Maryann Lloyd... Subiaco Business Woman (1909)

Maryann Lloyd...Subiaco Business Woman (1909)  

Maryann (known as Minnie) and her husband William Lloyd bought land in Catherine Street, Subiaco and constructed terrace houses from 1902 to 1906. Minnie Lloyd also established a private maternity hospital. Today the terrace houses and house used as a private maternity hospital are of significant heritage value in Subiaco. 

Mary Ann Lloyd (Britten) was born on 3 September, 1859 in Bega, New South Wales to William and Elizabeth Ann (Haigh) Britten and  was one of thirteen children. She trained as a nurse. William John Lloyd was born in 1853 in Kent England to William and Bridget Lloyd. He trained as a builder. Minnie and  William met and were married in 1878 in Sydney, New South Wales. 

The couple then moved to Subiaco, Western Australia where they had six children. They bought land and constructed terrace houses which were rented out to a range of working class people and widows. The story of their building developments are contained in the Heritage Council of WA database and the City of Subiaco Local Government Inventory Place Record. 

Minnie trained as a nurse and was a registered midwife. She established one of the first private (lying in) maternity homes in Subiaco in 1909 at 23 Coolgardie Street, Subiaco and played an important role in providing local maternity services. Louise Elizabeth Reid took over the hospital in 1925. The story of this residence is from the City of Subiaco Local Government Inventory Place Record. 

Minnie died on 21 July, 1924 aged 64 years at 23 Coolgardie Street, Subiaco due to natural causes. She was buried at Karrakatta in Western Australia. William died on 9 June, 1919 in Subiaco aged 66 years. 

This information comes from the Heritage Council of WA - Places database...

"History

Building lots along Catherine Street had been laid out by 1891, but initial development was slow and there were no buildings along the eastern side of the street until 1904. In February of that year a block on the corner of Catherine and Gibney (later York) Streets (Lot 23 and Part Lot 22) was purchased by Minnie Lloyd. 

Minnie’s husband, William Lloyd, commenced work almost immediately on the construction of the first group of four terrace houses, advertising for bricklayers for the site in March of that year. By May 1904 he was advertising a house on the corner of Catherine and Gibney (now York) Streets for rent: A FIVE-roomed HOUSE, bath, copper, troughs, splendid position, one minute from tram or train, only £1 weekly to good tenant. W. LLOYD, Gibney and Catherine sts., Subiaco

In April 1904 Minnie Lloyd purchased the adjacent block along Catherine Street (Lot 24 and part 22) and building work continued with the construction of a second group of four houses, creating the current terrace of eight.

Newspaper advertisements calling for experienced tradesmen, and advertising rental properties, confirm that the Lloyd family were particularly active as builder-developers in Subiaco in the period 1902-1906. However, it appears that they over-extended themselves financially as, in December 1906, “32 new, well-built, and finished Villas and Houses, situate the best localities of the popular suburb of Subiaco” (valued at a total of £20,765), were offered for sale under the Bankruptcy Act, as means of clearing Minnie Lloyds debts. These related to residential lots in PSL 196, 213, 254, 276, 278 and 284.

This debtor’s sale valued the eight terraces on Lots 22, 23 & 24 at £4,100 (approx. £512 each). This was similar to the Lloyd’s second row of four terraces at 2-8 Catherine Street, which were built in 1905 (approx. £625 each), but considerably less than their much larger and more favourably located terraced houses at 15-27 Hay Street, which were built in 1904-05 (approx. £923 each). Interestingly, the value of the Catherine Street terraces was similar to the value placed on some of the Lloyd’s freestanding residential developments, such as a ‘double fronted brick dwelling’ at 80 Heytesbury Road (£550).

In early 1907 the terrace houses at 18-32 Catherine Street were more specifically described as:Lots 23, 24, and part of 22, Catherine-street ….. 132ft. and a good depth to a r.o.w. Improvements consist of a terrace of eight two-storey brick houses, each containing four rooms, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry.

It seems that neither these, nor the terrace houses at 2-8 Catherine Street, sold quickly as, in February 1908, they both advertised again – this time as part of a foreclosure on mortgages taken out by Minnie Lloyd.

Subsequent changes of ownership have not been researched for this report, but the pattern of occupation through to the mid-twentieth century indicates that they were primarily used as rental accommodation for the working classes, including tradesmen (such as a butcher, baker, bootmaker, plasterer, painter, barman, wicker worker, furnace man, and fitters and turners), as well as general labourers. 

The occupants also included a number of widows. Generally there was a relatively high turn-over of occupants (with most staying less than 10 years), but longer term occupants included the families of a butcher, Richard Kyrwood (no 18, c.1925 to 1939), a mental hospital attendant, John Maddigan (No 20, c.1917 to 1954) and a flour miller, Frederick Davis (No 32, c. 1924 to 1963).

From the late 1970s renewed interest in the Subiaco lead to the conservation/ refurbishment of many of its early twentieth century houses. By this time 18-32 Catherine Street had been purchased by Thomas Malone and Elizabeth Clarke, who undertook considerable restoration works with the assistance of Brian Klopper, architect. Works believed to have been completed at that time included two-storey rear extensions, internal upgrades, fabrication of cast iron panels to replace missing elements (based on surviving examples), a new iron palisade fence, replacement of some of the external joinery (with closely matching details), new verandah tiles and new stained glass to the entrances. The tuck-pointed face-brick walls may have been painted at that time or as part of an earlier refurbishment.

Subdivision approval was granted in 1982 and the houses were subsequently sold to individual owners. Since that time owners have undertaken further alterations, which are primarily visible in the public arena through varied colour schemes. The major alterations to the principal façade have been to No. 28, where the French doors and windows have been replaced in a slightly different style.

This information is from the City of Subiaco Local Government Inventory Place Record... 

Nurse Lloyd's Private Maternity Hospital (fmr) 23 Coolgardie Street....

"...Minnie Lloyd officially applied to establish a registered lying in hospital at 23 Coolgardie street in October of 1909. The business was obviously successful, with rapid enlargement of the original residence as a purpose designed hospital, and by 1915 it was described as having 16 rooms available, and being licenced to take 12 patients at once – which at that time was a relatively large maternity hospital. 

Louise Elizabeth Reid took over ownership of both 19 and 23 Coolgardie Street in August 1928, and she continued to be known professionally as ‘Nurse Reid’ after her marriage to Arthur Colin Victor Kildahl (a motor mechanic) in c.1930. 

During this time newspaper notices suggest that, while 23 Coolgardie Street was primarily a maternity hospital, it also took in general patients. 19 Coolgardie Street was used as the Kildahl family home..."

