Historical information

Information on the life of Legatee Frank Doolan from a eulogy in 1988.
Legatee Doolan was a very active Legatee, starting within the first year of Legacy when he was nominated by Bill Laver and Charles Copp in 1924. While he never sought 'office but he was always there - in the background - able and willing to actively serve'.
In World War 1 he enlisted in November 1917 and served with 1st Division Signal Company and in France. After Armistice he attended a course for young AIF surveyors at the British Ordnance Headquarters at South Hampton designed to bring skills back to Australia.
Famously it was Frank that proposed that the spirit of Legacy is service to the widows and children. "Here it received its soul. The thoughts transmitted to the Board by this quiet man."
He was Legacy's link to the Big Brother movement that was sponsoring bereft children in England to be sympathetically housed in Australia. He was a foundation member of the the first boys' gymnasium class and of the literary and debating class. He worked with the Intermediate Legacy Club for it's entirety
He was part of the Legacy team who worked enthusiastically for the establishment of the Shrine. It was his technical skill as a surveyor that enabled the ray of light to shine on the Stone of Remembrance at 11 am on 11th November. Also to solve the complication of daylight saving in 1976 by positioning two mirrors. For this he was awarded the British Empire Medal.
Born in 1896 at Armadale he was educated in Ballarat and South Melbourne. He obtained his qualification as a licensed surveyor at the Working Men's College (now RMIT) in 1919 on returning from war. He was partner in 'Doolan and Goodchild' through the hardships of the Great Depression. Then joined firm of Mendell, Gillespie and Charleman - being supported by Legatee Jim Gillespie. He went on to Lecturer of surveying at the Working Men's College from 1926 to 1938. Then he was assisted by Legatee Alan Murray to a position with the Valuers Section of the Department of Interior. In 1953 he was promoted to be Chief Property Officer for Victoria retiring in 1961.
The page from the Bulletin from 18 August 1988 shows the names of many donors that had paid tribute to Frank. A few sentiments were included by some: 'A quiet, loveable and outstanding Legatee.' 'He was my friend, guide and mentor during the 14 happy years I spent in Legacy.'
The information was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.

Significance

Part of the collection of material held by Melbourne Legacy on Legatee Frank Doolan a prominent member of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.

Physical description

Typed A4 document x 2 pages of the life of Legatee Frank Doolan and one page from the Bulletin with donations received in his memory.