Grace O'Brien nee Morris
Grace Morris was born 17 January 1903 in Queanbeyan (NSW BDM 6332/1903). She was the only child of Sarah Dibley and William Morris. After completing school she was a music/dance performer and teacher in Gulgong and Mudgee. She married Wilfred O'Brien in 1934 (NSW BDM 14987/1934) and they lived on the property, Goodiman. Their only surviving child was John Wilfred Eugene O'Brien (born 21 February 1940). Grace died 28 February 1973, aged 70, in Gulgong Hospital (NSW BDM 47311/1973). She is buried with Wilfred at Gulgong Cemetery.
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Wilfred and Grace in 1933
In 1934 Grace became engaged to Wilfred O'Brien of Goodiman. They were married in Sydney in 1934. The following articles contain details of their wedding, honeymoon and social life back in Australia.
1934 – [WEDDING ARRANGEMENTS]
Arrangements have been made for the wedding of Miss Grace Morris, of Mudgee to Mr. Wilfred O'Brien, of Goodiman Station, to take place in Sydney. They will be married at 8 o'clock on December 1 at a Nuptial Mass at St. Mary's Basilica. The bridesmaids will be Misses Jean Kirk and Kath O'Brien, and the best man the groomsman, Messrs. Charles and John O'Brien. The reception is to be at Usher's, and they will leave on the Strathaird at about noon the same day for Bombay. The honeymoon is to be spent touring IndiaSource: Catholic Freeman's Journal Thursday 29 November 1934
Ushers Metropolitan Hotel, location of wedding reception.
Grace and her bridesmaids, Jean Kirk and Kath O'Brien
Wilfred and Grace O'Brien
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1934 – OBRIEN - MORRIS
A wedding of country and city interest was that of Miss Grace Morris, only child of Mrs. and the late W. Morris, of Mudgee, to Mr. Wilfred O'Brien; of 'Goodiman Station,' Gulgong, third son of Mr. and Mrs. John O'Brien, of Marrickville, Sydney. The wedding, with Nuptial took place at St. Mary's Basilica on Mass celebrated by Rev. Father Ferrari, December 1. During the service Miss M. Madsen sweetly sang an 'Ave Maria.' The bride, who looked very stately, wore a gown of white bridal satin cut on clas- sical lines, with a very long train, the neck and sleeves of cowl design, the sleeves being rucked from the elbow to the wrist. The cut tulle veil was worn with a coronet of orange blossoms which had previously been worn by her mother. She carried a sheaf of Madonna lillies. Miss Jean Kirk, cousin of the bride, and Miss Kath. O'Brien, sister of the bride groom, were bridesmaids, and wore shrimp-colored organdi; their large picture hats and gauntlet gloves, also shoes, were of same color, and their posies were of pink carnations and flowers of blue toning. The bridegroom was attended by his brothers. Messrs. Charles and John O'Brien. The bride was led to the altar by her grandfather, Mr. Jesse Dibley of Bathurst. The reception was held at Usher's Hotel. The bride's mother received the guests frocked in black morocain, and carried a bouquet of gold roses. Mrs. O'Brien, mother of the bridegroom, wore black and white, her bouquet being red carnations. A feature of the wed- ding cake was the top of her mother's cake. Among the many presents received was a diamond ring from her mother, sovereigns from her grandfather and the bridegroom's mother. The bride and bridegroom sailed the same day by the 'Strathaird' for a three months' tour of India. The bride travelled in a sapphire blue frock with a large black hat.
Source: Catholic Freeman's Journal – Sydney - Thursday 27 December
1934
__________________________1934 – [WEDDING ]
A WEDDING of considerable interest to the Mudgee district was celebrated at St. Mary's Basilica, Sydney, on Saturday, the contracting parties being Miss Grace Morris, only child of Mrs S. Morris and the late William Morris, of Mudgee, and Mr Wilfrid O'Brien, of 'Goodiman' station, Gulgong, son of Mr and Mrs John. O'Brien, Sydney. The wedding was followed by a reception at Usher's Hotel. The bride and bridegroom sailed the same day by the Strathaird for India for a three months' honeymoon tour of that country.Source: MG - Thursday 6 December 1934
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Just Married
This photo depicts guests leaving St Mary's Basilica after the wedding.
Pictured in front are Jesse Dibley (her grandfather) and Sarah Morris (her mother*).
Pictured in front are Jesse Dibley (her grandfather) and Sarah Morris (her mother*).
The couple behind them are John Michael O'Brien and Julia O'Connell (Wilfred's parents).
The lady at centre back is Nellie O'Brien (Wilfred's sister).
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Jesse Dibley and Sarah Morris, 1934
* "The mother of the bride greeted guests wearing black morocain, and carried a bouquet of gold roses". Grace's father, William Morris, had died in 1930 which is why Sarah was escorted by another family member. This could be her grandfather Jesse Dibley who was 90 at the time (and died 2 years later in 1936).
The following photos are from an album Grace put together about her wedding and honeymoon.
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1935 – [HONEYMOON]
Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred O'Brien latter being better known as Miss Grace Morris of Mudgee) are back in Sydney after their honeymoon tour of India. They returned from Bombay last week by the Moldavia. They have had a most enjoyable and interesting trip; the most interesting places they visited were Udiapore, Acra, Delhi, Peshawar, through the Khyber Pass into Afghanistan, Benares, Cawnpore, Lucknow and Calcutta. They will stay in Sydney for a few weeks surfing before returning to their station home, 'Goodiman.'
Source: MG - Thursday 14 February 1935
Source: MG - Thursday 14 February 1935
Silhouette of Wilfred
Gateway of India
(Note: film spoiled by the heat)
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1935
- A GREAT TRIP Letter to Gulgong Friend
A GREAT TRIP
Letter to Gulgong Friend
WRITING to a friend in Gulgong, Mrs O'Brien (nee Miss Grace Morris, of Mudgee), wife of Mr Wilfred O'Brien, of 'Goodiman,' Gulgong, states that she and Mr O'Brien had a great trip to India, where they now are.
'We like India,' Mrs O'Brien wrote, 'what we have seen of it so far, and we have certainly wasted no time. After a few days in Bombay we went to Udiapur, a very beautiful place about 800 miles from Bombay. We saw the palaces, etc., and then came on to Agra, where some of the most wonderful sights of the world are to be seen. From here we will go further north to Delhi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Kashmir, then we will start south-east to Benares, towards Calcutta, and it will depend on just what time is left then, for our next plans. At Udiapur out of a population of 50,000 people there are only six white families. 'The train travelling is good. Up to date we have travelled about 1,300 miles by train. The hotels are very good. 'The weather is lovely, the only time the heat was almost too much for us was at Adelaide. I have never known anything like it. Melbourne and West Australia were nice places and Colombo is a beautiful place. We motored to Kandy, a place in land about 70 miles. It was a pretty drive. We saw the rice growing, also tea, cocoa and rubber trees. 'The native bazaars are of great interest, most of these we saw whilst at Colombo. Native life is very strange. We are in Delhi and have seen some very wonderful sights. The further north we go the cooler it gets. By the time we finish our travelling we will be away up the top of India. 'Travelling here is very expensive.'
Source: Mudgee
Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thursday 24 January 1935 p 12
Article__________________________
MR. AND MRS. WILFRED O'BRIEN have returned from honeymoon in India. . . Such romantic places as Udaipur and Agra visited . . . Also penetrated Khyber Pass to Afghanistan . . . Couple intend spending some weeks in Sydney en route to station home, Goodiman. Before marriage Mrs. O'Brien was Grace Morris of Mudgee.
Source: The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982) Saturday 23 February 1935 p 27 Article
__________________________Source: The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982) Saturday 23 February 1935 p 27 Article
1935
- TOWN TATTLE
Congratulations and best wishes to that grand old gentleman, Mr. Jesse Dibley, of Lambert-street, who tomorrow celebrates his 90th birthday. Mr. Dibley is one of our most highly esteemed citizens. His many friends will be pleased to know he is most hale and hearty, and still retains all his faculties. To be with their father for the celebration are his daughters, Mrs. S. Morris, of Mudgee and Mrs. H. C. Withers, of Kirribilli, also his grand-daughter, Mrs Wilfred O'Brien [Grace], accompanied by her husband.
Source: National
Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) - Saturday
18 May 1935
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1935 - MAINLY ABOUT PEOPLE
Mrs S Morris, of Mudgee, accompanied… carillon recital
Source: The Wellington Times - Thursday 3 October 1935
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Mrs S Morris, of Mudgee, accompanied… carillon recital
Source: The Wellington Times - Thursday 3 October 1935
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1935
- CARILLON RECITAL
MISS G. Morris. A.S.C.M., L.S.C.M., F.S.C.M. (Mrs Wilfred O'Brien) gave a Carillon Recital last Saturday night in Bathurst, which was greatly appreciated. The 'Bathurst Advocate' said, 'If not better than those given by her previously, it was certainly equally as good. Bathurst people will be looking forward to hearing more recitals in the future.'
Source: Mudgee
Guardian - Thursday
23 May 1935
Wilfred and Grace, portraits, year unknown
1935 - Gulgong Golf Ball - WHAT A NIGHT! New and Novel Features
THE best and most enjoyable ball ever held in Gulgong. Those few words are an expression of the sentiments of every person who at tended the annual golf ball in the Pictoria Theatre, Gulgong, last Thursday night.
Young and old alike spent one of the happiest and most enjoyable nights in Gulgong. Some who rarely, if ever, attend a ball are in raptures over its success — socially, at any rate. It was more in the nature of a party than a ball. The arrangements and introduction of new and novel features left nothing to be desired. Every minute was enjoyed. After the first dance the party began in earnest and the greatest keenness and enthusiasm prevailed. Community singing local skits written by Keith Murray was indulged. Dr. Allport acting as conductor in a masterly and pleasing way, whilst Miss I. Naughton presided at the piano. This was a feature of the great event, and. everyone joined in most heartily — even if not tunefully. It was good. Here opportunity was taken by Dr. Allport to make a presentation to Miss Naughton for her wonderful and practical assistance in connection with the training of the ballet and other features of the ball. Well deserved tributes were paid this accomplished pianiste. Beef tea was served in the ballroom at 2 a.m. and how it was appreciated! The ball committee comprised: ...
THE DRESSES … Mrs. Wilfred O'Brien (nee Miss Grace Morris, of Mudgee), black velvet...
Source: Mudgee Guardian - Thursday 27 June 1935
1935 - TOWN TATTLE [BATHURST VISIT]Mrs. S. Morris of Mudgee accompanied by her daughter and son in law, Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred O'Brien, of 'Goodiman Station' Gulgong, visited Bathurst during the week. The visitors were the guests of Mrs. Morris's father Mr. J. Dibley, of Lambert Street. During their stay Mrs. O'Brien gave a carillon recital which was greatly enjoyed, she playing several request pieces.
Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Saturday 28 September 1935 p 6 Article
1936 – NEW HOUSESMagnificent new houses are in course of construction for Mr C. R Niven, of Spring Ridge and Mr W O’Brien of Goodiman.Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 21 May 1936
1936 – [NEW CARS]Constable A E Tucker, of Gulgong, and Mr W O’Brien, of Goodiman, Gulgong, have joined the ranks of new car owners.…Mrs. O'Brien nee Miss Grace Morris, of Mudgee, wife of Mr. W. O'Brien, of Goodiman, Gulgong, rendered a much-appreciated carillon recital at Bathurst last week.Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 28 May 1936
1936 – FINE NEW HOME
THE new home being erected for Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred O'Brien, of Goodiman Station, is nearing completion. It is a very fine building of nine rooms and sun verandahs, and has all modern conveniences, including a sewerage system. Mrs. O'Brien. before her marriage, was Miss Grace Morris, of Mudgee.
Mr. Rayner, of Mudgee, is the contractor. — 'Mudgee Guardian.'
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 9 July 1936
Goodiman Homestead, ca 1936
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1937 - NIGHT FUNCTIONS - Beautiful Frocks - LARGE ATTENDANCESTHE Golden Jubilee Ball and the Juvenile Ball, held in the Mechanics' Institute on Thursday and Friday nights respectively, provided a fitting conclusion to the celebrations.GOLDEN JUBILEE BALL The attendance at the Golden Jubilee Ball numbered between 350 and 400, and the function was a great success in every way. A feature of the ball was the pre sentation of nine debutantes, ... The Matron of Honor was Mrs Wilfred O'Brien, who wore geranium red georgette and carried a bouquet of pale pink carnations.Source: Mudgee Guardian - Monday 14 June 1937 p 3 Article__________________________
1937 – [VISIT]At present. Miss Nina Dibley and Miss Jean Kirk of Kirribilli are enjoying a holiday at Bathurst, and are staying at the Royal Hotel. They motored across from 'Goodaman' after spending an enjoyable holiday at the station home of Mr and Mrs W. O'Brien which is situated 30 miles from Mudgee. Mrs O'Brien will be remembered as Miss Grace Morris the brilliant musician who charmed our City by her Carillon recitals.Source: National Advocate (Bathurst) Wednesday 22 December 1937 p 2 Article
Grace in 1937
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On 30 April 1938 Grace and Wilfred (far left of photo) were in Sydney to farewell Charles and Madeleine heading to Queensland on the SS Mariposa (below).
This photo of Grace with her aunt, Nina Dibley (far right) was also taken in Sydney in 1938.
1940______________________
In January 1940 there were terrible bushfires in Sydney and much closer to Goodiman. Grace wrote the following in the corner of a page of her rain diary:
Meanwhile, up the road at Spring Ridge, Charlie Niven recorded the following in his diary:
Terrible day - bushfire at Goodiman - worst on record
Source: Bruce Bryant
Source: Bruce Bryant
SYDNEY, Jan. 25. - In the fierce heat today many hundreds of bushfires broke out in New South Wales, threatening lives and property. In Sydney great numbers of volunteers, including many women, assisted firemen to beat back fires which threatened suburban properties for the third successive day. Bushfires in the Dunedoo, Merrygoen and Gulgong districts tonight held up the mail train at Craboon after destroying a railway bridge. In many other country districts small bands of volunteers were working desperately tonight to prevent large properties being burnt out.
The fires at Dunedoo which held up the mail train raged along a 30-mile front and travelled 15 miles in four hours. Passengers by the train continued their journey in motor cars. Mr. Newton Swinson's property near Leadville is reported to have been burnt out. More than 100 men and three fire brigades fought the fires in this area all day and night.
Losses are reported of sheep pastures and fences, but with the dropping of the wind it was possible to save several home steads which had been threatened.
Source: The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Fri 26 Jan 1940 Page 21__________________________
1940 - Widespread Fires - RAILWAY BRIDGE BURNT
Sydney, Jan. 25.
Sydney, Jan. 25.
In fierce heat to-day many hundreds of bushfires broke out in New South Wales, threatening lives and property. In Sydney great numbers of volunteers, including many women, assisted the firemen to beat back-fires, which threatened suburban properties for the third successive day.
Bushfires m the Dunedoo, Merrygoen and Gulgong districts to-night held up the mail train at Craboon, after destroying a railway bridge.
In many other country districts small band's of volunteers were working desperately to-night to prevent large properties being burnt out. The fires at Dunedoo, which held, up the mail train, raged along a 30 miles front and travelled 15 miles in four hours. Passengers by the train continued their journey in motor cars.
Mr Newton Swinson's property near Leadville is reported to have been burnt out. More than 100 men and three fire brigades fought fires in this area all day and night. Losses are reported of sheep pastures and fences, but with the dropping of the wind it was possible to save several homesteads which had been threatened.
