This letter from 1939 makes reference to an article written by Mr C. Mullen, the then Head of School Education (Victoria) in the "Lantern". The Chairman of the Council for Music in Schools congratulates Mr Mullen on his success. This is no doubt due to the implementation of school instrumental programs across the state due to the money from the Gillies Bequest. Many schools in Victoria started up school brass bands, fife & drum bands or orchestras as a result of this bequest.This letter is a rare item in our collection. While not directly related to banding history, there is a contextual element in that C. Mullen presided over an expansion of school instrumental programs which included brass bands. Typed letter on old paperthe university of melbourne, conservatorium of music, council for music in schools, c. mullen, j. sutton crow

28 page soft cover booklet entitled 'Wagner in Australia - the Bendigo Ring 2023'. Souvenir booklet to commemorate the performances of 'The Ring Cycle' at the Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo by Melbourne Opera. Illustrated with colour and B&W photos and maps. Published by the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music in 2023.The University of Melbourne

Hugh Jeffrey attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, graduating in 1940. This Dux award pin was presented to him during this time, but is undated. It is a gold badge with its frame shaped like a shield, carrying heavy engraving. Inset into the shield is an other smaller shield in copper, with "HJ" in stylised copperplate engraving on the front and "Dux" on the back. It features a loop on the top, but no chain or safety pin.Gold shield with 'Dux' engraved in middleHJ Duxhugh jeffrey, badges

Hugh Jeffrey attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, graduating in 1940. This cloth patch would have formed the breast pocket of Mr Jeffrey's university blazer. The Melbourne University blazer is traditionally black with blue stripes, and organisations such as the Boat Club, Cricket Club or, in this case, the Student Union, would have their particular logo or badge embroidered on the pocket. The logo on this patch is a version of the University of Melbourne coat of arms - with the angel Victory embroidered in white on a black background, offering her laurel wreath. Unlike the official coat-of-arms, the stars of the Southern Cross are not included, nor is the Latin motto. 1 coloured cloth path with embroideryhugh jeffrey, university of melbourne

Hugh Jeffrey attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, graduating in 1940. This examination pin was given to him in September 1934. It is a copper badge with its frame shaped like a shield. Inset into the shield is an Australian coat-of-arms granted by King George V, with a white and blue torse supported by a kangaroo and emu on a grassy field. It features the Commonwealth Star on top, and the motto "Advance Australia" underneath. It is engraved with "Hugh Jeffrey" acoss the top, with "University Exam" on the left of the outlying shield, and "Sept. 1934" on the right. It features a loop on the top with a short fine chain and safety pin. Shield with Australian coat of arms and engraved writingAdvance Australia Hugh Jeffrey University Exam Sept. 1934hugh jeffrey, badges

Hugh Jeffrey attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, graduating in 1940. This examination pin was given to him in September 1933. It is a round copper badge with gold coloured filigree running around the outer edge. Inset into the shield is an Australian coat-of-arms granted by King George V, with a white and blue torse supported by a kangaroo and emu on a grassy field. It features the Commonwealth Star on top, and the motto "Advance Australia" underneath. It is engraved with "University Examination" acoss the top, with "won by Hugh Jeffries sic Sept. 1933" acoss the bottom. It features a loop on the top with a short fine chain and safety pin. Australia coat of arms inside circle with engraving around edgeAdvance Australia University Exam won by Hugh Jeffries (sic) Sept. 1933hugh jeffrey, badges

This is a ticket for a complimentary concert to the Victorian soprano, Miss Mollie Hayres, in the Warrnambool Town Hall in 1926. Inez Mary (Mollie) Hayres (1897-1980) was born in Port Fairy and received her early musical training from the Good Samaritan Sisters in Port Fairy. She received local funding to enable her to study at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music under Madame Weiderman and toured the Western District in 1926, supported by the pianist May Broderick and the violinist Cecil Parkes, in a series of complimentary concerts to give her funding to study in Europe. She became a well-known singer and singing teacher in Melbourne, featuring in radio programs and concerts. This ticket is of interest as a memento of Mollie Hayres, a noted singer in Victoria in the first half of the 20th century.This is a small white card with black edging and printing. Grand Complimentary Concert to Miss Mollie Hayresmollie hayres soprano, good samaritan sisters port fairy

Marjorie Gretchen Myers Born at Melton on the 21st of February 1912 Attended Melton State School No 430 1917 and left school to become a music teacher. A pupil of Miss Ross the Music teacher at Melton she advanced rapidly and achieved her A.L.C.M. (Associate of the London College of Music) at the age of 12 years. At 14 years she gained her L.L.C.M. (Licentiate of the London College of Music). At the age of 16 she was awarded a part scholarship in 1928 to the to the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music studying pianoforte under Miss Elsie Fraser. She gained her A.Mus.A. at the age of 17 and her L. Mus. A. at the age of 18 years. In 1935 she won a full scholarship given by Madame Elsie Ashton for singing. The “Australian Musical New” Mr Thorald Waters the adjudicator found her outstanding qualities as a musician an added reason for singling out Miss Myers with her voice being the most promising of those heard. She died on 10 September 2004 in Frankston, Victoria, Australia.She married Herbert Vivian BUTLER on 07 January 1939 in Victoria, Australia.Myer's gravestone is at Melton Cemetery local identities, pioneer families

