Marion Weir

RECLAIMING BALWYN: BACKGROUND

The author’s intention in writing this work was to reclaim the Balwyn of her youth and while doing so to write a social history which would resonate with readers who had grown up in other Melbourne suburbs during the post-war period.

“Children growing up in early twentieth century Melbourne developed a familiarity with their areas which probably remains unsurpassed; the DNA of our suburbs was imprinted on the soles of our feet. We walked, we roller skated our way over uneven concrete, we rode our bikes on roads with little traffic, for miles and miles in every direction – we roamed, we explored, we belonged.”

From early school days to finding suitable employment; to purchasing on lay-by, strap hanging to the city by tram and town hall dances, the writer hopes that her reminiscences of the 1940’s/50’s reflect the collective experiences of many growing up in suburban Melbourne at this time. She also hopes that those of later generations will enjoy a brief respite from the current hurly-burly to a time of simplicity, free of the aspirations and pressures of modern life.