Badge issued to War Widows and Widowed mothers in recognition of loss of family on active service.Small circular badge, Gold colour, blue band around edge with "War Widows & Widowed Mothers" inscribed & "Association" across the bottom. Inscription in gold writing. Centre is white background and Southern Cross stars. On back is pin and hook to attach to clothing.Inscribed "Stokes & Sons". On front "War Widows & Widowed Mothers Association"war widows, badge

Two letters on Melbourne Legacy letterhead to Mrs Lois Hurse, the War Widows' Guild president in 1970. The address showed the Guild was also known as The Vasey Housing Auxiliary (War Widows' Guild) Ltd. Both letters discuss the 45 bed nursing home that the Guild was establishing in Church Street Brighton. One is signed by the Executive Officer Ivan Layton and the other by EP Evans the Hon. Secretary. The letters were returned to Legacy by the Guild when the Guild closed. The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this letter, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation - it shows a close bond between the two organisations. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of a close link between Legacy and the War Widows Guild.White letter x 2 from Legacy to the War Widows' Guild in 1970.war widows guild, wwg

A badge made for War Widows Guild members to wear to show they were members. The Kookaburra is the symbol of the Guild. From the War Widows' Guild of Australia website: 'the Guild badge would feature the kookaburra, an industrious and cheerful bird who mated for life, was fearless and aggressive in the defence of its young and the area of territory it regarded as its own. The bird also had a unique call, not a song but a laugh; a chortle of rollicking mirth (to bring the widows back to laughter). Also, the kookaburra is a typically and completely Australian symbol, one that could be worn proudly by every widow whatever her creed or ideals. The kookaburra was also the mascot of the 7th Division of the 2nd AIF, commanded by Mrs Vasey’s husband, Major-General Vasey. Mrs J M Vasey was the founder and president of the War Widows Guild. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After her husband Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild, established on 22 November 1945. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this badge, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A identity badge of the War Widows Guild.Dark silver badge with a kookaburra logo and a butterfly clip.Engraved on reverse 'M2155' and stamped 'Property of War Widows' Guild'.war widows guild, wwg

A newspaper article about the War Widows Creche in Collins St Melbourne from 29 July 1947. An article about the creche set up by the War Widows Guild to help its members to work or retrain. The War Widows Guild was established by Mrs J M Vasey. She was the wife of Major-General Vasey, during the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. This reproduction on display board may have been for an exhibition of Guild memorabilia at some time. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this board, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Newspaper article 'War Widows Creche needs toys' reproduced on a display board for signage of an exhibit.war widows guild, jessie vasey, wwg

A tea towel made for War Widows Guild in 2018. It says 'Remembering and honouring Australians. All who have served, those we have lost, those who have returned and those who were left at home to continue. We will never forget the sacrifices of many to ensure that we who remain live in peace.' Mrs J M Vasey was the founder and president of the War Widows Guild. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After her husband Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild, established on 22 November 1945. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this tea towel, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A celebration of the work done by the War Widows Guild.White cotton tea towel with black text and wattle flowers for the War Widows' Guild in 2018.war widows guild, wwg

A scarf made for War Widows Guild. The Kookaburra is the symbol of the Guild. From the War Widows' Guild of Australia website: 'the Guild badge would feature the kookaburra, an industrious and cheerful bird who mated for life, was fearless and aggressive in the defence of its young and the area of territory it regarded as its own. The bird also had a unique call, not a song but a laugh; a chortle of rollicking mirth (to bring the widows back to laughter). Also, the kookaburra is a typically and completely Australian symbol, one that could be worn proudly by every widow whatever her creed or ideals. The kookaburra was also the mascot of the 7th Division of the 2nd AIF, commanded by Mrs Vasey’s husband, Major-General Vasey. Mrs J M Vasey was the founder and president of the War Widows Guild. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After her husband Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild, established on 22 November 1945. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this scarf, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A memento of the War Widows Guild.Dark navy rectangular scarf with a white Guild kookaburra logo and text saying 'War Widows' Guild of Australia - Est 1945'.war widows guild, wwg

Author was a Surrey Hills resident. 288p; illus. This is a story of the War Widows' Guild and the story telling of energy released through grief, of women fighting for their children and their spouses.288p; illus. This is a story of the War Widows' Guild and the story telling of energy released through grief, of women fighting for their children and their spouses.war widows' guild of australia, societies and clubs, women, widows, (ms) mavis thorpe clark

Spring edition of The Tapis, the magazine newsletter of the War Widows Guild (Vic). The Victorian Guild closed in 2021. Some items were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by the War Widows Guild (Vic).Colour printed x 20 pages of The Tapis newsletter issue No 288, Spring 2020.war widows guild, wwg

A file copy of a letter from Legatee Harding of the Widows Committee to Legatee Foskett, President of Melbourne Legacy at the time. It discusses work that the War Widows' Guild was doing in providing accommodation for frail, aged war widows and a close relationship with Legacy. It mentions the Guild's president at the time was Mrs Lois Hurse. The file copy must have been sent to the Guild as they returned it to Legacy when the Guild closed. The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this letter, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation - it shows a close bond between the two organisations. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of a close link between Legacy and the War Widows Guild.Yellow carbon copy of a letter from Legatee Harding to Legatee Foskett in 1972.war widows guild, wwg

