Showing 44 items matching "old parliament house"
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The Adam Lindsay Gordon Commemorative Committee Inc.Book, The Life and Times of Old Parliament House. South Australia 1988
... The Life and Times of Old Parliament House. South Australia 1988...The Life and Times of Old Parliament House. South Australia 1988 Book ... -
Department of Health and Human ServicesAn aerial view of the Southern suburbs of Canberra, Australia's Capital showing Old Parliament House circa 1958 - Department of Health – National Fitness Office (Sports & Recreation) – Historical Press Release Photo Collection
... An aerial view of the Southern suburbs of Canberra, Australia's Capital showing Old Parliament House circa 1958 - Department of Health – National Fitness Office (Sports & Recreation) – Historical Press Release Photo Collection ...Department of Health – National Fitness Office (Sports & Recreation) – Historical Press Release Photo - Empire Youth Day & Royals on Tour Collection Department of Health – National Fitness Office (Sports & Recreation) – Historical Press Release Photo - Empire Youth Day & Royals on Tour Collection An aerial view of the Southern suburbs of Canberra, Australia's Capital showing Old Parliament House circa 1958 - Department of Health – National Fitness Office (Sports & Recreation) – Historical Press Release Photo Collection ...Department of Health – National Fitness Office (Sports & Recreation) – Historical Press Release Photo - Empire Youth Day & Royals on Tour CollectionDepartment of Health – National Fitness Office (Sports & Recreation) – Historical Press Release Photo - Empire Youth Day & Royals on Tour Collection -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)Ephemera - Australian Army Training Team Vietnam 45th Reunion Dinner, Department of Veterans Affairs
... ...Old Parliament House...An invitation to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam for their 45th Reunion Dinner, 24th March 2007 at "Gingers", Old Parliament House, Canberra. This is printed on a cream coloured cardboard....Invitation Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) 45th Reunion Dinner Old Parliament House Major Ian Charles Teague 35803 Royal Australian Infantry Corps 1st Special Air Service Sqnuadron Australian Army Force An invitation to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam for their 45th Reunion Dinner, 24th March 2007 at "Gingers", Old Parliament House, Canberra. ...An invitation to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam for their 45th Reunion Dinner, 24th March 2007 at "Gingers", Old Parliament House, Canberra. This is printed on a cream coloured cardboard.invitation, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), 45th reunion dinner, old parliament house, major ian charles teague, 35803, royal australian infantry corps, 1st special air service sqnuadron, australian army force -
Robin Boyd FoundationDocument - Manuscript, Robin Boyd, Impact of WBG on suburban…
... ... Old Parliament House...Walter Burley Griffin Old Parliament House Canberra Louis Sullivan Frank Lloyd Wright Capitol Theatre Robin Boyd manuscript All-caps inscription on the back of 2nd page - possibly a shorthand summary of the talk. ...Discusses Walter Burley Griffin's effect on Australian architectural culture. Also considers his place within the Chicago School more broadly. Boyd believes Griffin to be more human, sensitive, and skillful compared to Frank Lloyd Wright, and laments that Griffin did not build more in Australia.This may be a lecture/talk - there are notes on the back.Handwritten, quarto, 2 pagesAll-caps inscription on the back of 2nd page - possibly a shorthand summary of the talk. Uncertain if this is Boyd's handwriting.walter burley griffin, old parliament house, canberra, louis sullivan, frank lloyd wright, capitol theatre, robin boyd, manuscript -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.Newspaper - GOLDEN SQUARE P.S. LAUREL ST. 1189 COLLECTION: NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS
... Newspaper cutting with photo of Leah Dunne, who is off to Canberra to particiate in a mock United Nations summit at Canberra's Old Parliament House. Her partner is Bacchus Marsh resident Angie Meikle....Golden Square Primary School 1189 Collection - Newspaper Cuttings Leah Dunne Girton Grammar Angie Meikle Newspaper cutting with photo of Leah Dunne, who is off to Canberra to particiate in a mock United Nations summit at Canberra's Old Parliament House. Her partner is Bacchus Marsh resident Angie Meikle. ...Newspaper cutting with photo of Leah Dunne, who is off to Canberra to particiate in a mock United Nations summit at Canberra's Old Parliament House. Her partner is Bacchus Marsh resident Angie Meikle.education, primary, golden square laurel st p.s., golden square primary school 1189 collection - newspaper cuttings, leah dunne, girton grammar, angie meikle -
Greensborough Historical SocietyBooklet, Australian Government Publishing Service, The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia
... The story of Old Parliament House and parliamentary process...The story of Old Parliament House and parliamentary process australia - politics and government australia. parliament house 26 page booklet with black and white photos, black text and blue cover, The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia Booklet Booklet Australian Government Publishing Service ...The story of Old Parliament House and parliamentary process26 page booklet with black and white photos, black text and blue cover,australia - politics and government, australia. parliament house -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.Medal, Jubilee of Canberra 1913-1963
... The reverse depicts old Parliament House, decorative leaves and text....Parliament House in Canberra and the establishment of Canberra as Australia's capital city. australian capital territory canberra australia walter burley griffin queen elizabeth 11 THE ROYAL VISIT OF HM. QUEEN ELIZABETH 11. 1963. JUBILEE OF CANBERRA 1913-1963 AUSTRALIA 1788-1963 Circular brass medal with ring attached at the top and a split ring through the ring. The obverse features a raised profile of Queen Elizabeth 11 wearing a crown and text. The reverse depicts old ...This medal was made by W.J.Amor Mint, a medal making company from New South Wales. It was made to commemorate both the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Canberra in 1963 and the Royal Visit of 1963. Because of the rivalry between the two major Australian cities, Melbourne and Sydney, it was decided to establish a new capital city somewhere between the two cities. The Australian capital Territory was established in 1913 and the American architect, Walter Burley Griffin, in association with his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin, was chosen to design the new city of Canberra. The first Parliament House was opened in 1927 and Melbourne ceased to be the location of the Federal Parliament meetings.This medal is of interest, mainly because it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first Parliament House in Canberra and the establishment of Canberra as Australia's capital city.Circular brass medal with ring attached at the top and a split ring through the ring. The obverse features a raised profile of Queen Elizabeth 11 wearing a crown and text. The reverse depicts old Parliament House, decorative leaves and text.THE ROYAL VISIT OF HM. QUEEN ELIZABETH 11. 1963. JUBILEE OF CANBERRA 1913-1963 AUSTRALIA 1788-1963 australian capital territory, canberra australia, walter burley griffin, queen elizabeth 11 -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.China, The Federation Parliament HRH Duke of York, 1920s
... When Canberra became the capital of Australia a Parliament House building was erected at a cost of £600,000 but it is now known as Old Parliament House as the present Parliament House was opened in 1988. ...When Canberra became the capital of Australia a Parliament House building was erected at a cost of £600,000 but it is now known as Old Parliament House as the present Parliament House was opened in 1988. ...This cup and saucer set was issued as a souvenir of the opening of the Federal Parliament in Canberra in 1927. The building was opened by Prince Albert, the Duke of York who was accompanied by Elizabeth, the Duchess of York. The Duke of York later became King George VI of England. The colonies in Australia became Federated States in 1901 and from that date to 1927 the Australian Federal Parliament sat in Melbourne. When Canberra became the capital of Australia a Parliament House building was erected at a cost of £600,000 but it is now known as Old Parliament House as the present Parliament House was opened in 1988. This cup and saucer set is of interest as a memento of an important event in Australia’s history – the creation of a capital city and the opening of the first Federal Parliament House. It will be useful for display. This is a white china cup and saucer set. Both the cup and saucer have two gold bands around the rims and are decorated with black ornamentation and the portraits of the Duke and Duchess of York contained within gold oval patterns. There is also black lettering on both objects. The name of the maker is printed on the bottoms of both objects. On both objects: ‘The Federal Parliament opened by H.R.H. The Duke of York at Canberra 1927’ ‘Foley China E.B. & Co. Made in England’ opening of federal parliament 1927, history of warrnambool -
Wodonga & District Historical Society IncMemorabilia - China Commemorative Cup - Opening of Federal Parliament Canberra, Aynsley England, 1927
... Parliament House in May 1927. Aynsley China was established in Staffordshire, England in 1775. Parliament House in Canberra was officially opened on 9 May 1927 by the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth). The opening of the Parliament House (now called Old...Parliament House in May 1927. Aynsley China was established in Staffordshire, England in 1775. Parliament House in Canberra was officially opened on 9 May 1927 by the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth). The opening of the Parliament House (now called Old ...Colourful souvenir mugs and cups were manufactured in Britain by Aynsley China and carefully transported to Australia for the opening of Parliament House in May 1927. Aynsley China was established in Staffordshire, England in 1775. Parliament House in Canberra was officially opened on 9 May 1927 by the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth). The opening of the Parliament House (now called Old Parliament House) marked the culmination of the Federation process, with the occupation of the new federal capital of the Commonwealth of Australia and the transfer of the federal legislature to Canberra after 27 years in Melbourne. The rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne over which should be Australia's national capital led to the decision to establish a new capital city. Section 125 of the Australian Constitution stated the national capital must be located in New South Wales but not within 100 miles of Sydney. In the meantime, the Australian Parliament met in Melbourne at the Victorian Parliament House. The event was marked by extensive celebrations, and thousands of people gathered to see the Duke of York open the main door with a golden key handed to him by Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce.This item is significant as a souvenir of an important event in the development of Australian government.An Aynsley porcelain cup manufactured in England around 1927 to commemorate the opening of the Federal Parliament House in Canberra. It features a kangaroo in a cartouche formed of laurel leaves with a blue bow connecting each arm of the cartouche. The cartouche and the kangaroo are flanked by the Australian ensign on the right, and the Union Jack on the left. The reverse design features an image of Parliament House in Canberra with gold text below.Above the kangaroo 'AUSTRALIA A NATION' Beside the ribbon MAY 1927 Beneath the kangaroo - 'TO COMMEMORATE THE OPENING OF THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT HOUSE CANBERRA' Reverse side below the image "THE CAPITOL" CANBERRA OPENED BY T.R.H. THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF YORK MAY opening of federal parliament, parliament house canberra -
City of Melbourne LibrariesPhotograph, Bull, Hugh Jones, 1897-1993, "A Royal Portrait" (Duke of York), 1933