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1940 - RAILWAY PROBLEMS - Line and Bridge Damaged
A bushfire swept across the railway line between Gulgong and Craboon yesterday afternoon over a section of about 4 1/4 miles, burning a large number of sleepers and seriously damaging a bridge.
As a result, the line was rendered impassable and the Mudgee mail train at Craboon was cancelled. Passengers and luggage were transferred by motor vehicle to Gulgong, where they were met by a special train which had been run from Mudgee. As a result of the hold-up, the train was 55 minutes late leaving Mudgee last night. It was found necessary to cancel several goods trains until the line was again rendered trafficable. The line was ready for use at 3.45 a.m. to-day, a special ballast train having been run from Mudgee with a gang of men.
1940 - [A CHILD]
See John O'Brien
Wilfred and Grace with baby John, 1940-41
1942 – [RETURN]
Mrs. O'Brien. wife of Mr. W. O'Brien, of Goodiman, Gulgong, has returned from Sydney, where she had been staying since Christmas.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 19 February 1942__________________________
1943 – [DEPARTURE]
Mr and Mrs Wilf O’Brien of Goodiman Gulgong, and son John, accompanied by Mrs O’Brien’s mother, Mrs Morris, spent the Christmas holidays in the city. Mr O’Brien has since returned leaving the family to return at a later date.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 7 January 1943
Grace and her mother (Sarah Morris nee Dibley)
captured by a street photographer in Sydney in 1943
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Grace on her way to meet Rene Dickinson, 9 February 1943.
Mrs O’Brien, wife of Mr WO’Brien, of Goodiman Gulgong, accompanied by her mother, Mrs Morris, and John, has returned to Gulgong after having spent a couple of months holiday at Kirribilli.
Source: MG - Thursday 11 March 19431943 – [HOSPITAL]
Mr. Wilfred O'Brien, of Goodiman, is at present in the Gulgong District Hospital.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 30 September 1943
1943 – [HOSPITAL]
W. O’Brien (Goodiman)
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 14 October 1943
1943 – [VISIT]
Miss Jean Kirk, of Kirribilli, is now staying in Gulgong with her cousin, Mrs O’Brien, and Mr W. O’Brien, Goodiman, Gulgong.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 14 October 1943 1943 – [VISIT]
Mr Eugene O’Brien, of Marrickville, Sydney, brother of Mr Wilf O’Brien, is at present at Goodiman, attending to the shearing. Mr W. O’Brien is a patient in the Gulgong Hospital but is making a steady recovery.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 21 October 1943 Wilfred's son, John, recalls that Pat Kerlin, a family friend, taught Grace to drive in the paddock between the Goodiman house and the hay shed. It was a rush job. She needed to be able to drive to Gulgong to visit Wilfred during his hospital stay. She was nervous during her driving test and made a few mistakes. The driving instructor asked to be left at Loneragans to get some shopping and instructed her to meet him at the police station to obtain her licence in 20 minutes. Grace offered to wait and drive him back but "NO THANK YOU" was the resounding reply. It seems he had had quite enough of her driving!
1943 – [RECOVERY]We are very pleased to see Mr. Wilfred O'Brien, of Goodiman, about again after his recent serious illness. It is reported that he is gaining weight again, which is a good sign.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 16 December 19431944 – GULGONG PERSONAL
Mr and Mrs Wilfred O’Brien and son John, also Mrs Morris, of Goodiman, are on a couple of weeks’ visit to the city.
