These shoes were worn by Emily Cock (nee Smith), the daughter of wealthy early settler John Matthew Smith. From 1856 until 1931 the Smiths lived at 'Castlefield', a mansion on a vast estate that at one time stretched along South Road from Bluff Road to Hampton Street. The land was gradually subdivided, and the house is now a part of Haileybury College. Julien Mayer was a French ladies shoemaker and prolific exporter who advertised his successes on the shoes themselves by stamping the soles with details of the prizes he had won.Pair of black kid leather shoes with low block heel, decorated with pink silk, cut-away applique and embroidery. Pink bow with metal clasp on one shoe; missing from the other. Edged with pink silk ribbon binding, largely deteriorated.Sole embossed with "MAYER / Julien / à Paris", in addition to tamped with three small medallions proclaiming the awards the shoemaker won in London in 1862, Porto in 1865 and Paris in 1867. Handwritten in interior sole of T0124.2 in pencil: "Emily Smith / Castlefield"emily smith, castlefield, shoes, 1860s, applique, embroidery, julien mayer

This velvet opera cape was worn by Agnes Emmeline "Dot" McCowan (nee Iredell, 1887-1969) to a reception for English aviatrix Amy Johnson in her North Road home in the early 1930s. Amy Johnson achieved worldwide fame in 1930 when she became the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia. Dot was the fourth child, and only surviving daughter, of Dr Charles Lesingham Maynard Iredell and Frances Keziah Iredell (née Hill), both formerly of Regents Park, London. Her parents had arrived in Australia in 1885 after Charles, a medical specialist, lost his money and house in the financial crash of 1880. In Melbourne, Charles established a reputation as an ear, nose and throat specialist and counted Dame Nellie Melba among his patients. Dot was schooled at Fairlight College in St Kilda. After falling from a tree at the age of twelve, she developed curvature of the spine. While recuperating, she took a correspondence course in theory and harmony of music with the Royal College of Music, London. She continued to pursue music after her recovery, ultimately winning an international scholarship to study piano and singing in Leipzig, Germany, but did not take up the offer due to her father's objections. She instead remained in Melbourne, where she put her skills to use as a music teacher. After her first fiancé disappeared at sea, Dot found happiness again with George Drummond. George owned a substantial property in Manjimup, Western Australia, and the couple planned to settle there after the wedding. It was not to be. Like many Australian men, George was killed in action on the Western Front during the First World War. It had become customary in George's wealthy family to give each son's bride a gift of one thousand pounds. Though Dot and George were never able to marry, the family nevertheless honoured the custom, and between their generous financial gift and her own teaching income, Dot was able to buy a well-appointed home at 9 North Road, Brighton for herself and her parents. The house remained in the family for many decades. In 1923, at the age of thirty-six, Dot met and fell in love with Alexander James McCowan. They were married on 28 February 1924; the reception was held in the North Road house.Salmon pink velvet opera cape with a padded collar and long fringe. Fastens at collar with a pair of circular metal clasps engraved with floral designs and accentuated with purple enamel. Silk lining.agnes emmeline iredell, agnes emmeline mccowan, opera cape, 1920s, 1930s, amy johnson

This bag belonged to by Mrs Alice "May" Moss CBE (1869-1948), Australian suffragist, social welfare campaigner and longtime resident of 59 North Road, Brighton. Born Alice Frances Mabel Wilson in Ballarat, in 1887 May married Isidore Moss, the son of Norwood's builder Mark Moss. While her children were young, she began to campaign for the rights of women and served as vice-president of the Australian Women's National League in 1906-14, during which time she actively campaigned in Victoria for women's suffrage. She was an Australian delegate at the League of Nations Assembly at Geneva in 1927, where she was the first woman to sit on a finance committee. She attended the International Council of Women in Geneva in the same year and in 1928 was elected as vice president of the ICW, a position she held until her death. She was the first president of the National Council of Women of Australia, serving from 1931 to 1936. May was active in many other community organisations and causes, including the Royal Women's Hospital, the Collingwood Crèche and the Free Kindergarten movement. She served on the board of management of the City Newsboys' Society in 1906-48 and was the first woman lay-member of the National Health and Medical Research Council in 1936-45. She was also member of the International and Lyceum clubs, with an interest in the theatre, painting and woodcarving.French petit point tapestry bag featuring seven people in a bucolic scene, with trees and buildings in the background. Black border. Gold metal hinged opening with ornamental clasp and gold chain.may moss, petit point, 1930s

Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, welfare, hospital homes, day centres, auxiliaries, volunteer service group, senior staff, life governors, formal establishment of the Low Vision Clinic which had been begun with discussions with Professor Gerard Crook in 1970 and supported for a year by the Hecht Trust, John Wilson accompanied Hugh Jeffrey, Australia's delegate on the Executive Committee for the Welfare of the Blind and IFB, businessman John Wicking joined the committee, plans for the future development of the George Vowell Centre are being formulated, Derek Nimmo entertained at multiple Auxiliary functions, the Toorak Auxiliary closed but two new ones at Kyneton and Narcoonah (Hampton), were formed, introduction of training course for volunteer workers and Mrs H.M. Lightfoot, who organised drivers for home visitor Elsie Henderson, has stepped down after fourteen years of service.1 volume of text and photographsassociation for the blind, h.m. lightfoot, john wilson, hugh jeffrey, derek nimmo, iris barnier, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: President's report, finance report, balance sheet, the Kooyong story 50 years of service to the blind, honorary services, blind members, life governors. 1 printed volume with illustrationsassociation for the blind, annual reports, henry bolte, h.m. lightfoot, john wicking, sir john wilson, john wilson, eunice wilson, p. daddo, frankston ladies choir

From 1979, the John Wilson Award was awarded to individuals who made a significant difference to the lives of those around them. To publicly acknowledge this, a signboard was established and hung at the Kooyong Centre. The top of the board was inscribed with the words 'Vision Australia Foundation' and the eye logo is located in the top left-hand corner. Below this is written: "The following recipients have made a notable contribution towards blind and vision impaired people. 1979 Agnes M. Tweedie, 1980 Elizabeth I. Lindsay, 1981 Flora Douglas, 1982 Edna Wilson, 1983 Herbert J. Brumby, 1984 Joanne Trumble, 1985 Arthur Nothling, 1986 Colin & Margaret Fox, 1987 Katharine M. Rose, 1988 Bryan G. Sitlington, 1989 Edna Swanson, 1990 Ellena F. Little, 1991 Neil McCrae, 1992 Lillian Dethridge, 1993 John A. Blanch, 1994 Winsome Baker, 1995 Barry Farnsworth, 1996 Harold Gration, 1997 Merle Wootten, 1998 Norma Crook, 1999 Thelma Royal, 2000 Neil & Elizabeth Maxwell, 2001 Elaine Leahy, 2002 Norman & Bernice Anderson, 2003 Gwladys Jeavons, 2004 Eve Lustig, 2005 Shirley Admans.Wooden board with frame and gold letteringawards, vision australia foundation, association for the blind

Katharine Rose and John Wilson look on as John Wicking officially opens the day centre at Mirridong.1 B/W photograph and 1 clipping of Annual Report of the same image6131 Mrs Kitty Rose & watch on as Mr M.J. Wicking officialy open day centre 30.9.78association for the blind, john wilson, john wicking, katharine (kitty) rose

Ella Vicars-Foote, John Wilson and Kitty Rose at the opening of the Ella Vicars Foote Day Room at Mirridong.1 x B/W photograph and 1 x colour photographB/W - 62,57, 0755, 6, Page 3 Colour - Ella Vicars Foote & John Wilson & Kitty Rose at opening of Ella Vicars Foote Day Room, 1986association for the blind, ella vicars-foote, john wilson, mirridong home (bendigo), katharine (kitty) rose

Individual thank you letters were sent out to those who made a certain level of donation directly to the organistion. In this example, Mr C. Bruce Miller of 11 Moorakyne Street, Malvern is thanked for his donation of 5 pounds and 5 shillings and the letter is personally signed by J. W. Wilson in 1958 and 1961 respectively.2 letters to Mr C. Bruce Millerassociation for the blind, john wilson, fundraising

The Guiding Light symbol appears on the next issue of certificates from the Association, using the sphere and triangle shapes that would also become part of name badges and other items around the organisation. These certificates reflect the financial support of the Reach Out Appeal by the Mirridong Social Club in 1981 (signed by Kitty Rose and John Wilson), Elanora, Head Office and George Vowell Centre staff in recognition of their services to residents and blind members in 1982 (signed by John Wicking and John Wilson).A4 sized certificates with guiding light logoassociation for the blind, john wicking, john wilson, katharine (kitty) rose

