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Oral History

Oral History - Arthur Co...
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City of Sydney oral history collection, 1982 - ongoing

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Our City

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Oral History - Arthur Cox, 1996

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Unique IDOH-000917SeriesCity of Sydney oral history collection, 1982 - ongoingInterviewerMargaret ParkProject namePyrmont Ultimo (Doors were always open)ThemeOur CityDate of interview22nd July 1996FormatAudio - CassetteSummary of interviewArthur Cox’s father moved to Pyrmont in 1919 for work at Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR), as did most of his 10 siblings.

Arthur’s mother had also worked in the area. He recalls her having big wash days to accommodate her large family and regularly having to do it all again because of soot from the nearby factories.

With the onset of the Depression, Arthur lost his job at the GPO. In 1934, at the age of 16, his father recommended him for a job at CSR. Arthur discusses the various roles he held over the years, including his work in the laboratories, where he was involved in monitoring the quality of sugar crystals and golden syrup.

Arthur reflects on the strong sense of mateship among the local community. He recalls that people living in Pyrmont generally worked in the wool stores, timber yards, on the wharves or at CSR.

He fondly remembers the entertainment and social activities that were part of life in Pyrmont, including the CSR sugar workers’ picnic as a highlight, saying there would be races, ice creams and lollies. Dixieland dances were another popular form of entertainment, while swimming at the Pyrmont Baths was a major part of local life.LanguageEnglish (eng)Digitised recordYesBorn digital itemNo

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