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Expression Australia
Newsletter, The Gesture - The Voice of the Deaf and Dumb of Australasia October November December 1903
"The Gesture" was an independent organ of the Deaf and Dumb having no direct connection with any single organisation. Its aim was to help all agencies established to promote the advancement of the Deaf and Dumb. The aim was to be the "Voice" of the Deaf and Dumb of Australasia". To educate the public as to the real condition and needs of the afflicted brothers and sisters, to bring prominently before the hearing and speaking community the peculiar difficulties and obstacles that Deaf Mutes have to encounter in the battle of life. The magazine was named "The Gesture" with the single object of impressing upon the minds of the hearing friends the uncontrovertable fact that whatever the system of instruction the Deaf Mute invariably resorts to the manual alphabet and the language of gesture as the only expedient means of communication with those similarly afflicted.The "Gesture" is significant as the first national newsletter of the Australasian Deaf.No. 3; Pink Cover; Size 28Hx22W; 16 pageshelen keller, ernest abraham, m. miller, j. charles, r. k. beattie, j. anderson, g. stubbs, j. mclean, j. e. muir, w. p. muir, w. a. patterson, r. h. luff, j. dempsey, e. r. w. smith, e. burke, f. e. frewin, l. downes, g. mortimer, a. c. muir, mrs frank frewin, mr and mrs i. a. tenney, melbourne deaf mute cricket club, deaf young men's mutual improvement society, m.miller, young women's society, mrs j. e. muir, miss a. foster, mrs luke, mrs a. wilson, mrs j. martin, captain olden, rev h. kelly, mr hood, mr williamson, john e. muir, w. p. monahan, thomas h. monahan, mrs leslie downes, new south wales institution for the deaf and dumb and blind, g. a. f. lentz, thomas pattison, australian deaf and dumb congress, matthew l. miller, blind deaf and dumb institution in queensland, tasmanian school for the blind, deaf and dumb, western australian school for the deaf and dumb, south australian institution for the blind, deaf and dumb, j. a. gibson, c. hawkins, mr showell -
Expression Australia
Newsletter, The Victorian Deaf - July-August 1930
Under the auspices of the Deaf Committee of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria - Edited by R. H. Lambert assisted by H. PuddyThe Victorian Deaf Newsletter is significant publication as an historical record giving and insight into the people, activities and events of the Deaf Community in Victoria.Vol. 1 No. 4 July-August 1930; Size 21.5cmHx14cmWlord somers, dr f. w. head, a graham, mrs w. taylor, alex hull, w. h. crush, victorian school for deaf children, thomas williamson, mr e. f. carmichael, c. a. buck, h. puddy, ben hall, william newton, lacrosse, tennis, young ladies guild, young mens guild, deaf church -
Expression Australia
Newsletter, The Victorian Deaf - September-October 1930
Under the auspices of the Deaf Committee of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria - Edited by R. H. Lambert, assited by H. PuddyThe significance of these newsletters is in the detail of information they contain about the people and activities of the Deaf community in Victoria and interstate.Vol. 1 No. 5, September-October 1930; Size 21.5cmHx14cmWw. ashby, h. puddy, j. o'gorman, kendall, john adcock, w. j. mcaskill, p. smith, w. anderson, s. moss, j. moran, m. groves, h. wilson, mr donaldson, v. west, mrs j. m. johnston, c. hennessey, w. hateley, a. hateley, herbert mark, florrie tyzzer,r. white, s. ferguson, mrs g. damman, mrs j. e. muir, florrie blair, h. mackenzie, r. stewart, c. a. buck, lon chaney, j. d. brook, j. w. booth, mr and mrs bladier, mr and mrs w. anderson, victorian adult deaf cricket club, deaf workers club, young mens club, young ladies club, tennis, hockeynsw deaf and dumb citizens association -
Expression Australia
Newsletter, The Victorian Deaf - May-June 1931
A bi-monthly magazine published by the Deaf Committee of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria. E. Johnson, Editor; H. Puddy, Manager'The Victorian Deaf' Newsletter is a significant publication as an historical record giving and insight into the people, activities and events of the Deaf Community in VictoriaVol. 2 No. 3, May and June 1931; Size 21.5cmHx14cmWclara e. frewin, clara e. briner, frank e. frewin, thomas briner, st mary's church kangaroo flat, rev j. e. frewin, deaf school cheefoo china, williamson, rev ernest frewin, st mathiaschurch of england richmond, theo frewin, e. r. peacock, h puddy, ernest j. d. abraham, alice graham, j. johnston, empson, blackburn home and farm committee, edwin johnson, deaf citizen, mens guild, womens guild, cricket, a. tyzzer, gillett, waters walters, rawson, mrs m. cross, freeman, mrs w. rees, jack mclaurin, mrs j. oortz, mrs taylor, h. smith, g. a. paquadin, w. henry,l. smith, lottie cotton, a. piper, ching, a. aird, marvel, c. joseph, knox, thomas, best, walsh, alf tyzzer, j. hunt, h gladman, -
Expression Australia
Newsletter, The Victorian Deaf - April 1931
A bi-monthly magazine published by the Deaf Committee of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria. E. Johnson, Editor, H. Puddy, Manager'The Victorian Deaf' Newsletter is a significant publication as an historical record giving and insight into the people, activities and events of the Deaf Community in Victoria.Vol. 2 No. 2, April 1931; Size 21.5cmHx14cmWalice graham, fred kendall, maurice marks, warrie ashby, hennessey, len ashley, rev f. w. g. gilbey, karl pearson, edgar schuster, dr. kerr love, mcaleod yearsley, dr haslam, charles heath, helen keller, ida m tarbell, anne sullivan, womens guild, mens guild, lacrosse, solomon moss, lucy moss, allsop, sutherland, james gibson, mrs lawson, mrs muir, ashby, maloney, e. rose, g. mortimer, c. hunt, j. mason, r. white, e. rainesw. h. crush, a. aird, v. wilson, h. s. nathan, halliday, nolan, j. lindsay, -
Expression Australia
Newsletter, The Victorian Deaf - July-August-September 1928
... , j. boortz, percy swain, e. smith, ethel dempsey, mrs frewin ...A Bi-Monthly News Letter - Under the auspices of the Deaf Committee of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria'The Victorian Deaf' Newsletter is a significant publication as an historical record giving and insight into the people, activities and events of the Deaf Community in Victoria.Vol. 24 No. 7,8,9 July Aug Sep 1928, Size 37cmHx21cmW; 14 pagesh. sumner martin, e. r. peacock, edward newbigin, w. a. dickens, frank tudor, rev. j. i. halley, g. g. mercy, i. m. griffiths, h. w. h. adeney, h. bickford, j. dudley, g. vial, s. massana, ernest j. d. abraham, empson, e. burke, a. mclellan, brown, solomon moss, ruth peters, m. g. b. mortimer, j. m. johnston, r. miller, j. butterworth, p. cunningham, e. doney g. caldwell, warrie ashby, vernon griffiths, cecil griffiths, joe allen, bryon taylor, joe allen, j. e. muir, s. ferguson, walter grant, maisie reiffel, a. williamson, w. burge, myrtle groves, harold sutton, j. dickenson, david cornish, waggett, fulton, vera west, mabel ball, tennis, lacrosse, j. boortz, percy swain, e. smith, ethel dempsey, mrs frewin, empson, deaf worker's club, men's guild, deaf women's guild, british deaf conference, deaf national club, a. t. story, sam cashmore, a. a. peverill, a. h. spencer, gladys mahoney, c. h. reynolds, d. hickey, h. abbott, -
