Small round badge with central heart shape, colours are red, green, yellow & gold.In centre: “DISCHARGED SOLDIERS FUND FOR OUR RETURNED SOLDIERS”badge, soldiers fund raising, discharged soldiers

Program for an afternoon of sport and entertainment at St Kilda Cricket Ground to raise funds for wounded soldiersYellowed cream coloured paper folded in half to create four pages and printed in red on all pagesanzac, wwi, world war i, st kilda rest house, st kilda soldiers lounge, wwi fund-raising, st kilda cricket ground

Early in World War I local women's groups in Australia began working to provide provide tobacco, cakes, puddings, condensed milk, sugar, biscuits, newspapers and other 'luxury' items to supplement the Australian soldier's army rations. These fund-raising bodies were amalgamated in 1916 to form a national body, The Australian Comforts Fund (ACF), which undertook to provide 'comforts' to all Australians abroad. Sales of this book raised funds for The Australian Comforts Fund.A thin book with a brown fabric cover. On the cover is a black line drawing of a koala in a tree. It contains a summary of the work done by the Australian Comforts Funds at the front, Anzac and Mudros, at the camps in Egypt with a summary of gifts and statement of accounts.The book sold for 3/- or 15 P.T. in aid of the A.C.F. It was edited by William Beit.

The Friendly Societies Carnival at Mentone 1916 during WW1 was arranged to showcase the local activities and raise funds for the 'Discharged Wounded Soldiers Fund' = £140 was raised. As elsewhere in Australia most of the local young men had enlisted in the AIF and some were coming home wounded - many were killed on overseas battlefields. This Parade was led by the Cheltenham Brass Band with the following Friendly Societies AOF, IOR, HACBS, PAFS, and ANA. The PAFS - Protestant Alliance Friendly Society - had 2 entries 'Fruit & Vegetable Display' and 'The Murder of Nurse Edith Cavell' both floats won their category. The Carnival gave prizes for sports events on the Mentone Oval and a concert was held at night at the Mentone Ice Skating Rink.World War 1 1914-1918 had a devastating impact on many early settler families whose sons had volunteered to serve in AIF. 1916 many of these young men were returning injured or had been killed overseas The Community rallied around to support these men and their families by holding fund raising events like the CarnivalBlack & White photograph of a horse drawn wagon displaying Fruit and Vegetables for a procession c 1916Handwritten ; Decorated wagon possibly part of a procession of market gardeners cartsfriendly societies cheltenham 1916, nurse edith cavell, cheltenham brass band 1916, ww1 1914-1918, wounded soldiers fund, allnutt ella, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The Friendly Societies Carnival at Mentone 1916 during WW1 was arranged to showcase the local activities and raise funds for the 'Discharged Wounded Soldiers Fund' = £140 was raised. As elsewhere in Australia most of the local young men had enlisted in the AIF and some were coming home wounded - many were killed on overseas battlefields. This Parade was led by the Cheltenham Brass Band, followed by the Friendly Societies AOF, IOR, HACBS, PAFS, and ANA. The PAFS - Protestant Alliance Friendly Society - had 2 entries 'Fruit & Vegetable Display' and 'The Murder of Nurse Edith Cavell' both floats won their category. Ella Allnutt portrayed Nurse Cavell. The Carnival gave prizes for sports events on the Mentone Oval and a concert was held at night at the Mentone Ice Skating Rink. World War 1 1914-1918 had a devastating impact on many early settler families whose sons had volunteered to serve in AIF. 1916 many of these young men were returning injured or had been killed overseas The Community rallied around to support these men and their families by holding fund raising events like the CarnivalBlack & White photograph of a decorated float with a Tableau ' The Murder of Nurse Edith Cavell' in the Friendly Societies Carnival Cheltenham 1916Front Handwritten ; Procession ( part of ) to honour Sister Edith Cavell an English nurse executed by the Germans in Brussels (BELG.) in 1914 (1st World War)cheltenham brass band 1916, ww1 1914-1918, cavell edith, friendly societies, protestant alliance friendly society, moorabbin, cheltenham, dendy henry, dendy's special survey 1841, assisted emigrants early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, marigold flowers, pharmacy, charman stephen, gettens mary, charman harriet, methodist church, primitive methodists, box william, box elizabeth, state schools, education, moorabbin shire, moorabbin roads board, city of moorabbin, kingston city council

