1922 (January to December) - life without Ma.

Fanny R Atyeo Charltonville

Ward’s Belt 1922

It’s 1922, Fanny Rosina is 46, living with her father Henry Atyeo (Dad, age 73), brother Bert (46), and nephew Clem Parham (19). At the start of the year, a nurse is living with them at the house at “Charltonville” Woods Road, Wards Belt, South Australia (Lot 871 Woods Road, Wards Belt). Later various people come regularly to help with the house. Fanny also spends some time living with her sister Amy Florence in Willaston.

Significant events: This is the first year after Ma’s death, and the year starts with the daughters visiting and dividing her clothes among them. Throughout this year (as every other year), there is a lot of sickness: George (fevers), Amy (fevers) and Celia (abscess on breast, requiring hospitalization) and Myrtle (sister in law has to go to hospital). Fanny has a lot of work to do to run the house. The teenage nieces come to help (Marion, Bernice (Birdie) and Lorna). Fanny spends time living with Amy, as George is often staying in a convalescent hospital in Semaphore. 

January 1, 1922 The old sad year has ended but what awaits us in the new is a sealed book. Oh joy for a faith that will not shrink. Jan 1st finds us with a trained nurse in the house has been here nearly 6 weeks. We have all been down with mumps & poor Bert¹ meningitis as well. I cannot report at all correctly as it’s 8 weeks ago the new year started. Nurse & Bert & I were the only ones home. Dad in bed of course & we had roast beef, Beans & Potatoes. Bert and Marion² went for a drive in the evening. I do not go to church at all now.

¹ Albert Joseph Atyeo, Fanny’s brother, aged 36 this year.
² Amy Marion Dawe, Fanny’s niece (daughter of Celia), aged 10.

January 2nd) I decided on washing so got up at ¼ to 4 and got all done very early. George, Amy and children³ came out for the day. Nurse did some ironing. I got meals and did mending & I do not remember dates now but as I am now the only one I have everything to myself and nurse left us on Saturday January 7th. Dad was up and in living room. Bert drove nurse to station and I have to prepare Dad’s meals now. George and Amy been out several times during January for an evening or Sunday. On Jan 2 I rose very early and did all work made soup for dinner and baked Farmers Biscuits and a nice coffee & currant cake. Dad drove to Siddlesham Park⁴ to get Ada⁵ & Frances⁶. Amy and Celia⁷ also came and we divided all our dear mother’s⁸ clothes amongst us. Very hard but it had to be done. We had afternoon tea & the three left. Ada stayed till 9 & Clem⁹ drove her home. The next day Mary came to wash¹⁰. I took down all curtains and bed hangings. Also Mary washed floors & Kit & Hazel¹¹ went home. Dad and Uncle drove them to Lower Light.

³ George Edmund Hobart and Amy Florence Hobart nee Atyeo, Fanny’s youngest sister, her husband, and children: Olive Fanny Heath Hobart (aged 9), Celia Florence Hobart (aged 3), and Lillian Edna Hobart (infant).
⁴ Siddlesham Park, Gawler River is the home of James Sparshott, Esq (according to the marriage notice for his daughter Sarah Ann in 1861)
⁵ Ada Emily Parham (nee Atyeo), Fanny’s sister, aged 46.
⁶ Mary Ann Frances Folland (nee Atyeo), another sister, aged 44.
⁷ Celia May Dawe (nee Atyeo), another sister, aged 42
⁸ Their mother, Mary Ann Atyeo (nee Heath) died in August of last year.
⁹ Clement Garfield Parham, Ada’s son, aged 19.
¹⁰ Widowed cousin Mary Ann Preiss (nee Arbon)? She lives nearby, and is later driven there by her brother-in-law, Albert Leslie Preiss. Or is it a hired maid called Mary.
¹¹ Christiana (Kit) Heath (nee Hill), widow of Alfred Heath, Fanny’s cousin, and their daughter  Hazel Jean Heath, aged 11.

February
The happenings of February are very hard to recall as it’s now 6 weeks ago, but as I have everything to do except feed & water the poultry & gather the eggs I am kept on the rush and generally go to Gawler on Monday or Tuesday with Dad & also I have been under the Dr all this month again & the Summer Sales are on so have been buying a supply of clothes. Uncle Charlie Heath¹² has been very bad again & at Frances I hear Dad goes to see him. I go to Amy’s. Will, Eva & children¹³ are at Lower Light for a change of air. Our boys have been to several sales on farms. Dad went with Bert to one at Wasleys & I went to spend a weekday at Siddlesham Park & the last week in Feb. Jim & Ada¹⁴ and family shifted to Gawler River School House to live and Jim works at A.M. Decokers. Wesley¹⁵ at Brays & boards at Nellies¹⁶. The last Sunday in the month both Amy & Celia had their babies christened at Loos¹⁷ by Rev Rooney¹⁸. Dad & went, took Effie¹⁹ & they went with George & family to tea. I went to Marys to tea and it looked like raining so we came home early. Mary washed for me on the 8th and 22nd of Feb.

¹² Uncle Charles Heath, brother of Ma. He lives nearby; aged 75. A widower for 20 years.
¹³ Cousin Eva Emily May Ratcliff (nee Heath), daughter of Charles Heath, her husband  William Ratcliff, and their daughters  Beriel (Beryl) Jean Heath Ratcliff (aged 4), Daphne Lillian Louisa & Sylvia Phyllis.
¹⁴ James Parham, Ada's husband. The old school house still stands and is at 1088 Dawkins Road, Gawler River. It was only closed as a school in 1972.
¹⁵ Henry Wesley James Parham, aged 22.
¹⁶ Probably cousin Ellen Dunn (nee Hand)?
¹⁷ Loos is the post World War I name for Buchsfelde.
¹⁸ Reverend Rooney.
¹⁹ Effie Verena Atyeo, aged 6, daughter of Wilfred Atyeo and Myrtle Atyeo (nee Cork).

March 1st. I got up very early & did a big wash besides all the other work. At evening Coral¹⁹ & Effiewent with us to a concert at Stone Hill in aid of Starving Europe and the church was packed & many outside. A nice program all of Olla’s Aid well. Ethel¹⁷ took 7 parts, they sold ice cream & lollies at interval. Clem drove us & we had supper after we came home & to bed at one o’clock

¹⁹ Coral Eva Atyeo aged 11, niece, daughter of Charles Atyeo and Eva Atyeo (nee McLeod).
²⁰ Probably niece Ethel Gwendolynne Heath Parham, 18 year old daughter of Ada & Jim Parham. This concert of children’s performances at Stone Hill Methodist Church was reported at length in “The Australian Christian Commonwealth” as being a resurgence of community in Gawler River.

March 2nd. Bert up late & Coral wanted to get home so Wilfred²¹ & her drove home together. I was busy & had to iron & mend. Mary came the 8th & washed. I wash every alternate week. George & Amy & family came home on Sunday.

²¹ Coral’s uncle, Wilfred Atyeo, aged 43.

March 5th. I got up so early and baked a round beef & pudding or rather on the 3rd I baked it & scones cake and apple pie. Cleaned rooms & cutlery. I went home with Amy & on March 6th we went to Adelaide by nine train & to Wendts about my eyes. Got very knocked out baby²² was bad we did a bit of shopping & I got a baby doll for Olive. We came home by express to Gawler and drove home to Willaston.

²² This would be Lillian Edna Hobart.

March 7th We took baby to Fetcher²³ it’s her teeth. She is so unwell. Amy got up & got her butter & brought me in a cup of tea the I dressed & did all I could to assist her. I did baby’s washing, Dad came in afternoon & I came home.

²³ Must be Dr Fetcher.

March 8th I could not rest so dressed at 4.40 & churned my butter, lit copper & got 2 boils done then got breakfast & Mary came. I felt so unwell & had to rest twice. I also roasted leg of mutton potatoes pumpkin & a rice pudding for dinner then we did the rooms. Mary washed the floors & did ironing. I dusted & mended & got a cup of tea & then she went home & I put away clothes & made beds, got in wood & got men lunch & tea.

March 9. There’s always a lot to finish off besides the usual work after a big day & mending to do. I was not at all well. Clem went to reopening of Band of Hope²⁴ & Fruit social at Stone Hill. I retired early at nine o’clock but first had a bath. The weather is cooler but has been hot.

²⁴ Band of Hope is a temperance society.

March 10th. I got up good time & swept kitchen & gave boys room a thorough clean out & shifted things round & usual work took me to till dinner time then I always got dinner to prepare & often boys are away & I cut & pack them. Dad did not go to Gawler. Eczema is so bad. Wilf & Myrtle²⁵ went & Harry²⁶ home here. Bert got new teeth last month. He got thrown from a young mare & hurt a good deal.

²⁵ Myrtle Hilda Atyeo (nee Cork), married to Fanny's youngest brother Wilf.
²⁶ Henry Thorold Atyeo,  son of Wilf & Myrtle, aged 5.

March 11th. I got up very early & got breakfast & picked & dressed a fowl & done bedrooms & got ready & Dad & I went to Gawler he to Dr Henry²⁷ & I went shopping & we went to Amys & Celias & home. I had to put away groceries & get a cup of tea & all evening work. Always busy if I go to Gawler in daytime.

²⁷ Dr A Henry C Dawes

March 12th. I got up & dressed by 7 o’clock but Bert had the kettle on so got a cup of tea & then I stuffed a fowl & baked it, made an apple pie & a lovely cake, cooked vegetables, did housework & got all over by 1 o’clock & a bunch of flowers for Dad to take to cemetery then washed up. Effie stayed home with us, Myrtle & Bert went to Gawler & Wilf & Effie had tea here & then they also went & Clem to so’s only Dad & I home very lonely indeed.

March 13. We were going to Gawler today so I got up churned butter & got breakfast packed eggs got housework done & then I help Dad dress & got ready. I did my shopping & walked to Amys across the footbridge. Such a hot dusty walk I got so changed dress at Amys & help mend till Dad came. We got home had a cup of tea boys came home & milked & we had our meal.

March 14. I got breakfast over & baked cake & also Farmers Biscuits & soup for dinner. I mostly cut boys dinners, I was busy all day mending & sorting.

March 15. I was up before five & lit copper & stove had cup of tea & got all my washing done by nine. Also gave boys their breakfast the scrubbed up & cut dinners washed all buckets & was just about finished & Celia Marion & little ones came for day. She made my bed & Dad’s & I did all my work & got dinner & she went home after afternoon tea at five & I cleaned Bert’s suit & did all ironing by nine had supper & retire very done up indeed.

March 16th. Usual all round dishes & mending shirts in afternoon & put away all clothes cleaned Berts travelling bag packed his clothes & got all done. After tea Clem drove him to Willaston to go to Moonta on Friday morning & I finished other duties.

March 17. St Patricks Day up & got cup of tea & then I swept & tidied rooms washed all things & the separator & buckets & packed eggs washed Berts sox & his trousers. Dads eczema very bad so he will not go to Gawler. Wilf & Myrtle & family all went in our trap. We had tea & I sponged Dad & he retired to rest.

March 18. Dad went to Gawler at nine o’clock & I roasted round beef & baked scones, cake & cleaned lamps, boots made beds. Harry down with me, boys Wilf & Clem straw carting, lovely cool change. Mrs Clem Dawkins got twins, boy & girl, born March 11, 1922²⁸ Violet Wilson a daughter a fortnight ago²⁹.

²⁸ Myrtle Mildred Dawkins, nee Hillier; her twins are Gordon Dawkins & Joan Dawkins.
²⁹ Violet Hilda Wilson, married Harold Williamson last year, this is their daughter Dorothy Joan Williamson.

March 19. It was Stone Hill anniversary so I got up early & hurried round & did all the housework got breakfast over & washed up & Dad & I drove to the church, fair congregation. Children sang nicely we were invited to Mr S J Parhams³⁰ to dinner but we did not accept called at Celias & then home fed ponies & had lunch & drove to Gawler West & from Uncle Wilfs to Mr P Bakers where we met Eva Vera & Una Baker, had a chat & music Vera piano & Mr Bakers son violin³¹. Quite a nice time & afternoon tea & home & had tea & soon retire to rest. Lovely day.