Expression Australia
Newsletter, The Victorian Deaf News January 1937
... , i. guthrie, alf tyzzer, mrs j. e. muir, t. peters, mrs ...Published by the Deaf Committee of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria'The Victorian Deaf News' Newsletter is a significant publication as an historical record giving and insight into the people, activities and events of the Deaf Community in Victoria.Vol. 1 No. 4 (New Series) January 1937; Size 24.5cmHx18.5cmW; 16 pagese. j. d. abraham shield, kelly, ransom, roly mcgrath, bundy, plunkett, wilbow, levitzke, puddy, dickenson, salton, warburton, south australian carnival, british deaf times, george frankland, joe hepworth, h. m. cuttell, british deaf times, alex mcgregor, h. b. beale, george wilkinson, british deaf monthly, maxwell s. fry, herr albreghs, douglas tilden, thomas williamson, w. k. morrison, g. r. davidson, f. e. frewin, j. mclean, g. newnham, j. m. johnston, r. dow, r. lygon, i. guthrie, alf tyzzer, mrs j. e. muir, t. peters, mrs a. wilson, deaf men's guild, deaf women's guild, w. burgess, w. bladier, j. collins, colin johns, mrs w. a. patterson, vernon griffiths, hood, mrs ed johnson, e. moores. ferguson stokes, damman, hopkins, abbott, richie, thomas james derby, ashby, nancy newton, reiffel, hunt, o'keeffe, caroline, pickett, sinnott, peters, mrs g. h. oakley, c. t. o. graham, -
Expression Australia
Newsletter, The Victorian Deaf News April 1938
Published by the Deaf Committee of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of VictoriaThe Victorian Deaf News' Newsletter is a significant publication as an historical record giving and insight into the people, activities and events of the Deaf Community in Victoria.Vol 2 No. 8 April 1938; Size 24.5cmHx19cmW; 12 pagesfrances leila peters, ernest j. d. abraham, principal's garden party, christmas rally, foundation day picnic, george parker, foundation day picnic, women's guild, cricket, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, jack mclean, annual bay trip, mens guild, j. mclaurin, j. hunt, easter rally, william o'keeffe, t. newton, mrs m. briner, egbert pallott, james walters, mona stevens, phyllis johnstone, cliff ellwood, george boyce, monahan, ernest a. reynolds, sutherland, willie elwin, george mcguinness, f. kendall, gertie kinsella, joy tampion, evelyn lloyd, l. treffene, alice smith, paqualin, j. williams, andrew rankine, percy smith, h. williamson, len treffene, t. beard, w. hately, w. a. ross, norma rawlins, a. salmon, arthur hately, -
Expression Australia
Photograph, 'Mornington' - Jolimont Square, East Melbourne
... was tenanted until early 1935, when Mr. and Mrs. Abraham moved in from... this building was tenanted until early 1935, when Mr. and Mrs. Abraham ...'Mornington' is a two storey residence with basement, built in bi-chromatic brickwork and erected in 1869. Following the purchase by the Society of Jolimont Square this building was tenanted until early 1935, when Mr. and Mrs. Abraham moved in from Blackburn. Following Abraham's death in early 1940 the building was rented out again. In 1947 the then Welfare Superintendent and Missioner (Mr. Ernest A. Reynolds) and Mrs. Reynolds, established a Young Mens Hostel using "Mornington" and the adjoining house "Highgate". This Hostel operated until "Horace Bedggood Hostel" was opened in 1959. Mornington, later known as the 'Red Brick Building' or 'H.E.A.R. Service Building' was used in later years for the Society's H.E.A.R. Service.Jolimont Square is significant as part of an early sub-division in Melbourne. The building is an early example of well resolved bi-chromatic brickwork, and has unusual curved bays for the ground floor windows. 19cmHx24.5cmWmornington, jolimont square, highgate, bedggood, h.e.a.r. service, reynolds, abraham -
City of Warrnambool Rowing Club
Photograph
This photograph was taken on the 1st of February 1936. Mrs. Jenkins was the club President. The (Warrnambool) Ladies Rowing Club was active from about 1912.The Men's club went into recess during WW1 and they stored boats in the Ladies Club sheds. Black and white photograph.rowing, ladies rowing, warrnambool, hopkins river, warrnambool ladies rowing club -
City of Warrnambool Rowing Club
Photograph, The Final for Mrs Rolfe's Trophy
Mrs George Rolfe was the wife of the owner of Lyndoch. He was a Melbourne tea merchant, who owned 216 acres of the Shipley estate further up the Hopkins River. In the late 1870s he bought 2 acres of land and house along the Hopkins near the bridge and developed into Lyndoch. By 1883 he increased to 50 acres. He resoiled the land, put in a water supply reservoir, water tanks and pumps, a reticulation system and a windmill- 50 feet high with four sails 18 feet high and 4 1/2 wide. George Rolfe died in 1919 and the present Lyndoch House was built in 1925. Source: By These We Flourish, A History of Warrnambool by C.E. Sayers and P.L. Yule Edition 1 A4 landscape black and white photograph of a mens rowing four on the Hopkins River, Warrnambool.The Final for Mrs Rolfe's Trophy Presented by Mrs George Rolfe by W.R.C.lyndoch, lyndoch warrnambool, city of warrnambool rowing club, warrnambool rowing club, george rolfe -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph, 1940 circa
Lieutenant colonel Colin John Chisholm of Khancoban Station, Corryong, Victoria commanded 8th LH August 1940 - July 1942. The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.Colour photograph of two men holding flag. Former Farrier Sergeant Merv Harris at left. Flag was made by Mrs. Chisholm, wife of Commanding Officer of 8th Cavalry Regiment, Colonel Chisholm. Flag was donated to 8/13 VMR Museum 10 December 1989. -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, North Park Volunteers instrumental in making North Park at the home of Mr G LaGerche 1948, 1948
Group of North Park Volunteers 1948 instrumental in making North Park. Taken in backyard of Mr G LaGerche's home Cnr Houston and Lamont Streets. This snapshot was donated by miss Glenda Hurst - Stawell - to the Society - Black and White Photograph of a large group of persons - Background of trees.On rear: North Park Volunteers 1948. Taken in the back garden of Mr G LaGerche (morning Tea). Men L to R Roy Hurst, Alan Willoughby, Fred Crouch, Arthur Parsons, Cyril Cashin, Glynn Cashin. Ladies Second Row L to R: Mrs Edna(Geoff) LaGerche, Mrs Pretty, ?, Mrs Darling, Ladies in front Row: ?, ?, Mrs Ted Mills, Mrs Harold Dunn, Miss Dorothy Kingston, Mrs Bess (bill) Wilson, ?, . Farmers brought in their Not Horse drawn graders, etc to form the two (2) ovals at "The Pug" Photo property R.W. Hurst. 29 Houston Street Stawellstawell, north park -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Artist's impression of The Shrine in the Surrey Gardens
