And All So Far From Home....

Meekatharra Photos

Early view of Meekatharra Main Street - before the telegraph lines and poles were erected.

MASON's OF ABBOTTS

Edwin Isaac Mason and his wife May Elizabeth Collins.  Edwin was a miner at the Abbotts Gold Mine north of Meekatharra.  On a visit to Perth he met May Collins who had just arrived off a ship from England, they immediately clicked and got married straight away in 1897. Edwin had to return to Abbotts and May followed shortly after travelling by Cobb & Co coach, a long and arduous trip.   Mary was only the second white woman to arrive on the Abbotts Goldfields. Their first son born at Abbotts 1898 -Hamblin Edward Mason eventually migrated to America and at the age of 75 returned to Meekatharra in 1973 and he brought with him his mothers photograph album. These Meekatharra pictures were given to me by Hamblin Mason in 1973. In about 1910 the Mason Family moved from Abbotts to Meekatharra where May opened a draper shop. I would really like to find out more about this family if anyone can help.

The afternoon shift at the Abbotts Gold Mine 1896

The first car doing the Meekatharra Bar Mail run about 1918.  The driver was Jim Campbell - the Meekatharra Mail run to Marble Bar was the longest run in the world

The first car in Meekatharra owned by Arthur Spencer with his wife and family.

A great picture - what characters.  I was told that this was Mr Tovey a photographer at Meekatharra and a friend - anyone who can give more info about Mr Tovey would be great.