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Saturday, 12 January 2019

Harriette Mary Simpson






                                                         Observations of a Grandson                                                           As the attached photo demonstrates,of attractive appearance .Born 1885 at Cootamundra, into a stable intelligent family of  good repute.she had an extrovert personality,preferring to be on stage performing  an opera Slightly excentric.     Married at 20 to a stable hardworking 
Presbyterian man ,with a secure job as manager of Prestcott Ltd produce merchants.
She cruised on an ocean liner with her teenaged daughter,and spent time in England    .
Partook in an early permanent wave which was unsuccessful,loosing her hair and having to wear a wig.
Lived in a number of superior houses in the eastern suburbs,quite a privileged life.
Over time the marriage dissolved,into an unsuccessful relationship,resulting in both individuals living separate lives'
Hattie lived in a flat in New South Head Road Rose Bay and taking to drink.
Daughter Betty was summoned one morning to get her breakfast,as in her drunken state she need rescuing.Mum and I drove from Double Bay in our Green Ford Anglia,to comply,but I was protected from the sight by being told to stay in the car.
Most time of interaction with Tuss were of embarrassment to me,On one occasion in Guilano's fruit shop in Double Bay she announced this was her grandson as she presented me with a cheque,marked grandson.A third occasion was on my sister's marriage at St Marks Darling Point. I had to walk down the isle with Tuss dressed in a red feathered colored ostrich cape.I felt the whole congregation staring at us.
Tuss ended up living in a retirement home called 52 Mcleay street Kings Cross,with other wealthy old ladies,a damaged soul,alone in her darkened room full of books and clothes.
As a teenager I would prostitute myself,by walking from Double Bay across Rushcutters Bay to Kings Cross for lunch with Tuss on my school holidays.
This is where I learnt to drink coffee.
After lunch Tuss would take me upstairs to her room,where she would relax,drop the pretence and remove her wig !! Shock horror !! Get me out of here.
                                                                                                                                                                                                       

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