The photographs are from the Geni heritage websites. No copyright infringement intended.

Streets of Subiaco...Street Names (1938).

Streets of Subiaco...Street Names (1938).

In 1938 there was an article in the West Australian newspaper about some of the problems with the repetitive names of streets in Perth for the local postman and tradesman. 

The article made some interesting comments about the use of male and female street names at the time. "...Distribution of the names of men and women has been arranged fairly evenly; there are about 250 streets carrying masculine names and about 230 with feminine names..."

The most common street name in Perth at the time was Victoria, named after Queen Victoria with a total of 14. There were a number of streets with women's names that were used multiple times such as Kathleen, Elizabeth, Mary and Rose. 

Subiaco followed this traditions with streets name after women that include Ada, Catherine, Bronte (now Sadlier), Cecelia, Ellen, Hilda, Jasmine, May, Roberta, Rosemary and Violet. According to the City of Subiaco Streets Name Report these streets are not associated with any person of significance. (Although Catherine and Cecelia were the names of sisters from local religious groups who worked with the needy and poor in the early years of Subiaco).  

The article is from Trove, the database in the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.  





West Australian, 14 January 1938.

OUR 3,000 STREETS. REPETITION OF NAMES. 

Traps for Postman and Tradesman (By S.D.W.) 

It is not only for reasons of hot weather or excitable domestic dogs that butchers, bakers, candlestick-makers, postmen (particularly), and all whose job it is to spend much of their time travelling the streets of the metropolitan area and calling at houses, are scarcely to be envied. Indeed, the prevailing impression that these people are normally fairly happy, though busy, at their work, that their chief worries decline steadily after Christmas, and that generally their days pass smoothly enough, seems to call for slight revision. 

The fact that in the metropolitan area (from Bellevue to Fremantle and from Osborne Park to Rivervale) there are, according to the revised edition of the Imperial Map directory, about 2,935 thoroughfares, is not likely to arouse in those who are not concerned daily with street names and localities undue sympathy for those who are. Probably few people have stopped to think how many miles and how many houses there are in nearly 3,000 streets. The facts that are more likely to cause reflection and perhaps a little surprise are those concerning the remarkable number of instances of duplication of street names, not only in the metropolitan area generally but within a number of districts separately. 

Nine William-streets. 

For instance, there are nine William streets in Perth, Fremantle and the suburbs nine possibilities for the postman or tradesman, created by those who forget to name the suburb when they address a letter or forward an order and four of these are divided equally between two suburbs. Belmont, which will be seen to be one of the most conspicuous offenders in the field of street name duplication, has two entirely separate William-streets within its boundaries, and so has Midland Junction. 

Again, there are eight Brown-streets. Two of these are in Subiaco, and two more in Claremont, none of them, of course, connected in any way. There are 14 thoroughfares that take the name Victoria, and two of these are In Belmont, two in Tuart Hill, two in Claremont and two in Midland Junction, while of the six Briggs-streets in the metropolitan area, two are located in Bassendean.

It is calculated that the aggregate of suburbs that contain duplicated street names is about 40. Belmont has three of the four metropolitan thoroughfares carrying the name Ascot, although one is Ascot-drive and not Ascot-street. Bayswater in its apparent eagerness to have its name as a suburb perpetuated on street poles, has scorned half measures and has a Bayswater-street and a Bayswater-road, while Bassendean, running Belmont very closely for the title of chief offender, has two First-avenues, two Second-avenues and two Third-avenues. And, further complicating a very confusing locality, one set of these three avenues that duplicate are crossed by the Fourth, Fifth. Sixth and Seventh streets continuing on from Bayswater. Before Bassendean's maze of similarly named and numbered streets is complete, one must list its two thoroughfares taking the name of Kitchener and two more called Surrey. 

There are plenty of other suburbs containing "street traps" for the new or careless postman and tradesman. Osborne Park has two of the metropolitan area's seven Albert-streets, two Orsova-streets and two White-streets; Bayswater two First-avenues, two Newton-streets and two Short-streets; Applecross two thoroughfares called The Strand; Victoria Park two of the five roads named Kathleen and two of the eight Government-roads; Cottesloe has a Broome-street and a Broome-avenue; Palmyra a High-street and a High-road; and South Perth two of the seven thoroughfares beginning with King. Belmont, in addition to its welter of duplication already noted, has two of the 10 streets named George, two of the five Rose-streets, a Boulder-avenue and a Boulder-street, and two Somers-streets, the last mentioned being the only ones so named in the metropolitan area. Even the two cities, where one would expect a studied avoidance of possible confusion, are not spared. Few people probably realise that Fremantle has two Sealy-streets, two of the general  Smith-streets and two Stokes-streets, while further pitfalls may lie in the Croker-lane and Croker-street and the Lefroy-road and Lefroy-street that are within its boundaries. Perth is not quite so serious an offender, although within the whole area are two thoroughfares named Bulwer, two Adelaides and two Stuart-streets. 

A Punn on Victoria. 

The name that is borne by the greatest number of streets in the metropolitan area is Victoria, the total of 14 not including, of course, cases where a Victoria-street passes through one suburb to another.  In second place is Park, which is prefixed to 13 thoroughfares, while Robinson (11) is third. Then follow George and Railway (10), Swan, James, Elizabeth, Forrest and View (9), York, Hill, Brown, Edward, Government, May, Stone, Hardy, Roberts, Alexander, Stirling and Esplanade (8), Stanley, Thomas, Florence, Mary, Johnson, North. Salisbury, Charles, King, Birdwood, John and Smith (7), the latter slipping from the "nines" because of the less-common Eymth that is preferred in two of the more self-conscious suburbs. There are too many sixes, fives, fours, threes and twos for mention; but surprisingly enough, only one solitary Jones amid the great assemblage of Browns and Smiths. The use of Scottish names on our streets is also appropriately thrifty; those start with Me and Mac total little over a score. 

The Great War has left its mark on many metropolitan streets. There are seven thoroughfares named Birdwood and seven named Kitchener. Others are Haig (5), Anzac (4), Gallipoli (2), Monash (2) and Jutland, Mons and Verdun (one each). Prominent figures in history, such as Cleopatra, Napoleon, Washington and Drake, and public men, past aid present, at home and abroad, have numerous streets named after them. Mozart is the sole musician thus perpetuated, and the poets fare little better, for although Shakespeare's name rests on three streets, the only others who get a mention are Longfellow, Byron and Cowper, and only once each at that. Local politicians, civic fathers, etc, as reference to the directory will soon show, have done far better. 

Odd Nomenclature. 

