The Kew Light Opera Company was formed in 1952, and mounted a number of musical and variety productions each year until it was subsumed in the "Q" Theatre Guild in 1957. A partial record of performances by the company includes: 1952 Florodora, 1953 The Cingalee - San Toy or The Emperor's Own, 1954 While the Sun Shines - A Country Girl - Our Miss Gibbs, 1955 The Toreador - The Arcadians, 1956 The Maid of the Mountains - Whiteoaks - Goodnight Vienna!, 1957 A Country Girl. Most of the Company's performances took place in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, Kew. The scrapbook of annotated photographs, programmes, and newspaper reviews of which this item is a part was assembled by Marion Tilley, wardrobe mistress for, and performer in, productions by the Kew Light Opera Company and the "Q" Theatre Guild. It is significant as a remarkably complete document of theatre performances in Kew, Victoria during the 1950s and 1960s. The scrapbook, and the items individually catalogued within it, have artistic and aesthetic significance within the history of performing arts in Victoria in the middle of the 20th Century. They have social significance in that they reveal socio-cultural values and preoccupations during the period. The records also act as a history of arts activities in the Kew Recreation Hall and later in the Kew City Hall as entertainment and community arts and music precincts.Black and white photograph of female cast members in Sidney Jones' The Geisha by The "Q" Theatre Guild in 1957. The performance in the Kew Recreation Hall was produced by Beatrice Oakley with musical direction by John Trotter. The Kew Philharmonic provided the music during this series of performances. The scenery was constructed by the Company, while the costumes were sourced from the Princess Theatre. An annotation in the scrapbook identifies the following cast members from left: Rita Mandelbaum - Komurasaki San (Little Violet), Sally Wolters - O Kiku San (Chrysanthemum) , Val Breen - leading lady - O Mimosa San (Chief Geisha), Pat Stewart (O Kinkoto San (Golden Harp), Marion Smith - O Hana San (Blossom). Marion Tilley, the creator of the scrapbook, wrote the following names underneath the photograph: "Rita Mandelbaum, Sally Wolters, Val Breen - leading lady, Pat Stewart, Marion Smith"performing arts -- kew (vic.), scrapbooks, marion tilley collection, kew light opera company, kew recreation hall, musical comedy -- melbourne -- victoria

Bennet family home 51 Smith Street with two cars parked in front. First church of England is just visible in background. Lady on left is Jessica Bennett. Young lad leaning on mudguard Graeme Bennett born 1933 later mayor of Stawell. The lady at center is Margaret Bennett. and gentleman with hat is John Bennett Senior, original owner of North Western Woolem Mills. Photo taken outside john Bennetts home in smith street with no kerb or nature strip, looking towards Seaby Street. Note the canvas Water bags on front of one car to keep water cool. John Bennet Sen born in 1895 in Yorkshire. his wife Jessie Brown married in Warrnambool.Two 1940's cars parked with a group of people posing for photo.stawell industry