The Shrine was opened on Sunday 7 April 1918. Mrs C H D Steele, President of the local Patriotic League, is credited with the idea of building The Shrine as a fitting memorial to the WW1 soldiers of the district. The Surrey Hills Progress Association coordinated raising funds from local residents. John Kendrick Blogg carved the beautiful honor roll in Indian teak and Australian white mahogany and the design of the Shrine was by John Stevens Gawler, architect of Gawler & Drummond. Both men donated their services. It was one of the first WW1 memorials to be built and is noted for its use of Australian motifs, wattle blossom and gum leaves. The boomerang over the full width of the monument was said to be symbolic of both those who did and did not return. Surrey Hills Progress Association coordinated fundraising to build the memorial. The photo comes from a souvenir brochure printed for the dedication of The Shrine on 7 April 1918. There is a bound copy of a history of The Shrine by Robin Doble in the collection.Black & white photo of the artist's impression of The Shrine in the Surrey Gardens. The photo is part of a souvenir booklet, a copy of which is also held in the collection.surrey gardens, john kendrick blogg (mr), surrey hills progress association, john stevens gawler, gawler and drummond, the shrine, war memorials, sarah margaret russell (miss), sarah margaret steele (mrs), mrs charles henry dillon steele -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Pledger family - Percy, Jessie and Stan in 1930s
Percy Alfred William (1910- ), Stanley Bertram (1912-1996) and Jessie Eleanor (1915-2008) were the children of Percy Henry (Harry) Pledger (1884-1954) and Eleanor Elizabeth George (1888-1963). Percy was a tailor in Barnet, Middlesex and the family migrated to Australia in 1923, arriving in Brisbane on 11 December 1923. They settled in Surrey Hills. Percy had a tailoring and later knitwear business at 418 Canterbury Road, almost opposite Alexandra Avenue (? also at another time in Hansen's Terrace in Canterbury Road). The family was musical. After leaving school son Percy joined the staff at Allan’s Music House and rose to become their chief accountant. He also taught and played the violin in a number of orchestras. (See individual entry for him - SH1207) Jessie married Arthur John Marston Bate (1906-1994) in 1941; he was born in Birmingham and his father was also a tailor. Arthur gained BA and MA from the University of New Zealand. He was also primarily a musician, but worked in theatre, broadcasting and teaching in New Zealand and at the State Theatre in Melbourne and the ABC. He was a pilot during WW2 (SERN 255363), rising to the rank of Flight Lieutenant and also a RAAF Chaplain. Jessie and Arthur lived in Hawthorn, Ashwood and Mount Waverley. They are buried in Box Hill Cemetery (CE-213-0029) along with daughter Christine Elizabeth. In the 1920s Stanley Bertram Pledger, along with Harold Sydserf, assisted Stan's brother Percy to establish the Surrey Hills Musical Club. It soon increased to 12 or 15 members, giving 4 concerts a year. They combined with the Surrey Hills Dramatic Society to produce operettas. In time the group expanded to a total of 30 players and became the Camberwell Symphony Orchestra. Stanley Bertram Pledger (1912-1996) is listed in electoral rolls at a number of addresses around Surrey Hills: 1927 - 36 Suffolk Road; 1940s - Essex Road; 1977 - Burwood. All entries consistently give his occupation as manufacturer and it is assumed that this was with the family business. He retired to Kiama, NSW.A black and white photograph of two young men and a young lady standing in a garden setting. The men are dressed in suits whilst the lady is dressed in a short sleeved, knee length summer dress.canterbury road, surrey hills, pledger's knitwear, alexandra avenue, canterbury, victorian symphony orchestra, violinist, clothing and dress, mr percy alfred william pledger, mr stanley bertram pledger, miss jessie eleanor pledger, mrs jessie eleanor bate, mr arthur john marston bate, surrey hills music club -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Joe and Emily George of Scheele Street, Surrey Hills
Mrs Emily Ruth George of 26 Scheele Street, with husband, Joe. Emily & Joe were English migrants; they bought their home in 1919. Daughter Marie was born in 1914 when they are listed in the electoral roll at 'Hasland', Croydon Road, Surrey Hills; his occupation is given as a boilermaker. Emily (nee Sturgess) - d 15 November, 1960; buried Box Hill Cemetery - M-199A-0034 along with daughter Marie. Possible birth c Oct 1880, Birmingham (not confirmed); marriage c Jan 1905, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Marie George became a school teacher and was on the staff at Chatham Primary School for a number of years. She died in February 1989. Mrs George was known for her hospitality. Anecdotes: On one occasion the government was to build six houses opposite in an area which was mostly paddocks. The materials were delivered and a caretaker allocated to guard them. He arrived with his wife to find a meagre tin shed as ‘home’. Mrs George responded by boarding the couple, for a very minimum amount for the six months. A rather different anecdote involves the droving of sheep from Lower Plenty across paddocks and tracks, through Doncaster and down Union Road to the station en route to the Richmond abattoirs. This was a seasonal activity and the men (and sheep) used to rest in the paddocks in Union Road, at the corner of Weybridge Street – behind the Georges’ home. When Mrs George heard the sheep, she would go out and fill the drovers’ billies with tea, handing out thick cheese sandwiches made from her homemade bread. A black and white photograph of a man and a lady dressed to go out and standing in the street. There is a car parked on the other side of the road in the background.(mrs) emily george, (mr) joe george, scheele street, surrey hills, mont albert, droving, clothing and dress, (miss) marie george, 'hasland', croydon road, (mrs) emily ruth george, (miss) emily ruth sturgess, box hill cemetery -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Mr Charles Ansell Smith and family
Mr Charles Ansell Smith of 3 Vincent Street with his family – Roy, Stan and Frank Smith and Dorothy (Mrs Cromwell). Photo is without Kenneth or Harold so possibly taken during WW1; Kenneth enlisted in 1914, Harold in 1915 and killed in 1917. The boys went to Surrey Hills State School and Dorothy to Milverton Girls School, first at 192 Union Road, it later moved to ‘Nilgard’, 221-223 Union Road. Helen Malvira Mackenzie (1865-1956) married Charles Ansell Smith (c1861-1934) in 1891. He was baptised 23 April 1861 in Tintinhull, Somerset - son of William Maxwell & Louisa Claudina Smith (nee Ansell). His father was curate of the church at the time. Helen Malvira (or Malvena) MacKenzie, known as Nellie, was the second daughter of the John Mackenzie J.P., of Westernport, and Wilcannia, N.S.W., and great granddaughter of the late Admiral Pasco, R.N. They lived at 'Devon', 3 Vincent Street from at least 1910 but perhaps earlier until 1915. Charles Ansell and Helen Malvina Smith’s children: 1. Kenneth Ansell – b 1892 d 3 May 1977 at Lancefield SERN 819 Enlisted AIF on 17/8/1914 giving his occupation as book seller Assigned to 8th Battalion, G company Enlisted 17 August 1914 Embarked A24 Benalla on 19 October 1914 Returned to Australia on 23 October 1918 Obituary describes him as eldest child of the late Charles Ansell & Helen M Smith of Surrey Hills and Lancefield. 