Memoirs - Page 6
She evidently met Dad soon after, through his only sister Mary (known as "Sis"), and a whirlwind (?) courtship saw them married in December 1920. I really have no idea as to how well (or badly) her marriage to the then 32 year old widower - with a very young daughter - was received by her family but it does seem that she loved him and their first-born, a daughter (Margaret) came into the world on 28 November, 1921. Margaret, by the way, indicates that Ethel may have at some stage worked as a "nanny" to a family of young, local girls - at the Bishop's house - who were related to Caroline CHISHOLM a supporter of the cause of the immigrant poor, particularly women and children.
Over the next 10-12 years they appear to have experienced economic difficulties and he, in particular, seems to have been constantly on the move taking advantage of itinerant work opportunities as they presented themselves in the hard times through which they were living. Seemingly she - and Margaret - accompanied him on at least some of his country (sheep station?) journeys and she may have worked, too, as a cook and/or on household chores at the homesteads. By the time of my arrival (in February 1934) they would seem to have settled themselves permanently in residence in Sydney. Alas, although she was almost 13 years of age at that time - and indeed must have been very much involved in supporting Mum to succour and raise me - I have no strong recall of Margaret's presence or participation in our family life until very much later. She "boarded out" (elsewhere) at age 14 or thereabouts - perhaps at about the time we moved from 270 Bridge Road, FOREST LODGE to 205 Bridge Road, GLEBE and maybe because, with a new baby, there was virtually no space for her.
1st photo: 270 Bridge Road Forest Lodge, 2nd photo: 205 Bridge Road Glebe (both obscured by trees)
Both photos taken by Anthony Dwyer in 2005
In due time Mum took up the position of specialist cook at MOCKBELL'S - a family style restaurant in Martin Place - in Sydney and evidently worked there for some years. Some time later - I believe after Dad's death - she worked in a textiles factory (in MARRICKVILLE?) owned and operated by VICKARS LIMITED. I believe she worked as a machinist/weaver and, again, did so until she was retired on age grounds (so far as I am aware without the modern day benefits of accumulated long service leave entitlement or superannuation). She, even later, worked for some time (about 5 years) in the kitchen of a denominational students' Hostel in CAMPERDOWN/GLEBE for female students which was attached to the University of Sydney.