Eraring's history remembered in new book

Who knew that monkeys formed such an integral part of Eraring's history?

Local historian Doug Saxon has done an extraordinary job in documenting the town's history in his new book called "Eraring's History - Farming, Monkeys and Electricity" (self-published and not-for-profit).

While most only know Eraring for its power station which was built in 1984, the town's history dates back to the 1830s and perhaps gained its greatest notoriety in the late 1920s when Dr Henry Leighton-Jones settled into town. The doctor had spent time in Paris studying medical grafting techniques and in 1930 he gained approval to import and keep monkeys on his Eraring property for experimental purposes.

I'm so thankful we have people like Doug who do so much to preserve the history of Lake Macquarie and our small towns.

The book is available from Rathmines Newsagency or you can email Doug directly at newsletterhjc@gmail.com.