Hector and Sybil Holthouse collection

This item contains personal papers associated with Sybil Holthouse (nee Shiach):

• a certificate certifying Sybil Shiach as a member of the ''Chicks and buddies' pages' in the Woman's budget (magazine), 1933.
• a certificate certifying Sybil as a member of the Cammeray Circle of the Junior Red Cross Society (N.S.W. Division).
• a thank you letter to Sybil Shiach regarding a donation for a 'Bundle for Britain' fundraiser held for people on the home front in Britain, 1941.
• a certificate of merit awarded to Sybil Shiach in the 'Califig Child's Photo Contest 1941'. 
• a newspaper clipping about the efforts of Sybil Shiach and others in making camouflauge netting for the war effort.
• Sybil Shiach's 'School pupil's reduced fare permit' for Brisbane City Council public transport, 1946.
• a group certificate for the 1947 financial year when Sybil Shiach worked for the Newstead Wharves & St. Evedoring Company Pty. Ltd., 59 Newstead Terrace, Newstead, Brisbane.
• Sybil Shiach's clothing ration cards, 1947-1948.
• lead pencil sketch of Cloudlands, Brisbane, where Sybil Shiach made her debut, 6 August 1948.
• tea and butter ration card for Sybil Shiach, 1949.
• ephemera about events aboard Mc Ilwraith Mc Eacharn Ltd.'s M.V. Kanimbla which Sybil Shiach took to Freemantle in 1951.
• reference for Sybil Shiach from former employers Biggin & Ayrton (W.A.) Pty. Ltd. (wool brokers), Fremantle, 1954.
• Sybil Shiach's Australian Youth Hostels Association membership card, the inside containing stamps of different hostels visited during a trip to Europe, 1954.
• negatives of Sybil Shiach's trip to Europe about 1954?
• letter to Sybil Holthouse from a friend written on the souvenir menu used on the first Qantas jet flight to Sydney-Nandi-Honolulu-San Francisco-Vancouver in 1959.
• papers associated with the 'Girl in a million' beauty pageant Sybil Shiach judged in the late 1960s. Also included are slides of Sybil dressed as a judge.
• photographs of Sybil, Lionel Hogg and Christina Drinan at Christina Drinan's send off.
• photographs of Drena Abrahams, Chris Cormack, Pam Baker, Laurie Whitlock, Sybil Shiach, Marion Swann at a social gathering on Christmas Eve, Bowen Hills, 1968.
• miscellaneous material.

Further material can be found in Series 14, Scrapbooks.

This item contains a photograph album documenting Expo'88 activities by volunteers Sybil Holthouse and friend Gerre.

The photographs were taken by Sybil Holthouse and others, with Sybil featuring in some of the photographs.

It also contains other miscellaneous material such as:

• Sybil Holthouse's application to become an Expo'88 volunteer.
• a generic letter to volunteers with news and information about their duties.
• Sybil Holthouse's volunteer badge.
• a small stapled booklet of text titled 'World Expo 1988 - Brisbane : my contribution' by Sybil Holthouse.

The album has been rehoused. It contains colour photographs.

This item contains personal papers associated with Hector Holthouse, primarily correspondence, such as:

• letters about the development of the Stockman's Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre. Hector Holthouse was a foundation member.
• a certificate from the National Geographic Society. Hector Holthouse was elected a member of the society in 1975.
• a handwritten extract from 'You and your stars' by Edward Chatelherault about Hector Holthouse.
• a letter asking for a quote for early construction work on Sybil and Hector Holthouse's home on Bribie Island, 1959.
• transparencies of Hector in Toowoomba when a young boy.

The material was collected by Sybil and Hector Holthouse, some created by Hector Holthouse.

This item contains a comprehensive timeline of Hector Holthouse's life written by Sybil Holthouse shortly after the death of Hector Holthouse in 1991.

The timeline covers the period 1915-1984.

This item contains photographs and photographic postcards of William and Isabella Shiach's family:

• a portrait of Isabella Shiach.
• portraits of siblings Sybil Shiach, William Alan Shiach, James 'Jim' Thompson, Olive Shiach, Helena Shiach and Michelle 'Micky' Shiach and George Shiach.
• Sybil Shiach with her son James 'Jim' Thompson as a baby and on Poori Beach, Bengal.

The photographic postcards have not been used for correspondence.

The material was collected by William and Isabella Shiach's family.

