In June 1903 some of the Friendly Societies in Bacchus Marsh formed an association to play Rope Quoits tournaments. The first tournament concluded after a series of matches in September 1903. The winners of the tournament were presented with a trophy in the form of an illuminated photographic portrait of the winning players. Reports of a Rope Quoits Association being formed for Friendly Societies members appeared in the Bacchus Marsh Express from 13 June 1903. Reports of the weekly tournaments subsequently appeared in the Express through June to September 1903. A detailed account of the final tournament and the illuminated photographic portrait presented to the winning players appeared in the Bacchus Marsh Express on 26 September, 1903, page 3, column 1.This illuminated photographic portrait is significant because it depicts evidence of recreational activities and social groups which were active in the 1900s. Framed photographic portraits of Bacchus Marsh Friendly Society membersConcord Tent No. 140 Friendly Societies Rope Quoit Tournament bacchus marsh friendly societies, quoits, games

Friendly societies were member-owned organisations that provided services to their members such as health, sickness, and funeral benefits to members. They fell into abeyance once government and private companies began providing such services. Members and office bearers of societies in the late 18th and early 19th centuries were often honoured for their work in their societies with the presentation of ornate certificates.Framed ornate and hand coloured certificate presented to Grand Master Barry Kelly, from the Manchester Unity Friendly Society, 1932.Certificate shows the Coat of Arms of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Manchester Unity Friendly Society: "PRESENTED TO BRO. H.H. KELLY. AS A MARK OF ESTEEM".friendly societies

B/W Photo. Outside 3 girls Friendly Society lodge. Pailing Fence, wooden building, bay window, plants. Thee young Women with suicases.Girls Friendly Society Lodge

Rules of the Bendigo United Friendly Societies Medical Institute and Dispensary. Bendigo 1926 Booklet black cover with no title details Inscribed Star of Bendigo IOR (Independent Order Rachabites), A. Honeychurch.Bendigo United Friendly Societies.bendigo, clubs, pharmacy., dispensary details.

A collection of badges owned by Betty Bennell who spent time at Janefield Training Centre and and was a member of the Janefield Girls' Friendly Society. Also 2 photographs of Betty and friend and leaders from GFS Janefield/Small coffee jar containing 16 enameled badges of various designs, each with pin fastening on back. 2 photographs of GFS Janefield members."GFS" [Girls' Friendly Society]janefield, betty bennell, janefield training centre, girls' friendly society

This Warrnambool Rowing Club medal was awarded to the winners of the Society Fours in 1908. The Friendly Society group that won the race was the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a benefit society owned by members who assist other members in times of illness or unemployment. Originally founded in Manchester, England, the M.U.I.O.O.F. started in Melbourne in 1840. The Warrnambool branch was founded in 1860. The Warrnmbool Rowing Club was established in 1873, though there had been several boat clubs associated with the Hopkins River going back to the 1850s. No information has been found on R.Russell. This medal is of interest as a memento of a Warrnambool sporting club award in 1908 and of the winner of the award, a Warrnambool group and a member of that group.This circular brass medal has a shield shaped centrepiece with text on both obverse and reverse surrounded by a plain annulus edged with small scrolls. It has a ring at the top.Obverse- W.R.C. Regatta 1908 Reverse SOCIETY FOURS Won by M.U.I.O.O.F.R RUSSELL. A maker's hallmark.warrnambool rowing club, the friendly society, m.u.i.o.o.f.

