According to Les Youie (the editor) this is an example of one of the first newsletters produced by the Young Chinese League for its members.

This newsletter is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

One page mimeograph copy of newsletter for members of the Young Chinese League. The newsletter covers both sides of the sheet.

Handwritten in blue on the top middle is: 'SAMPLE' and in black: 'Dec 1955'.

young chinese league, melbourne, newsletters, community organisations, chinese community organisations, les youie

Alma Quon played the drums/piano in the all-girl band the Joy Belles and was its major instigator and leader. It is believed that the band played contemporary western popular music, possibly a jazz/swing style. It was basically a dance band and they played at many Young Chinese League functions. This drum is believed to have been used during the 1950s.

This drum is significant for its links to the all-girl band 'Alma Quon & the Joy Belle', a girl band during the 1950s and the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Drum with mother of pearl laminex shell, stainless steel fittings and skin membrane.

Painted on one side "Alma Quon & The Joy Belles" and on the other "Alma Quon".

young chinese league, alma quon, girl bands, drums, music

This belt was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. It is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.

This belt is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Blue and gold belt with eleven studs running along the centre line.

young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costumes, belts

This headscarf was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. It is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.

This headscarf is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Light blue satin headscarf or kerchief.

young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costumes

This boot was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. It is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.

This boot is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Black boots with white, platform/wedge styrofoam sole, lined with starched interfacing and cardboard

young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costumes, boots

These trousers were obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. These are part of a 'fish warrior' costume.

These trousers are significant for their links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Pale blue satin/silk trousers with elastic waist and ankles.

young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, helmets

This costume tail was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. This is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.

This costume tail is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

'Fish' tail that is attached around the waist decorated with gold scales with a blue trim.

young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costumes

This decorative overskirt was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. This is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.

This decorative overskirt is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Decorative overskirt in three leaf-shaped panels decorated in gold scales with blue trim.

young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costume

This upper garment was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. This is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.

This upper garment is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Upper garment with fish scale decoration in gold with blue trim and a smallstainless steel/chrome half spheres attached to the chest. The sleeves have decorated cuffs and small shoulder 'wings'.

young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costumes

This helmet was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. This is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.

This helmet is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Black and gold papier mache helmet with knob on top and black satin rectangle attached behind.

young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, helmets

This vest was probably used in both China and Australia during the 1940s as a procession garment. It is linked to the Young Chinese League.

This vest is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Child's apricot coloured tunic with blue, floral embroidered border. Circular panel with red Chinese characters adorn the front and back and the tunic itself buttons up on right-hand side. Garment has a square neck and is lined with red striped panel.

Chinese characters in the centre circle read: '軍' and above this in smaller characters '御林'. The large character means 'soldier'. The smaller characters may refer to the rank of the soldiers

young chinese league, processions, melbourne, victoria, china

This mask was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions.

This mask is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

A costume mask of a male character. He has a silver headdress with pink, green and yellow decorations. He has black horns, a black face with pink cheeks, red lips and markings on his forehead, nose and chin. The eyes has been cut out for the wearer to see out of. There is a strap that runs behinds the mask.

young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, masks

This hat was probably used in both China and Australia during the 1940s as a procession garment. It is linked to the Young Chinese League.

This hat is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

A red, purple and blue silk, six paneled hat embroidered with gold braid and adorned with mirrors. Tip of hat has red, silk bobble sewn into place. Each panel is embroidered with gold and orange thread. Among the threads are eight circles of metal around one central, circle. There is a blue band around the bottom and a ribbon tie attached to one panel and it is lined with pale blue cotton fabric.

There is a black stamp of a Chinese character on the inside of the hat.

young chinese league, processions, melbourne, victoria, china

This vest was probably used in both China and Australia during the 1940s as a procession garment. It is linked to the Young Chinese League.

This vest is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Sleeveless jacket in cream and red silk with red circular panel in centre, containing black, velvet Chinese characters that read 'brave' or 'strong'. A red border runs around the sides with a curled design running underneath the circular panel. Three buttonholes at back of garment bear the same design. There is water damage (red staining) around the sleeve and at the bottom right hand corner.

The Chinese character, 勇, in the centre of the panel means 'brave' or 'strong' and is usually associated with soldiers.

young chinese league, processions, melbourne, victoria, china

This mask was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions.

This mask is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

A costume mask of a female character. She has a headdress of pink flowers, green and silver decorations. She also has a high bun. She has painted eye brows, eye liner, rosy cheeks and lips that are painted red. The eyes has been cut out for the wearer to see out of. There is a strap that runs behinds the mask.

young chinese league, costume, mask, melbourne

This vest was probably used in both China and Australia during the 1940s as a procession garment. It is linked to the Young Chinese League.

This vest is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Cream sleeveless jacket with broad navy border along armhold, body and hem. A thin navy borader with thin red piping inside of it encircles the collar. A circular panel is appliqued on the front and back. The panel contains bright blue and red piping.

The Chinese character, 勇, in the centre of the panel means 'brave' or 'strong' and is usually associated with soldiers.

young chinese league, processions, melbourne, victoria, china

This photograph was taken of the debutantes and their partners presented at the annual debutante ball held at St Kilda Town Hall.

This photograph is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Black and white photograph (vintage) with cream frame under glass. Has a cream card mount which provides details of the ball and names the people in the photograph.

Front of card title top centre: 'The Young Chinese League Annual Ball at St Kilda Town Hall, 1947'. Bottom centre: DEBUTANTES Back Row: Alex Chun Tie, Vernon Ah Mouy, Maurice Lee, Robert Kwong. Third Row: Harold Chin, Alan Lim Joon, Lennie Quon, Eric Moy, Edward Chin. Second Row: June Lee Gow, Evelyn Law, Annamae Young, Mrs L.M.Wang, June O'Hoy, Rose lee, Audrey Lau. Front Row: Jean Wing Dann, Marjorie Kwong, Connie Ham.'

young chinese league, debutante balls, st kilda, melbourne

This photograph was taken of the debutantes and their partners presented at the annual debutante ball.

This photograph is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.

Laminated black and white photographic print (copy print) on card.

Front of card, top centre: 'Young Chinese League debutante set 1938'. Front of card, bottom centre. 'Back row: Claude WONG HEE, Jack GOON, Arthur WHEE, Gordon NAM, Gordon LOUEY, Owen YOUNG, Stanley AH MOUY, Harold KONG, Dennis QUON, G TYE DIN, Harold MEW. Next Row: Linda YOUNG, Doris WHEE, Rose YIN, Phyllis POON, Violet TOW, Thelma WING JAN, Kim SHEE, Violet LOUEY, Eunice CHIN, Edna KONG, Betty WHEE, Jean LIM, Norma YOUNG'. Back of card, top right hand corner. Number '1938' has been written in blue pen. Sticker text 'P735 (another version = P587) 93.2.1'.

young chinese league, debutante balls, melbourne