2. Stanley Charles – b 1893 (Carlton) - lived Surrey Hills 3. Dorothy Louisa – b 1894 - 1988 4. Harold Maxwell Pasco – b 1897 Oakleigh SERN 3268 Educated Surrey Hills State School Religion Cof E Occupation: Clerk Served with 48th Infantry CMF, Kooyong Enlisted 23 July 1915 – parents living at Vincent Street at the time Assigned to 24th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement Embarked HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 26 November 1915 KIA 4 October 1917 at Passchendaele, Ypres No known grave. Parents at ‘Cloverdale’, Lancefield 5. Francis W D (Frank) – b 1898 – 1972 Obituary: Frank (FWD) Smith on Feb 14 (suddenly) Francis Wm Douglas Smith, son of Charles Ansell & Helen M (Surrey Hills & Lancefield) and brother of Kenneth (Lancefield), Dorothy (Mrs Cromwell), Harold (KIA) Roy & Stanley. 6. Roy MacKenzie – b 1901 – 1988 m Ruby Olive Laity in 1931 So, the children were all born before the family came to Surrey Hills but Vincent Street was where they grew up. Charles and Helen are buried in Box Hill Cemetery (CE-NS-1266) Stan Smith was most helpful to the History group of the S.H. Neighbourhood Centre with his research into S.H. History and in particular for the vast amount of detail he gave on people and happenings. His observations have been very accurate and he has very precise recollections of the old days. A black and white photograph of 3 young men, a lady and an older man. The men are dressed in suits and the lady in a below-the-knee dress. The young men are carrying hats whilst the older one is wearing his.(mr) charles ansell smith, (mr) roy smith, (mr) stan smith, (mr) frank smith, (mrs) dorothy cromwell, (miss) dorothy smith, milverton girls school, union road, surrey hills, nilgard, francis william douglas smith, stanley charles smith, roy mackenzie smith -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Surrey Hills Bowling Club opening in 1912, 1912
James Albon, far right, built a bowling green at his home on the corner of Mont Albert Road and Wilson Street (later occupied by the convent). This green was so popular with his friends that he organised the formation of a bowling club at the corner of Montrose and Wilson Streets. Mr John Kendrick Blogg, wearing the white hat, is standing in the doorway. Earliest club records date from 1916. This was the original club-house; it was rebuilt in 1922/23 using interlocking blocks as recommended by Walter Burley-Griffin. This was quite an innovative design at the time. In turn cream brick buildings replaced this building in the 1950s. The Surrey Hills Bowls Club disbanded in 1995. Our original is framed copy donated by the Surrey Hills Bowls Club (with a spare copy and negative). Someone from the club has the original. Thre is also a frames portrait of James Albon the 1st president in the collection. (NB/ Duplicate = 1813; No.1943 is from the Bowling Club). Some information from Mrs Merle Phillips (deceased) a member when the club closed.A black and white photograph of a group of men and women dressed in their finery. The ladies and men are wearing hats and most men in 3 piece suits. One lady is in position to roll a bowl. The women's dresses are all ankle length."SHBC 1912"mont albert road, wilson street, surrey hills, montrose street, surrey hills bowling club, 1912, clothing and dress, mr james albon, mr john kendrick blogg -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Kleinert family at 34 Union Road, Surrey Hills
William Kleinert (Friedrich John Wilhem Kleinert) made wine from the grapes he grew. The house was built in 1905 and was the home of William and Emily Kleinert from 1905. William was a coach-builder, wheelwright and blacksmith. He moved from Prahran to Surrey Hills. His son Ernest worked with him as a coach painter and also worked as a painter undertaking intricate hand painting on early cars. Their other son Martin played for the Surrey Hills Football Club. In return for the support given to the club by Mrs Emily Kleinert, it built a rotunda in South Surrey Park as a memorial to her. Alan Holt research: Lot 6 was sold to Martin Klienert by Karl Richter in 1860 together with a portion of another adjacent lot. From 1860-1885 Martin worked it as a market garden leasing some land for grazing when it was not required for gardening. He died in 1898. In a formal document, William declared he was the son of Martin "who purchased land in 1860, died in 1898 and the land has been continually occupied by father and family since. It has been cultivated as a market garden; when not being used for gardening it was let for cultivation and grazing." William died in 1939 and the property passed to his sons Martin and Ernest. The Kleinert land extended from Union Road to Essex Road. They ran horses, ducks and fowls and Emily Kleinert grew flowers. The Kleinert property later became the South Surrey Park. The family sold the land to the Camberwell Council in the 1950s. Ernest and Ida Kleinert lived on the corner of Scotsdale and Warrigal Roads. The donor of the photo Nada Harris, nee Kleinert, was Ernest and Ida's daughter. Ida lived to a good age (> 93 years) and in later life lived in Burwood.Black and white photo of a group of men and women posed against the backdrop of a timber house. Immediately behind the group is a large grape vine and drying racks can be seen to the left of the picture. The group is identified as: Standing L to R: Ernest Kleinert, Rose Kleinert, William and Emily Kleinert, ? (unidentified), Ida Kleinert (nee de Vasey) Seated (L to R): Martin Kleinert, Nada Kleinert (daughter of Ernest and Ida and 1st grand-daughter of William and Emily), great-grandmother Maria Radford, Ivy Kleinert.surrey hills football club, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, coachbuilders, harris, rotunda, william kleinert, vineyard, ernest kleinert, rose kleinert, ida kleinert (mrs), ida de vasey (miss), martin kleinert, nada kleinert (miss), ivy kleinert (miss), friedrich john wilhem kleinert, emily florence radford (miss), maria dina radford (mrs), maria dina aylwin (miss) -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Kleinert family gathered fro Christmas celebrations at 34 Union Road, Surrey Hills
William was a coach-builder, wheelwright and blacksmith. He moved from Prahran to Surrey Hills to property owned by the family. The house at 34 Union Road was built in 1905 for William and his wife Emily. Their son Ernest worked with him as a coach painter and also worked as a painter undertaking intricate hand painting on early cars. Their other son Martin played for the Surrey Hills Football Club. In return for the support given to the club by Mrs Emily Kleinert, the club built a rotunda in South Surrey Park as a memorial to her. Alan Holt research: Lot 6 was sold to Martin Kleinert by Karl Richter in 1860 together with a portion of another adjacent lot. From 1860-1885 Martin worked it as a market garden leasing some land for grazing when it was not required for gardening. He died in 1898. In a formal document, William declared he was the son of Martin "who purchased land in 1860, died in 1898 and the land has been continually occupied by father and family since. It has been cultivated as a market garden; when not being used for gardening it was let for cultivation and grazing." William died in 1939 and the property passed to his sons Martin and Ernest. The