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Vintage Photographs and Photography

Read more about the article Newcastle’s Leonora Glassworks

Newcastle’s Leonora Glassworks

Newcastle’s sadly missed Leonora glassworks was founded by three Czech immigrants - Joe and Henry Vecera and Joe Tvrdik - who came to Australia before World War II as highly qualified glass-workers. When war broke out they were employed at the ELMA lampworks making light globes, radio valves and parts for bomb-sights. After the war they sensed an opportunity and opened their own factory in a two-storey brick former machinery shop on the grounds of the Old Lambton Colliery.The small factory opened on August 15, 1947 and at first it made mostly tableware, although its first…

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Read more about the article Early days on Bullock Island with Morison and Bearby
Morison and Bearby staff photo circa 1956

Early days on Bullock Island with Morison and Bearby

In 1873 Robert Morison, James Morison and Edwin Bearby bought the iron and brass foundry business of John Howdon and Son at Bullock Island (Carrington). The firm grew and thrived on port-related work, soon becoming one of the biggest and most important businesses of its type in the region.Mr J. Saxby, who started at the factory when he was 13 and when the elder founders of the firm were still a daily presence, wrote his recollections for posterity. I have transcribed his document from longhand. Edwin Bearby Robert Morison Mr J. Saxby's recollections: “In those days…

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Read more about the article When Sabre jets crashed on Newcastle
A RAAF Sabre jet in the 1960s

When Sabre jets crashed on Newcastle

WHILE Newcastle suffered some light damage when it was shelled by a Japanese submarine in 1942, the city has been far more heavily scarred by the accidental impact of “friendly” forces.During the 1960s two Korean War-era Sabre jets from the Williamtown RAAF base smashed spectacularly into city suburbs. In each case, it was declared a miracle that no civilians were seriously hurt, although - tragically - one air force pilot lost his life. The first suburb to be hit was Mayfield, on Wednesday, November 12, 1963, when one of eight fighter jets engaged in an exercise…

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