Edith CURNOW (1913–2003) Ballarat | Australia Edith Gertrude Curnow undertook Industrial Art teacher training at the Ballarat Technical Art School, with a five-year Senior Technical Scholarship, between 1926 and 1931. She taught for a time before marrying compositor James Lawn in 1937. She reportedly continued to teach at the Ballarat Technical Art School as Edith Lawn. She retired in 1972 at which time she was the Lecturer in Charge of Craft Edith Lawn was a member of inaugural Ballarat School of Mines Old Girls Association, and served as first Press Correspondent. Her daughter, Valda Lawn (later D'Angri) also attended and taught at the School.Colour photograph of Edith Lawn nee Curnowedith lawn, ballarat school of mines, edith curnow, univesity women

SS Roma was laid down in 1942 at the Seattle-Tacoma SB Corporation plant and was launched as “Glacier” on September 7, 1942. Like quite a few ships, it was during her building as a C3 cargo ships that she was transferred under the “Lend Lease Agreement” to the Royal Navy and redesigned and built as the escort aircraft carrier HMS Atheling. After the war she was purchased by the Lauro Lines and rebuilt as the modern passenger liner Roma. She departed on her maiden voyage from Genoa bound for Australia in August 1951 arriving in Fremantle on October 1, continuing to Melbourne and arriving in Sydney on the 17th. She then went north to Brisbane before returning home. Mrs B SmythA framed oil painting of the migrant ship SS Roma.Romass roma, migrant ships

The TSMV Manunda was requisitioned in September 1939 and she was converted into a fulltime hospital ship. HMAS Manunda was officially commissioned on May 25 1940 after which she operated four voyages to the Middle East to bring back wounded troops to Australia. On February 19, 1942 during a Japanese bombing raid whilst the ship was at anchor in Darwin harbour, a bomb hit right through the music room skylight, which exploded down on C deck tragically killing 12 and injuring 157 others. The next day she sailed for Fremantle with 266 patients. Whilst in Fremantle she was repaired and made ready for her next chapter in the war effort.This sea bag belonged to an unknown sailor who served on the hospital ship HMAS Manunda during WWIIA sailor's canvas sea or kit bag used on the TSMN Manunda in WWIIManundatsmv manunda, hmas manunda, hospital ship, wwii, kit bag, sea bag

Frances Charlotte Le Couteur (born c1893) taught at both Chatham and Canterbury Primary Schools and at the Salvation Army in Guildford Road. She lived in Guildford Road for part of her life and taught music. She was on the staff of Chatham Primary when it opened in August 1927. She taught at Canterbury Primary for 20 years. She retired to live in Inala Village. Obituary: Frances Charlotte Le Couteur, of Inala Village died on June 17th, 1986. Loving wife of Norman (dec.), loved mother of Frank (dec.), and Boyce and grandmother of Ann, Sally and Guy. Great grandmother to Peter, James and Annabel. Date of photo is approximate.Black and white photo of Mrs Frances Le Couteur seated with a group of 10 children and a Salvation Army officer at the Salvation Army citadel in Guildford Road, Surrey Hills.salvation army, children, music, religion, mrs frances lecouteur

From 1944-1996, Edna Barrie was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Recipes from the members of the Bradvale Branchlocal significant events, local identities

In 1944-1996 Edna Barrie was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Items celebrating 80 years of Country Women's Association and the closure of the Melton branchlocal significant groups, local identities, local special interest groups

Three photos of a function held at Legacy House to celebrate the 80th birthday of Miss Enez Domec Carre. Enez was the instructor for the girls' classes for many years, she organised many annual demonstrations and was held in high regard by Legacy. The library at Legacy House is named in her honour. See also a newspaper article at 00978 which outlines her achievements, a summary of her career at 00458 and 00129. 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. Photos were in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1983 to 1991. Photos were taken by Terry Walsh.A record of a Legacy function to celebrate the 80th birthday of a lady who worked for Legacy for many years and had a significant impact on the lives of many junior legatees.Black and white photo x 3 of a luncheon for Miss Domec Carre's 80th birthday.Handwritten in blue pen on reverse 'Legacy House Luncheon / Thur 31st March 1988 / 80th Birthday - Miss Enez Domec Carre. / L-R L/ Hugh Caffrey, L/ Peter Danby, Enez, L/Pres Alf Argent / Terry Walsh xo'birthday, enez domec carre

