What have we to show for 100 years?
Quite a lot you will say
Industry, commerce, social life
The rush and hassle of the modern day.
But my memory goes back to other times
When life was easy and slow
We lived in a world of our own
We were just beginning to grow.
Clay roads, metal roads
Horse buses, wagons and traps
Ferry boats came to Birkenhead
And sugar workers always wore caps.
Grocer, butcher and baker -
All brought goods to our door
Old Mr Wong with his vege cart
And the man with fresh fish galore.
Sunday School anniversaries and concerts
Filled our social life
We played, we worked and lived together
There was no crime or strife.
World War 1. passed - we were much the same
World War 2. was when the changes came.
Transport was easy, we had a Harbour bridge
Our borough grew into a City
We must be progressive
We must move with the times
But for me Birkenhead brings back memories
Which will EVER be in my mind.
- Alice O'Callahan 1988