Distribution of the names of men and women has been arranged fairly evenly; there are about 250 streets carrying masculine names and about 230 with feminine names. Many oddities in street naming are noticeable. One finds Cemetery, Grandstand, India, Music, Rob Roy, Money and Zebina, and wonders exactly how they and many others like them came to be so called, one also wonders, in thinking of the almost countless words in the English language, just why there has been the apparent lack of originality that has led to the remarkable amount repetition on our street signs.

Streets Of Subiaco...Congregation Of The Sisters Of St. John And Their Connection To Ireland.

Streets Of Subiaco...Congregation Of The Sisters Of St. John Of God And Their Connection To Ireland. 

This is the third post about the streets of Subiaco named in connection to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John Of God, their origins in Ireland and association with Western Australia. 

The meaning of the names of the streets are contained in a document called 'City of Subiaco. Street Names'. The information was "... provided by the Geographic Names Committee at Landgate, City of Subiaco and its volunteers, and practicum students from Curtin University. It includes all existing and historical streets within the City of Subiaco for which the committee has records and the latest researched information as at June 2008..." 

The information about the streets associated with the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John has been copied from the document called 'City of Subiaco. Street Names.' No copyright infringement intended. 

https://www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/CityofSubiaco/media/City-of-Subiaco/Your-council/History-of-Subiaco/City-of-Subiaco-street-names-report.pdfcontained  

CASHEL LANE

Origin and History: Cashel is a town in Tipperary, Ireland, the country where the Congregation of Sisters of St John of God was founded. 

Members of the order arrived in Western Australia in 1895 at a time when the state’s infrastructure was inadequate to cope with a swelling population attracted by the gold rush.

Unhygienic conditions had caused outbreaks of typhoid. The sisters were involved in both teaching and health care, and established the St John of God Hospital in Subiaco in 1897. 

CLARE LANE

Origin and History: Clare is a county in Ireland, the country where the Congregation of Sisters of St John of God was founded.

Members of the order arrived in Western Australia in 1895 at a time when the state’s infrastructure was inadequate to cope with a swelling population attracted by the gold rush.

Unhygienic conditions had caused outbreaks of typhoid. The sisters were involved in both teaching and health care, and established the St John of God Hospital in Subiaco in 1897. 

DUBLIN CLOSE

Original and History: Dublin is the capital of Ireland, the country where the Congregation of Sisters of St John of God was founded.

Members of the order arrived in Western Australia in 1895 at a time when the state’s infrastructure was inadequate to cope with a swelling population attracted by the gold rush.

Unhygienic conditions had caused outbreaks of typhoid. The sisters were involved in both teaching and health care, and established the St John of God Hospital in Subiaco in 1897. 





EDENDERRY TERRACE

Original and History: Edenderry is a town in Ireland, the country where the Congregation of Sisters of St John of God was founded.

Members of the order arrived in Western Australia in 1895 at a time when the state’s infrastructure was inadequate to cope with a swelling population attracted by the gold rush.

Unhygienic conditions had caused outbreaks of typhoid. The sisters were involved in both teaching and health care, and established the St John of God Hospital in Subiaco in 1897. 

TIPPERARY MEWS

Original and History: Tipperary is a town and county in Ireland, the country where the Congregation of Sisters of St John of God was founded.

Members of the order arrived in Western Australia in 1895 at a time when the state’s infrastructure was inadequate to cope with a swelling population attracted by the gold rush.

Unhygienic conditions had caused outbreaks of typhoid. The sisters were involved in both teaching and health care, and established the St John of God Hospital in Subiaco in 1897. 

WEXFORD STREET

Original and History: The order of the Sisters of St John of God was founded in Wexford in 1871. 

The sisters were involved in both teaching and health care and established the St John of God Hospital in Subiaco in 1897.





References

Pepper, M. (2018). Green light for development work at 140 year old convent. Wexford People. https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/wexford-people/20180424/281586651202145

Streets Of Subiaco...Brigid Road.

Streets Of Subiaco...Brigid Road.

This is the first of a series of four posts about the streets of Subiaco that were named after women. The next two posts are about streets connected to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John of God and their work in Subiaco. 

The first post is about Brigid Road, Subiaco who was named after Sr Visitation Bridget Clancy who was foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of St John of God for helping the homeless and poor. The second post is about a collection of streets and the Sisters of St John of God's connection to their home country Ireland where the Order was founded.   

Many of the streets of Subiaco are named after women who made a contribution to the social, political, history, business and community life of the suburb. The meaning of the names of the streets are contained in a document called 'City of Subiaco. Street Names'. 

The information was copied from  "... provided by the Geographic Names Committee at Landgate, City of Subiaco and its volunteers, and practicum students from Curtin University. It includes all existing and historical streets within the City of Subiaco for which the committee has records and the latest researched information as at June 2008..." 

The information about Brigid Road has been copied from the document called 'City of Subiaco. Street Names.' No copyright infringement intended. 

https://www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/CityofSubiaco/media/City-of-Subiaco/Your-council/History-of-Subiaco/City-of-Subiaco-street-names-report.pdfcontained  

The photograph of Bridget Clancy is from the Congregation of the Sisters of St, John of God official webpage. No copyright infringement intended. 

https://ssjg.org/founding-story/dsp-default.cfm?loadref=7

"...Brigid Road. 

This street was first recorded in an 1897 street directory. It presumably honours the contribution of the Sisters of St John of God for their contribution to health care in Subiaco.

The order was founded in Ireland in 1981 after Bishop Furlong, who wished to alleviate the suffering of his famine stricken diocese, established a nursing and teaching order of women for the betterment of the poor. One of the first members of the order was Sr Visitation, Brigid Clancy, who was head nurse in the sisters’ first institute for helping the homeless and poor. From there the order grew and the Sisters of St. John of God became active in many countries. Sr Visitation died in 1889 at the age of 46.

In 1895 Bishop Gibney requested a nursing order for the Perth diocese, to which the Sisters of St John of God responded. Eight sisters arrived and established a convent and a hospital on Adelaide Terrace. There they treated typhoid and other illnesses that arose from the unhygienic living standards of the time. The gold rush attracted many people to WA and the sisters established a school and hospital to serve the growing population of Kalgoorlie. 

There was also an increase in the Perth population, and the demand for medical services resulted in the sisters building a larger hospital in the area now known as Subiaco. The wooden eighteen bed hospital the sisters built in 1897 has now developed into a technically sophisticated facility..." 

Streets Of Subiaco...History Of Perth Street Names (1935).

Streets Of Subiaco...History Of Perth Street Names (1935).

This is the first of a series of posts about the streets of Subiaco. In 1935 there was an article published in the Daily News about the street names of Perth and how they told the city's history. There was a focus on prominent men and their role in the development of the State. 

