Notes From Raymond Gordon Williams 1896-1968

[Archie's Mum]

We then shifted to Dan Ryan's house in Rodd Street.

Oops. Missed this bit.
'Old Dan Ryan was a character and a half. Around midnight he used to get stirred up and get out cracking a big stock whip and shout abuse at his other neighbours, the Tee family who never did him any harm. In the end they had to put him in an asylum. Sad loss of entertainment for us. He never once was bad friends with us, he liked Nellie (sister) a lot and was good friend to Mum and Dad. Eccentric but quite harmless'

 

[Ma-dotcom]

His house in Rodd st. sounds rather like ours was.

 

[Archie's Mum]

At least it had floors. Some of the others only had earth. In particular the huts at Cargo. Who am I to judge though. Timber floors don't mean happiness and they were ever so happy and content with their lot.

 

[Elsiesgirl]

That was wonderful. I would love to have anecdotes like those, from my ancestors. They also give a real insight into the living conditions etc in those days

 

[Archie's Mum]

Thank you Elsiesgirl. We drove through those parts a few weeks ago, up and down streets and picking out houses that they may have lived in. We were so wrong. Their homes were nothing like anything we could imagine. We have seen photos of old settlers huts and humpies not imagining that was the way they lived. Earthen floors, canvas window coverings, straw mattresses and wheat sacks stuffed with old clothes for blankets and as happy as pigs in mud. Things did improve for them as the years went by though. Most ended up owning lovely houses and had good lives. And old William Williams a convict who never told a soul.

 

[AnnaJenny]

This is fantastic. So envious. Thanks.
Jenny

 

[Archie's Mum]

It was a lovely find and I thank @cuz'n Kezz with all my heart for sharing with me.