A special luncheon was held for World War I 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. This is 1994 as the author Patsy Adam Smith was a guest and she was the Personality of the Year in 1994 and helped promote Legacy during Legacy Week. The photo of her and L/- Eddie Jowett also appeared in the October edition of the Answer. 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 of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1994 and an article from the Answer.widows, function, answer

A special luncheon was held for 61 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. 1993 was Legacy's 70th Anniversary and the luncheon followed the WWI meeting on Thursday 12th August. Legatee waiters included Lucky Luscombe George Woodward and Alan Woodward (seen in the Answer newsletter article with his mother Myrtle). Ron Austin, a World War 1 veteran spoke to entertain the ladies.The photos include George Woodward adding a moustache on another legatee. See also 00908 for black and white photos of the same day. 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 7 of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1993.widows, ron austin, function

Author was a Surrey Hills resident. 288p; illus. This is a story of the War Widows' Guild and the story telling of energy released through grief, of women fighting for their children and their spouses.288p; illus. This is a story of the War Widows' Guild and the story telling of energy released through grief, of women fighting for their children and their spouses.war widows' guild of australia, societies and clubs, women, widows, (ms) mavis thorpe clark

A group of widows at exercise classes in a pool at Melbourne City Baths. Melbourne Legacy ran an excellent exercise program for its widows for many years and the swim classes were very popular. The instructor for many years was Betty Luders. In one photo she can be seen at the poolside, that photo was printed on then cover of the Melbourne Legacy Widows' Newsletter in July 1991. Back row: Verene Lawrence, Mary Allen, unknown, Lorraine Dalton, Glad Baker, Doris ?, Mary?, Middle row: Unknown, Jan Metcalf, unknown, Inez Bruce, In front: Glad Cousens. The photo was on the front of The Age and classes took place at the City Baths twice a week and Betty instructed them in aqua aerobics, as well as setting up the first teacher courses for Victorian Council for Swimming beginning in 1985. Betty was often coerced into helping fill in at some of Pat Hanna's performances entertaining the troops, as well as assisting Enez Domec Carre with the Miss Victoria pageants at the Windsor Hotel in the 1950s. Similar photos from other years at 00643 and 00644. Another copy of the photo with Betty was stamped with the Keesing Photographers' stamp which implies these photos were professionally taken in 1991.A record of the types of activities Legacy provided as a physical and social outlet for widows. Colour photo x 7 of Legacy widows in a pool doing exercises and an article in the Answer.White paper label with black type 'Weekly swimming and keep fit classes are popular with Legacy ladies'. widows, exercise classes, swimming, activities, betty luders, answer

A special luncheon was held for 61 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. Legatee waiters included Lucky Luscombe George Woodward and Alan Woodward. Ron Austin, a World War I veteran spoke to entertain the ladies. See also 00907 for colour photos of the same day. 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.Black and white photo x 8 of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1993 and two proof sheets.widows, ron austin, function

A newspaper article the work of the War Widows Guild, there is a mention of Legacy sending widows to the Guild. The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this board, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Newspaper article 'Widows Unaware of Fund'.war widows guild, jessie vasey, wwg

A group of widows at Legacy House preparing trays of rosemary to be given to the public on Anzac Day and worn as a sign of remembrance. The trays say "Rosemary, A gift from Legacy". 00602.2 the lady in blue holding a Rosemary tray is Gwen Gunn who was one of the organisers of the Rosemary trays for many years. Other names unknown. In The Answer in 1995 an articles says: "Operation Rosemary. Since 1982 Legacy ladies have volunteered to make rosemary sprigs for the Anzac Day marchers. At a later date they also made sprigs for the Schools Shrine Service. . . don't worry, there are ladies here to show you how to make them and it's a chance to hav a chat and cuppa whilst you work together. Any day day that you can spare . . . please ring Joan Miller." A note on yellow paper from 01046 explains the source of the rosemary. It says the rosemary donated to Legacy each year for the sprigs of rosemary handed out to the public comes from nurseryman, Peter Hannah, who sourced a cutting from a bush in Frankston which was said to come from a cutting brought home from Gallipoli by a wounded soldier.A record of widows preparing rosemary as gifts for the public. Rosemary is sign of remembrance. Colour photo x 3 of widows preparing trays of rosemary.widows, legacy promotion, rosemary, activities, gwen gunn

A group of ladies with cups of tea at Legacy House. The lady second from corner is Valerie Rae. The other ladies are not known. Date is not known but possibly in the 1980s. Was donated with three other photos after Valerie Rae passed away. The note with the photos was dated 2014 and it said she died in 2009.A record of activities that Legacy provided for widows.Black and white photo of a group of widows at Legacy House with cups of tea and food.Handwritten on back in blue pen 'Legacy House'.widows, widows clubs

A badge made for War Widows Guild members to wear to show they were members. The Kookaburra is the symbol of the Guild. From the War Widows' Guild of Australia website: 'the Guild badge would feature the kookaburra, an industrious and cheerful bird who mated for life, was fearless and aggressive in the defence of its young and the area of territory it regarded as its own. The bird also had a unique call, not a song but a laugh; a chortle of rollicking mirth (to bring the widows back to laughter). Also, the kookaburra is a typically and completely Australian symbol, one that could be worn proudly by every widow whatever her creed or ideals. The kookaburra was also the mascot of the 7th Division of the 2nd AIF, commanded by Mrs Vasey’s husband, Major-General Vasey. Mrs J M Vasey was the founder and president of the War Widows Guild. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After her husband Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild, established on 22 November 1945. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this badge, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A identity badge of the War Widows Guild.Dark silver badge with a kookaburra logo and a butterfly clip.Engraved on reverse 'M2155' and stamped 'Property of War Widows' Guild'.war widows guild, wwg

Two letters on Melbourne Legacy letterhead to Mrs Lois Hurse, the War Widows' Guild president in 1970. The address showed the Guild was also known as The Vasey Housing Auxiliary (War Widows' Guild) Ltd. Both letters discuss the 45 bed nursing home that the Guild was establishing in Church Street Brighton. One is signed by the Executive Officer Ivan Layton and the other by EP Evans the Hon. Secretary. The letters were returned to Legacy by the Guild when the Guild closed. The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this letter, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation - it shows a close bond between the two organisations. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of a close link between Legacy and the War Widows Guild.White letter x 2 from Legacy to the War Widows' Guild in 1970.war widows guild, wwg

These photos were saved with a label saying "Veterans Health week '96" which is an awareness campaign from the Department of Veterans Affairs. From an article in The Answer in December 1996, the motto of the week was "Enjoying Life" and over 80 events were held in Victoria. these photos are from "the annual Veterans' Health Week Afternoon Tea Dance. Three hundred people danced in style to the music of the Mellow Tones, filling the dance floor every dance. During a delicious afternoon tea, Melbourne Legacy Line Dancers demonstrated their fun style of dancing and encouraged everyone to join them."A record of an event for widows and a way of keeping them active and of the relationship with the Department of Veterans' Affairs.Colour photo x 2 of widows line dancing in Veterans Health Week.Handwritten on the back '2' in red pen.widows, activities, answer

A newspaper article about the War Widows Creche in Collins St Melbourne from 29 July 1947. An article about the creche set up by the War Widows Guild to help its members to work or retrain. The War Widows Guild was established by Mrs J M Vasey. She was the wife of Major-General Vasey, during the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. This reproduction on display board may have been for an exhibition of Guild memorabilia at some time. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this board, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Newspaper article 'War Widows Creche needs toys' reproduced on a display board for signage of an exhibit.war widows guild, jessie vasey, wwg

A tea towel made for War Widows Guild in 2018. It says 'Remembering and honouring Australians. All who have served, those we have lost, those who have returned and those who were left at home to continue. We will never forget the sacrifices of many to ensure that we who remain live in peace.' Mrs J M Vasey was the founder and president of the War Widows Guild. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After her husband Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild, established on 22 November 1945. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this tea towel, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A celebration of the work done by the War Widows Guild.White cotton tea towel with black text and wattle flowers for the War Widows' Guild in 2018.war widows guild, wwg

A newspaper article about a protest by War Widows published 3 July 1947. An article showing more than 1500 people met to demand higher compensation for the loss of their husbands who had died for their country. Mrs J M Vasey received an ovation for her address to the meeting. She was the wife of Major-General Vasey, during the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. This reproduction on display board may have been for an exhibition of Guild memorabilia at some time. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this board, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Newspaper article 'Widows of War Protest - City Rally' reproduced on a display board for signage of an exhibit.war widows guild, jessie vasey, wwg

