The Burra History Group is proud to present a new book on the history of Burra titled, "Burra: A Photographic Journey". 

Compiled by Eric Fuss and Meredith Satchell, it has been a labour of love.  Eight years in the making, it has involved tireless research, collecting old photographs both from existing sources and the community and then having some photos which were showing sign of age, restored (by Brook Gerard).

Professor of Australian Studies at Deakin University in Victoria, David Walker wrote the foreword and officially launched the book on Jun 8th, 2009 at the Burra Town Hall.  He said::

At its peak in the 1850s Burra, in the dry mid-North of South Australia, was the largest copper producing region in the world.  Miners, managers and speculators poured in from all around the world, with Cornish miners predominating.  By 1851 the population had jumped to around 5,000.  Socially and culturally, Burra had joined the nineteenth century Cornish diaspora.  When the mines closed in 1877, the pastoral industry became the mainstay of the economy. For much of its history – from 1876 to 1977 - Burra had the great good fortune of having its own newspaper, documenting the life of the region and the comings and goings of the townspeople in work and leisure.

Burra's fascinating history is beautifully told in the text and photographs assembled by Eric Fuss and Meredith Satchell. No-one knows the historical record better than they do. The shifting fortunes of the town have been meticulously researched and charted. Churches and hotels, businesses and bridges, floods and droughts, along with the cycle of births, deaths and marriages are presented in wonderfully evocative photographs.  While the compilers have done the old town proud, their history tells a larger story of settlement, adaptation to a hard climate and historical change. Burra: A Photographic Journey is both a visual treat and a pleasure to read.

15 April, 2009

David Walker's family has strong ties to Burra dating from the 1870s, so the authors thought it was particularly relevant that David launch the book.

 

PURCHASING DETAILS

The book is A4 in size and is 246 pages, 64 of which are in colour. 

It can be purchased any day at the Burra Town Hall or ordered through the Burra History Group by sending a cheque to:

The Treasurer, The Burra History Group Inc.

6 Taylor Street

Burra, SA  5417  

Overseas enquiries, e-mail: John Fuss  jmfuss@bigpond.com or Meredith Satchell merrie@aapt.net.au

Cost:        Softcover $55, Hardcover $75

Shipping:  $10 within Australia.  If book is being shipped overseas, costs will be calculated when purchased.
 

 

"Burra: A Photographic Journey" was launched on June 8th, 2009 at the Burra Town Hall.  

Professor of Australian Studies at Deakin University in Victoria, David Walker officially launched the book. Regional Council of Goyder Mayor Peter Matthey also said a few words, as did the co-authors, Meredith Satchell and Eric Fuss.  The launch went of very well with about 90 people in attendance who enjoyed finger food and fine wine.

Professor David Walker addressing the crowd.


Eric Fuss and Meredith Satchell preview their new book, "Burra: A Photgraphic Journey"1.
Brook Gerard at the launch, with some of the photos he restored for the new book1.
Eric Fuss speaking at the launch watched by co-author Meredith Satchell, Professor David Walker and  Regional Council of Goyder Mayor Peter Mattey2.
Co-author Eric Fuss with Burra Library's Research Officer, Shirley Thamm2.

Regional Council of Goyder Mayor Peter Mattey with the book's co-authors: Burra History Group President Meredith Satchell and History Group Researcher Eric Fuss1.
Federal member for Grey, Rowen Ramsey and Burra Councillor, Peter Reilly at the official book launch1.
Hazel Poole, Lis Jones Ingram and Francis Walling, all of Burra, peruse the book2.
Former Burra resident Maryann Angel, now of Tanunda, with Burra residents Jan and Murray Tiver and Ron Shipard2.
 

1 Photos courtesy of The Mid North Broadcaster
2 Photos courtesy of Northern Argus