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| well-dressed working girl early 1951. |
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
The Early Fifties
In recent times there seems to have been an interest in fashion and dress of the 1950's. I was interested to see in a recent shoe catalogue that shoes similar to those I had worn to work are back in the stores. Looking at this photo a few years ago I would have thought they looked horrible...now I feel right in fashion! Lace-ups with a heel...gloves and stockings!
Friday, 21 September 2012
Getting around
At last it is Spring here and I have been sorting out the winter clothes ready to clean and pack away until next year. We are off to Mooloolaba in a couple of weeks for our annual couple of weeks of sun, surf and sand...cant wait!
Thinking about what clothes etc to take and how our little VW Golf will be well packed for the trip over to the coast, I began wondering how our mother ever managed to pack for our annual holiday at the coast. Until 1949 we would have travelled by train from Brisbane, alighting at Palmwoods for Maroochydore or Landsborough for Caloundra...I think that is correct. Then we travelled by a "bus"...I use the term loosely as I seem to remember what was more like a converted truck with bench seats....over a dirt/sandy raod. this was great fun for the kids as we sang and played Ispy etc and had a competition to see who would first see the water. Must have been slow torture for the adults!
The luggage I think was towed behind in something. The rented houses or flats( units in todays terminology) where we stayed were not serviced and all household linen, cutlery etc had to be taken with us in "ports"...suitcases to you southerners! On some occasions I remember havingChristmas at the coast so presents would also have to be packed and all this had to be carried. I cant remember ever seeing my mother carrying a port and we didn't have backpacks or duffle bags then so however did Dad manage...even with Alan's help. I'll be thinking about that as I cram another bag of things into the Golf!
Dad bought the old Morris in 1949 ( Post-Car-1 April,2011) and we seem to have made quite a few day trips over the following few years as well as the annual coast holiday. During my high school days and later I was often able to take a friend with me on these holidays and day trips. This photo was taken at Somerset Dam in June 1949, and shows my friend Gill, Lois and me.
I also had a couple of holidays when I went with the same friends on their holidays...
Thinking about what clothes etc to take and how our little VW Golf will be well packed for the trip over to the coast, I began wondering how our mother ever managed to pack for our annual holiday at the coast. Until 1949 we would have travelled by train from Brisbane, alighting at Palmwoods for Maroochydore or Landsborough for Caloundra...I think that is correct. Then we travelled by a "bus"...I use the term loosely as I seem to remember what was more like a converted truck with bench seats....over a dirt/sandy raod. this was great fun for the kids as we sang and played Ispy etc and had a competition to see who would first see the water. Must have been slow torture for the adults!
The luggage I think was towed behind in something. The rented houses or flats( units in todays terminology) where we stayed were not serviced and all household linen, cutlery etc had to be taken with us in "ports"...suitcases to you southerners! On some occasions I remember havingChristmas at the coast so presents would also have to be packed and all this had to be carried. I cant remember ever seeing my mother carrying a port and we didn't have backpacks or duffle bags then so however did Dad manage...even with Alan's help. I'll be thinking about that as I cram another bag of things into the Golf!
I also had a couple of holidays when I went with the same friends on their holidays...
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| Felicity and Hilary at Springbrook 1949 The north coast beaches were always part of my life...  |
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Hilary & Bill
I mentioned in the last post that Bill & I were married in June, 1955. I think I mentioned earlier that I had first seen Bill back when we were living in Petrie and I was travelling to school by train. Bill and his brothers used to board the train at Bald Hills which is on the same train line as Petrie. Like any teenager I was aware of any other schoolkids on the train. However it was not until 1948 or 1949 when we moved to Bald Hills that I actually met the family. Our home at Bald Hills was in the front corner of a neighbouring farm. Bill and his brothers knew these people and we eventually met through them.
My memories of the following years are a bit vague but I know that there was a little group of us who went for picnics etc. I dont remember when Bill & I started going out together but here are a couple of photos taken at Balls. One is a University Commem Ball and I think the earlier one may have been my school's Old Girls Ball. Somewhere I have a group photos which shows us at Bill's Main Roads Ball. I am in the process of clearing out drawers and cupboards and seem to be making myself more confused than ever as to where things are!.
My memories of the following years are a bit vague but I know that there was a little group of us who went for picnics etc. I dont remember when Bill & I started going out together but here are a couple of photos taken at Balls. One is a University Commem Ball and I think the earlier one may have been my school's Old Girls Ball. Somewhere I have a group photos which shows us at Bill's Main Roads Ball. I am in the process of clearing out drawers and cupboards and seem to be making myself more confused than ever as to where things are!.
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Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Some events in Australia's history between 1948 and 1955
It is interesting to put one's own life against the backgound of the nation at different stages.
I finished school in 1948; June of that year saw the end of rationing of meat and clothing...though there were still shortages.
