Pram used for transportation of children at the RVIB nursery. This pram appears in many photos taken at the nursery.Green and faded white pramroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib nursery

Sister Elizabeth Lindsey worked at the RVIB Nursery from it's inception in 1933. During this time, she took photographs of the children, whom she had care of, documenting their life at RVIB as well as the wartime displacement to Olinda when the army took over the St Kilda Road building. Adopting one of her orphan charges, Sister Lindsay left RVIB in 1945. 58 digital files of photographs.rvib nursery, monty james, angelo harris, jimmy schultz, ian cooper, bertie glenister, alan crotty, harry parsons, shirley devine, helen boyd, alan woods, joan morice, david ditchfield, elaine dean (later leahy), cynthia walker, matron jessie morrison, barbara spencer, mae rita, margaret russell, jessie rita, pearl tropman, margaret seary, heather stewart, mrs jenkins, gwen baird, hilda gammon, bobby bolter, judith king, joan ryan, olinda

Sister Elizabeth Lindsey worked at the RVIB Nursery since it's inception in 1933. During her time there, she took photographs of the children, whom she had care of, documenting their life at RVIB as well as the wartime displacement to Olinda when the army took over the St Kilda Road building. Adopting one of her orphan charges, Sister Lindsay left RVIB in 1945. See the notes section for individual descriptions.1 x black photograph album with coloured embossed cover containing photographs, a newspaper clipping and card.barry farnsworth, brian sitlington, douglas clarkson, bobby bolter, ben hewitt, bill henderson, norm white, jessie rita, mae rita, thelma stewart, peggy penhall, helen boyd, heather stewart, margaret russell, lois allen, ian cooper, monty james, angelo harris, pamela wegg, nurse babs, nurse pierce, jimmy schultz, bertie glenister, margaret seary, alan nuske, harry parsons, shirley devine, joan morice, david ditchfield, don smith, nurse blair, alan woods, alan crotty, elaine dean (later leahy), hilda gammon, elaine mckenna, cyril minns, ernest wilson, gladys moncrieff, marjory pyvis, rvib nursery, sister elizabeth lindsey

In 1949 an architect produced this plan to detail the addition of a bedroom for the nursing staff, who looked after children in the Blind Babies nursery. The plan shows a layout of the RVIB site, including the 'Myers Home' (the name of the nursery) where young children were cared for. The south and eastern elevations are detailed, as well as a plan of the nursery, which had 4 bedrooms, a living room, a dinning room , bathroom, 2 kitchen areas and the proposed additional nurses bedroom next to Bedroom 4.1 architectural plan of Myer House and proposed extensionPercy E Everett, Chief Architectroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib nursery, plans, myer house

Six photographs set into a white, wooden frame, each with their own description at the base of the picture. Image 1 is of two girls, one with a doll in a pram and the other holding a doll. Image 2 has four children with a large doll dressed as a sailor. The caption runs under both pictures: "They love their dolls." Image 3 is of a girl in a pinafore washing doll's clothes in a bucket on a table which also contains a miniature clothesline, iron and washing basket, the caption reads "Washing day for the dolls". Image 4 shows children touching the tactile picture of Prince Charming and Snow White on a horse, with the caption "They follow by touch the story of the seven dwarves." Image 5 is of a baby in a chair with a cushion and a blanket "The Institute's youngest blind boy". Image 6 shows Matron holding two babies, with the caption "The Institute offers them it's care from 'the cradle to the grave".6 black and white photographs ; in white frame Descriptions below each photographroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib nursery

Dolls house used by children who resided in the RVIB nursery. Possibly made by R.F. Tunley, as the design resembles one used at Narbethong House and a picture taken at RVIB nursery refers to children playing with the Sunbeam House, however no name plate indicates this.Wooden dolls house with two doorsroyal victorian institute for the blind, richard tunley

From 1979, the John Wilson Award was awarded to individuals who made a significant difference to the lives of those around them. In 1980, it was presented to Sister Elizabeth Lindsay, who cared for children in the RVIB from 1935 until 1945 as the first Matron of the RVIB nursery, and her guardianship of one particular child, whom she took in and cared for.1 wooden block with two metal insertsAssociation for the Blind The Guiding Light John Wilson Award for sustained devotion and personal contribution to the blind Presented to Elizabeth Inez Lindsey 10th October 1980association for the blind, sister elizabeth lindsey

