bondi: its old streets, old places

by peterbowes on November 5, 2014

Frank and Albert “Bung” Coulson (both with heads down, left of centre), James Burke (far right), Victor Coppleson and others. South Bondi, ca. 1910. Photographer: Mortimer C. “Crit” Stevenson.

28 Comments Post a comment

Dan Webber #

Reblogged this on Bondi Stories and commented:
Some real pearlers here. Thanks Pete!

November 5, 2014

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Peter #

Wonderful pictures about Bondi Rd. I lived at 119 Bondi Rd from 1958 till 1964. That year
my parents migrate back to Holland and unfortunally I remember a littlebit about our
house, but I can’t remember how it looked like. I’ve never seen pictures of it when I
was older and when I was back in Sydney in 2005 on a holiday (first time after 41 year)
I discovered that our house was replaced by a hotel. I really like to see an original
picture of our house before they built the hotel. Maybe somebody has one or can show
me where to find it on the internet. 119 Bondi Rd is near the corner on the same site en close to the Post Office nr 127.

Thanks anyway.

Regards,

Peter van Liempt
Labrador
QLD

April 14, 2017

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Natasha #

Hi Peter,

I work for a documentary production company in Sydney, Northern Pictures. We are currently producing a series for the History Channel about Australian inventions.

One of our stories, is that of Mrs Myra Juliet Taylor. With more than 30 inventions and patents to her name, Myra was a woman beyond her time!

Whilst researching for Myra I came across your amazing collection of photographs of Bondi in the early 20th Century. We’re particularly interested in the image of Bondi road in 1914. (https://petebowes.com/2014/11/05/big-g-samios-our-bondi/)

I am wondering whether you own the original photograph and if so, whether you would be happy for us to use it in our production?

Looking forward to your reply.

Kind regards,
Natasha

December 21, 2017

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petebowes #

Natasha …. I probably picked up the shot from a series of Bondi pics posted on FBook by a bloke named George Samios. But seeing as it’s over 100 years old, I think you would be safe to use it.

December 21, 2017

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- Natasha #
  
  Thanks Pete. I’d love to get in contact with George if you could email me a way I could do this? Can’t seem to find him online.
  
  Cheers for your time!
  Natasha
  
  December 21, 2017
  
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ANDY COCHRAN, #

HI.PETER, SORRY NOT MUCH ON THE COMPUTER, BUT JUST A FEW WORDS FROM ANDY,C,
I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE A BONDI BOY ,FROM1941 TILL 1978,WHEN I MOVED TO HAWAII,FOR THE PAST 40 YEARS,I COME BACK TO BONDI,EVERY 6 MONTHS OR SO,I WENT TO SCHOOL AT BONDI BEACH,WAS A FIREMAN FOR 5 YEARS AT BONDI STATION,THEN JOINED ,QANTAS FOR 14 YEARS ,THEN MOVED HERE FROM,78,,TO NOW 2018 ,THANK GOD I HAD ,RICK,BENNETT,AND WHEELS ,I AM THE LAST ONE LEFT.
BENNETT IS ON THE MAIN LAND,AND RICK IS IN SCOTTS HEAD ,WITH GREAT SORROW ,WE ALL LOST WHEELS LAST WEEK,ITS GOING TO BE A LONELY PLACE WITH OUT HIM .I WAS LUCK TO LIVE 40 YEARS HERE WITH WHEELS,I GO DOWN TO BONDI AS MUCH AS I CAN,I STILL HAVE DOOLEY AND AMADEI AND RICK THERE ,
BUT NO MATTER WHERE I GO .MY HOME AND LOVE FOR BONDI WILL ALWAYS B E THERETHANKS,,LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN AROUND BONDI WHEN IT ALL STARTED ,SURF,AND A LIFE TIME OF MEMORIES ,
THANKS ,BONDI FOR ALL THE MEMORIES ANS FRIENDS I HAVE THERE,

ALWAYS ANDY COCHRAN,,ANDY,C.

August 6, 2018

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petebowes #

Thanks, Andy, and watching you get up to your mischief back in the day was better than a ticket to the movies.

