Convict Artisans in Exile: Colony’s crafty criminals
A new exhibition shines a spotlight on the incredible, and usually unsung, talents of our convict artisans whose valuable skills helped forge a new society.
Today In History
How Sydney sisters changed the Aussie film industry
Three Sydney sisters who had no training in film production made a silent film so well received in 1926, they turned a corner of Sydney’s inner west into our version of Hollywood.
Last man executed in NSW
John Kelly was sent to the gallows in 1939 for murder, a decision his father labelled as “class justice”, claiming his son would have lived if the murder victim wasn’t from a prominent family.
How Sydney model was acquitted of lover’s murder
It had sex and crime … little wonder 1950s Sydney was fascinated by the trial of model Shirley Beiger, accused of shooting dead her lover outside a popular Sydney nightclub.
More Stories
Diving ‘child wonder’ kept tragedy to himself
From childhood Arthur O’Connor was fearless on the high-diving board but a traumatic family loss was something he rarely spoke about.
Why Maccas catered Aussie menu to local tastes
While many derided the fast food chain for Americanising our food, the original McDonald’s menu was designed to please local palates.
Brazen attempt to rob gravediggers’ pay at cemetery
As gravediggers toiled in the mud to exhume the bodies of American servicemen killed during World War II for relocation to the US, a brazen robbery was being plotted.
Truth behind colonial naming of Manly
The real meaning of this beachside suburb’s name is often misinterpreted but can be dated back to when Governor Arthur Phillip arrived to Australia in 1788.
Sad truth behind legend of star soprano’s no show
Few realised what was really going on behind the scenes the night a brave young chorus girl stepped up to save the night for Sydney opera fans.
Tricks our first magicians played on the entire world
From the Great Levante to Murray the Escapologist and The Amazing Mr Rooklyn, Australia has a daring history of magicians who entranced and entertained.
Mystery still remains over Richmond Base tragedy
Eight young, brave and dedicated family men lost their lives just minutes into a routine flight in 1959. And to this day, there is no conclusive cause of the crash.
Honouring our ‘get on with it’ women of service
Dispensing cakes and cracking codes, the Wasbies and the Garage Girls went to war for Australia. Now two new books are shining a light on their stories.
Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/today-in-history/page/3