The Balmain Association holds a variety of historical records at the Balmain Watch House. This page summarises the resources available for research on the history of Balmain, some of which is online here (eResources). Physical material, such as books and documents, is held at the…
One of the reasons Balmain was settled in the early days was the ready access to a copious supply of fresh water from small creeks, natural springs, and water holes. In fact, the early subdivision of Balmain (or Gilchrist Estate) was to ensure equitable access…
This rare structure from the late 19th century has been one of the subjects of examination recently by a Sub- Committee for Vernacular Architecture for the International Council on Monuments and Sites. The restoration from its derelict condition post 1990s when the owners purchased the…
Antique pictorial postcards provide a significant repository of historical images, often uniquely recorded. Besides offering a tantalising glimpse into the past, the human element captured in the fleeting messages preserved on the back imbues them with a charm all of their own. Here we have…
Ginger Meggs, “Australia’s favourite boy”, and his twin brother, Bluey, are the heroes in a 1925 silent movie, “Those Terrible Twins, Ginger Meggs and Bluey”, restored by the National Film and Sound Archive, and made freely available on YouTube. Aside from its entertainment value, the…
The forlorn fate of Balmain Town Hall’s long-lost cupola – a tale of the harsh economic realities of the Great Depression. Few know that Balmain Town Hall was once topped by a handsome cupola. It elevated the building to nearly twice its current height and,…