Black and white photograph of a group of 7 young men all wearing suits and ties. There is a stairway in the background. On the rear of the photo, in red, is written: ' Hanro ball ' and the following names ; Allan Johnson, Barry Bowater, Jack Runnalls, Ray Taylor, Lyle Makeham,, Phil Favalora. Don Mannix.Martin Washingtonentertainment, dance, hanro ball, hanro ball, allan johnson, barry bowater. jack runnalls, ray taylor, lyle makeham, phil favalora, don mannix martin washington

Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records. This Article highlights the historic and architectural significance of the Favaloro Brothers' mansion, "Fiesole," in Bendigo: The Favaloro Brothers were known for their successful café, famous for pastries and as a social hub in Bendigo during the 1940s and 50s.Their wealth was invested in local architecture, notably in building "Fiesole" between 1926 and 1930. "Fiesole" is a red brick Edwardian mansion with a tiled roof and surrounded by a tall Cyprus hedge. The house retains almost all original features, including ornate stained glass doors, original carpets, Italian alabaster light shades, and decorative cornices. The main suite features a stained-glass bay window and vintage luxury details. The kitchen and bathrooms are preserved in their original condition, with period tiles and fittings. Additional features include a billiard room with pressed metal ceilings, a cellar, storage sheds, and a double garage. The house has had three owners, most recently the Meredith family, who raised seven daughters there. Despite its grandeur, the house was always a family home, hosting large gatherings and celebrations. The property is valued for both its historical character and its role as a cherished family residence. Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - "Fiesole" Bendigo Weekly article; "A little Italy and a lot of luxury" by Lauren Mitchell Friday April 7, 2006 This item includes the following documents: 8672.23a Colour photo of the house in Barkly Terrace East Bendigo 8672.23b This Article highlights the historic and architectural significance of the Favaloro Brothers' mansion, "Fiesole," in Bendigobendigo, michele matthews collection, fiesole barkly terrace, favalora

In 2005 Michele Matthews interviewed current and former residents of Bendigo for her thesis on the 1930s Depression as part of her PhD Research, with the University of Melbourne Faculty of Arts, History Department. Michele interviewed fifteen members of prominent Bendigonian families. The thesis was titled: "How Depressing?: The impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925-1935". The Michele Matthews Collection contains fourteen audio cassette tape recordings and one written transcript. The tapes are each approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes duration. The questions presented to the interviewees explore everyday experiences they would have lived through at the time of the Depression. The questions covered sixteen relevant subjects: • Introduction and housing • Social activities, swimming, cinemas, school and games played with friends • Organizations such as the RSL, Relief Committees etc. and any effect they had on family life • The life of the single woman • Unemployment and Employment • Government Assistance • Charities Aid • Self-help • People Power, e.g. boycotts or protests • Politics • Trouble or crime • Family Health, Medical and Diet • Education • General memories of, and hardships encountered, during the DepressionAudio tape interview with sisters Doreen Domenica Favalora, and Josephine Monica Faveloro; cake and food shop owners. Daughters of Salvatore and Gina Favaloro. Doreen was born in 1915, and Josephine in 1920. Both attended school at St Mary's College, Doreen, c1920-1933, and Josephine, 1925-1938. The tape has been converted to a sound file. The 120 minute interview can be listened to, and the notes viewed, at the Bendigo Historical Society. By appointment only. The sisters lived at 137 Forest Street (not the one in the photo) Generations of the Favaloro family have attended Catherine McAuley College and its predecessor colleges St Mary's and Marist Brothers'. A book has been released documenting the progressive family migration from Salina, Italy to Bendigo. The family went on to run many much-loved businesses in Bendigo including cafes, fruit shops, theatre kiosks and caterers. A book has been written called 'The Favaloro Family of Bendigo: The Early Year 1895-1942' by Robert McWilliam. The photo and article are from the Bendigo Weekly Newspaper Friday April 7th 2006history, bendigo, michele matthews collection, the 1930s depression tapes, doreen and josephine favaloro