Some Mother Stories From Subiaco... (1940's and 1950's).
The following two stories from Subiaco about mothers and their children were published in newspapers during the 1940's and 1950's. I will just let the stories speak for themselves without judgement.
The articles and photographs are from Trove, the database of National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intend.
Sunday Times, 3 May 1953.
Helps Son Sell Papers
You could describe her as an inspiring example of mother devotion Mrs. Annie O'Brien and her son.
For years she has helped her incapacitated son to sell his newspapers. Next Sunday is Mother's Day.
So let's introduce you to 71-y-o Mrs. Annie O'Brien.
We snapped her yesterday selling papers on an hotel corner in Subiaco to assist her deaf and dumb son.
Each afternoon the old lady travels from Park-street, Subiaco, to the corner of Hay-street. and Rokeby-road to help son Norman Charles, 41, (well-known in the district) who has a stand there.
She receives no pay.
Close pals, the two live together and mother has tended son deaf, dumb and crippled since birth.
Daily News, 18 July 1946.
Deserted By Her Young Mother.
Margaret Rose, (picture above) is a brown-eyed, vivacious little girl who was left at St. Vincent's Foundling Home Subiaco, when she was 12 days old. She is two now, but her mother has not called for her.
Her mother was a 17-year-old girl when she first asked the Sisters of Mercy for help. They received her there, cared for her six months before her baby was born. When, she left hospital, she was welcomed back to the home and her baby was accepted in the nursery.
Later, the home found her a good job. At first it was thought that Margaret Rose could be adopted and go to a good home where a couple who loved babies would welcome her. But it was discovered that she was not suitable for adoption.
Since her mother deserted her, St. Vincent's Foundling Home has been entirely responsible for her. No one pays for Margaret Rose. Her mother did promise to pay something for her keep, but it was only a promise.
Now the child is old enough to leave the nursery, she is in the toddlers' home, attends the home kindergarten every morning. Although her relatives have been asked, to come to see her, they do not show any interest, do not visit her.
But she won't lack love and care. St Vincent's Foundling Home and St Joseph's Orphanage will care for her until she is educated and trained to work according to her own wish.
Tomorrow, St Joseph's Orphanage and St Vincent's Foundling Home, Subiaco, will, for the first time in their history, appeal to the public in city, streets.
