Rookwood Cemetery Discoveries

 In the midst of National Refugee Week it seems only fitting to honour one of the many thousands of refugees who have come to Australia aiming for a better life for themselves and their families.  As it's also winter and one's mind turns to food, sweet treats involving chocolate abound. So today's blog honours a chocolatier who, many Sydneysiders in particular, would remember fondly. WLADYSLAW (WALTER) PULKOWNIK Wladyslaw, or Walter as he liked to be named, was born in September 1909 in Pogranichnaya, Manchuria, one of six children. His father was a baker from Lithuania and both  parents were Polish, migrating to China in 1900. Wladyslaw (Walter) Pulkownik surrounded by his creations - from "Unification" article with thanks Ivan was well known in Harbin for his pastries etc. and young Walter left school at the age of 14 to take up an apprenticeship as a pastrycook in his father's factory learning how to bake bread, make cakes and chocolate. In February 1931 he...

 Many people have been cremated at the Italianate style but very art-deco inspired Rookwood Crematorium since its earliest beginnings in 1925.  One such man is the subject of today's blog. A man who led a rather exciting life in the early days of flight in the country. WILLIAM EWART HART William was born on 20 April 1885 in nearby Parramatta NSW, the third of nine children of William Hart, timber merchant, and his wife Maria Alice, who were both born in that city. Educated locally, William was apprenticed to a dentist at the age of sixteen and registered as one on 26 June 1906. He practised at West Wyalong, Newcastle and Sydney. William Ewart Hart in his bi-plane - National Library of Australia Mechanically minded, Hart was interested in aviation. In September 1911, he bought a Bristol, Box-kite from Joseph Hammond, who was touring Australia as a demonstration pilot for the British & Colonial Aeroplane Co. Ltd. William received some tuition from Hammond's mechanic and firs...