³⁰Mr Samuel James Parham, Ada's father-in-law.
³¹Peter Baker, the brother-in-law of Eva Tancock. Met there are Eva's daughters, Eva Linda May Baker, Vera Irene Baker, and Una Baker. Mr Peter Baker had 4 sons, so not sure which one it is.

March 20. I dressed early & packed the eggs & lit stove for morning tea & then churned butter got breakfast did housework washed separator & Dad & I got ready for Gawler, called at Charlies³² & did not get to Gawler till 1 o’clock. Had lunch at Magors, did shopping & went to Uncle Wills & read English letters to them³³ stayed an hour & drove to Amy for another hour. I got a cup of tea and Dad rested there & we drove home & unpacked things & got boys cup of tea, milked & did separating together & we had tea. I read to Dad.

³² Charles William Henry Atyeo, brother, aged 40
³³ William Atyeo, brother of Dad, and Harriet Atyeo (nee Tancock), both in their 80s.

March 21st. I felt awfully tired but dressed at six & got our cup that cheers, swept dairy & outhouses, kitchen fried meat fritters & then I washed separator & breakfast dishes did all bedroom work & Dad Clem & Wilf are at Leak’s Sale³⁴. It is an awful windy dusty day so I stayed home & must do some mending now 12 o’clock. I went up to Myrtles & spent a few hours & then Harry came home with me & stayed till they came home from the sale had tea & retired.

³³ A sale of the estate of Charles Newman Leak who died on Christmas Eve last year, aged 51. 

March 22. I got up early lit stove & copper had a cup of tea & washed two boils got breakfast ready & then Mary came & took it on as I had to wash up all separator included cook hot dinner. Leslie Preiss³⁴ also came & help chauffeur her all day & Harry & Mavis³⁴ also. I swept dining & my room & Mary swept Dad’s room front room & washed floors help iron & I dusted all the rest myself.

³⁴ Albert Leslie Preiss. This is why I think Mary is Mary Ann Preiss (nee Arbon). 
³⁵ Mavis Hilda Atyeo, niece, daughter of Wilf & Myrtle, aged 3.

March 23rd. Same morning work Bert home from Y P so he did separator. I mended all afternoon Charl came Boys were out in back so I cut their dinners. Dad & I home I also aired & put away clothes no I cooked a hot roast dinner & cakes also.

March 24th. As Mary & I had done all housework I decided on going to see Amy who is ill Influenza & Rheumatism also Olive. I just did all necessary work & got in there to 10 o’clock lunch
& I cut out flannels for baby & helped Amys work. Mrs McLeod³⁶ is there Dad called & we did not come home till five o’clock.

³⁶ Eva's mother, Mrs McLeod (Elizabeth Grace Webber).

March 25th Saturday got all morning duties over baked leg mutton Potatoes & Pumpkin & apple pie also a Spice Cake & did all bedrooms. Dinner over I washed up a very big order cleaned all Cutlery Knobs & filled lamp read an hour as Dad had a bath Bert went to Foresters Hall³⁷ to a Dance as MC cold…

³⁷ Foresters Lodge was a friendly society. The hall was on Murray St.

March 26th Up in good time hurried to get all done got ready & sponge Dad & help him dress & at 10/30 went to Lower Light saw Jessie & her fine twinsall well³⁸ & Bert Dorrie has another daughter born March 14th Elvera Joyce³⁹. Auntie⁴⁰ & Jessie were very busy packing so we came home at 6/15 & got home here at nine o’clock safely too.

³⁸ Jessie Violet May (nee Paterson), cousin on the Heath side, and her twins Jessie Jean Paterson May and Herbert William May, born in 1921; their father Herbert Arthur May.
³⁹ Elvera Joyce Paterson, daughter of Albert (Bert) George Paterson (son of Auntie Harriet), and Dorothy Eva Whiting.
⁴⁰ Auntie Harriet Paterson (nee Heath), Jessie’s mother.

March 27th. As Amy & George were both very bad I decided on visiting them. So I got all my work done & churned butter & I got there at 1 o’clock again. I stayed till 3.30 & then came to Celias & home here at ¼ to 6 got tea & did evening work. Bert been for new pony today.

March 28th. As I was in Gawler yesterday it made today very busy. I did all morning work & I also did cooking & cleaning. I did not feel well & mending in afternoon & got ready for washing.

March 29. I got up early lit both stove & copper & started washing. I had such a big wash 5 white shirts & collars shawl rug & my black frock. I forgot to report I made tomato sauce yesterday which played on me standing on my legs so bad. Harry & Wilf are here tonight. I had to go to bed without tea too worn out to eat.

March 30. My limbs are awful but I had to get up & get breakfast & do all housework & then a big iron & in evening Wilf & Clem & Harry went to Adas & left Harry while Myrtle is in town under throat treatment. I got all ironing done & helped Wilf milk.

March 31st. I hurried as fast as possible & Dad & I went to Gawler. I got out at Willaston & found Amy is worried as George is so ill. I did what I could to help her & we were ready for home. Dr came & ordered his removal to Adelaide. Mr Broadbent⁴⁰ took him down. Amy went & Dad & I took charge of the place. Baby was so good. I fed her & put her in a bath & to sleep also Olive but Celia could not go to sleep. They got home at 1 o’clock. I got supper.

⁴⁰ likely Rev Roland Broadbent, Methodist minister, recently retired due to ill-health.

April 1st. All up & I got the fire & a cup of tea & milked & Amy fed animals & did housework & washing. I baked meat pie & cake & washed all up. We both felt our limbs very bad. Got all done & left for home with Dad at 5/30. Arrived here all rush to get tea for boys & Bert went back to Gawler. We tidied round & retired.

April 2. Up in good time & I had to cook leg mutton pumpkin potatoes. Mr Newman⁴¹ spent day here. They were out driving most of the day new ponies French⁴² was here also Amy. Amy’s baby not well. She was kept busy. In the afternoon we went in the parlour & Amy played the piano & we sang, got tea & talked till bedtime. Her cough very bad indeed too.

⁴¹ Mr Newman. Not sure who this is.
⁴² Charles French Folland, son of Frances (aged 16)

April 3rd. As we had to go to Gawler we were both very busy all the morning & then all went to her place& Dad & I went to Uncle Wills & took Sydney letters back to Dr & to Amys then home to tea. Olive goes back to school tomorrow. George is improving now, called at Charlies & saw the house they are rebuilding. Cold night.

April 4th. Such a cold change & showery & clouds of dust from early morning something awful could hardly see across the kitchen to cook & had to shut both doors. I do not remember a dustier morning & in the afternoon so bitter cold I made a nice fire in the dining room & mended all the afternoon & got tea in there. I took shivers & went to bed at seven o’clock influenza & a very sore throat I could not rest all night for it.

April 5. Very rainy & windy I dragged myself up 7 & got cup of tea & all clothes ready for Mary to wash then I made all beds & got meat ready & Mary baked it & cooked dinner. I went to bed feeling so shivery & such a bad throat. She cleaned Dads room & dining room but could not get clothes dry & I could not get up to do anything all day & it rained and blew.

April 6th. I got up & painted my throat & put out clothes to dry & ironed all & aired them kept going all day long & got a chill & was so feverish & legs so bad but I also wrote several letters & kept going till nearly 10 o’clock.

April 7. Dad was going to Gawler so I got up & got him ready & I really felt as ill as possible especially in my legs. I thoroughly cleaned boys room & kitchen & stove & mantle & window but I had to keep resting in between & got tea & went to bed early feeling very bad.

April 8th. So very poorly but got up Dad lit the fire & also I had a cup of tea & churned butter in very trying pains in my hands & arms. I could scarcely stir it but made it up & then made all beds filled & cleaned lamps window & all cutlery & went with Wilf to Dr in afternoon called at Amys baby so poorly the dear.

April 9th. Dad went & got Celia & she cooked the dinner. Nurse Drum⁴³ is here for weekend & she also helps in many ways she is a lovely girl. I have remained in bed today chiefly only done my room. Bert & nurse went to Barossa & Williamstown for a drive.

⁴³ Nurse Drum. 

April 10th. As I was feeling so unwell I remained in bed till nurse was up & she brought me in mine then I dressed & she took a Photo of me in the Garden, Also of the house & the Teams with Clem as Driver⁴⁴ I tried to mend a little Nurse cooked Potatoes for Dinner & assisted all she could & Bert drove her to Station at five o’clock & he went to Dance.

⁴⁴ I am quite sure we have these photographs.

April 11th There was no one to do a single thing so I dressed & did the bedrooms & with difficulty cooked a bit of dinner but felt so ill I had to keep on resting between my work an awful drag & Dad is kept busy too.

April 12th Berts Birthday

April 13th

April 14th

April 15) My usual Saturdays work but felt so poorly Dad bought cake yesterday I roasted a pound of Beef Cleaned Cutlery lamps & all rooms as well as I could. Had to cook Dinner

April 16) we expected Uncle Tom & Aunt Emily⁴⁵ I got a roast beef & beans & potatoes. Stewed Quinces and junket. Bert Webb & Flo Reg, Joyce, & Ronda⁴⁶ motored up at five o’clock They had punctures all the way & caused them to be late They were here to Tea & left at ¼ to 7 for Dublin.

⁴⁵ Thomas & Emily Easton (nee Heath)
⁴⁶ Family of Emilie Florence (Flo) Heath Webb (nee Easton): Husband Albert John Webb, children here are Reginald Albert, Joyce Heath (aged 3), Ronda Olive (there are more children, but not on this trip).

April 17) Easter Monday a fearful windy & dusty day I did all my bedrooms. Other work & got ready for sewing Dad & I went to Charl. & got the stewpan ready for jam making & Eva was washing so late as the wind & dust stopped her in the morning We came home by teatime

April 18) I decided on making a case of Quince jam so after morning duties wiped them & got them done it was a lot for me too as all alone & I also had to get Dad off to Gawler & cook corned mutton & Vegetable. Oh it was a rush & prepare my pots & bottle it all & when cool label it & put it all away I felt torture to eat my tea. Real done.

April 19th) Up early & got the copper lit for Mary & washed up & cooked junket & Quinces I had to roast Mutton potatoes & pumpkin & pastry. I also helped with rooms Mary scrubbed dining & my room. I could not get all dry so I had to air by fire everything looked so nice & clean I was so tired out I could not go to Concert.

April 20) Same early hour I did all my work & went up to Myrtles for an hour so then home & started ironing I did up all Berts fashion shirts & collars. Bert went to Gawler & took Albert⁴⁷ & Dad with him to Lyndoch to a sale & home at 7 so I was busy ironing & talking till late I got all aired & put away at night nicely.

⁴⁷ Albert Bruce Parham, nephew, aged 9.

April 21. As Dad had been to Adelaide & got help I sent for Mary to help me but she could not come & Celia came. We shifted the piano in dining room & best sofa & my best bedroom suite in the front room as my bedroom. I had to cook mutton potatoes marrow pastry oh how we worked & Celia too all day long. All children but Bernice⁴⁸ were home all day

⁴⁸ Mary Ann Bernice Dawe, niece, daughter of Celia.

April 22. I just went my hardest. I had to wash separator & cream cans, an hour & half work. Celia blacked my bed & we did all cleaning & shifting. I baked quinces & made a stew & puddings. We were very busy so many things to shift & men to all meals & lunches. Celia & girls stayed the night, we talked till late & made final arrangements, little Kathleen⁴⁹ been so good all day. Dad been to Gawler & got new spring mattress for my bed.

⁴⁹ Kathleen Joyce Dawe, daughter of Celia & Percy, baby. Probably Laurel and Marion are also there, but not sure.

April 23. As I wanted to clean up my dairy I got up very early & Celia also & made porridge for breakfast then they all went home & Dad brought Amy & children home for night. I was on the go all day looking up things I wanted Ada & Ethel & Murray, George Eric & baby⁴⁰ were here to tea, also Amy at the piano. I was terribly knocked up & weary.

⁵⁰ Ada's children: Albert Bruce Parham, Murray Charles Parham, Wilfred George, Eric Clarence and (baby) Gladys Anna.

