Patty Johnson's Schoolgirl Diary - Part 1 : Dec 1957 - Feb 1958
Record of Christmas 1957 Vacation: from Marion Deuchar’s “Journal”
(This diary has been transcribed from the handwritten original)
15th December, 1957
We broke up on Thursday 12th Dec. The break up party on Wed went off well, and so did the Speech Day Concert. I was in an item in which we had to wear kimonos and sing ‘Three Little Maids from School.’ The three little maids were Jennifer Cromby, Clare Walters and Mary Rose O’Connor. By lunch time this was all over and we were allowed to go home. (For about two months) Instead of going home with my mother I went to the Middle Brighton Baths with Margaret Richardson, Clare Walters, Judy Diamond, Suzanne Davis, Carmel Mitchell, Mary Rose O’Connor and Michele Keenen. It was beautiful in swimming although rather cold out of the water. It was also the first time I had been to those baths and I enjoyed it very much. At about 4 pm or a little after we decided to leave so we got dressed and went back to school first, (I dink Margaret all the way up St. Kilda Street – great feat). From school we walked to the Gardenvale Station and returned by train. I was last to get off. Nothing to speak of happened on Friday.
On Saturday morning I went to Black Rock, did a couple of messages then proceeded to Berg’s Second Hand Shop. I didn’t buy anything because I didn’t have any money but I would have liked to buy lots of the things I picked up – mostly books. The time before when I went to Berg’s I purchased a volume of Scott’s poetry – it is the best book I have. On Sat. Mrs Scales rang and asked if I would like to go to the pictures with herself and Marcia to see ‘The Shiralee’, but I didn’t because I had seen the picture twice already and also I had made previous arrangements to attend a barbecue at the home of my Uncle Leigh’s in Cromer Rd.
At 2.00 pm Julie Christensen and I went swimming over the road. It was beautiful in the water. At about 4.00 pm. we came home, where I began to get ready to go to the barbecue. At approx. 5.00 we went. I was left at my Uncle’s while my parents went to another affair which they attended for about an hour or two. (I wore my pink dress with the white daisies around the neck.) Jill, Sharon, Nanette and I played around in the front for a while. Soon a boy, John Walker, whom I had already met at a party at Jorgensen’s came over with a table for Aunty Ina. He said, as he bungled it through the door, ‘Hello Patty … that is your name isn’t it?’ After much waiting slowly the back yard began to fill with people. Some I knew, some I didn’t. It was quite entertaining and there was the lounge room for dancing. The boy asked me to dance with him a few times. I hope I had improved since Jorgensen’s party. When nearly everybody had left Daddy decided that we had better go too. I stayed in the lounge room for a while and listened to records. Then we went. Saturday night I hardly went to sleep once for the mosquitoes.
Sunday we went to 10.00 am. Mass. (J.W. was there.) After Mass we came home then went to Moondai. It was a beautiful day. Moondai was the same only the biggest and best poplar tree had crashed across the path and Geoffrey and Dad spent all day up there chopping it up into sections for the fire. We arrived home very late. Then I went to bed. Monday morning after daddy had gone to work, mummy and I went into town. We travelled in the train with Mr Chinnery. He said that some of the best things to relax oneself with are painting, potting, film viewing and listening to music. We went to Hartley’s and bought a few things. We lunched in Payne’s. We went, when we had finished shopping – about 5.15 pm – down to daddy’s factory and then proceeded home in the car. We got to Black Rock and let Mr Moss off then daddy decided that from thence we would go to the drive-in at Oakleigh. We saw the film ‘Foreign Intrigue’. It proved rather exciting and better than was expected. We drove home. Then I went to bed.
Nothing remarkable happened on Tuesday. In the afternoon I went down the beach but did not go swimming. On Wednesday I rode to Mentone to buy some little candles and got three. They were desired for a Christmas decoration. I rode home. Later when Mummy had gone shopping I rode ‘round again and bought a card. On the way I saw Anne Marie Walker and Jeanne Bartlett. In the afternoon I began tidying up the sunroom (a task I abhor) and when Mother came home I went down to the beach. I became rather sunburnt and learnt how to make a Christmas pudding – using Stout. (Two women near me talking). When I returned home Suzanne Davis rang me up and asked me again to come to town with her on the morrow, but I could not come on account of my sore foot.
Thursday. I got out of bed and dressed and went downstairs. I had breakfast – bacon and eggs – with Mother, and began my coin album, which consists of every Australian penny and halfpenny in the order in which they were produced since the beginning of the century and before if I can get any. About 10.00 am Julie Christensen came in and said ‘Hello – would you like to come to Hampton – ‘just as you are’. I asked if she would wait while I put my hair up and she said she would so I did and in a little while I was on my way to Hampton in the presence of a guest of the Christensens – Leah, who was on holiday from Adelaide. I purchased a few things and then as the rest were ready we returned home. Later – after lunch – Julie came again and we went down to the beach. It was very cold looking but we gathered all our courage and ran in. Of course, in time we got used to it and it was quite enjoyable. After a while, and two of these such ‘dips’, we returned home, where I tidied up the sunroom. Then Julie and I brought out our stamps (Julie had hers with her) and spent awhile with them.
Friday 20th December, 1957
TV set arrived. In the afternoon we went shopping with Mrs Wilks to Hampton. We proceeded to buy things for the Christmas season (Mostly for other people!). When we had arrived home and were still sitting in the car somebody commenced in the conversation to tell us what medicine she liked and ‘could take’ and which medicines she detested and had anybody there tried to take crude molasses and so on. Then the conversation turned to medicine. During this parlay came to my ears the most awful medicine names and vivid description (mostly on how they tasted) that I have ever heard. After some time we, mother and I, succeeded in extricating ourselves both from further chatter and the overladen car and with goodbyes, thank yous and our share of the parcels and boxes we departed for home. When we got home, being rather late, I helped Mother a little then went to watch TV. On Friday night, after tea, I went back to the T.V. and saw a film entitled ‘Course for Collision’ which was a film of the future describing a proposed bombing of New York by Russia with nuclear bombs. It was very interesting.
Saturday 21st December 1957
In the morning I went to Hampton. I procured one rabbit, and was on my homeward journey when I met ‘Nicky’ Leslie stepping into the train at Hampton. She was with her girlfriend, Denise. She told me of Julie Sanguenetti at Leongatha’s rise to fame in the field of sport her now being an accomplished serious player, in her age group. She also told me that Julie would play at Kooyong. I was very glad to hear it. On Saturday afternoon I stayed home and did not enjoy myself. Saturday night I watched T.V.