Biographical details: Born 1888, Nagambie; married Jessie Winifred Temby in 1910; died 27 Feb 1969 in Mont Albert. Mr Joseph Sutton Crow lived at ‘Strathmore’, 75 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert from 1924-1952. In 1907 Sutton gained a Diploma of Music at the Marshall Hall Conservatorium (later the Melbourne University Conservatorium). He taught piano and organ and was organist and choir-master in several churches. From 1912-1948 he served in that capacity at the Auburn Methodist Church. In 1910 Sutton Crow was appointed Assistant Secretary at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. In 1939 he became Assistant Director and Librarian and from 1941-1945 was its Acting Director. He retired in 1945. Administrator under Sir Bernard Heinze he devoted much time to the development of the ‘Music in the Schools” programme. This led to tours of country centres taking leading musicians to give concerts in schools and for the public, introduced by a talk on musical appreciation. After retirement he organized concerts for the Council of Adult Education and in 1950, when he concluded his professional work, he was giving concerts twice annually in 144 country towns. From 1926-1939 Sutton was Manager of the Melbourne University Symphony Orchestra (which later became the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra). During some years he had been Concert Manager for local and visiting musicians such as Edward Goll, a Bohemian pianist who lived locally, John Amadio, a flautist and Sutton’s wife Jessie Temby, a soprano who sang professionally until she gave this up for family life. Donor was his daughter.A black and white portrait of a man wearing round tortoise-shell glasses.(mr) sutton crow, victoria crescent, surrey hills, melbourne university symphony orchestra, melbourne symphony orchestra, house names, (ms) jessie temby, 'strathmore'

Lynette Nee Butler Kutschewski 1942 –1987 As a young musician Lynette had beaten Roger Woodward in piano competitions, before deciding to specialise in singing she trained as an artist in Melbourne. Given the choice of distinction in three different careers Lynette chose the most difficult, that of a singer. The repertoire in which Lynette chose to specialise – the period of the Baroque and above all the works of Johann Sebastian Bach – demanded a high degree of technical virtuosity, fine musicianship and elegance of style, in all of which she excelled. Yet she equally at home in Grand Opera, Lieder, and Operetta and gave some of her most memorable performances in the most diverse aspects of the vocal repertoire. Her own special quality was one of inner radiance when she sang, which added to the beauty of her voice, made her performances especially moving, and which led to her being sought out as a performer of the great German works within Germany itself. It seems so fitting that Lynette’s last public performance should have been in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, with its magnificent “Ode to Joy”. This took place in Paris in the Salle Pleyel on October 25th 1985. In the series of Concerts that season, Lynette’s name stood beside those of Danial Barenboim and Jessie Norman, Rostropovich, Nicholas Harnoncourt and Zubin Mehta. At this last performance Lynette truly stood at the peak of her profession This was part of Lynette Nee Butler Kutschewski Eulogy by Mary Ryan 30 – 10 –1987 Family history of Lynette Nee Butler Kutschewski: Herbert Vivian Butler 1915 - 1999 Bert grew up living on the family farm at Rockbank. He walked three miles to school and was one of 12 students. He attended Essendon High School and after the culture shock of being a country bumpkin, he soon earned respect of his peers through his sporting ability and academic excellence. Bert became Head Prefect in his final year at Essendon High School. He became a Primary School teacher working in inner suburban schools while living in Hawthorn. During the war years he went to Melbourne University at night obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree. His main teaching methods were geology and geography. In 1939 Bert married Marjorie G Myers of ‘Burnbank Melton. Marjorie was already a talented pianist in her teenage years achieving her L.Mus.A. her fourth qualification by the age of 18 years. She attended the Conservatorium of Music Melbourne studying pianoforte and later with a singing scholarship and won numerous competitions from Ballarat to Bendigo She started her teaching career after leaving Melton State School. She taught many students throughout district including Edna Butler, the young sister of Bert. While living in Hawthorn their children Adrian and Lynette were born. Their son Max was born in Bacchus Marsh while Bert was teaching at the High School and in 1950 was appointed to Numurkah HS. In 1953 the family moved to Frankston HS. In 1958 he was appointed foundation Principal of Ashwood HS at the age of 43, the youngest to achieve this level of seniority. He was also Principal at Huntingdale, Mordialloc/Chelsea, and Mornington until his retirement in 1975. Football - Melton aged 17 - 3 seasons. Carlton signed in1935. Played forward pocket 2nd rover in1938. During the war years Carlton 2nd s Captain, played his last senior game in 1944. In 1944 he was Captain coach of Bacchus Marsh Team, a President and Life Member. Club Champion for three years for Numurkah. Marjorie Gretchen Myers Born at Melton on the 21st of February 1912 Attended Melton State School No 430 1917 and left school to become a music teacher. A pupil of Miss Ross the Music teacher at Melton she advanced rapidly and achieved her A.L.C.M. (Associate of the London College of Music) at the age of 12 years. At 14 years she gained her L.L.C.M. (Licentiate of the London College of Music). At the age of 16 she was awarded a part scholarship in 1928 to the to the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music studying pianoforte under Miss Elsie Fraser. She gained her A.Mus.A. at the age of 17 and her L. Mus. A. at the age of 18 years. In 1935 she won a full scholarship given by Madame Elsie Ashton for singing. The “Australian Musical New” Mr Thorald Waters the adjudicator found her outstanding qualities as a musician an added reason for singling out Miss Myers with her voice being the most promising of those heard. Cousins Wendy Barrie and Lynette Butler in the backyard of Butler's houselocal identities

