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Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Postcard - Postcard, Stamped, Valentines Real Photo Series, Seamen's Mission Showing the Gymnasium, Melbourne, Victoria, c. 1921
The postcard addressed to Norman Fleming, was written on the 19th of April 1926This rare postcard is the earliest image showing the newly built gymnasium.Sepia tone postcard written at the back with green one penny stamp depicting King George VWritten in black ink: Address: Mister N. Fleming / 24. Norlington Rd / Leytonstone E 11 / Essex / England SS P. Auckland / Melbourne / 19.4.1926 / Dear Norman / gymnasium, norla dome, flinders street, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), king george v -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Photograph - Photograph - Syd Cuffe, Portland Town Crier, 09/12/1995
Coloured photo. Wedding party and Syd Cuffe in Town Crier's regalia on wooden ship, Portland Harbour, near silos. Photo attached to gold paper.Front: 'Dear Syd Thanks so much for "crying" at our wedding. You were a highlight! - Carrie & Steve xxx 9-12-95' - hand written, gold penwedding, celebration, town crying -
Streatham and District Historical Society
Post Card, Circa 1914-1918
This Post card is an example of the skill that the men or women learned during the War time for relaxation or during recovery periods in hospitals.This item demonstrates the skills of those that were involved in the First World War and the hobbies that enlisted men participated in when Ill or having leave from combat.White card with hand stitched holly leaves and berries in green and red on fine cotton with light blue hand stitched trim. The words Merry Christmas stitched towards the bottomOn the front are the words Merry Christmas. On the back written in pencil are the words Belguim 1916-1917. "To Dear Bess Wishing her a Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year from Donald."ww1, hand, papercraft, crafts -
Robin Boyd Foundation
Card, Penleigh Boyd, 1999
Mother's Day CardGreeting Card addressed to "Dear Trish" dated May 99, wishing a happy Mother's Day, Signed "Love, Penleigh". Photo on front of card of Cameron's Corner, Central Australia -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Photograph - Photograph, B&W & Soldiers' Small Book, Refer also 0182, 1910s
Photograph of Private Frederick Corkish, service number 46656, who served in the 19th Kings Liverpool Regiment in the British Army during WWI He was from Ramsey, Isle of Man. He was taken Prisoner of War in Germany in 1918.Black and white photograph of a young male soldier in uniform. Oval image. Post card on back with typed and handwritten text. Soldiers Small Book.Back: "Dear May there are some photos / I had takengive one to Annie / they are not up to much / Will write later Fred" (in pencil) "Dad aged about 18" (in blue ink)corkish, isle of man, postcard -
Mt Dandenong & District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Page sisters at Quamby cafe, 1936
Page sisters sitting at table in Quamby Café in 1936. LHS - Aunt Ede 80. (Edith Page) Middle - Mother 83 (Sarah Martha Dorey) RHS - Aunt Pen 85. (Penelope Page)On back of photograph To Dear Lily with love from Mrs. S. M. Dorey. Aunt Ede 80 Mother 83 Aunt Pen 85 Taken 1936 Lilly Dingley quamby, quamby cafe, lily dingley, dingley, dorey, iris dorey, iris woolrich -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Caire. Cheich arabe aux pyramides, c. 1915
This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Postcard sent by Charles Field Richardson to his sister Dorothy Richardson (later Dorothy Rogers) from Egypt in World War 1.Dear Doss This is a Arab guide they are very funny take you & show you all the nice things & want to take your fortune & a lot of other funny things. Chas.charles field richardson, dorothey rogers, world war 1 (1914-18) -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Photograph, Ellen Sweeney, In Loving Memory of Jean, 1920
Photo of the flower covered grave of Jean Watson who died as a result of an accident in 1920 at age 14 years; daughter of Christopher Watson and Carrie Watson (nee Shillinglaw. Inscribed on reverse in pen on deteriorating brown paper: "To dear Mrs Watson as a small tribute of our love to that memory of Jean from E. Sweeney & school mates Eltham School"marg ball collection, caroline (carrie) watson (nee shillinglaw 1876-1956), ellen sweeney, eltham cemetery, eltham state school no. 209, graves, jean watson (1906-1920) -
Bendigo Military Museum
Album - PHOTOGRAPHS WW1, 1) Ruskin Perth et al, 1) 22.12.14; .3) 1918.4.1916; .7) 14.4.17
