Just one day .....

What would you do if you had just one day to spend in Sydney?
Go to Susannah Place of course!

Why ?

Well, it is a fascinating place.

For one thing, there is a pub there which, apart from serving great beer and amazing pizzas, has the longest table that DB has ever seen in her entire life.... plus a glorious log fire which warmed the cockles of our hearts on a really cold day..


Across the road from the pub is what we came to see ....

The original terrace of cottages in Susannah Place are being preserved and displayed in all their glory for everyone to see how things used to be. There was even the chocco vine (or whatever it is called), laden with fruit, rambling and scrambling over the yard wall; the old copper wash tub in the wash-house outside the back door; a treadle sewing machine with authentic fifties dress being made up; a coin in the slot gas meter ... lathe and plaster ceilings ...



toys, tea towels and washing lines .... and ....I could go on for ever, but . yes, you've guessed it ..... pegs.

Actually, the best thing about this museum is its dedicated curator, Anna Cossu. In spite of the museum being officially closed on the day we went, Anna kindly opened up the rickety front door and showed us around. Up the narrow winding staircase (mind you don't bang your head) and into a small bedroom dedicated to the art, or drudgery, of laundry as it used to be done when women were judged by the state of their whites.

Overlooking the staircase was what I had come to see. An illuminated showcase containing a wonderful variety of artistically displayed clothes pegs.
Lots of these pegs I had never seen before and I was truly staggered. Anna, with the help of a colleague has done a wonderful job with the construction and arrangement of these pegs in all their glory.... it is something that everyone should see.

We exchanged peg stories and I left Anna with the gift of a motley collection of pegs that she hadn't seen before. We, on the other hand, came away with a wealth of information from this hugely enthusiastic person.

Thank you Anna, for your dedication and enthusiasm. You deserve a real halo. The place is an absolute credit to you and we certainly won't forget our visit.

SUSANNAH PLACE MUSEUM:
..... a 19th century terrace of four houses giving an insight into domestic working class life from 1844 to 1990. There is also a circa 1915 corner shop where you are able to buy gifts and the friendly and knowledgeable staff give guided tours. It is at 58-64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney.
Open 10 am - 5 pm on weekends and daily during January and NSW school holidays.
Last Tour of the day at 4 p.m.
Contact Telephone number: 9241 1893