... Parliament House, https://adb.anu.edu.au/the-quest-for-indigenous-recognition/jimmy-clements YouTube, The Birth of White Australia (1928), amateurish racism on the big screen [Jimmy Clements at 11.12 minutes in], https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OByX4iPsTgo YouTube, We Were Just Little Boys, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Hw9d91k2E WASTE AT CANBERRA. (1927, May 20). The South Eastern Times (Millicent, SA : 1906 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved April 4, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200058308 YouTube, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old...Parliament House, https://adb.anu.edu.au/the-quest-for-indigenous-recognition/jimmy-clements YouTube, The Birth of White Australia (1928), amateurish racism on the big screen [Jimmy Clements at 11.12 minutes in], https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OByX4iPsTgo YouTube, We Were Just Little Boys, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Hw9d91k2E WASTE AT CANBERRA. (1927, May 20). The South Eastern Times (Millicent, SA : 1906 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved April 4, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200058308 YouTube, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old ...Published: The Age, Sat 14 October 1933 Published title: A Royal Portrait Published caption: "Seen at his studio, Alphington, Mr. W. B. Mclnnes's portrait of the Duke of York, which he painted recently on commission from the trustees of the Castlemaine Gallery, at St. John’s Wood, London, impresses as a vital record of one whose natural habitat is a palace, and whose place in life is one of near relationship to the throne of England. The Duke is painted in the uniform of the admiral of the fleet, a highly ornate vesture entailing much elaboration of gold and numerous medals, in dealing with which the artist has not failed to centre his attention on the head, and has succeeded in producing what is undoubtedly a soundly painted portrait and a good likeness. During the five fittings Mr. Mclnnes, apart from the ordinary social amenities, found his Royal sitter little inclined to talk, though he spoke feelingly of his trip to Australia and the pleasure it had given him: but with the Duchess the tendency to be sociable was much more clearly pronounced. She took, and expressed, a keen interest in the social and political matters of the day with a special concern for the supremacy of England and Australia in all questions relating to sport, such as cricket, tennis and golf. She spoke well of her portrait painted by Quinn, and regretted that she would not see the two hung side by side at the Castlemaine Gallery." Description: An unframed painting of a standing, middle-aged man dressed in the uniform of a Royal Navy admiral of the Fleet with medals, sash, ornate belt, cuffs and epaulettes. His left hand rests on the handle of a sword in its scabbard and his bicorn hat and white gloves are on a table beside him. To his right is a globe of the world showing Australia. Research by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer: In 1933, Castlemaine Art Gallery trustees commissioned artist W.B. McInnes (1889-1939) to paint a portrait of Prince Albert, Duke of York as a companion piece to the portrait of his wife, the Duchess of York, that the gallery had commissioned Australian official war artist James Quinn (1869-1951) to paint in 1930. During the First World War, the Duchess’s childhood home, Glamis Castle in Scotland was used as a makeshift military hospital and convalescence home for wounded soldiers. Many servicemen from the Castlemaine area recuperated there and had fond memories of the kindness of the teenage Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (1900-2002, later Duchess of York) who spent the war years running errands and aiding in the welfare and morale of the patients. In 1927, the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) came to Australia to formally open the newly built Parliament House in Canberra and to tour the country. While visiting Victoria in April, they embarked on a whistle-stop train journey to Bendigo, stopping at Kyneton for ten minutes and Castlemaine for 15 minutes. At Kyneton, an excited crowd of 10,000 people welcomed the couple with “three cheers and three cheers for Baby Betty” before the Duchess was presented with a bouquet of locally grown roses and the Duke a bound album of photographs of noted beauty spots of the district. Next the Royal Couple stopped at Castlemaine to the cheers of 15,000 people. There the couple were presented with a basket of prime quality Harcourt apples and a pair of cot blankets, manufactured at Castlemaine Woollen Mills, a birthday gift for baby Princess Betty. The Duchess recognised Colonel W.E. James, of the Seventh Battalion, who had convalesced at Glamis Castle in 1917, and they chatted before the train departed, while the Duke shook hands with returned soldiers. Last stop was the town of Bendigo which was colourfully decorated with bunting and flags, arches and flowers. 3000 pigeons were released on their arrival and the liberated birds circled overhead for several minutes as if to welcome the Royal Couple. A crowd of 50,000 cheering people lined the streets in bright sunshine as the couple drove by. From an arch over Hargreaves Street, pretty girls showered the pair with rose petals. The Duke was presented with a gold nugget and an album, handsomely bound in morocco, of a history of the Bendigo mining industry, while the Duchess received a bouquet of prize winning white chrysanthemums. After 75 minutes in Bendigo they journeyed back to Melbourne for a State reception. While the couple were in Melbourne, the Duke often played lawn tennis at the Government House courts with three times Grand Slam champion Norman Brookes, who declared that while he considered the Duke a second class player whose serve lacked sting, he had a fine backhand and with time and practice he could become a first class player. The federal Parliament had previously been situated in Melbourne, but Canberra was chosen as the location for Australia’s capital as a compromise between fierce rival states, Victoria and NSW. It is written in the Constitution that the federal capital would be in “the State of NSW... distant not less than one hundred miles from Sydney.” The word Canberra is thought to derive from the local Ngunnawal word “Kanbarra” meaning “meeting place”. The Provisional Parliament House was a large, white, three storey building facetiously dubbed “The Wedding Cake”, plonked down in a bare, former sheep paddock. It was decorated for the event with Union Jacks and Australian red ensign flags. On 9 May, the day of the opening, the expectant crowd assembled in front of the building. Only two of the spectators were Aboriginal. One was Jimmy Clements (1847-1927, aka Nangar or Yangar, but popularly known as “King Billy”), accompanied by his three dogs. (The title “King” or “Queen” was often given by white settlers to Aborigines who were seen as allies and could maintain good relations between First Nations groups and the colonists. Some were given inscribed brass breastplates or gorgets to wear.) Jimmy was an excellent horse breaker and expert tracker for the police. He was also the nephew of “Queen” Nellie Hamilton (1842-1897) of the Canberra-Queanbeyan region, home of the Ngambri and Ngunnawal people. Nellie was the oldest surviving full-blooded Aboriginal woman in the district. The other was George John Noble (1840s-1928, aka Ooloogan, also “Marvellous” due to his regular use of the word). Both were initiated Wiradjuri walamira elders: “clever men” believed to have the ability to heal physical and spiritual ailments. They were also travelling showmen, skilled at boomerang and spear throwing and often performed at country agricultural shows and football matches. They had walked barefoot for three days from the Brungle Mission, near Gundagai. 11 May 1927, The Argus reported that “King Billy... claims sovereign rights to the Federal Territory” which the National Archives of Australia describes as “possibly the first recorded instance of Aboriginal protest at Parliament House in Canberra.” 10 May 1927, The Argus reported on Jimmy Clements: “During the wait great interest was taken in the appearance near the east stand of an aborigine, a member of the Gundagai tribe, and a well known character in the district. He was very old and grey and ruggedly picturesque. He was determined to go his own way in spite of the arguments of two inspectors and one sergeant of police. Immediately and instinctively the crowd in the stands rallied to his side. There were choruses of advice and encouragement for him to do as he pleased. A well-known clergyman stood up and called out that the aborigine had a better right than any man present to a place on the steps of the House of Parliament and in the Senate during the ceremony. The old man’s persistence and the sympathy of the crowd won him an excellent position and also a shower of small change that must have amounted to 30/ or 40/ [shillings].” At 10.30 am, Australia’s eighth Prime Minister, Mr Stanley Bruce (1923-1929) welcomed the Royal couple onto the crimson carpeted portico. Unfortunately, Dame Nellie Melba’s rendition of “God Save the King” and the greater part of the Duke’s reply was drowned out by the roar of squadrons of aeroplanes circling overhead. A brief religious service followed, conducted by leaders of the Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican churches. Interestingly, there was no Roman Catholic representation at the ceremony even though around one quarter of Australians were Catholic at the time. The Duke unlocked the front doors with a golden key, then unveiled a statue of his father King George V by sculptor Sir Bertram Mackennal in the King’s Hall. Then the official party, Senators, members of the House of Representatives and invited guests entered the Senate chamber where the Duke read a message from the King, establishing Canberra as the seat of the Federal Government, watched on by Australia’s elite. The conclusion of the ceremony was announced by a gay fanfare of trumpets from the entrance of Parliament House and a 21 gun salute and answered by cheers from the crowd. The dignitaries then feasted on a luncheon of turtle soup, poached schnapper, fillets of beef, roast chicken and ham, straw potatoes, green peas, Canberra Pudding (a pudding made with dripping, dried fruit and jam), fruit, ices, coffee and cheese. They toasted the King with non-alcoholic fruit punch as the Federal Capital Territory (later ACT) was a “dry” area and no speeches were made. The diary entry that day of Ethel Baird, Lady Stonehaven, the wife of the Governor-General, is brief and to the point: “To P.H. & waited for Yorks. Ceremony went off without a hitch. Ghastly Banquet Lunch.” Later that day, the Duke mounted a coal black mare, police horse Number 303 which had been hastily re-named “Black Bess” for the occasion, to receive the final salute from the assembled troops and returned soldiers dressed in mufti. The RAAF squadron were flying overhead in “V” formations when suddenly, one of the planes, piloted by Flying Officer Francis Charles Ewen, left the formation, nose-diving 900 metres from Parliament House and landing behind the Y.W.C.A. refreshment marquee. Francis, aged only 28, tragically died of his wounds later that day. The Federal Capital Commission contracted Sargent’s Pies of Sydney to supply 5000 meals for the event. They supplied pies, sausage rolls, scones and sandwiches with the agreed price of 3 shillings a head. Only 1200 meals were served and the uneaten remainder dumped, with the Commission bearing the cost of the unsold food. An estimated crowd of 20,000 attended the opening, far fewer than the expected 100,000. Many visitors travelled long distances, bringing their own hampers of food and camping in tents as there was very limited accommodation available. Thousands of people around Australia listened to the ceremony broadcast on the wireless, with receiving sets installed in schools, public halls and workplaces and it was also filmed for posterity. The next morning, the Royal couple, along with Prime Minister Bruce and Mrs Bruce held an informal public reception on the steps of Parliament House where early settlers, residents and visitors to Canberra filed past them. The Press widely reported Jimmy Clements’ encounter with the Duke and Duchess. The Sun-Pictorial reported 11 May 1927: "MET THE DUKE. ABORIGINE KING HE APPROVED Sugarbag: Sports Suit. John Clements, otherwise King Billy, a full blooded aborigine king, aged 86, was among the 2000 who filed past the Duke and the Duchess at the public reception at Canberra to day. “How you likem Duke and Duchess Billy?” he was asked afterwards. “I think they are both very nice.” he replied in good English. King Billy was a very bedraggled figure, with tangled locks and a beard which almost hid his wrinkled and black face. He wore an old sports suit and carried a sugarbag. Passing the Duke and Duchess he turned full towards them. The crowd cheered, and the Duke and Duchess smiled. The Duke was particularly amused.” The Canberra Times reported 13 May 1927: "A REAL AUSTRALIAN. A quaint but pathetic figure stood in broad relief in the queue of ranks at the reception. Where his dusky forbears have gathered in native ceremonial for centuries past, a lone representative of a fast vanishing race saluted visiting Royalty. Despite the grotesque garb and untamed mane the aborigine comported himself not without dignity. With his three faithful dogs, he made an immediate target for a battery of cameras.” "The Argus reported 11 May 1927: "...an ancient aborigine who calls himself King Billy and who claims sovereign rights to the federal Territory walked slowly forward alone and saluted the Duke and Duchess. They cheerily acknowledged his greeting. The old aborigine, with his long, matted beard and nondescript clothing, is a popular identity of Canberra, and must be one of the most extraordinary figures who has received a Royal salute.” The Sun (Sydney) reported 10 May 1927: “Suddenly, in the midst of the forest of green and white colored hats of women, appeared a head with a shaggy leonine mane and a patriarchal beard. Jacky, the aboriginal, an identity of the district, who is also known as the King of Canberra, had arrived to testify to his loyalty. He saluted the Duke with an excellent dash, and shambled past with his faithful sheep dog aide-de-camp at his heels. The Duke and Duchess were highly amused at this quaint figure moving along with a sort of bodyguard of shrieking young boys and girls.” The Sydney Morning Herald 11 May 1927 mistook Jimmy for his friend “Marvellous”: “...the appearance of an aged aboriginal widely known in the district as “Marvellous, the uncrowned king of Queanbeyan." His beaming black countenance was almost hidden beneath a shock of hair and beard. Bare-footed and carrying a sugar bag in one hand and a tiny Australian flag in the other, he at first mistook a policeman at the foot of the steps for the Duke. To his great embarrassment and to the vast amusement of the onlookers, the policeman became the object of a hearty salutation. However, "Marvellous" was quickly shepherded back to a position in the procession and as he passed along brought his hand up to an approved military salute for the benefit of their Royal Highnesses. The Duke returned it with a special wave.” The Labor Daily 11 May 1927 irreverently reported on the scene: "People March Past. Some 400 people, old identities of Canberra marched past. They were mostly aged ladies with memories faithfully preserving the traditions of other days and curtsied reverently. The younger generations, who speedily joined the procession, behaved differently however. Surely it was the most motley collection that ever passed before Royalty. Men without collars jostled others well dressed. Fat women, young women, children of all heights and ages were there. The oldest inhabitants, in the persons of the abo, "Marbly", and his companion were present. The poor old fellows evidently were keen to get closer to the Duke than the procession dared go, but they were overawed by the stern glances of military men.” The Canberra Times reported 13 May 1927: "...and towards the end of the procession, a full-blooded aboriginal, bareheaded and barefooted, and carrying an old swag on his back, made a picturesque figure as he several times saluted the Royal couple, his old eyes beaming inexpressible delight.” The Register reported 11 May 1927: "PUBLIC MARCH PAST. Old “Jacky”, an aboriginal identity of the district, who has been following the proceedings of the various ceremonies with apparently great interest, appeared in the march past. He halted in front of the steps and raised his hand to his shaggy grey locks in an attempt at a salute. Smiling, the Duke returned the salute, and the Duchess bestowed a charming smile on the figure of mingled pathos and comedy.” Tweed Daily reported 12 May 1927: “King Billy” WAS THERE. Appropriately enough, the inevitable “King Billy” with his refreshing impression of possum and gum-leaves, was present at the dedication of the Federal capital at Canberra. Bare-footed, in a dingy old suit and battered felt hat, he wandered on to the empty stand after the illustrious assemblage had passed into Parliament House. A desolate figure in all that he stood for, he proved, an amiable representative of the dispossessed race. He cheerfully waved a Union Jack for the camera man, and grinned into the very eye of a movie man’s camera without flinching.” Footage of Jimmy filmed that day features in the film “The Birth Of White Australia” produced in 1928 and shows him enthusiastically waving a small Union Jack flag in front of Parliament House with his three dogs at his feet. The caption reads " "King Billy" calls for cheers for the son of the great white King across the seas. “Mine tinkit that pfellers father budgeree King liket me” supposedly says Jimmy." Jimmy told the Daily Telegraph, 13 May 1927 “I have opened your Parliament House on my own ground, now you can go and look at it." Jimmy died on 28 August 1927, aged 80. The Herald newspaper on 30 August 1927, published an illustration depicting Jimmy’s dog standing on his grave, his customary chimney pot hat leaning on his headstone. The caption reads: “The Dead King — His Only Mourner. Drawn by Will Dyson (King Billy, last of the Canberra aborigines, lived just long enough to see the Duke of York open Australia’s capital on the site where his tribe once roamed. He died in the Queanbeyan Hospital yesterday morning.)” A letter published in the Sydney Morning Herald, 19 September 1927 reported: "Old King Billy... Sir, ...I would like to mention... the passing away of one, if not the last remaining aboriginal chieftains. He may be called “Old King Billy,” and his death occurred here in Queanbeyan a few weeks ago. The removal of this well-known black has left another big gap in all that remains distinctively Australian in character. He was one of the last remaining tribe of the Monaro district, and one of the most predominant personalities throughout the Commonwealth. ...he had lived through 80 years all told. He was on many occasions sought by artists for his splendid physique and personality as a model, and many a journey he has had to make to Sydney on that account. A more striking and pronounced type could not be found. ...A very fine cast in lifelike form is to be seen in the Australian Museum, Sydney ...his last important appearance in public was at the Commonwealth celebrations at Canberra, to which territory he partly belonged. ...we have no aborigine statue chiselled to the memory of their race, a more fitting and lasting memorial could not be undertaken than to have one modelled from this fine figure and erected to the memory of his race at Canberra... It would be a fitting adornment if planted with the Australian gumtrees for any avenue or garden. [King Billy] ...a very intelligent fellow, responding readily to kindness and common sense. Hoping yet to see a befitting testimonial and a lasting memorial to a race that is rapidly and I may say, unfortunately, disappearing, I am etc., SYDNEY R.OAKLEY, Queanbeyan." The “lifelike form” referred to by the correspondent was a sculpture that Jimmy Clements had posed for: “The Wunderlich Aboriginal Group” for The Australian Museum in Sydney. In 1925, Mr Ernest Wunderlich, director of Wunderlich Limited, manufacturer of building materials and President of the Board of Trustees at The Australian Museum, commissioned renowned sculptor George Rayner Hoff (sculptor of the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney, National War Memorial in Adelaide, and “Lion” the original Holden Motor Company car emblem) to sculpt a life sized Aboriginal family group diorama as a gift to the Museum. There was much concern at this time that the Aboriginal population and especially the “full blooded” were fading into oblivion so fast that they may soon become extinct. Three “full blooded” Aborigines were chosen for models. An article in The Australian Museum magazine, July/September 1926 about The Wunderlich Aboriginal Group explained “...it will not be many years before the aborigine, in New South Wales and Victoria at least, will be an entity of the past. Every year sees a shrinkage in their number, and the coastal tribes that once roamed the Sydney district are, unfortunately, no longer with us. ...the man, who is hurling a boomerang, is Yangar, or “Jimmy Clements,” son of Gayan-Bleuet-Galoom, the late “King of Orange,” western New South Wales. “Jimmy” is an old man, but well preserved. He has a very retentive memory and recollects the various tribal customs and initiation ceremonies, but regarding these he is extremely reticent and will not communicate his “honoured secrets.” The female figure is “Nellie Walker,” a daughter of Geri-Bungel, and a native of Bombala, Monaro district, southern New South Wales. The boy is Harold Marsh, aged nine years, who was born at Kinchela, Macleay River, northern New South Wales. He is now living at the Brewarrina settlement... In the selection of aborigines great care had to be taken to ensure that the individuals were pure bloods, and to the Aborigines’ Protection Board and the Police Department of this State thanks are due for the valuable assistance rendered by them.” Ngarigo woman, Nellie Bungil Walker (1867-1932) had five children, two died as babies and her remaining children were taken from her. She worked as a domestic and was living at La Perouse Aboriginal Community, Sydney at the time of her sculpture’s creation. In the years after the sculpture was made, Nellie and Rayner remained friends. Yaegl boy Harold “Harry” Marsh was from the Kinchela Aboriginal Training Home for boys near Kempsey, (1924-1970), an agricultural training institution under the jurisdiction of the Aboriginal Protection Board to house Aboriginal boys forcibly removed from their families “in the interest of the moral or physical welfare” of the boys. The boys at Kinchela were aged 5-15 years old and referred to as numbers, not names and any connection to Aboriginal culture or language was forbidden. Brutal and cruel physical punishment and sexual assaults were rampant. Survivors recall being flogged and chained naked to a huge Morton Bay fig tree overnight or “sent down the line” where every boy was ordered to punch the “wrong doer” as hard as possible for fear that they would be next. The Kinchela children are acknowledged as part of the Stolen Generation. In 1925, Rayner Hoff created a terracotta bust “Harry Marsh” which is in the collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The figures of the trio were modelled in clay before being cast in plaster and hand-coloured by Museum artist Miss Ethel A. King. The finished figures were completed with wigs and fur pelts and with Jimmy hurling a boomerang and Nellie holding a dilly-bag. They were placed in a glass cabinet in the Australian Ethnology Gallery. The subjects were not named. The Sydney Morning Herald 1 July 1926 critiqued the sculptures. "A GROUP OF STATUARY. MUSEUM’S ACQUISITION. Artistically the group is very fine, for the sculptor has caught his subjects in attitudes that reveal all the stalwart athletic lines of their bodies... The man, who is depicted as about 60 years of age, is bearded, immense, and savagely primitive-is throwing a boomerang, and beside him a boy, aged about 11 years is following beneath a shading hand, the flight of birds at which the hunter aims. Behind them, patient, obedient, stand(s) the woman waiting with her dilly bag to gather the spoils.” In 1996, Nellie’s daughter, Victoria Kempsey née Walker, happened to visit The Australian Museum and saw the sculpture of her mother, displayed semi-naked in a glass cabinet, alongside glass cabinets of taxidermied animals. She had last seen her mother 62 years previously when Nellie was dying from tuberculosis. Greatly