Alan Marshall AM, (2 May 1902 – 21 January 1984) was an Australian writer, story teller, humanist and social documenter. Personal correspondence between Gwenda Sanderson and Alan Marshall, dated between 1979 and 1983. There are 21 letters in all, the last 3 of which were dictated from the Hurlingham Nursing Home in Brighton. Background information for the letters (daugher Merrilyn Sanderson 10 October 2025): My mother, Gwenda Sanderson ( nee White ) grew up in the western district and knew Alan Marshall's sister. Gwenda was an aspiring author, and reached out to Alan for support and advice regarding her writing. Alan proved to be a generous and inspiring mentor and as you will see, they established a rapport. In 1966 Gwenda moved from Mortlake to Montmorency (quite a culture shock!) and around 1983 she and her husband, Stan moved to Diamond Creek. Letters: 1. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 15 August 1979 2. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 22 August 1979 3. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 28 August 1979 4. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 7 September 1979 5. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 19 September 1979 6. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 11 October 1979 7. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 18 October 1979 8. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 1 November 1979 9. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 10 January 1980 10. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 24 January 1980 11. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 15 February 1980 12. Gwen Hardisty on behalf of Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 27 May 1980 13. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 17 June 1980 14. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 29 July 1980 15. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 4 August 1980 16. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 22 August 1980 17. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 5 February 1981 18. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 5 August 1981 19. Gwen Hardisty on behalf of Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 11 May 1982 20. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 27 Octopber 1982 21. Alan Marshall to Gwenda Sanderson, 21 February 1983 alan marshall, gwenda sanderson, gurrawilla, elsie louise mcconnell, black rock (vic.), korny kenna, folk tales, australian folk tales, davie carson, tommy stratton, neil black, black emily, noorat, purnim encampment, pompey austin, aboriginal characters, john manifold, john hooker, collins publishers, eltham history, alan marshall (pioneers and painters), james bonwick, mount shadwell, mount noorat, john smith, blacksmith, mary turner-shaw, on mount emu creek (book), wooiwyrite, western district victoria, merrilyn sanderson, mortlake, the land (poem), collected verse (book), austin family, hammers over the anvil (book), eeyeuk, dennis family, peg dennis, noorat church, jim smith, miss dennis, mrs polly, mrs angus gillies, mental health, frank smith, country life (english paper), field (english paper), peter mcleod, bill beechey, angus gillies, mag dennis, east driscoll, camperdown, bill white, alec irvine, jack irvine, staughton's stable, cumming family, jallalabad, miss baird, private catholic school, jack peoples, shaw's, weatherley, miss ann gordon, ballangeich, writer, author, sun (newspaper), william collins (aust.) ltd, chatsworth homestead, russia, i can jump puddles (book), nat gould, race horses, ethell dell, gertrude page, geoffrey farnell, east driscoll (story), shamrock smith, the catholic ball (story), lance skuthorpe, the blood of johnny meagher (story), winter-irving, sarah midgeley, richard skilbeck, miss edith (story), sun competition, mandeville hall, hampden council, alan marshall commemorative plaque noorat, russian theatrical troupe, noorat show, eliza sturgess, sam johnson the baker, elsie johnson, crupper, martingale, a.j. black, shaw women, miss laura, squatter, duke of edinburgh, royal family, 'texas' green, member for kalgoorlie, duke of gloucestor, the girl in pink, prince of wales, may creedie (story), mrs scott of mortlake, smouldering fires (book), lindsay russell, mary murray of our valley (book), the fellowship of australian writers, jim hamilton, journey to aboriginal victoria (book), mary gilmore, peter mcallum institute, may creedie (book), gwen hardisty, heart attack, bulletin (magazine), stephenson, gloria swanson, jennifer marshall, daniel (grandson), cathy (daughter), sandringham hospithal, east brighton nursing home, alan marshall writes alone (review)

