HISTORY NEWS ISSUE.353 APRIL 2021

Purse presented to

Florrie Hodges by INSIDE THIS ISSUE Jane Duff in 1926 The Theatre with the VALE Joyce Woodroff e grand-sounding name VALE Margery Missen The Italian Ossario Murchison A Reminder of what it was like The Royal Exhibition Building: 100 years ago celebrating 140 years of a Trove ePetition icon When heroines gather: how Florrie Hodges met Jane Duff All events are held at the RHSV unless otherwise noted. Bookings are recommended for all events and can be made What’s on AT RHSV through the RHSV website: historyvictoria.org.au/rhsv-events/ RHSV NEWS RHSV

VICTORIAN COMMUNITY HISTORY when the inventive locals of Albury locals Senior Counsel with a top 500 insurance AWARDS – NOW OPEN used their towns lights to fl ash A L B U R company and a curator of a nationally Closing date: 5pm, Wednesday 7th Y in morse, then turned their race-track signifi cant insurance archive. July, 2021 into a make-shift airstrip using their car headlights to allow the lost Dutch entry, Digital entry available on the RHSV HISTORY WRITERS’ GROUP the Uiver, to land. The next morning the Tuesday 27 April. website. The 2021 awards cover project same locals hauled the bogged plane out which will come to fruition between 1 July of a quagmire so that it could continue to Tuesday 25 May. 2020 and 30 June 2021 (inclusive). Melbourne to claim 2nd place. Every entry FREE The awards are not just for publications but in that race had an amazing story to tell. The History Writers’ Group is for RHSV cover collaborative community projects, Visit the exhibition and be immersed in the members only. It is led by Dr Cheryl Griffi n oral history, multimedia, podcasts, romance and drama of early fl ight. and meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday of apps, maps, walking tours, virtual tours, each month from 11:30am – 1pm. These exhibitions, musical interpretation, journal AGL SHAW LECTURE: LAW, events are hybrid – some people choose articles, videos, projects which cover LAWYERS & LA TROBE to meet at the RHSV and others choose cultural diversity and activities which to Zoom. This is a very interactive group enhance awareness of local community Tuesday 20th April 6:30pm / $35 which shares information and assists records including digitising, indexing, and each other with problems they have original research. Co-presented with the C.J. encountered in their history writing. Cheryl La Trobe Society, the AGL is not only a respected historian but also HOLSWORTH GRANTS – NOW OPEN Shaw Lecture, is part of our Distinguished a splendid teacher. Closing date: 31 July 2021 Lecture series The RHSV administers the Holsworth Dr Simon Smith AM FRHSV is a leading CATALOGUING CLINICS Grants each year which were established legal history scholar. His work has included Thursday 22 April overseeing the research and publication to aid the publication of rural and regional Thursday 27 May history by not-for-profi t organisations such of an authorised history of the Supreme as historical societies, clubs, schools and Court to mark the 175th anniversary of that 11am by ZOOM / FREE museums. Grants of up to $2,000 are court in . He is a regular contributor Jillian Hiscock, the RHSV Collections awarded. to scholarship in that area and also a Manager, hosts these clinics an hour leading insurance historian. His most More information: historyvictoria.org. from 11am on the 4th Thursday of each recent book is on the history of Solicitors month. It is a relaxed gathering of people au/programs/holsworth-local-heritage- and the Law Institute in Victoria. grants/ who are fi nding their way through the As a Monash law undergraduate in the intricacies of cataloguing material in THE MACROBERTSON 1970s, he helped found ’s fi rst historical collections which, as we all know, INTERNATIONAL AIR community legal centre, the Springvale fall between a library and a museum with RACES EXHIBITION Legal Service. With that venture, he sometimes a bit of art gallery thrown in. became the fi rst clinical legal education Jillian always prepares some material on Mondays – Fridays academic in Australia. He is also a some specifi c queries but questions are 9am–5pm / FREE founding editor of a leading practice text, encouraged and, remember, a problem MacRobertson’s International the Lawyers Practice Manual. shared is a problem halved. The clinics Air Races of 1934 produced feats of In the 1980s, Simon was a pioneer in are conversational in format rather than a great courage and derring-do. There alternative dispute resolution and was seminar. If you are new to cataloguing or was tragedy and triumph. A tragedy was the first ombudsman in the Australian an old hand you will fi nd plenty to interest averted in the middle of a stormy night fi nancial services sector. Later he was you in these sessions.

