This work covers the history of the building that houses the Navarre Museum. From its construction as the Presbyterian Church through to the present day.Clear Palstic cover over white page with black print and colour photgraph of a buildingNavarre Museum An Historical Sketch A Work In Progress of the Navarre & District Historical Society Inc.stawell

The History of the Navarre Railway LineClear Plastic Cover, over Grey card with title.Navarre "Rails to Wood" The Opening and closing of the Navarre Railway Line 1914-1954stawell, transport

Alexander Wright was born on 25 August, 1898 in Smeaton He was the brother of musician Frank Wright. Alex Wright was killed whilst performing at the Birmingham Empire as the result of a German air Attack in October 1940. The theatre had a direct hit. According to Frank Wright Alex was a great impersonator with a unique range Bass - tenor with many accents (not unlike Peter Dawson) "AUSTRALIAN CARUSO Smeaton Boy's Fame Andre Navarre, who left Australia about three years ago to study opera in Europe, bids fair to take a place among the world's great tenors. A few months ago Navarre sang for Melba for the first time, and she immediately acclaimed him to be a finished artist, describing his voice as the nearest approach to the immortal Caruso she had ever heard, writes the Ballarat "Courier." Andre Navarre is, however, only a stage name adopted by Alexander Wright, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William. Wright, of Armstrong street North, Ballarat, and brother of Mr. Frank Wright and Mrs. William Ritchie, of that city. Born at smeaton 31 years ago, in what may be termed a musical atmosphere; Alex. Wright showed a definite desire to sing at a very early age, and in his boyhood figured as soloist at school concerts, etc. His youth was spent around Smeaton, working at home and at various farms in the district until he was about 19 years of age, when he secured a position at the Dunlop rubber works, Melbourne. Up to this period Wright had no vocal training whatever, but being the possessor of a good resonant baritone voice, was persuaded by some of his friends to "have a go at the stage.'' Securing a position in the chorus of "Maid of the Mountains," which was at that time showing at the Theatre Royal, he soon made his voice heard to advantage, and also commenced to take lessons from Signor Robottaro. It was about this time that Wright was invited by a fellow musician to a musical evening at which a member of Rigo's grand opera company, then performing at " The Playhouse," was also present. Hearing Wright sing, the musician immediately said : ' You're a fool to waste your time in a chorus with that voice. Rigo is looking for a singer like you for the role of 'Figaro' in 'Barber of Seville'." Alex, however, did not take the remark seriously, and it was only after the numerous persuasions of friends who obviously knew the real value of his voice that the modest young man was eventually induced to meet Rigo. The Italian maestro was so delighted with the voice that without hesitation he was given the principle role of "The Barber" to study. Many singers having previously been tried and rejected for the part, Wright was astonished at his success in being chosen, and awakened suddenly to the fact by the maestro that a world voice, if properly trained, would surely develop in the young artist, Alex at once settled down to study, and all day long in his boarding house at St. Kilda could be heard rehearsing his new role. In less than a month he had completely mastered the part, and on the opening night, in the exacting role of "The Barber," he was an outstanding success. Later, he toured Australia with many leading artists, including Elsa Stralia and Harry Lauder, and spent his last two years in Sydney, where he was engaged as soloist in the biggest picture house. Realising that a training in Italy and on the Continent was essential for a successful operatic singer, the young artist decided to go overseas to continue his studies. He did not leave Australia, however, before he gratuitously gave a concert in his little home town to the obvious delight of all his old friends, who flocked from all parts of the district to hear him. The hall was packed to overflowing , and so pleased was Alex with the tumultuous reception he received that he sang fewer than 20 songs. Once in Italy, he lost no time in placing himself under the tuition of Cottone, and it was at the studio of this maestro that he met Toti dal Monte, a former protege of the same master. Two years were spent in Italy, when "Navarre" learned to speak the Italian language fluently, and acquired a wide knowledge of the operas. He sang in Milan about a year ago, and was paid some glowing tributes by the Italian Press critics, who likened his voice to that of Caruso. From Italy he went to Paris, where he met John Brownlee and many other famous singers. The critics on the Continent are unanimous that Andre Navarre-the unassuming Smeaton boy, whom his schoolmates still affectionately call "Hock"--is destined to become one of the luminaries in music history. It is interesting to recall some facts concerning the remarkable family from which this artist springs. Four other members have won championship honors in the musical world. Mr. Frank Wright has the Australasian cornet championship to his credit ; Mr. Norman Wright, of Sydney, has won a tenor championship of New Zealand, and has recorded for the Columbia Gramophone Company ; Mrs. Wm. Ritchie ( formerly Miss Laura Wright) won the A.N.A. contralto championship in Melbourne; whilst the oldest member, Lydia (Mrs. C. Cane, now in N.Z.) won the violin championship at South Street when 17 years of age. Last year Mrs. and Mr. Wright celebrated their golden wedding. Both of the old folk are intensely musical, and it has been said that the voice of the mother, although entirely untrained, showed in her earlier days glimpses of the beautiful quality which made Melba famous. Andre Navarre does not propose leaving the Continent for some time. Recently he was offered a 12 months' contract to sing in London for £2500 but on the advice of Melba and his coach, it was refused on the grounds that yet another 12 months' French study was necessary to ensure absolute perfection. That "Alex " has lost none of his school-boy wit is evinced by his own jocular remark that he has "a top C sharp that will crack every window in the Sydney Town Hall!" (Horsham Times, 20 February 1931) "AUSTRALIAN KILLED An Australian, Alexander Wright, radio variety star, who toured Europe and Australia under the pseudonym of Navarre, was killed during a recent air raid in a Midland . town. His broth-er, Frank Wright, is musical director for the London County council."(Border Morning Mail, 22 Oct 1940) Black and white image of Smeaton born Alexander Wright whose professional name was Navarre "Prince of Mimics". alexander wright, alec wright, navarre

