ORAL HISTORY (AUDIO): SMITH, BERNARD

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2001

Subcollections

Overview

Bernie Smith was born on 21 April 1910. He was adopted by his aunt, Mary Smith. In Goldfields 1941-1961, Kalgoorlie, Laverton, Coolgardie. Back in Perth he worked for the Crown Law Dept. Lived in house at 15(?) Rankin Road, caught train to work. Later lived at 9 Evans Street, Shenton Park, in a house overlooking Lake Jualbup. Recalls Shenton Park shops, upgrading of houses, rising values of houses and land. In early days Lake Jualbup had reeds, late concrete. Swans, ducks, tortoises - laid eggs in Smith's gardens under lounge room window. Wally Flood was devoted to lake and as a Councillor helped to set up Shenton Park Senior Citizens. Frank Bowen, butcher in Onslow Road. Tony Costa.

A Roman Catholic, he attended St Aloysius church in Keightley Road. Building of new church in 1961. Bernie Smith was a Justice of the Peace and worked with police. His wife Alma suffered Alzheimers, was at Catherine MacAuley Centre. Nicholson Rd had picture theatre, army drill hall. Bank closures in early 1990s affected area. Went to infectious diseases hospital as a small boy. School for new year at New Norcia, good inter-action with aboriginal children. Bernie Smith is deceased.

Interviewee: Bernard 'Bernie' Smith

Date of Interview: 12 November 2001

Interviewer: Ann Rogers

Transcriber: Anne Rogers

Indexer: Marvin Wallin

Historical information

Bernie Smith was interviewed by Anne Rogers in 2001. The tapes are held at the Subiaco Museum and has been transcribed.

Vernon 'Bernie' Michael Smith was interviewed on 12 November 2011 to talk about his life, family, and experiences living in Shenton Park, Western Australia. Vernon moved to Shenton Park in 1961 from Kalgoorlie after living in the goldfields for over 20 years. He talks about his memories of living in Shenton Park, including details about his homes on Grantham Road and Evans Street, Lake Jualbup, the lake wildlife, and community. He talks about Lake Jualbup being a popular spot for picnics, concerts, and carols by candlelight, fostering a sense of community among residents, as well as the changes over the years. He also mentions notable residents of Shenton Park, such as Dr. Gill Mustane and Mr. Wally Flood, who were actively involved in the community.

Vernon discusses his involvement with the Catholic Church in Subiaco, including his work on the parish council, building committee, and finance committee. He also talks about his wife's Alzheimer's diagnosis and the community support they received.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-43-2001.73

Keywords

SMITH, Bernie

Shenton Park Lake

FLOOD, Frederick Walter 'Wally'

ST ALOYISIOUS CHURCH

Derby Road, Shenton Park

Herbert Road

Keightley Road

Lake Avenue, Subiaco