The Presidents Fund was created in 1932 by a donation from Legatee Walter W Berry from his late father's estate "to help temporarily embarrassed Melbourne Legatees" towards the end of The Great Depression. The aim of the fund was the give the President a way to help needy cases with discretion and without having to gain approval from committees. In many cases the money was repaid by the recipient. These letters record the first donation of £50 and discussions with Legatee Walter Berry about how the donation was to be used. Also a copy of the letter of 24 February 1933 when President Kemsley wrote to the Howard and Georgina Berry Trust Fund formalising the use of the donations. This document was in a folder labelled President's Fund Origin and Authorisation with many other documents that included correspondence, receipts of donations and material about when money was given to help appropriate cases. The folder was marked with H40 which is part of an early archive project from the late 1960s and early 1970s.The Presidents Fund was a significant help to legatees and junior legatees who were unable to obtain help from other sources.File letters from Legacy to various donors to acknowledge donations and enclose receipts for donation to the President's Fund.Handwritten 'File' on many letters.financial help, presidents fund, walter berry

Undated anecdotes by an anonymous author (by the handwriting it was Legatee Frank Doolan) about Melbourne Legacy changeover dinners at the Federal Hotel on the corner of Collins and King Streets. These were apparently convivial affairs and the writer shares his memories of three occasions. The first occasion was an impromptu and riotous performance by Legatees (organised by Pat Hanna) after the dinner of the First World War ballad 'Roses of Picardy'. The second occasion concerned a group of 'exuberant' Legatees walking down Collins Street after dinner who spotted Harry Lauder [1870-1950], the famous Scottish comedian, in a taxi which was held up at a street crossing'. They prevailed on him to speak at the Legacy luncheon the following Tuesday. Lauder's subsequent speech at the luncheon not only amused the listeners with his humour, but also reduced them to sadness with an account of how his son had been killed in action in France. The third story refers to 'a vacant hansom cab pulled up in Collins St as the diners were departing', which induced one Legatee to fulfil a lifelong ambition by persuading the cabby to let him drive the cab for the princely sum of one pound. Horse-drawn transport gave way to motor vehicles in the early 1930s so this story must have related to a very early Legacy dinner.A first hand account revealing the social characteristics of early Legatees.Blue ballpoint handwriting on white paper.legatee function, comradeship, changeover dinner, founding legatee

Photos from the 2 May 1995 when the Transport Minister, Mr Alan Brown and Legacy President David Millie unveiled banners at Flinders St Station saying "Australia Remembers". Also the launch of a tram by Junior Legatees Kim Anderson and Peter Hazelager. Another photo is a group of dignitaries in front of the tram. The tram was painted to promote Legacy in 1995 which was the 50th Anniversary of the end of World War II. Wording on the tram says: "This year - Australia remembers the Heroes of World War II / 50 years on / Legacy never forgets to care for the widows and children of those who fought for our freedom". It appeared in The Answer in June 1995 after it had been launched on May 2nd by President David Millie and Public Transport Minister, Mr Alan Brown. The ribbon was cut by Junior Legatees Kim Anderson and Peter Hazelager. "The distinctive white tram will be running on routes around Melbourne for at least six months and our thanks go to the Public Transport Corporation for making it possible." 01809.1 shows President Millie, Kim Anderson and Peter Hazelager. 01809.2 is Peter Hazelager being held by his mother, Margaret Anderson and Kim Anderson. 01809.4 is a Legatee, Minister Alan Brown, President Millie, a man in The MET uniform, Legatee Roger Greene.A record of a way to promote Legacy during Legacy Week in 1995.Colour photo x 6 of the launch of a tram painted to promote to Legacy at Flinders St Station.legacy promotion, answer, tram

Initial rules for the running of Holmbush and for the intended residents, with the aim of providing a 'private family residence of the best type' for Junior Legatees admitted by the Management Committee, including a list of clothing each resident was expected to bring.Details of how the Melbourne Legacy residence was to be run reveal how much work and time the Legatees invested in looking after Junior Legatees and how seriously they took this responsibility in 1943.Quarto carbon copy of typed rules, black on faded white'Approved J.L.C. 1943' handwritten in blue ink.residences, holmbush administration, holmbush initial negotiations, rules

An article about the building of the Shrine of Remembrance in a magazine produced by an aged care home 'Glengollan Village. It was given to a legatee by a widow who thought we might be interested in the article. It was published in Issue 1 of 2022.A record of the life of a prominent Legatee.Colour printout of a magazine article about The Shrine of Remembranceshrine of remembrance, shrine, memorial