The Daily Mail printed this handkerchief to raise funds for the "Soldiers' Families Fund" after the outbreak of the Second Boer War (1899-1902. (The Daily Mail, devised by Alfred Harmsworth (later Lord Northcliffe) and his brother Harold (later Lord Rothermere), was first published on 4 May 1896 and was an immediate success.) Patriotic handkerchiefs were popular during the Victorian era and this one featuring a popular song and well-known people was probably the most popular.This handkerchief was produced to raise funds for the families of soldiers involved in the Second Boer War. This fund, The Soldiers' Families Fund was the first such charitable effort for a war. The handkerchief and other related items raised more than 250,000 pounds.A white linen man's handkerchief. It is printed in blue. It has a map of the South African Republic and the music and words of The Absent Minded Beggar - music by Arthur Sullivan, words by Rudyard Kipling. There is a picture of Lord Roberts, the British Commander in Chief, in the top left corner with the British flag and a picture of Queen Victoria in the bottom right corner.handkerchief souvenir boer-war

Patriotic Fund Raising days were held in order to raise money and support for the soldiers fighting overseas. In the photograph are L to R: Marion Gilbert; Annie Nixon; Jean Cameron; Hattie Nixon and Grace Cameron' The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It came into being as a branch of the British Red Cross Society on August 13th 1914 to succour the wounded in the First World War.This is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost. It reflects the involvement of Orbost, a small town, in the efforts of the Australian Red Cross Society to provide comforts to soldiers during World war 1.A black / white photograph / postcard of four ladies and one little girl dressed in Red Cross outfits standing in front of a cart loaded with patriotic goods for sale. A sign on the cart has ":SOLDIERS' COMFORTS" on iton back is a list of namesorbost-red-cross ww1

Patriotic funds are a type of trust fund created after the First World War, when Victorian communities raised money to assist soldiers and their families. They provide welfare services and clubrooms for returned service personnel and their dependantsLarge white ceramic cup with "National Patriotic Fund Board" on front.Underneath - Made in USA 1943ceramic cup ww11 national-patriotic-fund-board

John Kerr Barnes. Life Membership is a nomination by the Sub - Branch. Jack as known was first elected to the Committee of the Bendigo Sub - Branch in 1955 and held that position until he was elected to the position of Secretary in 1964 and held that till he retired in 2005 (43 years) the entire time he did this from the Soldiers Memorial Institute which was the HQ of the Bendigo Sub Branch. He then became a Museum guide at the Soldiers Memorial Institute until his death in 2011. He was also involved in fund raising particularly the stall they had at the Bendigo Show and the Melbourne Cup sweep the Branch had. He was also awarded a Life Membership with Gold badge 1988, Meritorious Service Medal 1989 (Highest award in the RSL), RSL Licensed Sub - Branch Hall of Fame 2002, State certificate of Appreciation 2006. He is the highest awarded member of the Bendigo Branch. Jack initially enlisted as V25001 in the CMF then transferred to the AIF as VX116316 at age 19 years on 25.2.1941. At discharge from the Army on 12.6.1946 he held the rank of Pte in 2/1st Australian Motor Ambulance Convoy W/shops.Certificate framed, frame is timber light brown colour, certificate is yellow colour with gold RSL logo at the top followed by details of the award of "Life Membership" of the National Branch of the RSL Australia, all print in black, signed and red seal at RH side bottom."Life Membership has been awarded to Mr J.K. Barnes - Bendigo Sub Branch (Vic)" "Dated at Canberra - eleventh - September 1969" Signed "A.J. Lee" National President. Signed "A.G. Kiyl" (?) National Secretary.brsl, smirsl, life member

