Correspondence between Aaron Beattie Esq from Beattie Physical Culture College Melbourne and E. Hilmer Smith Esq about Girls’ Physical Culture Classes in July 1928. It was intended to aid the Sydney Legacy Club establish classes for girls. Excerpts include the following information: "I would suggest that you form a special C/tee to handle the Physical Culture work. . . . I would suggest that special care be taken to see that none but fully-qualified and trained teachers handle the children - this is all important. . . . We charge every child 5/- per year, payable quarterly. We have been most fortunate here with the girls section. An old friend of mine - Mrs Gillies - is our Hon. Directress. She was - until her marriage - in charge of all Physical Culture training in the State Schools of Victoria, and is a wonderful woman. She takes complete charge, appoints her own staff and so on. We pay some of her assistants from £2.2.0 to £5.5.0 per term of 12 weeks. The class was formed in May last year with 42 girls - we now have 121, and they have left the boys far behind. Enclosed you will find a copy of our measurement chart, which is an important part - every child should be recorded before starting, and again at the end of the year. I am also sending you a copy of our Demonstration Programme. This show was given after the girls had been going for 10 months, and it was a wonderful success - all these things help to bring success, and children seem to want these things to keep them going. . . . We spend about £600 per year on our Children's Work and nearly all of that goes to the Physical Culture side." The correspondence is a good snapshot of the undertaking of Melbourne Legacy running girls' club at that point in time and that Melbourne Legacy was trying to help Sydney Legacy establish a similar program. Legacy was only 5 years old at that time and already the importance of the physical culture classes for girls was underway.Set of three typed and dated handwritten letters on paper between Aaron Beattie Esq, and E Hilmer Smith Esq. 00126.1 on Legacy Club letterhead. 00126.4 on Commonwealth Bank notepaper.girls' club, junior legatee, girls' classes, aaron beattie

This is a report on the 1929 Annual Demonstration from Aaron Beattie to the Junior Legacy Club. It includes a summary of income and expenditure, and a few recommendations for the future demonstrations. The letter is in reply to a request from the Junior Legacy Club for Aaron Beattie to provide more detail in his accounts for services provided. The original letter can be found under record item 00200.A record that Aaron Beattie was key in the production of the annual demonstrations. He ran the physical culture classes for Legacy for many years.Letter on Aaron Beattie's letterhead dated 13th March 1930 to Legacy summarising the 1929 Demonstration income and expenditure.Signature of Aaron Beattie in blue ink on second page. Some Legatee names on the reverse in pencil which may be unrelated.annual demonstration, aaron beattie

A letter from Legatee Savige to Legatee Aaron Beattie. It appears to be a reply to a letter congratulating him on his knighthood in 1950.A record of a note between Legatees.Cream note dated 1 December 1950 from Stan Savige to Aaron Beattie.Note card is printed with Stan Savige's address in blue gothic font '9 Goldthorns Avenue, East Kew, Melbourne.stan savige, aaron beattie

A letter from Legatee Savige to Legatee Aaron Beattie dated16 April 1944. Stan Savige was serving in World War 2 at the time. He lists his return address as VX13 Lt Gen S G Savige, 2 Aust Corps. The note says: Dear Aaron. As always your very nice letter pops up and is very much appreciated. The last one of congratulations has just reached me. I may be seeing Adrian before very long. Kind regards to the wife and yourself. Yours sincerely, Stan G Savige. Addressed to Aaron Bettie, ANA Building 28 Elizabeth St Melb.A record of a note between Legatees.Cream note dated 16 April 1944 from Stan Savige to Aaron Beattie.Note paper is embossed with a coat of arms which appears British with a lion and a unicorn.stan savige, aaron beattie

This letter was written as a result of a meeting that brought to the attention of the Junior Legacy Club that the accounting methods used by Mr Beattie for his services was unsatisfactory. Melbourne Legacy clearly wished that the accounts be quite transparent. Aaron Beattie was key in the boys classes and annual demonstrations for many years. Walter Pavey served in the Australian Army during WW1 with the 10th Australian Infantry Battalion.A record that Legacy was determined to make their accounting practices professional and transparent, even as early as 1929.Foolscap paper letter signed Walter Pavey. Legacy Club Melbourne, 540-542 Little Collins St, Melbourne C1. Dated 4th June, 1929. Signed Walter Pavey.regulations, aaron beattie

