Historical information

This horseshoe was carried by Ena Todd when she married Jack Heazlewood in Warrnambool in 1942. A horseshoe ornament was often carried by brides in the 20th century (and also still are today) as horseshoes are traditionally a symbol of good luck. They were usually home-made by family members and other well-wishers. Mary Josephine (Ena) Todd was born in Warrnambool in 1920 and was a hairdresser at the Josephine’s Salon in Warrnambool. When she married Jack Heazlewood he was a stoker on the H.M.A.S. Sydney. They later lived on Sydney.

Significance

This horseshoe is of interest, firstly as a sample of the type of good luck ornament often carried by brides in the 20th century, and secondly as a memento of the wedding day of Ena Todd, a resident of Warrnambool in the mid 20th century.

Physical description

This is a wooden horseshoe, painted silver and decorated with raised white flowers and green tracery. Attached to the horseshoe is a white ribbon tied with a bow at the end. The ribbon is creased and dirty.

Inscriptions & markings

Good Luck