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St Kilda Historical Society
Ephemera - Flyer, St Kilda Memorial Hall Direct Appeal to the Citizens to Discharge the Financial Obligation on the Memorial Buildings, 1928
... , 1924, and operated as a dance and social hall. In January 1927..., was officially opened on Armistice Day, 1924, and operated as a dance ...Notice of a public meeting at St Kilda Town Hall on 12 November1928 about the financing of the Memorial Buildings. The year is not specified in the notice but it would have been 13 February 1929 because the Mayor is identified as Thos Unsworth, who served as Mayor in 1928-29. The Memorial Hall commemorates those who served in World War I, was officially opened on Armistice Day, 1924, and operated as a dance and social hall. In January 1927 the Health Department gave permission for it to operate as the Memorial Cinema. It continued as a cinema until 1957.White paper, discoloured with age, printed in redmemo, st kilda memorial hall -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: BENDIGO ADVERTISER SATURDAY DECEMBER 3, 1998, 3rd December, 1998
... musical identity and Australian social dance authority Peter Ellis... musical identity and Australian social dance authority Peter Ellis ...Newspaper cutting from Bendigo Advertiser, dated Saturday, December 3, 1988 - Page 14. Photo on left is captioned: ABOVE: John Meredith and Peter Ellis prepare traditional dance music for the National Library archives. Top right picture is captioned: ABOVE: Peter Ellis plays and 80-year-old celluloid penny whistle. Ellis' 'Collector's Choice' will be launched today at the National Trust chambers in View St at 3 pm. LEFT: Peter Ellis demonstrates the one string fiddle and collection of various instruments. Article reads: Duo's work an insight to music over the years. Local musical identity and Australian social dance authority Peter Ellis, co-author of the Bicentennial publication 200 Dancing Years, has completed his series on dance music entitled 'Collector's Choice'. Noted Australian folklorist John Meredith will launch volume three of Collector's Choice today at the National Trust chambers in View St at 3 pm. A photographic display by John Meredith can be seen at the chambers between 2pm and 5pm. The display is called Pioneers of Performers and it exhibits a cross section of traditional musicians from all over Australia. Fifty superb black and white toned prints will also be on display. John Meredith is one of Australia's foremost folklorists and has many publications to his credit including Folk Songs of Australia, Frank the Poet and The Wild Colonial Boy. Peter and John have just returned from the third national folklore conference in Canberra. Collector's Choice has more than 300 popular tunes written in a clear single melody line with guitar chords provided. Forty different dances are represented with music including the Pride of Erin, Parma Waltz, Evening Three-step, Swing Waltz, Barn Dance, Progressive Jive and Old Time Medley. A detailed introduction provides handy advice on choice, presentation and suitable tunes plus historical details on the evolvement of colonial, modern ballroom, old time and new vogue dances and music. Illustrations on the social history of the bands and individual musicians can be found throughout the book. Bendigo bands of old which are illustrated including Cyril Sawyer's Swingsters. As part of the launch the Sandhurst Dance Club will host a free dance from 8pm at the Marong Public Hall.Bendigo advertiserperson, individual, peter ellis oam -
St Kilda Historical Society
Ephemera - Flyer, City of St Kilda Citizens who are willing to assist in organising a Carnival
... , was officially opened on Armistice Day, 1924, and operated as a dance... Day, 1924, and operated as a dance and social hall. In January ...Notification of a meeting of citizens willing to assist in organising a carnival in aid of the St Kilda Memorial Hall building fund and local charities. The date given is Wednesday 13 February. It would have been 13 February 1929 because the Mayor is identified as Thos Unsworth, who served as Mayor in 1928-29. The Memorial Hall commemorates those who served in World War I, was officially opened on Armistice Day, 1924, and operated as a dance and social hall. In January 1927 the Health Department gave permission for it to operate as the Memorial Cinema. It continued as a cinema until 1957.Single sheet of cream coloured paper printed in blue.st kilda memorial hall, st kilda carnivals, memo -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: PETER ELLIS OBITUARY, 23rd May, 2015
... interested in social dance in Australia. Other CDs include Bush... interested in social dance in Australia. Other CDs include Bush ...Colour photocopy of newspaper article Obituary. Dated Saturday, May 23, 2015. Article is not complete. Titled Peter Ellis O. Reads: Bendigo is set to farewell a true national treasure. Dawn Rasmussen reports. Peter Ellis OAM 1946-2015. Friends, colleagues and mates around the world agree, with the passing of Peter Ellis OAM, Bendigo has lost a national treasure. 'Peter was passionate about dance, music, photography and the environment, and watching him tend to his interests, like a juggler with 100 different objects in the air, was a sight to behold,' friend John Williams said. In his 70th year, Peter was known for his casual approach to the niceties but he always insisted his teapot be adorned with a suitable tea cosy. He enjoyed a glass of wine with friends, hunting up the history of folklore, dance and music, and nothing better than a walk in the bush. Peter is one of the leading collectors and presenters of traditional dance tunes, dances and musical instruments in Australia. At the 2005 National Folk Festival it was announced by Robyn Holmes that he has the largest selection of dance related material collected in the National Library Archives in Canberra, collected over many years, with mates like the late John Meredith (AM), Shirley Andrews (AM), Rob Willis and Dave Di Santi among others. He literally travelled Australia collecting, and had extensive field recordings from Western Australia and Tasmania in addition to his Victorian collection. .. .. .. And central Victoria. Peter collected a lot of material from Harry McQueen (Castlemaine), who played in dance bands for over 60 years in central Victoria. Harry had a number of tunes from Bill McGlashan who had taken Harry under his wing as a young man. Through Peter's efforts much valuable material and knowledge from almost a century ago was saved for posterity. As a charter member and life member of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo and the Victorian Folk Music Club, a member of the famous Wedderburn Old Timers Band for over 28 years (two platinum and several gold recordings in that time), founder and leader of the Emu Creek Bush Band (29 years old in 2010) and creator of the 'Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop' single CD, Peter has been a driving force in the local band and live music scene. Turning his attention to ensuring the music he unearthed would not be forgotten or let lay idle again, under his guidance three double CD's called Quadrille Mania' which contain many rare dances and tunes which have been learnt and recorded were produced, and a triple CD called 'Take Me back To Bendigo', composed of heritage songs and music from the Gold Rush to Federation. These Cd's show the multicultural heritage in Bendigo and include music and songs from the Koorie.. .. … and Welsh communities of Bendigo and district. Upon his recovery of costs Peter has handed over copyright to the Bendigo Community so future profits go back into the community. Three double CDs called 'The Merry Country Dance' with dances and tunes going back to the time of Governor Lachlan Macquarie's Ball in 1804. Most of the tracks are performed by the Emu Creek bush Band following much practice under Peter's tutelage. For further authenticity .. .. .. Tracks which were revived from almost 200 years ago and have now been recorded using the instruments of the time. There is an accompanying book which is set to become the 'Bible' for anyone interested in social dance in Australia. Other CDs include Bush Concert recordings (Volume 1 Goornong), Cooee, Songs of the ANZACs two- CD set in conjunction with the Bendigo Historial Society, 'Music of the Diggings' (four tracks by Peter or Emu Creek) and many more guest… ARTICLE CUT OFFperson, individual, peter ellis oam -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS
... - Peter. A music and dance man with a warm appreciation...- Peter. A music and dance man with a warm appreciation ...A4 sheet white printer paper with 8 newspaper clippings glued on. Handwritten note reads: Death notices for Peter Ellis - Bendigo Advertiser Wed 20th - Saturday 23rd May 2015. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter OAM. Our college community pays tribute to Peter, a highly respected former staff member and ex-student. He was a highly valued and supportive colleague, mentor and friend. Peter will be remembered for his wealth of scientific knowledge, his love of the natural environment and his contribution to the local and state Lab Technicians Associations. - Principal, staff and Students of Bendigo Senior Secondary College. City of Greater Bendigo. Ellis- Peter. A gentle man with a wonderful passion for Greater Bendigo's natural, built and musical heritage, Peter will be greatly missed by the Greater Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee. He willingly shared his love and knowledge of the rich and unique heritage around us. Ellis - Peter Nicolaus OAM. You went so quickly. I will miss our trips to Festivals doing crosswords on the way. My sympathy to both families and Brian a great mate to the last. A void impossible to fill. - Mary Smith. Ellis- Peter OAM. A tribute to our intrepid band leader of 34 years who took us on an unforgettable musical journey of preserving and teaching the traditions of dance and music to old and young throughout Australia. You are irreplaceable ' Dirty Pierre' - Past and present members of the celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band. Ellis - Peter OAM. Founder and leader of Emu Creek Bush Band. Australia's largest collector of dancing history. A great friend taken far too young. Au revoir 'Dirty Pierre' - John and Sue Williams. Ellis - Peter OAM. Thanks Pete, you introduced me to a life of extraordinary experiences, amazing friendships, dance and music. We did have some fun. - Marg Hogan. Ellis - Peter. We are so saddened by your passing. Your music and great sense of humour will remain with us. - Wedderburn Old Timers Band. Ellis - Peter. A friend of many years. We will remember your warmth, humour and tireless pursuit to preserve the Natural Environment of Bendigo. Your love and knowledge of the Bendigo Flora was inspirational. - Mary and Patrick Ward. Ellis- Peter. A music and dance man with a warm appreciation and encouragement of diverse talent. - Winzar boys. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter. Greatly respected and loved by his many friends in the traditional music and dance movement across Australia. His achievements were many and he will be missed. - The Traditional Social Dance Association of Victoria. Ellis - Peter. The Bendigo Historical Society is saddened at the passing of fine musician and friend Peter Ellis. - Committee and members, Bendigo Historical Society. Ellis- Peter. A talented musician and long time friend who was always willing to help us. - Members of Euro fest Choir and Inc. Ellis - Peter. Friend and neighbour, nature's gentleman at rest. Sincere sympathy to Robyn, Rick, Ryan and Doug. - Judy Monti. Ellis- Peter OAM Fond memories of 28 years with the band. Sadly Missed. - Stan and Heather Symes. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter OAM Pete, a much loved friend of many years. We fondly remember your knowledge, humour and those great times together, especially in the bush. Deeply missed. - Rob and Glen Moors. Death Notices. Ellis- Peter. Fond memories, so sadly missed. Keep playing your music Peter. Loved cousin Cheryl and families. Ellis -Peter. Loved cousin of Sandra and Phil Jubber and families. Deeply Missed. Ellis - Peter. A long term member of the Bendigo Field Naturalist Club. Deepest sympathy to his friends, he will be sadly missed by all. Ellis - Peter. Leader of the 'Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band' Memories of lots of great times playing and travelling all over. We learned so much about dancing and music and it just won't be the same. - Don and Julie. Ellis - Peter. Much loved friend, dancer and band leader. - Dianne and Doug Pearse. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter. Peter, you gave so much laughter and happiness to many, many people through your lovely nature and your brilliant music to listen to and dance to. You have left a legacy of music, books and dance as well as unforgettable memories. Rest in peace. - Diana Austin. Death Notices Ellis Peter 27/3/1946 - 18/5/2015 Formerly of Emu Creek Bush Band and the Wedderburn Old Timers). Passed away suddenly at Bendigo Hospice. Loved son of Joan and Allan Nielsen (both Dec). Loving brother of Robyn and Doug. Brother-in-law of Rick and Uncle of Ryan and the extended family. Let the music play on… For Funeral arrangements see later edition. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter Nicolaus O.A.M. Suddenly. An inaugural member of the Bush Dance and Music Club and the Emu Creek Bush Band. A much loved friend, dance instructor and musician. Very generous with his time and knowledge. Passionate collector of dance music and old time dances. Will be sadly missed by all who knew him. - Devastated dance members. Ellis- Peter. OAM 27/3/46 - 18/5/15 Passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Much loved and irreplaceable brother, cousin and uncle to the Lilford, Datson, Burns, Shaw and Kitch families. You enriched our lives. No words can express how much we will miss you. Ellis Pierre (Peter) You were as much a father to me as an uncle. I never told you that or how much I looked up to you. You will be sadly missed - Boswald ( Ryan). Ellis - Peter. We are going to miss our Monday night dinners before rehearsal. A lover of fine wine, good food and great music. Pierre, our Maestro and fearless band leader, we will miss the sound of your squeeze box and your passion for the music. - Paul and Alida Robinson, Emu Creek Bush Band. Ellis - Peter. A close friend colleague, musician, authority on native plants and colonial music researcher. An enormous influence in preserving early Australian dance and dance music. We will all miss you Pete. - Jill and Graeme Balaam. Funeral Notices Ellis. A service of thanksgiving for the life of the late Mr Peter Nicolaus Ellis will be held at the Mulqueen Family Chapel, 15-25 Bridge street, Bendigo on MONDAY (May 25) at 11.00am. A private cremation will follow. Tributes can be left at www.heavenaddress.com Mulqueen Family 15-25 Bridge street, Bendigo Est. 1853 5443 4455.person, individual, peter ellis oam -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
... hundred pages of social history, recipes and dance instructions... hundred pages of social history, recipes and dance instructions ...4 page A4 printed document. Achievements of Peter Ellis (for consideration for the Order of Australia) Peter is regarded as one of the leading collectors and presenters of traditional dance tunes, dances and musical instruments in Australia. At the 2005 National Folk Festival it was announced by Robyn Holmes that he has the largest selection of dance related material collected in the National Library Archives in Canberra. Peter has been collecting for many years and has collected with the late John Meredith (AM), Shirley Andrews (AM), Rob Willis and Dave Di Santi amongst others. Peter has literally travelled Australia collecting over the past thirty years. He has extensive field recordings from Western Australia and Tasmania in addition to his Victorian collection, for example. Most of his recording has been in North Western and Central Victoria. Peter collected a lot of his material from Harry McQueen ( Castlemaine), which led to a double CD of Harry's music. Harry had played in dance bands for over sixty years in Central Victoria. Harry had a number of tunes from Bill McGlashan who had taken Harry under his wing as a young man. Through Peter's efforts much valuable material and knowledge from almost a century ago was saved for posterity. Founder, Charter member and life member of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo. Life Member of the Victorian Folk Music Club. Recipient of the Graham Squance award (for the person who has done the most to promote folk dance and music in Victoria)) from the Folk Song and Dance Society of Victoria. Member of the famous Wedderburn Old Timers Band for over twenty-eight years (two platinum and several gold recordings in that time). Founder and leader of the Emu Creek Bush Band (twenty-nine years old in 2010) Emu Creek has made many CDs of dance music as listed. Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop, Three double CDs called 'Quadrille Mania' which contain many rare dances and tunes which have been learnt and recorded, under Peter's guidance, so they would not be lost to posterity. A triple CD called 'Take Me Back To Bendigo' with heritage songs and music from the Gold Rush to Federation (solely organised and financed by Peter) These CDs show the multicultural heritage in Bendigo and include music and groups from the Koorie, Chinese, Cornish, German, Irish, Italian, Scots, English and Welsh communities of Bendigo and district. Upon his recovery of costs Peter has handed over copyright to the Bendigo Community so future profits go back into the community. Three double CDs called 'The Merry Country Dance' with dances and tunes going back to the time of Governor Lachlan Macquarie's Ball in 1804. Most of the tracks are performed by Emu Creek Following much practice under Peter's tutelage. For further authenticity Peter liaised with other musicians to record some tracks which were revived from almost two hundred years ago and have now been recorded using the instruments of the time. A three volume set of Bush Concert recordings (Vol 1 Goornong (launched Australia Day 2006 with any profits going to the Soldier's Memorial Hall Committee), Vol 2 Heywood and Vol 3 Maldon/Sutton Grange, already recorded and to be released as money from other projects becomes available. NOTE: None of these CDs have led to any profit. All money raised is put back into the community and further heritage recordings, books and videos through the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. In 2009 a full collection of all Peter's book and CDs was donated to the John Gorton Library as part of the recognition of the fifty year career of the Gay Charmers Dance Band from Lake Charm. 'Music of the Diggings' (4 tracks by Peter or Emu Creek). In addition the Emu Creek Band, under Peter's leadership, has appeared on a CD backing Bruce Watson on his song, 'The Old Bush Dance'. Emu Creek has performed at National Folk Festivals in four states and several times at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. They have also been mainstays of the Maldon Folk Festival for over twenty years as well as doing dance programs for the Port Fairy Folk Festival on two occasions. Peter has written and published many books related to traditional music and dance. These include Three volumes of 'Collectors Choice' which is musical notation for bush dances coupled with much dance history which would have been lost without Peter's efforts. 'Two Hundred Dancing Years - How to run a Colonial Ball: (co-authored with Shirley Andrews (A.M.), 'Music Makes Me Smile - The Music of the Nariel Valley' (co-authored with Harry Gardner). The Merry Country Dance' (292 pages) a companion to the three double CDs. He has also been a contributor to Verandah Music' authors Rob Willis and Graham Seal and 'The Oxford Companion to Australia Folklore' Ed Graham Seal. Peter is also a regular contributor to 'Trad and Now' Magazine. His latest completed book is titled 'The Merry Country Dance' and is over three hundred pages of social history, recipes and dance instructions. It was completed with the assistance of a Victorian Government Heritage Grant. The first edition sold out in only a few weeks. Peter has taught many children about old time musicianship through the junior bands which have functioned over the years with many children joining Emu Creek and then going on to follow their own musical inclinations. He has trained several young concertina and button accordion players over the years. Peter has been a regular tutor with Continuing Education in tin whistle, harmonica and old time dancing for many years. Peter has conducted workshops in music dance at National Folk Festivals in Perth, Alice Springs, Maleny, Melbourne, Adelaide, Kuranda and more recently at several Canberra National folk Festivals. He has also done this at Maldon for many years, Port Fairy, Glen Innes, Jamberoo and Kiama Festivals. For over thirty years Peter has been a guest player and MC for the dances at the Nariel Folk Festival (Australia's oldest continuing Folk Festival) Peter is very well known in the Corryong area as a collector and the co-author of the book, Music Makes Me Smile, about the Klippel/Simpson dynasty in the Nariel Creek Band. This book is currently being revised for re-issue as more material has come to light since the original publication. For many years Peter trained Debutante Sets in the Bendigo District. Peter was an instigator of the annual Dinki Di Ball held each September in Eaglehawk for the past thirteen years. At this ball three bands play for a quarter of the night and then join together for the final part of the evening. The bands are Emu Creek, The Wedderburn Old Timers and the Gay Charmers. Up to four hundred dancers, many in heritage costumes have attended this dance. The ball also pays tribute to, and involves, the old MC's. Through this example their skills have been passed down to a younger generation of MC's. All profits are returned to the Dance Club to foster our musical heritage. Each Ball includes presentations designed to promote social dancing in Australia. Over the years several young musicians have been presented with musical instruments at the Ball, libraries have been given copies of Peter's books and CDs and one year a keen young dancer was presented a pair of dancing shoes. Peter is a trained ballroom dancer and has gained gold medal status in this field. Peter is an accomplished musician and is one of Australia's foremost button accordion players. He is also highly accomplished on the tin whistle, bones and harmonica. He is the only exponent of the Swanee whistle that I have seen. Peter also plays the piano and ukulele. Thirty six years membership of the Bendigo Field Naturalists Club, Secretary in the 1970s and actively involved in campaigns to save Lake Pedder and establish the Whipstick and Kamarooka State Parks (now part of the Bendigo National Park). Peter was also extremely active in the establishment of the Salomon's Gully and Jackass Flat Flora Reserves in Bendigo which have now been saved for posterity. Peter has also been involved in efforts to save One Tree Hill and this area has now been included in the Greater Bendigo National Park. He has discovered and named new plant species in the Whipstick Forest and propagates Australian plants. Peter takes regular guided tours of interested people through the Whipstick each Spring on wild flower educational tours. He is a keen and gifted photographer of local plant species. Life member of the Bendigo Field Naturalists. Peter contributed text and photographs to their publication 'Wildflowers of Bendigo'. When the Victorian State Parliament had its first historical sitting outside Melbourne Emu Creek played during lunch for the guests and public. They have also played at functions such as the Centenaries of Federation, the Bendigo Post Office, the Shamrock Hotel and the opening of the new Melbourne Museum and the Federation Museum in Bendigo. The band regularly plays for Seniors week and at homes for the aged such as Bethlehem, Mirridong, Bignold Park, Bendigo Village and others. Peter has been instrumental in getting the band to play for fundraisers such as schools, scouts and environmental groups. The band plays many charitable 'gigs'. The band supports the Bendigo Easter Fair and the Eaglehawk Fair when able and has appeared in several parades over the years. The above list shows the invaluable contribution that Peter Ellis has made towards the collecting and distributing of Australia's musical and dance heritage. No one has done more than Peter in this area. He has also been active locally and nationally in his endeavours towads saving the natural environment. He has put many years of time and energy into both area's and has many on going projects in mind for the years ahead. The awarding of an honour from Australia would be just reward for a man who has preserved so much of our musical and dance heritage for future generations. Knowing Peter I have no doubt he would treasure such an honour as he has given so much to preserve Australia's music and dance heritage over most of his sixty plus years. Compiled by John Williams. Handwritten notes at bottom of last page reads: Referees Jacinta Allan MLA Steve Gibbons MHR Willie Carney ex Mayor of Bendigo Supporting letter Mary Smith Sec. Bush Dance + Music Club.person, individual, peter ellis oam -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: LETTER BUSH DANCE AND MUSIC CLUB BENDIGO, 28th February 2011