In January of 1949... the year I started work at the South Brisbane library... the Nationality and Citizenship Act was passed. From Australia Day ,January 26th, Australians would have their own citizenship, although they were to remain British subjects. This applied to those born here and to naturalised people. It seems hard to believe that Australian citizenship, taken for granted today, did not exist until then.
In August, 1949 there was another serious polio outbreak; this time involving adults as well as children.
Rationing of petrol ended in February and of butter in June, 1950. In July Australian troops were sent to Korea. Plans were made about this time to establish TV in Australia; it finally went to air in September that year.
In 1951... the year I went to Uni full-time... the School of the Air began broadcasting from the Flying Doctor base in Alice Springs; in August compulsory National Service of 98 days was introduced .
1952 saw Elizabeth crowned Queen after the death of her father King George V1
People greeted with relief the end of our involvement in the Korean war in 1953.
In 1954...while I was working full-time at the State Library... Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Australia. There was another polio outbreak so they were vaccinated in Canberra during their visit!
In 1955...Hilary & Bill were married!!!!
I finished school in 1948; June of that year saw the end of rationing of meat and clothing...though there were still shortages.
In January of 1949... the year I started work at the South Brisbane library... the Nationality and Citizenship Act was passed. From Australia Day ,January 26th, Australians would have their own citizenship, although they were to remain British subjects. This applied to those born here and to naturalised people. It seems hard to believe that Australian citizenship, taken for granted today, did not exist until then.
In August, 1949 there was another serious polio outbreak; this time involving adults as well as children.
Rationing of petrol ended in February and of butter in June, 1950. In July Australian troops were sent to Korea. Plans were made about this time to establish TV in Australia; it finally went to air in September that year.
In 1951... the year I went to Uni full-time... the School of the Air began broadcasting from the Flying Doctor base in Alice Springs; in August compulsory National Service of 98 days was introduced .
1952 saw Elizabeth crowned Queen after the death of her father King George V1
People greeted with relief the end of our involvement in the Korean war in 1953.
In 1954...while I was working full-time at the State Library... Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Australia. There was another polio outbreak so they were vaccinated in Canberra during their visit!
In 1955...Hilary & Bill were married!!!!
Monday, 3 September 2012
The working girl
It is quite some time since I have been down memory lane...too busy living in the here and now.
We have been on a wonderful cruise through the Panama Canal since I last posted here. Visited countries I would not have dreamt of visiting as a young girl...in fact probably had no idea they existed!
My previous posts took these memoirs to the time I finished my secondary schooling. Either late in 1948 or early in 1949, we moved from Wavell Heights to Bald Hills.
I thought at the time that I had had enough of study and to my parents' disappointment decided not to go on to University. I applied for and was accepted for a position as a trainee librarian at the South Brisbane Municipal Library. This was the only free lending library in Brisbane ( probably the state of Queensland) at that time. I was one of six school-leavers who started there early in 1949 . As it turned out, I was back to study as we had to attend lectures for the Preliminary Library Certificate of the Australian Library Board. This was the only formal library qualification available in those days. Now it is a University degree.Two mornings each week we went over to the State Library Of Queensland where we had to memorise the intricacies of the Dewey decimal System. We also had to memorise the details of a number of reference books. I cant be sure now but I think this involved about 50 books . We had to know all their publication details, date, edition ,publisher and authors or editors; number of volumes ;whether they had photos ,maps etc , a bibliography, index, list of contents...in fact everything about those books. I had an idex card for each book and thought |I'd never be able to remember them all before the exam.
We sat for this exam in June 1950 and fortunately we all passed.
At the same time I was still attending private lessons which led to my Art of Speech & Drama teachers qualifications; started piano lessons again, and continued with ballet for a while.
As Bald Hills was the northernmost suburb of Brisbane we travelled to the city mostly by train. We could also walk down the hill from our home, across the Pine River and then catch a bus which came from Redcliffe. It was not permitted to stop within the Brisbane area which is why we had to cross the bridge to board it. When I was coming home at night the driver used to slow down enough to allow me to hop off at the top of the hill close to our house.
Although rationing was soon to stop, clothing was still in short supply so many of us made our own clothes. It was exciting to see fabrics coming back into the stores. In the above photo you may be able to make out a tartan jacket I'm wearing. I remember making this and Alan helping me as I had the fabric spread out on the loungeroom floor trying to match up the stripes etc of the plaid.
I worked for the Brisbane Council libraries through 1948 to early 1950 and was fortunate to be involved with the expansion of the Municipal library scheme.
I was sent to the Childrens section of the Hamilton library on its opening day ; later I was transferred to the new Stones Corner Municipal library. This was good experience as there were times when I was on my own . We were given very good training in many aspects of library work most of which is done by computers these days. Cataloguing etc was done on the premises; later from a centralised point and I think often now comes with the books , non-fiction anyhow, from the publisher. My local municpal library has recently introduced self-service check-out. I couldn't help comparing that to my early library days when each book had a card and each borrower a number . We had to write the borrower's number on the book card and these cards had to be filed before the library opened next morning. The books had a slip glued in the front where we stamped the date due for return.
