Old book promoting history

• Members of the Scott’s New Country research committee Jeff Jennings and Peter Partridge discuss the book with History Society treasurer Rod Martin.

By Tony Scott,
September 08, 2021

The Dorset Tasmania History Society has received a windfall donation as the result of a historical history project.

The Scott’s New Country book was published in the 1980s, the result of the work of a committee of locals, who researched the North-East’s past.

One of the three chief researchers and writers, Jeff Jennings, said a major source of information were the files of the North-Eastern Advertiser, which he and others pored over for several weeks.

“It sold out really quickly when it first came out, so we reprinted in 1981 with a line across the front saying it was for the centenary of the North-East Agricultural and Pastoral Society.”

He said the book was put together in just six months with calls going out to residents to offer tips and information.

The leading researchers were all teachers, Phil Page, Eileen Hookway and Mr Jennings, who also called on high school students to help with some of the leg work.  

While it’s been out of print for some time now, it was reprinted several times and Mr Jennings estimates there were probably about 5000 copies published.

The book sold for about $15 and, while some other history projects received funding from the proceeds, surviving members of the committee decided the remainder should be given to the history society to continue its work.

That has resulted in a donation of $14,474.38.

Society treasurer Rod Martin said money could be used to advance preservation projects, maintaining and building on the library of 10,000 images and maybe initiatives like a Scottsdale history walk.

“We’d like to see some plaques installed on significant buildings or sites and include QR codes to provide visitors with more information about the area.”