Sunday 22nd December 1957
We went to 10.00 am Mass at Stella Maris. After, when we arrived home, we commenced to prepare for the Hartley’s annual picnic which was held at the picnic ground at Ferny Creek. It was the second one I had attended. We arrived a little late but that didn’t matter. I and two other girls went for a walk along Ferny Creek, it was very pretty. Instead of going straight home from this we went up to Selby which wasn’t far away. My father and brother continued to saw up a huge poplar tree which had fallen down, supposedly in a storm, while I helped cart away the bits (sawn off). Later than we should have we left and started homeward. When we arrived home we had to rush around in order that we should not be late for Ramp’s Christmas party. I wore my pink dress with the white daisies. It was a rather warm night. However, it worked out in the end that we were late – very late! For, going along Hawthorn Rd up one of those big hills, the engine suddenly stopped. When we got there, collected by Mr Thompson we found we hadn’t missed much, so that was alright. Trougot and Herta (host and hostess) Hildegarde and Heinz and Mr & Mrs Beck of Mitcham (formerly Beach Rd. Beaumaris) Mr and Mrs Muzzell Madeleine and Ottma, Marcelle Andree, the Thompsons and some others were there. It was very enjoyable. We came home in the Thompson’s car, as our own, the Jag, had been towed away. It was rather cramped – seven in a Vanguard! But I couldn’t have cared less I was so tired. Newton offered me his knee, but, being a ‘Star of the Sea’ girl I refrained and took my mother’s. We arrived home at about 3.00 am. Monday morning.
Monday 23rd
On Monday Mother and I went into town. We bought what last presents we had to and – the rest – and came home by train. Monday night I watched T.V.
Tuesday 24th
We went to Hampton and did some last minute shopping. Also we visited Mosses – exchanged gifts. Tudors – same, Leigh’s – same. Tuesday afternoon – later – I watched T.V. Tuesday night Gadds came we watched T.V. again. After they had gone – it was quite late we decided to go to Midnight Mass. We went and it was the first I had been to. It was sung by the men’s choir. Then we went home to bed.
In the morning – Wed. 25th – I woke up, got dressed and went to 7.30 am. Mass and went to Holy Communion. I sat with Cuffleys. After Mass I rode home to Christensen’s – 8.50. They were all up except Heather, who, nevertheless had been woken up quite early by report of Neil’s cap gun (a Christmas present). It was Christmas Day – but alas it was drizzling rain. I had breakfast at Christensen’s cooked by William. Heather wanted to ring someone on the telephone so she accompanied me home. I wheeled my bike back up Dalgetty Rd. with Heather and then went to Cromer Rd. I stayed there awhile teaching Jill the piano and writing names on Sharon and Nanette’s beach balls. Then I came home and helped get the dinner ready. When it was ready it was a beautiful dinner. I found three pence in the pudding. Dinner ended about 4 pm. I had a rest then Heather came down and I went home to Christensen’s with her and listened to their records they had been given for Christmas. They were very nice. We adjourned to the bedroom where we talked for quite a while and when it was almost dark Heather let me read a diary which she had kept during her holidays at McRae in September. We went home. I watched T.V. for quite a long time then with one sandwich for tea went to bed.
Thursday 26th
I stayed in bed very late on Thursday morning. All day we waited for Uncle Bill, Aunty Cath and Peter and Brian. They did not come. Nothing of interest happened that day.
Friday 27th
I got dressed early and started out for a ride after breakfast. As I rounded the corner by Camm’s I heard a voice call out to me. It was Jill. Uncle Leigh had driven them round to Dalgetty beach for a swim and they had just seen me ride past so turned around and chased me. After hearing what they wanted I turned round, rode back home and changed into my swim-suit. I ran over and met them on the beach, Jill, Sharon, Nanette and Uncle Leigh. We went in for a swim. Afterwards we went for a walk (not uncle) along the beach to Table Rock. We stayed there quite a long time then walked back. Jill and I walked up the beach, in the opposite direction, to Ricketts Point. We came back and went for another swim. Father came down then, just after 1 o’clock. As we had become quite sunburnt we decided to return home, so we packed up. Father asked Uncle Leigh to watch the Davis cup on T.V. They drove away and we went to have lunch. After lunch Mr & Mrs Moss and Barbara came down to see the Cup also. After Australia’s triumph was ascertained Barbara and I went for a swim. It was beautiful in the water. We stayed there awhile then returned home. After watching one cartoon Mosses went home. I went down to the beach again on their departure. I took my black satchel but did not get any work done for I met Marcia and came home with her and she showed me her new white fur cap and pearl necklace and bracelet. I asked her to come over after tea time and watch TV. After dinner she did come back and brought with her her small cousin Ian ‘Peanuts’ Westcot. At 9-00pm she and Ian went home. I saw them to the gate, said goodbye then returned to the TV. I watched a film called ‘Sanders of the River’.
Saturday 28th
I then went to bed. I rose rather late next morning, had a shower then was called upon by Julie C. to go for a swim. We went down and I met Gay Scot Rogers, then I saw John Walker and his friend Brendan. I didn’t say ‘hello’ to him because I couldn’t catch his eye. During the course of the morning Marcia S. came up to me and asked if I had seen Ian for she had lost him. I said ‘No’, but after some careful scanning of the beach we spied him playing among the rocks so that was alright. Neil was fed up because of the sand and salt stinging his face … so were Julie and I so we came home. I asked Julie to stay for lunch but she thought that her dinner would be waiting for her at home so they went. After dinner I went down to the beach again with Father. Again I saw Gay and again I saw John Walker and Brendan. Soon Mother came down. She went in for a swim. We sat on a bathing box … for ages then as it was obvious the weather was changing we gathered our goods and left. On our arrival, Mother began to prepare dinner. After we had finished dinner we watched Television, after which I went to bed.
Sunday 29th
I rose early to go to 7.00 am Mass but was not quite ready when Mother and Geoffrey were leaving so I stayed at home and went to 10.am Mass. There I saw Anne Marie and her mother. During Mass Jill sat with me. After I talked to the Cuffley’s in the churchyard then rode home. I then played through most of my music books until I was called to set the table. We ate our dinner after which I adjourned once more to the sun room and continued to practise. I have forgotten to say that Aunt Flo arrived before dinner so she dined with Grandma. In the late afternoon Daddy and I went for a walk along the beach to Ricketts Point, then back again. Soon we returned home to say goodbye to Aunty, after which we watched television. Soon dinner was served but after dinner we resumed our places before the T.V.
Monday 30th
I was awakened by my mother who came into my bedroom dressed for town. I asked if I could go with her but she said that only my father and herself were going and that I must stay and tidy things up. Soon after they departed and I went down to the kitchen to have my breakfast, after which I proceeded to read my book, ‘Jane Eyre’. The day was grey and so was the sea, but it was very calm. Later I cooked my own lunch, ate half of it and threw the other half away. After the meal I retired to fixing and enlarging my file. That night after dinner we watched Television.