This item contains photographs and photographic postcards of Richard and Lily Eddy's family:

• q photograph of Lily Williams 'Nana Eddy', Helena Eddy's mother.
• the grave of Nana Eddy, Adelaide.
• photographs of Helena Eddy such as portraits and photographs of Helena in a nurses' uniform outside the Keswick Military Hospital.
• a photograph of Rose Eddy as a young girl.
• 2 school class photographs of Rose Eddy at primary school.
• photographs of Anne Byrd in a thick coat out-and-about in 1932 and with her 6 week old baby, 1935.

The photographic postcards have not been used for correspondence.

The material was collected by Richard and Lily Eddy's family.

This item contains slides, photographs and negatives of George and Helena Shiach's family at home, on family outings and holidays:

• early photographs of Helena and George Shiach in Adelaide.
• photographs (some portraits) of Sybil Shiach and her siblings from babies to young children, some by themselves, often with their parents and/or siblings.
• Dick Shiach in his A.I.F. uniform.
• Sybil Shiach and her siblings growing up as children in Cairns.
• Sybil Shiach and her siblings as young adults in Newstead, Brisbane.
  • hand coloured portrait of Sybil as a young adult.
  • hand coloured and other photographs and portraits of Sybil Shiach on her debut at Cloudland, 1948.
• Sybil Shiach and her siblings as adults in Everton Park, Brisbane.
  • photographs of Sybil Shiach getting on her wedding day, 1976.
• photographs of Sybil and Hector Holthouse's extended family at Everton Park, Brisbane.

The material was collected by George and Helena Shiach's family.

This item contains a photograph album that mainly documents aspects of Sybil Shiach's life:

• family members including Sybil Shiach's mother Helena Shiach (nee Eddy) and father George Shiach.
• Sybil Shiach as a young child through to an older adult.
• Sybil Shiach engaged in a number of domestic and social activities.
• some photographs of Hector Holthouse.

Some of the photographs are loose and there is also miscellaneous material. Some photographs were taken by professional photographers. Photographs are in black and white, colour.

The album was compiled by Sybil Shiach, or her parents George and Helena Shiach.

This item contains a photograph album documenting Sybil Shiach's and Hector Holthouse's activities on Bribie Island:

• Hector and Sybil on their block of land on Bribie Island after purchase, and later working on their house there.
• Hector and Sybil Holthouse picnicking and socialising on Bribie Island.
• Bribie Island scenery.

The album was compiled by Sybil and/or Hector Holthouse. It contains black and white photographs.

This item contains a photograph album.

The album mainly documents Sybil Shiach's and Hector Holthouse's activities on Bribie Island:

• Bribie Island scenery and kangaroos.
• the construction of their home on Bribie Island, late 1959-1960.
• Sybil and others involved in various activities on Bribie Island.

There are also a small number of photographs taken at Sybil Shiach's parents home in Everton Park.

The album was compiled by Sybil and/or Hector Holthouse. It contains black and white photographs.

This item contains miscellaneous photographs documenting Sybil Holthouse's (nee Shiach) and Hector Holthouse's activities on Bribie Island:

• Hector and Sybil working on their Bribie home, or at their Bribie home, sometimes with others.
• Hector, Sybil and others at the beach.
• Bribie Island coastal scenery.

The images were compiled by Sybil and/or Hector Holthouse.

This item contains a photograph album mainly documenting Hector and Sybil Holthouse's trip to Cooktown in December 1964:

• scenery of the road and surrounding bush, including creek crossings, and at places such as Paronella Park, Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine.
• wildlife.
• Mrs Watson's grave and memorial (heroine of Lizard Island), a Palmer River store and the Mount Carbine Post Office.

The album contains an index at the front. Also included are some postcards, clippings and other miscellaneous material, generally not created by Hector Holthouse.

Most of the photographs were taken by Hector Holthouse. Some were taken by others with Hector Holthouse featuring in a small number of photographs. The photographs are in black and white, and colour.

The album was compiled by Hector and/or Sybil Holthouse.

This item contains a photograph album mainly documenting Hector and Sybil Holthouse's trip to Cooktown in April 1970 to see Queen Elizabeth II:

• Queen Elizabeth II unveiling a plaque on the exact spot where the Endeavour (Ship) was careened in 1770.
• Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Princess Anne interacting with roped off crowds.
• re-enactment of Captain Cook's landing involving Hopevale Mission Aboriginal Australians.
• Torres Strait Islanders in traditional dress who had travelled to the occasion by boat.
• Laura Pub.
• buildings in the ghost town of Ravenswood.
• memorial titled 'In memory of the man who blazed the track 1876'.
• Queensland Book Depot featuring hector Holthouse's book River of gold : the story of the Palmer River Gold Rush in their window, Adelaide Street, Brisbane.

