Showing 418 items
matching work cars
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Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Dave and Lily Mair and children, c1923
David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 68 Park Street, Hawthorn 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. The Deakin, Mair and Young families had many connections with Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.A sepia photo of a family posed informally in a garden. The woman is seated on a cane chair holding the youngest child with one girl standing to her left and a girl and boy standing to her right. The man is standing behind her with only his face captured in the photo. The infant and the girl to the right have moved and their faces are blurred. The house in the background is of block-front construction with simple fretwork to the veranda.On rear: "Beryl Dad Isabel Mum / Gwen Geoff / at Louise Avenue / Mont Abert" in blue biro. Thought to be Beryl Mair's handwriting. Photographic processing stamp in blue ink "54 P"barton street, children, lily vipond deakin, lily vipond mair, beryl mair, isabel mair,, gwynneth mair -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Dave and Lily Mair and 3 children, c1918
David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. The Deakin, Mair and Young families had many connections with Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.A post card type sepia photo of a family posed informally in a garden. Both the woman and the man are seated with children on their knees. A boy stands between them. In the background is a high paling fence beyond which 2 chimneys of adjacent properties can be seen. The woman is wearing a large brimmed hat so that half her face is in shadow. The man has a moustache and a receding hairline. All the faces are part in shadow.On rear: "MAIR / Dad Gwen Geoff / Mum Beryl" in blue biro. Thought to be Beryl Mair's handwriting. gwynneth mair, david miller mair, dave mair, lily vipond mair, lily vipond deakin, georffrey mair, gwynneth mair, beryl mair, hawthorn, children, families -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Godfrey E Roberts, Geoffrey, Gwynneth and Beryl Mair, c1917
David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave andLily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. The Deakin, Mair and Young families had many connections with Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.A post card type sepia photo of a 3 children posed formally in a studio. All are seated on cushions on the floor with a backdrop imitating formal panelling with drapery and a door. The boy on the left is wearing shorts, shirt and tie and is smiling. The infant in the middle is in a dress, without shoes and is sitting unaided. The girl on the right looks serious and may be holding something in her left hand as it is not fully visible.On rear: "Geoff Gwen Beryl" in blue biro. Thought to be Beryl Mair's handwriting. gwynneth mair, david miller mair, dave mair, lily vipond mair, lily vipond deakin, georffrey mair, gwynneth mair, beryl mair, hawthorn, children, families -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Mair family visiting the Jarmans at Derrinallum, c1927
David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. The Deakin, Mair and Young families had many connections with Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.A sepia photo of a girl bending towards a calf feeding from a bucket with a man overlooking. There are 6 calves altogether feeding from a small trough and 2 buckets. In the background is an Edwardian timber house with a brick chimney and a corrugated iron roof. There is a centrally positioned (?) rear door with windows either side. There is a tank to the left of the house, which is enclosed within a post and wire fence. The surroundings look very bare.On the rear in black ink: "Feeding time for the / calves at Derrinallum / B Mair / 20 Barton St / Surrey Hills / E10." Writing may be that of Lily Mair. In blue biro: " Beryl Gwen ? Mr Jarman" Thought to be Beryl Mair's handwriting. Photographic process stamp "C 311" "KODAK PRINT" in black. Despite the inscription including Gwen Mair, only one child can be seen. beryl mair, derrinallum, farms, mr jarman -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Mair family visiting the Jarmans at Derrinallum, c1927 (2), c1927
