The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of social and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local, social, and sporting history. A black and white group portrait photograph of the Talgarno Football club team in football uniformHandwritten inscription on reverse: "TALGARNO FOOTBALL CLUB/Donated by: Merrilyn Hamilton-Smith".hamilton-smith collection, hamilton-smith, ellwood, wodonga, talgarno, football, afl, football club, game, sport, photograph, photography

1951 was a year of celebration in Victoria. 9th May 1951 marked the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Australian Federal Parliament in 1901, which at that time met in Melbourne, Victoria. 13th November marked the Centenary of the opening of the first Victorian Parliament. Cities and towns held activities and celebrations to recognise the occasion. A "Back to Wodonga" was held from Friday 9th to Saturday 7th November 1951. Friday: Children’s Sport and Children’s Concert. Saturday: Welcome to Visitors, Official Luncheon, Gymkhana, Official Opening and Barbecue. Sunday: Church services, various denominations. Monday: Ladies’ Day (Bowls, Tennis, Croquet etc.) Afternoon Garden Parties, Boxing Tournament. Tuesday: Procession, Basket Lunch, Apex Sports Carnival, 50-50 Dance. Wednesday: Tour of district and visit to factories. Re-unions of various organisations. Thursday: All-day Street Fair and Carnival. Friday: Back to School (Higher Elementary School), Wodonga Hospital Ball. Saturday: Bonegilla Race Club meeting, Competition Sports, (Cricket, Bowls, Tennis, etc.) Farewell Parties by various organisations.This Badge is significant because it is a memento of an important community celebration in Wodonga.A small enamel badge featuring both the blue and red Australian ensigns in the centre on a white background surrounded by blue text.Around the edge; BACK TO WODONGA CELEBRATIONS 1951back to wodonga 1951, opening victorian parliament, australian federal parliament opening

John Richard "Jack" Stevenson was born in Bendigo in 1886 and moved to Albury as a child. He later moved to Wodonga where he established a carrier’s business in the 1920s. As a young man he was involved in bands in Albury and Wodonga. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Wodonga for over 40 years. John was also made a life member of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind. In his later years, John’s main interest was lawn bowls. He was a foundation member of the Wodonga Bowling Club. In 1956 John was recognised as the Club’s first Life Member. He was for some time the greenkeeper and a trustee of the club but retired from that position in 1956. As a member of the Club, John served as secretary for 11 consecutive years from 1937 to 1948 and was club champion for 4 years in 1939, 1940, 1941 and 1943. John passed away in Wodonga on 24th September 1964.This Badge was presented to a member of the Wodonga community who was a businessman and active member of several organisations.A badge issued to their first life member by the Wodonga Bowling Club. The badge is coated in enamel in white, blue and gold. It is attached by a short chain to a bar and pin to allow it to be attached to a lapel.On front: PRESENTED TO/ 1955/ LIFE MEMBER." Around the lower edge: "WODONGA BOWLING CLUB" On reverse " JACK STEPHENSON/FIRST/LIFE MEMBER"wodonga bowling club, john richard stevenson, sport and recreation wodonga