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A short thank-you note, returned to the interviewer with a corrected version of the transcript.
Dear Miss Arrowsmith Thank you for your letter & tape. I have made quite a number of corrections to make my talk sound much better. Sincerely Olive Price
Content in the Western Sydney Women's Oral History Project: From farms to freeways collection is licensed under a Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 AU licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/).
Western Sydney Women's Oral History Project: Thank-you note from Olive Price
Audio recording of interview with Olive Price Transcript of interview with Olive Price Photo of Olive Price 1 Photo of Olive Price 2
Copyright University of Western Sydney 2015
Flier (illustrated) seeking participants for the project.
DID YOU LIVE IN PENRITH OR BLACKTOWN IN THE 1950’S? IF SO, YOU MAY BE INTERESTED TO SHARE YOUR MEMORIES OF THOSE TIMES! The Women's Research Centre at the University of Western Sydney Nepean. is currently conducting interviews for an oral history project: "FROM FARMS TO FREEWAYS - WOMEN'S MEMORIES OF WESTERN SYDNEY" If you have lived in either of these areas from the late 1940s or early 1950s through to the 1960s and would like to share your memories of this time of rapid change. please see Robyn Arrowsmith during recess. More information is also available from Dr. Deborah Chambers: on (02) 678 7375.
Western Sydney Women's Oral History Project: Flier (illustrated)
Flier seeking participants for the project.
WESTERN SYDNEY WOMEN’S ORAL HISTORY PROJECT "FROM FARMS TO FREEWAYS - WOMEN'S MEMORIES OF WESTERN SYDNEY" The Women's Research Centre has been awarded an Australian Research Council Small Grant to conduct a historical and sociological investigation of the lives of women in the Western Sydney region during the period of rapid suburbanisation after World War II. Women who have lived in the Penrith or Blacktown areas from the late 1940's through the '50's and into the '60's are sought to take part in this project. The oral history interviews seek information from women on their everyday experiences during this period of rapid change and on how the changes affected their lives. Anyone who might be interested to share their memories of these times or anyone who would like more information can contact: Dr. Deborah Chambers, Women’s Research Centre (02) 678-7375 (message) or (02) 678-7352 OR Robyn Arrowsmith (02) 389-8397.
Western Sydney Women's Oral History Project: Flier
Outline of questions for conducting oral history interviews.
Western Sydney Women's Oral History Project: Interview question outline
This document lists organisations and other sources, through which suitable participants were sought for interviews.
Western Sydney Women's Oral History Project: Sources used for finding informants
Audio recording of interview with Pat Colless Transcript of interview with Patricia Colless Photo of Pat Colless 2
Photo of Pat Colless seated at outdoor setting.
Audio recording of interview with Pat Colless Transcript of interview with Patricia Colless Photo of Pat Colless 1
Photo of Heather Corr inside her home (wide shot, dining room).
Audio recording of interview with Heather Corr Transcript of interview with Heather Corr Photo of Heather Corr 2
Photo of Heather Corr inside her home (close shot, dining room).
Audio recording of interview with Heather Corr Transcript of interview with Heather Corr Photo of Heather Corr 1
Photo of Judith Eastwell in kitchen of Post Office at Quakers Hill.
Audio recording of interview with Judith Eastwell Transcript of interview with Judith Eastwell Photo of Judith Eastwell 2
Audio recording of interview with Judith Eastwell Transcript of interview with Judith Eastwell Photo of Judith Eastwell 1
Photo of Florence Gibbons outside her home.
Audio recording of interview with Florence Gibbons Transcript of interview with Florence Gibbons Photo of Florence Gibbons 2
Audio recording of interview with Florence Gibbons Transcript of interview with Florence Gibbons Photo of Florence Gibbons 1
Photo of Iris Hanna outside her home, showing the house name "The Oaks" mounted on wall in the background.
Audio recording of interview with Iris Hanna Transcript of interview with Iris Hanna Photo of Iris Hanna 2 Photo of Iris Hanna's home
Audio recording of interview with Iris Hanna Transcript of interview with Iris Hanna Photo of Iris Hanna 1 Photo of Iris Hanna's home
Home of Iris Hanna: "The Oaks" - 54 Hyatt Rd, Plumpton, 2761.
Audio recording of interview with Iris Hanna Transcript of interview with Iris Hanna Photo of Iris Hanna 1 Photo of Iris Hanna 2
Photo of Betty Hargreaves inside her home (lounge room).
Audio recording of interview with Betty Hargreaves Transcript of interview with Betty Hargreaves Photo of Betty Hargreaves 2 Photo of Betty Hargreaves 3
Audio recording of interview with Betty Hargreaves Transcript of interview with Betty Hargreaves Photo of Betty Hargreaves 1 Photo of Betty Hargreaves 3
Audio recording of interview with Betty Hargreaves Transcript of interview with Betty Hargreaves Photo of Betty Hargreaves 1 Photo of Betty Hargreaves 2
Audio recording of interview with Marg Heath Transcript of interview with Marg Heath Photo of Marg Heath 2
Audio recording of interview with Marg Heath Transcript of interview with Marg Heath Photo of Marg Heath 1
Audio recording of interview with Amy Jackson Transcript of interview with Amy Jackson Photo of Amy Jackson 1
Audio recording of interview with Amy Jackson Transcript of interview with Amy Jackson Photo of Amy Jackson 2
Audio recording of interview with Mavis Lamrock Transcript of interview with Mavis Lamrock Photo of Mavis Lamrock 2 Letter from Mavis Lamrock Second letter from Mavis Lamrock
Photo of Edith Mason inside her home (lounge room).
