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)

Nursing homes would celebrate Easter with special activities, including a Easter Bonnet parade. Residents were invited to buy or make their own entries into the field.Group of people wearing Easter hatsbrighton nursing home, celebrations

Official certificate showing that Elanora Home and Hospital for the Aged at 7 Mair Street, Brighton was an approved nursing home on 30 June 1999, with a bed capacity of 60.1 x A4 sized page with black writing and Commonwealth Department of Human Services and Health logoelanora home (brighton), association for the blind

Nurse A. Watt was a registered Nurse who owned the Cheltenham Nursing Home, located up on the hill, at 200 Charman Road Cheltenham c1900. With Dr. Fleming Joyce, she brought many local identities into the world. Len Allnutt recalls that his brother, Ray, was born there in 1924. Nurse Watt had an excellent reputation for her care and ability in the local area. One recorded event was when in November 1910 Constable Edwards was shot by his son David, at his police house, after an episode of domestic violence involving Constable Edwards long suffering wife - the mother of David. Const. Edwards was first taken to the Police Station, but later taken by Shire ambulance to Nurse Watt's Cheltenham Nursing Home. At 8pm, Edwards was operated on by Dr. Joyce and Dr. Weigall. Despite the surgery, Edwards died the next day of haemorrhage and shock. David was convicted of manslaughter. Dr A Fleming Joyce was the Shire Medical Officer c1914 - 1930. Nurse Watt bequeathed her Estate to the Methodist Church. ( H. Stanley CMHS)c1900 Nurse A Watt had an excellent reputation for her care and ability in the Cheltenham area where Medical, Surgical and Midwifery Cases were received at her Nursing Home in Charman Road. She also accommodated convalescent cases. She worked with Dr A.Fleming Joyce and Dr Weigall.a) Advertisement / Leaflet for Nurse A.Watt c1900 b) Black & White photograph of the Cheltenham Nursing Home, 200 Charman Road Cheltenham c1900watts nurse a, joyce dr. a f., cheltenham nursing home c1910, charman road cheltenham, nursing, medicine, midwifery, victoria police force, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen,, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The Peterson family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and established a market garden in East Boundary Road East Bentleigh. Vic Peterson - waistcoat, with Dick Marriott seated - ( brother in -law ), 2 unknown men and 7year old Geoff Peterson - Poliomyelitis as a baby- sitting in front with his walking sticks. The crop is cabbages that would be harvested and sent to the Melbourne markets.The early settlers like the Petersons and Marriotts, in the Parish of Moorabbin County of Bourke after Henry Dendy's Special Survey Brighton 1841, established market gardens, fruit & flower gardens, poultry & dairy farms, vineyards as well as shop businesses, blacksmiths, chemists, nursing homes and schools & Churches.Black & White photograph of Vic Peterson and 3 men & boy on his market garden in East Boundary Road East Bentleigh c1925 re-digitised 2005back ; handwritten information unsignedwagons, vulcan trucks, draught horses,, peterson vic, marriott dick, cabbage crops, vegetable crops, poliomyelitis epidemics 20thc , elster creek, plateways moorabbin shire, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The Peterson family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and established a market garden in East Boundary Road East Bentleigh. Vic Peterson and family loaded the crop - cabbages - onto the horse drawn wagon and set off to the Melbourne market using the Plateways that ran along Centre Road and Nepean Highway. The early settlers like the Petersons , in the Parish of Moorabbin County of Bourke after Henry Dendy's Special Survey Brighton 1841, established market gardens, fruit & flower gardens, poultry & dairy farms, vineyards as well as shop businesses, blacksmiths, chemists, nursing homes and schools & Churches.Black & White photograph showing Vic Peterson beside the horse drawn wagon loaded with 35dozen ( 12x 35) cabbages setting off to market c 1900 Original re-digitised by H Stanley 2005Back Hand written informationwagons, vulcan trucks, draught horses,, peterson vic, marriott dick, cabbage crops, vegetable crops, poliomyelitis epidemics 20thc , elster creek, plateways moorabbin shire, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The Peterson family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and established a market garden in East Boundary Road East Bentleigh. Horse drawn wagons traveled along Plateways to take their crops to the Melbourne Markets . With the advent of the motorcar the market gardeners gradually purchased trucks to transport their crops. Roads were being surfaced but ruts and flooding caused upsets and bogging of these trucks. The journey was quicker but unlike the Horses, these trucks could not drive themselves back to the farm.The early settlers like the Petersons and Marriotts, in the Parish of Moorabbin County of Bourke after Henry Dendy's Special Survey Brighton 1841, established market gardens, fruit & flower gardens, poultry & dairy farms, vineyards as well as shop businesses, blacksmiths, chemists, nursing homes and schools & Churches.Black & White photograph of a Vulcan truck driven by Vic Peterson, loaded with Cauliflowers from his market garden in East boundary Road East Bentleigh c 1929.Back Handwritten information unsgnedwagons, vulcan trucks, draught horses,, peterson vic, marriott dick, cauliflower crops, vegetable crops, poliomyelitis epidemics 20thc , elster creek, plateways moorabbin shire, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

This ladies suit belonged to an elderly neighbour of the donor, Margot Miller, who lived in Black Street, Brighton in the 1970s. The neighbour had offered Margot a selection of her old clothing, dating from the early 20th century, as she wanted somebody to hold onto and care for the items after she died. Before Margot could take the items the neighbour was moved into a nursing home and, while cleaning out the house, the woman's son took the clothing to the tip with a load of rubbish. Margot happened to see him leave and was able to follow him and retrieve the clothes. They remained in the Miller family for many years; some were worn by Margot's daughters and some were ultimately passed on to others. Based on our research, we believe that the suit's original owner may have been Julia Richards (nee O'Keefe, c. 1882-1976), who lived at 59 Black Street during this time. Born in Ireland, Julia emigrated to Queensland in 1900. She married William Alfred Richards in 1911 and lived with him in Ayr, near Townsville, where they ran a hotel. It is unclear what became of William, but by the mid-1920s Julia and her two children were living in Brighton, where she remained until her death in 1976, aged 94.Cream wool ladies suit consisting of a jacket and skirt. Jacket is partially lined with silk, quilted around shoulders. Fastens with four self-covered buttons, one attached to a belt. Two box pleats at front and back, each featuring four decorative self-covered buttons at the waist. Upturned cuffs, each with two buttons. The skirt features a fabric belt and triangular pockets in each side with decorative self-covered buttons. Hook fastenings at side.1910s, women's suit, julia richards

Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, hospital homes, community centre, welfare, volunteer service group, auxiliaries, life governors, guiding light appeal, Isadore Smith's bravery, Prime Minister Hon. J.G. Gorton opening the Ballarat section of the Guiding Light Appeal, Victorian Governor General Sir Rohan Delacombe the Bendigo section and Victorian Premier Sir Henry Bolte the Metropolitan section, Hubert Opperman being knighted in the Queen's Birthday honours, waiting list time for admission is 18 months - two years and are almost exclusively nursing cases as the peak for active aged recedes, erection of the two storey wing at Brighton thanks to grant from estate of the late Herbert Engelbert, the demolishing of the 100 year house at Brighton required for the extension, Mrs Laura Clarke - a resident of Mirridong - celebrated turning 102, and the need for additional room and accommodation for a resident caretaker has necessitated the purchase of a block of flats facing Glenferrie Road, with the assistance of the William Buckland Trust.16 pages of text and photographsassociation for the blind, isadore smith, e.a. soderstrom, miss tobias, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, hospital homes, blind citizens community centre, welfare, auxiliaries, senior staff, life governors, historical and current photographs of Ballarat, Bendigo, Brighton and the Blind Citizens Community centre, establishment of an ophthalmological clinic at Elanora, demand for more nursing beds and funding for nursing support, need for hostel accommodation for short stay or respite for carers, renaming of Brighton Blind Home to Elanora, 20 bed nursing wing to be opened at Mirridong next year, a second block of flats facing Glenferrie Road has been purchased due to demand for expansion at Kooyong Blind Citizens Community Centre, plan for a memorial garden with a sensory section in front of the club house, appointment of a hairdresser at Kooyong and two holidays at Cumberland House in Lorne have been organised and were a huge success1 volume of text and photographsassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton), mirridong home (bendigo), kelaston home (ballarat), annual reports