Letter sent to Legatee D.J. Simonson by Miss Enez Domec-Carre thanking Melbourne Legacy for allowing her to continue to conduct her private physical culture classes at Legacy House rent free and also for granting her $20 per week after her retirement until she became eligible for the Age Pension. She also expresses her loyalty to Legacy and offers assistance at any time. Enez was the supervisor of the girls classes held at Legacy House for many years. She organised many annual demonstrations and was held in high regard by Legacy. The library at Legacy House is named in her honour. See also a newspaper article at 00978 which outlines her achievements, a summary of her career at 00458 and 00129. 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.The letter illustrates Miss Carre's loyalty to Legacy and Legacy's appreciation of her service.Off-white quarto photocopy of letter x 2 pages, sent to Legatee D.J. Simonson by Miss Enez Domec-CarreStamped in purple "CONFIDENTIAL". "COPY TO .... FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and blue handwriting "Executive Officer"girls' classes, enez domec carre

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities, are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Works of Richard Brinsley Sheridan Author: Richard Brinsley Sheridan Publisher: Chatto and Windus Date: 1874 Further Information: Edited by F Stainforth The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 822 SHE Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library. Front loose end paper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose end paper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service. flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the works of richard brinsley sheridan, richard brinsley sheridan, f stainforth

Invitation to the proclamation of Ringwood as a City on 19th March 1960 at Ringwood Town Hall by His Excellency General Sir Reginald Alexander Dallas Brooks KCB KCMG KCVO DSO K St J. From the Mayor Cr AG Lavis Councillors to Cr RC Horman and Mrs G Horman. Includes minutes of the Council meeting. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned.

Proclamation Ball, March, 1960 – Mayor Cr. AG Lavis (3rd from right), Gwen Horman (far right). In Ringwood Town Hall. On the occasion of the Proclamation of Ringwood as a City. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned. Some photos have been taken by Peter Payens of Ringwood Studios, 36 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, WU-7609, probably for the Ringwood mail newspaper.

Proclamation Ball, March, 1960 – Mayor Cr. AG Lavis (4rd from right), Bob and Gwen Horman (far right). In Ringwood Town Hall. On the occasion of the Proclamation of Ringwood as a City. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned. Some photos have been taken by Peter Payens of Ringwood Studios, 36 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, WU-7609, probably for the Ringwood mail newspaper.

Ringwood Charity Ball, March 24th, 1961 – Dancing, Mr and Mrs Alan Robertson (City Engineer) (far left bottom), Mr and Mrs Vic Faravoni (far right centre). All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned. Some photos have been taken by Peter Payens of Ringwood Studios, 36 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, WU-7609, probably for the Ringwood mail newspaper.

This commemorative framed print was a gift presented by Freemason, Worship Brother J. Wishart Junior, who also had the title of Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge from 1983-1954. This print was possibly presented by Wor. Bro. J. Wishart to the Masonic Lodge in Warrnambool the year following the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, just after Wishart completed his term as the Worshipful Master of the Lodge. It is likely that the portrait was also part of the furnishings when one of Flagstaff Hill's village buildings was set up as a 19th century style Masonic Lodge, as shown in the map of the village in 1994 and was activated by a member of the Masonic Lodge. (Before this time the building was a Reference Library, and some time afterwards it was a Reading Library, and is now a Mechanics' Institute.) Australia is part of the British Commonwealth. Respect for the reigning monarchy of the colony of Australia has been shown here since colonisation and continued after Federation. Portraits of the reigning sovereignty have been displayed in public organisations, government departments and clubs over the years. Children in schools have been taught to 'Honour the flag, serve the Queen" (or King) etc. In February 1952 King George VI of England passed away. His daughter was proclaimed Queen, and crowned as H.M. Queen Elizabeth II on June 2nd, 1953, at Westminster Abbey, London. It is interesting to note that on 12th April, 1997, Warrnambool's Masonic Centre in Kepler Street held a 150 years celebration of the settlement of Warrnambool and District. A time capsule was inserted in the 'foundation stone' and one of the items inside it was a Flagstaff Hill Heritage Centre leaflet. The portrait of the coronation of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II and her continued reign of 70 years is significant, as it marks a very special occasion in the history of Britain and its Commonwealth. This portrait is similar to many other portraits of the Queen's coronation and is familiar to Australian citizens of the current generation and the ongoing link to Britain's colonasit6ion of Australia.Print, coloured, framed behind glass. Portrait of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II at her Coronation on June 2nd, 1953. The Queen is seated and wearing a white gown and white-trimmed blue cape. She is wearing a jewelled crown and holds the ceremonial Orb and Sceptre. In the background is Westminster Abbey. The decorative frame is cast composite or plaster. A card provided with the print advises that the print was presented by J. Wishart - it is attached to the reverse.Handwritten in ink on card "H.M.QUEEN ELIZABETH II / PRESENTED BY / WOR. BRO. J. WISHART JNR. / WOR. MASTER 1953-1954."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, 2-06-1953, westminster abbey, scepter, orb, royal crown, coronation, queen elizabeth ii, hm queen elizabeth ii, royal portrait, h.m. queen elizabeth ii, worshipful brother, worshipful master, time capsule, 19th century style masonic lodge, warrnambool 150 years celebration, coronation of queen elizabeth ii, freemasons, j. wishart, flagstaff hill masonic lodge building, portrait

