CARROLL, Pauline Constance

My grandmother, Pauline Constance CARROLL, aka 'Gran', or 'Sis', was the fourth child born into the John H. CARROLL family, on 17th October, 1890.

Photo: c.1930-1935

Her mother and father, Margaret Ann 'Maggie' and John Hannell, 'J.H.' CARROLL, lived in St. Andrew's Street, Maitland, before moving to 495 High St.

By the age of ten years, when her father started his Piano and Tea Importing business at 495 High St, Pauline, outstandingly gifted, was already a very accomplished pianist. One of her teachers was Mrs. Agnes (Ag) Long, of 'Cintra', in Regent St, the family after whom, I believe, the 'Long bridge' from Maitland to Campbell's Hill, was named.

'Gran', as my sisters and I called her, was educated at Maitland. Her musical talents would take her far and wide, in the years to come.

Photo: c. 1935 - 1940

Pauline, with a family of only one sister, and 7 brothers, most of whom were mechanically inclined, was the first woman in Maitland, to receive a Driver's Licence! Believe it, or not! In all the years I knew her, stayed with her, and was associated in any way with her, I never saw her drive! Maybe that was lucky, too, because after hearing her 'directions', on occasion, to my father, when he was driving, it would have been a 'hair-raising' experience!

Pauline received the Licentiate for Music (Pianoforte) in 1911, and the Licentiate for Music (Singing), in 1915 - both by the age of 25 years! Quite an achievement. (I am also led to believe, she was the youngest woman in the Southern Hemisphere, to ever attain both these Degrees - by that age).

Gran had met my Grandfather, Robert James Galvin SUCKER, aka 'Roy', some years before, and they married in 1915, at St. Peter's Anglican Church, East Maitland. Among their wedding presents, was the 'Belmore Hotel' in Maitland. Gran was only interested in music, and 'Roy', a spoiled little rich boy, in showing his bull dogs. The hotel was far from their minds.

Photo: c.1918

'Roy' was the son of a wealthy couple, Robert James and Emily Mary May SUCKER, née GALVIN, who married on 30th September, 1885, and, in 1890, built our family home, called 'The Hut' (somewhat of a misnomer) at 9 Regent St, West Maitland, as it was known then. This very large house was to remain in our family, from 1890 until 1967, when we moved to Newcastle, and my father sold it.

Emily Mary May GALVIN, b. 1866, in Ward's River, a small area north of Raymond Terrace, near Stroud, was a 'country' girl, and an excellent horsewoman. Emily was always known as 'Nearna', rather than 'Nanna'.

Robert and Emily Sucker, were Publicans. Robert (Snr) had been born in Morpeth, around 1848, and was a successful athlete in his youth. He was also the secretary of Orange Lodge, P.A.D. of Ancient Order of Druids. He later became an Alderman on the Morpeth Council. He was the owner of several hotels in Morpeth, and Maitland.

Roy led a very 'easy' life of privilege. He was a keen sportsman and had a penchant for breeding and showing prize Bulldogs. He also rode motor bikes, and one of his favourites (pictured) was a 'Red Indian Chief.

Photo: c. 1915-1918

Pauline and Roy moved to North Sydney, in 1921, after the birth of their two boys; Owen Robert John b. 21st October,1917, and my father, Noel Roy b. 13th December, 1920. Roy worked for a little while, at the N.S.W. Tramways Department and Pauline taught a little music, as well as looked after the two boys. Their happiness was brief, though, as Roy died from septicaemia, after a knee operation, on 16th June, 1922.

Roy had never really been interested in the running of their hotel, the 'Belmore', in Maitland, and placed it in the hands of a Manager. Pauline, away with her music and teaching commitments, didn't find out what was happening with the 'ownership' of the hotel, until some years after Roy's death, in 1922, but by then, it was too late. It had, according to reports I've heard, miraculously changed hands. Apparently, a 'very good' manager? His father, Robert, died in 1926, so it must have happened after that, and Emily (Nearna), died in 1942.

Pauline moved back to West Maitland, and lived with the family, at 495 High Street.

Pauline lived in Maitland, for a short while, and then moved to her house at Bull St, Mayfield, Newcastle. This house was one I stayed at for holidays, and of which I have fondest memories. I also have fond memories of a woman who, like me, couldn't stand anyone putting on 'airs and graces', or tried to show 'one-upmanship'. She'd love to bring them down a peg, or two.

I was very lucky as a child, as Gran often played the piano - just for me! I could request any of my favourites, from Beethoven to Brahms, Strauss to Schubert. Nothing was a problem for Gran. I am not sure what her favourites were, though I suspect Liszt variations on Beethoven would stand fairly high on the 'list'. Chopin was probably among her most played composers and, I never remember the slightest grumble when she was asked to play.

One of the great memories I have of Gran, was when the 'family' got together. There was never a problem getting someone to play the piano - Gran, Great Uncle Clarence, Uncle Owen, Dad, Great Uncle Tom, cousin Tommy, and many others. Violin, or Cello, or a fine voice(s) would ring out through a wonderful night. Oh, they were good times.

Photo: L. to R. - Aunty Violet, Aunty Nance, Uncle Clarrie, Pauline, Uncle Tom, Aunty Dolly. In front - my sister Jenny. c. 1955

Sadly, Pauline passed away, aged 78 yrs, on 3rd April, 1969.

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