Doreen Isabel May Pointon

Originally Typed up in 2008

THE EVENTS OF 1918

The year of Doreen’s birth.

WORLD WAR I

Through October 1918, Allied troops advanced quickly through a sequence of

Successful offensives and threatened the last German line or retreat. In the first week of November the British broke through German lines between the Schelde and the Sambre, taking 20,000 prisoners and 450 guns. The German forces finally collapsed and agreed to an armistice.

The Armistice: At 11am on 11th November 1918, an armistice was signed by Germany, finally signifying the long-awaited end to the war. As soon as the news was known cities and towns around Australia erupted into celebrations.

The 1918 flu pandemic, (commonly called the Spanish Flu), was a category 5 influenza that started in the United States, appeared in West Africa and France and then spread to nearly every part of the globe. Many of the victims were healthy young adults, in contrast to most influenza outbreaks which predominantly affect juvenile, elderly or otherwise weakened patients.

Once men started to arrive home from the war, there was an unforseen problem – the influenza pandemic, continued through to 1919, sweeping through Europe and killing approximately 15 million people. As early as 26th June 1918 Captain Ivor Williams wrote that 600 out of 750 men in his camp in France had contracted the flu. Although the decline in wartime health due to rationing can be partly blamed for the immense impact of the flu, countries such as Sweden that were not involved in the war, also experienced high mortality from the virus. Many Australians arriving home were forced to wait another two frustrating months in quarantine before being allowed to return to their homes.

FASHION

World War I prompts women to work in factories, and offices: women wear pants; military cut influences the clothes. Women now participating in sports also prompted new styles, including the “flapper”. In the early 20s Madeleine Vionnet creates flowing, feminine clothes, including the chiffon handkerchief dress; she creates the cowl neck, halter top and sets trends well into the 1930s. In the mid 20s popularity of rayon causes decline in the use of cotton, and in 1926 Knee-length hemlines mark a new high. In the late 20s Elsa Schiaparelli opens a Paris boutique and pioneers the use of zippers, shoulder pads, unusual buttons and favours bright colours, including “shocking pink”.

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS

Bill Hughes was the Prime Minister of Australia.

Ronald Munro-Ferguson, 1st Viscount Novar, was the Governor-General of Australia.

Archibald Peake was the Premier of South Australia.

Sir Henry Galway was the Governor of South Australia.

EVENTS

May the 15th 1918 The Post Office Department begins the first regular airmail service in the world (between New York City, Philadelphia and Washington DC).

South Football Club in Port Augusta won its first ‘A’ Grade football premiership.

TOP HIT RECORDINGS 1918

• “Tiger Rag/Skelton Jangle” by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band

• “Over There” by Enrico Caruso

• “After You’ve Gone” by Marion Harris

• “Smiles” by Joseph C Smith’s Orchestra

• “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows” by Charles Harrison

• “Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody” by Al Jolson

• “Hello Central, Give Me No-Man’s Land” by Al Jolson

• “I’m Sorry I Made You Cry” by Henry Burr

THE BIRTH OF DOREEN

Doreen Isabel May Bottomley was born on the 15th May 1918 to Eliza Adelaide and Albert Arnold Bottomley, in the home of her Grandfather Joseph Roberts in Mackay Street, Port Augusta.

Doreen was their fourth sibling out of five, all who were born in Port Augusta. She had an older sister Edith Lilie, who was born on the 15th July 1912, a brother Leonard Albert, whom she never knew; he was born on the 2nd March 1914, and died at approximately 15months of age. Kenneth Arnold was born on what would have been Leonard’s second birthday 2nd March 1916. Fifteen months after Doreen, Iris was born on the 30th August 1919. Iris was born in the front bedroom of their new home at 15 Jervois Street. When it came to baby photos Doreen was the only one that missed out, this was possibly due to rationing and the war years. What we believe to be the first photograph of Doreen displays a wonderful bow adorning her hair.

ELIZA AND ALBERT BOTTOMELY

Eliza Adelaide Roberts (Adeline was written in the family bible as her second name, but her birth was registered as Adelaide), married Albert Arnold Bottomley, at the age of 34 years. She was 41 years old when Doreen was born and went on to have Iris.

To give you and idea of the person Eliza was, I wish to share with you an extract, (written in the later years of her life), from the local paper.

“Extract from the transcontinental re: Eliza Adelaide Bottomley (nee Roberts).

“Chatting with a well known and highly esteemed little lady, a member of a pioneer family, in the person of Mrs E Bottomley, one is impressed with her sprightliness, her youthful energy and her wholesome and Christian outlook on life.

Born in Burra, 85 years ago on November 30, 1876 Mrs Bottomley came to live in the Port with her family when she was only four years of age. With amazing memory she recalled that her recollection of Burra was an impression of deserted mining camps. Her father, the late Joseph Roberts at one time Mayor of Port Augusta for 11 years, was a shoemaker by trade and conducted a business in the vicinity of the present Town Hall.

He died at the age of 91 and had earned a reputation which won for the nickname of the “the grand old man of Port Augusta”. Mrs Bottomley, whose name is Eliza but who was affectionately nicknamed “Lilie’, recalls that her first home here was in the vicinity of the cemetery where they had a nice home on what was known as ‘The Workmen’s blocks’. Living there entailed a walk of one and half miles into the township for shopping. Mrs Bottomley remembers that the family also lived in Mackay Street where Mr Jim Holdsworth now resides and also in the shop-residence at the corner of Harriet Terrace and Young Street. Over 40 years ago Mrs Bottomley took up residence where she lives today,

Schooldays were happily commenced at the primary school until she took lessons with the children of the Presbyterian Minister Rev Mitchell. Mr Roberts was friendly with the minister and it was arranged that Mrs Bottomley should study with the children from the manse, under the tuition of a governess. Later she again attended the primary school to finish her education.

Mrs Bottomley recalled that her mother was the first teacher at Stirling and met and married Joseph Roberts. Mrs Bottomley kept house and found her time fully occupied with little to spare for hobbies. Her main interest outside the home was connected with church work and she belonged to a choral group. This group visited old folk in their homes and also sang on the wharf to the crews of the visiting ships. Mrs Bottomley recalled receiving many appreciative letters from mothers of the sailors befriended during their stay and who enjoyed the hospitality of the church and the choral group. One of the most impressive sights to remain in her memory is the sight of the three and four masted sailing ships anchored in the gulf waiting berthing space. As many as seventeen of these ships at one time were anchored off shore and resented a thrilling and beautiful scene. This was in the days before the wharf was built and ships were obliged to berth at the various jetties. Coming here laden with ballast, the ships took cargoes of flour from the old mill and wheat. Her present home was built of ballast unladen from these old sailing ships.

Numerous natives lived in the outer suburban areas of the town in wurlies and begged most persistently from the townspeople.