Aerial view of Elanora Nursing Home. Mair Street and the train line are clearly visible.Aerial photograph mounted on boardassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

John Moule was President for the Association for the Blind from 1992 until 1999. Shortly after his commencement, political changes forced the realignment of government departments and expenditure, requiring a reduction in nursing home accommodation and staffing levels. With the demand increasing for services, and the need for a financially sustainable model, he oversaw the increasing amount of government support for the AFB as well as the successful centenary appeal. John Moule and his wife Pam stand beside resident Frances Norris, at the opening of the 'Pam and John Moule Terrace' at Elanora, Brighton.1 coloured photograph of Pam and John Moule, with Frances Norrisassociation for the blind, john moule, elanora home (brighton), pam moule, frances norris

Constructed in 1996, the new wing at Elanora Nursing Home was named after John Wicking, President of the Association for the Blind for over 10 years, and a strong supporter of the Association and it's work.1 round metal plate with raised inscriptionThis plaque commemorates the turning of the first sod in the construction of the John Wicking Wing, 21st October 1996. This building recognises the outstanding contribution by J O Wicking AM President of the Association for the Blind 1972-1984 and long time friend of blind and vision impaired people throughout Victoria.association for the blind, john wicking, elanora home (brighton), nameplates

In the intersection of corridors at a nursing home, three men navigate their way along. The first man has only his lower half and back showing but appears to be guiding his companions. The middle man, dressed in a jumper, shirt, pants and polished shoes walks to his outer left, possibly holding the elbow of the man in front of him. The last man, wearing a jacket, shirt, tie, pants and a pair of snazzy plaid slippers, lightly holds the edge of jumper of the man in front of him, who has turned the corner.1 B/W photograph of three men in a corridor at a nursing home26 2917 C1association for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

1. A woman sits a wheelchair as she watches to the right of camera. Her hands are poised in the air, as she waits to clap them together. 2. A man sits on the edge of a hospital bed and looks to camera. 3. Seated woman holds her fingers as she moves them, possibly during a therapy session. 4. Near the window looking towards a large bush, a woman fiddles with her beaded necklace. 5. A man sits on the edge of his made up bed, with a small television, cassette player and cassettes stacked in his bedside table. A family portrait hangs on the wall. 6. Sunlight warms a woman talking to another whilst seated. 6 B/W photographs of nursing home residentsassociation for the blind, elanora home (brighton)

An unknown nursing home resident sits as she reads 'Stories for a Prince', outside in the shade. It is unknown where these images were taken, however assumed to be at Elanora.1 black and white photograph of older woman reading a bookelanora home (brighton), recreation, association for the blind

An unknown couple are outside the nursing home. A man holds a wooden handle, possibly a croquet mallet, while a female in a blue cardigan smiles as she looks on and holds his elbow. It is unknown where these images were taken, however assumed to be at Elanora.1 colour photograph of man holding wooden stick whilst female smiles and looks onelanora home (brighton), recreation, association for the blind

Black and white photograph of the Brighton branch for the Association for the Blind at 7 Mair Street, Brighton. Known as Elanora, it provided nursing home support for elderly people who were blind or had low vision. The building still stands in 2020, albeit with some facade changes and the addition of a covered area to the entrance that is set back from the street. 1 black and white image of Brighton branch of the AFB buildings, association for the blind

On December 20, 1983, Andrew Peacock visited the Elanora nursing home in Brighton. There he met resident Mary Lawless, whom he knew when he was a student at Melbourne University. Mrs Lawless was also housekeeper for former Prime Minister Harold Holt, for 27 years. She was at Portsea the day of his disappearance.1 black and white image of Andrew Peacock and Mary Lawlesselanora home (brighton), andrew peacock, mary lawless