There is a brief mention of two of the streets of Subiaco..."By and bye came Governor Broome and Broome road, Subiaco (since absorbed into Hay-street) and the only remaining reminder in the city of the name Broome is a hotel !"  The article does not mention Barker Road who was named after Governor Broome's wife Lady Mary Ann Barker. 

There is no mention of the contribution of women or Indigenous people's contribution to the street names in the early years of Perth in this article.   

The next two posts are about streets connected to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John of God and their work with the needy, sick and poor in Subiaco. 

The photographs of Hay Street, Subiaco are from the State Library of Western Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

The article is from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Daily News, 3 August 1935

Street Names Tell Perth's History

(By Q.C.)

The recent re-naming of the Perth-Fremantle road as Stirling Highway has suggested to a cor-respondent a precedent which might be followed with advantage in order to make the names of our streets, parks and other places of public resort, more commemorative of men who pioneered and built up the State.

"When one thinks of it," he writes, "it is remarkable how few names of local celebrities are commemorated in our city names, and how disproportionately numerous are the names of ex-governors who, after all, were mostly merely birds of passage. Investigation of the subject, how-ever, scarcely bears out this contention. 

While there are many of the pioneer traders, legislators and track-blazers not honored in city names, Lee Steere, Throssell, Briggs and Marmion occur to mind it will be found that they have not been forgotten in their own centres. Lee Steere, at Bridgetown, Throssell at Northam, Briggs and Marmion at Fremantle, are instances. 

History in Brief 

Early Perth street names which still obtain, contain an interesting epitome of the times in which the colony was established. St. George's terrace obviously was chosen in honor of the patron saint of England, on whose might on the sea the infant colony was dependent for its existence. 

William street was a tribute to the reigning monarch, who issued the Letters Patent of the new colony and Adelaide terrace commemorates his consort. Wellington was adopted as the name for a street after the soldier statesman who, a few years earlier, rid Europe of the Bonaparte menace. 

Later contemporaneous British history is reflected in Palmerston, Aberdeen and Beaufort streets and in Victoria Square. That the names of successive governors have been perpetuated is quite true; but why should they not be? They serve to tell the tale of the city and the State. 

When Perth expanded sufficiently to warrant streets farther out, the first governor, who laid well and truly the foundations of the city, had departed, and it was a graceful compliment to name a street Stirling a compliment which has been renewed a hundred years later in a new highway. 

Open Spaces 

Fitzgerald (north) and Ord (west) of the growing settlement mark extensions in those directions under later governors; while Weld Square and Weld Club indicate the growing up of early Perth, in the former instance of a civic sense which aimed at open spaces and in the latter of social advancement. 

By and bye came Governor Broome and Broome road, Subiaco (since absorbed into Hay-street) and the only remaining reminder in the city of the name Broome is a hotel ! Governor William Cleaver Francis Robinson was thrice Governor of Western Australia. It is amazing that his only imprint on city street names is a short thoroughfare Robinson avenue. What is even more amazing is the temerity which led to the bestowal of Governor Robinson's second Christian name on a West Perth street.

Perhaps the three-times governor had already left the State then; or it may be that as there were already a William and a Francis street and a Robinson avenue there was no option left his admirers but to use the remaining and distinctively individual name of the popular governor. 

Pioneers' Memory To say that the pioneers were forgotten is wrong. Wittenoom-street, East Perth, perpetuates the name of one pioneer, the Rev. J. B. Wittenoom. John Forrest it to be remembered for all time in Forrest place (a belated tribute, it is true), Forrest avenue (East Perth) and Forrest Park (one of the "breathing spaces" of the city). These areas he so consistently advocated and so generously contributed to by the dedication of our glorious King's Park. 

Hay-street, too, perpetuates the name of a pioneer, and though its prolongation from East Perth to Subiaco meant obliteration of two other pioneer names- Howick and Broome by which formerly the eastern and western ends respectively were known, it is preferable to continuing three names for one continuous thoroughfare. 

Of Forrest's contemporaries, few have been honored by the bestowal of their names on prominent thorough-fares. But the name Shenton whether of the elder Shenton or of his son Sir George cannot definitely be stated here- still lives in a suburban area of Subiaco, and has been adopted officially for the railway station formerly known as West Subiaco. 

There is also a street of the name in South Perth; and a little-known thoroughfare in Claremont is called Kingsmill street. After Premiers Frank Wilson, who was three times Premier of the State during his lifetime, had two streets named after him. One, out at Wembley, disappeared in the flood of English street names brought back from a world tour by the town clerk (Mr. Bold); the other was changed after Mr. Wilson's death to Parliament place because of its location immediately opposite the facade of Parliament House (a dubious posthumous attention).

Wilson-street, from its very location, should have been retained. Of later Premiers, Daglish is perpetuated in a new suburb, and street in an adjacent suburb, and in a railway station. Scaddan is commemorated in the name of a settlement in the Esperance area, and also in a suburban street which still awaits macadam. 

There is a Rason street somewhere in the Guildford area and Collier has been bestowed as a name on a surveyed thoroughfare on the heights of Wembley which has yet to be made. 

Governors Popular 

It is not for the present generation to sneer that loyalty or snobbishness is the explanation of the adoption of Governors' names. Have we not our Mount Lawley to remind us that not only the early colonists chose that method of honoring the King's representative? And is not one of our recent agricultural centres (where the emu is a pest) named Campion? 

To come right down to present times, it may be asserted with confidence that no protest would be heard if the proposal were offered to adopt the name Mitchell for the much talked of riverside drive from the Causeway to Fremantle.

Sister lgnatiuous And St. John Of God Hospital, Subiaco (1952).

Sister lgnatiuous And St. John Of God Hospital, Subiaco (1952).

Through the early years of Western Australia the nuns from a variety of orders were the front line workers in health and education providing much needed services to the poor and needy in the community. The nuns from the Order of St. John's began to arrive in 1895. One of those early nuns was Sister Ignatiuous from Kilglass, County Sligo, Ireland. 

After Sister Ignatiuous' death in 1952 the following article was written about her contribution to Western Australia in the Western Mail. She was born in Ireland, trained and worked in a Government school as a teacher before joining the order of St. John to care for the poor and needy. She came to Western Australia after hearing about a request from Bishop Gibney for volunteers to the early colony. 