After her marriage to a member of another well-known pioneer family, Mrs Bottomley helped in the business her husband had founded after some time in employment with Young and Gordon’s. This left her with little spare time, but she was an enthusiastic member of the church choir for over 20 years, and also found time to paint and conduct a class in this art. Mrs Bottomley remembers that five nurses from the hospital joined her class. Her first lessons in oil painting were given by a Miss Burgoyne and she later saved and took a course in Adelaide, become sufficiently proficient to teach oil painting on her return.

Mrs Bottomley vividly recalls the building of the Town Hall, the Methodist Church, which were erected as the town progressed. Her father, Joseph Roberts was a local preacher and helped Mr Holdsworth Sen., who acted in the absence of a minister. Croquet was an early sport in the town and Mrs Bottomley always regretted that the lack of time prevented her from joining in this sport or any other.

The visitor to the Bottomley home can spend countless hours listening to this grand little lady reminisce on her pioneer days and it is amazingly difficult to realize that this same gentle person can claim to be 85 years old on November 30.

Residents of Port Augusta owe a deep debt of gratitude to our pioneers and we take this opportunity of paying our tribute to another to whom the town owes much, and we wish her many years of happiness and good health. Mrs Bottomley although resident her for 81 years claims that travel is excellent for the individual and that it is educational and broadens the mind.”

Albert Arnold Bottomley

Albert was from a well known family in Port Augusta, he met Eliza through his cousin George Welby, who was married to Edith, Eliza’s sister. Albert was employed at Young & Gordon’s when they met. He soon started his own drapery shop ‘Bottomley’s’ in Commercial Road, where Eliza assisted him by sewing all the sheets, pillowcases and aprons etc. she was a good seamstress. He was a member of the Methodist Church and belonged to the Port Augusta Bowling Club. He had to have been of a patient and caring nature to have his father-in-law living with him throughout his marriage.

Albert

contracted Tuberculosis, and Eliza nursed him through this illness. His death was due to the effects caused by the TB later in life, after smoking cigarettes under the Mulberry tree (the spot where no one could see you); he took ill and died suddenly. When compulsory X-rays were conducted for TB, Eliza always had to have extra X-rays taken due to the scaring on her lungs caused from nursing Albert.

GROWING UP

Doreen’s childhood was surrounded by her brother and sisters, and many relatives and under the influence of her Grandfather she had a very strict Christian upbringing. Sundays were dedicated to church and Sunday school, it was a day of rest, they were not allowed to sew, knit, play cards or go fishing, this was strictly adhered to, as Ken found out after he had been caught sneaking off fishing. The routine was strict in the house with all the chores written up on the calendar, it wasn’t unusual for Doreen and Iris to wash out the handkerchiefs and tea-towels before going to school in the mornings. Not only did Eliza have her four children a husband and father to care for she took in boarders to supplement the income, she also worked in the shop. There was always food on the table as Eliza was a really good at budgeting and a good cook. At one time they had their own cow in the back yard, this was also another chore, milking the cow, separating the cream and making butter, the excess milk was sometimes used to wash the kitchen floor to give it a nice shine. Doreen would never drink milk or eat fresh cream, and both her and Iris complained that the cream had gone rancid, but the old saying ‘waste not want not’ was strictly adhered to. It’s hard to imagine the laundering that was required for all these people, all to be done by hand, in hot water, boiled in the copper (no washing machines or driers in those days). One of the boarders lined part of the old shed with cut up kerosene tins and adopted this as his lodgings; it would have been roasting in summer and damp and freezing in winter.

Saturday night was bath night, the copper was boiled up and everyone had a bath and their hair washed, ready for wearing their Sunday best for church and Sunday school, the next day. School nights consisted of chores, possibly home work, and early nights. Doreen remembers coming home from school and having to comb her hair over brown paper, then washing her hair in kerosene to remove the nits. Everyone at school wore hats; these were hung on pegs outside the class, the nits jumped from one hat to another, so the process would happen all over again. A lot of the children at school did not have a pair of shoes, but with Doreen’ Grandfather being a Shoe-maker she always had a pair of shoes. She often hid her shoes under a bush on the way to school so she could be like the other kids. Dipping other girls’ plaits in the ink-well was also a favourite pastime for all the siblings. Often Doreen would get home from school before her mother, she loved to experiment with cooking, some of the ‘flops’ went to the chooks, or her brother and sister ate the successes before her mum returned. At the age of thirteen she entered a cake cooking contest being held for the ladies of the town, to several of the women’s disgust she won first prize. Doreen left school after receiving her ‘Progress Certificate’ at the age of thirteen, she worked at home in the mornings doing home-duties for her mother, and in the shop in the afternoons, she received 10 shillings a week pay ( this is $1.00 in today’s currency).

Living so close to the beach played a major part in the lives of Doreen and her siblings, spending hours, swimming, sailing, fishing and playing at the foreshore. They were all excellent swimmers, many stories could be told of their exploits, this, was their playtime and a time of freedom from their strict routine.

DATING

Doreen meets Fred. This was to be a memorable occasion. With her friend Joyce Pointon, they had gone to the back beach, there they met Fred, Joyce’s cousin, he had been experimenting smoking a pipe and was being violently ill, vomiting everywhere, thank-goodness this first impression didn’t dampen the relationship. Fred was a Gawler lad, but pursuing employment, moved to Port Augusta to work as the accountant/bookkeeper at his cousin’s garage. “Pointon’s Garage” was then situated in Commercial Road, along side of the Flinders Hotel, where KD’s Hairdressers is now. Fred’s office was situated in the little shop along side of KD’s. Doreen was working at her Father’s shop Bottomley’s Drapery Shop. Each day Fred regularly went to the bank, Doreen soon worked out the time he went to the bank and somehow managed to meet him on his way. When the relationship became quite serious, Fred decided to seek employment with the Commonwealth Railways. He was immediately offered a clerical position, and pondered over this, as at the time Clerks weren’t receiving great pay packets, and he was planning to pop the question. He often wondered if he had taken this avenue where advancement would have led him in his career path. He still joined the Commonwealth Railways, but decided on a more physical path, as a Cleaner at the Car Barn, his intention was to become an engine driver, and this was the first stepping stone. In 1938 he was transferred to the thriving town of Tarcoola, where he commenced as a fireman (shovelling the coal, and maintaining the boilers on the steam locomotives), and later after undertaking all his exams he became a first class engineman. While Fred was at Tarcoola, Doreen was busy preparing her trousseau, hand embroidering doilies, sewing pillow slips and sheets, and cross stitching aprons.

THE COURTSHIP

Doreen and Fred was now a couple, they attended several dances. What Doreen remembers most about the dances was the smell; B.O. and Shellite. Deodorant was a thing of the future, and men cleaned their suits with Shellite or petrol. After doing the Jitter Bug and Polkas it became quite hot in the dance hall, and quite smelly, it was quite a relief to go outside for fresh air with the smokers.

