This Cyclops stroller, made in the 1940s and donated by Elizabeth McInnes of Ormiston, is a fine example of what was available to mothers in those days.
The wooden frame was white with the metal parts a classic cream.
The seat and canopy was a rich burgundy canvas with a fold down cushion on which little Mary or Willie could slumber on, or by flicking it away he or she could sit up and direct the path through the toy department of Finney's, a much more exciting activity than scrolling the iPad that today's tech smart toddlers engage in.
The stroller was complete apart from three hub caps (available today in replica), probably nicked by the local terrors to put on their soapbox cart.
Fortunately the wheels were left as they were held on by stout split pins.
The only things that needed to be replaced (a part from the paint) were the canvas parts.
Many thanks to Ross Bower who made the intricate three pieces and put them in position. A bit of black paint on the tyres made them quite presentable although not suitable for burnouts.
With about 300 less parts than today's stroller, and probably state of the art for the time, it folds up quite easily without the need of a university degree and could be loaded on the bus without giving mum an injury.
This stroller is yet another fine example of the restorations from the over-worked and underpaid workers and volunteers in the bowels of the Redland Museum.
Come and see the stroller and many other pieces of our history at Redland Museum 60 Smith St Cleveland.
The museum is open Monday to Sunday 10am-3.30pm.
Phone 3286 3494 or admin@redlandmuseum.org.au for more information.
