Marion “Annie” (Cooper) Harrison, a milliner by trade, designed and made women’s hats, initially in the 1940s in High Street, and later in the 1950s and 60s at 5 Princess Street. The hats were constructed upstairs in her shop in Princes Street while the ground floor was reserved for sales and display. She employed other milliners to assist but always ran the showroom herself. Hectic periods were in the weeks before the big racing carnivals when the many wealthy race-goers of Kew kept her busy. She typically walked to her business as she and her husband, Fred Harrison, lived locally. Annie died in April 2016, at the great age of 107 years. Her hats are held in local and national collections. This hat was purchased and worn by Kathleen Gervasoni, a long-term resident and former Mayoress of Kew.The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Faux leopard skin brimmed hat, lined in black, trimmed with two pom poms at back. Designed and made by milliner Anne Harrison of Kew. Anne Harrison designed hats to order for clients, or you could choose a style and have it trimmed to taste.Label, inside centre crown, woven in black on white polyester: "WM 9906 / Anne Harrison OF KEW"anne harrison of kew, kathleen gervasoni, milliners - kew (vic), women's clothing, costume accessories - hats

Annual report of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind outlined activities and events over the year, including membership of 299, 1000 visits were paid during the year, the Public Works department erected a set of steps from the top of the cliff to the sands so that Home residents may be able to access the beach, Railway Permits will now also be honoured on the Prahran-Malvern Electric Tramway and Bay Excursion Steamers, a concert party toured to Egerton, Ballan, Bacchus Marsh, Myrniong and Toolern Vale for the dual purpose of raising awareness and funds for the Association, Mr A Solomon has been appointed as a second Collector to visit Country Towns and with the support of the wife of the Minister for Public Works, Miss Aston and Miss Munce waited on the Lady Mayoress of Melbourne, gave her full support to organise a fund to purchase the land and buildings in Mair Street for the Association.1 volume of printed material with some illustrationsassociation for the advancement of the blind, annual reports

Single page photocopy of a report by Mr. J. Harrison, Mayor of the City of Ballaarat, dated 2nd May 1932 of the "brave deed" of Mr. Charles Foster, ESCo driver who rescued a small boy from in front of a tramcar. Council complimented him on his bravery and recommended a letter be sent. Has been a typed original, has number 334 in top right hand corner. On base of page in handwriting has a note regarding an obituary for a Mrs. John Whytes (?), Mayoress? Collected by Mr. Colin Homes, 5331 6036 of the Ballarat Engine and Machinery Preservation Society, April 1998, with some notes on trolley buses in Council Correspondence Inwards and a reference. VPRS series 2500 Unit 155.trams, tramways, esco, accidents, foster charles, city of ballaarat

MESSRS. PRESCOTT AND DAWE. THEIR NEW PREMISES. Article The Bendigo Independent (Vic. 1891 1918)Thursday 15 December 1910 Page 2 MESSRS. PRESCOTT AND DAWE. Messrs. Prescott and Dawe, jewellers and opticians, established business in Mitchell street, Bendigo, in 1887, and so rapidly did their clients increase that they soon gained a top reptation for introducing the best workmanship in every branch. The firm’s goods are always unique and artistic. They have manufactured endless presents, notable amongst which are the civic gifts presented annually to the mayor and mayoress for the time being, the mayoral chain and the late Mr. George Lansell’s medallion, and presents to leading citizens throughout the State. Their new business premises at the corner of Mitchell and Hargreaves streets are now ready. They make an imposing addition to the architecture of the city. The elevations to Mitchell and Hargreaves street have been well treated in every detail and carried out in the renaissance style. Order book used by Prescott & Dawe, Jeweller's of Bendigo. Black cover. Account book with 66pp with ruled blue lines and red column lines. The book contains handwritten quotes for production of medals and badges. The pages include details of colours, materials and words. Quotes accompanied by hand drawn designs drawn onto the pages or on separate pieces of paper or card pasted into the book. Several loose designs also included. The last two pages include list of suppliers and manufacturers. First entry April 1925 for Quarry Hill Golf Club badges. Last entry 1963 for St Mary's College enamelled badges with brooch pins. Neville King Collectionjewellers, medals, badges, prescott & dawe, designs

Letter re Aged Care Home - 1961; Correspondence re Charity Ball - 1961; Clubrooms opened 1964 Greenwood Park; Photograph of opening of Clubrooms; Ringwood East Clubrooms opened 1968; Newspaper clipping, Packet includes: . Letter from Council calling for Public Meeting to consider assistance to aged citizens. . Letters from Council re Ringwood Mayor's Charity Ball. . Programme for Official Opening of Elderly Citizens Cubrooms at Greenwood Park, 2nd May 1964. . Photograph of Opening of Elderly Citizens Clubrooms 1964. Article in "Mail" dated 14 May, 1964. Photograph shows Mayoress Mrs P Vergers and Mr F Dwerryhouse, Town Clerk. . Newspaper clippings re Elderly Citizens.

