Surf City, Sydney

Middleton Avenue youngster Dorothy Watson was about 9 when this photo was taken at Bondi in 1931, according to her son Ross Bailey, who went on to share her love of the beach, cool jazz and a good sized surf. Dorothy was there at Bondi in 1931 on Black Sunday and remembered the waves sweeping terrified beachgoers out to sea and the hundreds of swimmers rescued. Thanks to Ross Bailey for this and a handful of other great photos.

So what about the “Sun Silver Reel” imprint stamped on her costume…? According to Manly Local Studies Librarian John McRitchie… the Sun (newspaper) ran a competition in late 1931 to find out which beach had the most beautiful and sporting girls – Manly or Bondi. The prize was a solid silver life reel. Alderman McNiven of Waverley Council asserted “We have the beach, we have the men, and we have the beauty too.” The finale was held at Bondi on 12 December 1931. Manly won the Senior Girls division, and Bondi won the junior boys and junior girls divisions. The trainers of the two teams were Harry Hay (Manly) and Val Atkinson (Bondi). See Sun, 20 December 1931 for some great photos.

Big Thanks to John McRitchie for setting us straight.

Sun Silver Reel contest entrants Dorothy Watson (left) and friend at Bondi around 1931, courtesy Ross Bailey

Dorothy Watson, The Sun Silver Reels, photo taken at Tamarama 1931, courtesy Ross Bailey

Dorothy Watson and friend, The Sun Silver Reels, photo taken at Tamarama 1931, courtesy Ross Bailey