Mr Charles Ansell Smith of 3 Vincent Street with his family – Roy, Stan and Frank Smith and Dorothy (Mrs Cromwell). Photo is without Kenneth or Harold so possibly taken during WW1; Kenneth enlisted in 1914, Harold in 1915 and killed in 1917. The boys went to Surrey Hills State School and Dorothy to Milverton Girls School, first at 192 Union Road, it later moved to ‘Nilgard’, 221-223 Union Road. Helen Malvira Mackenzie (1865-1956) married Charles Ansell Smith (c1861-1934) in 1891. He was baptised 23 April 1861 in Tintinhull, Somerset - son of William Maxwell & Louisa Claudina Smith (nee Ansell). His father was curate of the church at the time. Helen Malvira (or Malvena) MacKenzie, known as Nellie, was the second daughter of the John Mackenzie J.P., of Westernport, and Wilcannia, N.S.W., and great granddaughter of the late Admiral Pasco, R.N. They lived at 'Devon', 3 Vincent Street from at least 1910 but perhaps earlier until 1915. Charles Ansell and Helen Malvina Smith’s children: 1. Kenneth Ansell – b 1892 d 3 May 1977 at Lancefield SERN 819 Enlisted AIF on 17/8/1914 giving his occupation as book seller Assigned to 8th Battalion, G company Enlisted 17 August 1914 Embarked A24 Benalla on 19 October 1914 Returned to Australia on 23 October 1918 Obituary describes him as eldest child of the late Charles Ansell & Helen M Smith of Surrey Hills and Lancefield. 2. Stanley Charles – b 1893 (Carlton) - lived Surrey Hills 3. Dorothy Louisa – b 1894 - 1988 4. Harold Maxwell Pasco – b 1897 Oakleigh SERN 3268 Educated Surrey Hills State School Religion Cof E Occupation: Clerk Served with 48th Infantry CMF, Kooyong Enlisted 23 July 1915 – parents living at Vincent Street at the time Assigned to 24th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement Embarked HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 26 November 1915 KIA 4 October 1917 at Passchendaele, Ypres No known grave. Parents at ‘Cloverdale’, Lancefield 5. Francis W D (Frank) – b 1898 – 1972 Obituary: Frank (FWD) Smith on Feb 14 (suddenly) Francis Wm Douglas Smith, son of Charles Ansell & Helen M (Surrey Hills & Lancefield) and brother of Kenneth (Lancefield), Dorothy (Mrs Cromwell), Harold (KIA) Roy & Stanley. 6. Roy MacKenzie – b 1901 – 1988 m Ruby Olive Laity in 1931 So, the children were all born before the family came to Surrey Hills but Vincent Street was where they grew up. Charles and Helen are buried in Box Hill Cemetery (CE-NS-1266) Stan Smith was most helpful to the History group of the S.H. Neighbourhood Centre with his research into S.H. History and in particular for the vast amount of detail he gave on people and happenings. His observations have been very accurate and he has very precise recollections of the old days. A black and white photograph of 3 young men, a lady and an older man. The men are dressed in suits and the lady in a below-the-knee dress. The young men are carrying hats whilst the older one is wearing his.(mr) charles ansell smith, (mr) roy smith, (mr) stan smith, (mr) frank smith, (mrs) dorothy cromwell, (miss) dorothy smith, milverton girls school, union road, surrey hills, nilgard, francis william douglas smith, stanley charles smith, roy mackenzie smith

A well dressed lady sits in a lounge room reading Braille. "Isadore Smith was presented with the Royal Humane Society's Silver Medal for bravery when she tried to put out her husband's blazing clothing in their South Yarra home in 1967. Mrs Smith is now (sic) a resident at the hostel at Brighton Beach." - 1968 AFB Annual Report3 b/w photographs of Isadore Smithassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton), isadore smith

Newspaper articles about blindness, visually impaired or blind people and activities.Scanned copies of newspaper articles collected by Lady Nelllady nell seeing eye dog school, royal victorian institute for the blind, association for the blind, royal institute for the blind (sa), villa maria society, queensland industrial institute for the blind, guide dogs for the blind association of victoria, australian national council of and for the blind, phyllis gration, max medlyn, christopher finnen, dawn goebel, arthur mackey, walter jacobs, kevin o'mahoney, jean smith, pam marks, white cane, assistive devices, garry stinchcombe, matey fisher, robert gordon, ruth keoden, winsome mclean, arthur wilkins, len childs, bob elliott, graham miller, jack birkett, norman pressey, don westaway, norman salmon, mark houran, yvonne simpson, irmo guglielamana, jenny ziviani, shaun oliver, peter goss, albert poelstra, ewan gouldon, uncle ben's of australia, dr henry nowik, mary martin, kathleen wenzer, donna hayes, ken campbell, barry murphy, michael riley, jack dowdle, harold gration, leah francis (nee wilson), john dingle, alex mcnish, peter richards, irene mye, jim finn, cec mcillwraith, terry carlson, keith smith, gordon stent, frank taylor, don verlander, olive moody, roslyn sackley, ross johnson, jako mikulic, jewel blanche, william mckennariey, vicki barclay, grantley dee, ray hannah

