Historical information
Photograph taken from the cafe on the opposite side of the road
Physical description
colour photograph
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Photograph taken from the cafe on the opposite side of the road
colour photograph
For Return Complimentary Ball held at St Kilda Town Hall on 15 August 1922.
White coloured paper receipt form printed in dark blue.
st kilda mayoral function, st kilda balls
Date 14 May 1919.
Cream coloured card, printed in red, blue and brown, folded. Paper insert, printed in brown and stapled to cover, contains details of the program for the evening and names of those presented. Back cover has 1914 sepia photograph of 14th Battalion.
14th battalion aif, wwi
Card belonged to Pte George Clarendon Hyde.
Folded cream card printed in brown. Coloured paper insert fastened with brown cord.
Handwritten No 1115 Pte G Chyde. 14th Btn. 4th Brigade AIF.
wwi, gallipoli, 14th battalion aif, general birdwood
Permit for permission to be absent from camp. Lieutenant Colonel Richard Edmond Courtney CB, VD, whose signature block appears on the permit, was the Commanding Officer for the period August 1914-1915, including the Gallipoli Campaign.
Cream-coloured paper document, printed in black on one side, over-stamped in purple ink
Over-stamped: 14th BATTALION A.I.F.
wwi, 14th battalion aif, richard edmond courtney
White coloured card folded and printed with colours and gold printing. Folded insert of white paper printed in blue. Pages stapled. Cover has split at the fold and become unattached from the insert.
sir ronald munro ferguson, 14th battalion aif, australian imperial forces
Booklet contains photographs of: THH the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York; Earl of Hopetoun, Governor General, and Countess; Commonwealth Ministry; The Royal Party at Government House Melbourne; TRH the Duke and Duchess Landing at St Kilda Pier; The Mayor of Melbourne Welcoming His Royal Highness at the entrance to the City; Procession Passing down Bourke Street; Presentation of War Medals to Victorian Soldiers; The Duke of York and his Staff; St Kilda and Prahran Arch; City Arch; Procession passing Princes Bridge; Opening Ceremony at First Federal Parliament; Citizens' Arch; Queen Victoria Arch; Royal Yacht Ophir; Warships Gromoboi (Russian) and Brooklyn (USA); German Arch; Chinese Arch; State School Fete at Exhibition Building; The University Commencement; Group of Fijian Constabulary; Laying Foundation Stone, Soldiers' Memorial Ballarat; Visit to South Star Gold Mine, Ballarat; Illuminations at Princes Bridge and Flinders Street Station; Illuminations at Parliament House and Treasury; Illuminations at Town Hall and City Arch
Gold coloured paper cover embossed and tied with gold thread. Contains 16 pages of cream coloured paper printed in black, some with blue decorative margins.
Handwritten inscription on title page: 'For the Boy from Grandfather in memory of a very happy time we spent together May 1901'
duke and duchess of cornwall and york, royal visits, 1901, opening of parliament, federation arch, st kilda and prahran arch, city arch, german arch, chinese arch
Collector's banner, with provision for details of authorised collector number
White coloured paper printed in red
st kilda beach, st kilda carnivals
Order of service and hymns for patriotic service held on Sunday May 9 (year unspecified but likely to be 1915). Featuring grand combined choir and held in St Kilda Town Hall.
White coloured paper folded program printed in black
wwi, world war i, grand combined choir, st kilda
The ANZAC Day medallion was struck by the Education Department of Victoria for school children in 1916, to commemorate the first anniversary of the ANZAC Forces landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. It was issued for sale to children and the general public.
Circular medallion with head of King George V facing left on obverse, and a wreath surrounding the word 'ANZAC' on the reverse
Obverse: FOR KING AND COUNTRY 1916 Reverse; ANZAC (surrounded by wreath) DEPT. OF EDUCATION VICTORIA LEST WE FORGET 25 APR 15 (around circumference)
wwi, world war i, anzac day
Wartime entertainment held at St Kilda Town Hall on 11 August 1917.
