Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia..1) black and white photograph of a woman dressed in a dark ankle length dress with a scalloped overskirt, wearing beads around her neck. She is standing on the steps of a cottage "Laura Villa" with a shrub to the left of her. The woman is Laura Wright. .2) black and white photograph of a woman wearing a long dark dress and a white cravat with a brooch, standing of the steps of a cottage. The woman is Sarah Wright and the cottage is "Laura Villa". .3) black and white photograph of a woman wearing a long dark dress and a white cravat with a brooch, standing of the steps of a cottage. The woman is Sarah Wright and the cottage is "Laura Villa"..1) Handwritten on back - Laura Wright, aged 25 years. Taken at Smeaton, January 28th 1922, by Frank Wright .2) Handwritten on back Mrs W. Wright, "Laura Villa" Smeaton. Taken by her son, Frank Wright on January 28th, 1922laura wright, sarah wright, laura villa, frank wright, smeaton

In 1860 Smeaton residents appealed for funds to establish a school. Patrick Curtain, and his co-workers raised more than £150 plus a land grant (Allot A, Sect 2, Township of Smeaton). Head Teacher John Forbes, with assistant Zillah North, opened a timber school building which measured 36ftx18ft (11.0x5.5m) on 1 September 1861 with 44 children. Rising enrolment to 65 in 1868 made building alterations necessary. During 1870-1 a residence of four rooms was supplied and in October 1882 a 20ftx18ft (6.1x5.5m) classroom. In 1907 a new brick building accommodated 122 children. Among notable ex-pupils are Major-General Bridgeford, Frank Wright ( Musical Director of the London County Council), Alex Wright, (AKA singer Andre Navarre), and Les Brooks. (Visions and Realisations) Sepia photograph showing 4 people sitting in a 1914 Ford Model T Touring Car outside The Wright Familys' "Laura Villa" property at Smeaton. Left hand back seat - Mrs W. Wright, Mrs Kelso Front seat: F.L.Redman (driving), W. WrightTaken at "Laura Villa" Smeaton by Harold Hausenfrank wright, laura villa, smeaton, car, 1914 ford model t touring car

Sarah Wright was married to a gold miner named William. They lived at Laura Villa, Smeaton. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank Wright their son was born and attended Smeaton State School and was a renown resident of Smeaton. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of a woman in a long dark skirt and white blouse standing in front of steps leading to the verandah of a weatherboard cottage. The woman is Sarah Wright and the cottage is Laura Villa, SmeatonWritten in pen on the back - Mrs W. Wright, "Laura Villa", Smeaton, March 1923, F.W.sarah wright, frank wright, cornet, smeaton, laura villa

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia. 2 black and white photographs of Frank Wright and his parents outside the front of their house, Laura Villa at Smeaton. .1) small original photograph probably taken on a Box Brownie .2) Kodak postcard reproduction.1) verso "Mr W. Wright, Frank Wright, Mrs W. Wright, At Laura Villa, Smeaton, 1922., V Holt. (An)"frank wright, smeaton, brass band, miners cottage, william wright, sarah wright, laura villa

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.A black and white photograph of two women seated on a park bench. The women are Mrs Wright and her daughter Laura Wright. They are seated in the Sturt Street gardens. Ballarat Town Hall is in the background.Written in pen - Mrs Wright & Laura. Taken in Sturt St Gardens, Ballarat. 16/10/22, F.W.(au)frank wright, mrs wright, laura wright, ballarat, sturt st gardens, ballarat town hall

