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 a 10th birthday celebration at a widows club, it is unknown which one. There appears to have been singing and merriment as well as cutting an anniversary cake. The lady cutting the cake is Billie Sims, who was president of the Melbourne Widows Club in the early 1990s. Photos were in a folder of photos from 1993.A record of the importance of the widows clubs as a social outlet for the widows that their 10th anniversary was celebrated. There were many clubs throughout Melbourne.Colour photo x 7 of a 10th birthday celebration for a widows club.widows, widows clubs, cake

A toast delivered at a St George's Day dinner at No.9, Darling Street, South Yarra, by Lt. Col. W.D. Joynt, V.C. (see also Cat.No. 01303 and 01305) in the presence of Governor and Lady Delacombe. Joynt reveals himselt as an avowed monarchist and Anglophile, and delivers a stirring address.Illustrates the social reach of Melbourne Legacy and Legatees during the 60s.White pages x 7 with black type.speech, legatee function, donovan joynt

The dinner took place at the Town Hall, Melbourne, and was attended by the Governor, Sir Rohan Delacombe, the Hon. Don Chipp, M.P., the Premier of Victoria, Sir Henry Bolt, and the Lord Archbishop of Melbourne, The Most Reverend F. Woods. The insert has information for guests and is indicative of traffic movement on Swanston Street at the time. The document was found with other papers of President D.J. Simonson who would have been one of the guests since it took place during his presidency. The signatures on the back have not been identified.Part of the social history of the early 1970s and an indication of the activities of Melbourne Legacy presidents.Cream coloured menu card, black and gold printing and insert paper black on white.Signed in blue pen by some of the people attending the dinner.legatee event, function

A photo from an Easter Bonnet Parade at the Coburg Widows' club. From the caption in the Answer newsletter on 31st May 1991, 'David Cull admires the decorative bonnets of Margaret Todd, May Hamilton and Joyce Coomber.' David Cull was the Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Legacy at the time and was visiting the Coburg Widows' Club for the event.A record of the importance of the widows clubs as a social outlet for the widows and that Legacy executives and Legatees attended their functions. There are many clubs throughout Melbourne that meet regularly.Colour photo of a function at the Coburg widows club.widows, event

Photos of a bowls tournament. Melbourne Legacy held regular bowls tournaments for Legatees. Some events were as a fundraiser for Legacy and well as a social event for legateesA record of a social lawn bowls event that also raised money for Legacy.Colour photo x 3 of bowling event.legatee event, bowls

A photo of widows at trading tables in the Clubrooms at Legacy House. It is one of the annual fetes usually held in November. Items for sale included home made food items like relish and jams, and craft items. Legacy House held craft lessons throughout the year and often the items made were sold at the fetes or at a stall outside Legacy House during Legacy Week for fundraising. The lady in red is Billie Sims who has been President of the Widows Club. It is likely to be 1988 due to the photographers reference number meaning 17 November 1988 (ref no. 881117). These regular meetings, fetes and workshops provided important opportunities for widows to meet, socialise and be active.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided for fundraising and as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo x 2 of widows at Legacy House selling items at trading tables.Stamped on the back with Copyright of the Keesing Photographic Pty Ltd. And hand written reference numbers 881117-5 and 881117-15 in blue pen.widows, activities, fete, widows function

A gathering of widow who attended widows exercise classes at Legacy House at a restaurant called Ruby Rose. Melbourne Legacy ran an excellent exercise program for its widows for many years and the swim classes at the City Baths were very popular. The instructor for many years was Betty Luders. Sir Weary Dunlop also attended the dinner.A record of the types of activities Legacy provided as a physical and social outlet for widows.Colour photo x 8 of widows and Sir Weary Dunlop at a lunch at Ruby Red restaurant and a white paper label.White paper label says 'Members of Legacy's Exercise classes celebrated their 14th anniversary at a newly established restaurant 'Ruby Red'. The warm friendly atmosphere and delicious food makes it a nice place to meet. Class Instructor Betty Luders ensured everyone had a good time.exercise classes, widows, activities, dunlop, betty luders

A special luncheon was held for World War I widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached French waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. Seated with the widows is President Geoff Swan who was president in 1992. Also Sir Weary Dunlop attended. Another photo shows a film crew from SBS recording the event. Legatee Lucky Luscombe is seen serving bowls of food. Also President Swan presenting flowers to Audrey the lady who ran the kitchen. 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.Colour photo x 11 of a World War 1 widows lunch.widows, function

A special luncheon was held for 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. In 1994 the author Patsy Adam-Smith was a personality of the year helping to promote Legacy. She attended the lunch and in one photo is with Legatee Eddie Jowett and widow Mollie Thiele (red jacket). Legatee Eddie Jowett led the Legatees in singing to the widows. There was also a pianist and a female singer attending. Two legatees reading a song sheet are George Standish and Maurie Lockwood. Legatee Lucky Luscombe can be seen in a false moustache posing for the camera. Also a photo of the hard work being done in the kitchen. Audrey the kitchen lady is obscured at far right. It appears to be Joan Miller with her back to the camera, and Sue Sargent (a widow who helped a lot in the kitchens) is on the right hand side. Other ladies names in the photos are not known. The following year more Legatees followed Lucky's lead and wore false moustaches to provide entertainment. 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.Colour photo x 12 of a World War 1 widows lunch.widows, function

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Also Legatee Eddie Jowett led some singing. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. Seated with the widows is President David Millie who was president in 1995. Another shows Legatee George Woodward laughing with widow Mollie Thiele (in purple). Also President Millie in the kitchen thanking Audrey, the lady who ran the kitchen, and her helpers. Audrey is on the far right, next to her is Joan Miller. 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.Colour photo x 4 of a World War 1 widows lunch.widows, function, george woodward

A photo of widows at trading tables in the Clubrooms at Legacy House. It is one of the annual fetes usually held in November. Items for sale included home made food items like relish and jams, and craft items. Legacy House held craft lessons throughout the year and often the items made were sold at the fetes or at a stall outside Legacy House during Legacy Week for fundraising. The lady second from left is Vera Lang who was on the Widows committee for many years. It is likely to be 1988 due to the photographers reference number meaning 17 November 1988 (ref no. 881117). These regular meetings, fetes and workshops provided important opportunities for widows to meet, socialise and be active.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for widows and for fundraising. Colour photo x 3 of widows at a trading table at the 1988 fete.Label on the back from Keesing Photographic.widows, fete, activities

List depicts a wide variety of prospective guest speakers that spoke at Tuesday luncheons between 1977 and 1981. Their subjects were noted down and the remarks column included comments such as "Excellent / Good / Fair ". Subjects included: Gallipoli; The Shrine of Remembrance; The Swiss Alps -with slides; Tattooing the history and social significance of; supporting the army in the 80s; people of India. Legatees met regularly and had guest speakers to entertain and inform on different subjects at their Tuesday Luncheons. This document was from a file of information about guest speakers (see also 00812-00822 and 00829-00837). The Programme Committee was responsible for organising the speakers. A record that the speakers at Legacy functions were from very different walks of life and the subjects spoken on varied. Much time and effort would go into contacing and organising guest speakers and the topics that they would speak on.White note paper x 9 pages, handwritten tables of dates and speakers and remarks in blue and red pen.Handwritten list of speakers for Tuesday luncheons.speakers, legatee event, programme committee

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. 1993 was Legacy's 70th Anniversary and the luncheon followed the WWI meeting on Thursday 12th August. Legatee waiters included Lucky Luscombe George Woodward and Alan Woodward (seen in the Answer newsletter article with his mother Myrtle). Ron Austin, a World War 1 veteran spoke to entertain the ladies.The photos include George Woodward adding a moustache on another legatee. See also 00908 for black and white 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.Colour photo x 7 of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1993.widows, ron austin, function

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

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached French 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 John Stevenson (President in 1993). This photo was used to promote the 1993 WWI widows luncheon. 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 of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1992.widows, function

A special luncheon was held for 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. The year is unknown but assumed to be 1994. There may be more photos to come and can be added here. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled. The article in the Answer in October 1996 shows the event was still going then, but there were no photos at this stage so added the article here instead. Its a great photo of widow Beatrice Gay.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Black and white photo of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1994 and an article from 1996widows, function, answer

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as French 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 George Woodward and Eddie Jowett. There was singing as entertainment, Eddie Jowett helped with the singing. It is assumed to be 1998 as Tom Butcher appears to be the President talking to the ladies (in 00933.5). The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11am 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.Colour photo x 10 of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1998.Printed on the back "widows, function

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. Kitchen helpers were photographed (from the same roll of film as 00933), including Joan Miller. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11am 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.Colour photo of kitchen helpers preparing a World War 1 widows' luncheon.widows, function

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached French 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 Legatees Lucky Luscombe, George Woodward, Stuart Leslie and John Stevenson (President in 1993). These colour photos were taken at the same time as the black and white photo (00909) used to promote the 1993 WWI widows luncheon. 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.Colour photo x 2 of Legatees as waiters at a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1992.widows, function

A special luncheon was held for World War I widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. They would sing for the ladies, Legatee Eddie Jowett is helping lead the singing. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. Legatee waiters included Lucky Luscombe and George Woodward. President David Millie is seen speaking to the ladies. 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.Colour photo x 9 of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1995.Printed on the back 9490182 N N N N 2widows, function

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

Seven Legacy widows enjoying themselves at a widow club function, possibly singing. Their names are unknown. It was the 'Great Tea Party' in June 1992 when the widows rooms were opened after 9 months of renovations. Keesing Photographers took a series of photos on the same day of various ladies. Pg 3 could mean the photo was used in an issue of The Answer. The date is assumed as 1992 due to the reference number from the photographic studio 920609 could mean 9 June 1992.Legacy provided the opportunity for many gatherings of widows to enjoy social interaction and companionship.Black and white photo of 7 Legacy widows around a table and a proof sheet.Label on the back from Keesing Photographic with Reference No: 920609B-2 Pg 3 B in blue pen.widows, widows club, activities

Eight Legacy widows enjoying themselves at a widow function. It was the 'Great Tea Party' in June 1992 when the widows rooms were opened after 9 months of renovations. Keesing Photographers took a series of photos on the same day of various ladies (Ref no 929609). Some of the same ladies are in 00655 and 00656. Their names are unknown. Pg 3 could mean the photo was used in an issue of The Answer. The date is assumed as 1992 due to the reference number from the photographic studio 920609 could mean 9 June 1992.Legacy provided the opportunity for many gatherings of widows to enjoy social interaction and companionship.Black and white photo of 8 Legacy widows around a table and a proof sheet.Label on the back from Keesing Photographic with Reference No: 920609B-9 Pg 3 C in blue pen.widows, widows club, activities

A widows' function at Legacy House. It was the 'Great Tea Party' in June 1992 when the widows rooms were opened after 9 months of renovations. Keesing Photographers took a series of photos on the same day of various ladies. Some of the same ladies are in 00654 and 00656). The two ladies behind the trading table are Vera Lang and Billie Sims. Keesing Photographers took a series of photos on the same day of various ladies. Pg 11 could mean the photo was used in an issue of The Answer. The date is assumed as 1992 due to the reference number from the photographic studio 920609 means 9 June 1992.Legacy provided the opportunity for many gatherings of widows to enjoy social interaction and companionship.Black and white photo of a Legacy widows' function with craft items exhibited on tables and a proof sheet.Label on the back from Keesing Photographic with Reference No: 920609A-10 Pg 11 A in blue pen.widows, widows club, activities

A widows' function, possibly a craft exhibition (some of the same ladies are in 00654 and 00655) or a time when craft items are sold on trading tables. Second from left is Billie Sims, president of the Widows Club in the early 1990s, the lady on the left is Vera Lang (see 00664), other names are unknown. The date is assumed as 1992 due to the reference number from the photographic studio 920609 could mean 9 June 1992.Legacy provided the opportunity for many gatherings of widows to enjoy social interaction and companionship.Black and white photo of 4 Legacy widows at Legacy House with craft items exhibited on tables and a proof sheet.Label on the back from Keesing Photographic with Reference No: 920609A-19.widows, widows club, activities

A widows' function, that involved a raffle, (some of the same ladies are in 00654 and 00655). The lady drawing the raffle is Inez Bruce / President, and the lady holding the prize may be Joan Miller. The photo was featured in the July 1992 Widows Newsletter and explains the day was the 'Great Tea Party' in June 1992 when the widows rooms were opened after 9 months of renovations. Cakes were donated by Fergusson Plarre. In the 1990s Legacy was supported by generous donations from Fergusson Plarre Bakehouse with cakes often donated for events and the annual fete. The reference number from the photographic studio 920609 means 9 June 1992.Legacy provided the opportunity for many gatherings of widows to enjoy social interaction and companionship.Black and white photo of a Legacy widow drawing at raffle at Legacy House and a proof sheet.Label on the back from Keesing Photographic with Reference No: 920609A-30. Pg 10 B in blue pen.widows, widows club, activities

A widows' function at Legacy House. The ladies are seated at tables with tea cups and seem to be looking at menus or programmes. Legatee Eddie Jowett appears to be leading singing. There were monthly concerts at Legacy House that widows could attend. Dates were published in the monthly widows newsletter.Legacy provided the opportunity for many gatherings of widows to enjoy social interaction and companionship.Black and white photo of a Legacy widows' function at Legacy House.P.19 and P.20 (b) in blue pen. 51% in blue pen on a white dot label.widows, widows club, activities, concert

A widows' function, possibly at a luncheon after a Widows' Sunday service at the a church and the Shrine. The ladies are seated at tables with plates of food. The date and venue is not known.Legacy provided the opportunity for many gatherings of widows to enjoy social interaction and companionship.Black and white photo of a Legacy widows' lunch function.Handwritten "Bottom right, P13, F 80%" on yellow post-it note.widows, widows' sunday

A widows' function at Legacy House. The ladies are seated at tables with plates of food. Date and names are unknown. A lady third, from right, is wearing badge which says Doreen but her last name is illegible.Legacy provided the opportunity for many gatherings of widows to enjoy social interaction and companionship.Colour photo of a Legacy widows' lunch function.Handwritten in black ink on reverse "50%"widows, widows club