When the SMI was opened in Nov 1921 the Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch had occupancy from that day on. The Building became a Museum opened to the public in 1998 by the RSL. The origins of this project goes back to 2011 with a letter to the City of Greater Bendigo of the possibility of an upgrade to the SMI from the Bendigo District RSL Sub - Branch Inc. Some renovations had already taken place and some structural work. After initial talks a sub - committee of 3 persons from the RSL was elected to work with the Council along with other bodies who would be involved. Plans eventuated by 2015 and were put to the RSL for approval. From there the fund raising began from the State/Federal Govt's, RSL, the Public and Council itself. This was achieved and finally in Sept 2016 the SMI/Museum was packed up completely and the Renovations began in 2017. Souvenir program, card yellow colour folding, front page is in gold and black writing with an image of the Dome on the SMI followed by in gold, "Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation Project" then in gold, "Souvenir Program", in the centre has details re time, date, place. At the bottom are the logo's of the Federal & State Governments, RSL and City of Greater Bendigo Page 2 is titled "About the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute" with a photo showing the "Hustlers Royal Reserve Mine No 2" which was on the site where the SMI now stands. Page 3 has details of the program, music, Official welcome, speakers, ribbon cutting, the ODE, Last Post, National Anthem, close of formalities and light refreshments. Page 4 has a photo of the original souvenir pamphlet used at the original opening on November 15th 1921, 97 years to the day. at the bottom, "Thankyou section to all those involved in the project""Official opening of the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation and Military Museum 10am Thursday November 15, 2018, Lansell gardens, Pall, Mall Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, program

The first mention of a Ball held by the Sub Branch is in 1926, these events were fund raisers.Card, one sided double entree ticket to a "Military Ball 1929". At the top "Returned Soldiers League Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, military ball

This certificate was awarded by the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch to Miss H. Hutchinson (Hanna) on 17.5.1946 in Appreciation and loyalty to Service personnel as a Member of the Eaglehawk Ladies Auxiliary during the War years. The Auxiliaries efforts abled the furnishing of the Club rooms and raise 230.00 Pounds for the Returned Soldiers Distress Fund. Hanna was awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal in 1978 Refer Cat No 8212.2 for her Sister Florrie and Photo Cat No 8200P. Certificate on cardboard cream coloured with ornate edging in red, blue and brown, all printed text in black & blue, covers the years 1939 - 45, dated at the bottom.Main points, "Eagle Hawk RSL Sub Branch", "Presented to Miss H Hutchinson"brsl, smirsl, auxiliary, certificate, ehrsl

The Bendigo Womens Auxiliary was actually formed in 1936 and went through until 2002. Due the Soldiers Memorial Institute becoming a Museum and the formation of the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc the Auxiliary decided to cease fund raising. Their last meeting was held on 26.8.2002. During their time at SMI the Ladies conducted weddings, functions and other fund raisers to support the Bendigo RSL. At the RSL Annual Dinner each year which the ladies catered for they would present the RSL with a cheque. The Auxiliary were awarded 6 Life Memberships and two Certificates of Merit with gold badge.Charter, small brown section timber frame with details on white background. Top has the RSL badge with flags either side followed by the wording establishing the Auxiliary. Main wording is in gold colour.Main wording, " Victorian Branch hereby establishes and constitutes the Bendigo Womens Auxiliary" "Dated at Melb the 25th Day of May 1994" "Bruce Ruxton State President" "......... State Secretary"brsl, smirsl, charter, auxiliary, wabrsl

These badges were produced about 1918 or 1919 to gain finds to assist Australian soldiers discharged from the armed forces after serving in World War One. One source suggests that the badges were sold only in South Australia and raised £500,000 but, as these badges are part of the collection of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society in Victoria it is likely that they were sold throughout Australia. The sale of badges such as these was a common way of raising funds for charitable causes, especially during World War One and also during the first half of the 20th century. These badges are retained as examples of the type of badges sold during World War One. They will be useful for display purposes. .1 A circular-shaped metal badge with a gold outer edging and a brown background with a laurel wreath, a star and brown printing within a cream-coloured heart. The badge has a clip at the back. .2 as above Discharged Soldiers’ Fund For Our Returned Soldiers Copyright world war one, warrnambool, history of warrnambool, australian soldiers, south australia