Portriats of Alan Marshall, and some with his secretary, Pat Wiltshire, at work in his Park Road, Eltham home and garden, c.1970 at the time he was writing "Pioneers and Painters". Alan Marshall, A.M., O.B.E., HON., LL. D. (1902-1984) was born at Noorat, Victoria and became one of Australia’s most famous authors. His association with the Eltham area began in 1920 when he started his first job as a junior clerk at the Eltham Shire Offices, Kangaroo Ground. In the 1940’s he spent sometime living in Research. From 1955 he lived in Eltham for nearly 20 years. Disabilities resulting from polio as a young child did not prevent a wide range of experiences. Alan’s occupations have been listed as clerk, night watchman, fortune teller, freelance journalist and author. He has been patron of many disadvantaged children’s societies. Alan’s books are numerous and include novel, short stories, children’s books, history and travel. Among the best known are his autobiographies “I can jump puddles” and “This is The Grass”. Others include “These are my people”, “Ourselves Writ Strange” and “Wild Red Horses”. In 1971 he wrote the centenary history of the Shire of Eltham, “Pioneers and Painters”. Black and white photographs of Alan Marshall at his home.pioneers and painters, alan marshall, pat wiltshire, park road

321 p. : plates, map (on lining papers) ; 23 cm[written on flyleaf] Hullo, John. Greetings from Australia - Alan Marshall Dec 61australian aboriginal

Paperback; 169 p. ; 18 cmISBN 0170051099alan marshall

Collection of stories covering his life, travels, views on many subjects, and yarns about the Australian outback; includes stories on treatment of Aborigines.Hardback with dustcover; 190 p; illustratedISBN: 0582714311alan marshall

Hardback missing dust jacket; 165 p. : ill.,map on end-papers.SBN 17002901alan marshall

Hardback with dust jacket; 202 p. : ill., map ; 19 cm.alan marshall, victoria description and travel, travel, reminiscences, anecdotes, country life

Alan Marshall (1902-1984) was an Australian writer, storyteller, social documenter and author of 'I Can Jump Puddles'. He lived for many years in Sandringham. This work was commissioned by Sandringham Council and unveiled in May 1985 at the opening of the new Sandringham library.George Luke, Alan Marshall 1985, bronze. Bayside City Council Art and Heritage Collection. Commissioned 1985Cast bronze head of Alan Marshall. The head is mounted on a cement pedestal with a bronze plaque with inscription at the front. Located at Sandringham Library, Corner Waltham Street and Chalmers Avenue, Sandringham.alan marshall, george luke, scultpure, portrait, bust, sandringham, library, writer, social documenter, australian author

Dubbed from original recording with introduction by Joh Ebeli 2002 General chit chat and banter between Joh Ebeli and Alan Marshall on various current affairs, matters of the past and artists and Joh's method of sculpture production. Topics include gold prospecting, Smith's Gully, Politician Jim Cairns, artists Neil Douglas and Pablo Picasso. See also EDHS_00666 colour photo of Alan taken by Joh Ebeli and EDHS_02441 photo of plaster cast modelCompact audio cassette TDK D60 IEC I/Type I Converted to MP3 file; 33.8MB, 0:32:19 Case labelled "Alan Marshall talks while Joh Ebeli is sculpting his face in #1977 - in his bungalow in Eltham"alan marshall, alan marshall bungalow, artists, audio cassette, audio recording, eltham, joh ebeli, sculptures, gold prospecting, smiths gully, sculpting

497 pagesnon-fictionA collection of sad, funny, warm and tragic real stories. Author Alan Marshall lived in Eltham for some of his life and wrote the history: "Pioneers & Painters: One Hundred years of Eltham and its Shire" published in 1971.short stories

Colour photograph of Marcus Skipper's sculpture of Alan Marshall with Eltham Library in backgroundsculptures, alan marshall, marcus skipper, public art, libraries, eltham library, eltham, panther place, authors, writers