Five Australian Christmas Carols was written by John Wheeler and music by William G James. William James came from Ballarat and John Wheeler was from Colac. James was a concert pianist who graduated from the Melbourne Conservatorium. He went to London and played the Proms and wrote a series of Australian themed songs for Dame Nellie Melba. He became the first Federal director of Music for the ABC until 1957. It was at the ABC that he met Wheeler a staff writer who wrote verse and songs. These five carols which have a distinct Australian flavor, were written between 1848 and 1957.While this collection has no direct link to Warrnambool, the works contained in the collection Five Australian Christmas Carols would have social significance as the carols would be familiar to a number of people. They remain some of the few carols with which Australians would identify as being typically Christmas time in Australia with the mention of weather and nature at that time of the year.1Five Australian Christmas Carols with words by John Wheeler and music by William G James contains five Australian carols, The Three drovers, The Silver stars are in the Sky, Christmas Day, Carol of the Birds, Christmas Bush For His Adorning. 12 Pages. S Goldstraw handwritten on front cover.john wheeler, william james, australian christmas carols, warrnambool

HAMILTON COLLECTION ; Three certificates awarded to Nancy Hamilton by the Australian Music Examination Board of the Universities of Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmania, Queensland & Western Australia, & The State Conservatorium of Music of New South Wales. 1927 passed with Credit in pianoforte Grade 3. Printed on off white paper with navy blue print, with an intricate border of columns, cherubs, vines, State emblems, & a portrait of Beethoven.person, individual, nancy blyth hamilton

HAMILTON COLLECTION ; Three certificates awarded to Nancy Hamilton by the Australian Music Examination Board of the Universities of Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmania, Queensland & Western Australia, & The State Conservatorium of Music of New South Wales. 1929 passed in Theory Grade 2. Printed on off white paper with navy blue print, with an intricate border of columns, cherubs, vines, State emblems, & a portrait of Beethoven.person, individual, nancy blyth hamilton

Australian music examinations board. Public examinations in music. Conducted by the universities of Melbourne, Adelaide, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia and the State conservatorium of music New south Wales. Pianoforte grade V - 1924 - Issued under the authority of the Australian music examinations board. Price 2/6 Net. the book has 27 pages. Contents: Exercises for gaining control over tone gradations - Exercises beginning with the tonic - With the supertonic - With the mediant - With the subdominant - With the dominant - Exercises introducing thirds - Staccato exercises - Wrist staccato - Easy phrasing exercises - Preparatory contrary motion exercises - Exercises in scale playing - List A - List b March - Bourree - List C sonatina - Rondo - Sonatina - List D elfin dance - Mazurka - A fairy tale.books, music, pianoforte grade v

The object shows that Olive Duncan taught piano and theory in East Malvern, having been a pupil of Mr. Harold Smith of the University Conservatorium. This is a photograph of social and historic significance, being part of a sub-collection of material that provides a snapshot of the type of individuals involved in the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild and the activities carried out by that organisation. The image is also significant as it fleshes out our knowledge of Olive Duncan's life as a lady active in the LHLG.Quarter of an A4 page of white paper advertising piano and theory lessons given by Miss Olive Duncan L.T.C.L. This document is creased because it has been folded into quarters.See imageolive duncan, ladies harbour lights guild, lhlg, lillie duncan, piano, music teacher

Dorian Le Gallienne (1915-1963) was born in Melbourne and studied music at Melbourne University Conservatorium and at the Royal College of Music, London. In 1951 he won a Commonwealth Jubilee Music Scholarship and studies in London for a further two years. Le Gallienne was recognized as one of Australia’s foremost composers. He was also well known as a music critic for Melbourne newspapers. On the local scene he wrote the music for Tim Burstall’s 1958 film “The Prize”; set in Eltham. From 1949 until his death, he lived with his friend Dick Downing in Yarra Braes Road. Their modest mudbrick “weekender” grew in stages to become one of the notable houses of the area. Bicentennial/Heritage Week Display, "The Eltham Tradition", Eltham Shire Office, 17-22 April 1988 Colour photographactivities, eltham shire office, heritage display, heritage week, dorian le gallienne, nora heysen, portrait

Dorian Le Gallienne (1915-1963) was born in Melbourne and studied music at Melbourne University Conservatorium and at the Royal College of Music, London. In 1951 he won a Commonwealth Jubilee Music Scholarship and studies in London for a further two years. Le Gallienne was recognized as one of Australia’s foremost composers. He was also well known as a music critic for Melbourne newspapers. On the local scene he wrote the music for Tim Burstall’s 1958 film “The Prize”; set in Eltham. Bicentennial/Heritage Week Display, "The Eltham Tradition", Eltham Shire Office, 17-22 April 1988 Colour photographactivities, eltham shire office, heritage display, heritage week, dorian le gallienne, the prize (film), tim burstall

