Saturday, April 25, 2009

Following Grandfather's footsteps - Part 1

This photograph appears in the 1905 Yearbook of Rhodes scholars held at Rhodes House in Oxford. After a few false starts stumbling over my accent, the porters at the door became a little curious when I mentioned that I was after records of my grandfather. They eventully found the entry with his details - under Rogers not Halse - and photocopied it. Of course, Rhodes House was only built in the 20s, well after his visit but the gardens were gorgeous and the building impressive - now also housing the Mandela Trust.
One porter led me to an office near the garden where a helpful Kiwi dragged out the relevant volume. Percy should have provided a current photo for inclusion but had obviously settled on this "after" one. Many of his classmates had provided youthful "before" portraits as well as their middle aged ones so we must see if we can dig up one as well.
Records are few of these early scholars- he was only the second from NSW - and we were told they did not even know the first names of some of them. They might be interested in the diary he kept of his 3 year stay at Oxford. I will have to see if his other grandson can help out.
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1 comment:

Rose Vines said...

I'd think they'd be very interested in his diary. As would I! I'd love to see it.

Thanks for digging up some family history, Rob.

xx Rose