.2) WA 22.12.14 Dear Mother, wishing you all the Compliments of the Season, your loving son Roy. (John Roy NEILSON, Bendigo). .3) What do you think of this little lot, Roy 1918. .4) Bruce Neilson (Melbourne) yours truly Bruce. .5) Xmas 1916 Palamountain. .7) E Holtham 14.4.17.1) Photo album fold out cardboard, maroon colour, containing 6 photos. .2) Photo post card, black & white, portrait of a soldier, no hat. .3) Photo post card, black & white, soldier, Corporal, sitting on an ornamental wall. .4) Photo post card, sepia, soldier, Sergeant, sitting on an ornamental wall. .5) Photo post card, black & white, soldier in uniform standing with coat over arm. .6) Photo post card, black & white, young soldier standing in militia uniform. .7) Photo post card, black & white, young soldier standing in militia uniform.photography-photographs, documents - postcards, military history, albums -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - GIRL GUIDES & SCOUTS, SOUVENIR PROGRAMME, November, 1947
Girl Guides & Scouts, Souvenir Programme World Chief Guide's Visit to Victoria. November 21st - December 5th, 1947. Official Programme. Includes Official Programme with activities for the Rally. Inside front cover information on the Girl Guides Association property between Yarra Junction and Warbuton, including a photo. Page 4 photo and wirte up on the Founder Robert Baden-Powell. Page 5 photo and write up on Lady Baden-Powell, GBE. The World Chief Guide. Pages 6 & 7, History of the Girl Guides of Victoria, includes photo of Lady Chauvel, State Commissioner and Miss M McL. Burns, State Secreatary. Page 10to 12 Guides own service. Inside rear cover advertising for The State Savings Bank of Victoria. Rear cover Evan Evans Pty Ltd, 680 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, C.1. Manufactures of flags, tents & flys, Haversacks & camping equipment. Appionted Flagmakers to the Girl Guides Association. b/ Letter.Old Mate of mine together we have roughed it through the bush for twenty years and time begins to lay his frosting brush upon the heads. But in our hearts the flowers of friendship grow its fresh as when we planted then in dear old Bendigo. I sigh when ever I think upon - Jack pats along the grub the music of the puddling mill, the cradle and tub, the hurdy gurdies german bands and mistletoe toe, why blow it. You're upset the tea on dear old Bendigo the back of life is sometimes smooth and at other times tis rough. But we must take as it comes this beef is rather tough, I feel a spider on my cheek, I've cought the varment _ 'No' Why bless me, if it ain't a tear for dear old Bendigo.J Batten, Print, Melb.event, official, guides scouts, world chief guide's, girl guides & scouts, official souvenir programme world chief guide's visit to victoria. november 21st - december 5th, 1947. activities for the rally. information on the girl guides association property between yarra junction and warbuton, including a photo. page 4 photo and write up on the founder robert baden-powell. page 5 photo and write up on lady baden-powell, gbe. the world chief guide. pages 6 & 7, history of the girl guides of victoria, includes photo of lady chauvel, state commissioner and miss m mcl. burns, state secretary. page 10to 12 guides own service. advertising: the state savings bank of victoria, evan evans pty ltd, 680 elizabeth street, melbourne. appointed flagmakers to the girl guides association. b/ letter. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE, C.1918
Letters from ALF Ferris to his Family at Terrick Terrick. Refer Cat No 4183.3P.1) Envelope, rectangular shape, off white colour, Field PO stamped, hand written in purple pencil, dated. .2) Letter, “YMCA with the AIF” letter head, rectangular shape, off white colour, ruled lines, hand written in black pencil, dated. .3).4) Letter, “YMCA with the AIF” letter head, rectangular shape, off white colour, ruled lines, hand written in black pencil, dated..1) At top, “O.A.S”, (On Active Service) .2) “Belgium Sun 3rd March 1918, Dear ones at Home” .3).4) “St Patricks Day Sun 17th March 1918”letters, ymca, envelopes -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, THACKERAY, William Makepeace, Lovel the widower, etc
Labelled: 'Cowes Free Public Library', 'Phillip Island Historical Society. Cleeland Bequest'. Inscribed 'To my dear sister Enid on the occasion of her 17th birthday with the hope that she will strive to be...' -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, Fragments from France B Bairnsfather, Circa 1916
