Historical information
Elaine Margaret Milnes of Tallangatta married David Ernest Mann of Wodonga on 30 March 1957.
At the time of their first meeting, Elaine was living in Tallangatta where her father had moved as a bank manager. She was a member of the Drama Club. She and David met at the Rutherglen Town Hall whilst attending an Arts Festival. David was attending as a member of the Wodonga Music Club.
David Mann was the son of Ernest and Evelyn Mann of Wodonga who had operated the family business since 1921. David joined the business in 1945 and became the managing director of Mann Wodonga from 1965. Under his management and leadership, it expanded to become one of Australia’s largest regional shopping centres, with a Supermarket, Hardware Store, Steel Store, Plumbing and Industrial supplies store, at one stage employing over 100 people. He continued to head the business until it was sold in 2006.
He was a leader in many other fields in the Wodonga community, from leading the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce to scouting, Apex and Rotary and was a prime mover in establishing Aware Industries for people with disabilities. He chaired the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce on several occasions. David was a man of vision who was involved in many charitable and community organisations. These included membership of the hospital board and President of the Wodonga High School Council. was a prime mover in establishing Aware Industries for people with disabilities.
Elaine also played an active role in the business. She developed and managed a quality giftware department from 1969 to 1987. Some of her local involvements included the School Mothers’ Club and Kindergarten, Girl Guides, the Quota and Penguin Clubs and Meals on Wheels.
David also advocated passionately for the development of a university and TAFE to be established in Wodonga. In 1993 he inaugurated the Jonathan Mann lectures series at La Trobe University in honour of his grandfather. The university honoured Mr Mann in two significant ways, giving him an honorary degree of Doctorate of Law in 1998 and in 2002 named its new library the David Mann Library.
David Mann died in Albury in June 2012. Elaine now (2024) lives in Melbourne.
“The little I have done for Wodonga and district is only in return for what Wodonga and district has done for me.” David Mann
Significance
This dress was worn by Elaine Milnes at her marriage to David Mann who became a prominent businessman and contributor to many aspects of the Wodonga community.
Physical description
A wedding dress dating from 30 March 1957.
The dress consists of a fitted bodice with tulle frills around the body. The bodice has a square neckline decorated with tiny seeded pearls and blue stones. The long sleeves are made of sheer tulle with lace and a frill at the wrist. The skirt is made of two layers of white tulle with five lace and tulle frills around the body. Under the tulle is a pale blue satin slip with two more layers of white tulle underneath it.
It was worn with a fingertip length veil held in place by a lace coronet. The bridal bouquet consisted of red and white roses. The bride also wore a single string of pearls.
The dress was made by Olive Ferris Wedding Dresses of Sydney.
