Historical information

The autograph book was a Christmas gift to Reta (Rita) Allan, nee Appleton from 'Isabel' on 25 December 1910. Reta lived her early years at 11 Clarke Street St Kilda before moving with her family to Caulfield.

Significance

The book includes an entry by some members of the entertainment troupe the "Blue Dandies" in Brisbane on 22 January 1912: David Lyle, of Bendigo, a highly celebrated tenor who had achieved significant success in major Victorian singing competitions before joining the company; Howard Stace, baritone; Rosina Palmerston (born Rosina Marie Carandini, granddaughter of the legendary operatic diva Madame Sara Carandini), soprano; Chas Barry, responsible for the troupe's character sketches, monologue jokes, and physical comedy routines; W Easley, dancer and performer; and Percy K Hills, musical director and pianist.
Englishman Edward Branscombe toured entertainment troupes around Australia from 1909, performing a mix of refined vocal harmonies, musical sketches, and light comedy. He adopted the name The Dandies for the troupe in 1911 so as to better reflect their elegant style of costume entertainment. Each troupe was distinguished by a colour and had its own exclusive repertoire.

Physical description

Black leather-covered autograph book with pages in various colours

Inscriptions & markings

On face of book: "Autographs" in gold lettering
Numerous handwritten messages inside