The notes date from April 1958 to October 1958 and were probably written by Legatee Gillespie, recording phone calls with W.B. Russell, the author of 'There Goes a Man', discussing progress, content and expenses of the book.Part of the story of how the book 'There goes a Man' came to be created.Handwritten notes, varying papers and sizes.savige book, archive

Photo of three Legacy Widows with a Junior Legatee taken on the footpath outside Legacy House, Swanston Street, Melbourne. Possibly in the 1960’s. L to R: unknown, Lorraine Traves, unknown child, Myrtle Roberts.A lovely shot of Legacy dependants, showing their enjoyment of life despite the challenges of being widowed. Also of interest are the neighbouring business and the traffic restrictions.Black and white photo of widows and a child taken on the footpath outside Legacy House in Swanston Street, Melbourne. legacy promotion, widows

Programme and song sheet for Melbourne Legacy comradeship party. Includes names of Legatees, songs sung and words to song “Barefoot Days”. 00070.1 Comradeship Mid-Year Party programme 00070.2 Barefoot Days songsheetThis booklet shows that Legatees enjoyed singing together at their Comradeship meetings. Comradeship meetings were very important to the Legatees. Legatees supported each other by coming together for various events throughout the year.Two pieces of paper with black type on one side only. Two punched holes on each sheet.comradeship, legatee event

Letter to Mr Nelson Capp from Hon. Secretary or President of East Gippsland Group Junior Legacy acknowleding the resignation of Mr Capp as a Legatee and thanking him for his services. Printed on Melbourne Legacy Letterhead. Record of Legatee Capps service to LegacyWhite paper letterhead with blue and black type. Glued to cardboard.nelson capp, east gippsland group

Legacy have many programs to send young junior legatees on activities, camps and outings. The photos show preparations for a balloon ride. There are more photos of the event, a note with the photos say it was 'Ballooning weekend at Benalla 2003'.A record of a Legacy providing experiences for the junior legatees.Colour photo x 4 of a balloon basket being prepared for take off in a field.Printed on the back 'No.1' to 'No.4' which are the image numbers.junior legatee outing, ballooning

Legacy have many programs to send young junior legatees on activities, camps and outings. The photos show preparations for a balloon ride. There are more photos of the event, a note with the photos say it was 'Ballooning weekend at Benalla 2003'.A record of a Legacy providing experiences for the junior legatees.Colour photo x 2 of a balloon being prepared for take off in a field.Printed on the back 'No.20' to 'No.21' which are the image numbers.junior legatee outing, ballooning

A hinged wooden stick that is used in military situations. It is kept in the Comradeship Lounge as a link to the legatees' military background. A pace stick is a training instrument used to gauge the length of pace and measure distance and interval for military parades. Legacy has a strong link to the military, most early legatees would be familiar with the pace stick and its use.Wooden stick that is hinged, has metal tips and is used as a pace tool.comradeship, pace stick

Legacy House provides widows with a venue for many events, activities and social gatherings. For many years this included a monthly concert and singalong. One photo shows Legatee Eddie Jowett presenting the singer with a bouquet of flowers. A record of a prominent Australian being guest at a Widows' Club event.Photo x 3 of a monthly concert for widows at Legacy House.widows, concert, activities

A photo of children at Government House Christmas Patry. Melbourne Legacy would hold Christmas parties for junior Legatees at Government House for many years due to the Governor of Victoria being patron of Legacy. The year is unknown.A record of relationship of Legacy with the Governor of Victoria .Black and white photo of children with toys at Government House.Hand written on reverse "P7" and "LEGACY". Also "Dec 1966" in pencil.junior legatee outing, christmas, government house party

Colour slide of a legatees standing near a loaded semi trailer in Eildon. The blue cabin had a yellow 'Operation Firewood' sign on the door. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a group of men beside a semi trailer loaded with wood in Eildon during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Handwritten 'Smoke Oh / Eildon' and '19' in blue pen and '21' in pencil. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, semi trailers, wood

Colour slide of a legatees standing near a loaded semi trailer in Euroa. The blue cabin had a yellow 'Operation Firewood' sign on the door. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a group of men beside a semi trailer loaded with wood in Euroa during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Handwritten 'Euroa' and '21' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, semi trailers, wood

A copy of a speech given by President Bill Rogers to the students at the 75th Annual Student Commemoration in 2006. He gives a background of the Gallipoli campaign and other conflicts where Australians and New Zealanders fought alongside each other. He mentions that they were about to plant a new Lone Pine tree, heled by the youngest junior legatee, Kaitlyn Brown, aged 7, whose father served in East Timor with the Army Reserve. Document was from a folder of documents donated to the archive by Legatee Bill Rogers that related to his time as President (March 2006 - March 2008).A record of a speech given at a service of remembrance.Print out x 4 pages of a speech given by President Bill Rogers at the Student Anzac Commemoration in 2006.anzac commemoration for students, speeches, lone pine

