Historical information

The object is a promotional pocket calendar produced for distribution by a Victorian state member of parliament. Such calendars were commonly issued as electoral ephemera during the mid twentieth century, serving both a practical function and ongoing name recognition throughout the year. The inclusion of address and telephone number reflects pre mobile communication practices and local electorate servicing.

Significance

This item has historic and social significance as an example of locally produced political ephemera associated with state parliamentary representation in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. It provides evidence of political communication strategies, graphic design conventions, and everyday interactions between elected representatives and constituents in 1970.

Physical description

Small rectangular pocket calendar card, printed in blue and white on thin card stock. Recto features a halftone photographic portrait on the left with printed political text on the right. Verso contains a full twelve month calendar for the year 1970. Corners are rounded. Visible surface wear, light staining, and minor edge abrasion consistent with use.

Inscriptions & markings

Recto (printed): “with the Compliments of / JACK MUTTON / M.L.A. for COBURG / 20 Albert Street, Fawkner / Phone: 359 2353”.
Verso (printed): “MUTTON for SERVICE / CALENDAR 1970” with monthly calendar grids January–December.