By PETER DOUGLAS
LOCAL historian Anthony McAleer is preparing to tell the life-story of enigmatic 19th century writer John Stanley James, thanks to a Federal Government grant.
Mr McAleer is compiling a book that will feature a series of historically relevant articles from James, who was also affectionately known as ‘the Vagabond’ and whose work focused significantly on the Yarra Valley.
James’s work was recognised nationally and he was perhaps most well-known as being one of the first, and finest, users of an investigative style of reporting.
He often went undercover to expose injustices.
Mr McAleer said the book would offer an invaluable resource for the region.
“His writings provide a marvellous record of this district, it’s such a good story,” he said.
“I’ve spent countless hours in the State Library researching his work.
“But it was well worth it in the end, he was such a brilliant wordsmith.”
Mr McAleer said James’s writings were read by a national audience and he was enormously popular.
“He wrote about the early wine industry, including St Hubert’s and Yering Station,” he said.
“He wrote about the local townships and the people, he was also known for his amazing travelogues.”
The collection will shed light on the rich history of the area, from its people and buildings, to the then-burgeoning wine industry.
From 1877 to 1894 he wrote a series of articles about the Yarra Valley.
Member for Evelyn, Christine Fyffe, has presented a Local History Grant certificate to the Mount Evelyn RSL.
Ms Fyffe said only 62 Victorian groups were recognised through the program, so the recipient was in elite company.
She said the work was revered because people in the Yarra Valley have a strong sense of pride in their local history.
The certificate recognises community groups which strive to preserve and share Victoria’s history.
Examples of the James’s articles include detailed descriptions of events such as travelling by coach from Melbourne to Lilydale, or the importance of Victoria’s wine industry.
He also describes travelling by coach from Lilydale to Healesville; as well as describing the early pioneers of the area, development of the Yarra Valley, the local wineries.
Mr McAleer said he was grateful for the grant and hoped the book would be released locally and widely in the near future.