There were picnics at the beach with their friends and family, Ken and Joyce Bottomley, Eileen and Bill Virgo, Ron and Joyce Litchfield, Iris and her friends; this is when Doreen got out the “Brownie Box Camera”. She loved taking pictures; this is possibly why Graham enjoys photography. Doreen was a good swimmer and enjoyed entering the swimming events. Also they would go to Curlew Island on Ken’s boat the “Rosemarie” for outings. There would be sing-a-longs at home Doreen playing the piano, Ken joining in with the spoons and Fred singing along. Fred always enjoyed singing, coming from a family who belonged to choral groups.

Football became a love of Doreen’s; she attended the Football matches to watch Fred play football in “A” grade for the West Football Club and later, after zoning took place, he played for the Central Football Club, both clubs were in Port Augusta. Fred was in Premiership sides for both clubs and photos are still on display at both club venues. Fred told of when they played at Chinnery Park on the West Side, the oval was made of shell-grit, gravel burns and cuts were the norm. Fred broke a small bone in his hand/wrist at one of the games and wore that break until the day he passed away, it had never healed.

When Fred proposed to Doreen he knew he would be marrying a good homemaker. When he shifted to Tarcoola he would put his “dirty washing” on the train and send it to Port Augusta for Doreen to wash and iron, and then return it to him at Tarcoola by train. Comments from the author: “Not too many men would get away with that today”.

PLANNING THE WEDDING

The wedding was planned. Fred was living at Tarcoola, his family living in Gawler, Doreen’s family living in Port Augusta and relatives living in Adelaide, where would the wedding be? Travel wasn’t like it is today, hop in the car and drive four hours from Tarcoola to Port Augusta and another three hours to Adelaide; you had to rely on the train to get you to your destination. The wedding was planned for the 28th January 1939, Adelaide at The Maughan Methodist Church, in the city at 8.30 at night, and the reception at the Grosvenor Hotel. Weddings in this period of time were held either early morning or at night, mainly due to travel arrangements. This was to be a quite an up market wedding, especially with the reception being held at one of the top hotels in Adelaide at that time.

Invitations were sent out, and Fred always joked that he knew nothing about getting married until he received his invitation in the mail.

THE DOE SHOW

A ‘Kitchen Tea’ for Doreen was held at Mrs Crotty’s home, her friend Eileen Virgo (nee Crotty), kindly arranged the tea. A lovely time was had by all, with Doreen receiving gifts to add to her “Glory Box”. The most memorable gift was given by Mrs Hemers, (Jack and May’s mother), this was a “Chamber Pot” – Doreen said she was forever grateful, it came in very handy.

THE BUCK SHOW

This is an extract that was published in the local paper in Port Augusta “The Transcontinental”

“SMOKE SOCIAL TO MR FRED POINTON

To be married on Saturday

(From our own Correspondent)

Tarcoola, Sunday.

A smoke social was tendered; Mr Fred Pointon by his friends on Friday evening. The quest of the evening will be married to Miss D Bottomley on Saturday. All present were extremely grateful to Mr and Mrs Martlew for the generous way in which they made their home available, and catered for the evening. No other place was available in which to hold the function.

Proceeding commenced with the toast to the guest of honour, who appeared very embarrassed. Perhaps this was due to the thought of getting married, more than the actual shyness as Fred is not a very reticent person under ordinary circumstances.

Cyril Semmens was Master of Ceremonies, and he was just his old self, cool calm and he also “collected,” when someone pulled the chair from under him; but no damage was done, however, as Horrie Simpson was there to catch him. Geo Cunningham went home early, and quite within his rights too, as his rendering of “When its lamp lighting time in the Valley,” was an insinuation, a little pointed no doubt, but nevertheless no one took any notice of the hint and the party continued without him.

One would not expect to hear hymns at a party, but all listened with respect to the rendering of “Abide with Me” by Les Turner and Arthur Stubbs. This was accompanied by the orchestra. Knowing that no party is complete at Tarcoola without the “Rhythm Boys,” who by the way are at a loose end lately, there being no dances, their presence was very noticeable. Cyril Slee, (accordion), is just as likely to have three bars rest of an unusual duration 14/7 time to light that curved stem pipe of his. It has become rather an obsession with him.

It may be an innovation if Sam Pilton (banjo) obtained the services of someone more worthy of his hire than Fred Pointon to turn the pages of his music over. Fred may have been cut out for a musician, but he lost the pattern years ago.

Bob Smith is not bad on the fiddle, but we think it better if he was given a 40 acre paddock to wield his bow. This matter was brought to an understanding when Mat Owens became very hostile when singing “The little child shall lead them.” He stated he would stop singing if Smithy did not take his bow elsewhere even though he was playing the accompaniment. The crowd clapped and told the violinist to continue.

“Underneath the Arches,” rendered by Chas Beecham and Les Turner was well sung and even if Charlie was two bars and three words behind and ahead at times, he managed to dead heat with his co-artist.

Roses Wilted

A trio “Red Rose” was well rendered by Allan White, Les Taylor and Jim Silveright. One could almost see the rose wilting, so much fervour was engendered into their item.

Bob Phyllis, who likes the better class of music, joined in with the singing of several tunes and certainly did justice to the supper. What a nurse girl Fred Surman would make his handling of and the expert operation on the “baby” was a “howling” success. The baby died, but Fred said it would have been a cripple if it had lived. Barnie McBride looked like a ‘C’ Class engine when he really did get his pipe going. Gate crashing in its entirety was seen when Burnie McEwen par took of refreshments and took part in the evening’s entertainment as well. He is always an asset at a party.

Miss Hazel Martlew’s masterpiece, “Jeannie I dream of lilac time,” supported by Bob Smith (violin) called forth a burst of applause which rather embarrassed Hazel, Known as the best singer this side of the rivers, Lindsay Martlew sang “Sing to me Gipsy”.

In responding to the toast of the evening, Fred Pointon made a good job, except that he repeated that he was very pleased to be present at the function so many times that we gathered he must have been very pleased after all.

“For he’s a jolly good fellow” was sung and best wishes for his future happiness were extended to Fred. The lads are looking forward to Fred’s return with his bride as they have arranged a welcome when they settle down at Tarcoola. He left for Gawler on Saturday evening amidst a shower of confetti.

Comments from the author: Was the “Smoke Social” a “Pot Party” or was the “Kitchen Tea” a ‘‘Pot Party’?

THE WEDDING

Doreen had to pack all of her travelling and wedding clothes and board the train for Adelaide; she then caught the train to Gawler, there she stayed with Fred’s family for a few days prior to the big event. Fred travelled down from Tarcoola, where Doreen met him at the Adelaide Station and they went to the Botanic Gardens to spend some time before catching the train to Gawler. I didn’t ask where everyone slept. The Pointon residence at, 14 Thirteenth Street Gawler West, was a two bed-roomed home with a sleep-out. Anne and Harold also had Fred’s brothers Bryan and Neil at home and possibly Doris (fondly known as Doll) and Norma. Sylvia was married to Carl and they had young Dawn. Doreen’s family stayed with an Aunt Liza and other relatives in the city.

