She was a widow who had very sadly lost her first husband and baby within weeks of one another in 1931/2 and then her mother in 1933 (read their sad story here)
During those years she was living at 10 Molesworth Street, North Melbourne.
I can't find her first husband or her in any of the electoral rolls until after she married my grandfather.
Perhaps "Home Duties" meant she was a housekeeper or domestic help of some sort at the hospital.
If anyone has any thoughts or clues I would be grateful.
I reckon you're right Kerryn, in that your Grandmother was most likely a domestic worker in the hospital. I've seen examples of this in UK Census records. Hope this helps and wonder what others think? Cheerio, for now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your help Catherine it's much appreciated
DeleteMy firat thought, after nurse, was cook or cleaner perhaps in exchange for free bed and board and. few quid. Does the hospital still exist?
ReplyDeletePauleen Bethesda was a Salvation Army Hospital. I do have a Salvo friend who may be able to help me find out if any records are available.
DeleteWikipedia says "In 1998 Epworth Hospital acquired Bethesda Hospital from The Salvation Army. Bethesda, meaning "place of healing" was originally opened in 1906 for the care of the sick and needy in Richmond and Collingwood.
I wonder if she had fallen on hard times? I've found similar situations where many generations have congregated under the one roof during the 1930s. Ours were in Fitzroy.
ReplyDeletethanks for your input Fi that is quite possible too, I do have a lead to follow up, hopefully in the not to distant future.
ReplyDelete