Open Day, Ringwood Technical School, 31st May, 1961, Mr Veitch (left), Principal and Mayor Bob Horman speaking. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned. Some photos have been taken by Peter Payens of Ringwood Studios, 36 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, WU-7609, probably for the Ringwood mail newspaper. From The Ringwood Mail, 8 June 1961 - "Part of the Commonwealth Technical Training Week, the Mayor, Cr Robert Horman, performed the official opening of a display at the Ringwood Technical School. Present in the official party were Mayoress, Hon. WER Garrett, MLC, and Mrs Garrett, the Town Clerk, Mr Fred Dwerryhouse, and the President of the School Council, Major-General LE Beavis, CBE, DSO, and Mrs Beavis."

Open Day, Ringwood Technical School, 31st May, 1961. Major-General Beavis CBE DSO speaking. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned. Some photos have been taken by Peter Payens of Ringwood Studios, 36 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, WU-7609, probably for the Ringwood mail newspaper. From The Ringwood Mail, 8 June 1961 - "Part of the Commonwealth Technical Training Week, the Mayor, Cr Robert Horman, performed the official opening of a display at the Ringwood Technical School. Present in the official party were Mayoress, Hon. WER Garrett, MLC, and Mrs Garrett, the Town Clerk, Mr Fred Dwerryhouse, and the President of the School Council, Major-General LE Beavis, CBE, DSO, and Mrs Beavis."

Open Day, Ringwood Technical School, 31st May, 1961. Mayor Horman speaking, with audience. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned. Some photos have been taken by Peter Payens of Ringwood Studios, 36 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, WU-7609, probably for the Ringwood mail newspaper. From The Ringwood Mail, 8 June 1961 - "Part of the Commonwealth Technical Training Week, the Mayor, Cr Robert Horman, performed the official opening of a display at the Ringwood Technical School. Present in the official party were Mayoress, Hon. WER Garrett, MLC, and Mrs Garrett, the Town Clerk, Mr Fred Dwerryhouse, and the President of the School Council, Major-General LE Beavis, CBE, DSO, and Mrs Beavis."

An orange soft covered booklet titled, 'Mayoral Dinner Ball.' Published City Hall, Bendigo, Friday 7th. June, 1968. The Debutantes are Margaret Ham, Marilyn Parr, Sharon Pang, Alana Grant, Robyn Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Michell, Elizabeth Williams, Kerry Dewhirst, Meta Goodrich and Kay Marwood. Partners are Malcolm Lundberg, Ross Holmes, Terry Harrington, Rodney Pike, Don Kerr, Howard Osborne, David Harries, Graham Burt, Roger McGauchie and Ian Johnson. Trained by Mr. L. Johns. The Debutantes were presented to Cr. R. W. & Mrs. Cambridge Mayor & Mayoress of the City of Bendigo. The menu for the evening is also included. Item part of the Mr. Ken Hesse Collection donated by Mr. James Lerk.civic mementoes, presentations, debutantes, ken hesse collection, collection, bendigo, debutantes, menu, bendigo city hall, entertainment, program, photo

This annual report covers both the AGM of 1962 and a special AGM held in 1961. Articles include: celebration of Alice McClelland's 40 years of service, resignation of A. Brahe and L. Dextor as Trustees and appointment of R Bigwood and E Webb to replace them, extension of membership so that blind readers could become voting members, overview of the decisions and affects of the decision to become an incorporated entity and the name from Victorian Association of Braille Writers to Braille Library of Victoria, the use of subcommittees to handle entertainments, building, publicity, library and braille textbooks, property owned at 4 Margaret Street, South Yarra was subdivided into 2 lots and sold, Braille Boat House has been redecorated and renovate and available for hire, appointment of Alan Woods to assist as a Reviser for music transcription and Ivan Molloy in the Home Teaching Service, resignation of Joyce Bolger, appointment of Doreen Ross, Mr and Mrs Hinchcliffe left as honorary caretakers and death of Mrs J Rowe, past Mayoress of Ballarat, who was a keen subscriber of the Ballarat branch.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Built in 1888, the building at Port Melbourne was in need of renovation. In February 1929 a fundraising was organised by the Box Hill branch of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild: "The Mayoress of Box Hill (Mrs. C. Palling) opened a very successful Australian tea, held on Tuesday afternoon in St. Peter's Parish Hall, by members of the Box Hill branch of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild, to raise funds towards the cost of renovating the Port Melbourne Seamen's institute. The building is in a very dilapidated condition, and is totally inadequate for the extensive requirements of the Mission to Seamen." (1929 'AUSTRALIAN TEA.', Box Hill Reporter (Vic. : 1925 - 1930), 15 February, p. 7.) "Additional buildings at the Seamen's Institute, conducted by the Victoria Missions to Seamen, at Port Melbourne, were officially opened and dedicated yesterday (23 January 1930) by Archbishop Head. The additions, which have been erected at a cost of £3000, comprise an extension of the recreation hall, new canteen and office, ladies' rest room, apprentices' room, officers' room, and five-roomed dwelling, for the caretaker." 1930 'MISSION TO SEAMEN.', The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), 24 January, p. 13.Rectangular foundation stone with inscription inlayed in a bluestone wall.To the glory of God and the welfare of seamen/ This stone was unveiled by the most Rev. Frederick Waldegrave Head B.O. Archbishop of Melbourne, on the 23rd day of January 1930archbishop head, port melbourne, reverend h. s. bailey, building renovations, 1930, port melbourne mission