distressed, Victoria wrote to the Museum requesting that they remove the sculpture, which they did. In 2023, a documentary was produced called “Her Name Is Nanny Nellie” which follows the journey of Nellie Walker’s great-granddaughter Auntie Irene Ridgeway discovering Nellie’s story, honouring her life and restoring her sculpture. Irene told Refinery29 Australia that “It was about reclaiming her life, reclaiming her history and who she really was as a real person. She was not a naked and unnamed lady standing in a museum. It's giving them back their families, they weren't just there to be looked at as flora and fauna or as 'natives'." The documentary was written and directed by Irene’s son Daniel King and premiered at the 2023 Adelaide Film Festival and broadcast on NITV. The restored sculpture of Nellie, dressed in 1920s style clothing was displayed at The Australian Museum, Sydney in The Bayala Nura Gallery in 2023. Irene wanted Nellie to be depicted in the way she actually was when she posed for the sculpture in 1925. The other two sculptures were not displayed due to ongoing conversations with family members and the fragility of the sculptures. It is anticipated that they may be displayed in the future. Melbourne born William Beckwith (Bill) McInnes (1889-1939) studied drawing at National Gallery School in Melbourne from the age of 14 under the tuition of artist Frederick McCubbin before succeeding his former teacher as Master of Drawing at the School from 1916-1934. He was acting Director of the NGV and Head of the National Gallery School from 1934. In 1927, Bill and official war artist H. Septimus Power were commissioned to paint the opening of the new federal Parliament House in Canberra. Septimus painted the general scene of the arrival of the Royal entourage in front of Parliament House, while Bill depicted the ceremony inside the Senate chamber. Bill was widely acclaimed for his landscapes and lauded as the heir to great Australian landscape artist Arthur Streeton. He won the Archibald Prize seven times (including the inaugural, a portrait of architect Desbrowe Annear) which made him a highly sought after portrait painter and he earned kudos for his commission to paint the Duke of York. During the breaks in painting the portrait, the pair chatted and Bill was surprised by the Duke’s wide knowledge of Australian affairs. The Duke was particularly interested to hear how the rabbit crisis was being handled. Bill’s work is held in major Australian galleries including the NGV, which has 12 of his paintings in their collection. Bill was married to fellow artist Violet McInnes and they lived at “The Poplars” in Alphington with their six children. Violet painted still life of flowers and portraits. In 1941, she entered her portrait of fellow artist Sybil Craig into the Archibald Prize and in 1945 Violet was appointed an official war artist. Defending his traditional style Bill said “...we in Australia have not been bitten by Cubism or Futurism or other of the “isms”...and I am glad of it”. References: THE DUCHESS OF YORK. (1931, December 7). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 8. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4427568 WAR NURSE (1930, March 11). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223714728 The Royal Visit. (1927, April 29). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved April 4, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205813465 Canberra. (1927, April 30). Advocate (Burnie, Tas. : 1890 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68233606 Australian Dictionary of Biography, Nangar, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/nangar-33736 Australian Dictionary of Biography, Jimmy Clements, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Clements Wikipedia, George John Noble, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_John_Noble PARLIAMENT AT CANBERRA. (1927, May 14). The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), p. 37 (METROPOLITAN EDITION). Retrieved December 25, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140733921 CANBERRA CEREMONY (1927, May 10). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 19. Retrieved November 3, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3853643 CANBERRA. (1927, May 11). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 20. Retrieved November 24, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3853897 THE FINAL SCENES (1927, May 11). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 5. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236614453 TWIN SONS (1927, May 10). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved April 4, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223616143 National Archives of Australia, Aboriginal [Jimmy Clements, a Wiradjuri elder] on steps of Parliament House (King Billy), https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3050026 Sydney Morning Herald, The chant of Jimmy Clements: I’ll do the honours on my ground, thanks, https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-chant-of-jimmy-clements-i-ll-do-the-honours-on-my-ground-thanks-20241023-p5kkt5.html MET THE DUKE (1927, May 11). The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 - 1954; 1956), p. 14. Retrieved November 3, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article275177101 PUBLIC MARCH PAST. (1927, May 11). The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), p. 11. Retrieved April 2, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54271512 A REAL AUSTRALIAN (1927, May 13). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 12. Retrieved December 18, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1213124 THE PEOPLE'S DAY (1927, May 13). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 3. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1213105 KING BILLY" WAS THERE. (1927, May 12). Tweed Daily (Murwillumbah, NSW : 1914 - 1949), p. 2. Retrieved November 27, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article190193273 A BUSY DAY. (1927, May 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved November 3, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16374845 Nothing Wrong With Canberra Opening, Says "King Billy" (1927, May 13). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 2. Retrieved November 3, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245750627 THIS IS MARVELLOUS! (1927, May 11). The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 - 1954; 1956), p. 16. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article275177155 Mildenhall's Canberra, Royal Visit, May 1927. Canberra citizens passing the Royal Party on the front steps of Parliament House at the Civic Reception 1927 [photograph], https://mildenhall.moadoph.gov.au/rephoto/62 Australian Dictionary of Biography, 1927 - Jimmy Clements, John Noble, and the Opening of Parliament House, https://adb.anu.edu.au/the-quest-for-indigenous-recognition/jimmy-clements YouTube, The Birth of White Australia (1928), amateurish racism on the big screen [Jimmy Clements at 11.12 minutes in], https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OByX4iPsTgo YouTube, We Were Just Little Boys, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Hw9d91k2E WASTE AT CANBERRA. (1927, May 20). The South Eastern Times (Millicent, SA : 1906 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved April 4, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200058308 YouTube, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Whispers in the Corridors-An Aboriginal Presence, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwifXP61M5Y History Snoop, Air Fatality in Canberra Scars an Historic Day in Australia, https://www.historysnoop.com/air-fatality-in-canberra/ YouTube, NFSA Films, The Opening Of Canberra, Australia's Capital City, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOA8llA0iE0 Pauline Conolly, Pudding & Pies at Parliament House, https://paulineconolly.com/2022/pudding-and-pies-at-parliament-house/ THE MENU (1927, May 5). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 13 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved April 2, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223623278 PROMISING (1927, May 7). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 15, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223616208 The Dead King -- His Only Mourner (1927, August 30). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved November 3, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244196114 The VOICE of the CITY (1927, August 31). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 4. Retrieved December 26, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246406061 THE LAST OF HIS TRIBE. (1927, September 2). Bairnsdale Advertiser and Tambo and Omeo Chronicle (Vic. : 1882 - 1946), p. 6. Retrieved December 24, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article269318935 GONE WEST. (1927, September 17). The Irwin Index (Mingenew, WA : 1926 - 1956), p. 1. Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251554113 King Billy Dead. (1927, September 10). The Port Macquarie News and Hastings River Advocate (NSW : 1882 - 1950), p. 5. Retrieved December 1, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112534982 DEATH OF KING BILLY OF CANBERRA. (1927, September 16). Huon Times (Franklin, Tas. : 1910 - 1933), p. 5. Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136428435 OLD KING BILLY. (1927, September 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16404722 "Marvellous" is Dead. (1928, March 30). The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122748136 LAST OF LACHLAN RIVER TRIBE (1926, May 3). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 7. Retrieved December 18, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117289515 Coal Strike Effects (1926, June 11). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 14. Retrieved November 30, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245759732 SBS On Demand, Her name is Nanny Nellie, https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/movie/her-name-is-nanny-nellie/2300137539512 The Australian Museum Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 11, July-Sept 1926, The Wunderlich Aboriginal Group, https://shorturl.at/uViTe ABC News, King Billy and Marvellous were not invited to the 1927 opening of Parliament House — but that didn't stop their fight for sovereignty, https://shorturl.at/HGpjC Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, The thieving diva: behind the scenes of the opening ceremony at Parliament House, https://www.moadoph.gov.au/explore/stories/heritage/the-thieving-diva-behind-the-scenes-of-the-opening-ceremony-at-parliament Refinery29, Beyond a museum glass case: one First Nations woman's quest to reclaim her ancestors' story, https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/my-name-is-nelly-documentary-irene-ridgeway-interview Sydney Morning Herald, Why it took 100 years to restore the dignity of Nanny Nellie, https://www.smh.com.au/national/why-it-took-100-years-to-restore-the-dignity-of-nanny-nellie-20230719-p5dpjo.html Australian Museum, Meeting Nanny Nellie, https://australian.museum/publications/explore_summer2024/nanny-nellie/ ABORIGINES. (1926, July 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16302447 Wikipedia, Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Training Home, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinchela_Aboriginal_Boys%27_Training_Home Art Gallery NSW, Harry Marsh by Rayner Hoff, https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/59.2000/ Art Gallery of South Australia, Lion (produced for the Holden Motor Company) by Rayner Hoff, https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/collection-publications/collection/works/lion-produced-for-the-holden-motor-company/27253/ Wikipedia, William Beckwith McInnes, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Beckwith_McInnes DUKE OF YORK PORTRAIT UNIVEILED IN CASTLEMAINE GALLERY (1933, December 4). The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 - 1954; 1956), p. 18. Retrieved April 4, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276125581 Castlemaine Art Museum, Portrait of His Royal Majesty the Duke of York, https://collection.castlemaineartmuseum.org.au/objects/181/portrait-of-his-royal-majesty-the-duke-of-yorkPhotographer notations on slide: "Portrait of Duke of York by W.B. McInnes 1933 B4".1930-1939, aboriginal culture, royal visits, openings (events), sculpture, land rights, museums, museum displays -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageTheodolite, Troughton & Simms, Mid 19th Century
