Author Archives: sarthure

Remember the dog tags?

Posted on June 11, 2014 by sarthure

I wrote a post last year about the dog tags that were found on Baker’s Flat. Since then, I’ve found out lots more about dog tags, mainly thanks to a 2005 book by Neil Ransom on the history of dog registration … Continue reading →

Posted in Baker's Flat, Cataloguing | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

On curing warts

Posted on May 2, 2014 by sarthure

I found a wart on my finger today. Not hideously disfiguring, but I’d rather it gone. And the first thought I had after I’d found it was, ‘It’s a pity I’m not home, I could go down to the jealous … Continue reading →

Posted in Around the world, Folk charms, Folk traditions, Ireland | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mystery metal man – could he be Charles Gavan Duffy?

Posted on March 20, 2014 by sarthure

A little while ago, I wrote about the small metal bust of an unknown man, found some years ago on Baker’s Flat. I had a theory it might be Gladstone. But now there’s another contender. One of the followers of this … Continue reading →

Posted in Baker's Flat, Cataloguing, Migration | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Keeping the traditions alive – St Brigid’s crosses

Posted on February 25, 2014 by sarthure

The month of February is associated with St Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints, and whose feast day is celebrated on 1 February. She was a contemporary of St Patrick, renowned for her holiness and goodness. One of the legends about … Continue reading →

Posted in Folk charms, Folk traditions, Folklore, Ireland, Migration | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Hawthorn (no, not the AFL team)

Posted on February 11, 2014 by sarthure

The hawthorn, also known as the may, whitethorn, and in Irish sceach gheal, is a significant sacred tree in Irish folklore. Known for its general protective powers, a hawthorn was often planted near houses to keep witches away. It was known … Continue reading →

Posted in Baker's Flat, Fairy trees, Flora, Folklore, Kapunda | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments