The Geo has been contacted by a Perth based freelance journalist and published historical writer for help with a project. Joseph Poprzeczny who is best known for his biography on Odilo Globocnik, the biggest killer of the 20th century, is currently conducting research on a man who has been described as the most influential Pole in early Western Australian history, Modest Maryanski.
During his amazing life Modest made his way to the South West, drawn here by a metal that brought so many to our state, gold. Modest did not follow the masses to Kalgoorlie or Coolgardie he was drawn to Donnybrook. The gold mine in Donnybrook operated for around 3-4 years and was not the windfall Modest had hoped for.
During his time in Donnybrook Modest called on the services of one of the regions most famous sons, Henry Yelverton. Modest is believed to have placed several large orders for timber from Yelverton before the mine went under.
Joseph Poprzeczny has been collecting information on Modest for several years and needs your help. If any of our readers has pictures or information relating to Yelverton or Modest Maryanski during this period and would like to help can either contact The Geo via email or Joseph direct at janus1@westnet.com.au.