Almanac Sports History: The greatest fight ever

You may not have heard of this epic and brutal match up between two convicts in what is now Queensland, but Harold Peacock gives an account of why you might want to remember them some 175 years on.

Almanac Olympics: First Olympian almost a hero

Edwin Flack is a name familiar to many for his exploits at the re-birth of the Olympic Games some 125 years ago. Harold Peacock has uncovered another who might well have left Flack in the shade on the track, but achieved great deeds elsewhere… [This is well worth a read – Ed.]

Almanac Basketball: Historic Mines

Harold Peacock relates the wonderful story of Sidney Mines, from his journey as an African American man from the civil rights conflict area of southern USA to Australia and becoming a basketball legend in Queensland.

Almanac Rugby League: Controversies that never end

Harold Peacock recalls two controversial grand finals involving Ipswich, one rugby league, the other musical.

Almanac (Horseracing) History: The greatest sporting contest ever

Great sporting contests have long centred on Queensland. This is an amazing story of a crazy horse race over 150 years ago in the Ipswich district.

Lest we forget the other pandemic

The First World War, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and their terrible effects on life at the time are reflected upon by Harold Peacock in this timely piece leading up to Anzac Day. Check out details of a live stream of an Anzac Day commemoration.

Almanac Rugby League: How metal detecting can find sporting greats

Harold Peacock has unearthed some rare finds thanks to metal detecting, offering a glimpse into the past. An artifact from a Queensland all-time great of League was among the findings.

Jasper the first in Collingwood’s 125 years

As Collingwood marks its 125th anniversary, and this weekend commemorates its first match, spare a moment for one of its founding players. “Jasper” Barclay whose life and family was fraught with tragedy. He’s the first of the Collingwood family to be supported by a charitable donation. He’s also the great-grand-uncle of Harold Peacock.

Australian Cup’s greatest sportsman

Harold Peacock give us an insight into a great character.

People come first for Australian small business.

What a fab boss Lynda Charles has, and she’s off to watch her beloved Bulldogs in the Grand Final thanks to him.

Almanac Racing: Greyhounds and circus performers

Harold Peacock introduces us to a man of interesting character and with the demise of Greyhound Racing in NSW, suggests a decline in these colourful personalities.

Dawn Fraser’s Olympian who never was

Historian Harold Peacock on the story of Marlene Dayman.

Almanac Boxing: Et tu, Brute?

Harold Peacock reveals an historical perspective on Peter Jackson, The World’s Greatest boxer, buried in Roma Qld.

Royal Horse Bazaar’s thoroughbred pedigree

With the incredible Melbourne Cup all the buzz, Harold Peacock brings up the equine roots of Brisbane’s economy.

Never Underestimate a Trip to the Library

Ever heard of Johnny Day? Nimblefoot? Harold Peacock found their stories, and a great deal more, at the National Library.

Footy Spirits and ‘Palmhenge’

Harold Peacock brings out the history in the “everyday”. Visit his blog for more insights like this one.

Almanac Rugby League – Footballing gods smile on Ipswich

Sunday’s NRL Grand Final is already being coined the greatest in the code’s history. While the focus was on the feats of Jonathon Thurston and the success of the North Queensland Cowboys, Harold Peacock also found plenty to celebrate in the Ipswich Jets’ NRL State Championship win in the curtain raiser.

Book Review: Queensland’s footy origins worth cheering about

Harold Peacock reviews Murray Bird’s book of Queensland footy history “Athenians and Red Invincibles” and finds it a winner on all fronts.

The spectre of the polo club

The Brisbane Polo Club yesterday went the way of A.B. Paterson’s Geebung counterparts, falling off their ponies to become spectres of the past, when the club officially wound up after having sold its home of a quarter of a century, the notable Naldham House. While the poetic polo club of ‘Banjo’ Paterson fame and their opponents [Read more]

The oldest living footballer

Having just cracked the ton, Ken Feltscheer is possibly the oldest living former professional footballer in the world. Harold Peacock tells us more.