TOM COLLINS–from the reel to reel tape recording at Melton 1969 In the years between 1890 and to about 1913 Melton was a quiet little hamlet alongside the Toolern Creek, once called the Pennyroyal Creek, 24 miles from Melbourne on the Ballarat Road. There was a fair amount of woodland left around it, mostly grey and yellow box with sheoak, and golden wattle, which in spring time made a rather attractive setting. Most of the premises were in the main or High Street, with its line of elm and pepper trees on each side. Unitt, McKenzie and Henry streets each contained only a few dwellings. Hotels were four in number, Minns’s, Mrs Hay licencee, now Mac’s, Golden Fleece – Sheblers. The Royal or Ryan’s as it was then called, later Graham had the licence, and the Raglan - Kilpatricks had the licence and afterwards Tom Manning. This was situated about where Mr K. Young had his residence. There was a store attached to the hotel until about 1900. Both the Royal and the Raglan were delicensed, later on the Royal being converted to a green grocery and a boarding house, the Raglan was demolished. The Royal green grocery and boarding house was kept by E Carew and after he retired, E Radford. The Post and Telegraph Office was on the opposite side of the street to the Raglan Hotel about two doors west of the Shire Hall and was kept by Mrs Ferris and Lady Farmer until her retirement, when it was carried on by Miss Lottie Ross. A store was attached to the Post Office and was sometimes used as a store and at one time housed the National Bank. There were two full time banks at Melton, the other being the Commercial which built premises about 1904 and on the corner of High and Smith Streets, which it still occupies. Mr G Egan was the manager of the Commercial and Mr Stradling and later Mr Lee of the National. However as business was not thought good enough they reverted to a part time branch operated from Bacchus Marsh. Grocer shops were Chalmers, with a news agency and drapery now Arnolds, Jongebloeds had the bakery. Mr Fox also a produce merchant, was where Melton Real Estate is now, it was later occupied by Buchanans, Atleys, and Mrs Ross. Not long after the War Mrs Ross built the Post Office, since demolished where Miss Lottie Ross was the Post Mistress and later built the store which she conducted. It was later turned into a factory and in now the barbers shop. McNichols was just west of the Minns Hotel. He travelled as far a Ballan weekly, buying calves and dairy produce for sale in Melbourne. Afterwards he sold the business and bought Minns Hotel and changing the name to Macs. Blacksmiths were three in number. Blackwoods – later James Byrnes next door to Jongebloeds. Alex Cameron who learnt his trade with Blackwoods had his shop about the rear of where Ken Youngs Garage is now he later moved to the north west corner of High and Alexander Street. He was also the Registrar of Birth and Deaths and Electoral Registrar. After his retirement he was weighbridge keeper at Melton South. Two of his sons were engaged in the carpentry trade, but both died at an early age. Whittingtons shop was a few doors east of the Mechanics Hall and it was later occupied by Gordon Macdonald who did business there until about eight years ago. The butchers of the period were George Graham, that is where Mandy Lees hairdressing establishment is now. Euan MacDonald had premises later occupied by Whittingtons blacksmith shop. Later shifting next door. He left here about 1901, he slaughtererd animals at a slaughter house right where Chas Jones now resides, it had previously been a slaughter house and butcher shop of that site. George Spring also operated as a butcher for two or three years about the 1900 or so. Ted Simpsons shop was where John Kontek now has his Estate Agency, he used it as an branch shop from Bacchus Marsh bringing meat from there by a two horse lorry. Jimmy Butler the manager was well known and loved, his son was later a steeplechase jockey. The Court House and Police Station would be built sometime before 1900. The Constables at the time were McGuire, later Wade, Riely and McKenzie after that Robert Wilson and Seinfort were here, they were a bit later on. The Mechanics Hall was first opened by Ryan of the Royal Hotel who sold it to the Hall Committee. It was on Unitt Street and it was moved by McLellans the house shifters from Unitt Street to its present site. Bluestone premises formerly occupied by the bootmaker Carew, were later demolished and replaced by the brick frontage to the Hall. Keith Orensini [?] the local bricklayer built brick portion to the Hall. In the cottage adjoining the Hall a Frenchman named Baudin, had a boot repairing business.This cottage was the later residence of J Hill, a local carpenter and builder from whom I learnt my trade. Granny Watts was the well known local nurse and operated the Mid-Wifery Hospital in Yuille Street on the Sherwin Street corner. Mrs Nissen was on the opposite side of Yuille Street a short distance nearer the township. She conducted the laundry. Carew had a greengrocers shop next door to the Post Office in the High Street for some time before transferring to the Royal Hotel site. He also bought [?] calves for killing. W Cecil was a tank maker and also had a produce round, he lived on Pyke and Sherwin Street. Later Gus Shebler, builder and carpenter engaged in tank making being well known for good workmanship. Shebler was very energetic in forming the Gun Club which met for a good number of years where the golf course now has its headquarters. Of the four churches only three are in use, Christ Church, Scots and St Dominics. The Methodist closed down but later transferred to Melton South. Monthly stock sales were held at the yards in Unitt Street at Minns Hotel by McPhail Auctioneers, later held by McCarthur and McLeod. After the Council built the pound and sale yards they transferred sales to these premises, but lack of patronage caused them to be abandoned. A familiar sight in the district was blind Bob Nixon, who lived in a tumbled down cottage in Centenary Road near W Coburns, being led by his dog down the road to Melton, that is Palmerston street, to the Post Office, butcher and baker for his supplies and then back home. He was able to do his own cooking and other chores. Sundays he would come down Raleighs Road to the back of the church and tie his dog to a tree. Someone, mostly one of the boys would guide him into the church and out again after the service, when the dog would lead him home again. State School 430, a two roomed bluestone building it was the only school in the district, none at Melton South. The nearest would be Rockbank and Toolern Vale. Scholars had a fair distance to walk in most cases. The teachers were Mr T Lang Headmaster. I put a query here, Miss Winters, I’m not certain of the name, Mrs Skinner and Miss Silke as Assistant Teachers. Miss Augusta Cecil and Miss Maud Lang were Junior teachers. One boy who attended the school about the turn of the century was Hector Fraser who resided with his parents in Keilor Road, where Jim Gillespie now lives. He was an excellent gun shot and at the age of about 17 years his father took him to France or Monaco where he won the Gran Prix for pigeon shooting and became the champion boy shot of the world. However he died there from pneumonia. He shot under the name of “Parvo”. The Melbourne Hunt Club used to meet in Keilor Road north side just east of the Toolern Creek on what was originally Pykes Run. This was also the place where the races were held and the Sports Meetings. Dave Murphy, employed at Clarke’s Rockbank Station usually provided the fox which he liberated for the Club. Greyhound coursing was usually held on Moylans property Mt Kororoit, or Mt Misery as it was known then. Later it was held at Melton Park, Mr Matt Carberry was the judge and Percy Cook the slipper. Early in the 1900’s the Recreation Park was created and the Caledonian and the ANA sports meetings were held there, they were annual events. L Paterson from Melton South was a successful competitor in all the cycling events as a young man. He later in life became the Deputy Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The present Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade is John Paterson, nephew of his, and spent his early life in Exford where his father was manager of the Exford Estate. Notes Tom Collins was born c 1895. He lived on the south side of the Ballarat Road near the intersection of Keilor Road.Historical image of Palmerston Street in Meltonlocal architecture, landscapes of significance

