Did you know that swimming races were held across Lake George in the 1950s?

How about that a major Chinese market garden used to operate on land below the South Hill homestead?

Or that one of Goulburn’s first swimming pools was nine-foot deep and had a diving board?

These and other fascinating stories from the city’s past are re-told in Phil Leighton-Daly’s new book - A Reflective History of the Goulburn District Volume IV - the Tides and Lives of Men.

The book showcases some of the personalities who have helped shape Goulburn and district over the last 100 years and is a companion to others he’s written, including Life’s Hard School, Taking a Chance, But of the Hut I Built, as well as Kenmore Psychiatric Hospital Volume I: Wednesday’s Child.

The Tides and Lives of Men details the exploits of many notable characters including: Palassa Salvi, Barry Cranston, the late Harold “Tiny” Duck, the late Vince Duffy and others.

Despite the title, the book also details the lives of some women such as distance swimmer Julie Laybutt and horse lover Peggy Medway.

It also tells the story behind some of the curious places in and around the city including Steve Dunn’s Book Emporium, Jason’s Barber Shop and places long gone such as the Chinese Farmers’ Markets, that used to occupy land in front of South Hill as well as brief histories of the former St John’s and St Joseph’s orphanages.

There are stories about Goulburn’s boxing history and even some of the former swimming holes along the Wollondilly River.

Branching out from Goulburn, the history of Lerida Station near Gunning is covered as well as the rise and decline of the village of Yarra.

In writing this book, Mr Leighton- Daly said he was keen to continue profiling aspects of the city that many newcomers may not be aware of, as well as recalling some of the characters from the district that have added their threads to the rich social tapestry.

“There are none so queer as folk - meaning there is nothing so interesting as people,” Mr Leighton-Daly said.

“I am interested in human behaviour and profiling interesting local characters.” In the foreword to the book he wrote: “This work will appeal to those who look upon a brick ruin or rotting fence post and wonder why it is there. It speaks of the peaks and troughs in residents’ lives and attempts to bring more meaning to our own.”

Mr Leighton-Daly said guest speakers at the launch include former footballer Phil Jackson and swimmer Julie Laybutt, as well as Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Geoff Kettle.

His daughter, the accomplished musician Cilla Leighton-Daly, will be singing at the event and afternoon tea will be provided.

“I would like to thank the Goulburn Workers Club for allowing me the use of the auditorium for the launch,” he said.

The launch of a Reflective History of the Goulburn District Volume 4 - the Tides and Lives of Men will be on this Saturday, February 13 at 2pm in the Goulburn Workers Club Auditorium.

Following the launch, the book will also be on sale at the Park Newsagency, Steve Dunn’s Book Emporium and the Visitor Information Centre.

For more information contact Phil Leighton-Daly on (02) 4868 3852.