The Friendly Societies Carnival at Mentone on Easter Monday, 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. "The Cheltenham P.A.F.S. had, as their tableaux, the murder of Nurse Cavell, in which Miss E. Allnutt took the roll of the nurse and other participants were Miss V. Rose and Messrs. A. Clark, F. Robinson, E. Hutchins, S. Butler and A. Biehl." 1916 'MOORABBIN'S PATRIOTIC CARNIVAL.', Brighton Southern Cross, 29 April, p. 2. 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, 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

A history of Surrey Hills Friendly Societies compiled by Ken James. These were the forerunner of our present health insurance organisations. Includes surname index.A history of Surrey Hills Friendly Societies compiled by Ken James. These were the forerunner of our present health insurance organisations. Includes surname index. 143 pagesfraternal organisations, surrey hills, surrey hills's friendly societies, a.n.a. surrey hills branch no.109, (mr) ken james

GFS Australia began as a local branch of the Girls' Friendly Society founded in England in 1875 by Mary Townsend. This was an Anglican Church group which formed to give maids and female domestic staff spiritual guidance and social activities for their days off. The Society later also functioned in part as an employment agency. The first local Australian branch was formed in Adelaide in 1879, with branches being established in all states by 1901. Vera Constance Sophie Saunders (1897 -1967) was the daughter of Arthur Scott Saunders and Agnes Louise Stuart Morris. Her father was a storekeeper in Orbost.The Girls' Friendly Society was an early youth group and was associated with the Anglican Church and were a common way to attract children and teenagers to the congregation. The group is an example of the social importance of the churches in rural communities in the early 20th century.A folded card which is a senior candidate's card for membership of the Girls' Friendly Society. The card is white with blue print. On the front is the name of the member with details of the diocese and parish as well as the date of enrolment. At the top is the emblem of the Girls' Friendly Society.Vera Saunders written in cursive with red pen Orbost April 4 1912 St Jamessaunders-vera girls'-friendly-society anglican-church-orbost

Photographer notations on slide: Town Hall Nov 1936 W.H. Everard [unknown] Friendly Society Concert B117 Published: The Age, Mon 16 Nov 1936 Published title and caption: CROWNING THE PRINCESS OF LOVE ON SATURDAY. Mr. W. H. Everard, M.L.A. , about to crown the winning Princess in the Girls' Friendly Society's competition at the Town Hall. Reference: CROWNING THE PRINCESS OF LOVE ON SATURDAY. (1936, November 16). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205953075 Description: The photograph captures an elaborately staged coronation of a queen, on the stage of Melbourne Town Hall. 25 female attendants in long gowns are holding posies. There are five flower girls and several wigged male attendants. An audience of mostly women and children is standing from their chairs to view the activities. The Age, Thursday 5 November 1936, page 6: "Princess" Coronation Ceremony. Thirty-eight branches of the Girls' Friendly Society are competing in the Princess competition, which will culmi nate in a coronation ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall, on the evening of Saturday, 14th inst. The princesses are Love, Joy. Youth, Beauty, Courage and Friendship. Mr. W. H. Everard, M.L.A., will crown the winning queen, and Mrs. F. W. Head, president of the G.F.S., will be the guest of honor. A programme of music and dances is being arranged. This is the first time that members of the G.F.S. have organised such a big effort to raise funds, and proceeds will be devoted to the building fund for the new hostel in Spring-street. Reference: "Princess" Coronation Ceremony. (1936, November 5). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205944373 GFS Australia Inc, https://gfsaustralia.org.au/ Girls' Friendly Society, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girls%27_Friendly_SocietyPhotographer notations on slide: "Town Hall Nov 1936 W.H. Everard [unknown] Friendly Society Concert B117".melbourne town hall, town halls, dances and balls, societies, 1930-1939, fundraising events, clothing and dress

Bendigo United Friendly Societies Dispensary, A Goldfields Child 1872 - 2000, published by Bendigo United Friendly Societies, 52 pages with photographs.Ray Wallaceclubs and associations, sport, bendigo united friendly society., friendly societies, bendigo united friendly society, bufs dispensary.