April 24th. Up extra early & poor Amy was so tired but Dad had to go to Gawler to meet the help so Amy & the children rode along with him & he got a new wash stand set. I cooked vegetables & were at dinner & he came home so she cleaned windows & cutlery & I mended trousers.

April 25. I feel quite out of place now Mrs Stone⁵¹ fried boys sausages for breakfast. I do not get up early now took Dad in tea. Mrs Stone washed. A fearful thunderstorm & it kept us running to line all day. It rained & blew terribly I helped all day long nice fire in here & aired off a lot of clothes & mended.

⁵¹ Mrs Stone must be the help that Dad has brought in from Adelaide.

April 26. We got up & I did my room & separator & Dad & I went to Gawler & over to Uncle Wills & I did some shopping. Got new bed tick from Hambours. We went to Amys & had cup of tea. Little Celia is so poorly the dear.

April 27. I had a bad night & was late up seven. I only helped wash up & then turned out all three bed tick and made a new tick & filled them all & sewed them up & planted coleus. I had to rest, very poorly indeed. I been sorting things & trying to catch up mending this week.

April 28. I had to put up cream & pack eggs & get Dad ready for Gawler & as he offered me to come also I came & stay for a fortnight with Amy while G is in Semaphore⁵². I went to street & did shopping. Marion went to Gawler with us today, I rode out here with a person from Sheoak.

⁵² Probably St Margaret's Convalescent Hospital.

April 29th. As we got quinces for Dad & Amy & he let Eva have his I did morning dishes & washed baby & Amy went to Gawler or Willaston & got sugar, I prepare quinces & made jam. Ethel also came for weekend, I was late getting jam finished off.

April 30th. All up & I bath baby & Amy did her outdoor work I milked the cows, Amy cooked dinner. I went to McLeods to tea & to Willaston to church at night. Amy & Ethel went to Mr Arthur Hobarts⁵² & home to tea.

⁵² George’s brother, Arthur Samuel Hobart, aged 26.

May 1st. Amy had to go to Adelaide so after morning duties Ethel went to street with her & brought baby back to me. Amy took Celia to town with her I made brown stew for our dinner & at evening time I milked for Amy & had just got tea & in walked George with her so we had a talk & retire to rest.

May 2nd. Amy & George had to go to Gawler so I kept Baby home they took Celia Olive went to school was so busy roasted mutton Potatoes Cabbage Apple pie They were late home to dinner I did babies wash always Paul⁵³ called with barley also Mrs Stone & Reggie⁵⁴. Weather cold & rainy

⁵³ Paul. Not sure who this is.
⁵⁴I think Reggie is Reginald Stone, Mrs Stone's son. There are too many Reginald Stone's born in Adelaide for me to know which one.

May 3rd George had to go by first train to Adelaide & we had been about so much Amy & I & children went to Street & to Dr. Oh no it was Thursday we went & Wednesday home as under.

May 4th We just hurried round & went home for the day as I wanted more things roads very bad indeed so rocky Olive went to School we called at Celias she was washing home a bit late we called at Celias she was washing & all outdoor work to do

Thursday! May 5 went to Dr Tobin & Amy to Street

⁵⁵ Dr Tobin has been around for a while in Gawler.

My 6th Amy always does her outdoor work I help get breakfast & bath baby & help with housework Dad & Celia came to Gawler & to Amys to Afternoon Tea. I was trying to sew but machine would not go I did what I could had to leave off.

May 6th It has been very wet but a little better this morning so I decided on going out home for my sewing machine I took both Olive & Celia with me The roads were awful we had dinner home then started for Willaston Got as far as Charlies & & it rained I stayed there for a while & then came on & at Lucas⁵⁶ it simply poured but we did not get as we had rugs & umbrella. I helped Amy then all day

⁵⁶ Lucas are a nearby family.

May 7 We did not get up early I bathed Baby Amy outdoors work & then she started baking & I made a Cake & she made Scones Biscuits & a cooked hot dinner I retired early Amy letter writing Frances & Nellie came round for a while but I was in bed.

May 8 the Holiday so we just did all morning work & Amy put the horse in & we drove to Celia’s Gawler River way Got there dinner time I did sewing & we chatted came home at 6 o’clock Lorna & Gwenda⁵⁷ also came with us as they were out there it was showery all way but we never got wet at all.

⁵⁷ Neices Lorna Frances Folland, and Gwenda Evelyn Folland.

May 9th Washing Day & so wet under foot I lit the copper & did most of washing as Amy was at Gawler on business & did not get home till Late & then we eie some more extra washing & Mrs Harvey⁵⁸ came for a while also Frances I made meat fritters & fried tomatoes & Onions for late Dinner very tired

⁵⁸ Mrs Harvey. Not sure who this is.

May 10th Dad spent night here & he & Amy went to Adelaide by nine train it was a rainy cold morning I had a lot of house work to do & then I got little Celia & self ready for a visit to Frances the had a hot Dinner & Miss Pomefray⁵⁹ was there from Moonta I stayed till 5 came home to find Olive from school I milked & separated & then Amy came by Bus Dad went to Franc

⁵⁹ Could be Florence Beatrice Pomeroy, who ends up marrying Bert (she is from Moonta).

May 11 I just bathed Baby & helped in early morning then I went to Gawler to see the Dr & home ironing day today our usual work Amy outdoor work & in evening I usually bath Baby & wash Celia & Olive & we both mend after Tea & talk I put wee ones to bed

May 12 Amy does all outdoor as a rule & I make fire & bath baby Lillian & wash little Celia then we have breakfast & I do baby washing & also made two nightdresses for baby. Dad came to Gawler & to see Amy.

May 13. Amy had to go to Gawler & was home late to dinner. I think it was yesterday I emptied all three flock mattresses & washed them & refilled two & sewed them up & Amy brought home some more flocks today & I have to finish the other one next week. Alls well

May 14. We did not get up till 8 o’clock & then I did the fire lighting & bathed little Lillian, Celia & Olive & had one myself also Amy. I made beds & after dinner we went to Gawler & home & up to the cemetery & home to tea. Amy all outdoor work while I attended to children. Very cold.

May 15. Such a stormy morning but I thought it was best to wash so lit up stove & Amy put on tins. I start she helped & I did housework or both help each other. We finished & I folded clothes & afterwards lit a fire in the front room & Amy ironed all at night.

May 16. Same morning duties & Olive & I drove to the street. I went to Dr & Olive also with her knee. Did a bit of shopping & just got home & took out horse & down came the rain. Amy busy baking & we had late dinner & mended in the evening. Cold day frosty.

May 17th. I filled & sewed up the other mattress last evening. This morning same early duties & then we all work together. I washed up all clothes again. Amy & Olive cleaned all rooms & I washed the children & ironed & then they went to meet bus & their daddy. Amy hurrying at outdoor work, Frances & Lorna came for afternoon tea with bad news of dear Elvie⁴⁴ illness.

⁶⁰ Elvera Maud Paterson, cousin.

May 18. Same work then I set to & mended, put pockets in coat & did flannelette nightie, Olive threading beads & Amy mending. George to Drs at Gawler.

May 19th. I felt that downhearted I could not sleep last night. George so unwell & he could not sleep this morning. I bathe baby & washed little Celia & both wee girlies came home for a drive, George drove one out home here to (Charltonville). Mrs Stone going to Adelaide tomorrow.

May 20th. Mrs Stone got up & got breakfast over & made beds then Dad drove her & Reggie to Gawler for nine train to City. I felt very miserable but washed separator & cooked dinner & help milk at night & did any other work that wasn’t done.

May 21st. I did not intend going to church felt too unwell. I forgot to report I did baking yesterday, meat cakes & so had cold dinner. I had all housework to do as I have no help. Frances & Harry⁶¹ & Hazel came to tea, boys milked at night. Charlie came for a while, I sponged dad & he got ready for cemetery & then when company came he did not go out.

⁶¹ Harry Gilbert Folland, Frances’ husband.

May 22nd. Dear cousin Elvie passed away at 4.30am. I was very busy as I have to get breakfast & then wash up & then wash separator. I often milk now then housework & cook dinner & clear away by 2 o’clock. Dad went to Gawler & I lit copper & washed. Oh how I hurried & by 4.15 had finished & Albert came from school & we had a cup of tea. Dad late home, we had milked & separated & he brought us news of Elvie.

May 23rd. We got up early & breakfast by candle light fried sausages & then I swept kitchen washed separator & Celia came, made beds & dad, Celia & I drove to Two Wells Cemetery to Elvies funeral. All of aunties there but Vivie who was not well enough to come. Beautiful wreaths & Auntie & all feel it very much indeed also Norman⁶¹, there was a lot there.

⁶¹ Not sure who Vivie is, nor Norman.

May 24th. Albert has mumps so after hurrying round & finishing all work I got ready & with dad took him home & to Gawler & to Frances to dinner. Lorna making Cornish Pasties then I went to Amy & she has a bad finger & George so unwell. I feel so upset & worried, baby wanted to come home with me, she is such a darling pet.

May 25. Same hour & early work roast beef suet pudding carrots & turnips for dinner & housework cleared if all away & then help milk & sewed till I finished Amys nightdress at nine o’clock. Wrote to her & then I retired all the rest were in bed.

May 26. All duties same put up cream & dad & Murray went to Gawler I made soup & rice pudding & mashed potatoes. Done boys room & about to do dairy now cold & cloudy. Gentle had a calf Monday 23rd & Buttercup 24th May. I feel so stirred up & miserable I really don’t know how to bear it.

May 27th. Lorna came home last night with Dad so I got up this morning & did usual work Dad usually lights fire & I fry breakfast & than wash separator. I made a lovely sea pie cleaned lamps made bed Lorna tidied round & assisted me After dinner she went up to the Church & I baked cake She cleaned spoons & the knives & forks & knobs. Got cup tea Bert went to Gawler I had a wash & retired.

May 28th I got up at 6/40 & lit fire took in tea & put on pot for pudding Lorna milked Dolly & I made the pudding swept kitchen & dining room & cooked potatoes expected G & Phone? But they never came so we had 1 o’clock dinner & Dad & Lorna went to Church I stayed home washed up & wrote letter & gathered eggs helped milk got Tea wrote to Auntie at LL & retired Clem went home Murray stayed here

May 29th it looked like rain but was fine drying wind so I did usual work & put on boiler indoors & washed sep. & dishes & started washing a fairly big day Percy⁶² & Dad were busy splitting logs & he went to Gawler in afternoon I got all grey trousers too I scrubbed up lit fire dining room & stove cleared all away swept kitchen & made a nice stew for Tea help milk Percy also helped I put up milk for Celia got Tea folded & retired to rest.

⁶² Percy Thomas Dawe, Celia’s husband

May 30th We had had nice rain during night & this morning its raining I got breakfast over & then I churned butter washed sepr. & buckets & cream can & all dishes & boiled beef carrots potatoes & pudding made beds cut home to dinner We had ours & I washed up all pots & include then we each did our work Dad outdoors fencing & Murray & the two boys went out in back paddock I starched shirt collars & did all ironing fried sausages boiled marrow potatoes help milk. Bert is at a social & Clem gone home the others gone to bed I’m all alone & dull & sad at heart

May 31 Vivian Sheard & Sylvia Rowe⁴⁷ were married on May 20th & gone to Melbourne on their wedding Tour for 2 weeks. Dad intended going to Adelaide but as Celia has a bad breast she could not go so he did not go either I did all usual work washed separator buckets & made beds & did much work I also plucked & dressed a fowl & in the afternoon I did some sewing till about four o’clock & then cut some thyme & made stuffing & stuffed the fowl, lit fire in dining room cooked marrow pots & a suet pudding Oh I did hurry then had to dish up make gravy & serve all out & such a big wash up afterwards I worked like a Trojan all time

⁶³ Gilbert Vivian Sheard and Sylvia Anita Rowe.

