MABEL nee ABRAHAM ROGERS 1920 - 2004 Publications: The First One Hundred Years 1870-1970 Melton State School No 430 Co Author with Edna Barrie The Mechanics [Melton] 1985 Mabel Abraham was daughter of Herbert G Abraham, Butcher of High Street Melton. She attended Melton State School from 1928 qualifying for her Merit certificate in December 1928 and continued her education at Melbourne Girls High School [soon after known as MacRobertson Girls High School] She studied piano and elocution as a school girl. Mabel was associated with many activities in the Melton community. She was a natural writer and interested in research and was committed to documenting and preserving Meltons History. Mabel produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skilfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. Mabel was a member of the C.W.A. holding position of Secretary. She was a member of the Melton and District Historical Society at its inception in 1968 and was a Member of The Willows Committee of Management. She was supporter of the first historical display and the Mechanics Hall and the Historical Society Annual Art and Craft shows from 1974 until 1982. In 1961 she was involved with Melton Development Association and in 1969 with the establishment of the first “Carols by Candlelight” held in Melton. Mabel was a member Anglican Church and Committee. She was a member of the Melton Mechanics Institute and made a Trustee and Life Member in 1965. She was a member of Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee. She was Guide Leader, member of the Red Cross and School Committee. In November 1982 she was a recipient of the Annual Rotary Community Service Award for outstanding service to the Community of Melton over a prolonged time. Mabel married Eric Rogers in August 1944 the wedding reception was held at the Melton Mechanics Hall. Their are children John, Ron, Francis and Judy. The family lived in High Street Melton between the Mechanics Institute and earliest Shire Hall eastern end. Eric was grader operator on the district roads. In their latter years Mabel and Eric lived in Bacchus Marsh. Eric died in Bacchus Marsh in July 2007. Country Women's Association Melton Branch lyrics from Mabel Roger's handwritten noteslocal identities, local significant groups

Information from research by Mabel Rogers from the first meeting in August 1939 – 1969 Notable Events of the CWA The document contains information about meetings and events and numbers of members who attended. December 2013 – a selection of some of the items of interest have been extracted by Wendy Barrie NOTABLE EVENTS Page 1 1938 August 10th 1938 Minutes of inaugural meeting of Melton Branch Country Women’s Association. Cr Coburn introduced Mrs Toose, Ballarat G.P. [Group President] 42 ladies were present, including visitors from Bacchus Marsh and Smeaton Branches. September – Miss A Raleigh was elected Magazine Secretary October- 26 members present. Penny Collection for Million Members Fund November December – Mrs Swan gave demonstration of basketry, using stringy bark, Eucalyptus bark and reeds 1939 February 1939 – 18 members present. Branch total 50. Donation towards Pedal Transmitting Set. Inquiries made of Shire Council re permission to fence War Memorial March April – cost of fence material beyond Branch Funds May- 24 members present June, July, August – birthday celebrations. September 25 members present October – Meeting hled at Toolern Vale Bird Sanctuary 36 members present November – 1st Annual Meeting December – Owing to harvest operations, only 11 members present. 1940 February electric kettle and urn to be purchased for Mechanics Institute. Also to install a power point. [Electricity was connected to Melton in December 1939] April end of page 1 Page 2 May – Council Permission to be sought, to plant trees on oval below Shire Hall P.M.G. to be asked to supply a seat outside telephone booth for convenience of callers after P.O. was closed. June- Wives of A.I.F. soldiers be made honorary members. “1d per week drive” for gift for the Empire. July, September, October November – Group President stressed the importance of keeping Branches together during time of war. Collection of sheep skins to be made into vests for fighting forces worthy of consideration. Group President, Mrs Morgan-Paylor. December 1941 February 30 members present March – Eight members attend Ballarat Group Conference. Approach Council re fencing and preparation of land for tree plantation May – Mrs Swan demonstrated making of slippers from pieces of sheepskin June – Empire Gift Scheme of 1d per week to be continued for another year or duration of the war. July – Demonstration on making camouflage nets August, September Group Conference at Smeaton, October, November meetings held 1942 February- Enquiries to be made as how to help with A.R.P. work March, April, May, June,- Headquarters busy on war work. July end of page 2 Page 3 August, September. October – 15 Camouflage Nets forwarded to Headquarters November- Mrs Glasson Group President presided at Annual Meeting. Meetings to be held at 3 monthly intervals. Overseas link, enquiries be made of Melton Mowbray had a C.W.A. Branch 1943 February- Overseas link to be Lampeter, Cardiganshire, Wales May- 7 Camouflage Nets to Headquarters. American overseas link Nov 5th Annual Meeting, letters received from Wales and America 1944 May – Approach to be made to Council re formation of Baby Health Centre July – Ball held for Baby Health Centre effort. Admission 3/- 1945 February- Mrs Lemke present at meeting May August- Miss Strahan of Womens Hospital gave a talk on “Work of Almoner Departments in Public Hospitals” November Annual meeting. eight food parcels sent to Britain, 2 to Lampeter 1946 meetings held every two months May- Congratulations to Mrs Swan, Group President Elect June – 20 members present. August- 8th Birthday celebrated with a Social Evening Music was supplied by Mrs E.W. Barrie September - Scone competition 1. Mrs Beaty, 2. Miss Robinson 3. Mrs Exell November- Eggs sent to Somers House 1947 February – Demonstration of Glove-making March – revert to monthly meetings April - decided to have an auto tray made for the Branch May – Branch decided to plant a tree for Princess Elizabeth’s 21st Birthday.. Council to be asked if agreeable to continue arrangements in 1940, to fence C.W.A. Plantation end of page 3 Page 4 June - Food parcels sent to Overseas Link July – Invitations to birthday celebrations sent to Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Sunbury, Mt Egerton August September - Collection of silver coin taken a donation from Branch towards wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth … forwarded to H.Q. November – C.W.A. together with Red Cross and Bacchus Marsh C.W.A. to provide afternoon tea and luncheon at Eynesbury sale. 1948 February – Food parcels sent to ex-Prisoner-of-war. Publicity agent appointed April – Decided to apply for trees to be planted in area already chosen a beauty spot May – Additional listeners to Broadcast Session were appointed June July – Gift of books received from Overseas Link. I was decided to stat a Library . Miss Raleigh to at a Librarian. August – 5 pound donation from Branch funds to “Save the Children” Appeal. September, October, November 1949 January – At Group Conference, delegates to vote in favour of resolution that State School children be allowed to sit for exams in own school March – Decided to contact Council for permission to fence off Water Reserve April, May – Another parcel to be sent to Ret. British P.O.W. Association June July – Fancy Dress Children’s Ball to be held for Annual Effort August – 11th Birthday September – Bank Balance November – 11th annual Meeting. Members agree to supply small gifts to Ballarat Mental Hospital 1950 February – Five books were received from Lampeter March – Branch to support idea of holding a Music Drama Festival in Group April – Miss Smith elected Group President May – C.W.A. Science Van visited Melton June – Demonstration of Macrame work - July August – 12th Birthday Celebration end page 4 Page 5 September, October November 12th Annual Meeting, Miss Smith Group President. Melton's Country Women's Association Choirlocal special interest groups, local identities

The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. The celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday on May 24 was renamed Empire Day in 1903 after her death in 1901. It was celebrated throughout the British Empire, including in Australia, with fireworks and bonfires in the evening. The last celebration of Empire Day in Australia took place in 1958, when the name of the celebration was changed to Commonwealth Day.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of social and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history. An Empire Day cardboard bookmark featuring an illustrated crown, and Australian flag and Union Jack flag design. Gold trim lines the border of the bookmark. hamilton-smith, hamilton-smith collection, ellwood, wodonga, empire day, british empire, commonwealth

Items are part of a collection of Legacy items from Valma Hutchinson (nee Wigg), a former junior legatee. Valma was accepted into Junior Legacy club in 1940 when she was about 10 years old. She had collected the newspaper clippings of notices in the newspapers for Miss Carre's 90th birthday and also her death notices. The sentiments expressed show how much she was respected by the former Junior Legacy girls. The photocopy includes a picture of 90th birthday celebrations for Miss Carre at Legacy house. A copy of the photo of the girls at Mt Evelyn camp had already been received from Valma Hutchinson (nee Wigg) and is at 01437. It is mentioned that she and her good friend June were in the photo and would have been 16 at the time. Miss Carre is also seen, seated wearing red, in the photo of L/- Grattan's 100th. More photos of Legatee Grattan's 100th are at 00964. A note sent to Legacy with the items mentions Legatee Grattan walked Valma down the aisle at her wedding and that Valma and her daughter would frequently put flowers on his plot in Springvale cemetery.An example of the long term friendship of Junior Legatees that they attend reunions and stay in contact. Also of their esteem for former Girls' Class trainer, Miss Carre and their appointed Legatee.Photocopy of items about Miss Carre, a photo of Legatee Grattan's 100th celebrations and a photo of a Girls Camp at Mt Evelyn in 1946. Also copies of the letter that accompanied the items donated and Legacy's reply letter.01719.2 Photo has 'Legacy Girls Camp at Mount Evelyn May 1946' on reverse in black pen. 01719.3 Photo has 'Legatee Grattan 100th birthday at Legacy House Melb. 20.9.1994' on reverse in blue penjunior legatee, girls' classes

A Legatee Grat Grattan with the President of the Melbourne Legacy Widows Club, Mrs Irene Noll, on the occasion of his 100th birthday celebrations at Legacy House. This photo was used in a newspaper article in 'Vetaffairs' October 1994. The article says Oriel John Grattan was born in WA and enlisted in the First AIF in 1916. He served in France and Belgium before he was wounded near Menin Gate. As a Legatee he was widely respected, he was 'something of a father figure - many of the girls were given away at their weddings by this kindly Legatee'. It continues with an interesting piece on the acquisition of Legacy house. It says: 'Perhaps his most lasting monument is Melbourne Legacy House. Through his friendship with one of the principals of the firm, Brown and Dureau, Legacy was given a donation of 30,000 pounds in 1944. A condition of the donation was that Legacy had only eight days in which to buy a building. A building across the road from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology was bought for 18,000 pounds and the balance invested. The building was sold in the early '50s and the proceeds plus the invested money enabled Legacy to buy its headquarters, Dureau House, in Swanston Street in 1955." Vetaffairs is a newspaper for the veteran community published monthly. The entire 8 page issue is kept but only the Grattan article has been scanned here.A record of a Legatee Grattans' achievements, both in the army and in later life and the impact he had on Legacy.Colour photo x 3 of Legatee Grat Grattan for his 100th birthday and article from Vetaffairs.Printed on the back "128 0133 N N N 2 2" on Kodak paper. legatee, birthday, grat grattan, dureau house