Kleinert land extended from Union Road to Essex Road. They ran horses, ducks and fowls and Emily Kleinert grew flowers. The Kleinert property later became the South Surrey Park. The family sold the land to the Camberwell Council in the 1950s. Ernest and Ida Kleinert lived on the corner of Scotsdale and Warrigal Roads. The donor of the photo Nada Harris, nee Kleinert, was Ernest and Ida's daughter. Ida lived to a good age (> 93 years) and in later life lived in Burwood.Black and white photo of a large group of men, women and children posed for the photograph which is taken outdoors. William Kleinert is identified as seated in the front centre playing his German melodion. Sons Ernest and Martin and William's daughters Ivy and Rose are also in the photo (not identified). Nada Kleinert (daughter of Ernest and Ida and 1st grand-daughter of William and Emily) is standing next to her great-grandmother Radford.surrey hills football club, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, coachbuilders, south surrey park, rotunda, miss ida kleinert, emily kleinert, mr william kleinert, miss ivy kleinert, miss rose kleinert, mr ernest kleinert, miss nada kleinert, mrs nada harris, mr martin kleinert -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, 9 Vincent street, Surrey Hills
A colour photo of part of the interior of Mrs Mayer's house at 9 Vincent Street, Surrey Hills. It includes 3 women of varying ages, 2 men and 2 children, a boy and a girl. There are many boxes. at 9 Vincent st / Mrs Mayer's hospitality - / she was 80 y.o. / on her verandah / Pete[?] and Mike / & 2 chn there / for a fortnightwomen, children, men, verandah, boxes, toys, architectural features, personal effects -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Parade in celebration of King Edward VII's birthday, 1902, 1902
The parade was held in celebration of King Edward VII's birthday on 4 July 1902. This was the first public appearance of the German Band formed on 30 May 1902. The leading horseman is Mr Rowland Coe. He is followed by Mr George Robinson, a butcher of Canterbury Road. The man in the white hat is Mr Sam Kellett, businessman of Erasmus Street. Behind him on foot and partly obscured is Mr Alexander McNeill of the Surrey Family Hotel. Band master is Harry Pollard, painter and paper-hanger, and next to him is Constable Hill. The small boy in the sailor suit is Perc Venman of Essex Road and in the buggy near the footpath is Mr and Mrs William Maling. Information came from David Staig senior. Further research: William Saunders Maling, a son of John Butler Maling, was a builder who lived at 17 Balwyn Road, Canterbury. Rowland Coe, a butcher and son of James and Elizabeth Coe of Sunbury Crescent enlisted in AIF in WW1. He later lived at 233 Elgar Road, Box Hill. William Percival Reginald (Perc) Venman was born in Surrey Hills in 1894; he died in Surrey Hills in 1951 and lived at 27 Essex Street for much of his life. He and his wife are buried in Box Hill Cemetery. The identity of Sam Kellett of Erasmus Street is questioned. Edward Kellett built 'Yielma' in Erasmus Street but was deceased by 1902. He had 3 sons: Edward Allan (1854-1932); George Henry (1858-1921) and William John (1865-1945).Black and white photo of a number of men on horses leading a parade down Station Street (Windsor Crescent) to Union Road. Street trees on the RHS are mature whilst the ones on the LHS look to be newly planted. They have wooden guards around them. The area to the left is blurry but would be the railway line and station surrounds. Roads are well formed with bluestone channels.parades and processions, bands, german band, windsor crescent, william saunders maling, mrs hannah maling, miss hannah miller, constable hill, perc venman, george robinson, sam kellett, alexander mcneill, rowland coe, harry pollard, william percival reginald venman -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Vertical file, Frederick WiIliam Mawson of Surrey Hills, his family and descendants
Frederick William Mawson and his wife Mary (nee Mullard) and baby daughter, Beatrice Mary migrated to Victoria as steerage passengers, arriving in Melbourne on 1 July 1882 on the sailing ship the ‘Holmsdale’. They settled in Bona Vista Avenue, Surrey Hills (house demolished) and he established a jam factory in Boundary (Warrigal) Road. Further children of the family were Harriett, Muriel, Ethel, Winifred, John and Frederick William (Jnr). The later died in WW1 and there is a transcript of his diary in this collection. Four of the daughters became nurses, three serving in WW1. The other son John became a local builder, who after the war built 'Holmsdale' in Union Road as a convalescent home to be run by his sisters. After the death of his first wife Frederick (Snr) married Catherine Small, a widow with children of her own.The family were early settlers in Surrey Hills and their story in relation to the service of local men and women during WW1 is well documented.Vertical file of information related to the Mawson family which includes: 1. Notes and documents that came from John Howden via G Randy Johnston, his tenant at 257 Union Road, Surrey Hills. (6 pages in total): a. The Misses Mawson family history, written by John Howden (2 pages), b Note from G Randy Johnston, c. Passengers’ contract ticket for Fred, Mary & Beatrice Mawson on the ‘Holmsdale’, 1882, d. Photocopies of 2 photos of the ‘Holmsdale’, e. Invitation (blank photocopy) to the opening of ‘Holmsdale’ Convalescent Home, 257 Union Road, Surrey Hills, 14.3.1936. 2. Advertising brochure for ‘Holmsdale’ Convalescent Home (undated) (3 pages: original and photocopy x 2). 3. English family documents (8 pages): a. John Spensley Barnsdall bapt Mar 1818, b. John Spensley Barnsdall marriage registration, c. Census 1861 for John Mawson, Betsy Bradbury Mawson, Frederick William Mawson and George Barnesdale Mawson, d. Census 1871 for John Mawson, Betsy B. Mawson, Frederick W. Mawson and George B. Mawson and Arthur Mawson, e. Census 1881 for John Mawson, Betsy B. Mawson, Arthur Mawson and George Mawson, f. Census 1881 for Fredk W Mawson and Mary Mawson. 4. PROV Unassisted passenger list information for Mary Mawson 1882 (1 page). 5. Mawson family members notes compiled by Sue Barnett (2 pages). 6. Harriet Godden Mawson details including WW1 service details, Royal Military College of Australia certificate of service certificate, references from Duntroon and Gresswell Sanatorium (11 pages). 7. Beatrice Mawson details including WW1 service on the ‘Mongolia’ – Argus article 28 June 1917 and her account of the sinking of the ‘Mongolia’ published in Castlemaine newspaper, 18 August 1917 (4 pages). 8. Muriel Mawson details including WW1 service and evidence of her training at Castlemaine Hospital (5 pages). 9. F.W. Mawson Jr details including WW1 service including Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau file and Dasey (misnamed photo of him) (8 pages, incl photo). 10. F.W. Mawson Snr details incl birth registration, 1871, marriage to Catherine Small, death registration, cemetery index (5 pages). 11. Betsy Bradbury Mawson death & burial details (2 pages). 12. John Mawson family: John Mawson probate notice, 24 Sept 1941; marriage of son Ivan to Joan Manning, 29/9/1945 (2 pages). 