Protestant Alliance Friendly Society handwritten letter

Certificate issued by the Independent Order of Rechabites Temperance Friendly Society to Victorian state school children who had passed the temperance physiology examination. The Independent Order of Rechabites began in Salford, England in 1835. It was named after Rechab, a leader in the Old Testament, who instructed his tribe to refrain from drinking alcohol. During the Industrial Revolution the idea of temperance became popular as damage was caused to families by alcohol. In Australia it was first established in Tasmania in the mid 1800s. In 1847 a branch was created in Victoria, and it then spread to other States. Members were provided with assistance during times of sickness, death and hardship. The Victoria District of Rechabites (District No. 82) was established in the 28th January 1861 In its heyday the Victoria Rechabites’ membership numbers grew and grew to the extent that there were at one stage in excess of 36,000 members associated with the Victorian Rechabites in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s covering approximately 250 operating Tents. The certificate was issued to Helen Marion Blackman in 1949. Helen was a resident in the City of Moorabbin.Certificate issued by the Independent Order of Rechabites Temperance Friendly Society to Victorian state school children who had passed the temperance physiology examination. Independent Order of Rechabites - Salford Unityindependent order of rechabites, blackman, city of moorabbin, school children

The Loyal Victoria Lodge was established in Warrnambool in1862. It was a Lodge connected with the Friendly Society Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows. Friendly Societies were established to give members assistance in times of illness and hardship and to offer insurance against such events. The MUIOOF had its origins in Manchester, England. The Warrnambool Lodge built the Oddfellows Hall in Koroit Street in 1869 and in 1872 it joined with other friendly societies and established the Friendly Societies Park in Koroit Street. The MUIOOF joined with the Australian Natives Association and today the new name in Australian Unity. No details are available on W. A. McLean but the certificate indicates that he served his country during World War Two.This certificate is of considerable interest as the Loyal Victoria Lodge was a pioneer friendly society in Warrnambool with its history going back to 1862. It is also a good example of the certificates given to Warrnambool residents who had rendered significant war time service in World War Two.Framed Certificate featuring text and a coloured picture. The picture includes: a dove, five scrolls, a laurel wreath surrounding a globe, three women in long dresses, three young children, two stylised flower beds, rays of light, a hill and four coats of arms. It is covered with clear plastic with a metal back and metal prop. WARRNAMBOOL DISTRICT INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS IN VICTORIA MANCHESTER UNITY FRIENDLY SOCIETY. The Officers and Members of the Loyal Victoria Lodge No. 4835 express grateful recognition and sincere appreciation to Bro. W. A. McLean for services rendered to God, King and Empire in Great War, 1939- 1945. N.G.Chas Gerock V.G. F.J. Toogood Rob Fairbridge Secretary. a circular red seal.

Rifle competitions were popular activities for men in the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth century. The Kew MUIOOF was based in Union Street, Kew and as a friendly society competed in competitions locally and in neighbouring municipalities.Monochrome print positive mounted on card. The photo shows the Kew MUIOOF rifle team which won the Kennon Challenge Shield in 1925. In the studio portrait, taken by Glen Studio (Glenferrie), the five team members are posed, two in front with rifles with the Kennon Challenge Shield positioned at front centre."Hawthorn District Friendly Societies Competition / Kew MUIOOF Rifle Team, Winners of Lennon Challenge Shield, 1925. Score 2182 / FT James PG; PG Gallop PG / JG Harle PG; Bro EA Harrison / WR Harle PG / Glen Studio, Carnegie"muioof, kew muioof, rifle competitions, friendly societies -- kew (vic.)

Black spectacle case with hinged lid at one end. Small metal framed spectacles in case.Shepherds Friendly Society, East Anglia District - On Case.personal effects, seeing aids

92 page soft cover booklet 'Friendly Societies in Bendigo 1856 - 1916' Compiled by Rita Hull Published by The Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies Inc. 2017 History of about 20 Friendly Societies with photos of people and places.Rita Hullfriendly societies, bendigo

