This doily is typical of items of household linen in popular use in the 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries. It was a tradition for brides to have a 'glory box' containing linen and embroidered and crocheted articles to take to their new home. The featured image of Captain Cook's Cottage suggests that the doily was embroidered around the time of the transfer of the cottage in Melbourne. The cottage was constructed in 1755 in England and was brought to Australia in 1934 and installed in the Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne. In the Words of donor, Betty Stone, … “These crocheted and embroidered articles cover a period of three generations- ie. Sarah (nee Chamberlain) Lees, Ann (nee Lees) Dale, and Daisy Elvena (nee Dale) Welsh. All three were accomplished needlewomen; also, both Sarah Lees (born 1844) and her daughter, Ann (b 1865) crocheted a wide variety of articles for use in their homes. A few examples of these items have survived the years.” (NOTE: For additional information please refer to my book Pioneer and Places- A History of Three Warrnambool Pioneering Families ie. Chamberlain, Dale and Lees families)This item is associated with the Warrnambool pioneer families of Chamberlain, Dale and Lees. These families are listed in the Pioneers' Register for Warrnambool Township and Shire, 1835-1900, published by A.I.G.S. Warrnambool Branch. The item is a fine example of 1930's needlework.Doily, ovate in shape. White cotton embroidered with a cottage scene and named "Captain Cook's Cottage"; the image includes flowers, trees and a bird. The edge is crocheted. Part of the Chamberlain Dale Lees Collection. Embroidered on doily "Captain Cook's Cottage"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, chamberlain family, dale family, lees family, betty stone, warrnambool pioneer, warrnambool genealogy, wangoom, chamberlain dale lees collection, glory box, doily, embroidery, needlework, crochet, handmade, craft, manchester, linen, haberdashery, captain cook's cottage

a small painting and cut-out representing Cook's Cottage with a stem attached with the legend 'Cook's Cottage'.Cook's Cottage painted to stem of leather bookmark.captain cook, souvenirs, leatherwork, melbourne, tourism,

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Cook's Cottage. A booklet with text by Hermon Gill about the history of Cook's Cottagecook's cottage, tourist locations -- fitzroy gardens

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.A booklet with text by Hermon Gill about the history of Cook's Cottagecook's cottage

Donor, Mr Graham White, found it among his grandmother's things when she died in 1973, aged in the 90's.Stamped linen apron pattern, with design of Captain Cook's cottage - circa 1930. Labelled Large Size, ladies apron, Fautley's No. 1423. Not worked.Fautley's No. 1423 Large size ladies apronembroidery, 1920-40, australia, kits, aprons

Tourist publication about a Melbourne landmark. 19pp; Illustratednon-fictionGeneral history of Cook's Cottage Melbourne produced by the National Trust by direction of the Melbourne City Council.cook's cottage -- fitzroy gardens, christian-washfold collection

cook's cottage, fitzroy gardens, melbourne, craft, souvenir, bookmark

Ernest James Andrew was born in Eltham on 6 July 1873 and died at his home shown here in Arthur Street Eltham on 29 March 1950 aged 76. His father was William Bravery Andrew who ran corn store in Eltham at the corner of Franklin Street and Main Road and was a member of the Eltham Shire Council. Ernest also became a councillor and Shire President. His brother was also named William Bravery Andrew. The house was known locally as "Cook's Cottage" because of its resemblance to Captain Cook's Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne. Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Cone) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s. See also 00183 Home to Cr. Ernie Andrew, newsagent and his wife Ellen. Known locally as Cook's Cottage due to its resemblance to Captain Cook's cottage in Fitzroy Gardens. Erected after Nov 1931 and before Dec 1945. The cottage was situated immediately adjacent to the east of the undergound carpark entrance off Arthur Street which used to be Commercial Place. Ernie Andrew's wife, Ellen, died 13 July 1946 and Ernie died 29 March 1950. Aerial photos show the cottage was still present in April 1963 but it had been demolished by April 1972 with a carpark extending from behind the new Eltham Village built on the former Shire Office site opposite through to Luck Street. ELTHAM SHIRE OFFICES (1934, November 9). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 1. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56746996 ELTHAM SHIRE OFFICES The offices of the Eltham Shire Council are now at Arthur street, Eltham. The shire secretary (Mr. P J. McMahon) had a busy time during the week transferring all the books, documents, etc. of the council from the temporary offices (the shire secretary's residence at Kangaroo Ground) to the new offices. The new premises are owned by Mrs. E. J. Andrew, from whom the council has leased them, and consist of a five roomed brick villa which has been completed to meet the council's requirements. It would appear that this brick building was built on Andrew's land upon which he had loaned for use of Eltham's first Fire Station (Sep 1928 to June 1931) and based on aerial photos of Nov 1931, Dec 1945 and July 1951 was erected prior to Cook's Cottage.Heather Jenkins was the daughter of Constable John Thomas Cone, Badge #3935 served at Eltham Police Station 1 May 1911 to 9 July 1922.Glued on a brown paper scrapbook page (torn from scrapbook) with 8 black and white/sepia photos of varying sizes, 1 newspaper clipping and one greeting card with printed sketch and handwritten captions in ink. On back of page is 1 black and white photo and a large newspaper clipping.eltham, cooks cottage, ernie andrew, ellen andrew

