Published on Tuesday, 2 December 2025 at 5:49:31 PM
Welcome to #TimeWarpTuesday, where today we are back in the January heat of 1933! We feature this week one of the photographs entered in the 2025 Local History Awards.
Photographic Memories
Entrants to the category can be from any time period in history, they must be taken in the Town of Victoria Park and not be photographs already held in the Town of Victori Park Local History Collection. For each photograph entered the entrant is required to answer some set questions about the photograph including details on who is in the photograph and any other additional information such as whey the photograph was taken (if known) and the location of the photograph etc.
Today we bring to you a photograph entered by, and here after described by Sharon Mitchell.
‘A Carefree Summer Day During the Dark Depression Years’
PH00487-01 A Carefree Summers Day During the Dark Depression Years. Entered into the 2025 Local History Awards by Sharon Mitchell.
This image is a photo taken on an iPhone of the original photo which was scanned after entries closed and is in the collection at PH00487-02.
Local History Collection, Town of Victoria Park Library Service.
Name of the person who took the photograph(s), if known?
Eliza "Poppy" Johnstone DARGIE 1907-1982
Date when it was taken?
01/01/1933
Where was it taken?
Como Beach
Who is in the photograph?
The family of Alexander John Spark DARGIE Snr 1876-1960 and Jessie Ann Kinnear (Kydd) DARGIE 1878-1941 - Scottish immigrants from Broughty Ferry who arrived Western Australia in 1913 and were early residents of Lot 1297 Sydenham Street, "Bickford Gardens", Victoria Park.
Back L-R:
Andrew "Andy" Gibson KERR 1911-1973 (son)
Thomas Arthur SPOONER 1898-1989 (son-in-law)
Jessie Ann Kinnear (Dargie) HOLMES 1909-1996 (daughter - my grandmother)
William "Bill" Edward HOLMES 1910-1993 (son-in-law - my grandfather)
Margaret "Meg" Ann Kinnear (Dargie) SPOONER 1900-1982 (daughter)
Alexander "Alec" John Spark DARGIE Jnr 1904-1968 (son)
Front L-R:
Margaret Myrtle HOLMES 1931-living (grand daughter)
Jessie Alma HOLMES (to become Inman) 1929-2024 (grand daughter - my mother)
In which direction was the photograph taken?
West
Do you know what is in the background?
Swan River and Matilda Bay
Do you know why the photograph was taken?
Probably as a memory of a happy family day spent swimming and picnicking
What additional information can you give about this photograph?
This photograph, taken in early 1933 by my Great-Aunt Poppy, shows the Dargie family siblings, in-laws and grand daughters so happy, enjoying each other's company on a carefree summer’s day. The world, at this time, was gripped by the Great Depression with work, food and money hard to come by. The family, although not well off, were hard working and resourceful and the break from the daily grind of life would have been welcomed. After a long, hot journey by horse and cart from their homes in Carlisle, a swim at Como Beach would have been cool and refreshing. Swimsuits were knitted from thick, itchy wool that was heavy to swim in and took forever to dry. The little girls’ swimsuits were in a shade of red, with their blouses and hats providing some protection from the harsh sun. A picnic, consisting of sandwiches, fruit cake and tea, would have been enjoyed before starting the journey home.
What condition is your photograph in? (several options available to choose from)
Fair
Has this photograph been enhanced or altered?
Yes
If yes, please describe:
Photo of the original photo taken on an iPhone. Original photo is available upon request should that be helpful [Note, the original was borrowed and scanned for the collection also, hence the two photo numbers PH00487-01 and PH00487-02].
-End of photograph entry description-
The Judges awarded Sharon’s entry an Honourable Mention as they loved how it captured multiple generations of the same family, recent migrants from the rather colder climate of Scotland, enjoying a summer swim. They also admired the picture for its depiction in terms of fashion history and were intrigued by the younger children in front having shirts underneath their bathers – was this a precursor of the ‘Slip-Slop-Slap’ campaign?!? A sensible precaution in any time period for sure.
Display Cover Page for Sharon’s entry into the Photographic Memories category of the 2025 Local History Awards
Have you got an old photo or two you’d like to share? Or perhaps you’ve taken a photo in more recent times that showcases part of Victoria Park in some way? We would love to see it. All year around we are happy to receive donations and can always scan and return originals as required. You may also like to get ready and prepare an entry for the 2027 Local History Awards. Either way, I hope you feel encouraged to protect, conserve and share our wonderful stories.
We Need You to help preserve our local history, so please consider how you can get involved…
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via telephone: 08 9373 5500, email: vicparklibrary@vicpark.wa.gov.au, by mail: PO Box 1109, East Victoria Park WA 6981 or in person at 27 Sussex Street, East Victoria Park.
#LoveVicPark
PH00487-02 A Carefree Summer Day During the Dark Depression Years (exact copy of original photograph)
Local History Collection, Town of Victoria Park Library Service.
Back to All News