Five Musicians. Raffaele Altwegg: cello, Maureen Jones: piano, Brenton Langbein: violin, Ottavio Corti: viola, Barry Tuckwell: french horn. Music Advancement Society Bendigo. Presented throughout Australia by Musica Viva. Program. Five Musicians as an ensemble first sprang to life when some of the Musica Viva Executive took Maureen Jones to supper after her last Sydney Concert. That was in 1970 when she played for us with the Robert Pikler Chamber Orchestra at the Sydney Conservatorium. Development of the idea was not difficult for it only involved a variation pf the we;-tried partnership pf the Tuckwell-Jones-Langbein Trio. . . . Maureen Jones gave her first public concert in Sydney at the age of Six: she played the Beethovan Piano . . . Barry Tuckwell was born in Melbourne and studied at the Sydney Conservatorium. He was appointed t the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the age of 15. . . Brenton Langbein studied at the Adelaide Conservatorium and in 1947 was invited to Eugene Goossens to join the Sydney Symphony orchestra where he remained for three years; he then went to Europe where he furthered his studies with. . . . Ottavio Corti although born in Zurich, is of Italian origin. He studied the violin at the Zurich Conservatorium and later under the famed violinist Stefi Geyer. . . . Raffaele Altwegg gained his concert diploma in the cello at the age of 14 at the Conservatoire di Santa Cecilia in Rome. He is solo-cellist of the Collegium Musicum Zurich and . . . Post 1970. Music Advancement Society Stamp on front.program, music, music advancement society bendigo, five musicians. raffaele altwegg: cello, maureen jones: piano, brenton langbein: violin, ottavio corti: viola, barry tuckwell: french horn. music advancement society bendigo. presented throughout australia by musica viva. program. sydney concert. 1970 played for robert pikler chamber orchestra at the sydney conservatorium. -jones-langbein trio. maureen jones first concert sydney at the age of six: she played the beethovan piano barry tuckwell born melbourne studied sydney conservatorium. appointed melbourne symphony orchestra age 15.brenton langbein studied adelaide conservatorium 1947 invited eugene goossens join sydney symphony orchestra europe furthered studies ottavio corti born zurich, italian origin. studied violin zurich conservatorium famed violinist stefi geyer. raffaele altwegg concert diploma cello conservatoire di santa cecilia. solo-cellist collegium musicum zurich

HAMILTON COLLECTION ; Three certificates awarded to Nancy Hamilton by the Australian Music Examination Board of the Universities of Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmania, Queensland & Western Australia, & The State Conservatorium of Music of New South Wales. 1927 passed with honours in Theory Grade 3. Printed on off white paper with navy blue print, with an intricate border of columns, cherubs, vines, State emblems, & a portrait of Beethoven.person, individual, nancy blyth hamilton

Articles in this annual report include: dismay at continued amount of Government financial support has been capped for over 30 years despite increased costs, visits by Lady Stonehave, Lord and Lady Somers, the reduction in sale prices due to overwhelming competition with machinery made goods, resignation of M.A. Tanswell and appointment of H.E. Finlayson, to perpetuate the loss of Lady Brunton (a vocal supporter of the Institute) her husband Lord Brunton invested 350 pounds for the purpose of establishing the "Lady Brunton Memorial Prize Fund for Educational Purposes", a Girl Guide and Brownie troop were formed during the year, George Findlay received his degree in Music, many pupils completed their Pianoforte examination at the University Conservatorium with Honours, over 14,000 people attended Concert Party performances in Ballarat and Bendigo and nearly 3000 people packed into Melbourne Town Hall, thanks to the Advance Agent (R Reid), Manager (Alf Broadway) and volunteer Stage Manager (W Sewell) who helped our artists put together their momentous events, piano tuners continue to see a demand for their services under the skilled tuition of Alex Johnson, request for amended legislation so that people can train as masseurs, a hostel for males will be completed in a few months time and the womens hostel is proving invaluable to young women and female adult workers, free Wireless Sets distributed have had their licences renewed and batteries replaced with many letters of appreciation coming in from families who have seen a world of change for those who can now listen to the wider world, grant of two acres of land for use as a sporting ground by the St Kilda Council, new rowing shed and club house to be built at Albert Park so that all blind people can avail themselves of this pastime, visiting cricket teams from New South Wales and Adelaide at a social evening, continued work with homecraft workers, concert in Ormond Hall for Tramways Board and employees to thank them for free passes and the passing of pupil Mavis Thompson.1 volume bound with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual report, j tanswell, harry finlayson, lady brunton, lord brunton, girl guides, brownies, george findlay, r reid, alf broadway, w sewell, alex johnson, raleigh street hostel, rowing, cricket, mavis thompson

Articles in this annual report include: two of the three who gained a Scholarship are now studying at Melbourne High School, whilst the third (George Findlay) went to the University Conservatorium and passed his examinations with honours, the Committee approached the Education Department regarding the establishment of a school in Victoria where large print books were regularly supplied however the Dept believes numbers are not sufficient for such a school, the extension of music lessons to sighted children of blind workers, the stocking of tobacco and other products and selling them at wholesale rates to workers, the retirement of workers Joseph Walker and William Cutts due to failing health, approach to the Masseurs Registration Board to modify the present standard so that blind people could become qualified masseurs, the Industrial Adult Orchestra continues to be in high demand, the future donation of a Wireless Broadcasting Set by George Woodforde, and the deaths of former pupils Bonnie Redenbach and Paul Edwards, worker Charles Arliss, and three former workers Clara Ellis, Miss A. Wilson and Thomas Kearse.1 volume bound with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual report, george findlay, joseph walker, william cutts, bonnie redenbach, paul edwards, charles arliss, clara ellis, thomas kearse, george woodforde