A scarf made for War Widows Guild. The Kookaburra is the symbol of the Guild. From the War Widows' Guild of Australia website: 'the Guild badge would feature the kookaburra, an industrious and cheerful bird who mated for life, was fearless and aggressive in the defence of its young and the area of territory it regarded as its own. The bird also had a unique call, not a song but a laugh; a chortle of rollicking mirth (to bring the widows back to laughter). Also, the kookaburra is a typically and completely Australian symbol, one that could be worn proudly by every widow whatever her creed or ideals. The kookaburra was also the mascot of the 7th Division of the 2nd AIF, commanded by Mrs Vasey’s husband, Major-General Vasey. Mrs J M Vasey was the founder and president of the War Widows Guild. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After her husband Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild, established on 22 November 1945. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this scarf, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A memento of the War Widows Guild.Dark navy rectangular scarf with a white Guild kookaburra logo and text saying 'War Widows' Guild of Australia - Est 1945'.war widows guild, wwg

Photo of the reopening of the Widows' Clubrooms, showing Legatee Mehan, President of Melbourne Legacy presenting the key to Mrs Ina Kearney, the President of the Melbourne Legacy Widows' Club. The club rooms had been renovated. This event was mentioned in a Legacy newsletter for Widows' Clubs in March 1980 (see 01214).A record of the opening of the renovated Widows' Clubrooms in 1980.Black and white photo of Widows Clubrooms. Typed paper label.Stuck to the back is a paper label saying "1980 At the official opening of the Legacy Widows' Clubrooms, Legatee Mehan, President of the Melbourne Legacy, hands over the key to Mrs I. Kearney, President of the Melbourne Legacy Widows' Club." On the reverse of the photos is "Box 11" in black pen.widows, activities

Photos the 10th Annual Art and Craft Exhibition that was run by the Widows' Club. The label identifies Marianne Spruyt from Guterman Craft as the judge that year. The items could be sold at trading tables and at the table outside Legacy House during Badge Week in September to raise funds. The label mentions the Widows' Club made a donation each year to Legacy. The photos were taken by Susie Howard the publicity officer. These photos were in a scrapbook of A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for widows. Colour photo x 7 of tables of craft items at Legacy house, some have been awarded 'Best Art exhibition' and 'Best dressed doll' and three paper labels.White paper label with black type 'Legacy holds an annual Arts and Crafts Exhibition at Legacy House. A wide range of items are displayed and many of the wonderful items are for sale. The Legacy Widows' Club raises funds throughout the year and kindly makes a donation to Legacy.' Yellow paper label with black type 'Marianne Spruyt, Area Manager of Guterman Craft, had the difficult task of judging the best of the Arts and Crafts on display.' White paper label with handwriting in blue pen '10th Annual Craft Exhibition 1991 / Susie / L.H. / 1991' 00676.2 has 61% in red pen on back. Printed on Fujicolor paper.widows, craft, activities

Photograph of Legacy widows gathered around a table upon which one widow is dancing barefoot. It is probably a widows club meeting. Widows would meet regularly and it was an important social outlet for them. The newspaper article appeared in The Age on 3 March 1989. The caption explains that at a Legacy Widows' singalong Mrs Peg Garrett (69) showed she hadn't slowed down and 'led the singalong with an exuberance that was the envy of the the other guests.'A record that Legacy provided social gatherings for the benefit of Legacy widows.Black and white photo of a lady on a table and a photocopy of a newspaper article.Newspaper article is titled 'Move over, Minnelli, another star is born.'widows, activities

Three widows standing in the forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance representing three conflicts - World War 1, World War 2 and Vietnam war. The photo of the three widows was featured in the 1990 Presidents report published with the Annual report. The caption says: 'Three generations of Legacy widows, WWII Mrs Dorothy Latta, 102 year old Mrs Winifred Fotheringham and Vietnam widow Mrs Barbara Leach.'A record of Legacy widows being photographed on on a visit to the Shrine.Black and white photo of three ladies at the Shrine.Pic 3 in black pen on reverse.widows, legacy promotion

Two widows beside an exhibit of craft work at Legacy House, possibly 1999 or 2000. The widows would complete craft items for sale at the widows stall in badge week and also for competition in the Widows Craft Exhibitions. On the left is Sue Sargent and on the right is Vera Lang. Both ladies participated in many events and may have been on the widows committee at the time. A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for widows. Colour photo x 2 of two ladies looking at the craft exhibition.Printing on the back "

A church service for Legacy widows at Scot's Church in Collins St, Melbourne. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The church used for the service varies. Then the widows attend a ceremony at the Shrine and then have a lunch. The Scots' Church was the first Presbyterian Church to be built in Victoria. Events of the day are also at 00707, 00708, 00709A record of a church service for Legacy Widows in 2005.Colour photo x 2 of a church service.Printed on the back