In 1898, Sister Ignatiuous was one of many sisters who helped open a convent, hospital and school in the Perth suburb of Subiaco working under extremely difficult circumstances  

"...Sister lgnatiuous found herself back in Perth, and decided that the chief need of the growing community was nursing. As the other Orders were coping with all the educational needs, she changed her Order's habit to white, and opened a little hospital in a garage like plate under the six old pepper-trees that today still stand in a sea of cement beside the present Convent. There were three wards. One for men, one for women, and six private rooms 10ft. by 8ft., and exceedingly hot in summer...(Western Mail, 20 November, 1952).

The articles are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Western Mail, 20 November 1952.

The Sisters of St. John helped in the pioneering days

She Cared for the Sick by MOLLIE SIMEON ASPHAR

THE hospitals of the Sisters of St. John of God number five in our State, and several in Victoria, but few realise how closely their history is connected with the development and early history of our State, and with its far-flung needs. 

One who had much to do with the building of these hospitals in W.A. died recently at Subiaco. This was Mother Ignatiuous, originally of Kilglass, County Sligo, Ireland, where as a brilliant young teacher, the winner of many scholastic honours, she began her career in charge of a big Government school.

Leaving her brilliant future, she joined the Order of St. John of God, formed by Bishop Furlough, for the care of the poor and needy. Some years later she heard an appeal for volunteers to come with Bishop Gibney to Western Australia to help the struggling population of the infant colony.

They were taken off their arrival to a grey house in Adelaide-terrace where the Loreto nuns were already installed. Mother lgnatiuous was among this little band who daily for the next two years were to be found wherever there was illness or need of any sort. All denominations knew them as an everpresent help in trouble.

It was the time of the gold fever, and men were flocking over to the West in thousands, and dying like flies in the mosquito infested flats and the villages of tents in Kalgoorlie. Bishop Gibney called for volunteers from the Sisters, and sent three, of whom Mother lgnatiuous was one, up to open a school and do what nursing they could on the Goldfields (their Order had a two-fold mission teaching and nursing).

The school was an instant success. It opened with pupils the first day, had ten pupils the second, and in a few weeks there were 400 pupils in regular attendance. The Sisters had their hands full with nursing and teaching under the most primitive conditions. Young Sister lgnatiuous was very popular, as her energy and cheerfulness were endless. Theirs was an 18-hour day most of the time. 

On one of the hottest days of that terrible simmering summer. Bishop Gibney visited them and found the Sisters drooping in their heavy black habits, with the temperature at 119, yet rigidly adhering to their rule of no drink or nourishment between meals. He looked at their tired faces and stalked out of the room, returning with a dozen iced soda waters, a rare treat in those barren days. "This is a necessity for your health, Sisters," he said, "and you are in future to have a chop for breakfast. The Goldfields need you."

It was about this time, strangely on the feast of St. John of God, that Sister Brigid died of typhoid, contracted while nursing a very bad case of the fever. On the evening of that sad day the Sisters and many Goldfieldsites were returning from the funeral, when they saw the sky redden and blaze against the fading sunset. The well-loved hospital of Sister Meachem had become a heap of ruins; but the Sisters had no time for their grief, as the patients were all carried across to them.

Beagle Bay Mission was then struggling into existence, under every difficulty possible, and it was thought that if missionary Sisters could care for the women and children, nursing the sick and instructing the others progress might be made. Nine Sisters volunteered from St. John of God, whose numbers had grown with Irish recruits. 

From here their success led to their opening a school and nursing in the Govermnent Hospital at Broome. Everywhere they went in those difficult times, order came out of chaos, and their popularity with all types and classes caused the Government to ask them to take over the nursing at the newly erected Leprosarium at Derby. Recently the State Governor, Sir Charles Gairdner, and Lady Gairdner visited and praised the beauty and the happy atmosphere created by the Sisters there.

Sister lgnatiuous found herself back in Perth, and decided that the chief need of the growing community was nursing. As the other Orders were coping with all the educational needs, she changed her Order's habit to white, and opened a little hospital in a garage like plate under the six old pepper-trees that today still stand in a sea of cement beside the present Convent. There were three wards. One for men, one for women, and six private rooms 10ft. by 8ft., and exceedingly hot in summer. That was the beginning of the splendid hospitals that we know today.

References

Warriner, J. (2018). St John of God celebrates 120 years. Western Suburbs Weekly. 

Sister Mary Chrysostom (Hannah Kissane)...St. John Of God Hospital (1947).

Sister Mary Chrysostom (Hannah Kissane)...St. John Of God Hospital (1947).

In 1947 Sister Mary Chrysostom (formerly Hannah Kissane), a nun from the Order of St. John of God who worked at the hospital in Subiaco died tragically at North Beach near Trigg Island. 

Fredrick Floyd, an estate agent of Mt Lawley also died while trying to save her. His son Don Floyd who was 13 years old watched on. Mr Floyd went to World War One and served in the 10th Light Horse Brigade. There was a monument honouring Federick Floyd's bravery erected at Trigg Beach in 2018.   

There was an inquest into the deaths at the Perth Courthouse and St. John of God Hospital Subiaco. The results of the inquest were published in the West Australian on 6 September, 1947. 

The articles are from Trove, the national database at the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

West Australian, 6 September 1947.

THE LAW COURTS

TRIGG ISLAND TRAGEDY 

Story Of Heroic Rescue Attempt '"This is a double tragedy which has deeply shocked the whole community," said the City Coroner (Mr. R. P. Rodriguez) after he had heard the circumstances of the deaths of Frederick Charles Floyd (43), married, estate agent, of North-street, Mt. Lawley, and Hannah Kissane (26), known as Sister Mary Chrysostom, of the Order of St. John of God, which were the subject of an inquest in the Perth Courthouse and at the St. John of God Hospital, Subiaco, yesterday. 

The Coroner found that both were drowned in the sea at North Beach near Trigg Island on July 19 and that Floyd lost his life while heroically attempting to give the life of Sister Crysostom in perilous circumstances. He strongly recommended to the Royal Humane Society of Australasia that Floyd's heroic act should be fittingly rewarded by a posthumous award. 

He recommended also that the act of Charles Albert Snow in attempting to save Floyd should be recognised by the society. Francis Walpole Leake, solicitor, of Mount-street, Perth, said that he and Floyd left Perth about 10.15 a.m. to fish at Trigg Island. When Floyd saw the sea he said that they would not fish, as heavy rain clouds were coming up. He suggested going to North Beach jetty and as they drove in that direction they saw a young woman in bathers running along the road. "There is a woman in trouble in the water," she said. They went to a spot where they saw in the water a woman who was calling for help. 

Floyd, said the witness, got out of the car, stripped to his underclothes, and went to the rescue. He reached the woman, grasped her, and tried to make for the shore. It was an almost superhuman task, and the woman soon slipped from his grasp and disappeared. He could see that Floyd, who was about 60 yards out, was In difficum. We drove the car along the road to get help and picked up Mr. Snow, who went back to the scene with him. Snow discarded his clothes and went Into the water and rescued Floyd, who did not respond to artifical respiration. 

