Subiaco Snaps (1906).
While there are many extraordinary stories about women and children (and men) from Subiaco, one of the most interesting topics is the ordinariness of the lives recorded in the early newspapers of Western Australia.
Recently one of those stories about Subiaco in 1906 from the State Library of Western Australia was shared on their Facebook page. The post is copied below. The post also contained some wonderful photographs from the Yeates family who lived at 441 Rokeby Road, Subiaco in the collection.
The next blog post is about the Yeates family.
The post and photographs are from the State Library of Western Australia's official Facebook page. No copyright infringement intended.
"SUBIACO SNAPS
In 1906 the Yeates family lived at 441 Rokeby Road in Subiaco, near the intersection of Thomas Street.
The family home 'Breffni' was rather a delightful one as evident in these photographs from the Yeates family album. Comfortably furnished, it boasted a fine verandah, an extensive garden for entertaining, and even a lookout.
So what was it like to live in Subiaco in 1906? The Express newspaper's column 'Subiaco Snaps' sharing little snippets of life in Subiaco, gives us a wonderful insight...
"The work of asphalting Rokeby Road and Hay Street paths is to be proceeded with at once."
"The health officer has condemned the tank water at Subiaco State School. For some days there were complaints as to the quality of water used by the pupils. Examination revealed the presence of a dead cat and five dead pigeons."
"For garden seeds, try the paint shop, where Mrs. Williams has fall stock."
"Mr. T.C. Wadson has completed the renovation of the Subiaco Hotel, and Host Murphy has the house in A1 trim. Mr. Wadson is in his new shop and is ready to take on anything in the line of house decoration and repairs."
"On Wednesday a plain and fancy dress ball by the juveniles connected with St. Andrew's Church was held at the King's Hall. As those in authority preferred to furnish a detailed report to a city paper, we are unable to give particulars."
"Persons desirous of selling houses and land are requested to send particulars to the Subiaco Property Exchange, corner Rokeby, and Bagot Road immediately opposite the Post Office."
"On Tuesday, much interest was taken locally in a bolt. The fractious gee-gee careered around the principal streets for some time and collided with a sulky. The damage was only slight."
"Mrs. Silvester's seventh annual plain and fancy dress ball with take place in the King's Hall, Wednesday, October 17th. Sheridan's Band will supply the music. Supper will be provided, and one of the best dancing floors. A pleasant evening is anticipated."
"The Municipal garden seats have been stored to avoid wetting. Result - residents can sit on wet grass and contract all sorts of complaints. Is the Council catering for medical commissions?"
"Gulley Bros. tender, £1,480, has been accepted for the erection of the first section of the Anglican Church, Barker Road."
"Yesterday morning a heavily laden lorry of wood got stuck in the sand on Barker Road and the work of digging it out amused a large group of unemployed."
"On Friday evening a Miss Crane was seized with a hysterical attack in the Church of Christ and was moved to her home in the Fire Brigade ambulance."
"Messrs, Keener, and Co, fishmongers, Rokeby Road had a view on "Ally Sloper," (a British comic character) in the shape of a schnapper head presenting most peculiar features. The representation provided quite a draw."
"Mr. H. Gould is finally leaving the corner he has been for some years, and today intends to clear out his stock or drapery at prices never before seen in Subiaco."
"Plans have been completed for the West Subiaco Station, and the Minister is to inspect the locality and fix the site within the next couple of weeks."
"Much progress has been made with the new fire station, which is now ready to house the horse reel. The work of installing the alarms is well in hand. A fine switchboard of polished cedar has already been placed in position."
"The continued whizz of a saw on Barker Road frequently catches the ear of passers-by. It comes from McDonald's wood yard, where stacks of dry wood are ready for the house stove."
Gallery - 'Breffni' at 441 Rokeby Road in Subiaco
Yeates collection of photographs
Yeates, C.S.S. (Charles Samuel Sparks), 1872-1961,
Photograph | 1898-1899.
Available at 3rd Floor Pictorial (Call number: 27951P-27972P (Vol. 214))
ABC Perth PerthNow - Western Suburbs PerthNow Subiaco Library Subiaco Library and Museum City of Subiaco Mayor David McMullen, City of Subiaco Museum of Perth Heritage Perth History Council of Western Australia..." (State Library of Western Australia, 18 June 2022).
BA3491/21: View from Rokeby Road east over Thomas Street and the entrance to Kings Park at Saw Avenue, Subiaco, ca.1905.
"Probably taken from the lookout at Breffni, home of astronomer and photographer C.S.S. Yeates at 441 Rokeby Road, Subiaco which is pictured at BA3491/79. Yeates' home was on the corner of Rokeby Rd and Keightley Road which the right place to be the location this photograph was taken from. The old lodge at the entrance can be clearly seen. There is a tram at the Subiaco Tram Terminus. A closer view of the tram terminus with the lodge and entrance to Kings Park behind it is published in the Western Mail 12/5/1906, p.27 with details looking very similar to this image dating it to about the same time."
BA3491/77: Breffni home of C.S.S. Yeates, 441 Rokeby Road, Subiaco, 1899.
