Oral Histories
These Oral Histories provide information on the local area and MPPS
Interview with Diana Mitchell (1950s)
Interviewer: Margaret Hughes Institution: Ryde Library ServiceDiana and her husband Malcolm lived in Melrose Park. In this interview she describes their house and social activities in the Melrose Park/Meadowbank areas and mentions her involvement with MPPS.
DianaMitchell_MPPS1950s
Content:1:45 - 2:45 The Melrose Park area8.00 - 9:30 A supportive community, activities at MPPS17:45 Children, holiday games19:25 Teenagers in the 60s20:50 Meadowbank Park22.05 Local schools MPPS
(tree planting, fete, good teachers)
Content:1:45 - 2:45 The Melrose Park area8.00 - 9:30 A supportive community, activities at MPPS17:45 Children, holiday games19:25 Teenagers in the 60s20:50 Meadowbank Park22.05 Local schools MPPS
(tree planting, fete, good teachers)
Interview with Laura Brackenbury (1940s)
Interviewer: Lesley Goldberg Institution: Ryde Library ServiceLaura moved to Batten Avenue, Melrose Park after her marriage in 1940. In this interview she recounts how she and her husband Arthur purchased a house and land package, established their home and became part of the neighbourhood and local community.
LauraBrackenbury_Tape1SideA.mp3
Content:
2:15 Why they moved to Melrose Park3:40 - 6:10 When suburb named Melrose Park and school MPPS
Content:
2:15 Why they moved to Melrose Park3:40 - 6:10 When suburb named Melrose Park and school MPPS
LauraBrackenbury_Tape1_SideB.mp3
Content: 00:50 Local shops and service7:35 Childrens' play activities9:20 Church and Sunday School10:55 Scout hall in Wharf Rd21:20 Small houses23:38 Beginnings MPPS (infants)27:15 Parent involvement MPPS, making Monday lunches and annual fete
Content: 00:50 Local shops and service7:35 Childrens' play activities9:20 Church and Sunday School10:55 Scout hall in Wharf Rd21:20 Small houses23:38 Beginnings MPPS (infants)27:15 Parent involvement MPPS, making Monday lunches and annual fete
Interview with Olive Taylor who was a teenager in the 1930s and grew up in the family home built by her father, an English stonemason. She tells us about her family's life in Meadowbank.
Interviewer: Pauline Curby
Transcription: Gabrielle Godard, November 1998
Interview with Owen Bennet Owen (born 1923) who recalls his childhood and growing up during the Depression. He describes the dairies and market gardens in the West Ryde area.
Interviewer: Lesley Goldberg Date of the interview: 3 November 1998
- Parent's house in Adelaide Street
- Childhood fun and games
- Dairies in early West Ryde area
- Chinese market gardens
- Across the Parramatta River to Homebush
- Childhood antics
- Family life during the Depression
- Family camping holidays
- Accidents and mishaps
- Employment in West Ryde and Meadowbank
- Working as an apprentice Audio
- Employment during the Depression
Transcription: Gabrielle Godard, February 1999