It was around this time that I started getting eyestrain and eventually had to wear glasses.
In 1950 I started evening classes at the Queensland University so study was full on again. I found that I actually enjoy studying!
In 1951 I applied for what was known as a Commonwealth scholarship. These had been introduced for returned soldiers but became available to anyone. University courses were free but the scholarship paid for books which was a great help.
Having gained the scholarship I decided to resign and attend University full-time studying for my Bachelor of Arts.
I attended Uni from 1950-1953 working at the Queensland State library during vacations.
Several friends and myself rented a unit at the coast to celebrate the end of our first exams.
Incidentally I made those bathers as I could not buy any to fit me.
Living so far from the city meant that my social life was a bit limited. Sometimes I could stay overnight with ex-school friends. Most of these also turned 21 in 1952 so there were a few coming-of-age parties. Only a couple of these were formal events, mostly it was just a few close friends at home for the occasion.
The university students held dances for a couple of months before the annual Commem Ball. The purpose was of course so people could find a partner for the Ball...quite nerve-racking for the girls...but we wouldn't have missed going!
To get home after these I had to be sure to leave in time to walk quite a distance to where I could catch the last Redcliffe bus for the night. Although Brisbane was still a very safe city it was still not a comfortable walk around 11pm on my own. One n ight I stood at the bus stop for such a long time that I decided I must have missed it. I had enough money with me to catch a tram down to where I knew there would be a taxi rank. I was very anxious as I was not sure if a cab driver would be willing to take me all the way to Bald Hills, especially as he would have to wait while I asked Dad to come and pay him .
I was fortunate to have approached a very understanding driver...and as I said Brisbane was still a very safe and friendly city. Cant remember if Dad was waiting up for me ...he usually did...but I know he made sure I always had extra money with me after that night.
After graduation I gained appointment full-time at the Queensland State library.
We have been on a wonderful cruise through the Panama Canal since I last posted here. Visited countries I would not have dreamt of visiting as a young girl...in fact probably had no idea they existed!
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| Hilary & Bill cruising through the Panama Canal |
My previous posts took these memoirs to the time I finished my secondary schooling. Either late in 1948 or early in 1949, we moved from Wavell Heights to Bald Hills.
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| "Dumaresq", Bald Hills, Brisbane |
I thought at the time that I had had enough of study and to my parents' disappointment decided not to go on to University. I applied for and was accepted for a position as a trainee librarian at the South Brisbane Municipal Library. This was the only free lending library in Brisbane ( probably the state of Queensland) at that time. I was one of six school-leavers who started there early in 1949 . As it turned out, I was back to study as we had to attend lectures for the Preliminary Library Certificate of the Australian Library Board. This was the only formal library qualification available in those days. Now it is a University degree.Two mornings each week we went over to the State Library Of Queensland where we had to memorise the intricacies of the Dewey decimal System. We also had to memorise the details of a number of reference books. I cant be sure now but I think this involved about 50 books . We had to know all their publication details, date, edition ,publisher and authors or editors; number of volumes ;whether they had photos ,maps etc , a bibliography, index, list of contents...in fact everything about those books. I had an idex card for each book and thought |I'd never be able to remember them all before the exam.
We sat for this exam in June 1950 and fortunately we all passed.
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| I'm on the right in front |
At the same time I was still attending private lessons which led to my Art of Speech & Drama teachers qualifications; started piano lessons again, and continued with ballet for a while.
As Bald Hills was the northernmost suburb of Brisbane we travelled to the city mostly by train. We could also walk down the hill from our home, across the Pine River and then catch a bus which came from Redcliffe. It was not permitted to stop within the Brisbane area which is why we had to cross the bridge to board it. When I was coming home at night the driver used to slow down enough to allow me to hop off at the top of the hill close to our house.
Although rationing was soon to stop, clothing was still in short supply so many of us made our own clothes. It was exciting to see fabrics coming back into the stores. In the above photo you may be able to make out a tartan jacket I'm wearing. I remember making this and Alan helping me as I had the fabric spread out on the loungeroom floor trying to match up the stripes etc of the plaid.
I worked for the Brisbane Council libraries through 1948 to early 1950 and was fortunate to be involved with the expansion of the Municipal library scheme.
I was sent to the Childrens section of the Hamilton library on its opening day ; later I was transferred to the new Stones Corner Municipal library. This was good experience as there were times when I was on my own . We were given very good training in many aspects of library work most of which is done by computers these days. Cataloguing etc was done on the premises; later from a centralised point and I think often now comes with the books , non-fiction anyhow, from the publisher. My local municpal library has recently introduced self-service check-out. I couldn't help comparing that to my early library days when each book had a card and each borrower a number . We had to write the borrower's number on the book card and these cards had to be filed before the library opened next morning. The books had a slip glued in the front where we stamped the date due for return.
