Rare family journal and scrapbook donated

A photograph from the Renwick family scrapbook

Local residents can now take a step back into life in Gosford in the early 1900s courtesy of a rare family journal and scrapbook donated to Gosford City Library

The journal and scrapbook details the lives, interests and community activities of the prominent Renwick family, featuring rare local photographs and letters dating as far back as the 1880s.

The journal focuses largely on the well-liked and well-known local personality, Reverend Arthur Renwick who was a Church of England minister in Gosford from 1907-1927.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said the generosity and historical significance of this anonymous donation provided rare insight into the early days of Gosford City.

“It is fantastic that the Renwick journal and family scrapbook will be preserved in our unique local research collection,” Cr McKinna said.

“These items also bring to life the personality of Reverend Renwick, who is depicted as having a sharp mind, impish wit and caring nature.

“He was highly regarded as being a fighter for the less fortunate members of the Gosford community.

“Arthur and his family were so loved, that when the Reverend died, the community raised money for the Renwick Memorial Cottage which once stood in Shortland Street, now part of Henry Parry Drive,” Cr McKinna said.

While Reverend Renwick died in 1927, his daughter Ruth compiled the scrapbook in the 1960s collecting many family letters, photographs, newspaper clippings and anecdotes.

This donation adds to the Gosford Library’s already impressive collection of original Renwick letters and historical material.

Gosford City Libraries welcome donations of historical material relating to local families and businesses.

Media release,
Sep 15, 2015
Gosford Council media