Historical information

This item relates to the civic and social life of the City of Broadmeadows during the early 1960s, a period marked by rapid population growth and municipal consolidation. The invitation documents a formal civic ball organised by the municipality and held at Essendon Town Hall prior to Broadmeadows having its own dedicated civic facilities. The event reflects the role of ceremonial and social functions in reinforcing civic identity, municipal authority, and community cohesion during a formative period in Broadmeadows’ development.

Significance

This invitation is significant as a representative example of mid‑twentieth‑century municipal ceremonial ephemera that documents the civic and social activities of the City of Broadmeadows in 1962. It demonstrates how local government used formal social events to foster community identity, reinforce civic authority, and maintain social networks during a period of post‑war expansion. The item has strong provenance and interpretive value for understanding municipal culture and civic life prior to the opening of the Broadmeadows Town Hall.

Physical description

Rectangular printed invitation card on cream card stock with rounded corners. Text printed in black formal script. Coloured City of Broadmeadows municipal seal printed at head.

Inscriptions & markings

Recto:
The Mayor and Mayoress of Broadmeadows/request the pleasure of the company of/......../at a Ball/in the Essendon Town Hall/on Tuesday, 5th June, 1962, at 8.30 p. m./THE FAVOUR OF A REPLY ADDRESSED TO THE TOWN CLERK, BROADMEADOWS, IS DESIRED/NOT LATER THAN FRIDAY, 25TH MAY, 1962./ON RECEIPT OF ACCEPTANCE ENTREE CARDS WILL BE FORWARDED.
Verso:
Accession label “WI 4258” (upper right)