The donor, whose parents owned an antique shop believed that the evening coat was owned by the family of Cr Morris Nathan and his wife Margaret Frances, nee MacKay. Maurice Nathan was born in Kew in 1914 and died in East Melbourne in 1982. He was a student of Trinity Grammar School, Kew. He was Lord Mayor, and his wife Lady Mayoress, of the City of Melbourne for two terms between 1961 and 1963. The age of the coat, created in a design typical of the 1920s would suggest that it is of an earlier vintage, almost certainly dating from the 1920s, but perhaps earlier. The opulence of the sequinned and beaded embroidery have led to the supposition that it may be an opera coat inherited from an earlier generation.Three quarter length, red and cream silk, padded evening coat highlighted on the cuffs and hem with iridescent sequins, beading and pearls of different shapes and sizes. These decorative features are arranged in a formal design, particularly at centre back. Above the beaded sections are sunbursts outlined in gold beads.Trimmed rabbit fur at collar and cuffs. The sleeves are shaped above the embroidered sections while the hem features a zig-zag profile. MEASUREMENTS - Neck to hem front 93cm; Neck to hem back 100cm; Circumference 126cm; Shoulder to cuff 72cm; Shoulder width 36cm.Traditionally, pre acquisition, stored in brown suitcase embossed in gilt with the name R. NATHANevening jackets, opera coats, fashion -- 1920s

Bound copy of the Victorian Municipal Directory and Gazetteer: Also Commonwealth Guide and the Water Supply Record for 1928. The volume contains 846 pages and includes sections on: - Comparative table – Municipal Returns for Twenty-one Years. - Index to Townships, Parishes and Railway Stations. - Changes and appointments. - Commonwealth of Australia (Constitution, Parliament, Departments and Officers). - State of Victoria (Parliament, Departments and Officers / Boards, Institutions, Trusts and Loans). - Municipalities in Victoria (Cities and Towns, Boroughs, Shires). - Water Supply (State Rivers and Water Supply Commission).non-fictionThe Victorian Municipal Directory provided annual details, and later bi-annual details, of all councils. Published by Arnall & Jackson (Printers and Stationers), copies were published in 'cloth' for sixteen shillings and 'half roan' for eighteen shillings. This copy was owned by Cr C.S.Parry. Elected to the Kew City Council as a representative of North Ward, Cr Parry was elevated to the position of Mayor in 1931. It, together with five other editions, was presented to the Kew Historical Society in 1987 by his grandson. victoria -- registers -- periodicals., victoria -- directories., water-supply -- victoria -- directories., municipal government -- victoria -- periodicals., cities and towns -- victoria -- directories.

Melbourne : Municipal Association of Victoria, 1901 [16] p. : all facsims. ; 21 cm.non-fictionSix page facsimile, the original produced by the Municipal Association of Victoria on the accession to the throne of King Edward VII. A facsimile edition was printed and presented to each municipality, shire etc in Victoria.edward vii, municipal association of victoria, 1901, testimonials, facsimiles

Book, bound in red leather-look fabric. The book features facsimiles of the addresses made to the Duke and Governor-General, signatures of mayors, councillors and town clerks, views of municipal buildings, and the replies sent by the Duke and Governor-General.non-fictionBook titled 'Addresses to His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York and to His Excellency the Governor-General From The Municipalities of Victoria', published by the Municipal Association of Victoria to commemorate the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. It was printed by McCarron, Bird & Co in Melbourne. The addresses were made on the occasion of the Duke & Duchess of Cornwall & York's visit to Melbourne in May 1901; they were in the city for the opening of Federal Parliament which took place at the Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens on 9 May 1901.australian federation, 1901, councillors, mayors, politics, royal tours, royalty: british