Captain Bruce Bairnsfather was a British humourist and cartoonist. This booklet, Fragments from France contains a collection of his cartoons. The Fragments from France was extremely popular and sold hundreds of thousands of copies. The drawings display a wry humour of the terrible situation of the first world war. This item has strong historical artistic and social significance.Dark green soft card cover with black text. Illustration in black and white tones and white text is pasted on front cover. It shows two soldiers in dugout with explosions bursting around them.Advertisements inside front and back covers. 48 pages with monochrome illustrations with captions underneath each .Capt Bruce Bairnsfather. "To dear father from jean " written in black pen on first page. Two stamps Warrnambool and District Historical Society. Mussell & MacDonald newsagents & stationers Henty.warrnambool, fragments from france, captain bruce bairnsfather -
Buninyong & District Historical Society
Postcard - Original Photograph, New Imperial Mine, Hiscock's, Postcard, 1909
historic New Imperial Mine, Hiscock's, Postcardon reverse; 17/2/09 Dear Mr. Thomas Many thanks for the papers. Kind regards from all, your's sincerely R Kerr Mr. Thomas Government Battery Rutherglenmining, new imperial gold mine, hiscocks -
St Kilda Historical Society
Photograph, Miss Marie Studholme
tinted colour postcard, unmounted, original, fair conditionOn back: Dear Dorothy I shall be with you as usual tomorrow (Tues) at half past 4 oc. Hoping you are all well. Miss D Taffett, Bluff Road, Elwood. -
Robin Boyd Foundation
Book, Norval Morris, The Brothel Boy and other parables of the Law, 1992
Hardcover w/Dust JacketCard/Dear Trish, Merry Christmas and a happy new year, lots of love from Penleigh Robyn Ben Amy and Rupert/ front page - To Patricia & John - in admiration & with affection Norvallaw, society , walsh st library -
Westbourne Grammar Heritage Collection
Book - Charles Steedman, 1867, Manual of Swimming
Charles Steedman was headmaster of Williamstown Grammar School from 1870-76 and 1885-90. In 1870, under agreement with school trustees, Sir George Verdon and John Courtis, he leased the school under a seven-year lease, effectively saving it from closure. Steedman had previously been manager of Sandridge Baths and a champion swimmer of Victoria. His 1867 book, 'Manual of Swimming', was the first major technical contribution to the sport of speed swimming and water safety, for which Steedman was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2006. As headmaster of Williamstown Grammar, Steedman initiated a student produced school paper called 'The Schoolboy' (surviving editions can be accessed at the State Library of Victoria), added swimming lessons to the curriculum and opened enrolment to girls in 1885. The book contains nine illustration plates featuring line drawings of a human figure in the positions detailed by Steedman in his text. These drawings are attributed to O.R. Campbell. Oswald Rose Campbell is best known for his appointment (1876-1886) as drawing master of the School of Design, a department of the Public Library, Museums and National Gallery of Victoria. He taught (and famously disagreed with) the likes of celebrated Australian artists, Tom Roberts and Frederick McCubbin. O.R Campbell taught drawing and painting at Williamstown Grammar in the early 1870s.The book holds historic significance for Westbourne Grammar School, having been written by a former headmaster and very important figure in the history of the school. It evokes our early history as an emerging grammar school with links to prominent athletes, artists and gentry of colonial Melbourne. Blue cloth covered case-bound book, with debossed decorative scrollwork in each corner and in the centre of front cover, and gilt lettering on the spine. 270 numbered pages, nine illustration plates (one adjacent to title page, eight as end pages).On title page, handwritten inscriptions in brown coloured ink. Possibly ‘Joshua Saggs Esq. / With the authors compliments’ and below, in different handwriting and darker ink, ‘To dear Flossie from Grandma 1901’. williamstown, sandridge baths, swimming, colonial melbourne, art, williamstown grammar -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book - Paperback, Vanda Savill (1913-2005), Such is life, 1985
An example of Vanda Savill's handwritten books documenting western district local histories focussing on the Henty family.This is a paper back book with a yellow cover with black headings and annotations, black and white sketches and black and white photographs. There are 52 pages of handwritten and copied material with photographs and illustrations. The pages are stapled.non-fictionAn example of Vanda Savill's handwritten books documenting western district local histories focussing on the Henty family.henty family, vanda savill, warrnambool -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.
