It's with great pride that I publish on the web, these stories of my dad's childhood during the Great Depression. The stories are the collaborative writing of Ron and Annette McArthur. In "Hunger on Two Legs," Ron tells of the poverty and hardship that he and his family experienced as a result of unemployment.
Here's a notable quote from my dad, which, although not used in the stories, sums up his view of the circumstances driving many of the events described in "Hunger on Two Legs."
"The two greatest evils are war and poverty."
Although I was born on this side of the Great Depression, these stories of Dad's hardships, to some extent, explain why I am like I am. That is: Dad's response to his circumstances passed down to me. Yes, I'm very proud of my dad and so grateful for the good upbringing he gave me.
Later Pursuits
With the Second World War, prosperity returned to Australia and came to Ron McArthur.
- Engineering
- Gardening jobs for people
- Tree felling for a wood merchant
- Poultry farming
- Service work at a Holden Dealership
- Retail shop and bank agency
- CFA (Country Fire Authority) volunteer
- Committee of Helping Hand Association
- Building a Sunday School hall
Current Activities
Now in his mid eighties (2007), Ron McArthur leads an active lifestyle, enjoying reasonable health, considering his age and background.
- Woodwork. His hobby, down the shed
- Golf, a couple of times a week
- Bushwalking
- Gardening
- Sharing the housework
Ron McArthur has four children, ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Laurie McArthur.