When I first began serious research into Hawkesbury history, I was intrigued by the number of ghost stories that appeared in the newspapers of the day. A number were collected and published in 1982 as Ghosts and Myths of the Hawkesbury I was surprised by the amount of interest this attracted as it was only ever intended as a 'fun thing'. A second edition was produced two years later to incorporate a number of stories kindly provided to me by readers of the first book.
Now, in 1994, I find myself the father of two secondary school students, who find history less than stimulating. This revised edition has been produced for their benefit in the hope that this somewhat unorthodox approach to Hawkesbury history might stimulate in them greater interest in our early heritage.
In this third edition of Ghosts and Myths of the Hawkesbury, I have changed the format somewhat to use wherever possible direct quotations from the newspapers. I feel this approach will give the reader a fuller appreciation of the original material, including different use of the language. As well, the prejudices of the times become more obvious, helping us realise the major changes in Australian society over the past century or so.
Where the legend strays too far from the truth, I have included additional notes in the interests of historical accuracy.
The purpose of this book is to both entertain and, hopefully, to induce those, who might not otherwise have an interest in local history, to read further. The history of the Hawkesbury is full of fascinating people and events. I hope that you can learn from and enjoy it as much as I do.
I offer my thanks to the publishers of the Hawkesbury Gazette for permission to reproduce the material from their newspaper.
Rex Stubbs.
This work is dedicated to the next generation.
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