Helena Margaret Couling papers, 1903-1995

MLMSS 8224

fonds

1903-1995

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Clippings, Photographs

148672

0.17 metres of textual material (1 box)

Helena Margaret Couling was born in Oxford, England, in 1903, the eldest of five children. She trained as a domestic servant, and held this occupation throughout her life. Arriving in Australia at the age of 21, Helena found work with prominent eastern suburbs families.

Helena raised her niece, Shirley, from the age of 11, with both living in Crown Street before moving to Palmer Street.

She was part of an amateur singing group, and became a prolific writer on religion and secular topics. Helena had a strong commitment to St. Peter's Church, Woolloomooloo, and vigorously opposed its closure.

Helena Couling died in Darlinghurst on 11 April 1995.

Reference:
Compiled from the collection

Books 1-3
Bound notebooks containing the manuscript of 'Thoughts in Words: Simple and Natural' by Helena M. Couling, with printed indexes inserted, 1993

Folder 1
Manuscript writings, addresses, articles, etc. on loose sheets and in notebooks, ca. 1992-1993

Folder 2
6 spiral notebooks with manuscript writings, thoughts, articles, etc., 1993

Folder 3
Biography, 'Thoughts in Words - Simple and Natural: The Life of Helena Margaret Couling' by Shirley J. McLoughlin; newspaper clipping of Helena Couling's obituary; memory of 'Miss Couling' by Reverend Bradford; eulogy by Susan Couling; order of service celebrating the life of Helena Couling, 29 June 1995; obituary for Helena Couling in 'Krossways: the Magazine of the Anglican Parish of East Sydney'; and notebook of Helena Couling, 1993-1995

Folder 4
Material relating to the life of Helena Couling, includes birth certificate, passport, certificate of Australian Citizenship, photographs, letters, newspaper clippings, newsletters, etc., 1903-1995

Copyright status:: In copyright
Research & study copies allowed:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Information upgraded as part of the Manuscripts Unprocessed eRecords Project 2011-2012