It was around this time that I started getting eyestrain and eventually had to wear glasses.
In 1950 I started evening classes at the Queensland University so study was full on again. I found that I actually enjoy studying!
In 1951 I applied for what was known as a Commonwealth scholarship. These had been introduced for returned soldiers but became available to anyone. University courses were free but the scholarship paid for books which was a great help.
Having gained the scholarship I decided to resign and attend University full-time studying for my Bachelor of Arts.
I attended Uni from 1950-1953 working at the Queensland State library during vacations.
Several friends and myself rented a unit at the coast to celebrate the end of our first exams.
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| Hilary at Maroochydore in December 1951 |
Living so far from the city meant that my social life was a bit limited. Sometimes I could stay overnight with ex-school friends. Most of these also turned 21 in 1952 so there were a few coming-of-age parties. Only a couple of these were formal events, mostly it was just a few close friends at home for the occasion.
The university students held dances for a couple of months before the annual Commem Ball. The purpose was of course so people could find a partner for the Ball...quite nerve-racking for the girls...but we wouldn't have missed going!
To get home after these I had to be sure to leave in time to walk quite a distance to where I could catch the last Redcliffe bus for the night. Although Brisbane was still a very safe city it was still not a comfortable walk around 11pm on my own. One n ight I stood at the bus stop for such a long time that I decided I must have missed it. I had enough money with me to catch a tram down to where I knew there would be a taxi rank. I was very anxious as I was not sure if a cab driver would be willing to take me all the way to Bald Hills, especially as he would have to wait while I asked Dad to come and pay him .
I was fortunate to have approached a very understanding driver...and as I said Brisbane was still a very safe and friendly city. Cant remember if Dad was waiting up for me ...he usually did...but I know he made sure I always had extra money with me after that night.
After graduation I gained appointment full-time at the Queensland State library.
Monday, 26 March 2012
Postscript to schooldays.
Though we didn't have school camps or major trips as schools organise today I do remember one great school outing while I was at Yeronga state primary school. It was probably pre-war so I would have been about 8. There was a steam ship named the SS Koopa which steamed from Brisbane to Redcliffe and I think also to Moreton Island. The school may have had an annual picnic and on this occasion a family day was organised on the SS Koopa to Redcliffe. Mum made me a new outfit . I can still remember the floral material for the shorts and top. She also made a large sunbonnet to match...a sensible action as I have always burnt easily in the sun. I grizzled all day about wearing that hat as I thought it was babyish! Ungrateful young miss! I always had to wear a blouse under my bathing togs and that also brought out the grizzles. I must have enjoyed the day on the whole as it is a fond memory!
Thanks to my son-in-law Brian for finding these photos for me.
I have mentioned earlier that my Grandfather Tarbit, Ida, and Auntie Agnes were very much part of our lives. Alan and I spent some wonderful school holidays staying with them at their home in Booval outside Ipswich. In 1947 Lois and I spent some time with them..Alan would have been at work by then.
Here we are helping our Grandfather pick peaches for Ida to make jam.
Thanks to my son-in-law Brian for finding these photos for me.
I have mentioned earlier that my Grandfather Tarbit, Ida, and Auntie Agnes were very much part of our lives. Alan and I spent some wonderful school holidays staying with them at their home in Booval outside Ipswich. In 1947 Lois and I spent some time with them..Alan would have been at work by then.
Here we are helping our Grandfather pick peaches for Ida to make jam.
At the time when I finished secondary school many girls were making their debut. These were very big occasions and were often organised by the school. Clayfield College did not sponsor these events and many girls from my year had a private "coming-out" party or supper dance. I went to several of these and finally persuaded my parents to allow me to have one. We held a supper-dance in a Hall at Clayfield and invited all my class. Some of them brought a male friend along but there were still plenty of girls dancing together. I remember it as a very happy evening.
This was the dress I made for the occasion. The little bolero I had knitted in some sort of chenille which was very popular at the time.
When I see the photos in the newspaper these days of the "graduation" outfits the girls are wearing I think how young and unsophisticated my generation was...and rationing on cloting is not in force in Australia today!
More schooltime memories
Although both the wars in Europe and in the Pacific ended in 1945 there were still shortages of many commodities. Rationing of sugar was lifted in 1947 and of meat and clothing in 1948 ( the year I finished high school) Tea and butter were still rationed until some time in 1950. Many other items were in short supply for many years.
At Clayfield College our school books were supplied as part of the school fees. This also included our exercise books. Our day pad ..for use in classes...didn't have nice crisp white paper as you would see today. It was a rather dingy beige colour and quite smooth not unlike a pale brown paper. As you will gather, paper was in short supply. Before one was issued with a new pad, the old one had to be handed in to the Principal for inspection. No waste space was allowed. We got around this by filling those spaces with bits of French vocabulary, Latin declensions etc.