Audio recording of interview with Edith Mason Transcript of interview with Edith Mason
Audio recording of interview with Joyce Moon Transcript of interview with Joyce Moon
Photo of Brenda Niccol outside her home (close shot).
Audio recording of interview with Brenda Niccol Transcript of interview with Brenda Niccol Photo of Brenda Niccol 2
Photo of Brenda Niccol outside her home (wide shot).
Audio recording of interview with Brenda Niccol Transcript of interview with Brenda Niccol Photo of Brenda Niccol 1
Photo of Pat Parker inside History House, Macquarie Street, Sydney; leaning against a grand piano.
Audio recording of interview with Pat Parker Transcript of interview with Pat Parker Photo of Pat Parker 2
Photo of Pat Parker inside History House, Macquarie Street, Sydney; a grand piano in the background.
Audio recording of interview with Pat Parker Transcript of interview with Pat Parker Photo of Pat Parker 1
Photo of Claire Pfoeffer inside her home (kitchen).
Audio recording of interview with Claire Pfoeffer Transcript of interview with Claire Pfoeffer Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 2 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 3 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 4
Audio recording of interview with Claire Pfoeffer Transcript of interview with Claire Pfoeffer Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 1 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 3 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 4
Photo of Claire Pfoeffer inside her home, looking at large framed pencil drawing hung on the wall.
Audio recording of interview with Claire Pfoeffer Transcript of interview with Claire Pfoeffer Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 1 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 2 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 4
Audio recording of interview with Claire Pfoeffer Transcript of interview with Claire Pfoeffer Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 1 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 2 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 3
Audio recording of interview with Winsome Phillis Transcript of interview with Winsome Phillis Letter from Winsome Phillis
Photo of Mary Pike on the veranda of her home.
Audio recording of interview with Mary Pike Transcript of interview with Mary Pike Photo of Mary Pike 2
Audio recording of interview with Mary Pike Transcript of interview with Mary Pike Photo of Mary Pike 1
Audio recording of interview with Alice Potter Transcript of interview with Alice Potter
Audio recording of interview with Olive Price Transcript of interview with Olive Price Photo of Olive Price 2 Thank-you note from Olive Price
Audio recording of interview with Olive Price Transcript of interview with Olive Price Photo of Olive Price 1 Thank-you note from Olive Price
Photo of Diana Reynolds inside her home.
Audio recording of interview with Diana Reynolds Transcript of interview with Diana Reynolds Photo of Diana Reynolds 2
Audio recording of interview with Diana Reynolds Transcript of interview with Diana Reynolds Photo of Diana Reynolds 1
Photo of Olga Robshaw outside her home (wide shot).
Audio recording of interview with Olga Robshaw Transcript of interview with Olga Robshaw Photo of Olga Robshaw 2
Photo of Olga Robshaw outside her home (close shot).
Audio recording of interview with Olga Robshaw Transcript of interview with Olga Robshaw Photo of Olga Robshaw 1
Photo of Doreen Scott inside her home (kitchen)
Audio recording of interview with Doreen Scott Transcript of interview with Doreen Scott Photo of Doreen Scott 2 Photo of Doreen Scott's home
Audio recording of interview with Doreen Scott Transcript of interview with Doreen Scott Photo of Doreen Scott 1 Photo of Doreen Scott's home
Dark brick 2nd storey is home of Doreen Scott on corner of High Street and W--- Street Penrith.
Audio recording of interview with Doreen Scott Transcript of interview with Doreen Scott Photo of Doreen Scott 1 Photo of Doreen Scott 2
Photo of Marie Sing inside her home. She is wearing a cast and sling on her left arm.
Audio recording of interview with Marie Sing Transcript of interview with Marie Sing Photo of Marie Sing 2
Audio recording of interview with Marie Sing Transcript of interview with Marie Sing Photo of Marie Sing 1
Photo of Eugenie Stapleton inside her home
Audio recording of interview with Eugenie Stapleton Transcript of interview with Eugenie Stapleton Photo of Eugenie Stapleton 2 Letter from Eugenie Stapleton
Audio recording of interview with Eugenie Stapleton Transcript of interview with Eugenie Stapleton Photo of Eugenie Stapleton 1 Letter from Eugenie Stapleton
Photo of Margaret Taylor outside her home, leaning against the letter box.
Audio recording of interview with Margaret Taylor Transcript of interview with Margaret Taylor Photo of Margaret Taylor 2
Audio recording of interview with Margaret Taylor Transcript of interview with Margaret Taylor Photo of Margaret Taylor 1
Photo of Marjory Turner outside her home (close shot).
Audio recording of interview with Marjory Turner Transcript of interview with Marjory Turner Photo of Marjory Turner 1
Photo of Marjory Turner outside her home (wide shot).
Audio recording of interview with Marjory Turner Transcript of interview with Marjory Turner Photo of Marjory Turner 2
Audio recording of interview with Audrey Watson Transcript of interview with Audrey Watson Photo of Audrey Watson 2 Photo of Nepean River, opposite Audrey Watson's home Photo of Audrey Watson's home
Audio recording of interview with Audrey Watson Transcript of interview with Audrey Watson Photo of Audrey Watson 1 Photo of Nepean River, opposite Audrey Watson's home Photo of Audrey Watson's home
Photo of Nepean River opposite Audrey Watson's home at Emu Plains.
