My grandparents, Charles Oliver Ernest Baker and Alice, came to 128 Farrell Street in 1913. They were married in Port Melbourne in 1910, at Holy Trinity I think. My father, Ernest (Ernie), was born in 128 Farrell St in 1913. He died in April 2001. (For photos of the family see 128 Farrell Street and 116 Farrell Street ).

Charles and Alice, ran the shop in 185 Ross Street from around 1930. (now 116 Farrell St.) It was a mixed business. There is a photo of Alice Baker in the shop in the early 30's. The Edith Clarke mentioned at 185 Ross Street from 1949 was Charles Baker's sister.

The Hawkins listed from 1932- 1948 were renting the house. After Charles died, my father, Ernie, lived in the house from 1948 until his death. I moved back in the mid 1970's. Ernie was a wharf labourer until he was about 60, when his eyes were not so good. He got a job at the Government Aircraft Factory (GAF) until he retired. Ernie was a Port boy through and through. He never wanted to live anywhere else. He played football for Port before the War (2nds). His brother Jack was a better footballer, he was in the 100. Ernie also played for the Port cricket team. He was quite a good cricketer.

When I was a child I played in Farrell Street. There were big gutters, which slowed down the traffic. There was also a game played in Evans Street with ropes which our Dads brought home from the wharves. The ropes were tied to trees in the rockery and then the child swung out on the rope into Evans Street.

I remember that there was an SP bookie who operated in the lane near our back gate. I used to go out and put threepence on a horse for my grandmother.

Photo of Alice Baker in the shop c. 1930s (courtesy June Alexander nee Baker)