Boyhood memories in Millicent of literally making “a quid” selling newspapers in hotels are about to be shared by Port MacDonnell resident Haydn Egan.
He has accepted the open invitation from the Millicent Public Library to put pen to paper and write one of the 150 stories to mark his home town’s 150th birthday in November.
Although the publishers have put a limit of 750 words, it might be hard to stop Haydn from exceeding it.
Now 71, almost 60 years have passed since he was a 13-year-old paper boy who called on the Grand, Somerset and Nienke’s hotels.
He would be selling the afternoon edition of the long-defunct Adelaide News for fourpence (four cents) per copy.
“Most customers would give us a sixpence coin and we could keep the change which amounted to tuppence,” Haydn said.
“If you sold 100 papers, that was quite a sum.
“Those were the days when women were never allowed in the front bars.
“It was also the time of the six o’clock swill with the rush for drinks before the 6pm closure.”
Blessed with a sharp memory, Haydn recalls a particular customer but this newspaper will not print his name.
“He was a generous tipper as he would get me to go to the paper shop and bring back the Melbourne Truth,” he said.
“I thought at first that he wanted to see the rude pictures of women in bikinis on page three.
“In fact, he was a SP (illegal) bookie and the Melbourne Truth had the best racing coverage.”
Among the fellow paper boys were Barry Sutcliffe who died several months ago.
Haydn remembers the kindness of Somerset publican Joe Hannagan.
“He would set up a small glass of lemon squash on the end of the bar and that would be for me,” he said.
Haydn began his teenage years as a paper boy and ended them as a conscripted soldier who went on to active service in Vietnam.
Wattle Range Council called for submission of stories of up to 750 words with a closing date of October 1.
The council intends on publishing a book showcasing the 150 stories, to be launched as part of the Millicent 150-year celebrations, kicking off on November 17.
