Eulogy 16 - On the Birthday Anniversary of Rex Maloney (Testro) (1917-1988)

 

THE LOLLIBOY'S DREAM

(Story written and published on Facebook on 2nd July 2019 for
Rex Clifford Kenneth Maloney (Kent/Testro) (1917-1988) –
a paternal Uncle of Warren Maloney)


From 1917 to 1930, my Uncles earnt extras as the lolliboys at the Old Tivoli Theatre in Bourke Street. Dressed in their cream & red uniforms, they wandered the aisles selling the chocolates, special treats and drinks to all the young (and older) blokes "taking out their raspberry tarts for a special treat". Tips were always a good earner.


Uncle Rex had a bigger dream of making a splash. So, after one season as just one of the lolliboys, aged 13, he dressed in his uniform and with his flat tray full, he hired a hansom cab in Lygon Street and arrived at the Tivoli front entrance just as the fancy crowd was at its peak.


Being a hansom, the uniformed doorman rushed to open the cab door and was very surprised as young Rex descended the step. The Crowd laughed and applauded and rushed forward to support "the kid". 


It was a big night - he sold out his tray before getting to the front door and the tips were very good. Rex got his first taste for the better life and never went back to being just a lolliboy again.


Rex would have been 102 today. Happy Birthday "Vokky"!



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