Edward Augustus Atkyns was born in Wiltshire, England in 1840. His family emigrated to Australia in 1852. As a young man he was a keen cricketer and played at the first cricket ground in the district, located between Barkers Road and Hawthorn Grove, on the site of the future Barker railway station. Atkyns was admitted to the Victorian Bar in 1861, initially working in his father’s practice. He sat as a local magistrate in both Kew and Hawthorn and acted as solicitor for several shire councils. Elected to the Hawthorn Borough Council in 1863 at the age of 23, he served in that municipality as mayor in 1866-67. By 1877, he had moved to Kew where he lived at Neama in Studley Park Road, a property later incorporated into the St Paul’s School for the Blind.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant house in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of the main house of 'Neama', colloquially known as the 'farmhouse'. Photographed by Stewart West in April 1978 (it was later demolished by the Villa Maria Society).Annotated reverse: "Front view of Neama / Farmhouse on St Paul's School for the Blind Children / Fernhurst Estate"st paul's school for the blind, neama, studley park road -- kew (vic.), historic houses -- kew (vic.), villa maria society

Edward Augustus Atkyns was born in Wiltshire, England in 1840. His family emigrated to Australia in 1852. As a young man he was a keen cricketer and played at the first cricket ground in the district, located between Barkers Road and Hawthorn Grove, on the site of the future Barker railway station. Atkyns was admitted to the Victorian Bar in 1861, initially working in his father’s practice. He sat as a local magistrate in both Kew and Hawthorn and acted as solicitor for several shire councils. Elected to the Hawthorn Borough Council in 1863 at the age of 23, he served in that municipality as mayor in 1866-67. By 1877, he had moved to Kew where he lived at Neama in Studley Park Road, a property later incorporated into the St Paul’s School for the Blind.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant house in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of the secondary building at 'Neama', colloquially known as the 'hall'. Photographed by Stewart West in April 1978 (it was later demolished by the Villa Maria Society).Annotated reverse: "Timber hall on Fernhurst land / Transported there approx 1878."st paul's school for the blind, neama, studley park road -- kew (vic.), historic houses -- kew (vic.), villa maria society

The Municipality of Kew (1860-1863), the Borough of Kew (1863-1910), the Town of Kew (1910-1921) and the City of Kew (1921-1994) were local government instrumentalities in the State of Victoria. In 1994, the City of Kew was amalgamated, together with the former Cities of Camberwell and Hawthorn, into the new City of Boroondara (1994- ). Like other local government entities of the period, Kew was administered by town clerks. The two notable town clerks in Kew's history were H. H. (Henry Hirst) Harrison (1868-1955) and W. D. (William Dickie) Birrell (1899-1974). Harrison was appointed to the position in 1901 and retired in 1938 after 37 years. Birrell, appointed Acting Town Clerk in 1921, became Town Clerk in 1938, following Harrison's retirement. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1966. A large part of this collection of civic ephemera was assembled by W. D. Birrell. This is part of an historically significant civic collection, containing hundreds of separate invitations, documents, greeting cards, programmes and tickets issued and/or collected by successive town clerks. Items in the collection illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the district. As a continuous record, ranging across most decades of the Twentieth Century, they reveal changing tastes in design, values and relationships in the history of local government in Victoria.ephemera, civic ephemera, civic invitations, cr f w dods, kew town hall -- walpole street -- kew (vic.)

The Municipality of Kew (1860-1863), the Borough of Kew (1863-1910), the Town of Kew (1910-1921) and the City of Kew (1921-1994) were local government instrumentalities in the State of Victoria. In 1994, the City of Kew was amalgamated, together with the former Cities of Camberwell and Hawthorn, into the new City of Boroondara (1994- ). Like other local government entities of the period, Kew was administered by town clerks. The two notable town clerks in Kew's history were H. H. (Henry Hirst) Harrison (1868-1955) and W. D. (William Dickie) Birrell (1899-1974). Harrison was appointed to the position in 1901 and retired in 1938 after 37 years. Birrell, appointed Acting Town Clerk in 1921, became Town Clerk in 1938, following Harrison's retirement. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1966. A large part of this collection of civic ephemera was assembled by W. D. Birrell. This is part of an historically significant civic collection, containing hundreds of separate invitations, documents, greeting cards, programmes and tickets issued and/or collected by successive town clerks. Items in the collection illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the district. As a continuous record, ranging across most decades of the Twentieth Century, they reveal changing tastes in design, values and relationships in the history of local government in Victoria.ephemera, civic ephemera, civic invitations, w d birrell, city of nunawading, box hill town hall, cr & mrs l j sutherland

