Laurence ‘Joe’ VicK-Bookie

(1897-1951)

 Laurence Joseph Vick, known as ‘Joe’ was a colourful Fremantle identity. A Tally Clerk and well-known Bookmaker, he and his glamorous wife and daughters, lived at ‘Kilwinning’, 21 Oakover St, East Fremantle from 1931 until 1951.

He was born Laurence Joseph Bowes in 6 April 1897 in Perth- the child of Irish immigrants. His father Laurence Philip Bowes (1864-1899) married Mary Ponsonby (1864-1925) in Geraldton in 1894. Mary had been married earlier to Michael Ryan in Qld in 1888, and had two children Johanna (died 1896) and Patrick.

Laurence Bowes held the lease of the Imperial Hotel in York from 1 Jan 1898 until his untimely death (aged 34) in 1899, from injuries after falling out of a window at the Grand Hotel in Perth, near Cremorne gardens and theatre (reference). In their five years of marriage Mary and Laurence had 3 children: Elizabeth, Laurence, and James.

In 1901 Mary (aged 37), with four children, married John Jesse ‘Jack’ Vick, (aged 38) (1863-1940). They went on to have two more children Lillian and John Thomas. JJ Vick first arrived from England to Australia in 1897. Jack had been a publican in London. The family had various trips back to England and lived in Collie and finally Bunbury, where Jack brought the Ocean Beach Hotel in 1910 (reference) and they owned the Wellington Hotel, from 1916-1918.

The Two Wellington's, The Duke of Wellington in his day kept England's end well up; today the Wellington Hotel under Jack Vick's management is keeping Bunbury's end well up by stocking the best of all liquors. (reference)

Laurence’s older sister Elizabeth Frances Bowes (189401981) married Henry Francis Samers in 1915. Her marriage was blighted by terrible domestic violence, desertion in 1920 and divorce in 1924. Read the account of her brother James and mother Mary coming to her defence, beating Samers, and taking him to court, in the Fremantle Herald, 12 March 1920. (reference)

Laurence grew up surrounded by sporting and trade union men. (reference) He was apprenticed for 5 years as an electrician. He possibly spent two years volunteering with the 88th Infantry forces before he enlisted in the AIF on 11 July 1917 (aged 20), in Perth (No 1 Australian and NZ Wireless squad). Laurence was 5 ft 7 inches, with brown eyes and dark hair. During the war he worked as a Sapper and Driver on the HMS Tigris- part of the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, (reference) and was invalided to India in 1918.

He wrote to his parents of his experiences in Egypt and these were shared in the South Western Times, 15 June 1918. (reference)  Laurence returned to Fremantle on the Orontes on 28 June 1919.

Signaler Joe Vick, formerly of the Bunbury Telephone Department, has been on a short visit to Bunbury. He returned to the Base Hospital on Monday. (reference)

From 1920-1925 the family lived at ‘Thornbury’, 37 Bedford St, East Fremantle, from where Jack worked as a labourer and Laurence as an ‘electrician’. In 1925 Mary died and Jack lived alone at 8 John St, Claremont- working as a billiard room proprietor. In 1926 JJ Vick went back to England, working his passage as a seaman at the age of 65.

In 1924 Laurence married Ida Winifred Beatrice ‘Naida’ Gould Cave, in Perth. Naida worked at the Princess Theatre for a photographer- hand colouring photographs. They first lived at 33 Fortescue St, East Fremantle and Laurence began working as a Tally Clerk. He was a keen member of the Tally Clerk’s Union (reference)

In 1926 Their first daughter Thais Nadine Vick was born and on 28 April 1930 their second daughter Barbara Minnie Vick was born and the family moved to 21 Oakover St, East Fremantle.

 In 1928 Joe was first arrested for street betting:

Charged with having stood in Nairn-street so as to obstruct the passage of traffic. Alexander Hyman, Alexander Maru and Laurence Joseph Vick were fined £2 each. It was stated that the three defendants were making bets with a group of about 29 men when the police appeared. "This shows the unfairness of these prosecutions." said the Magistrate. "The small man bets in a shop and is liable to a heavy penalty while these men bet in the street and only expose themselves to a small fine." (reference)

In the 1930s, driving his Plymouth Sedan, Joe achieved a reputation of being a betting man and a Bookmaker. (reference) He was not afraid to advertise his premises at 62 Market St, Fremantle in the RSL magazine the Listening Post in 1936. ( reference) He and his fellow SP Bookie Alex Maru played in the Fremantle Sports Cricket Club ( see image), travelling to various timber towns in the South-West to compete and Joe was also Vice President of the St Paul’s Football Club on 1934 ( see image).