A letter from Gerta Gillies to Legatee Aaron Bettie about the publication of the biography of Stan Savige. Mrs Gillies was the first instructor for girls classes. Legatee Aaron Beattie helped organise many of the early demonstrations. The letter says Mrs Gillies was thrilled to receive a copy of the book by W B Russell titled 'There goes a man'. She says: 'How can I convey in words how deeply touched I am at your gift of the book! What wonderful memories it calls up of the Great Man, General Savige. I also realise even he couldn't have made such as marvellous success if he had not been ably backed up by yourself and the men he gathered round him'. Attached to the letter was a newspaper article dated 10/10/1959 discussing the publication of the book.A record of a past staff member praising Savige and the legatees.Blue paper letter to Legatee Beattie about Stan Savige's biography.gillies, aaron beattie

The photo shows a group of Legatees outdoors possibly in the 1940s as some of the Legatees appear in the Launceston Conference photo from 1940. From the inscription it was a trip to the Grampians 20 years before it was added to the archive. The man in the centre of the front row could be Frank Wittman, who was the smallest man to have enlisted in the 1st AIF and as such the shortest Legatee. Frank Clifford Wittman was only 4ft 4 inches tall (132 cms). Taken from an article in the Bulletin when his medals were sold. He served in both world wars. In the 1970s Legatees Frank Doolan, Cyril Smith and Brian Armstrong were making an attempt to collect items relevant to Legacy's history for an official archive project. They approached legatees for appropriate items and perhaps Aaron Beattie provided this photo then. Delegates from other states were treated to outings when attending Conferences. Strong bonds of comradeship were formed between Legatees.Black and white photo of a group of Legatees in the Grampians.Handwritten on reverse 'with compliments Aaron Beattie' and 'Taken at Grampians over 20 years ago'.legatee event, conference, founding legatee

Correspondence revealing early organisation of Legatees attending Boys Groups when Legatee Kemsley was Chair of what was called 'Deceased Soldiers' Children's Welfare Committee'. Letter to Legatee A. Beattie re attendence at Junior Legay Club training. Documents how Melbourne Legacy's care of children began, and how much commitment was required of the Legatees.2 letters and 2 memos, black type and purple copy type, on white paper with Legacy Club logo.Signatures of A. Kemsley and W. Blackettjunior legatee, boys' classes, aaron beattie

Programme of a Legacy Demonstration at the Melbourne Town Hall on 2nd November 1932. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics, the Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1980s, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association. Aaron Beattie was the coordinator of boys classes and his collection of programmes have been included in the collection.A record of a Junior Legacy annual demonstration.Printed programme for 1932, teal cover with navy print and cream paper with black text. On title page in blue ink 'Aaron Beattie'.annual demonstration, junior legatee

Programme of the second Legacy Demonstration at the Melbourne Town Hall on 20th November 1929. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics, the Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1979, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association. 'Demonstration arranged by the Chairman of the Gymnasium Sub-Committee (Legatee Aaron Beattie) in conjunction with Mrs Gilles (Hon. Directress Girls' Section) and James Tierney FPCV (Chief Instructor Boys Section).'A record of the second annual demonstration.Printed programme for 1929, purple cover with gold print and cream paper with black text. On title page in blue ink 'Aaron Beattie'annual demonstration, junior legatee

A photo of Mr William Bernard Wigston who left a substantial amount to Melbourne Legacy in his will in 1968. The note from Legatee Aaron Beattie says William Wigston was born in London in 1880 and died in Melbourne in 1968. He was educated at Lancing College in Southern England (near Brighton). His father was a London solicitor. The photo was taken about 35 years before being given to Legacy which may have been approx 1933. The article from The Age says that Mr William Wigston was a financier living in Toorak and had died aged 88. He left in his will, approximately $150,000 to Junior Legacy and the same to the RSPCA. The executive officer of Legacy, Mr Ivan Layton, believed it was the highest donation that they had ever received at that time. The photo was produced by Talma, which was a photography business in Melbourne. The article was part of collection of items about bequests made to Legacy put together by a former archive committee. A record that individuals have left substantial sums to Legacy over the years.Photo of Mr Wigston in a cardboard mount, an article about his donation to Legacy and a note from Legatee Aaron BeattieHandwritten on the cardboard mount of the photo is 'Talma', which is likely the photo studio. Handwritten on the newspaper article 'The Age 8/6/6?' in pencil.donations, bequests

