The Keady Family Car

The Keady Family at Wonthaggi seemed to take great pride in the family car. The family Buick was a feature of some great photos. Without any knowledge of Buick’s of the time one can only imagine it was a fairly large car to fit the extended family of ten children.

One reliable source has reported that Thomas Keady used to keep his workplace, as the Engine Driver at the Wonthaggi Coal Mine meticulously clean. No doubt the Buick was pampered and polished with the same loving care.

Looks like the family has stopped on the side of the road for a picnic.

Thomas Patrick “Tommy” Keady and wife Lillian are sitting in the grass. Eldest son, John Dennis “Jack” sitting in grass by the front wheel with his younger brother Fred leaning on the bonnet.

Unfortunately there were no notes or captions with this photo so identification of the rest is an educated guess. Assuming the very small boy sitting on the bonnet next to Fred is George, born in 1924, this photo was probably taken about 1928.

This would suggest the other young boy on bonnet is Jimmy (b 1919) , and possibly Kevin (b 1918) standing on guard with his cricket bat next to Lillian. Roy (b 1915) is three years older than Kevin and would have been 13 years old at this time. (Perhaps Roy was taking the photo.)

Finally there is a small girl sitting in the grass behind Jack’s left arm, probably Molly. Molly would have been 6 years old. (You have to look hard to spot Molly)

This classic photo with Thomas Patrick looking a bit like “Lurch” from the Addams Family is probably taken about the same time as the previous one, with younger boys of the family, Kevin, Jimmy and George missing.

The occasion is a catch up with Thomas’s younger brother, Daniel (2nd from left) and his wife Julia. Whether, the Keady family have travelled up to Tallangatta to Daniel’s farm or Daniel and Julia have travelled down to Wonthaggi is unknown.

Robert “Bob” spent many of his early years living with his Uncle Daniel and Auntie Julie, who had no children.

Again no notes came with this photo.

Going from left to right, Robert (or possibly Fred), Daniel, Julia, Francie, Roy, Jack, Molly, Lillian and Thomas Patrick.

There are also two mystery faces hidden in the shadows of the car. An adult is leaning out the driver’s window and there is a small boy leaning out the passenger window.

Three young boys on kickboard of Keady family car. Left, most likely Kevin Keady. Given the boys look to be of similar ages, others are likely to be Roy and Jimmy. Photo was probably taken about 1924-25 given the age of the boys.

Any feedback on identification mistakes or history of the car would be most welcome.

Update on the Family Car

The Family Car is confirmed as a General Motors, Buick Standard or Master Six model which were produced in America from 1925-1928. This was regarded as a luxury car of the time.

Sourced: Pinterest

It is pretty hard to pick the exact model without being able to see under the bonnet or the interior trim. However, Thomas’s car seems to have a soft-top which suggests it was the “Touring” model. There were quite a few variations on the standard model including a 5 seat and 7 seat version. I guess we can surmise that he went for the 7 seat model if he could afford it, given the size of the family.

For the motoring enthusiasts, this model had a straight six engine with either 4.2 or 4.5 litre capacity. The brochures of the time claimed it was capable of 70 miles per hour !

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