Reading History

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Major resource for the telling of Manilla's history down the years has been the town's newspaper, The MANILLA EXPRESS. Founded by the Vincent Family of Printers, it has been going to print on a continual basis since publishing its first edition on January 14, 1899. Most original copies of the newspaper are held in the Manilla Community Archives, along with a set on microfilm, processed by the University of New England. The only remaining first edition is held in the Australian National Library.

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   Manilla's first history book 1949

 'The TRANSFORMATION of MANELLAE'
by A.R. Macleod (1887-1951), proprietor of The Manilla Express between 1918-1947. 
Former owner, Henry Cleave Vincent Jnr., first Editor after his Uncle Arthur in 1900, remained on as Editor of The Manilla Express, until Macleod stepped into the job in 1923. He edited the newspaper for 24 years until selling the business to George Greaves of Barraba, in 1947. With the aid of a mortgage, Macleod's book was self- published in 1949. It is out of print, but can now be viewed online. Click the Rotary Club button below to find it.

...  and the second - 1979

Biography of A.R. Macleod.

'A History of Manilla 1853-1979'
by historians Marion (b. 1914) & Lindsay Bignall, (1913-2000). Their research was based upon Macleod's book, and the history brought up to date via additional articles from 
later editions of the Manilla Express. This later book was published in 1980 with the assistance of Manilla Historical Society and Manilla Shire Council. It is now out of print, but may be available for purchase online.

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Public Research Room Guide Print & photocopy costs

For more information, please contact: 
​The Secretary, Manilla Historical Society
197 Manilla Street MANILLA NSW 2346
or send a message