Dollypot, Greenhide and Spindrift:
a journal of bush history
Vol 2. No. 4
LONELY GRAVES
by Yvonne Coate.
We have been recording Western Australian history from the perspective of Lonely Graves for over 25 years, and Hesperian Press has published three books (so far) - Lonely Graves of Western Australia & Burials at Sea - More Lonely Graves of Western Australia - and Western Australian Burial Location Index. This project is a most important addition to the State's historical records - and part of our heritage which should be preserved where possible and recorded for posterity. These books tell of women and children, explorers, overlanders, pastoralists, stockmen, drovers, miners, prospectors, shipping losses and pearling casualties. Each grave not only marks the end of the road for someone, but provides a landmark in the country's history and development.
DETAILS REQUIRED: Full Names - Date & Place of Birth/Death/Marriage - Full Names of Parents/Wife/Children - Cause of Death - Occupation - Co-ordinates and a Photograph where possible - and any other known information or part thereof. A description of the monument in whatever shape or form is also of interest - whether marble, local stone, galvanised tin, wrought iron or wooden - and wording of the inscription and whether it is professionally done, hand carved, punched in nail holes, or hand painted. Should there be an enclosure protecting the grave/s, is it - wooden, stone, ornate wrought iron, fencing wire, surrounded with sapplings or white pebbles? Repairing, marking and identifying a lonely grave, is regarded as part of the history of that grave - and we would appreciate 'before and after' photographs, restorer's name/s and date of same.
INFORMATION OF INTEREST TO: Genealogists, historical societies, social and local authors, shire offices, libraries, museums, mining companies and prospectors, police, tourists and researchers from other states. Anyone seeking information on a grave or wishing to further their project is more than welcome to contact me.
We are keen to see others take up the challenge of cataloguing and recording 'lonely graves' in other parts of Australia. For instance, has anyone considered doing like-wise in Queensland or even North Queensland? Before starting our project, if we had known what we know now, we could have saved ourselves much work and time. Our gained expertise is only a phone call (or email) away, should anyone (or interested group) wish to take up the challenge. Please don't hesitate to phone (08) 9455 2058.
FINIS
