Historical information

"Dear Alice" Is a collection of 142 Postcards from Australia and around world, almost all of which are addressed to Miss Alice Evans, No. 2 Cox Gardens, Williamstown, dated between 1905 - 1909. These postcards form part of a collection found in the ceiling of No. 2 Cox Gardens by a local builder and carpenter Gordon Peterson. Peterson was contracted to demolish the house in the mid 1970's. The cards were held in the Estate of Gordon Peterson, along with a photo of the cottage, before demolition until donation to the historical society by his descendants in 2024.

Alice Edith Evans was born in Williamstown in 1885 to parents Benjamin Samuel Evans (1833-1900), a bootmaker from Ruabon, Denbighshire, Wales and Catherine (nee Jones) (1850-1915) from Eaglehawk, near Castlemaine.
Alice had three older step sisters, and two younger brothers, Benjamin and Samuel, who sadly died in infancy.

Alice’s father, Benjamin, had been married previously, his wife dying during childbirth, leaving him with three daughters to care for.

After leaving school, Alice was employed as a clerk with Trevor Jones & Co. (real estate agents), until her declining health prevented her from working.

She was an active and well known member of the Welsh Church and Sunday School on Ferguson Street and enjoyed singing and playing in local concerts.

Well known in the community, a Grand Benefit Concert was organised in her honour on 9th April, 1910, at the Mechanics Institute, Williamstown. Hosted by Mayor Cr. Wymark, the event featured a delightful program of musical performances, showcasing both individual talents and the Carlton Club Choir.

Tragically, Alice passed away due to the effects of her illness on 3rd December 1910, at the age of just 25.
She is buried in Williamstown Cemetery.

Significance

The postcards, written between 1905 to 1906, illustrate the social history of residents and everyday life at the turn of the century, using postcards as a means of communication.

Physical description

Part of a collection of 142 Postcards. This depicts the town of Maryborough, Victoria,

Inscriptions & markings

A souvenir from Maryborough, Australia, Evans ford, Railway Station