What would be the most unusual source I have used, or
made a discovery by using ? Hmmm.
Newspapers aren’t an unusual source, but I think they are
often overlooked.
What is newsworthy today isn’t necessarily what was
newsworthy in the past. Our communities were smaller and different events were
of interest to our forebears who couldn’t just check their email o r smartphone
to stay up to date.
Local sports fixtures – who knew cricket competitions
between small towns was such a big thing when our nations were young,
and that the Davys brothers were regularly members of their local team. Baking
skills, vegetable and flower gardening, poultry too. Great grand uncle Thomas Vose
was a member of his local and national Poultry Club and frequently had his
White Leghorns competing in national egg-laying competitions. (I really must
watch that movie.)
Marriages and engagements were often reported with great
descriptions of what everyone wore and who the members of the bridal party
were, sometimes what gifts were given was included. Other celebrations such as silver
and golden wedding anniversaries, church gatherings,
recitals and plays were often reported. How many of your relatives played instruments or acted ? You might be surprised.
Local businesses, council meetings, court affairs, who
has been on holiday where, or who has come to visit, local and international
news, shipping arrivals and departures, weather, school grades and examination
results, accidents. It’s all there.
Birth notices, death and funeral notices might give you
an exact date without having to buy a certificate. Death notices too often personalise
those relatives we never knew, often listed by their nicknames or diminutives
rather than their full names we have from official sources. Some are listed as
Mrs so and so giving a clue to who they may have married, and often grandchildren’s
names are there too.
My elusive great great grandfather Julius was mentioned
in a death notice for one his apparent friends, a lodge was mentioned too. Was
that a clue that Julius was a Mason or a Druid ?
So they aren’t unusual, but they are a treasure trove
helping to build the character of those who are no longer here. Wouldn’t it be
great if todays news was a little richer too.
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