READINGS recorded 1959 in Alan Marshall’s study, Eltham • See the White Feathers Fall (Ourselves Writ Strange) • The Chinese Herbalist (I Can Jump Puddles) • The Press (How Beautiful Are They Feet) • The Drought (I Can Jump Puddles) TALES FROM THE SPEEWAH, recorded 1 May 1959 in Nicholas Hall, Melbourne, at ‘Readings From Australian Writers’ presented by the Australiasian Book Society on behalf of the Melbourne May Day Committee. REMINISCING recorded 11 May 1964 in the Healesville Art Gallery of Nicholas and Ruth Heiderich with an audience of about 50 guests. Chairman, Nicholas Heiderich. At two stages throughout the recording a substantial rain storm can be heard on the roof almost drowning out the presentation.Two TEAC MX1 compact audio cassettes labelled Alan Marshall Here! Part 1 (#0128 red and Alan Marshall Here! 2 (#0129 yellow) Tape 0128 Side A Dubbed from original tape (1959) READINGS recorded 1959 in Alan Marshall’s study, Eltham • See the White Feathers Fall (Ourselves Writ Strange) • The Chinese Herbalist (I Can Jump Puddles) • The Press (How Beautiful Are They Feet) • The Drought (I Can Jump Puddles) TALES FROM THE SPEEWAH, recorded 1 May 1959 in Nicholas Hall, Melbourne, at ‘Readings From Australian Writers’ presented by the Australiasian Book Society on behalf of the Melbourne May Day Committee. Tape 128 Side B REMINISCING (part 1) recorded 11 May 1964 in the Healesville Art Gallery of Nicholas and Ruth Heiderich with an audience of about 50 guests. (Concluded on tape 0129) Tape 0129 Side A REMINISCING (part 2) recorded 11 May 1964 in the Healesville Art Gallery of Nicholas and Ruth Heiderich with an audience of about 50 guests. Chairman, Nicholas Heiderich. (Part 1 on tape 0128) Converted to MP3 files EDHS_05002-1 Readings 43.9MB; 0:34:31 EDHS_05002-2 Tales from the Speewah 15.6MB; 0:12:49 EDHS_05002-3 Reminiscing 86.9MB; 1:21:05alan marshall, alan marshall bungalow, audio cassette, audio recording, australiasian book society, healesville art gallery, melbourne, melbourne may day committee, nicholas hall, nicholas heiderich, readings from australian writers, ruth heiderich

Alan Marshall was an author of more than fifteen books, and lived much of his life in Eltham. He became a central figure in the area's arts community of writers, artists, sculptors, film makers, actors and musicians. He is shown stroking a book to his heart, perched on a crutch, which references his disability (contracted polio when he was young), and his status as one of Australia's most successful and loved authors. His most famous book, 'I Can Jump Puddles' is based on his life story and the obstacles he faced as a child in trying to overcome his disability. Marcus Skipper submitted the idea for the work to the first 'Art in Public Places' Awards in 1990. The selectors at the time recommended that the work would be more suitably placed near the Eltham Library. It was commissioned and installed for the new Eltham Library, which was designed by Greg Burgess in 1994. It was partially funded by the then Shire of Eltham's Art Development Fund (Eltham Arts Council) and the rest donated by the artist Marcus Skipper. This work has significance for its reference to two well known names associated with Eltham and its history. The sculpture is a realistic statue of the famous Australian author Alan Marshall who wrote "I Can Jump Puddles". He lived and worked in the Shire. The artist Marcus Skipper represents a highly recognised family of artists associated with Monsalvat. The sculpture 'Alan marshall' has been classified as of regional significance by the National Trust of Australia. A realistic depiction (almost life size) of Alan Marshall cast in bronze with green patination. Dressed in a jumper and slacks, Marshall is shown perched on a crutch, holding a book to his heart, gesturing to his audience to come and listen to his words. alan marshall, bronze, skipper, i can jump puddles, eltham library, novalist, ekphrasis2017, figure, public art

See audio recording of Alan Marshall and Joh Ebeli made by Joh Ebeli at this time whilst he was modelling Alan Marshall's face - EDHS_05003 See also plaster cast model of sculpture - EDHS_02441Colour photographalan marshall, alan marshall bungalow, joh ebeli, sculptures

Compact audio cassette Emtec Type FE I Cassette labelled "Books & Writing - R/N Alan Marshall" Converted to MP3 file; 67.5MB, 0:50:07alan marshall, audio cassette, audio recording, australian broadcasting commission, books and writing, radio national