June 1st. Same hour & work in early morning & that is a large order I did not cook midday dinner Dad & Murray & Harry went out in back paddock & Bert came home to mend some implement & Dad drove the drill while he came Percy is here working in Garden & odd jobs I swept & dusted rooms today as thought of going to Gawler Dad started to go to Willaston for bread but met baker up here

June 2nd. Always all to do first get breakfast cut dinners wash separator & all dairy utensils put cream in cans washed Dad & he got ready for Gawler I swept & dusted boys room & kitchen & general work then I mended sheets & cooked vegetables & dad came home & I fried sausages also helped milk cows Olive came home

June 3. Olive was up & had early breakfast by lamp light then we washed up & she swept kitchen Verandah & outhouses I did all dairy things & baked mutton & made a large fresh meat stew also baked scones & cakes had misfortune & capsized hot fat everywhere In afternoon I was bathing & Myrtle cut her arm & sent for me & I bound it up for her I hope it is not serious either home helped milk & got tea & mended Bert to Gawler tonight like rain

June 4. Go to Church Sunday but it was a cold wet day or showery & cold so we never went out at all Olive was very good I had all usual work Olive helped me in many ways in afternoon I read Church of England Service to Dad Olive looked at P.C. her & Murray & they played the piano & sang had a /concert to themselves I felt so wretched & could not enjoy myself a single bit at anything

June 5 Holiday Olive was home with me & I expected her Mother out so hurried a did all housework & Olive helped me also washed all sepr & Buckets cooked Dinner & cleared it away Then intended sewing but George & Amy came so I got a cup of Tea & they left early & then help milk & got Tea over was done out.

June 6 I did hurry cut boys Dinner & washed up all Sepr did necessary housework & then we went to Gawler & to Uncle Wills & had a chat to them then did shopping I came home saw Amy for a few minutes had cup of tea home lit fire & got Tea boys were milking &Sepr etc

June 7th Uncle Williams Eightieth Birthday Amy & France have both visited him also Mrs McLaren Dad drove in for Celia & she came and washed for me but I had a big day I made a Seapie for Dinner & Celia Laurel, Vivienne⁶⁴, Murray, & Harry were here then for 6 o’clock I cooked roast beef Cabbage Potatoes & rice pudding Celia helped milk & had Tea & Bert drove her home & stayed the evening Marion made me a handkerchief.

⁶⁴ Mrs McLaren, Celia Laurel Ivy Dawe and Vivienne Bartlett Joy Dawe, daughters of Celia & Percy, aged 6 and 3.

June 8th. As it was such a cold cloudy rainy day yesterday all sheets & a lot of other clothes had to be dried today I rose at 0730 & after a cup of tea I put all out to dry in good wind & got all dry before the rain at Midday & I had all the other work to do as well in the afternoon & evening I ironed I felt real done up I did not know how to keep going at all

June 9th. Dad gets up & lights the fire I get up & get breakfast & cut dinners wash up all indoors & Sepr & c Dad went to Gawler I swept & dusted all rooms & cooked hot tea & helped milk all had to go out in paddock to help the boys so I was quite alone

June 10th. Albert & Dad had early dinner & went out in back all day I cooked meat, Cakes, Scones beside all other work in Sepr house & housework also hot tea to get & help milk gets me real tired & I’m far from well myself I cleaned knives forks & knobs got all done then I cleaned spoons & others after Tea had a wash & retired to rest

June 11. I had all usual Sunday work & cold meat mashed potatoes & then Dad Effie Bernice⁶⁵ was home so she also went to church with us Percy came out this morn & Billie stayed to dinner & we went to Celia’s to tea & home & got tea & washed up & went to bed nerves so bad Mr Fred Hutchins Jr lost a little child from Croup Friday⁶⁶.

⁶⁵ Mary Ann Bernice Dawe, daughter of Celica & Percy, aged 8.
⁶⁶ Frederick James Thomas Hutchins, son of Frederick John Hutchins and Margaret Wasley, aged 4.

June 12th. All hands astir & Dad & Albert went to Gawler & Lorna & Dad went to town I hurried & washed up all swept kitchen & put on boiler & washed such a lot too & scrubbed up cooked vegetables for tea help Alb milk & at night & did all the ironing & thoroughly tired I went to bed after a hard & heavy day I had fire in dining room & aired all clothes

June 13th. I was so busy lit fire got breakfast over thoroughly cleaned all flues of stove & blackleaded it did sweeping then I prepared vegetables had all so nice & Dad came home with a woman & child⁶⁷ Harry was here Amy drove Dad home I felt stunned with surprised annoyance we had dinner & then Amy made beds for me I could not speak I was so overcome. I set the maid to clean the fireplace & help to wash up sweep dining room & helped milk & Sepr & wash up again

⁶⁷ Dad has brought home a maid. Eventually called by name Yvette.

June 14th. The Maid fried sausages for breakfast & helped milk & washed up all then I set her to clean all windows round house I cooked hot tea corn beef & potatoes parsnips & turnips cabbage & slide pastry very cold indeed I put away clothes & sorted bedroom in front room after the stir

June 15th. After the usual morning work I set her to scrub out dining & bedroom yesterday & Dads room & passage today & put clean covers on Dads chest drawers & washed & cooked vegetables & cabinet pudding so busy all day & finished a nightdress at night she gets in wood & helps with cows & different things

June 16th. Friday & I do not rise till seven as Yvette get boys meal usually this morning Dad & boys got up at 3/30 & had breakfast & Clem went to load Hay & Bert & maid milked & she washed all glass ware in dining room besides all other work she done boys room Fish for dinner sausages for tea Clem & Alb to concert

June 17th. Dad went to Gawler directly after Brky I packed eggs for him then I put on meat to roast & wash dishes & Yvette the Sepr I then washed all pictures in dining room bake cake & cooked a hugh stew for tea was so very busy all day both she & I. Put all groceries away & numerous other work I did not enumerate

June 18th. Sunday I did not dress till ½ to 8 had cup of tea & made large plum pudding we had breakfast & did Dads & my room peeled pots Maid washed the Sepr & buckets & swept kitchen I rested after dinner & read France & Gwenda & Hazel & Harry came to tea at 4 o’clock Yvette helped milk & sepr Clem gone away Bert writing Dad resting also

June 19. Dad went to Gawler & I did all the usual work Yvette did her work She helps milk & washes the separator & buckets then we lit up & washed got all done by one o’clock then she did scrubbing chairs & forms I folded made beds we are always busy as I am doing extra work while I have her to help me weather is fine for now.

From this date I cannot enumerate as it’ 4 weeks ago.

June 23rd. I decided on washing all Glassware & china ware in the top room besides all cooking which is a big Item now: Yvette scrubbed the top room floor & helped me spread the carpet today she scrubbed the room on Thursday & I slept in the dining room at nightdress

June 24th. I was very busy indeed all day did a lot of cooking & at night I went with Bert to Amys where Dear little Celia was seriously ill (Pneumonia) Celia was there with Birdie Vivienne & baby so she & I sat up all night George also after midnight & Amy rested poor girl was real done out for want of sleep.

June 25. When it was early morning I dressed & got a cup of tea then Amy dressed & we all had breakfast & George Drove Celia & girlies home as Bernice has mumps I did all I could in the house & took little Lillian & Olive to Frances for a walk home & rested a short time in afternoon but was too heavy hearted to sleep.

June 26th. Just helped in any way & all ways bathed & dressed baby & did all washing from sick room & baby dear little Celia is improving now so I did some sewing for Amy & Bert went to Williamstown so I stayed another night but could not rest much & was quite broken hearted & worry so much at it.

June 27th. I helped Amy & Mrs Hutchinson⁶⁸ came to wash for her Dad came for me & I went down the street & bought some sheets & flannels & aprons came home & Yvette had kettle on so had a cup of tea & she went helped milk & then we had tea & I made Towels & sheets after tea & put them to soak.

⁶⁸ Mrs Hutchinson

June 28. I felt awful so after doing usual work I started sewing & Percy came for me they all had mumps so I went with him to help up & found Celia & Marion & Laurel all down I put hot flannels on & just waited on them though so terribly shaken myself.

June 29th. Got up & attended all day to the patients put hot brick to feet & hot oil on mumps the coldest day for 18 years they say Just like ice

June 30th. A rather milder day with showers between I did my patients made broth jelly junket & I washed several things for the baby & others Percy went to Gawler Also Dad went too: I felt rather better today Celia a bit better Marion very bad

July 1st. I did patients & then I swept the front room & got table over & safe & Celia got up today & they dusted I boiled mutton & made broth & white sauce & vegetables & did some washing & dressed a fowl ready for tomorrow Birdie helping

July 2nd I did usual morning work & then I roasted a fowl & marrow, potatoes Dad came in afternoon after church & I came home here with him Franc & Harry Phyllis⁶⁹ & Hazel were there also

⁶⁹ Phyllis May Folland, daughter of Frances

July 3rd Up in good time & cut boys dinners & lit copper & did a very big wash of sheets 4 new ones I did not finish till 4 o’clock then scrubbed indoors & maid outdoors cooked hot Tea & did all ironing by 10 0’clock

July 4th After much discussion the maid left midday or after dinner she washed dining room & the room she slept in after they went I had previously baked cake & cooked a big dinner as well I emptied a the mattress & washed the blanket quilt & mattress & got it dry & filled O sewed up by tea time so weary

July 5th A wet morning & I had to do all myself & as I did not finish my ironing I cooked dinner & then ironed Dad Charl Bert killed a pig I made a cup of cocoa for them & got in some wood & did mending I felt awfully tired after a big day at washing yesterday I burnt sulphur & sleep up in the front room now

July 6th Up & got breakfast over we have had a very wet night & water everywhere its Eric’s Birthday Alb drove to Gawler River school house & got Ada Eric & Gladie Ada salted down the pig & I fried dinner sparrib & also roasted some & after dinner I cut up & melted down all lard & swept up & got a cup of Tea Clem drove Ada home & on to Band of Hope⁷⁰ small attendance So wet

⁷⁰  Band of Hope, Temperance Society.

July 7th I had to do a lot of odd work today swept & tidied rooms filled lamps Harry stayed here while they went to Gawler they were late home I had retired The foxes are eating the lambs out in back

July 8th All hurry as Dad was going to Gawler I cooked sparrib veg & a cake & some Farmers Biscuits & apple pie Dad went to Frances & Phyllis came home with him was about to clean cutlery so she dusted them for me & helped

July 9th As I made a huge plum pudding yesterday I did not have that to do today got up & took in tea got porrige for breakfast & Phyllis helped me make beds I cooked Potatoes & made Sauce for pudding so cold with heavy showers but we were just at table & home drove Harry Frances French Gwen & Hazel So up I got a gave them theirs & washed up got a cup Tea for them at 4 & they went home at five it poured rain

July 10th I had decided on going to Gawler so I went as far a Celias with Dad & found Celia’s cow bad so Dad attended to her & Mr McLean & Mrs⁷¹ was there & I rode with them to Treloars corner & went to Amys to dinner Mrs Hutchinson was washing then I walked to street bought more sheets & sox we called at Eva’s & saw her new Dining room & house.

⁷¹ James Sparshott McLean (veterinarian) and Mrs Joyce Ethel McLean (nee Bright). Treloars are also neighbours.