Photograph - Colour, Clare Gervasoni, Stained Glass Window in St John's, Colac, 2015, 23/08/2015
St John's Anglican Church was dedicated to St John the Evangelist. The current church replaces an earlier building and was constructed from plans prepared by Henderson and Davidson and was opened on 8 May 1870, and was consecrated on 18 April 1882. Stained Glass Window recognizing the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces, and the death of Lieutenant Benjamin Meredith who was killed in action at Beersheba.To the Glory of God in loving memory or our dear parents John jenner Meredith - Born 29th Nov 1929 Died 30th March 1914. Margaret Meredit - Born 14th Jan 1843 Died 16th August 1915 and our dear brother Lt Benjamin P.G. Meredith Born 9th July 1882 killed in action at Beersheeba 31st Oct 1917. Erected by Annie F.T. and Charlie Meredithst john's colac, colac, john jenner meredith, margaret meredith, benjamin meredith, annie meredith, charles meredith, world war one, beersheeba -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Letter - Correspondence, Julius Kokx, Letter to Lillie from Julius Kokx, 4 October 1926
Lillie Duncan was a member of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild, the women's auxiliary group of the Mission to Seafarers organisation. The LHLG was formed in 1902 and organised social events for visiting seafarers and were directly responsible for much of the fundraising for the construction of the facility at 717 Flinders Street. As a member of the Guild, Lillie was expected to entertain and support visiting seafarers, although within a strict set of rules. This letter, along with a number of others, was sent to Lillie from abroad.This letter, along with a number of others sent to Lillie Duncan by visiting seafarers, underscore the social conventions of the time and the work of the Mission to Seafarers in provide comfort and support to visiting seafarers. The letters speak of the many events and activities undertaken at the Mission and provide a snapshot of the era.Letter addressed to Miss L. Duncan, 11 Paxton St, East Malvern, Melbourne, Australia from J. Kokx, U.S.S. Medusa, c/o Pm San Francisco, 5th Div Cal consisting of two parts. Part 0074.1 Envelope Part 0074.2 Letter Both the envelope and the letter are creamy yellow in colour with black curly writing on one side of the envelope and both sides of the letter. The letter begins with "Dear Lillie, I received your letter..." and concludes with "Bundles of love, Julius Kokx, x Little Melbourne girl x"The envelope is torn across the top and part of the flap for access to its contents. It has two 2 cent red stamps with the text "United States Postage" and "Washington" on it, and one green 1 cent stamp with the text "U.S. Postage 1 cent 1"correspondence, handwriting, postage stamps, julius kokx, lillie duncan, lhlg, uss medusa, san francisco, california -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Letter - Correspondence, Allan Charles Quinn, 15 July 1945
The letter was written by Allen Quinn to his mother. Allen started working as a seafarer when he was 16 years old, and frequently wrote to his mother during his travels. He also created an extensive photograph collection, which corresponds with the letters.The letter is part of an ongoing correspondence between Allan and his mother. This letter mentions the M.T. Joonawarra, the ship Allan was working on at the time, as well as its sister ship, the "Kookaburra".Letter addressed to Mrs S. Quinn, "Sanlorenzo", 63 Ocean Beach, Manly, N.S.W, in five parts. Part 0151.1 Envelope Part 0151.2 Letter Page, 0151.3 Letter Page, 0151.4 Letter Page, 0151.5 Letter Page . Both the envelope and letter were white paper, which is now a yellow-white. The letter begins "My Dear Mum, This is just a short note..." and concludes with "P.S. I have a photo of myself...". In the top right hand corner of the letter is "M.T. Joonawarra / San Francisco / U.S.A / 15.7.1945Front of envelope: MRS. S. QUINN, / "SANLORENZO", / 63 OCEAN BEACH, / MANLY / N.S.W. AUSTRALIA handwritten in blue ink. In the top right hand corner is a red Australian stamp. In the middle of the top of the envelope is postmark: SP (indecipherable) / O'LAND / 1 AM / 2 9 AUG 2 / 1945 / POSTED IN / PILLARS.photograph, allan-quinn, mt-joonawara, 1945 -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph - Group, Ringwood Technical School 1963 Form 1B
This Form was part of the largest intake to date as Ringwood Technical School entered its fourth year at the Heathmont Road campus. The 269 Form 1 students in 12 groups, 1A to 1M, took the school’s population to nearly 700. Extensions to the 3 year old building commenced during the year to help accommodate the expected rising numbers of students.Black and White Photograph Names: Top: Kurt Herdina, Keith Foote, Alan Dear, David Austin 2nd row: Albert Austin, Gary Evans, Alan Robertson, Peter Terry, Geoffrey Bomford, Fred Painter, Robert Batt, Alan Hoffmann 1st row: Rodney Barber, Brian Parlby , Malcolm Grant, Donald Creed, Gerald Pels, Stephen Loosley, Richard Hudson , Rodney Holloway, Paul Shadbolt Photograph from Ringwood Technical School photo album labelled “Ringwood Technical School 1963-’64 Class Photos”. rts, ringwood tech -
Federation University Historical Collection
Postcard, Tarbet Hotel, Loch Lomond, c1918
Black and white postcard of the Tarbet Hotel, Loch Lomond Verso Dear Mother, Just this card to let you see where I am. I am not writing much. As my time is fully occupied at present. How are you all at home? Well I hope. Harold and I are at present in Glasgow and are having a good time. We left Gorden at Belfast and he is at present at London. I'll give you full particulars when in get backto the Coy. So goodbye for the present. With heaps of love to youall. From HarryTarbet Hotel, Loch Lomond Beautifully situated, overlooking the loch, and in view of the peak of Loch Lomond.harry holmes, loch lomond, scotland, world war one, gordon spittle -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MALONE COLLECTION: GREETING CARDS
Small white card with a gold, dashed border. At the top is a world map with N & S America on it and diagonally below it is another world map with Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia on it. There are 2 small bunches of pansies at the top of the America globe, a larger one between the two globes and a purple pansy below the lower globe. On the left of the globes is a coloured picture of a ship and on the right, a picture of people in a red car travelling in the country. Grey shading inside the gold border. 'From over the Seas To the Dear Homeland' printed in gold, blue and purple at the bottom.person, greeting cards, malone collection, malone collection, greeting cards -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - CHILDRENS BOOK COLLECTION
Children's Book Collection. "Favourite Fairy Tales". hard cover Children's Book. "Favourite Fairy Tales" Edited by Captain Edric Vredenburg. illustrated by R. C. Petherick, A. A. Dixon, A.L.Bowley and others. Published by Raphael Tuck & sons Ltd "Father Tucks' Golden Gift Series" Published to theirMajesties the King & Queen, London, Paris, New York. Designed and printed Great Britain. Inside front cover 1. jim Burns, 4r4 Old Violet Street Bendigo, 2. to Dear Jim from Oswald with best wishes 12th February 1927.books, children's, favourite fairy tales -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - JOY WELLINGS COLLECTION: BOOK BY W. SNOWDEN 'HELL BELOW'
"Hell Below" a novel by W. Snowden published in 1959. Hell below is set in the Australian gold mines, and the background is the hard life of those who experience hell below. The story is a forceful and excruciating one, of life in the raw. Hell below is the romance of gold - a story of mining at Bendigotold from the viewpoint of a man who worked below. on the inside there is a dedication: to dear dad, whishing you a very happy birthday, love from May and Alex, 12-1-60. Stephen Langdon (d.15-11/1960) for his 85th birthday.book, bendigo, mining -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: OUNAVARA RIVER/CARADON HOUSE
Document & Slide. Harry Biggs Collection. A slide of the bridge over Ounavara River. Wrapped in tissue. This is attached to note paper on which is written,' Illawong' Corop. June. Dear Mr Biggs, Thankyou for the loan of your slide. I hope my slowness to return it hasn't inconvenienced you. Yours faithfully Della Palmer. Della Palmer P.O. Box 156 Rochester 3561. Caradon File. Attached to this is an envelope containing a card in an envelope from Phyllis Berryman. It is relating to an embroidered screen made by Carolyn , Dr Richard Jones wifeplace, building, site, harry biggs collection, caradon house, ounavara river bridge -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BASIL WATSON COLLECTION: MISCELLANEOUS CARDS AND IMAGES (LARGELY AIRCRAFT AND BASIL WATSON RELATED), c. 1916
Miscellaneous cards and images (largely aircraft and Basil Watson related): a. Postcard of a seaplane over water with printed message on reverse: 'Dear Sir, -- You will no doubt be interested to know that Mr. Basil Watson will be giving a Series of Flights, including Looping the Loop, Nose Diving. ' No recipient (addressee) nor blanks filled in. b. Postcard sized engineering drawing of Supermarine P.B. 1 (end elevation); c. Postcard sized engineering drawing of Supermarine P. B. 2 (side elevation); d. humorous. Drawing on postcard (child in pram).person, individual, basil watson -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Blackburn Lake, 1901
Photocopy of a group, thought to be the Augustine Congregational Church, Auburn, at a picnic at Blackburn Lake in 1901 Inscription. For dear Gert. Eunice AULT, 6th from viewer's right (probably with members of St Augustine Congregational Church, Burwood Road, Hawthorn.Eunice Olive Ault later Mrs Henry E Press. Henry Press was a member (perhaps an office-bearer) of Scots Church, Melbourne and Eunice attended there with him. She lived with him at 8 Dean Ave, Hawthorn and after his death resumed her association with Augustine Church. Blackburn 11 Nov 1901.clothing & dress, blackburn lake -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Document/Letter, 1900