The day of the wedding: Doreen had seen Fred but this didn’t appear to bring them bad luck – you know the old superstition that you weren’t allowed to see the groom prior to the wedding. Another train trip to the city, loaded up with all the wedding gear. Doreen went to her cousin Gert, and her husband Harrold Parker’s home, where she went through all the process of hair, make up etc to look her best for the special day. She arrived at the Maughan Methodist Church early and had to wait for the previous wedding to depart.

This is an extract that was published in the local paper in Port Augusta “The Transcontinental

“BRIDE WEARS CHANTILLY LACE

BOTTOMLEY – POINTON

WEDDING

The marriage of Doreen, second daughter of Mr and Mrs A A Bottomley, of Jervois Street, Port Augusta, to Harold Frederick Pointon of Tarcoola, eldest son of Mr and Mrs H J Pointon, of Gawler West, was solemnised at Maughan Church, Franklin Street, Adelaide on January 28, and Rev White officiating.

The bride, who entered the church on the arm of her father, wore an attractive gown of white Chantilly lace over satin. Tiny satin loops and buttons were worn from the point of the v-neckline to the hem, and a narrow frill of satin decorated the neckline and sleeves.

A panel at the back of the skirt merged into a train which had a narrow piping of satin. Her white silk tulle veil, which was worn over the face on entering the church, was held in place with a topknot of orange blossom. A sheaf of white and pink roses and water lilies was carried.

Misses Doll Pointon (sister of the bridegroom) and Iris Bottomley (sister of the bride), attended the bride. They were frocked alike in apple green crinkled silk chiffon made in Grecian style. The very full bodices were gathered together by three rows of emerald green velvet ribbon, meeting in the front in three bows,’ and small boleros were worn. The heart-shaped haloes of pleated material the same as the frocks, had green tulle veils which were worn over the face. They carried sheaves of pink carnations, gladioli and water lilies.

Little Jean Hemers (niece of the bride) was flower girl. She wore a full length frock of pink silk crinkled chiffon, made in the same style as the bridesmaids’. She carried a gold basket of pink gladioli.

Mr Ken Bottomley (brother of the bride) was best man and Mr Ron Litchfield was groomsman.

After the ceremony, 75 relatives were entertained at a reception at The Grosvenor. The Bride’s mother wore a frock of black silk romaine with white, and accessories to tone, with a shoulder spray of pink tiger lilies. The Bridegroom’s mother was frocked in navy sharkskin, relieved with navy and white sharkskin and accessories to match, with a shoulder spray of brick gladioli and gherbras.

The bride travelled in a navy and primrose ensemble, with accessories to match. Mr and Mrs H F Pointon will reside in Tarcoola.”

THE HONEYMOON

After spending two nights at The Grosvenor, Doreen and Fred went back to the in-laws at Gawler and stayed for a week. While in Port Augusta Fred had been a member of the Fire Brigade and had saved a hundred pounds towards getting married. They went into Adelaide to G&R Wills Wholesalers where they spent the 100 pounds and furnished their whole home, receiving considerable discount plus a beautiful casserole dish which stands in a silver holder as a wedding gift. Doreen only recently threw out the receipt which itemised their purchases, what a shame, it would be great to go through all the things they bought, but I will try to give you an idea.

All lino for every room in the house, all made to measure curtains for all rooms in their home, rugs and mats. A double bed, mattress and a bedroom suite, men’s and ladies wardrobes, also blankets for the bed, a beautifully upholstered top quality lounge suite with side tables and matching curtains, kitchen suite and dresser, scrubbing board, wringer, mangle and tub for the laundry and other sundries. This had to all be sent out to Tarcoola by train.

TARCOOLA

Tarcoola is situated on the Trans Australian Railway line 416k north northwest of Port Augusta. Gold was found in 1893, and Tarcoola was named after the winner of the Melbourne cup “Tarcoola” in the same year. This horse (Tarcoola) came from Tarcoola Station on the Darling River, “Tarcoola” was an aboriginal word meaning river bend, this interpretation is not quite fitting for the red dust landscape. Tarcoola was proclaimed a town on 21st February 1901 and 330 allotments were surveyed.

At this time in history, 1939, its population was considerably more than other railway townships across the Nullarbor. There was no power in Tarcoola, water came in once a week in water-gins to fill the town’s tank, and this tank supplied all of the houses with water. The famous “Tea and Sugar” train came once a week with all the supplies, it incorporated a butcher van. The sheep were killed just prior to or on arrival at Tarcoola. Doreen complained that the meat was all wobbly when she bought it, because there was no power only a small amount of meat could be purchased, and then cooked; ready to be eaten almost immediately. The good old “Bully Beef” and “Camp Pie” were subject to many culinary changes. Doreen was proud of her sausage rolls, stews and curries that she dished up for her family, and visitors. Good housekeeping skills were essential as all food had to be pre-ordered to be sent on the “Tea & Sugar”.

ARRIVING AT TARCOOLA

Doreen and Fred arrived at Tarcoola on the 2nd March 1939. They were greeted by 36 houses lined up on one side of the railway line, with all the ‘out-houses ‘(dunnies) lined up in a row behind them, their house was empty, and all their possessions had not arrived on the same train. It was only fortunate that Edith, (Doreen’s sister) and Jack and the two girls Jean and Maureen had arrived to live in Tarcoola the day before. They kindly supplied a mattress for them to sleep on at their home. It’s daunting to image the work both families had to do to settle into their homes, no electricity, young children, and the never ending heat, dust and flies.

Soon with help from friends they had their house looking like a home. Doreen was proud of her home and remembers a couple of the other women in Tarcoola, saying to her, they had heard how nice her home was and could they come and have a look. On May the 15th the same year it was Doreen’s 21st birthday. Fred kindly invited six or seven of his bachelor mates to tea to celebrate the occasion. Doreen spent the day over the wood stove, cooking a meal for everyone. I don’t think this went down too well, but I feel Fred wanted to show off his wife, that she was not only good looking but a great cook. I expect the evening was on similar lines to the “Smoke Social”, a little baldy, not quite Doreen’s cup of tea.

Doreen soon fitted in with the life at Tarcoola, and was asked to play the piano for the dances held at the hall.