July 11 Felt so very unwell side very bad so I did not wash no it was Tuesday July 11 we went to Gawler Monday was usual work all day & mending

July 12 ) Up & got breakfast over & tidy dining room & made Dads bed at early morning then I put on a Shin Beef to boil cut off some for Sea pie & in the afternoon I made a little Brawn with spice in I got Birdie with me now she helps me nicely too & is a good child. I have reported wrong on Monday July 10 I washed & baked sparrib boiled Cheek & when done pressed it Oh I did work & ironed everything at night ready for Gawler also cooked Vegetables I was so done up but got to work hard. Olive has mumps

July 13) Birdie helps nicely usual morning then made beds etc & put on Soup with a lovely lot of vegetables also cooked Pumpkin potatoes & hot jam tarts & apple pie in afternoon I put on pigs nose ears cheek & Beef & made Brawn & did some sewing made a flannel for myself & other

July 14 Dad went to Gawler after our usual work I always have to send Clem lunch at 9/30 & cut his dinner then prepare vegetables for our own & clean rooms & finished my flannel & mending

July 15 All ordinary work in morning & in afternoon Birdie cleaned spoons me other knives forks knobs & we done all our work up & I cut & made her a flannel & afterwards washed her head & gave her a bath & had one myself at night

July 16 A wet Sunday I cooked Pumpkin & potatoes & a lovely pudding early this morning & Birdie helped me in many ways all home to dinner & I read for a while afterwards wet all day the boys later milking & so cold

July 17 Did not wash wet again but bright between Dad went to Gawler I cooked dinner & in afternoon cut out a jumper for Birdie & partly made it out of Dads old Coat & pants I worked very hard indeed at it besides housework

July 18 had to do all usual work I boiled a shoulder pork & cooked pumpkin Steamed pudding & potatoes & after dinner washed up & cleared away & than I stuck to the jumper & finished bedtime

July 19 I got up & got breakfast over lit copper & started at tubs Celia & family came she washed dining room Dads room passage & lent a hand to me as well but I did practically all washing besides Dads she did that & I had new sheets & to others I ironed at night made beds so done out but they were damp & I had to do them at once

July 20 Marion was with me so I got up lit fire & took in tea then breakfast & cleared away same usual work & in afternoon Charlie came & helped kill the pig I was ironing & there is so much housework beside cooking to do

July 21 Friday I got up earlier & after breakfast & I churned Butter while Bert & Dad cut the pig & weighed it for the girls it was a wet morning but broke Dinner time I fried fresh ham for their Dinner & cooked Vegetables Dad & Marion went to Gawler & I washed up & roasted sparrib & tidied room & mended a few things Birdie came home again with Dad Marion stayed here

July 22 A busy Day morning Aunties over I baked apple pies & roasted sparrib crackled pork Birdie cleaned the spoons & pannicans I the knives & fork lamps & Birdie got in wood I also had to do some mending & all other duties

July 23 A beautiful day & I did all morning duties & swept out the other rooms & dusted as it been so wet made bed help wash the Separator Albert drove Wilfreds children to Sunday School & Clem went home to Gawler River Dad went to cemetery & I had a read & rest Myrt & Lance⁷² came for a while I got Tea & soon retired to rest

⁷² Wilfred Lance Atyeo, son of Wilf & Myrtle, aged 1.

July 24 I cannot report at all correctly as its now a month ago I wrote but on Monday Dad went to Gawler & I washed a lot of extras both of Bernice’s Coats a Creme & brown Wool besides cooking hot Tea & all housework Birdie helped me in many ways & I also ironed but felt so knocked out.

July 26 Same work as usual as I have no help I shall not report different item I baked Biscuits & cooked hot Dinner

July 26 cannot remember anything particular

July 27 Percy came out today to dig Garden & then I did ordinary work & cooked hot dinner & in afternoon I cut down all herbs & sorted them Bernice went home with Percy Olive is at their place for a holiday

July 28th I hurried & I usually cut one or two mens dinner & cook for the rest I cleaned rooms all very nicely & nailed a new piece of oilcloth on my kitchen Table & I shifted room

July 29 I am working under an awful strain & feel so unfit to toil However I got all my work done up nicely cutlery cleaned lamps windows everything so nice & at night I prepare a plum pudding ready for mixing tomorrow

July 30th I got up early & although it was Sunday burnt out kitchen chimney & thoroughly cleaned the stove & got out tea & made & put on pudding afterwards washed up & made beds at 12 o’clock I got into a lovely bath & George Amy & family came I felt awfully unwell all day I got tea help milk Clem took out sheep so Alb Dad & I milked

July 31st. I was up early & did usual work & then lit up copper & did a big wash scrubbed up everything chairs form & all other things & then made a stew for tea folded & ironed all was so done out

Aug 1st. Dad came home with news that little Celia has mumps Lorna scarletina & Hazel so all are sick Amy washed & ironed & afterwards she got mumps herself so they cannot come home as we expected them for holiday this week I was busy.

Aug 2nd. We expected George for wood but as Amy was ill he could not come I got my work done early washed septr as well cooked hot dinner & mended

Aug 3rd. Also thought George would be out today Charl & Bert drove to Kapunda big horse sale I was busy all day helped milk as well

Aug 4th. Dad went to Gawler & heard of Amys illness I was busy at home I hunted up all the old rags & cut up a lot for Mattress Alb helped me at night Bert also & I had a big dinner to cook as well & did not do my usual cleaning today

Aug 5) I was up at five cleaned both the boys & dining room made beds & was cooking Turnip Tops potatoes apple pies & frying Sausages & Maria⁷³ came for the day had Dinner & I dusted & filled lamps Bert Paterson went to the Races I went to Willaston at night with Bert & stayed at Amy’s she was ill in bed George & Olive busy at their work I helped a bit made a cup coffee & we had supper & a talk to Amy & George & George was putting hot foments on Amy’s face

⁷³ Maria Anna Paterson and Albert George Paterson Fanny's cousins, children of Aunt Harriet Paterson (nee Heath).

Aug 6, George lit fire I got a cup of Tea & dressed the children I helped generally made beds & did any work need & then came back to Amys She was so ill all night – I got up to her poor girl

Aug 7) I did any work Bathed Lillian Dressed then all did their hair & made beds washed Amy & George went for Dr Gilles⁷⁴ I washed out some clothes Dad came for me I came home lit fire got our cup of tea boiled some leg Of Mutton Swede Pots white Sauce for Tea besides housework then retire

⁷⁴ Dr Gilles.

Aug 8th Dad went to Gawler & I washed a big day the Masons are still building & boiled water for their Tea I ironed also & churned butter cooked hot tea as well

Aug 9th Clems Birthday I did usual work & then baked Apple pies Tarts Biscuits & hot Dinner & did mending in afternoon – as much as possible Beauty had a calf I was so busy I boiled a ham as well

Aug 10th Kathleen’s first Birthday I did morning duties & drove to Celias found her ill with abscess in Breast I set to made beds cooked Dinner for them fried Sausages Marrow Potatoes apple pie as well

Aug 11. Early duties over with Birdies help I went with Dad to Celias He took her to Hospital & I stayed with the children partly made Birdie a flannel & Dad came back & we brought Marion & Kathie home with us & Birdie & Vivienne go to Ada

Aug 12th Marion & I both worked all day cleaning & tidying I had baby to see She cried very much at afternoon & night bathed her & Marion & I read paper

Aug 13) Baby cried a lot so I feel tired & weary I had all usual duties & washing for baby & then I roasted a Shoulder Mutton Potatoes Cauliflower & Apple pie Dad & Marion & baby went to Cemetery in afternoon & I rested a while then I got up got tea Albert was home to his place Wilfred went to S.S. & also to see Ada & family

Aug 14) As Dad had to go to Hospital I did usual work & then lit Copper & washed & Celia under operation Marion did a little housework & mind Baby I finished at 3/30 & Marion help Scrub up thing. Murray was here to breakfast – he went with Bert to L.L. to get a young colt & Bert got pulled out of the trap in the water & tore his clothes I mad a nice fresh meat Stew & crust for Tea

Aug 15) Boys up at 4 & milk & went to town in Buggy Lady & Tommy in Bert Wilf & Clem went Marion & I did usual work & she ironed I cooked Farmers Biscuits Stew Apple pudding & Turnips

Aug 16) Same early duties & cooked Corn Beef fried Eggs & Bacon for breakfast potatoes & Turnips Marion & Dad gone to Gawler Baby home with me crying & I washed out a lot of clothes. Very cold & showery I gathered Eggs & had baby in my arms at that morning & Dad found Celia Improving

Aug 17) I have to attend to little Kathleen first of all & dress her sometimes & get our breakfast Bert fries the boys usually then I do babys washing & always cook hot dinner I am not at all strong & have fell several times

Aug 18) Dad usually goes to Gawler on Fridays so today after he went I got Marion to help me shift my sideboard in dining room & swept & dusted cooked dinner & washed babys clothes working hard all day long so tired

Aug 19) Little Lillians first Birthday but I could not see her I had to whitewash my cupboard & shelf too in kitchen I had an awful lot to do today baby got a cold & was crying for Marion & I am glad of her help she took Kathleen for a walk up the road

Aug 20) I expected company so got up & made a cup Tea & then a lovely pudding & cooked roast Mutton & Vegetables for Dinner Dad & Marion went to Cemetery I rested a while in afternoon felt done out Kathie took a few steps alone Marion very proud of her walking It was a nice day no one came after all Wilfs children go to Sunday School now

Aug 21) Decide on washing & Dad went to Gawler Marion help in housework & we had cold Dinner & I cooked hot supper & Dad came home & said Celia was coming home tomorrow as she could not come Sunday

Aug 22) Marion assisted & packed her clothes & Percy came for her I made Farmers Biscuits & cooked hot Dinner & I ironed in the afternoon after they went home cold day

Aug 23) As I had not been able to see Celia in Hospital I decided on going today so I got up & got work done boiled meat for mens Dinner & Dad went to Gawler I rode along & stayed at Celia’s & had a talk to her & came home lit fire cleaned Cutlery & got tea ready

Aug 24) I hurried & got all done nicely & George & Amy & children came for the day George helping Bert at the milking shed Amy cleaned out Dads room & I cooked corn Mutton Cauliflower Melted Butter & apple pie & did various household duties beside I got early cup of Tea & they went home Amy picked & cleaned a fowl for me & helped generally too

Aug 25) I could not get Mary so I just sweep & dust as Best I can besides the other work Dad went to Gawler I was mending a coat for Bert & sat at it all afternoon & got it done I did work

Aug 26) Such a very busy day George was out to work again & I had to hurry & as do the housework & stuff & roast a fowl with Cauliflower & turnips & roast potatoes Apple pudding for Dinner & I baked Biscuits for lunch Charlie was here to lunch I did my Knives & all other work I could

Aug 27) As Bert usually lights fire now I got up & lit dining room fire & got cup of Tea & then the breakfasts & I started to black lead right through the house & cleaned my lamps & filled them & made beds & fried Vegetable for Dinner Dad & Clem were late home from Gawler River they drove Prim Ruby had a foal last Wensday & Sunbeam a calf on Thursday It was a beautiful day I was invited out twice for a drive but wrote 4 letters instead

Aug 28) As I expected Mary I did not wash Dad went to Gawler the boys are breaking in colts & are so irregular to meals now & I am afraid they will get Kicked or hurt I’m nervous of them

Aug 30) George came but he had to go back as Dad & Bert were going to Gawler for the milker & I washed Separator & all & ironed Uncle Charlie came out to dinner & Myrtle & children for afternoon I cleaned boys room thoroughly

Sept 1st. Friday Dad did not go to Gawler today Wilfred & Myrtle went & Effie & Harry stayed here my hands & leg are awful I really don’t no how to work. I had not washed floors for quite a long time so today I took up all mats & washed them both mine & dining room Lorna help dust I did work all day long & was done I mended at night

Sept 2nd. All Saturday work to do & I baked two cakes Lorna iced one nicely & cleaned the spoons & wipe up for me I had a good read at night after the rest went to bed I was very tired I cleaned cutlery

Sept 3rd. I was up early & made cup of tea & brushed the stove & lit up & made beds Lorna helped me & then her & Dad went cemetery I have a bath washed my head. We had dinner & Dad Albert Lorna & I went to S S Anniversary & Dad & them went at night & I got in wood / got tea & cleared it away & shut up ducks

Sept 4th. As it was a lovely morning I decided on washing so cut dinners & then lit copper & washed a lot of extras etc boys quilt Berts Moles Dads Coat & vest besides ordinary Lorna did the light housework Dad went to Gawler I scrubbed up all Buckets & stands Lorna did plain ironing I did ordinary evening work

Sept 5) Lorna’s 15th Birthday Olive stayed the night she came home with Dad last evening so I cut Clems & Olives dinner & Dad drove her to school on his way to station taking Myrtle & children she went to City about her eyes again & the Expert came out to fix the Milker for Bert & engine he will be here till Saturday & I roasted a shoulder Mutton & potatoes Cauliflower & bread & butter puddings in afternoon I mended all & then I made Brown stew 6 men all day to meals such a lot to do Lorna & Wilf went to meet Myrtle at station last night Bert to a social at Gawler

Sept 6th. Bert usually fries hot breakfast for men & then I cut Clems Dinner & get ours I swept kitchen washed up & made Coffee lunch & then boiled Turnips & Greens made a plum pudding & potatoes Mr Polence⁷⁵ had to go to Dr about his eyes & then he was home late to dinner & Albert later still 2 o’clock & now its 4 o’clock & Ive just churned & made Butter Its like rain Mr George Antwis run over & killed yesterday⁷⁶ I hear Betty has a calf

⁷⁵ Mr Polence.
⁷⁶ George Antwis is a distant relation.  Newspaper article. TEAMSTER'S TERRIBLE DEATH. GAWLER, September 7. - Mr. George Antwis, a teamster, was killed at Williamstown on Tuesday evening through a heavily loaded wagon passing over his body. The deceased, who was a wood and timber carter in that district, had 'been out securing a load, and was proceeding to his usual camping place off the main road, preparatory for an early start into Gawler next morning. It is surmised, that in going down a decline, he reached for the brake-handle and fell from his seat. Both wheels of the wagon passed over the full length of his body. The team went on another quarter of a mile and pulled off the road at the accustomed place, and the discovery of them there unattended led to a search being made. Mr. Antwis was found to be alive, and was conveyed to his home; but he died within an hour. The deceased was very popular in the district. He was 56 years of age, and has left a widow and grown up family.