The Australian Red Cross was established in 1914 as part of the British Red Cross and the Warrnambool branch was established in the same year. The local Warrnambool branch volunteers were mainly women who held sewing meetings, organized parcels for the soldiers abroad during World War One, undertook First Aid courses to be of assistance in hospitals and raised funds for the Red Cross, especially the local branch and the Melbourne branch. This badge would have been sold as part of the1916 fund-raising campaign.This badge is of particular interest as a badge connected to the Warrnambool Red Cross in World War One and presumably sold to raise funds for the local branch of the Red Cross. This is a circular metal badge with a cream-coloured background, a painted red cross and blue printing. The badge has a metal clip at the back Warrnambool 1916warrnambool red cross, world war one, badge

These badges were produced in World War One in Australia to raise funds for the war effort. ANZAC Day is an important national holiday in Australia commemorating the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops on Gallipoli on 25th April 1915. The national day was instituted on 25th April 1916 and badges such as these would have been sold on the anniversary of the landing day. Badges were sold on trams, buses, at railway stations, other public buildings and at rallies held on or about ANZAC Day. These badges are a significant reminder of the many fund raising activities held in Australia to raise funds for the war effort.Three circular slightly concave metal badges featuring the profile of an Australian soldier in a slouch hat blowing a bugle. The background depicts sunrise in yellow and orange colours and text. The outer edge is gold coloured . The reverse has a metal clip.ANZAC DAYanzac day, badges

These three badges all bear the phrase " For Our Fighting Men" and were sold to raise funds for Australian servicemen's comforts in World War One. The funds would have been used to send food and amenities parcels to those serving overseas, to provide assistance to those soldiers who had returned to Australia or were serving within Australia. The funds from the sale of these badges were directed to the Australian Comforts Fund which was an organisation formed in August 1916 from the amalgamation of the State groups formed to provide assistance to those serving in World War One. These badges are of interest as examples of those made and sold in Australia during World War One to provide comforts for Australian servicemen..1 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features the Australian flag on a red background surrounded by a white annulus and a pale blue ring with text. There are rust marks on the surface.The reverse has a pin clip. .2 Identical to .1 but very discoloured and faded. .3 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features a the head and shoulders of an Australian soldier in uniform with a slouch hat and a gun with bayonet fixed against a background of the Australian flag. Inside the outer rim of pale gold is a white ring with red text. There is a pin clip on the reverse. .1 FOR OUR FIGHTING MEN .2 Identical to .1 .3 OUR FIGHTING MEN AUSTRALIAN.COMFORTS. FUNDaustralian comforts fund

The idea, development and maintenance of an Avenue of Honour followed the suggestion in 1918 to "memoralise the brave deeds of our soldiers" in World War One. It was planted in Main Road, formerly Maria Street, Eltham. Folder contains photocopies of transcribed newspaper articles 1918-1925, photocopy from Eltham Shire Council correspondence, 1921, copy of list of residents from the Shire of Eltham who enlisted in World War One, minutes of "Welcome Home Committee", 1919. Photocopies of photos of Avenue over time. Photocopy: Welcome Home Committee minutes of 14 August, 1919. Fund raising, including a novelty night for medals and engraving to be given to volunteers. From Book 6 - Item 610. The Eltham Council on August 3 1921 to take over the care and maintenance of the Avenue of Honour at Eltham Harry Gilham Collection booklets HG 79, 101 and 10224 pages A4harry gilham collection, avenue of honour, eltham, 1914-1919, homefront, world war 1, ww1, world war 1914-1918, fundraising, welcome home committee

These are original items of VX5104 L/Col VJ Schofield MBE who served with 23rd Battalion (The City of Geelong Regiment). In 1929 this Battalion was amalgamated with the 21st Battalion to become 23rd/21st Battalion and adopted the territorial designation of 'The City of Geelong Regiment/The Victorian Rangers'. The Battalion went to the Northern Territory during WW2 before being disbanded, however VX5104 VJ Schofield became redeployed and served in New Guinea during WW2. He was awarded an MBE for his service. (Reference The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) Friday 20 July 1945. (Awards for Service in Papua-New Guinea). The original plaques were located at the Geelong Returned Soldiers, Sailors and Airman Woollen Mill (commonly referred to as the RS&S Mill). Schofields Father was responsible for the raising of the Mill, with Federal Funding, he was the CEO. It is not known if Victor John Schofield worked at this Mill but the plaques were found there and donated to the Geelong RSL Sub Branch by Roger Burt CEO of Godfrey Hirst Group during the Hirst takerover of the RS&S Mill.Two Plaques - one the Rising Sun, one the Maxwell Family Crest which is related to L/Col Schofield MBE. Timber materials used in the manufacture of both items.None on the Rising Sun. One The Maxwell Family Crest 'Rebiresco' Maxwell.ww2, vx5104 jc schofield mbe, papua-new guinea, city of geelong regiment, 23rd/21st battalion

