| Description | b. 1910, Slough. d.1983. Lived Chippenham, near Slough. Poor but happy childhood, domestic chores, rationing (1914-18), celebrations, diet.
Grew up in a countryside in Slough. Witnessed the industrialisation of her town, mainly the establishment of brickmaking, horticulture and agriculture factories.
Positive childhood experience, though the family could not afford much.
The author had one sister, who was close in age, one much younger brother, and one slightly older brother named George.
Her parents were supported by her aunt and uncle, who had no children themselves. They aided in caring for the children and provided financial aid at times, particularly with funding clothes to attend Sunday school.
Austin recalls her mother's weekly schedule, which was an extensive list of household duties, primarily cleaning and cooking everyday, as well as shopping bi-weekly.
On Saturdays, everyone, including the brothers, partook in domestic duties.
Most of the family meals were formed from leftovers from earlier in the week.
Austin was almost 4 years old when WW1 began.
Rations were introduced.
Her eldest brother enlisted as soon as he turned eighteen.
He was killed at nineteen, in 1917.
There was no work available to the soldiers when they returned after the war ended.
Main themes: industrialisation, domestic duties, World War 1, Post-war life.
Autobiography handwritten; 34 pp |