Goulburn Evening Penny Post history travels down through the years

He carefully pulled out an October 25, 1920 centenary edition of the Goulburn Evening Penny Post from a drawer, reflecting on its significance to his family.

Mr Wilson's paternal grandfather, Norman, worked as a compositor and linotypist at The Post when the edition was published.

"It's a family heirloom," he said of the publication.

"We're very proud of it because we've been around Goulburn for six generations."

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The publication, commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the city's 'foundation', carried accounts of early exploration, settlement, church and other building construction, the Towrang Stockade, the famous Rossi dispute at Saint Saviour's Cathedral and a 'resident's reminiscences.' There were also 'interesting facts' about Goulburn 'then and now'; the city's population stood at 11,000 in contrast to 655 in 1841, and the jail housed 353 prisoners.

Inside, a small article appears on the "Penny Post's jubilee."

"It is not the habit of The Post to boast but on our 50^th birthday we may be pardoned for saying that from its first issue The Post has never looked back and each week sees its circulation increase," the article states.

The edition is filled with historic photos of Auburn Street and landmark buildings like Conolly's Mill and the Mechanics Institute.

Mr Wilson said his grandfather kept the publication that he helped produce. It was passed down to his father, Keith, a former Goulburn High School teacher, and then himself, who also taught at the institution.

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Norman James Wilson was born in Newtown in 1890 but his family moved to Goulburn when he was young and lived at 22 Auburn Street, on 'Wheatley's Hill.'

"He would have joined the newspaper straight out of school," Mr Wilson said.

"He didn't talk much about his days at The Post because he was more into music."

Norman was a bandmaster in the city's Municipal Band. He held the same role in the Australian Light Horse band and as such, did not have to enlist in World War One.

"He was a big man and he mainly played the trombone and euphonium. But he also played cornet and trumpet and performed in Lieder Theatre musicals," Mr Wilson said.

"I can remember him sitting at the kitchen table scoring music for different instruments. My father did it too."

Norman had married Ivy Tevelien in Goulburn in 1917. He worked at the newspaper until 1954 when the family left for Sydney. By this time he had twice won 'Freedom of the City' for his contribution to Lilac Time, an August 30 Post article stated.

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On his departure, Mayor Gerathy gave him a letter "under seal" thanking him for his contribution to the city's musical life and for his charitable work. In the early 1920s, like many others, he had helped build the Rocky Hill War Memorial.

"I greatly regret his departure and feel sure all aldermen will feel the same way," the Mayor said.

Norman worked as a linotypist for The Manly Daily for 10 years before the family returned to Goulburn. He retired at age 70 and died here in 1981.

Mr Wilson said he was proud of his grandfather and his association with the newspaper.

"I've always been a big fan of Goulburn and its rich history," he said.

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