Travelling entertainment has been one popular way that charities have been able to raise revenue over the past 170 years. The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind toured regional Victoria regularly to help raise awareness, showcase their talents and fundraise to provide care and education for vision impaired men, women and children. Double sided printed ticket for a concert in the Bendigo Town Hall featuring blind artists and dancers from the Royal Institute of the Blind.Obverse; Under the Patronage of the Mayor and Mayoress (Cr, and Mrs J. A. Michelson) and / Councillors of the City of Bendigo / 30 Blind Artists !! / FIRST APPEARANCE IN BENDIGO of The Famous Orchestra and / Concert Party of Blind Artsits and Blind Children Dancers from the / ROYAL VISTORIAN INSTITUTE for the BLIND, / (ST KILDA ROAD MELBOURNE) / WILL GIVE THEIR / FIRST BENDIGO ENTERTAINMENT / IN THE BENDIGO TOWN HALL, / on TUESDAY, MARCH 22nd, 1927, at 8PM / His worship the Mayor will Preside / Tickets 2/- box plan at the Premier Piano Company from March 14th. / PROCEEDS IN AID OF INSTITUTE S.W Hedger, Superintendent and Secretarymayor and mayoress michelson, vision australia, city of bendigo town hall, city of greater bendigo community partnerships, city of greater bendigo events

James Robbie Mathers was born in Pleasant Creek [Stawell] in 1867 to James Allen Mathers, a storekeeper and former councillor. He was later to become a storekeeper in Gippsland and then at Heywood, near Portland. Following a move to Melbourne, he established a real estate business. He initially lived in Hawthorn, before moving his business to Kew where he traded as Mathers & McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, and later at 283 Burke Road. For a short time, the family resided at Landene, in Cotham Road. They were to finally move to Rosalea, in Dale Street, Deepdene. Following the death of Cr Henry Kellett in 1924, Mathers was elected unopposed as representative of College Ward. Elected Mayor in September 1930, he convened a meeting of citizens in the Town Hall in Walpole Street to form a local unemployment relief committee. His social initiatives included handing over council-owned premises in Brougham Street, the building re-purposed as a workshop for the unemployed, who were also granted free use of the Kew Municipal Baths. The Mayoress, Jean Mathers, set to work raising funds through charity balls, and also raised funds for St Anthony’s Orphanage in Wellington Street. James Robbie Mathers died on 8 April 1945. He was buried at Box Hill Cemetery. This rare civic testimonial is historically significant, especially locally, as it contains the signatures of all present councillors and parliamentarians representing the City of Kew as well as the names and signatures of leaders of local churches, schools, public officials and leaders of community groups.Boxed presentation folder and correspondence presented to the retiring Mayor of Kew, James Robbie Mather, in 1931. The book is leather bound with gilt lettering on the front. The 4 page testimonial includes and hand written statements about his contribution to Kew and its civic life. Other pages are signed by councillors, parliamentarians and community leaders.james robbie mathers, mayors of kew, civic testimonials

The colour negative appears to be an official photo arranged by the City of Ringwood Council.Gerald Smart was mayor in 1973/74 and 1976/77 for the City of Ringwood. He also served as a Councillor from 1967/68 until 1981/82. Married Sandra, who also served as Mayoress for Cr Pat Palmer. Gerald was instrumental in getting the Wyrenna-based local radio station, ECB-FM, off the ground. Other information:- SMART, Gerald Richard George 1967-73, Mayor 1973-74, Chartered Engineer. Melbourne University, R.M.I.T., Diploma of Radio Engineering. Son of Walter and Doris Smart. Married with one son. Cricket, tennis, golf, spearfishing, chess, table tennis, photography (8mm, 35mm, stills, music.) Theatre - Melbourne University, Emerald Hill Repertory Company. Radio - Music session on 3XY. Television - 'Consider Your Verdict', character parts. President Ringwood Arts and Crafts Society Honorary Secretary of Television Society of Australia Patron, Ringwood Swimming and Life Saving Club President Ringwood District Scouting Association Executive Committee Member of Municipal Association of Victoria Formed ECB-FM +Additional Keywords: Refer to the "Mayor" envelope, registration no. 3932, for further information.