A newspaper article that mentions the release of WB Russell's book about Stan Savige 'There goes a man' in 1959. It was attached a letter from Gerta Gillies to Legatee Aaron Bettie about the publication of the biography of Stan Savige. Mrs Gillies was the first instructor for girls classes. Legatee Aaron Beattie helped organise many of the early demonstrations. The letter says Mrs Gillies was thrilled to receive a copy of the book. She says: 'How can I convey in words how deeply touched I am at your gift of the book! What wonderful memories it calls up of the Great Man, General Savige. I also realise even he couldn't have made such as marvellous success if he had not been ably backed up by yourself and the men he gathered round him'.A record of the publication of Savige's biography.Newspaper article about the release of Stan Savige's biography.Handwritten on top 'Sun 10/10/1959'gillies, aaron beattie

A typed letter designed to be copied and circulated to members of Stan Savige's 'old mob' recounting events in Greece and Crete in 1941. Legatee Savige was deployed in Greece and this letter recounts the withdrawal of his company and those of Walker and Wrigley. He mentions Thermopylae, Kalamai, and evacuation via the ship Costa Rica, which was bombed by German planes and sunk. The name Aaron (or Adrian) Beattie is handwritten on the first page so perhaps it is his copy of the letter.A first hand account of the campaign in Greece during 1941, and an important link to Legatee Stan Savige, the founder of Legacy.Cream foolscap paper x 4 pages with black type transcription of a letter by Stan Savige in 1941.Handwritten in blue pen on centre top of first page "Aaron Beattie".stan savige, world war two, crete, greece

A program of an Annual Demonstration by Junior Legatees at the Melbourne Town Hall on Tuesday 25th October 1938. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics, the Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to the 1980s, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall or Olympic Pool Stadium. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association. A record of a Junior Legacy Demonstration in 1938.Printed programme for 1938, black print on pale blue card and paperHandwritten 'Aaron Beattie' on cover in blue pen.annual demonstration, junior legatee

Programme of a Legacy Demonstration at the Melbourne Town Hall on 20th November 1935. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics, the Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1980s, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.A record of a Junior Legacy annual demonstration.Printed programme for 1935, light brown cover and cream paper with brown text. On the cover in blue hand writing 'Aaron Beattie'annual demonstration, junior legatee

Programme of a Legacy Demonstration at the Melbourne Town Hall on 24th October 1939. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics, the Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1980s, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.A record of a Junior Legacy annual demonstration.Printed programme for 1939, mustard yellow cover and cream paper with brown text. On the cover in blue hand writing 'Aaron Beattie'annual demonstration, junior legatee

The photo shows a cricket team. The photo was taken by Aaron Beattie who worked for Legacy as physical culturist co-ordinating the boys classes. The location is said to be Melbourne Grammar school and the date about 1930.A record of Legatees competing in a cricket competition, there were many ways the Legatees met, socialised and supported each other.Black and white photo of a group of cricketers about 1930 and a card with the cricketers' names on it.Handwritten on reverse 'X a visitor not a Legatee' and 'Taken by' next to a stamp of 'Aaron Beattie, Masseur & Physical Culturist / 4th floor Centreway, Collins St Phones C4471 Haw 4185' in blue ink. The card is a card advising Aaron Beaties business was closed for a period to 17th January 1966. It was used to record his handwritten comments on the reverse: 'Legacy Cricket Club, taken at Melbourne Grammar School, about 1930. Back Row George Sutton, X, Hugh Nicholson, Rev Eric Kent, A Anstruther, Sandy Lowe, Middle Row Hughie Kane, Fred Higgins, Paul Simonson Front Row Ray Howells, Rhys Bodycomb, Peter Mountjoy, N. Bedfordlegatee event, founding legatee

A letter from Legatee Savige to Legatee Bill Perrin dated 16 July 1945. Stan Savige was serving in World War 2 at the time. Bill Perrin was Legacy President that year. It discusses the importance of allowing admission of new legatees from the ranks of the servicemen from World War 2. He is concerned there might be conflict with other organisations if they are created to perform a similar role as Legacy. Part of the letter says: "When the opportunity presents itself I speak to men, who are the right type for membership, of the necessity to consider the Club as an avenue of service after the war. Quite recently I have met men who know about Legacy, but are more concerned about their own Unit Associations taking up our type of work in its application to the widows and orphans of the men killed within their units."A record of Stan Savige's concerns about the future of Legacy and including new members from World War 2.White letter with blue type x 4 pages dated 16 July 1945 from Stan Savige to Bill Perrin.stan savige, aaron beattie

