Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph - During a lunch break at the RAAF Base at Vung Tau, Johnny O'Keefe and a female backup singer visit a crew at No. 9 Suadron's "Bushranger" Huey "Gunship" Helicopter Flight. the "Gunship" with its rockets, miniguns and side machine guns was a lethal weapon.entertainers, johnny o'keefe, raaf, vung tau, 9 squadron raaf, huey helicopter, gibbons collection catalogue, huey "gunship" helicopter flight, bushranger, denis gibbons

A drawing done by artist Pat Hanna and sent to friends at Legacy. He was living in London at the time and drew this on his letterhead. It was stored with other items including a letter to Frank in 1972 (possibly L/- Frank Doolan who was making an attempt to collect items relevant to Legacy's history for an official archive project - see items 01400 to 01403). Pat Hanna was an entertainer, comedian, artist and producer of reveues, plays and movies. One of his first revues was performed in France just after the armistice. A popular stage show was 'Diggers' that performed around Australia post-war and adapted to film in 1931. He was asked to pose for photographer Jack Cato for the iconic image of a digger shown in 01400. He was born George Patrick Hanna, 18 March 1888 in Whitianga, New Zealand and served in the First World War, was a founding member of Melbourne Legacy and was involved with Legacy for many years. Pat Hanna was a founding member of Melbourne Legacy and an artist and producer. Legacy kept some of his works in the archive.Drawing of a kangaroo and kiwi from Pat Hanna on his letterhead pasted onto brown cardboard. Also a digger's face, a rising run and maps of Australia and New Zealand.Handwritten in the drawing 'Heres to every cobber who wore the old chapeau, 20 - 30 - 40 - 50 years ago!!!' and 'There's a wee toon on the Yarra with streets broad and narra that's where we first toasted dear old Legacy.'hanna, founding legatee

A cartoon drawing done by artist Pat Hanna and sent to friends at Legacy. It looks like a funny caption is missing from the drawing. It was stored with other items including a letter to Frank (possibly L/- Frank Doolan who was making an attempt to collect items relevant to Legacy's history for an official archive project - see items 01400 to 01404). Pat Hanna was an entertainer, comedian, artist and producer of reveues, plays and movies. One of his first revues was performed in France just after the armistice. A popular stage show was 'Diggers' that performed around Australia post-war and adapted into a film in 1931. He was asked to pose for photographer Jack Cato for the iconic image of a digger shown in 01400. He was born George Patrick Hanna, 18 March 1888 in Whitianga, New Zealand and served in the First World War, was a founding member of Melbourne Legacy and was involved with Legacy for many years.Pat Hanna was a founding member of Melbourne Legacy and an artist and producer. Legacy kept some of his works in the archive.Cartoon drawing of a four people playing cards signed Pat (Hanna).Signed 'Pat'hanna, founding legatee, cartoon

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of musicians with the Sep-Oct 67 Official Melbourne Concert Party appreciate Denise 'Ding Dong" Drysdale's Alice in Wonderlad act. This show was one of the first at 1st ATF Nui Dat Luscombe Bowl. photograph, denise drysdale, 1st atf base, nui dat, entertainers, gibbons collection catalogue, luscombe bowl, melbourne concert party, musicians, sep-oct 67 official melbourne concert party, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Susan Wills of the Will Sister with the Official February-March 1970 South Australian Concert Party performs for the sick and wounded diggers at the 1st Australian Field Hospital Vung Tau. photograph, entertainers, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, susan wills, will sisters, south australian concert party, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, wounded servicemen, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph one of the lead acts with the Official Sep-Oct 67 Melbourne Concert Party, Patty McGrath projects herself towards the Diggers at 1 ATF, Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowl. At this early stage in the development of the Task Force Base, few of the diggers had fold up chairs.photograph, patti mcgrath, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, entertainers, gibbons collection catalogue, official sep-oct 67 melbourne concert party, diggers, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph - Following morning services, Anzac Day 25 April 1967, at the Northern Headquarters of Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, in Danang, those members able to get in to Danang from the field were entertained by dancers from the Shirley Simmons Concert partyphotograph, aattv, danang, entertainers, shirley simmons concert party, gibbons collection catalogue, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), anzac day 1967, northern headquarters, dancers, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Dinah Lee and digger friend from the audience have the diggers swinging with a song and dance act at the ABC Dance Band Concert Party at the 1st ATF Base, Nui Dat. photograph, dinah lee, entertainers, abc dance band concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, diggers, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Jury Osypenko and Tamara Osypenko of the Feb-Mar 70 South Australian Concert Party perform in close harmony for the wounded and sick Diggers at the1st Field Hospital, Vung Tau. photograph, 1st field hospital, vung tau, jury osypenko, tamara osypenko, gibbons collection catalogue, south australian concert party, entertainers, wounded serviceman, feb-mar 70 south australian concert party, diggers