The Municipality of Kew (1860-1863), the Borough of Kew (1863-1910), the Town of Kew (1910-1921) and the City of Kew (1921-1994) were local government instrumentalities in the State of Victoria. In 1994, the City of Kew was amalgamated, together with the former Cities of Camberwell and Hawthorn, into the new City of Boroondara (1994- ). Like other local government entities of the period, Kew was administered by town clerks. The two notable town clerks in Kew's history were H. H. (Henry Hirst) Harrison (1868-1955) and W. D. (William Dickie) Birrell (1899-1974). Harrison was appointed to the position in 1901 and retired in 1938 after 37 years. Birrell, appointed Acting Town Clerk in 1921, became Town Clerk in 1938, following Harrison's retirement. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1966. A large part of this collection of civic ephemera was assembled by W. D. Birrell. This is part of an historically significant civic collection, containing hundreds of separate invitations, documents, greeting cards, programmes and tickets issued and/or collected by successive town clerks. Items in the collection illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the district. As a continuous record, ranging across most decades of the Twentieth Century, they reveal changing tastes in design, values and relationships in the history of local government in Victoria.ephemera, civic ephemera, civic invitations, city of melbourne, melbourne town hall, cr james s disney, w d birrell

William 'Bill' Leo Larkin (b. 19.09.1898) was born in Hawthorn (Vic). [His World War I enlistment papers give details of the Hawthorn birthdate, as well as Ballarat, but his birth records state his birth as Hawthorn). After leaving St Patrick's College in Ballarat in 1917, he enlisted in the army serving in England and France. At the time of his enlistment in the army in the Second World War (17 April 1940), he was recorded as living in Kew. His service number was VX11459. The Sands & McDougall Directory of 1938 gives his address as 31 Fernhurst Grove. In the army he served in the Middle East and in New Guinea. He was to attain the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1942. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E) in 1946. Enlistment Presentation Wallets were presented by the City of Kew from 1940 to men who enlisted in the war. Typically, these wallets are dated 1939, even though the enlistment may have occurred at a later date.Memento presented to citizens of Kew (vic.) on enlistmentRectangular brown leather single fold wallet with eight internal pockets. The front includes an embossed City of Kew logo and the words ‘Presented by the Mayor, Councillors and Citizens of the City of Kew to W. L. Larkin on Enlistment for Active Service Abroad, 1939'.second world war 1939-1945, world war two, city of kew, william leo larkin, bill larkin, presentation wallets

Kew became a separate municipality in 1860.The plaque commemorates that event. It was once located on the rotunda in the Alexandra Gardens in Kew.Important commemorative plaque signifying an important event in Kew's history.Brass plaque, originally attached to the first rotunda in the Alexandra Gardens in Kew, commemorating the Jubilee of Kew in 1910.Erected by / Public Subscription to Mark / The Jubilee of the Municipality of Kew / Opened by Sir Thos. Gibson Carmichael / Bart. K.C.M.G / Governor of Victoria / 8th Decr. 1910. / H.H. Harrison, Town Clerk / J.F. McCrae, Mayorjubilee of kew, rotunda, alexandra gardens, kew

In Kew’s Civic Century (1960), Cr. W.D. Vaughan described William Dickie Birrell M.B.E. (1899-1974) as follows: “Mr. W. D. Birrell, who had been on the staff of the Country Roads Board after his return from active service with the First A.I.F., was appointed assistant town clerk on February 15, 1921. On Mr. Harrison’s retirement he was appointed town clerk and city treasurer, and has given outstanding service. His knowledge of municipal administration has been acknowledged by the Government calling on his services to advise on amendments to the Local Government Act. He is a past president of the Town Clerks Institute, and on the nomination of that body was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen in 1958 with the award of the M.B.E. He still occupies the position and is held in the highest esteem not only by the Kew Council, but also by local government administrators throughout the metropolitan area.” (page 132) He died on 7 May 1974, and his ashes were interred at the Boroondara General Cemetery. This portrait is one of a series of mounted and framed photographic portraits of Mayors and Town Clerks of the former Borough, Town and City of Kew, for the period 1863 to 1969. The portraits were transferred by the City of Kew to the Kew Historical Society in March 1989. A Significance Assessment in 2018, funded by the National Library of Australia confirmed the historic, and often artistic significance of the series. Framed portrait of W. D. Birrell - Town Clerk of the City of Kew from 1936 -. The mounting and framing of the photograph follows a typical layout or style in that it each is framed in dark wood, glazed, and laid down on an inscribed board. The inscription identifies the name of the town clerk and the year/s that he served.W.D. BIRRELL / TOWN CLERK 1938-town clerks - kew (vic), w.d. birrell, photographers - stuart tompkins studios - camberwell (vic), kew (vic.) — municipal collection

