1958 - 1963: Blackburn, "The Murphy's" and Holiday Antics

In 1958, Margaret and Frank moved into their first home straight after they returned from their honeymoon. This was the house that Frank built at 45 Diana Drive, Blackburn.

Frank recalls: After growing up in the northern part of Melbourne and coming to work in the southern parts, I marvelled at the green open, tree lined streets. I knew straight away that I wanted to live and build our first home in Blackburn.  In those days we built houses very quickly. I started the house in June and it was finished ready for Margaret and I to move in straight after our honeymoon in October. 

Margaret recalls: When Jenny was a baby, we would go for a drive from Blackburn to Lou and Grace Burke's home at Seaford. We would put the bassinet on the back seat (there were no seat belts !) with the pet canary in a cage beside the bassinet/

The Diana Drive Blackburn Home in 1963 with Jenny out the front and
the five year old Red Flowering Gum. 

The Red Flowering Gum is taller here and the road is sealed.

The Blackburn house in 2019 with the giant Red Flowering Gum.

Margaret and Frank became friendly with Don and Marg Murphy who lived across the road. They had a daughter, Christine. Marg Murphy was an experienced mother who was a great support for Margaret when Jenny and Cathy were born. The two young families enjoyed each other's companionship and went away on holidays together with their growing families. Margaret and Frank are still very close friends with "The Murphy's".

Jenny with Christine Murphy, the FE Holden Sedan bought
 from Tom Hawkins in the background, early 1963.

Marg and Don Murphy with three of their four children, Christine, David and
 Joanne. Jenny, Cathy and Greg are there with Margaret.

Our first family holiday to St Leonard's with 'The Murphy's".

Some of the "holiday antics" to St Leonard's and Anglesea permitted to be published include:

• the Hawkins family poodle Marty and the canary joining one of the holidays
• Frank constantly replacing broken windows from cricket games due to the antics of two little boys !!

Margaret and Frank with Marg and Don Murphy in the grounds of the Dempster Avenue house 1985.

Don & Marg Murphy with Margaret & Frank ready to go away on their own holiday (date tbc)