Local man, Robert Cram, has unearthed several old Cootamundra Herald newspapers and a very interesting – “The Australian Women’s Weekly” – magazine dated July 16, 1949. The magazine was priced at six pence (five cents in today’s currency) and was made up of 48 pages, although some of the inner pages are missing. Circulation for the magazine totalled 700,000 per week. It is believed the magazine and papers were used as an underlay for lino or other types of floor coverings in that era.
Arnotts Sao Biscuits featured in a full-page advert, as did Fortified Ovaltine while other adverts covered De Witt’s Antacid Powder, Erin-Art (Pure Irish Linen), Sta Blonde and Brunette Shampoos, Hi-Line by Mercia, Kraft Krusto Pastry Mix, Oxo Beef Cubes and Worm Syrup.
There was a feature item on the dangers of drinking and becoming an alcoholic, while a fair bit of attention fo- cussed on women’s fashion. Pictures of famous singers Gladys Swarthout, Jane Powell, Jeanette MacDonald and Lotte Lehmann are featured along with actors Cary Grant and Betsy Drake.
One of the best-known cartoonists in that period was Joul- liffe and he is featured with a double page spread of “Joul- liffe found buffaloes funny.” And the cartoons were funny!
The Cootamundra Herald papers were similar in size to the Sydney Morning Herald, and you could buy one if you had threepence (three cents). In the September 4, 1953 edition an advert told of the grand opening of ‘Vicki Vaughan Junior’ which would be selling women’s blouses for 20 shillings … (two dollars in today’s language).
Other advertisers during 1953 included Cohens, Hulford Bros, Sharpe’s Garage, AML&F, Brooks Shoe Store, AER Services, Bruderlins, T Williams & Co, Roxy Theatre, Win- chombe Carson Ltd, Scotts Radio, Goldsbrough Mort, Maples, Norman Deep’s and John Meagher & Co.
Young Diggers Race Club advertised a spring meeting, offering 210 pounds in prizemoney.
“CP”