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Oral History

Oral History - Ernie Gre...
- Interview audio - ...
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Series

City of Sydney oral history collection, 1982 - ongoing

Collection

Our City

Organisation

Sydney City Council

Related items

Pictures for cities: a visual history of South Sydney project: Aboriginal history, 1984

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Oral History - Ernie Green and Ivy De Groen, 1983

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Unique IDOH-000044SeriesCity of Sydney oral history collection, 1982 - ongoingInterviewerGeoff WearyProject namePictures for Cities - Geoff Weary CollectionThemeOur CityDate of interview26th July 1983Date qualifierexactFormatAudio - CassetteSummary of interviewErnie Green grew up in South Sydney, spending his early years in Campsie, Petersham and Rockdale. He began work at Wunderlich in 1920, when he was 14 years old, and describes it as a ‘very fine company to work for… just like a big family really.’ The company produced pressed metal ceilings, domes for buildings such as Grace Bros and the Presbyterian Church in Macquarie Street, and roof tiles. Starting as an office boy, Ernie then made his way up through the cost department, studying accountancy, and then becoming Assistant Works Manager. He describes production processes at the factory, including the making of a stamped steel ceiling.

Ivy De Groen also participated in the interview, revealing that while she worked for the company for 26 years, she experienced different working conditions to the male employees, including not getting superannuation. Additionally the women did not have access to company sporting teams and recreational activities that were available to, and subsidised, for men.

Ernie describes feeling unhappy the day that he found out that Wunderlich was being taken over by CSR, and recalls the day the Redfern factory closed months later, which he deems ‘the end of Wunderlich’s.’

Ernie and Ivy recall proudly walking through Sydney streets, noticing where Wunderlich’s windows and pressed metal can be seen on buildings.LanguageEnglish (eng)Digitised recordYesBorn digital itemNo

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