Tuesday 31st – New Year’s Eve
At about 11.30 am Mummy & Daddy went over to Barker’s and did not return until almost 3.00 pm. During this time I had ‘done’ my hair and was cross about the result. In the middle of the day Mrs Thompson rang to say that if I wanted to, I might come to the New Year’s Eve party to which they had also invited my parents. I accepted the invitation and so at approx. 8.30 pm. we arrived at the party. I spent all evening with Newton – very amusing – he had been in the same … Outside after Mass, mummy talked to different people for about 25 minutes. I spent the time talking to Jill and sisters. Anne Marie came and said ‘Hello’ to me and showed me her new bicycle. Later, as we were leaving the churchyard I caught John’s eye and waved to him; he waved back. We drove home, then had - lunch! Then Julie came down on her bicycle and we decided to go for a ride. First of all we rode to the concourse and purchased half a loaf of bread; we also had a malted milk each. Julie paid for them. After, we rode to Reserve Rd. to Balcombe Rd; along to Wells Rd; then down and around another road which went in Deauville St – it might have been Deauville St; then along another street which came out almost opposite Cuffley’s house in Cromer Rd; then along Cromer to Ray; up Ray and somehow to Bodley St; down Bodley St; down Dalgetty; then home. After a ‘coke’ and some afternoon tea upstairs we went back to Christensens. Later, towards 6.00 pm. arrived back there with Mr Christensen who had previously been at our house. We met Mr & Mrs Tooes from across the road. We stayed on till after 7.30 pm. So I rode home while mommy and daddy walked. Then we had dinner, after which we watched Television, then went to bed for the first time in the new position of my bed.
Thursday 2nd January 1958
I was told to be ready to go to Moondai in half an hour. It was then about 11.00 am. It was approx. 2.00 before we were ready and had had lunch! On the way home we called in at Grandma Cuffley’s to see her and to pick up mummy who had stayed there instead of coming to Moondai with us. I did not stay with her because I had to get an old shadow box which was under a bed in the second bedroom. We got home rather late, had tea then went to bed.
Friday 3rd January 1958
I rose early and went to 8.30 am. Mass for it was first Friday of the month. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a blue jumper. This caused me to think it might be John Walker. I let him go to Communion before me and saw that my suspicion was confirmed.
Sunday January 5th, 1958
Well … Heather is not back yet … or haven’t I said where she is? I am sorry; now I will tell you. Sue Porter has a house at McCrae where they spend many holidays. In September they invited Heather to go with them. She gladly accepted and it is well that she did so for that is where she met Robert; (and forgot poor old Nigel!) more’s the pity. Well, Heather is down there again; and I suppose Robert is also. I think that she will be very brown when she returns for she has been down there since – I think it was Boxing Day. I have not seen much of Julie but I expect I’ll not have to wait long. Well back to Sunday. After dinner Daddy and I went over to the beach. He read, I wrote. Soon Mummy came down. After tea we watched T.V.
Monday Jan 6, 1958
After Mass I came home and proceeded to do something which I cannot remember on account of the fact that it was seven days ago. In the afternoon, after lunch, we went over to the beach and took Grandma with us.
Tuesday Jan 7
I went to Mass at 7.0 am; Avila was not there. After breakfast I wandered about for a while, then daddy decided that we might go up to the R.S.L. Swimming pools. So, on the way to shop at Hampton, Mummy dropped us up there. It was delightful in the pool but during the course of our stay I became quite sunburnt.
Wednesday 8th
I didn’t go to Mass on Wed. morning because it was at 10.0 am and I felt too tired to ride my bicycle through the thick sand. Lynette came over for lunch then we went up to the R.S.L. Swimming Pool. It was very hot, but in the water it was beautifully cool. My swimming and diving improved very much that afternoon. In the morning I had been swimming over at the beach. That morning Lynette was sent to Keys St. to do some shopping; on the corner of Dalgetty and Beach roads we met Anne Marie and Wendy Crosley. Wendy had her ‘Herald Learn to Swim’ Certificate; she was very proud of it and more smiley than ever. Anne Marie said, ’We might be going to Adelaide for about three weeks in a fortnight’s time.
Thursday 9th January 1958
I rose early and went to 7 am Mass at Stella Maris; and that is all I can remember about Thursday. There is one significant thing about that day, though, as it was the last full day I had my plaits; consequently it ended that period of my life.
Friday 10th
I rose early and went to 7 a.m. Mass at Stella Maris. Friday morning Mummy rang up the ‘Marie Lynn’ hairdressing salon and made an appointment to have my hair cut. At 3.30 pm. We arrived at the salon and I was admitted to a room where I sat in front of a mirror and saw approximately 30” (length) of my hair being shorn from my head. The finished article was very pleasing in comparison with the ghastly visions I had had hitherto. After I arrived home I rode up to Christensen’s. Neil said, ‘Fancy having a girlfriend without any plaits.’ He wasn’t pleased! Mr Christensen – ditto. Norma said that she liked it and Mrs Christensen Sen. told me that she cried when she had had her hair cut. I didn’t! Daddy thought it looked alright, so did Mummy and Granma.
Saturday 11th January 1958
Saturday, I went to 8 am Mass at Stella Maris. As I came home I saw John Walker ride up Dalgetty Rd. A few seconds later, I was on my way again to Confession. As I was half an hour early I rode round to Cuffley’s to show them my new hair-do. They all thought it looked very nice and Aunty Ina said that it had a very strong wave in it and could become quite curly. Jill and Sharon both wanted to come to Confession with me, so we walked (Shari rode my bicycle) up to the church and arrived there on time – 11 am. Afterwards I walked as far as their house then rode on home; followed by Uncle Leigh and Jill, who is now ten years of age, in their car. Uncle was after Mother’s preserving tin. We made the arrangement that I might go to the Eildon Weir with them on the following Monday. This day two months since was the day of the Beaumaris barbecue which was wonderful despite the rain. (J.W. attended).
Sunday 12th January 1958
We went to 10 am. Mass. We sat in the very front row and I had my old-fashioned straw hat on; so I didn’t feel too happy. After Mass, Walkers were there, we went home, calling at Christensen’s on the way. Heather said of my hair, ‘Patty, it’s heavenly.’ She told me all about her holiday at McRae; and the wonderful time she had with Robert. (Robert Grieve) Poor Nigel! (Nigel Montcrieff) He has been looking very sad lately. I wonder if he knows Robert?
Monday 13th January 1958
I rose early and went to 7.00 am. Mass. I was rather early but soon Avila and Peggy (her girlfriend staying with her) arrived. John Walker was on the altar. After Mass he walked half way home with us. When I arrived home I gathered together my requirements for the trip to Eildon. At approx. 8.30 am. Cuffleys arrived, and we started our journey. First we went to Yea, then on to Alexandra. We had our dinner by a beautiful little stream at Yea. Then we went on past Alexandra to Eildon. At Eildon we spent our time looking over the huge project. Once we walked down the side of a … steep, hill pond, sat on the edge of the weir which had risen up the side of the hill. From Eildon we drove to Taggarty; where we stopped by the river (which is more like a stream). It was late afternoon but the sun still shone brightly enough to filter through the tall dark gums and sparkle on the rippling water. On the further side of the river the bank was high and almost completely grown over with the blackberry brambles: out of this wall of matted greenery grew little spindly trees, the majority of which drooped towards the water where the lowest tips of each, brown and long since dead, swayed to and fro with the gentle current. Behind the brambles grew tall, grey gums, their foliage of a brilliant dark green highlighted by the sparks of sunshine which were now turning yellow. We were on rather flatter ground than this; a few inches above the water. Here the vegetation was only a few small shrubs near the brink of the stream and some clumps of dry looking grass where the gum trees were not. I played and splashed over the watery stones for a good while with the girls then I returned to the bank where I sat and unseeingly watched them, and my surroundings.‘As the water gently ripples o’er the pebbles at my feetI wonder at its coolness in this golden summer heat’ Soon we had a picnic tea by the river which was very appetising. It was meat pie, generously served; egg and bacon pie, left over from lunch, all made by Aunty Ina, then some cake, mummy’s, and plenty of fruit and lemonade. After this delightful meal we packed up then spent the rest of the time playing by the river. It was getting dark when we started on our journey home. We seemed to go miles and miles, which we did. For the first few miles we sang songs, the same ones over and over. At Healesville it was Nanette’s turn to sit next to me for Sharon had been next to me from Taggarty; Jill was in the front seat. Soon Nanette and Sharon fell asleep and the rest of the journey was made in near silence, with only a few whispered questions from the front seat. It seemed hours before we reached home but I enjoyed every moment of the drive over the ‘black country’. On reaching home the two little ones woke and said goodbye. I thanked Aunty Ina and Uncle Leigh very much for sharing their beautiful day with me then I returned home with Mummy and Dad.
Tuesday 14th
I went to Mass as usual, but not at Stella Maris, because Father Coakley is on Retreat – ‘To have his horns clipped and his halo shined’ – said he, the Sunday prior to his going: instead I went to Black Rock. As I was waiting outside the church at about five to seven a boy came up to me and said that he would go around the back to unlock the door for me. But as he turned to go he stopped and said, ‘Is today Tuesday?’ ‘Yes’, I answered. ‘Oh … then Mass will be said in the Convent Chapel, I’ll take you there’, he said. I thanked him then we walked down the street again and came to the St Joseph’s Girls Holiday Home. I followed him in and into the chapel where I knelt close to a nun. Father McGrade said the Mass. When I returned home I prepared to go for a swim. Then I went over and got Lynette and we went down to the beach. I saw Mrs Walker and Anne Marie then when I went into the water I saw John and Brendan. After a while Lynette and I went out; ditto J & B. Then when we were half dry we went in again; ditto J & B. This time I spoke to him. I said, ‘Excuse me would you tell us how far 25 yds. would be please.’ ‘Yes’, he answered. I caught Lynette’s eye and pointed my finger across the water; she began to walk. After a while he called to her ‘That will do’. ‘Thank you’, I replied, then swam the length and a little more. Soon he came up to me and asked if I was going to Avila’s party which was to be held that night. ‘No’, I replied. ‘Are you?’ ‘Yes, I thought Avila said she had invited you. Couldn’t have’. Then Lynette interrupted and John swam away to Brendan. When it got cold we went out onto the sand; then we dried ourselves and went home.
Wednesday January 15th
On Wednesday I didn’t go to Mass. At about 9.30 am I got up and went to the window. The sea looked very grey and rough. Nevertheless after breakfast I went with Lynette for a swim; it was very cold so we did not stay long.
Thursday 16th January, 1958
I went to 7am. Mass at St Joseph’s. It was a beautiful still morning, perfect for riding. After breakfast Mother went into town to meet father and do some window shopping – for a coffee table. Soon Lynette, Geoff and Joel came over; they played the piano and sang while I did. After a while Mrs Barker came to get the others for dinner and for a while she joined in the concert also. Then they all went home, and I had my lunch. Afterwards I washed up then went for a walk in my navy blue school coat; it was wintry but very pretty everywhere. I decided to call on Cuffleys and when I was half the way to Cromer Rd, I met Uncle Leigh. He was on his way to the boat house to make some enquiries about fishing off the shore in a boat. He intended to hire one. He told me that the girls were having their hair washed so I accepted an invitation to go down to the beach with him. We went down to the boatshed at the end of Cromer Rd; it is quite a sizeable place, stacked with all sorts of small sea craft. Uncle Leigh talked for a long time to an old fisherman who seemed to be boss of the shed, while I stared out of the window – thoroughly enjoying myself as I have said it was a very pretty day. After Uncle had received several clues regarding the knack of fishing we returned home. I met Avila near Nelson’s News Agents, and she told me a little about the party. Soon after our arrival I was seated at the piano (which they were minding) and going through my slightly shabby repertoire. At approx. 6.30 pm. Uncle Leigh offered to drive me home, so I left the apricots which I was putting through several processes prior to bottling, and leaving a portrait of Nanette, I left.
Break in notes: ‘very hungry so we truly welcomed the cakes and the cold drink. We talked for a long time around the table in the kitchen but nevertheless the time came for them to go. I walked to the gate with them and said ‘Goodbye’. ‘See you tomorrow at Mass’, replied Avila. ‘Goodbye’. With that I returned inside. That night I watched television for a little while.
That night after dinner Uncle Leigh again came around to watch television. Very late after tediously trying to curl my hair I went to bed and fell straight to sleep.
Friday 17th
On Friday I went to Mass at St. Joseph’s again as Father Coakley was still on retreat. After Daddy left for town Mummy and I prepared to go to Altona to visit Aunt Dorothea who is holidaying there, from Surrey Hills. First we caught the bus to Sandringham then the train to the City, from there a train to Newport and another to Altona. From the train, nearing Altona, we could see the Red Bluff Cliffs. Aunt Dorothea was very glad to see us; we talked for a long time before lunch in the parlour. We had dinner in a beautiful new dining room. (The whole house was new, donated by some wealthy people.) Afterwards we met many nuns who were holidaying or resident there. At approx. five to four we left the convent and said goodbye to catch the 4 pm train. It was a long journey home but quite enjoyable.
Saturday 18th
I went to 8 am. Mass. Avila was not there but John was on the altar. After Mass I walked a little way down Oak Street; soon John came along and we began to talk. He said, ‘I am going spear fishing today - with another boy’. I presumed it would be Brendan Monks. ‘Oh, I hope it is a good day for it’, I replied. We navigated our way along Oak St. which is one mass of holes filled with broken bricks. Then we said goodbye and John turned up Tramway Parade. All the afternoon I stayed home. It was rather late, approx. 6.30 when daddy said that the R.S.L. ‘do’ was on at Baxter’s house, over the road; nevertheless we dressed appropriately and went over. Lynette was waiting for me; she was with her girlfriend Dawn. It was a warm night and I was wearing my pink dress with the white daisies. There were several little boy friends of Jeffrey’s and Joel’s. They seemed to derive much pleasure from squirting all the other children with water pistols. After a while Lynette and I got tired of them so we, with much difficulty, confiscated the weapons one of which was a clothes sprinkler.
Sunday 19th
We went to 10 am Mass in the morning. Afterwards we went straight home. Daddy said that today we would go to Moondai so we prepared and left before lunch. We stopped at Belgrave, bought some pasties then we ate them at the top of the little rise on Two Bays Cres., immediately on leaving Hallam Rd. After a little more to satisfy our appetites on our arrival at Moondai we began to sweep and trim and do other little bits of work which were very necessary as the house and garden had not been properly attended to since September. (Of course we have been up many times since then but we are never able to stay very long.) As usual Grandma wandered around the garden and put in slips of plants growing at home, or that other people had given her. As the day dwindled so did our energy and enthusiasm. At last we were in the car and gently rolling down Black Hill; then we were on the Main Rd; from thence the various suburban roads and after little more than an hour’s travelling we arrived home.
Monday 20th
I went to Mass as usual at 7 am. I did not kneel in the same pew as Avila as she came in before me; also because my shoes creaked dreadfully and I could not go any further than about six seats from the front. After Mass, Avila and I walked home down Oak St. and talked, for the most part about school. Later in the morning Mummy said, ‘Why don’t you ride around and see Avila, as you are so bored. You can ask her about the ‘Children of Mary’. ‘Very well, I will,’ I replied, thankful for something to do. When I arrived I found Avila sewing Cashes name tags onto her school clothes, this year she will be a boarder. Mrs. O’Phelan had sprained her ankle so Avila also had the work of sewing or cooking. I asked her about the ‘Children of Mary’, but she said to ask Father Coakley for she was going to the Sodality at school. At the gate she said she would be swimming at Dalgetty Beach that afternoon so I would see her down there. After a few teasing remarks about John, we said goodbye then I rode home. That afternoon I went down to the beach and saw Anne Marie who was sitting on the sand with her Mother and another girlfriend. I stayed talking to Mrs Walker for a while. Then I found Avila. She said, ‘Would you like me to tell you something funny?’ ‘Yes please, what is it?’ ‘Oh … I had better get John’s permission first’, she replied mysteriously. She then proceeded to show me the ‘something funny’ must have been very humorous.‘Oh, please tell me, now’, I pleaded. ‘No, you ask John,’ she replied enigmatically, ‘ask him to tell you about the College annual’. ‘Alright, I will, next time I see him’, I answered. She laughed again and then she changed the subject and we swam about for quite some time. Mrs. O’Phelan had told Avila to be home by 4 pm. So at approximately 4.15 pm I walked to the top of the ramp with her then she left for home. I went back to the beach and met Julie Johnson, who said she was shifting from Haldane St. and going to Armadale. Soon we both gathered our belongings and left, for the sea breeze was getting rather cool. After dinner that evening I did not watch TV but went to bed as I was very tired.
Tuesday 21st
At six o’clock in the morning the alarm rang and woke me up. I stretched out my arm and stopped the alarm, but I couldn’t have really been truly awake for the next thing I knew it was 7 am. And I was too late for Mass. I was disappointed for it was St. Agnes’ feast day; St. Agnes is the patron of all Girls. All that day I did not see Avila or John. Next day they told me that they had been playing tennis.
Wednesday 22nd
Wednesday morning I got up and rode to Mass; mummy followed on foot. After Mass I walked to Bodley St. with Avila and John, Mummy with Mrs Walker and Mrs. O’Phelan. Avila invited me to play tennis that afternoon with them. She said she would ring me and say what time to go to the courts. After dinner she rang and told me to come round at 2.30 pm. I met them in Keys St. There were only two of the four courts being used, including ours, so there was no confusion of balls. We played all the afternoon, and we left with the score of John winning three sets. Immediately afterwards we went to the milk bar where John bought us all a malted milk and some sweets, then we went over to Crossley’s where we bought 6 pence worth of potato chips each. From thence we walked to Beach Rd, talked for a while then departed.
Thursday 23rd
I went to Mass at 7.0 am. As usual John and Avila were there and on the way home we decided that we would play tennis that afternoon. At 3.0 pm. I walked around to the courts where I was supposed to meet John and Avila. At a little after five minutes past three, John arrived and said that the O’Phelans were shifting their furniture and Avila was helping. However, as soon as he had finished relating this to me I saw her coming. We had a lovely game of tennis; John beat us. Avila and I were partners John was on his own; in six sets we only managed to win a few games. It was rather hot but wonderful fun. At approximately 6.30 pm we decided to go, so we left the courts and proceeded to the Milk Bar. We had a malted milk each then we went and bought some potato chips at the ‘Beaumaris Fish Supply’. That night I watched television.
Friday 24th
All Friday I washed and ironed most of the clothes I have. I haven’t many so it only took from the time I returned from Mass to about twelve o’clock that night. My wardrobe at the moment (part of it): three pages of annotated sketches.
Monday 27th January 1958 (first part of text missing)
We were very disappointed that they were not home. From there we went to Aunty Alice Parker’s Camping Park. It is very large and there are many bungalows made of cement and wood. There are huge pine trees all over the park, many of which are said to be a hundred years old. We sat in Parker’s house which is in the park also and talked till it was late afternoon; then we left and went to see Hayman’s who were staying in their caravan,’Hayvan’ their own special model, at a caravan park in Dromana. It was in that park that I first went caravanning; it was for a couple of weeks during the 1955 Christmas holidays; I remember that we took Peter our English Setter with us. We stayed there and had tea then we went home. It was very late.
Tuesday 28th January 1958
I rose early and went to 7 am Mass. After Mass we made an arrangement to play tennis at 9.30 am. At that time I walked around to the courts. Avila was not there so I went to her house and there we waited for John. Soon he came and we went off to the tennis courts. We had a wonderful time but it was very hot – the way I like it. They apparently didn’t. After we started to feel rather tired we left and went to the milk bar where we had a malted milk each; then we went to Avila’s house. Somebody suggested that we might play Monopoly – I think it was John – so out it came and we played on the gravelled portion of the roof which was rather warm but very scenic. After a while Avila was sent on a message so Mrs O’Phelan took her place in the game. When Avila came back she announced that it was just on dinner time so we stayed at her invitation and had dinner there right on the roof. After the meal we adjourned to the lounge room downstairs, which is at present undergoing some changes and redecorating, and Avila played us some Spanish records. After a while we decided that it would be a good idea for us all to go home, get changed into our bathing suits and go swimming together. We decided that we would meet at my house at 2 pm. At that said time John arrived; but not until at least half past two did we see Avila. After much chasing around on our bicycles we returned home to find her waiting for us. She said she was very sorry that she was late, but I knew it would take her till after two to buy a new swimsuit which was in the ‘Can Can’ store. That bought article looked very becoming when exposed on the beach, for the brown in the background of the material was the same as that rich brown of her hair. For a long time we swam in the little depression at the edge of the rocks, near the stone wall. It was beautiful and warm in the water but nevertheless I managed to contract a cramp in my leg so we went in to shallower water. After the swim we went straight home to my place where mummy had afternoon tea ready for us. We were very hungry so we truly welcomed the cakes and the cold drink. We talked for a long time around the table in the kitchen but nevertheless the time came for them to go. I walked to the gate with them and said ‘Goodbye.’‘See you tomorrow at Mass’, replied Avila. ‘Goodbye.’ With that I returned inside. That night I watched television for a little while.