A colour slide of children on board a boat for Operation Float in 1959. Operation Float was an event run by Melbourne Legacy to take Junior legatees on an outing. It could have been to naval boats such as HMAS Cerberus or to a Yacht club. It gave the junior legatees the opportunity to see a naval boat in action, spend time on the water or try sailing. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of outings being organised for children.Colour slide of a boat with children on board in 1959 in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Handwritten in blue ink 'Operation Float / Ready to go / 1959'. operation float, junior legatee outings

A colour slide of a large sailing ship with children on board for Operation Float in 1961. Operation Float was an event run by Melbourne Legacy to take Junior legatees on an outing. It could have been to naval boats such as HMAS Cerberus or to a Yacht club. It gave the junior legatees the opportunity to see a naval boat in action, spend time on the water or try sailing. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of outings being organised for children.Colour slide of a sailing ship with children on board in 1961 in Kodachrome off-white cardboard mount with yellow and red print.Printed on front 'Made in Australia' and '12' in red ink. Handwritten in blue ink 'Operation Float 25-3-61' and 'Top 96'. Printed on reverse "Kodachrome Transparency / Processed by Kodak" in red ink.operation float, junior legatee outings

A colour slide of several boats with children on board for Operation Float in 1961. Operation Float was an event run by Melbourne Legacy to take Junior legatees on an outing. It could have been to naval boats such as HMAS Cerberus or to a Yacht club. It gave the junior legatees the opportunity to see a naval boat in action, spend time on the water or try sailing. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of outings being organised for children.Colour slide of several boats with children on board in 1961 in Kodachrome off-white cardboard mount with yellow and red print.Printed on front 'Made in Australia' and '14' in red ink. Handwritten in blue ink 'Operation Float 25-3-61' and 'Top 95'. Printed on reverse "Kodachrome Transparency / Processed by Kodak" in red ink.operation float, junior legatee outings

Operation Float was an event run by Melbourne Legacy to take Junior legatees on an outing. It could have been to naval boats such as HMAS Cerberus or to a Yacht club. It gave the junior legatees the opportunity to see a naval boat in action, spend time on the water or try sailing. More images from the same outing are catalogued at 02477 and 02478. There is one image with the children meeting a goat that is at the harbour. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of an event for junior legatees in the 1950s.Colour slide x 5 of operation float in 1958 in red Hanimount slide mounts.operation float, boats, junior legatee outing

A foundation day speech in 2002 by Past President, Legatee George Woodward. Instead of looking at the history of Legacy from a timeline perspective he chose to look at old Bulletin articles and comment on aspects of what he read. He mentions they provided a sense of belonging, of fun, sadness, enthusiasm, and activity. It gave him a different view of the founding legatees, other than as ageing old men, they were young men full of energy and enthusiasm. There were notices of marriages and children, leave taken for honeymoons etc. 'I received a terrific sense of family in reading through these early Bulletins'.A speech given at a Legacy function to commemorate the day on which Legacy was founded that has information about the early years of Legacy.White A4 paper x 5 pages with black print of 2002 speech by George Woodwardfoundation day, george woodward

Report presented by the Steering Committee to the Board of Management dated 18 March 1975 with their recommendations for the future of Blamey House, Harelands and Stanhope. The Committee was chaired by Legatee A. Quayle and composed of Legatees J. Chancellor, H. Berg, H. Rodgers and E. Trebilcock. They noted that occupancy rates were falling (Appendix 'A') and it would not be economically viable to renovate the buildings. They recommended that: Harelands should be sold and Blamey House redeveloped for widows' accommodation, and that Stanhope should be modified for co-ed accommodation. The Committee requested that the matters raised in the report should be considered urgently. In a file with documents pertaining to the residences. Part of the history of Melbourne Legacy's involvement with residential care for children.Foolscap sheets x 3 pages, black on white copy. Two holes punched for filing. '18-3-75' pencilled on first sheet.residences, blamey house, harelands, stanhope

