Six school girls from Siena College came to Legacy house to meet the weekly gathering of the stamp ladies. They had chosen Legacy as a cause they wanted to help and decided to collect stamps, they donated over 5,000 stamps. The widows clubs have sorted used stamps and sold to a stamp dealer for many years to the present day. It raises funds and provides a purpose for gathering together. Photos included Beryl Billing, with two school girls from Siena College and a lot of loose letters. Also a cake and sandwiches enjoyed by the gathering. Beryl Billing was the co-ordinator of the stamp sorting for many years. This photo was featured on the back cover of The Answer newsletter in September 1992.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as fundraising and a social outlet for widows. Also that Siena College was appreciated for collecting stamps.Colour photo x 4 of school girls from Siena College at Legacy House.widows, fundraising, stamps, beryl billing

This photo of President David Ford and a widow with an envelope was taken on the same film as celebrations for the 80th Anniversary of Legacy in the grounds of Government House in 2003. It could be the widow passing over funds raised by the widows clubs to President Ford.There was a strong relationship between Legatees and the widows clubs. Widows clubs would raise funds through several ventures including their stalls and stamp sales throughout the year.Colour photo of President David Ford and a widow.Printed on the back

'Widows' by Ariel Dorfman with Tony Kushner was a production by third year Bachelor of Arts acting students from the Art Academy University o0f Ballarat. Director Rob Meldrum; Designer John Bennett. It was performed at the Helen Macpherson Smith Theatre, Camp Street Ballarat from the 10th -17th September, 2005. Tickets purchased from Majestix: Adult $20; Concession $14.50; Student $12.Original Poster widows, arts academy university of ballarat, ariel dorfman, tony kushner, helen macpherson smith theatre, rob meldrum, john bennett, majestix

Legatee George Logan giving advice to a Legacy widow. Date unknown. Legatees are always ready to provide advice and support for legacy widows.A record of a type of work done by Legatees.Colour photo of a legatee giving a widow advice.Printed on back "

A photo of Legatee Eddie Jowett dancing with a widow. Eddie would help entertain the widows at many events and is seen singing or dancing on several occasions including the World War 1 Widows lunches. This occasion is not known but was with a group of photos that had notations that they were published in various editions of the Answer.Legatees held many events for the widows.Colour photo of Legatee Eddie Jowett and a widow.Printed on the back 1850131 N N N 32 on Kodak paper.widows, activities

This photo shows a regular meeting day of the ladies of the Melbourne Legacy Widows Club. The year and the participants are unknown. Phy Smyth was a President or committee member of the Widows club.Brings to life the activities provided for the widows and the work of Melbourne Legacy. Legacy House provides the opportunity for many gatherings of widows to enjoy social interaction and companionship.Black and white photo of widows meeting at Legacy House.Back of the photo: Written by hand, Phy Symth Melb Legacy Club / Box 4widows, widows club

Photo a Legacy widow reading The Answer newsletter. It held a lot of information about events that the widows could be involved in. Legacy House was open Monday to Friday with many events scheduled for Widows to participate in such as craft sessions, painting lessons, and a cup of tea was always available. Possibly more photos to be found and can be added here. Date is assumed from the date on the cover of the newsletter - 2001.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for widows. Colour photo of a widow reading The Answer at Legacy HousePrinted on the back "

A church service for Legacy widows at the St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The photo shows some ladies in the congregation. Name and date unknown. The event is known as Widows' Sunday, Legacy Sunday and pilgrimage to the Shrine.A record of a church service for Legacy widows on Widows' Sunday at the start of Legacy Week.Black and white photo of widows at a church service.Hand written in blue ink "P13 Top A" and "A7".widows, widows' sunday, pilgrimage

A group of Legacy Widows playing cards at Legacy House. Names and date unknown. Legacy House hosted many activities for the widows to attend, card games were regular events.Legacy provided the opportunity for many gatherings of widows to enjoy social interaction and companionship.Colour photo of Legacy widows playing cards at Legacy House.Printed on back: 120 0122 N N N 22 (on Kodak Paper)widows, activities