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a Trio with the Official Mar-Apr 69 West Australian Concert Party play instrumental rock and roll numbers for the Diggers at 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowl. The variety acts exhibited by the concert party's members was magnificant.photograph, entertainers, west australian concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, 1st australian task force, official mar-apr 69 west australian concert party, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of the comedian, comedienne, musicians and back-up singers of the official Mar-Apr 69 West Australian Concert Party, keep the Diggers at 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat, at Luscombe Bowl guessing and smiling as they wait for the next bit of frivolityphotograph, entertainers, west australian concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, 1st australian task force, official mar-apr 69 west australian concert party, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Dinah Lee with the Mar 67 ABC Dance Band Concert Party projects her vibrant and all engrossing stage personality as she gives her version of 'Hey Yokomo' to the closely packed Diggers at 1st ATF Base Nui Dat. photograph, dinah lee, entertainers, 1st atf base, nui dat, abc dance band concert party, gibbons collection catalogue, 1st australian task force, diggers, hey yokomo, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of one of the lead singers of the with the Official Apr-May 70 Sydney Concert Party, Glenise Shearman is engrossed in her rendition of a song to the assembled Diggers at 1 ATF Base Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowlphotograph, entertainers, glenise shearman, sydney concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, official apr-may 70 sydney concert party, 1st australian task force, diggers, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of the lead act with the ABC Dance Band Concert Party, Lorrae Desmond, opens the show with her version of "I Wish You Love".The back of a flat bed trailer used as a stage parked in a quarry at 1 ATF, Nui Dat. photograph, abc dance band concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, entertainers, lorrae desmond, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons, flat bed trailer

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A coloured photograhp of Johhny O'Keefe and his rock and roll band belt out a tune for the Diggers at 1st Australina Task Force Bases', Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowl. the O'Keefe show presented rock and roll that was the top of the pops at the time and was a great hit with the diggers.photograph, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, entertainers, johnny o'keefe, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, 1st australian task force, the johnny o'keefe show, denis gibbons

Lil was born in Long Gully, Bendigo in 1904 daughter of Herbert Charles Leopold Willaton and Lillie Jenkins. She had 3 brothers and 3 sisters, one brother dying in infancy. The family lived in Lille Street, Surrey Hills. Both her parents and one sister died in Surrey Hills. In the 1920s Lil gained her A.L.C.M. (Australian London College of Music) in singing and made a career of teaching gymnastics with calisthenics, rhythmic movement etc. She arranged the music and lyrics for items and also designed the costumes, as well as conducting the physical training which culminated in annual concerts held in Box Hill and other town halls. Lil married Leslie Reginald Stephenson in 1934 and they lived at 36 Union Road, Surrey Hills. She died in July 1995 and is buried in Buried Box Hill Cemetery - CE-126-0001. A black and white photograph of a young lady dressed in a graduation gown and wearing a mortarboard on her head.(miss) lil willaton, (mrs) lil stephenson, entertainers, singers, gymnastics, calesthenics, teacher, lille street, union road, (miss) lille louisa willaton, (mrs) lille louisa stephenson, box hill cemetery