Kagawa, Toyohiko (1888-1960) Japanese evangelist and social movement leader Kagawa was born in Kobe to Kame and Junichi Kagawa. In lonely years following the death of his parents at age four, he met Harry W. Myers and Charles A. Logan, missionaries of the (Southern) Presbyterian Church, U.S., and was baptized by Myers on February 14, 1904, at the Tokushima church. He pursued theological study at Meiji Gakuin in Tokyo and Kobe Theological Seminary. During his student days in Kobe he moved into the Shinkawa slum to serve the physical and spiritual needs of some 7,500 people. Between August 1914 and May 1917 Kagawa studied in the United States at Princeton Theological Seminary and then became involved in labor and peasants movements in Japan and in organizing religious programs, with the Jesus Band of Kobe as the base of his work. In 1921 Kagawa organized the Friends of Jesus. This Franciscan-like band of young people strove for spiritual discipline, compassion for the poor, and an evangelical life of witness. When Tokyo suffered a massive earthquake in 1923, he shifted the main emphasis of his work to that city. He promoted economic cooperatives in Japan and peace and social reform programs before and after World War II. Kagawa was a prolific writer. Most of his writings are collected in the twenty-four volume Kagawa Toyohiko Zenshu (The work of Kagawa Toyohiko) (1964). His theological focus was on the redemptive love of God, manifest in the life of Jesus Christ, to whom people can commit themselves through a mystical experience of faith and intellectual creativity. Kagawa was known more as a Christian social reformer than as a religious leader both in and out of Japan, but he was fundamentally an evangelist throughout his life. Robert M. Fukada, “Kagawa, Toyohiko” in Biographical Dictionary of Christian Missions, ed. Gerald H. Anderson (New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 1998), 350. This article is reprinted from Biographical Dictionary of Christian Missions, Macmillan Reference USA, copyright © 1998 Gerald H. Anderson, by permission of Macmillan Reference USA, New York, NY. All rights reserved. B & W informal photograph of the Rev. H.C. Matthew and Toyohiko Kagawa standing in front of the door to Captain Cook's Cottage in the Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne. "Melbourne May 19th or 11th 1935. H.C. Matthew & Toyohiko Kagawa standing by the cottage recently removed to Australia & re-erected in Melbourne Botanical Gardens in which Captain Cook was born."toyohiko kagawa, h.c. matthews, captain cook's cottage, friends of jesus, christian missions.