It seems that most schools today take students for camps and some young people are lucky emogh to go on interstate or even overseas trips. During my time in High School we had no such opportunities. The only trip I had was to a National Fitness Camp and that was during school holidays not in term time. The camp was situated by Tallebudgera Creek near Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. I think the huts were ex-army huts ...they certainly were not glamorous as this photo shows.
This was no "holiday" camp! We had exercises , sports, hiking from dawn to dusk. I remember my legs being covered with bruises from playing hockey on the sand. We had inspection of huts each day and there was a roster for peeling potatoes etc. There were children from many schools so there was quite a lot of rivalry also. No mobile phones, ipods, TV etc for us...I think we had a movie one evening but we were all so exhausted by the end of each day that nobody minded the early lights-out call.
While we lived at Petrie we often went swimming in the Petrie River which was only a short walk from home. On two occasions I organised a picnic at the river for my Clayfield College school mates. They came out on the train so for some of them that was a little adventure. This photo was taken in front of our Petrie home when the girls came up to the house afterwards for afternnon tea.
At Clayfield College our school books were supplied as part of the school fees. This also included our exercise books. Our day pad ..for use in classes...didn't have nice crisp white paper as you would see today. It was a rather dingy beige colour and quite smooth not unlike a pale brown paper. As you will gather, paper was in short supply. Before one was issued with a new pad, the old one had to be handed in to the Principal for inspection. No waste space was allowed. We got around this by filling those spaces with bits of French vocabulary, Latin declensions etc.
It seems that most schools today take students for camps and some young people are lucky emogh to go on interstate or even overseas trips. During my time in High School we had no such opportunities. The only trip I had was to a National Fitness Camp and that was during school holidays not in term time. The camp was situated by Tallebudgera Creek near Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. I think the huts were ex-army huts ...they certainly were not glamorous as this photo shows.
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| National Fitness Camp, 1947 I am the one on the right in the dark one-piece |
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| After the picnic at Petrie in 1945 I am in the back row, sixth from the left ( with straps over the shoulders) Lois is on the right seated in front
I can see in these photos that some of us had long hair. I cant remember when the school rule was brought in but at some time we were not allowed to have our hair touching our collar. The girls got by this rule by tying their hair in bunches. This looked rather silly on most of us and I think the rule must have been quietly phased out!
Because we were a small school most of us had the opportunity to be involved with the sporting teams. I played a lot of tennis but missed out on being in the school team as practice time was before and after school. While we lived at Clayfield this was no problem but after we moved I could not combine that and my ballet classes. I did get into the athletic team for the various ball games. The inter-school competitions were held at the Brisbane Exhibition grounds.
Also held at these grounds were the Public Examinations...Junior and Senior. It was Summer time so always hot, dusty and most uncomfortable. I sat for the Senior exam in November or December of 1948 . Fortunately I passed and matriculated for University...more of that later.
In my last year I was a prefect and Head of my House...do schools still have these?
I'm on the back, left end
I had passed all the grades in the ballet exams and this year also passed the Elementary; which unlike its title is actually the first of the major exams and I was then admitted as a Member of the Royal Academy of Dancing (London.) I dont think this examination is still held but there is an Australian equivalent. Will try to check that out sometime just to satisfy my own curiosity.
Between the time school finished and the end of the year, I was not allowed to sit at home and rest on my laurels. I was sent out to work straight away! Dad arranged for me to work as a temp at the Clayfield Post Office .I had to empty the mailbox in front of the P.O. The letters all had to be hand-stamped with the Clayfield Post Office date stamp. All very exciting...no, boring! In the afternoon I had to take the mail bags across to the Railway Station before I went home. I didn't really mind this and probably would have been bored stiff at home all day. No distractions as young people have today. I think we had by now moved again , this time to Bald Hills so I was again well away from my friends.
Class of 1947, I'm third from left in back row
Some of the 1948 class
I'm back- right
Some people cant wait for the day when they finish school but I must say that I was never unhappy at school and have only good memories of that part of my life.
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Wednesday, 14 March 2012
On the move again
I'm not sure how long we lived at Petrie but at some stage Mum must have decided to go back into business and we moved to a Guest House in South Brisbane. This building has since burnt down and the property now forms part of the Mater Hospital's Medical facilities.
Lois and I were still attending Clayfield College but instead of racing to catch a train we were now racing to catch the tram. Fortunately we could catch a tram which went through to Clayfield but we had to be sure to be there for the right one. They came at regular intervals.
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| Drumborisk Guest House |
Kathy has commented in the last post on the length of my uniform. As I mentioned earlier the school was very strict about the uniform . As I remember, the regulation length was determined this way...you knelt on the floor keeping your back straight and torso erect. The hem of your uniform had to just touch the floor in front of your knees...no shorter or longer was acceptable. Remember too that fabric and clothing was still rationed .