Wednesday 29th January, 1958
I stayed in bed till 8.00 am then rose to go to 10.0 am. Mass. Avila and John were there as usual, so were Mrs. Walker and Mrs.O’Phelan. After Mass we walked home and stayed talking for a while outside Avila’s house. We fixed an arrangement for Thursday that John and Avila should come to dinner and have a barbecue. When I arrived home on my bicycle I found Mummy just leaving for Hampton so I propped my bicycle up inside the fence and hopped in the car with Mummy, Grandma, Geoffrey and Malcolm. In Hampton I met Christine Keogh. We talked about the holiday for a while then I went off to find the stamps. (Collection stamps) After a while of waiting in the car the party was reunited and we drove home.
Thursday 30th January, 1958
I rose early and went to 7.0 am Mass at Stella Maris. John and Avila were there when I arrived. Soon Father came and opened the church door and we went in. After Mass we walked down Oak St and talked about, for the most part, different subjects at school. As usual Avila had another story to tell us of her wicked deeds at school and John another, in competition. At Avila’s I told them to be at my house at about 11.30 am. At that said time Avila arrived preceded by John who came ten minute’s early. For an hour or so we amused ourselves by talking and laughing – in the lounge room and then Mummy announced that she would like some assistance in lighting the barbecue fire, so we went down to the back of the yard, behind the hedge, and helped Mummy to prepare the rustic scenery for the meal to be eaten there. I went on to the house and brought down all the things we would need then the three of us sat on three of Daddy’s home-made barbecue seats which are sections, about fifteen inches high of a poplar trunk from Moondai. Mummy put the meat on the barbecue over the red coals then she left us to look after ourselves. Luckily we were all used and fond of such meals so things went according to plan. Avila said: ‘This is terrific, we have a barbecue on Reverend Mother’s feast day and do we enjoy ourselves! ‘I handed round a bowl of salad. We talked about nearly everything we could imagine. John told us that he had broken his arm twice in the same place and on looking at the place we could see a very slight depression in his arm, between the elbow and wrist. The first time he broke it on falling from the second story of an unfinished building and the second falling from a rotten tree bough which broke when he climbed on it. When the meat was barbecued to perfection, John distributed it amongst us; it was beautiful as meat goes. John said that he was going to make a crystal set and offered to help Avila make me one too. I remember when Geoffrey was crystal set happy – he was always burning weird concoctions of acids and so on in gas tubes over a jet in the kitchen; after that phase he turned to making wireless sets, slightly more complicated than his prior occupations. Through all our chattering was much giggling on the part of all of us; John’s being more than slightly girlish. I gather from several of his remarks that John does not get on very well with Anne Marie. I said to him once: ‘You might have brought Anne Marie with you, John, she would have enjoyed it.’‘What? he said disgustedly and looked at me as if I should know better than to make such a remark. We had the second course, peaches in green jelly, down in the garden behind the hedge also. When we went up to the house we had a drink of lemonade each then proceeded to the sun-room upstairs. They found some of my pictures and started looking through them – more’s the pity – then, on looking out of the window, we decided that it would be very nice down on the beach. After a while we donned our raincoats and went down to the beach. It was not cold but the wind was quite strong. The sea was rough but it was a warm kind of grey. For walking along the beach in one’s raincoat it was the perfect day. The wind fairly blew us up to Table Rock, and on reaching the point we decided to go on past the jetty, around little bays, to Keefer’s Boat Sheds. We made our way along the rocks – the tide permitting. It looked as if it might rain several times but fortunately it didn’t. When we reached Keefer’s we were a little tired of climbing so we walked out to the end of the jetty and sat with our legs dangling over the side for a long time. To shun monotony, John, at regular intervals, lowered himself to a treacherously slippery plank down near the water and kept jumping from that to one on a higher level when the waves broke too near him. When we persuaded him to stop he came up and sat with us. After a while Avila said; ‘Well, what about going back, we had better before the tide comes in. Shall we return by road or along the shore the way we came?’‘Well the tide is still quite a long way out so we might as well go along by the rocks,’ replied John. The decision thus made we returned along the windy beach. When we arrived home we had some afternoon tea, which took quite a while, then we walked to the Wine Saloon where I bought some things for Mummy, and Avila bought us a strawberry ripple ice-cream, which we ate going home, and which we enjoyed very much. Avila and John, during the walk home, persisted, all the way in trying to induce me to tell them what was in a letter which I had received in their presence and which mystified them because I had told them that I was waiting for a brown envelope and when it arrived they both noticed – more’s the pity – that it was not addressed to me, under my name. It was addressed to Marion Deuchar, 435 Beach Rd Beaumaris. They tried to derive from fancy, the two of them, with much laughing, the solution to the contents of these mysterious brown envelopes as John put it. Eventually I succeeded in changing the subject or almost, because every time I looked at John I detected that devilish look, which obliged me to give a deliberate ‘Shh!’ so that he would not start pondering in vain, over the letter again. When we arrived home we went again and sat upstairs in the sunroom. John found a pile of my pictures, picked one out, and began sketching a very weird bone – I suppose, through the nose of a very cultured looking gentleman of India who was labelled the son of the Maharajah of Achanistan. Many portraits were portrayed; one of me done by John being very insulting indeed, and many initialled profiles drawn with much exaggeration of the not so perfect features. At approx. 5.45 pm John thought that it was rather late so he decided he should be going, Avila agreed that it was rather late so she decided that she had better go also. We went downstairs and when they had thanked Mummy we walked out to the gate. John said goodbye to Avila and I then rode off. Soon Avila left walking up Dalgetty Road. I watched her for a while then returned inside.
Friday January 31st 1958
I went to Mass at 7.00 am. Avila and John were there also. John was wearing, only to and from the church, a head garment which he called a balaclava but which looked like the headwear of a certain fictional character called ‘The Phantom’. It was navy blue and covered the entire surface of his head – saving the portion at the front normally known as one’s countenance. Besides this he wore the grey raincoat which he had worn the day before, down the beach. Also he had on a pair of ‘flame red’ socks, which were not as bright as the new ‘illuminous’ colours which everybody is wearing but which were packed away, to go to Adelaide next day. Avila had on her navy blue school coat and her red shoes. I wore my school raincoat and red beret. At Avila’s gate after we had walked home from Mass, we said goodbye to John and wished him a happy holiday. After that I rode home, I noticed that the weather was clearing and hoped it would be a nice fine day. After breakfast I went over to Baxter’s and found Lynette in the lounge room playing dominos with Geoffrey. She stopped when I came in then she put on some records, two of them were ‘C’est Magnifique’ and ‘I Love Paris’. Soon Mrs Baxter said that she was going shopping and would we like to go with her. We said we would so in a little while we were in the car and driving towards Keys St. We sat in the car for a while then I saw Avila coming down past the shops so I got out of the car and called to her. Soon John rode up on his bicycle with a string bag full of messages hanging from the handle-bars. We talked for a while then I saw Mrs Baxter waiting in the car so I wished John a good time in Adelaide, Avila – goodbye for the present, then got back in the car. When we got home I asked Lynette if she would like to come over to our house for lunch. She said that she would like to so we went over to our place when Mrs Baxter drove us home. We had lunch then we went for a ride. When we returned I decided that I would go around to Auntie Ina’s to get some eardrops for my ear because it had been very bad around that time, so Lynette thanked Mummy for her meal then went off home to play with Geoff and Joel. At 2.30 pm. Mummy and I went to Black Rock in the car to do some shopping; we also did some messages for Mrs Wilks because she is not yet over the appendix operation. Soon after dinner that night I went to bed and wrote for about an hour or two.