Alexander Wright was born on 25 August, 1898 in Smeaton He was the brother of musician Frank Wright. Alex Wright was killed whilst performing at the Birmingham Empire as the result of a German air Attack in October 1940. The theatre had a direct hit. According to Frank Wright Alex was a great impersonator with a unique range Bass - tenor with many accents (not unlike Peter Dawson) "AUSTRALIAN CARUSO Smeaton Boy's Fame Andre Navarre, who left Australia about three years ago to study opera in Europe, bids fair to take a place among the world's great tenors. A few months ago Navarre sang for Melba for the first time, and she immediately acclaimed him to be a finished artist, describing his voice as the nearest approach to the immortal Caruso she had ever heard, writes the Ballarat "Courier." Andre Navarre is, however, only a stage name adopted by Alexander Wright, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William. Wright, of Armstrong street North, Ballarat, and brother of Mr. Frank Wright and Mrs. William Ritchie, of that city. Born at smeaton 31 years ago, in what may be termed a musical atmosphere; Alex. Wright showed a definite desire to sing at a very early age, and in his boyhood figured as soloist at school concerts, etc. His youth was spent around Smeaton, working at home and at various farms in the district until he was about 19 years of age, when he secured a position at the Dunlop rubber works, Melbourne. Up to this period Wright had no vocal training whatever, but being the possessor of a good resonant baritone voice, was persuaded by some of his friends to "have a go at the stage.'' Securing a position in the chorus of "Maid of the Mountains," which was at that time showing at the Theatre Royal, he soon made his voice heard to advantage, and also commenced to take lessons from Signor Robottaro. It was about this time that Wright was invited by a fellow musician to a musical evening at which a member of Rigo's grand opera company, then performing at " The Playhouse," was also present. Hearing Wright sing, the musician immediately said : ' You're a fool to waste your time in a chorus with that voice. Rigo is looking for a singer like you for the role of 'Figaro' in 'Barber of Seville'." Alex, however, did not take the remark seriously, and it was only after the numerous persuasions of friends who obviously knew the real value of his voice that the modest young man was eventually induced to meet Rigo. The Italian maestro was so delighted with the voice that without hesitation he was given the principle role of "The Barber" to study. Many singers having previously been tried and rejected for the part, Wright was astonished at his success in being chosen, and awakened suddenly to the fact by the maestro that a world voice, if properly trained, would surely develop in the young artist, Alex at once settled down to study, and all day long in his boarding house at St. Kilda could be heard rehearsing his new role. In less than a month he had completely mastered the part, and on the opening night, in the exacting role of "The Barber," he was an outstanding success. Later, he toured Australia with many leading artists, including Elsa Stralia and Harry Lauder, and spent his last two years in Sydney, where he was engaged as soloist in the biggest picture house. Realising that a training in Italy and on the Continent was essential for a successful operatic singer, the young artist decided to go overseas to continue his studies. He did not leave Australia, however, before he gratuitously gave a concert in his little home town to the obvious delight of all his old friends, who flocked from all parts of the district to hear him. The hall was packed to overflowing , and so pleased was Alex with the tumultuous reception he received that he sang fewer than 20 songs. Once in Italy, he lost no time in placing himself under the tuition of Cottone, and it was at the studio of this maestro that he met Toti dal Monte, a former protege of the same master. Two years were spent in Italy, when "Navarre" learned to speak the Italian language fluently, and acquired a wide knowledge of the operas. He sang in Milan about a year ago, and was paid some glowing tributes by the Italian Press critics, who likened his voice to that of Caruso. From Italy he went to Paris, where he met John Brownlee and many other famous singers. The critics on the Continent are unanimous that Andre Navarre-the unassuming Smeaton boy, whom his schoolmates still affectionately call "Hock"--is destined to become one of the luminaries in music history. It is interesting to recall some facts concerning the remarkable family from which this artist springs. Four other members have won championship honors in the musical world. Mr. Frank Wright has the Australasian cornet championship to his credit ; Mr. Norman Wright, of Sydney, has won a tenor championship of New Zealand, and has recorded for the Columbia Gramophone Company ; Mrs. Wm. Ritchie ( formerly Miss Laura Wright) won the A.N.A. contralto championship in Melbourne; whilst the oldest member, Lydia (Mrs. C. Cane, now in N.Z.) won the violin championship at South Street when 17 years of age. Last year Mrs. and Mr. Wright celebrated their golden wedding. Both of the old folk are intensely musical, and it has been said that the voice of the mother, although entirely untrained, showed in her earlier days glimpses of the beautiful quality which made Melba famous. Andre Navarre does not propose leaving the Continent for some time. Recently he was offered a 12 months' contract to sing in London for £2500 but on the advice of Melba and his coach, it was refused on the grounds that yet another 12 months' French study was necessary to ensure absolute perfection. That "Alex " has lost none of his school-boy wit is evinced by his own jocular remark that he has "a top C sharp that will crack every window in the Sydney Town Hall!" (Horsham Times, 20 February 1931) "AUSTRALIAN KILLED An Australian, Alexander Wright, radio variety star, who toured Europe and Australia under the pseudonym of Navarre, was killed during a recent air raid in a Midland . town. His broth-er, Frank Wright, is musical director for the London County council."(Border Morning Mail, 22 Oct 1940) Black and white image of Smeaton born Alexander Wright whose professional name was Navarre "Prince of Mimics". alexander wright, alec wright, navarre

