Special Collections

Last Days to See! - Centenary of the Sugar Strike 1911!

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 02:17:00 +0000

A display now on at JCU's Cairns Library commemorates the 100th anniversary of the sugar industry strike of 1911. It includes Special Collections material that documents the background to the strike, historical photographs of strikers and the strike camps, and contemporary newspaper reports of the events.

Dr Peter Griggs, a JCU geographer who has researched the sugar industry extensively, says this was a significant strike that saw arrests, riots and unlawful burning of cane crops.

“It went on for four months, with police cordons guarding sugar mills, and union marches through towns along the Queensland coast,” he said.

Dr Griggs said the story of the strike revealed a great deal about the times.

Lest We Forget

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:46:00 +0000

This year’s Anzac Day Display at the Cairns Campus Library commemorates the 70^th anniversaries of two significant battles that took place during the Second World War. In 1941, more than 4,000 allied troops, including Australian soldiers, were killed during the Siege of Tobruk and the Battle for Greece and Crete.

Check out the display on the ground floor which includes short histories of each battle as well as books from the library collection which are available to be borrowed.

See the glass cabinets nearby for items from Cairns Special Collections based on this theme.

Why Sir Russell Drysdale is so special to us.

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Kylie (above) takes a look inside a book on the paintings of Sir Russell Drysdale held in The Shaw Collection.

Sir Drysdale was a generous man. In 1971 he donated to us a collection of 30 rare books which focus on Australian settlement and exploration. The collection includes works such as William Dampier's "A Collection of Voyages" (1729), William Bligh's "Voyage to the South Sea" (1792) and the "Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay" by Captain Watkin Tench which we recently featured on this blog! Stay tuned to read more about and see more of these precious books.

Not only a generous man, Sir Russell Drysdale was an outstanding Australian artist primarily known for his drawings and paintings although he was a photographer as well. The Shaw Collection at JCU Library contains approx. 4000 volumes on Australian Art & Culture and houses a range of books about him (see below). All items in The Shaw Collection are listed in our online catalogue and can be accessed by contacting the Special Collections Librarian or the Infohelp staff.

Sir Russell Drysdale had long-standing family connections with north Queensland, having settled in the Burdekin area in 1884. Since that time members of the family have been associated with the management of the Pioneer Sugar Mill in Brandon. His donation to JCU Library Special Collections is greatly valued and all rare books are available for viewing, by appointment with the Special Collections Librarian of course! Read more about Sir Russell Drysdale in the Australian Dictionary of Biography online.

"Books are mens hearts in other mens hands" - surprises inside the rare Watkin Tench book

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:38:00 +0000

Upon opening the Watkin Tench book featured from our Rare Books Collections this week, we find not one but two bookplates probably placed there by two previous owners of the book.

Both are original artist prints, that is drawn by artists and printed directly from engraved metal plates in a limited edition. We can see the indented mark of the plate around the edge of the image. The first one (see below) indicates the book was once in the collection of Jonathon Pytts Esquire.

Remember this book (written by Captain Watkin Tench who traveled with the first fleet to Australia) was a best seller in its day.

The second book plate (see left) would have belonged to G. R. Nicolaus and as is the case with many privately commissioned book plates through the image we are provided with an indication of the person's personality and interests. Here we can clearly see an number of objects on a shelf (eg golf clubs, a gun and deer, various books - some on mining and a fishing reel). The use of the scottish thistle as a decorative border also suggests that Nicolaus
was a Scotsman.

Finally the quote at the top of the plate is hard to miss and quite moving, "Books are mens hearts in other mens hands". No doubt here was someone who truly valued their book collection of which this precious item was once a part.

Live from our Treasure Chest this week.

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 02:40:00 +0000

The highlight of this week has been the discovery of an important and rare little book titled "A narrative of the expedition to Botany Bay; : with an account of New South Wales, its productions, inhabitants, &c. To which is subjoined, a list of the civil and military establishments at Port Jackson" by Captain Watkin Tench.

