Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Midwife with one of the Palstra children, c 1921, 1921
Date is approximate.
Most babies in Surrey Hills were born at home until c1922 and mothers were attended by local midwives. By 1924-1926 two private hospitals has been established in Surrey Hills and most births then occurred at either Mosgiel or Nethercourt Hospital.
Donor, Margaret Thornton was a daughter of William and May Palstra; one of her daughters, Julia Thornton still lives in the house in 2024. Donation form signed by Julia Thornton.
The house remains in 2024 with extensions to the rear and side.Black and white photo of one of the Palstra children, possibly William, as a baby nursed by a midwife seated on the brick balustrade of the verandah at the Palstra home at 60 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills.nursing, nurses, midwives, margaret palstra, margaret thornton, 1920-1930