Articles in annual report include: the official opening of the educational camp at Romsey, introduction of a Hartley 3909 Mini Computer, increasing move away from residential services with 74% of school children supported in learn at their local school, hydrotherapy unit (spa) and Versa Brailler purchased for school, 2 week ski camp offered at RVIB ski lodge at Mt Baw Baw, employment continuing in packaging and assembly, plant nursery, maintenance of St Kilda Road and Raleigh Street sites, kiosks at RMIT, Melbourne University and the Institute, trial scheme launched with Alfred for work experience in various roles, introduction of 4 track tapes in library and reduction of Clarke & Smith tapettes, and development of 16mm film 'The Mediators' for use by Public Relations department.1 volume of printed materialroyal victorian institute for the blind, corporation records

Articles in annual report include: the retirement of Mrs Esme Dunell MBE - former matron (nurse) of the nursery worked since 1960, 1971 she was awarded Churchill fellowship to investigate work for blind child in other countries, supporting the Anti Rubella Crusade, Margaret Fialides staff member awarded Churchill Fellowship study tour of major libraries and production centres for talking books in Europe, UK and USA, occupational centre in Raleigh Street keeps 36 people employed, establishment of a Vocational Development department, purchase of high-speed duplicators for the library, and the RVIB stand at Royal Melbourne show won 1st prize in their section.1 volume of text and illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, corporation records

Articles in annual report include: List of RVIB president, vice president, board of management, medical staff and officers of the institute, honorary officers and consultant medical staff, President's report, Nursery and school, Industrial, Training and rehabilitation centre, Multi handicapped blind children, Sight restored after 35 years - article about John Crowe who went to New York where no other medical centre in the world offered a procedure to use a synthetic cornea. The cost of the trip was met by RVIB, after losing his sight which he lost in an industrial accident, when he returned to Melbourne he saw his wife for the first time, Carols by candlelight, Finance, Welfare and counselling services, Blindness in old age, Auxiliaries and other general helpers, Services and facilities, When you make or amend your will. Events that occurred in 1970 : Australia post supported work training program -offered a complete training centre for blind switchboard operators, the only one of its type in the world, established at the institute, 53 operators were successfully employed in Vic, some also operate as receptionists.1 printed volume with photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: List of RVIB president, vice president, board of management, medical staff and officers of the institute, honorary officers and consultant medical staff, The president's report, Nursery and school, Employment - the means of independence, Training and rehabilitation centre the rebirth of confidence and skills, Multi handicapped children, Our senior blind citizens the aged are not forgotten, Finance, Our auxiliaries and other helpers, Welfare -an increasing need, Melbourne traditional carols by candlelight, Services and facilities, When you make or amend your will. Events that occurred in 1969 : Alexander Mair died, he was a member of the board of management since 1952, RVIB faced a deficit, to date they did not have to restrict the scope of any of the services available to blind people and it was hoped with increasing support from all sections of the community that they would not have to do so, after 31 continuous years radio station 3KZ decided to discontinue its association with the Melbourne traditional Christmas festival carols by candlelight but in doing so offered the RVIB the rights to continue. It was the first time RVIB hosted and they offered thanks to television channel 0 and radio station 3AW.1 volume of printed text with photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Articles in annual report include: List of office bearers of the institute and officers of the institute, Confidence mobility, Annual report of the RVIB babies, Children and adults - 97 years of service and programmes - special appeal, Residence rehabilitation training centre, Conference mobility, Ten pin bowling, Deaf blind centre, Resident nursery and school, Worldwide literary competition, Higher education, Employment, Welfare, Recreation, Finance, Appreciation, Auxiliary, 3KZ Christmas appeal, Vice regal patronage, My friend the long cane - a new method of self-help for blind people, They're the workers, 36th annual report of the council of auxiliary. Events that occurred in 1962 : Hon. H.E. Bolte, Premier opened the appeal and announced a special grant of $20,000 pounds from the state government. Lieutenant General Sir Henry Wells accepted the board's invitation to become chairman of the appeal, at the Burwood school Cheng Ann Cheok a 15 year old Singaporean boy arrived to further his education and study music, he hopes to adopt music as his career. Through the kind offices of Dr Edward J. Waterhouse director of Perkins school for the blind of Boston and the generosity of its Board of Trustees a scholarship will be provided to the Institute for an Australian teacher to be trained as a specialist teacher within their school.1 volume of text and illustrationsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

On September 23, 1925 the State Goverment gazetted a transfer of land in Raleigh Street, Prahran to RVIB. This was used to establish a hostel for women apprentices and workers, and building commenced in 1926 and was completed in 1927, at a cost of 3500 pounds. Demand for accommodation was strong and in 1929 a hostel for men was completed. The building were used as hostels for many years, but as demand decreased, the Institution found other ways to utilise the buildings. In 1972, a plant nursery was established on the site and other departments temporarily used the site. In 1994 the Employment Services team moved out of the building and the site was sold to developers.17 col. images of the partially demolished house at Raleigh Street, Prahranroyal victorian institute for the blind, raleigh street hostel

