In 1924, 27 year old Nancy wrote to the 'Farmers' Advocate' ... 'I have for
years been father's right-hand man'. To a long-running debate on the nature of
farm life for women, Nancy brought the unique persepective of the single woman.
Kate Hunter explores the lives of many women like Nancy, and the communities
in which they lived during decades of great social and economic change. Using
personal papers, diaries, official reports and a wide range of other documents,
she provides a sensitive insight into rural culture in Federation Australia and
changing notions of womanhood.
Contents:
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introductions
Prologue
1. An Inheritence
2. 'Substantial and continuous ties': Kin, Neighbours and Community
3. 'Done our usual work and tried to do my duty: Single Women and the Farming
Household
4. 'Alice stayed at home to drive the horses': Single Women and the Farm to
World War One
5. 'I have been for years father's right-hand man': Single Farm Women, Farm Work
and the Tensions of Modernity in the Post-War Period
6. 'The Modern Girl'
Notes
Index
