical context.
About the Author
Tom Richmond OAM is a resident of Brooklyn and a descendant of one of the pioneer families. He is a well-known local historian and a former Principal of Ku-ring-gai High School.
Bar Island and Lower Hawkesbury River Settlements
by Tom Richmond
$15
Brings together for the first time the story of Bar Island, a small piece of history at the mouth of Berowra Creek. For thousands of years the island was home to the local Aboriginal communities. In the 19th century it became the site of a church, school and cemetery. With the arrival of the railway the focus of settlement shifted from Bar Island to Brooklyn. The school closed, the church fell into ruins and the cemetery was neglected. Bar Island & Lower Hawkesbury River Settlements tells the story of the island’s history and describes the heritage that can still be enjoyed today.
About the Author
Tom Richmond OAM is a resident of Brooklyn and a descendant of one of the pioneer families. He is a well-known local historian and a former Principal of Ku-ring-gai High School.
Beecroft and Cheltenham in WWI
by Tony Cunneen
$15
The small suburbs of Beecroft and Cheltenham sent many of their young men to fight in World War One. The author describes the part these men played at Gallipoli and on the Western Front, in parallel with what was happening at home. As the war went on the mood in Beecroft and Cheltenham became more sombre, as tragedy struck local families and injured veterans returned. The book captures the community life of the period and underscores the immense impact of the Great War on the people who lived through it.
About the Author
Tony Cunneen lives in Beecroft and teaches at St Pius X College in Chatswood. He has previously published Suburban Boys at War, an account of the experiences of young men from the North Shore in World War II.
A Century in the Shire: The Story of Hornsby Masonic Lodge 262 and its role in the community 1909-2009
by John Winslow
$15
In 1909, three years after Hornsby Shire came into being, Masonic Lodge 262 was founded. In its early years the lodge was dominated by railway workers who met in the School of Arts. The membership expanded and other lodges were formed. The book also tells the story of the building of the Masonic hall and its eventual destruction by fire.
It is a well-illustrated account of a little-known organisation that still plays an important role within the community.
About the Author
John Winslow is a Londoner who emigrated to Australia. He worked for Qantas for 28 years and is author of two books on aviation.
Growing up in Asquith: Gramma Pies and Gum Trees
by Bob Davis
$15
This book tells you what it was like to grow up in Asquith 60 years ago. It recalls all the simple pleasures of childhood, such as the games played in a pre-television age. Bob Davis tells us how he earned his pocket money selling vegetables and collecting golf balls from the nearby club. He captures the joy and hardships of life in the 1940s and 1950s in this affectionate memoir.
About the Author
Bob Davis is married with four children and four grandchildren. He enjoys bushwalking, fishing and teaching public speaking. He is a local campaigner, president of the Brooklyn Ratepayers Association and secretary of Hornsby Shire Council’s Seniors Advisory Committee. In 2003 he was presented with a Premier’s Community Service Award.
Prosperity Around the Corner: The Great Depression in Hornsby Shire
by Joan Webb
$15
Examines the impact the Great Depression of the 1930s had on the people of Hornsby Shire. It tells a story of hardship and adversity, but also of generosity and self-sacrifice by the people of the Shire. It uncovers the forgotten history of parks and roads constructed by the unemployed in public works programs. We also read about Hopeville, the unique camp for the unemployed and destitute set up in Hornsby. A vibrant community spirit emerges from the pages through the personal experiences of residents who lived through those years.
About the Author
Joan Webb was born in Hornsby during the Great Depression. She taught in high schools before moving into teacher education where she developed an interest in environmental education.
Pictorial History: Hornsby Shire
by Mari Metzke
$24.95
This book is part of a Kingsclear Books series of pictorial histories which cover the suburbs of Sydney. The suburbs extending from Brooklyn to Castle Hill, Dural to Epping, Pennant Hills to Mt. Colah, Mt. Ku-ring-gai to Wisemans Ferry and Berowra are represented in a wide range of black and white photographs which give an overview of the history of the area from Aboriginal to modern times. Through the use of photographs and historical features the book outlines the area's origins and development.
About the Author
Mari Metzke is well known in history circles within New South Wales through her work with the Royal Australian Historical Society. Mari is a member of a number of committees including the History Council of NSW. She is also on the Executive Committee of the Convict Trail Project.