Also another photo taken laterBlack and white photograph taken on the wedding day of Phyllis Beyer to Wallace Munro showing the bride in close fitting headdress and a wedding gown with handkerchief hemline, with her father Thomas Beyer fisherman Lakes Entrance Victoriagenealogy, celebration

Sepia toned photograph of two couples taken at the wedding anniversary of Captain and Mrs Lindeman of Hunter Street Lakes Entrancegenealogy, celebrations

Black and white photograph of Clyde and Ethel Wright celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary Lakes Entrance Victoriacelebrations, genealogy

Black and white photograph of Keith and Miriam nee Bassett Grandy celebrating their 50th wedding anniversay Lakes Entrance Victoriacelebrations, genealogy

Black and white photograph of Lyall and Joy Lambert on their 50th wedding anniversary, Lakes Entrance Victoriacelebrations, genealogy

Black and white photograph of John and Irene Flannery on their wedding anniversary, Johnsonville Victoriacelebrations, genealogy

Black and white photograph of Mark Johnson and Allison Sweeny on their wedding day Kalimna West Victoriacelebrations, genealogy

Black and white photograph of Albert and Joyce Robertson on their 55th wedding anniversary Lakes Entrance Victoriacelebrations, genealogy

Black and white photograph of Marion Glen and James Reid on their wedding day with guests and minister Rev Colin Lockyer, Betty Barker, Emmanuel Aquilina, Jeanette Lockyer, Lakes Entrance Victoriacelebrations

Sepia toned studio photograph of Frank Harbeck and Mary Archibald on their wedding day. Groom in three piece suit white shirt and stiff collar, bride dressed traditionally carrying flowers.genealogy, celebration

Sepia toned photograph of ten members of a wedding party standing on the steps outside the closed door of a building after the marriage of Frank Harbeck and Mary Archibald.genealogy, celebration

Colour photograph of David and Jessie Newman Harbeck on their wedding day. Jessie in pale blue ensemble, pink toned handbag and shoes, David in dark blue suit, white shirt and pale blue tie. Lakes Entrance Victoriagenealogy, celebration

Black and white photograph mounted on heavy card of the female members of wedding party after the marriage of Belle Coate to Lawrence. Bride's gown has handkerchief point hemline, three bridesmaids and flower girl in short sleeved full length frocks and gauzy hats.genealogy, fashion, celebration

Sepia toned photograph taken at the marriage of Vi Coate and Ray Symmons showing the wedding party in a garden setting. Bride in shin length gown with train, bridesmaids in knee length frocks with layered frills on skirt and gossamer capes, flower girl in simple frock with short skirt.genealogy, celebration

Also seven colour photographs taken at memorabilia display in St Nicholas Hall 2009.Colour photographs taken at a memorabilia display in St Nicholas Anglican Hall, in 2008, shows wedding photographs, Sunday School prizes and documents. Lakes Entrance Victoriabuildings, religion, celebrations

Sepia toned photograph of wedding party at marriage of Isabelle Gray and Joseph Robert Coate posed in garden. Bride and groom, two male attendants, two bridesmaids and three flower girlsgenealogy, celebration

Sepia toned photograph of Isabella and Joseph Coate on their wedding daygenealogy, celebration

Black and white photograph of Clyde and Evelyn Sykes taken on their 65th wedding anniversary, they lived at Gelantipy and Lakes Entrancecelebrations, genealogy

Colour photograph of Alicia Jurgens and Stephen Finn on their wedding day with their wedding party Bairnsdale Victoriacelebrations

Black and white photograph of Haley Smith and Dale Talbot on their wedding day, Lakes Tyers Beach Victoriacelebrations

Colour photograph of Allyson North and Ross Reddick with their wedding party Metung Victoriacelebrations, genealogy

Colour photograph of wedding of Tamara Parsons and Ricky Lawrence at Rhonda Rose Garden Swan Reach Victoriacelebrations

Colour photograph of wedding of Greg Farmer of Swan Reach and Melissa Timm of Gladstone Queensland at St Stephens Brisbanecelebrations

CLUNES EASTER CENTENARY APRIL 1939 MOCK WEDDING LEADING THE PROCESSION.PHOTOGRAPH OF STREET PARADE IN FRASER STREET CLUNES - PEOPLE IN OLD TIME COSTUME - A MOCK WEDDING APRIL 1939.CLUNES AUCTION MARTlocal history, photography, photographs, events and celebrations, back to clunes