Source: MG – Thursday 9 March 19441944 – [VISIT]
Mr E O’Brien of Marrickville, is spending a month at Goodiman with his brother, MrWilf O’Brien. He was unfortunate in spraining his ankle a few day after arriving in Gulgong, Especially as he had made the visit to Gulgong for health reasons.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 6 April 19441944 – [DEPARTURE]
Mrs Morris, of Goodiman, Gulgong, left by train on Monday evening last for the city.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 25 May 1944
1944 – [RETURN]
Mrs Morris, mother of Mrs Wilf O’Brien, of Goodiman, has returned home after a visit to the city.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 8 June 1944
1944 – [VISIT]
Mr and Mrs H C Withers of Sydney, have been the guests of Mrs Withers sister (Mrs Morris) and niece (Mrs O’Brien) and Mr W O’Brien, of Goodiman, Gulgong.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 15 June 1944
1944 – [HEALTH]
The many friends of Mr Wilfred O’Brien, of Goodiman, Gulgong, will be sorry to hear that he is again a patient in the Gulgong District Hospital, but his condition is reported satisfactory.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 17 August 19441945 – [DEPARTURE]
Mrs O’Brien, wife of Mr Wilf O’Brien, of Goodiman, and son, John, accompanied by Mrs O’Brien’s mother, Mrs Morris, are enjoying holidays in the city.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 18 January 19451945 – [RETURN]
Mr and Mrs W O’Brien, and son, John, of Goodiman, Gulgong, returned home last week from Sydney where they had been holidaying. Mr O’Brien is improved in health. They were accompanied by Mrs O’Brien’s mother, Mrs Morris.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 22 February 19451945 – [HEALTH]
The friends of Mrs Morris, mother of Mrs W O’Brien, of Goodiman, Gulgong, will be sorry to hear that she is a patient in Broughton Private Hospital, Mudgee.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 25 October 1945
1945 – DEATHS - Mrs. Morris
The death occurred in a Mudgee private hospital on Tuesday of Mrs. Sarah Ann Morris, aged 74 years. For many years deceased resided with her late husband in Denison Street, but of late she had been living with her daughter (Mrs. W. O'Brien) at Goodiman. A lovable, kindly character, the late Mrs. Morris, made friends everywhere, and her passing will be very deeply regretted. To the sorrowing daughter deep sympathy is extended. The funeral took place to the Catholic portion of the Mudgee Cemetery on Wednesday, after a service at St. Mary's Church, the Rev. Father Cass officiating.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 22 November 1945 1945 – [VISIT]
J Dibley, Nina, Mrs Withers (Kirribilli)
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 15 November 1945
Mr and Mrs Wilf O’Brien and son, John, of Goodiman, are spending holidays in the city.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 14 February 1946
Photos of Grace in Sydney in January 1946.
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1946 – [DEPARTURE]
A recent visitor to Lithgow for a few days was Mrs. W. O'Brien, of Goodiman Station in the Gulgong district. She will be better known here as Miss Grace Morris, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs W. Q. Morris of Vale Road, and herself one of Lithgow's most talented young musicians and dancers. Mrs. O'Brien was able to renew a number of former friend ships. — 'Mercury.'
Source: Mudgee Guardian Monday 2 September 1946
Grace, Easter 1948
Grace, Easter 1948
Nellie O'Brien and Grace in 1949
Paul Ruby (a neighbour of the O'Briens in Robert Street Marrickville)
Grace, John and Nellie O'Brien
* Nellie died later this year (1949)
John and Grace O'Brien at the Art Gallery, 30 January 1949
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For details of trips to and from Goodiman in the 1950s, see the profile of Wilfred O'Brien
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In 1950, Grace and Wilfred's only son, John O'Brien attended boarding school at Hunters Hill. First at "Johnnies" (St. John the Baptist School, Hunter's Hill.) then at Joeys (St Josephs' College).
Grace and John, Circular Quay, February 1950
Grace and John, Circular Quay, February 1950
Rene Dickinson and Grace O'Brien, 28 February, 1950
Grace and John in Sydney in May 1950
Grace in May 1953
Grace in April 1956
Grace with John on 17 January 1959
Grace with John on 17 January 1959
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Wilfred and Grace attending the wedding of Fay Jean Niven to Howard Nicholls, Sydney, 1961
In 1963, when Grace was 60, she had a tidy up and, as described in her handwriting below, burnt a lot of her old certificates except for two large ones that she kept to wrap around her son, John O'Brien's, school certificates.
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