Template:Did you know nominations/Thomas Curnow

Thomas Curnow

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Thomas Curnow, 1880

... that schoolteacher Thomas Curnow (pictured) used a red scarf to stop a train from derailing?

Source: https://auctions.leski.com.au/lot-details/index/catalog/586/lot/191629/THE-ARREST-OF-THE-KELLY-GANG-JUNE-1880-A-substantial-piece-of-the-red-scarf-which-belonged-to-Thomas-Curnow-s-sister-Catherine-C

Reviewed:

Created by PastelLilac (talk). Number of QPQs required: 0. Nominator has fewer than 5 past nominations.

PastelLilac (talk) 04:16, 12 November 2024 (UTC).

Article length and age are fine, no copyright or plagiarism issues seen, but I am concerned about WP:N. The article states "lthough Curnow became a household name in Australia following the Glenrowan siege, today he is a relatively obscure figure in Australian history. In most plays and films about the Kelly gang, Curnow is a minor character..." -- If more information concerning the notoriety of Curnow in his own time in Australian press or society / outside of dramatic representations I think that would assist. -Maximilian775 (talk) 21:29, 14 November 2024 (UTC)

Hello. I'm not sure I understand your request. I think it's clear from the article that Curnow was well known in his day. For example, his retirement 35 years after the Glenrowan siege "received press coverage throughout Australia". He hadn't sunk completely into obscurity, as much as he tried to avoid the limelight. His actions led to the downfall of arguably Australia's most famous historical person. Notability beyond dispute surely. - PastelLilac (talk) 21:07, 14 November 2024 (UTC)

Maybe you can elaborate on the Cornish association source -- I'm not sure how 1 citation shows "coverage throughout Australia", and your statement of him being a household name in Legacy bears no citations at all. I'm certainly open to being convinced of notability, but as the article currently stands in my reading it's not shown thoroughly enough. Maximilian775 (talk) 21:29, 14 November 2024 (UTC)

Just jumping in here - per WP:NTEMP, once notability has been established, it does not need to be maintained. If he was a household name in Australia at one point in time, then he's notable enough for Wikipedia now, Maximilian775. ~Darth Stabro^{Talk • Contribs} 21:39, 14 November 2024 (UTC)

That's a fair point, and due to my completing my initial read of the article on a smaller screen, I didn't see the portion about the Victoria Humane Society medal and the fact he had to essentially go into witness protection for a time. My apologies, PastelLilac

With that in mind, I think the article overall is fine, but the hook could include a mention of the role he played in Kelly's capture. Maybe

- ALT1: ... that schoolteacher Thomas Curnow (pictured) used a red scarf to stop a train from derailing, leading to the capture of notorious outlaw Ned Kelly?

Maximilian775 (talk) 21:51, 14 November 2024 (UTC)

That's all good. I'm open to hook suggestions, and yours may get more clicks. Part of me takes pleasure in ignoring Ned Kelly though, considering so much has been written about him already. - PastelLilac (talk) 22:16, 14 November 2024 (UTC)

All that being said, approved

Maximilian775 (talk) 23:37, 14 November 2024 (UTC)