This book was published by Debretts of London in 1789! It is a small, leather bound volume which is in fantastic condition considering it's age. It was donated to us by Sir Russell Drysdale in the 1970s. Watkin Tench was a Marine Officer who travelled to Australia with the first fleet and this is his first hand account of the colony. Read more about him in the Australian Dictionary of Biography Online, http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A020466b.htm

Not to have read Watkin Tench is not to know early Australia. An eye that noticed everything, a young man's verve, a sly wit, an elegant prose style - all brought to bear on an unimagined place and a very strange micro society. This is the most readable classic of early Australian history. - Robert Hughes

To access this original copy of the Watkin Tench book from the Rare Books Collection contact Bronwyn McBurnie, the Special Collections Librarian. If you would like to spend longer over the text at home then one thing you can do is borrow an edited version of the book produced by Tim Flannery (see below).
But how fantastic is it to have an original copy of this important early colonial Australian text in north Queensland and available for everyone to view (by appointment) and enjoy!

Women Artists of the North display, International Women’s Day 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 05:41:00 +0000

The display for International Women’s Day in the Cairns Library features information about women artists who were born in or work in North Queensland. Artists featured include:

Thanakupi who was born on the Weipa Mission ;

Rosella Namok who was born at Lockhart River ;

Evelyn McGreen who, although born at Woorabinda, moved to Hope Vale in the 1950s, where her parents were from;

Emily Ngarnal Evans who was born and has lived all her life on Mornington Island.

All the information comes from items held in the Cairns Special Collection or the Main Collection, and includes exhibition catalogues, programmes and leaflets , as well as books.

Spot the Saint.

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:12:00 +0000

Courtesy of JCU Archives

Student Commem Parade, Townsville City, 1963.
The messages on the signs and placards carried by students during the Commem parades were indicative of the topical political issues of the day. Note in this photo the wire figure of the infamous saint attached to the car in the front.

The Queen of the Procession!

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:06:00 +0000

Courtesy of JCU Archives

Student Commem Parade, Townsville City, 1963.
In an issue of the Student Union newspaper, Magnus Taurus in 1964, co-editor John Heilbronn wrote "Well, it's on again! Commem is here, and it's time for students' minds to turn from study to more serious topics - like rabbling for instance! This is your big chance for the year to have a go at those people, places and occurrences which have annoyed, disgusted, or pleased you over the year."

The Students play up during Commem week

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 06:44:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

Student Commem Parade, Townsville City, 1963.
At this early stage in the life of the University College there was considerable concern lest the students' pranks or floats should not respect "the canons of adult decorum" to quote the first Warden, Dr Frank Olsen.

Student Commem Parades, 1961 onwards...

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 06:34:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

Commemoration was set aside traditionally by the University to commemorate its benefactors and the scholars who have brought it distinction. Degrees were conferred at a colourful, solemn Ceremony. Commem week was also the time when undergraduates staged a procession with decorated floats, highlighting or ridiculing the activities of their elders.

The Students, the Saint and the Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 05:32:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

However, North Ward residents woke on a Saturday morning in March to find a new figure towering over them. It was "The Saint", a stick figure with a halo, which was the calling card of a fictional character called Simon Templar, hero of a series of crime novels by Leslie Charteris, which had recently been turned into a popular television series starring Roger Moore.

The figure has been washed off, painted over and defaced on several occasions since, but it always returns.

The Students, the Question Mark and the Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 05:25:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

During Commem Week 1961, the citizens of Townsville woke to the most conspicuous student prank they had seen yet; a large question mark had been whitewashed on the vertical granite cliff of Castle Hill. By January 1962 it was removed - having been painted out. Four young members of the RAAF claimed that they had succeeded in obliterating the offending question mark.

The ladies of Duncraigan catch the bus

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Mon, 31 May 2010 07:20:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

The North Queensland University Association (having a broad community membership) raised a total of 48,6111 pounds by 1964 in order to fund the establishment of the first two residential hostels for students at Stuart and Duncragan. Here we see some of the ladies of Duncragan catching the bus to the Pimlico campus.

Time to dine at Stuart House, Townsville 1964

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Mon, 31 May 2010 07:19:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

In August of 1960 the State Government negotiated with the Federal Government for the Stuart Migrant Centre to be used as a hostel for male students. At the time it was not thought advisable for male and female students to be close together and so Duncragan on Melton Hill was taken over for women students. College dining was formal at both residencies with academic gowns worn to dinner most nights and meals served by hostel staff.

Another important visitor.

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Mon, 31 May 2010 07:08:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

The Governor - General of Australia, William Sidney, 1st Viscount De L'lsle with College Warden, Ken Back, during his visit to the Pimlico campus on the 24th of July 1963. He was the 15th Governor - General of Australia and the last one to be born in Britain.