Sept 7th) Same hour & fried sausages for breakfast & Lorna assisted by making boys beds & helped with other & took up matting & swept Amy room Lorna my room & dusted it I baked currant pies Farmers Biscuits & scones turnips potatoes & corn Mutton No Sea pie after dinner I went with Lorna to see Ada & had look at school home & made lettuce salad for Tea

Sept 8th) Lorna was going home with Dad so she made boys bed help washup I boiled Mutton & swede Green & turnips & plum pud I also took out Lunch & was very busy all day so many men

Sep 9th) Dad went to Gawler again I baked fresh Pork & duck roast potatoes & Turnips & Greens Wilf & Alb late home to dinner Wilf been here 3 times to dinner at about 2 o’clock I dusted living room & cleaned Kitchen made beds & at about 3/30 Dad Amy & Family drove out for a few hours I got afternoon Tea for her & she went home Wilf took Expert in & came back & got her Bert went in at night to Social

Sept 10th) I got up at 6/15 thinking al a good Sunday but Bert met me in dining room & told me he ran into Train & Killed his pony Fairy & marvelously escaped himself Oh how thankful we all were to see him alive So Dad went to Gawler again & I went as far as Celia’s & told her it was her Birthday Dad called for me evening & I brought Laurel home with me Bert Wilf & Clem went to Gawler & Bert brought his trap home to Celia & had dinner there he was terribly shaken poor boy as we all were

Sep 11th.) I washed today Laurel was with me also Harry as Myrtle went to Adelaide I cleared dinner & then Wilf & Clem came at 2/30 I folded & cooked hot tea tonight A nice day I washed boys quilt etc

Sep 12 I always have to bake Tuesdays after doing my other work which is all & everything & iron in afternoon & mend I made a large buttermilk cake I was so busy all day Laurel helps me. Daisy had a calf yesterday boys were breaking in colts as usual

Sep 13 As I had decided on going to Gawler I got all housework done & we drove to Auntie Atyeo’s for a while & back street I went to Army Fair & then I met Amy & went to her home & stayed the night She & Olive stayed in street for a while & then got children all changed & we had tea & a talk

Sep 14 Amy & George went to Adelaide Show. First train I cooked leg mutton & potatoes cauliflower Olive washed Sepr I made beds & did Lillians washing swept dining room & milk the cows & separated I was so unwell all day but was also busy as could be & do late to bed

Sep 15 I had intended getting a person in to help but could not so I decided on doing my rooms myself I washed floors as well & that hurts me I only came from Amys today early she drove me home & I had to cook dinner churn & do all my Friday work I felt so miserable & miss the dear children so when I come home I got a bad side too & leg so bad

Sep 16th. Dad went to Gawler & I went as fast as aching arms & legs would let me there is always so much to do & I was up to my eyes blackleading at 3 o’clock & Phy & Dad came home then all groceries to put away & meat to salt & hang & then to finish off all other work

Sep 17 Dad & I & Phyllis drove to Willaston Anniversary I went to Frances Dinner Amys to Tea & home before [scru] It was a Cantarta afternoon crowded & very enjoyable to hear Phyllis came home with us for the night again & I wrote to Nurse at night. I felt rather sad & lonely

Sep 18 I started washing Phyllis had to go home with Dad I took down curtains from dining room & got them & first whites dry & down came rain & wind awful I did not finish till 4 o’ck then had all beds & other work to do I felt real done out could cry

Sep 19 All usual work & always cook Tuesday & iron in afternoon & mend mens clothes I also had to put out other clothes which fell yesterday & had to wash some again I am kept so busy as I have everything to do

Sep 20 Today I did practically everything I cooked corn mutton & vegetables made cake done Dairy Safe all the rooms indoors hung curtains dusted all & also kitchen mantelpiece brushed fireplaces & stove scrubbed bread board table & everything lovely to see

Sep 21 Gawler Show I did all my work yesterday Ethel stayed all night ready for the Show we had just started getting ready & Auntie⁷⁷ & Sirs came so I got them a cup of tea I was mostly with Amy at the Show but I saw all the others very nice show but I was so done up I had to sit on the trap an hour waiting for the rest to come home Celia came out next day

⁷⁷ Probably Aunty Harriet Paterson (nee Heath) and some of her sons.

Sep 22 Auntie was here I fried breakfast & did all usual work got a cup of tea & they went to Gawler I was busy I roasted a leg mutton & potatoes & marrow washed up & did any work & tidied myself & got tea then Maria Auntie & Dad came home & they stayed up till late I did not retire till eleven oclock tonight

Sep 23 Auntie & Maria were both here so I got up & fried breakfast & I cooked corn mutton potatoes Turnips & Marrow & rice pudding I washed up & did work & they left here at 4/15. I cleaned cutlery & finished lamps & any other work Dad fed poultry & got the eggs as is his custom always Bert went to Gawler also

Sep 24 Sunday I decided on a day home I got up & got breakfast Alb went home I cooked hot dinner Franc Harry Gwen & Hazel came to Tea I had a short rest Celia & family went to Ada’s birthday today I went to bed early as I was tired & sleepy weather nasty

Sep 25 I intended washing today but had first to churn butter then I just went my hardest & finish at about one then did housework & Dad came from Gawler A fearful storm blew our ridge capping off & roof off stable & sheds & was quite dark Dad had to hang on to the fence for support. The heifer Lily has a calf tonight Bert very busy nailing on roof & me cooking tea

Sep 26 I was up first lit fire & fried breakfast & did usual housework I roasted a shoulder Mutton with potatoes & turnips & baked Rice Bert & Charlie went to Baldurns Sale very cold & showery & windy I ironed in afternoon with a lovely fire in dining room & mended socks at night

Sep 27 I intended going to Gawler with Dad so I just did all needed housework & got ready we called at Celia’s & on to street I got my drapery a new tick for stretcher Veil & Gossamer called at Amy & had a cup of tea & at Frances & Eva’s but not to stop home early & very crook so went to bed early 9/30

Sep 28 I had decided on staying home today & I swept kitchen & made beds while Bert fried breakfast I set table then I washed up & finished housework & made a Tick for Fletcher filled it & sewed it up I got lunch & Dad went to Gawler I made a brown stew & pastry for Dinner Clem carried his he & Wilf are out in Argents⁷⁸ field plowing I made Barossa buns also

⁷⁸ Argents are neighbours.

Sep 29th) I felt so unwell but had to churn before breakfast & cut Clems dinner Dad did not go to Gawler till late near Dinner Time I took up matting & swept & washed floors I also scrubbed both safes thoroughly & cleaned the dairy Oh I did work a sad thing happened to the little Foal at midday he got his leg broke & had to be destroyed Bert very down hearted I was so ill I had to lie down & Gwenda come home with Dad wet as could be it was so wet & cold I fed poultry & came over shivery so I sent to bed early

Sept 30th Another hard day before me I got up at 5/35 lit fire & got breakfast & I was dusting at ¼ to 7 I got all dusting done & roasted leg Mutton & potatoes & swedes for Dinner boys carried theirs so Bert went for waggon & home late I baked date & Maderia Cake & Apricot Pies but was so ill I did not no how to stand rested & at 4 Amy & girlies came home with Dad I cleaned lamps & got tea Amy assisting Bert stayed home

Oct 1st) We got up & I hurried & fried breakfast made beds Amy had her little ones to attend to Dad Amy & children & I all went to Anniversary & home had Dinner & they went to Cemetery I got Lillian to sleep & at 5 was getting a fruit salad made & George came & Olive went with Alb to cut Green feed & he cut an awful gash in her leg they went at once to Dr they stitched it up & injected in her leg & back Oh it did frighten us & I could not get my sleep for worrying over it

Oct 2nd) I just did all housework & washed our sox etc I felt so unwell & Dad & I went to Gawler & did a bit of shopping & went to Amys got a ride out there we had cup of Tea Dad went to see Frances & they came down to Amys we drove home in the rain all the way we hope Olive will do alright

Oct 3rd Laurels Birthday 6 years old I was no better so I could not wash I did all my usual work & made Shepherds pie Turnips & apricot pie for dinner. In afternoon I cut out & made half dozen pillow cases & also two nightdress cut out got cup tea & Clem went to Stone Hill at night such a cold showery windy day so I stayed home with the influenza

Oct 4th I felt awful but had to get up & do housework wash up & cook corn mutton potatoes Turnips rice pudding for dinner Dad & Albert went to Gawler Bert & Clem mending waggon. Mollie got a heifer calf last evening 19 in now. A hen got 10 little chicks & 10 little ducks a month old Weather is much finer

Oct 5 Two Wells show & I felt much better & thought the change may do me good so I did my usual work & Coral came & we got ready & arrive at show at about 12/30 I think I met a lot of old Friends also Frances & Harry Lorna & Hazel the day was beautiful & we had as good a time as possible & got home good time lit fire & made tea boys had to milk & its late now

Oct 6th. Dad went to Gawler I packed up things for Amy a new basket I sent her for her birthday tomorrow Olive’s leg is a little better I been cooking & mending cleaned boys room lamps & I felt so tired & weary as I had done no washing I washed today & ironed an unusual thing on a Friday lovely day too

Oct 7 As I washed & ironed besides other work yesterday I swept & dusted all rooms today cooked leg mutton roast potatoes marrow & cleaned all cutlery knobs & windows & usual

Oct 8 Mrs Walter Tape⁷⁹ has a daughter yesterday I’m home alone to ourselves all day so after doing work I rested in afternoon Frances & Harry are at Lower Light for week end Amy has company from Purple Downs⁸⁰ North Australia Olive still in bed but improving now

⁷⁹ Audrey Annie Tape, daughter of Walter John Tape and Johanna Gertrude Tape (nee Lindner).
⁸⁰ Between Woomera and Roxby Downs

Oct 9 I decided on washing so got copper lit & started after breakfast a big wash of bed linen Flannels & it came up so windy & cold & I had to run to & fro & my leg cant stand that I got all dry & in & it rained in afternoon & ironed all at evening time very cold I cooked hot tea as men are scattered to dinner

Oct 10) I decided on going to Gawler & I did usual work got ready & arrived at Waltham⁸¹ at 12 o’clock had dinner at Frances & went to Amys who was washing so I assisted by washing up dishes & came home & got tea fried Sausages & mended sox

⁸¹ Waltham Abbey is a part of Willaston

Oct 11) Up lit fire & it was so stormy & its the childrens Picnic so I hurried & did my work cooked Corn Mutton & Vegetables coconut pudding & it cleared so Myrtle & children drove to Loos Picnic I went with them & the day was quite nice they had a good time home got Tea & mended clothes till bedtime

Oct 12) I was busy as there are so many duties for one to do cooked Dinner Dad went to Gawler & I did a lot of machine mending for myself I covered corset busks etc & swept & tidied am kept very hard at work so much to see to to & do for one

Oct 13) Dad did got to Gawler today & I swept & dusted rooms & did some more sewing & cooked dinner as is my custom meat & Vegetables Myrtle also to Sapular

Oct 14) Up early & dusted before breakfast cleaned filled lanterns & lamps cooked meat large cake made a Cosy I worked my duties hardest & got it done & did some trimming for myself

Oct 15th Raining on waking but I dressed before six & got fire & cup of Tea set table swept & dusted round & made bed Bert got up & we did our duties & started for “Tineburee”⁸² at 11/25 & got there in two hours they were about to have Dinner so we were in time George Hill⁸³ & Kit came for afternoon Boys all out for a Drive We chatted for a while after Tea very cold indeed we sat by Kitchen fire.

