This dress was worn by Julia Benjamin (1850-1927) for her marriage to Abraham Smith (of Polish descent) at the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in Bourke Street, Melbourne on 5 September 1868. Julia was the daughter of Joseph Benjamin and Hannah Soloman. Records suggest it may have been converted into her 'calling' gown for the three month 'bridal' period following her marriage. The gown would have been worn with accompanying accessories of a cape and gloves.An early example of a wedding dress of the Melbourne Jewish community.One piece floor length dress of (originally) lavender, watered (moiré) silk taffeta with short sleeves and train that is controlled by interior tapes to create bustle effect. The bodice fastens down the centre front to the waist where the opening below the waist is concealed by side pleats. The bodice appears to have originally featured a piece of lace at the neckline and a textile ruched belt. The dress is backed with a cream cotton.julia benjamin, abraham smith, joseph benjamin, hannah soloman, melbourne hebrew congregation, wedding dress

The Hon. Nathaniel Levi (1830-1908) was the first Jewish Member of the Parliament of Victoria. He served in the Legislative Assembly from 1861-1867, representing the electorates of Maryborough (1 Jan 1861 - 1 Dec 1865) and East Melbourne (1 Feb 1866 - 1 Dec 1867). He later served in the Legislative Council for the North Yarra electorate (1 Sep 1872 - 1 Jan 1904). Born in Liverpool on 20 Jan 1830, he arrived in Melbourne in April 1854 on the Matilda Wattenbach, opened a store and established a career as a businessman. In 1858 he joined the firm of John Levey & Son, Melbourne and Maryborough. He pioneered the coal and sugar beet industries; established the firm of Nathaniel Levi & Company c1867; commenced auctioneering and agency business c1870; obtained contract for railway advertising c1875; with his two sons (Joseph and John) as partners, the firm became Nathaniel Levi & Sons c1884. He commenced a short-lived newspaper, the Daily News, in Oct 1885. He was a founder and trustee of the Chamber of Manufactures, and its President 1893-1895. He married Sarah Levy in 1855. Nathaniel Levi was prominent in the Jewish community and was President of the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in 1880–82 and 1904–05. He is a forebear of Rabbi John Levi.colour photograph unmountedThe Hon. Nathaniel Levi (1830-1908) first Jewish member of the Parliament of Victoria. Built "Liverpool" 1888 and lived here 1889-1908. This plaque was unveiled 17 February 1991 by Rabbi John Levi AM DD (Temple Beth Israel)plaques, st kilda, nathaniel levi, hon nathaniel levi, member of parliament, liverpool, princes street

Water coloured Postcards - set 5 of. Hebrew Synagogue, coloured image of synagogue on postcard, ornate scrolling on both sides of depiction. Postcard No.1 - Sandhurst Hebrew Congregation. Congregation established 1854, Synagogue consecrated September 1872 in Hopetoun Street. Building demolished 1926. No.2 - Ballarat. No.3 - East Melbourne. No.4 - Melbourne. No.5 - Geelong.Printed Valentine Sands, Melbourne.postcard, photograph, bendigo, sandhurst hebrew synagogue.

Sir Archie Michaelis was born on 9 December 1889 in St Kilda and died on 22 April 1975. He married Claire Esther Hart on 14 January 1920. They had 3 daughters. He represented the electorate of St Kilda in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1 May 1932 to 1 0ctober 1952. He was Speaker of the house from 1950 to 1952. Before entering politics he worked with the family firm Michaelis Hallenstein and Co., leather merchants, from 1909. He also served in the Royal Field Artillery 1914-1919, in Egypt, Aden and Salonika. Other roles included: president of the St. Kilda Hebrew Congregation, a leading Orthodox synagogue in Melbourne; President Vic. branch 1945 and Chairman Patriotic Funds Council 1947-1951; President Vic. Jewish Advisory Board 1939-1940; Vice-president Kipling Society, London, and President Vic. branch; member English Public Schools Association, Vic. Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen; Vice-president Alfred Hospital 1935-1972; Patron St Kilda Welfare Organisation, Claire Esther Michaelis was born on 20 Jan 1893 and died on 8 October 1973. The photograph was taken on a St Kilda Historical Society tour of St Kilda cemetery, 26 November 1978.Polaroid colour photographBus trip 26/11/78 Michaelis Grave. The headstones read: (At left) In Loving Memory of Sir Archie Michaelis, Beloved Husband of Claire, Loving Father of Mary, Joan and Helen, Born 19.12.1889 - Died 22.4.1975. May his dear soul rest in peace. (At right) In Loving Memory of Claire Esther, Beloved Wife of Sire Archie Michaelis, Loving Mother of Mary, Joan and Helen, Born 20.1.1893 - Died 8.10.1973. May her dear soul rest in peace. sir archie michaelis, claire esther michaelis, st kilda, victorian parliament, st kilda cemetery