From 1979, the John Wilson Award was awarded to individuals who made a significant difference to the lives of those around them. In 1980, it was presented to Sister Elizabeth Lindsay, who cared for children in the RVIB from 1935 until 1945 as the first Matron of the RVIB nursery, and her guardianship of one particular child, whom she took in and cared for.1 wooden block with two metal insertsAssociation for the Blind The Guiding Light John Wilson Award for sustained devotion and personal contribution to the blind Presented to Elizabeth Inez Lindsey 10th October 1980association for the blind, sister elizabeth lindsey

In 1980 the John Wilson Award was given to Elizabeth Inez Lindsey. The citation reads: The Committee, Blind Members and Staff of the Association for the Blind pay tribute to, and record for posterity, the sustained love and devotion of Elizabeth Inez Lindsey to the blind children entrusted to her care between 1935-1945 as the first Matron of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Nursery, and her continuing influence for good in their lives hereafter. In particular, at his request, we recall her greatness of heart in applying for the guardianship of Barry Farnsworth, despite his serious disability, and her acceptance of him into her own home where she lavished affection and cared for him physically, mentally and spiritually as long as she was able and thereafter to this day continued faithfully and unwaveringly to serve and protect his interests. We present our respects to Sister Lindsey who has consistently reflected, in and through her life of service, enduring love and compassion and now honour her in the presentation of the John Wilson Award. 1 A3 cream page in gold frameassociation for the blind, elizabeth lindsey

This agreement between the Association for the Blind and Emma Irene Parkins lays out the terms and conditions of a fund-raising initiative to be driven by E.I. Parkins, with the aim of selling entry tokens for a "Name the Home" competition at 2 shillings apiece. The first prize was a Ford Falcon Sedan. The agreement is Dated 1st day of July 1962, but Signed and Dated by CEO J. W. Wilson and E. I. Parkins on 28/03/1962. There are 2 copies of the agreement, one containing hand-written annotations in pencil. 4 typed pages of legal agreementassociation for the blind, emma parkins, john wilson, fundraising

This agreement between the Association for Advancement the Blind and J. W. Wilson, Secretary lays out the terms and conditions the hire-purchase of a motor vehicle at 16 pounds per month totalling 1039 pounds. The agreement is Dated 18th November 1953, and is signed and Sealed by members of the General Committee and J. W. Wilson. 5 pages of typed legal agreementassociation for the advancement of the blind, john wilson

This agreement between the Association for the Blind and Emma Irene Parkins lays out the terms and conditions of a fund-raising initiative to be driven by E.I. Parkins, with the aim of selling entry cards for a "Last Line" competition at 2 shillings apiece. The first prize was a Ford Falcon Sedan. The agreement is Dated 1st day of July 1962, and Signed by CEO J. W. Wilson and E. I. Parkins. The agreement, contains some hand-written annotations in pen. 4 typed pages of legal agreementassociation for the blind, john wilson, emma parkins, fundraising

This agreement between the Association for the Blind and Emma Irene Parkins lays out the terms and conditions of a fund-raising initiative to be driven by E.I. Parkins, with the aim of selling donor tokens at 20 cents apiece. The agreement is Dated 1st day of July 1967, and Signed by CEO J. W. Wilson and E. I. Parkins. The agreement contains some hand-written annotations in pen. 3 typed pages of legal agreementassociation for the blind, john wilson, emma parkins, fundraising

To recognise the efforts made towards to the successful running of the Association for the Blind, certificates were awarded bestowing Life Governorships on individuals who had made significant contributions such as George Ronald Rose became a Life Governor on 22nd August 1967 for his invaluable contributions to the Bendigo Mirridong home, particularly securing the support of the Lions Club in the building of the home in 1957. This certificate is signed by President H. M. Lightfoot and Secretary J. W. Wilson.1 cream coloured sheet with decorative border on top right hand side and lower right hand corner, and the black and white symbol of the Association in the lower right hand corner consisting of a half circle with a flame and another half circle in blackAssociation for the Blind Life Governor This is certify that ... was elected a Life Governor on the ... day of ... 19..association for the blind, george rose