The pupils of Falconer Street Central School No.3918 in North Fitzroy rehearse with conductress Miss Ida Park for their performance at the Temperance Hall, Russell Street Melbourne with proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Fund. The house on the right of the photograph is Jubilee House, 126 Michael Street North Fitzroy and is extant. Photographer notations on slide: Choir At Fitzroy State School 1933 B5 While this photograph appears not to have been published, a photograph taken from a different angle of the same event was published in The Age 21 July 1933. SCHOOL CHILDREN SING IN THE OPEN AIR. “A choir of children at North Fitzroy practise their songs for a Pantomime, to be given in the Temperance Hall for the Lord Mayor's Fund on Wednesday next. On the extreme left is the conductress of the Choir (Miss Ida Park).” Reference: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204368572 Research by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer: Children of The Falconer Street Central School Choral Society, trained by conductress Miss Ida Park, along with dance and gymnastics pupils of Misses Dorothy Gibb and Inez Ellis, performed in the “Cinderella” pantomime at the Temperance Hall in Russell Street, Melbourne on 26 July, 1933. The proceeds went to the Lord Mayor’s Fund. Conductress Miss Ida Park (1904- 1952) lived in the North Fitzroy and Clifton Hill area all her life. She was immersed in the music world of Melbourne and was a member of the Musical Society of Victoria. Ida graduated from Melbourne University Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1929 before departing for London where she studied piano and organ at the Royal Academy of Music. Ida returned to Melbourne in 1931, and billed as “The Gifted Young Australian Pianist”, held pianoforte recitals of classical music at Assembly Hall, Collins Street. She also played the organ for services at St Paul’s Independent Church in Delbridge Street, North Fitzroy and later St Luke’s, North Fitzroy. Ida conducted the children of the Falconer Street Central School Choral Society as they competed in the State School Choral Championships and the 85 children of the Fitzroy City Centenary Choir who sang at Melbourne’s Centenary celebrations of 1934/35. In 1945, Ida married Charles Hazeldine, a tenor and returned digger who had served in two world wars. The pair performed together in many concerts over the years. Tragically, both Ida and Charles were badly injured when struck by a car while crossing Queens Parade Clifton Hill in June 1952, with Ida dying from head injuries at St Vincent’s Hospital soon after. She was 48 years old. Charles wrote on Ida’s death notice - “Called home.” The choir were pupils of Falconer Street Central School No. 3918 in North Fitzroy which was built in 1915 to provide upper primary education for grades 5 to 8 for the area. In 1957 it became Fitzroy High School. In 1992, the Kennett Government swept to power, embarking on a program of fiscal austerity and privatisation of government services. 390 government schools were closed, with the land proposed to be sold to developers. 7000 teachers were sacked: 10% of Victoria’s public school teachers. Auxiliary school staff also lost their jobs. Amongst the first to close was Fitzroy High School. Fearful that the land would be sold, hundreds of students, parents, teachers and local residents occupied the building around-the-clock in four hour shifts and overnight for 14 months, sleeping on gym mats in the principal’s office and administrators’ wing. The blockade was lifted when a arrangement was reached to allow Kangan Batman TAFE to use the school from 1993 until 1998. With the election of the Bracks Government in 1999, and construction of new buildings, Fitzroy High School was reopened in 2004 after a 12 year battle. Temperance Hall, at 172 Russell Street, where the children performed “Cinderella”, was built in 1872 by the Melbourne Total Abstinence Society as a venue for lectures, meetings and alcohol-free community concerts and events. From 1934, Temperance Hall was fitted out as a cinema and renamed the Imperial Theatre, showing popular Hollywood films, before closing in 1939 for renovations and reopening as the Savoy Theatre, Melbourne’s first “Continental” talkies cinema. At this time, Australian cinema programming was dominated by American and British films. The lessees, Continental Film Art Theatre began negotiating for theatre properties in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland to screen foreign language films, hoping to present the finest productions from France, Germany, Holland and Italy. At the cost of £6000, the theatre was fitted with the latest Mirrophonic sound and projection system and enlarged to seat 800 patrons with luxurious, ultra modern fittings and furnishings in a colour palette of rust and beige. Instead of usherettes, General Manager Peter Dawson, hoping to bring a sophisticated European atmosphere to the theatre, employed attractive, multilingual “Continental hostesses” to assist guests (not patrons) and answer queries relating to the films. Collectively the hostesses spoke English, French, Dutch, German, Russian and Italian. The Age 20 May 1939- “Atmosphere is a very important part of the theatre's scheme. Ushers in the ordinary sense will not be employed; hostesses will look upon patrons as guests. They will be dressed in full evening dress, and the only indication that they are not guests is the little medallion pinned to their evening dress, on which their names are inscribed.” The hostesses were dressed in evening gowns of olive-green velvet, the full skirts embroidered with gold loops, wine velvet bolero jackets and long white kid gloves with silvery tiaras in their hair. For guests worried that they may not understand the plot, the management assured patrons that- “By means of superimposed English translations on the bottom of the screen, the dialogue is perfectly understandable and the whole witty story can be followed with ease.” The Gala opening of the Savoy Theatre, on 31 May 1939 was attended by a “who’s who” of Melbourne Society, the women wearing beautiful gowns, headdresses and furs. Amongst the guests were former premier Sir Stanley Argyle and Lady Argyle, former Lord Mayor Sir Harold Gengoult-Smith and his wife Cynthia, Field Marshall Thomas Blamey and Lady Blamey and Miss Jessie Brookes. The Vice Consul for France, Monsieur Frank Puaux and his wife attended, Madame Puaux dressed in a black satin gown and a musquash fur cape. She was presented with a beautiful bouquet of scarlet carnations and lily of the valley tied with the tricolour of France. In his speech Monsieur Puaux stated that “from the cultural, linguistic and artistic points of view it was excellent that the Australian public should have an opportunity to see foreign film in the original language.” “Letty” writing in Table Talk magazine described the atmosphere of “Continental” gaiety that had permeated Melbourne - “The Letters of Letty”, Table Talk 8 June 1939 “The “foreign influence” is definitely obtruding itself into the even tenor of Melbourne life these days…. but in the pleasantest manner possible! Included in the great number of Continental people who have recently made their homes here, we have stars of the Russian ballet settling in our midst…. and now… we have been presented with our own Continental picture theatre in the attractive shape of The Savoy, which opened its doors on Wednesday night for the exclusive release of foreign films. One could hardly recognise the old Temperance Hall in its adaptation to the smart, comfortable and thoroughly-intriguing Savoy Theatre. Where once this rather draughty old building stood in Russell Street there now greets us an unmistakable “Continental” edifice, living up to its exterior by sustaining within its walls its overseas’ atmosphere. Indeed, one feels as though one has crossed the threshold into a European city, stepping out of the unmistakably Australian street that is Russell into The Savoy lounge to be greeted by polite “messieurs” from the attractive, Continental-looking usherettes and to gaze upon a film as delightfully French in story and presentation as “La Kermesse Heroique.” But successful though “La Kermesse Heroique” proved on its initial presentation inside the theatre, the debut was no more triumphal than that made by the winning and pretty little French lass who had charge of the booking office outside in the foyer. With her attractive accent and Continental flair for making one “feel at home” she was undoubtedly one of the hits of the night-especially with the susceptible males, who spent very much longer in the lounge than is customary, racking their brains for excuses for making conversation with the attractive Parisienne! Those French girls certainly have a way with them!” The opening film, the 1935 French comedy “La Kermesse Heroique”, (The Heroic Sex) starring Francoise Rosay and Jean Murat (film now called “Carnival in Flanders”) was the winner of the Grand Prix du Cinema Francais as the finest picture of 1936 and described in the advertisement as “The Gay French Comedy of Laughter and Romance” The film is set during the 17th century Spanish occupation of Flanders in the Flemish town of Boom at the time of their annual festival. Hearing news of a pending visit to Boom by the commander, the Duke of Olivares and his army, and fearing rape and pillage, the boorish burgomaster feigns his own death, hoping the Spaniards will bypass the grieving town out of respect. The army arrives and the cowardly men of the town flee. The womenfolk decide on a different approach. Lead by the burgomaster’s beautiful wife Cornelia, they set out to to preserve the peace with grace and hospitality only to find the Spaniards attractive and virile, unlike their own husbands. The Sun newspaper described the film as “Mellow as a Stilton cheese, and as ripely suited to adult taste.” Preceding “La Kermesse Heroique” was a Gaumont British newsreel of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth departing for a tour of Canada and the Soviet documentary “Nine Months on a Drifting Ice Floe” During the war “Continental” films became difficult to source, so the Savoy screened Hollywood movies and held fund raisers for the war effort. After World War Two, the Savoy continued to screen “Continental” films, catering to post-war immigrants from Europe and bohemian Melburnians. In 1953, the Savoy had a wildly popular season with queues winding around the block to see Swedish summer romance “One Summer of Happiness” (Hon dansade en sommar) with its nude swimming scenes. The Chief Commonwealth Censor declined to cut the film on the grounds that although it displayed nudity, it was genuinely artistic. According to Wikipedia, film director Fred Schepisi was first exposed to European films such as “Bicycle Thieves”, “Rocco and His Brothers” and “The Wages of Fear” at the Savoy as a teenager, leading to his long career in filmmaking. In 1955, in response to the massive rise in car ownership, the Melbourne City Council recommended that parking stations be built on every block. The Savoy Theatre and adjacent buildings, which included the Golden Fleece Hotel were demolished in 1963 and replaced with Total House, a Brutalist commercial building consisting of a seven storey car park crowned by a four storey office block, shops at street level, and a basement theatre which housed the Lido Theatre Restaurant-Cabaret from 1965. The building was designed by architectural firm Bogle & Banfield Associates and named for the original tenant of the offices, French oil company, Total Oil Products P/L. The Lido Theatre Restaurant was managed by former Tivoli dancer and promoter David Hamilton McIlwraith, presenting dinner and a glamorous cabaret floor show of showgirls, (some topless) to accompany variety acts by local and international actors, singers, comedians and magicians. The interior of the Lido was opulently decorated in deep, lush green with old world gold trim and chandeliers. Handily, patrons could enter and leave via an elevator, straight from the building’s own car park! A four course gourmet dinner with show and dancing cost $8.00 in 1968. The Lido advertised in 1966 that “Every visitor to Melbourne soon discovers the brightest entertainment spot in the Southern Hemisphere with its million dollar decor, dining delights and spectacular stage productions.” Australian Jewish News - 21 April 1967 - “Superb decor and atmosphere, cuisine and service have been readily recognised as the contributing factors to the excellence of stage presentations, staging, costumes, decor and, of course, the actual choice of artists.” The bedazzling ensemble of 40 high-kicking, feathered and sequinned showgirls were advertised as the “Fabulous Lido girls and the controversial Baretop Lido Goddesses” who were described as “Statuesque Beauty as Nature intended” and “…a host of glamorous gals whose favourite shade is flesh pink.” Some of the acts who performed at the Lido were- -Broken Hill’s own - opera singer June Bronhill -1967. -Versatile singer Lovelace Watkins known as “Black Sinatra - 1967. -“Queen of the five-fingered boogie", honky-tonk and rollicking rag-time pianist, Winifred Atwell - 1967. -New Zealand pop duo, Bill and Boyd -1968. -American actress and soprano Kathryn Grayson -1968. -Denise Drysdale in “Say It With Music” -1968. -“Catwoman” Eartha Kitt -1969. -Internationally recognised female impersonator, Sydneysider Tracey Lee, (Maxwell Richie) billed as "controversial impressionist and singing personality from the famous Carousel Nightspot in Paris". -Frances Faye, American comedienne and show-tune singer and pianist-1969. -“Cry Guy” histrionic singer Johnnie Ray -1970. -Risqué revue “Oh Calcutta!” with some segments and the “four letter” words removed-1970. In 1970, under new management, the Lido was renovated with claret and gold wallpaper, midnight blue ceiling and a computerised fountain with fairy lights and relaunched by “The Tigress from Tiger Bay”, Shirley Bassey. The relaunch was short lived however, as later that year the venue became El Toro Espana, a Spanish restaurant and nightclub offering a four course meal for $4.50 while you watched the floorshow. The venue then briefly became the Red Garter Music Hall Theatre from 1972, then in 1974 the site became the 600 seat Total Theatre comprising of a cinema with a stage for live acts. There were also three bars to choose from - the Crush Bar, the Bleachers and the Snake Pit. Total Theatre had the unusual concept of a live music act, or plays, musicals and magicians followed by a film. In 1975 soprano Suzanne Steele featured, followed by the film “The Voyage” starring Sophia Loren and Richard Burton. In 1975, the Total held a rock film festival showing a Jimi Hendrix documentary, “Monterey Pop Festival”, “Pink Floyd in Pompeii” and more. In 1976, 17 year old Chrissy Amphlett, later of rock band Divinyls, played the role of Linda Lips for nine months in the Australian stage production of R-rated “sexual musical”, “Let My People Come” at the Total Theatre. The Total Theatre closed in 1979 and from 1980 to 2014 the venue became Billboard Nightclub, hosting local and international acts, including INXS, Tina Turner and John Farnham, and in 2009, 18 year old Taylor Swift. The venue is now called 170 Russell and presents hundreds of live local and international acts every year. In 2014, after being under threat of demolition, Total House was listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as “a landmark of post-World War II modernist design and…one of the earliest and best expressions of Brutalist architecture in Victoria”. References: RICHARD CROOKS ARRIVES SCHOOL AGAIN VENUE OF ROYAL VISIT (1939, May 31). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205629696 AMUSEMENTS. (1933, July 27). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved September 19, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204378853 https://larzra.wordpress.com/origins/ CONTINENTAL HOSTESSES, (1939, May 31). The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 - 1954; 1956), p. 27. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article278189387 The Letters of Letty (1939, June 8). Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), p. 12. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article149320966 SAVOY THEATRE (1939, June 1). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved September 19, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205639035 NEW THEATRE OPENED (1939, June 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 8. Retrieved September 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134234 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_House Page [?] TOUCH OF SPAIN (1970, December 18). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 35. Retrieved September 23, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article262493757 No title (1935, June 11). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244840169 Dine, wine, and watch a stage show (1966, November 16). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 6. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article44025050 http://jonathanbollen.net/2011/02/26/tracey-lee/ LIDO ‘ART’ (1967, April 21). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 8. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article263003136 THE FABULOUS LIDO (1965, October 22). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 17. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article262983995 No title (1939, May 31). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 6. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134144 #NEW THEATRE OPENED (1939, June 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 8. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134234 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracey_Lee_(female_impersonator) https://citycollection.melbourne.vic.gov.au/35b-40h-image-of-a-model-for-the-total-house-offices-and-car-park-on-russell-street/ https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/from-the-archives-1990-s-hundreds-of-school-closures-hit-victoria-20190801-p52cwj.html http://jonathanbollen.net/2011/05/29/the-lido-melbourne/Photographer notations on slide: primary schools, schools, music, education, choirs, fitzroy, cars, theatre restaurants, venues, films

