Historical information

Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records.

Physical description

Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - Relief during the great depression

This item includes the following documents:

8672.86a The document is a handwritten letter dated 30 October 1934, written from 84 Harrison Street, Iron Bark, from M. O'Brien, and addressed to Mayoress Mrs Staples.

The writer explains that she is in difficult financial circumstances and is unable to provide adequate clothing for her children. She respectfully asks Mrs Staples if she could help by providing clothes, explaining that her children do not have suitable summer clothing and that she cannot afford to buy anything for them.

She mentions that Mrs Bennett had previously been very kind by sending flannel clothing and winter shoes for the children, for which she was very grateful. Encouraged by that earlier generosity, she asks whether Mrs Staples might also be able to assist with clothing, noting that the children are now at an age when they especially need good clothes.

The letter closes with a polite expression of gratitude and hope that Mrs Staples will be able to help. The writer signs the letter "Mrs O'Brien" (the surname is somewhat difficult to read due to the handwriting).

A note at the bottom of the page provides additional context, stating that the writer had already explained her situation to Mrs Bennett. It also lists the ages of the children as approximately 12 years, 10 years, 4 years, and 3½ years, indicating that the request concerns clothing for four young children.