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of nominees, Nominations, Reports from Finance, Welfare, Brighton, Ballarat, Kooyong, Regional Centres, Nursing homes, Blind Members' auxiliary, Social activities, General business, Guest speakers. The AFB Blind Members' Council Annual Reports are also included beginning with June 30th 1977. Some highlights include: 25/5/1976 it was reported that the newly formed Tandem Bicycle Club would be holding their meetings at Kooyong the first Sunday of each month. 30/6/1978 it was reported that in April the Kooyong complex of buildings was named H.M. Lightfoot Centre after the immediate past President of AFB. The Council has been successful in having included in the learner driver book of road rules a question on the significance of the white cane. 30/7/1979 The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the Ballarat Day Centre, Kelaston, in April. 30/6/1980 it was reported that the BMC welcomed 119 new members during the past twelve months. The Chairman, Mr Sitlington, represented Blind Members at the opening of the new George Vowell Nursing Home and Day Centre. 20/2/1981 a letter from the Chairman of VicRail, Mr Reiher, giving assurance that audio announcements will still be made in conjunction with the computer board. Minute book for Blind Members Councilassociation for the blind, blind members council

Framed portrait of Bruce Small who was President of the Association for the Blind 1955-1964. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Small stands in his Gold Coast mayoral robes, which consist of a dark blue velvet with ermine trim and a white ruffled shirt.. He wears a mayoral chain of office around his neck and glasses, with his hands clasped in front of him. Sir Bruce Small joined the Vision Australia’s General committee in 1944 and became President of the organisation in 1955. He developed an efficient team with Sir Hubert Opperman (for many years the world’s number one cyclist), whom he brought in as Vice President and Mr. Pat Lightfoot, himself president for many years. Sir Bruce had to leave school at an early age after the death of his father in order to support his family. The lessons he learned from this episode in his life created a man of quick wit, with a razor sharp mind and the skills of a gambler - attributes that enabled him to achieve his goal of “aiming for the stars”. This was put into effect when he proposed a plan for 3 new Vision Australia nursing homes in 5 years at Ballarat, Bendigo and Brighton at a cost, which at that time seemed impossible but which was finally achieved between 1957 and 1959, through astute financial management. Sir Bruce also supported the concept of organisational decentralization and made amendments to the constitution, which enabled the associated branches of the Vision Australia (then the Association for the Advancement of the Blind) to form local committees. This was in order to generate local interest in the blind people in the community and engage them in fund raising and running of the nursing homes. Although he resigned in 1964 when he moved to Queensland he still retained an interest in Vision Australia. Sir Bruce had always pushed for a symbol for Vision Australia which would be recognized by the public and serve a useful purpose. This took the form of a beacon which was erected at Brighton, overlooking the sea, having a twofold purpose – a reference point and guiding light for small craft, and symbolically for blind people a guiding light to direct them to a safe harbour. Sir Bruce switched on the guiding light at in 1969 having already donated the cost of $3000. Prior to joining Vision Australia, Sir Bruce had operated the Malvern Star bicycle business in Glenferrie Rd. He promoted and expanded the business making Malvern Star the industry leader in Australia. This was aided by his friendship with Sir Hubert Oppermen, who promoted Malvern Star bikes through his role as world’s number one cyclist. In 1967 he became Mayor of the Gold Coast and, in 1972 he was elected to the Queensland Parliament representing the seat of Surfers Paradise. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'Mr Bruce Small / President 1955 - 1964 / Association for the Blind'.association for the blind, bruce small

Two letters on Melbourne Legacy letterhead to Mrs Lois Hurse, the War Widows' Guild president in 1970. The address showed the Guild was also known as The Vasey Housing Auxiliary (War Widows' Guild) Ltd. Both letters discuss the 45 bed nursing home that the Guild was establishing in Church Street Brighton. One is signed by the Executive Officer Ivan Layton and the other by EP Evans the Hon. Secretary. The letters were returned to Legacy by the Guild when the Guild closed. The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this letter, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation - it shows a close bond between the two organisations. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of a close link between Legacy and the War Widows Guild.White letter x 2 from Legacy to the War Widows' Guild in 1970.war widows guild, wwg