Black and white photo of Mrs Pieper. She is wearing a high neck dress and a small ostrich feather hair decoration. On back.. Dorothy Pieper of Piepers Hill. Atho? Pieper. Gilt frame. D1 533. Bartlett Bros. Sandhurst. From W.H.Brown. Practical Picture Frame Maker. Carver and gilder. Plush worker wtc. View street. Bendigo. Opposite Sports Ground. Upper reserve. Tram pass the door.Bartlett Bros, Sandhurstperson, individual, portrait female, pieper, pieper's hill, woman, hat

Coloured photograph of two ladies taken in a house. Both are sitting on a couch, one is holding a little brown dog on her lap. She is wearing a purple and aqua dress with a brooch at the neck, a short necklace, gold bracelet and a pearl hair clip. The other lady is wearing a mauve & multi coloured dress, mauve jacket and a wide brimmed mauve hat. On the table in front of them is a large, round glass/crystal vase.photo, group, 2 ladies, foster & wilson collection, photograph

Charles George Darvall (letter re him from Mrs Margaret Stevens, great grand-daughter). Reference to painting of Darvall being at Dudley House, Bendigo and that author stated that she would supply a 'short history' on GDV. Reference in letter to the Society having in its collection 'two examples of C G Darvall's illumination work'. This painting was evidently presented in November 1976 (newpaper article re this evidently - Advertiser??).Margaret Stevensperson, individual, george darvall, charles george darvall mrs margaret stevens, dudley house.

Colour photo of four swimmers in black and white swim costumes and all wearing medals on red ribbons around their necks. Written on the front on the photo: 10/u Relay Kate Richardson, Anna Axcell, Amanda Pattinson, Hayley Reaby 1987. Note: BHS has been contacted by Hayley Reaby to tell us that she is not the swimmer in this photo. Further information suggests the swimmer on the right may be Julie DeAraugo.recreations, sports, swimming

Eulogy as Charter President of Inner Wheel Club of Bendigo South for Elsie Twitt. Also Eulogy & History as Charter President of Rotary Club Bendigo South. Mentioned is the origin of the Inner Wheel and the beginning of the Inner Wheel Club in Bendigo. Also mentioned is the lighted candle she always lit at the meetings of the Club. It became known as the Flame of Friendship. Mentioned is the aims and objectives of Inner Wheel. At the end is a prayer called The Collect.bendigo, clubs, inner wheel club south bendigo, inner wheel club south bendigo: elsie twitt eulogy, bendigo club, rotary club of bendigo south, flame of friendship, ron twitt

Autobiography of Mavis Lucas Nee Pepperell. Ms Lucas grew up in Tunstall, now Nunawading and vividly describes her life from about 1920, growing up in a working class family on a flower farm, her career in a soft furnishing factory, social life based around her church, the depression, her Marriage in the 1930's and the changes during and after the war. She tells her story to 1954. Autobiography of Mavis Lucas Nee Pepperell. lucas, mavis, pepperell, wesley college junior school, tunstall, flower growing, pepperell family, blackburn primary school, no. 2923, mount pleasant methodist church, hawthorn, frank, ashburton, hartwell, julie, helen, yos, arie, heathmont post office and store

