Oral history and object biography as companion methodologies in researching the Cheer-Up Society of First World War South Australia

Abstract

Objects as inanimate entities, do not have voices of their own, but can 'speak' through a labyrinth of interwoven stories that can be embroidered into an object's biography. These stories include the layers of memories and recorded narratives of the people and communities who were intimate with the object, with each layer then collectively revealing the changing meanings and rich history of a person, group or locale that has been associated with that particular object. The Cheer-Up Society was a First World War patriotic group operating throughout South Australia. Sadly, little documentary evidence remains to tell the story of its significant contribution to the well being of those who served during the war. Consequently, objects and their own biographies are now being explored to present a broader historical narrative and oral history was considered an important companion methodology in this process. This paper explores how the oral history of just one woman volunteer has enhanced, informed and fleshed out the biographies of several significant objects relating to the operations of the Cheer-Up Society of First World War South Australia.