Historical information

Dora Walker (married 1928 taking the name Simpson) had a long association with the Mission as a member of the Ladies Harbour light guild. This image is similar to another image in the collection which depicts the garden of the Walker family where many fund-raising events and hosting of seafarers took place. Rev Weller dates the image to around mid to late 1920s. In the 1960s and 70s Dora was president of the LHLG which later merged with the Flying Angels. She was awarded the MBE for her services to the community in the 1970s. Dora's son David Simpson is a volunteer still iat MTS n the 21stC.

Significance

The Walker and Simpson families are examples of long association and commitment supporting the Mission to Seafarers. As they are researched it is clear the stories of these families document not only support for the Mission but are also shown to have been significant contributors, leaders and donors to the broader Melbourne and Victorian community from the 19th Century and up to the present day.

The photograph shows the garden in its early years.

Physical description

Group portrait depicting 4 men in suits standing (reverend Weller on the right), a man sitting on the grass, next to a woman in white summer dress (Dora Walker), sitting on a chair in front of the men. They are photographed outdoor probably in the mission's garden (in the background we can see the letters E-EX on a building wall, thought to be from the Extension Bond and Free Stores located next to the mission at the time)