Although the name of the Mayor and Mayoress, and the year of the invitation are not stated, the fact that music was provided by 'Miss Gertrude Emily Johnson' provides a possible clue as to the date. Gertrude Emily Johnson (1894-1973), coloratura soprano and theatre administrator, was born on 13 September 1894 at Prahran, Melbourne. She was a student of (Dame) Nellie Melba at the women's singing school that Melba founded at the Albert Street Conservatorium, East Melbourne (later the Melba Memorial Conservatorium). The date specified in the invitation, Thursday 19th December, indicates that the event was either in 1918 or 1929. As Gertrude Johnson moved to London in February 1921 and returned to Australia in 1935, when she retired from her singing career, it appears likely that the invitation to the mayoral dinner was for 19 December 1918. Elsie Fraser would have accompanied her on the piano.Cream coloured card printed in gold and with Christmas bells and holly in green and red, being an invitation for dinner with the Mayor and Mayoress of St KildaTo mark the Festive Season, and the end of the Year, the Mayor and Mayoress of St Kilda would be very pleased if ... will take Dinner with them in the Mayoress' Room, on Thursday, 19th December, at 7pm. Music by Miss Gertrude Johnson and Miss Elsie Fraser. RSVP before 12th December.gertrude johnson, elsie fraser, st kilda council, st kilda mayoral function