David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Beryl initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. The Deakin, Mair and Young families had many connections with Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.A sepia photo of a woman and 2 girls standing behind about 30 fowls. The woman is holding a dish. In the background is an Edwardian (?) timber house with 2 brick chimneys and a corrugated iron roof, the ridge of which has a narrow peak with simple finials and ridge tiles. There is a centrally positioned (?) rear door with windows either side. There is a tank to the left of the house and a veranda to the RHS. The house is enclosed within a post and wire fence with a wire gate in line with the door. The fence appears to be lined with large rocks and behind the fence is garden plants of which cannot be identified. A few cows are to the right off-side.On the rear in black ink: "Feeding the fowls at / Derrinallum / Beryl Mair / 20 Barton Street / Surrey Hills / E10." Writing may be that of Lily Mair. In blue biro: " Gwen Beryl Mrs Jarman / Beauty (Jersey cow)" Thought to be Beryl Mair's handwriting. "KODAK PRINT" in black. beryl mair, gwen mair, farms, derrinallum, mrs jarman -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Gwen and Beryl Mair and Mrs Jarman in a jinker, Derrinallum, c1927
David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. The Deakin, Mair and Young families had many connections with Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.A sepia photo of a woman and 2 girls in a jinker. They are all wearing brimmed hats as if going on an outing. Apart from a couple of straggly trees in the background along what may be a boundary or paddock fence, the surroundings look very bare.In blue biro: " Gwen / Beryl / Mrs Jarman / Derrinallum" Thought to be Beryl Mair's handwriting. Photographic process stamp "C 311" "KODAK PRINT" in black. beryl mair, gwen mair, mrs jarman, farms, children, horse-drawn vehicles -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Gwen and Beryl Mair with Mr Jarman, Derrinallum, c1927
David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. The Deakin, Mair and Young families had many connections with Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.A sepia photo of 2 girls on the back of a pig, which is being lightly held by a man, squatting beside the animal. A cattle dog sits nearby. In the background are some straggly trees along what may be a boundary or paddock fence, apart from which the surroundings look very bare. Off to the LHS in the background is farm shedding.In black ink: "Off for a joy ride / B. Mair / 20 Barton St / SUrrey Hills / E10." - thought to be in Lily Mair's handwriting. In blue biro: " Gwen Beryl (IN FRONT in lead pencil) / Mr Jarman / Derrinallum" Thought to be Beryl Mair's handwriting. "KODAK PRINT" in black. beryl mair, gwen mair, mr jarman, farms, children, derrinallum -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Lily Vipond Mair, c1940
David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 68 Park Street, Hawthorn 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. A black & white photocopy image of Lily Vipond Mair (nee Deakin) taken from a photo.On rear in grey lead pencil: "Lily Vipond Mair / (nee Deakin) / aged about 50 / (5.7.1890-1943)" lily vipond deakin, lily vipond mair -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Dave and Lily Mair, 1909
David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. The Deakin, Mair and Young families had many connections with Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.A coloured photocopy of a couple identified as Lily Vipond Deakin and David Miller Mair. The original is a studio portrait of a couple behind a balustrade decorated with swags of flowers. She is wearing a hat with a large brim. He is holding a straw boater hat.On rear in grey lead pencil: "Lily Vipond (nee Deakin) / and Dave Millar Mair / 1909 (all underlined) / They were married / on 5.5.1910". david miller mair, dave mair, lily vipond mair, lily vipond deakin -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Lily Deakin, 1909
David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. The Deakin, Mair and Young families had many connections with Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.A black & white photocopy of a woman identified as Lily Vipond Deakin. The original appears to have been oval in shape. Her hair is swept back in a bouffant bun. She is wearing a blouse with high necked collar and a fitted jacket and waistcoat. On rear in grey lead pencil: "Lily Vipond Mair / (nee Deakin) / b: 5.7.1890 d: 1943 / wife of / David Millar Mair / they married on 5.5.1910". david miller mair, dave mair, lily vipond mair, lily vipond deakin -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, David Miller Mair, c1909
David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. The Deakin, Mair and Young families had many connections with Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.A black & white photocopy of a man with a moustache identified as David Miller Mair. The original is a formal portrait of him wearing a bowler hat and 3 piece suit, the jacket with flower in the buttonhole and the waistcoat with fob watch chain. He has his hands in his pockets and is looking in part profile at the camera. On rear in grey lead pencil: "David Millar Mair / 22.4.1879-16.9.1938". david miller mair, dave mair, lily vipond mair, lily vipond deakin -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Mont Albert Central School Grade 1, 1921
