Catherine "Cassie" Richardson Watt (nee Ritichie)

Category

Library Item

Item no

27765

Title

Catherine "Cassie" Richardson Watt (nee Ritichie) 1898-1984

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1928

Type

Photograph

Catherine "Cassie" Richardson Watt, nee Ritchie (1898 - 1984) was the wife of David Watt (1896 - 1971), and mother of David Ritchie Watt (b. 13 May 1927).

Cassie was the first child of Leone "Leo" Levi and Mary Sim Ritchie. She was taught at Broughton School, where she was recognised as a talented essay writer, winning several prizes. After completing her education, Cassie wanted to be a schoolteacher, but her voice was not strong enough so instead she worked as an assistant secretary to Queen's Club. The Queen's Club was a place for wealthy ladies, many of them titled, to dine and socialise. Cassie continued her employment at the Queen's Club until she married David Watt in 1926, at which point she resigned from her post as it against the custom of the time for married women to work.

Cassie, as an intelligent woman who was most likely frustrated by the simplicity of domestic life, developed interests in Ancient Egypt, Atlantis, Eastern Religions, Philosophy, and Spiritualism. She was also an avid letter writer and an efficient record keeper. She kept records of how every penny was spent from Day 1 of her marriage. Not out of mistrust of her husband's spending, but borne from simple interest. Her records were so thorough that in the 1950s the Government Department of Food asked to borrow her books to copy as they were the most complete record of household expenditures they had ever seen.

Cassie had her father's character; she was shy and withdrawn, but held to her beliefs. She was often ill; she suffered from agoraphobia, digestive trouble, and weak eyesight that required the use of glasses for most of her life. Despite her agoraphobia Cassie was, by all accounts, described as very generous and thoughtful by those who knew her.

Image from the David Ritchie Watt Family Album.

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