Individual portraits are captioned with names - Left to Right from top: R. Roberts, J.B. Collins, W.R. Harry, A. Martin, H. Gilmour, J. Pitcher, J. Ashton, N. Evans, G. Evans, L. Jackson, T. Wilkinson, F.H. Greenwade - Secretary, W.H. Houston - N.G., W.Rees - P.E. Secretary, F. Garnham, F. Hiskins, A. Trevellian, A. Deas, G. Ashton, D. McAliece, O. Devers, H. Devers - Captain, E. Evans. Black and white photograph, mounted on cardboard, of Friendly Society Football Trophy, showing a central oval portrait of a man in Friendly Society regalia, with a rectangular photograph of a football team, above and below. The three central photographs are surrounded by 22 individual oval portraits of the players.Photographs of football teams are captioned: "M.U.I.O.O.F." and "St Patrick's Branch H.A.C.B.S." At bottom of the group of photos is: "Donated by the Residents of Rutherglen" and "Won by Loyal Pomona Lodge M.U.I.O.O.F." At bottom right corner of photo: "Hugen & Bennett, Photo, Rutherglen" Embossed at bottom right of mount: "Chiltern and Rutherglen" Written on back of mount: "My Father, William Richard Harry. Member of M.U.I.O.O.F. for over 50 years"football teams, australian rules football, afl, loyal pomona lodge, muioof, st patricks branch, hacbs, hibernian australian catholic benefit society, r. roberts, j.b. collins, w.r. harry, a. martin, h. gilmour, j. pitcher, j. ashton, n. evans, g. evans, l. jackson, t. wilkinson, f.h. greenwade - secretary, w.h. houston - n.g., w.rees - p.e. secretary, f. garnham, f. hiskins, a. trevellian, a. deas, g. ashton, d. mcaliece, o. devers, h. devers - captain, e. evans., william richard harry, r roberts, j b collins, a martin, h gilmour, j pitcher, j ashton, n evans, g evans, l jackson, t wilkinson, f h greenwade, w h houston, w rees, f garnham, f hiskins, a trevellian, a deas, g ashton, d mcaliece, o devers, h devers, e evans

This is a trophy awarded by an association of Friendly Societies in Warrnambool in 1933. Friendly or Benefit Societies have operated in Warrnambool since 1860 when the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge was formed. Benefit societies such as this were set up mainly for social reasons and to assist members in times of sickness or to provide insurance in case of illness or hardship. Other societies had specific aims such as the promotion of temperance or allegiance to a particular church or country. The Australian Natives Association (A.N.A.) the winner of this trophy was set up in Warrnambool in the late 19th century and it was an active society with regular meetings, discussion groups, lectures and campaigns for the social justice issues of the day. The A.N.A. in Australia was influential in promoting nationalism and campaigning for Federation. The A.N.A merged with the M.U.I.O.O.F some years ago and operates today as the benefit group, Australia Unity. The trophy won by A.N.A. in 1933 was for quoits, a popular indoor game in the 1930s and still played today, mainly on social occasions. This trophy is of interest as it dates from the 1930s and is connected with the Warrnambool Friendly Societies of the time and especially the Australian Natives Association (A.N.A.)This is an electro plated nickel silver cup with two side handles, a short stem and a round silver base. An inscription is on one side of the cup. The cup is much stained. ‘Warrnambool & District United Friendly Benefit Societies Association Quoits 1933 Won by A.N.A.’friendly societies warrnambool, australian natives association warrnambool

Won by M.U.I.O.O.F. Crew: W. Marfett stroke, R.J. Russell 3, A.J. Fisher 2, H.G. Marfell bow, V. Williamson cox. “As its name suggests, Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF) had its origins in Manchester, England. It was established in Melbourne in 1840 when Augustus Greeves, a member of the MUIOOF in England, migrated to Australia. On his arrival in Melbourne, Greeves teamed up with journalist Thomas Strode, to form the first lodge—The Australia Felix Lodge. The lodge received its Constitution on 7 December 1840 and this is recognised as the birth date of Manchester Unity in Victoria.” Warrnambool rowing club was founded in 1973, with regattas starting in 1885 and a VRA regatta in 1890. Timber framed black and white photograph of a mens rowing crew on the hopkins river, warrnambool.Warrnambool Regatta Boxing Day 1908 Friendly Society's Four Won by: M.U.I.O.O.F.rowing, city of warrnambool rowing club, warrnambool rowing club, hopkins river warrnambool, warrnambool regatta, 1908, 1908