Mont Albert State School was officially opened on 23rd April 1917. The school became Mont Albert Central School in 1918, taking in Forms 1 and 2. The school remained a Central School until 1964, when the secondary years formed the basis of a new High School, the Box Hill North High School, later to be named Koonung Secondary College. This is part of a large collection of material related to the Deakin, Mair and Young families, all with connections to Surrey Hills and Mont Albert. Ernest Lance Young was the son of Ernest Augustus Young (1891-1985) and Ruby Nichell Whitby (1892-1984). Lance was born 24 March 1915 in Surrey Hills. The family lived at 5 York Street, Surrey Hills. Electoral roll for 1937 gives the house name as 'Whitby Lodge'. He married Beryl Mair in 1939 and died on 5 October 1999 at Mont Albert. Electoral rolls list him as a manufacturer. His address after marriage was 11 York Street, Mont Albert. He is buried in Box Hill Cemetery (M-*-0867) along with his father. He served in WW2 (Service Number - VX104733 enlisting at St Kilda) and after returning took over his father's business. Young's Motor Products have manufactured products for the automotive and other related industries, including chemical trades, since 1920. Business history: Young's commenced trading in 1917 when Mr Ernest Augustus Young started selling paint brushes. At this time the company was known as E.A.Young & Co. with business premises in Queen Street Melbourne. Ernest soon expanded into paints and other products for the rapidly growing automotive trade and by 1920 was well recognised as a leading supplier. At this time canvas hoods were the norm and Ernest produced a "Canvas Hood Dressing" which gained acceptance as 'the one to buy'. This product was exported throughout the world. By 1930 Young's range had expanded and the product range included items like distilled water, gasket cement, vulcanising heat patches, rust prevention and many more diverse products. Young's name then, was so well known in Australia and the world, that a letter could be addressed just "Young's Melbourne" and it would reach the company. Young's survived the great depression, but in 1939 the Australian government commandeered the factory with all plant and equipment, thus closing Young's for the duration of the WW2. Ernest continued to make products at home for the war effort. When his son, Lance, returned home from overseas war service in Singapore, the Young's factory was re-established at 405 Canterbury Road, Canterbury near Chatham Station and worked to regain markets lost in the 1940s. By 1980 Lance Young wished to retire, his immediate family didn't want to continue the business and Lance believed Australia would lose a great asset if he just closed the company. He sought to find someone within the motor trade who would uphold the Young's principles of product and service and in 1981 Allan Kennedy & Sons bought the business.Lance Young was retained as an active consultant until his death in October 1999, aged 84. Products: Superseal for radiators, tyre dressing (tyre black), car shampoo, hood dressing, leather and vinyl cleaner. The factory was later elased to B&D Rollerdoors. REF: Personal communication (Laurie Newton, nee Young) and http://youngsmp.com.au/comprof.htm Black and white class photo taken outside the school building. The class of 18 girls and 22 boys is flanked by a male teacher of the LHS of the photo and a female teacher on the RHS. Children are wearing a variety of clothing indicating the absence of an official school uniform.REAR: Possibly 4 different hands as follows: 1. In black ink faded to brown: "January 1921 / Mont Albert State School" 2. "ERNEST" in black biro; looks to be a later insert to "Lance Young" in blue biro or ink. 3. "2nd on left / FRONT ROW legs crossed" in blue biro. -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Mr Lance Young
Ernest Lance Young was born 24 March 1915 in Surrey Hills, the son of Ernest Augustus Young and Ruby Nichell Whitty. He married Beryl Mair in 1939 and died on 5 October 1999 at Mont Albert. Electoral rolls list him as a manufacturer. His address after marriage was 11 York Street, Mont Albert. He is buried in Box Hill Cemetery (M-*-0867) along with his father. He served in WW2 (Service Number - VX104733 enlisting at St Kilda) and after returning took over his father's business. Young's Motor Products have manufactured products for the automotive and other related industries, including chemical trades, since 1920. Business history: Young's commenced trading in 1917 when Mr Ernest Augustus Young started selling paint brushes. At this time the company was known as E.A.Young & Co. with business premises in Queen Street Melbourne. Ernest