Saturday 1st. February, 1958
The alarm rang at 4.0am; goodness knows why and woke me up well and truly. It was still as black as night outside save for two street lights along the Beach Rd. I got up and looked out of the window: the first thing I saw was a pale coloured large car with a sign on the top of it which read, ‘Police.’ It was going very slowly and I thought what a dreadful job it must be to have to patrol Beach Rd. at 4.0 am in the morning. I got back into bed and set the alarm for 5.0 am. At that said time I was woken by the instrument. I looked out of the window and in doing so I remembered that John had said that they were leaving home for Adelaide at approx. 5.0 am on Saturday. I thought that I might as well wait up and keep looking out of the window so that I might see them going. At 5.30 am. – half an hour after – I saw them come along the road in the green Morris – I wonder if they saw me, I hope not! After this I set the alarm for 7.0 am for Mass was not until 8.0 am; then went back to bed and slept. At 7.0 am I rose, went downstairs and made myself a cup of steaming hot coffee. Outside it was raining so I made sure not to wake Mummy and Daddy for if I did I thought they might tell me that I wasn’t to go to Mass as it was raining. At 7.40 am. I set off and arrived at the church a little early. Soon Avila arrived, then Father Coakley, who opened the door for us. As there was no altar boy present and the only man in the congregation came a little too late Avila was able to answer the Mass. She did it very well – quite as good as any of the altar boys – even John. After Mass was over and we were outside we noticed that the weather was improving although it was still drizzling slightly. ‘Beautiful weather for ducks!’ said Avila disgustedly. ‘Just fine – for ducks!’ I replied. When we arrived at Avila’s I wheeled my bicycle around to the back of the house because Avila is going to have a loan of it while I am staying with my Grandma in the country. Avila came back to the gate with me but we did not stay talking because of the rain. I walked home along Beach Rd. getting only slightly wet as the rain had almost cleared. I had breakfast when I arrived home then I amused myself upstairs in the sunroom till lunch time. After lunch I went around to Cuffley’s to return the drops; I did not stay but walked slowly home. The afternoon passed quickly and soon I found that I was having dinner. At 7.15 we went in to watch Liberace on the Television. I watched another very good play entitled ‘Wonder Kid’, which was a story of a small boy pianist, after which I went upstairs. I packed for a while then went to bed.
Sunday February 2nd 1958
We woke up at 7.0 am so we were unable to go to 7.30 am Mass. However we did not wait till 10 am but went to St. Joseph’s Black Rock at 9.30 am. When Father McGrade took the pulpit we found that he was still bleating – or rather baa-ing very audibly – about his debts. On our arrival home we prepared for the trip to Moondai; while I gathered a few more things I thought might be useful up at Tecoma. Before leaving I went over to say goodbye to Lynette but she had gone out so I asked Mummy to do it for me when next she saw her. The drive to Moondai was made by me sitting in between Mummy and Daddy – most uncomfortable; especially as the gear stick was jabbing into my limb. Soon after we arrived at Moondai we had the barbecue alight and the meat on. When it was cooked we sat about on the poplar stumps and ate it along with the rest of our lunch. When I had had enough I took a bunch of grapes then went to lie on the swing on the veranda. I had not been there long when I heard Geoffrey call: ‘Hello Peter, Hello Brian!’
I jumped from the swing and went inside to meet them. We had not heard them coming because they had left the car down by John’s farm house. Peter, Brian and I sat on the swing and talked about what we had done during the holidays and so on. Peter was due back at school on the next Tuesday, Feb .4th, his birthday, and I had until the 12th Feb to go. It was a beautiful day but all too soon the sun started to drop lower in the sky. When Cuffleys decided to leave, we all walked up to the gate with them. Uncle Bill came over to me and said, ‘Patty would you like to come home with us for tea. We’re going to have a little party for Peter tonight instead of Tuesday.’
‘Oh, I would love to.’ I replied. I looked at Mummy when I heard Aunty Cath ask if it was alright. It was alright to her. Soon we were walking down the track to where Uncle Bill had parked the car. When we arrived at ‘Sunport’, Peter took me into his bedroom and I had a look through some of his painting and sketches. They were very good. Soon Aunty Cath called us to tea. It was beautiful and there was plenty of cream on the fruit salad dessert. The cake was very high, three layers of cake, chocolate icing on the top then a chocolate layer of cake, a very pink on the cream one on the bottom. The lemon and orangeade had been put into the deep freeze section of the refrigerator and it had frozen stiff but fortunately it thawed out by the time we wanted to use it. After tea Brian took me outside to show me his new bicycle; he rode it for a while then he let me have a go. Soon we left for Nan’s because Uncle Bill wanted to get up there before dark. When I arrived I found that Mummy and Dad had left my case and the rest of my requirements when they had called there on their way home. The Cuffleys stayed for some time then Nan and I bade them goodbye. As it was quite late Nan decided that I had better go to bed so I retired to the front bedroom where I slept till the next morning.
Monday 3rd
I rose at 9.0 am, washed and dressed, then went to have breakfast. Nan was already in the kitchen, in fact she had been up since 7.0 am washing. She said that she would like to go to Belgrave after breakfast; so when that meal was over we started to get ready. Suddenly there was a knock at the door and in walked Peter. He had ridden there on his bicycle from Ferntree Gully. He had a cup of tea with us then we all set off for Belgrave. First we went into Gallaghar’s a second hand shop and Nan purchased an iron. Then we went on to the shopping centre and bought some things for dinner. When we had finished buying we walked back to Tecoma where we bought Peter and I some tubes of paint. When we arrived home we had lunch. She brought a table from the kitchen out onto the veranda. Here we spent the afternoon painting. Not long after we had finished lunch, Auntie Ellie, Brian, Denise, Barry, Suzie and the baby – Michael – arrived in Gosse’s car. Most of the afternoon we did not see the visiting children because they were playing cowboys in the bush outside; even Suzie took part in this. At a little to five o’clock Peter and I ‘rounded up’ the cowboys and cattle rustlers etc. and brought them back to the house where they bade goodbye to Nan and I and left for the car which was parked in Rockleigh Ave, while Peter got his bicycle and left by the track for McNichol Rd. Then Nan and I sat on the veranda until tea-time. After the said meal was done we went to visit Mr & Mrs Dunne who live over the railway line. We hadn’t been there long when Mrs Dunne began showing us the paintings of her husband whereupon Nan sent me home to bring and show Mr Dunne the two paintings I had done that afternoon. I came back a few minutes later with the said paintings. Mr Dunne enquired of the first: ‘And is this of a location you have seen?’ I replied: ‘Yes, it is of a small bay where I live.’ He gave me two books: one entitled ‘The Art of Landscape Painting’ and the other an illustrated book on the works of Paul Gauguin. The first was quite interesting but the second did not impress. On our departure he said to return them by the next Friday as they belonged to the Technical School.