⁸² Tineburee is Aunt Harriet Paterson’s farm at Lower Light.
⁸³ Kit’s brother, George Archibald Hill.

Oct 16) A beautiful morning & Maria lit copper & Auntie got breakfast Mr Whiting⁸³ & Bert drove up from Adelaide & got home at 8 o’clock very cold & ready for hot breakfast I helped Maria wash some & I hung out all for her & also help wash up we had hot dinner Auntie cooked cabbage potatoes & roast Mutton we left at 5/30 & home soon after 7 o’clock

⁸³ William Henry Whiting.

Oct 17th) Dad was not well enough to go to Gawler so Bert went & Wilf also went with the Wool Clip I lit copper & washed windy again but drying so got all in before dinner scrubbed all Cream Can & boys were to Dinner one at a time so that hindered I swept Kitchen & cook Vegetable & fried Mutton Auntie gave me slips so I planted flowers

Oct 18) Dad went to Gawler Bert out in back Alb & Wilf to get Wheat to grind & wasted the Benzine did not understand home to Dinner I made Mutton pie Swedes Greens & potatoes & Tart folded clothes & now must iron & tidy rooms on awful windy dusty day cool change at 4 o’clock lovely breeze from West like rain

Oct 19th) Up & got the meal over & Ada & Gladie came for the day so after usual work Ada helped me do rooms I swept & wash my room & dining room I also cooked Swedes potatoes & Cocoanut pudding I dusted the rooms & Ada washed up I had an awful stiff shoulder & so painful to breathe Wesley called for his Mother after work. Mrs Kippen died Oct at W. Nottles Kangaroo Flat aged 98 years<sup>84

84</sup> Jane Kippin nee Goodge, mother-in-law of William Nottle. Well, she was 77, not 98.

Oct 20th 1922 The Sale of the Tineburee home & all belongings. Bert could not go so Dad & I got ready & at about 9/30 Charl & Eva Celia & Perc came & I rode with Celia with Dad to the Lower Light on arrival met many old associations & had a good look around & dinner. Cousin Lillias & Victoria⁸⁵ were there & we were talking to both We left at 5 o’clock & arrived at 7 home here & I lit fire & had tea

⁸⁵ The Paterson home and station at Lower Light is being sold. Lillias May Porter (nee Paterson) and Victoria Jane Ross (nee Paterson) are cousins who grew up there.

Oct 21st. I still felt depressed & naturally felt it was bidding farewell to Auntie & her family but little I thought it was a last long goodbye for Vicie for she died suddenly today at about 5 o’clock from heart failure. We did not here till Monday Oct 23rd the day of her funeral at Feltwell⁸⁶ I did all usual work Dad went to Gawler & I looked after men

⁸⁶ Feltwell cemetery is in Mallala. Cousin Victoria was only 35 when she died, and left 3 children.

Oct 22nd As I did not have meat home yesterday I had to roast meat & potatoes & boil swedes for dinner Custard & pineapple I did all housework I forgot to report that yesterday was a record heat for October 103 in shade Dreadful I had a bath in evening & today is a cool change but one feels real done out no one came home little Harry was hear to dinner very close & thundery & lightning

Oct 23) I intended going to Gawler lovely day so I did all my early duties & & called Boys at five & Wilf & Clem went to Lower Light to get Binder & Harvester which Charl bought & there heard the sad news. Dad & I visited Uncle Charlie & Aunt Atyeo also Amy & Frances Celia & Eva & got home in good time. Uncle is far from well but Auntie is quite herself & Uncle Will better too Amy & Frances so poorly & Amys cough is awful

Oct 25th I was ill all night & got up before five & fried Sausages for boys breakfast & was so dreadfully ill I had to keep lying down & I had to sit by fire & roast a leg Mutton & lie down at intervals all day I got a little easier & washed out sox then down again swept Kitchen & got the Tea & went to bed at 7/30 real done out I had copper cleaned & filled but could not use in such pain

Oct 26) I felt very unwell indeed on waking so Bert fried their breakfast & I cut the boys Dinner Alb went to back paddock harrowing Clem to Willaston with Stone & home to late dinner I managed to wash out a few towels & my aprons & did some mending

Oct 27) As Dad went to Gawler yesterday he was home today I got up fired up & poached eggs for Bert Boiled milk for Dad & cut both boys Dinner then went right through the home swept & dusted all rooms & feel real tired a lot more to do but I can’t do it. I forgot to report Oct 24th which was Tuesday I felt so dreadful as Dad told me the sad new just before retiring & I could not sleep so today was awful windy Dad went to Angle Vale to see Mr Roberts⁸⁷ & called for Ada who went to Gawler with him I sewed all my spare time today & sorry I did not wash

⁸⁷ Mr Roberts.

Oct 28 Saturday usual morning duties & had to make Butter it was a long time so I had to leave off & cut boys Dinners & boil Dads milk & clear table & washup then I churned & it was 11/20 when I finished it so I did bedroom work & Celia & girls came home so she made beds & then we had dinner Marion cleaned spoons & it came up so cloudy & rough & at five Celia & girls went home I finished Cutlery & put away all groceries & salted meat made a Stew for tea I was so busy Celia swept boys room

Oct 29th) Sunday but no one goes to Church from here I always get up & get breakfast & cooked hot roast Dinner & cakes also & had a big washup & sorted flowers for Dad to take to Cemetery Uncle Charley & Harry drove out but I never saw them to speak too I was reading & resting done up

Oct 30th) Gawler Day but I never went in the street I stayed with Amy & Frances no I reported wrong I got up in good time & started washing Wesley came & stayed all day fixing up the engine & I had to keep leaving off to get Dinners & make fires & I did not finish till 4 o’clock so thoroughly done up

Oct 31) This was Tuesday Gawler Day this week I only went to the girls Amy was a bit better but Frances very ill in bed I sat & chatted to her a while Dad was Hilliers Sale so it was late time got home I fried Sausages boys were milking I washed up the dinner things they never trouble to do that Mrs Hutchinson was washing for Amy today. I left my ironing as I wish to see girls I am feeling better

Nov 1) I always have a busy day after Gawler Day but today Celia came home & she & I did extra work in the morning I cooked a hot Dinner roast Mutton & Vegetables Swedes cauliflower & Jam tarts a lot to wash up & then I helped Celia shift in boys room but could not finish She took her pig home tonight

Nov 2 (written 6 days later) I missed out Thursday a fearful windy dusty stormy kind of day Dad was going to Gawler but he did not venture I did some blue Denham washing for Bert his 2 pairs pants shirt coat & other rough washing & I had to cook Dinner & mended Sox & did housework as well

Nov 3) Dad went to Gawler I gave him a Sponge bath & then I swept & dusted all room filled lamp & washed up then as it was cold I lit a fire in the Dining room & I swept the Chimney & flues of Stove & gave it a thorough cleaning I was quite black so I had a lovely bath & washed all my clothes after then Dad come home & I had all things to put away & had a cup tea all men also quite cold.

Nov 4) I roasted leg Mutton & Cabbage roast potato & made beds & did usual work dinner over I made a cake & cleared all up & swept Kitchen & at five o’clock Amy & Dear girlies came for the night so I got lunch & all partook Engine went wrong at milking machine & Bert got worried so the others assisted Sing Song after Tea

Nov 5 ) Sunday I dressed in good time but no one goes to church now. Amy & Olive dressed later & we had a cup of tea then I fried eggs & bacon Olive set table boys late up & hindered at Engine I made Custard & Dad & Olive & Celia shelled peas & I peeled potatoes Amy made all beds Little Lillian cutting her teeth & not well we chatted in between work & they had tea & went home early I mended Berts Denhams As the Pony ran into the wire with him & tore the pasts badly very cold weather indeed for November & rough

Nov 6) We intended going to Gawler so I just did all ordinary work & housework & Dad & went at 11 o’clock a fearful day dust everywhere & the windy blowing a hurrican we only stayed in Street an hour & then went to Frances to dinner & Amy was there also we called at Celia’s & Eva for an hour

Nov 7) We expected the Expert from Adelaide to the Engine but he did not come I baked Mutton & Onions (marrow & sausages last night) Cabbage & peas & Rice Puddings & after Dinner did all my washing & scrubbed Cream Cans & brooms & folded clothes Ethel stayed the night she sat Myrtles I was very done up mended Sox & washed up & I retired at 10 o’clock

Nov 8th Wensday) I felt dreadful languid & arms & legs so painful with Rheumatism however I lit fire & fried Breakfast & washed up Ethel helped milk Bert went to Adelaide & Wilf & Clem Binding I boiled Mutton Swedes & potatoes & washed up made beds & ironed Dad gone for a Drive to Twelftrees paddock same evening work Berts engine does not work well & we have to milk by hand.

Nov 9 Thursday Same work in every way always cook every day for men they are milking by hand & gets a nuisance after Engine. I have to mend men’s clothes & also did little washing today.

Nov 10th) All hurry as an Expert was coming Dad started to meet train as soon as breakfast was over I hurried & tidied boys room & did housework & had to cook dinner & plum pudding & sauce Louis Scott was the engineer sent after Dinner a big washup & I mended Berts Blue Denhams at 5 o’clock I cleaned all windows outside & in thoroughly made my arms ache terribly I also wrote a note to Celia

Nov 11 My word I’ve had a big day rooms to sweep & dust & I baked scones & all for a cake & at evening a huge leg Mutton & roast potatoes & Green peas Jam tarts & the men were so late it was 8/30 as we sat at Tea I had a big greasy washup & at nine o’clock I arrived at Amys with Bert for weekend we chatted & I mended Olives white sox late to bed & tired

Nov 12) All up early this morning & I made beds & Amy cooked Vegetables & steamed pudding but was so ill that she could not eat any & had to lie down I got Celia & Olive ready for Sunday School they also went this a.m. I had a rest also George & Lillian got tea & Olive & I went to McLeods for evening then home & wrote to Maria at pm

Nov 13th) Amy was rather better but not well enough to wash so we did usual housework & then both mended & Lillian was not well I went up to Frances at 5 o’clock & Dad came up there for me & home we came

Nov 14th) I felt so awfully unwell so I did not wash today sorted food & tidied house after being away & did some mending we had fish for dinner I feel depressed

Nov 15) I got up early & got at tubs had white Quilts etc all two boils out & Dad & I were at breakfast & Celia come so we finished between us & beat the carpet but boys would not shift Piano so could not get all done Dad went to Amys for a night

Nov 16th) I got up & swept Kitchen churned Butter & cooked roast meat potatoes & Green peas & cocoanut pudding Charlie Polhner⁸⁸ came as Expert I ironed afternoon Dad took him home in afternoon & brought Frances out for night so I was flustered & busy we had a talk & late to bed

⁸⁸ Probably Charles Pohlner expert to fix the milking engine, I suppose.

Nov 17) it was Friday but as Frances was here I did not do much extra work & I had my ironing to do too as I went to Myrtle’s yesterday for a while & neglected They did not go away till Dinner time to Gawler so I had to hurry I made a stew for Tea & Dad brought a French chap⁸⁹ home for stooking

⁸⁹ A French chap!