Photo of Nepean River, opposite Audrey Watson's home
Audio recording of interview with Audrey Watson Transcript of interview with Audrey Watson Photo of Audrey Watson 1 Photo of Audrey Watson 2 Photo of Audrey Watson's home
Photo of Audrey Watson's home 26 River Road Emu Plains.
Audio recording of interview with Audrey Watson Transcript of interview with Audrey Watson Photo of Audrey Watson 1 Photo of Audrey Watson 2 Photo of Nepean River, opposite Audrey Watson's home
Audio recording of interview with Mavis Lamrock Transcript of interview with Mavis Lamrock Photo of Mavis Lamrock 1 Letter from Mavis Lamrock Second letter from Mavis Lamrock
Patricia Colless was born on 1st April, 1922, at Croydon in Sydney. At age 11, Pat moved to Penrith with her family. After getting married at age 23, Pat had two children and lived firstly in Lethbridge Street Penrith, and then at Lapstone.
Transcript of interview with Patricia Colless
Audio recording of interview with Pat Colless Photo of Pat Colless 1 Photo of Pat Colless 2
Rita Camilleri was born in Malta and arrived in Australia in 1939, at age 15 years. Prior to that, her father had been in Australia for twelve years, working to save enough money to bring his family to join him. Rita's father owned a market garden in Pendle Hill, and when Rita married at age 18, she and her husband operated another market garden nearby. During the Second World War, Rita worked at the Bonds Cotton Mills, earning five pounds per week in the card room.
Transcript of interview with Rita Camilleri
Audio recording of interview with Rita Camilleri
Heather Corr was born on 10th April, 1923, at Penrith. Heather's father was a bootmaker and musician. The family lived in Penrith, in the street now known as Cox Avenue, on a block of land owned by her mother's father. After leaving school at age 14, Heather attended Comptometer college and then worked in Martin Place, Sydney, until she married in 1948.
Transcript of interview with Heather Corr
Audio recording of interview with Heather Corr Photo of Heather Corr 1 Photo of Heather Corr 2
Judith Eastwell was born on 14th September, 1945, and lived in Quakers Hill from age 2. Judith's father was the Postmaster at Quakers Hill post office from about 1950 onwards. Judith married and had six children, and eventually took over as Postmistress at Quakers Hill.
Transcript of interview with Judith Eastwell
Audio recording of interview with Judith Eastwell Photo of Judith Eastwell 1 Photo of Judith Eastwell 2
Florence Gibbons was born on 11th September, 1908, at Regentville. Florence lived in Penrith for much of her life. After she married in 1935, she and her husband built a house two doors along from Florence's parents in Henry Street, Penrith.
Transcript of interview with Florence Gibbons
Audio recording of interview with Florence Gibbons Photo of Florence Gibbons 1 Photo of Florence Gibbons 2
Iris Hanna was born on 30th November, 1914, at Lismore. Her father ran a dairy farm at Lismore. Iris married in 1944 and moved to Plumpton at that time, to live on a large poultry farm with her new husband. Iris and her husband had seven children together.
Audio recording of interview with Iris Hanna Photo of Iris Hanna 1 Photo of Iris Hanna 2 Photo of Iris Hanna's home
Betty Hargreaves was born on 2nd January, 1918, and moved to Penrith with her family in 1936. Betty met her husband whilst working as a secretary for her father, a produce merchant. Betty started the Penrith Community Aid organisation, as well as a Women's refuge, and was subsequently awarded an Order of Australia for services to the community.
Transcript of interview with Betty Hargreaves
Audio recording of interview with Betty Hargreaves Photo of Betty Hargreaves 1 Photo of Betty Hargreaves 2 Photo of Betty Hargreaves 3
Marjorie Heath was born on 28th January, 1926. Marjorie and her husband owned a large poultry farm at Blacktown, near Prospect Reservoir.
Transcript of interview with Marjorie Heath
Audio recording of interview with Marg Heath Photo of Marg Heath 1 Photo of Marg Heath 2
Amy Jackson was born on 18th July, 1916, at Penrith and lived her whole life in the Penrith and Emu Plains area. She married in 1943 and later moved to Cambridge Park.
Transcript of interview with Amy Jackson
Audio recording of interview with Amy Jackson Photo of Amy Jackson 2 Photo of Amy Jackson 1
Joan Jeffrey was born on 21st June, 1926, at Mudgee. At age 8 she moved with her family to Blacktown, where her father worked as one of two local policemen. The family lived in the police station until the building was demolished to make way for Westpoint Blacktown Shopping Centre.
Transcript of interview with Joan Jeffery
Audio recording of interview with Joan Jeffery
Mavis Lamrock was born on 11th January, 1913, at Wauchope. In May, 1914, the family moved to Emu Plains, to a property called 'Yodalla'. Mavis' father planted a lemon orchard and supplied lemons to the lemonade drink company, Tooths. When Mavis married, her father subdivided the block of land along the Nepean River. Mavis and her husband built another home there, called 'Yonder'.
Transcript of interview with Mavis Lamrock
Audio recording of interview with Mavis Lamrock Photo of Mavis Lamrock 1 Photo of Mavis Lamrock 2 Letter from Mavis Lamrock Second letter from Mavis Lamrock
Edith Mason was born on the 7th August, 1920, at Dubbo. The family moved to Mt Druitt in April, 1927, after her father built a house for them there. Her father worked for the railway. Edith married in 1941 and the couple lived for a short time in Orange, before returning to live with and care for her husband's mother, who developed glaucoma.
