'Murders and Misadventures' book takes readers on wild ride through Helensburgh history
The discovery of coal and the advent of the railway attracted all sorts of people and Helensburgh gained a reputation as a 'wild west town'. The Historical Society's new book captures this era
An exciting new book, Murders and Misadventures of the 2508 District, showcases a wild period in Helensburgh’s history.
The book, created by Helensburgh Historical Society members Jenny Donohoe and Jim Powell and researchers John Arney, Jan Lee and Shelley Cottom, is a combination of records from the Helensburgh General Cemetery and newspaper articles from 1884 to 1954.
During this period, the 2508 district was a hive of activity: the South Coast Railway was being built from Waterfall to Wollongong, and coal was discovered in Camp Creek, Helensburgh. Many people from all walks of life moved into the district, i.e. railway gangers, miners, shopkeepers and businesses. Schools and sporting activities followed and Helensburgh was known as a ‘wild west town’.
L to R: The book's cover; Helensburgh Bush Fire Brigade and truck, circa 1952. Photos: Helensburgh and District Historical Society
Immigrants from all over the world descended on the district looking for work or to set up businesses. It was not until the 1950s that water and electricity came to town, so many houses that were not owned by the mine were make-shift humpies where water was bucketed from the creeks.
Hopefully, this book will be well received as an historic document of what it was like in those 70 years in the 2508 district.
Murders and Misadventures of the 2508 District was printed by Flagstaff Group at Unanderra and can be purchased via www.historichelensburgh.org.au or at the Helensburgh Lions Club Country Fair on October 24.
