Hilda Oakes

Karridale 22nd September 1928 Hilda Oakes wed Ronald Friedrich on this day. How the courtship began or where they met I have no recollection of ever being told. My fist recollections from a personal point of view was being in Hicks Street, Gosnells. I believe Uncle Cyril, Aunty Agnes and their four children Maggie, Ida, Bert and Gordon resided there. I also remember the most beuatiful rose bed that Granddad had planted. At that time he was working for Dawson's, whose expertise was in roses.

Further recollections were then focused around 66 Bulwer Street Perth.

My Father was an extremely intelligent man, with many accomlishments. Although he worked in the Titles Office, he was also an accountant and had a small practice, as the little room on the front verandah at Bulwer Street was used as an office. He was a fine pianist and he even had a band which played at some dances (they practised many a time at home) this was quite possibly his undoing as even in those days they had their followers, although some times, we as a family, also attended some of these dances. A framed degree in Agriculture took pride of place over the fireplace in the lounge, perhaps with this he thought he would take his chances in farming in Western Australia. Who hnows! During the war he was an A.R.P. warden.He had a dickie eye and therfore was unfit for service.

Charles (dec'd), Rose and myself, Suzanne, were all born in Karridale, a delightful little town which was rased to the ground by bushfires in the 60's I think. -New Karridale in on the main road down to Augusta.

I believe we lived in Harvey for a time before moving to Perth and thence on to Bulwer Street.

For as long as I can remember Granddad lived with us apart from2 sojourne - one to live with Uncle Pick (Harold) in Claisebrook Road and the other time for a few weeks the Christmas befor he died at cousin Mick's place in Bedford. From there was taken to Royal Perth Hospital whene he was ill and in the following Augusat passed away. However even that had a twist to it, because he predicted his own death.

Colin and I always visited him on a Sunday, and on this particular Sunday we were unable to go. I suggested we miss the day but Colin siad no, that we would visit him on the Friday night after work instead. We both worked at the Taxation Department in those days so after a bit of tea we went to the hospital. Granddad was quite articulate as always, except he said that last night "they" came aand visited him and said "they" were coming at 1:00pm the next day to take him to Ascot. In those days there was a convalescent home in Ascot and at first I though that this was what he was talking about, so I thought I would check with the Sister who informed me that No, he was not going. Returning to Granddad, I once again asked him about going to Ascot, and he replied "Girl", "they" definitely said "they" were coming to get me tomorrow at 1:00pm to take me to Ascot. I believe when he was young he used to play on an estate ia Ascot, England and I now think that this is to where he was referring

When I left the Hospital I remarked to Colin that Graddad was going to pass away the next day at 1:00pm. Subsequently when I got home I also told my mother. I do not think either believed me; however, the next day, when I arrived home from Basketball, Cousin Mickey was there and I walked in and siad "Granddad passed away at 1:00pm didn't he?" And so it came to pass. I am unable to remember the date other than it was a Saturday.

After moving to Bulwer St Bob (Robert), Ruby, Paddy (Patricia), Yvonne. Peter and Van were all born in King Edward Memorial Hospital. I have no recollection of Barry's birth. Apart from Charles who died as a baby in Karridale and Bob who passed away with cancer on the 21st April 1997 all are alive and well and living in WA.

On the 12th February 1942 Father had our surname changed by Deed Poll from Friederich to the anglicized version Fredericks, in later years I was told it was due to the war.

Life was not easy in those days; father was in my point of view a very strict and cruel man who lived by the code that "children should be seen and not heard" and "spare the rod and spoil the child". Many the time Bob and I were on the receiving end of the long handle clothes brush. I guess we must not have abided by the rules.

When he finally separated from mother life was a lot easier all round - not from a monetary point of view but from a less disciplined way of life.

Rose was married from Bulwer Street and the rest of us were later to live in the State Housing flats at Belmont in the 50's, until housed. Rent control had been lifted and many families were unable to find the extra cash to pay higher rents and therefore, like us, were evicted. Granddad came also.

We all gradually married or moved on and led different lives.

Myself - I wed Colin Dolman on the 09/03/1957 and in 1961 Colin was transferred to work at Australia House London, for 3 years. We were very fortunate in meeting with Aunty Beatrice during that period of time. We had three children - Russell John born 23/07/1960 in King Edward Memorial Hospital, Joanne Lee born 08/01/1964 at Farnborough Hospital Kent England and Craig Anthony born on the 05/01/1969 at the Canberra Hospital. We lived in the A.C.T. from Jan '65 till Feb '79 where we came to the conclusion that moving seemed to generate another baby so we stayed put for some time and moved back to WA in 1979.

We have met met up with another branch of the Oakes clan - Aunty Maggie's grandson John Murray, now residing in WA. This is another story but the outcome of it was meeting of brother and sister who had never met or spoken to each other. James (Jimmy) Murray who lives in the UK and Phyllis Murray De Garcia, her daughter Meg and Meg's two sons were united when Phyllis visited the UK in July 1999. Colin and I also met them and it was a very emotional visit. They are a delightful family and I look forward to introducing you to them.