Coloured photograph of the Golden Square Laurel Street P.S. Collection - Golden Square Primary School No. 1189 - Grade 2/3 L 1995 classes. Their names are:- Back Row:- Anna Oakes, Hayden Donaldson, Justin Broadbent, Bethany thomson, Alex Lockwood, Laura Connaughjton, Kristey Allen, Jessica Gloster, Elizabeth Lobley, Brendan Bourke, Mitchell Butler, Anna Markis, Danielle Blake. Middle Row:- Mrs. Jenny Levett (Teacher), Lachlan Carter, Kara Braddy, Emma Hazelton, Tara Walsh, thomas Catterall, Dearne Rice, thomas Townsend, Rodney Weeks, Nicholas Van Dalen. Frong Row:- Avril Dolphin, Sarah Oakes, jarrad Hunt, Joshua Skinner, Seb Robins, Joel Clarke. Absent:- Brittany Rice. On the right of the names is an oval sketch of the school.education, primary, golden square laurel st p.s., golden square laurel street p.s. collection - golden square primary school no. 1189 - grade 2/3 l 1995, anna oakes, hayden donaldson, justin broadbent, bethany thomson, alex lockwood, laura connaughton, kristey allen, jessica gloster, elizabeth lobley, brendan bourke, mitchell butler, anna markis, danielle blake, mrs jenny levett (teacher) lachlan carter, kara braddy, emma hazelton, tara walsh, thomas catterall, dearne rice, thomas townsend, rodney weeks, nicholas van dalen, avril dolphin, sarah oakes, jarrad hunt, joshua skinner, seb robins, joel clarke, brittany rice

Coloured photograph of the 1987 Netball - Grade 5 Team. The girls are wearing yellow Golden Square t shirts and dark blue skirts. Two girls in the centre of the front row are holding a netball between them. Their names are:- Back Row (L - R) Lisa Anastasi, Bree Ramsay, Mrs. Saunders (Coach), Tracey Saunders, Laura Metcalf. Front Row (L - R) Candice Reid, Wendy Chan, Angela Cook, Megan Baxter.education, primary, golden square laurel st p.s., golden square laurel street p.s. collection - photograph - 1987 netball - grade 5, lisa anastasi, bree ramsay, mrs saunders (coach), tracy saunders, laura metcalf, candice reid, wendy chan, angela cook, megan baxter

The Ruyton Reporter (formerly known as Ruyton Reports) captures the essential Ruyton Girls' School experience for the broader school community. It has been produced since 1986.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to one of the oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Thus, the record can be used as a reference example for research into Victorian school history. It also gives insight into the types of activities and events undertaken at Ruyton Girls' School during the period of its production. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on paper with staple binding. 16 pages.Front Page: the reporter / Ruyton / autumn 1996 / PRINT POST / PP 341999 00026 / APPROVED / 12 Selbourne Road Kew / Telephone: 9819 2422 / Facsimile: 9818 4790 / R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / Double the Fun! / Contents / VCE/Tertiary / Entrance 1995 / Fantastique / Fantasia / Co-ordinate / Education / Leadership / Left to right: / Meghan Rundas, Miss Lee Wills, Anita Lentini, Adele Vandermeer, Mrs. Jenine Caruso and Laura McCormack / See Page 8 & 9 / STOP PRESS: Rowing, Strength to Strength / World Wide Web / Edited by: Deborah Forster /ruyton girls' school, ruyton, school, students, newsletter, ruyton reports, ruyton news, kew, victoria, melbourne, girls school

