A tough open-air childhood!!
As the many hundreds of tents on the goldfields were slowly replaced with huts, those 
seeking their fortunes began to bring their wives and families.
Bringing up a child on the goldfields was often difficult and dangerous. Fires were commonplace and, in 1904, three boys died tragically in one fire called the ‘Hill End Tragedy’ This is an account of the terrible accident:- http://bit.ly/1js7hXV.
Accidents, some fatal, took place in the homes and in the many mine shafts around town and many children died from diseases such as diphtheria, TB, Scarlet Fever, Typhoid and even such things as teething proved fatal if there was a fever. Many babies would die if their mother wasn’t able to feed them, a condition called Marasmus. The heat would also claim many young lives.
However, those who have grown up in Kalgoorlie generally look back on their childhood with gratitude. Australian pianist Eileen Joyce was ever grateful for her childhood ‘spent running wild in Kalgoorlie and learning to play the ‘crack-pot piano’ by ear in her uncle’s saloon. She considered it contributed to her success.
Youthful Goldfielders
The image above was taken in 1903 when the infant mortality in Perth was a sobering seventeen percent. The goldfields’ figure is unknown but is likely to have been much higher than this.
Boulder Mine School 1900
The above photograph shows the Boulder Mine School in 1900. This was the first school in Boulder. The headmaster was Mr Young and the teacher was Mrs Vines with 33 pupils.. Unfortunately the names of the children are not visible but the photograph is in the collection of the State Library of WA and it can be viewed. You will also see that from the sign on the wall ‘Mens Club’ they must have shared the building.
Small denominational schools were set up early but it was ‘t’othersider’ complaints about the lack of schools that, in 1896, led to the first government institution.
Moya Sharp
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Hi Moya,
My ggg grandfather was Felix Murphy, a shop owner in Coolgardie from 1882 until about 1894. His wife Ann had a boarding house also. Felix lived near Deeming and used to tell him off all the time for burning a candle all night. I have found quite a bit about these two via Trove and other sources. I was wondering if you had any photos about these two or their families? (Eva and Edith Martin, Susan Reen, Charles, Patrick or Felix (jnr) Murphy, Mary Johnson, Sophia Sullivan).Or any other info?
many thanks in advance
Sue Felton
Dear Sue I am not sure if you have seen this but I have a photograph of a fob watch with this inscription:- Lady”s Fob Watch
Gold
On loan from Mr Richard Martin inscribed “Asouvenir to Miss Edith
Murphy who accompanied her mother
-the first lady to reach Coolgardie
-October 1892
-from the pioneers of the field.
Mrs Felix Murphy and her daughter Edith.Were the first white women
on the Eastern Goldfields, arriving at Southern Cross in 1889 and
Coolgardie in 1892. If you can send me your email address I will send you the photograph. I have seen a coaching photograph with Felix and Edith sitting on board but Im afraid I dont have a copy
Hi Moya, I have seen the watch at the Kalgoorlie museum. It is now at the premiers office in Perth on display. I also have the photo of them on the coach. I notice you said in another post that you have the names of some of the school children in Coolgardie. Does that include any of the years from 1884-1906?
Cheers
Sue
Hi Sue I only have 1911 and 1913!
Thanks anyway Moya
As Sue is doing I am also looking for early history. My father, aunt and uncle (Roy) were born in Laverton from 1907 to 1909. My grand father and aunt are in the Laverton cemetery. I am wondering if there are any records or relatives still in the area.My grand father is Agustus Reichelt his wife is Agnes Farmer Reichelt. We know Agustus was probably born in the area and Agnes is buried in New York USA. Any help or direction is appreciated. Bruce Reichelt
Hi Bruce I have two photographs of Augustus Reichelt grave in the Laverton Cemetery which I will email to you separately. Also in the Laverton Cemetery is REICHELT Daphne birth 1908 Mt Margaret District cert 3, REICHELT Roy birth 1908 Mt Margaret District cert 4 Due to the consecutive numbers they are either mother and child or maybe twins. Incidentally Roy’s death is not registered only his birth. This is a link to a death notice for Augustus (Gus) which I hope you may not already have:- http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/203552141?searchTerm=REICHELT&searchLimits=l-state=Western+Australia
Kind regards Moya
Are the names of the children recorded in any journals from the school? Did they have any books that have survived?
Hi Debra I have a few records of the Coolgardie School, what years are you looking for?
Hi Debra I have 1911 and 1913 records