Cream coloured card folded once to make 4 pages and printed in pink on 3 sides. The program of dances is printed on the inner pages
wwi, world war i, st kilda town hall
The former St Kilda Soldiers’ Lounge was opened by the St Kilda Patriotic League and the YMCA in 1915, and run by Mrs Lucie Hallenstein. Located in the refreshment rooms of the former Comedy Theatre, Lower Esplanade, it provided a place for returned soldiers to relax and socialise. By mid-1916 the average weekly attendance had reached eight hundred servicemen. The lounge remained popular until it closed in 1920.
Cream coloured card folded once to make 4 pages, printed in green on 3 pages. The program of dances is set out on the inside pages.
wwi, world war i, st kilda - history, st kilda town hall
Text from card: 'On the night of 24th April 1918, the Australians made a daring and clever counter attack in the darkness, recaptured Villers-Bretonneux, stopped the German advance and saved Armiens. This, and the Battle of Hamei, were only a prelude to the smashing advance which commenced on 8th August.' Contains illustrations of 'Australians Advancing from Villers-Bretonneux, August 8th 1918' from an original painted by AIF War Artist Captain Will Longstaff; 'Capture of Hamei Village, July 14th 1918, by Australians assisted by a Detachment of Americans' by War Artist A Pearse. Both paintings were made for the Australian Comforts Fund. The Australian Comforts Fund was an umbrella organisation for voluntary bodies set up on 24 August 1916, after the outbreak of World War I. It was dissolved on 16 April 1920 but was re-established in 1940, during World War II and dissolved again in 1946. Card made in England by Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, publishers to the King and Queen.
Oblong sheet folded in half to create 4 pages, all printed in colour and including illustrations and very full documentation.
'Graham Clarendon Hyde 14 Btn AIF' 'Given to Historical Society of St Kilda by Mr G Hyde N Zealand August 1980'
aif, world war i, wwi, australian comforts fund, 14th battalion aif, villers-bretonneux, battle of hamei
Commemoration in London of the first anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. On 25 April 1916, around 2,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers marched through the streets of London to the Abbey. The service was held in the presence of King George V and Queen Mary.
Two pages of paper, buff coloured with age, printed both sides, folded and stapled to make an 8 page document. The order of service is set out on pages 3-8.
wwi, world war i, anzac, anzac day, gallipoli, aif
Christian Brothers College, St Kilda, was established in 1878 as a private secondary college for boys. Since 2021, following the closure of its sister school for girls, Presentation College Windsor, it has operated as a co-educational school called St Mary's College.
Pale blue square card with black printing on one side
Printed on face: Christian Brothers' College, St. Kilda, ANNUAL CONCERT, St Kilda Town Hall, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 1918. Proceeds in aid of Christian Brothers' Training College Jubilee Fund. His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Mannix will Preside. Row J 81 ADMIT ONE This part to be given up at the Door.
st kilda town hall, st kilda schools, christian brothers college, christian brothers training college, 1918, 20th century, dr mannix, christian brothers
Program for the first opening of Parliament after Federation. Prince George Frederick Ernest Albert (1865–1936), Duke of Cornwall and York was the second son of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. The visit was part of an Empire tour and a tribute to the response made throughout the Empire during the Boer War. On their return to Britain the couple were proclaimed Prince and Princess of Wales and, on the death of Edward VII in 1910, became George V and Queen Mary.
White coloured folded program, printed in purple
Front page/cover: UK Coat of Arms In Celebration of the Opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia. To meet their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. Reception by His Majesty's Ministers of State for Australia, at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, on the 9th May, 1901. Middle pages: Programme (items listed) Back page/cover: Refreshments Will be Served all the Evening on the Ground Floor and in the Galleries
1901, opening of parliament, duke and duchess of cornwall and york, royal visits
The 'Council' to which the card is addressed is presumed to be St Kilda Council. The Board of Public Health operated from 1890 to 1920 and consisted of a Chairman, the Medical Inspector and seven representatives elected by the councils of municipal districts.