A file copy of a letter from Mrs Vasey of the War Widows Guild to Legatee Radford who was Vice President of Melbourne Legacy at the time. She says 'It was most heartening to read how staunchly you supported our idea that a man who dies in the service of his country should not leave his children to poverty and sub-standard living. Thank you very much indeed for speaking for us publicly in the unequivocal way you did." The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this letter, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation - it shows a close bond between the two organisations. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of a close link between Legacy and the War Widows Guild.Yellow carbon copy of a letter from Mrs Vasey to Vice President Radford in 1956.war widows guild, wwg, radford

An apron made to celebrate 75 years of the War Widows Guild in 2020. The Kookaburra is the symbol of the Guild due to its laugh. From the War Widows' Guild of Australia website: 'the Guild badge would feature the kookaburra, an industrious and cheerful bird who mated for life, was fearless and aggressive in the defence of its young and the area of territory it regarded as its own. The bird also had a unique call, not a song but a laugh; a chortle of rollicking mirth (to bring the widows back to laughter). Also, the kookaburra is a typically and completely Australian symbol, one that could be worn proudly by every widow whatever her creed or ideals. The kookaburra was also the mascot of the 7th Division of the 2nd AIF, commanded by Mrs Vasey’s husband, Major-General Vasey. Mrs J M Vasey was the founder and president of the War Widows Guild. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After her husband Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild, established on 22 November 1945. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this apron, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A celebration of the 75 years of work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Dark navy cotton apron with a white stencilled Guild kookaburra logo and text saying 'Celebrating 75 years'.war widows guild, jessie vasey, wwg

A book published in 1986 about the War Widows' Guild and its founder Jessie Vasey, the widow of Major-General George Alan Vasey. Book synopsis: 'Jessie Vasey was truly one of Australia’s great women. She brought into being what was to become the most powerful women’s bloc in Australia’s history. Her successful intent was to establish justice and care for Australia’s World War II widows. At the end of the conflict in 1945, this group of bereaved wives were in the same neglected state as had been the widows of World War I in 1918. Jessie herself was widowed only six months before World War II ended. Her husband died in an aircraft accident off the coast of Cairns. She was 48. But the seeds of compassion and caring for the war widows had been sown before her own loss.' The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this book, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Hardcover book with blue dustcover showing a black and white photo of Mrs Vasey.war widows guild, jessie vasey, wwg

Final edition of The Tapis, the magazine newsletter of the War Widows Guild (Vic). The Victorian Guild closed in 2021. Some items were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation.A record of the work done by the War Widows Guild (Vic).Colour printed x 40 pages of The Tapis newsletter issue No 290, Autumn 2021.war widows guild, wwg

A newspaper article about a protest by War Widows published 3 July 1947. An article showing more than 1500 people met to demand higher compensation for the loss of their husbands who had died for their country. Mrs J M Vasey received an ovation for her address to the meeting. She was the wife of Major-General Vasey, during the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. This reproduction on display board may have been for an exhibition of Guild memorabilia at some time. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this board, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Newspaper article 'Widows of War Protest - City Rally' reproduced on a display board for signage of an exhibit.war widows guild, jessie vasey, wwg

South Yarra, Vic. : Hyland House, 1986 xii, 288 p., [36] p. of plates : ill., facsims., ports. ; 25 cm. non-fictionHistory of the War Widows Guild of Australiawar widows -- australia -- societies and clubs -- history., war widows' guild of australia -- history.

A bookmark made to honour the founder of the War Widows Guild, Mrs Jessie Vasey. It has a photo of her and the Guild Motto on the front and a brief summary of the guild on the reverse. The Guild Motto: "We all belong to each other. We all need each other. It is serving each other and in sacrificing for our common good that we are finding our true life", which was taken from the Christmas speech of King George VI in 1941. Mrs J M Vasey was the founder and president of the War Widows Guild. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After her husband Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild, established on 22 November 1945. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this bookmark, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Bookmark honouring the founder of the War Widows Guild.war widows guild, jessie vasey, wwg

Index, bibliography, ill (b/w), p.276.non-fictionThis is a story not only of the War Widows Guild but of the telling of energy, released through grief, of women fighting for their children and their mateswar widows guild of australia - history, vasey jessie mary, 1897-1966

A bookmark made to commemorate the creation of a labyrinth in 2012 at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in honour of Jessie Vasey, the founder of the War Widows Guild. It has a photo of a labyrinth symbol on the front. It also says labyrinths are places of contemplation and renewal. An ideal place of reflection to acknowledge and remember those that we love and have loved. Where we can take time to reflect upon our thoughts and feeling and make peace with ourselves and others. Mrs J M Vasey was the founder and president of the War Widows Guild. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After her husband Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild, established on 22 November 1945. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this bookmark, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Bookmark honouring the creation of a labyrinth in honour of the founder of the War Widows Guild.war widows guild, wwg, jessie vasey

