J is for ...A journal of a tour of discovery across the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, in the year 1813

 I've been researching my family history for over thirty years. Along this genealogy journey I have been supported by hundreds of books, many of which I have listed on my Librarything page. 

During the 2021 #AtoZChallenge I will be writing about two of my passions, books and family history. I'll be taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some of those books that have enriched my genealogy experience.

It didn't take me long to read this modest little book that contained the 1813 Journal of Gregory Blaxland, one of the trio of explorers who forged a way over the Blue Mountains to the west of Sydney.

 William Cox who later in that decade was commissioned in 1814 with supervising the building of a road over those Blue Mountains, employed one of my convict ancestors, James Westbrook, as a brickmaker on that project. Although he is not mentioned in Cox's journals Westbrook was granted, in 1818, a mitigation of his sentence for his work. 

When I was working on a project for my local FHG with this book .A journal of a tour of discovery across the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, in the year 1813 I took a break and read it. 

It was most interesting to me as it was a contemporaneous account and primary source that described the conditions of the area in which my ancestor later travelled. 

One can now purchase facsimile copies of the book from Sydney University Press. 

A Sentence a Day

While I was away my young geneablogging mate Caitie wrote about her new purchase the "A sentence a day" journal from Kikki K. I thought that I would like to have one and made a note to look for it on my return home.

The promotional blurb for this item says "Put pen to paper to complete a simple prompt each day of the year for three years. Without even noticing, you'll capture unique insights into your life, realise change and growth, and create a keepsake you can look back on for years to come.

A unique keepsake journal for yourself, and a gorgeous gift for any loved one."

Yesterday I parked my car in the section of the carpark that took me right past a Kikki K store so I looked in and there on the table with the sale items was a bundle of   "A sentence a day" books for 30% off. These sturdy little books are available in store or online for 17.47.

I don't know that I will write in my new book but I will use the prompts and try to write a sentence each day - surely I can manage to write at least that much!  I may record my sentences in Evernote or on a spreadsheet that I can merge with my diary but first I will have to remove the shrinkwrap from my purchase. 

Love a Society with a sense of humour...

How's this for a journal title?

Well done Coffs Harbour District Family History Society Inc.

Society Membership Bonus

As I was heading out the drive this afternoon the postie handed me the mail which included a large A4 size parcel that looked like a magazine.  I was disappointed that it wasn't the Inside History mag that I was expecting. On ripping off the wrapping I found a more traditional looking publication of 180 pages.

When I joined the Ku-ring-gai Historical Society I vaguely remember reading somewhere that they published a journal. What arrived today was The Historian, Volume 40 Number 1, of the official journal of the Ku-ring-gai Historical Society; it is certainly a handsome publication. I am most impressed that a copy of this publication is included in the $30 annual membership fee.

The 28 articles in the publication all appear to have a connection with the Municipality of Ku-ring gai, the area the society serves. I am one of a number of out of area members of the Society that I joined because of its good program, committed members and excellent research facilities. The content of the journal is not just of interest to those from the area but to anyone with an interest in Australian history or architecture. The articles include histories of some of the beautiful old homes from the area such as Moppity, Dent House and  Biorah; members including Janette Smith and Corona Adams have shared reminiscences and there are biographical pieces on prominent citizens and architects. All of these articles are enhanced by old photographs, drawings, maps and building plans.

It is a little disappointing to realise that such a high quality publication might have a fairly limited audience. I don't know about copyright restrictions on the articles in this journal but it would be lovely to see them reach a wider audience such as that of  the Inside History Magazine that I am waiting for. The journal would be a valuable resource in large or neighbouring library's collections.

Thanks to Ann Barry, President of the Society, and the journal publication group for the wonderful surprise that landed in my mailbox today. It will provide me with many hours of interesting reading.

Find My Ancestor: Posterity Treasures - Keeping a Journal

Some ideas for recording your memories for future generations

Find My Ancestor: Posterity Treasures - Keeping a Journal

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