Transcript of interview with Edith Mason
Audio recording of interview with Edith Mason Photo of Edith Mason
Thelma Masters was born on 28th June, 1927. When Thelma was aged eight, her mother died. For a while, Thelma, her brothers and her father moved in with her grandmother at Parklea, but then moved back to their original home. This left a large amount of household work and cooking to 10 year old Thelma. After leaving school at 14 and working for a time at Bonds, Thelma met her husband at the Quakers Hill Country Women's Ball and they settled in Quakers Hill.
Transcript of interview with Thelma Masters
Audio recording of interview with Thelma Masters
Joyce McKelvey was born on 16th August, 1918, at Blacktown. Joyce's father was a baker and the family lived in the main street of Blacktown with the bakery in the back of the residence. Joyce recalls seeing the cattle herded through the main street of Blacktown each week, as they were transported from the Flemington markets to be slaughtered at Riverstone Meatworks
Transcript of interview with Joyce McKelvey
Audio recording of interview with Joyce McKelvey
Joyce Moon was born on 15th March, 1921, at Beelbangera, near Griffith in NSW. Her father worked on Burrinjuck Dam before buying a poultry farm at Schofields, when Joyce was aged 2. Joyce married at age 22 and moved to Riverstone with her husband. The couple had a child and then later moved to Blacktown. After a number of years living in the heart of Blacktown, the family moved to Westmead, to be closer to Joyce's husband's place of work.
Audio recording of interview with Joyce Moon Photo of Joyce Moon
Brenda Niccol was born on 20th April, 1920, at the home of her grandmother in Ballarat. She grew up in the Riverina area, on a block of land settled by her father after the first World War. When Brenda was 17, her mother died suddenly. The following year her father sent her to stay at a guest house in Emu Plains, and she later returned there to work as a waitress. Her husband's family owned the guest house and in 1945 Brenda moved there to raise her family and run the guest house with her husband.
Transcript of interview with Brenda Niccol
Audio recording of interview with Brenda Niccol Photo of Brenda Niccol 1 Photo of Brenda Niccol 2
Sheila Nottley was born on 12th June, 1908, on a farming property near Kempsey. When Sheila was three months old, her mother died. Sheila moved to Sydney in 1945, firstly to Eastern Creek where she and her husband ran a dairy. They moved to Mt Druitt a couple of years later and rented a cattle property.
Transcript of interview with Sheila Nottley
Audio recording of interview with Sheila Nottley
Patricia Parker was born on 19th August, 1937, at the Paddington Women's Hospital in Sydney. Patricia moved to Blacktown with her husband and three children in the mid-1950s at age 21. Both Patricia and her husband joined the Communist Party, and Patricia was a member of the Union of Australian Women for many years. An interest in Community Arts led her to do a degree in Arts Administration, and she was the first Community Arts Officer to be appointed to Blacktown Council. During the interview, Pat mentions Blacktown Council's involvement in the Section 94 court case which resulted in developers having to contribute towards community facilities and infrastructure.
Transcript of interview with Patricia Parker
Audio recording of interview with Pat Parker Photo of Pat Parker 1 Photo of Pat Parker 2
Claire Pfoeffer was born on 30th January, 1913, at Parramatta. Claire moved to Seven Hills when she was aged 10. After leaving school, Claire held a variety of secretarial jobs through her life, working for 28 years at a company named Australian Cream of Tartar as secretary to the Assistant Managing Director.
Transcript of interview with Clare Pfoeffer
Audio recording of interview with Claire Pfoeffer Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 1 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 2 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 3 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 4
Winsome Phillis was born on 5th March, 1929, at Riverstone. Winsome's father worked at the Riverstone Meatworks and the family lived in a house they had built in Regent Street, Riverstone. After leaving school at age 15, Phillis completed a Comptometer course and later worked at the Riverstone Meatworks using an accounting machine.
Transcript of interview with Winsome Phillis
Audio recording of interview with Winsome Phillis Photo of Winsome Phillis Letter from Winsome Phillis
Mary Pike was born on 13th December, 1924, at North Sydney and moved to Windsor when she was six weeks old. In 1936, the family moved to Penrith. At the time of the interview, Mary had lived in her house in Lemongrove Road, Penrith, for 50 years. Mary did not marry or have children. She had her own sewing business for a number of years in Penrith during the 1960s.
Audio recording of interview with Mary Pike Photo of Mary Pike 1 Photo of Mary Pike 2
Alice Potter was born on 30th September, 1929, at Blacktown. Alice's parents owned a house on land which was later bought by Blacktown Workers Club. Alice married in 1954 and the couple lived with her parents for one year, before moving to Rooty Hill.
Transcript of interview with Alice Potter
Audio recording of interview with Alice Potter Photo of Alice Potter
Olive Price was born on 8th February, 1918, at Hornsby. The family moved to Penrith when Olive was aged around 7 or 8. After leaving school Olive attended business college at Parramatta and worked in Sydney and locally.