In 1942, the expansion of the war into the Pacific expanded wartime operations in Australia and some of the RVIB buildings were comandeered for house military staff. This plan, drawn up in March 1942 by J.G. and authorised by the Superintending Architect and (W. Dale)Works Director Air Services show the layout of the main building at 557 St Kilda Road as well as that of the babies nursery. Doorways, cupboards and stairwells are annotated in this carbon copy, as well as the layout of Ormond Hall.1 architectural plan of St Kilda Road layoutmyer house, royal victorian institute for the blind, plans, raaf

From it's beginning in 1867, the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind grew in size and its number of employees and benefactors. These bound volumes of annual reports contain the information sent to subscribers of the Institute and outline the notable events and difficulties facing the blind and the RVIB. These include the acquisition of Ormond Hall, nursery and school buildings by the Commonwealth and the transferal of infants and pupils to 'The Georgian' at Olinda with the need for more staff due to more residential staff required, blind pupils formed a 'Junior Red Cross Circle' raising money and also contributed knitwear and splints for mine-sweepers, the loss of Headmaster Garnet Dent, Miss Lenna Bryson and Mrs E Dunkerton on or after the move to Olinda, the appointment of Headmaster Geoffrey E Green, Miss Betty De Huggard and Miss Dulcie Allen, with Mrs Rita Nightingall and Miss Vera Hopton visiting Olinda to provide lessons, Arthur McKay passed his Diploma of Music, 1400 pianos and harmoniums were tuned this year, as most sighted employees are engaged in war work an application was successful with the Director of Manpower to keep some sighted workers in key positions as they may be required to help those blinded by war action, around 25 partially sighted workers have been placed in other factories, several workers passed the Junior First Aid Certificate of St John's Ambulance, and the loss of Dr W.B. Vance who was Honorary Medical Officer for 39 years.1 volume bound with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

Life Governor certificates were given to those who supported the RVIB either through certain levels of financial contribution or by activities undertaken to support the institute. This is to certify that Mrs. Eileen Kempster has been appointed a Life Governor of the Institute. Charles Bennett, President S. Hedger, Executive Director1 x cream coloured page with brown writing and images (front view of St Kilda Road building across top, and pictures of children playing with boat, male working on carpet, female weaving rug and a nurse holding two babies along left-hand edge)Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Babies, Children and Adults St Kilda Road, Melbourne Patron: His Excellency The Governor of Victoria General Sir Dallas Brooks, K.C.B, C.M.G., D.S.O Patroness: Lady Brooks President: Dr Charles Bennett Vice-Presidents: G.H. Grimwade, Esq. G.E. Newton, Esq. Hon. Treasurer: Percy W. Briggs, Esq. Members of Board: Harold E. Brookes, Esq, JP C.L. Kimpton, Esq. Mrs C.H. Tutton W.H. Cowper, Esq Joseph Taylor, Esq E.V. Willis, Esq. Leighton Irwin, Esq. F.F. Knight, Esq. Superintendent & Secretary: Stannus W. Hedger, M.B.E. Secretary: Kenneth R. Bunn Recreation, Industry, Education, Nurseryroyal victorian institute for the blind, eileen kempster, awards

Life Governor certificates were given to those who supported the RVIB either through certain levels of financial contribution or by activities undertaken to support the institute. In this example, William Hughes was awarded a governorship in March 1949.1 x cream coloured page with brown writing and images (front view of St Kilda Road building across top, and pictures of children playing with boat, male working on carpet, female weaving rug and a nurse holding two babies along left-hand edge)Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Babies, Children and Adults St Kilda Road, Melbourne Patron: His Excellency The Governor General of Victoria, Major-General Sir Winston Dugan, G.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O Patroness: Lady Dugan President: C.L. Kimpton, Esq. Vice-Presidents: Chas. W. Bennett, Esq. M.R.C.S. (Eng), F.R.A.C.S., R. Ramsay, Esq Hon. Treasurer: Percy W. Briggs, Esq. Members of Board: Harold E. Brookes, Esq, JP Mrs C.H. Tutton G.E. Newton, Esq G.H. Grimwade, Esq. W.H. Cowper, Esq Joseph Taylor, Esq E.V. Willis, Esq. Leighton Irwin, Esq. Superintendent & Secretary: Stannus W. Hedger, M.B.E. Recreation, Industry, Education, Nursery This is to certify that William Hughes Esq. has been appointed a Life Governor of the Institute. C.L. Kimpton President S. Hedger Superintendent & Secretaryawards, royal victorian institute for the blind, william hughes