A plastic bag containing ephemeral items. (I) A Christmas card dated Christmas 1918 New Year 1919. Printed for Wor.Bro. G.A. Pethard W.M., Golden and Corinthian Lodge, No. 7, Bendigo. It has a photo of the Masonic Temple Bendigo in the centre of the card. (II) 2 copies of the Australian Comforts Fund Victorian Division newspaper depot tags.(III) An assortment of cards and ephemeral pieces of paper. (IV) A thankyou gift card to the Mayoress (Mrs. Geo. Pethard) from the Debutantes set of 1952 thanking her for her support and wishing her the best in the years ahead. (V) A 'Well done, Boys!' welcome home tag. (VI) Golden Square Methodist Church invitation to a social evening on 17th. August, 1951 in aid of the Carpet Fund. It is in the form of a rhyme and a small hand made money bag. (VII) A Melbourne Cricket Club lady's ticket dated 1961-62 (VIII) A printed 1911 Xmas card from Mrs Mulgrove and Frank, 'Charlton,' Church Street, Woking. (IX) 8 tickets for various welcome home socials to the Golden Square returned soldiers 1918.lydia chancellor, collection, ephemera, christmas, golden and corinthian lodge bendigo, masonic temple bendigo, 1952 mayoral debutantes set, golden square methodist church, melbourne cricket club, world war 1, golden square returned soldiers, australian comforts fund.

The Baby Health Centre opened in the Surrey Gardens in 1930 on the site previously occupied by the screen for outdoor pictures. Previously during the 1920s it had operated in the room underneath the rotunda in the Surrey Gardens. The room was also shared by other groups including the Surrey Hills Progress Association (SHPA). The SHPA raised 200 pounds to provide the materials for the building, which was built by voluntary labour under the leadership of Ralph Hayes, a local builder. The foundation stone was laid by Mrs A Latham, Mayoress of Camberwell on 31 March 1930. There is a bottle containing the names of the committee members sealed in the pillar behind the memorial stone. The centre was managed by a committee until 1975. Maternal health nurses associated with the centre included Sister D Thompson, Sister Newnham, Sister Kelsell, Sister Barker, Sister Sharp and Sister Bolton. Ref: Mrs D Lancashire - a long-serving member of the committee. The site of the Surrey Hills Maternal and Child Health Centre was moved to 18 Verdun Street, adjacent to the pre-school, in accord with Council policy to co-locate services and from a concern regarding solo staff working in relatively isolated locations. The building was included in the heritage overlay protecting the gardens and was refurbished by Council for community use. The cairn commemorates the work of Cr Albert Ernest Vine who was a Camberwell Councillor from 1926-1934 and 1937-1944; he was also Mayor on 1940-41. There is a photo of him in Mayoral robes in the City of Boroondara Library Service collection.Black and white photo of a timber building with a tiled roof and a brick veranda supported by brick and concrete pillars. In front of the baby health centre is a small cairn.surrey gardens, baby health centres, monuments and memorials, surrey hills progress association, cr albert ernest vine, sister d thompson, sister d. newnham, sister kelsell, sister barker, sister sharp and sister bolton, mrs a latham, ralph hayes, mrs d lancashire

The Ballarat Scinece and Field Natualists' Club was closely associated with the Ballarat School of Mines. Two typed carbon copied letters from the Ballarat Science and Field Naturalists Club regarding wild flower exhibitions. .1) dated 1st October 1915 and signed C. A. Hoadley and H. L. Williamson (Honorary Secretaries). .2) dated 8th September 1916 and signed W. H. Collyer and H. B. Williamson (Honorary Secretaries). Letters describe the picking, packaging and delivery of flowers for the show..1) THE BALLARAT SCIENCE & FIELD NATUALISTS' CLUB 1st October, 1915 We intend holding an Exhibition fo Woldflowers on Saturday the 16th October next with a view of helping the Red Cross Fund. Thinking that in your locality there are a number of native shrubs in bloom, we appeal to you to help by sending along some bunches for show and sale. ... .2) THE BALLARAT SCIENCE AND FIELD NATUALISTS' CLUB 8th September, 1916 Dear ................................... Encourage by the interest in our Wild-floweres Show held in October last yer, and mindful of the fact that our efforts resulted in a substantial ampint being raised for the Red Cross fund, we have decided to hold another Exhibition on the 7th October next, in aid of the same Fund and the Lady Mayoress' League. May we hope for help from you in sending boxes of blooms for show and sale? It may be that you were one of our contributers last year. ... charles hoadley, c. a. hoadley, h. l. williamson, h. b. williamson, smb, ballarat school of mines, ballarat science and field naturalists club, flora, wattles, acacias, herbaceous plants, orchids, lilies