Six ladies at Legacy house. They are believed to be the kitchen lady, Audrey, and her volunteer helpers. Audrey is known to be seated on far left, Sue Sargent is a known volunteer helper and she is standing in the centre. One lady has a name badge of Jean. Other names are unknown. It is assumed that the date was 1991 due to the reference number from the photographic studio 911030C-15 could mean 30 October 1991, along with 00645, 00646, 00647, 00648, 00649, 00651, 00661 to 00666.Photos of the Widows clubs were taken by a professional photographer and the importance of Audrey the kitchen coordinator and her helpers is vital to running the widows rooms.Black and white photo of 6 ladies at Legacy House and a proof sheet.Label on the back from Keesing Photographic with Reference No: 911030C-26 and 9 in pencil.widows, widows club

Spring edition of The Tapis, the magazine newsletter of the War Widows Guild (Vic). The Victorian Guild closed in 2021. Some items were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by the War Widows Guild (Vic).Colour printed x 20 pages of The Tapis newsletter issue No 288, Spring 2020.war widows guild, wwg

Photograph of a Legacy widow receiving a plaque in recognition of service from the President John Sullivan who was President in 1992. Other names unknown.A record of a widow receiving recognition of her hard work.Black and white photo the President with Legacy Widows. Stamped on back Copyright of Leader Newspaper Group in red ink. Pic 22 in black ink.widows, past presidents

A file copy of a letter from Legatee Harding of the Widows Committee to Legatee Foskett, President of Melbourne Legacy at the time. It discusses work that the War Widows' Guild was doing in providing accommodation for frail, aged war widows and a close relationship with Legacy. It mentions the Guild's president at the time was Mrs Lois Hurse. The file copy must have been sent to the Guild as they returned it to Legacy when the Guild closed. The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this letter, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation - it shows a close bond between the two organisations. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of a close link between Legacy and the War Widows Guild.Yellow carbon copy of a letter from Legatee Harding to Legatee Foskett in 1972.war widows guild, wwg

Legacy Widows leaving St Michael's Uniting Church, Melbourne, after a service. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is usually the first week in September. The day is sometimes referred to as Widows' Sunday or Pilgrimage to the Shrine. It was held on Sunday 26th August 2000. The photos are from the same film as the wreath laying service at the Shrine with Legacy President David Kelly. Names unknown. The same ladies are seen at the Widows Luncheon photos in 00528.A record of a ceremony at a church in 2000.Colour photo x 5 of widows at a church service in 2000.Printing on the back "

A slide showing a legatee giving advice to a widow in the 1970s.A record of the role of legatees.Colour slide of a legatee in the kitchen with a widow and children, in a grey cardboard mount.Stamped 12 in red ink, also indistinct date that could be Sep72Mlegatees, widows

An apron made to celebrate 75 years of the War Widows Guild in 2020. The Kookaburra is the symbol of the Guild due to its laugh. From the War Widows' Guild of Australia website: 'the Guild badge would feature the kookaburra, an industrious and cheerful bird who mated for life, was fearless and aggressive in the defence of its young and the area of territory it regarded as its own. The bird also had a unique call, not a song but a laugh; a chortle of rollicking mirth (to bring the widows back to laughter). Also, the kookaburra is a typically and completely Australian symbol, one that could be worn proudly by every widow whatever her creed or ideals. The kookaburra was also the mascot of the 7th Division of the 2nd AIF, commanded by Mrs Vasey’s husband, Major-General Vasey. Mrs J M Vasey was the founder and president of the War Widows Guild. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After her husband Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild, established on 22 November 1945. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this apron, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A celebration of the 75 years of work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Dark navy cotton apron with a white stencilled Guild kookaburra logo and text saying 'Celebrating 75 years'.war widows guild, jessie vasey, wwg

