Down by Curdies River in country Victoria

Any reason was a good reason to go to the creek when the days were hot and dry. Everyone would meet up at Taylor’s farm. The air filled with anticipation and excitement, a break from the farm life. There was always a short delay after arriving at the farm, the formalities and greeting before they could begin their amble across the paddocks. Chatting, careful not to stand in any cow paddies, flicking the flies with their hands and scanning the ground careful not to stand on any snakes basking in the sun as they went. They knew they were close to the water when the descent into the gully began.

Figure 1 Photographer unknown, Judy and Warrick with friends standing on the gully crest of Curdies River, circa 1939, near Brucknell, Victoria, Australia, Sandra Williamson’s private collection [b077]

For special occasions Judy’s hair would be curled, a long process that began the day before. After dinner, the large cast iron tub would be placed in the kitchen and filled with warm water from the kettle, ready for the family to bathe. As the youngest Judy was last. With her fine hair still wet Myrtle tightly rolled sections around long strips of torn cloth. These would remain in place until the morning when all would be revealed as the cloth was untwirled, result unpredictably in either soft languid curls or a frizzy frenzy of tight corrugated wrinkles. 

No mind Judy’s hair would always return to its natural form within a few hours much to Myrtle's consternation. 

Figure 2 Photographer unknown, Group shot of a family picnic gathering at Curdies, circa 1939, Curdies River near Brucknell, Victoria, Australia, Sandra Williamson’s private collection. [b124]

The river water was always cool as the water made its way to the sea, shaded by the large overhanging trees it made a wonderful playground of mud, sticks and small creatures. A place to play tag and run around without worrying about “keeping quiet” as Myrtle would often remind Judy when she was inside at home

Figure 3 Photographer unknown, Children sitting on the river bank with Norm Crump, circa 1939, Curdies River near Brucknell, Victoria, Australia [b086]

 “To keep the children safe a big thick rope was tied around the children’s chests in turn while they played in the water and tied to a makeshift bridge across the river. The rope was large & prickly” 

People in Images

Figure 1 Judith Todman on the left, unidentified friends in the middle and Warrick Todman on the right.
Figure 2 Judith Todman second from the left, Warrick Todman sitting in the middle and [Uncle] Norm Crump standing at the back. (other children yet to be identified)
Figure 3 From the left: Standing- unidentified Girl, unidentified Boy, Warwick Todman; Sitting: unidentified Man 1, unidentified lady in a hat, Doris Carter (in a cloth turban), unidentified Man 2, Stuart Taylor, Myrtle Todman, Judy Todman

This post is part of the Sepia Saturday 502 : 11 January 2020 visit their site to learn more.

Sources

Interview, Mrs Judith Williamson by Sandra Williamson, 2015, Patterson Lakes, Victoria, Australia