On 31st May 1940 Graham Frederick Pointon was born to Doreen and Fred at the Port Augusta hospital, weighing, 9lb 2 oz, Doreen was fortunate to return to Tarcoola with her new baby in the cooler months. Prior to the arrival of Graham, Doreen had been busy knitting and sewing for the coming event. She cut up her wedding gown and made herself some blouses and baby dresses and the christening gown. Washing and drying white baby clothes in Tarcoola was not easy, and soon she realised that everyone’s whites were a nice light shade of tan. As I said before there was no electricity, so all washing was done by setting the wood fire under the copper and boiling the water, (this wasn’t filtered water either), then by hand using the old scrubbing board and a cake of velvet soap to wash everything., if you were lucky you had a mangle to help squeeze out the water, although this was mostly done by hand. The washing was hung on a line, propped up with a piece of tree branch to dry and often ended up, either in the dirt or covered in red dust. There were no lawns, gardens or paved yards in those days, just dirt, dust and weeds. In the summer months wet nappies were hung around the baby’s cot to try and keep him cool and mosquito netting was a must at all times.

Robert Leonard Pointon was born on the 7th October 1942, weighing 8lb 6oz, at the Port Augusta Hospital. Doreen had to make the trip on the train and stayed at her parents until the birth. When she was in the hospital her cousin Millie Gosdon visited her, Millie was so thrilled the baby had been called Robert, after their Grandfather Robert Bottomley, whose birthday had also been the 7th of October. Doreen didn’t admit that she hadn’t known this and had just liked the name Robert.

GROWING UP IN TARCOOLA

Fred was good with his hands and made toys for the boys out of bits of wood. Graham will tell the story, of crying because mum had broken their new cricket bat, so they couldn’t play cricket anymore. It didn’t matter that she did it killing a snake that was about to bite him – it was his new bat that is what mattered. Also Doreen had to come to the rescue when Robert decided to play with trap door spiders in the yard.

Graham and his friend Anthony Streeter were digging in the back yard when they dug up a nest of baby snakes, thinking they were worms they played with them, lucky Fred came along, as the sun was warming the snakes and they were just coming to life. Graham tells the story of when he and Robert decided to go to Wild Peach (Quandong) Hill to pick the fruit. Doreen packed their lunch and a drink, off they walked, when they got to end of the row of houses they sat down and ate their lunch, then turned around and went back home ready for another lunch. Graham tells the story of him and his friends decided to have a picnic, one managed to get a box of matches and another some potatoes, off they went to the cricket ground, lit a fire and cooked the potatoes. Of course they had black from the potatoes all over their faces and hands so they went down to the loco sheds where they cleaned themselves up, so their parents wouldn’t know what they had been up to - but they forgot that they all smelt like a bush fire, and of course questions were asked.

Fred laughed when he told the story about Maureen deciding she wasn’t going to school, Edith was beside herself with Jack away, Fred came to the rescue, and managed to get the screaming and yelling Maureen to the school gate, when she turned around, poked her tongue out at him and walked into the school as though nothing was amiss. The Tarcoola School had only one teacher who taught all classes.

“Blighty fly” was one of the normal things the boys had while in Tarcoola, they would get flies in their eyes, their lids would swell up so they couldn’t see. Doreen would be forever bathing their eyes, also the dust caused irritation.

Doreen and Fred cemented their life long friendship with May and Ken Footner while they lived in Tarcoola. Doreen and May were well known for dressing up and performing skits; “Two little girls in Blue” was one of the skits they did at the Tarcoola hall; playing the piano, whistling and yodelling were all part of Doreen’s repertoire. Also they were well known as good cooks, May for her pasties and Doreen for her sponges, so they were often asked upon to help provide suppers for the different functions being held in the town. They became good friends with the William’s, Doris and Harrold Bowman and Madge & Clem Matthews all being in similar age groups with young families. Fred always said his ten year stay in Tarcoola was the best period of his life.

DISASTER STRIKES

In December 1948, Doreen was staying at her parents’ home in Port Augusta awaiting the arrival of the birth of their daughter Marion. At about midnight there was a tap on the bedroom window, (the bedroom was where the dining room is today), it was Fred knocking, having just arrived off the train from Tarcoola. He had his arm in a sling and bandaged, he had been injured in an accident on the train at Tarcoola and travelled to Port Augusta on the train, then walked to the in-laws. Apparently some heavy metal object had fallen on the Steam engine, just missing his head and crushing his arm. The family soon had him in the Port Augusta hospital, Doreen cannot remember how they got there. Fred was then taken to Adelaide to the Calvary Hospital where he was operated on; he had what he called “miracle surgery for that era”, he had several metal plates inserted into his arm, which remained with him for the rest of his life, never giving him any problems. Fred was off work for six months.

Doctor John Thompson delivered Marion Doreen Pointon; she was born at five minutes past midnight on the 18th of December 1948, weighing 9lb, after a lengthy labour. Doreen spent a fortnight in hospital after the birth; this was the customary time to recuperate from a confinement. After delivering Marion Dr Thompson rushed to Adelaide to see his wife who had a daughter Jennifer at five past noon the same day.

Due to Fred’s injury they didn’t get back to Tarcoola for quite a while, then were only home a matter of three weeks when the Commonwealth Railways informed Fred that he had been transferred to Port Augusta, he had to pack up everything they had accumulated over their ten year stay. Of course there were the farewells as they departed, some of their friends had already shifted back to the Port. The Railways supplied them with a home on Railway Terrace, Doreen finally got her new home into order, and settled in with the boys, and got them into school, Marion was now six months old.

Then another tragedy hit the family, Doreen’s mother and sister, Edith called into her house on the way from the hospital, and told her that they had taken her father to the hospital. Apparently he had been down under the Mulberry tree sneaking a cigarette when he took ill. Doreen didn’t get to see her father again as he passed away within two hours of being admitted to hospital on 24th June 1949. He had a collapsed lung from having TB and had got air into the lung which caused his death. Her husband’s death hit Eliza really hard, so, Doreen decided that they would all move into the big house in Jervois Street, to look after Eliza and support her financially. There were more problems the business “Bottomley’s Drapery” was just getting back on its feet after the war. Prior to the war commencing the Japanese sailors had come into the shop and brought up big, paying cash, which meant Albert couldn’t get more stock in as you needed rationing coupons to get stock. Also rationing coupons were still operating in 1948/1949.

Albert had made a will, leaving Eliza the house and Ken who was working in the shop, the business, this will was made through either Elders or a similar stock company. The company came in and put a Manager in to run the business over Ken, consequently they ran the business to the ground before Ken could take over. Ken was devastated he had a wife Joyce, and two young daughters, Irene and Marilyn to support, a mortgage to pay on the house, now he had to start again, this wouldn’t have been easy, but after a lot of hard work he had the business up and running and employed two assistants.

15 JERVOIS STREET

The home of Eliza (Ma to all her family) was soon rearranged. Doreen & Fred shifted into the top room, Marion into the opposite bedroom (now the lounge room), the lounge was where the dinning room is now and the dinning room was where the girls’ bedroom is today. Ma had the room off of the kitchen, and the boys were out in the back lobby with curtains to pull across. Fred later built this in with a wall and a door. There were a few room moves but all settled down.