Friendly Societies originated in the industrial areas of the United Kingdom. The first society in Victoria was formed in 1839 and by 1913 more than half of the Victorian population was insured by Friendly Societies in some fashion. The societies were financed by Members' subscriptions and offered health benefits and other welfare services, before these services were provided by the government. Doctors were paid by the societies to treat members free of charge, and Dispensaries were established to provide members with subsidised quality medicines. The Sunshine and District Friendly Societies Dispensary was established on the 1st of March 1930 with a membership of 896, and it was located in Sun Crescent Sunshine. The membership grew to 1052 within 4.5 years, and the number of prescriptions dispensed in the 6 months prior to November 30,1935 totalled 10,535. The Dispenser was Mr. C. H. Semmens. Most Friendly Societies operated democratically with office bearers changed regularly to prevent power cliques. The Sunshine Dispensary appears to have operated in the same way as the societies that owned it. The Advocate of 10 July 1936 reports that the seven newly elected office bearers or delagates were from the Friendly Societies; A.N.A., M.U.I.O.O.F., P.A.F.S., and G.U.O.O.F. The names of all the seven people can be found on the Honour Board, indicating that they each have served at least one term as President of the Sunshine Dispensary. The health professions and the Labour Governments of the 1940's wanted to see the involvement of Friendly Societies in health care broken. The Commonwealth Free Medicine Plan appears to have been drawing customers away from Friendly Societies Dispensaries in general. The Sunshine Dispensary placed several advertisements in the Sunshine Advocate during late 1950 urging members to remain loyal to it. By the 1980's the increase in entrepreneurial clinics and the availability of take away medicine helped to vastly diminish the involvement of Friendly Societies in health care provision. The 1936 Sunshine Advocate refers to the Sunshine and District United Friendly Societies Dispensary, with the same office bearers as the Presidents on the Honour Board but on which the 'United' is missing from the name of the Dispensary. The 1950 advertisements were placed by Sunshine U.F.S. Dispensary of 23 Sun Crescent. It is thought that all three names refer to the same business, but the writer stands to be corrected. The above is a compilation of information sourced from Sunshine Advocates published in January and July 1936, and in September, October and November 1950. It also draws on an article written by Elizabeth Willis and published online by the the Department of History (University of Melbourne), and on an article written by Mr. Bill Kelly of the Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacies Association, and also on an article by Museum Victoria Australia. Corrections to what has been written are welcome from interested readers.The Honour Board provides a historical record of the Presidents that served 61 terms on the Board of the Sunshine and District Friendly Societies Dispensary. It also provides a reminder that when a government does not adequately look after the welfare needs of its citizens, the people can band together to find ways of helping each other. The Sunshine Dispensary no longer exists, and a more recently established Community Pharmacy which operated in Hampshire Road could not compete against the discount pharmacies that have taken over. These new pharmacies sell a wide range of profitable product lines, as well as dispensing traditional prescription medications.Brown stained wood particle board with picture frame type edging. The board has six straight sides however it is not typical hexagon shaped. The top is composed of three straight short edges to give an almost rounded edge to an otherwise oblong shaped bottom section. On the board in gold coloured lettering are the names of 'brothers' and 'sisters' who served a total of 61 terms as PRESIDENTS of the SUNSHINE AND DISTRICT FRIENDLY SOCIETIES DISPENSARY, which was established on the 1st of March 1930. Eight of the men served more than one term with BRO. I. MILLER serving four terms, and BRO. F. RICHER serving three. The three women SISTER. I. REWELL, SISTER. C. JOHNSON, and SISTER. M.S. ARMSTRONG served one term each. There is no indication of when each person served, but it is believed that the term length was around six months and that the list is in chronological order. This conclusion results from seeing that BRO. W. ROONEY is the 11th listed President, and that the Sunshine Advocate of 10 July 1936 states that he was elected as the new President.sunshine and district friendly societies dispensary, honour board, 1st march 1930, 1/3/1930, sunshine u.f.s. dispensary, semmens, rooney, miller, richer, armstrong, rewell, johnson