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph of members of Tarnagulla Fire Brigade in their uniforms, posed with hose reel outside Burstall Hall, Tarnagulla (demolished in 1980s). Back row: W. Radnell, J. Patterson, F. Cousins, H. Reilly, G.Nelson Centre row: A. Smith, Thomas Page Front row: J. Cousins, W.Smith, J. May, __________, J. Whimpey, ___________ , Joe Radnell, L. Radnell, Bob Abbot. Lady in background: Mrs Spencer. Copy photograph. fire brigade

'Lady Florence' was built as the 'Gauntlet' at Newcastle State Dockyard, NSW for Offshore Maintenance Services (OMS) which was a joint venture between P&O Australia Ltd. and Howard Smith in 1980? P&O bought out Howard Smith's interest in OMS in 1981. 'Lady Florence was managed by Australian Offshore Services a division of P&O Australia.The photograph shows an offshore anchor handling tug with a black hull, white superstructure and buff colored funnels and a black mast. Most of the ship is obscured by very big waves and spray.

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. In 1994 the author Patsy Adam-Smith was a personality of the year helping to promote Legacy. She attended the lunch and in one photo is with Legatee Eddie Jowett and widow Mollie Thiele (red jacket). Legatee Eddie Jowett led the Legatees in singing to the widows. There was also a pianist and a female singer attending. Two legatees reading a song sheet are George Standish and Maurie Lockwood. Legatee Lucky Luscombe can be seen in a false moustache posing for the camera. Also a photo of the hard work being done in the kitchen. Audrey the kitchen lady is obscured at far right. It appears to be Joan Miller with her back to the camera, and Sue Sargent (a widow who helped a lot in the kitchens) is on the right hand side. Other ladies names in the photos are not known. The following year more Legatees followed Lucky's lead and wore false moustaches to provide entertainment. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo x 12 of a World War 1 widows lunch.widows, function