Transcript of interview with Olive Price
Audio recording of interview with Olive Price Photo of Olive Price 1 Photo of Olive Price 2 Thank-you note from Olive Price
Diana Reynolds was born on 24th January, 1929, at Penrith. Diana's father was one of two doctors in Penrith and the surgery was attached to the house on the corner of High and Evans Street. Diana attended the Australian College of Physical Education after leaving school and then taught for 6 years at Methodist Ladies' College at Burwood. After her sister married, Diana returned home to work for her father as a secretary. Dianna married in the early 1960s and lived in South Penrith with her husband, who was a bomb disposal technician in the Air Force.
Transcript of interview with Diana Reynolds
Audio recording of interview with Diana Reynolds Photo of Diana Reynolds 1 Photo of Diana Reynolds 2
Olga Robshaw was born on the 8th November, 1924, at Riverstone. Her childhood was spent on a small poultry farm at Schofields, which her father had established after retiring from Riverstone Meatworks. Olga married at age 18 and ran 'The Advocate' with her husband. After the marriage broke up Olga took over 'The Advocate' and ran it until 1976. Olga remarried in 1963 and would spend weekends at their property in Bilpin, establishing an apple orchard and enjoying the bushland.
Transcript of interview with Olga Robshaw
Audio recording of interview with Olga Robshaw Photo of Olga Robshaw 1 Photo of Olga Robshaw 2
Doreen Scott was born on 1st December, 1925, at Camden. Doreen grew up on a property at Luddenham, moving to Penrith when she married in 1944. Doreen ran Scott's Corner Shop in High Street, Penrith for many years; her husband Jim ran his auto workshop / service station on the same block and the family lived there as well. The family also owned and ran Penrith's Dungowan Theatre, later changing the name to the Avon Theatre.
Transcript of interview with Doreen Scott
Audio recording of interview with Doreen Scott Photo of Doreen Scott 1 Photo of Doreen Scott 2 Photo of Doreen Scott's home
Marie Sing was born on 10th March, 1930, at Wellington, NSW. She moved with her family to Blacktown at age 15. Marie mentions that her family were not happy about her marrying a man with a Chinese background at first, but eventually accepted it. Both Marie and her husband were very involved with Blacktown Bowling Club. When Marie first took up lawn bowls, she had to play at Riverstone because Blacktown club would not accept female players.
Audio recording of interview with Marie Sing Photo of Marie Sing 1 Photo of Marie Sing 2
Eugenie Stapleton was born on 21st January, 1911, at Lambton, Newcastle. Eugenie moved to St. Marys with her husband after the Second World War ended. They bought a new house and settled there with their two children. Eugenie's husband, Len, was the first engineer employed by St Marys Council and was responsible for most of the subdivision of St Marys. The couple also formed the St Marys Historical Society and Eugenie authored a book titled "South Creek, St. Marys - From Village to City" which was published by the Council.
Transcript of interview with Eugenie Stapleton
Audio recording of interview with Eugenie Stapleton Photo of Eugenie Stapleton 1 Photo of Eugenie Stapleton 2 Letter from Eugenie Stapleton
Margaret Taylor was born on 23rd February, 1932, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. Margaret's family moved to Australia when she was 18, settling first at Kingswood and later at Mt Druitt. After leaving school at age 14, Margaret gained a job at St. Mary's Telephone Exchange. Margaret married in 1957 and settled in St Marys with her husband.
Transcript of interview with Margaret Taylor
Audio recording of interview with Margaret Taylor Photo of Margaret Taylor 1 Photo of Margaret Taylor 2
Marjory Turner was born on the 25th January, 1929, at Penrith. After leaving school at age 15, Marjory worked at Selfridges, Parramatta, and later at a factory in St Marys. Marjory married in 1948 and lived with her husband's family until the couple built a house of their own at Kingswood, Not long after they finished the house, the land was bought by the Council to build flats and so the house was demolished. Marjory and her husband then purchased another block and built a new house in Kingswood.
Transcript of interview with Marjory Turner
Audio recording of interview with Marjory Turner Photo of Marjory Turner 1 Photo of Marjory Turner 2
Edna Vidler was born on 31st December, 1908, at Newtown, Sydney. Edna was one of ten children and the eldest girl in her family. The family moved to Blacktown when Edna was aged 12. Edna left school at age 15 and went to work as a tailor in Parramatta. She married in 1930, and sadly her husband was killed in an accident when she was pregnant with their fourth child.
Transcript of interview with Edna Vidler
Audio recording of interview with Edna Vidler
Amelia Vincent was born in 1914, in Italy. Amelia's family migrated to Sydney in 1922, and moved to a new block of land in Blacktown a year later. The family ran a vineyard and Amelia's father worked as a bricklayer.
Transcript of interview with Amelia Vincent
Audio recording of interview with Amelia Vincent
Audrey Watson was born on 23rd August, 1922 at Sydney. Audrey moved to Penrith with her husband in 1946. The couple lived in a flat above a shop for a number of years before building a house at Emu Plains. Audrey ran the tea room at the Lewer's Bequest Regional Gallery. Like most of the interviewees she was a member of volunteer organisations for many years.
Transcript of interview with Audrey Watson
Audio recording of interview with Audrey Watson Photo of Audrey Watson 1 Photo of Audrey Watson 2 Photo of Nepean River, opposite Audrey Watson's home Photo of Audrey Watson's home
Joy Willis was born on 5th February, 1926 at St. Marys. Joy attended school in St Marys and Penrith. After leaving school Joy worked for Manpower, who would place her at various locations doing 'war work', until the end of World War 2 in 1945. Joy married in 1947 and the couple built a new home on her father's land, next door to where Joy had grown up.
