Westralian Soap employee 1928-1974; Musician in Rhymetts Band [oral history] / / interviewer: Margaret Howroyd

DESCRIPTION

AuthorCharles, Albert Henry, 1914-2004; Howroyd, MargaretDescriptionInterview with Albert Henry Charles (Bert). Identification and introduction -- Father, Henry, foreman Millars Timber Yard, North Fremantle -- Began work at 14 Westralian Soaps, North Fremantle, washing bottles for 2 years -- Building described (photo in archives) -- Peak products began c.1926 by Stan Slattery -- Products and manufacture described -- Ingredients, tallow, resin, etc. & sources -- Old building and floors collapsing -- Steel plates -- Customers were merchants like Moores, sending products to North West hotels, et.c -- Soap not used in private homes -- Slattery family owners -- World War 2 army contracts -- Girls introducted into wrapping dept. first time -- Bottles and tins shortage, recycling -- Relax Community concerts broadcast 6pm, described -- New building for factory c.1950 -- Wrapping dept. -- World War 2 (cont) -- Environmental concerns -- Tallow water (lye) -- Rubbish -- Firm fined in court -- Accidents described -- No strikes -- Staff and migrants -- Aerosol cans and Freon gas -- Machinery -- Johnsons bought out Westralian Soaps -- Bert Charles as salesman, then works manager -- Trip to U.S.A. -- Industrial sales -- Retirement 1974 -- Music career, Rhythmetts Band for over 40 years -- Dance competitions -- First marriage 1936, 4 children -- 2nd marriage -- East Fremantle 1930's -- Changes in FremantleImprint1995Collation2 sound cassettes (110 min.) + Guide to contents (8 leaves) + Collateral (2 leaves)LanguageEnglishDate Published1995NotesInterview conducted by Margaret Howroyd on 21st March 1995 Access: OpenContent NoteSUPPORT MATERIAL:Photocopies of: photographs of Bert Charles (2 leaves)Dewey ClassOH/CHAAudio FormatCassetteDigital ItemYes

COPIES

Barcode30118000381149LocationOral History Collection

PeopleSlattery FamilyAlbert Henry CharlesSuburbNorth FremantleSubjectWestralian SoapsFactoriesMusicMigrantsCollectionOral History Collection

ACCESS

Request AccessPlease email the Fremantle History Centre: lhc@fremantle.wa.gov.au