Unearthing History: A Ballarat Home's Centuries-Old Secrets
Billy Harraway-Jones, a resident of Ballarat, embarked on a fascinating project to research the history of his own family home. This endeavor led him to uncover intriguing details about courtship, marriage, and daily life on the Australian goldfields. He meticulously compiled the house's history using a combination of online databases and local council records.
Harraway-Jones's curiosity was sparked by the age of many houses in his Lydiard Street neighborhood, noting that numerous properties were over a century old. He initially believed William John Payne was the first owner of his home. However, his research soon revealed that the true first owner was Payne's father-in-law, Philip Williams, a Cornish immigrant. This discovery prompted him to delve into marriage certificates from Cornwall, ultimately connecting him to a rich family history spanning an impressive 17,000 kilometers.
Historian Linda Barraclough emphasized that even modest homes can have compelling histories, not requiring them to be grand or ancient.
Barraclough highlighted that the historical significance isn't exclusive to grand or ancient residences. She cited examples such as post-World War II worker housing in regions like Traralgon, Yallourn, and Newborough as places where compelling histories can also be found.
Navigating the Past: Essential Research Tools and Methods
Harraway-Jones's initial deep dive into the past began with Trove, an invaluable online database provided by the National Library of Australia. Trove indexes a vast array of Australian resources, including newspapers, government archives, library records, and museum documents. Barraclough lauded Trove as a "game changer" due to its searchable content, encompassing newspapers, maps, books, and photographs, making historical research accessible directly from home.
Another cornerstone of property research is its title history. This crucial information is available through state-specific services, such as Land Registry Services in NSW or Landata in Victoria. A comprehensive title history report provides essential details on past and current owners, sale dates, and mortgage information, laying a vital foundation for further investigation.
These foundational details can then be utilized to explore local council records. Digitized rates records, often accessible in local libraries, are particularly useful. These records can reveal important details like surnames, occupations, and whether the owner resided in the property or chose to rent it out.
Further enrichment of understanding past residents' lives can be achieved through engagement with local historical societies, clubs, and relevant social media groups. These communities often hold unique local knowledge and resources.
Uncovering Challenges and Profound Outcomes
During his research, Harraway-Jones encountered several challenges, including navigating multiple street number changes for his property over time. He successfully overcame this hurdle by cross-referencing information within council records. Despite these obstacles, he expressed strong confidence that similar research is entirely achievable for any old house in Australia, provided one approaches the task with diligence.
His dedicated research confirmed a poignant truth about his home's long existence: multiple individuals had both died and been born within its walls over its 146-year history.