I dont know when we moved again ...or why...but after a brief stay in New Farm we moved to Wavell Heights.
Now Lois and I could ride our bikes to school. I had two routes I could take. If I rode part of the way home with a friend I would follow a tram-line at one point. It was always wise to be careful not to let one's bike wheel get stuck in the tram rails. One day I was carefully watching that when a dog ran out at me and I remember getting both me and the bike in quite a tangle. I was of course in full uniform, including the hat, gloves and long black stockings. I ended up a hole in one of the stockings where the dog had taken a bit out of me...nothing drastic fortunately but all rather frightening ; fortunately I hadn't fallen off the bike.
Those black stockings were the bane of our lives. They were in short supply so had to last as long as possible. As well as mending them we had to try to keep them regulation black. This was quite impossible as the dye was certainly not colourfast and the stockings quickly became a dingy gray , sometimes with a green tinge! We all regularly dyed them with black tea. I dont remember when rationing of tea ceased but I do remember Mum keeping all the used cold tea from the pot so I could dye those wretched stockings. These were of course not nylon but thick cotton lisle and very uncomfortable in hot weather.
I dont know when we moved again ...or why...but after a brief stay in New Farm we moved to Wavell Heights.
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| Wavell Heights house 1948 |
Now Lois and I could ride our bikes to school. I had two routes I could take. If I rode part of the way home with a friend I would follow a tram-line at one point. It was always wise to be careful not to let one's bike wheel get stuck in the tram rails. One day I was carefully watching that when a dog ran out at me and I remember getting both me and the bike in quite a tangle. I was of course in full uniform, including the hat, gloves and long black stockings. I ended up a hole in one of the stockings where the dog had taken a bit out of me...nothing drastic fortunately but all rather frightening ; fortunately I hadn't fallen off the bike.
Those black stockings were the bane of our lives. They were in short supply so had to last as long as possible. As well as mending them we had to try to keep them regulation black. This was quite impossible as the dye was certainly not colourfast and the stockings quickly became a dingy gray , sometimes with a green tinge! We all regularly dyed them with black tea. I dont remember when rationing of tea ceased but I do remember Mum keeping all the used cold tea from the pot so I could dye those wretched stockings. These were of course not nylon but thick cotton lisle and very uncomfortable in hot weather.
Monday, 23 January 2012
Starting Secondary(High) School
Local children are returning to school this week after the long summer holiday break. As I told you in an earlier post, in 1944 we were living in Clayfield, Brisbane, and I finished my primary schooling when I passed the State Scholarship public examination at the end of 1944 at Eagle Junction School.
At the beginning of 1945 I started at Clayfield College in the Sub-Junior Form.
However, before I tell you about my time there I will update the information I have about our time in Amiens . I now have copies of documents from the State archives...thanks to my brother Alan and his son Steven. These include one of the purchase of the Government lease by my mother in 1943 and confirmation that it is indeed the very property as I thought. I also have a copy showing when she sold it later in 1948 and to whom. As we left the property in April 1943 and Giulio Crema took up residence in 1946 according to his daughter, we do not know who, if anyone, lived in the house during that gap in time. We think she probably took over a share-farming arrangement which the previous owner had had with a neighbouring property . I dont remember any mention of the farm after 1943 but one has to remember that in those days financial matters etc were not discussed " in front of the children."
Perhaps we will one day learn more but at the moment I am happy that I have confirmed that it was "our" property I had visited and to have met and talked with the present owners.
In early 1945 we were living at Clayfield, I started at Clayfield College, Lois continued at Eagle Junction school and Alan was at the Brisbane Grammar School.
We lived opposite the back entrance to the Clayfield college ( now the main front entrance) so it was an easy matter to simply walk across the road. This school went right from Kindergarten to Matriculation so there was a mix of Scholarship girls and "Clayfield" girls in my class. Fortunately we newcomers were quickly absorbed into the group. It was not a large school so there were only about 20 in my Form which was the only Sub-Junior form.
Secondary schooling in Queensland at that time was for 4 years ...Sub-Junior, Junior, Sub-Senior and Senior. At some schools many students left after the Junior public examination but at my school I think only one student left, the rest of us continuing until the end of the Senior year. It was an "Academic" school with no commercial or domestic subjects taught and as I have indicated an all-girls school.
I was still attending ballet classes in the city and now started Speech & Drama at the school. I continued the Speech & Drama after I finished schooling and eventually gained my ATCL (Assoc of the Trinity College London) teachers Diploma and the Australian equivalent from the AMEB. I enjoyed being in the school plays.
The war in Europe finished in April 1945 and in the Pacific in August 1945 but rationing was in full force for several more years. Many goods were either restricted to certain priorities or simply unavailable. I remember being lined up with others on the school veranda to be measured by the Head Mistress. If you were over a certain height you qualified for extra clothing coupons. I was eligible but there wasn't much to use them on!