Tuesday 4th
When I went into the kitchen for breakfast next morning I found that Nan had been up since 7 o’clock ironing. We had breakfast then I prepared to go to the shopping centre. When I returned we sat on the veranda for a while then we had lunch after which I returned to the veranda and my painting.
Wednesday 5th
On Wednesday morning Nan and I moved most of the furniture out of the second bedroom (sleep-out) down stairs and under the house, so that Uncle Bill, who was coming on the following Saturday to install a bath into that room would have ample space to work in. After dinner we dressed ‘for the street’ and walked down the track to McNichol Rd where we caught the 2.15 pm bus to Belgrave, our destination being the doctor’s house on the Main Road. On arriving we made our way up a stony path to the huge grey house which one can (vaguely) see through the wilderness of trees, from the pavement. The doctor’s name was Dr O’Dougherty. There is also another there – Dr Jorgensen, but the latter was not in that day. After our business at the surgery was done, Nan bought an ice cream cone for us both; then we proceeded to “The Nest”. Soon we had dinner and went in to visit the lady school teacher next door. We stayed quite a while then returned home.
Thursday 6th February 1958
Most of the day, I amused myself by sculpturing the missing portion of a bust of Beethoven which belongs to Grandma. Just before dinner that evening I went to visit Mr Dunne again to return his books. We talked about painting for a while during which period he related several facts of art to me, such as getting good proportion – when portraying – by painting upside down. He also, as I was leaving, gave me a small print (a postcard) and told me to copy it. He said: ‘Never be ashamed of copying, it is the best teacher of all.’
Friday 7th February 1958
I rose early and went to Mass; it was the first Friday of the month. I walked to Belgrave to St Thomas Moore’s Church. I almost had the chance of serving only a lady ‘got in’ before me. When I arrived home Nan and I made ready to depart for Ferntree Gully where we were to wait for Mummy at the station. After we arrived we found it would be forty minutes before Mummy would come. However, that soon passed. (During the period in which we waited for the 10-6 train, Mummy’s train, I read ‘Junior Age’ which had published for the first time an entry which I had sent in through my pen-name (M.Deuchar) and my pen-address (435 Beach Rd Beaumaris). Mum, Nan and I caught a bus which was to take us to Ferny Creek. When we arrived at our destination, Ferny Creek, we found Mrs Gurton, the Englishwoman, whom we had come to see, waiting for us. After a long walk down a road called Hilton Rd we arrived at the Gurton’s small cottage. These people had only been in Australia for 9 months but had made many friends, Nan amongst them, since they had arrived. Before lunch we went for a walk which was very enjoyable. Lunch was even more enjoyable. After this meal, Mrs Gurton showed us around the garden to which apparently they had made a wonderful improvement. We left there quite late in the afternoon and proceeded to Ferntree Gully. There I said goodbye to Nan and thanked her very much for the holiday which she had given me. In the city Mum and I had an orange drink then caught a train to Sandringham and from thence to Beaumaris. When I got home I unpacked and repacked everything in my folio and file which had, inevitably, been grievously messed about.
Saturday 8th February 1958
I went to Mass at 8 am where I met Avila and her young brother Joseph. John was not there, he was still in Adelaide. (On Friday 7th I received a postcard from him of Adelaide) On my arrival home I found Daddy just leaving for Christensen’s so I ran my bicycle in the garden and jumped in the car and went with him. Heather was ironing a very bright red skirt which she was going to wear that night to a party. ‘Whose party is it?’ I asked her. ‘Collin’s, you’ve heard me speak of him, he is nineteen and is a medical student’. She replied. ‘You don’t sound very enthusiastic about going’, I remarked. ‘Oh, I’m not! I don’t like him very much, but I’ll be with Robert so that will be nice. After the party I am going to stay at Robert’s house for the night and then some time next day we will come home here; Robert will stay for tea.’ We continued talking for a while with many interruptions from Tony and Neil. Soon Daddy called me and said that it was time to go so we went. After dinner Cuffleys came around to go for a swim opposite, so Uncle Leigh left his car in our back garden and we all set off to go over to the beach. There I met Heather and Julie so we all sat together on the sand. Eventually Heather decided that she had better go for the party in East Malvern commenced about 5.30 pm. Late in the afternoon we all left then had afternoon tea at the house before Cuffleys went home. After tea Mummy and Daddy went out to some fair to do with the B.R.S.L. and I practised my piano pieces. Geoffrey went out with his boyfriends.
Sunday 9th February, 1958
I walked up to the 7.30 Mass. After Mass I met Avila who said she was expecting John to be there, but he wasn’t. Avila walked home with her father so Uncle Leigh offered to drive me home, which he did. After Mass I went for a swim with Julie C. after which we waded out to the largest emerging portion of the reef. It was very stony and hard to walk on but still very pretty. If you stand on one end of a piece of rock and tip it up a little often swarms of crabs will run out and scamper away under some other rocks. One thinks of all those crabs when one is wading perilously back over the crab-haunted rocks which lie just about two feet underwater when the tide is low. After dinner I prepared some of the paraphernalia which was to be required at school then at approximately 4 pm I left home and rode up to Devotions. First, in this ceremony the Rosary is recited then Benediction follows. During the ceremony a few hymns other than the Benediction hymns are sung. Afterwards I walked home with Avila and Joseph. I left my bicycle at O’Phelan’s then Avila and I proceeded to go for a walk – taking in of course Cromer Rd. We saw that Walkers were home for the car was in the drive, so we presumed, as we had not seen John for some time, that they had only just arrived. (Later, we found that this was so) When I walked home I found to my surprise and joy that Ramps were there. They were having afternoon tea so I joined in with them. Trougot stood up and shouted in his laughing, accented way: ‘Hel-lo there Pat my girl! (looking at my hair) What have you done – oh –oh! It looks nice – that’s true – that’s true, but where are those beautiful long plaits, eh – and where is your DeutchesLeben, where is your German book?’ With the hope of a German lesson I made off to find the book. After much frantic searching I had to return to Trougot without it. Goodness knows where it was! He told me to be ready for a lesson next time we met and I agreed to that. It was getting dark and Mummy suggested that Suzanne, Adrienne, Bill (their cousin) and I should watch television until tea-time. This we did and enjoyed the programme quite well. We had dinner in the dining room, the eight of us. (Geoffrey had gone out).Monday Feb. 10th (1958)I rose and went to Mass at 7 am. Avila was there but not John. We presumed he was too tired after the thirteen hours’ drive the day before. When we were walking home Avila said ‘Pat, I’ll ring John first at 8.30 am then I’ll ring you straight afterwards and tell you what he says.’ ‘Very well, that’s a good idea. Thanks.’ At 9.30 am I had an appointment with the hairdresser so up to Black Rock I went. While I was away, John rang and told Mommy to tell me to be around at his place at about 2.0 pm.[Gap in entries]