A book published in 1986 about the War Widows' Guild and its founder Jessie Vasey, the widow of Major-General George Alan Vasey. Book synopsis: 'Jessie Vasey was truly one of Australia’s great women. She brought into being what was to become the most powerful women’s bloc in Australia’s history. Her successful intent was to establish justice and care for Australia’s World War II widows. At the end of the conflict in 1945, this group of bereaved wives were in the same neglected state as had been the widows of World War I in 1918. Jessie herself was widowed only six months before World War II ended. Her husband died in an aircraft accident off the coast of Cairns. She was 48. But the seeds of compassion and caring for the war widows had been sown before her own loss.' The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this book, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Hardcover book with blue dustcover showing a black and white photo of Mrs Vasey.war widows guild, jessie vasey, wwg

Wreath laying ceremony for Legacy widows at the Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The photos show two widows laying wreaths. Same film number as other photos of 2004 (00689 to 00692). It is referred to as Widows' Sunday, Legacy Sunday, and pilgrimage to the Shrine.A record of a ceremony at the Shrine in 2004.Colour photo x 2 of widows laying wreaths at the Cenotaph.Printed on back

One star on the clasp means " One son K.I.A in WWII" This Mothers and Windows Badge was issued to Mrs M Baldwin, the mother of Pte Walter Robert Baldwin who died as a prisoner of war in Burma on the 27th of May 1943. He rests at the Thanbyuzayat Prisoner of War Cemetery, which is in what is now called Myanmar. This is a Death Railway related POW cemetery. Walter Baldwin was born in Mildura on the 12th of May 1921, and prior to enlisting lived at Iron Bark in Bendigo with his parents. He enlisted as No VX55835 in the 2nd AIF on 14.5.1941 in the 2/29th Batt aged 20 years. Embarked for Singapore on 30.7.1941 and disembarked 15.8.1941. He contracted Malaria in a December 1941. Taken POW early 1942 he is listed as died suffering from Cholera on 27.5.1943. “The 2/29th Infantry Battalion was formed at Bonegilla in Victoria in October 1940. It was part of the 8th Division's 27th Brigade, which was the last AIF infantry brigade raised for service during the Second World War.” Badge, metal, "for Australia." Circular section depicting a woman, wreath and an arm. suspended by two rings is a clasp with one star =. Rear has 2 lugs and a pin." issued by C'wlth govt A12229”numismatics - badges - military - army, mothers, widows

A file copy of a letter from Mrs Vasey of the War Widows Guild to Legatee Radford who was Vice President of Melbourne Legacy at the time. She says 'It was most heartening to read how staunchly you supported our idea that a man who dies in the service of his country should not leave his children to poverty and sub-standard living. Thank you very much indeed for speaking for us publicly in the unequivocal way you did." The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this letter, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation - it shows a close bond between the two organisations. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of a close link between Legacy and the War Widows Guild.Yellow carbon copy of a letter from Mrs Vasey to Vice President Radford in 1956.war widows guild, wwg, radford

A picture of a widow at Legacy House. It appears to be a posed photo to show the Legacy emblem on the wall in the background. Perhaps to be used as a promotional photo. It was with other photos in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1983 to 1991. Name and date is unknown.A photo of a widow looking a thoughtful at Legacy House.Black and white photo of a widow at Legacy House.widows, widows clubs

Wreath laying ceremony for Legacy widows at the Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The photos show, widows gathered around the Eternal Flame, President David Millie marching to the Eternal Flame and then speaking. Also President Millie and two widows laying wreaths. A record of a ceremony at the Shrine for Widows' Sunday in 1995 at the start of Legacy Week.Colour photo x 7 of a ceremony and widows laying wreaths at the Cenotaph.Printed on back

