Historical information

This program was produced by the Snowy River Mail for a community singalong held in Orbost on Tuesday June 2 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11.
In June 1953 , Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and Pakistan, and became the Head of the Commonwealth. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as monarch took place on 2 June 1953. Elizabeth ascended the throne at the age of 25, upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952, and was proclaimed queen by her various privy and executive councils shortly afterwards. The coronation took place more than a year later because of the tradition that holding such a festival is inappropriate during the period of mourning that follows the death of a monarch.

Significance

This community event was typical of the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family. This item reflects the significance of monarchy for Australia and the constitutional history of Australia.The item reflects the interest in the royal family to Australians at this time as well as the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family.

Physical description

A white paper program with the words of songs printed in black. There is a rust mark from a metal staple in the top left corner. It is titled "Your Coronation Community Songs".