Black and white photograph of a group of New Works residents, named are, back row Max Browne standing, Maddie Brown, Mrs Ada Grant, A Phillips, Mrs Lloyd, Boyd Thomson, Mrs Palmer, Mrs Ada Thomson, Mrs Elliot, O'Hara Browne, Mrs Phillips, Mrs Katherine Browne, W Sillet, G Gardner, Laura Phillips, Louise Phillips. Second row M Carpenter, Ted Grant, M Hooper, J Elliot, Audrey Brown. Third row I Elliot, D Carpenter, K Lloyd on the Government Jetty, Lakes Entrance Victoriagenealogy

This doyley holder was used by Mrs N Bellingham.Typical household item from the period, representative of handcrafted items.Blue doyley holder, consisting of two circular pieces of card covered in suede-like fabric on the outside, and blue satin-like fabric on the inside. One side has large red suede-like fabric bird holding a small sign in its beak on it, and the other has four red flowers of similar material around the rim. There are two thin pink ribbons on the inside of the piece with flowers. On sign in bird's mouth: "D. Ouleys [?]"household, doyley, doiley, handcraft, mrs n. bellingham, mordialloc

White Cooloured card. Red writing. St. Clement's Anglican Debutante Ball Huntly Firday, July 12th 1985. Debutantes Partners Alison Popple Mark Edwards Kerran Franken Colin Boyd Allison Strauch Glen Backway Wendy Pollard Robert Borserio Lynne Holland Raymond Brown Amelia Chittick Brendan Allen Jacqueline Wilson Stephen Collins Donna Jacobs Jamie Creely Sally Rothenberger Jason Boston Ann Dyer David Sizeland Helen Yates Dean Yates Anne Borserio Trevor Monti Jenny Mills Glenn Peatling Susanne Rea Brett Adamson Anita Read Mathew Gee Sharon Thorburn Jason Byron Leanne Thorburn Andrew Dunne Fiona Mudford Andrew Shotton Presented to The Chancellor, Bendigo Diocese Mr.B. Phillips and Mrs. Phillips 9.15 p.m. Flower Girl Laura Strauch Page boy Simon Wells Flower girl Melissa Tuddenham Page boy Ben Chalkley Chaperone Mrs. Pam Luxford Trainers: Mr. Peter Ellis & Mrs. Mary Smith Pianist Mrs J.Grotto Announcer Mrs. M. Pitson MC Mr. Colin Silk 1 Foxtrot 2 St. Bernard Waltz 3 Maxina 4 Evening Three Step 5 Foxtrot 6 Pride of Erin 7 Progressive Barn Dance 8 Modern Waltz 9 Tangoette 10 Waltz Cotillion 11 Foxtrot 12 Valetta Waltz 13 Gay Gordons/ High Schottische 14 Foxtrot 15 Alberts 16 Parma Waltz 17 Charmaine 18 Swing Waltz 19 Foxtrot 20 Auld Lang Syne Presentation Dance: Fitzroy Quadrille. Autographs.person, individual, peter ellis oam

Coloured photograph of the Golden Square Primary School Year Prep.-1/M 2001class and their teachers. Their names are: Back Row, L to R: Ms Kristy Taylor, (Teacher), Rory Veal, Brooke Davies, Taylor O'Malley, Brodie Clive-Griffin, Evan Legg, Mrs Lyndal McClure, (Teacher), Ms Trish Potter (Teacher). Middle Row, L to R: Gemma Bolitho, Casey Moser, Chelsie Murrell, Aaron Jones, Ethan Hardwick, Laura Abley, Zachary Ashman, Megan Anderson. Front Row, L to R: Joshua Wood, Marissa Johnson, Jessica Denner, Jake Higgins, Emily Box, Gemma Roberts, Bradley Wilkinson, Joshua McDonald, Cassandra Bolitho.education, primary, golden square laurel st p.s., golden square laurel street p.s. collection - photograph - golden square primary school year prep./m 2001, ms kristy taylor, (teacher), rory veal, brooke davies, taylor o'malley, brodie clive-griffin, evan legg, mrs lyndal mcclure, (teacher), ms trish potter (teacher), gemma bolitho, casey moser, chelsie murrell, aaron jones, ethan hardwick, laura abley, zachary ashman, megan anderson, joshua wood, marissa johnson, jessica denner, jake higgins, emily box, gemma roberts, bradley wilkinson, joshua mcdonald, cassandra bolitho