Home to Eltham Shire Councillor Ernie Andrew, newsagent and his wife Ellen. Known locally as Cook's Cottage due to its resemblance to Captain Cook's cottage in Fitzroy Gardens. Ernie and Ellen can be seen standing at the entrance. Erected after Nov 1931 and before Dec 1945, most likely by 1934. The Andrews owned the property next door (downhill) and it was there that Ernie Andrew loaned land for the first Eltham Fire Station in 1928. The house on that block was present in a November 1931 aerial photograph; the subject house was not. In November 1934 Mrs Ellen Andrew leased a 5-roomed brick villa in Arthur Street to Eltham Shire Council for use as temporary offices. The new Shire office was opened in November 1940 across the road. It is possible but not yet confirmed, that the Cooks Cottage was the brick villa leased to Council and then the Andrews moved in late 1940 after Council moved into their new offices across the road. Or, they could have built Cooks Cottage and leased their old home next door to Council. Further investigation will hopefully reveal more. The cottage was situated immediately east of the underground carpark entrance off Arthur Street and directly opposite to the present-day entrance to the Eltham Village carpark. Ernie Andrew's wife, Ellen, died 13 July 1946 and Ernie died 29 March 1950. Subsequent ownership has not been identified. Aerial photos show the cottage was still present in April 1963. Local advice suggests the building was used as a doctor’s surgery in the mid-1960s. The property was purchased by Council in August 1964 and demolished shortly afterwards to provide additional area for a carpark already in existence from Pryor Street (Diamond Valley Mirror, 2 Sep. 1964, p1). The carpark was extended behind the Eltham Arcade from Pryor Street through to Luck Street in February 1966 (Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, Feb. 1, 1966, p7) The same view today https://maps.app.goo.gl/KfqGSDqYnPq6jCU69 ELTHAM SHIRE OFFICES (1934, November 9). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 1. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56746996 ELTHAM SHIRE OFFICES The offices of the Eltham Shire Council are now at Arthur street, Eltham. The shire secretary (Mr. P J. McMahon) had a busy time during the week transferring all the books, documents, etc. of the council from the temporary offices (the shire secretary's residence at Kangaroo Ground) to the new offices. The new premises are owned by Mrs. E. J. Andrew, from whom the council has leased them, and consist of a five roomed brick villa which has been completed to meet the council's requirements. See also 01777-4 - Research by Peter Pidgeon, EDHS, June 2026 Sepia photograph of Ernie Andrews house, Arthur Street, Eltham c.1940s (now Safeway carpark)Site: Arthur Street, Eltham Now: Part of Woolworths, formerly Safeways Car Park Was: Known as Cooks Cottage Owner: Ernie Andrews, died 1950. House was demolished early 1950s See also: 00183arthur street, eltham, cooks cottage, houses, ernie andrew house, ernie andrew, ellen andrew

Semco souvenir printed tablecloth c 1950's. Owned by Donor's grandmother Veronica Constable who was born in Culgoa VIC in 1904Unfinished Semco tablecloth with crochet edging. Printed with design of Captain Cooks Cottage and the Endeavour.captain cook, semco

Black and white copy of original photograph of two ladies standing in a gateway in front of a stone cottage."Mary Hunter & Margaret Hollins, grand daughter of Jean Hunter - Cook's Cottage 1948. born Linton".mary hunter, margaret hollins, cooks cottage

RICHARD FORD, AUSTRALIAN ARTIST CONNECTED TO CLUNES, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA FOR MUCH OF HIS LIFE.1 CHINA PLATE WITH IMAGE OF THE EXHIBITION BUILDING IN CARLTON, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA. SKETCHED IN CANDLE SMOKE THEN VARNISHED .2 CHINA PLATE WITH IMAGE OF CAPTAIN COOK'S COTTAGE LOCATED IN THE FITZROY GARDENS, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA. SKETCHED IN CANDLE SMOKE THEN VARNISHEDSIGNED: R FORDrichard ford, clunes artist, clunes teacher

Postcard - 4 panel full colour - by Traveller's Notes, of the Yarra River, Cook's Cottage, Flinders St Station main entrance, and SW6 852, University, route 5. Divided back, published by Traveller's Notes, photos by Neil J Leed, 1997.trams, tramways, flinders st station, yarra river, sw6 class, route 5, tram 852

Colour postcard divided back, three panel, featuring Z57 turning from Bourke into Spring, Captains Cook cottage and old Melbourne Goal. Back has space for name and address, stamp and a message and details of the postcard. Produced by Stewart Postcards SV014 Has "Hello from Melbourne Australia!" in the bottom left hand corner.trams, tramways, bourke st, z class, melbourne, tram 57

Two menus: 1. 'Teal' Menu, picture of Captain Cook's cottage Melbourne on LH side. Chilled fruit juice, crumbed cutlet, tomato sauce, green peas, croquette potatoes, preserved fruit, fresh cream bread rolls, butter, tea, coffee. 2. Liquors and cigarette menu. On front 'Australia, New Zealand, Teal Buffet List.new zealand airlines, captain cook

