A brief history of Canberra, 1921-44

Component identifier:

Series 6

Content Summary:

In 1927 Watson, who had recently moved to Canberra, completed a book entitled A brief history of Canberra: the capital city of Australia. It was published in a limited edition by the Federal Capital Press and is believed to be the first book published in the ACT. The history began with the Aborigines of the Limestone Plains and the arrival of Charles Throsby in 1820 and ended with the opening of the Federal Parliament in Canberra in 1927.

The series contains manuscript and typescript drafts, printed items and correspondence concerning Watson's research, distribution of the book, appreciation by readers and the disposal of spare copies. The correspondents include F.H. Throsby, Audrey Mowle, Thomas White, F. Strahan, H.E. Jones and Alec Ogg.

NOTE: Further papers on Canberra may be found in Series 10.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The original consignment of Papers of Frederick Watson were purchased from his daughter Pauline Watson in 1989. Further papers were donated by his granddaughter, Patricia Ritter, in 2018.

Contents

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