Articles

The Library's unique collections are a treasure chest of unusual, interesting and sometimes surprising material just waiting to be found. This anthology, written by the Editor, is based on an eclectic selection of our archive. The author asserts her copyright on all material on the Priaulx Library website except where copyright of other authors is expressly notified. Permission to reproduce material from this website and full attribution to the author is required in all cases.

20th century

Children don't need shoes: saving money with Dr. Bishop

Detail from Singleton photograph of 1870 in Priaulx Library Collection

During the First War money and food was short amongst many islanders. The Medical Officer of Health delivered his report on the state of the Island's health for 1915 in September of 1916. In it he suggests an way for the poorer classes to save. The detail is from a photograph by Singleton, 'Rocquaine, 1870' in the Library Collection.

May 1945 - The last days : extracts from the Reverend Ord's Occupation Diary

The Library is very pleased to hold a copy of this precious record of the Island's most difficult time. At the end of the Diary the Reverend Ord muses on the nature of the relationship of the Islanders with their German occupiers and thanks God for His mercy.

Elizabeth College Cricket XI, 1913

Four of these boys died in the First War. Photograph from the Library Collection.

Walter Ollivier: They used to swallow the gunpowder

Walter Ollivier in 1957, Priaulx Library Collection

Ollivier the gunsmith, by Bernard Brett, from The Star November 1947. The business at 1, Tower Hill, was begun by his great-great grandfather in 1800.

Seasoned Troopers: Lois Wright and Albert Inder

From the Channel Islands Monthly Review, published by the Stockport and District Channel Islands Society, in the Library Collection.

Lost things: St Magloire

From The Star, March 27th, 1915.

42, Fountain Street

From the Evening Press, Friday, January 22, 1943. 'History Hidden in an attic storeroom: Quaint old business house in heart of St Peter Port.' Now Bella Delicatessen.

Local recruiting, January 1915

From The Star, January 6th 1915. The number of men enlisted in this Island since August 4th, 1914, is 338. Ninety-six have joined the Regular Army and 242 have enlisted in the New Army.

Enlistments: November 28th 1916

From The Star.The following have enlisted in the Guernsey Service Company:

Roll of honour: the last hours of Rifleman E S Gard, 1916

The Reverend J Gard has received the following letter from the Wesleyan Chaplain attached to the Hospital in which his son, Rifleman Ernest Stanley Gard, died last Thursday. The telegram here referred to was sent by the Reverend J Gard and was in the following terms: 'Loving sympathy Hearts best Love God's Blessing. Mother and Father.' From the Star, October 24th, 1916.

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