Cr. W.D. Vaughan in his civic history of Kew includes a chapter (XXXII, pages 132-3) to Town Clerks and Surveyors. He states that H.H. Harrison began his career with the Borough of Kew in 1888 as his predecessor's assistant, becoming Town Clerk on the latter's death in 1901. On his retirement, The Herald on 30 Jul 1938 reported that: "H.H. HARRISON, Town Clerk of Kew, was entertained last night by members of the Metropolitan Institute of Town Clerks and presented with a walking stick and case of pipes, on the occasion of his retirement after 50 years' service with Kew City Council. He began his municipal career as a youth with the Bendigo City Council, and in 1888, was appointed Assistant Town Clerk at Kew. Appointed Town Clerk in 1901, he has held the office for 37 years."This portrait is one of a series of mounted and framed photographic portraits of Mayors and Town Clerks of the former Borough, Town and City of Kew, for the period 1863 to 1969. The portraits were transferred by the City of Kew to the Kew Historical Society in March 1989. A Significance Assessment in 2018, funded by the National Library of Australia confirmed the historic, and often artistic significance of the series. Framed portrait of Henry Hirst Harrison, Town Clerk of the City of Kew from 1901 to 1938. The mounting and framing of the photograph follows a typical layout or style in that it each is framed in dark wood, glazed, and laid down on an inscribed board. The inscription identifies the name of the town clerk and the year/s that he served.H.H. Harrison, Town Clerk 1901-1938h.h. harrison, town clerks - kew (vic), kew (vic.) — municipal collection

The decade that began in national and domestic uncertainty was to end on a fancifully resolute moment, when Kew Council decided to apply for a gold mayoral chain. While most cities had previously been gifted mayoral chains by the Victorian Government, Kew had passed up an earlier opportunity in 1933. In that year, councillors had asked the Town Clerk to investigate whether previous mayors were willing to donate a gold link for the chain on which their name would be inscribed. Either the answer was negative, or else the Great Depression unnerved the decision makers. Hawthorn councillors, in contrast, accepted the offer of a gold chain, contributing the cost of the enamelled central medallion, while twenty former Hawthorn mayors agreed to each donate a link. At a Special Meeting of the Kew City Council on 22 August 1949, the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Edmund Herring presented a gold mayoral chain, worth £250 to the City of Kew. Contemporary newspaper accounts recorded that sixteen former mayors, or their families, donated a link inscribed with the name and term of its owner. The first mayor to wear the new chain of office was Cr Walter Hambly.Historically significant documentary record relating to the Insignia of Office of the City of KewNotice paper sent to councillors of a Special Meeting of Kew City Council, attended by the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Edmund Herring to receive the presentation of a gold mayoral chain to the City. The space where the invitee's name should be written is left blank, so presumably it was a spare copy originating in the Town Clerk's files.mayoral chain - kew, council papers - kew city council, insignia of office

The party of the British surveyor Charles Grimes were the first Europeans to view the River Yarra, as it was later to be named. Members of the party reached the area now known as Studley Park in 1803. This local re-enactment commemorated 175 years since that event.Charles Grimes, Re-enactment, Yarra River, Kew, 1978. Inscription on reverse: "Trinity Grammar School students taking part in Grimes' journey up the Yarra, 1803. Re-enactment Historical Society Kew contribution to the 1978 Festival of Kew."charles grimes re-enactment, trinity grammar school, cr whiting -- mayors -- kew (vic.), yarra river, andrew allen, kew historical society