Cream coloured card printed in gold
Stamped '6688' The Board of Public Health SENDS GREETINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR To the Council As the Local Health Authority, With all Good Wishes for Successful Co-operation in the Protection of the Public Health during 1909
board of public health, 20th century, city of st kilda
The Argus, 27 September 1867 p4 - MARRIAGES: NICHOLSON—SWINDELLS.—On the 12th inst., at Christ Church, St. Kilda, by the Rev. D. Seddon, John, eldest son of the late Hon. W. Nicholson, to Gertrude Sarah, youngest daughter of the late James Swindells, Esq., of Manchester. No cards. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5779002 Barham House was built in 1850 by Edward Bernard Green (1809-1861) a successful land speculator. It was a magnificent residence built in the regency style to the design of architect John Gill and set in landscaped grounds of nine acres and included an ancient Swiss cottage. When Green died in 1861, his executor was his neighbour, William Nicholson (1816-65) who owned Fernleigh immediately to the north in Grey Street, but actually lived in Barham House during his time as Premier of Victoria 1859 - 1860 until his death in 1865. In 1866 Richard Twentyman purchased Fernleigh from the Nicholson Estate and a year later he married Nicholson's widow, Sarah. Both remained at Barham House until June 1870. In 1871 the building was substantially remodelled and re-named Eildon. It is one of the larger surviving 19th century houses in Melbourne.
Black and white photocopy of invitation, wedding breakfast menu and envelope
(handwritten) Original in possession of Lady Johnston. (handwritten) Gerty's marriage? Invitation: Mr and Mrs Twentyman request the pleasure of [unclear] Johnstone's Company at Breakfast on Thursday the 12th at 1 o'clock. Miss Swindells Mr John Nicholson. Ceremony at Christ Church St Kilda, at 12, Noon Barham House, Grey Street, St Kilda Sept. 2nd. 1867 The favour of an early answer is requested Menu: Déjeuner Barham House, St Kilda, 12. September, 1867. Menu items listed on following page Envelope: [unclear] Johnstone Esq Care of J C Johnstone Esq Sunbury
barham house, christ church, st kilda, 19th century, eildon house, grey street
Blue coloured card, printed in black ink both sides, folded
Front cover: Southern Rifles Annual Invitation Ball will be held in the Orderly Room, Punt Road, on Friday Evening, August 25 Inside pages: List of dances and engagements, some of which have been recorded by initials written in handwritten pencil Rear cover: List of committee members
southern rifles
Rippon Lea mansion and garden was created for Sir Frederick Sargood, a wealthy Melbourne businessman, politician and philanthropist. This is why the program notes that the event was 'By kind permission of Liert. -Col. Sir Fred. Sargood, K.C.M.G.' The event was in support of the Boer War and the program sets out the names of performers, dignitaries, sponsors and organisers and gives details of activities including songs, recitations, a display of pictures of the war, illuminations etc
White coloured paper, folded and printed both sides in blue and red (being the program for the event) plus a smaller page printed in pink (being words of choruses sung)
Front of program shows emblem of Empire Patriotic Fund and iconic images of the British Empire, and a photograph of Rippon Lea estate. The back page has an etching of a cannon. The Words of Choruses include words to A Prayer for Our Soldier, Comrades Song of Hope, and A Prayer - Lest We Forget.
rippon lea, boer war, empire patriotic fund, 1900
From 1845, separate and competing volunteer fire brigades were established in Melbourne and grew in number. Following the passage of the Fire Brigades Act 1890 and the creation of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) on 1 May 1891, the 56 volunteer brigades that then existed were disbanded and the firefighters were invited to join the MFB. The MFB was abolished in 2020 and the firefighters absorbed into the newly established Fire Rescue Victoria.
