Historical information

David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968).
Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Beryl initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. The children attended Mont Albert Central School.
Lily's sister Alice married Hector Williamson (1892-1981) in 1921. Hector was a civil servant and worked at the Melbourne Museum, where accommodation was provided. They had one daughter Margaret.
Another sister Minnie (Min) married Hector's brother Charles (Charlie) Prosser Williamson (1893-1961). Charlie was an engineer and ran a hardware business in Whitehorse Road (near the tram terminus). They lived at 12 Barloa Road and had one son, Donald Williamson, born 1924. Donald (Service number VX146389) entered RMC on 28 February 1942 and graduated on 14 December 1943. He enlisted the following day as a Lieutenant with the 2/32 Infantry Battalion. He was mentioned in Despatches "for exceptional service in the field S.W.P. area". Promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 6 March 1947; was killed in action in Brunei on 3 July 1945. Williamson was buried in grave B.C.10 in Labuan War Cemetery, Borneo, Malaysia.

Significance

This is part of a large donation related to the Deakin, Mair and Young families with connections to the Surrey Hills / Mont Albert area.

Physical description

A sepia coloured photo with a cream border of 2 girls in either a front or back garden. One is sitting on a cane chair and holding a young baby; the other is standing close by. The fence behind appears to be of constructed of posts with a metal horizontal support and wire mesh.

Inscriptions & markings

REAR: In blue biro "Isabel Beryl / Margaret Williamson / (cousin) / Auntie Alice & Uncle Hec / her mother & father"
The handwriting is believed to be that of Beryl Mair.