Our Past

20/08/2024

I had a great time chatting with Paul Culliver from 1233 ABC Newcastle this afternoon about my recent by-chance ring discovery!

You can listen to the full interview below 👇

🔗 https://youtu.be/i_KeYP5vWKY?si=mxxuZFRV1Fg2AM

16/08/2024

Late last year I spotted a gold ring sitting on the ocean floor while snorkeling in Bali... 6 months later I returned it to it's rightful owner!

12/08/2024

A mix of bottle finds from a short dig yesterday. The earliest finds from this site date from the late 1800s, with the latest dating to the 1940s.

Most of these were surface finds - exposed after a firebreak had recently been plowed.

18/06/2024

I recently had the chance to write about my experience uncovering the forgotten history of my home for Edition 27 of 📰

The article provides a glimpse into the research process, and the coincidental family ties I found along the way!

Traces magazine can be found at most newsagents 👀

You can also read more about the properties history here: https://www.ourpast.com.au/history

16/06/2024

Spent the morning at Maitland Heritage Fest today, checking out the range of displays about the region’s history!

Along with street tours, historic cars and information displays, there were a range of artisans showcasing their traditional works; including blacksmiths, leather workers and woodworkers. I will definitely be heading back next year!

22/05/2024

Riding stirrup found at an 1870s ghost town!

The stirrup was first invented in China, around 2,000 years ago. This allowed increased manoeuvrability of an animal - greatly benefiting transport, warfare and trade.

25/04/2024

1918 Anzac Day medal 🏅

I found this medallion two days ago in NW Victoria, quite fitting only 48hrs out from Anzac Day 2024.

The medal reads ‘Honour to the AIF’

The other side reads ‘Gallipoli France Palestine’ with a sprig of wattle, with the words ‘EVD Anzac Day 1918’ around the circumference. Fitted with a suspension loop which would once have carried a short length of red, white an blue cotton ribbon.

This was struck by the Victorian Department of Education, and distributed to school children at the time.

More information can be found on the website: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1255434

Lest We Forget

22/04/2024

1919 Victory Medal 🏅

Uncovered today in rural Victoria, this medal was originally issued to all Australian schoolchildren at the end of World War One, to celebrate peace following the ‘war the end all wars’.

This positive outlook continued for the decade following, until the Great Depression struck in 1929.

Ten years later, in September 1939, Australia announced involvement in World War Two. This war would be many times more devastating than the one prior.

Victory medals, of a different design, were also issued following WWII.

01/04/2024

1910 Florin 🪙

This was the first year these coins were minted in Australia - prior to this British currency was used.

In this year…
- The global population was 1.8 billion
- Australia’s population was 4.36 million
- 1 quart of milk cost 5 pence (a florin is 24 pence)*
- 1lb (0.45kg) of butter cost 18 pence.
- Weekly wage was 3 pounds (300 pence)**
- Slavery in China is made illegal (March 10th)
- George V becomes King of England (May 6) he is featured on the reverse of this coin.
- The Mexican Revolution begins (November 10)
- Henry Ford sells 10,000 automobiles

The last image shows properties in Sydney advertised for rent. A three bedroom home at Hyde Park would cost you 16 Shillings (192 pence per week). An office space on Pitt St would cost you 6 Shillings (72 pence per week).

* As per State Library of Victoria
** Male factory worker

20/02/2024

Am I seeing things… or does this brick have a foot stamped into it?

Found nearby was this other brick, with a ♥️ stamp!

14/02/2024

A new project from the Australian War Memorial is calling on people for help to transcribe love letters and diaries from Australian ex-servicemen and women.

Are you able to read cursive handwriting?

More: https://ab.co/49bDJXj

09/02/2024

I recently explored what remains of an early 20th century mine ⛏️ Check out the video on YouTube!

09/02/2024

After more than a century since the mines closure, we uncover an array of relics which offer a glimpse into the daily life of an early 20th century coal mine worker! ⛏

After more than a century since the mines closure, we uncover an array of relics which offer a glimpse into the daily life of an early 20th century mine work...

14/01/2024

Took a little longer than expected... but it's done! 🏡

After two very long years of renovating, the house is finally complete. In this video I take you through the 6 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 3 bathrooms and living a...

04/11/2023

Some photos from the Luskintyre Aircraft Restoration Open Day yesterday, which included a range of heritage aircraft and cars... Some predating the First World War!

30/10/2023

It’s been a while… but the facade video is done 🏡

From rotting decking boards to disintegrating iron roofing, I had quite a mess to tackle in the front end of this Victorian home. I considered various styles...

23/12/2022

After many months of renovations the first kitchen is complete! This was a tough one - from sloping floors to leaking walls, everything was in need of attention 🏚

23/12/2022

Transforming the 1890s kitchen! 👇

This kitchen was in need of desperate repair, with walls needing to be rebuilt, a sloping floor and plenty of other hazards, I sure had a big job on my hands...

10/11/2022

Staying aboard the World War Two era rescue boat that was used by the Queen!

It's not often you get to stay aboard a boat that served in World War Two!In this video, we head down to the Redhill Boat, in Victoria, and discover the peri...

07/10/2022

1890 Living Room Transformation!

This living room was a mess at first, but after long hours of hard work (and a LOT of paint), it's done!

Thank you to Beacon Lighting for partnering in this transformation! 💡

This living room was a mess at first, but after long hours of hard work (and a LOT of paint), it's done!Thank you to Beacon Lighting for partnering in this t...

06/10/2022

Living room video will be out tomorrow!

Here is the bathroom video if you missed it 🛁

After many months of renovating, the bathroom is complete! From exposed wiring to a missing wall, this bathroom was a disaster - it needed to be completely r...

11/09/2022

After many months, the bathroom is done!

Check out the video on YouTube 👇

https://youtu.be/KLQHUg-3GBk

10/09/2022

After many months of renovating, the bathroom is complete!

Check out episode 8 of 'Circa 1890' 👇

After many months of renovating, the bathroom is complete! From exposed wiring to a missing wall, this bathroom was a disaster - it needed to be completely r...

09/09/2022

After 8 years of 'Digging Australia", it's time for a change...

After more than 8 years of 'Digging Australia', it's time for a change...Facebook: www.facebook.com/OurPastAuInstagram: www.instagram.com/our.past.au/https:/...

09/01/2022

Episode 7 of the renovation series... https://youtu.be/cPPzmbh7GOg

With the state in lockdown, many projects have come to a halt. In this episode we take care of the odd jobs around the home which are in need of attention; p...

05/10/2021

Circa 1890 Episode 6!

With all of the external framing complete, it is time to begin installing the new-ish windows and doors! What's next? In episode 7 we will be installing insu...

20/08/2021

Episode 5 of the 1890 house renovation! 🏚️
https://youtu.be/C8wQg4ZUub0

In this episode, the bathroom walls and floor are constructed, alongside the kitchen floors. Then, the plumbing and electrical goes in!What's next?Next episo...

24/07/2021

Episode 4 of Circa 1890 - Taking up the floor, installing new cladding, and removing the asbestos!

It is now time to remove the asbestos, pull up the old floor and clad the exterior! From rotting timbers to rusted cladding, this is a well-needed addition ...

04/07/2021

Here is the progress so far! The kitchen areas are already looking better. Check out episode 3 of ‘Circa 1890’ to see what happened.

03/07/2021

Part 3 of ‘Circa 1890’ out now!

It is now time to update the structure of this 1890s home! From rotting timbers to rusted cladding, this is a well-needed addition to the property! What's ne...