Northcote’s ‘Carnegie Library’
by In 1911, an American philanthropist gifted a library to Melbourne. Northcote’s ‘Carnegie Library’ still stands on High Street, and is now used as council offices.
The Centennial Light: The Lightbulb Burning for 100 Years
In a firehouse in small town California, is a lightbulb that has burned for 100 years. Known as The Centennial Light, its inventor was a French electronics genius.
Underground History: The Degraves Street Subway
The Degraves Street Subway is a thirty metre underpass, connecting Flinders Street to Flinders Street Station, with a long and surprising history.
The US National Raisin Reserve
For 70 years, the US government maintained a National Raisin Reserve. It was only ended by Supreme Court intervention.
Hotel Hell: A History of The Gatwick
From upmarket apartments, to a low budget boarding house, and back again: this is the story of The Gatwick Hotel.
Ball’s Pyramid and the Lost Continent of Zealand
Ball’s Pyramid is a tooth shaped rock off the east coast of Australia. It is part of a submerged continent, and home to the world’s rarest insect.
7 Words That Originated in Movies
The cultural reach of movies is enormous. Sometimes they even impact the language; here are 7 words that originated in movies.
Plane Crash on Mount Dandenong
In October 1938, a plane crash on Mount Dandenong became Australia’s first major air disaster. The aftermath would change aviation in this country.
The Australian Government Buys a Jackson Pollock
When the Australian National Gallery spent $1 million on Jackson Pollock’s ‘Blue Poles’ in 1973, controversy erupted. It now looks like a bargain.
10 Things Invented Earlier Than You Think
Everyday objects often have remarkable histories. Here are 10 common items, that were invented earlier than you think.