A letter dated 8th May 1973 details how the letter from Florence Nightingale was forwarded to Mrs E.G. (Janet) Wilson in 1955 by Gwendolen, Florence Nightingale's niece. The explanatory letter was forwarded by Elsa Halenstein and given to Royal District Nursing Service and remains in its Archives. From 1948 Mrs. Wilson served on the Committee of Management of Melbourne District Nursing Society (later Service), serving as President from October 1964-1967. In 1949 Mrs. Hallenstein served on the MDNS Committee of Management, becoming President of the now Royal District Nursing Service from 1967-1974. Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing. Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) only employed Trained nurses from its inception in 1885. They followed Florence Nightingale's basic rules of good hygiene, cleanliness, good nutrition and fresh air, which they learned during their Nursing Training at a Hospital, and taught to their patients by instruction and demonstration. In those days Trained nurses were called 'Nurse'. In 1892 MDNS employed Lucy Smith who, through the Nightingale Fund, did her nursing training at the Nightingale Training School at St. Thomas's Hospital in London. She was the first nurse from this school to work at MDNS. Florence Nightingale, born on the 12th of May 1820, was named after the place of her birth in Italy. Born into a wealthy family she was schooled at home where she excelled in her studies; spoke several languages fluently, and was taught home management. She believed she was ‘called’ to reduce human suffering and tended to ill members of her family and tenants on the family estate. She worked as a nurse at Salisbury Infirmary where she learned about nursing sanitation and hospital practice. Florence then enrolled at the Institution of Protestant Deaconesses at Kaiserswerth, Germany where she learned basic nursing skills, the importance of patient observation, and hospital organization. In 1853 she became Superintendent of the Institution for Sick Gentlewomen in Distressed Circumstances in London, where she reformed health care, working conditions, and hospital efficiency. The Crimean War broke out in late 1853 and a newspaper reported the injured and sick soldiers were being cared for by an “incompetent and ineffective medical establishment and that most basic supplies were not available for care”. After an outcry from the public, Florence was asked to lead a group of 38 nurses, whom she had trained, to Scutari where the wounded soldiers were sent. After arriving at the Barrack Hospital in October 1854, she found the soldiers were being cared for in overcrowded and filthy conditions; contaminated water, faeces on the floors and rats running freely. There were few supplies and equipment. Florence bought supplies and equipment and found help to assist in the laundry. The wards were scrubbed from floor to ceiling. Florence set a high standard of care with fresh air, hygiene, clean clothing, sufficient food and regular dressing of wounds being carried out. She realized the importance of psychological needs, and soldiers were assisted to write letters to relatives, and took part in education and recreational activities. Of a night Florence walked through the wards, carrying a lamp to light her way, to check on ill and wounded soldiers and became known as “The Lady with the Lamp”. She gained the respect of the soldiers and the establishment, and later, the public through the soldier’s letters and reports in the newspaper. After visiting Crimea she contracted ‘Crimean Fever’ from which she never really recovered. When she returned to London she was regarded a heroine. The public had given freely to buy her a gift but Florence preferred this money be used to establish a fund, which became known as the Nightingale Fund. Florence had kept excellent records on the running of the Barrack Hospital, medical and nursing staff efficiency, and the causes of illness and death. Many nurses from the training school became Matrons in many countries throughout the world. Florence pushed the Government for legislation to improve drainage and sanitation in homes and in the building of hospitals with fresh air a priority. She wrote the book ‘Notes on Nursing’ and many writings on health reform. She died, aged 90 years, in her home at 10 South Street, Park Lane on the 13th of August 1910. A handwritten letter, written in lead pencil, by Florence Nightingale. It is written to her niece Gwendolen.. The letter is on buff coloured paper and has the date 'Oct 17 1900'/ written in the top right hand corner; below this is, in capital letters, the two line black printed address - '10, South Street,/ Park Lane, W'/ is stamped. The bulk of the letter reads over eight lines: "Dearest Gwendolen",/ "Thanks for your / dear note,/ I shall gladly look / forward to seeing you, / on Friday at 5 ,/ ever your loving, / Aunt Florence./ . rdns, royal district nursing service, miss florence nightingale, mrs e.g. (janet) wilson, mrs d. (elsa) hallenstein