[Violet Austin remembers her father, George Allen, as a fine singer who also played mandolin. She recalls he lost an eye through an accident at work, that he worked long hours for little pay and few holidays, and that he loved to read]

We had so little, yet were happy. 

On Sunday, Dad was more rested, and on winter evenings would sing to us, and imitate well-known entertainers. He could dance a wonderful soft-shoe shuffle. 

We also had a gramophone, one of the box types, with a large red horn. Dad loved Opera and Military Bands, and we sat listening to the records. He occasionally bought a popular record at Christmas.