To recognise the efforts made towards to the successful running of the Association for the Blind, certificates were awarded bestowing Life Governorships on individuals who had made significant contributions such as Katharine Margaret Rose became a Life Governor on 27th August 1963 for her invaluable contributions in supporting blind people around Bendigo since 1939. The certificate is signed by President H. M. Lightfoot and Secretary J. W. Wilson.1 cream coloured sheet with decorative border on top right hand side and lower right hand corner, and the black and white symbol of the Association in the lower right hand corner consisting of a half circle with a flame and another half circle in blackAssociation for the Blind Life Governor This is certify that ... was elected a Life Governor on the ... day of ... 19..association for the blind, katharine (kitty) rose

To recognise the efforts made towards to the successful running of the Association for the Blind, certificates were awarded bestowing Life Governorships on individuals who had made significant contributions such as Mae Palmer of East Hawthorn became a Life Governor on 24th March 1969 for her contributions. This certificate is signed by President H. M. Lightfoot and Secretary J. W. Wilson.1 cream coloured sheet with decorative border on top right hand side and lower right hand corner, and the black and white symbol of the Association in the lower right hand corner consisting of a half circle with a flame and another half circle in blackAssociation for the Blind Life Governor This is certify that ... was elected a Life Governor on the ... day of ... 19..association for the blind, mae palmer

"The Committee, Blind Members and Staff acknowledge and record for posterity the outstanding service given to the blind people of Victoria by (blank) This exceptional contribution, which has enriched the quality of their living, was made in a selfless and warmhearted manner in the Association tradition of caring and sharing. Inherent in the many attributes displayed were the admirable qualities of leadership, loyalty, consistency of purpose, and a great generosity of spirit. In recognition of this distinguished service we now pay tribute to and honour Katharine Margaret Rose in the presentation of the John Wilson Award." Signed by Diana J. Jones (President), John Cook (staff representative), B. J. Sittlington (Chairman, Blind Members Council) on 16th October 1967.1 cream A3 page with tan border around edgeassociation for the blind, katharine (kitty) rose

In 1987 a farewell was held at 3RPH for John Wicking, former President of the AFB, and his wife Janet. Among those paying tribute were John and Eunice Wilson, Arthur Wilkins and Jennifer Gibbons. The presentation of a medal "Rara Avis" (rare bird) and on the reverse 'Nil Taurus excretis' (no bull excretement) was made to the bemused honouree.34 negatives of image taken at John Wicking's farewelljohn wicking, john wilson, eunice wilson, janet wi, janet wicking, jennifer gibbons, arthur wilkins, 3rph radio station

This hand painted prosthetic eye would have been used for people who have had to have an eye removed due to damage or disease. The prosthesis fits over an orbital implant and under the eyelids. Often referred to as a glass eye, the ocular prosthesis roughly takes the shape of a convex shell. 1 prosthetic white glass eye with blue iriskerri wilson optical prosthetics, prosthetic eye

President John Wicking with his wife Janet is speaking to CEO John Wilson and his wife Eunice.B/W photograph of John and Janet Wicking speaking to Eunice and John Wilson.john wicking, janet wicking, eunice wilson, john wilson, association for the blind

John Wilson, Kitty Rose and John Wicking at a Kitty Rose's farewell in Bendigo.B/W photograph of John Wilson, Katharine (Kitty) Rose and John Wicking.john wicking, john wilson, association for the blind, katharine (kitty) rose

Dorina Nowill, the President of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind (later known as the World Blind Union) and Vice-President John Wilson discuss items at a meeting in the Brighton offices of the Association for the Blind.B/W photograph of Dorina Nowill and John Wilson in a meeting.Mrs Dorina Nowill, President of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind, and Mr John Wilson, Vice President, in discussion during meetings at the Association for the Blind, Brighton.dorina nowill, john wilson, world blind union, association for the blind

John Wilson looks at a computer monitor and keyboard, with a Shuttle 300 Data Modem attached, on display.B/W photograph of John Wilson viewing a computerjohn wilson, adaptive devices

John Wilson shows his Member of the Order of Australia medal to R.J. Stacey (name on the cane that the woman is holding).B/W image of John Wilson showing to his medal to an elderly womanjohn wilson, association for the blind, awards

Portrait of John Wilson.B/W photograph of John Wilsonjohn wilson, association for the blind