Nurse Edward's Private Hospital

On this location stood Nurse Ethel Edward’s private hospital residence. Nurse Ethel Edward served in the hospital at the beginning of the 20th century.

Download the Nurse Edward's Private Hospital poster (pdf 287kb)

In September 1920 the St Marys' branch of the Red Cross Society surprised Nurse Edwards with a farewell party as she was leaving the district and about to marry Arthur Wilson Evans.

Beryl Field outside Ryan family home in Queen St
Photo from Rodney Field circa 1945-49
Image from Rodney Field private collection

They recognised of her valuable work on behalf of the Red Cross and other organisations in the town and of her sterling personal qualities. The President of the local branch of the Society on behalf of the members presented Ethel with an inscribed silver-mounted oak tray and a silver afternoon tea service, referring to her splendid work done as a member of the branch since its inception.

The inscription on the tray was "Presented to Miss E. Edwards from her fellow members of the St Marys branch of the Red Cross Society -. October 1920.

In June 1949 Ethel died in Strathfield where she had been living since leaving St Marys.

Beacroft’s House was on Station Street St Marys (now Queen Street), the house was at one time used as a private hospital (Nurse Edward’s Private Hospital St Marys)
Unknown photographer, date and source

Eric Anderson Store was on the site of the Beacroft’s home – Nurse Edward’s hospital
Unknown photographer, 1959, photograph from Penrith Library Collection

Interview with Lyn Forde

Researcher: Lyn Forde St Marys & District Historical Society Research Officer

Lyn Forde is 56% English/Scottish, 19% Irish and 25% European.  She is a 7^th generation Australian with two First Fleeters connected to Ropes Crossing. Lyn was born in Penrith, lived in St Marys, Kingswood and now lives in Werrington. She went to St Marys Public School, St Marys High School and Penrith Business College. Lyn retired in 2005 working in administration. 

Lyn is divorced and a great grandmother of four. She has researched local history since the 1970’s and she is a contributor of the History Page in the local Nepean News. Lyn was a Secretary of the first St Marys Historical Society and currently a Research Officer & Vice-President. She is also a member of Encore Historical Sewing Group at St Marys Corner.  Lyn has researched and self-published several books on local history, it is the area where she feels at home and where she can research her earlier family and community connections.