Eskbank House Museum received a gift of WW1 Postcards from the Front

14 June, 2022

The family of Sylvester and Mary Burrows has gifted Lithgow City Council’s Eskbank House Museum with a beautiful collection of WW1 postcards, and family photographs.

Lyn & Melanie Schlaeger travelled to Lithgow from Newcastle on Wednesday 8 June 2022 to hand over their Burrows/Senior Family album of postcards and photos into the care of the museum. The gift was received by Mayor Maree Statham, Volunteer Maggie Bent and acting museum co-ordinator Kay Shirt. Some of these postcards were featured in the Eskbank House Museum’s social media post for ANZAC day earlier in the year and others will be featured in a War themed museum display.

Sylvester and Mary Burrows’ short-lived romance is a poignant reminder of the experiences and hardships of the people at home and at the Front in the war era. Their story is an insight into the social history of Lithgow. Sylvester Francis Burrows’ name is included on the War Memorial at Queen Elizabeth II Park.

Mayor Maree Statham thanked Lynette and Melanie for their generous donation noting “This album of postcards and photos beautifully preserves a part of history which could have been lost to our community and we are proud to have it included in the Eskbank House Collection”.

“Eskbank House aims to increase community awareness of the history and heritage of the Lithgow LGA and donations such as this bring to life the stories of our community and ensure our history is not lost”. Said acting museum co-ordinator Kay Shirt.