... When fire destroyed the Houses of Parliament in 1834, the firm was commissioned to create new standard lengths, this required 10 years of testing against the remaining old measurements. ...When fire destroyed the Houses of Parliament in 1834, the firm was commissioned to create new standard lengths, this required 10 years of testing against the remaining old measurements. ...The theodolite was sold by T. Gaunt & Co. of Melbourne, a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of goods including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas Gaunt photograph was included in an album of security identity portraits of members of the Victorian Court, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888. (See further details below.) History for Troughton & Simms: Edward Troughton & William Simms established a scientific instrument making business in London in 1826. Edward Troughton (1756-1835) had previously had his own scientific instrument business, inherited from his father. His achievement's included a transit telescope for Greenwich Observatory (1816) and the precision surveying instruments for the Ordnance Survey of Britain, Ireland and India. William Simms (1793-1860) had trained as a goldsmith and began to gain work dividing circles on fine astronomical instruments. When William Simms died in 1860, the business was taken over by his son James and nephew William. Troughton & Simms shop in Fleet Street became the hub of the finest scientific instrument made in London, in a period in which there was an expanding demand for precision instruments, for astronomy, surveying and precision measurement. They made instruments for Greenwich Observatory, for imperial surveys and exploring expeditions. When fire destroyed the Houses of Parliament in 1834, the firm was commissioned to create new standard lengths, this required 10 years of testing against the remaining old measurements. Troughton and Simms made several of the main instruments for Melbourne Observatory, including an 18 inch azimuth used of the Geodetic Survey, portable transit instrument (circa 1850), zenith sector (1860), a 4.5 inch equatorial telescope (1862), an 8 inch equatorial telescope (1874) spectroscope (1877) and an 8 inch transit instrument in (1884). While the firm had an excellent reputation for quality the company exasperated many of its customers with delays of years in delivering some instruments. History for Thomas Gaunt: Thomas Ambrose Gaunt (1829 – 1890) was a jeweller, clock maker, and manufacturer of scientific instruments, whose head office and showroom were at 337–339 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Thomas Gaunt established Melbourne's leading watchmaking, optical and jewellery business during the second half of the 19th century. Gaunt arrived in Melbourne in 1852, and by 1858 had established his own business at 14 Little Bourke Street. Around 1869 he moved to new premises in Bourke Street on the corner of Royal Arcade, Gaunt's shop quickly became a Melbourne institution. Gaunt proudly advertised that he was 'The only watch manufacturer in the Australian colonies'. While many watches and clocks may have had Gaunt's name on the dial, few would have been made locally. Gaunt did make some watches for exhibitions, and perhaps a few expensive watches for wealthy individuals. Gaunt's received a telegraph signal from Melbourne Observatory each day to correct his main clock and used this signal to rate and repair ship's chronometers and good quality watches. Thomas Gaunt also developed a department that focused on scientific instrumentation, making thermometers and barometers (from imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments and microscopes. Significance: With the rapid urban expansion, one of the most important needs of the new colony was to survey and map the landscape of the Australian Colony’s interior. Theodolites, such as this one, made by Troughton and Simms, who were significant scientific instrument makers of the 19th century were instrumental to the colony's surveyors and would have played an important part in their everyday work. This transit theodolite remains of national significance due to its pioneering role in Australian science and its association with Australia's earliest surveyors and astronomers. It is also significant for its association with nineteenth-century surveying instruments and instrument makers. Theodolite, Vernier repetition theodolite with enclosed horizontal circle (of about 130 mm diameter). Vertical circle exposed and somewhat corroded (diameter about 115 mm). Plate level 20" per division. Altitude bubble 20" per division. Horizontal and vertical circle intervals 20". Original (blue/grey) paint. Altitude bubble setting screw disabled. Tribrach allows movement of theodolite by 15 mm inside tribrach (for centering).Inscribed on the inner mounting plate,“Specially made in England for T Gaunt & Co Melbourne” and inscribed a little lower “Troughton & Simms London”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, theodolite, t. gaunt & co, troughton & simms, scientific instrument, measuring instrument, surveyor's instrument -
Eltham District Historical Society IncPhotograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Allwood House, Hurstbridge, 16 April 2008
... parliament, but his wife’s illness and other family commitments prevented him from doing so. Then several calamities drove the family to bankruptcy. During World War One, Gray lost more than one million pounds on trees shipped overseas, which the Lloyd’s company had refused to insure. Other factors, including the Great Depression, ruined the family’s fortunes. The land was reduced from more than 640 acres (256ha) to 50 acres (20ha) and the older members married and left. After Mr Gray died, the house...parliament, but his wife’s illness and other family commitments prevented him from doing so. Then several calamities drove the family to bankruptcy. During World War One, Gray lost more than one million pounds on trees shipped overseas, which the Lloyd’s company had refused to insure. Other factors, including the Great Depression, ruined the family’s fortunes. The land was reduced from more than 640 acres (256ha) to 50 acres (20ha) and the older members married and left. After Mr Gray died, the house ...Allwood - built in 1894 by Henry Hurst’s relatives, stands near the site of his house, which was demolisherd in the 1940s. Until 1924 Hurstbridge was known as Allwood. The building, one of the district's oldest is situated back from the corner of Arthurs Creek Road and Main Road. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p17 Hurst, who was a surveyor, came to Melbourne in 1852 by default, as on the way to Sydney he contracted typhoid and was off-loaded in Melbourne. Deciding to settle near Melbourne, he selected some land near the present Eltham railway station and was one of the first to grow crops there.2 But disaster struck again, when his shack was looted and burned, while he was carting goods for sale to nearby goldfields. It was then that Hurstbridge’s first settler, Cornelius Haley, asked Hurst to manage his 160 acres (65ha) grazing property and 9000 acres (3443ha) of leased land where the present Hurstbridge stands. Hurst proved equal to the tough conditions and he and his brother, Fred, cut a track with a bullock team from the property to Romsey, where Haley had selected some land. Hurst also put up a bridge across the creek near his house, after which Hurstbridge was named. He ran the property helped by two ticket-of-leave men and others, several of whom were sailors who had abandoned ship in search of gold, and were working there temporarily. In 1866, only 14 years after coming to Australia, Hurst met an early tragic death. One day a bushranger named Burke came to the house and demanded a horse. Hurst thought the bushranger might be an officer in search of runaway sailors3 and anyway, did not like the look of him, so he refused. A tussle followed and apparently Hurst shot first.4 He was shot and died five hours later from loss of blood. Later, troopers found Burke, who was subsequently hanged. The event is recorded in the Old Melbourne Gaol. The government offered the family £500 but the family refused it as ‘blood money’. Hurst’s father, Robert, even signed a petition against the bushranger’s death, claiming one life did not replace another. Hurst’s family continued to live in the district and saw a rise in their fortunes. They bought Haley’s cattle station and built the present Allwood House, using the original home as an orchard packing shed. The present Victorian style timber house had several outbuildings including a blacksmith’s shop. The property passed on to William Gray, an orchardist and nurseryman, who married Hurst’s grandniece, Frances. The business boomed from the early 1900s when it supplied most of the orchards in the area. Gray was Eltham Shire’s President for two terms and was asked to stand for parliament, but his wife’s illness and other family commitments prevented him from doing so. Then several calamities drove the family to bankruptcy. During World War One, Gray lost more than one million pounds on trees shipped overseas, which the Lloyd’s company had refused to insure. Other factors, including the Great Depression, ruined the family’s fortunes. The land was reduced from more than 640 acres (256ha) to 50 acres (20ha) and the older members married and left. After Mr Gray died, the house was leased, until his daughter Sheila Ferguson and her husband Gordon settled there in 1951, after buying it from other family members. However in 1975 the Shire designated the property as a passive recreation reserve. The Ferguson family sold most of the land, leaving the house on 0.6 hectares.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, hurstbridge, henry hurst, allwood house -
Eltham District Historical Society IncPhotograph - Digital Photograph, Marguerite Marshall, Former home of Alistair and Margot Knox, King Street, Eltham, 16 January 2006
... house, it is rugged, yet beautiful. Made of Western Australian Jarrah by Macgregor with a chain saw and an adze, it retains knot and nail holes. Each wall has an opening, 2.4 metres at the ends and 3.6 metres at the sides. Only one has doors and these concertina doors are made of the backs of old church pews. The main bedroom has an ensuite with a marble hand basin discarded from the Victorian Parliament...house, it is rugged, yet beautiful. Made of Western Australian Jarrah by Macgregor with a chain saw and an adze, it retains knot and nail holes. Each wall has an opening, 2.4 metres at the ends and 3.6 metres at the sides. Only one has doors and these concertina doors are made of the backs of old church pews. The main bedroom has an ensuite with a marble hand basin discarded from the Victorian Parliament ...Situated in King Street, Eltham, Alistair Knox built his home and office in 1962-1963 with mud-bricks made from the local soil and recycled materials blending the house with bush around it. Knox popularised the Eltham earth building movement, begun by Montsalvat founder, Justus Jorgensen. Alistair Knox (1912-1986) was also an Eltham Shire Councillor 1971-1975 and Shire President in 1975. Knox established the inaugural Eltham Community Festival in 1975. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p145 Lack of money was a strong incentive for Alistair Knox to do what he did best when he built his house and office at King Street, Eltham in 1962-63. He used mud-bricks from local soil and recycled materials, characteristically blending the house with the bush around it. The result was a work of art. Knox popularised the Eltham earth building movement,1 begun by Montsalvat founder Justus Jörgensen. He was also an Eltham Shire Councillor from 1971 to 1975 and Shire President in 1975. For Knox mud-brick building was not just a building style, but a spiritual experience and a way of relating with nature. At 40 he rediscovered God and his building reflected his theological, political, philosophical and particularly environmental world view, which was far ahead of its time.2 He also contributed to building development in his use of concrete slab foundations when stumps and bearers were the norm. Knox was introduced to mud-brick construction in 1940 by Jörgensen, then shortly after, Knox joined the Navy. In 1946 Knox studied Building Practice and Theory at Melbourne Technical College (now RMIT University). There he befriended fellow student and artist Matcham Skipper who belonged to what was then called the Jörgensen Artists’ Colony. Knox decided to build an earth building in Eltham, partly because the post-war huge building demands resulted in expensive and scarce building materials. He asked artist Sonia Skipper for help who, with Matcham, had constructed mud-brick buildings at the Artists’ Colony. The simple rectangular low-lying house at King Street is framed by native plants and a 3.6 metres wide pergola surrounds the building. Wedded to the landscape, a door in every room at the perimeter, opens outside. The property also includes a forge, a small hut built by son Macgregor at 15, and a mud-brick tower for chickens. Building materials were foraged from a wide variety of sources. Some of the joinery material came from old whisky vats. When the Oregon of the highest quality ‘was put through the wood-working machines, it gave off a deep smell of whisky that made the whole atmosphere exotic and heady’.3 Amateur builders, including schoolboys from Knox’s Presbyterian Church, made some of the mud-bricks. But the building was finished with the professional help of Yorkshire builder, Eric Hirst. Inside, the light is subdued with the mud-brick, beamed timber ceilings and floors of slate, timber or orange-brown tiles. Skylights, with rich blue and red leadlighting, illuminate one entrance area and this feature is repeated as edging on the door. The centre of the house is like a covered courtyard, with rooms built around it. The central room, 11 metres x 7 metres, was built in the same proportions as Knox’s mud-bricks. Clerestory windows on four sides infuse the room with a soft light. A huge brick fireplace extends beyond one corner and opposite is a small one where timber can only be placed vertically. The slate for the floor was discarded from the Malthouse Brewery now used as a theatre in Southbank. In the middle is a large refectory table and benches that seat 18. Like much of the house, it is rugged, yet beautiful. Made of Western Australian Jarrah by Macgregor with a chain saw and an adze, it retains knot and nail holes. Each wall has an opening, 2.4 metres at the ends and 3.6 metres at the sides. Only one has doors and these concertina doors are made of the backs of old church pews. The main bedroom has an ensuite with a marble hand basin discarded from the Victorian Parliament building; and a dressing room, where two wardrobes of polished timber recovered from a tip are attached to the walls. Separate from the house is the strikingly original circular-shaped office made of bluestone sourced from the original Army campsite at Broadmeadows.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, alistair and margot knox house, alistair knox design, mudbrick construction, eltham, king street -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.Photograph - Colour, Ann Gervasoni, Melbourne Towards Parliament House, 2015, 04/02/2015
... It is also notable for its Victorian architecture including the landmarks Victorian Parliament House, the Old Treasury Building, the Windsor Hotel (also known as Duchess of Spring Street) and the Princess Theatre. ...It is also notable for its Victorian architecture including the landmarks Victorian Parliament House, the Old Treasury Building, the Windsor Hotel (also known as Duchess of Spring Street) and the Princess Theatre. ...Spring Street is culturally important to Victoria and is associated with the central spine of the administration of the Government of Victoria, as well as being central to many of the state's major cultural institutions. It is also notable for its Victorian architecture including the landmarks Victorian Parliament House, the Old Treasury Building, the Windsor Hotel (also known as Duchess of Spring Street) and the Princess Theatre. (Wikipedia)A colour photograph of Melbourne taken from above, showing Parliament House is Spring Street, with Russell Street in the midground. melbourne, spring street, victorian partliament house, windsor hotel, russell street -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.Document - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: OLD POLICE BARRACKS (12), 26/9/1951
... McDonald, Parliament House, Melb. Dated 26/9/1951, pleading the case for the Old Police Barracks for the use of the Bendigo Historical Society....Old Police Barracks E. Hayward Document. Harry Biggs Collection. A letter from E. Hayward to The Hon., The Premier Mr. J. G. B. McDonald, Parliament House ...Document. Harry Biggs Collection. A letter from E. Hayward to The Hon., The Premier Mr. J. G. B. McDonald, Parliament House, Melb. Dated 26/9/1951, pleading the case for the Old Police Barracks for the use of the Bendigo Historical Society.E. Haywardorganization, club/society, community, harry biggs collection, old police barracks -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.Document - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: OLD POLICE BARRACKS, 25/9/1951
... Parliament House, Melbourne dated 25.9.1951. In the letter P. T. Byrnes is telling The Hon. Galvin that the Education Dept. wants to retain use of the Old Police Barracks....Old Police Barracks P. T. Byrnes Minister of Public Works Document. Harry Biggs Collection. A letter from P. T. Byrnes, Minister of Public Works to The Hon. L. W. Galvin, MLA, Parliament House ...Document. Harry Biggs Collection. A letter from P. T. Byrnes, Minister of Public Works to The Hon. L. W. Galvin, MLA, Parliament House, Melbourne dated 25.9.1951. In the letter P. T. Byrnes is telling The Hon. Galvin that the Education Dept. wants to retain use of the Old Police Barracks.P. T. Byrnes Minister of Public Worksorganization, club/society, community, harry biggs collection, old police barracks -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.Document - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: OLD POLICE BARRACKS, 25/9/51
... Parliament House, Melb. In the letter the sender is telling The Hon. Grigg that The Education Dept. wants to retain the Old Police Barracks for the use of Bendigo Secondary College....Old Police Barracks C. C. Gale Sectetary of Public Works. Document. Harry Biggs Collection. A letter from C. C. Gale, Secretary, Dept. of Public Works, dated 25yh Sept. 1951 to The Hon. T. H. Grigg, MLC, Parliament House ...Document. Harry Biggs Collection. A letter from C. C. Gale, Secretary, Dept. of Public Works, dated 25yh Sept. 1951 to The Hon. T. H. Grigg, MLC, Parliament House, Melb. In the letter the sender is telling The Hon. Grigg that The Education Dept. wants to retain the Old Police Barracks for the use of Bendigo Secondary College.C. C. Gale Sectetary of Public Works.organization, club/society, community, harry biggs collection, old police barracks -
Parliament of VictoriaPhotograph of John Pascoe Fawkner, 1857
... Ridgeway [sic] is dead, so is Fawkner, but the old patriot will ever live in this portrait". strutt, william, 1825-1915 fawkner, john pascoe, 1792-1869 ridgway, charles c.1801-1865 victorian parliamentary library Handwritten black ink verso: "John Pasco [sic] Fawkner/ This admirable portrait/ of the Founder of Melbourne is now presented in/ fulfilment of my/ promise (made years/ ago to the late Mr/ Ridgeway) to present it/ to the Parliament House/ Library of Melbourne./ William Strutt./ Wedsmnt [?] ...This photograph of John Pascoe Fawkner was commissioned by artist William Strutt in 1857. In 1907 Strutt gave the photograph to Victoria's London agent, Mr. Lake, to be presented to the Victorian Parliamentary Library. In a letter to Mr. Lake now in the library's archives, Strutt describes how he had planned to make use of the photograph in his artistic practice, and when finished with it, had promised to give the photograph to the Victorian Parliamentary Librarian Charles Ridgway (c.1801-1865). "That time then has come, late it is true, but alas Mr. Ridgeway [sic] is dead, so is Fawkner, but the old patriot will ever live in this portrait".Framed ambrotype portrait photograph of John Pascoe Fawkner seated and wearing a smoking cap. Note from William Strutt adhered verso. The ambrotype is a positive photographic image on a glass plate mounted inside a glazed frame with a gold-coloured inner-frame/preserver (possibly celluloid) and black velvet-covered backing board. Handwritten black ink verso: "John Pasco [sic] Fawkner/ This admirable portrait/ of the Founder of Melbourne is now presented in/ fulfilment of my/ promise (made years/ ago to the late Mr/ Ridgeway) to present it/ to the Parliament House/ Library of Melbourne./ William Strutt./ Wedsmnt [?] Dec' 18.1007."strutt, william, 1825-1915, fawkner, john pascoe, 1792-1869, ridgway, charles c.1801-1865, victorian parliamentary library -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolPhotograph, Ruyton Girls' School, 1952
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...Depicted are eight young women all dressed in white tennis uniforms comprising a knee-length skirt, knitted V-neck jumper with two presumably black stripes, a collared white shirt, white socks and white sneakers. The group is posing for the photograph on a tennis court on the grounds of Ruyton Girls' School. Six of the women are standing up, and two of the women are kneeling in the front row and to the right side. All of the women are holding tennis rackets. The earliest documented mention of tennis being played by students at Ruyton Girls' School is at least 1905. The February 1910 edition of The Ruytonian notes "the Ruyton Tennis Club have had a very successful year ... again won the Kia-Ora club pennant; this is the third year in succession, and fifth time altogether." Ruyton are recorded as having played intra-school tennis with Aldworth Girls' Grammar School, Lauriston Girls' School, and Strathearne Presbyterian Girls' School. The third woman from the left in the back row has been identified as Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole).The record has strong historic significance as it depicts a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88. The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: HELEN GORDON / 1952. / Elaine (?) c Alpin / Elaine Macdonald . / Sally Backhouse /ruyton girls' school, kew, victoria, tennis, sport, women's sport, students, school, 1950s, uniform -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolLiterary work - Ruyton Prize Book, Geoffrey Cumberlege Oxford University Press, Poems of Tennyson, 1950
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...This book contains a collection of poems written by English poet, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, between 1830-1870. It also contains an introduction written by Sir Thomas Herbert Warren, former President of Magdalen College at Oxford University, plus 91 black-and-white illustrations by Millais, Rossetti, Maclise, and others. Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson FRS, was the Poet Laureate during much of Queen Victoria's reign. In 1829, Tennyson was awarded the Chancellor's Gold Medal at Cambridge for one of his first pieces, "Timbuktu." Ruyton Girls' School has a long tradition of awarding prizes to students at annual "Speech Night" events. Speech Night at Ruyton is an extraordinary occasion. It is a time when we gather to celebrate both the year just lived and the contribution of our Year 12 girls to the life of our School. It is a night of stirring student speeches, acknowledgement of student endeavour and excellence and awe-inspiring performances by School choirs and ensembles. The Maisie Brodribb Memorial Prize was named in honour of former Ruyton Girls' School student, Maisie Anderson (maiden name Brodribb), who attended the School between 1898-1903. The Prize, now discontinued, had been awarded for Mathematics and Science.The record has strong historic significance as it was awarded to a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88. The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.Navy leather hardcover bound book with gold detailing on front cover and spine. 882 pages.Front Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / Spine: POEMS OF / TENNYSON / Inside Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / PRIZE / AWARDED TO / Helen Cole / FOR / Biology / Form Matriculation / H. Daniell. / 11th Dec. 1952 / Maisie Brodribb Memorial Prize /ruyton girls' school, school, students, prize, speech night, poetry, lord tennyson, queen victoria, senior school, high school, ruyton, old ruytonians' association -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolLiterary work - Ruyton Prize Book, Geoffrey Cumberlege Oxford University Press, The Poetical Works of Robert Browning, 1940