1933 House Broken Into. The home of Lawrence Joseph Vick, at 21 Oakover-street, Fremantle, was broken into on Sunday night or in the early hours of yesterday morning, and a quantity of cutlery and clothing, valued at £10, was stolen. Entrance was gained by forcing open a window at the rear of the premises. (reference)

 In July 1934 and August 1936 he was charged with keeping betting houses;

Betting Charges. Pleas of guilty were entered by Joseph Laurence Vick (36), Edward John Knapp (32) and Alexander Maru (47) when they appeared in the Fremantle Police Court today to answer charges of having used and kept premises as common betting houses. (reference)

Pleading guilty to a charge of having kept illegal betting houses, Laurence Joseph Vick (35), clerk, was fined £15. (reference)

Laurence’s children however were protected from any scandal- Thais featured in the children’s pages of the Sunday Times in 1934 (reference) and she studied speech and drama with Elocutionary teacher Miss Hilda Jones. ( reference)

1935 Fremantle Students Give Recital- The pupils of Miss Hilda Jones. L.T.C.L.. gave an exhibition of elocution and dramatic art in the Fremantle Town Hall. One of the most pleasing contributions of the evening was 'Franchette from France, a juvenile play in which various characters assumed the parts of toys in a nursery. Thais Vick as Franchette- the beautifully dressed French doll, acted her part with confidence and sang well. (reference)

Joe was a patron of many charities and had a special relationship with the Fremantle Metropolitan Junior Club (Cycling) sponsoring a cup for an eight mile race (reference) and Naida and her daughters began to be featured in the Social pages.

1938 Social sidelights of Perth- Mrs LJ Vick and daughters Thais and Barbara returned home on Monday after spending the summer holidays at Rockingham. (reference)

In August 1939 Laurence was again fined alongside his younger brother John Thomas with Street Betting:

Charged with having obstructed pedestrian traffic in Bannister-street, Fremantle, on August 12, John Thomas Vicks (36), clerk, of 325 High-street, Fremantle, was fined £1, with 4/6 costs. On a similar charge, Joseph Vicks (37), clerk, of 21 Oakover street, East Fremantle, was fined £2, with 4/6 costs. (reference) 

Despite this, in 1939 Thais passed her Junior Certificate (with honours) from Sacred Heart Convent, Fremantle. (reference)

August 1940 Drunken Driver Fined. A charge of having driven a motor car while under the influence of liquor was admitted in the Fremantle Police Court yesterday by Laurence Joseph Vick, clerk... Mr. Slattery said that Vick had had several whiskies to ward off a threatened attack of malaria. He had driven a motor car for many years without any previous mishap or offence… (reference)

 From 1943-1949 Laurence continued to work as a Tally Clerk for the Fremantle Port.

In 1944 Thais Vick was one of 14 girls who started nursing training at Perth Public Hospital. She lived at the hospital, working six days a week and taking lectures on the seventh. The work was physically hard and everything was in short supply. She had to stop this training when she became engaged.

1945. The engagement is announced of Thais Nadine, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs L J Vick, 21 Oakover-street, East Fremantle, to Athol William Cullen (RAN), eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Cullen, Strahan, Tasmania. (reference)

From 1946 the sisters and their mother featured regularly in the social pages- especially ‘Priscilla Pepy’s Merry-go-round of Perth’, in the Mirror.