... kinds of Dances in 2002 followed by the Merry Country Dance CDs... kinds of Dances in 2002 followed by the Merry Country Dance CDs ...3 Page Letter printed on A4 printer paper. Bearing the letterhead of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. Postal Address Secretary PO Box 922 Bendigo 3552 Telephone number (03) 5442 1153 email [email protected] Mark Maddock Case Officer Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat Government house Canberra ACT 2600 28th February 2011. Dear Mark, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak for Peter Ellis. We know Peter to be a worthy candidate for the award and I think that most people that know him would agree. I had been putting together a nomination for Peter that was suggested by a couple at our club meeting on a night when Peter was not present. Everyone felt that he should have recognition for all the work that he has done and it was unanimously voted on. I was given the job. As someone else has beaten me to it I now can speak for him on my own behalf and in my role as secretary of the Bush Dance & Music Club Inc. Peter Ellis is a very good friend of mine and I have known him since April 1975 when we met at a Saturday night dance. At that time there was a small group of us that went around the dances. We would go 100kms to find dances that were not on the average programme, dances such as The Lancers, Albert's, Waltz Cotillion and lots of Polkas. We bemoaned the fact that they appeared to be dying out in the Towns and Cities so we tried to get the Bendigo Old Time Dance Club of which we were members, to introduce these dances on to the programme, but they were not interested. After a lot of discussion Peter, Maurie Rayner, myself and several others decided to start our own dance club where we could do the dances that we liked, and to endeavour to keep them alive. We formed the Sandhurst Dance Club in June 1979 (renamed ten years later as the Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc.) In 1981 Peter made two attempts to form a band for the club and in 1983 the 'Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band' was born, with Peter as the leader. Later Peter set up a junior section of the Emu Creek Band and some of these children grew up to become competent musicians and leaders of their own bands/Groups. Peter's friendship with the late Harry McQueen of Castlemaine led to and increased knowledge of the dances, calls for the sets and the various tunes used. Peter joined the Wedderburn Old Timers Orchestra in late 1979 and travelling around Victoria and interstate with them was of immense help in learning to MC dances, call sets acoustically and in collecting new 'old dances' and tunes. He met elderly MC's who gave him information on the way that they ran the dances in the old days. It was also an introduction to playing items at concerts and in reviving much of the old traditions of the bush. Demand for the tunes for dances led to Peter compiling a series of three books called 'Collectors Choice' which were published by the Victorian Folk Music Club in 1986, 1987 and 1988. 1988 was a very busy year for Peter and The Emu Creek Bush Band as they recorded two double music tapes for the club 'The Merry Country Dance' and 'The Waltz the Polka and all Kinds of Dancing' which were in much demand at the time. Also in 1988 he collaborated with the late Shirley Andrews and they co-authored the book 'Two Hundred Dancing Years and how to celebrate them with a Colonial Ball' for the Bicentennial of 1988. this publication, was instigated by the Government backed Bicentenary Committee, and distributed free to every municipality in Australia. In 1996 The Emu Creek Bush Band and Peter recorded and produced a single CD called a Friday night at 'The Spring Valley Hop'. In 1998 The Bush Dance & Music Club again happily agreed to financially back Peter to produce a series of CDs. The first thing he did was to revive and update the 1988 music tapes for CD. The first of the Qadrille Mania series of double CDs with companion call books was launched in 1999 then in 2000 and 2001. then the triple CD called The Waltz Polka & all kinds of Dances in 2002 followed by the Merry Country Dance CDs in 2005, 2006 and 2007. There were six double CDs and one triple CD produced which was a major undertaking that went on for eight years. The CDs have a great many tunes that Peter collected over the years mixed in with well known tunes and there are very few repeats. During this time we applied for a Grant from the Victorian Government to publish a book on the social History of country dances and dance instructions with Peter as the author. We were successful and published it in 2005. Our CDs and book have all been lodged with the National Library of Canberra as has all Peter's sheet music, boxes of it, as well as everything he has produced. At the 2005 Canberra National Folk Festival, at a meeting of collectors, it was stated that Peter has the largest collection of dance related material in the National Library. Peter compiled and produced his own project a triple CD called 'Take Me Back to Bendigo' in 2002. 2006 Peter and Emu Creek Bush Band produced another single CD 'Bush Concert Vol one Back to Goornong'. 2008 A pet project of Peter's was compiling and producing a double CD for the Wedderburn Old Timers it was of all the recorded material performed by them at concerts and taped by friends and fans. It was funded by Gavan Holt a son of the late Lindsay Holt an original 'Old Timer'. Recent publications are a book mainly music 'Music Makes Me Smile' a tribute to Con Klippel and the music of the Nariel Valley near Corryong Victoria. Peter Ellis & Harry Gardner 1998. The Waltz, The Polka & All Kinds of Dancing' a sheet music book for musicians supported by the Folk Song & Dance Society of Victoria. 2007-8 not sure of year. Peter has been involved over the years in collecting music and dance by himself and also with Rob Willis and the late John Meredith for the National Library in Canberra. He is continually asked for information and to write articles for people and to verify points re dance and music. He corresponds with like minded people overseas and frequently goes off to Folk Festivals all over the country, usually running dance classes, musician's workshops or just playing for dances. He is an excellent musician and plays Piano, Button Accordion, Concertina, Mouth Organ, Tin Whistle, Ukulele, Spoons and the Bones. He is regarded as one of Australia's foremost collectors and presenters of Australian traditional dance tunes, dances and some musical instruments. Over the years I have heard him referred to as the Guru of folk dance and music. Peter lives and breathes for this passion of his and always has several irons in the fire. He is a life member of The Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc. The Victorian Folk Music Club, and The Bendigo Field Naturalists Club. He was a recipient of the David Squance Award in 1994 presented by the Folk Song & Dance Society of Victoria. Over the last twelve months for the folk magazine 'Trad & Now' he has written articles on the old dances and music and this is an ongoing project. This has led to our clubs present project which is the filming of the dances to be shown on UTube as it is referred to in the magazine. This involves members in hours and hours of practising the dances then filming them, and all with Peter's expert teaching and watchful eye on everyone. The Bush Dance & Music Club are and always have been behind Peter wholeheartedly in everything that he does and we are extremely proud of what he has achieved. His drive and enthusiasm for the preservation of music and dance is catching. People like Peter are absolutely necessary in finding and preserving our Australian Heritage, without them it would be lost forever and Australia would be a great deal poorer for it. The Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. and I fully support this nomination for an award as he is truly deserving of it. Yours sincerely Mary E Smith. Secretary of the Bush Dance & Music Club Inc. Peter's Timeline. 1979 A Foundation Member of the Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc. 1979 Joined the Wedderburn Old Timers Orchestra. 1983 The Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band was formed. 1986 Collectors Choice. Volume one. 1987 Collectors Choice. Volume Two. 1988 Collectors Choice. Volume Three. 1988 Recorded Tapes - The Merry Country Dance & The Waltz Polka & all Kinds of Dances. 1988 A book with the late Shirley Andrews called Two Hundred years of Dancing. 1991 Across to Perth collecting for National Library with the Late John Meredith. 1996 Single CD A Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop. 1998 Music Makes Me Smile. A tribute to Con Klippel 7 music of the Nariel Valley. 1999 Double CD Quadrille Mania 1&2 2000 Double CD Quadrille Mania 3&4 2001 Double CD Quadrille Mania 5&6 2002 His own project triple CD Take Me Back To Bendigo. (Goldrush to Federation and Beyond). 2002 Triple CD The Waltz The Polka & All kinds of Dances. 2005 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 1 & 2. 2002 Book, The Merry Country Dance. 2006 Single CD with Emu Creek 'Bush Concert Vol 1 Back to Goornong' 2006 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 3&4 2007 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 5&6 2007-8-? A book of music, The Waltz, The Polka & All Kinds of Dances. 2008 Double CD The Wedderburn Old Timers in Concert.person, individual, peter ellis oam -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1990