Ann Austin of Melbourne was the name of a Melbourne millinery house. Thelma Prentice was one of the partners in the house, and the chief designer/milliner. Very little information about the millinery house and the milliner are available online but there is an interesting article, published in the Brisbane Courier Mail on 8 October 1949 which describes the influence of French style on fashion and design in Australia. The article by Lucy Gough recounts the views of Thelma Prentice who had just returned from the Paris fashion shows. "Australian millinery toes line with Paris From LUCY GOUGH LONDON, October 7 (Special) Australian hats can compare very favourably with those designed in Paris, and are considerably cheaper, says Miss Thelma Prentice, partner in a well-known Melbourne millinery firm, who has just completed six months' visit to England and the Continent. An ordinary hat, Miss Prentice said, would cost at least £15 from any of the top Paris houses. Australia could achieve the same effect for a lot less money. Miss Prentice went to all the Important dress shows as well as the millinery houses in Paris, because she believes that millinery is an accessory to fashion and to obtain the best idea of new trends hats must be shown with frocks to get a complete follow-through and tie-up between the two. At their packed shows, with standing room only, Path and Dior were selling hats they designed, faster than many well known Paris millinery houses, Fath's favourite line was the becoming 'wing treatment,' which he achieved by a profile flattering side swing of material jutting out almost 10 inches from the face. This was completely different to the side drape already seen in Australia. Dior, as a direct contrast, was specialising in skull hats, which almost followed the hair line, to show very little hair at the back of the head. His cocktail hats were heavily sequinned and beaded. Every model was designed exclusively for short hair, and Miss Prentice, whose own hair is beautifully short cut by a Paris hairdresser, said that French mannequins' hair was so abbreviated at the back it was almost a semi-shingle. Hats generally she found were plain, with sharply angled self trimming, and black one of the most popular colours." The hat was donated by Kathleen Gervasoni, a resident of Kew, and during the 1970s a Mayoress of the former City of Kew. The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.High crowned hat made of burgundy felt with decorative pink jersey turban folds attached to the side by clusters of pink beads. The hat was designed by Thelma Prentice of the ' Austin of Melbourne' millinery house. Label, inside centre crown, woven in black on white polyester: *ann austin / OF MELBOURNEmilliners, hats, ann austin of melbourne, thelma prentice, australian fashion - 1960s, kathleen gervasoni

The orthodox version of the origins and history of the Kew Elder(ly) Citizens’ Association was established by Cr. W. D. Vaughan in his book Kew’s Civic Century (1960), when he wrote that: "When Mrs. C. H. Simpson was Mayoress in 1952 she set up the Elderly Citizens’ Association to care for the needs of ages persons in Kew. The idea was strongly supported and a start was made by providing social afternoons for elderly folk at Southesk. Visiting sick people in their homes, providing firewood where needed, and other activities were undertaken by the Association. The aid of Council was sought to further the work. It was decided that a social unit for elderly folk be established at Southesk." (p.126-7). In the following pages, he describes in detail Council’s role in formally establishing the Association. This ‘official’ version was reasserted in the later Thematic Environmental History of the City of Boroondara (2012). However the origins and gestation of community of organisations is rarely straightforward. In 1965, five years after Vaughan’s book was published, the author of East Kew Women’s Club : Twenty Years : 20-7-1945-30-7-1965, writing about the period July 1947 to July 1950, described the role the Club played in establishing the Kew Elder Citizens Association. The author wrote: "At a meeting of the Kew Community Aid, the plight of many elderly people in Kew who were dependent on pensions was raised and in order to ascertain their needs the practice was begun of serving morning tea at the Masonic Hall in Walpole Street, where pensions were then paid. From this beginning the Kew Elder Citizens Association was formed in Kew with wide support, and Club members gave willing support on the committee, in helping serve afternoon tea and in entertainment." (p.4) Photographic evidence also leads to questions about Vaughan’s version of events. A framed photograph in the Society’s Collection shows a Public Meeting to form the Kew Elder Citizens Association in a room at Southesk a year earlier in 1951. Whatever version of the origins of the Association is correct, a later framed photograph in the Society’s collection shows the opening of the completed Clubrooms of the Kew Elder Citizens at South Esk by the Hon. E.P. Cameron M.L.C, Minister of Health, on 12 November 1956. The Association is still active in Kew and is currently located at Hamer Court, opposite the Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery in High Street, Kew.Framed and titled black and white photograph taken on the occasion of a visit by members of the Kew Elder Citizens Club to Lyons "Mountain Grand" Warburton, in February 1978.community groups -- kew (vic.), senior citizens clubs -- kew (vic), club tours

The orthodox version of the origins and history of the Kew Elder(ly) Citizens’ Association was established by Cr. W. D. Vaughan in his book Kew’s Civic Century (1960), when he wrote that: "When Mrs. C. H. Simpson was Mayoress in 1952 she set up the Elderly Citizens’ Association to care for the needs of ages persons in Kew. The idea was strongly supported and a start was made by providing social afternoons for elderly folk at Southesk. Visiting sick people in their homes, providing firewood where needed, and other activities were undertaken by the Association. The aid of Council was sought to further the work. It was decided that a social unit for elderly folk be established at Southesk." (p.126-7). In the following pages, he describes in detail Council’s role in formally establishing the Association. This ‘official’ version was reasserted in the later Thematic Environmental History of the City of Boroondara (2012). However the origins and gestation of community of organisations is rarely straightforward. In 1965, five years after Vaughan’s book was published, the author of East Kew Women’s Club : Twenty Years : 20-7-1945-30-7-1965, writing about the period July 1947 to July 1950, described the role the Club played in establishing the Kew Elder Citizens Association. The author wrote: "At a meeting of the Kew Community Aid, the plight of many elderly people in Kew who were dependent on pensions was raised and in order to ascertain their needs the practice was begun of serving morning tea at the Masonic Hall in Walpole Street, where pensions were then paid. From this beginning the Kew Elder Citizens Association was formed in Kew with wide support, and Club members gave willing support on the committee, in helping serve afternoon tea and in entertainment." (p.4) Photographic evidence also leads to questions about Vaughan’s version of events. A framed photograph in the Society’s Collection shows a Public Meeting to form the Kew Elder Citizens Association in a room at Southesk a year earlier in 1951. Whatever version of the origins of the Association is correct, a later framed photograph in the Society’s collection shows the opening of the completed Clubrooms of the Kew Elder Citizens at South Esk by the Hon. E.P. Cameron M.L.C, Minister of Health, on 12 November 1956. The Association is still active in Kew and is currently located at Hamer Court, opposite the Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery in High Street, Kew.Historic early photograph from the archives of the Kew Elder Citizen's ClubFramed photograph of six women who it is presumed were the candidates or finalists in a competition to be the Queen of Southesk. At this time, Southesk in Cotham Road was home to the Kew Elder Citizens Club, now known as Kew Senior Citizens Centre Inc.Front mount: "Queen Competition 1967 - South Esk - Won by Mrs Harkansee." Reverse: "L-R: -. Miss Knox, Mrs Emmerson, Mrs Higgins, Mrs Moyle, Mrs Harkansee"kew elder citizens club, kew senior citizens centre inc., southesk, miss knox, mrs emmerson, mrs higgins, mrs moyle, mrs harkensee

The orthodox version of the origins and history of the Kew Elder(ly) Citizens’ Association was established by Cr. W. D. Vaughan in his book Kew’s Civic Century (1960), when he wrote that: "When Mrs. C. H. Simpson was Mayoress in 1952 she set up the Elderly Citizens’ Association to care for the needs of ages persons in Kew. The idea was strongly supported and a start was made by providing social afternoons for elderly folk at Southesk. Visiting sick people in their homes, providing firewood where needed, and other activities were undertaken by the Association. The aid of Council was sought to further the work. It was decided that a social unit for elderly folk be established at Southesk." (p.126-7). In the following pages, he describes in detail Council’s role in formally establishing the Association. This ‘official’ version was reasserted in the later Thematic Environmental History of the City of Boroondara (2012). However the origins and gestation of community of organisations is rarely straightforward. In 1965, five years after Vaughan’s book was published, the author of East Kew Women’s Club : Twenty Years : 20-7-1945-30-7-1965, writing about the period July 1947 to July 1950, described the role the Club played in establishing the Kew Elder Citizens Association. The author wrote: "At a meeting of the Kew Community Aid, the plight of many elderly people in Kew who were dependent on pensions was raised and in order to ascertain their needs the practice was begun of serving morning tea at the Masonic Hall in Walpole Street, where pensions were then paid. From this beginning the Kew Elder Citizens Association was formed in Kew with wide support, and Club members gave willing support on the committee, in helping serve afternoon tea and in entertainment." (p.4) Photographic evidence also leads to questions about Vaughan’s version of events. A framed photograph in the Society’s Collection shows a Public Meeting to form the Kew Elder Citizens Association in a room at Southesk a year earlier in 1951. Whatever version of the origins of the Association is correct, a later framed photograph in the Society’s collection shows the opening of the completed Clubrooms of the Kew Elder Citizens at South Esk by the Hon. E.P. Cameron M.L.C, Minister of Health, on 12 November 1956. The Association is still active in Kew and is currently located at Hamer Court, opposite the Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery in High Street, Kew.Framed, inscribed photograph of the opening of the Kew Elder Citizens Club at Southesk in 1954. The ceremony would appear to be conducted on the western side of the house.‘Opening of the Kew Elder Citizens Clubrooms “South Esk” by the Hon. E.P. Cameron M.L.C, Minister of Health, 12.11.1956. Cr. W.A. Comeadow O.B.E., J.P. (Mayor).’southesk, kew elder citizens club, kew elderly citizens club, kew senior citizens club