 6 August 1946 Thais married naval officer Athol Cullen at St Johns Church, Fremantle:

Navy wedding of note was when Thais Vick promised to love, honor, etc., Athol Cullen, of Tasmania. Bride looked really beautiful in an embossed white satin gown, Veil topped with a headpiece of exquisite lace. Sister Barbara, and two other sweet bridesmaids, who attended the bride, also wore white, carried shallow baskets of crimson blossoms. Naval uniforms made as admirable foil for the charming couple and lovely maids. Reception was given by Thais' parents, Mr and Mrs L J (Joe) Vick, and I must mention how chic Mrs Vick looked, favoring all-black in contrast to her fair complexion. (reference)

Sept 1946 YACHTING GIRL Barbara Vick, of Fremantle, was pictured on the river yesterday as sports girl of the week. She has been keen on yachting for the past two years, rates it the best outdoor recreation. A dental nurse, Barbara Vick is also a keen musician. She first sang over the air when 12 years old and she is an accomplished pianist… Her ambition is to do opera. (reference)

April 1947- Celebrating her birthday, and making her debut at the Princess Elizabeth Ball on Monday night, vivacious, talented Barbara Vick looked a picture in traditional white, as she made her bow. Barbara has a lovely voice which promises to develop into that of a top-ranker. It is her ambition to study at the Conservatorium in Melbourne. (reference)  (See Photo of Barbara and Debutantes, Western Mail, 1 May 1947 (reference) 

Oct 1947-SPRING COLORS- Crisp and colorful was the dainty frock vivacious brunette Barbara Vick chose for that day off. Gay colors were splashed merrily on a background of cool white rayon pique, fashioned into a slim silhouette with a most unusual shoulder treatment, featuring the square line. Very feminine touch was added by softly gathered ruffle sleeves. Top this off with smart white accessories, and you have a very pretty picture. (reference)

Nov 1947 …personally I'd much rather look at bright blue eyes and soft dark hair, particularly in conjunction with a trim little figure like Barbara Vicks. Haven't kept up the latest report on her music, but it's very much on the cards that this lass should go a long way with such a lovely voice. (reference)

Naida was quite involved with the Kennel Club, and began to judge and breed dogs.

May 1948 Outstanding hostess, Naida Vick, with the able assistance of her delightful daughters Thais -now Athol Cullen- and Barbara, arranged a strikingly successful Sunday morning tea for a bride elect this week. Not a small attraction at the party was the display of Naida's step-family- her pedigreed Scotch Terriers, who claimed much attention, putting on their best parade manners for the guests. I might add that the party, scheduled like other such gatherings, was supposed to end around two and the lasses were reluctant to go, having to be literally driven home in the late afternoon. (reference)

July 1948 Making the best of the little time not taken up by the social round, glimpsed petite Naida Vick and her lovely elder daughter Thais… now of course, Mrs. Athol Cullen, picnicking in the sun at King's Park. I've often wondered just why more people don't make use of this lovely spot, a stone's throw from town. However, Naida and Thais had the right idea. (reference)

Aug 1948 Priscilla Pepy's Merry-Go-Round- Cullenery Taste- After giving the matter due consideration- not that it needed any really- I've decided that Athol Cullen is one of the most fortunate young men of my acquaintance. Spotted him in town t'other afternoon escorting two very lovely young ladies. They were his wife Thais and sister-in-law Barbara Vick. They'd been visiting Naida Vick who, at the moment, is confined to bed in the Mount. Saw Naida just before she resigned herself into the hands of the medicos and as usual she put a very bright face on things. She's really had quite a nasty bout, but is rapidly on the way to recovery. (reference)

Oct 1948 Knows Nags- Not even the uncertainties of a cloudy sky and the well-known temperament of the horses could damp vivacious Barbara Vick's enthusiasm at last Saturday's meet. Noticed her paying individual visits to her favorites (which is certainly an encouragement to them) and looking extremely sweet in a, powder blue, fully-panelled coat teamed with tan accessories, a soft felt, ribbon bedecked hat topping the outfit. Barbara is a keen rider herself and is one of the few people I know who can still enjoy the sport without the additional kick along of a win or 2.(reference)

 On 27 Dec 1948- Laurence and Naida’s first grandchild Peter Laurence Cullen was born at Kensington Hospital (reference)

 April 1949 Barbara and Mrs Laurence Vick were pictured at the Perth Races on Easter Saturday ( reference)

 1949 Thais mentioned with son and mother Naida in the Mirror ( reference)

THAIS CULLEN has her hands full at the moment. Along with hubby Athol and son Peter, she is saving her father, well-known Fremantle identity Laurie Vick, from starvation of a batching existence, while Naida and Barbara are holidaying in the East. Noted Thais out marketing t'other morning. (reference)