PLAN FOR HISTORY History News MONTH NOW October is History Month. History News is the bi-monthly newsletter of the RHSV We encourage all historical ROYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA INC. societies to hold an event during history month – there EDITOR Sharon Betridge PRESIDENT Richard Broome is a great suggested list of events on our DESIGN & ARTWORK Centreforce Pty Ltd 5975 8600 EXECUTIVE OFFICER Rosemary Cameron PRINTED BY First Class Mailing 9555 9997 ADMINISTRATION OFFICER Rebecca Toohey website which is a great place to start Items for publication should be sent to the Editor COLLECTIONS MANAGER & VOLUNTEER your brainstorming. We encourage you EMAIL [email protected] COORDINATOR Jillian Hiscock to think about collaborations with local History News copy closes 2nd of the month: May, July, September, MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR Jessica Scott schools, libraries and other community November, January, March unless in consultation with the editor. organisations – spread the joy! RHSV welcomes submission of articles for inclusion in History History House News. Publication and editing will be at the discretion of the 239 A’Beckett Street Melbourne 3000 History Month overlaps with the Seniors editor and the Publications Committee as directed by our Terms Offi ce & Library Hours: Monday to Friday Festival and Children’s Week so why not of Reference. 9am to 5pm Phone: 9326 9288 devise and event or two which can be COVER IMAGE: Purse presented to Florrie Hodges by Jane Duff in Website: www.historyvictoria.org.au 1926. ‘Museums Victoria’. See page 17 featured in more than one program? Email: offi [email protected] PRINT POST APPROVED PP336663/00011 ISSN 1326-269 ABN 36 520 675 471 Registration No. A2529 historyvictoria.org.au/brainstorm-history- month-event-ideas/

2 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 RHSV NEWS Table of President’s contents report News and articles The Theatre with the grand-sounding name ...... 8-9 The Italian Ossario Murchison . . . . .14-15 By the time this edition of History News dominant fi gures in our local area? What is out, I will have travelled to Ouyen to was the First Nation’s history of our The Royal Exhibition Building: present Merle Pole, from one of our region? Our personal wellbeing is clearly celebrating 140 years of far fl ung 330 affi liated societies across enhanced by volunteering in the history a Melbourne icon ...... 16 Victoria, with an RHSV Award of Merit for movement. But there is no doubt that When heroines gather: how Florrie 2020. Her contributions to the History there is also a social good emanating from Hodges met Jane Duff ...... 17 Centre at Ouyen have been sustained for our eff orts. Local communities and their over three decades and have resulted in a identities are enhanced by knowledge of VALE Joyce Woodroff e ...... 18 truly magnifi cent resource for researchers their origins. We study history to know our VALE Margery Missen...... 18 into the future as well as Merle’s own book past and to know ourselves in the present. A Reminder of what it was like on Ouyen’s place names. She has also Therefore, before the 2021 award 100 years ago ...... 18 been president for over twenty years. nominations close in just a few weeks Trove ePetition ...... 9 The following week the RHSV hosted a consider nominating someone from your delayed 2020 award’s ceremony for other society; see the information on page two Regular features recipients. of this edition. It requires a page to set What’s on...... 2 In a few weeks, after this History News out their achievements. The criteria are is broadcast, I will also journey to the that their work for an affi liated society President’s report ...... 3 Croydon Historical Society to present of the RHSV must have been sustained, Message from the editor ...... 3 an award to Les Hutchinson, aged 88, normally, over ten years and must be Heritage report: Australia’s World who was also unable to receive his exceptional. The person being nominated Heritage in the spotlight ...... 4-5 award due to the pandemic. Les has does not need to have written a notable for over forty years contributed to the publication or publications, but must A Hall of fame: preservation of Croydon’s history by have done something exceptional to The Bundy is reborn ...... 5-6 writing several books, mentoring several advance their society’s eff orts to protect History Victoria Support Group other publications, leading a huge oral or disseminate the local history of the area, (HVSG) ...... 7 history project on Croydon, speaking beyond the routine holding of offi ce. Around the societies ...... 10-11 on the area’s history countless times to This is not to say that offi ce bearers do schools and community groups and by routine work, they do not! Their eff orts are Windows on history: The Beaney promoting Croydon’s history on Radio invaluable. But this award of merit is an Stained Glass window ...... 12-13 Eastern FM. He has been honoured exceptional award for exceptional eff ort. It Books received ...... 20 several times for his work. is the gold medal of the history movement. The altruism of these award winners is I hope that those who win such an award, truly magnifi cent. Of course, we volunteer and those around them, see it for what it in the history movement for more than just is: a truly remarkable honour for sustained nominee is unsuccessful in 2021, please altruism, as our eff orts satisfy a buzzing and outstanding contributions. try again next year, because we are only able to present ten awards each year, to in our heads about something in the past So please consider honouring those who uphold their meritorious nature. we want to explore. How did the places deserve it, with a nomination. And if your we inhabit come about? Who were the Richard Broome AM Editor’s Note: Seeking contributions History of Aboriginal peoples of Victoria: celebration and awareness