There was electric lighting, the stove was a beautiful wood stove with a font to keep the water hot. The laundry was at the end of the shed and had a copper, wash trough and a mangle. The bathroom was where it is today but with a chip heater, and a lovely painted red floor. Doreen kept this red floor well polished, and the kids loved it when it was time to paint the floor, they would have their baths in the big preserving bowl out in the laundry.

In the back yard there was another small house, many people lived in this home over the years, Edith and Jack when they got married, Ken and Joyce after they married, and Stan Edwards just to name a few. At this time the Woodford’s were living there, they had a daughter Kathleen who was a little older than Marion. Doreen will tell the story when Mrs Woodford came running in with Kathleen in her arms she had been badly scolded and Mrs Woodford had put a pound of butter on her burns. This was the treatment used for burns at that time; we now know is the worst thing to do. I believe that Kathleen lost a finger through this incident.

Later the house was removed, and Fred put up a chook yard and started his vegetable patches and put up sweet pea vines. Doreen will tell you the story that when one of the poor old hens were killed off for Christmas lunch, Fred always managed to get out of cleaning it, so Doreen had to do it, his excuse was that his hands were too big, but funnily when it came to a pigeon and Doreen put the foot down, he managed to clean that out okay.

POLIOMYELITIS

Doreen knew that Graham was very sick, and rushed him off to the Doctors, there had been a major outbreak of Polio, and it was a terrifying time for Doreen, she, felt completely helpless. Graham was so ill he had to be moved to Adelaide. Ken, Doreen’s brother was the voluntary Ambulance driver at the time, so off he took towards Adelaide, it was night time and pouring rain, Fred was in the back with Graham. This trip was a nightmare journey, apparently the Ambulance had a leaking exhaust which was coming into the back of the cabin filling it with fumes, and Fred was worried they would be gassed before they got there. Graham was only eight or nine years old at the time, when they arrived at the Children’s Hospital, another problem, they had left his results from a Lumbar Puncture in Port Augusta; he had to go through the agony of having another one done. “Lumbar Punctures” in those days did not include an anaesthetic, and for a child of his age it would have been a very painful experience. Graham spent six weeks in isolation in Adelaide; this would also have been a traumatic time without family around to comfort him, and very a worrying time for Doreen.

Robert was admitted to the Port Augusta Hospital as they thought he also had Polio, but after a few days he was released and all okay.

THE METHODIST CHURCH

The Methodist Church played a major roll in the lives of Doreen and her family. Doreen’s Grandfather Joseph Roberts had laid the foundation stone at the base of the hall, and a window at the front of the church was dedicated to the family. Eliza sang in the church choir. Sundays were taken up with morning and evening services and Sunday school for the children. Often of a Sunday afternoon the family would go for a walk (they didn’t own a car), they would sometimes walk out to Doreen’s relations the Coventry’s who lived in Glyde Street to visit.

Doreen was a member of the “Young Married's”, who had social afternoons. She worked, cooked and sewed for the “Strawberry Fair” which was held annually in the supper room of the Town Hall, proceeds of which went to the church building fund. The church held concerts in the hall, and the Sunday school held its “Anniversary” in the church. This entailed all the children sitting up on raised seats singing to the congregation. Doreen made new outfits for the children to wear for these occasions. She will tell you the story of Graham sitting up in the choir and poking out his tongue and making faces at the congregation, she was so embarrassed she rushed out to the front, grabbed him by the hand and raced him out of the church. I expect he received a sore bottom once outside. Sunday school picnics were great, everyone would get into the back of Whiting’s cattle truck (it had been cleaned out, but the odourl still lingered), off we would go. Saltia, Mambray Creek, Depot Creek and Fannyville were some of the venues for the picnics. Ice cream ‘dandies’ were one of the favourites; these were carted in canvas containers with dry ice to keep them cool.

LIVING IN PORT AUGUSTA

HEART BREAK

Doreen and Eliza attended Church on the Sunday evening, Joyce (Doreen’s sister-in-law) was singing in the choir, when she felt unwell and walked out of the service and home. After church, Doreen and Eliza called in to see how Joyce was; she had had a dizzy turn. Ken mentioned that he was taking the family to Whyalla the next day, (which was a public holiday), and that the outing would do Joyce good.

Doreen, Eliza and Doreen’s friend Eileen Virgo were all at the picture theatre on the Monday night; Fred was away on the trains (out bush). The pictures were held in the Town Hall in Commercial Road, as the family were great theatre goers they always sat in the same seats in JJ row in the dress circle upstairs. On this occasion during the film, the Usherette called Doreen outside, where she was met by the Methodist Minister.

There had been a horrific car accident, just on sun set. Joyce had been killed, Irene was in a critical condition in the Whyalla hospital, Marilyn, Len Burton, Horrie Surman and his passenger were all in hospital, and two men on motorbikes had also been killed.

The Minister escorted Eliza and Doreen home, and organised for Jack (Edith’s husband) who owned a car to let the Lancaster family know of the accident. Apparently Joyce wasn’t feeling the best and decided to ride in their friend Len Burton’s Land Rover on the way home as it wasn’t as rough to ride in as Ken’s car. Ken had driven on ahead, on realising no-one was following he turned back, only to be greeted by the horrific accident, the impact of this on Ken is hard to imagine. He spent the night at the Whyalla hospital with his daughters.

There had been two cars and two motor bikes involved in the accident. One of the motorbikes weren’t found until the next day this was due to the darkness of the night and the extent of the accident. Later it was established that one of the motor bike driver’s was the cause.

Communication not being what it is today made things worse for the family who were waiting at home for news on the girls, they were in shock, suffering grief, and worrying. Irene passed away early hours of the next morning from head injuries; Marilyn was transported to the Port Augusta hospital.

The hardest thing Doreen has had to do in her life time was to go to the Port Augusta Hospital with the Minister to tell Marilyn that her mother and sister had passed away. She remembers clearly walking into the old hospital and down the ward.

LIFE CONTINUES

It was not easy to get back to a normal existence; Marilyn came out of hospital and went to her Grandmother and Doreen’s so they could care for her. Ken tried to stay with them, but, shifted back to his home, Ken needed to come to terms with his tragic loss in his own way.

The girls, (Marion and Marilyn), were 9 and 7 years old at the time. Marion thought it was great to have Marilyn living with them, she did not fully understand the circumstances, but was quite willing to share her mother with Marilyn and welcome her into the family as a new sister.

Doreen continued to be the homemaker, cooking, cleaning, and sewing clothes for everyone. The girls started piano lessons with Mrs Nicholson who lived just around the corner in Young Street. Marilyn loved to sing so Doreen (very much against the grain) went to the Catholic Convent to see if she could enrol her in singing lessons, this was not to be, the nuns would only take their own flock at that time.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

The girls always attended Sunday School, Marilyn will tell of how she tried to convince Marion to go to the shop and spend the collection money on lollies on the way, Marion would agree until they got close to the shop, then she would run like mad to the church. They never got to spend the money.

