Books, libraries, history…

When I was a small eight-year-old living in a flat in Macquarie Street, Sydney, just opposite was one of my playgrounds—the Mitchell Library. I’d wheel my small pram with doll to the reception desk and then walk around in the huge domed reading room, filled with silence as well as shelves upon shelves of books.

Years later I started researching both my Father’s and Mother’s families through the Balmain Association
(formed in 1965). Years later I became the Coordinator of the Friends of the State Library of South Australia.

Moving to New Farm in 1994 I was surprised and delighted to discover the New Farm Historical Society.

My limited records show that I became a member shortly after settling in to New Farm, then a Committee member, Vice President (in 1994) and President for a short time. From 1994, due to enthusiastic Committee Members, presentations by eminent guest speakers were organised, the first Newsletter was printed and Historical Walks around New Farm started.

Happy Anniversary, from Virginia Balmain

NB: If you have any information about Asst Surgeon William Balmain, (arr 1788), John Balmain (teacher, arr 1837) or William Macleod (artist and managing director of The Bulletin, arr 1856), please email Virginia

Scroll to Top