Charles Snow of Balatta-road, North Beach, said that when he reached the scene of the drowning, Floyd's son, who was a witness of the tragedy, said: "Dad has just gone under." As witness entered the water the boy guided him to where his father had disappeared. He found the body about 3ft from the surface in about 15ft of water. The Inquest was continued at the St John of God Hospital. 

Sister Mary Bernadine, a nursing sister in the hospital, said that she and several other sisters were having a holiday at the rest home maintained by the order near Trigg Island. About 10.30 am. on July 12 they went to the basin to bathe. The sea was rough and after they had been in the water for ten minutes a big wave knocked witness over. 

Sister Chrysostom, who was farther away, lost her balance and drifted out. She called out, but as she was in the habit of doing this, the other sisters did not take much notice. When they saw that she was In difficulty one of the sisters ran for assistance and returned with Floyd. The sister was about 60 yards out when Floyd entered the water. 

Sister Chrysostom, a poor swimmer, did not make much effort to swim as she was so frightened. Other sisters said that they corroborated Sister Bernadine's testimony. Constable A. F. Gallagher assisted the Coroner, and Mr. J. Dunphy appeared for the Order of St. John of God.

Daily News, 21 July 1947.

Nuns Weep at Grave

SISTERS MOURN FOR THEIR COLLEAGUE

NUNS from St. John of God Hospital, Subiaco, are pictured here at the funeral of Sister Chrysostom, who was drowned on Saturday near Trigg Island. In the front rank one nun weeps into her handkerchief.

Blackrobed nuns, many of them quietly sobbing, gathered at Karrakatta Cemetery today for the funeral of drowned Sister Chrysostom. One young nun, almost overcome with grief, was comforted by several older nuns and a priest. Clergy from throughout the metropolitan area were present. With bowed heads they stood behind the nuns who flanked the graveside. Muffled sobs broke the silence as a white-gowned priest stepped back from the graveside after con-ducting the service. Long before their usual hour, the Sisters of St. John of God Hospital, Subiaco, were going about their hospital duties today so that they could attend the funeral. After Requiem Mass at St. John of God Convent only a skeleton staff was kept on at the hospital. The funeral of Frederick Charles Floyd, the other victim of Saturday's drowning tragedy, took place early this afternoon.

Advocate, 7 April 1949.

Nuns Guard Life-Saving Reel

SISTERS of St. John of God look after a box surf life-saving reel with a 400-yard line, donated by the Surf Life Saving Association, which fits into a recess in a cement stand at Trigg's Island, near Perth, W.A. The stand is a memorial bearing the following: Erected by the Perth Roads Board and St. John of God Hospital, Subiaco, this stand commemorates the memory of Frederick Charles Floyd, a very gallant gentleman, who near this, spot gave his life in an unsuccessful attempt to save from drowning Sister Mary Chrysostom of the St. John of God Hospital, Subiaco, July 19, 1947. 

'Greater "love than this no man hath." At its unveiling, according to a correspondent, official representatives included Mr. Abbott, Chairman of the Perth Roads Board; Rev. C. McBride, parish priest of Scarborough; Mr. Beecher, President of the Surf Life Saving Association; Mr. Bradford, representing the 10th Light Horse, and Mr. J. A Ingle, representing the Grand Lodge of Freemasons, of which body the late Mr. Floyd was a grand master. Mr. Abbott paid tribute to the memory of Mr. Floyd, and said by no one was his sacrifice more deeply appreciated than by the Sisters of St. John of God, and indeed, by the whole Catholic community. Father McBride said that this was a unique memorial, as it exemplified the highest ideals of sacrifice and heroism. 

Mr. Floyd's death typified an ideal, and as long as they had in Australia men with heroism shown by Frederick Floyd, sacrifice as exemplified in the daily life of Sister Mary Chrysostom, who had left home and family to spend her life in the service of the sick and dying, and devotion to duty shown by members of the Surf Life Saving Association, who year by year, freely and gladly gave up their weekends to make the beaches safe, then, indeed, Australia would be a worthy place to live in. Mr. Bradford, who had been associated with Mr. Floyd for many years in the 10th Light Horse, said he was always "a good soldier and a thoroughly good comrade." Mr. B. F. Floyd, the eldest son of the deceased, unveiled the red ensign that draped the monument and wreaths were laid by the organizations represented at the function.

References

Leaver, Kate (13 0ctober, 2017). 'Monument to commemorate drowning of nuns and rescuer at Trigg' Sunday Times.

Pond, Laura (29 February, 2018). 'Sacrifice Honoured. Memorial Plague Unveiled' Stirling Times. 

Rev. Mother Cecilia...Mother Superior Of The St. John Of God Hospital, Subiaco (1925).

Rev. Mother Cecilia...Mother Superior Of The St. John Of God Hospital, Subiaco (1925).

Religious orders and nuns from those variety of orders played an essential role in the establishment of early Western Australia and Subiaco assisting the sick, needy and poor in the community under extremely difficult circumstances.  

One of those early nuns from the Order of St. John's was Mother M. Cecilia. Sister Cecilia was one of a group of early pioneers nuns who arrived in the colony in 1885 on the ship Orizara. The nuns lived in a house in Adelaide-terrace until the hospital site was chosen in Subiaco. She worked around the State in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie helping to establish hospitals and schools. 

During her time Sister M. Cecilia rose to the position of Mother Superior in Subiaco and was mistress of novices. Mother M. Cecilia died in December, 1935 shorty after attending a mass for the golden jubilee for her profession in the State. 

The articles are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. The photograph of the group of nuns including Sister Cecilia at their house in Adelaide Terrace in 1886 is from the official Congregation of the Sisters of St. John of God Order webpage. No copyright infringement intended. 

West Australian, 7 December 1935.

A PIONEER NUN.

Jubilee Celebrated.

Mother M. Cecilia, the only surviving pioneer Sister of St. John of God in Western Australia, last week celebrated the golden Jubilee of her profession. She attended pontifical high mass on the anniversary day, the Archbishop of Perth (Dr. Prendiville) being the celebrant, assisted by the Rev. Father Winston, as deacon, and the Rev. Father Lyne as subdeacon. The Rev. Father MacDermott was assistant priest and the Rev. Dr. Sullivan was master of ceremonies. 

Mother Cecilia, who is over 80 years of age, arrived in Western Australia 40 years ago with the pioneer group of Sisters of St. John of God. The party lived in a hired house in Adelaide-terrace until the site of the future foundation was chosen at Subiaco. 

