APRON, NURSE'S
White cotton, bib front, one large pocket. Used by Mrs Harriet Briggs of Byford when acting as district midwife. Wide straps to tie at neck and ties at back. Pocket on right hand side.
The apron was used by Mrs Harriet Briggs a midwife for the Byford/Beenup area. She and he husband moved to the area in 1909. He ran a dairy and was the first to send whole milk to Perth. Harriet was the only nurse and midwife in the area for many years. Was known as the 'Mother of Byford.' Briggs was made the secretary of a committee that was formed that dealt with infant health matters.
In the early 1900s, Harriet and Thomas Briggs settled in Byford, where they ran a dairy farm and raised their family. Though there is no formal record of Harriet being trained or registered as a nurse or midwife, her natural compassion earned her a special place in the hearts of the local community
Harriet cared for the sick, assisted in the delivery of countless babies, and supported new mothers as they adjusted to life with their infants. Her dedication to the community earned her the title of "Mother of Byford." Harriet passed away in 1949 at the age of 77.