August 6, 2018

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Lorraine Lambert #

Hi Andy,
You were the legend when we teenagers. I lived in Beach Rd. From when I was born with my twin Patricia in 1946 until I left home and ended up living here in Geraldton WA since 1969. Your brother Greg fancied me when we kids at Bondi Beach Public School, he pinched a ring from your mum and gave it to me, my mum returned it. I too returned home to Bondi every year but mum passed 2 years ago and we sold her unit in Hall St., so I haven’t been back this year for the first time in 45 years. Bondi will always be home, I look at the old photos posted here and everything comes flooding back, the sounds, the smells, the people. I too worked for Qantas for 5 years, my dad was Qantas ground transport manager, he started at the flying boat base in Rose Bay in 1945 as a driver before going out to Mascot. He lived here since he was a teen in the 30s and was in North Bondi Surf Club. My best friends are still there in Bondi, Phil and Sue Robinson (the Robbos) I was their bridesmaid. Last time I saw you was the South Bondi Boardriders reunion about 1995. That was a great weekend. Ive written a couple of poems (published) about Bondi. I cant imagine anywhere else where so many colourful characters, talent,, skill, creativity has emerged a from the Bondil community from the 30s to the 70s. Glad to hear you still kicking anyway.
Cheers
Lorraine Lambert (nee Irvine)

September 26, 2018

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- petebowes #
  
  Lorraine, poems, send them.
  
  September 26, 2018
  
  Reply
Peter John Roche. #

Hello Pete,

Some great memories in some of your pictures of Bondi. I worked at Bondi Pavillion for a while between 1970 to 1973 then worked for Waverly Council doing all sorts of work…Jack Hill was the big boss at that time . I lived in Bourks Street in Queens Park as it is now called. I also worked at Long Bay Prison. I am a Pom but I always loved the Aussies throughout my time there.Thanks again for the photos and good memories I am entering my 70’s now and finding your site really made my day. If I am honest I believe that not a day goes by without me thinking of Bondi and Bondi Junction.

Best wishes,

Peter (Roche)

March 18, 2019

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petebowes #

Anytime, Rochy. I can remember when Arthur Cleary had his menswear shop next door to Grace Bros up at the Jungo, and his two sons, Dennis and Michael used to hang around the front door ogling babes. Dennis ended up playing 1st grade for Randwick before climbing Everest, Michael played for the Rabbitohs and Australia.
My sister had a party at home one Saturday night and both of them were invited, when a couple of gatecrashers rolled up, Dennis was thoughtful enough to meet them at the gate carrying a broken beer bottle.
He was a very hard man, Dennis, and left a lot of broken heads in his wake.

March 18, 2019

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Peter John Roche. #

Hi Pete, Jeez that takes me back…Arthur Cleary, he made me a suit about 1972 really lovely man. I was around 17st 4lb in those days…all muscule I must add..ahem! I never met his sons I knew all about Michael Cleary, his father was very proud of Michael. Around the same time one of the all time greats landed in Australia he went by the name of Malcolm Reilly…what a player. Another of my all time greats was Bobby Fulton, aghh great memories! I feel homesick for Sydney just talking about the place.

All the very best for now Pete,

Peter.

March 19, 2019

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Janice Rowe #

Hi Pete I am Admin on a Group “Remembering Sydney” I would love to be able to use the “Towel Hire ” at Bondi photo I love it..I would obviously give you credit for the photo..
fingers crossed..Janice…

March 28, 2019

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petebowes #

It’s not my photo, Janice, but I’m pretty sure it’s old enough to be used as common property …

March 28, 2019

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Mike Bennett #

Why do I keep coming back to this page, I know why, the memories! The memories of simple times. Checking out the surf from the rail at the south end. Surfing till sunset and going up to the Astra for a counter lunch and a couple of middies. Sitting on the stage enjoying the sun when a southerly blew. How about a cinnamon loaf from the bakery first thing in the morning, cut in half and filled with with whipped cream…what a beauty! Taking my hand spear to catch a few at the “Boot.” And finally going up to the junction with my mates for a good perv on Saturday morning. Those were just a few of the days my friends, we thought they’d never end!

April 3, 2019

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petebowes #

Tacked a few more on the bottom ..