Bicentennial/Heritage Week Display, "The Eltham Tradition", Eltham Shire Office, 17-22 April 1988 See audio recording of Alan Marshall and Joh Ebeli made by Joh Ebeli at this time whilst he was modelling Alan Marshall's face - EDHS_05003 See also photo of Alan Marshall posing for Joh Ebeli for this sculpture - EDHS_02441Colour photographactivities, alan marshall, eltham shire office, joh ebeli, heritage display, heritage week

Shows Alan Marshall at his home of 13 Park Road, Eltham. Black and white version of first frame reproduced page 104 of 'Pioneers & Painters'.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image Black and white prints 1 x 4 x 5 inch B&W negative"301170" on reverse of printsalan marshall, eltham local characters, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, alan marshall bungalow

Shows Alan Marshall at his home of 13 Park Road, Eltham. Black and white version of first frame reproduced page 104 of 'Pioneers & Painters'.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image Black and white prints"301170" on reverse of printsalan marshall, eltham local characters, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, alan marshall bungalow

Launch of "Pioneers and Painters: One Hundred years of Eltham and its Shire" by Alan Marshall. The history was commissioned by the Shire of Eltham and published as part of the Shire of Eltham centenary celebrations in 1971. Alan Marshall with Cr. Charis Pelling. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, shire of eltham, shire of eltham centenary, pioneers and painters, book launch, alan marshall, cr. mrs. c.m. pelling, charis pelling

Shows Alan Marshall at his home of 13 Park Road, Eltham and working in his bungalow with his secretary, Pat Wiltshire, most likely typing up the manuscript of 'Pioneers & Painters'. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Black and white printalan marshall, eltham local characters, pat wiltshire, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, alan marshall bungalow

Shows Alan Marshall at his home of 13 Park Road, Eltham and working in his bungalow with his secretary, Pat Wiltshire, most likely typing up the manuscript of 'Pioneers & Painters'.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.120 format 6x6 Clr reversal (1 strip, 4 frames)alan marshall, eltham local characters, pat wiltshire, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, alan marshall bungalow

Shows Alan Marshall at his home of 13 Park Road, Eltham and working in his bungalow with his secretary, Pat Wiltshire, most likely typing up the manuscript of 'Pioneers & Painters'.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.120 format 6x6 Clr reversal (3 strips, 12 frames)alan marshall, eltham local characters, pat wiltshire, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, alan marshall bungalow

Shows Alan Marshall at his home of 13 Park Road, Eltham and working in his bungalow with his secretary, Pat Wiltshire, most likely typing up the manuscript of 'Pioneers & Painters'.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Printed B&W contact sheet of 20 x 35mm frames"171170" on reverse of contact sheetalan marshall, eltham local characters, pat wiltshire, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, alan marshall bungalow

Alan Marshall fully protected from the weather and COVID-19 virus with beanie and maskBorn Digitalalan marshall, art in public places, covid-19, eltham library, marcus skipper, pandemic, sculptures, statue

Taken at the time Alan Marshall was writing "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham"Colour positive film 120 6 x 6 formatKodak Safety, sectioned frames 3, 10 and 12alan marshall, pioneers and painters, pat wiltshire

Taken at the time Alan Marshall was writing "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham"Colour positive film 120 6 x 6 formatKodak Safety, sectioned frames 3, 10 and 12alan marshall, pioneers and painters, pat wiltshire

Taken at the time Alan Marshall was writing "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham"Colour positive film 120 6 x 6 formatKodak Safety, sectioned frames 3, 10 and 12alan marshall, pioneers and painters, pat wiltshire

Taken at the time Alan Marshall was writing "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham"Colour positive film 120 6 x 6 formatKodak Safety, sectioned frames 3, 10 and 12alan marshall, pioneers and painters, pat wiltshire

Taken at the time Alan Marshall was writing "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham"Colour positive film 120 6 x 6 formatKodak Safety, sectioned frames 3, 10 and 12alan marshall, pioneers and painters, pat wiltshire

Taken at the time Alan Marshall was writing "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham"Colour positive film 120 6 x 6 formatKodak Safety, sectioned frames 3, 10 and 12alan marshall, pioneers and painters, pat wiltshire