13. Arthur David Mawson details - extract from Ancestry.com family tree notated by Sue Barnett; death notice from The Argus, 24 oct 1939 (2 pages). 14. Holmsdale and the Mawson family - Presentation to Surrey Hills Historical Society: 21 March 2012 by Sue Barnett, 25 pages including photos. 15. Letter from John Howden to Sue Barnett, 1 April 2012. 16. Information re Dr James Moore Andrew of Yallourn.(mr) frederick william mawson, (mr) john howden, (mr) frederick william mawson jnr, aif, (miss) beatrice mary mawson, (miss) harriet godden mawson, (miss) muriel mawson, (mr) john mawson, (miss) ethel mawson, (miss) winifred sarah mawson, (mr) lyell mcalister howden, (miss) olive mabel garrett, (mrs) olive mabel mawson, garrett and mawson, 'holmsdale', holmsdale convalesent and rest home, 257 union road, 'erskine', 5a barloa road, 'carbethon', 50 churchill street, (mrs) mary mawson, box hill cemetery, (mrs) catherine small, (mrs) catherine mawson, 14 bona vista avenue, (mr) arthur david mawson, (mrs) betsy bradbury mawson, world war one, nurses, builders -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Tennis club float for Empire Day celebrations, circa 1935, c1935
The donor, Jean Boucher was the daughter of Wally Ives and she was an early active member of the History Nook at the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre and the Surrey Hills Historical Society. The Ives family were associated with the Wyclif Church Tennis Club, so this is possibly the Wyclif float.Black and white photo of a float created on the tray of a truck for the Empire Day celebrations in 1935 or 1936. The side of the truck and the cabin are decorated in palm leaves and 2 sets of crossed tennis racquets and the word 'tennis' appear on the side of the tray. On the tray there are 2 men and 3 women seated in a casual setting, some under an umbrella. tennis, sports, empire day, parades and processions, wyclif church, (miss) jean ives, (mrs) jean boucher -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Surrey Hills Wesleyan Sunday School teachers, Before 1888
Donor identification was that man in back row on left was Henry Beckett; 2nd from left was Emma Beckett, later Mrs John Gray. The Beckett family were important in the establishment of the Wesleyan / Methodist church in Surrey Hills and adjacent areas. Emma Beckett married John Gray in 1888 at 'Guildford Villa' in Essex Road, Surrey Hills which was the Beckett family home.B&W photo of a group of 15 women and 9 men standing and seated in front of a light-coloured weatherboard wall. surrey hills wesleyan sunday school, surrey hills wesleyan church, surrey hills methodist church, churches, (mr) henry beckett, (miss) emma beckett, (mrs) john gray, beckett family -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph - Holy Trinity Surrey Hills Tennis Queen Carnival, Queen and court, 1940, 11 June 1940
Identification has been given as follows: LHS 'page': Jeff Holland (?); RHS 'page': Derek Manley; Queen: Leila Hanslow; young women L to R: Olwyn Powys, Hazel Bodley, Mary Clucas (nee Holborn), Connie Eastwood. Girls: L - Barbara Fair; R - Unknown. Gentlemen not identified. The Queen Carnival was a fundraiser for the Holy Trinity Tennis Club. The Queen Carnival Coronation was held in the Canterbury Memorial Hall on 11 June 1940. Mrs F Eastwood was the trainer and the Honorary Secretary of the tennis club. The donor Mary Holborn married Geoffrey Stroud Clucas in 1946 in Surrey Hills. The photo documents a social fundraising practice common in the early 20th century. Queen carnivals were also popular in New Zealand. In both countries they were particularly common during World War I and in the years after, when they were used to raise funds for returned soldiers. The first such carnival is believed to have been held in Napier, New Zealand, in 1913. The carnivals were not always annual events, and were held in various locations throughout a year.Black and white group photo of 6 men, 5 women, 2 girls and 2 boys in formal and / or mock-Elizabethan costume mounted on cardboard which has been roughly trimmed. The Queen is seated in the centre and the 2 young girls are seated either side and slightly in front of her. The 2 'pages' and the men and other women are standing evenly divided either side of her. The photo appears to have been taken in a hall. REAR: "Holy Trinity Tennis Club Queen Carnival / June 11 / 1940 / M Clucas / 33 Jurang St / Balwyn"sport, tennis, holy trinity anglican church, 1940, clothing and dress, miss connie eastwood, miss hazel bodley, miss leila hanslow, miss olwyn powys, miss barbara fair, jeff holland, derek manley, queen carnival, mrs mary clucas, miss mary holborn, mrs f eastwood -
The Dunmoochin Foundation
Oil Painting, Legend of Wur-run-nah's Walkabout, No Date
Thick impasto painting depicting six figures; two indigenous males catching a fish in a landscape.Signed (L.r) 'Eric L. Stewart'. On Reverse: 'Legend of Wur-run-nah's walkabout by Katherine Stow (later Mrs. k.L. Parker). Wurrunnah when in a strange country, saw little round men who live in water. They made a coolomon of bark to keep the fig flies from him. Caught fish which were thrown up by the little water men'.eric stewart, painting, landscape, indigenous male, fish -
Albert Park-South Melbourne Rowing Club
Photograph of South Melbourne Rowing Club Crew that Won the First Championship for Lightweight Fours (Penrith Cup), 1958, 1958
"As with most items in the AP-SMRC collection, the ‘chain of ownership’ is not formally recorded for this item. The image is not unique, but is one of a set that was produced for each of the men represented in the photographs, with perhaps additional copies for the SMRC. Lance Gallagher, speaking with Ms (Grace) Blake and the consultant (Mrs Margaret Birtley) on 8 June 2014, recalled the photograph well and confirmed on 17 July 2014 that he has a personal copy." 2014 Significance Assessment, p28."This item comprises two photographs mounted together with a caption that identifies the men depicted as being a South Melbourne Rowing Club (SMRC) crew and coach. Representing Victoria, this crew won the first Championship for Lightweight Fours at an Interstate Regatta. The race was contested on the Nepean River, NSW, on 3 May 1958. The photograph of the crew was taken on the Yarra River, Victoria, prior to the Regatta and was used for publicity in the Regatta program.16 The victory was significant to SMRC because the oarsmen and coaches (although not the coxswain) were members of that club. The item is a memento of the club’s success, through its crew, at an elite and national level. The Lightweight Four Championship event’s first hosting at Penrith on the Nepean River resulted in a perpetual trophy being donated by that local municipal council. The race for the Lightweight Championship Four continues to this day as a featured event at the annual Interstate Regatta. The Penrith Cup lends its name to this prestigious event. It is unusual for Interstate race crews to be drawn entirely from a single club; more typically, the state representative crews are selected as composites. The selection of an all-SMRC crew for this inaugural race between representative Lightweight Four crews testifies to the exceptional standards at SMRC during this period. The item is of historic significance because it provides pictorial evidence of the crew and the club’s success in a national competition and in a category of event that was being contested at the Interstate Regatta for the very first time. It also carries social significance through the captioning that credits the victory as being the club’s rather than the state’s, and thus reflects the pride of the SMRC in the achievements of its oarsmen and coaches." 