It is unclear just what the ladies did until the early twentieth
century. There was some provision at the markets in the nineteenth
century and there were the department stores. But it was not
until 1910 that they got their first ‘public convenience’
in Hyde Park. Apparently the practice of providing toilets
for women was a socially complex and delicate matter. In commenting
on the need for providing ‘conveniences’ in 1916
the Lord Mayor of the day wrote that they should be provided
‘under cover of chalet or cloak room accommodation so
as not to be made too conspicuous.’ But ensuring that
ladies conveniences were not conspicuous also ensured that
many women would be fearful of using them. Many preferred
the more comfortable and convenient alternatives provided
by the large department stores.
Images
It’s
a question of Women’s Health
This letter appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald
in April 1917.
A
man’s concern for the ladies
This letter was from ‘a man’ to the Lord Mayor
in response to the article reproduced above in the Sydney
Morning Herald’s women’s page. There
was a push for more women’s toilets during the First
World War, as more women were working in the city and
asserting their rights. (City of Sydney
Archives, CRS 1244/17)
Can you not possibly do something to alter this wretched
state of affairs? It is an eternal shame – the men
are amply provided for or can easily visit an hotel but
a woman, especially with a child is placed in a most awkward
position. I think I saw where you did make some attempt
to rectify matters & I do hope that you will persevere.
If it is a matter of shortage of money preventing it then
matters less urgent should fairly stand aside. You have
always done good work in the Council - can you not bring
this matter to fruition. This meek appeal touches me most
strongly
Thanking you in anticipation
I remain
Yours
-A Man
The
Women speak for themselves
This letter is from Mrs Fred/Millie Vale on behalf of
the women’s section of the newly formed Town Planning
Association of NSW. The women not only suggested specific
locations suitable for ‘comfort stations’
but they also provided some expertly drawn suggested plans.
(City of Sydney Archives, CRS 34/1707/15)
A
loo by any other name
This sign was erected to direct women to the ladies public
convenience in Hyde Park. Council policy was that women’s
conveniences ‘should, when possible, form part of
a block of buildings…If it is only possible to have
them in independent structures then they should be combined
with a small shop such as a florist, tearooms, Parcels
Office etc.’ (City of Sydney Archives,
CRS 34/4356/20)
Ladies’
Convenience, Hyde Park
This convenience was built in 1910 and was considered
a ‘failure’ by the Council because of low
use. In the 1950s it was replaced by a larger, more visible
Women’s Centre and crèche. This was demolished
in 2000. (City of Sydney Archives, Vade
Mecum, 1930)
Ladies
Retiring Room
The Ladies’ conveniences in Moore Park were politely
labelled ‘Ladies Retiring Room’ above the
portico. But clearly the blokes weren’t getting
the message, and another bolder sign declaring ‘Ladies
Only’ was added to stop unwanted interruptions.
(City of Sydney Archives, CRS 538/20)
Victoria
Park conveniences
The impressive sandstone public convenience in Victoria
Park was originally designed as a gatehouse for the University
of Sydney, built in the 1850s. (City of
Sydney Archives, CRS 538/17)
Say
it with flowers
The streamlined, art deco interior of the ladies loos
in Victoria Park probably dates from the 1920s. The attendant’s
cubicle has a soft feminine touch. (City
of Sydney Archives, CRS 538/189)
Changing
Fashions
Simple lines and low construction costs characterise ‘toilet
blocks’ from the 1950s. This drawing for a convenience
and 'rest area' illustrates the new look. (City
of Sydney Archives, CRS 782/2894)