Triptych (3 panels) featuring a Melbourne cityscape at dusk with a Yarra River view, a classic red city circle tram on a street, (not possible to read the number), and a view of Captain Cook's Cottage with the text "MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA" at the bottom. Published by Nu-color-vue, NCV 14367, 11ML592, with website and address details.Demonstrates a typical postcard promoting Melbourne.Postcard - three colour panels, unused.tramways, city circle tram, yarra river

Colour postcard divided back - Biscay Greetings, series of 6 photographs of Melbourne, with the words "Greetings from Melbourne" on the lower edge. Features Cook's cottage, Banks of the Yarra River, Arts Centre, Como House and a Z class tram outside Parliament. Back has space for name and address, stamp and a message and details of the postcard. Produced by Biscay Greetings, possibly mid 1990's. Card No. BG 178.trams, tramways, postcards, yarra river, z class, melbourne

Captain Cook's Cottage was dismantled in his village in England and rebuilt in Melbourne's Fitzroy Gardens in the 1930s. Since then it has been an attraction for many visitors although there is little relationship between Captain Cook as he never set foot anywhere in Victoria. The photograph was taken when the children from Bulla Primary School were taken on an excursion to the gardens,A non-digital coloured photograph of a small brick cottage with a tiled roof in a garden setting.school excursions, bulla primary schooil, fitzroy gardens

The Nunawading Council produced commemorative envelopes on Australia Day showing First Day of Issue stamp for the years 1981 - 1992Envelope stamped:- 'First day of issue, 26 Jan 1984, Nunawading Vic 3131'. Postal stamp for 30 cents, bearing picture of Cook's Cottage at upper right corner. At Left, reproduced photo of group of workers, above which logo: stylised image of Australia and flag and words, 'Australia Day Family Festival'. Printed below, 'A group of workers at the Australian Tesselated Tile Co. in Mitcham. Photo courtesy Nunawading Historical Society'Municipal Offices Nunawading Vic 3131philately, date stamps, civic mementoes, souvenirs

A postcard, colour, collage of 3 Melbourne scenes: Bourke St Mall in its semi-permanent configuration with Z1 and Z2 classes no 59 and 110 with a double deck red tourist bus. Note the original Myer sign, the 1971 built brown brick Cromwell Building, since demolished, on the corner of Elizabeth Street. Flinders St Station with a Z class tram in Flinders St, with a Coles supermarket delivery truck in the view and Captain Cook's Cottage in the Fitzroy Gardens. Card by Carinya Postcards, No. LV 051. Photos c1980. Z2 110 entered service Oct. 1978.Demonstrates a postcard featuring 3 different Melbourne street scenes.Postcard - colour, divided back, unused with rounded corners.tramways, z class, bourke st, flinders st, tram 59, tram 110, z2 class, bourke st mall, route 89, route 88, postcards, trams

Comprises 12 photos of Melbourne, mid to late 1940s. Produced by Rose Stereograph of Armadale. 1 - St Paul's Cathedral across the river 2 - Parliament house 3 - St Kilda Road 4 - Captain's Cooks Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens 5 - Looking across Princes Bridge to St Kilda Road 6 - St Kilda Road, Melbourne 7 - Main Entrance Flinders St Station 8 - Elizabeth St, with a W5 class tram 9 - Botanical Gardens and Government house 10 - Princes Bridge and the city skyline 11 - Collins St - with a W2 class tram 12 - Royal Melbourne Hospital with a W5 class tram in the lower right-hand corner.Yields information about Melbourne city views and new attractions late 1940sPaper envelope folder with 6 photos on each side of a foldout section titled "Picturesque Views of Melbourne". Has been postmarked "Melbourne 29, 11 Aug 1950" with a 3 1/2d stamp. Has been used.Sent to "Master Ronald Lancaster, High St Hillston, NSW with a message from his mother.melbourne, photo folders, postcards, rose series