stawell

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. Alex his brother, who's stage name was 'Navarre', also known as The Prince of Mimic, was killed in an air-raid in the Hippodrome Birmingham in 1940. Their father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of a man dressed in an overcoat and hat and carrying a briefcase. He is standing on the street corner. A row of shops with large overhanging awnings slope upwards behind him. The man is possibly 'Navarre', Alex Wright.alex wright, navarre, the prince of mimic, frank wright

100 years of the Navarre football & Netball clubCard cover with colour photographs of a football jumper and football Navarre Football Netball Club Celebrating 100 years 1911 - 2011 By Louise Bibbystawell sport

Alexander Wright and Frank Wright were brothers. Both born in Smeaton, lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. A black and white photograph of a man in a suit with a waist coat and fob chain standing with one foot on the lower step of a stone building. He is Navarre (Alexander Wright of Smeaton)Written on the back in black ink " a snap taken on the balcony. I'm beginning to get the tenor spread about the bottom-jaw"alexander wright, navarre, frank wright, smeaton, performing arts

Thank you to the Woman in the Navarre Community who made this snapshot possible., wonderful stories and Sharing recipes.Light Blue Paper front cover and Black Plastic back cover. Black Print and B/W photo with two children either side of a path.Navarre Primary School. 140 Years 1864-2004 A Proud Past, Bright Future Food to Cherish Compiled by Karen Ware 10th October 2004stawell education

Photograph of Students of Navarre Primary School 1940Back ------, Les Hannett, Jack Driscoll?, ---- 2nd Back -----, Jean Rickard, Viva Smale, Val Blake, Pat Clinnick, Eileen Moschetti, John Rickard 2nd Front ----, Marie Clinnick, -----, John Emmerson, ---- Front ----, Tom Driscoll, ----, Lindsay Smalleducation, students

Navarre Rail Yards looking North 1959transport, railways

Navarre Rail Yards Sawmilling 1940'stransport, railways

Navarre Rail Yards Turntable 16 December 1953transport, railways

Navarre Rail Station 1922. Frank Woodford Station Master transport, railways

Date could be earlier based on clothing.Men on buggies, ladies and students in front of Navarre Primary School. Some with picks and shovels. Possibly working bee. education, students

Navarre General Store 1965 Ken and Mary Russell & kids Roger and Catherine. Store later destroyed by fire. business

White Paper cover with inset black border containing Title and B/W photograph of an open, air railway platform with a large crowd.Rails to the Kingdom The opening of Navarre railway 27 May 1914 A brief history of the Ben Nevis - Navarre Railway 1914 - 1954 by Michael Menziesstawell transport railways, local history

Min Bibby (nee Cannen nee Green) & Tom BibbyNames on back of Photosnavarre

School - Navarre Pupils 1908stawell education

Navarre - Race Course Grandstandstawell

Navarre Football Team 1931stawell sport

Steam Locomotive at Navarre 1922stawell railways

Navarre Railway Station c1940’sstawell railways