Robert decided to “tight rope walk “on the top of a tin fence near the tennis court on MacKay Street on his way to Sunday School, he slipped and cut his tongue in half, lots of blood. Of course Doreen had to rush him to the hospital, but his tongue could not be stitched.

Sunday school was originally held up stairs in the Methodist Church, and latter it was held in the church hall.

The Church Hall held many a concert and afternoon. Mrs Woodcock the Society writer for the Trans usually attended, with Mr Woodcock usually singing his rendition of “Jerusalem”. Dora Williams usually sang Miss Wills played the piano for her, Mrs Nicholson and Margaret Jones all played the piano on occasions. Marilyn will tell when she sang the song “Tammy” and won first prise ahead of Elaine Virgo.

Of course the Sunday School Anniversaries were the highlight of the year with all the children sitting at the front of the church, singing at the top of their voices. Thinking back it must not have sounded as good as they thought it sounded. It was the sheer joy of being dressed up (Doreen made a new dress for the girls each) knowing the words and singing to everyone.

The Sunday school picnics were terrific fun, travelling in the cattle truck, participating in egg and spoon races, the sack race and three legged race, and lining up to receive a wafer ice-cream.

The Strawberry Fairs held in the Town Hall were also great occasions. The ladies of the church sewed, knitted and cooked for the stalls, served fresh scones jam and cream, but the strawberries and ice cream were what everyone went to eat. These were extra special as they were a treat; usually people had home- made ice cream and not bought ice-cream. Although you could get threepenny (3 cents) and sixpenny (5 cents) ice-creams a double ice cream was a shilling (12 pence = 10 cents) in the shops, money was scarce and these were bought on special occasions.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Doreen was always a keen photographer; she had her Box Brownie and took many family pictures, pictures at the beach, pictures of friends etc. There are photos of friends at Tarcoola.

One set of the most memorable of photos were taken at the front beach when the Quorn train brought the ‘Quornees’ down for the day for a picnic at the beach, and Port Augusta families would join in with them, this was an annual event regardless of the weather. Doreen took photos of Joyce, Irene and Marilyn, Marion, Avis Hancock and her daughter Deanna, Eileen Virgo and daughter Elaine, Alice Surman with Christine. These photos are treasured as they have great memories.

SCHOOL

Doreen was on the Primary and High School Committees, always working tirelessly, cooking, sewing and knitting. You could never wag school or do anything untoward as she would know before you even contemplated it. She always encouraged the children to read and do well at school, made the sports clothes and uniforms and participated in all functions.

The Pet Show was a great fund raiser for the school. Everyone dressed up for the occasion and Doreen made quite a name for herself making costumes for everyone. Marion went as a “Grandma”, a “flower” and a “wedding cake”, just to name a few. Robert went as a Piano man. Later on she made costumes for Marion for the Poinsettia Festival floats entered by the Sea Rangers; this was as a Knave, Minnie Mouse, also she made a beautiful pale pink satin evening dress for Marion to wear as one of the Pageant Queens.

Doreen would also remember the aftermath of the Pet Show, usually held on a Saturday, Marion usually came home and vomited, so she had to clean her up, put her to bed and then miss out on the picture show at the Town Hall. Saturday nights the family went to the pictures if the movie was suitable. It wasn’t until later that Marion realised why she was sick and it was usually she had had either a hot dog, or watermelon both of which appears not to agree with her. Marion remembers missing out on seeing “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” for this same reason.

COMMITTEES

Doreen was on the Church Committees ladies auxiliary her and her great friend May Footner both received recognition for twenty five years service visiting the Port Augusta Hospital, taking books and talking to the sick. Many a time she would lend her ‘nighties’ to some dear lady who had ended up in hospital but did not have any to wear.

Her and May were members of the CWA, they enjoyed the afternoons. She was a member of the Probus Club and enjoyed many trips away.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

When the children were young and Fred was working away from home holidays were a rarity, school holidays were spent at the beach, eating lunch and sitting under the Mill Jetty. Doreen and May would pack the lunch and with us children, Marilyn, Marion, Maryann and Brian (the twins) off we would walk down Young Street and we were at the beach. Marilyn and Marion always talk about the sandwiches: of how great they were and to have the same again now how they wouldn’t taste the same. Home grown tomatoes, home grown apple or crystal cucumbers and home- made pickled onions were the filling; and pipe loaf bread fresh from Bull’s Bakery (Just down the Lane off of MacKay Street), hand cut and buttered with real butter. Also we would have egg and lettuce sandwiches, from our own chocks and the lettuce from out of the Garden.

The whole family remember their holiday to Grandma and Grandpa Pointon’s at Gawler. After spending a week there, they caught the train into Adelaide on their way home to Port Augusta, booking their luggage into the luggage compartment. This enabled them to stop off in Adelaide to all go to the Zoo and the Botanic Gardens before catching the evening train home to Port Augusta. The Engine Drivers apparently went on strike all trains were cancelled; the problem arose that all of the luggage had gone on to Port Augusta, and the family could not get back to Gawler, also the money had got low at the end of the holiday. There were no plastic cards or Redi-tellers in those days, and banks did not open on Saturdays. Fred was lucky enough to get an Attic room at the old Coffee Palace in Hindley Street, where the five all camped in together, this was a bargain and they threw breakfast in for the price. As was the norm Marion and Robert were grots, Marion’s best blue nylon dress and white socks were filthy. Doreen made the kids get into bed while she rinsed out the clothes and hung them around the room hoping they would be dry by morning, when they expected to get back to the Port. Breakfast down in the dining area was a posh affair; Marion remembers having her first taste of kidneys and liver, which Fred offered her to try, surprising him by enjoying them immensely, her being such a fussy eater. This was the only family holiday that the whole family were together.

When Raymond Footner, Jack Hemmers and Graham got cars travelling to different beaches for picnics and crabbing became a great past-time. The families; including the dog (Rusty), headed off down to either the West side shack area, Yatala Harbour, Chinaman’s Creek or even as far as the Point Lowly Light House, looking wonderful in their oldest clothes, bathers and sun hats. The weather was usually hot, Marion had a spot of heat stroke and tummy upset after eating hot crabs while cleaning them at Yatala, it was over a 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Doreen caught a blue ring octopus in her hands and showed every-one nearby, it was really a pretty shade of blue, just lucky she wasn’t bitten. Fred opened a shark’s egg when we were at Point Lowly (this is the breeding ground for the Port Jackson Shark), there was this perfectly formed miniature shark attached and swimming around a yolk, and then he opened another one which was rotten. Well the pong was unbelievable, he washed his hands that many times still not removing the smell, he was not popular on the home trip, all windows down, we even welcomed the dust into the car. I expect the old carb soda did the trick to help remove the smell when he got home.