Taken in the 1990's, this photograph depicts a row of shop fronts in the 'Street of Shops' exhibition in the Burke Museum in Beechworth. This exhibition was created and opened in 1979 and was intended to reflect and imitate a historic peirod in the town's past. The time period decpicted is that of the Gold Rush which swept through many Victorian towns from the 1850's onwards. For the town of Beechworth, the gold rush began in 1852, when gold was discovered in Spring Creek, drawing in many new residents seeking to make a fortune and transforming a once remote town into a bustling centre brimming with hope and opportunity. By 1857, the town contained over 200,000 residents and with this, the need for more amenities and intsitutions arose. Multiple churches, banks, schools, shops, hospitals and other essential buildings appearing over the years. The wealth acquired through the gold rush is largely responsible for the vast development of the town and many of its significant buildings which still remain to this day. This photograph also highlights the significance of this type of exhibition, providing a new mode of experiencing and learning about the past. The street depicts the many supporting trades and industries that arose from the mass migration during the gold rush. The creation of the Street of Shops in 1979 was envisioned by Roy Harvey who was the curator at the time, with the intention of recreating an authentic feel to the environment while collecting from the community to accurately portray the multiculturalism that is ingrainded in many towns and communities of Victoria. This photograph contains historical significance as it relates to and portrays an especially important period of time within Beechworth and Victoria's history. The gold rush phenomena ushered in a wave of hope and prosperity for citizens and immigrants alike. It provided many with the opportunity to strike it rich, while the town prospered and grew in many ways. This widespread development that accompanied the gold rush occured throughout Victoria and holds great historical importance when recording the social, economic and communal developments that occured throughout the time period which gave way to the beloved towns and communities we know today. Beechworth itself is acknowledged as Victoria's best-preserved gold mining town and deserves recognition of its significance. it also showcases the great significance of social develpment and globalization that occured throughout the state during this period. Coloured rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper and unmounted. Obverse: Dancing every night 8pm-6am [mirror] / Gold Diggers Arms Hotel façade / Star / Beechworth Gold / J. Davidson / Saloon Reverse: 3306 beechworth, burke museum, street of shops, gold rush, indigo shire gold rush, 1850s beechworth, burke museum exhibitions, saloon, gold buyer, hotel, historical streetscape, gold rush immigration -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Miss Elaine Howell, 11th May 2000
Miss Elaine Howell was born in Beechworth. Her mother was born in Stanley and her father in Myrtleford. Her mother's father was born in England and her other grandparents in Australia. She is one of four daughters. Miss Howell completed school and went on to the Convent to do her leaving. She then learnt shorthand typing and got a job at the shire where she was the clerk to the Shire Secretary. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Miss Elaine Howell provides an insight into a life of an educated Beechworth woman in around the 1950's she also provides a perspective from the town shire (the complaints and plans that occurred throughout the year). She went to two schools to further her education and learnt how to shorthand type. This skill provided her with a job at shire as clerk to the shire secretary. This is the only job she ever had. Her story also offer significant insight into Beechworth life and the dances and job prospects at the time (which was not a lot in the 60's). This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Miss Elaine Howell /listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, elaine howell, howell, stanley, myrtleford, school, convent, leaving, shorthand, typing, shire, clerk, shire secretary -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Gwendoline Warden, 1st June 2000
Gwendoline Warden was born in Ararat in 1913. When she was 13 years old, she moved to Wangaratta, where her parents owned the “Hibernian Hotel”. Her father`s name was William Lavender. When Gwen was around 16 years old, she moved to Beechworth, where she met her husband and they got married in 1935. They had their wedding reception at Warden`s Hotel and they had two children together, a boy and a girl. She recounts how difficult it was for them during the war to manage their grocery's shop and source the supplies they needed, having coupons for food and the black-market prevailing. They faced financial difficulties and, ultimately, they had to sell the shop. After the war she did a few other jobs and she retired when she was nearly sixty. Gwendoline portrays Beechworth as a quiet place, where people were happy and peaceful, enjoying the many opportunities they had for entertainment, such as dances and balls, or the celebrations for the New Year's Eve. She also witnessed the beginning of the famous wheelbarrow race, which started just outside the post office and a big crowd gathered to farewell the two barrowmen. When comparing the past with the present, she points out how much Beechworth has changed over the last decades, with many new people coming to town, making her feel as “the only one around”. She also remarked that young people have changed as well; in her day they were entertaining themselves but nowadays they want to be entertained. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Gwendoline Warden's account of her life in Beechworth and the local area during the 20th century is historically and socially significant as it offers valuable information about the business activity in the region and provides a deeper insight into the way hotels and grocery shops were operating during the first half of the previous century. Additionally, along with all the details provided for many aspects of social life, her personal account of the war period is of great importance, offering vital information to research on the way the Australian society experienced WWII. This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mrs Gwendoline Warden/ararat, wangaratta, hibernian hotel, gwendoline warden, william lavender, beechworth, warden`s hotel, grocery`s shop, coupons, black-market, war, dances, new year`s eve, balls, new people, listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century beechworth, jennifer williams, cassette tapes, friends of the burke, oral histories -
Orbost & District Historical Society
program, 1953
The C.W.A. rooms were in Munro Street, Orbost and were used for many activities, including Sunday School classes and dance lessons. This event was opened by Mrs J.N. Spittle, the state president of the C.W.A. The program lists an address by Sir Albert Lind M.L.A. In Australia, the Country Women’s Association was first formed in New South Wales and Queensland in 1922. Subsequently each State and the Northern Territory formed an Association, a process which took a period of 14 years. Mrs Spittle was the national president from 1951-1953. This item is of social significance as a representation of the role that the C.W.A. has played in the local and extended community. A souvenir program for the opening of a C.W.A. rest room in 1953. It is rectangular in shape with green print on white card with a black frame. Handwritten in pen on the back -"Thought you might like to have this love Annie"c.w.a. country-women's-association-victoria-orbost associations-women -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Minute Book, Minute Book 1936-42, Early 20th century
This is an exercise book containing the Minutes of the Boomerang Club from 1936 to 1942. The Boomerang Club was a Warrnambool social club that was formed some time in 1934 and continued until at least 1956. By the late 1930s there were nearly 200 members who took part in activities that included dinners, balls, dances, Christmas parties and picnics. Profits from the Boomerang Club functions were donated to local charitable organizations. This is a significant item as the Boomerang Club was an important social group in Warrnambool in the mid 20th century. This is an exercise book with a black cardboard cover taped at the spine. The pages in the book are lined in blue and the entries are handwritten in blue and green ink. The cover is stained and blotched. There is a white sticker on the front with the contents listed. Front cover (on white sticker in blue biro): ‘Minutes 1936-1942’warrnambool boomerang club, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Ticket, Card (2) – Boomerang Club Visitor’s Ticket, Mid 20th century