In due course the Sisters opened their hospital and since then the order has extended to other parts of the State and Commonwealth. In Western Australia there are over 200 trained nursing sisters with centres at Perth, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Belmont and Geraldton. In the early nineties Mother Cecilia went to the goldflelds when a hospital was established there. Since then she has served both at Coolgardie and at Perth. 

Mother M. Cecilia was superior of the head house at Subiaco and she also served as mistress of novices for a long period. 

Advocate, 26 December 1935.

LAST SURVIVING PIONEER

St. John of God Nun Honoured

On Friday, 29th in the convent chapel of St. John of God, Perth, Grace the Archbishop of Perth, Rev. Dr. Prendiville, celebrated Pontifical High Mass on the occasion of the golden jubilee of profession of the only surviving pioneer Sister of the institition in W.A. - Mother M. Cecilia. 

Exactly forty years ago, Mother Cecilia arrived in Western Australia, one of the first group of pioneer Sisters to establish their institute in Australia. At that time Perth was but its infancy. The Sisters lived in hired house in Adelaide Terrace for a while - until the site of their future, foundation was chosen at Subiaco. Part of the wood and iron building which they first occupied there is still standing  and at that time it was one of the few buildings in the district. 

The Sisters opened their hospital in course, and the need for their service was great. That necessity has increased so much that their progress through the years has been marked by extensions, not only in Perth and Western Australia, but throughout the Commonwealth. 

HER MEMORY REVERED. In W.A. alone there are over 200 trained nursing Sisters, with centres at Perth, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Belmont and Geraldton. It is a remarkable history of progress in forty years, and the jubilarian had played an important part in that development. Mother Cecilia went to the goldfields in the early nineties, as soon as they could satisfy the demands of that newly-founded centre for a hospital and school. Between Kalgoorlie, Coolgardie and Perth, Mother Cecilia's work was cast, and in each place her memory is revered. She was many times Superioress of the head House at Subiaco, and was also Mistress of Novices for a long period. In all that time she endeared herself to all. 

The jubilarian is now over eighty years of age, and until recently enjoyed good health. She was, however, sufficiently recovered from her recent illness to be able to attend the Pontifical High Mass. At the conclusion of the Mass, Archbishop Prendiville extended his congratulations to the jubilarian, to whom he had previously tendered the blessing received from the Cardinal Secretary of State on behalf of the Holy Father, and spoke in terms of high eulogy of the Order.

St. John of God Hospital, Subiaco... (1899).

St. John of God Hospital, Subiaco... (1899).

This article is about the history of St. John of God Hospital in Subiaco established and managed by the Sisters of the Order of St John. 

The article provides an overview of a physical description of the hospital, the cost to patients and care provided by the nuns when first opened.  

The article was published in the W.A. Record, the Catholic newspaper in 1899. The article and photograph are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

W.A. Record, 29 April 1899.Hospital of St. John of God, Subiaco.

The Hospital, a front view of which is shown in our illustration, conducted by the Sisters of St. John of God, is beautifully situated on an eminence in the healthiest part of Subiaco, within six minutes walk of the station.

The Sisters of the Order of St. John of God make the management of hospitals, in accordance with the most modern ideas and rules, one of their special studies. The mother house of the Order is in Wexford (Ireland). 

Some three years ago the Bishop of Perth hearing of the splendid work effected by these good nuns determined to introduce a branch of the Order into W.A. where their services have been, aye and are so badly needed and so justly appreciated. Their residence in Adelaide Terrace having proved rather small Bishop Gibney very kindly gave them a grant of eight acres in Subiaco, the site, of their present hospital. 

In Kalgoorlie the work of the Sisters of St. John of God is well-known and appreciated, but at present we shall confine ourselves to the branch at Subiaco. In the illustration the part of the building from the bay window to the left is the front of the Convent. There are thirteen resident sisters there. The building between the bay window and the windmill gives a small view of the front of the  Hospital. The Hospital proper is subdivided into three, very, nice and well ventilated wards. There is the Private Ward capable of containing eight or ten beds. It gets the name of Private Ward-for the simple reason that each patient is screened off and fully enjoys the many comforts of privacy. The charge of three guineas pe' week is the fee for patients in this ward. 

To the light of the Private Ward is the General Ward. This room, is capable of containing between 12 and 16 beds. And to the right of this again is the ward for females. In this as in the General Ward the charge per week is two guineas. As well in the Private as in both of the other Awards such patient, may have his or her own M.D. 

In connection with the Hospital is a neat little surgery where the various medicines required are compounded by a qualified and legal practitioner, so that there is no delay in the preparation of the various tonics, etc. No patient suffering from an infectious disease is admitted into the Hospital. 

The numbers of patients that have been cured of Typhoid and various other diseases bear testimony as well to the untiring care of the good Sisters as to the healthy position of the Hospital. In this the close of our go-a-head 19th century, it is admitted by all that the nursing is more than half the battle in the case of sickness. The fact is that two nurses is owing the cure of many patients. 

In view of this fact, the Sisters of St. John of God intake nursing a very special study. They are in the truest sense qualified nurses. In their care of the sick they are actuated by a law higher than all other laws - the law of charity. 

To be a Catholic is not the sine qua non for admission to the Hospital, the question of belief is a non est. All needing it tire admitted and cared for with the same untiring, generous and charitable attention. 

Another feature, of the Sisters of St. John of God is that when required they go to private houses as nurses. We would not wish to see many sick but, as such evils must be, we strongly recommend all those who are suffering to have recourse to the Sisters at Subiaco. There they shall find every attention, every comfort, every ease. 

As regards the structure of the building it is of galvanised iron both inside and outside, but between the two  six inches of sawdust help to keep the summer's heat far from the inmates. In winter no doubt the wards would be cold were it not for the foresight of the Sisters who have stoves erected in each ward, by means of which a glow of heat may be sent through the wards in a few moments. 

The position of the Hospital is unique. The sanitary arrangements are perfect. We have no hesitatio in saying that the more the Sisters of St., John of God are known the better will their good work be appreciated. They are doing splendid work in Ireland, they are doings splendid work here in our very midst, and shall continue to do the good work, but then of course they must be supported by us. 

We should send our sick to them. There shall they be cared and well minded. We heartily wish the St. John of God hospital every success. Along with eating the sick, some of the Sisters teach school. Classes are held in the church. Upwards of 115 children there receive a thorough good training in the various branches of knowledge. So that we see the Sisters at Subiaco are doing excellent work in many ways. Ad multos Annos.

Subiaco Resources...WA Women's Hall Of Fame.

