The Diary of Harry Stanmore is the first publication by the Lawrence Historical Society Inc. and was officially launched on October 13 at Lawrence Museum, following the AGM.

This book relates fascinating details of the voyage from Plymouth, England to Sydney, Australia in 1882 by Harry and his new bride Mary. The original diary, handwritten by Harry, describes the journey of a young couple to a new land with the highs and lows of a long sea voyage, during the final decades of the Victorian period. The book includes sketches, and reveals Harry’s personality as curious, willing and compassionate.

Grandsons of Harry Stanmore, Roger Reeves and Robert Stanmore, attended the launch, along with their wives, Dulcie Reeves and Lyn Stanmore. Roger is the custodian of the original diary.

The publication was introduced by Lawrence Historical Society member Peter Jones, who managed the grant funding from the Royal Australian Historical Society and took on the task of publishing the book.

Dulcie Reeves provided the transcript from the original book.

Similar to the other books in the series, this one follows the theme of providing an insight to the social history of the time. The Lawrence Historical Society is very enthusiastic about this book and others in this ambitious project.

The Diary of Harry Stanmore is priced at $15 and can be purchased by contacting the Lawrence Museum on 6647 7588.

Roz Jones