Most of the photographs were taken by Hector Holthouse. Some were taken by others with Hector Holthouse featuring in a small number of photographs.

There is also a small amount of miscellaneous material not created by Hector Holthouse. The photographs are mainly in black and white.

The album was compiled by Hector and/or Sybil Holthouse.

This item contains a photograph album documenting Hector Holthouse's cruise from Cairns to the Thursday Island Region for centennial commemorations of the sinking of the Quetta (Ship).

Two commemorative services were held. The first was held at the Cathedral Church of All Souls and St. Bartholomew (Quetta Memorial), the second on the afterdeck of the lighthouse tender Cape Don (Ship) at the exact same spot and time the Quetta sank 100 years ago.

There are photographs in this item of the Quetta Memorial and the commemoration service held on the Cape Don. This part of the trip may have been research for an article about the centennial commemorations (see Item 89).

The cruise also visited a number of other places. Photographs depict scenery and features of: Cooktown; capes Bedford, Flattery and Melville; Rocky and Forbes islands; Stanley Island where the tour observed Aboriginal Australian rock paintings; and Albany Pass.

The cruise also went to Lizard Island where the tour group saw the remains of Mrs Watson's house and later observed Watson Island where Mrs Watson died. Mrs Mary Watson was the wife of fisherman Captain R. F. Watson. In September 1881 when Mary was on her own with her son and two Chinese servants on a fishing station on Lizard Island, the group was attacked by Aboriginal Australians. Mary, her son and one of the servants escaped to Number 5 Island, now known as Watson's Island, but subsequently died from dehydration. (Information taken from: Monument Australia website, viewed 27 June 2024).

Most of the photographs were taken by Hector Holthouse. Some were taken by others with Hector Holthouse featuring in a small number of photographs. The photographs are mainly in colour.

There is also a small amount of other material.

The album was compiled by Hector and/or Sybil Holthouse.

This item contains miscellaneous photographs and negatives taken during Hector and Sybil's holidays, which often doubled as research trips for their professional writing careers.

Most of the photographs were taken by Hector Holthouse. Some were taken by others with Hector Holthouse featuring in a small number of photographs. The photographs are undated, in black and white and colour, with black and white negatives.

The photographs were collected by Hector and/or Sybil Holthouse.

This item contains material associated with articles and short stories written by Sybil Holthouse (nee Shiach):

• included are letters and notes from Sybil Shiach and publishers about articles submitted for publication.
  • many articles were submitted for publication and accompany correspondence.
  • most of these articles are typed, some are the final copy, whereas others are drafts, many have editing.
  • notes about articles are also included.
• publishers include those for magazines and newspapers such as Australasian Post, Australian Post, New Idea, The Open Road, The Australian Woman's Weekly, The Sunday Mail, The Telegraph, Travelodger, Walkabout, Woman's Day, Woman's Weekly and Woman's World. The Australian Broadcasting Commission (A.B.C.) was also approached.
• a variety of pen names were used, with the most common being Suzanne Fisher. Other pen names included Jody Stuart, Sue Elgin, Susan Lee Shaw, Margaret Carter, Suzanne Carter, Suzanne Holt and Sybil Stuart.
• sometimes the same article was submitted to more than one publisher.
• for many articles correspondence indicates whether the article was accepted for publication.
• most of the articles were rejected for publication.
• articles accepted for publication include 'Looking back to earlier cup days' in Australian Post (magazine), "Town meets its past' (unknown) as well as 'Going back : a transformation after 23 years' and 'Grandmother Spotneck' in Women's Weekly.
• miscellaneous material such as photographs is also included.

The material was collected by Sybil Holthouse, some created by her.

This item contains material associated with articles written by Sybil Holthouse (nee Shiach) published by The Sunday Mail:

• included is correspondence between Sybil and The Sunday Mail.
• articles published include 'Jillaroo with a difference', ' That's Australia all over', 'Salt from 100 feet down', 'Ever tasted a bunya nut', image for an article on Natural Arch, 'A church for all people', 'Coral display is world's biggest' (includes correspondence about a cutting borrowed for the article), 'Heavy going for a lighthouse', 'Legend of the glasshouses' and 'The built-out lighthouse'.
• the article itself is included for all of the above except 'Heavy going for a lighthouse'.
• the penname used is Suzanne Fisher.
• there is also correspondence between fans of  'Ever tasted a bunya nut', ''Heavy going for a lighthouse', ''Legend of the glasshouses' and 'The built-out lighthouse'.

The material was collected by Sybil Holthouse, some created by her.