For the June issue of History News, • The role of archaeology in understating we plan to focus on the history of First the Indigenous past Nations peoples in Victoria and we • Aspects of the history of colonisation invite relevant articles for consideration. and its impact on Aboriginal peoples We especially extend this invitation to since 1788 Indigenous authors within the Victorian • Impact of early missionaries community. • … and many others. Suggested topics include: Please contact me with any questions. We • The role and importance of Indigenous look forward to receiving your proposals knowledge in understanding Aboriginal and contributions: 200-800 words with an history from Deep Time to the present image or two. • The role of Indigenous knowledge in Sharon Betridge managing and protecting the land and [email protected] its fl ora and fauna

RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 3 RHSV NEWS RHSV

‘Lyndhurst Hall’, Albion Street East, Brunswick, in 1866 Lyndhurst Hall, Pascoe Vale South (photo State Library of Victoria H654, cropped) (contemporary photo, Alex Levia)

Heritage report: Australia’s World Heritage in the spotlight

Australia has four cultural world could easily be joined together, a bit Professor Miles Lewis, the world authority heritage sites: Australian Convict like IKEA furniture. Some were simple on these buildings. I have joined the task Sites, 11 sites across Australia; Budj buildings, not unlike today’s sheds, often force on behalf of the RHSV. The task Bim Cultural Landscape, Victoria; clad in corrugated iron. Others were force will be launched in mid-April at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton sophisticated buildings you wouldn’t Collingwood site of four 1850s portable Gardens, Melbourne; and pick without close observation. Prince ‘Singapore Cottages’. A web site will be House. Now the Central Albert took an interest in the process and set up with a link from the RHSV web site. Victorian Goldfi elds World Heritage ordered a ballroom building for Balmoral, Even world heritage status, however, isn’t bid is underway and the RHSV has which still stands on the castle grounds. full protection. In last June’s History News, The same manufacturer produced a house joined others in a new bid, to obtain I wrote about the threats to the Royal that stands today in South Melbourne. world heritage listing for the nearly Exhibition Building and 100 19th-Century prefabricated or An elaborate double-storey eight-room World Heritage Site. Australia promised ‘portable’ buildings still standing in portable house named Lyndhurst Hall, to create a buff er zone around the Carlton Australia. which arrived in Melbourne on 6 November Gardens, the World Heritage Environs 1854, was erected in Brunswick. Its walls Area (WHEA), to maintain the heritage New developments made possible the and fl oors are made of wooden boards character surrounding the site. But the manufacture of buildings in parts, known joined together by metal tongues. Before Victorian Government removed protection at the time as ‘portable buildings’, that 1870, it was moved to its present site. The from much of the WHEA in 2009. could be shipped to Australia or other veranda was later reconstructed from the colonies and assembled on site. They The result was a forest of towers, topped 1866 photo above. seemed the perfect solution for settlers by the 65-storey twin tower Shangri-La needing houses and public buildings Australia’s collection of portable buildings Hotel under construction near Victoria that could be put up without much skilled is the largest in the world. It represents a Street. The other three sides of the Carlton labour, especially during the gold rushes. unique heritage of 19th century technology Gardens, however, are much as they were Victoria has 63 of Australia’s total of 98 and colonial adaptation. A task force has during the 1880 and 1888 Exhibitions. But extant portable buildings. been set up to foster an Australian bid two proposals now threaten the Fitzroy for world heritage listing. It is led by Tony side of the WHEA: a fi ve-storey tower on Many were of cast or wrought iron, or Isaacson, who chairs the Robin Boyd Gertrude Street, behind Royal Terrace even steel, but many others were of Foundation, and advised by Emeritus and a huge new building for St Vincent’s wood. Typically, they involved parts that

