House plan and view from 14 The Crescent Manly 1961. The roof shown was a reception house "The Crescent" on the corner of Commonwealth Pde and The Crescent It was demolished soon after the party and a high rise block of units built blocking some view before planning restriction limited further development along the water front.  
As children it was exciting to watch the Sydney to Hobart boat race on the small 19 inch black and white TV and then race to the bay window to see the yachts in real life.  Another convenience of the view was to monitor the ferry's position in harbour to plan leaving time to catch it.
The birthday party was held in the lounge room with all the furniture removed and tables set up, the guest of honour table set in front of bay window with the harbour and lights of Rose Bay in distance.