Dennis Tom Hardy Oral History

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DescriptionThis interview consists of three audio recordings and transcripts. Dennis Tom Hardy was interviewed on 1 October 2003 at the Whitlam Library, Cabramatta by Shirley McLeod.Interview SummaryAlthough his real name is Dennis, he has always been known as Tommy. He was born at Cabramatta in 1932 and had three brothers and three sisters. Sadly, three siblings died in infancy.

Tom’s father had served in World War I in France and was also in the army during World War II. Tom’s home life had not been a happy one as the house was run strictly on military lines. His father had been unemployed for eight years during the Depression years and their home, as described by Tom, was a ‘bag humpy’. Many families were to live in such circumstances during the Great Depression. Later his mother applied for and was granted a Housing Commission home at Mount Pritchard, which they were able to purchase over a period of many years as was allowed at that time. Tom’s father died at the age of 73 and his mother at the age of 85.

One of Tom’s earliest recollections was that at the age of seven, he contracted polio which was known at that time as Infantile Paralysis. Most of those who were unfortunate enough to succumb to it either died or were badly crippled. Tom’s tale of this ordeal is described in the interview.

Tom’s schooling was at Mt Pritchard Primary School and following that at Liverpool Boys’ Technical School where he learnt the basics of wood and metal work. Tom decided however that it was not for him so he began work as a copy boy at The Daily Telegraph in Sydney. From there he went to radio stations 2GZ and 2KA as a record boy.

Tom’s father however decided that he should find an apprenticeship which he did as an apprentice hairdresser. He went to the army camp at Moorebank as a hairdresser and remained there for 42 years. His clients were service personnel and civilians alike. As a result of his service there he was made a life member of the Sergeant’s mess.

He had married in 1955 and had 2 children with his wife Valerie Hey. Valerie was related to the well known football family; the Heys.

Transcript

Interview Transcript - Dennis Tom Hardy - Part 3

Interview Transcript - Dennis Tom Hardy - Part 2

Interview Transcript - Dennis Tom Hardy - Part 1

Audio

Interview with Dennis Tom Hardy - Part 3

Interview with Dennis Tom Hardy - Part 2

Interview with Dennis Tom Hardy - Part 1

Photograph

Hardy Family

Details

IntervieweeDennis Tom HardyInterviewerShirley Kingsford McLeodDate of interview01/10/2003Duration01:57:30Transcripts availableYesRightsFairfield City Council Access ConditionsAccess open for research, written permission required for personal copies and public use

Connections

Oral History ProjectAll Oral HistoriesThe Way We Were - People of Fairfield