April 3, 2019

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Lynne #

I came across this site tonight whilst looking for Bondi Beach Public School old photos. I happened to see a post from Lorraine Lambert who has a twin sister Patricia. They were the Irvine twins ! We were born in same year and were friends at school. One of my grand daughters may be attending the school next year and I wanted to know if the archives showed pupil lists from early 195o’s when I was attending. My daughter has her home in Bondi and my husband and I have an investment property in Bondi too. I have lived at Lake Macquarie for the last 13 years. If it is probable that Lorraine or Patricia (Irvine) may like to contact me for old times sake I am on fb. I think I have a photo of them at one of my birthday parties. Thank you for this interesting page.
Sincerely, Lynne Bastian……Nee GOSNELL.
18th July 2020.

July 18, 2020

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- petebowes #
  
  Good luck, Lynne, maybe Lorraine might come by again ..
  
  July 18, 2020
  
  Reply
- lorrainel #
  
  Sent from Samsung tablet.
  
  July 19, 2020
  
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Peter Seinor #

Some great articles & memories in the posted comments. I was born & raised in Bondi from 1946 & lived in Bondi Rd. (Where the tram went under the road overpass) From a young age I spent most of my time at the beach. I never rode surf boards but knew all those characters who did, Warren Cornish, Frank Pickford, Bruce Rodgers, Kevin Brennan, Spec’s, Max Bowman, Murray Evans and heaps more. I was involved with the Nth Bondi Surf Club playing RL & Boxing under the trainer Owen Moase. There are many stories about the times & characters of old Bondi from the fifties to the seventies. Wishing everyone the best.
Peter Seinor

November 14, 2020

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Terry Jenkings #

G’day Peter Senior,
I remember you well from back in those days and from our school days at Paul St. I also remember your sister Kay who was one of the first girls to take up board riding down at the South end.. There sure were many stories and characters from those Bondi days . I see Doug Haynes quite often, he’s still around. I also have an occasional coffee down at the beach with Owen Moase’s boy Buddy. You probably remember him from your boxing days. He’s a few years younger than us.
Nice to touch base , keep well.
Terry Jenkings

December 16, 2020

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Peter Seinor #

G’day Terry Jenkings,
Good to hear from you again mate, I have followed your comments and podcasts about those earlier days and characters of Bondi. I remember you and your family well and you have obviously inherited your fathers writing skills in your articles.
Your martial-arts training friend Tony McFarland often mention you when I see him. All the best Terry, hope to catch-up soon. Regards – Peter Seinor

December 18, 2020

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- peterbowes #
  
  You don’t get away that easy PeterS … we already know about Jenkin’s sordid South Bondi past, so give us something of yours, anything. It will just be between us.
  
  December 18, 2020
  
  Reply
lloyd rooster palmer #

nice to recall old friends from down the di. peter s.a tallented athlete but not dux of the school material ileft down there in 1973 now & then cathing up with old locals & mates here on the central coast long jetty many years ago i bumped into lenny sinclair .the first thing he asked me did i know jeff wynn yes i said we worked together as apprentices for ron hisco .i worked with john brazier un fortunatly he has been gone for aprox. 15 years .must go regards to all lloyd palmer.

January 14, 2021

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Peter Seinor #

Lloyd Palmer, now that really going back a few years, I remember you, you had red hair with not much grey-matter between the ears. Sorry mate I had to get that in. If I have got the correct Lloyd I worked for your father Noel at the Eastern Suburbs L& C.. You also had an older brother.
Your father had done some boxing in his younger days and came to some of my events with John Wright. Anyway good to hear from you & all the Best – Peter Seinor

January 14, 2021

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Diane Stutchbury #

Hi Peter
Are you any relation of Greg Seinor. I knew him in the early 70s. He lived in Bondi

May 8, 2021

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- peterbowes #
  
  I know the name but not the man, sorry Diane, but how about we meet at the Ballina Bowlo for some Asian tucker? The Bbqued Fish with sweet chilli sauce has to be shared.
  
  May 8, 2021
  
  Reply
  - Terry Jenkings #
    
    I hope the Ballina Bowlo Chinese is better than Lowe’s Chinese in Bronte Rd at the Jungo 😮
    
    May 8, 2021
    
    Reply