The photographic firm of Morrison & Co., were active at 81 Bourke Street East during the 1880s. Like numerous other photographers in Melbourne, their business must have been severely curtailed by the Depression of the 1890s. The sitter’s identity has been established as a Mrs. Merritt. While we know that she is not the Mrs Merritt who was to be the wife of the future Mayor of Kew, there were two Mrs Merritts who were shopkeepers in High Street, Kew. Mrs Lucy Merritt operated a bootmaker’s shop, and subsequently a “boot warehouse” from 1888 until the 1920s. Miss Laura Merritt established a dressmaker’s shop in High Street in 1910. Her business also lasted until the 1920s, albeit changed to that of a bookseller and stationer. Both portraits are of the same woman.Cabinet Card by Morrison & Co. Silver albumen studio portrait of a woman later identified as Mrs Merritt of Kew. The sitter wears a dark, figured silk two-piece outfit with matching bonnet and a fur muff. Mrs Merritt, Kewmrs merritt, morrison & co

Charlemont & Co., operated out of the Academy Studio, 114 Elizabeth Street from 1890 to 1898. The sitter’s identity has been established as a Mrs. Merritt. While we know that she is not the Mrs Merritt who was to be the wife of the future Mayor of Kew, there were two Mrs Merritts who were shopkeepers in High Street, Kew. Mrs Lucy Merritt operated a bootmaker’s shop, and subsequently a “boot warehouse” from 1888 until the 1920s. Miss Laura Merritt established a dressmaker’s shop in High Street in 1910. Her business also lasted until the 1920s, albeit changed to that of a bookseller and stationer. Silver albumen cabinet card by Charlemont & Co., who operated out of the Academy Studio, 114 Elizabeth Street from 1890 to 1898. In this portrait of Mrs Merritt, she is posed gazing directly at the lens, thus achieving a potentially more intimate relationship with the viewer. All that is revealed however in this supposedly more direct pose is her face. As with an earlier generation, her hair is centrally parted and flattened to accommodate her bonnet, which is surmounted by feathers. The detail in her coat-dress is sharply revealed by new photographic processes that allowed firms like Charlemont & Co., to capture greater light and shade, as well as the detail of fabrics. The entire garment is beaded with what is probably Parisian jet. The beading is arranged in a ‘paisley’ design. The paisley pattern was to become ubiquitous in the 19th century as a design on everything from carpets, to shawls, to clothing.Mrs Merrittcharlemont & co., mrs merritt

William Valentine Hill (1854-1940) journalist, was the owner of 'Eignbrook',10 Pembroke Street from 1904. His wife was Annie Boak (1865-1943); they were married in 1885. William Hill (Bill) Dempsey was his grandson. His mother Laura Constance Hill married Herbert T Dempsey in 1925.Original sepia photograph of the street view of a weatherboard in the Queen Anne style with a steep pitched iron roof; house is fronted by a picket fence. There are 2 copies of this original photo; the better copy has been scanned. The second copy is slightly mottled and the edges left and right have been cropped so that the adjacent house is not seen. Back of photo 1 is inscribed “10 Pembroke St. Donor W Dempsey”. Photo 2 has inscribed on back "Hills home, 10 Pembroke St, Surrey Hills. Donor W Dempsey" Card has written underneath the photo, “10 Pembroke St”pembroke street, hills family, 'eignbrook', house names, surrey hills, (mr) william valentine hill, journalist, (mrs) annie hill, (miss) annie boak, queen anne style

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors from the 1960’s onwards the Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when the Mayor was unavailable. Laura Jane Truscott (nee Baxter) born New South Wales (1880-1967).Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. Flat glass and print. ll; Vincent Kelly / Bendigo. lr; Mrs A Truscott / Mayoress 1945 - 46studio photography, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits