Following on from my blog of last week (07.01.2017) entitled ‘Closure and Closure’ I have reached a compromise with the aid of the good folks at WordPress and am happy to relate that my website ‘Moreton Bay History’ (www.moretonbayhistory.com) will continue as before. I’ll keep on blogging, too, but probably not on a regular Saturday morning basis as I have been doing, because I am still resolved to pursue the writing of ‘the novel’.
Also, looking at the image I published last week of myself at the typewriter in 1970 reminds me of my muse at that time: my new brother in law, Patrick Vaughan, who wrote under the name of Bill Cody.
Cody was a gifted writer with a wonderful grasp of words that were able to capture the personalities and events of his life in the Irish countryside. That’s his window on the upper floor of the Vaughan’s house at Dromagh. From here he could look out over the schoolyard next door and across the green fields that surrounded his house.
Regrettably many of his works were lost when they went missing after his death in 1986. However, the Irish Government did honour his memory when they erected this plaque in the fence outside his home:
It reads:
Birthplace of Patrick Vaughan “Bill Cody” Poet and Playwright
Born 1926 – died 1986
Moreton Bay History 
Glad you will still be “on the air”.
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I just can’t help myself, Nancy.
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Peter, not strictly Moreton Bay, really Moreton Bay Colony, but have you any info on the alleged pygmies near Kilcoy? Willie McKenzie (Gaiarbau) was intervieved by L.P. Winterbotham in the 1950s and related that his father knew them as real people. Gerry Langevad transcribed the notes so apparently believed the interview. Archibald Meston was allegedly responsible for bringing them in to Durundur Aboriginal Reserve which lasted from 1877-1885, and then moved them to Fraser Island and Cherbourg Reserves. I`m chasing both Kilcoy and Woodford Historical Societies to see if any locals know of evidence supporting their existence. I don`t expect photos like anthropologist Tindale took of the tribes near Cairns, but even bones might confirm if adult skeletons were found. Any clues from you?
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Maybe it belongs with your historical fiction? 🙂
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An interesting history to follow up on, Ross. Unfortunately I have nothing I can add.
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Hello – I am trying to make contact with Pam Horstman one of the contributors. Is it possible to do so through this site. I have not communicated with her for 20 years but as an Elphinston(e) herself she would hopefully replly if she could be made aware of my request.
Hoping you can help.
Regards
John
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Hello Mr Ludlow. I know you don’t know me but we are technically related. My grandfather John and your wife’s dad Patrick were brothers. My grandparents emigrated to the US in the mid 20’s and all their kids were born stateside. From what I understand from my uncle Keith is your wife’s 1st cousin) making your wife and myself 1st cousins twice removed. I have no idea how they figure that but I am going with it! I did get the opportunity to meet your wife’s sister Kathleen in Banteer. Unfortunately it was an unannounced call and her husband Mick was in the hospital I did not have the chance to meet him. But I did have a few questions. Do you know what year the picture of the house is from. Was the house in this picture in the family before you wife’s parents lived there. The Vaughan or Archdeacon family? My sister has a massive family tree on ancestry if anyone in the family is interested I am sure she would love to share or possibly garner any info on family members. I know it is a lot to sink in but everything I said here are facts. If anyone does speak with Kathleen please give her my regards and hoping Mick is well. I did try sending her a letter I never received a response so I am not sure if she did get it or not. Tell her it was the American that knocked on her door in September of 2016 that had the Vaughan family crest tattooed on his arm! She will confirm my identity if need be. Feel free to email if you like. I had to leave add it to send this comment. That being said I hope you and your wife and families are well. TY for your time and any info you can fill in is appreciated.
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Oh I forgot! I have a picture of Kathleen and myself and a picture of me standing next to the plaque by the Dromagh school. Also visited the gave at the Old Drumtarif Cemetery.
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John, we would love to see the pictures of yourself with Kathleen and at the school and cemetery. Can you email them to Phyllis or my email addresses?
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When I get home later I will get them together and email to this address. If you give me Phyllis’ I will cc her. These pics were from Sept of 2016.
Sent from TypeApp
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Apologies for not replying sooner to your welcome comments, John. Phyllis and I have been babysitting in Melbourne. (It was very cold). I photographed the Vaughan house at Dromagh, Mallow on my first visit there in 1970. Cannot tell you if it was in Phyllis’ parents family before they lived there. Now that I have your email, John, I’ll reply further from there.
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