The Secret Suburb: uncovering Lapstones past in new book | Blue Mountains Gazette [Video]

It’s a passion project, a research showcase, and an event; it’s the history of Lapstone.

The Secret Suburb book launch on April 3 was the culmination of a journey for author Michele Corin, who set out to chronicle the history of her town and its widely acknowledged founder, Arthur Hand.

“[It’s a] tribute not only to Arthur Hand, but to every family who made Lapstone what it is – a thriving community that cherishes its past while looking towards its future,” Ms Corin said.

The book is Ms Corin’s account of how Lapstone began in 1954, when Mr Hand purchased 116 acres of vacant timbered land known as “Stephen’s Paddock” on the rocky slopes above the Nepean River’s western shore.

Driving to …