Historical information

The Storey Dance Orchestra was formed in the 1920s by Arthur Storey, playing voilin & banjo, sister Rita-saxaphone,Jean and brothers Bob and Ben. Later, their mother, also Jean, an accomplished pianist and supporter of the orchestra, filled the pianist role after Jean left home to further her career. The car in the photograph was paid for with orchestra earnings. Their music involvement enabled a large family to sustain the farm during the 1920s and 1930s. World-War-Two intervened, this saw the Storey Orchestra disperse, Bob joined Jean in Melbourne, where they continued their musical careers. Ben joined the war effort, leaving Arthur on the farm. Con Taylor played on with a local Dance Band.

Significance

The photograph tells of the important part that music played in the social structure of families and the wider community, and provided another means of income in the depression years of the 1930s.

Physical description

B&W print of the Storey-Dance-Orchestra, 1937/38, Ben Storey-banjo, Jean Storey-piano, Bob Storey-saxaphone-clarinet, Con Taylor-saxaphone, Keith Baker-trumpet, Jack Proctor-drums.
The car,a Ford Rego.No Vic 21695

Inscriptions & markings

None