Historical information

Gathering of seafarers and MTS clergy and LHLG members, at Glenfern 1906.

Mrs Mary Danne daughter of Reverend Kerr Johnston was a widow at the time and was renting Glenfern, the property once owned by the Boyd family, and started a private primary school she called Newington College.
A member of the Mission's committee from 1905 to 1926 when she passed away, a bras plaque was made in her memory and placed in the chapel of the Flinders Street Mission. (see item 0690)

In the Standard published on Saturday 17 November 1906, page 4 we could read:

"In connection with the Victoria Missions to Seamen a successful and pleasant outing, was given to the sailors in port on King's Birth day. Mrs. Danne, of "Glenfern," St. Kilda, threw her house and grounds open tor sports and tea. Cricket, football and sports were enthusiastically pursued, and ample justice was done to the substantial tea provided by Mrs. Danne and her friends. The Misses Danne, Miss Godfrey and other ladies were untiring in their attentions. Mr. Axell, first officer of brig Fairy Rock, in a few appropriate words thanked Mrs. Danne and the ladies, on behalf of the sailors, for their kind hospitality. Snapshots of the party were taken by Mrs. Goldsmith. Mr. C A. Holmes and Mr. Cedric Campbell acted as stewards and starters for the races. On the invitation of the chaplain (Rev. A G. Goldsmith*) ringing cheers were given for Mrs. Danne and the ladies. Before the party broke up Mrs Danne addressed a few kind words to the men and gave them all a shake of the band at the gate. The rest of the evening was spent at the Institute, Beach street, where games and competitions were carried on to the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music. The prizes won at the sports etc., were distributed, and after singing the National Anthem the party broke up."

Significance

Thanks to the article in the Standard, Saturday 17 November 1906, page 4, we learn that some of the early sepia photographs were taken by Mrs Gurney Goldsmith herself.

Physical description

Small monochrome photograph depicting a group of seamen and ladies with the Mission's Flagstaff.