Audio recording of interview with Joy Willis
Letter written on "Yonder" stationery (3 pages).
“Yonder” 74 River Road, Emu Plains, 2750 4th Oct. 1991 Dear Robyn, How nice to meet you yesterday. You stirred many memories. Wendy & Jennifer kept on reminiscing. Regarding amusement in younger days my age group had many parties in homes & picnics centred on the river & surroundings. In wartime a very active womens group in Emu knitted, sent food parcels & had meals for any army troops passing through. My mother, Mrs Hunter learned to make camouflage nets – a friend had an empty shop in High St, Penrith. Mother decorated the window with nets & needles & needles & measuring boards. Each Tuesday morning as my husband drove to the office he took Mother to the shop where she “netted” all day – also taught people who wanted to help. Also she visited our local Prison Farm 2/ each Monday evening & had a group making nets. Again my husband drove her, also he made the needles and wooden measuring boards. The needles were quite intricate(?) – also wood. A bundle of nets would be sent to Service H.Q quite regularly. The Land Army was formed on my parents property “Yodalla” my father not only had an orchard. He planted a large vegetable garden in part of it & was able to teach the girls all about land work. The wife of the Governor of N.S.W at that time subsequently paid my parents a courtesy call & had tea with them. Quite a number of younger women in my age group & a bit older attended First Aid courses(?). then later Home Nursing, having to go for exams at the end of each one. I do not know if I referred to the mission that brought half 3/ cast girls & young women from Groote Island and Arnhem Land because of a possible Japanese attack. My mother worked to place as many as possible. We each had one working in our home for some years. After the war some stayed on, some in family situations as husbands came down but most girls were glad to go back to the mission areas they came from. If you wish the piece about my husband can stay in. He was the only resident full time solicitor between Parramatta & Katoomba. Hope you can read this & I know I keep misspelling words because I write so quickly. Sincerely Mavis Lamrock
Western Sydney Women's Oral History Project: Letter from Mavis Lamrock
Audio recording of interview with Mavis Lamrock Transcript of interview with Mavis Lamrock Photo of Mavis Lamrock 1 Photo of Mavis Lamrock 2 Second letter from Mavis Lamrock
Letter written on "Yonder" stationery (1 page).
“Yonder” 74 River Road, Emu Plains, 2750 2nd Jan 1992 Dear Robyn, New Year resolution – write letters. Meant to send this copy before but thought it might get caught up in Christmas mail. Do not know if you want the tape back or is this a copy. Have not heard it right through yet – I do dislike listening to my own voice, but will finish it soon Best wishes for 1992, we are going today to Avoca beach for a few days Sincerely Mavis Lamrock
Western Sydney Women's Oral History Project: Second letter from Mavis Lamrock
Audio recording of interview with Mavis Lamrock Transcript of interview with Mavis Lamrock Photo of Mavis Lamrock 1 Photo of Mavis Lamrock 2 Letter from Mavis Lamrock
Letter written after the interview, highlighting a few corrections needed to the transcript and providing additional detail around some points.
67 Riverstone Rd. Riverstone. 2765 22nd February, 1992 Dear Robyn, After reading the copy of the transcript of our interview 13/12/91, there are just a few matters I would like to draw to your attention. 0.22 I have referred to Sister Barnes’ Hospital as a Nursing Home, but this is not correct. It was a Private Hospital for Mothers and Babies, so I should have called it a Maternity Hospital. Could you please adjust this. Sister Barnes was a fully qualified Sister, and occasionally helped out with the other medical problems in the town, but mainly she dealt with Mothers and Babies. I have been told that she was a wonderful woman – at times she would even sleep on a mattress on the floor to make room for extra Mothers in her Hospital. 3.51 When I said our toilet was ‘out the back’ maybe I should have explained more fully that it was a separate small timber building about 20 feet from the back door. It contained a wooden seat with a black Sanitary Can underneath; the used Can was removed every week by the 2/ Sanitary Carter and replaced by a clean empty can. 9.42 When I left school I went in to Sydney where I attended Peacocks’ Comptometer College in Martin Place. (You might like to edit the spelling.) Thank you for the tape and I hope the photos turn out well. Yours sincerely, (Mrs) Win Phillis.
Western Sydney Women's Oral History Project: Letter from Winsome Phillis
Audio recording of interview with Winsome Phillis Transcript of interview with Winsome Phillis Photo of Winsome Phillis
Letter thanking the interviewer, accompanied by a list of corrections to be made to the transcript.
10 Brock Avenue, ST. MARYS. 2760 9th March, 1992 Dear Robyn, Thank you for the tape and typed transcript which arrived recently and which I enjoyed reading and hearing. I’m sorry I was so hesitant in parts of the typed interview. I’m enclosing a list of errors that were made, as you asked me to. Thank you for the $5 for my book. I do hope we shall meet again. Could you call in for afternoon tea one day when you are driving home? My phone number is 623 1242 and Len and I would enjoy hearing from you. Yours sincerely, Eugenie Stapleton
Western Sydney Women's Oral History Project: Letter from Eugenie Stapleton
Audio recording of interview with Eugenie Stapleton Transcript of interview with Eugenie Stapleton Photo of Eugenie Stapleton 1 Photo of Eugenie Stapleton 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (Tape 1 of 2) {SPINE} HEATH Marg 28/8/91 No. 1 {CASSETTE} [same] and {CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. Tape 2 of 2 - One Side Only {SPINE} HEATH Marg 28/8/91 No. 1 {CASSETTE} [same - no label side B]
Tape 1: Low record levels and Tape 2: Low record levels. Confirmed side B blank (not ingested).