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached French waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. Legatee waiters included Lucky Luscombe George Woodward and John Stevenson (President in 1993). This photo was used to promote the 1993 WWI widows luncheon. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Black and white photo of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1992.widows, function

A special luncheon was held for World War I widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. They would sing for the ladies, Legatee Eddie Jowett is helping lead the singing. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. Legatee waiters included Lucky Luscombe and George Woodward. President David Millie is seen speaking to the ladies. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo x 9 of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1995.Printed on the back 9490182 N N N N 2widows, function

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as French waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. Legatee waiters included George Woodward and Eddie Jowett. There was singing as entertainment, Eddie Jowett helped with the singing. It is assumed to be 1998 as Tom Butcher appears to be the President talking to the ladies (in 00933.5). The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11am at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo x 10 of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1998.Printed on the back "widows, function

A special luncheon was held for World War I widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached French waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. Seated with the widows is President Geoff Swan who was president in 1992. Also Sir Weary Dunlop attended. Another photo shows a film crew from SBS recording the event. Legatee Lucky Luscombe is seen serving bowls of food. Also President Swan presenting flowers to Audrey the lady who ran the kitchen. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo x 11 of a World War 1 widows lunch.widows, function

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Also Legatee Eddie Jowett led some singing. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. Seated with the widows is President David Millie who was president in 1995. Another shows Legatee George Woodward laughing with widow Mollie Thiele (in purple). Also President Millie in the kitchen thanking Audrey, the lady who ran the kitchen, and her helpers. Audrey is on the far right, next to her is Joan Miller. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo x 4 of a World War 1 widows lunch.widows, function, george woodward

A special luncheon was held for World War I widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. This is 1994 as the author Patsy Adam Smith was a guest and she was the Personality of the Year in 1994 and helped promote Legacy during Legacy Week. The photo of her and L/- Eddie Jowett also appeared in the October edition of the Answer. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled. A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1994 and an article from the Answer.widows, function, answer

A special luncheon was held for 61 World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. 1993 was Legacy's 70th Anniversary and the luncheon followed the WWI meeting on Thursday 12th August. Legatee waiters included Lucky Luscombe George Woodward and Alan Woodward (seen in the Answer newsletter article with his mother Myrtle). Ron Austin, a World War 1 veteran spoke to entertain the ladies.The photos include George Woodward adding a moustache on another legatee. See also 00908 for black and white photos of the same day. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo x 7 of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1993.widows, ron austin, function

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. In 1994 the author Patsy Adam-Smith was a personality of the year helping to promote Legacy. She attended the lunch and in one photo is with Legatee Eddie Jowett and widow Mollie Thiele (red jacket). Legatee Eddie Jowett led the Legatees in singing to the widows. There was also a pianist and a female singer attending. Two legatees reading a song sheet are George Standish and Maurie Lockwood. Legatee Lucky Luscombe can be seen in a false moustache posing for the camera. Also a photo of the hard work being done in the kitchen. Audrey the kitchen lady is obscured at far right. It appears to be Joan Miller with her back to the camera, and Sue Sargent (a widow who helped a lot in the kitchens) is on the right hand side. Other ladies names in the photos are not known. The following year more Legatees followed Lucky's lead and wore false moustaches to provide entertainment. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo x 12 of a World War 1 widows lunch.widows, function

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. The year is unknown but assumed to be 1994. There may be more photos to come and can be added here. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled. The article in the Answer in October 1996 shows the event was still going then, but there were no photos at this stage so added the article here instead. Its a great photo of widow Beatrice Gay.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Black and white photo of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1994 and an article from 1996widows, function, answer

A special luncheon was held for World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached French waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. Legatee waiters included Legatees Lucky Luscombe, George Woodward, Stuart Leslie and John Stevenson (President in 1993). These colour photos were taken at the same time as the black and white photo (00909) used to promote the 1993 WWI widows luncheon. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo x 2 of Legatees as waiters at a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1992.widows, function

A special luncheon was held for 61 World War 1 widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. Legatee waiters included Lucky Luscombe George Woodward and Alan Woodward. Ron Austin, a World War I veteran spoke to entertain the ladies. See also 00907 for colour photos of the same day. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Black and white photo x 8 of a World War 1 widows' luncheon in 1993 and two proof sheets.widows, ron austin, function

A special luncheon was held for World War I widows as a lead up to "Legacy Week". Legatees dressed up as moustached waiters to add a bit of humour to the day. Legatees include L/- Lucky Luscombe and L/- George Woodward as waiters and L/- Salty Saltmarsh making a speech. Due to its success it was held for a number of years. The note with these photos says it was 1996. And the widow featured in Answer article in October 1996 is in these photos wearing the knitted beret. The WWI group would meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 at Legacy House for many years until their numbers dwindled. The article in the Answer in October 1996 shows the event is a great photo of widow Beatrice Gay.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo x 5 of a World War I widows' luncheon in 1996 and an article from the Answer in October 1996.widows, function, answer