These are visitor’s cards for the Warrnambool Boomerang Club. This club was a social club that was formed some time in 1934 and continued until at least 1956. By the late 1930s there were nearly 200 members who took part in social activities that included balls, dances, dinners, Christmas parties and picnics. Profits from the Boomerang Club functions were donated to local charitable organizations. These are significant items as examples of visitor’s tickets from the Boomerang Club, an important social group in Warrnambool in the mid 20th century. These are two visitor’s cards for the Warrnambool Boomerang Club. One is a pink card and the other is cream-coloured. The printed material on both is enclosed in an ornamental edging and an ornamental pattern is included in the writingBoth cards: ‘Boomerang Social Club, Visitor’s Ticket, T.A.Tinker, President, E.E. Thurlow, Hon. Sec.’warrnambool boomerang club, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Boomerang Club, 1938
This is a member’s ticket for 1938-39 for the Warrnambool Boomerang Club. This club was a social club that was formed some time in 1934 and continued on until at least 1956. In the late 1930s there were nearly 200 members who took part in activities that included balls, dances, picnics, dinners and Christmas parties. Profits from the Boomerang Club functions were donated to local charitable organizations. No information is available on this member, Miss M. Gilmour. This is a significant item as an example of a member’s ticket from the Boomerang Club, an important social club in WarrnamboolThis is a member’s ticket for the Warrnambool Boomerang Club, a small card coloured green with red printed material and the name of the holder of the ticket entered in green ink.‘Boomerang Club, Member’s Ticket, Season 1938-39, Name… Miss M. Gilmour, President W.Pridmore, Secretary L. Tinker’warrnambool boomerang club -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Publication, Constitution Warrnambool Boomerang Club, Mid 20th Century
This is the Constitution of the Warrnambool Boomerang Club. The Boomerang Club was a social club that was formed some time in 1934 and continued until at least 1956. By the late 1930s there were nearly 200 members who took part in activities that included dinners, balls, dances, Christmas parties and picnics. Profits from the Boomerang Club functions were donated to local charitable organizations. This is a significant item as the Boomerang Club was an important social group in Warrnambool in the mid 20th century. This is a small booklet of four pages, two double-sided and two with printing on one side only. It has a red cover and contains printed material. It has an image of a boomerang on the front cover. The pages were originally stapled.Front cover: ‘Constitution of the Warrnambool Boomerang Club, Collett and Munday, Printers, 254 Timor Street, Warrnambool’ The Boomerang image has the word ‘Club’ in the centre warrnambool boomerang club -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Boomerang Club Complimentary card, Mid 20th century
These are two tickets issued by the Warrnambool Boomerang Club. This club was formed some time in 1934 and continued on until at least 1956. By the late 1930s there were nearly 200 members who took part in activities that included picnics, Christmas parties, balls, dances and dinners. Profits from the Boomerang Club functions were donated to local charitable organizations. No information is available on Messrs Gallacher or Abernethy. Mr Abernethy received a complimentary ticket as he was the President of the club at the time (1948)These items are significant items as examples of the activities of the Boomerang Club, an important social club in Warrnambool in the mid 20th century. These are two Boomerang Club tickets. One is a buff-coloured card for the Members’ Ball on November 4th (no year) with black printing and the other is a pink card with blue printing, a Complimentary ticket for membership for 1948-49. Both cards have a sketch of a boomerang. Card one: Club, Members’ Ball, November 4th, Name…. Mr R. Gallacher, Admittance only by this ticket. (Written list of dances on back) Card two: Boomerang Club, 1948-1949, Complimentary, S. Abernethy, President, W. L. Grant, N. B. Grant, Hon Secs. (on back – Mr S. Abernethy) warrnambool boomerang club, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Boomerang Club Membership ticket
This is a member’s card for the Warrnambool Boomerang Club. This club was a social club that was formed some time in 1934 and continued until at least 1956. By the late 1930s there were nearly 200 members who took part in activities that included balls, dances, Christmas parties, picnics and dinners. Profits from the Boomerang Club functions were donated to local charitable organizations. The member, Mr S. Aberneathy, was a local Warrnambool resident. This is a significant item as an example of a member’s ticket from the Boomerang Club, an important social group in Warrnambool in the mid 20th century.This is a member’s ticket for the Boomerang Club, a card of thick paper, dark red on one side and white (buff-coloured) on the other. One side has gold-coloured printing with a gold boomerang and the other side has the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s name and the name of the member signed in blue ink. There is a small hole on one side to attach the card to a chain. The card is somewhat worn with age. One side: Boomerang Club, Members Ticket, 2/- Other side: J.W.Greening, Secretary & Treasurer, Name…. Mr S. Aberneathy warrnambool boomerang club, mr s aberneathy, boomerang club -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Artefact, Boomerang Club, 1940s
This wooden boomerang has been made to promote the Boomerang Club in Warrnambool and to use as a decoration at the Boomerang Club functions. The Warrnambool Boomerang Club was a social club formed in 1934 and it continued until at least 1953. The club had over 200 members enrolled by the late 1930s. The club organized regular activities, including monthly dances, an Annual Ball, Christmas parties, picnics and dinners. Profits from the activities were donated to local charities with over £600 being donated in 1946. This boomerang is of interest as a memento of the Boomerang Club, a social club in Warrnambool in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. This is a wooden boomerang painted brown with white and red lettering on the boomerang face and a white border along the edges. The red paint is fading. There is a small hole at the top for attaching the boomerang to a wall or other object. ‘Boomerang Club.’ history of warrnambool, boomerang club, warrnambool -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photograph - Mt Beauty Community Centre original colour plan and photos of upgrade in 2000, 1. Dated March 22nd, 1962 2. Photographs taken during renovations in 2000
The Community Centre was built in the early 1950’s as an all-purpose hall for the social and recreational use of the workers and families employed on the Victorian state government Kiewa Hydro-electric scheme. The hall was originally called Mt Beauty Recreation Centre and later changed to Mt Beauty Community Centre. It has been the heart of the community for over 65 years and had a heritage listing put on it around the year 2000. The Alpine Shire secured a heritage grant and the hall was restored to its former glory in 2000. In heritage circles it is claimed that the hall is the best example of a 1950’s construction town community hall, which is still functioning anywhere in AustraliaThe Community Centre was and is a very important part of life in the small remote community of Mount Beauty and a range of activities have taken place in the Community Centre over the past 65 years- Picture theatre; Dances and balls; A physical education and boxing club run by Alex McCollough for 30 years; School and social club concerts; Girls gymnastics; Drama group productions, revues and pantomimes; Callisthetics and ballet; Badminton; Wedding receptions and birthday parties; Music festival events; Staging area in times of natural disaster; The library for many years; Shire and community meetings; Secondary College gymnasium for many years and shelter for the Community Market in inclement weather 1 – 1972 specifications for colour scheme of original Mt Beauty Recreation centre, Typed on buff foolscap paper with small colour swatches and letter of explanation to Mr A.J. McCullough. 2 – Set of 10 colour photographs of the upgrade and extension to Mt Beauty Community Centre undertaken in 2000. Photos mounted 2 to a page on blue copy paper. 3. Second copy of No.1 above. Also - typed A4 sheet re history of "The Mount Beauty Community Centre"1 – Header on pages-Mate’s Colour Bar Personal Colour Scheme for Recreation Centre Mt Beauty Vic. 21/3/62. Accompanying letter to A.J McCullough signed by Colour Consultant Ena Chatuein 2. First page of photos, written in black felt marker – Mt Beauty Community Centre 30/11/00 mt beauty, community centre -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