Transcript of interview with Marg Heath
Audio recording of interview with Marg Heath
Transcript of interview with Marjorie Heath Photo of Marg Heath 1 Photo of Marg Heath 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} PARKER, PAT 29/8/91 No. 2 {CASSETTE} [same, +] Parker, Patricia.
Transcript of interview with Pat Parker
Audio recording of interview with Pat Parker
Transcript of interview with Pat Parker Photo of Pat Parker 1 Photo of Pat Parker 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} PFOEFFER, Clare 30/8/91 No. 3 {CASSETTE} [same]
Transcript of interview with Claire Pfoeffer
Audio recording of interview with Claire Pfoeffer
Transcript of interview with Claire Pfoeffer Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 1 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 2 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 3 Photo of Claire Pfoeffer 4
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (1 OF 2) {SPINE} COLLESS, PAT 12/9/91 No. 4 {CASSETTE} [same] and {CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (2 OF 2) {SPINE} COLLESS, PAT 12/9/91 No. 4 {CASSETTE} [same - no label side B]
Transcript of interview with Pat Colless
Audio recording of interview with Pat Colless
Transcript of interview with Patricia Colless Photo of Pat Colless 1 Photo of Pat Colless 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} WATSON, Audrey 19/9/91 No. 5 {CASSETTE} [same]
Audio recording of interview with Audrey Watson
Transcript of interview with Audrey Watson Photo of Audrey Watson 1 Photo of Audrey Watson 2 Photo of Nepean River, opposite Audrey Watson's home Photo of Audrey Watson's home
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (Tape 1 of 2) {SPINE} SCOTT, DOREEN 19/9/91 No. 6. {CASSETTE} [same] and {CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (Tape 2 of 2) {SPINE} SCOTT, DOREEN 19/9/91 No. 6. {CASSETTE} [same - no label side B]
Audio recording of interview with Doreen Scott
Transcript of interview with Doreen Scott Photo of Doreen Scott 1 Photo of Doreen Scott 2 Photo of Doreen Scott's home
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (Tape 1 of 2) {SPINE} NICCOL, BRENDA 1/10/91 No. 7. {CASSETTE} [same +] MRS [
Tape 1: Side A output gain reduced to avoid clipping near start. Tape 2: Side B is blank.
Audio recording of interview with Brenda Niccol
Transcript of interview with Brenda Niccol Photo of Brenda Niccol 1 Photo of Brenda Niccol 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} LAMROCK, MAVIS 8/10/91 No. 8 {CASSETTE} [same]
Side A some clipping (microphone bumped).
Audio recording of interview with Mavis Lamrock
Transcript of interview with Mavis Lamrock Photo of Mavis Lamrock 1 Photo of Mavis Lamrock 2 Letter from Mavis Lamrock Second letter from Mavis Lamrock
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (Tape 1 of 2) {SPINE} HARGREAVES, Betty 17/10/91 No. 10 {CASSETTE} [same] and {CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (Tape 2 of 2) {SPINE} HARGREAVES, Betty 17/10/91 [Side A Tape 2 of 2] No. 10 {CASSETTE} [same]
Tape 2: Side A finishes at 8:50. Side B spot checked, blank, not ingested.
Audio recording of interview with Betty Hargreaves
Transcript of interview with Betty Hargreaves Photo of Betty Hargreaves 1 Photo of Betty Hargreaves 2 Photo of Betty Hargreaves 3
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} CAMILLERI, Rita 18/10/91 No. 11 {CASSETTE} [same]
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} SING, Marie 22/10/91 No. 12 {CASSETTE} [same]
Transcript of interview with Marie Sing
Audio recording of interview with Marie Sing
Transcript of interview with Marie Sing Photo of Marie Sing 1 Photo of Marie Sing 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} GIBBONS, Florence 28/10/91 No. 14 {CASSETTE} [same]
Audio recording of interview with Florence Gibbons
Transcript of interview with Florence Gibbons Photo of Florence Gibbons 1 Photo of Florence Gibbons 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} STAPLETON, Eugenie 1/11/91 No. 15 {CASSETTE} [same]
Audio recording of interview with Eugenie Stapleton
Transcript of interview with Eugenie Stapleton Photo of Eugenie Stapleton 1 Photo of Eugenie Stapleton 2 Letter from Eugenie Stapleton
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} TAYLOR, Margaret 25/11/91 No. 16 {CASSETTE} [same]
Audio recording of interview with Margaret Taylor
Transcript of interview with Margaret Taylor Photo of Margaret Taylor 1 Photo of Margaret Taylor 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} WILLIS, JOY 20/11/91 No. 17 {CASSETTE} [same]
Transcript of interview with Joy Willis
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (Tape 1 of 2) {SPINE} CORR, Heather 21/11/91 No. 18 {CASSETTE} [same] and {CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (Tape 2) {SPINE} CORR, Heather 21/11/91 No. 18 {CASSETTE} [same - no label side B]
Audio recording of interview with Heather Corr
Transcript of interview with Heather Corr Photo of Heather Corr 1 Photo of Heather Corr 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} TURNER, Marory 21/11/91 No. 19 {CASSETTE} [same]
Audio recording of interview with Marjory Turner