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Col Joye and Little Pattie give an impromptu late night concert in the Townsville home of one of the Diggers from Delta Company 6 RAR, for those Diggers who had fought at the Battle of Long Tan 1966, while Col, Patty and their concert party were on stage at Nui Dat.photograph, entertainers, col joy, delta coy, 6 rar, battle of long tan, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, little pattie, diggers, townsville, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph - This was possibly the only official United States Government sponsored USO show to visit the Australian troops in Vietnam. Here members of the Fred Thompson Show entertain Diggers at 1st Australian Task Force Base,, Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowlphotograph, entertainers, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, united states government, uso show, diggers, fred thompson show, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Wendy Snushall of "The Prestons" with the Official Apr-May 70 Sydney Concert Party tries her luck at darts in the Diggers Mess at the sponsoring unit, 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat. photograph, entertainers, wendy snushall, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, the prestons, official apr-may 70 sydney concert party, diggers mess, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of The Wills Sisters, one of headline acts with the official Feb-Mar 69 South Australian Concert Party perform in the recreation building at the RAAF Air Base, Vung Tau. This was the third show of the day performed by members of the South Australian Concert Party.photograph, entertainers, wills sisters, south australian concert party, raaf, vung tau, gibbons collection catalogue, raaf air base, anne wills, susan wills, official feb-mar 69 south australian concert party, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of two members of the Feb-Mar 70 South Australian Concert Party, Tamara Osypenko and Jury Osypenko present their unique vocal presentation to the Diggers in the recreation building at the RAAF Air Base, Vung Tau. The duets were a hit with the airmen.photograph, raaf, jury osypenko, tamara osypenko, vung tau, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, airmen, diggers, feb-mar 70 south australian concert party, raaf air base, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Erica De Wit one of the lead singers with the Official Apr-May 70 Sydney Concert Party and an Engineer Digger friend trip the light fantastic to the delight of the audience at 1 Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowlphotograph, entertainers, sydney concert party, erica de wit, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, official apr-may 70 sydney concert party, engineer digger, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons

A photo of Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop holding the violin that is part of Melbourne Legacy's collection (see 00080). Unsure when this photo was taken. Background: This violin was played by VX30301 Dvr Roy Arnel, as a member of the Australian Imperial Force Concert Party, in the Changi POW camp, Singapore from 1942-1945. It is claimed that the violin, in its case was thrown over the wall by a Chinese civilian. Roy Arnel, a South African by birth enlisted on 7 June 1940 at Royal Park, Melbourne and served with 2 AASC Company as a driver. He was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army at the fall of Singapore in February 1942. There was more than one concert party in Changi as indicated on the rear of the violin. The details of the Dutch, British and American Concert Parties scratched in to the varnish. There are some well-known names scratched into the violin including: The English author and cartoonist, Ronald Searle; Australian entertainer, Frank Rich; and Australian Author, Russell Braddon Mr Arnel died in 1982 and the violin was presented to Melbourne Legacy for preservation, safe keeping and display.A record of relationship of Weary Dunlop with Legacy.Black and white photo of Sir Weary Dunlop with the Changi violinchangi violin, dunlop

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Musicians of the official Sep-Oct 67 Melbourne Concert Party, Denise 'Ding Dong" Drysdale and the band look skyward as a salvo of artillery shells pass close overhead. Patty McGrath sings blissfully on. The Artillery Diggers used to welcome all concert parties this way. photograph, melbourne concert party, denise drysdale, patti mcgrath, digger, artillery, 1st atf base, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, musicians, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A coloured photograpf of Members of the Feb 70 S.A. Concert Party, The Wills Sisters Anne & Susan (both in yellow) accompanied by Beverly Braidwood and Tamara Osypenko. A female Vietnamese Interpreter and an Army Liaison visit the Saigon Zoo during a break in their hectic program.wills sisters, beverly braidwood, tamara osypenko, entertainers, saigon zoo, south australian concert party, gibbons collection catalogue, anne wills, susan wills, feb 70 s.a. concert party, vietnamese interpreters, army liaison, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph - Townsville, Queensland 18/08/1968, rock and roll stars Little Patty and Col Joye entertain in the lounge room of a private home.Members from Delta Company 6 RAR who had missed the original concert in Vietnam on the 18/08/1966 being otherwise engaged in the Battle at Long Tan. Ross McDonald, Robin Rencher, Phil Dixon, Ian Campbell and Peter Doyle.photograph, col joy, townsville, battle of long tan, entertainers, robin rencher, phil dixon, ian campbell, peter doyle, gibbons collection catalogue, little pattie, ross mcdonald, denis gibbons