The property is identified as 'Strathmore', the home of Joseph Sutton Crow and his wife Winifred (Jessie) Temby, whom he married in 1910. Joseph Sutton Crow: (1881-1969) - Joseph Sutton Crow gained his Diploma of Music from the Marshall Hall Conservatorium, the forerunner to the Melbourne University Conservatorium, in 1907. He taught both piano and organ and was organist and choirmaster in several churches. However it was as a fine administrator that Sutton Crow made a significant contribution to music in Melbourne. From 1910-1920 he was Secretary and Librarian of the Music Department at the University of Melbourne and from 1920 was the Secretary and Assistant Director of the Conservatorium of Music. From 1919 he was also Secretary of the Australian Music Examinations Board. He married lyric soprano, Jessie Temby and moved to ‘Strathmore’, 75 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert in 1924 and lived there until 1952. In c1926 he was one of those behind establishing the public appeal to raise a million shillings to go towards the establishment of a permanent Symphony Orchestra. The appeal successfully raised both £4000 and the profile of orchestral music in Melbourne. The result was the Melbourne University Symphony Orchestra, which later became the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and from 1926-1939 he was its manager. Close local musical contemporaries were violinist Stanislau de Tarczynski and pianist Edward Goll, both of whom lived in Mont Albert. Winifred Jessie Temby (1883 - 1968) - soprano The donor was their daughter.A black and white photograph of a lady holding a sauce pan in her left hand and ladling out food to the fowls in front of her. Behind her there is a fenced off area with trees behind it.'strathmore', house names, victoria crescent, mont albert, surrey hills, joseph sutton crow (mr), winifred jessie temby (miss), jessie tremby (miss), winifred jessie crow (mrs), jessie crow (mrs), orchards, jean crow (miss)

