The Dusty Box

From the 1870s onwards, Mrs Eliza Tracey was a serial litigant within the Western Australian courts. While she had occasional success, for the most part, she barely won a case. When her legal action failed, she took her grievances to the public. From 1899 until her death, she was known for her public lectures, most notably on The Esplanade. Her constant public speaking resulted in her becoming “Western Australia’s most publicly known woman.”Thanks for reading The Dusty Box! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Every city, they say, has its character, and Mrs Tracey beyond doubt filled that role as far as the city of Perth is concerned.Pledge Your SupportResearching and writing stories for The Dusty Box is a labour of love. Unfortunately, it can also be a costly labour of love. While I will always endeavour to have free stories available (history, after all, should be for everyone) if you have the means to do so, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. It’s $50 for a year - a bargain that equates to just over $4 a month (coffee isn’t even that cheap anymore!). To pledge your support, tap the button below. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedustybox.substack.com

On 13 February 1903, Solomon Lowns received a cylindrical package at the Yalgoo Post Office. Opening it unfortunately put him in the history books. Tune in to The Dusty Box podcast and listen to the story of Australia’s first postal bomb. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedustybox.substack.com

In this episode, I share with you the story of Western Australia’s first feature film, Down Under. Harry Southwell directed and starred in the film alongside Lynette Lawrence (Ivy Deakin).It was filmed at Laverton and in many places around Perth. Conditions for filming in Western Australia were considered perfect, and many people hoped that the film would spark a new industry in the state. Was Perth destined to become the new Hollywood?Thanks for reading The Dusty Box! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedustybox.substack.com

Thanks for reading The Dusty Box! Please subscribe to receive new posts and support my work.Read the full story of the convict poet here: https://thedustybox.substack.com/p/the-convict-poet This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedustybox.substack.com

Over the last few years, I have been encouraged to create a podcast, and while it has been at the back of my mind, I was often hindered by one thing: time. I research, write, and compile all the stories on The Dusty Box. I also have a day job. It ultimately means I am limited by how much I can physically do in the time that I have.In the lead-up to Christmas, I recorded this short podcast. My goal is to record longer stories, but while I endeavour to maintain balance, I cannot guarantee a regular schedule. I nevertheless hope you enjoy this story: Christmas in 1899. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedustybox.substack.com