Historical information

Gertrude Kathleen Barry was a music teacher, performer, and director of many musical productions in Linton and district, playing and teaching both piano and violin. She was the youngest of five daughters of Linton policeman/Clerk of Courts Denis Barry and his wife Ellen (née Quirk). The Barry family lived in a house they called "Listowel", which was in Cumberland Street, almost opposite the Catholic Church.
As a pupil of the Sisters of Mercy in Ballarat, Gertrude passed the Musical Society of Victoria pianoforte examination in 1900. She became a music teacher shortly afterwards, teaching both privately and assisting in the music programme at Linton State School. She is first listed as a music teacher in music examination results published in 1906, and it is understood that she ran a private music school with her sister Dora from around this time until about 1915.
The "Misses Barry" frequently performed at local concerts and fundraising activities.
Gertrude moved to Ballarat in 1925, and was still listed as a music teacher in electoral records in 1972. She died in 1976.
The bracelet Gertrude is wearing in the photograph is thought to have been presented to her in 1917 by the congregation of St Peter's Catholic Church in Linton, in appreciation of her many services to the church.

Physical description

Black and white copy of original photograph of a seated lady looking down, and holding a violin and bow. She is wearing dark clothes with lace trim.

Inscriptions & markings

"Miss Barry"