Conley O'Dea wedding 1933

Hannah's sister marries

Martin Conley and Mary Ellen O'Dea 1933

My mother Hannah O'Dea (Horgan) had two older sisters and three younger brothers. During the 1920s the newspapers of the day often published columns of interest from country centres mentioning a variety of comings and goings as well as social activities in the towns and districts.  There are several mentions of Misses M.(Mary) M. (Margaret) and H. (Hannah) O'Dea attending such functions in and around Hamley Bridge, South Australia.

In December 1929 the engagement of her 21 year old sister Mary was announced in the papers:

O'DEA - CONLEY. - The engagement is announced of Mary Ellen, eldest daughter of Mrs G E O'Dea, Hamley Bridge, and the late Mr. P. J. O'Dea, Pinnaroo, to Martin, fifth son of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Conley, Hamley Bridge, late of Halbury.₁ 

A long engagement was not uncommon and it was not until almost four years later in November of 1933 a short notice appeared in the Chronicle - Miss Mary O'Dea and Mr. Martin Conley were given a social evening at Hamley Bridge prior to their marriage. ₂ 

This O'Dea family, Georgina and her 6 children, had been living in Hamley Bridge near Georgina's in-laws after the death of her husband in 1919. Mary Ellen O'Dea, the eldest daughter pictured here, was born 1st June 1908 at Pinkerton Plains when her parents lived there on a farm before their move to Ngallo in 1911.

Martin Conley, son of James and Catherine, was almost ten years senior to his bride. Two weeks after their marriage an article describing the event and its participants appeared as below.
(Paragraphing has been added to the transcription for ease of reading)

Conley — O'Dea

At St. Mary's Church, Hamley Bridge, on November 22, Mary, the eldest daughter of Mrs. and the late Mr. P. J. O'Dea, and Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Conley, of Hamley Bridge, were married by the Rev. Father J. A. Gatzemeyer.

The bride, who was given away by her eldest brother, Jack, was gowned in ivory moracain, ankle length. The skirt was finely pleated, with sash effect at the waist. The bodice was trimmed with crystal beads, and a large flat bow in front edged with goffered frills. The sleeves were finely tucked at the shoulder, falling full to wristband. Her tulle veil was arranged cap fashion, with clusters of orange blossom at the sides. She carried an ivory prayer book, and also wore a crystal necklace, the gift of the bridegroom.

The bridesmaid, Miss Hannah O'Dea (bride's sister) was frocked in pale blue floral Swiss voile, ankle length, the skirt having three small frills at the hem, and the bodice puff sleeves and three organdie frills at neck line. She wore a lemon shade picture hat of Bankok straw, edged with organdie, and small blue flowers under brim. She wore blue shoes, and carried a bouquet of flowers to tone with her costume.

Mr. Laurie Conley (bridegroom's brother) was best man. During the ceremony the choir sang anthems. Mr. Mick O'Dea (brother of the bride) sang 'O Salutaris,' and during the signing of the register, Miss Laura Murphy sang "Ave Maria" (Cooper). The "Wedding March" was played by Miss Mary Doyle. Lucky horseshoes were hung on the bride's arm by Miss Monica Bennett and Mrs. E. Martin. After the ceremony the bride's mother entertained about 50 guests in the Druids' Hall, Including Rev. Father Gatzemeyer, friends, relations, and members of St. Mary's choir.

The bride travelled in navy blue crepe de chine, coatee effect, with yoke of white crepe de chine, spokestitched. A long navy coat and hat completed her costume. Mr. and Mrs. M. Conley's future home will be at Hamley Bridge. ₃

Two daughters, Marie Therese (1934 - 2019) and Helen Mary (1936 - 2012) were born in Hamley Bridge. The Conleys moved to Port Lincoln shortly after Helen's birth. Two sons were born in Port Lincoln.  Martin died in December 1990 and Mary's death followed in June 1998. They are buried in the North Shields cemetery in Port Lincoln.

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Dressmaking terms

Goffered - a crimped or fluted lace edge or frill sometimes done with a goffering iron. A goffering iron was heated by inserting a poker from the fire. It was then used on collars, cuffs and frills..₄
Spokestitch - HOW TO SPOKESTITCH. To spokestitch by hand, this method is successful:-Take a piece of chintz and tack on to it the two edges which are to be joined, In the exact shape in which it is proposed to join them, and at the desired distance apart. Thread the needle with a long thread of silk or cotton, a double thread of silk twist giving a good effect, or a single thread of knitting silk. Put the needle under the edge of the hem on one side, and bring it out on the right side. Then carry it across and insert it in the upper side of the edge exactly opposite, and bring it out above the thread. Continue to work from side to side, exactly as if doing featherstitching. ₅

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1. 1929 'Family Notices', Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), 12 December, p. 55. , viewed 12 Aug 2019, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87466013
2. 1933 'News From Country Centres', Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), 23 November, p. 14. , viewed 12 Aug 2019, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90953994
3. 1933 'Conley—O'Dea', Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), 7 December, p. 79. , viewed 12 Aug 2019, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90951962
4. Goffering iron https://www.vinterior.co/listings/victorian-goffering-iron-italian-tally-iron-cuff-collar-laundry-kitchen-antique
5. 1921 'HOW TO SPOKESTITCH.', Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), 1 February, p. 3. (DAILY), viewed 12 Aug 2019, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51109086

This post first appeared on earlieryears.blogspot.com by CRGalvin