Musical memories

From gramophones and records to well loved venues, dance halls, icons of the industry and transistor radios, this collection reminisces on the entertainment of bygone eras. Join us on a walk though music history in the City of Stirling.

Maud Thomas recalls that "by the mid 1930's the worst of the depression was over, and life had become more carefree. In the heyday of the Njooky (Nookenburra) hall, Don and I danced three nights a week. We learned to do both the waltz and the foxtrot and many other dances, including the Lancers and the Alberts, both of which were danced in sets of four couples. There were strict rules for dress there and many of the girls wore lovely long evening frocks. Bell Bottom trousers were the fashion then for 'the lairs' and I remember one fellow had a pair with different coloured godets let in for the flair. From memory the cost to go into the dance was one shilling which included the luscious supper supplied by the ladies. Mr Stook carried a bucket of milk to the hall to make the coffee. They were real country style dances with the local people working together to make them a success. The Wednesday night was a family night with the hearty community singing interspersed with items. Anyone could get up and give an item and invariably the same ones did, week after week. Sometimes they got booed, but it was good natured fun. The young men were waiting for the dancing to start as they stood around the front door eyeing off the girls. As soon as the music started, they chose their partner, leaving the unpartnered girls sitting as 'wallflowers' on the wall bench. Benches against the wall are not in favour now so one doesn't hear of wallflowers. "