2014 Statement of Significance, p30Unframed photograph of the crew which won the inaugural interstate men’s lightweight coxed four in Penrith, 1958. Lightweight Championship of Australia / Won by / South Melbourne Rowing Club / May 6th, 1958 Coach W. Graham / Lance Gallagher Stroke / George Taylor No. 3 / Harry Stevens No. 2 / Bob Tanner Bow / Eddie Jones Cox / South Melbourne state crew ??? This event became the Penrith Cup.rowing, albert park lake, apsm rowing club, penrith cup, lightweight, four, championship, south melbourne rowing club, gallagher, lance, taylor, george, stevens, harry, tanner, bob, jones, eddie, webster, jack, graham, wal -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Skirt, Tina Knitwear, 1980-2000
Part of a selection of garments knitted by ‘Tina Knitwear’. Tina Knitwear was a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010, run by Assunta and Franco Liburti. Daughter Melissa Persi writes: Our parents Assunta (Mum) and Franco (Dad) Liburti ran a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010. Assunta was affectionately known to her family as Assuntina, therefore the business was named "Tina Knitwear" after her. Assunta and Franco were born in the beautiful seaside town of Terracina in Italy in 1933 and 1930 respectively. As was so common in Italy in the 1950s, Assunta who was in her late teens and early twenties learnt the intricate skills of machine knitting, dressmaking and pattern making. Franco on the other hand, learnt the building trade with his 2 brothers and specialised in bricklaying and tiling. As was so common after the war, Assunta and Franco yearned for a better life so they decided that they would get engaged and then migrate to Australia to be married and raise their family in Australia, a land of much opportunity which they no longer felt their beloved Italy held for them. Assunta migrated to Australia first in 1957 and later Franco joined her in 1958 where they were married. For the first few years, Franco (also known as Frank) worked as bricklayer /tiler on buildings such as the Robert Menzies building at Monash University in Clayton and various buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Assunta on the other hand put her machine knitting skills to use working in factories doing piece machine knitting for various knitwear companies. The hours were long, the conditions were difficult, and travel was onerous without a car. After their 2 older children were born, it was decided that dad would leave the building trade and they would start their own made to order knitwear business. That way they could work from home and raise their family together. Mum taught dad everything he needed to know so he could operate the knitwear machinery. They purchased COPPO knitting machines from Italy and a Linking machine from Germany. Initially they had a knitwear shopfront in Bay Street Brighton where a store assistant would take the orders and client’s measurements and Assunta would then make the garments from a small workshop in their home. Unfortunately, the assistants were not skilled dressmakers and often measurements and orders were incorrectly taken. Assunta being the perfectionist and highly skilled machinist that she was, decided that she needed to oversee the entire process from meeting the client, to taking their order, right thru to the fittings and completion of the garment. It therefore made sense that they should close the shop front and run their business from their own home in Brighton and hence “Tina Knitwear” was born. Together, for more than 40 years they ran their very respected and successful business and were well known in the Bayside area. They specialised in made to order knitwear for both men and women using mainly pure wool (from Patons, Wangaratta Mills, Japan and Italy) but also lurex and estacel. Over those years, many of their clients became their close friends. It wasn't unusual for clients to come to order garments and then end up in the kitchen chatting over a cup of Italian espresso coffee and homemade biscuits. Some of their clients were especially memorable and became lifelong friends. Mrs Connell was a dear friend of mum’s, each year she would buy tickets for the “Gown of the Year” fashion show. She would insist on taking Assunta and her 2 daughters so that we could see the latest fashions. Then there was their dear friend Ms Griffiths. She had been a Matron nurse at the Queen Victoria Hospital when she met my parents in the 1970s. She returned to live in New Zealand in the 1980s but came back to Melbourne every year to stay for 2 weeks with the sole purpose of visiting my parents (she adored them) and order garments. For those 2 solid weeks, mum and dad would only knit for Ms Griffiths and she would go back to New Zealand with at least 5 or 6 new outfits. I actually think she enjoyed mum’s homemade pasta almost as much as her new clothes! Over the years, my parents learnt to speak English very well given that majority of their clients were not Italian speaking. Their oldest child John born in 1960 learnt to speak English with the help of those clients who were such a big part of our childhood. Mum and dad always went above and beyond to ensure their clients were satisfied. Mum was an absolute perfectionist and it showed in her attention to detail and the quality of their beautiful work. You only need to look at the garments that have stood the test of time or speak to their clients to know that this is true. Their clients would always comment on how well their clothes would last and much of their clients came via word of mouth and recommendations. Occasionally there would be disagreements because mum had found an error in dad's knitting (either a wrong stitch or a sizing mistake mainly) and would ask him to redo a piece, he would argue back saying that it was fine, but we always knew who would win the argument and that the piece would get remade! Similarly, we recall discussions where mum would ask dad to find a particular colour of wool in the garage where the stock was kept. He would try to convince her that they were out of stock of that colour and that the client should choose a different colour. She would insist they had it and then after hours of searching, he would return into the house sheepishly holding the wool! Our childhood is full of beautiful memories of mum and dad always being present, clients coming and going, mum humming her favourite songs as she worked often late into the night and sometimes, we even fell asleep to the hum of the machinery. They put their heart and soul into "Tina Knitwear" and took pride in providing only the best quality garments for their clients. In Italian there is a saying “lei ha le mani d’oro” which literally translated means “she has hands of gold”. Franco enjoyed his work but for Assunta, it was more than just work and there is no better way to describe her skills, passion and dedication to her machine knitting… she truly did have “hands of gold”. We will forever be grateful that our parents’ life journey gave us the opportunity to live in a home filled with creativity, dedication and passion, amazing work ethic and mutual respect, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of love. Red ribbed skirt with elastic waistband.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Skirt, Tina Knitwear, 1980-2000