Gives an insight into the weekly physical activities run for Junior Legatees, both boys and girls, naming the members of the sub-committee and teaching staff.Earliest formal report of physical activities run for Junior Legatees.1 foolscap and 1 A4 sheet faded white copy paper, blue carbon imprint, annotated in black.Typed numbers of participants crossed out and written in pen. Signed by Aaron Beattie, Chairman.boys' classes, girls' classes

The running script for the 1976 annual physical culture demonstration recreating the first such demonstration on 28th March 1928 at Melbourne Town Hall.A record of physical activities run by Melbourne Legacy for Junior Legatees from 1928-1976.00105.1 White foolscap double sided typed sheets x 2, with black type 00105.2 White foolscap single sided carbon copy, with black type 00105.3 White A4 photocopied sheets single sided with black type00105.2 Carbon copy marked “Draft Only A.R.B” (this could be Aaron Beattie who was involved with classes for many years).annual demonstration, jim tierney

Menu from a dinner at the Navy, Army & Air Force Club of Victoria to celebrate Sir Stanley Savige. (S.G.S. would stand for Stanley George Savige). Of particular interest are the names signed by those attending.Documents Sir Stanley Savige's involvement with Melbourne Legacy from 1923-1950. White card, blue print of a menu for a dinner for Stan Savige.Autographed by: C.R. Carleton, W.L. Wilkinson, Brian Armstrong, Stan Savige, Frank Doolan, James Gillespie, Aaron Beattie, and seven others (illegible)savige, legatee event

One of the earliest camps held for Junior Legatees, showing tents, charabancs and fashions of the day. Legatee Stan Savige had a property in the Balnarring area and some camps were held on his property. Names noted on the back of the photos include: Pat Hanna, Aaron Beattie, Stan Savige, Sandy Lowe, Bill Pearce, Lyn Rule, Donovan Joynt, Carl Carleton, George Collins, Bill Pearce, Rupert Hely, Norman Stafford. Some of these were founding legatees. Melbourne Legacy provided camps for junior legatees - the children of deceased servicemen. It started in the early years of Legacy with outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring. Permanent camp buildings were built in the 1930s. The camps gave the children an opportunity of a summer beach holiday with other Legacy children.A visual record of a camp run for Junior Legatees, with founder Stan Savige in one of the photographs, showing the accommodation and activities.Folding wallet, brown and cream with black printing, set of sepia photos varying sizes, 1 negative for 00061.7Wallet: 00061.1 “77283” (pencil), Kodak (Australasia) marketing text Photos: 00061.2 “Legacy Camp, Balnarring Xmas 1930/Taken by Aaron Beattie/Pat Hanna rear/Bill Pearce Lfront Lyn Rule/Donovan Joynt Centre Front/Carl Carlton Right Front/Child unknown/extreme left 2 unknown poss. from Bendigo Club” 00061.3 “N 481” 00061.5 “N 481” 00061.6 “Legacy Club Camp Hut/Balnarring East/ 7. Dec 1929” 00061.7 “N 481” 00061.8 “L to R/Stan Savige, George Collins, Bill Pearce/Sandy Lowe Rupert Hely/Norman Stafford/413” 00061.9 “738” 00061.10 “N 481” 00061.11 “N 481” 00061.12 “ Printer Harringtons/4 43” 00061.13 “738”camp, stan savige, founding legatee, somers camp

A menu card from when Legatee Stan Savige was awarded his knighthood in 1950. The dinner was held at the Navy, Army and Air Force Club of Victoria on 21st July 1950. Legible signatures include CR Carleton, Brian Armstrong, WD Joynt, Stan Savige, FJ Doolan, Aaron Beattie, plus others.An important link to Legatee Stan Savige, the founder of Legacy.Cream card dinner menu x 2 copies of a dinner in honour of Stan Savige in 1950.Multiple autographs of Legatees on one card. Single autograph of Stan Savige on the other.stan savige, legatee function, dinner

A notice from Aaron Beattie the Chairman of the Gymnastic Committee about the details of Junior Legatee activities in 1928. It mentions the location, time, cost, enrolment, and activities of the Gymnastics group for boys run by Junior Legacy Gymnastic Sub-Committee in 1928. It mentions that it was not possible to hold a gymnastics display in 1927 because of lack of a suitable hall. Fees for the year were £5 which were paid quarterly.Administrative details of early Junior Legacy activity which gives an insight into what opportunities there were for boys in the 1920s, and how they were expected to behave.Notice about Boys Club details in 1928, white foolscap sheet with black type.boys' classes, exercise classes