The party of the British surveyor Charles Grimes were the first Europeans to view the River Yarra, as it was later to be named. Members of the party reached the area now known as Studley Park in 1803. This local re-enactment commemorated 175 years since that event.Charles Grimes, Re-enactment, Yarra River, Kew, 1978. Inscription on reverse: "KH-191. Grimes' party in boat on Yarra 1978. Re-enactment organised by Kew Historical Society. Actors Trinity Grammar boys. Mrs Argyle's History class." Sticker on back: "771. Standard News. WHS. Festival. 4 cols. May 3. [Page] 5."charles grimes re-enactment, yarra river (kew) 1978, cr whiting (mayor of kew), andrew allen, trinity grammar school, kew historical society

Robert (later Sir Robert) Menzies was the member for Kooyong from 1934 to 66, and Australian Prime Minister from 1939 to 41, and again from 1949 to 66. The City of Kew was within the boundaries of his electorate. Civic events, before the opening of the new Kew City Hall in 1960 were frequently held at the Kew Recreation Hall (demolished 1960) in Wellington Street.The Arthur Dear Collection is a comprehensive collection of theatrical ephemera relating to performances by theatrical and musical organisations from within and outside the former City of Kew who typically performed at venues in Kew during the 1950s and 1960s.Card formally acknowledging the acceptance of an invitation to an event in the Kew Recreation Hall. The printed response was issued by the Town Clerk - W.D. Birrell - on behalf of the Mayor - Cr. Marie Dalley. The event was held to meet Mr Menzies and Dame Pattie Menzies.arthur dear collection, robert menzies, dame pattie menzies, kew recreation hall, city of kew - invitations

Extracts from The Church on the Hill: Presbyterianism in Kew 1874-1974 by John A. O’Neill (Mullaya, Canterbury (Vic), 1974, pp.58-60. “An outstanding family which gave devoted service to the Church was the Campbell family of which James Maitland was the “head”. He died at “Ramornie” on the afternoon of Monday 15 December 1930. … “James Maitland Campbell was born in 1847 in Melrose, Scotland, where his father, the Rev. A. J. Campbell D.D., was the Minister of the Kirk. The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. A. J. Campbell, with their family, came to Australia in 1861 and settled in St. George’s Church, Geelong, where he was the first Minister. James Maitland, after completing his secondary education at Geelong College, entered the Melbourne University where he graduated Master of Arts and Master of Laws, and eventually became a partner in the legal firm of Davies and Campbell. When he first came to Melbourne Mr Campbell attended Chalmers Church, East Melbourne, and married Miss Annie Harper, daughter of Robert Harper, a merchant and a sister of Professor Andrew Harper. In March 1875 the young couple settled in Pakington Street, Kew. After the induction of the Rev. Maxwell and the formation of a Board of Management, Mr. Campbell was elected its first Secretary. David Beath, James Maitland Campbell and Duncan Robert McGregor were the first Trustees of our Church. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell joined the Church Choir, and Mr. Campbell became Choir Leader. Members of their family, Bessie, Mary, Nellie and Lewis also sang in the Choir. Mary became a famed teacher of singing in Melbourne. She taught singing to members of the Choir, and gave lessons in voice production to students for the Ministry. In 1879 Mr. Campbell became Superintendent of the Sabbath School, a position he occupied for 27 years. In 1887 he was elected an Elder, and the Session Clerk for 37 years. In 1924 Mr. Campbell compiled a very complete Jubilee History of the Kew Presbyterian Church. Mr. J. M. Campbell saw our existing Church and the Old Manse erected, the Villa purchased, and, with the help of the Kew Congregation, the Charges of West Hawthorn, East Kew and Deepdene established. In the General Assembly of Australia and the General Assembly of Victoria he occupied the important position of Law Agent, and was a member of numerous Church Committees and Councils. … At the Annual Congregational Meeting on Wednesday 28 October 1931, it was decided to erect a tablet in the Church to the memory of the late Mr. J. M. Campbell to record his service to the Church. The tablet was unveiled at the morning service on 13 December by Mr. Legge. The Preacher was Rev. J. Barnaby.”James Maitland Campbell (1847-1930) the owner of “Ramornie” in Pakington Street was an important contributor to the community of Kew in the 19th and early 20th centuries. A Councillor of the Borough of Kew, he was to be elected Mayor on three occasions: 1889-90, 1890-91 and 1892-93. In addition to his political roles, he was the first Secretary of the Kew Presbyterian Church, being actively involved in the life of the Church until his death in 1930. The Kew Historical Society has a small collection of items once belonging to the Campbell family, including a series of invitations issued to Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Campbell for the festivities organised to commemorate the opening of the first Australian Parliament in Melbourne in 1901. Memorial Tablet to James Maitland Campbell (1847-1930) that was originally erected in the Kew Presbyterian Church in Cotham Road. The tablet is comprised of iridescent ceramic tiles.“Erected by the congregation to the Memory of James Maitland Campbell. LL.M. died 15th., December 1930. Session Clerk of this church for 36 years. “A Christian gentleman.”james maitland campbell (1847-1930), kew presbyterian church, ramornie (pakington street), campbell collection