WWIWWI involved men and women from the Kiewa ValleyLarge plastic opaque box with folders, display items and documents. 1. Norman Hore collection 2.Fund Raisers - medal and poppy 3. Postcard 4. Banner 5. Folders including Final List; 37th Battalion; B. H. Roper & S. Hollonds 6. Display Poster re recruitment 7. Letters from the Front by E. & A. Briggs 8. Folders; Those who Served from the towns in the Kiewa Valley 9. I & J. Marum - Australian Army Nursing Service 10. The 37th Battalion; 11. War Records of 7 local soldiers and 12. Poppy Applique kiewa valley in wwi

This is a program of a concert organized by the Soldiers’ Christmas Comforts Group and the Red Cross in Warrnambool to raise funds for the soldiers on active service in World War One. The concert was held in the Warrnambool Town Hall in September 1916 and featured a Melbourne artist, Horace Wood, who gave several violin solos and the local Warrnambool orchestra of Miss Gertrude Rooney. The Rooneys were early settlers in the Dennington area and had the property, ‘White Rock’ in Dennington and a produce store in Warrnambool. Miss Gertrude Rooney was an accomplished musician and was prominent in musical circles in Warrnambool during the first half of the 20th century. This program is of interest as an example of the fund raising activities in Warrnambool during World War One and of the type of entertainment offered at concerts at that time. There are many well-known names listed among the orchestra members at the back of the program. This is a sheet of buff-coloured paper folded in two to make four pages. The front page has an ornate red edging and there is dark blue printing on the front and back pages. The front page has a large Red Cross emblem The inside two pages have the printed program of concert items in black print. There are also advertisements for local Warrnambool businesses. The edges of the program are torn and ragged. world war one, warrnambool in world war one, gertrude rooney, musical entertainments in early 20th century, warrnambool

The Kooyong Military Hospital in Kooyong Road, Caulfield was established for the care and rehabilitation of soldiers injured in World War 1. Many events like carnivals were held by the Red Cross to raise funds for the war effort and entertain the patients.This badge is a reminder of the Community support for injured soldiers when they returned from WW1 conflict and were hospitalized at Kooyong Military Hospital Caulfield 1914 - 1948 This badge was displayed at the GECC 'Wounded Soldier WW1 1914-1918 Exhibition" 2016 at Glen Eira Town Hall Caulfield A small tin button, with pin attachment at the back. The button was produced and sold as a fund-raiser for the Kooyong Military Hospital during the World War1, 1914-18, at that organisation's Carnival held on March 18th 1916. The front of the button is white with a blue perimeter. A copy of the City of Caulfield's Coat-of- Arms and the words, City of Caulfield, is written on the front of the button, as is the date 18th March 1916. Both the above are written in red. Kooyong Military Hospital is written in blue. ww1, 1914-18, kooyong military hospital, war casualties, caulfield, moorabbin, bentleigh, carnivals, fundraising, patriotism, anzac, australian commonwealth military forces