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...This book contains a collection of poems written by English poet, Robert Browning, between 1833-1868. Robert Browning was an English poet and playwright whose dramatic monologues put him high among the Victorian poets. He was noted for irony, characterisation, dark humour, social commentary, historical settings and challenging vocabulary and syntax. Ruyton Girls' School has a long tradition of awarding prizes to students at annual "Speech Night" events. Speech Night at Ruyton is an extraordinary occasion. It is a time when we gather to celebrate both the year just lived and the contribution of our Year 12 girls to the life of our School. It is a night of stirring student speeches, acknowledgement of student endeavour and excellence and awe-inspiring performances by School choirs and ensembles. The Dawn Roach Memorial Prize is awarded for contribution to the sporting life of the school, and is awarded under a points system for participation. Dawn Roach was a former student at Ruyton Girls' School from 1937 until her sudden passing in 1938.The record has strong historic significance as it was awarded to a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88. The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.Navy leather hardcover bound book with gold detailing on front cover and spine. 698 pages.Front Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / Spine: THE / POETICAL / WORKS OF / R.BROWNING / OXFORD / Inside Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / PRIZE / AWARDED TO / Helen Cole / FOR / Studies and James / Form VI / H. Daniell. / December 11 1951 / Dawne Roach Memorial Prize /ruyton girls' school, school, students, prize, speech night, poetry, lord tennyson, queen victoria, senior school, high school, ruyton, old ruytonians' association -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolLiterary work - Ruyton Prize Book, Geoffrey Cumberlege Oxford University Press, The Poetical Works of Matthew Arnold, No date
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...This book contains a collection of poems written by English poet and cultural critic, Matthew Arnold, with an introduction by Sir A. T. Quiller-Couch. Matthew Arnold was characterised as a sage writer, a type of writer who chastises and instructs the reader on contemporary social issues. He was also an inspector of schools for 35 years, and supported the concept of state-regulated secondary education. Ruyton Girls' School has a long tradition of awarding prizes to students at annual "Speech Night" events. Speech Night at Ruyton is an extraordinary occasion. It is a time when we gather to celebrate both the year just lived and the contribution of our Year 12 girls to the life of our School. It is a night of stirring student speeches, acknowledgement of student endeavour and excellence and awe-inspiring performances by School choirs and ensembles. The record has strong historic significance as it was awarded to a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88. The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.Navy leather hardcover bound book with gold detailing on front cover and spine. 494 pages.Front Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / Spine: MATTHEW / ARNOLD'S / POEMS / OXFORD / Inside Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / PRIZE / AWARDED TO / Helen Cole / FOR / Best all-round girl / Form Matriculation / H. Daniell. / December 11 1952 / Gift of the Old Ruytonians /ruyton girls' school, school, students, prize, speech night, poetry, lord tennyson, queen victoria, senior school, high school, ruyton, old ruytonians' association -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolLiterary work - Ruyton Prize Book, Geoffrey Cumberlege Oxford University Press, The Poetical Works of Longfellow, No date
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...This book contains a collection of poems written by American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. His original works include the poems "Paul Revere's Ride", "The Song of Hiawatha", and "Evangeline". He was also the first American to completely translate Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, and was one of the fireside poets from New England. Ruyton Girls' School has a long tradition of awarding prizes to students at annual "Speech Night" events. Speech Night at Ruyton is an extraordinary occasion. It is a time when we gather to celebrate both the year just lived and the contribution of our Year 12 girls to the life of our School. It is a night of stirring student speeches, acknowledgement of student endeavour and excellence and awe-inspiring performances by School choirs and ensembles. The record has strong historic significance as it was awarded to a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88. The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.Navy leather hardcover bound book with gold detailing on front cover and spine. 886 pages.Front Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / Spine: LONGFELLOW'S / POETICAL / WORKS / OXFORD / Inside Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / PRIZE / AWARDED TO / Helen Cole / FOR / Latin / Vc / H. Daniell. / 18th Dec. 1950 / Katie Alsop Memorial Prize /ruyton girls' school, school, students, prize, speech night, poetry, lord tennyson, queen victoria, senior school, high school, ruyton, old ruytonians' association -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolLiterary work - Ruyton Prize Book, Geoffrey Cumberlege Oxford University Press, The Poetical Works of Oliver Goldsmith, No date
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...This book contains a collection of poems written by Anglo-Irish novelist, playwright, dramatist and poet, Oliver Goldsmith (10 November 1728 – 4 April 1774). Ruyton Girls' School has a long tradition of awarding prizes to students at annual "Speech Night" events. Speech Night at Ruyton is an extraordinary occasion. It is a time when we gather to celebrate both the year just lived and the contribution of our Year 12 girls to the life of our School. It is a night of stirring student speeches, acknowledgement of student endeavour and excellence and awe-inspiring performances by School choirs and ensembles. The record has strong historic significance as it was awarded to a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88. The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.Navy leather hardcover bound book with gold detailing on front cover and spine. 278 pages.Front Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / Spine: THE / POETICAL / WORKS OF / OLIVER / GOLDSMITH / OXFORD / Inside Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / PRIZE / AWARDED TO / Helen Cole / FOR / Latin / VI / H. Daniell. / December 11 1951 / Katie Alsop Memorial Prize /ruyton girls' school, school, students, prize, speech night, poetry, lord tennyson, queen victoria, senior school, high school, ruyton, old ruytonians' association -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolLiterary work - Ruyton Prize Book, Geoffrey Cumberlege Oxford University Press, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, No date
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...This book contains a collection of literary works written by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely esteemed as the foremost writer in the English language and the world's premier dramatist. Often hailed as England's national poet, his surviving works comprise around 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three lengthy narrative poems, and a handful of other verses, some of which are of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are staged more frequently than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential figure in English literature, with his works persistently reinterpreted and reimagined. Ruyton Girls' School has a long tradition of awarding prizes to students at annual "Speech Night" events. Speech Night at Ruyton is an extraordinary occasion. It is a time when we gather to celebrate both the year just lived and the contribution of our Year 12 girls to the life of our School. It is a night of stirring student speeches, acknowledgement of student endeavour and excellence and awe-inspiring performances by School choirs and ensembles. The record has strong historic significance as it was awarded to a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. This historic significance is further enhanced by Ruyton's bygone "Shakespeare Night" tradition. A celebration of ‘culture’, and a chance to enjoy some ‘fun and games, cakes and ale’, were the motivation behind Ruyton’s annual Shakespeare Night party, led by longstanding Principal Miss Hilda Daniell. In her book, "The History of Ruyton 1878-1956", she describes how the yearly tradition began in 1915, just two years after she took over the role of Principal. That first Shakespeare Night, the senior girls and other guests gathered in the School’s chrysanthemum-filled dining room for music, games and supper. Such fun was had that the festivities became an annual event and was one of the coveted privileges of being one of Ruyton’s older girls. The Night was always held as close and possible to April 23rd, which is the date of William Shakespeare’s death, and the approximate date of his birth. Senior girls and some staff and parents would be invited to a party in the School. There, Shakespearean songs were sung, his poetry recited, and scenes from his plays were acted. Sometimes a competition was held to see who could recognise the largest number of quotations. In other years all the attendees would dress as Shakespearean characters. In a nod to a minor character from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, Senior teacher Miss Dorothy Derham famously came disguised as a lion one time, and no one knew who it was until she dramatically removed her mask at the end of the evening. Whatever the programme, the Night always drew to a close with a delicious supper that included a spectacular birthday cake especially in honour of the Bard. (Accompanying it may have been the ‘ale’ of Miss Daniell’s description, though of course it was presumably of the ginger rather than the alcoholic variety.) The evening was complete when ‘God Save the King’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’ were sung. Shakespeare Night was held almost without interruption from 1915 to at least the mid 1950s. Only in 1919, with the threat of Spanish Flu, did the Night get cancelled. Later, fear of Japanese invasion in the Second World War years, and the consequent black-out restrictions, turned the ‘Night’ into an afternoon event. Thankfully, Miss Daniell notes, "from 1944 the programmes could be given as usual", though as we now know, it was a School tradition that eventually faded away. The record's significance is also supported by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.Navy leather hardcover bound book with gold detailing on front cover and spine. 1,164 pages.Front Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / Spine: SHAKESPEARE'S / COMPLETE / WORKS / OXFORD / Inside Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / PRIZE / AWARDED TO / Helen Cole / FOR / Latin / VB / H. Daniell. / 9th Dec. 1949 / Katie Alsop Memorial Prize /ruyton girls' school, school, students, prize, speech night, poetry, lord tennyson, queen victoria, senior school, high school, ruyton, old ruytonians' association -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolLetter, Helen Cole, 1952
