Rick Walkom research papers, ca. 1931-ca. 1991, together with papers of Sir Herbert Schlink, ca. 1913-ca. 1955

MLMSS 10136

fonds

ca. 1913-ca. 1991

1009219

0.36 metres of textual material (1 box)

Rick Walkom, historian, wrote 'Skiing off the roof : the Kosciusko Chalet at Charlotte Pass and its place in the history of the Australian snowfields', published in 1991. Walkom corresponded with many well-known Kosciusko skiing personalities of the 1930s to the 1970s, whose letters contain many personal insights, memories and anecdotes as well as answers to questions posed by Walkom. Among the writers are Elyne Mitchell, author of the ‘Silver Brumby’ books; George Lamble. the first Australian ski instructor; Patsy Wilson, the first female Australian ski instructor, George Day, pioneering chalet manager; Dan Gower, head of Kosciusko State (later National) Park. In the course of his research, Walkom also acquired the papers of Sir Herbert Schlink.
Sir Herbert Schlink (1883-1962) was a prominent gynaecologist and hospital administrator. He was a passionate skier and was instrumental in building the first chalet at Mt Koscisusko. In 1926 he made the first Winter crossing from Kiandra to Kosciusko. He was a foundation member and long-term president of the Kosciusko Alpine Club and its successor the Ski Club of Australia. In the 1950s he acted as an advisor to the Snowy Mountains Scheme. He was knighted in 1954 and in 1960 the Schlink Pass between Guthega and Geehi was named after him.
Reference: Library correspondence file

Acquired by the donor from Schlink’s wife Meg Mulvey whilst writing his book Skiing off the Roof, 1991.

Papers compiled by Rick Walkom in the process of researching his book, 'Skiing off the roof : the Kosciusko Chalet at Charlotte Pass and its place in the history of the Australian snowfields', published in 1991.

Folder 1: Letters, correspondence and papers, ca. 1931-ca. 1991, received by Rick Walkom from ‘many characters and pioneers of Kosciusko.’ Correspondents include:
Tom and Elyne Mitchell
G. M. Harris
Beryl and Olive Lamble
George Lamble
Des Cooper and various Charlotte Pass Ski Club members
Stan McGinn
A. Moxon Simpson
Tom Robinson
Patsy Wilson
George and Eva Day
Vince Coles
Geoffrey Nott
Rex Cox
Alois Reinstatdler
Ryoko Okada
John Mant
Ken 'K.G.' Murray
Colin and Jeanette Rae
Geographic Names Board 1981
Isabel and Bill Matthews
Martin Walkers
Ken Breakspear
Karel and Sasha Nekvapil
Danny Collman
Ernst Skardarasy
Don Gower
Walter C.R. Lamond (Poem, 'Old Snip')
Kosciusko Chalet Ltd. share certificate (copy)
Kosciusko Chalet menu, 1949
Miscellaneous papers related to 'Skiing off the roof'

Folder 2: Papers of Sir Herbert Schlink including correspondence, newspapers cuttings and articles.
Letter (copy), To Herbert Schlink from his parents, 1913
Schlink document, 'Summit of Australia Trophy'
Letter, 'Summit Trophy Transfer', 1930
'The Last Hours of the Chalet' by Kosciusko Alpine Club historian, G.R.T. Ward, 1938
'The Chalet Fire', by Arthur Cridland, 1938
'The Kosciusko Summit Record', 1938
Letter to the editor: 'More Comfortable'
Letter to the editor: 'Picnic Lunches'
Letter to the editor: 'Grand Slam Memories'
Letter to the editor: 'More Memories'
Letter to the editor: 'Personalities'
Letter to Schlink from E.C. Richardson, famous British ski personality, July 1948
Letter from Schlink to Sir William Hudson Snowy Scheme, October 1954
Letter to 'The Minister' NSW Government, December 1954
Letter from Schlink to Hon. F.H. Hawkins, November 1954
Schlink document, 'The Snowfields of Australia and Alpine Way', November 1955
Letter (copy), from Schlink to Minister Bruxner NSW Government, ca. 1930
Letter (copy), from Schlink to Hon. F.H. Hawkins, Minister of Lands, May 1955
Letter (copy), from M.F. Buxner to Schlink, 1932
Letter (copy), from Schlink to PM Sir Robert G. Menzies, September 1954
Letter (copy), from Sir Robert G. Menzies to Schlink, December 1954
Letter (copy), from E. (Ted) Axford to Schlink, 18 March 1949
Letter (copy), from E. (Ted) Axford to Schlink, 28 March 1949
Letter (copy), from Schlink to Mr Best MLA, December 1954
Letter (copy), from Schlink to Percy Hunter, President Kosciusko Alpine Club
Historical notes and documents from various authors from The Ski Club of Australia
Notes, 'Early Kosciusko Days'
Document, 'University Ski Club'
Document, 'Red Hut Charlotte Pass'
Historical newspaper cuttings
The Ski Council of NSW 24th Annual Report, 1953

Copyright status:: In copyright - This collection has multiple rights owners
Research & study copies allowed: Applies only to material in which the author has been deceased for more than 50 years
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

The contents list is adapted from an inventory compiled by Rick Walkom