The photo shows a group of people on an outing to Stan Savige's property in Balnarring. Legatee Savige is in the striped jacket on the left. Legatee Savige had a beach side property that he allowed to be used for summer camps and outings by Legacy. In this photo there is mention of the children being from Minton Boys Home which was established in Olivers Hill, Frankston in 1924. In the early years, Legacy organised outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays.The photo shows Legatees took disadvantaged children on outings to L/- Savige's property as early as 1928.Black and white photo of a group of people at Stan Savige's place.Handwritten on reverse: 'Taken on Stan Savige's place Balnarring about 1928. Includes MB Beattie with Adrian? Tony and Diana on right S?, Minton Boys Home. Photo by Aaron Beattie' in blue ink. Stamped 'Kodak print' and 'Velox'.savige property, stan savige

The dinner took place on Tuesday 25th November 1958 at The Naval and Military Club; there is no indication of what the occasion might have been. The two caricatures are clearly of the same person and are signed by Pat Hanna, in the same style as the drawings in 01293 and 01290, it is possible that 'Donno' might have been Donovan Joynt though his name isn't in the autographs. (Donovan Joynt was a prominent original Legatee and VC winner in France in 1918, and looks similar to the drawing). It may not have been an official Legacy occasion but simply a gathering of Legatees at the Naval and Military Club. The artist Pat Hanna was a founding member of Melbourne Legacy. Legacy kept some of his works in the archive.As well as demonstrating the conviviality of Legatees, it attests to the food usually offered at dinners in the 1950s. The 'Papa au Rum' listed for dessert might have been a misprint for 'Baba au Rhum' which was popular at the time. Printed and folded menu card, black on white, with the menu printed in purple by a spirit duplicator; two handrawn blue ballpoint caricatures, autographed in blue biro by participants.14 autographs: F.Meldrum, James G. Gillespie, Frank Doolan, Aaron Beattie, Pat Hanna, J Wallace, R. Mitchell, Brian Armstrong, and the rest illegible. In black ink: 'The One & Only DONO' underlined on back page,' DONNO THE ONE & ONLY' inside front cover.comradeship, donovan joynt, hanna

Programme of the first Legacy Demonstration at the Melbourne Town Hall on 28th March 1928. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics, the Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1979, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall or Olympic Pool Stadium. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association. Demonstration arranged by the Chairman of the Gymnasium Sub-Committee (Legatee Aaron Beattie) in conjunction with Mrs Gilles (Hon. Directress Girls' Section) and James Tierney FPCV (Chief Instructor Boys Section).A record of the first annual demonstration.Printed programme for 1928, purple cover with gold print and cream paper with black text. Stamped in purple ink 'The Property of Melbourne Legacy'.annual demonstration, junior legatee

An album of newspaper clippings and photos compiled to thank Legatee Philip E Potts when he was leaving Melbourne in 1928. L/ Potts was president of Legacy in 1927-28. The album was compiled by Legatee Frank Doolan. The articles included the first annual demonstration being held on 28 March 1928 with 300 junior legatees performing. Legatee Aaron Beattie was in charge with help from Mrs Gillies and Jim Tierney. Also articles about the proposed building of the Shrine of Remembrance and the appeal for funds. One page shows pictures of a social event held on the Burns Philp ship 'Marella'. Another photo of Marella is in the collection. Legatee Potts was manager of the old-established shipping firm Burns, Philip and Co Ltd. He also was president of the Melbourne 'Highland Pipe Band, a councillor of the Melbourne Scots and English Speaking Union, and a member of the Rotary Club. A record of a tribute to a past president and outlines significant events in 1928.Brown cardboard album x 13 pages of newspaper clippings and photos from 1928 held together by brown string.shrine of remembrance, philip e potts, past presidents