Nov 18) All work everywhere I roasted a leg Mutton & Jam Tarts Alford & Date lennis Cake beside sweeping I dusted all rooms & cleaned all Cutlery spoons & Knobs thoroughly window & filled lamps so very busy & did not feel well I could not bath too tired I always cook for Tea & get lunch

Nov 19) I got up before 6 o’clock lit fire took in tea & then I churned Butter swept Dairy got breakfast over swept kitchen made beds cooked swedes & potatoes & in afternoon I wrote letters to Tom & Clara⁹⁰ & read some

⁹⁰ Probably cousins Thomas Henry Easton and Clara Pearl Anderson (nee Easton).

Nov 20) Clem told me Louie⁹¹ was down from Pt Broughton & I thought I’d like to see her so met her at Frances dinner time I also went to Amys for a while her little ones not well Dad & I came home at 3 o’clock& I cook Brown Stew also fried chops & Onions when I got home Lovely day.

⁹¹ Louisa Emily Waters (nee Arbon), a cousin, daughter of Aunt Charlotte Heath.

Nov 21st) I had to get breakfast & cut dinners so was late starting washing I had a job to keep up till finish at 1 o’clock Oh I did feel done but had to scrub up & sweep up & got Dinner for Bert & Wilf & cook Vegetables for Tea & fold clothes make beds & usual work boil a ham also

Nov 22) Dad to Gawler I cut all three mens Dinners Bert & Wilf shifted Piano up in front room I made beds & must go & iron lovely west breeze today I finished ironing & mended some clothes I swept & tidied

Nov 23rd Same work in every way cut Dinners & then as I was going to Gawler tomorrow I decided on cleaning up all rooms ready for to go & I cook Dinner at night Murray goes to School from Myrtles she is not at all well I was busy dusting all day long & filled lamps & other work

Nov 24th) Usual morning duties over Dad & I went to Gawler & I did some shopping & we went to Aunties & Amy & Celias Myrtle went in the Hutchinson Hospital tonight & we all feel upset Celia got Mavis Eva got Harry & Rose⁹² got Effie & Lance Amy very unwell got help

⁹² Hutchinson Hospital is still there. Here we see how the children get distributed! Rose is Myrtle’s sister Rosina Madeleine May Cork.

Nov 25) I had a busy day cooked Meat cakes & tarts & about 10’oclock she came & I cooked the meat & etc she & I stripped my & front rooms & laid New Oilcloth in my room Oh how I did work the things to put in order & I was real done out I could scarcely move

Nov 26th) I got up early lit fire & had cup Tea & than I churned Butter & was going all the morning so busy rested in the afternoon as I could not keep up longer none of us went to Church all home resting & tired

Nov 27) I just did all ordinary work it was a nice day but I could not wash side too bad I was just going to wash floor in Dining room & Ethel came home with Murray so she did it & helped me shift washstand back in my room she stayed the night with me & goes to Wilfs tomorrow

Nov 28) I got a good start at tubs but felt so unwell & it took me till 4 to finish & scrub everything then as Dad brought Meat from Gawler I had to cook that & ill I felt but had to cook for tea Ethel cooked Tea for Wilf up there I was alone all day long

Nov 29) Ethel stayed with me last night also & got up & went home with Murray taking Bluebells Calf with her. I had washed all Curtains from bedroom (Dads) so I folded clothes but it was too hot to iron & I did up all work ready to go to Amys tomorrow

Nov 30) Up in good time & put all food in Dairy & got breakfast cut dinners then I did housework & at 8/30 put Rose in the sulky & Drove to Gawler got her shod & did a bit Shopping went to Amy at 11/30 & cut out & partly made dresses. Oh the heat was Fearful112 & I could scarcely bear it Amy & Celia were both so unwell so after early 6 o’clock tea we all drove to Hospital & saw Myrtle & Phyllis came home with me from Frances Poor old Wesley is in Hospital also bad eyes we did not see him

Dec 1st) It was cooler & Cloudy overcast today Dad went to Gawler & I did the household work as is our custom then I had to iron as I was away yesterday & after so hot a day yesterday felt rather flat but got it all done

Dec 2nd) I had to roast leg Mutton cakes etc & fill lamp & do all usual work the stove is not going too well either Phyllis came home Thursday night & went back yesterday I finished work had a both & washed out clothes its the Picnic at Semaphore Baptist S.S. a lovely day cool overcast & fresh

Dec 3) Hotter today Clif⁹³ & French out for the day they came early I made Custard & we had Pineapples & cold meat in the Afternoon I read & had a rest got up got tea & they went home I wrote to Sister Dunn & we retire early

⁹³ George Henry Clifton Folland, aged 17, one of Frances' boys.

Dec 4) Ethels Birthday I lit up & washed but I got so done out at the job now & Dad went to Gawler I had best Quilt & its heavy to lift Myrtle comes out of Hospital tomorrow

Dec 5. I did usual work made apricot pies for & a lovely Cake Coffee & Lennis I am kept busy at the Stove roast meat & potatoes Mr. Stewart⁹⁴ died at Hutchinson Hospital Dec 6th 1922

⁹⁴ Alexander Stewart, aged 73.

Dec 6 I was up early & churned butter so long coming then I picked & put on Gooseberries for Jam & got it done at Dinner time Bert & Percy were home to Dinner Clem takes his I washed up everything & mended Sox & sealed down jam & did all necessary work in house

Dec 7 Ethel was out & went to Wilfs to wash & I did my work & when Ethel came back at night she helped me clean windows in front bedroom Dining room & boys room I hung clean curtains & swept the bedroom & passage planted a few more flowers

Dec 8 Nasty Sultry weather though cooler Dad so unwell could not go to Gawler Wilfred went I tidied rooms cooked a piece corn Beef for Wilfred it has rained heavily I put out all my pot flowers

Dec 9) I got up & did my morning work & got dressed for Gawler but it rained & Wilf had to go in Covered Trap to remove Myrtle from Hospital so Dad went in with him I did not bake today I swept & dusted rooms got meals cleaned all cutlery Knobs cupboards & did general work very difficult where they came home early with chaff cutter

Dec 10) We were up early I got up at 5/20 & blacklead stove fireplaces steps etc Bert & Clem up later & milked & we were at Breakfast & Harry Frances & Hazel came Bert & Harry went to Lower Light & got the Pony from Tineburee where she had strayed so I had hot Dinner to cook leg Mutton & roast potatoes custard & Apricots we chatted & rested & they got home & I had to get up & get their Dinner 4/30 They French & Clif came We had tea & looked at Photos & retired at 11o’oclock tired I churned butter

Dec 11 Frances had to go home & I was going too so I did usual work France assisting in light work & we went to Gawler I did shopping & then I got a ride with Gladys Higgins⁹⁵ to Amys & had a cup of Tea Dad went to Frances & called for me home I got tea & retired

⁹⁵ Gladys Mary Higgins, aged about 25, daughter of George Herbert James Higgins and Annie Jane Addis. I cannot find her birth record.

Dec 12) I did not feel at all well but wanted to wash & lit fire in stove at about 5.15 then the copper & got a cup of tea & then cut dinner & went on at Tubs till12 o’clock & then I was about done Dinner over I washed my dark Belaine Dress & Berts Blueys felt so done to do much scrubbing but after a wee rest I folded & Ethel came for night she cleaned kitchen window

Dec 13) I got up & got breakfast cut both boys dinner & then was taken so ill I have only made beds & stewed fruit & Blanc Mange for Tea Dad gone to Gawler Wilf & Murray to Abbatoirs with Pigs early a.m. Most beautiful weather if one felt well to enjoy it but I far from well & so is Amy

Dec 14) I was so busy today doing my work ready to go to Gawler with Dad tomorrow I did not iron yesterday so had a lot today starch clothes Celia come today I hung Dad big Curtains cooked a leg Mutton Cabbage Potatoes rice pudding

Dec 15) Dad I went to Gawler & to see Auntie & Uncle & back to see Amy & Frances I got a new Foulard dress all clean covers on Dad room yesterday lovely day.

Dec 16) As I had my apricots & the Stewpan I thought best to prepare one lot of them for Jam so I got up before five & churned Butter & then I got on Jam early & had it done by 10/30 then did my ordinary work I felt done up rested a while then sealed Aocon all went to Charls Birthday party

Dec 17 All Sunday report We do not go to church now very often I got disheartened at trying to attend & gave it up It was a lovely day I wrote to Ivy⁹⁶ this evening for Bert to Post Sunday I felt terribly unwell I really did not no how to hurry & got rooms tidy & cooked Pot cabbage Custard & Cherries & Bert brought Hetty⁹⁷ down to take Photos Uncle Charlie came too Murray & Ethel came for night & she stayed with me

⁹⁶ Probably cousin Ivy Elizabeth Sandercock (nee Easton), now aged 33.
⁹⁷ Hetty. Seems unlikely that this is Hettie McLeod, but I am not sure who it is.

Dec 18 I was up early it looked like rain so I made haste to prepare Apricots for Jam & I got it done Dinner time & it rained in afternoon I pasted it all down its a big item for me to do & almost beyond my strength Myrtle Made Gooseberry & cherry too

Dec 19 Dad went to Gawler I did all usual work & then I set to & washed I hurried & felt so done had cup Tea & then ironed & got Tea. All alone & a lot to do & think of It is Olives Birthday today.

Dec 20 usual hour & did the dairy early & got ham & Eggs fried Breakfast then did boys room & other housework & then I cooked dinner & made a lovely Gennis Cake I roasted leg Mutton Potatoes in afternoon I made Cushion for chair or cover & did lot mending

Dec 21 I rode as far as Amys with Dad first to Lorna who was icing Xmas Cake then to Amys & had a talk & arranged for Xmas Amy not well & we came home had cup of Tea which I got ready very tired

Dec 22 As we were away I was so busy tidied & did all work after rising early & churning & doing Butter at 10/30 I made Xmas puddings a lot for me to do alone then had meal & made Alford Cake done my safe & any other work

Dec 23 I was not at all well such a cold & nerves bad & most fearful Dusty morning which increased as the day wore on Dad had to go to Gawler so I packed things for him & then swept & tidied rooms Charlie was here to Dinner & Dad got home also we had Salmon pickled onions then I washed up & cleaned all Cutlery & went to Gawler with Clem & Bert

Dec 25 Xmas Day & Sunday combined I came to Amys on Xmas Eve she lost Celias little beaver Coat or George did & I went to Dr. Xmas day very wet & I remained in bed all day the rest seemed lovely Olive is out home she went out with Grandpa last night also Lorna every week

Dec 26 I did not get up early & felt so ill when I did went to Dr & then came home Lorna with us too Celia went to Amys today I fell real ill & weak

Dec 27 Lorna was here to do what work she could but I got up & churned butter had cup Tea & rested last night I cooked corn Beef carrots & Potatoes Lorna helped me I could not keep up so ill & weary.

Dec 28 Such a lovely day, but cold after the rain Frances Harry & girls went to Adelaide Lorna brought me a cup of Tea & then I dressed & had to get Dad his breakfast 7 cook Loin Mutton Potatoes Cocoanut pudding so done had to lie down did some letter writing to Sydney & Alawoona⁹⁸ too

⁹⁸ Cousins (Phelps) live in Sydney and Fanny writes to them. Not sure who is in Alawoona, but it is between Lameroo and Loxton

Dec 29 Lorna brought me my morning Tea & then I got the water & had a bath as I was to go to Gawler however it was so awful dusty it increased all day like last Saturday I mended & Lorna made a Hat I was sewing mending all

Dec 30) Lorna & Bert got breakfast over & she did washing up & beds & I put down articles from Gawler Dad & Lorna went to Gawler I did a bit of work & then boiled potatoes & made custard & did a lot mending Phyllis came home with Dad from Gawler & I had to roast Mutton & clean Cutlery but dont feel like work at all I paste almanacs on

Dec 31st [no entry]

[Notes in back of book]

Mrs Harold Urlwin has a Son (nee Winckel)⁹⁹
Mrs Willie Hillier also a Son<sup>100

99</sup> Donald Harry Urlwin, son of Myrtle May Urlwin (nee Winckel)
¹⁰⁰ John William Hillier, son of Sophie August Hillier (nee Bartsch)