White coloured rectangular shaped card printed in black on both sides. Hole in top left hand corner.
Front Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The Ninth Annual Ball. Orderly Room (Corner of Albert and Gisborne Streets) EAST MELBOURNE, Friday, 11th October, 1901. MFB QUADRILLE. 1st Fig. 1st Set; 3rd Fig, 1st Set; 3rd Fig. Lancers; Spanish Waltz; Circassian Figure. JARRETT'S BAND. J. C. PRICE, M. C. Stewards: MESSRS. H. HARRISON 7 R. GLENNON W. CAVE, Hon. Sec. Back: List of dances, against which some names and initials have been written by hand
metropolitan fire brigade, orderly room - east melbourne, jarrett's band, 20th century, melbourne - history
Green coloured card printed in black on one side only
The Zelda Social Club will hold a Social Gathering on Wednesday ... 1906. At the Prince of Wales Hall, Duke Street, Balaclava, Op. Tram Terminus. Under the strict supervision of Mr. C TROY, Hon Secretary. Visitors only admitted by invitation of Club Members. Recommended by Mr. .....
zenda social club, prince of wales hall, balaclava, 20th century, st kilda - history
Queen's College St Kilda was a private boy's school established by Robert Silby Bradley in 1879. The Warehousemen's Cricket Ground is now known as the Albert Cricket Ground and is operated by the Melbourne Cricket Club. It is located between St Kilda Road and Queens Road.
Black and white photocopy of folded programme, 4p.
Queen's College, St Kilda. Programme of Events at Annual Athletic Sports Meeting held at Warehousemen's Cricket Ground, St Kilda road, Friday, 3rd November, 1899. A band will perform Selections of Music during the afternoon. Lists the judges, officials, competitors and sponsors and the program of events. Some illegible handwritten comments on final page.
queen's college st kilda, warehousemen's cricket ground, st kilda - history
A card encouraging customers to give a gift at Christmas to the boy who delivers or sells them their daily newspapers. Undated but perhaps early 20th century.
Pink coloured card with greeting, verse and image of Santa Claus printed in blue. Stamped on the back.
Printed on front: 'A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to You. Once a Year this Christmas comes - But I come round each day; I bring you all the news there is, in a most respectful way. A Christmas Gift just once a Year Would make me mighty glad; Although I'm only young you know - But an Honest Paper Lad. Stamped on rear: 'Cards, Books and Stationery. You will get satisfaction from McArthur's Agency St Kilda. Latest books & periodicals by every mail.'
st kilda businesses, 20th century, st kilda - history, mcarthur's agency
Although the name of the Mayor and Mayoress, and the year of the invitation are not stated, the fact that music was provided by 'Miss Gertrude Emily Johnson' provides a possible clue as to the date. Gertrude Emily Johnson (1894-1973), coloratura soprano and theatre administrator, was born on 13 September 1894 at Prahran, Melbourne. She was a student of (Dame) Nellie Melba at the women's singing school that Melba founded at the Albert Street Conservatorium, East Melbourne (later the Melba Memorial Conservatorium). The date specified in the invitation, Thursday 19th December, indicates that the event was either in 1918 or 1929. As Gertrude Johnson moved to London in February 1921 and returned to Australia in 1935, when she retired from her singing career, it appears likely that the invitation to the mayoral dinner was for 19 December 1918. Elsie Fraser would have accompanied her on the piano.
Cream coloured card printed in gold and with Christmas bells and holly in green and red, being an invitation for dinner with the Mayor and Mayoress of St Kilda
To mark the Festive Season, and the end of the Year, the Mayor and Mayoress of St Kilda would be very pleased if ... will take Dinner with them in the Mayoress' Room, on Thursday, 19th December, at 7pm. Music by Miss Gertrude Johnson and Miss Elsie Fraser. RSVP before 12th December.
gertrude johnson, elsie fraser, st kilda council, st kilda mayoral function
George Brunning was born in Suffolk, England, on 2 October 1830 and settled in St Kilda in June, 1852. He was a gardener and became part-proprietor and manager of Rule's Nursery in Richmond before establishing the first nursery of his own in 1861. Following his death on 5 June 1893, his sons continued the business. An article published in Punch in 1907 observed 'Nearly all the flowers grown in and around Melbourne, indeed, throughout Victoria, which are not native to Australia, had their origins in the nurseries of George Brunning and Sons. The statement is a large one to make, but it is literally true.'
Single page black and white photocopy of advertisement from an unidentified publication for G Brunning & Son
G Brunning & Son, St Kilda Nurseries, Near Melbourne, Beg to announce they have the Largest and Most Extensive Nursery Stock in the Australian Colonies. Ten acres of our ground are under cultivation with Flowers and Shrubs, upwards of two acres being covered with pot grown plants. We are the biggest Importers of new florists flowers in the Southern Hemisphere, always adding to our Stock all the Novelties as they appear in Europe. Our nurseries are particularly noted for the fine collections of roses, show, fancy and zone pelargoniums, fuchsias, picots, carnations, and other leading Plants, Shrubs, etc. In addition, we cultivate extensively the best and most popular kinds of fruit trees, of sorts suitable for private gardens, or for market purposes. Priced Catalogues are published annually in May, and will be forwarded gratis on application to G Brunning & Son, St Kilda Nurseries, Near Melbourne. Visitors to Melbourne are respectfully invited to inspect our Nurseries.
g brunning and son, plant nurseries victoria, st kilda, 19th century
'A condensed history of St Kilda and the report of the festivities, reprinted from the "St Kilda Advertiser" of the 6th Dec., 1890, together with a list of the subscribers to the cost of the children's fete, and the Treasurer's audit balance-sheet; also, a list of mayors and councillors of the city from 1857 to 1890'. (p8) Also contains advertisements by local businesses.
Cream coloured booklet, 26p, printed in black with gold printing on the cover. Stitched binding. Contains advertisements from local businesses.
Handwritten list of mayors and councillors in 1902-3, 1903-4, and 1904-5 on p21.
city of st kilda, borough of st kilda, st kilda council, 19th century, 1890
Shows a list of St Kilda Football Club office bearers in 1885. Concert held in St Kilda Town Hall under the patronage of the Mayer and Councillors of the Borough of St Kilda
Light blue coloured paper printed in purple, being the program for a concert held in St Kilda Town Hall on 1 September 1885 to aid the St Kilda Football club. Program folded with back page detailing St Kilda Football club office bearers for 1885.
st kilda town hall, 19th century, st kilda football club, 1885
Dance cards became popular in the Victoria era. They were often worn looped around the wrist and had a pencil attached. This card was worn by a man, as indicated by the female names written against the dances.
Green coloured retangular shaped card, edged in gold, printed in black, with corner hole punched. Dance programme on the back. Names inserted in pencil.
Names inserted in handwritten pencil.
dance card, metropolitan fire brigade, 19th century, st patrick's hall
Freemason Lodges in Victoria were numbered in the order they were founded. The Balaclava Lodge was 162 and is now defunct. Dance cards became popular in the Victoria era. They were often worn looped around the woman's wrist and had a pencil attached (note the small hole for this at the bottom corner of this card).
Folded card printed in gold and blue, being dance card for the Annual Ball of Masonic Lodge 162, Balaclava Lodge, held in St Kilda Town hall on 3 September 1896. List of officers of the lodge printed on the back of card. Inside the card is a list of dances and, in handwriting, the names of dance partners.
Names of dance partners, written in pencil. On the back of the card are notes, apparently written much later when the card was donated to the SKHS: 'Gran', 'Mrs Tierney', (illegible).
freemasons, dance card, balaclava lodge, st kilda town hall, 19th century
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.