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...The handwritten letter addresses Mrs McNaughton (also known as Kathleen "Kitty" Hepworth), thanking her for her gift to Ruyton Girls' School. The Ruytonian December 1952 also acknowledges this gift, describing Mrs McNaughton as having "presented the school with a beautiful Ruyton flag." Kathleen McNaughton was a former Ruyton student, having enrolled in 1925. The letter is signed by Helen Cole. Research indicates that the Ruyton flag was probably one used in inter and intra-school athletic competitions known as 'flag races', which were popular in the first half of the 20th century. In such races, teams ran relay-style, with their School's flag held aloft in the manner of an 18th century soldier charging into battle. Each flag was an important public symbol of school identity, and was made with care and used with pride. Though once a ubiquitous part of any school's sporting equipment, one flag races fell out of favour in the later 20th century, racing flags were usually discarded. However, it is unclear whether the flag gifted by Mrs McNaughton was indeed used for flag racing.The record has strong historic significance as it was written by a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep in 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88. The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.One loose sheet of cream coloured paper containing a handwritten letter, and printed with Ruyton Girls' School's name and emblem.Obverse: TELEPHONE / HAWTHORN 331 / R / RUYTON GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / SELBORNE ROAD. / KEW E.4. / Dear Mrs Macnaughton, / On behalf of the Ruyton / girls, I would like to thank you most / sincerely for your generous gift of our / new Ruyton flag. / As we have not had one for so / many years, this one will be most / acceptable, and we hope ^ we will be able / to exhibit in the youth marches and / on other occasions / Last week it was shown in / assembly, and everyone was so thrilled / that we are eagerly looking forward / to an opportunity to show it off. / Thanking you once again / Yours sincerely / Helen Cole / (Head Prefect) / Reverse: RGS008/2024/0008 /ruyton girls' school, students, school, ruyton, victoria, high school, senior school, day school, letter, old ruytonians association, kew -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolProgramme, Ruyton Girls' School, Ruyton Speech Night Programme, 1950
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...Ruyton Girls' School has a long tradition of awarding prizes to students at annual "Speech Night" events. Speech Night commenced at Ruyton in 1878; the same year in which the School was founded by Mrs Charlotte Anderson. The Ruytonian December 1944, which recounts events from the last year to date, notes the 1943 Speech Night was the sixty-fifth iteration of the occasion. Previously, students were awarded customary books produced in England which were bound in navy blue leather, with the School's name and motto debossed in gold leaf. Speech Night at Ruyton is an extraordinary occasion. It is a time when the School gathers to celebrate both the year just lived and the contribution of Year 12 girls to the life of the School. It is a night of stirring student speeches, acknowledgement of student endeavour and excellence and awe-inspiring performances by School choirs and ensembles. Historic publications note Speech Night would typically "open with the distribution of prizes, followed by 13 musical items, a play, French Dialogue and four tableaux." This particular record is associated with the Speech Night held on 18 December 1950 at the Recreation Hall in Kew, Victoria.The record has strong historic significance as it was written by a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep in 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88. The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.A5 size pamphlet printed on cream coloured paper with navy blue ink. Two pages, folded in half.Reverse: RGS008/2024/0014 /ruyton girls' school, students, school, ruyton, victoria, high school, senior school, day school, letter, old ruytonians association, kew -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolPhotograph, Ruyton Girls' School, 1952
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...Depicted are two formal school portraits of Helen Gordon (Cole) against a flat background. The first image depicts her from the waist up. She is dressed in the official Ruyton uniform, including a beret, light coloured collared shirt with a tie, and wool blazer embroidered on the pocket with Ruyton Girls' School's crest and Helen's student leadership positions. She is looking upwards and away from the camera to her right-hand side, and is smiling softly with teeth. The second photo is a more close-up image of Helen. She is still dressed in the same Ruyton uniform, although her blazer pocket embroidery is not visible. In this image, she is looking straight and away from the camera to her left-hand side, and has a closed smile. In both photographs, Helen's hair is short and sits just above her shoulders with a slight wave. The photographs are excellent examples of the Ruyton uniform from the time period in which they were taken. The official school uniform has naturally experienced different iterations since the School's founding in 1878. The most recent changes to the Ruyton uniform were made at the end of 2023, which include a move from brown to black school shoes, and a transition from pale yellow collared shirts to white.The record has strong historic significance as it depicts a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88. The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.Two black and white rectangular photographs printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: RGS011/1952/0002.1 / Reverse: RGS011/1952/0002.2 /ruyton girls' school, kew, victoria, tennis, sport, women's sport, students, school, 1950s, uniform -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolPhotograph, Ruyton Girls' School, 1952
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...Depicted are 14 students comprising the the 1952 Ruyton Girls' School hockey team. The photograph is an official school portrait taken outdoors on a patch of grass with a leafy bush visible in the background. The students are all dressed in light coloured shorts with a collared, buttoned blouse, wool blazers, white socks and white sneakers. Six girls are kneeling in the front row, and eight are standing up in the back row. All of the students are holding their own hockey stick. The idea of field hockey for female players was brought to Victoria by two sisters, Lillian and Margaret Irving, who had first seen girls playing it during their travels in England in 1902. By 1903, the Irving sisters were joint headmistresses of Lauriston, a school they had founded two years earlier. Both had deep connections to Ruyton Girls' School through their time as teachers at the older school during the 1880s-1890s. For Lilian Irving, this had included seven years as Ruyton's co-Principal with Miss Eliza Bromby from 1888-1895. With these links it was only natural that Ruyton students would join Lauriston to try out the new game. On a vacant block on the corner of Mercer and Malvern Roads, students from Ruyton and Lauriston Girls' Schools had assembled to play Victoria’s first ever inter-school hockey match for girls. Some students from Melbourne Girls' Grammar School came along to watch the spectacle and assess the new game's potential. Hockey quickly caught on, and friendly games were soon being played amongst a number of Melbourne's girls' schools. An Association was formed in 1905, and the rules formalised. These included arrangements around the competition fixture and the length of games (35 minutes for each half). In celebration of their joint role in bringing field hockey to Victorian school girls, Ruyton and Lauriston have met for friendly re-enactment matches in 2003 and 2018. The photograph also illustrates the shift in hockey uniform and apparatus. In the early 1920s, Ruyton established instructions for playing attire: "skirts must be eight inches off the ground. No white petticoats...", and importantly, least any team get an unfair advantage, "hard-rimmed hats and hatpins must not be worn during play." Ruyton appears to have taken the latter instruction to heart, and adopted the soft tam o’shanter hat as seen in surviving photographs of early teams. The tam o’shanter may have been removed for play, but the blouse and long skirt had to be put up with. According to Lilian Irving they had "a horrid habit of parting company", and she was delighted to see the transition to a more comfortable tunic in later years. Another change she observed was the hockey stick itself, which originally were all of "uniform thickness from handle to head, about the thickness of a stout walking stick" and so very different from the hockey sticks that are used today.The record has strong historic significance as it depicts a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole), pictured third from the right in the front row. Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88. The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.Black and white rectangular photographs printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: gton / Margaret Hanesho (?) / Helen Gordon / 1952 / Mary Macpherson-Smith /ruyton girls' school, kew, victoria, tennis, sport, women's sport, students, school, 1950s, uniform, lauriston, hockey, field hockey, hockey stick -
Ruyton Girls' SchoolPhotograph, Ruyton Girls' School, 1950
... Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House ...Depicted are 13 students comprising the the 1950 Ruyton Girls' School hockey team. The photograph is an official school portrait taken outdoors on a patch of grass with a leafy bush visible in the background. The students are all dressed in light coloured shorts with a collared, buttoned blouse, wool blazers, white socks and white sneakers. Five girls are kneeling in the front row, and seven are standing up in the back row. All of the students are holding their own hockey stick. The idea of field hockey for female players was brought to Victoria by two sisters, Lillian and Margaret Irving, who had first seen girls playing it during their travels in England in 1902. By 1903, the Irving sisters were joint headmistresses of Lauriston, a school they had founded two years earlier. Both had deep connections to Ruyton Girls' School through their time as teachers at the older school during the 1880s-1890s. For Lilian Irving, this had included seven years as Ruyton's co-Principal with Miss Eliza Bromby from 1888-1895. With these links it was only natural that Ruyton students would join Lauriston to try out the new game. On a vacant block on the corner of Mercer and Malvern Roads, students from Ruyton and Lauriston Girls' Schools had assembled to play Victoria’s first ever inter-school hockey match for girls. Some students from Melbourne Girls' Grammar School came along to watch the spectacle and assess the new game's potential. Hockey quickly caught on, and friendly games were soon being played amongst a number of Melbourne's girls' schools. An Association was formed in 1905, and the rules formalised. These included arrangements around the competition fixture and the length of games (35 minutes for each half). In celebration of their joint role in bringing field hockey to Victorian school girls, Ruyton and Lauriston have met for friendly re-enactment matches in 2003 and 2018. The photograph also illustrates the shift in hockey uniform and apparatus. In the early 1920s, Ruyton established instructions for playing attire: "skirts must be eight inches off the ground. No white petticoats...", and importantly, least any team get an unfair advantage, "hard-rimmed hats and hatpins must not be worn during play." Ruyton appears to have taken the latter instruction to heart, and adopted the soft tam o’shanter hat as seen in surviving photographs of early teams. The tam o’shanter may have been removed for play, but the blouse and long skirt had to be put up with. According to Lilian Irving they had "a horrid habit of parting company", and she was delighted to see the transition to a more comfortable tunic in later years. Another change she observed was the hockey stick itself, which originally were all of "uniform thickness from handle to head, about the thickness of a stout walking stick" and so very different from the hockey sticks that are used today.The record has strong historic significance as it depicts a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole), pictured third from the right in the front row. Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88. The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.Black and white rectangular photographs printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: Ruyton Hockey Team 1950. / 17 Cole / From left to right standing. / Helen Cole. / Left to right kneeling. /ruyton girls' school, kew, victoria, tennis, sport, women's sport, students, school, 1950s, uniform, lauriston, hockey, field hockey, hockey stick