ILLNESS

Fred took ill; he kept vomiting and had lost considerable weight. The Doctor in Port Augusta sent him off to Adelaide for all sorts of tests; they still could not work out what was wrong. Fred became so ill that he was given only three days to live if they could not find the cause. It was only lucky that Doreen’s cousin Gert, her son Murray Parker, was a Doctor/Scientist who had developed a machine that would diagnose the cause of Fred’s illness, consequently saving his life. Fred had a Goitre in his Thyroid gland, this could not be operated on so radio-active iodine was to be used. As this treatment was not yet common in Australia the Iodine had to be flown in from England in a specially lined and sealed container, When the container was opened the personnel had to have their lead lined aprons and safety clothing on. Fred was in isolation for a fortnight after drinking this and remained on Thyroid tablets for the rest of his life.

BOWLS

Fred was a member of the Port Augusta Bowling Club, his parents were avid bowlers at Gawler, and Fred’s mother was a Skipper and bowled into her late 80’s. Doreen’s father and Grandfather were also Life members of the Port Augusta bowling club. Fred talked Doreen into joining bowls. Doreen went out and bought a new uniform, hat stockings the works she had the hem adjusted, and went off to bowls really looking the part. After a couple attempts at playing, and getting the top score for putting the bowls in the gutter, also a few rude comments from one of the ladies, Doreen came home really upset and humiliated never to play bowls again. Later in life after Fred had retired from the Railways she attended the Friday night bowls social barbecue tea which was held each month. Edith and Jack Hemmers, Beryl Lawson, Michael Mussarra, Ken Yates and his wife were just a few of the group that they sat with.

HOLIDAYS

Fred never owned his own car, although he did have a drivers licence. Graham, Doreen and Fred, and May and Ken Footner had many trips away together. They went to Victoria, to the Snowy Mountains, visits to Sydney and down to Canberra to see Bryan and Myra Pointon. They took holidays to Sydney, and Queensland, also Singleton where Robert was living at that time. Tasmania and New Zealand were two holidays they did after Fred retired. Fred retired from the Railways in 1974 when he turned 60 years of age, and then worked part time as the janitor at the Port Augusta High School.

When they were away on one of their tours Marion who was about seventeen years old and was working in the railways at that time, went down to stay at May and Ken Footner’s house with Brian and Maryann. Maryann and Marion were forever cleaning up and making sure everything was ‘spick and span’, and up to May’s standard. Unbeknown to the girls Brian planned a party on the Saturday night all his friends came around and had a great time, leaving the party ‘worst for wear ‘, the house was a mess, May’s shining kitchen floor was scratched from dancing and sticky from spilt drinks. It took ages polishing and re-polishing the floor trying to get it back to what it was before. Also the front and side verandas’, which always shone, had to be polished and rest of the house had to be cleaned up. Brian was not popular with the girls.

CARD

Doreen celebrated her birthday on the 15th May and her good friend May celebrated hers on the 6th of June, they usually gave birthday cards to each other. The most “famous birthday card” passed between one and other and back again. This began in about 1952 and continued until May passed away. The card cost six pence and had a cartoon drawing of a plump lady and a thin lady, with the words “From One Miss Australia to another”.

(There is a photo attached of the card)

STRAYS

Doreen was always friendly with everyone she met; often she would meet hitch hikers at the beach and bring them home for Sunday lunch. Several of these hitch hikers were university students and ended up as Doctors and Lawyers and she would get cards from them, as they appreciated what she had done for them.

CARD GAMES

Doreen and Fred played many different card games, Doreen taught the children to play, she doesn’t remember how many packs of “Old Maid” cards she bought, but it would have been quite a few. Each time Graham lost and got “Old Maid” he would get cross and rip the card up, the girls would cry, in the end Doreen was an expert at making a dummy “Old Maid” to put in the pack.

May, Ken, Edith and Jack all played cards with Doreen and Fred on Friday nights each week. They started off playing “500”, then it was “May I”, “Canasta” and “Samba”. Jack always cheated as he played for sheep stations, the others knew he cheated, but just let it go, that was Jack. Edith always concentrated by turning off her hearing aids, that way she couldn’t hear Jack if he wasn’t winning. Many a great night was spent cementing their friendships. May always reminded Doreen to boil the kettle before she made the tea, as on some occasions the tea was not hot enough – well Doreen didn’t drink the stuff as it smelt like B.O. she said, so that was her excuse. There were lots of laughs and everyone had a great time.

LIFES CHALLENGES

The family have now left home.

Graham didn’t marry and remained in the family home.

Robert travelled the world, worked in several towns and settled in New South Wales at Singleton, then Laurienton with his wife Val and her two sons Brett and Daryl Taylor, also their three daughters Bronwyn, Fiona and Jodi. Bronwyn married and then had, Andy and then triplets Mitchell, Brandon and Casandra. Fiona had Elizabeth, and Jodi has Zoe, Ayden and Molly.

Marion married Wayne Ellis, and they have two children, Petrea and Christopher. Marion (main author) sadly died 4 days before Doreen died.

Petrea married Trevor Bavington and had two sons Rhys and Tyler, after their divorce, she met Kevin Baker who already had two children Taryn and Dylan, and together they had Joel, a family of seven. Sadly late in 2023 Kevin was killed in a horrific Train accident at Bindarrah, leaving Petrea a widow. Christopher married Shelley Cugley, and they have Denham and Kyan. Chris and Shelley later divorced, and Chris then met Tina who has 2 boys Brok and Dylan.

Marilyn married Denis Atkinson, they remained in Port Augusta in her father’s family home, Craig and Scott, their sons both who have partners. Sadly, Craig later passed away from Cancer.

Fred (Doreen's husband) passed away on the 13th December 1992, sadly he only got to see Rhys and Bronwyn the only two of his great grandchildren born at that time. This was a very sad time for Doreen, as Fred was her soul mate.

Flinders House Quorn

Doreen had endured one of the worst cases of shingles, spending 16 weeks in hospital, this took its toll on her. Then she had a fall and had internal injuries, and was lucky that there were no breaks. After this stint in hospital it was decided that she needed extra care and needed to go into home. On the 13th September 2013 Doreen was admitted to Flinders House, where she has received wonderful care over the years until her death on the 29th of January 2021.

it’s always lovely hearing the stories of their loved ones. There is sadness of course at the loss, however there is also lots of laughter when reminiscing and telling tales. Robert described their mother to me as the matriarch of the family. She was a good organised and had firm routines for the running of the household. Doreen was a wonderful cook and her cake making was next level. She made many wedding cakes and hand made the intricate flowers that decorated the cakes. She also taught her children and grandchildren how to make the flowers. Petrea told me that what she couldn’t get from her mum she got from Grandma. She told me a story of how Roberts kids wanted money for lollies and he wouldn’t let them so they rang Grandma and complained and she posted $5 off to them on the NSW coast, so they could have their lollies.

In loving memory of Doreen and Fred.

May they Rest in Peace.