A church service for Legacy widows at Scot's Church in Collins St, Melbourne. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The church used for the service varies. Then the widows attend a ceremony at the Shrine and then have a lunch. The Scots' Church was the first Presbyterian Church to be built in Victoria. The same roll of film as other photos of 2004 (00696).A record of a church service for Legacy Widows in 2004.Colour photo x 4 of a church service.Printed on the back

Photos of Legacy Widows at a luncheon function after the Widows Sunday ceremony at the Shrine and a service at St Patrick's Cathedral. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. It is also known as pilgrimage to the Shrine. The photos show tables of widows at lunch at the Hyatt in Collins St. Same day as other photos of 1995 (01002). A record of the Widows' Sunday events for the Legacy Week in 1995.Colour photo x 8 of Legacy Sunday, including President David Millie speaking to the ladies at the Hyatt, and an article in The Answer.Printed on the back

Widows would often volunteer to visit other widows in hospital. Here Vi Scales is visiting Maeve Kirchert, a patient at Azalea Lodge, Dandenong. The photo was featured in the November 1991 issue of the Widows' Newsletter (later called The Answer). It promoted the Home and Hospital Visiting Group and their amazing work visiting other widows. The Melbourne Home and Hospital Visiting Group that met every 3rd Wednesday in the 1990s (and possibly for many other years) as shown in the clipping from The Answer newsletter in December 1994.A record of widows actively looking after each other. Visitors were rostered via their Widows' Clubs to look in on each other.Colour photo x 2 of a widow visiting another in a nursing home.Paper label stuck to back, typed in black: 'Dandenong Legacy Widows Hospital Visitor Mrs Vi Scales with Mrs Maeve Kirchert a patient at "Azalea Lodge" 42 Langhorne St, Dandenong.widows, visiting group, answer

Photos of Legacy Widows at a luncheon function after the Widows Sunday ceremony at the Shrine and at St Michael's Uniting church. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. Also called pilgrimage to the Shrine and Legacy Sunday. The venue is the Savoy Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne. The photos show President Graham Riches speaking so is assumed to be 1999. See also 00554 and 00555.A record of a event for the Legacy widows.Colour photo x 7 of a Legacy Sunday lunch. Plus film negatives.Printing on the back shows the negative frame numbers 13 - 19, 21. P14 in pencil on 3 photos.widows, pilgrimage, widows' sunday

A group of widows at Legacy House doing light exercises. Melbourne Legacy ran an excellent exercise program for its widows for many years at Legacy House. It is assumed to be 1999 as it was with a bunch of other photos with the label, "Legacy House 2nd Floor 1999". Names unknown. A record of the types of activities Legacy provided as a physical and social outlet for widows. Colour photo x 2 of ladies doing light exercises seated in Legacy House.Yellow Post-it note says: "Legacy House 2nd Floor 1999". widows, exercise classes, activities

A church service for Legacy widows at Scot's Church in Collins St, Melbourne. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The church used for the service varies, The Scots' Church was the first Presbyterian Church to be built in Victoria. The photos shows the interior of the church with the congregation listening to service. Same roll of film as the photos with President David Ford in 2003 so the event is assumed to be in that year. The event is referred to as Widows' Sunday, Legacy Sunday and pilgrimage to the Shrine.A record of a church service for Legacy widows in 2003.Colour photo x 6 of the church service at Scots Church.Printed on the back

A regular event for the widows was a concert by the Police Band at the Melbourne Town Hall. Held in March each year, it was originally at the Fitzroy Gardens but moved to the Town Hall in 1995. The photos show the widows enjoying the music and performers, including an Elvis impersonator (Brian Carbery) and singer Constable Julie Leder. Widow Elsie Longstaff is in a photo with Music Director, Inspector Mike Pyne.A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo x 14 of a Police band concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1995 and an article in the Answer.widows, answer, concert, police band

A group of widows at exercise classes in a pool at Melbourne City Baths. Melbourne Legacy ran an excellent exercise program for its widows for many years and the swim classes were very popular. It is assumed to be 2004 as it was with a bunch of photos with the label, "Activities at Legacy House 2004". Names unknown. A record of the types of activities Legacy provided as a physical and social outlet for widows. Colour photo x 3 of ladies in a swimming pool.Printed on back

A group of widows at exercise classes in a pool at Melbourne City Baths. Melbourne Legacy ran an excellent exercise program for its widows for many years and the swim classes were very popular. It is assumed to be 2004 as it was with a bunch of photos with the label, "Activities at Legacy House 2004". Names unknown. A record of the types of activities Legacy provided as a physical and social outlet for widows. Colour photo x 3 of ladies in a swimming pool.Printed on back