The photograph was taken on Easter Monday 1916 at the Easter Carnival. It is showing one of the exhibits at the Australian Natives Association's Fruit and Vegetable Exhibit, at the Mentone Recreation Ground. The Easter Carnival was a fund-raising event to assist and repatriate wounded WW1 soldiers returning home. The photographer is unknown.Black and white photograph. The photograph is showing two men, a horse and a carriage. One of the men is holding on to the horses' harness and the other man in standing on a platform on the carriage holding the horses' reign. The horse is harnessed to the carriage containing various fruits and vegetables elaborately displayed. Much of the fruit and vegetables are seen in boxes along the carriage and others are hanging along the edge of the carriage. Some of the fruit and vegetable clearly able to be seen are pumpkin, parsnip, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip, grapes, various types of apples, oranges and lemons. There are also flowers meticulously arranged around the frame of the carriage and wheels. Front; A.N.A Exhibit / Easter Carnival - 1916 Back; Donated by / W.A.Follett / Heatherton ( written in ink ) Easter Monday CCarnival / at Mentone Recreation Ground / 1916 A.N.A ( written in pencil)easter carnival, 1916, photograph, australian natives association, fund-raising, world war i, ww1, mr w.a follett - heatherton, fruit, vegetable, mentone, mentone recreation ground

The International Committee of the Red Cross was formed in 1862. Initially its purpose was to try and find ways of overcoming the inadequacy of army medical services so as to alleviate the suffering of those wounded in armed conflict. Over time it has extended its work to include many forms of humanitarian aid in times of peace and war. The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It is especially remembered in the provision of “comforts” for soldiers overseas. Enormous sums of money were raised, and thousands of women volunteers contributed their time by making vast quantities of clothing: socks, vests, mittens, mufflers, pyjamas and a variety of linen. Items were sent to headquarters located in the state capitals, often using government houses as depots, where, after being sorted and packed by yet more volunteers, they were sent to Britain or the front. The effect of this work for the recipients was to bring comfort in its truest sense, for a seemingly trivial gift of a bar of chocolate of a pair of dry socks could bring the most profound relief for a soldier on the Western Front. From the date of its inception until the armistice the ARCS dispatched 395,695 food parcels and 36,339 clothing parcels Between 1914 and 1918 more than £3,500,00 was collected and spent on Red Cross services to the Australian Forces and Empire Forces. During WW1 and WW2 Red Cross raised funds selling buttons.Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire held fundraising events for the support of Red Cross Victoria and made cakes and knitted socks, gloves and scarves for distribution to serving men and women Metal buttons with printing on themRed Crossred cross, fund raising buttons, wwi, wwii, french red cross, british red cross, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham, caulfield repatriation hospital

Stencil used by Sgt. Albert David Lowerson, VC, a soldier settler on Merriang Estate near Myrtleford. Lowerson acquired one of 19 blocks assigned by the Closer Settlement Board on the 700 acre estate in 1920. The stencil marked bales of cured tobacco leaves prior to shipment to Melbourne. Lowerson was one of the few successful soldier settler farmers in the district, operating a piggery, dairy farming and growing tobacco for almost 20 years on "St. Quentin". (Lowerson was awarded the Victoria Cross at Mont St. Quentin on September 1, 1918.) His success and status enabled him to lead a submission on farm debt and infrastructure problems when the soldier settlement scheme was being reviewed at government level. He was active locally on these issues and supported fund raising for a war memorial, memorial hall and veteran welfare.The stencil represents the achievements of A.D.Lowerson, VC as an isolated example of success as a WW1 soldier settler and as a local identity who stridently supported the need for recognition and support of ex-service personnel.Stencil made of thin sheet metal, rusted .Wording of stencil "A.D.LOWERSON. MYRTLEFORD." lowerson a.d., merriang estate, myrtleford, closer settlement board, tobacco, st. quentin, victoria cross, world war 1

Advertising aquatic display to be held off St Kilda Pier of 16 March 1918. Featuring parade and numerous lifesaving events (men and women).Funds to aid Returned Soldiers Amelioration FundCream (discoloured) paper printed one side in blackwwi, world war i, returned soldiers amelioration fund, insurance staffs' patriotic fund, st kilda pier, wwi fund-raising, royal life saving society

The St Kilda Soldiers’ Lounge was opened by the St Kilda Patriotic League and the YMCA in 1915, and run by Mrs Lucie Hallenstein. Located in the refreshment rooms of the former Comedy Theatre, Lower Esplanade, it provided a place for returned soldiers to relax and socialise. By mid-1916 the average weekly attendance had reached eight hundred servicemen. The lounge remained popular until it closed in 1920.White coloured card printed in bluewwi fund-raising, st kilda soldiers lounge, wwi, world war i