Historical information

Empire Day was an annual celebration in Australia, held on Queen Victoria's birthday on 24th May, to promote loyalty to the British Empire. Celebrations included patriotic songs and recitations for schoolchildren, often followed by a half-day holiday, bonfires, and fireworks. The observance began in 1905 and was eventually renamed Commonwealth Day in 1958.

Our Collection includes several photographs signed BONSEMA WODONGA or sometimes simply TBW.

Thomas Peter John Bonsema was born in Wodonga in 1876 to Peter John Bonsema and Mary Ann nee Nash. His name first appears on the Electoral Roll for Wodonga in 1909 and on the Electoral Roll in 1912 he is listed as a photographer. His photographs capture many scenes and events around Wodonga and surrounding areas.

Thomas Bonsema married Minna Louisa Jones in 1912. By 1914 he had moved to Chiltern, Victoria where he established Bonsema’s Photographic Studio. From this time onward many of his works bore the signature “BONSEMA CHILTERN”. As well as continuing to photograph landscapes and important buildings, Mr Bonsema was often the official photographer at school and community celebrations. He also sold many framed photographs and postcards from his premises at 68 -70 Conness Street, Chiltern.
By 1943 Thomas John Bonsema had relocated to New South Wales and died in Beecroft, NSW on 14th July 1944.
Some of his photographs are held in the Victorian State Library and Mitchell Library Sydney Collections.

Significance

This image is significant because it documents an important celebration in Wodonga and was taken by a recognised photographer born in Wodonga.

Physical description

A black and white image of people celebrating in the centre of Wodonga, 1910. A title and the photographer's name are written on the image.

Inscriptions & markings

EMPIRE DAY WODONGA
GENERAL VIEW OF PICNIC
BONSEMA
WODONGA