Published on Tuesday, 1 October 2024 at 8:00:00 AM

Welcome back to #TimeWarpTuesday and to Part Two of our photographic stroll back to Read Street, East Victoria Park in the 1940's and 50's. 

Barbara Walker (nee Ford) and her brother Barry Ford grew up at 7 Read Street, East Victoria Park. The streets back then were a little less busy and there was a lot more scrub around, as can be seen in the photos of early 1942 and an 18-month-old Barry, playing in the sand. This being the front yard of the family home in Read Street. In the background of the photo, you can see a lot of scrub heading towards Oats Street and Rutland Avenue in the distance. In the scrubby scene you can see a few buildings and the roof of a house poking out! 

What childhood fun is evident on the faces of Barry as he make-believes being a train driver, all the while his sister Barbara seems to be trying to alight from a moving train! 

What wonderful memories captured in these photographs. Remember, if you have family photos that tell part of the story of Victoria Park and surrounds, we’d love to hear from you. We can scan and return originals and also offer hints and tips on storage to preserve your family treasures. Or indeed, if you would like to donate original photographs, or other items, please get in touch. We protect and honour the stories, photographs and other items about Victoria Park that you share with us, as they are precious gifts that help us document our shared history for future generations. 

You can reach out to us here at the Library, via email: vicparklibrary@vicpark.wa.gov.au, you can phone: 08 9373 5500, or drop in and see us. Also, don’t forget the 2025 Local History Awards open for submissions on 3 January 2025 providing a wonderful opportunity to also share your story of Victoria Park and surrounds. 

#LoveVicPark

PH00038-10 Barbara and Barry Ford playing in the backyard of 7 Read St, East Victoria Park, 1949. Courtesy of Barbara Walker.

Back to All News