Transcript of interview with Marjory Turner Photo of Marjory Turner 1 Photo of Marjory Turner 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} PRICE, Olive 25/11/91 No. 20 {CASSETTE} [same]
Audio recording of interview with Olive Price
Transcript of interview with Olive Price Photo of Olive Price 1 Photo of Olive Price 2 Thank-you note from Olive Price
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} REYNOLDS, Diana No. 21 {CASSETTE} [same +] 27/11/91
Audio recording of interview with Diana Reynolds
Transcript of interview with Diana Reynolds Photo of Diana Reynolds 1 Photo of Diana Reynolds 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL (MASTER). {SPINE} AMY JACKSON 5/12/91 No. 22 {CASSETTE} [same]
Audio recording of interview with Amy Jackson
Transcript of interview with Amy Jackson Photo of Amy Jackson 1 Photo of Amy Jackson 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (Tape 1) {SPINE} PIKE, Mary 6/12/91 No. 23 {CASSETTE} [same] and {CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (Tape 2) {SPINE} PIKE, Mary 6/12/91 No. 23 {CASSETTE} [same - no label side B]
Transcript of interview with Mary Pike
Audio recording of interview with Mary Pike
Transcript of interview with Mary Pike Photo of Mary Pike 1 Photo of Mary Pike 2
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} HANNA Iris 11/12/91 No. 24 {CASSETTE} [same]
Transcript of interview with Iris Hanna
Audio recording of interview with Iris Hanna
Transcript of interview with Iris Hanna Photo of Iris Hanna 1 Photo of Iris Hanna 2 Photo of Iris Hanna's home
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} POTTER, Alice 13/12/91 No. 25 {CASSETTE} [same]
Audio recording of interview with Alice Potter
Transcript of interview with Alice Potter Photo of Alice Potter
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} PHILLIS, Winsome 13/12/91 No. 26 {CASSETTE} [same]
Audio recording of interview with Winsome Phillis
Transcript of interview with Winsome Phillis Photo of Winsome Phillis Letter from Winsome Phillis
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER {SPINE} MOON, Joyce 13/12/91 No. 27 {CASSETTE} [same - no label side B]
Side A starts abruptly. Side B is blank.
Transcript of interview with Joyce Moon
Audio recording of interview with Joyce Moon
Transcript of interview with Joyce Moon Photo of Joyce Moon
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (TAPE 1) {SPINE} MASON, EDITH 18/12/91 TAPE 1 No. 28 {CASSETTE} [same] and {CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (TAPE 2) {SPINE} MASON, EDITH 18/12/91 TAPE 2 No. 28 {CASSETTE} [same]
Tape 1: Side B speed incorrect after appx 14:45 and Tape 2: Side B content starts at 02:20
Audio recording of interview with Edith Mason
Transcript of interview with Edith Mason Photo of Edith Mason
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} NOTTLEY Sheila 16/12/91 No. 29 {CASSETTE} [same]
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} VINCENT Amelia 21/2/92 No. 30 {CASSETTE} [same]
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} MASTERS Olga 26/2/92 No. 31 {CASSETTE} [same, but] THELMA MASTERS
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER. {SPINE} VIDLER, Edna 28/2/92 No. 32 {CASSETTE} [same]
Side A some clipping (microphone bumped). Side B ingested at lower gain.
{CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (TAPE 1) {SPINE} EASTWELL Judith 5/3/92 No. 33 {CASSETTE} [same] and {CASE} ORIGINAL MASTER (TAPE 2) {SPINE} EASTWELL Judith 5/3/92 No. 33 {CASSETTE} [same - no label side B]
Tape 1: Side A some clipping (microphone bumped). Side B ingested at lower gain and Tape 2: Side B is blank.
Audio recording of interview with Judith Eastwell
Transcript of interview with Judith Eastwell Photo of Judith Eastwell 1 Photo of Judith Eastwell 2
{CASE} (ORIGINAL MASTERS). {SPINE} ROBSHAW, Olga 6/3/92 No. 34 {CASSETTE} [same]
Audio recording of interview with Olga Robshaw
Transcript of interview with Olga Robshaw Photo of Olga Robshaw 1 Photo of Olga Robshaw 2
{CASE} (ORIGINAL MASTERS). {SPINE} McKELVEY, JOYCE 10/3/92 No. 35 {CASSETTE} [same]
{CASE} (ORIGINAL MASTERS). {SPINE} JEFFREY, JOAN 10/3/92 No. 36 {CASSETTE} [same]
Audrey Watson was born on 23rd August, 1922 at Sydney. Audrey moved to Penrith with her husband in 1946. The couple lived in a flat above a shop for a number of years before building a house at Emu Plains. Audrey ran the tea room at the Lewer's Bequest regional gallery and like most of the interviewees she was a member of volunteer organisations for many years.
Transcripts of the recorded interviews with each participant. Some transcripts were available as existing Microsoft Word documents, others were scanned to PDF format and converted to Microsoft Word using OCR software. All transcripts were then converted to PDF/A format for inclusion in this site.
Photographs taken at the time of the interview with each participant. These mainly include images of the interviewee at her home; there are also some images of the surrounding area to the interview location.
Letters to Robyn Arrowsmith, written by participants after the interview.
Materials associated with the project, including fliers seeking participants, lists of sources and question outline.