Australian History

[Magilla]

Yep, he's the guy. Undefeated middleweight boxer Larry Foley, considered the father of Australian boxing. Also considered to be the subject of the saying "happy as Larry" as stated above. Sad that very few Aussies would ever had heard of him.

Your turn GT.

 

[goldtruck59]

Thanks Magilla.

Question

I came from Europe like many other gold seekers in the 1850's. I never struck it rich and failed.
My skill however as a sculptor in gold and silver was to become illustrious.

 

[DrDuck]

There are plenty who fit the general clues, and I might need some further hints.

Was it Thomas Stokes?

 

[goldtruck59]

No Doc it wasn't he.

I met my future business partner on the ship to Australia. After we both went broke on the goldfields we set up our new business in George street.

 

[DrDuck]

Hmm, Was it John Walker or his partner Timothy Tilson Jones? They were partners in George St at about the right time, but I don't have a record of them being on the diggings.

 

[DrDuck]

Think I've got it, was it Julius Hogarth, who arrived in 1852 with Conrad Erichsen? After an unsuccessful stint in the goldfields they set up as silversmiths and jewellers in Sydney.

 

[goldtruck59]

I knew the George st clue would give it away. I will try and make it a little tougher next time doc. You are too good. How was the trip to see the motherinlawasaurus hehe , mine is a motherinlawtyrantasauarusrex

He was famous for his silver and gold statues of Gold Diggers, Australian Fauna and Flora depictions and medals. He had many exhibitions at museums etc in the day.
He was robbed went bankrupt a few times also. Times haven't changed have they !!!!!
I wonder if any of his gold digger statues survive today would be cool to see them. He died on Xmas eve 1879. Long time past.

Over to you mate.

 

[PabloP]

You blokes are just amazing. I continue to learn lots from this thread.

Rob.

 

[DrDuck]

Actually, I was overthinking it, GT. I thought that your first clue about him being a sculptor was deliberately deceptive, and I'd be looking for a silver/gold smith. Problem was, there were many of those around the right period. Then I thought I'd check the literal clue, and that did the trick. George st did help though. Would not mind having a few of his pieces these days, very collectable,

Back with a question a bit later.

 

[DrDuck]

In the second half of the 18th century I had a vision that has subsequently been interpreted to be consistent with a phenomenon much discussed in the decades following WW2. If interpretations are correct, it was the first observation of this in Australia.

 

[goldtruck59]

Not many phenomenon's I can think of Doc.
Without starting the google investigations Ill take a punt and say the filling of lake Eyre / great artesian basin?

Are we looking for a vision the person had in the late 1700's figuratively or actually? Or the person that had the vision or actually saw and predicted the phenomenon that came to light after WW2?
Bit confused.
Im off to the chows for a bit of chilli calamari and a few Heinekens. See how its going later.

 

[PabloP]

Fred Birmingham, UFO siting in 1868.

Rob P.

 

[goldtruck59]

Hey Pablo the Doc said the 18th century which is the 1700's. That's whats making it difficult. Anyway Im definitely off to the chows now !!!!!

 

[PabloP]

Thanks, 1700's, that makes it real tough.

Rob.

 

[Mackka]

What on earth is the "chows"?
Mackka

 

[PabloP]

Chow, tucker, eats.

Rob.

 

[DrDuck]

Hey, Pablo get it, it was Birmingham, and his vision is regarded by some as the first Australian account of a UFO encounter. It seems to me more likely that it was a psychotic episode, having read the account.

Very sorry that the 18th century reference was a typo, it should have been 19th C. Still, Pablo did a great job working out the other bits of the question!

Here is a full account from a believer:

http://www.project1947.com/forum/bcausenc.htm

 

[PabloP]

I must have had a vision Dr Duck. Nah, just Googling a couple of questions gave that as a possible, but the 18th century likely put others off the chase.

I had another question based on a book that I have and had to change it, due to a Google search coming up with a different answer for the topic. Close but no cigar. I haven't google tested the following one, so have at it.

There is a group of people who belong to a rather strange club of survivors, that I believe started in England. One Australian member of the club nearly didn't become a member, but did make it and later in life wrote a book about the experience.

What was the Club Name and who was the person.

Rob.

 

[DrDuck]

That's a good question, first thought was the explorer's club, but I don't think that really fits. Have to do some research.

 

[cairnspom]

was it the caterpillar club?