Historical information
The book details the first fifty years of Melbourne Legacy. The book was written by Mark Lyons. The foreword was written by Sir Roden Cutler V.C., K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., C.B.E.. Governor of New South Wales. From the National Library of Australia's website:
'The first Legacy club was formed in Melbourne in 1923 by a group of young men who had served together in the Australian forces in World War I. They were all in business and sought to help other ex-soldiers in business. After two years, they changed their objectives, deciding henceforth Legacy would care for the widows and children of their war-time comrades. Legacy clubs were soon functioning in all states in Victoria. There are now 47 Legacy clubs within Australia and one in London. They have almost 7000 members and care for over 100,000 widows and children, on whom nearly $3 million is spent annually, all of it raised by public subscription. This study, commissioned by Legacy for its fiftieth anniversary, provides the first detailed history of this uniquely Australian organization. Legacy is firmly rooted in Australian society. Its members are all returned servicemen and share in that special ex-service tradition that began with Anzac. They belong to Australia's middle class. They help people generally less well off than they, but manage to do so without demeaning its recipients. This history traces Legacy's first fifty years in considerable detail, but places it firmly within its social environment. It will be of interest, not only to current and past members of Legacy, but students of Australian history and society, and all who are concerned with Australia's welfare services.'
Significance
The publication depicts the people involved and the evolving nature of Legacy from the small beginnings of 1923 over the first fifty years.
Physical description
Navy blue book published about the history of Legacy, including photographs of activities and early members.
Inscriptions & markings
Spine, Legacy The First Fifty Years, Lyons, Lothian. All embossed in gold.