A letter from Pat Hanna to Frank (presumably L/- Frank Doolan) about his request for information for Legacy's archive project. He mentions some of the outstanding events in the early days of Legacy were the wonderful holidays the children had at Somers Camp and outings for widows and their children to Luna Park. Pat posed for the iconic image of a digger taken by photographer Jack Cato in 1932. Pat wrote down his experience in a moving two page document 'The Story Behind the Picture', it tells how he was moved to imagine the action in France when posing (see 01400). This letter and another copy of the photo was stored with other items - see items 01400 to 01403. Pat Hanna was an entertainer, comedian, artist and producer of reveues, plays and movies. One of his first revues was performed just after the armistice in France. A popular stage show was 'Diggers' that performed in many towns in Australia post-war and was adapted into a film in 1931. He was born George Patrick Hanna, 18 March 1888 in Whitianga, New Zealand and served in the First World War, was a founding member of Melbourne Legacy and was involved with Legacy for many years.Pat Hanna was a founding member of Melbourne Legacy and an artist and producer. Legacy kept some of his works in the archive.Letter on Pat Hanna's letterhead in June 1972.Signed 'Pat' in black ink.hanna, solider

This cottage-like dwelling has changed ownership several times since it was first built in the 1850s by local tanner John Pearson. The Living and Learning Centre as we know it today is the product of the energetic, reforming era of the Whitlam Government. Set up by the local council in 1974. Unedited amateur video (filmed by Vivienne?) with some voiceover and chatting with others. Significant VHS tape noise/flicker and colour pulsing. Opens with Living & Learning Centre sign on Main Road and “Open Day Here Today” attached to it. Views of entrance into carpark, dog obedience class demonstration near entrance, leadlight construction display in workshop, basket weaving, face painting, exterior garden landscape with herb garden, brick pottery shed, peppercorn tree, children’s activities, interior views showing artworks of life drawings, general engagement with other people (audio), candle room, pottery, children’s entertainer in garden, wool spinning, some attempts at engagement with Claire Fitzpatrick, Thai Chi demonstration, floral presentations, patchwork, needlepoint, knitting, some interior scenes very dark, weaving, cane basket weaving.VHS Video cassette (poor quality) Converted to MP4 file format 00:31:39; 746MBeltham living and learning centre, open day, dog obedience class, leadlight, basket weaving, face painting, artworks, life drawing, candle room, pottery, wool spinning, claire fitzpatrick, thai chi, patchwork, needlepoint, knitting, weaving, cane basket weaving, main road, eltham, video recording, shire of eltham archives

Taken in 1924, depicted are eleven young men dressed in school uniform attire standing in the playground of Beechworth State School. This group of young men were part of a farcical play titled "School Days" as part of Beechworth State School Concert series. Beechworth Primary School (formally known as Beechworth State School) was constructed in 1875 by architect Henry Bastow (1839 - 1920). Bastow was the chief architect and surveyor for the Victorian Government’s Department of Education. During his chiefship, over six-hundred schools were constructed across the state which was in response to the Victoria’s Education Act of 1872 legislating free, compulsory, and secular education. Performances such as this “School Days” play were common forms of entertainment within Beechworth up into the early twentieth century. This stems from the goldrush period in Beechworth (1852-1866) when travelling entertainers would tour the goldfields offering performances in singing, acting and circus tricks. These were usually held in a local pub or designated concert spaces, such as the Star Theatre in Beechworth. Entertainment offerings begun to slow down mid-twentieth century when the population begun to dwindle. Many locals took up this responsibility and put on their own plays and shows across the town. This photograph is historically significant as it provides insight into the types of entertainment activities held at the Beechworth School during the early twentieth century. It also demonstrates how students engaged with their school outside of their regular schoolwork. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on board. Obverse: W.Howes / Beechworth Concert Party 1924 / State School / Beechworth Cyril Smith (Squidgy) / Keith Prowse / Bill Howes / J. Warde / J. Heatherly (Jumbo) / Gea Foster / B. Shallard (Shinky) / A. Foster / Ernie Smith / Jerry Burns / Ted Warden / School Master / Geo Foster in a Farscial Play “School Days” / Reverse: A03065 / 1997.2520 / 79.19.1 / school uniform, beechworth school, school days", concert series., henry bastow, beechworth primary school, victorian government’s department of education, education, victoria’s education act of 1872, beechworth state school