Ernest James Andrew was the son of William Bravery and Ellen Andrew. The Andrews moved to Eltham in the 1850s and opened a produce store on "Policeman's Hill", at the corner of Maria Street (now Main Road) and Franklin Street. William took a lively interest in the public affairs of the town and district, and with his wife Ellen continued to run the store for some fifty years. He died in 1907 and is buried with his wife in Eltham Cemetery. Ernest took over the business, which became a general store and newsagency. Later, it shifted to the main Eltham shopping centre as a combined newsagency and haberdashery/clothing shop. The original weatherboard building at the corner of Franklin Street was replaced around 1940 by a brick structure, which is now a cafe called Zen Den. Ernie too was married to an Ellen and they lived in Arthur Street at so-called "Cook's Cottage" (due to its resemblance to Captain Cook's Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens). He was an Eltham Shire Councillor between 1920 and 1950 and was Shire President for 1930 and 1947 as well as a Trustee for the Eltham (Public) Hall in Henry Street from the time it was purchased in 1922 until 1940. Andrew House at Eltham High School and Andrew Oval in Diamond Street are named after him. Ernie died in 1950 and is buried with Ellen in Eltham Cemetery. In his Will he made provision to the Eltham War Memorial Trust for funding of the Eltham War Memorial Gates – “These Memorial Gates were donated by the Late Cr. And Mrs E.J. Andrew”. In Memory Of Ellen Beloved Wife of E.J. Andrew Died 13th July 1946 Faithfull Always Also the Above Ernest James Andrew Died 29th March 1950 Councillor Shire of Eltham 30 YearsRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 stripsKodak GC 400-9eltham cemetery, gravestones, councillors, ellen andrew, ernest james andrew, shire of eltham

Book - 16 pages, including grey card covers, titled "See Australia First - Melbourne Victoria" featuring 12 pages of postcard photographs of Melbourne. Inside rear cover has a details of Melbourne's history, the city and its features. Produced by Murray Views of Gympie Qld, printed by Samuel Lee and Co. Images post second world war - late 1940's to early 1950's. Features images of: Alexandra Gardens River Yarra and Princes Bridge Flinders St Station St Kilda Road - tram track work being undertaken Flinders St and the Forum theatre The Exhibition Buildings Collins St Parliament House Bourke St - with cable tram tracks and the Metropole Hotel, Myer, Foys Aerial view of Melbourne Captains Cook's Cottage St Kilda Road with W2 287 Burns Memorial St Kilda Road St Paul's and Princes Bridge Town Hall Royal Melbourne Hospital Collins St with W2 turning Queen Victoria Gardenstrams, tramways, melbourne, flinders st station, collins st, town hall, princes bridge, st kilda rd

Comprises 12 photos of Melbourne, mid to late 1930s. Produced by Rose Stereograph of Armadale. 1 - Botanical Gardens and Government House Melbourne. - 2 - The MacRobertson Fountain Melbourne - Both the Fountain and the Shrine of Remembrance were completed in 1934. Government House tower features in the background. Also note the absence of any mature trees. See reference - completed 1934. 3 - Flinders Street Railway Station with a "W" class tram in Flinders Street and "Y" class tram in Swanston Street in the view 4 - St Kilda Road Melbourne - Looking south with the Queen Victoria Gardens in the left of the photo. 5 - Collins Street Melbourne - Showing the Regent Theatre, Manchester Unity Building and the Town Hall. 6 - Princes Bridge and city Skyline Melbourne - Shows; Princes Bridge, Yarra River, Excursion Ferry, Princes Walk, Flinders Street Railway Station, the Nicholas and Manchester Unity Buildings in Swanston Street and the Sargood Gardner building in Flinders Street. 7 - The Conservatory, Fitzroy Gardens Melbourne - 8 - The Cathedral Corner Melbourne - shows; Young & Jacksons Hotel, St Paul's Cathedral, The Gas & Fuel building, Ball & Walsh Department store and The State Theatre plus several "w" class trams in Swanston Street. 9 - St Kilda Road Melbourne - Looking south from Nolan Street. Note trees still present at the entrance area to the Shrine of Remembrance. 10 - Looking across Princes Bridge to St Kilda Road Melbourne - Looking south from the roof of the Nicolas Building showing; Princes Bridge, St. Kilda Road, The Shrine of Remembrance and the Victoria Barracks in the distance. 11 - Parliament House Melbourne - in Spring Street 12 - Captain Cook's Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens Melbourne - Erected in the gardens in 1934. Yields information about Melbourne city views and new attractions mid 1930s. Paper envelope folder with 6 photos on each side of a foldout section titled "Picturesque Views of Melbourne" melbourne, photo folders, postcards

Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton Edna receiving a framed certificate local identities, local special interest groups

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities