We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
Seven pages typewritten essay titled: "just a fleeting glimpse of a portion of Victoria" (as seen during the springtime of 1944). In the essay John Ellison describe a journey he took from Melbourne to the northwestern part of Victoria, the various towns he went through and some of the people he met.
Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
John Ellison was a teacher at Wail primary school in the 50's before moving to Natimuk primary in 1956
Five pages typewritten report of a teachers' conference held in Horsham (most likely in the 50's).
Several corrections in red pen.
primary teachers, horsham
One-page handwritten reference letter from the principal of Tooan to the Secretary of the Education department in Melbourne. The letter is dated 02/02/1940. In the letter the principal, Mr. Robert Grey, gives a glowing reference for Leslie John Ellison. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
tooan, reference, school teacher
Four pages programme of Christmas carols. A programme of appropriate Christmas music arranged by the Dimboola junior chamber of commerce, conductor: Mr. B.L. Dalitz, pianiste: Mrs. Stephan. In association with the Dimboola citizens' band conducted by Mr. S. Lehmann in the Dimboola Park Thursday, December 22, 1955, at 8pm. The are two copies of the same programme. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
christmas carols, dimboola
Two letters of reference issued by the Shire of Arapiles to Mr. John Ellison. The first dated 18th September 1941, the second 23rd September 1941. Mr. Ellison worked for the shire for nine months as assistant and acting secretary in a capable and courteous manner. Signed by John T. Head (President), W.G. Grant (Councilor), William Sinclair (Secretary). Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
local government, shire of arapiles
John Ellison worked as an English teacher at migrant camps near Horsham in the 1950's
Typewritten letter to Mr. L.J. Ellison, Wail via Dimboola from the Commonwealth of Australia Universities Commission dated 09/08/1950. The letter advises Mr. Ellison that a numbers of copies of the textbook "English for newcomers to Australia" revised edition would be sent for use in the classroom. The letter is signed F.H. Williamson (Officer in charge). Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
teaching, enlish as a second language, horsham
A collection of writings by John Ellison on various topics. Probably done during the 1940's. The letters are all type written. Titles are: "Seaside thoughts", "Just another front", "A glimpse into the past", The opening Geelong railway station", "Be popular", "Housing". Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
geelong railway, seaside, geelong buildings
Two handwritten letters by John Ellison. Date and addressee unknown. The first letter written on a Municipal Clerks' Board letterhead describe life as a law student. The second is titled "Lambing season in Victoria. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
lambing, farm life, law
John Ellison worked part time with migrant workers in the Wimmera somewhere in the Wail - Dimboola area.
Two typewritten documents, the first of four pages titled: New Australians, the second of three pages titled: Primary industry and labour (migrant reference). The first one is signed by L. John Ellison S.S. Wail 10/02/1950. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
A note in pen on first page signed by P. Ellison and dated 04/09/2018
new australians, migrant workers
A six pages document titled: "The visit of the Duke of Edinburgh to Australia 1867". Author unknown. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
duke of edinburgh, 1867, royal visit
Writings on various topics. Some are glued inside a notebook. Two others are on loose pages. The notebook has a view of a lake/river with several small villages on the banks. location unknown. Topics are: "The Australian Aboriginals", ' The Great Pastland Movement", Problem of Urban Planning" and "the Plea of Youth".
On the cover and on the first page a stamp: L.J. Ellison A.I.M.A.
australian aborigines, pastoralist movement, urban planning
Six pages typewritten document titled: Axedale Waterworks Trust - Duties of Secretary. The document is signed by M. Brennan (acting secretary). Date stamped "Strathfieldsaye 21 Mar 1963. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
axedale, axedale waterworks trust, secretary, 1963
"Can Can" is a musical in two acts, music by Cole Porter and book by Abe Burrows.
Bendigo Operatic Socety Music Programme for "Can Can" - a musical in 2 acts, opening for 6 nights, 16th, 17th 18th, 23rd, 24th and 25th November 1972 - A5 booklet with 16 pages - booklet consisting of lists of individuals participating and organizing the concert, advertisements, acknowledgments, synopsis of story and scenes. Included also are cast, musical numbers and Orchestra.
programme, concert, bendigo operatic society, capital theatre
"The Student Prince" is an Operetta in four acts, music by Sigmund Romberg and book and lyrics by Dorothy Donnelly, based on W. Meyer-Forster's play "Old Heidelberg".
Bendigo Operatic Socety Music Programme for "The Student Prince" - a musical in 4 acts, opening for 6 nights, 15th, 16th 17th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th June 1972 - A5 booklet with 16 pages - booklet consisting of lists of individuals participating and organizing the concert, advertisements, acknowledgments, synopsis of story and scenes. Included also are cast, musical numbers and Orchestra.
programme, concert, bendigo operatic society, capital theatre
James Ferguson Mahoney was born in Bendigo in 1901. He enlisted in the RAAF in 1941 and was dicharged in 1945.
Reference for Mr. J F Mahoney (assistant manager at Myer Bendigo) dated 26th June 1941 for admission to RAAF. Reference is on Myers, Pall Mall & Williamson Streets, Bendigo letterhead. Cream coloured paper/
social history, myer business history
Three pages handwritten document of what looks like an early draft of a short story or novel set in the Australian bush. Probably written by John Ellison in the 1940s. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
australiana, native bush, draft, short story
Gillies Pies was started by three brothers from Charlton, in central Victoria, Les, Alan and Norm Gillies who left their farm after the 1940s drought and headed to Bendigo to start anew. From their first small bakery in Mitchell Street, the brothers eventually went on to employ about 200 people with wholesale and retail locations spreading across the state and distribution including Melbourne.
A double-sided sign, both sides are identical. A yellow sign with red writing, GILLES curved above the face of a boy eating a pie. GB. In blue writing, PIES & PASTIES. Baked Fresh Daily. There are three holes on each side for mounting.
gilles pies, signs
"Annie Get Your Gun" is a musical loosely based on the life of Annie Oakley. Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin.
Bendigo Operatic Socety Music Programme for "Annie Get Your Gun" - a musical in 2 acts, opening for 6 nights, on 18th, 19th and 20th November and 25th, 26th and 27th November - A5 booklet with 16 pages - booklet consisting of lists of individuals participating and organizing the concert, advertisements, acknowledgments, synopsis of story and scenes. Included also are cast, orchestra and musical numbers.
programme, concert, bendigo operatic society, capital theatre
John Ellison was working in Geelong for a few years during the war. He did not join his brothers and father in the army as he was rejected on medical grounds. This rejection related to a severe eye problem.
A five-page typewritten report of a speech that the general manager of the Geelong theatre company in the early 1940s on the state of the motion picture industry at the time. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
motion picture, geelong
invitation to Myer Christmas Party 1947
Invitation from Mr. A H Lawrence to Miss D Bulbeck and Mr. J Snell to Myer's Christmas Party to be held at the YMCA Hall on Monday December 22nd 1947 at 8 PM. Crimped edge on card.
social history, myer business history
Music by Vivian Ellis and lyrics by A.P. Herbert, the third of five musicals they wrote together.
Bendigo Operatic Socety Music Programme for "Bless the Bride" - a musical in 2 acts, opening for 5 nights, commencing Friday 18th June, 1971 - A5 booklet with 12 pages - booklet consisting of lists of individuals participating and organizing the concert, advertisements, acknowledgments, synopsis of story and scenes. Included also are cast, orchestra and musical numbers.
programme, concert, bendigo operatic society, capital theatre
City of Bendigo mayoral acceptance of invitation for Myer manager.
Mayor of Bendigo, Cr. JCM Jeffrey, accepts the invitation of the Management and Directorate of Myer Bendigo to attend a dinner on the 28th January 1970; at the Shamrock Hotel in honour of the occasion of his retirement of Mr. JF Mahoney as Manager of Myer Bendigo. Acceptance on the City of Bendigo letterhead, written 12th January 1970.
social history, myer business history
This document was part of a media campaign to have Mr. Gray, the boss, of the nursery at Wail reinstated to that position after being forced to retire. the media campaign was successful.
A five pages typewritten document titled: The Wimmera Forest nursery and what it has to offer to Northwestern tree growers by L. John Ellison. The document was sent to the editor of the Educational Magazine in Melbourne. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
On front page in pencil: Mr. Gray
wimmera, wail nursery
"The King and I" is the fifth musical by Rogers and Hammerstein
Bendigo Operatic Socety Music Programme for "The King and I" - a musical in 2 acts, opening for 5 nights, commencing 6th June, 1969 - A5 booklet with 16 pages - booklet consisting of lists of individuals participating and organizing the concert, advertisements, acknowledgments, synopsis of story and scenes. Included also are cast, musical numbers, Orchestra, and details of the ballet "The Small House of Uncle Thomas".
programme, concert, bendigo operatic society, capital theatre
Myer 25 year club invitation
Invitation to past and present members of the Myer 25 Year Club (presented on Myer 25 Year Club letterheaded paper) to "Celebrate with Dame Merlyn Myer her Sixty Years Association with our Company". Event to be held on Saturday 2nd February 1980 in the Mural Hall from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
social history, myer business history
Gillies Pies was started by three brothers from Charlton, in central Victoria, Les, Alan and Norm Gillies who left their farm after the 1940s drought and headed to Bendigo to start anew. From their first small bakery in Mitchell Street, the brothers eventually went on to employ about 200 people with wholesale and retail locations spreading across the state and distribution including Melbourne.
A double-sided sign, both sides are identical. A white sign with black writing "GET ME A GILLES''. Red writing with blue shadows GILLES curved above the face of a boy eating a pie. GB PIES AND PASTIES There are three holes on each side for mounting.
gilles pies, signs
A four pages typewritten document titled: A purposeful method of planning a successful art syllabus. Bendigo Teachers' college, 1963' Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
bendigo teachers' college, 1963, art syllabus
correspondence from Myer Emporium Melbourne.
Letter from Mr. S. Baillieu dated 14th January 1970 accepting invite to Mr. J.F. Mahoney's Farewell Dinner to be held at the Hotel Shamrock on Wednesday 28th January 1970 at 6:30pm.
social history, myer business history
John Ellison was at the Ballarat teacher's college in 1947 and was editor of the students' newspaper.
Two copies of the Ballarat college student's newsletter. Volume 2 of the "Standard" from 1947 and a Christmas edition of College chat 1947. The newsletters present many folds and rips. Dirty with rust spots and stains all over. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.
On the front page of the Standard in pencil "to Mr. Pedevick best wishes editor: l. John Ellison on the front of the college chat in pencil: l john Ellison.
ballarat, college, students newsletter, 1947
The magazine was edited by Reverand R.C. Nugent Kelly as an Anglican Church publication. Reverend Kelly: Born in 1858 to Robert George and Mary Kelly (nee. Walker) of Birkenhead, England. Married Emma Louisa Edith Cremer in 1882 in England Died 11 Oct 1936 in Hornsby Shire, New South Wales, Australia Kelly joined All Saints Bendigo in 1896 where he edited the 'Our Own Magazine' and established a reputation for effective financial management. He left Bendigo in 1901. Much of his life was spent dedicated to church work which was documented as early as 1890. Now known as Old All Saints Cathedral, the church is located on the Northern corner of Mackenzie Street and Forest Street. The church was closed in 2015 and has remained abandoned. The church is located across the street from Bendigo Historical Society on Mackenzie Street. The Lambeth Conference: "The first Lambeth Conference took place in 1867 when the Archbishop of Canterbury, Charles Thomas Longley, invited the bishops of what would become the Anglican Communion to gather for a conference at Lambeth Palace.... There were two main issues that led to this invitation: First, a growing desire, expressed by many bishops around the world, to gather in order to pray, to study scripture and to confer together and, second, to address difficult pastoral and theological issues that were causing divisions between bishops around the world. These issues related to how the Christian gospel was and should be expressed in different cultures... Over successive Lambeth Conferences the mind of the bishops was expressed through published resolutions. These resolutions have touched on every area of the life and mission of the church... It has encouraged and enabled significant decisions to be made by the member churches" The 1897 conference resulted in 62 resolutions including the desire and establishment of regular conferences every ten years.
1 October 1897 Edition of 'Our Own Magazine: A Church Monthly for the People'. The front cover contains the phrasing "registered as a newspaper" directly under the 'O' of "Our" though has been categorised as a magazine. Printed in black and white, the 10 page (not including covers) contains several advertisements for local Bendigo businesses. The cover showcases a hand drawn image of a robed man holding a ribbon "For God and His Church". The back cover shows a large black and white image of Enterprise Baking Powder. Other images include logos for local business and an ornate header on the front page. There are also ornate drop caps throughout the publication. The magazine includes articles pertaining to The Pope, the Lambeth Conference, Alexander Mackay of Uganda, the death of W. Walsham How (Bishop of Wakefield, C of E), the establishment of a press committee by the Anglican church, summaries of important sermons, mission notes, Parish news, baptisms, marriages and deaths. Centre fold and stapled together, each page is presented in a two-column layout. There is only one staple in the spine. Some pages extend past the edge of the cover.
reverand richard charles nugent kelly, all saints cathedral, bendigo, anglican church, lambeth conference, 1897, old all saints curch, local businesses
correspondence from Myer Emporium Melbourne.
10772.26a Letter from Myer Emporium Melbourne to Mr. G. Brown of Bendigo providing details of Myer "East Credit System" for the purchase of a "Valencia" cycle, dated 31st January 1936. Letter signed by the Credit Manager (not clearly legible). 10772.26b provides details of the Myer credit plan to paya off the purchase of the cycle.
social history, myer business history
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.