soon expanded into paints and other products for the rapidly growing automotive trade and by 1920 was well recognised as a leading supplier. At this time canvas hoods were the norm and Ernest produced a "Canvas Hood Dressing" which gained acceptance as 'the one to buy'. This product was exported throughout the world. By 1930 Young's range had expanded and the product range included items like distilled water, gasket cement, vulcanising heat patches, rust prevention and many more diverse products. Young's name then, was so well known in Australia and the world, that a letter could be addressed just "Young's Melbourne" and it would reach the company. Young's survived the great depression, but in 1939 the Australian government commandeered the factory with all plant and equipment, thus closing Young's for the duration of the WW2. Ernest continued to make products at home for the war effort. When his son, Lance, returned home from overseas war service in Singapore, the Young's factory was re-established at 405 Canterbury Road, Canterbury near Chatham Station and worked to regain markets lost in the 1940s. By 1980 Lance Young wished to retire, his immediate family didn't want to continue the business and Lance believed Australia would lose a great asset if he just closed the company. He sought to find someone within the motor trade who would uphold the Young's principles of product and service and in 1981 Allan Kennedy & Sons bought the business.Lance Young was retained as an active consultant until his death in October 1999, aged 84. Products: Superseal for radiators, tyre dressing (tyre black), car shampoo, hood dressing, leather and vinyl cleaner. The factory was later elased to B&D Rollerdoors. REF: Personal communication (Laurie Newton, nee Young) and http://youngsmp.com.au/comprof.htm Part of a large collection of material related to the Young, Mair and Deakin families.A sepia studio photo of a young man in a suit and tie.On rear: "Lance Young"; photographer's stamp: "THE GLEN STUDIO / 133 GLENFERRIE RD / GLENFERRIE VIC"ernest lance young, lance young, ernest augustus young, young's motor products, 405 canterbury road, ww2 -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Mrs Emma Atkinson
Emma was born in East Doncaster in 1903, the daughter of Carl Heinrich Uebergang and Sarah Buck. Emma’s grandparents were pioneers in Doncaster from 1855 and her father had an orchard in Andersons Creek Road, which was sold in 1961. Mr & Mrs Atkinson had a green-grocery business and general store at 815 Whitehorse Road, almost on the corner of Elgar Road from 1930 until about 1950. (See file for further details). In retirement the couple lived at 63 Zetland Road, Mont Albert and William continued to work as an orchard hand. Emma died in 2000 and is buried in Templestowe Cemetery. In this photo Mrs Atkinson is in the uniform of St. Johns Ambulance. In 1963 she was awarded a ‘Medal of Honour for Efficient Service’ by the Governor Sir Rowan Delacombe. (See file for further details) A black and white photograph of a lady dressed in a white uniform, complete with hat and gloves, standing beside a car.st. john ambulance, awards, miss emma gertrude uebergang, miss emma gerte uebergang, mrs william james atkinson, mrs emma atkinson -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Denholm's Garage, 209 Union Road, Surrey Hills
Fred Lyons (cab driver) and Dave Denholm (garage proprietor) worked together in a business servicing cars and providing vehicles for weddings etc. The photo came as part of a donation of photos related to Fred Lyons, his family and business. The building and automotive business was taken over and became J & V Warren-Smith Auto Service. In 2018 it is managed by John and Val's son Phillip and is believed to be the only business in the Union Road shops with a continuous history of use.A back and white photograph of a garage called Union Motor Garage. It has a brick facade, with an arched window either side of the driveway. A petrol bowser stands in front of each window. There is a car in the driveway.On small card: Union Motor Garage / D. B. Denholm, Proptr. / 209 UNION ROAD, SURREY HILLS / Phone Box Hill 959 / AUSTIN OAKLAND / PONTIAC DOUGLAS.::denholm's garage, union motor garage, union road, surrey hills, (mr) dave b. denholm, (mr) fred lyons, petrol stations, petrol pumps, j & v warren-smith auto service -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, 34 Union Road, Surrey Hills - home of the Kleinert family
This 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, 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 Victorian cottage with a typical bull-nosed veranda. It is set behind a wooden picket fence with undeveloped grazing land studded with mature trees in the background. Taken front-on from the street. There appears to be a path but no formal curb to the road.south surrey park, union road, surrey hills football club, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, coachbuilders, rotunda, miss nada kleinert, mr william kleinert, mrs emily kleinert, mr martin kleinert, mr ernest kleinert, mr karl richter, mrs ida de vasy, mrs nada harris -