The ‘Alexandra Gardens’ in Cotham Road were designed and laid out by George and Thomas Pockett. The Governor of Victoria officially opened them in 1908. A report of the opening stated that “…the gardens have been laid out in large sloping lawns, divided by wide graveled paths, and dotted with tastefully arranged flower beds, which are now bright with autumn bloom”. The massed beds of shrubs and flowers included beds of chrysanthemums, a specialty of George Pockett, the Garden’s first curator. A large rotunda was constructed in 1910 to mark the Jubilee of Kew. A plaque memorialising the contribution of George Pockett, was attached to the original rotunda after his death in 1922. By 1911, electric lighting was installed to allow the public to access the Gardens, and the concerts that were held within them on summer nights. The Gardens were later to include the Jubilee Fountain, moved from the front of the Kew Post Office in 1925. The Kew Council commissioned the substantial bluestone entrance gates in 1933.The Kew Historical Society is fortunate that the City Engineer, Mr Poulter, donated a number of items held by the City of Kew to the Society for safekeeping, rather than identifying them for destruction. The most significant items donated included old maps, including those issued by the Board of Works. Other items included photographs of public works undertaken by the Department. The By-laws are part of that donation and tell us lots about the social values of the period.The Mayor, Councillors and Burgesses of the Borough of Kew published By-Law No.45 in 1908 to regulate the “Conduct of Persons whilst at or Within the Gardens known as the Alexandra Gardens”. The By-Law also set a charge for “Persons Using or Entering in or upon the said Gardens”. The 17 by-laws included predictable prohibitions on expectorating, using indecent language, interfering with the floral displays, or indeed with the caretaker gardeners. Other acts prohibited included a warning that “Children under the age of ten years not being under the control of some competent person may be removed from said gardens”. The Alexandra Gardens were at one stage surrounded by a picket fence. This might explain the prohibition on climbing upon or getting through over or under any fence at or within the gardens. The financial penalty for breaching the By-Law was determined as “…not exceeding Ten pounds and not less than Five shillings”. This original copy of the By-Law was donated to the Kew Historical Society by the City of Kew.alexandra gardens (cotham road, kew), city of kew

Thomas Evan Rand was born at Hawthorn. He enlisted for service during World War One as an almost 20 year old engineering student, serving with the Australian Flying Corps.A commemorative certificate documenting the war service of Thomas Evan Rand of ‘Urangeline’, Barkers Road, Kew. Thomas Rand was an engineering student when he enrolled as a private in the Australian Army. He embarked on HMAT Orsova A67 on 16 March 1916. He was enlisted in the No 1 Squadron, Flying Corps. The formal certificate records that ‘ Thomas Evan Rand served Australia and the Empire in the Great War and in grateful recognition of his voluntary response to his Country’s Call his name is inscribed on the Roll of Honor of the Town of Kew’. The then Mayor and Town Clerk signed the certificate. [Kew did not become a ‘City’ until 1921]. The certificate highlights emblems and symbols of Australia and Great Britain, and includes the coats of arms of the allies in the war. The certificate is customised with two black and white photographs of Kew: the rotunda in the Alexandra Gardens at left, and boating on the Yarra River at right.Thomas Evan Rand served Australia and the Empire in the Great War and in grateful recognition of his voluntary response to his Country's Call his name is recorded on the Roll of Honor Town of Kew on behalf of the Mayor, Councillors and Burgesses. 1.8.18. E.P. Wynne [Mayor] H. Harrison [Town Clerk]roll of honor (kew), thomas evan rand, world war one, thomas rand, urangeline, kew, australian flying corps, alexandra gardens, wwi, yarra river