This item contains 1 address book and 3 notebooks used by Sybil Holthouse while working for The Telegraph (newspaper). One of the notebooks contains shorthand translations.

The material was created by Sybil Holthouse.

This item contains miscellaneous material associated with Sybil Holthouse's career as a journalist:

• slides of Sybil Holthouse leaving for work and adjusting the T.V. ready to view her first T.V program, 1963.
• newspaper articles and photographs for friend and fellow journalist Erica Parker's series 'Meet the chef', 1967.
• photograph of Sybil Holthouse and Erica Parker outside Queensland Newspapers, Bowen Hills, 1968.
• photographs used by Sybil Holthouse for articles on domestic kitchens when working for (newspaper), 1968?
• membership cards for Sybil Shiach for The Australian Journalists' Association, 1973-1984.
• correspondence and script for a play 'The case of the roaming rodents' written by Sybil Holthouse, 1989.
• small notebook containing notes and addresses.
• drafts for short story ideas written by Sybil Holthouse.
• miscellaneous material such as notes, correspondence and slides eg. slides of Sybil and Erica Parker at Lone Pine with the Opal family.

The material was collected by Sybil Holthouse, some created by her.

This photograph album contains photographs taken by Hector Holthouse then sold to newspapers and/or and magazines for use in their articles.

Most of the photographs feature animals. All of the photographs are black and white and undated.

This item contains proofs for the book Cannibal Cargoes... and South Seas.

The photographs are probably all reproductions of earlier images taken by others.

Cannibal cargoes : the story of the Australian blackbirders was first published in 1969.

This item contains research material and proofs for the book the Illustrated History of the Gold Coast.

The material is mainly photographs, with a small number of negatives. Some of the photographs are reproductions of earlier images taken by others.

Some material may also have been used for other projects.

The Illustrated History of the Gold Coast was published in 1982.

This item contains research material and proofs for the book the Illustrated History of Queensland.

Some of the photographs are reproductions of earlier images taken by others.

The Illustrated History of Queensland was published in 1978.

This item contains research material and proofs for the book the Illustrated history of the Sunshine Coast.

Some of the photographs are reproductions of earlier images taken by others.

Some material may also have been used for other projects.

The Illustrated history of the Sunshine Coast was published in 1982.

This item contains research material and proofs for the book River of Gold....

Some of the photographs are reproductions of earlier images taken by others and one photograph features Hector Holthouse.

River of Gold : the story of the Palmer River gold rush was first published in 1967.

This item contains family photographs used for research material and proofs for the book S'pose I die....

Most, if not all, of the photographs are reproductions of earlier images taken by others.

S'pose I die: the story of Evelyn Maunsell was first published in 1973.

This item contains proofs for the book Ships in the coral....

Most, if not all, of the photographs are reproductions of earlier images, drawings, by others. Some of the photographs are photographic postcards.

Ships in the coral : explorers, wrecks and traders of the northern Australian coast was first published in 1976.

This item contains proofs for the a book about Sir George Fisher and Mount Isa.

Some of the photographs are reproductions of earlier images taken by others.

This item contains miscellaneous slides (55 and 35 mm) and photographs used for research material and proofs for various articles and books.

Some of the images may have been reproductions of earlier images taken by others. Some images feature Hector Holthouse.

This item contains a thick red bound volume mainly containing correspondence and texts associated with articles for publication in various magazines. The correspondence is between Hector Holthouse and magazine staff, article texts were written by Hector Holthouse.

Each article was submitted to publishers, often to more than one, and many were published. The main publishers approached were the K.G. Murray Publishing Company as well as those for the magazines the Australasian Post, Pix (a John Fairfax Ltd. publication) and Walkabout.

The articles covered Queensland history and current events.

Many of the articles are listed below:

A-D: '£5000 in cash is just a gimmick', A bodgie can take it' (by Greg Holt), 'A grave for a whale', 'Aboriginal [Australian] woman saves ancient bora ring', 'Acres of 'bombs'', 'Ancient cocky still sprightly', 'Animals gather for tortoise egg laying', an article about Aboriginal Australians in frontier areas of Australia, 'Australia's sin city perished in flood', 'Australian assassin threat was best kept secret' (pen name Lee Holt), 'Baby possum was reared on bottle', 'Baby ringtails come to dinner', 'Baby Roo is camera shy', 'Baby swans silenced big guns', 'Basic forms have them guessing', 'Bluebeard of the Pacific : the whole South Seas was his harem', 'Brisbane's island in the sun' (pen name Martin Morland), 'Brought their plane home', 'Building boom banishes bears', 'Cats everywhere', 'Chinese Joss House lingers' 'Christie Palmerstone : buccaneer of the gold fields', 'Chuck us the soap, will you', 'Convict girls were gagged for church, any tree was a flogging post in Captain Logan's Brisbane', 'Crane crash cleared congestion', 'Crocodiles in city store' and 'Deserted huts of artist recluse'. 