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, Formal photo of the Kleinert family of 34 Union Road, Surrey Hills
William was a coach-builder, wheelwright and blacksmith. He moved from Prahran (13 Regent Street) 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, it 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. Many of the family are buried in Box Hill Cemetery. Friedrich Johann Wilhelm (William) Kleinert (1870-1949) married (1872-1937) in 1893. Their children were: Ernest Henry John (1892-1971) married Ida Grace Vassie. Ivy Louise (1898-1952) Martin William (1903-1964) Henriette Rose (Hetta Rose) 1896-1958.Black and white photo of William and Emily Kleinert and family. The children are L to R: Martin, Rose, Ernest and Ivy.surrey hills football club, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, coachbuilders, south surrey park, rotunda, friedrich johann wilhelm kleinert, william kleinert, emily florence radford, emily florence kleinert, ernest henry john kleinert, ida grace vassie, ida grace kleinert, ivy louise kleinert, martin william kleinert, henriette rose kleinert, hetta rose kleinert, rose kleinert, nada harris, nada kleinert -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Harley Tarrant and his 1905 Tarrant car, 1905
Col. Harley Tarrant was an astute businessman and a part-time soldier. He was born at Clunes in 1860 and as a young man worked with an engineering firm in Sydney. He later joined the Board of Works in Melbourne. and later entered the early car manufacturing and retailing trade. In 1905 Harley Tarrant built the first car to be built and sold in Australia. For a time he was a surveyor and worked in Surrey Hills but motoring became his prime interest. In the early 1890s he set up a workshop in what was then Post Office Place, Melbourne. He built stationary engines which ran on kerosene and in the first years of the twentieth century, with partner W Howard Lewis, built the first petrol driven car in Australia. This photo is of his sixth car and was taken after the finish of the 1st Sydney to Melbourne Dunlop Reliability Trial, which Tarrant won. Harley Tarrant produced cars between 1901 and 1907 at the Tarrant Motor and Engineering Company in Queen's Bridge Street, South Melbourne. The first car had a rear-mounted two-horse power Benz engine. Two-cylinder models were later produced followed by 4-cylinder models. The only Tarrant car in existence in 1984 was owned by Harley Tarrant's grandsons, Kenneth and Peter Holmes of Melbourne. The 1906 Tarrant car featured on an Australia Post stamp in 1984. It was one of a series of 5 stamps featuring Australian veteran and vintage cars.Black and white photo of a car without a hood in the driver's seat of which is a man with cap, driving dust coat and goggles, identified as Harley Tarrant. Beside him is a young girl in a large frilly; she is identified as Doreen Tarrant, his daughter. Another man with cap and goggles is talking to him and a gentleman in a bowler hat looks on. There is a women and 2 children in the background in front of a large brick wall decorated in two coloured bricks. cars, inventions, dunlop reliability trial, tarrant motor and engineering company, mr harley tarrant, miss doreen tarrant, mrs doreen holmes, col harley tarrant -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Arthur Lyons of Sunbury Crescent, Surrey Hills
Arthur was a well-known Surrey Hills identity until early 1990s. He was a welder and ran his business from his home at 55 Sunbury Crescent. His father had been a hansom cab owner/driver changing to taxis when cars took over. Arthur known to most locals as "Tiger" was a mine of information on local history and supplied many photographs of Surrey Hills. REF: Oral testimony - Rudi Mineur, 22/7/2019: Arthur was born at 55 Sunbury Crescent and was an only child; he lived all his life there, and did not marry. This photo was taken at the home in Sunbury Crescent of Rudi and Betsie Mineur. Rudi worked as a taxidermist and often had large fish to mount as trophies. This photo was taken at Arthur's request as a ruse. He did not catch the fish. Arthur was the only son of Frederick Adolphus Lyons (1891-1980) who was born in Surrey Hills, son of Thomas and Catherine Lyons. He married Elizabeth Ruby Hall in 1918. They lived at 55 Sunbury Crescent. The Lyons’ home was called ‘Knopshambury’ - this was probably a misspelling of Knockshanbally in Co Kilkenny, the birth place of Fred’s father, Thomas Edmund Josias Lyons (1846-1915). Arthur Lyons was born in Surrey Hills on 12 Jun 1920. He became a motor mechanic / welder and lived at 55 Sunbury Crescent. This is one of a series of photos donated by Arthur Lyons. The donation was made while he was in hospital. He died shortly afterwards (23 Sep 1990). Donation was finalised by a neighbour, Mrs Florence Ann Armitstead, wife of Glen Victor Armitstead. Glen was a local hairdresser. They moved to 11 Sunbury Crescent after their marriage in 1939. Arthur had no relatives to distribute the material to. A coloured photograph of a man, dressed in a jumper, trousers, gumboots and a hat, posing with a fish and a fishing rod.Arthur Lyonssunbury crescent, surrey hills, taxis, motor vehicles, welder, fishing, arthur lyons, arthur frederick lyons -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, late 1920s
