James Rennie Gracie WWI and Sydney Harbour Bridge photographs and papers

MLMSS 11987

fonds

1913-2002

Graphic Materials, Photographs, Textual Records, Clippings

9664513

0.16 metres of textual material (1 box), includes photographs

Boilermaker James Rennie Gracie arrived in Sydney from Glasgow in 1912 and found work in the shop fabrication of steel bridges for the New South Wales Government Railways department. In 1916 Gracie enlisted for the Australian Imperial Force. He was a member of the sappers and served in Europe before returning to Australia in March 1919. After his service he returned to his work with Railways department. In 1927 he commenced work as a foreman/inspector on the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. After the completion of the Bridge construction, Gracie continued his work in the bridge, as a foreman for the painting and maintenance squad. He continued in this role for the rest of his career.

He was also a member of the Sydney Football Club and the Sydney Harmonic Society.

References:
Library acquisition file

By descent to donor

This collection contains material relating to the life, WWI service and career of James Rennie Gracie (1889-1960), foreman on the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

BOX 1
Folder 1
Papers relating to Gracie's career as a Sydney Harbour Bridge construction foreman and painting team foreman, including radio interview transcripts and newspaper clippings
Folder 2
Photographs of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (Gracie in white overalls and Homburg hat); Sydney Football Club, 1920; Sydney Harmonic Society, 1913; photographs taken by Gracie in WWI and 2 portrait photographs of Gracie, one in military uniform, 1918
Folder 3
1 handwritten WWI diary by Gracie
Loose items
2 albums of photographs taken by Gracie during WWI; 4 commemorative Sydney Harbour Bridge booklets

Copyright restrictions may apply:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales