Historical information

The date on the photograph states "approx 1946", actually 1947. The Bendigo RSL conducted Annual and Debutante Balls for many years as a fund raiser.

The following article appeared in the Argus;
“Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Thursday 14 August 1947, page 8
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12 debutantes presented at Bendigo Ball
Early Victorian posies which matched the pastel flowers in their hair were carried by the 12 debutantes who came out at the Annual RSL Ball at Bendigo Town Hall last night.
The debutantes, who were presented to Lieut-General and Mrs V. A. H. Sturdee, were Eileen Clarke, Daphne Green, Norma Knopp, Doris Purtell, Inez Somerville, Eileen Simpson, Joy Taylor, Olive Tope, Judith Waters, Elvie Walker, Patricia Young, and Dorothy Herbert.
The official party included Cr and Mrs D. W. Streader, Mayor and Mayoress of Bendigo; Cr and Mrs. McEwen, Mayor and Mayoress of Castlemaine; Major-General Rankin, MP, and Mrs Rankin; Mr Galvin, Minister for Lands, and Mrs Galvin; and Colonel Lansell MLC, President of Bendigo RSL.”

Physical description

Photograph B & W on light cream backing board. There are 12 young men, 12 Debutante girls, 2 Flower girls and 1 female Chaperone.
Text has been written on the front in blue pen and black pencil.

Inscriptions & markings

In blue pen and black pencil, "RSL Deb Ball approx 1946", In black pencil, "Bruce back row 7th from left, Olive 2nd back row from left", in black pen, "Reg Brock Bendigo"