Part of a selection of garments knitted by ‘Tina Knitwear’. Tina Knitwear was a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010, run by Assunta and Franco Liburti. Daughter Melissa Persi writes: Our parents Assunta (Mum) and Franco (Dad) Liburti ran a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010. Assunta was affectionately known to her family as Assuntina, therefore the business was named "Tina Knitwear" after her. Assunta and Franco were born in the beautiful seaside town of Terracina in Italy in 1933 and 1930 respectively. As was so common in Italy in the 1950s, Assunta who was in her late teens and early twenties learnt the intricate skills of machine knitting, dressmaking and pattern making. Franco on the other hand, learnt the building trade with his 2 brothers and specialised in bricklaying and tiling. As was so common after the war, Assunta and Franco yearned for a better life so they decided that they would get engaged and then migrate to Australia to be married and raise their family in Australia, a land of much opportunity which they no longer felt their beloved Italy held for them. Assunta migrated to Australia first in 1957 and later Franco joined her in 1958 where they were married. For the first few years, Franco (also known as Frank) worked as bricklayer /tiler on buildings such as the Robert Menzies building at Monash University in Clayton and various buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Assunta on the other hand put her machine knitting skills to use working in factories doing piece machine knitting for various knitwear companies. The hours were long, the conditions were difficult, and travel was onerous without a car. After their 2 older children were born, it was decided that dad would leave the building trade and they would start their own made to order knitwear business. That way they could work from home and raise their family together. Mum taught dad everything he needed to know so he could operate the knitwear machinery. They purchased COPPO knitting machines from Italy and a Linking machine from Germany. Initially they had a knitwear shopfront in Bay Street Brighton where a store assistant would take the orders and client’s measurements and Assunta would then make the garments from a small workshop in their home. Unfortunately, the assistants were not skilled dressmakers and often measurements and orders were incorrectly taken. Assunta being the perfectionist and highly skilled machinist that she was, decided that she needed to oversee the entire process from meeting the client, to taking their order, right thru to the fittings and completion of the garment. It therefore made sense that they should close the shop front and run their business from their own home in Brighton and hence “Tina Knitwear” was born. Together, for more than 40 years they ran their very respected and successful business and were well known in the Bayside area. They specialised in made to order knitwear for both men and women using mainly pure wool (from Patons, Wangaratta Mills, Japan and Italy) but also lurex and estacel. Over those years, many of their clients became their close friends. It wasn't unusual for clients to come to order garments and then end up in the kitchen chatting over a cup of Italian espresso coffee and homemade biscuits. Some of their clients were especially memorable and became lifelong friends. Mrs Connell was a dear friend of mum’s, each year she would buy tickets for the “Gown of the Year” fashion show. She would insist on taking Assunta and her 2 daughters so that we could see the latest fashions. Then there was their dear friend Ms Griffiths. She had been a Matron nurse at the Queen Victoria Hospital when she met my parents in the 1970s. She returned to live in New Zealand in the 1980s but came back to Melbourne every year to stay for 2 weeks with the sole purpose of visiting my parents (she adored them) and order garments. For those 2 solid weeks, mum and dad would only knit for Ms Griffiths and she would go back to New Zealand with at least 5 or 6 new outfits. I actually think she enjoyed mum’s homemade pasta almost as much as her new clothes! Over the years, my parents learnt to speak English very well given that majority of their clients were not Italian speaking. Their oldest child John born in 1960 learnt to speak English with the help of those clients who were such a big part of our childhood. Mum and dad always went above and beyond to ensure their clients were satisfied. Mum was an absolute perfectionist and it showed in her attention to detail and the quality of their beautiful work. You only need to look at the garments that have stood the test of time or speak to their clients to know that this is true. Their clients would always comment on how well their clothes would last and much of their clients came via word of mouth and recommendations. Occasionally there would be disagreements because mum had found an error in dad's knitting (either a wrong stitch or a sizing mistake mainly) and would ask him to redo a piece, he would argue back saying that it was fine, but we always knew who would win the argument and that the piece would get remade! Similarly, we recall discussions where mum would ask dad to find a particular colour of wool in the garage where the stock was kept. He would try to convince her that they were out of stock of that colour and that the client should choose a different colour. She would insist they had it and then after hours of searching, he would return into the house sheepishly holding the wool! Our childhood is full of beautiful memories of mum and dad always being present, clients coming and going, mum humming her favourite songs as she worked often late into the night and sometimes, we even fell asleep to the hum of the machinery. They put their heart and soul into "Tina Knitwear" and took pride in providing only the best quality garments for their clients. In Italian there is a saying “lei ha le mani d’oro” which literally translated means “she has hands of gold”. Franco enjoyed his work but for Assunta, it was more than just work and there is no better way to describe her skills, passion and dedication to her machine knitting… she truly did have “hands of gold”. We will forever be grateful that our parents’ life journey gave us the opportunity to live in a home filled with creativity, dedication and passion, amazing work ethic and mutual respect, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of love. Red wide ribbed pleated skirt with a plain yoke, navy blue band at bottom edge and elasticated waistband. A purple x is located inside to mark centre back of skirt.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community