Darebin Memories - Oral history transcripts

Oral histories

These collections of oral histories reflect the lives of average working people living in Darebin in the 1930's, 40s and 50s.   Their stories reflect their shared experiences and values.   It also reflects the primarily white, Anglo-Saxon composition of Darebin during those years.

The first oral history project was undertaken in the 1980s by the Northcote Historical and Conservation Society.  Much thanks goes to Arthur and Jesse Howard who took such a leading role in coordinating these interviews.

These largely centred on residents in Alphington, Fairfield and Northcote. 

In the 1990s more oral histories were acquired, primarily from Preston and Reservoir in a joint project between the Preston Historical Society and Preston Library Service. 

In recent years Darebin Libraries has conducted more interviews, capturing the voices of people who lived in Darebin in the 1940s and 50s.  

We will continue to collect oral histories to ensure that we capture the voices of all generations that live, work and play in Darebin

Preston and Reservoir in the 1930s' and 40s

Recently the library completed another round of oral history interviews and collected a range of stories of Preston and Reservoir in the 1940s and 50s.