Kenneth William Morris Oral History (1932 - 2003)

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DescriptionThis interview consists of four audio recordings and transcripts. Kenneth William Morris was interviewed on 6 March 2002 at the Whitlam Library, Cabramatta by Shirley Kingsford McLeod.
Interview SummaryKen was born in 1932 and has lived in the Fairfield area for his entire life. Ken grew up in a weatherboard home in Carrington Street, Fairfield (now part of the Horsley Drive). He attended Fairfield Public School where he has memories of playing in the paddock and talking with the railway workers. He went to Parramatta Junior High School and left with the Intermediate Certificate at the age of 15. He worked in a shop before joining his father and brothers in the family scrap metal business. In 1964 Ken started work for BM and G as a truck driver transporting goods.

Ken and his wife, Fay, are keen golfers. Ken also enjoys cricket. Ken has one son and one daughter, and three granddaughters.

As a child, Ken’s family took holidays to Manly. Later Ken and his wife also spent holidays there. He enjoyed activities including swimming, fishing, dancing and having bonfires. He remembers aspects of the wartime era, especially rationing. His teachers and parents believed in corporal punishment; Ken remembers being caned at school.

Ken remembers many of the businesses around Fairfield, including green grocers, doctors, dentists, news agencies, bakeries, milk bars and barber shops. There was little traffic during his childhood. Ken remembers the local tennis courts and occasions when the circus would visit.

Ken feels that migration has changed the nature of the Fairfield district and may have contributed to it having a bad reputation.

Transcript

Interview Transcript - Kenneth William Morris - Part 4

Interview Transcript - Kenneth William Morris - Part 3

Interview Transcript - Kenneth William Morris - Part 2

Interview Transcript - Kenneth William Morris - Part 1

Audio

Interview with Kenneth William Morris - Part 4

Interview with Kenneth William Morris - Part 3

Interview with Kenneth William Morris - Part 2

Interview with Kenneth William Morris - Part 1

Kenneth William Morris Oral History (1932 - 2003)

Details

IntervieweeKenneth William MorrisInterviewerShirley Kingsford McLeodDate of interview06/03/2002DurationTotal interview: 01:50:16Transcripts 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 Histories