 16 July 1949 Back in town again after a 'wonderfully exciting holiday in the East, Naida and Barbara Vick crossed my path, a strolling on Sunday. Along with them came a tempting-looking picnic basket and half the inhabitants of their kennels- to enlarge- three Aberdeen terriers, who set a pretty pace for the party. Naida and Barbara both look wonderfully fit, and although more than glad to be home, wish they could have brought a little Eastern gaiety back. (reference)

Dec 1949 Attractive sisters Mrs Athol Cullen and Barbara Vick spent a day in town together- accompanied by Thais' son Peter -who celebrated his very first birthday on Tuesday. Both lasses were wearing blue, Thais a trim frock in sky shade, and Barbara in that soft, soft sea color, circled with a studded belt. (reference)

Jan 1950 Can’t imagine anything more pleasant than an evening spent partying in the grounds of the Laurie Vick's East Fremantle home. Younger daughter Barbara, a vivacious brunette, invited friends to a barbecue. Occasion was made more festive by bright lights and gaily nodding Japanese lanterns. Barbara was assisted in her hostessing by her petite mother and fair-haired sister Thais. (reference)

 Laurence ‘Joe’ Vicks died on 28 March 1951. He was only 53 year old.

Funeral: The friends of the late Mr Laurence Joseph (Joe) Vick, of 21 Oakover-street, East Fremantle, and formerly of the 1st Australian Wireless Corps, 1st A.I.F., are respectfully informed that his remains will be interred in the Church of England portion of the Fremantle Cemetery. (reference)

VICK: On March 28, 1951 at Perth, Joe, dearly loved brother of Frances and fond uncle of Marie and Frank, Laurie, dear brother in law of Minna and loving uncle of Robin and Donal McDougall, In loving memory of our dear Uncle Joe, passed away March 28, Marie and Frank Samers: grand uncle of Dianne and Ron, A tribute to the memory of our late president and life member, Mr Laurence Joseph (Joe) Vick. Inserted by the committee members and staff of the Fremantle Club Inc F. Lee, Vice President: J.J. Cashin, Secretary, A tribute to the memory of a good clubmate and friend. Laurence Joseph (Joe) Vick, Inserted by Min and Jack Cashin, In fond memory of our dear friend, Laurie. At rest. Ever remembered by Dolly and Harry Howson and family, In fond memory of my late friend and partner. who departed this life on Wednesday, March 28. 1951. So long, pal. F. J. McKenzie. (reference)

3 May 1951 Mr Jack Vick and Mrs. F.E. Samers wish to thank all kind friends for letters, telegrams and personal expressions of sympathy in the sad loss of their beloved brother, Laurence Joseph (Joe). Will all please accept this as a personal expression of sincere gratitude. (reference)

1951 Laurence Joseph Vick, commission agent, of Oakover-street, East Fremantle, who died on March 28 at the age of 53, left an estate valued for probate at £13,751/5/7. The beneficiaries under his will are members of his family. (reference)

1953 VICK: In memory of my beloved husband, Laurie, and father of Thais and Barbara, died March 28. 1951, Loving memories of our dear father. Inserted by daughter Thais and family. (reference)

After Joe died Naida and Barbara went to London to visit Nadia's brother Charles and his wife. Thais and Athol looked after Oakover st while they were away.

At some point Naida lived in South Australia when Barbara married Max Wellington.

Thais and Athol Cullen moved to Strahan, on the wild West coast of Tasmania. Naida Vick lived with them in 1978/9. Naida died 7 April 1985 in Devonport, Tasmania.

Thanks to the family and Helen Cullen for all family photographs and information.

John Thomas ‘Jack’ Vick (1904-1974) married Irene Lillian Johnston Fremantle in 1926  (1904-1966). They had one son John Trevor (1927-2012) In 1936 they lived at 579 High St, Fremantle and John worked as a clerk. Son John Thomas served in the RAAF in 1949 and married Laurel Elford in 1950.

 Barbara later married Bryn Lund Haugaard Jnr (1930). Son of Norwegian immigrants who arrived in Fremantle in 1914. He served with the Navy in WWll and later with the Royal Australian Naval Reserve (Citizen Naval forces) in Sydney and Fremantle 1955-1962.