Interview with Patricia Isabel Chester, 1911 -2005 [oral history] / / interviewer: Alice Smith

DESCRIPTION

AuthorChester, Patricia Isabel, 1911-2005; Smith, AliceDescriptionInterview with Patricia I. Chester (nee Hymus). Family history -- Effect of World War I on the family -- Depression - father worked quarrying limestone or sorting over ripe bananas from the banana boats -- Father Worsley Frederick Hymus lighthouse keeper on Rottnest 1919-1921 -- Patricia started school on Rottnest -- Returned to mainland -- Rented a house in Martha St, Beaconsfield, then moved to Solomon St., -- Educated at Beaconsfield School - teachers -- Memories of life on Rottnest - pet wallaby or quokka -- Left school at 14 to help mother with baby brother born 1925 -- Washed dishes at the Hydrodrome, South Beach and then went into domestic service in Shuffrey St. - earned 10/- a weekd plus keep -- Memories of Rockingham -- Social life - dances, card playing -- South Beach -- Games -- Family meals -- Applying for sustenance - accepting handouts -- Description of home in Solomon St. -- Worked (domestic service) for an uncle (crippled) in Rockingham Beach -- November 1932 - fare collector with Metropolitan Transport Trust (then Metro Buses) - uniform, pay, social life -- Married 1935 St Paul's, Beaconsfield -- 500 pounds for a house and 1/4 acre block in South St., Hilton -- Lived here 1937-1964 -- Description of home -- 4 girls (one still born) and one boy -- South St. house was originally a Peel Estate home which was re-erected on the lot -- Illness during childbirth -- Typical day in 1938 -- Family car -- Household economy -- Chester family history -- Celebrations - Christmas (songs sung), birthdays -- Aboriginal camp near Fremantle CemeteryImprint1982Collation3 CDsSeries Title Australia 1938 Oral History ProjectLanguageEnglishDate Published1982NotesInterview conducted by Alice Smith on 23rd June 1982 Access: Open Fremantle City Library Local History Collection holds a copy of the tape only Copies also held at Battye Library, and the National Library, Canberra (master)Dewey ClassOH/CHEAudio FormatCDDigital ItemYes

COPIES

Barcode30118000476758LocationOral History Collection

PeoplePatricia Isabel ChesterStreetOsborne RoadSuburbEast FremantleSubjectFestivalsAboriginal AustraliansChildbirthCollectionOral History Collection

ACCESS

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