This large framed photograph once hung in the Kew Town Hall in Walpole Street. It marked the occasion when Kew became a city. It is an important record of a significant civic event by a nationally significant photographer. A very large, framed portrait of the elected councillors of the City of Kew in 1921. The photograph was taken by the nationally important photographer, Josiah Barnes who had until recently been a resident of Kew. He was to die in the same year that the photograph was taken. The photograph was taken in the Alexandra Gardens in front of the Jubilee Rotunda. [Inscription] "Kew Proclaimed a City, 10th March 1921, Kew City Council". [Photographer] "J.E. Barnes Photo / Kew". Plaque: “Presented by Cr Wm Wishart / Mayor 1906-7”.kew city council

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

George Norman Pockett, who was awarded the certificate was the son of George Pockett , who with his brother designed a number of public parks in Melbourne. George Pockett Snr. was the first curator of the Alexandra Gardens in Kew. (see Comment below)Rolls of Honor were awarded to returned soldiers at the end of the First World War by many towns and cities. This framed certificate awarded to George Norman Pockett by the Town of Kew is one of two held in the Collection. The item is well-provenanced, and through the formal use of emblems and images in the design allows us to make judgements about social and cultural values in the period.Framed Illuminated Certificate: A commemorative certificate documenting the war service of George Norman Pockett of 18 Cobden Street, Kew. George Pockett enrolled at the age of 23 on 5 October 1915, as an engineer in the Australian Army. He embarked on HMAT Wiltshire A18 on 18 November 1915. His rank was that of Warrant Officer Armament Artificer in the 4 FAB [Field Artillery Brigade]. The website of the Australian War Memorial records that he was mentioned in dispatches. The formal certificate records that ‘George Norman Pockett served Australia and the Empire in the Great War and in grateful recognition of his voluntary response to his Country’s Call his name is inscribed on the Roll of Honor of the Town of Kew’. The then Mayor and Town Clerk signed the certificate. [Kew did not become a ‘City’ until 1921]. The certificate highlights emblems and symbols of Australia and Great Britain, and includes the coats of arms of the allies in the war. The certificate is customised with two black and white photographs of Kew: the rotunda in the Alexandra Gardens at left, and boating on the Yarra River at right.George Norman Pockett served Australia and the Empire in the Great War and in grateful recognition of his voluntary response to his Country's Call his name is recorded on the Roll of Honor Town of Kew on behalf of the Mayor, Councillors and Burgesses. 1.8.18. E.P. Wynne [Mayor] H. Harrison [Town Clerk]george norman pockett, first world war - memorabilia - certificates, town of kew (vic), kew war memorial - roll of honor, wwi

1879 - The Argus, Friday 11 July 1879, page 4. The Kew Borough Council having decided to initiate a fire brigade, invited volunteers to send in their names. About 40 complied with the invitation and met at the Town-hall to choose 12 of their number to form the brigade. The 12 elected then chose their officers as follows :— Councillor Gray, captain ; Mr. Thomas Greenhill, foreman ; and Mr. H. Loxton, secretary. The brigade decided to apply to the council for uniforms and a bell; and after adopting rules for their guidance the meeting separated. The brigade now possesses a reel and 500ft. of hose, and a shed is being erected in Little Walpole-street for a station. The council have applied for six additional fireplugs in the Main-road, so that the brigade may now be considered fairly established. 1886 - Globe (Sydney), Tuesday 16 March 1886, page 8 The Kew Fire Brigade, which obtained the pride of place at the recent fire brigades' demonstration, at Sandhurst, was met on their return at Spencer-street Railway Station by the Mayor and Councillors of that suburb, and were subsequently entertained at the Greyhound Hotel. 1886 - South Bourke and Mornington Journal, Wednesday 17 March 1886, page 2 It may be, deemed remarkable, but nevertheless a fact, 'that the Kew Fire Brigade, comparatively a new one, has gained premier place at the recent contest of brigades held at Ballarat, winning two first prizes and two second. On returning they were met at the station and escorted to Kew, preceded by the Borough banner. Certificate awarded to the Kew Volunteer Fire Brigade as an award for winning 'the best average time' in competition at Sandhurst. Surrounding the team's photo are a series of individual oval named portraits of the team. This version of the certificate, (there is two in the collection) is unframed and has a badly torn mount. It is also more faded than the framed version.The photograph without the mount (2016.0097a) has been digitally enhanced. Inscription: "Kew Fire Brigade U.F.B.D. Sandhurst. Kew 1886: Best Average Time, 16 points"kew volunteer fire brigade