Black and white negative, by Wal Jack, of a cable tram set, trailer 568 waiting to enter the terminus at Bourke St, c1940. Tram has the destination of Spencer with the trailer having the side destinations of Northcote and Smith St. Note the lady with an overcoat and suitcase on the right side of the photo. In the background is the Peoples Palace, Hudson's Stores, advertising Alsatian paints, Dockers Revelite paints, tools, Shell products. Also St. Augustine's Parish church and the West Melbourne police station watch house.trams, tramways, cable trams, bourke st, tram 568

The motor vessel "Kanimbla" from Mcllwraith, McEacharn Ltd was brand new in 1936 and was used several times for charity balls. "Kanimbla Ball" (Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), Saturday 28 November 1936, page 12) Over 1,000 people were present at a very successful ball given on board the m.v. Kanimbla this week, to aid the funds of the Limbless Soldiers' Association and the Victorian Mission to Seamen. The ship was gaily decorated with balloons and international code flags, while vases of mixed flowers gave charm to the supper tables in dining saloon. His Excel- lency the Governor and Lady Huntingfield attended by Lieutenant A. W. P. Robert-son, were present, and were received by the chairman of the ball committee (Major-General Brand) and Mrs. Brand, Admiral Sir Francis and Lady Hyde, Com- mander and Mrs. Smith, the chaplain of the mission (the Rev. F. L. Oliver), Mr. and Mrs. James Kelso, the president of the Limbless Soldiers' Association (Mr. T. S. Gray) and Mrs. Gray, and the honorary secretary of the ball committee (Mr. C. R. Laragby) and Mrs. Laraghy. Lady Huntingfield wore a becoming gown of copper-red crepe, with a faint silver stripe. and was presented with a bouquet of deep red gladioli.Padre Oliver had a friendly relationship with the captain of the Kanimbla.Digital copy of a colour poster advertising for a ball on board the MV Kanimbla.m.v. kanimbla, ball, mission to seamen, 1936, mcilwraith mceacharn ltd, frank leslie oliver, lord huntingfield, limbless soldiers association

This photograph was taken on the first 'Australia Day', held 30 July 1915. Across Australia, this day was set aside for a nation-wide fundraising effort for the Patriotic Relief Fund, raising money to assist wounded soldiers returning to Australia during WWI. Other days had been set aside to raise funds for specific nations, e.g. 'Belgian Day' had been held earlier in 1915.. In Linton Australia Day 1915 was celebrated with a jumble sale, raffles, and collection of donations. There was also a stall near the Shire Offices, attended by a group of girls dressed as Red Cross nurses, which sold flowers, postcards, toys etc. People identified in photograph: Standing slightly behind the group - Mr Smith (Alf J. Smith, Grenville Shire Secretary). L-R, standing: Kathleen Nicol, Violet Smith, Jean Gascoigne, Elva Ball, Miss Barry, Millie Todd, Effie Gascoigne, Stella Todd, unnamed. L-R, seated - Stella Ralf (spelled Ralph), Rita Morgan, three girls in centre are unnamed, Daisy Smith. The girls were pupils of the Misses Barry, who were assisted in costuming the girls by Mrs A. J. Smith. The stall raised eight pounds for the Patriotic Relief Fund. See article from the 'Grenville Standard', Saturday August 7, 1915, p.1. A copy of this article is in the "Australia Day 1915" file, kept with "Linton" files in the drawer underneath the photocopier in Room-01.Black and white photograph showing school girls dressed as Red Cross nurses. Older lady in middle of back row (Miss Barry) and three gentlemen wearing suits and hats at left hand side of photograph.kathleen nicol, mr smith, violet smith, daisy smith, jean gascoigne, effie gascoigne, elva ball, miss barry, millie todd, stella todd, stella ralf (ralph), rita morgan, world war 1914-1918, australia day 1915, red cross, nurses, patriotic relief fund, fundraising

Black and white copy of original portrait of a lady with hair pulled back, wearing a light coloured dress and black collar with a brooch. Dress is buttoned down chest from left shoulder.emily may donaldson (nee smith)

Black and white copy of original photograph showing a lady standing behind a ornate chair, her left hand resting on top of chair her right hand at her chin. Her hair is up in a bun, and she is wearing a dark coloured dress with darker possibly black trim around cuffs, buttons, across shoulders in zigzag pattern and in bows down the front of her dress. Mrs. Annie Meredith Nicholls nee Smith.mrs annie meredith nicholls (nee smith), born ross tasmania june 1846., linton, happy valley, mrs william henry nicholls, married april 13th 1874.