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

Supplement to the Melbourne Legacy Bulletin No. 2463 which discusses how the Club should be structured after 1979, dated 27/6/79. It notes that the number of children being cared for was diminishing rapidly and immediate action should be taken with regard to the recruitment of Legatees and the adjustment of Branch boundaries. In 1978 the number of Junior Legatees had dropped to 3103 and by 1988 this figure was expected to be 280. However the 16,654 Legacy widows in 1978 was expected to increase to 24,700 in 1993. The work was split between 15 Branches, but the adjustment of Branch boundaries was not investigated in detail. Resulted from a Review CommitteeIllustrates the changing role of Melbourne Legacy during the twentieth century.Pale blue foolscap copy paper x 4 pages, printed both sides.'H52' in blue ballpoint on first page. Date crossed out in red ballpoint.organisation structure, review committee, review, objectives

A photo of junior legatee girls with Miss Enez Domec-Carre, who was the teacher of the girls classes at Legacy. The document outlines her career and achievements. She was a former Miss Victoria and was known for her physical education skills and for introducing grace and culture to Melbourne. In 1932 she joined Melbourne Legacy as assistant to Mrs Gilles (wife of a Legatee) later became the chief instructor of girls' physical education until she retired aged 65. In the post World War II baby boom the Legacy evening classes were attended by about 400 girls. She helped organise Legacy Widows and Legatee wives to sew the costumes for performances. Among her proudest moments was a display by 1000 Junior Legatees at the MCG during the 1954 visit of Queen Elizabeth II. As well her work for Legacy she ran physical education, ballroom dancing and debutante preparation classes in Windsor, Elsternwick, Gardenvale and Geelong. She also held a position on the Board of Studies and as director of physical education in Catholic Schools. Recognition of her work included being awarded an MBE in 1971. And in 1997 she received Legacy's highest award, the title of Guest of Honour, for her years of service. See also item at 01300 and her 80th birthday at 01541. The marking 'Box 10 / JL1' in black pen. This was part of an archive project JL standing for Junior Legacy items.A snapshot of the life of Enez Domec-Carre who was a huge influence in the life of Junior Legatee girls who attended Legacy classes.Photocopy of a photo of Miss Domec-Carre and a group of girls, and a summary of her life x 3 pages.Handwritten 10/JL12annual demonstration, girls' classes, girls' club, enez domec carre

This list of medical specialists in 1992 with instructions on the way it is to be used was made available to Legatees to assist them to help widows and their families if in need of specialist attention. Many of these specialists were making their time available at little or no cost to Legacy.The specialists listed, although not necessarily legatees, or returned service personnel gave their time and income up as a charitable gesture to assist in the work of Legacy. White A4 paper, black type about medical specialists who may help Legacy when necessary.Signed by T.G. Butcher, chairman pensions Committee. Last page in black ink F/S LI- G.J. Welsh.legatee, register

A badge that was produced to promote Legacy. Date unknown but possibly 1980s or 1990s. It was 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.A record of a badge promoting Legacy.Round metal badge with blue diamond on green background, the Legacy torch and a text in coloured boxes. It says 'I helped Legacy to care!'legacy promotion, fundraising

Minutes of the Second Meeting of the Committee held on 1 May 1957, which discussed the report tendered by Legatee Gillespie (00716) and confirmed W.B. Russell as the author of the biography. Resolutions were passed to authorise the financial details of the project.A good example of meeting protocols at that time as well as continuing the documenting of the project.Two typed foolscap sheets, black on white.Signed and dated in blue pen by Colonel Allan Spowers (Chair). He recorded the date of signing as 30 April 1958, nearly a year after the meeting was held. Pencilled correction to the spelling of his name in the list of those present. savige book, biography

These four pages list the Office Bearers and Committees of Melbourne Legacy in 1942. This is a record of Legatees involved in the first 20 years of Legacy. Some very notable names that were key in establishing Legacy, including Sir Stan Savige. It was in a folder of documents about the history of Legacy which appears to have been mostly compiled by Legatee Cyril Smith as he has many hand written notes on miscellaneous pieces of paper (some are envelopes addressed to him). The notes were typed up into a summary of the History of Legacy. Also documents relating to the first time Legacy approached the public for donations in September 1956, including newspaper articles that were reprinted, a schedule of information that was approved to be released to the press, and a list of potential donors that was circulated to Legatees in the hope they could contact the ones they knew personally or professionally. The documents from this folder have been added in seperate records (see 01262 to 01281). The folder was part of an attempt to capture history of Legacy, generally from the 1940-50s.The documents provide an insight into the working of Legacy, especially in the 1940-50s. Legatee Cyril Smith and others were detailing their experiences and knowledge for the future. This is a record of Legatees involved in the first 20 years of Legacy. Four quarto typed pages recording Office Bearers and Committees in 1942.1942 is written in pencil on the first page.history, organisation structure