Mayblooms and Cherrybobs Oral History Project: The Great Depression Years

The Great Depression Years The Great Depression was a period of hardship and suffering for many throughout Hawthorn. Widespread unemployment and lack of work left families in financial strife. Soup kitchens were set up to feed those in need, and welfare payments of seven shillings and sixpence were distributed from the Hawthorn Town Hall. Listen to the resident's stories to hear what it was like to live throughout the Great Depression and how the Hawthorn Town Hall played a significant role in supporting the community.  Participants William Wallace Max Yunghanns Walter Jona Esther Rofe Violet Turner Eva Martin Mabel Holzer Frank Ireland Fred Thorpe Archibald MacDonald George Martin Lorna Lewis Kit Rowe Vincent Greaves Ernest Dixon InterviewersJohn Hill Rene Papas Marianne Pierce Please consider the conversations in these recordings are of the time and contain themes of strong language war, violence and mental health. Parental guidance is recommended for 12 years and under, and there is a mild language warning. Image:  Red Cross work in Hawthorn Taking soup and dainties to Base Hospital in 1915. pictured from left to right: Mrs Sammons, Secretary, Hawthorn Branch, Red Cross; Matron McMahon of Red Cross Kitchen; Miss Alice McCulloch in her car; Mrs Percy Russell, Mayoress of Hawthorn. Original donated by Mrs Ellen Worth (nee Sammons)