Atkinson family history

Preface by John Puzey

A Life Album is the title of a 140 page hard cover book given to my mother, Lilian Puzey, by her grand-daughter Robin and family in the late 1980s when Mum was about 80. The otherwise blank book had headings, as retained here, and small humorous illustrations of people as well as small print excerpts and quotes from times past which were designed to jog memories. The illustrations aimed to stimulate enthusiasm for writing these memories down for the benefit of younger generations.

Most of each A4 sized page was space for writing and Lilian filled the first 80 pages with her hand written accounts. I have reproduced this handwritten record word for word apart from some very minor editing [web version contents below]. She included some illustrations - mostly drawings - of her own, and these are reproduced here. I have also added some scanned copies of old photos, paintings and drawings to illustrate her writing.

In separate folders on the CD [web version contents below] are other scanned copies from her photo albums, sketch books and folios as well as copies of much of what was said at her funeral service.

Mum was interested in what could be done with computer technology and was happy with my offer to reproduce the story in her 'album' for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to read. I have found it an interesting project.

John Editor, May 2004		Below: A watercolour by Lilian
A Life Album Part 1	My father; My mother My brother and sisters Relations My birth First memories My childhood home Favourite rooms, favourite things Behind the house, in the garden Out-door delights In parkland, bushland and quarries Our street; Our neighbours Our town; Shops
A Life Album Part 2	Our childhood games Dressing up; Childhood pets Remembering songs, poems and dances Familiar smells of childhood More memories from early school days Hair and haircuts Books, magazines and funny papers Childhood chores Toys; Treats Childhood illnesses Childhood fears Family life - spring and summer Autumn and winter Sundays; Family holidays Mundaring School; Punishments Teachers; High School
A Life Album Part 3	Christmas Day Birthdays, Easter and other celebrations My first tune on the keyboard Favourite foods and favourite pastimes Festivals and fetes Sports and hobbies Drawing and music After primary school Old remedies and old wives tales Fashion Learning about life ... milestones From technical school to work Marriage
Additions to A Life Album
Death and funeral