WHILE writing my book “Marsh Road” I was to learn, in great depth, the way of life experienced by the residents of Bobs Farm in the early days of the community.
Recording interviews with Eric Holliday and his brother Gordon was a part of the writing journey.
Eric, the youngest son of five children, remembered attending Bobs Farm school in 1928 when a single teacher looked after six classes.
“Every time a car went past everyone would jump up and run to a window,” he said.
“Only three cars went past.”
At home, a normal day for the seven-year-old was to rise at 5am and collect sticks and ferns to light the fire.
Then he would gather the chook eggs before walking off to school along the Marsh Road, returning at dusk.
Eric had his first job when he was eight-years-old walking people over the sandhills to see the wreck of the “Uralla” for the princely sum of sixpence.
At 10 years of age, he had to feed the calves.
There was no shortage of animals on the farm with chooks, ducks, turkeys, cows, a horse, a dog and some rosellas.
Eric also had a large vegetable garden.
He left school at 14 years to work on the farm.
His leisure activities included surfing, fishing, playing competitive tennis and attending dances at the local hall.
“As a family we used to celebrate all the events that were on at the school,” Eric said.
“Everyone would gather at Bobs Farm Hall for Christmas concerts, parties, meetings, Sunday School and Church meetings.
“The main thing is all our community would come to every function.
“All the families along Marsh Road knew one another very closely.
“The community helped, whether in sickness or trouble, on the farm or anything at all.
“It was a typical down-to-earth community.”
A young Eric was later introduced by his sister to Wilga Maurine English (nicknamed Billie), a nurse at Newcastle Hospital.
Their friendship blossomed and they were married in January 1945.
The couple raised five children and during their lifetime were able to visit Yorkshire, the home of Eric’s father.
A very well-respected couple, Billie and Eric celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1955.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