The orthodox version of the origins and history of the Kew Elder(ly) Citizens’ Association was established by Cr. W. D. Vaughan in his book Kew’s Civic Century (1960), when he wrote that: "When Mrs. C. H. Simpson was Mayoress in 1952 she set up the Elderly Citizens’ Association to care for the needs of ages persons in Kew. The idea was strongly supported and a start was made by providing social afternoons for elderly folk at Southesk. Visiting sick people in their homes, providing firewood where needed, and other activities were undertaken by the Association. The aid of Council was sought to further the work. It was decided that a social unit for elderly folk be established at Southesk." (p.126-7). In the following pages, he describes in detail Council’s role in formally establishing the Association. This ‘official’ version was reasserted in the later Thematic Environmental History of the City of Boroondara (2012). However the origins and gestation of community of organisations is rarely straightforward. In 1965, five years after Vaughan’s book was published, the author of East Kew Women’s Club : Twenty Years : 20-7-1945-30-7-1965, writing about the period July 1947 to July 1950, described the role the Club played in establishing the Kew Elder Citizens Association. The author wrote: "At a meeting of the Kew Community Aid, the plight of many elderly people in Kew who were dependent on pensions was raised and in order to ascertain their needs the practice was begun of serving morning tea at the Masonic Hall in Walpole Street, where pensions were then paid. From this beginning the Kew Elder Citizens Association was formed in Kew with wide support, and Club members gave willing support on the committee, in helping serve afternoon tea and in entertainment." (p.4) Photographic evidence also leads to questions about Vaughan’s version of events. A framed photograph in the Society’s Collection shows a Public Meeting to form the Kew Elder Citizens Association in a room at Southesk a year earlier in 1951. Whatever version of the origins of the Association is correct, a later framed photograph in the Society’s collection shows the opening of the completed Clubrooms of the Kew Elder Citizens at South Esk by the Hon. E.P. Cameron M.L.C, Minister of Health, on 12 November 1956. The Association is still active in Kew and is currently located at Hamer Court, opposite the Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery in High Street, Kew.Historic founding photograph of the Kew Senior Citizens AssociationFramed photograph of a meeting at Southesk in Cotham Road to form the Kew Elder Citizens Club. None of the individuals are named. The meeting was not held in the Drawing Room or Ballroom at Southesk as there is an absence of frescoes on the ceiling. The ceiling in the photograph is a cove ceiling however like that in the front two rooms.Handwritten caption: "Public Meeting to Form Kew Elder Citizens, 1951"kew elder citizens club, kew elderly citizens club, kew senior citizens club, southesk

Kindly scanned from Ringwood Branch archival collectionTranscript (kindly completed by Ken Briscoe using ChatGPT) During the second World War, a group of Ringwood ladies sent tins of fat to England. When the War ended in 1946, the Mayoress, Mrs. H.E. Parker, called a meeting and a branch of the Country Women's Association was formed. The subscription was four shillings and two shillings for associate members. Meetings were held in the lower Town Hall, the President and Secretary sat on the stage, the Treasurer at a table on the floor and the hostess at the door to welcome members. Birthdays were held in the Town Hall. There was an active drama group who performed at competitions. After the Olympic Games in Melbourne in 1956, members re-enacted some of the events. A yearly ball was held for several years. Members catered for the Scout Jamboree. They looked after victims of the bush fires - the Town Hall was covered in beds. Mrs. Pratt, Senior, whose husband took up a selection in Ringwood, gave a block of land to the C.W.A., but the late Councillor Mr. Frank Corr, told his wife (a member) that the Council would not permit a hall to be built on this land so the block was sold to the Masonic Lodge for 250 pounds. Cards were enjoyed monthly in the Presbyterian Church Hall in Adelaide Street. Craft group met in the Church of England Hall in Ringwood Street.

A wide variety of items all in a damaged and incorrectly labelled tennis ball box. It is labelled 'Authors Book Reviews.' Some items are ephemeral others are of historical importance. (I) A black exercise book titled 'Correspondence Golden Square Patriotic League.' Lydia Pethard Hon. Sec. This book has pages labelled 'inwards' and 'outwards' and details correspondence between Aug. 2nd 1918 and C1921. (II) A Secondary Infantry Bendigo Brigade Comforts Fund cash book. 1919. (III) A black exercise book titled 'Golden Square Patriotic League.' Contains the minutes of meetings held between November 26th, 1917 and August 5th, 1918. Also includes the 'Annual Report p resented at Public Meeting held August 15th, 1918 and presented by President Lydia Pethard, Hon. Sec. (IV) A black exercise book labelled 'Wilsons' Reed Branch 2nd Infantry Comforts Fund. Mrs. Geo Goulden. It contains information relevant to the members and is dated 26/7/17 to 28/12/18 and 3/8/17 to 13/12/18. In the centre of the book is a list of donations. (V) A black exercise book titled 'Red Cross Golden Square.' Contains meetings held from June 30th, 1915 to October 29th., 1917. (VI) A small black notebook titled 'Carnival Returns July 21st 1917.' Appears to pertain to raffle tickets. (VII) 20 booklets titled 'Austral-American Souvenir. The Glorious Fourth.' Reprinted in connection with Bendigo-Eaglehawk Australian Comforts Fund Effort, 4th July, 1918. Written in connection with the visit of the American fleet August 1908 (VIII) A small cream sympathy card for a lost soldier Bendigo, Oct., 1918. (VX) A small blue and white election advertisement urging 'yes' for Reinforcements on Dec. 20th. (X) 2 copies of the Australian Comforts Fund Bendigo Appeal June-July 1916 Receipts. (XI) 2 copies of an application for authority to make an appeal, or to collect. Pertaining to Patriotic Funds. (XII) 2 copies of parcel slips 'for our Australian Troops From the Lady Mayoress's Patriotic League.' (ix) small card circ 1917 -A christmas flash from the boys in the trenches -on Dec 20th for Reinforcements Hold up the light -the front of the card shows a picture of three soldiers in a trench shining a searchlight on a map of Australia .The back shows a searchlight with the words -vote yes - Authorised by the Reinforcements Referendum Councilorganization, club / society, australian comforts fund, lydia chancellor, collection, ephemera, golden square patriotic league, bendigo brigade comforts fund, wilsons' reed branch 2nd infantry comforts fund, red cross golden square, bendigo-eaglehawk australian comforts fund, war, world war i, clubs, clubs and societies, organizations, finance, history, australian history, australian comforts fund

Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), Monday 6 August 1928, page 9 ________________________________________ RINGWOOD WAR MEMORIAL CLOCK TOWER UNVEILED A CIVIC CEREMONY. The people of Ringwood have erected a beautiful stone clock tower at a cost of £1797, as a memorial to those who served in the war. The unveiling ceremony was performed by the mayor of Ringwood (Cr. W. Mackinlay) on Saturday. “Bleak conditions with showers intervening prevailed at Ringwood on Saturday afternoon, when the unveiling ceremony of the soldiers' memorial clock tower, performed by the mayor (Cr. W. Mackinlay) took place in the presence of a Iarge and representative gathering. The ceremony was solely a civic one. A majority of members of the local branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. had wished that Sir John Monash be invited to take a prominent part in the proceedings, but the trustees elected otherwise. The Salvation Army band from Box Hill rendered suitable music, while Sergeant E. P. Taylor (37th Battalion, A.I.F) sounded the Reveille and The Last Post impressively. Among those present were Mr. Edgar, M.L.C., the vicar of Ringwood (Rev. E. E. Robinson), Rev. G. McLaren (Methodist), the memorial trustees (Cr. J. B. McAlpin, Messrs, J. W. Barrett, A. H. Locke, J. A. Williams and A. G. Ashley). The last two mentioned are president and honorary secretary respectively of the local branch of the R.S.A. Soldier delegates from Camberwell and Mitcham were also present. At the outset the mayor said a few words would not be amiss concerning why the memorial had been so long delayed in being erected. In September, 1919, a public committee was formed, with Mr. A. V. Greenwood as chairman, to consider the erection of a suitable memorial to the soldiers. Among the more important suggestions had been the building of a hall and clubrooms on land generously offered by Mr. R. W. Dawes. This project had been abandoned, also the proposed erection of a huge memorial building, at a cost of £5000, on the site of the present town hall. As two years had passed without anything of a definite nature eventuating it was decided to elect five trustees, comprising three citizens and the president and secretary of the Returned Soldiers' Association with full power to act. In all propositions the trustees had been faced with financial difficulties, but about the time of the completion of the plans of the memorial tower Ringwood became a borough, and the new council was appealed to, and provided £500 to make the erection of the memorial possible. The architect, (Mr. H. Norris) had refused to take anything beyond out-of-pocket expenses (£16), while the engineer (Mr. Lucas) had saved a goodly sum by supervising the work. The total funds at the disposal of the trustees, including the council's donation, was, in round figures £1807. The tower complete would cost £1690; honor roll, £77, and fees paid for various designs had amounted to £30. The total expenditure was £1797, leaving a credit balance of £10. Before the unveiling the mayor, in again addressing the citizens, said he deemed it a privilege to perform such a task in connection with so splendid a memorial. The citizens had erected it as an expression of heartfelt gratitude in memory, first of all, of those heroes who gave not only their services, but their lives, when the call came in the common cause of right and liberty, upon which the British Empire was built. This memorial was also the tribute of the citizens in a degree of appreciation to those men who so un-selfishly and ungrudgingly volunteered their services in the Great War. The memorial, while commemorating the glorious deeds of Australian manhood, was not intended, in any sense, as a glorification of war. The memorial would tend to bring to one's mind the blessing of peace in contrast to the curse of hostilities. They were gathered there that afternoon to do honor to all those who volunteered for service to the Great War, but they wished to assure the friends and relatives of those who paid the supreme sacrifice of their sincere sympathy and trust. If ever in the future this fair southern land of ours was threatened by an invader he felt sure that Australian manhood would not hesitate to rally to the call to duty and defend the freedom of their country. Following prayer by Rev. G. McLaren (Methodist), the memorial clock tower was unveiled, the acting mayoress (Mrs. Mackinlay) cutting the cord, after which the making over of the memorial to the borough council took place, the president of the local branch of the R.S.A. (Mr. J. A. Williams) stating he had pleasure in accepting the key on behalf of the trustees. As the council was the permanent governing body the key would be handed back to the mayor, the memorial being given into the safety and custody of the council. During the proceedings the hymns O God, Our Help in Ages Past and Lest We Forget were rendered, the choirs of various denominations joining in the singing. Benediction was pronounced by the vicar of Ringwood (Rev. E. E. Robinson).” Black and white photograph (2 copies- one original mounted on cardboard backing)Written on rear of backing of original: "Opening of clock tower by Mayor W. Mackinlay, 4.8.1928." Written on back of copy" "Mayor Mackinlay dedicating Ringwood clocktower in original position at end of Warrandyte Rd. 1928. Maroondah Hwy on right."