John (Jack) Lester McBurney Oral History

Main

DescriptionThis interview consists of seven audio recordings and transcripts. John (Jack) Lester McBurney was interviewed on 27 July 2002 at the Whitlam Library, Cabramatta by Marilyn Oshana.
Interview SummaryJack was born John Lester McBurney on 9 January 1926, however he was always known as Jack. His birth took place above his father’s store at Cabramatta and he was delivered by the local midwife, Nurse Crossland. He had two older sisters Joyce and Merle and his father owned a large general store, McBurney’s, which employed approximately 9 people. The store sold a wide range of goods and many items were delivered by bicycle or horse and cart. Later they used a truck.

Jack's education was at Beecroft and Cabramatta Public Schools and his high school years were completed at Parramatta High. He met his wife to be, Corrine Jean Langford, in 1948 and married her at St James Presbyterian Church at Burwood. Both were 25 and they subsequently had three children: Roselyn, John and Megan.

Much of the McBurney's stock for sale came in to the railway stations by train where it was picked up and brought to the store. There it was sorted and bagged ready for sale or dispatched to various customers. The store sold a huge variety of goods including bulk heavy produce such as rice, sugar and potatoes. Wood for stoves and coppers was also home delivered as were household goods and foods.

He also tells of how one obtained milk, eggs and fruit and vegetables from shops or market gardens. Bread, ice and other everyday items were home delivered.

Jack, at the time of the interview showed a remarkable memory and told of the nearby blacksmith’s and gives a comprehensive story of horse racing and training at Warwick Farm. One horse trainer mentioned was Ike Andrews who owned a large stable in the area. Others were Cecil Batty and Albert Wood.

Jack and his friends swam often at local venues and his story of riding horses through water as part of their training was most interesting. He also swam at Hoy’s Beach on the Georges River and at Willows on Cabramatta Creek near where Cabramatta High School now stands. Other swimming areas were Pat’s, Hollywood Pleasure Grounds and Magic Kingdom among others.

Much of Jack's childhood was during the Great Depression. He describes the way of life at that time where many men were out of work and on Relief. Hundreds of men worked in local areas however many were forced to travel into the country for work in order to survive. He also tells of working in his father’s store as a child and taking Relief coupons given by the government to people to pay for goods which they needed. Many ran up their bills as they could not afford to pay. Some would later pay when things became better.

Jack’s father was Mayor of Cabramatta on various occasions and Jack’s mother acted as Mayoress as his support. His mother had a flair for handcrafts and also worked as a florist mostly making funeral wreaths and bouquets for functions. Jack and his wife later moved away from this City to Beecroft in 1960.

His memory of local shops, banks and post offices was remarkable as was his memory of doctors and chemists and other local businesses. He remembers buildings where dances and euchre was regularly held. He also describes the various Friendly Societies which were formed at that time of the 30s, 40s and 50s. He joined the Masonic Lodge in 1949 and also served as juror in local courts.

Jack saw first hand the influx of post World War Two migrants and later those from South East Asia. He details how they lived initially in barracks and hostels and worked hard and later built their own homes. He also remembers how they integrated into the area and introduced their national foods and customs.

Jack has a very detailed memory of policing in the area and also of sports played over the years. He gives a wonderful picture of every aspect of his life in the Fairfield and Cabramatta areas as well as those who lived here.

Transcript

Interview Transcript - John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 7

Interview Transcript - John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 6

Interview Transcript - John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 5

Interview Transcript - John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 4

Interview Transcript - John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 3

Interview Transcript - John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 2

Interview Transcript - John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 1

Audio

Interview with John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 7

Interview with John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 6

Interview with John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 5

Interview with John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 4

Interview with John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 3

Interview with John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 2

Interview with John (Jack) Lester McBurney - Part 1

Photograph

McBurney's Commercial Store

The McBurney family, Cabramatta

Corinne McBurney riding a horse, Bundanoon NSW, 1946

Jack McBurney on horse Trinket

Jack and Joyce McBurney

John (Jack) Lester McBurney Oral History

Details

IntervieweeJohn (Jack) Lester McBurneyInterviewerMarilyn OshanaDate of interview27/07/2002DurationTotal interview: 2:55:16Transcripts availableYesRightsFairfield City CouncilAccess ConditionsAccess open for research, written permission required for personal copies and public use

Connections

Oral History ProjectThe Way We Were - People of FairfieldAll Oral HistoriesPeopleMcBurney Family