The property is identified as 'Strathmore', the home of Joseph Sutton Crow and his wife Winifred (Jessie) Temby, whom he married in 1910. Joseph Sutton Crow: (1881-1969) - Joseph Sutton Crow gained his Diploma of Music from the Marshall Hall Conservatorium, the forerunner to the Melbourne University Conservatorium, in 1907. He taught both piano and organ and was organist and choirmaster in several churches. However it was as a fine administrator that Sutton Crow made a significant contribution to music in Melbourne. From 1910-1920 he was Secretary and Librarian of the Music Department at the University of Melbourne and from 1920 was the Secretary and Assistant Director of the Conservatorium of Music. From 1919 he was also Secretary of the Australian Music Examinations Board. He married lyric soprano, Jessie Temby and moved to ‘Strathmore’, 75 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert in 1924 and lived there until 1952. In c1926 he was one of those behind establishing the public appeal to raise a million shillings to go towards the establishment of a permanent Symphony Orchestra. The appeal successfully raised both £4000 and the profile of orchestral music in Melbourne. The result was the Melbourne University Symphony Orchestra, which later became the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and from 1926-1939 he was its manager. Close local musical contemporaries were violinist Stanislau de Tarczynski and pianist Edward Goll, both of whom lived in Mont Albert. Winifred Jessie Temby (1883 - 1968) - soprano A black and white photograph of three sheep lying in the grounds of a house. There is a house and some sheds in the background behind a picket fence.'strathmore', house names, victoria crescent, mont albert, surrey hills, joseph sutton crow (mr), winifred jessie crow (mrs), jessie crow (mrs), jessie temby (miss), winifred jessie temby (miss), orchards, music

Mr Joseph Sutton Crow and his wife Jessie (nee Temby) at their marriage in 1910. Sutton became Director of the University Conservatorium, was deeply involved in the musical life of Melbourne and managed concert parties travelling to country towns. Jessie was a soloist, singing, in the early days, at the concerts with visiting and local artists, such as flautist John Amadio. They made their home at ‘Strathmore’, 75 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert. The donor was their daughter, Winifred Jean Crow.A black and white photograph of a couple dressed in their wedding attire. The bride (standing) is wearing a floor length dress and veil. She has flowers in her hair and is carrying a large bouquet of flowers. The groom (seated) is wearing a coat, with a waistcoat and tie and is carrying a top hat.(mr) joseph sutton crow, (mrs) jessie crow, (miss) jessie temby, conservatorium of music, house names, victoria crescent, mont albert, (mr) john amadio, 'strathmore', opera singer, (miss) winifred jessie temby, (mrs) winifred jessie crow

Agnes Ross Riddell came to Melton as a girl with her twin sister. She taught Marjorie G Myers until she went to the Conservatorium of Music at age 16, she was then taught by Elsie Fraser. Melton for 30 years. Her mother, Annie Ross was the Post Mistress at Melton for 30 years, and her daughter Zan married Ron Durham of Bacchus Marsh. A pupil of Miss Agnes Ross, music teacher at Melton State School.local identities, education