E-I: an article about Fred Walker and his treatment of Aboriginal Australians, 'From pole to poll and back', 'Ghost has final fling', 'Girl eaters of Monoboola', 'Golden river of death', 'Hanged hero of the cattle duffers', 'His own lighthouse', 'Hospital for hurt birds', 'Hotel with a history', 'I can take it', 'Is she, or isn't she?', 'It was gold no oil that gave sign its name' and 'It's enough to make you spit',

J-N: 'Joss House worship returns to Brisbane', 'June means whales', 'Just love that mountain air', 'Kids hypnotise pet pig', 'Lifesavers must go', 'Maroochy cane fields', 'Maroochy's tears will water white man's playground', 'Mountain of gold still thriving', 'Migrant helps preserve Queensland history', 'Ned Kelly talks them out of their money', 'New life for Rican star' and 'Now there are three', 

O-S: 'Off-beat penguins', 'Old cemetery becomes playground', 'Old forts now fight off sea', 'Old gun won't get lost', 'Old house to have a new home', 'Old ship comes home', 'Old windmill sails sought', 'Penguins too, like the midday sun', 'Queensland's hoodoo ship ends on rocks', 'Radiators warm model in students' own school', 'Real roof garden', 'Roos keep the lawn down', 'Runaways from hell', 'Sand model will last two years', 'Sand-swept river has experts beaten', 'Sea may forge change in road', 'Seal likes to smell flowers', 'She's mother to one hundred snakes', 'Sheep in bank', 'Snake's like it hot' and 'Swagman brings business',

T-Z: 'The girl from Venus', 'The nightmare voyage of Lizzie Watson', an article about Queensland's Native Police, 'The ship that stayed ashore', 'The skull laughed last', 'The treacherous Tweed', 'The washing machine', 'The white lubra', an article about wild European women, 'They didn't like school', 'Tiny craft for ocean voyage', an article about a temple of a European priestess, 'Tree house in city suburb', 'Unusual lighthouse', 'Unwanted reminder', 'U.S. dollars make luxury playground of Australian swampland', 'Vanderbilt luxury yacht now Australian fishing boat', 'Vive la la', 'Watch it, he bites!', 'What's this growing in your garden?', an article about Aboriginal Australians being shot in Queensland's frontier war' and 'White king of the skull heaps'.

The material was compiled by Hector Holthouse.

This item contains a thin red bound volume mainly containing correspondence and texts associated with articles for publication in various magazines. The correspondence is between Hector Holt and magazine staff, article texts were written primarily by Hector Holthouse.

Each article was submitted to publishers, and many were published. The main publishers approached were those for the Sunday Mail, Walkabout, Australasian Post and Pix (a John Fairfax Ltd. publication) magazines.

The articles covered Queensland history and current events.

Articles include:

• 'Beef for a goldrush : Butcher Hill's colourful history'.
• 'City's fountains replace long-forgotten streams' with an accompanying newspaper clipping on the subject.
• 'Cooktown's other captain' .
• 'Coral cay of Capricorn'.
• 'Disastrous dream'.
• 'From Crocodiles to orchids'.
• 'Gold-finder's gibber'.
• 'Holiday islands of the Barrier Reef'.
• Mexico comes to Daydream' (pen name Lee Holt).
• 'Old Gympie's new goldmines'.
• 'Remembered in galvanised iron'.
• 'Train a racing croc' .
• 'Whitsunday's drowned mountains'.

This material was compiled by Hector Holthouse.

This item contains material about the Quetta (Ship), its sinking, and centennial commemorations for those lives lost:

• 'The story of R.M.S. Quetta 1881-1890' by Brian Foley, in issues 291-292 (April-May 1984) of a bulletin by a historical society in Cairns.
• handwritten notes titled 'The Quetta Cruise'.
• two brochures for two commemorative services for the Quetta held in 1990.
  • the first was held at the Cathedral Church of All Souls and St. Bartholomew.
  • the second on the afterdeck of the lighthouse tender Cape Don (Ship) at the exact same spot and time the Quetta sank 100 years ago.
• typed second draft of a speech by Angus Hamilton for the commemoration.
• mock-up of an article about the Quetta and its centenary service on the Cape Don in the Royal Historical Society of Queensland Bulletin, issue 530 (March 1990) as well as a photocopy of the mock up.

The material was collected by Hector Holthouse. The notes and article may have been written by him.

Photographs documenting these events can be found in Item 71.

This item contains miscellaneous correspondence and other material associated with various journalism and teaching opportunities provided to Hector Holthouse:

• an acceptance letter from the Queensland Department of Education's Technical Correspondence School (Brisbane) on Hector Holthouse's resignation as part time teacher of Freelance Journalism.
• letters about Hector Holthouse offering to write letters for magazines campaigning to make the killing of dolphins illegal.
• material about a part time lecturing position in the Journalism A course offered by the University of Queensland. Includes correspondence, proposed teaching material written by Hector Holthouse and the lecturing schedule for the course. Hector Holthouse declined the opportunity.
• a small amount of correspondence regarding articles, including correspondence and text for an article 'The first Queenslanders' published in The Courier Mail.
• miscellaneous material.

The material was collected by Hector Holthouse.

This item contains mainly professional correspondence associated with Hector Holthouse's career as a book author:

• correspondence from Hector Holthouse seeking permission to use other people's images in his books.
• Hector Holthouse book launches.
• requests from others to Hector Holthouse to use material, mainly images, from his books.
• correspondence regarding Hector Holthouse assisting Sir George Fisher with his memoir (for publication).
• correspondence and invitations inviting Hector Holthouse to official occasions eg. the opening of the Kathleen Emmerson Library.
• correspondence with and regarding Mrs Maunsell who believed Hector Holthouse had used material from her research in his book S'pose I die... without acknowledging her.
• correspondence between Hector Holthouse and John Orrell, reviewer of many of Hector Holthouse's books.
• miscellaneous material such as newspaper clippings, a breakdown of income and expenditure for the book S'pose I die... and Gympie Gold..., and a copy of Burge-Lopez & Craft Booksellers Catalogue no. 148 which mentions a number of Hector Holthouse's books.

The correspondence is associated with many of Hector Holthouse's books such as S'pose I die: the story of Evelyn Maunsell, Gympie Gold : a dramatic story of Queensland gold and an Illustrated History of Queensland.

This item contains mainly correspondence between Hector Holthouse and others regarding:

• fan mail from readers who enjoyed Hector Holthouse's books.
• correspondence from readers sharing reminiscences on topics in the book and/or seeking further information about topics in the book.
• correspondence between Hector Holthouse and others about topics that may have helped Hector Holthouse write his books.
• requests from people seeking advise from Hector Holthouse to help them with their own works they seek to publish, be it proof reading or publishing tips.
• many of the letters are of a personal nature, some related personal correspondence is included.

The correspondence associated with a number of Hector Holthouse's books such as S'pose I die, Gympie Gold : a dramatic story of Queensland gold and an Illustrated History of Queensland.

The correspondence appears to be largely about Hector Holthouse's books, but may also include articles written in his capacity as a freelance journalist.

This item contains papers associated with Hector Holthouse's book River of gold : the story of the Palmer River Gold Rush:

• correspondence is mainly between Hector Holthoudr and Angus and Robertson Publishers regarding a television film of River of Gold....
• unsigned option and license agreement for River of Gold... between Hector Holthouse, Bay Books Pty. Ltd. trading as Angus ad Robertson Publishers and Monrovia Pty. Ltd.
• list of estimated expenditure for River of Gold.. (first edition).
• correspondence with readers of River of Gold....
  • fan mail from readers who enjoyed the book.
  • correspondence with readers sharing reminiscences about topics in the book and/or requesting further information on topics in the book.
• correspondence between Hector Holthouse on topics that may have helped Hector Holthouse write his books.
• correspondence and article associated with the Palmer Historic Society's unveiling of a monument commemorating the pioneers of Maytown and the Palmer River Goldfields. The success of Hector Holthouse's book River of gold... led him to be asked to contribute an article for the Palmer Chronicle (a small paper the society was compiling to accompany the unveiling) as well as material for a time capsule organised by the society. The article was titled 'Bringing history to life'. The monument was unveiled in 1983.
• miscellaneous material including slides of the launch of 'River of Gold...'.

River of gold : the story of the Palmer River Gold Rush was first published by Angus and Robertson in 1967.

This item contains papers associated with Hector Holthouse's contribution to a chapter of the book Australia for the National Geographic Society:

• professional correspondence between Hector Holthouse and publishers for the National Geographic Magazine (and accompanying working proofs):
  • letters mainly containing critiques and suggested changes for the chapter and regarding payment.
  • working proofs, mostly with edits, of text for the chapter and of text for the captions that accompany the illustrations used in the chapter.
• a letter requiring Hector Holhouse's assistance with a different chapter in the book as well as a print out of a working manuscript of the text of Australia, chapters 1-4, 7-8.
• a small number of other letters about the chapter. 

Australia was written by Bruce Brander, Mary Ann Harrell, and Hector Holthouse. Hector Holthouse wrote chapter 5, titled 'Queensland: Gold in the hills and gold along the beach'. Australia was published by the National Geographic Society in 1968.

This item contains papers associated with Hector Holthouse's books Cyclone..., Cannibal Cargoes... and Ships in the Coral...: 

• professional correspondence mainly between Hector Holthouse and Angus & Robertson regarding the publication of Cyclone..., Cannibal cargoes and Ships in the coral... and revisions of Cyclone....
• memorandum of agreements between Hector Holthouse for the publication of 'Cyclone..., Cannibal cargoes and Ships in the coral....
• other material and professional correspondence eg. letters addressed to other potential publishers, letters regarding on the use of material in the books.
• list of expenditure for Cyclone..., and expenditure and earnings for Cannibal cargoes...
• cover proof for Ships in the coral....
• correspondence with readers of Cyclone..., Cannibal cargoes... and Ships in the coral...:
  • fan mail from readers who enjoyed the books.
  • correspondence with readers sharing reminiscences about topics in the book and/or requesting further information on topics in the book.
• correspondence between Hector Holthouse and others about topics that may have helped Hector Holthouse write his books.

Cyclone : a century of Australian cyclonic destruction, Cannibal cargoes : the story of the Australian blackbirders and Ships in the coral : explorers, wrecks and traders of the northern Australian coast were published by Angus & Robertson in 1986.

All three books had been previously published by other publishers.

This item contains material associated with Hector Holthouse's book Looking back : the first 150 years of Queensland schools:

• a signed agreement between Hector Holthouse and the Minister of Education and Cultural Activities for Hector Holthouse to write the book.
• letters about the project, concerning research for the project, and from fans who enjoyed the book.
• brief information about Drayton, Grandchester, Warick East and Cunningham Plains state schools from various plaques, information provided by the Queensland Women's Historical Association.
• a short history of Allumbah Village (now Yungaburra).
• a souvenir issue of Centenary Times, issued by the Department of Education Queensland, contained within the Courier Mail on April 7, 1975.

Looking back : the first 150 years of Queensland Schools was published by the Queensland Department of Education in 1975.

The year 1985 marked 100 years of state education in Queensland. The State Education Centenary Celebrations Committee was formed to develop plans for centenary celebrations. This included the commissioning of Hector Holthouse to write the book Looking back....  Celebrations culminated on 10 September 1975.

This item contains material associated with Hector Holthouse's book The Australian Geographic Book of Cape York:

• professional correspondence accompanied by working proofs:
  • most of the correspondence is to Hector Holthouse from different staff members of Australian Geographic (magazine) and its publishing consultant PIC.
  • correspondence often contains critiques and suggested changes of text for the book. 
• included is a copy of a memorandum of agreement between Hector Holthouse and Australian Geographic Pty. Ltd. for the book.
• included with the correspondence are annotated sections of text from the book, the annotations marking editorial changes.
• also included are various documents used by Hector Holthouse when researching for the book, most are also used as appendixes in the book.

The Australian Geographic Book of Cape York was published by Australian Geographic in 1991.

This item contains a working copy of Hector Holthouse's book Pages from the past : some historical records of the Holthouse family.

Pages from the past : some historical records of the Holthouse family was compiled by Hector Holthouse. It was published by Sybil Holthouse in 1992 following the death of Hector Holthouse in 1991.

This item contains publisher's proofs for the pictorial book North Queensland in colour by Hector Holthouse.

North Queensland in colour was published in 1970.

This item contains a scrapbook of newspaper clippings.

Mostly entire pages, or large sections of the newspaper have been included. These may hold examples of Sybil Holthouse's work. Many articles were in the social and women's business sections of the newspaper.

Newspaper articles are predominately about:

• social occasions such as dinners, parties and dances.
• family and family events such as Christmas and Father's Day.
• other events such as shows, fairs and beauty pageants.
• fashion.
• food.
• holiday destinations.
• children.
• women's and children's education.
• women's jobs.
• arts and crafts.
• health.
• sport.
• domestic life from the perspective of a liberated woman.
• charities and fundraising activities.

Most of the articles have no byline. Many have the byline Erica Parker.

Erica Parker (-1989) was a reporter and women's editor with The Telegraph (newspaper). She had a distinguished career and in the 1950s redrafted the boundaries for reporting on issues of significance to women readers. (Information taken from: The Telegraph, 2014, viewed 8 July 2024; Courier Mail, July 20, 1990.)

The scrapbook also contains a small amount of miscellaneous material such as drafts of newspaper articles.

The scrapbook was probably compiled by Sybil Shiach.

This item contains a scrapbook predominately of clippings, mainly from newspapers:

• clippings of articles written by Hector Holthouse, 1941-1974?
  • often historical or with a historical bent.
  • also current affairs, book reviews of other author's works, or about scientific topics.
  • byline H. Le. G. H. or H. L., H. Holthouse, H.L.H., Hector Holthouse or Lee Holt on most articles.
• clippings of reviews of many of Hector Holthouse's books, 1967-1988?: 
  • River of gold : the story of the Palmer River Gold Rush.
  • Cannibal cargoes : the story of the Australian blackbirders.
  • Up rode the squatter : the savage beginnings of Queensland's west.
  • North Queensland in colour.
  • Cyclone : a century of Australian cyclonic destruction.
  • Gold Coast in colour.
  • Gympie Gold : a dramatic story of Queensland gold.
  • S'pose I die: the story of Evelyn Maunsell.
  • Looking back : the first 150 years of Queensland schools.
  • Ships in the coral : explorers, wrecks and traders of the northern Australian coast.
  • Illustrated history of Queensland.
  • Illustrated history of the Sunshine Coast.
• book covers for:
  • River of gold : the story of the Palmer River Gold Rush.
  • S'pose I die: the story of Evelyn Maunsell.
  • White headhunter.
• clippings of articles by Sybil Holthouse, 1959-1975?
  • mainly about beauty pageants, education, sport, children, animals, art, holiday destinations, buildings, some historical, or with a historical bent.
  • under the byline Suzanne Fisher.

The scrapbook was probably compiled by Hector or Sybil Holthouse (nee Shiach), with some material created by them both.

This item contains a scrapbook predominately of correspondence and newspaper clippings relating to Sybil Holhouse's (nee Shiach's) career as a journalist:

• correspondence in the 1960s:
  • correspondence from Sybil about her lining up stories she intends to write.
  • correspondence to Sybil, or staff of The Telegraph (newspaper), from fans of her work.
  • correspondence about Sybil's career at The Telegraph and her resignation in 1969.
  • correspondence from an admirer in support of her professional achievements.
• newspaper clippings of articles, in the 1970s, such as those:
  • written by her friend and fellow journalist Erica Parker.
  • about a number of subjects including The Telegraph and its employees.
  • with historical, historically bent or current affairs subjects with the byline Suzanne Fisher of Sybil Holt.

Also included are a small number of drafts of her articles and other miscellaneous material.

The scrapbook was probably compiled by Sybil Holthouse (nee Shiach), with some material created by her.

This item contains a scrapbook mainly of newspaper clippings about weddings and babies.

Included is a clipping from The Women's Weekly about a 16 month long trip Sybil Shiach made to England and the continent.

The scrapbook was probably compiled by Sybil Holthouse (nee Shiach). It may  hold examples of Sybil Holthouse's work.

This item contains a scrapbook comprised of 3 smaller books and an artwork.

The first scrapbook mostly contains newspaper articles about ships and related subjects, with a small amount of material on other subjects such as weddings.

The second scrapbook contains:

• weddings invitations addressed to Sybil Shiach.
• a proficiency certificate from the Country Women's Association awarded to Sybil Shiach for the making of camouflage nets, 1943.
• postcards to Sybil Shiach from friends on holiday.
• an invitation to a garden party held at the Central State School fundraising for the school and the Red Cross, 1944.
• newspaper clippings mainly about weddings, engagements, social occasions and the achievements of women.
• a certificate from The St. John's Ambulance Association awarded to Sybil Shiach on the completion of a course on first aid, 1948.

The third scrapbook contains:

• newspaper clippings mainly of social occasions.
• invitations to Sybil Shiach to social occasions.
• ephemera from Sybil Shiach's journeys to Fremantle on Mc Ilwraith Mc Eacharn Ltd.'s M.V. Kanimbla and the Adelaide Steamship Company Ltd.'s M.V.Manoora.
• postcards to Sybil from friends on holiday.

There is also a coloured pencil sketch by Sybil titled 'Lydia' of a porcelain ornament.

The scrapbook was probably compiled by Sybil Holthouse (nee Shiach), with some material created by her.