The life story of Elsie May Cooley: a unique recollection of 1920's suburban Mt. Hawthorn, Western Australia. Snippets of unknown local history which would be otherwise lost to time, are recalled in detail as told through her journaling, conversations and recollections by her daughter.

"During severe heatwaves, my family slept on the front verandah rather than the stifling confines of our weatherboard home. I could glimpse the stars through the privacy blinds and an early chorus of crickets and birds would waken me. Most people slept outside during heatwaves." (Elsie Cooley)