T-Shirt - High Country Line Dancers
Kiewa Valley Line Dancers meet regularly to move in unison to music while standing in lines. There are certain moves that are memorised to the music creating the effect of everyone moving together while facing one direction and dancing on their own. Line dancing has been around for a long time possibly originating from round & square dancing in the 1800s. In the 1990s country western music was influenced by the popularity of line dancing. Then ballroom rhythms and technique took line dancing to the next level. Line dancing reached Europe and in 2008 gained the attention of the French government. Line dancers dance to most styles of music and is popular throughout the world.This shirt belonged to Lorna Reid who lived in Tawonga in the Kiewa Valley. Line dancing began with Jim Budd in Mt Beauty in 1994 at the old Guide Hall with the assistance of the Neighbourhood Centre. Isla, a visiting teacher, with her husband Peter, continued classes at the Community Centre followed by Yvonne Sutton. At this time Social events were held with clubs from Myrtleford, Wodonga, Albury and Wangaratta. The next teacher was Joy Keith who held classes twice a week (Tuesday and Wednesday), with Eileen Speechly, from Gippsland, who held a class on Saturdays. In 2007, Robyn Quick took classes. An Intermediate class on Wednesday and Beginners on Friday. She visits Myrtleford once a week to learn from a teacher there. Line dancing is still (2018) enjoyed by many women in the Kiewa Valley giving them the opportunity to socialize and exercise together.Red polo shirt with collar and two red buttons at top front. Short sleeves. Front and back - black print of two 'mountains' with "High Country / Line Dancers / Kiewa Valley. Label size 18 "Player"kiewa valley line dancers, music, kiewa valley, tawonga, lorna reid -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Book - How to Entertain, Successful Parties and Social Evenings - Compiled by Joyce Thorpe B.A
... to entertain themselves. society party social gatherings games dances ...This book would have been used when people had to entertain themselves. It has ideas for invitations, food, games, quizzes, fancy dress etc.The towns in the Kiewa Valley are isolated so people had to entertain themselves.Faded red to brown soft covered book with a lot of black writing on the front and back cover including the price 1/6.society, party, social gatherings, games, dances, entertainment -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Clothing - Hooped Petticoat
This hooped petticoat or underskirt was worn in the 1950's under full skirted evening wear. Mt Beauty had a vibrant social life during this period with many balls and dances throughout the year.This garment was worn by Margaret McKendrick (nee Vyner) who was born and lived in Tawonga, then Mt Beauty.White cotton tiered under skirt with double hoops at the bottom. The skirt is gathered at the waist and falls to the floor. The waist has a drawstring (ribbon) which is tied at the back.The name "M.McKendrick Mt Beauty" is written in blue ink or texta around the inside of the waistband.petticoat. underskirt. hoop. evening dress. ball gown. mt beauty. entertainment. -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document - Palais de Dance Warrnambool, 1954
Warrnambool’s first Palais was established in the Hotel Mansions on the corner of Koroit and Kepler Streets and destroyed by fire in 1929. The second Palais was established at the Liberty Theatre in Lava Street. The third Palais was established in the Oddfellows Hall building in Koroit Street in 1939. Dances were held weekly and sometimes more often and attracted musical talent from the Warrnambool district and even from Melbourne with band leaders such as Tommy Davidson and Vin Mills. In 1974 the Warrnambool City Council bought the building and it was used only intermittently for entertainment purposes. Today the building is in private hands and is used for commercial and business purposes. This advertisement is of considerable significance as it comes from the Palais de Danse dance theatre which was important as a social institution in Warrnambool for over 30 years. The advertisement also reminds us of the era (1940s, 50s, 60s) when beauty pageants and Belle of the Ball competitions were popular all over Australia. This is a document in a brown plastic frame with a gold-coloured metal inside edging. The frame has a glass front. The document is a 1954 advertisement for the Palais de Danse dance floor in the Oddfellows Hall in Koroit Street, Warrnambool. The advertisement has black and red printing on a buff-coloured background. The advertisement has an ornamental edge around the printing and a red-coloured photograph of the dance floor. ‘Palais de Danse, Warrnambool, proclaims The Belle of the Western District, The Largest Provincial Competition, Biggest Prizes Ever Offered, The Most Beautiful Girls in the Western District’ etc etcpalais de danse, warrnambool, beauty pageants, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Glass cup, 1960s
Glass ware for domestic use as crockery was popular in Australia in the 1960s. In our local area, the Warrnambool district, glass cups such as this one were provided at supper time at local dances for the dancers to have a cup of tea. The over heating of the handle was a draw back to the use of glass cups and so they went out of fashion. This item has social significance.This is a moulded glass cup with vertical ridges on the body and a curved handle.glass cups, vintage domestic item, supper items at 1960s local dances. -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Series Listing, Fraser Faithfull et al, Series 12: Councillors' Social Functions, 231 colour negatives, 2000
Series consists of 231 colour negatives documenting three Councillor social functions : Past Councillors Dinner 1990; End of Council Year Dinner 1990; Shire President's Dinner Dance (June?) 1991.shire of eltham archives, series listing -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Flag, Australian Flag (Union Jack) 1900
There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. Between 1899 and 1902, around 16,500 Australians served in South Africa during the Boer War. This was the largest international deployment of troops from the Australian Colonies before Australian Federation. Of the 16,500 men who served in South Africa, 606 were killed in action or died of diseases. The Australian War Memorial records that the fighting conditions in South Africa extremely hard on men and horses. Australians fighting in South Africa were doing so as part of Colony based Regiments such as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, New South Wales Lancers, Queensland Mounted Infantry as well as units from the other states. Australians were awarded six Victoria Crosses during the campaign along with many other decorations. In May of 1902 the treaty of Vereeniging was signed officially ending the Boer War. The Boer War is commemorated in many Towns and Cities around Australia. The Lara RSL Sub Branch holds some memorabilia from the Boer War. There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. He was a resident of Lara and was a member of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles. It was reported that he carried this flag into battle. The Lara RSL also holds the flag staff of the China, South African and Old Veterans Association. Both these items are of national significance. Both the flag and flag staff were used in marches in Geelong each year until 1916 when Anzac Day commenced. The flag and flag staff were donated to the Lara RSL sub Branch when he joined in 1928. Fredrick James Smith was born at Lara in 1879, the son of Mr/Mrs Smith from Lara. He was a farm hand from Horton Vale, Anakie when he joined F Company of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles at the beginning of February 1901. Two weeks later, he left for South Africa on the 15th February. Before leaving, he purchased the flag from W. Libby & Son Geelong. Frederick Left for South Africa on the 15 February 1901 on the Orient. He saw service between March 1901 - March 1902 in east Transvaal and Natal frontier under the British