The Commonwealth
On Wednesday 19 January 1910 J.M. Jamieson applied to Ipswich Licensing Authority for a liquor license and approval to build a new hotel in Ipswich. He was granted a provisional certificate and allowed nine months to build. The new pub was built at 5 Union Place in the...
A Feat of Engineering
Before Barbat’s foundry could make its mark on Ipswich, there was the small engineering firm of Mr Frederick Springall who was an Ipswich City Council alderman and later Mayor. About 1884 Springall entered a partnership with James Frost that lasted 10 years. Known as Springall & Frost they...
The Nunns: A Pioneering Family of Dinmore
In late 1857, after just 2 years of marriage, Rachel and David Nunn of Chevington, Suffolk embarked on a journey to Australia. Enduring 109 days on the high seas aboard the ship Irene they arrived in Moreton Bay in February 1858, accompanied by their infant son Elisha (Elijah)....
Rosewood Bakeries – Ready, Set, Bake
Bread, a staple of the human diet from prehistoric times, is still popular today with an ever-growing number of varieties available to consumers. Over the years, the nutrients contained in bread have not only sustained humanity, but the smell of it baking has also been credited – rightly or not - with helping individuals sell their homes and even making passers-by kinder. Back in the day Rosewood residents, like many others around the world, would have experienced the aromas of freshly baked bread and other goods as they walked around town socialising or conducting business.
A Woman of Substance
Her real name was Sarah Jane Pender but everyone knew her as Jeannie. She was a force of nature. Her compassion for others, social conscience, leadership and energy were plain to see. Let’s start at the beginning… Sarah Jane Pender was born in 1880, a native of Grandchester....
Ipswich: A Changing Landscape
The pandemic and subsequent worldwide lockdown has opened our eyes to the need for food security, diversification of local industries, and reducing our dependence on imported goods. Here are three agricultural industries that were practiced around Ipswich that no longer exist here. Like me, you may be surprised...
William McQueen – Ipswich Miner and Businessman
William McQueen left three legacies to Ipswich: his coal mines, his supply store and his family. He emigrated from Scotland in the mid-1880s with wife Janet and infant daughter Alexanderina, settling in Ipswich. Initially William found work as an engine driver at Boyce’s quarry at Bundanba (as the...
1920: An Ipswich Snapshot
One hundred years ago things were a little different around here. Memories of the Great War were receding. Returned soldiers were out looking for work or, resuming their old jobs. The Railway Workshops for instance welcomed back former employees. At this time, male employment in Ipswich mostly centred...
The History of Immunisation in Ipswich
In 2020 as the world comes to terms with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), scientists and research organisations concentrate their efforts on containing the pandemic. The spread of the coronavirus is being managed by isolation and quarantine, and sufferers treated with medicine to alleviate the effects. Immunity and protection for the global community may be assisted with the discovery of a vaccine.