Historical information

This invitation reflects formal civic culture and municipal ceremonial practices in Broadmeadows during the early 1960s. It documents the tenure of Councillor R. W. Wallace as Mayor and highlights the use of Essendon Town Hall for regional civic events prior to Broadmeadows having its own large formal venues.

Significance

The invitation is a representative example of mid 20th century municipal ceremonial practices in Broadmeadows, illustrating formal civic hospitality, design conventions, and local governance history.

Physical description

A cream coloured printed invitation card with rounded corners. Black printed script and serif text with City of Broadmeadows crest at top centre. Recto printed; verso blank except for adhered reference label.

Inscriptions & markings

Recto, printed text: “CITY OF BROADMEADOWS”/“The Mayor and Mayoress of Broadmeadows/(Cr. and Mrs R. W. Wallace)/request the pleasure of the company of/……………/at a Mayoral Ball/in the Essendon Town Hall/on Tuesday 4th June, 1963 at 8.30 p.m./THE FAVOR OF A REPLY ADDRESSED TO THE TOWN CLERK, BROADMEADOWS, IS DESIRED/NOT LATER THAN FRIDAY, 27TH MAY, 1963/ON RECEIPT OF ACCEPTANCE ENTREE CARDS WILL BE FORWARDED.”
Verso, adhered label: “WI 4343”