A caricature drawing labelled 'Melbourne Good Samaritans - The Legacy Club', of the early Legatees with their names, roles and some characteristics. The artist was 'Wells' and it was reprinted in the Weekly bulletin in 1979. It was also printed in Blatchford's book in 1932 with the caption 'Some Club Leaders in 1928'. Many of these names appear through the archive but very few have photos, so this is one of the few examples of what some the early Legatees looked like. Some names and roles were: Capt C H Peters - President Capt. 'Dono' Joynt VC - Vice pres. AN Kemsley - The Live Wire WAM Blackett - Chairman Children's Committee CR Carleton - Board of Children's Committee Aaron Beattie - Gym sub committee RM Hall - Employment Col Tommy White - 'Half flight' KJ Mitchell - Distress problems Dr Mark Gardner 'Vin Rouge Ellingworth - Hon Secretary FW Higgins - Comradeship Hal Cohen - 1st Pres Dudley Tregent - The blind solicitor and war widows champion Cyril Smith - Recording sec, one of the Pillars FJ Doolan - Shrine of Remembrance / Eric Harding / AC Rudrum (Treas.) / A S Murray - Boys debating club It was in a folder of documents about the history of Legacy which appears to have been mostly compiled by Legatee Cyril Smith as he has many hand written notes on miscellaneous pieces of paper (some are envelopes addressed to him). The notes were typed up into a summary of the History of Legacy. Also documents relating to the first time Legacy approached the public for donations in September 1956, including newspaper articles that were reprinted, a schedule of information that was approved to be released to the press, and a list of potential donors that was circulated to Legatees in the hope they could contact the ones they knew personally or professionally. The documents from this folder have been added in separate records (see 01262 to 01281). The folder was part of an attempt to capture history of Legacy, generally from the 1950s.The documents provide an insight into the working of Legacy, especially in the 1950s. Legatee Cyril Smith and others were detailing their experiences and knowledge for the future. This reprint captured the spirit of the original Legatees and their roles and characters.A hand drawn picture of Legatees reprinted in the Weekly Bulletin.history, comradeship, founding legatees, cartoon

A document written in 1976 by Legatee Frank Meldrum containing his account of the start of Legacy. He was responding to a request for information about the history of Legacy that the archive committee was collating. He mentions several key members by name and what they achieved. As with other similar accounts he mentions the original objective was to see diggers placed in employment. When two years later the focus changed to the families 'thanks to Frank Doolan Legacy found its SOUL'. Many other accounts have also used the term 'soul' when referring to Frank's suggestion. It seems many Legatees had been quietly helping families of their comrades; Frank 'said he was helping a widow with two children of an old army mate. It was discovered that several of the Board were doing the same. Stan Savige had taken over the care of his widowed sister and her two boys, whose father had died at Passchendale. I had a widow with two little ones whose father was one of my best mates at Anzac. He died of flu virus after returning to Australia. I think eleven members of the Board or Committees were already giving similar service. Frank's proposal caught on immediately. Legacy had found its Soul!' 'Harold Peters started his Lit and Debating Class and I was asked by Stan to find a PT instructor', Frank Meldrum asked for the 'Billy' Williams to helped, and a cobber from Anzac, Louis Vavjanezki, to take on boxing and wrestling classes. 'All committees carried their own expenses amongst themselves - nothing was charged to JLC. Hugh Brain started the Education Committee and was given a donation, I think of $1000 (a heck of a lot in those days) by the Ballieu Bros.' He also mentions 'For the first 5-10 years practically all administrative costs were borne by the members.' 'Stan Savige was, of course a tremendous driving force in all the work for the Juniors. He put on a Christmas Camp at Balnarring on his own property and was Camp Commandant and Camp Cook.' Legatee Keith Mitchell helped Frank Meldrum in doing a dental examination of all children in the classes and then Frank did the necessary treatments in his rooms. When it was known they were treating over 400 children and their mums, Syd Birrell then got the board to co-opt two more dentists into the Club and form a Dental Clinic. Syd Birrell also started a Legal Committee to provide free legal advice. 'Committees quietly vied with each other to give better services to the Juniors and their mums. It was an atmosphere that was unbelievably happy - SERVCE WITHOUT SELF'. He mentions picnics, including one at Grimwade house - photos are at 01382 - where legatees were dressed up. The first demonstration was held in the 'Playhouse, just over Princes Bridge and was a great success.' Aaron Beattie and Mrs Gilles were mentioned. The notation H33 in red pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. A summary of the first fifty years of Legacy written by a key founding member.White foolscap paper with black type x 6 pages of Frank Meldrum's account of Legacy's history dated 6 March 1976.Handwritten H33 in red pen and 'from Meldrum' in blue pen on first page. Stamped 'COPY ONLY' in purple ink.history, founding legatee, frank meldrum