Children's Perspectives On Subiaco In The Early 1900's...Miss Edna Joass Aged 8 Years in 1917.

Children's Perspectives On Subiaco In The Early 1900's...Miss Edna Joass Aged 8 Years in 1917.

In 1917 Edna Joass, aged 8 wrote to the national Catholic newspaper The Catholic Press that provides a wonderful perspective from a child at Rosalie Convent which was part of Subiaco on what was important in her life including her religious life. As The Catholic Press is a national newspaper Edna provides an interesting description of Subiaco at the time. The Children's Column is coordinated by someone called Playmate.

The Western Australian Directories at the State Library of Western Australia state that In 1917 there was a Mrs R. Joass who lived at 29 Hensman Road, Subiaco. There was no record of a Edna and Beryle Joass being born in Western Australia who may have been interstate.


From The Catholic Press... "The Children's Column...For Boys and Girls Who Read the "Catholic Press". Edited by Playmate.

The Catholic Press 7 December 1916

My Post Bag

Perthville. W.A.

Dear Playmate, - This is my first letter to the "Catholic Press." Aunt Mary sends us the "Press" from Sydney every week. Mother likes it very much, and we enjoy the Children's Column. I go to the Rosalie Convent, Subiaco. I have one little sister Beryl : she comes with me. I love the Sisters. I am preparing for my first Confession. Perth is a very nice place, and has the loveliest climate in the world. Now dear Playmate, I must conclude. The next letter I write will tell you all about our pretty western town on the Swan River. I remain, your new playmate.

EDNA JOASS

(Aged 8 years)

(How fortunate you and your little sister are , Edna in being able to attend such a nice school. Many of our playmates are so back in the country with no school to attend. I am glad you love your Sisters. You made me curious about your pretty town, so I am looking forward to that description you promise to send me.)

My Post Bag Perth Subiaco 15 Feb 1917

Dear Playmate

I was delighted to see my letter published in the "Catholic Press" we are all pleased to see the postman bringing it to the door. Mother likes reading the Gems of Thought. Now I shall tell you something about Perth. Subiaco is the largest suburb of Perth - just four miles from the G.P.O. We have have some good buildings round the river banks and a lovely Cathederal of the Immaculate Conception. Part of it was built in the early days but it has been enlarged since and is a beautiful church. We went to Mass on Christmas Day there and saw the Crib and Infant Jesus. I hope to make my first Communion soon. I have a nice little altar in my bedroom, and a statue of Our Lady. My Aunty sent me from Sydney a lovely handmade altar cloth. Everybody admires it. My little sister Beryl and I pick fresh flowers and do our altar every Saturday. Now I will tell you about my pets. I have a magpie : I call him Happy : and a little parrot - I call him Joey : but I am sorry he got away on Christmas morning, and I have not seen him since. Now dear Playmate, I must conclude. Hoping my letter is not too long, and wishing a happy New Year to you. I remain your fond playmate

EDNA JOASS

(Aged 8 years)

(I was very pleased to hear from you again Edna, and I found your letter full of interest. How proud of your little altar and the Blessed Virgin, and wasn't it good of your Auntie to sent you a hand made altar cloth.)