Tracing Family Branches

Today's article involves my Grandfather Mervyn Donnelly and his brother Frederick Donnelly.  At the time of this article Mervyn would have been ten years old, while Fred would have been fourteen years old. Source: EMPIRE DAY IN THE DISTRICT. (1915, May 28). Lithgow Mercury (NSW : 1898 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218451071 Transcript: SWEET BRIAR, Wednesday. Empire Day was celebrated here by the parents and residents at the Sweet Briar Public School.  The celebrations were the most successful that have been held here for years past in spite of the unfavorable weather.  Very little time was taken up in speeches and songs, but a few words appropriate to the occasion were addressed to the children, who sang a couple of patriotic songs, etc., and cheered our Sovereign, and the gallant King of the Belgians.  The rest of the day was given over to picnicking.  A friendly game of cricket was played between visitors...

Today's article mentions my great grandparents John Joseph Donnelly, his wife Bridget Anastasia Donnelly (nee Lambert) and their son Mervyn Donnelly (my grandfather).  John Donnelly was the teacher at Fernleigh School at the time of this newspaper article. Source: EMPIRE DAY. (1923, May 31). Northern Star (Lismore, NSW : 1876 - 1954), , p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93431076 Transcript: EMPIRE DAY. FERNLEIGH CELEBRATIONS. Fernleigh was en fete on Empire Day.  Celebrations were held at the local school.  The weather was ideal, and Fernleigh school has to its credit the honour of holding the most successful picnic that has ever taken place locally.  Members of the Parents and Citizens Association and an enthusiastic gathering of parents, friends, and visitors were present. The mornings proceedings began by the forming of a hollow square round the flagpole by the school pupils (who were assembled by the teacher, Mr...