Worn by Dame Marie Breen DBE OBE, Federal Senator for Victoria and Brighton resident. A passionate member (and founder) of many community organisations and charities, Marie Freda Breen (nee Chamberlin, 1902-1993) had her first experience of public life when her husband Robert became Mayor of Brighton in 1940. She became involved in the fledgeling Liberal Party, and Robert encouraged her to run for office. Marie because Victoria's first female Federal Senator in 1962. In Parliament, she was a vocal advocate for women and families and supported building a stronger relationship between Australia and Asia. In 1965 she became the first woman to chair a Senate committee. Marie retired from politics in 1968, after Robert was badly injured in a car accident. He died shortly after and she re-dedicated herself to community service, raising funds for UNICEF and serving on the Victorian Consultative Committee on Social Development and the Australian Advisory Council of Elders. In 1959 she was appointed an Officer of the British Empire for her work in the role of State President of the National Council of Women (Victoria) and in 1979 she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Marie and Robert had three daughters, one of whom, Jeannette Patrick, was the Liberal Member for Brighton (1976-1985) and Parliamentary Secretary of the Liberal Party, (1979-82).Sleeveless black cotton voile dress printed with large cream and apricot coloured roses. Dropped waist; bias-cut triangular draping applied to front neck; two horizontal bands of black voile inserted into skirt.dame marie breen, 1920s, liberal party of australia, australian senate, politics, robert breen -
Brighton Historical Society
Trousers, Howard Showers, "Howard Showers" trousers, c1990s
This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Di wore these novelty car print "Howard Showers" pants to many car rally events in Victoria, Australia and USA between 1990 and 2010, where she would perform the role of navigator and co-driver in a team with her husband David. Di's choice of clothing at the rallies is indicative of her sense of humour and attitude towards clothing. Cream coloured cotton French terry cloth pants with metal zip fly front, branded button closure, feature red stitching and printed cars in black ink. There are several car designs featured with each design appearing c1960s - 1970s. One car design features the name "Howard" on its number plate. Manufacturers label "Howard Showers, Holiday, size 12" Metal button inscription "Howard Showers, Syd (Sydney), Aust (Australia). "Made in Australia". Care label. howard showers, novelty print clothing, 1990s, di reidie -
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 -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Men's Coat, c1940s
Franco Liburti was wearing this coat when he farewelled his wife Assunta in Naples, Italy in 1957, the day she departed for Australia. 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. Men's coat featuring a charcoal herringbone weave, with three buttons down the front and on each sleeve cuff.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community, naples -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Child's Pinafore, 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 and green plaid children's pinafore with green hem binding and in-built petticoat with lace edging.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. Maroon skirt with curved wrap detail with maroon and navy striped ribbing halfway around bottom. The skirt is shaped with darts, has an elastic waistband, and centre back opening with a zip and skirt hook. Maroon lining.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Jumper, 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. Emerald green jumper with wide rib detailing, triangular detail at cuffs and hem and curved v neck. Shoulder seams are reinforced with woven tape.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Children's Jumper, 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. Children’s moss green knitted jumper with a peter pan collar, centre back zip and raglan sleeves.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community