Visitors to the Pimlico Campus in the 1960's

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Mon, 31 May 2010 07:04:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

Many visitors of note were received at the Pimlico campus. Here we see Colonel Sir Henry Abel Smith, British Army Officer and Governor of Queensland, arriving at the campus in September, 1965. Note the presence of the Townsville Mayor, Angus Smith, smiling in the background amongst the students.

Working in the Chemistry Labs during the 1960s

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Wed, 26 May 2010 07:56:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

A chemistry research lab in the 1960s at the Pimlico campus. The year 1962 saw the start of rapid extension of the original building. The decision to continue most of the undergraduate courses into a second year of study, meant more space was needed for lecture rooms, staff offices, workshops and laboratories

Hanging out on the verandahs at the University College of Townsville

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Wed, 26 May 2010 07:48:00 +0000

Image Courtesy of JCU Archives

First year lectures commenced at the Pimlico campus the day after the opening ceremony. The College offered subjects leading to degrees in 9 out of the 11 faculties of the University of Queensland. There were 90 fulltime or day students, and another 50 enrolled in evening subjects. It was the first tertiary educational institution in northern Australia and the first in an English speaking country anywhere in the tropics.

The very same day at Pimlico in colour!

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Fri, 07 May 2010 07:32:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

A rare, informal colour shot from the momentus opening day of the new College. Note the sparse surrounds of the Pimlico site.

Image from the exhibition Caught on Camera: a photographic history of JCU on show until the 12th of May in the Mabo Library, Townsville.

The crowd at the Opening of the University College

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Fri, 07 May 2010 07:28:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

The crowd gathered at the official opening of the University College of Townsville on the morning of the 27th of February, 1961.

Image from the exhibition Caught on Camera: a photographic history of JCU on show until the 12th of May in the Mabo Library, Townsville.

University College of Townsville Opens, Pimlico 1961

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Fri, 07 May 2010 07:07:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

The opening ceremony begins. Speakers included University of Queensland staff and government officials. Premier of Queensland, Frank Nicklin, pronounced the College open, saying "For the present the College will be part of the University of Queensland, but its establishment can be regarded as a stepping stone to full University status."

Image from the exhibition Caught on Camera: a photographic history of JCU on show until the 12th of May in the Mabo Library, Townsville.

Hear about the exhibition - "Caught on Camera"

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 05:16:00 +0000

Hear more about "Caught on Camera" the exhibition currently on display in the Mabo Library (Townsville) as Special Collections Librarian, Bronwyn McBurnie chats with Michael Clarke from local ABC Radio. Here is Bronwyn on that happy day earlier in the week, holding up the exhibition catalogue. Click here to go to the right page on Michael's blog.

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University College of Townsville, Pimlico 1961

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 04:16:00 +0000

Image courtesy of JCU Archives

Dr Frank Olsen orientating new students to the Pimlico campus (now the site of the Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE). He had left his position as Director of External Studies at the University of Queensland in order to spend two years as Warden of the newly established University College of Townsville. The new College was a regional extension of the University of Queensland.
Image from the exhibition Caught on Camera: a photographic history of JCU on show until the 12th of May in the Mabo Library, Townsville.

JCU celebrates its 40th Birthday this week!

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwyn) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 06:28:00 +0000

Hello Everyone,

The time is right to say Happy Birthday JCU!

JCU officially turned 40 years old this week on Tuesday the 20th of April. On this day that long ago Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II visited the first campus (Douglas in T'ville) and granted her royal assent to the bill which officially brought the University into existence.

To celebrate, JCU Library Special Collections has mounted an exhibition called "Caught on Camera: a photographic history of JCU". This exhibition will run in the Mabo Library, Townsville until the 12th of May.

One component of the show is a selection of 48 photos from the JCU Archives. These photos are primarly from the foundation years of 1961 onwards. Each week we will release a photo here on the blog for your viewing pleasure. We are interested in your comments and memories about JCU. We hope these photos prompt some great ones!

Image of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon B) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:41:00 +0000

Jack & Elizabeth Anning 2/4/1909

I love this photo. I love the car, I love the way Jack is leaning against the car. I love the funky little sunglasses Elizabeth is wearing.

This photo was actually taken in London before the Anning's left for Australia later that year. They were probably the coolest cats on the boat.