Major General S. Beatson then Pulteney, including the defeat at Wilmansrust where 18 soldiers were killed and 42 wounded (12th June 1901 - heaviest casualties of any Australian contingent,); and the successful intervention at Onverwacht on the 4th January 1902. The 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles suffered: 36 killed or died of wounds, 13 died of disease of a contingent of 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks and 1099 horses. They returned to Australia on the 26th April 1902 on the Custodian after sailing from Point Natal in South Africa on the 5th April. On his return, Tropper Smith (Saddler Private) joined the South African Soldiers Association of Victoria – Geelong Branch, and after 1928, he joined the Lara RSL. He was buried in Western Cemetery on the 19th June 1968 at the age of 89. Enrolled February 1901 Departed for South Africa on 15 February 1901 Establishment: 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks with 1099 horses Mobilised at Pretoria: 24 March -- 4 April 1901 Typical company: 1 Captain, 4 Lieutenants, 1 company sergeant-major, 1 company quartermaster-sergeant, 1 sergeant-farrier, 1 sergeant-saddler, 5 sergeants, 6 corporals, 3 shoeing-smiths, 3 saddlers, 1 bugler, 99 privates. Total in company: 126 with 131 horses. Engagements: Rhenoster Kop, Klippan, Kornfontein, Drivelfontein, Wilmansrust, Kambuladraai, H'Lobane, Luchiel's Nek, Loch's Kraal, Vryheid, Onverwacht, Johnston Hoek Killed in action (or died): six Officers, 48 Other Ranks VC Winner: Lieut. L. C. Maygar News article Leader (Melbourne) Saturday 31st May 1902, page 42 - Dear Cinderella. — This is the second time I have written to you. I was very sorry at not seeing my first letter in "The Leader". But I hope to say, that this one will be in. The last time I wrote to you I told you that my brother (Fredrick Smith) went to the Boer War in South Africa, and that he was supposed to be killed in the Wilmansrust disaster. But this time I am going to tell you about his return, and the grand welcome he got from the residents of Lara. Mother, Father, and my Brother, went down to Melbourne, to meet the boat. You can just imagine how rejoiced we all were to see him back again. The railway station was decorated some thing beautiful with flags of all description all the colours you could think of. He has bought a lot of Boer curios home and some Kaffir bracelets. They are such funny looking things. The residents of Lara, also gave my brother a grand social and ball there were over four hundred people present, They presented him with a hand some gold chain, and locket suitably inscribed, and a pair of gold sleeve links, they were magnificent. The ball was very nice. . I had a few dances. I enjoyed myself grand. I think this is all I can tell you this time. I must conclude with love. I remain yours sincerely - BESSIE SMITH. Age 14-years. This flag is of national significance as it was used in the Boer War by Private Fredrick James Smith (SN:1229) of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles, F Company in their deployment to South Africa between 1901 and 1902. The flag was taken into the Wilmansrust engagement in which 19 soldiers died and 41 were wounded. On return to Australia, the flag was used in marches by the South Africa, China Old Veterans Association - Geelong. This flag represents a unique part of Australian history from which the movie, Breaker Morant was taken. It is of spiritual significance as the Boer War was where the first Australian received the Imperial Victoria Cross, and the spirit of Anzac was conceived, giving birth in World War 1. The Flag represents the spirit of Australians who fought and died in South Africa.Cotton Union Jack flag approx 221cm wide by 109cm tall with small repair patches and center section cotton deteriorated.Has the word "Lara" inscribed in black on bottom part of the flag heading. Has the flag makers name "W.Libby & Son" on the top part of the flag heading.boer war, union jack flag, south africa, wilmansrust, 5th victorian mounted rifles, f coy, private fredrick james smith, service number 1229, february 1901, april 1902, south africa china old veterans association -
Wycheproof & District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Harrington, The Storey Dance Orchestra, (estimated); 1937/38
The Storey Dance Orchestra was formed in the 1920s by Arthur Storey, playing voilin & banjo, sister Rita-saxaphone,Jean and brothers Bob and Ben. Later, their mother, also Jean, an accomplished pianist and supporter of the orchestra, filled the pianist role after Jean left home to further her career. The car in the photograph was paid for with orchestra earnings. Their music involvement enabled a large family to sustain the farm during the 1920s and 1930s. World-War-Two intervened, this saw the Storey Orchestra disperse, Bob joined Jean in Melbourne, where they continued their musical careers. Ben joined the war effort, leaving Arthur on the farm. Con Taylor played on with a local Dance Band.The photograph tells of the important part that music played in the social structure of families and the wider community, and provided another means of income in the depression years of the 1930s.B&W print of the Storey-Dance-Orchestra, 1937/38, Ben Storey-banjo, Jean Storey-piano, Bob Storey-saxaphone-clarinet, Con Taylor-saxaphone, Keith Baker-trumpet, Jack Proctor-drums. The car,a Ford Rego.No Vic 21695 Noneclothing, musical instruments, storey, men women, dance orchestra, 1937 38, motor vehicles -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Sign - Signage
... melbourne socials dances movies films entertainments church service ...3 rectangular yellow acrylic signage with black engraving signage in Mandarin and English about social events at the Mission indicative time.socials, dances, movies, films, entertainments, church service -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Album (item) - Photograph Album, "Snapshots", c. 1950
This album was found with notes and letter from the donor Sadie Wilson a former member of the Ladies Harbour Light Guild and later Flying angels club. An HLG member in the immediate post WW2 period through to the 60s and possibly later, Sadie was recontacted in the early 2000s and participated in a reunion of former HLG members at the Mission. That is likely when she loaned or donated this album to the Mission. Along with her friend Berenice, Sadie also provided reminiscences of the Guild in the documentary "Light Bearers" filmed by Csilla Csongway and Matt Blackwood in 2003.Sadie Wilson's album has assisted with the cross referencing, verification, dating and identification of other images and material in the MTS found Archive. Her reminiscences provide an important rare verbatim insight into the experience of being a member of HLG in the mid 20th C. "Snapshots" embossed in black italics across the lower right front cover corner.sadie wilson, dances, andy knox, hlg, harbour lights guild, social events, entertainments -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Framed montage, Arthouse - Picture Framing & Gallery, Faith, 2013
THE HARBOUR LIGHTS GUILD The ‘Ladies Committee’ was formalised in 1906 to assist the chaplain with the social demands of the Mission, and was renamed the ‘Ladies Harbour Lights Guild’ the following year. According to former members, it operated with all proper decorum and with precise guidelines that restricted women from coming into contact with seafarers outside of Mission activities. With some 1,600 Victorian members during its early years, these volunteers gave their prayers, money, handiwork time and considerable energy in order to assist in providing for the welfare needs of visiting seafarers. The heritage chapel of St Peter, often referred to as the Mariners’ Chapel, features many examples of stained glass. Commemorating the service of Mercantile mariners, the funds to build the chapel were raised by the ladies of the Harbour Lights Guild. This window, titled ‘Faith’, was installed in 1933 to commemorate the devoted service of Miss Ethel Godfrey, a founding key member of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild.Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. This frame is showcasing the memorial window to Ethel Godfrey, and two photographs of ladies from the Harbour Lights Guild.Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: ABOVE: a member of the Harbour Lights Guild dancing with a Tongan man at a social event during the 1960s. BELOW: A group photo of the ladies of the Harbour Lights Guild in front of the stage at the Mission to Seafarers Victoriareflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, lhlg, harbour lights guild, ladies harbour lights guild, dance, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, catherine mclay, arthouse