I remember having to have a white dress for School Speech Night. I didn't have one and we couldn't find fabric anywhere in Brisbane to make one. Eventually my auntie Agnes (Tarbit) found some in a small shop in Ipswich and sent it to me. I remember making the dress. All our clothes were homemade,including our uniforms. I knitted my own school jumper for winter though I did have a bought school blazer.; I dont remember having any bought clothing until I was a working girl and even then most of my clothing I made myself.
As well as the shortage of fabric there was difficulty in buying buttons etc. Elastic was a particular problem and many a schoolgirl had buttons on the side of her homemade "bloomers". The buttons were of whatever type and colour a mother could find in her treasured pre-war stash.Often the elastic was of poor quality and prone to snap so I think we all had a safety pin in our bags ...just in case it snapped at an inconvenient time!
In mid-1945 we moved from Clayfield to Petrie which is just north of Brisbane. I dont know why we moved though I think Mum had not been very well. I had on a number of occasions had to stay home from school and was eventually called to the Principal's office to discuss the absences. I had to explain that my mother ran a guest house and my help was need if she was unwell. I was asked if there were no family aunt or other member to help. There must have been some staff so I cant think now why I had to be home to help.
It was lovely at Petrie to have our home to ourselves again. The main drawback was that we were now a long way from our school friends. Lois now started at Clayfield College and as she was there right through to matriculation she became one of the "Clayfield" girls.
We had to travel by train from Petrie to Eagle Junction station and then walk to school from there. Most week day mornings one could have seen Dad , in full suit etc, and we three schoolkids in full uniform ( Hat etc) racing down the road and through a paddock with 2 barb-wire fences to negotiate to get to the station in time!
Rules regarding school uniform were very strict but on very hot summer days we were allowed to roll down our black stockings. As I had a rush in the afternoons to catch the train home I was often spending the last few minutes of class trying to pull up those stockings without being in trouble with the teacher.
I dont have any school photos from 1945 but these were taken in 1946...
This is the house at Petrie...from the front
from the back
front garden...
I dont have any memories of making any friends in Petrie. Lois and I started learning the piano from a local woman. For me these ceased when we later moved . Lois then continued with lessons at school. Clayfield College had and still has an excellent record in Art, Music, and Speech.
My memories of the four years from the beginning of 1945 to the beginning of 1949 are very disjointed so I must ask you to forgive an octogenarian if from now on this record seems to jump around a bit!
At the beginning of 1945 I started at Clayfield College in the Sub-Junior Form.
However, before I tell you about my time there I will update the information I have about our time in Amiens . I now have copies of documents from the State archives...thanks to my brother Alan and his son Steven. These include one of the purchase of the Government lease by my mother in 1943 and confirmation that it is indeed the very property as I thought. I also have a copy showing when she sold it later in 1948 and to whom. As we left the property in April 1943 and Giulio Crema took up residence in 1946 according to his daughter, we do not know who, if anyone, lived in the house during that gap in time. We think she probably took over a share-farming arrangement which the previous owner had had with a neighbouring property . I dont remember any mention of the farm after 1943 but one has to remember that in those days financial matters etc were not discussed " in front of the children."
Perhaps we will one day learn more but at the moment I am happy that I have confirmed that it was "our" property I had visited and to have met and talked with the present owners.
In early 1945 we were living at Clayfield, I started at Clayfield College, Lois continued at Eagle Junction school and Alan was at the Brisbane Grammar School.
We lived opposite the back entrance to the Clayfield college ( now the main front entrance) so it was an easy matter to simply walk across the road. This school went right from Kindergarten to Matriculation so there was a mix of Scholarship girls and "Clayfield" girls in my class. Fortunately we newcomers were quickly absorbed into the group. It was not a large school so there were only about 20 in my Form which was the only Sub-Junior form.
Secondary schooling in Queensland at that time was for 4 years ...Sub-Junior, Junior, Sub-Senior and Senior. At some schools many students left after the Junior public examination but at my school I think only one student left, the rest of us continuing until the end of the Senior year. It was an "Academic" school with no commercial or domestic subjects taught and as I have indicated an all-girls school.
I was still attending ballet classes in the city and now started Speech & Drama at the school. I continued the Speech & Drama after I finished schooling and eventually gained my ATCL (Assoc of the Trinity College London) teachers Diploma and the Australian equivalent from the AMEB. I enjoyed being in the school plays.
The war in Europe finished in April 1945 and in the Pacific in August 1945 but rationing was in full force for several more years. Many goods were either restricted to certain priorities or simply unavailable. I remember being lined up with others on the school veranda to be measured by the Head Mistress. If you were over a certain height you qualified for extra clothing coupons. I was eligible but there wasn't much to use them on!