Subiaco Resources...WA Women's Hall Of Fame.

Recently the State Library of Western Australia's official Facebook page published this post on the WA Women's Hall of Fame. 

Some of the women who had made major contributions to Subiaco and the State of Western Australia are on the WA Women's Hall of Fame 'Roll of Honour' Board and include Agnes Robertson - 2011 (Senator for Western Australia), Roseann Fuhrmann MBE - 2017 (WA's first woman Justice of the Peace in 1933 and the first woman councilor for Subiaco) and Dame Annie Florence Gillies Cardell-Oliver - 2012 (member of parliament for Subiaco).

The post is from the State Library of Western Australia's official Facebook page. No copyright infringement intended. 

"THE DAILY SNIPPET

169 remarkable women have been inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame between 2011-2017. However very few personal records of the life and achievements of these women are available for access through the State Library of Western Australia.

Family, friends and colleagues of these women can help the State Library capture the stories of the remarkable contributions these women of influence have made to the economic, social and cultural fabric of Western Australia. Donations of original photographs, documents, diaries, personal correspondence and records are welcomed. 

For more information go to - https://slwa.wa.gov.au/.../finding-herstory-169...

To view the WA Women’s Hall of Fame inductees go to - http://www.wawomenshalloffame.com.au "

I Was Born Here Too... King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco.

I Was Born Here Too... King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco.

Recently the State Library of Western Australia's official Facebook page shared a post about King Edward Memorial Hospital in Subiaco for International Women's Day and photographs of the nurses who worked there over the years. 

Members of public provided some wonderful insights into their experiences at the hospital via the comments section, either as staff who worked there in a range of positions or women and families who had their children there. I was born there in 1963.  

The post is from the State Library of Western Australia's official Facebook page. The photograph of student nurses in 1912 is from the Western Australian Historical Society official online webpage.  No copyright infringement intended. 

"...THE FACES OF KING EDWARD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Today is International Women's Day and an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women.

Did you know that the King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women (KEMH) was the fruit of a Committee of Western Australian women? In the early 1900's Edith Cowan, Chair Deborah Hackett and others, successfully lobbied to secure the establishment of a maternity home to serve the needs of the WA.

Buildings formerly used as a Government Industrial School in Subiaco, were converted into a hospital. Its design and equipment following the most modern ideas.

When KEMH opened in June 1916, it consisted of special reception and delivery rooms, and wards accommodating up to 20 beds. There was also an operating theatre, an isolation ward for infectious cases, comfortable nurses quarters, a fine orchard and kitchen garden.

The hospital cared for "indigent mothers" and "women in happier circumstances." Those in a position to pay for accommodation and treatment did so - a fixed fee of £3 3s for 14 days' residence, and 6s per day thereafter. KEMH also served as the state training school in midwifery. 

In its first year KEMH delivered 304 babies. After a baby was born it was weighed, dressed and put into a white cot until the mother was well enough to be moved to the wards. In the ward she lay with her baby swung onto a cot at the end of the bed. Baby's clothes were provided in the hospital and included a soft woollen singlet and tucked creme flannelette gown.

Today KEMH oversees around 6000 births each year and cares for more than 5,000 women with gynaecological conditions. All thanks to the vision and determination of a group of West Australian women over 100 years ago. 

Do you have memories of KEMH to share? Perhaps you were a patient, worked or were even born there! 

Gallery - Portraits of Pupil Midwives at King Edward Memorial Hospital 1969 - from the State Library's Stevenson, Kinder and Scott Collection. 

ABC Perth The West Australian PerthNow WAtoday.com.au Multiple Birth Association for Western Australia Nursing and Midwifery in Western Australia North Metropolitan Health Service King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women Notre Dame Nursing Society Fremantle Curtin University: Nursing and Midwifery Building Midwives Perth Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Perth Mums Group."

Group of student nurses standing outside King Edward Memorial Hospital in 1912.

Subiaco...Some Online Resources.

Subiaco...Some Online Resources. 

Recently the State Library of Western Australia's official Facebook page began to feature Perth suburbs. The post shares some resources including some history and photographs contained in the collections about each suburb. The inner city suburb of Subiaco was featured. 

Members of the public who had a connection with the Subiaco shared some wonderful insights into their family history in the various houses in the streets around Subiaco. 

There are over 800 photographs of Subiaco in their collection. Some of those were shared with the article. Some of those photographs were copied below that reflected the roles of women and included children. 

The was post and photographs were copied from the State Library of Western Australia official Facebook page. No copyright infringement intended. 

"..Have you ever heard of, been to or lived in Subiaco? Let us take you there...Your State Library is featuring WA suburbs and regional towns on its Facebook Page. It's an opportunity to share stories photographs and connect with old friends. Share your memories in the comment section of this post. 

The area now known as Subiaco was home to the Noongar Aboriginal peoples, thousands of years before a group of Benedictine monks settled in the area in 1851.

They called their monastery 'New Subiaco' after the birthplace of the Benedictine Order in Italy. They planted olive trees and fruit orchards. Today an olive branch is symbolised on the City’s Coat of Arms.

The ‘New’ was dropped when the Perth-Fremantle Railway was opened in 1881 and a station built for the convenience of the monastery, was simply named 'Subiaco.' 

A cluster of houses and businesses grew around the station and ass land was more affordable than in the suburb of Perth, more new settlers followed setting up light industry and retail.

Subiaco was proclaimed a municipality in 1897 and became the City of Subiaco in 1952.

Today the origins of Subiaco’s street names convey much about its history. From an array of government figures, sporting identities, business people, flora and industries, as well as people and places that are reminders of distant homelands.

Share your memories of Subiaco here and enjoy these images from the State Library's collection..."

ABC Perth The Vic, Subiaco Irish Club Western Australia City of Subiaco The Post Newspaper Western Suburbs Weekly

E.A. Lums & Co Cash Grocers and Provision Merchants, Subiaco Photograph | 1916. Available at Online (Call number: 005346D)





J.T. Warson's grocery store in Hay Street, Subiaco Walker, Charles, 1869-1920, Photograph | 1906. Available at Online (Call number: BA1200/362)

Subiaco Post Office Photograph | 1942. Available at Online (Call number: BA1289/153)





Home of Edward Stephen Hart, York Street, Subiaco Hart, Edward Stephen, 1876-1956, Photograph | approximately 1905. Available at Online (Call number: 066749PD)

Charles Lums and his staff in front of E.A. Lums & Co Grocers and Provision Merchants, Subiaco
Photograph | 1938. Available at Online (Call number: 095481P





Subiaco City Library Kos, Fritz. Photograph | 1971. Available at Online (Call number: 224028PD)