The Australian Comforts Fund was established in August 1916 to co-ordinate the activities of the state based patriotic funds, which were established earlier in World War I. Mainly run by women, they provided and distributed free comforts to the Australian 'fit' fighting men in all the battle zones. They became divisions of the Australian Comforts Fund. The Council of the Fund comprised two delegates from New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland and one from the states of Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. The Executive headquarters was located in Sydney. It ceased operation on 10 April 1920 and was reconstituted in World War II in June 1940 and ceased operation again on 27 June 1946. The state bodies in World War I were: New South Wales: the 'Citizens' 'War Chest' Fund; Queensland Patriotic Fund; South Australia: League of Loyal Women; Tasmania: 'On Active Service Fund'; Australian Comforts Fund, Victorian Division; Victoria League of Western Australia. During World War II the state bodies were called : The Lord Mayor's Patriotic and War Fund of New South Wales; the Australian Comforts Fund, Victorian Division; the Australian Comforts Fund, Queensland Division; the Australian Comforts Fund, Tasmanian Division; the Fighting Forces Comforts Fund SA Inc; the Victoria League Camp Comforts Fund ( W A ) Australian Comforts Fund commissioners conducted its activities in the field, holding honorary rank as officers of the Army or Air Force.World War 1 publication for the home front with Kew listingsVoluntary War Workers Record, compiled for the benefit of the Australian Comforts Fund - 1918. Price - 1/6. the publication includes sections on Kew.australian comforts fund, australian comforts fund (victoria)

The campaign to save the Yarra Valley from powerlines was a significant environmental campaign in multiple suburbs in the 1980s.White tee-shirt with an image of a man being electrocuted which was produced and sold to raise funds for the campaign to save the Yarra Valley from a proposal to build a massive power line between Richmond and Brunswick. The black and white cartoon printed on the front of the tee-shirt is a cartoon by Jeff. The tee-shirt was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Jill O'Brien, ex councillor and Mayor of the former City of Kew, who was one of the leaders of the campaign.RICHMOND-BRUNSWICK POWER LINErichmond-brunswick powerline, community campaigns - 1980s, yarra valley, jill o'brien

The Municipality of Kew (1860-1863), the Borough of Kew (1863-1910), the Town of Kew (1910-1921) and the City of Kew (1921-1994) were local government instrumentalities in the State of Victoria. In 1994, the City of Kew was amalgamated, together with the former Cities of Camberwell and Hawthorn, into the new City of Boroondara (1994- ). Like other local government entities of the period, Kew was administered by town clerks. The two notable town clerks in Kew's history were H. H. (Henry Hirst) Harrison (1868-1955) and W. D. (William Dickie) Birrell (1899-1974). Harrison was appointed to the position in 1901 and retired in 1938 after 37 years. Birrell, appointed Acting Town Clerk in 1921, became Town Clerk in 1938, following Harrison's retirement. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1966.This card is part of an historically significant civic collection, containing hundreds of separate invitations, documents, greeting cards, programmes and tickets issued and/or collected by successive town clerks. Items in the collection illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the district. As a continuous record, ranging across most decades of the Twentieth Century, they reveal changing tastes in design, values and relationships in the history of local government in Victoria.THE MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS OF THE CITY OF KEW / EXTEND TO YOU A CORDIAL INVITATION TO BE PRESENT AT THE / OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW ELDER CITIZENS CLUBROOMS / CORNER HIGH STREET AND CHILDERS STREET / BY THE HON R J HAMER MLC MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT / ON FRIDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 1970 AT 3 P.M./ RSVP TOWN CLERK, KEW, NOT LATER THAN 11TH FEBRUARYcivic invitations -- kew (vic), kew elderly citizens association, cr r d kennedy