The death of Mitcham identity Katherine Fielding Barnsley who died on 9th July at the age of 92. Many people in Mitcham will remember her as the lady who succeeded in a lone fight against the Council over the footpath in Lucknow Street, also as a breeder of champion whippets, one of Britains leading authorities of the breed. Outside her home still stands the gum tree for which she fought and around which the footpath loops..barnsley, katherine fielding, memorial gum tree, lucknow street mitcham

Black and white photograph of Schwerkolt family group. Left to right (1) Les Hogan (husband of Frances[Dit]) - Louis Schwerkolt's son-in-law.|(2) Frances (Dit) daughter of Louis Schwerkolt.|(3) Dora - Wilhelmina's eldest daughter of her first marriage to Both. She married a Schwarzman.|(4) Van Prooyen - Dora's second husband.|(5) Unknown| Seated are Cissie and Louis. Young child is believed to be Ernie.hogan, les, frances dora, schwarzman, dora (nee both), van prooyen, jacob, schwerkolt, cissie, louis

Black and white photograph of Emily Margaret Matilda Lee and David Carstairs on their wedding day, she is wearing a dark dress, tight waist, bodice gathered from shoulders to waist and embroidered centre panel, long sleeves with tight cuffs. Fine chain necklace with heart shaped locket, plain unadorned hairstyle. He is wearing a three piece suite, white shirt and dark necktie. Lakes Entrance Victoriaclothing, genealogy

This black and white photograph of Sister Pat McPherson was taken at the 1st International Congress on Domiciliary Nursing held in Melbourne. The congress was hosted by the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) and ran from the 1st - 8th of February 1970. Following this Congress, Sister Patricia McPherson was employed by RDNS from 1970 - 2003, mainly in the area of Administration.Sister Patricia McPherson, State Registered Nurse, Midwife, and Infant Welfare trained nurse, B.A. was awarded an M.B.E. for her community health work among the Aboriginal communities during the time she worked as a Sister for the Australian Inland Mission (AIM). This was just prior to her joining Royal District Nursing Service. Patricia McPherson is listed on page 210 in the 'Women Shaping the Nation - Victorian Honour Roll of Women Vol 1 - 2001' - Centenary of Federation 1901 - 2001.This black and white photograph is a portrait head and shoulders view of Sister Patricia McPherson, who is smiling and has short straight dark hair. She is wearing a black and white patterned frock; on its upper right is attached a plastic name badge with two lines in white capital letters on black background stating: "Miss P. MCPHERSON / WESTERN AUSTRALIA' . Seen in the background is black and white vertical striped wallpaper.The Herald & Weekly Times Ltd, Melbourne, Australiardns, royal district nursing service, 1st internation congress on domisiciary nursing, sister patricia mcpherson

This 1890s photograph shows the early uniform worn by Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurses, (known as 'Nurse', in those days), when visiting patients to administer nursing care.The Nurse is speaking with a patient who is sitting in his back garden. It shows the style of clothing and the rear of a weatherboard house of that era. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed in the inner city to care for the sick poor in their own homes. On the 17th of February a meeting was held with prominent Melbourne citizens, five gentlemen and fourteen ladies. ‘Dr. Caffyn and Rev. Charles Strong explained the objects and scope of District nursing Societies that had been formed in other towns’ in UK. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Society in Australia. Subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided only nurses who had attended a Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society, and that the nurses would keep a daily journal of their work. After interviewing several candidates, the first Trained Nurse (Nurse), Mrs. Ferguson, was employed with a salary of £100 per annum and commenced work on the 1st of May 1885. She was employed for three months initially, but this was soon extended, “on the understanding she will make arrangements to live in the more immediate vicinity of her district”. A Doctor was consulted before any person was seen. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some of the poor social conditions they found. Though only Trained nurses were employed, the term ’Nurse’ was used in those days. Lady Janet Clarke, a philanthropist, was one of the first two Vice-presidents and President from 1888 until 1908 (except when overseas); she was a driving force in the Society. She held the first fund raiser for the Society at her home ‘Cliveden’ and went on to help organize many functions where she, along with Committee members, manned the stalls to raise funds. She also took her turn to accompany the Nurse, and was noted for her kindness and benevolence. Over the years the Committee, which was made up of 80% ladies, worked tirelessly for the Society; many Auxiliaries were formed. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. She and Mrs Ferguson were the stalwarts of the Society in the early years, Nurse Cannon remaining with the Society for four years and Nurse Ferguson for five years, though both had a short break due to the heaviness of the work. Nurse’s salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and again in later years when establishments were rented by the Society and the nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. The two Nurses worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bags containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses and clothes as necessary. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and cooked soup when needed. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Black and white photograph of a Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Trained nurse (Nurse) wearing a white apron over her grey full length uniform, and wearing a white cap. She is standing and looking down at a man dressed in a white shirt and dark jacket and pants. He is sitting outside the rear of a weatherboard house, the boards of the house are applied vertically. A wooden ladder leans against another wooden building.melbourne district nursing society, mdns uniforms, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns

The Ruyton Reporter (formerly known as Ruyton Reports) captures the essential Ruyton Girls' School experience for the broader school community. It has been produced since 1986.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to one of the oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Thus, the record can be used as a reference example for research into Victorian school history. It also gives insight into the types of activities and events undertaken at Ruyton Girls' School during the period of its production. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on paper with staple binding. 12 pages.Front Page: THE R RUYTON / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / Reporter / SUMMER 1994 / A Warm Welcome / When Dame Pattie Menzies visited Ruyton in October, she met 4 year old 'Little Ruytonian' / Sara Lavoipierre and her friends David Smith, Isabella Serafini and Drew Powel. Delighted onlookers / were School Co-Captains, Cass Kenna and Kathy Scott together with Mrs. Heather Henderson / (Menzies, '46) / In September, Dame Pattie wrote to the Principal, Mrs. Gillies, indicating that Ruyton would be the / beneficiary of a substantial gift. In her letter, Dame Pattie expressed a wish to visit the School and see all / the changes we have made since she was the guest of the Parents of Past Pupils in 1988. /ruyton girls' school, ruyton, school, students, newsletter, ruyton reports, ruyton news, kew, victoria, melbourne, girls school

This Hymn Book was given to Margaret (Peggie) Peacock by the Christ Church Choir, Warrnambool when she left Warrnambool in 1912. She was the sister of Archdeacon Andrew Peacock, the fourth Vicar of Christ Church, Warrnambool. Their brother was Sir Alexander Peacock, at one time Premier of Victoria. Margaret Peacock kept house for her brother and assisted him in his pastoral work. Her brother died in Warrnambool in 1912 and Margaret left the town. She died in 1947.This book is of considerable importance as it belonged to a Warrnambool resident in the early 1900s. She worked as a housekeeper for her brother, Archdeacon Peacock and assisted him in his pastoral duties in the Anglican Church. The sketch in the book shows that Margaret Peacock was interested in art work and the caption, ‘Where Memory Lingers’ shows that she had fond memories of her time in Warrnambool. The book was in the possession of her sister, Mrs Uglow, the wife of a Colac physician and this lady was a friend of Gladys Angus, the wife of a well-known Warrnambool doctor, Roy Angus. Mrs Uglow gave the book to Mrs Angus’ daughter, Berry McDade and she has handed it over to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society for safe-keeping. This is a maroon-coloured leather-bound book of 514 pages of hymns (music and words) and 31 pages of additional material at the end of the book. The inside of the cover has an ornamental gilt pattern on the edges and the page ends have red gilt shading. There are four loose pages, three of them relating to the ownership and donation of the book and one is a prayer for members of the Girls’ Friendly Society. The front cover has been personalised with gold lettering with the initials of the owner and there is an inscription inside relating to the original presentation of the book to the owner, Margaret Peacock. This is in silver and black script. There is also a sketch of Christ Church, Warrnambool by Margaret (Peggie) Peacock inserted into the third page. There is some small damage to the first page.Front Cover: ‘Hymns Ancient and Modern, M.P., HIS’ Inscription: ‘To Miss Peacock, A parting gift from the Choir, Christ Church Warrnambool, October 1912’ Sketch: ‘Where Memory Lingers’ christ church warrnambool, archdeacon peacock, margaret peacock, warrnambool