At a public meeting in January 1917 the residents of the Shire of Moorabbin decided to appeal for funds for the purpose of erecting a memorial to the memory of the late Councillor William George Burgess, who died on 29 November 1916. The committee that was formed to oversee this project described Mr Burgess and his accomplishments: “Mr Burgess served the Shire of Moorabbin in the that capacity faithfully and will for upwards of 35 years. Mr Burgess was a resident of the shire since early boyhood and all through life either initiated or identified himself closely with every movement for the advancement of the district. The acquisition of the Bentleigh Reserve is evidence of his untiring energy and zeal, and it is now proposed to erect a brick pavilion thereon as a monument to the memory of one who had striven to leave the world, and the district in which he resided, a little better than he found it.” The “Burgess Memorial Pavilion” was opened on 13 October 1917. The pavilion was built of brick, with tiled roof, containing two rooms, one 12ft x17ft, the other 12ft x 9ft, a spacious verandah, supported by brick pillars was provided on two sides of the building. Unfortunately the Burgess Pavilion burnt down in June 1928. William Burgess was a Councillor for the Shire of Moorabbin for over 35 years, during which he was the President for five terms. William was a market gardener in Mackay Road, Bentleigh. His family settled in the district in 1855.Two paper documents: One a copy of a resolution re the opening of a bank account ; two a letter from the Southern Cross Press which accompanied a donation for the Burgess Memorial Fundwilliam burgess, the burgess pavilion, bentleigh recreational ground, fundraising, sport, shire of moorabbin

A letter sent to the Secretary of the trustees of the Bentleigh Recreation Reserve, from Lucy Wood, for the Bentleigh Soldier's Comfort League requesting the use of the Burgess Pavilion for the Leagues meetings. The Bentleigh Soldier’s Comforts League is but one example of many other organisations that made use of the pavilion. After the League’s inaugural meeting a letter was sent to the Trustees of the Recreation Preserve Bentleigh requesting the use of the pavilion to hold their meetings. The objects of the Bentleigh Soldier’s Comforts League were: 1. To provide comforts for Bentleigh boys on active duty 2. To ensure a suitable public welcome upon their return 3. To visit the sick and wounded ones at the Military hospitals A committee of local ladies formed a committee, An amount of 2s was allotted to each worker who endeavored by personal effort to increase that sum. A Gymkhana, in association with the Equestrienne Club, was held to raise funds to help the return soldiers and to send Xmas boxes to the soldiers on active duty abroad. Lucy Wood (1872 - 1956) was the wife of William Howard Wood (1868 - 1947). William and Lucy lived in Jasper Road opposite the recreational reserve. William was a poultry breeder and a local accountant, auditor, real estate, insurance and general commission agent.The efforts made by the citizens of the Shire of Morrabbin to send comforts to the troups overseas during WWI, and to welcome home the soldiers.A hand written letter wwi, city of moorabbin, lucy wood, burgess pavilion, bentleigh recretional reserve, william burgess, fundraising, xmas boxes, bentleigh soldier’s comforts league, bentleigh, moorabbin

Ivy May Child is standing 3rd from the right. The other people are unidentified as yet. Ivy May Child (1910 – 1989) was the daughter of Arthur Edward (Ted) Child (1878 – 1964) and Ethel May Madden (1888 – 1970). Ted Child was the son of Matthew Francis Child (1839 – 1933) and Martha Jeeves (1857 – 1926). He was the grandson of one of the early pioneers Francis Child. Ivy grew up on the family property on Childs Road and took many photographs. Ivy married Henry William Burgess (1906 – 1968) in 1944.Black and white photograph of a group of two men and seven women posed in front of a pavilion like structure.On reverse: Ivy M Childivy child, ivy may child