The Melbourne Legacy created a widows' visiting group in 1981. Called the "Home and Hospital Visiting Programme". The visiting group was formed of widows who would visit women in hospital or their homes or nursing homes. This photo shows Julie Stewart and Ivy Greening and Edna Boag. The article mentions it was 'difficult to known who was visiting whom as Visits' Co-ordinator Edna Boag and Ivy Greening shared giggles and jokes.' It also mentioned 'many find it easier to discuss personal concerns with another woman and Legatees recognise this.' These photos are of widows visiting another widows and were featured in newsletters to inform widows of the existence of the group and that there were always friendly faces that could provide a comfort to widows in isolation. It was a part of a professional photo shoot and featured in the Widows' Newsletter in November 1991.The visiting group was an important function widows performed with their desire to help each other.Colour photo x 2 of widows visiting each other for a cuppa, a proof sheet of photos and an article in the newsletter.Proof sheet is marked '911018B' which means 18 October 1991.widows, visiting group

Photos of a garden party at the home of Val Dyke on 26 January 1992. It was a social event for widows which shows the comradeship between the widows. Names are not known. Photos were in a photo album from the early 1990s.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for widowsColour photo x 6 of a social event for Legacy widows in 1992 and a yellow paper label.widows, events

Four Legacy widows from the Caulfield Legacy Widows Club. Keesing Photographers took a series of photos on the same day of various ladies and some were committee members at different clubs. Presumably there had a been a meeting at Legacy House of members from the many clubs (including Hampton, Highett, Caufield). Pg 3 could mean the photo was used in an issue of The Answer. It is assumed that the date was 1991 due to the reference number from the photographic studio 911030A-28 could mean 30 October 1991, along with 00645, 00646, 00647, 00648, 00649, 00650. Photos of the committee members of Widows clubs were taken by a professional photographer.Black and white photo of a Legacy widow and a proof sheet.Label on the back from Keesing Photographic with Reference No: 911030A-28. Pg 3 D in pencil.widows, widows club

Photo of Joan Miller, a Legacy widow and volunteer that was actively involved in Legacy over many years. Between 1985 to 1998 she was the Widows' Club Co-ordinator, organising many events and functions for the widows. This photo was published in the regular column she wrote in editions of The Answer. The article was published in 2018 and is a good summary of her important work. Photo reference 910319 on the proof sheet (00851) is assumed to mean the date was 19 March 1991.A record that professional photographers took photos for use in publications.Black and white photo of Joan Miller.Label of Keesing Photographic on the back. Handwritten "Page 2" in blue ink.staff, joan miller

Wreath laying ceremony for Legacy widows at the Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance. This is an annual event for Legacy widows at the start of Legacy Week, which is the first week in September. The photos show the widows assembled on the steps of the Shrine for a photo. Same film number as other photos of 2004.A record of a ceremony at the Shrine in 2004.Colour photo x 2 of widows assembled on the steps of the Shrine for a photo.00685.1

Legacy widows had many events and activities organised for them to enjoy. This is a day trip to Castlemaine in 19 February 1992. Some of the widows' names were Jean, May, Gwen, Hazel, Julie, Maud at Castlemaine 19/2/1992 Newsletters of the time show the number and variety of activities that Legacy provided for the widows. Example attached is from January 1993.A record of activities for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo x 2 of widows trip to Castlemaine in 1992.Handwritten on 01935.1 'Jean, - May, Gwen, Hazel, Julie, Maud at Castlemaine 19/2/1992' in blue pen. Handwritten on 01935.2 'Castlemaine' in blue pen.widows, daytrip, activities, widows outing

Colour photos of Joan Miller, a Legacy widow and volunteer that was actively involved in Legacy over many years. Between 1985 to 1998 she was the Widows' Club Co-ordinator, organising many events and functions for the widows. This photo was published in the regular column she wrote in editions of The Answer. The article was published in 2018 and is a good summary of her important work. Photo reference 910319 on the proof sheet (00851) is assumed to mean the date was 19 March 1991.A record that professional photographers took photos for use in publications.Colour photo x 2 of Joan Miller.Label of Keesing Photographic on the back. staff, joan miller