I remember having to have a white dress for School Speech Night. I didn't have one and we couldn't find fabric anywhere in Brisbane to make one. Eventually my auntie Agnes (Tarbit) found some in a small shop in Ipswich and sent it to me. I remember making the dress. All our clothes were homemade,including our uniforms. I knitted my own school jumper for winter though I did have a bought school blazer.; I dont remember having any bought clothing until I was a working girl and even then most of my clothing I made myself.
As well as the shortage of fabric there was difficulty in buying buttons etc. Elastic was a particular problem and many a schoolgirl had buttons on the side of her homemade "bloomers". The buttons were of whatever type and colour a mother could find in her treasured pre-war stash.Often the elastic was of poor quality and prone to snap so I think we all had a safety pin in our bags ...just in case it snapped at an inconvenient time!
In mid-1945 we moved from Clayfield to Petrie which is just north of Brisbane. I dont know why we moved though I think Mum had not been very well. I had on a number of occasions had to stay home from school and was eventually called to the Principal's office to discuss the absences. I had to explain that my mother ran a guest house and my help was need if she was unwell. I was asked if there were no family aunt or other member to help. There must have been some staff so I cant think now why I had to be home to help.
It was lovely at Petrie to have our home to ourselves again. The main drawback was that we were now a long way from our school friends. Lois now started at Clayfield College and as she was there right through to matriculation she became one of the "Clayfield" girls.
We had to travel by train from Petrie to Eagle Junction station and then walk to school from there. Most week day mornings one could have seen Dad , in full suit etc, and we three schoolkids in full uniform ( Hat etc) racing down the road and through a paddock with 2 barb-wire fences to negotiate to get to the station in time!
Rules regarding school uniform were very strict but on very hot summer days we were allowed to roll down our black stockings. As I had a rush in the afternoons to catch the train home I was often spending the last few minutes of class trying to pull up those stockings without being in trouble with the teacher.
I dont have any school photos from 1945 but these were taken in 1946...
This is the house at Petrie...from the front
I dont have any memories of making any friends in Petrie. Lois and I started learning the piano from a local woman. For me these ceased when we later moved . Lois then continued with lessons at school. Clayfield College had and still has an excellent record in Art, Music, and Speech.
My memories of the four years from the beginning of 1945 to the beginning of 1949 are very disjointed so I must ask you to forgive an octogenarian if from now on this record seems to jump around a bit!
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Amiens revisited
As I mentioned in August 2011 I was hoping to take a trip up to Amiens for a look-around. In November I contacted the school and made an appointment to have a look over the school. At the same time I made a booking to stay at a B&B farmstay in Amiens and noted that its position seemed close to where I remembered our house and orchard being.
I had a lovely time at the school. the Principal gave us an hour of her time and showed us over the whole complex. It has certainly grown since my time though as you can see in the photos the oiginal building is still there though with some alteration.
I had a lovely time at the school. the Principal gave us an hour of her time and showed us over the whole complex. It has certainly grown since my time though as you can see in the photos the oiginal building is still there though with some alteration.
Hilary goes back to school November,2011
After inspecting the campus we were taken into someof the classrooms, where we were introduced and the children had the opportunity to ask me questions about school in 1942. This was a great experience and one I enjoyed and appreciated.
When I asked the Principal if she could tell me where some of the buildings I remembered might be including the old railway station she rang a local man and arranged for us to call on him. He was a very pleasant and helpful young man and took us in his truck for a ride along the track where the railway lines used to be. The line was closed in 1974, and the rail lines removed as was the station building. He also pointed out where the bakery, saddlery and other buildings I remembered had once been. So sad to find no trace of most of them.
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remains of railway sheds |
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| old bakery |
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| Teachers residence ( now the Principal's residence) This much the same as in 1942. |
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| Bush nurses building, now a private residence 2011 |
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| Rural (Bush) nurses building in earlier times
After our tour of the area we headed off and had lunch at a winery before going to the farmstay. When I saw the general position I felt it was all very familiar and became very hopeful that I had found the position of our orchard. After unpacking , I was browsing through a folder the owners had left in the cottage and found a written reference which stated that Mrs Tarbit and her children had stayed on the property in 1942-43. This was very encouraging and quite exciting. There was also mention of a family who came later and the name of someone who could perhaps give more information I have since contacted her and she confirmed that an earlier house had been in front of the present one. This house was the one she had lived in and her brother has confirmed would have been the one in which we lived . It was burnt down around 1970. My nephew has since found confirmation in the State Archives that my mother took over the lease in 1943 and relinquished it in 1948. This suggests that it was still Government land ( they were originally part of the post-WW1 soldier settlement) and not freehold. Alan and Steven are still researching the area in the Archives.
   
The owners of the property are a very friendly and pleasant couple . They provided us with dinner in their homestead and we found we had a number of things in common so it was an evening of interesting conversation. When I have more information concerning our time on the property I will again visit them.
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