4 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 Hospital on the corner of Nicholson Street The RHSV has participated in a review of RHSV heritage committee wrote to the RHSV NEWS and Victoria Parade. the WHEA, which may result in improved Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage The St Vincent’s proposal is nearly 15 protection, but it will take two years. In Centre to request their intervention with metres higher, the equivalent of five the meantime, it is the responsibility of the Australia Government. This is a big call. normal storeys, than the one it replaces the federal Minister for the Environment But it is the only card we have left to play. and faced in glass. ‘Intended to be to ensure protection of the world heritage You will fi nd the full story on the RHSV web contemporary and visually striking’, it site. The RHSV heritage committee site. https://bit.ly/38Gu4eo wrote to the Minister for Environment would dominate the World Heritage Charles Sowerwine, Area. The RHSV has lodged submissions Hon. Sussan Ley MP on 31 January 2021, 5 March 2021. opposing both proposals. but we have received no answer or acknowledgement. In February 2021, the

A Hall of fame: The Bundy is reborn

From an unremarkable rural hall Locals also donated special entries to threatened with closure to ‘one of local cattle and sheep markets to aid the best sounding country halls the Hall fund. The then Shire in Australia’ – the transformation endorsed the project and supported a of Bundalaguah Hall is almost grant application to Government to cover complete. the £1778 construction cost. The Bundalaguah-Myrtlebank Hall has Built on land subdivided from a local always had strong community roots. farm, the hall stands midway between It was officially opened in November Sale and Maff ra. Red gum blocks for the Top: 1954 following extensive community hall were cut and split at working bees The Bundy Hall now boasts a new fundraising led by the local CWA, which on a local farmer’s property. This type of covered outdoor space as well as numerous upgrades inside. had previously met at members’ homes. in-kind support of materials and skills has Bottom: The branch, formed in September 1946 continued with the most recent upgrades. The tender for construction of the 60 x 30 The basic Bundalguah-Myrtlebank and raised some £500 towards the Hall which faced closure in 2013. project. There were dances, euchre feet hall was called in April 1954 and was Image Bundalaguah Hall committee and other card nights, street stalls, fi lm awarded to W. F. Barton of Maff ra. exhibitions and catering at clearing sales. The Bundalaguah CWA was fi ttingly one

RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 5 RHSV NEWS RHSV of the fi rst to use the hall when the local branch celebrated its eighth birthday on 1 November 1954 with the hall “beautifully decorated for a gay party”. A few days later a planned ball had to be cancelled due to poor weather. The hall was officially opened on 24 November 1954 with praise for the CWA and other locals from dignitaries who noted they had “provided their own community centre”. The offi cial speeches were followed by a “grand supper” with music by Lou Bourbaud’s local band; Lou Bourbard was also a successful shooter with the Sale gun club. The local radio station, 3TR, used a broadcast program line installed to the hall on the evening of the offi cial opening as well to broadcast balls subsequently held in the hall. A schedule of dances, badminton and Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows perform ‘Live at the Bundy’. other community uses were soon in Image Stuart Anderson Photography full swing and the hall was extended with a new supper room and kitchen involved the ‘First Tuesday Blues Club’ pilates and exercise sessions, First Aid constructed by L. P. McMahon in the with musicians who were seeking a new classes and lots of private functions too. 1960s. Dedicated locals continued to venue away from pubs and nightclubs Cu rrently, a $250,000 Future Plan is serve on the committee, with some in Sale: teacher Brett Glover and Paul nearing completion and will ensure the providing a decade or more of service. Ve rsteden. Bundy Hall remains a viable community But in 2012, the hall faced a huge hurdle The milestone 100th ‘Live at the Bundy’ on asset for generations to come and perhaps when the shire closed it down due to 27 March this year featured soul and blues lead the dream of a regional east coast electrical issues. The locals swung into singer Shaun Kirk. In between have been touring network for performers. action with a concerted campaign, letters a host of well-known names including This latest round of upgrades has seen to the paper, a petition with 700 signatures Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows, Jon a massive change to the hall with a large and revitalization of the committee with a Stevens, Eurogliders, Russell Morris and verandah and deck on the northern wider mix of users. Ross Wilson. A few others cancelled side of the hall providing shade and The new committee developed a business during COVID are being rescheduled. shelter for outdoor events. The once plan. This and their enthusiasm won over The plan from the outset was to have overgrown paddock behind the hall has council which upgraded the electrics and premium artists, premium sound and been landscaped and a suitable roadway the committee’s fi rst upgrade involved a premium acoustic environment. But now defi nes the carpark. restumping, a disabled toilet, a smart the intimate setting has appeal for both Internally the hall layout has been fl ipped galvanized iron roof and a new water tank. performer and audience. It might be with the stage moved to the eastern end There were improvements to the kitchen a small venue ‘in the middle of a cow of the hall with improved sound insulation. and a new sound system. The work of paddock’ but it is often included with A new covered area at the western end local farmer and construction contractor large city venues on tours: Newcastle, of the hall is the new entry, improving Paul Versteden on the sound system has Gold Coast, Brisbane, Bundalaguah, access and crowd control. New storage led to a new sideline helping many other Melbourne. “Every community needs a areas and a green room also improve local halls improve their sound systems Bundy Hall…it was an honour to see it the fl exibility of the hall for a variety of and staging. fi rst hand…Viva Euro gliders Bundy Hall!” uses. With the focus on the successful The forward-thinking committee got said Joe Camilleri. trademark ‘live’ music events, the sound behind the dream of converting the hall The Bu ndalaguah branch of the CWA, the system has again been upgraded. into a non-commercial, not-for-profit, largest in regional Victoria, continues to And the success of this dynamic committee all-abilities inclusive, intimate live music meet at the hall and provides a gourmet seems to have inspired other communities and arts venue hosting high quality local, barbecue at each event, again contributing in the local Wellington Shire to reinvigorate interstate and international artists. And so to its upkeep. their own community halls with several ‘Live at the Bundy’ was born with the fi rst And while ‘Live at the Bundy’ is “all about undergoing major facelifts in recent years. featuring Blues guitarist Fiona Boyes in the music”, the hall has other strings to its December 2013; a sellout like most of the Pauline Hitchins bow. There is regular yoga, dancerobics, subsequent shows. One new partnership

6 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 RHSV NEWS

to close their doors. Some retained diversity of the role of historical societies History access to their archives for research but and often acts as a referral to the society, many more have been locked out of that whose rooms are beside the museum. access too. Kyneton is one of five local historical Victoria History Victoria Support Group member societies including Malmsbury, Carlsruhe, Larina Strauch managed to respond to Romsey Lancefi eld and Gisborne and some research queries but most were Mt Macedon, which explore the unique Support put ‘in the queue’ until after COVID history of their home towns in the lockdowns. However, Larina and her exhibition. Using their collections, co-author have completed their Kyneton they illuminate histories of ancient Group history which is now off to printers. megafauna, communities and culture, Instead of the planned celebrations, farming, indigenous occupation, industry, (HVSG) Kyneton Museum, an initiative of the quarrying, winemaking and tourism. Kyneton Historical Society and now run by This year the Kyneton Society will celebrate Macedon Ranges Shire, marked its 50th its 70th anniversary and help the Museum anniversary by posting an online newsreel belatedly mark its 50th anniversary. So just what will the new normal look like? from its opening by Premier Sir Henry We hope all societies will be able to get We are all fast learning to be adaptable Bolte in April 1970. The newsreader on back on track in 2021 and we want to hear and establish new ways to keep in touch, the day observed that “items of everyday what your critical issues are: membership, attend lectures, undertake research life from more than a century ago may cataloguing, conservation or emergency and promote the work of our historical become an interesting tourist attraction preparedness? societies. We’ve also been reminded and industry for Kyneton”: a fact we now Please let us know how the HVSG and of the value of conversations, shared all appreciate. discoveries and the other bonuses the RHSV can help. Also, HVSG would love Kyneton Historical Society has now collaboration of society work provides. to have more members from across the reopened and has been blessed with At a time when we have lost many friends state, so contact us if you are interested in some valuable photos, letters and and colleagues, we are even more helping us determine the best resources documents from those who have sorted aware of the importance of recording and workshops we can develop. out family archives during lockdown. stories, naming pictures and preserving Pauline Hitchins They are also benefi tting from a special memories. exhibition, ‘Unique by Nature, United by Convenor HVSG (RHSV) For most of the past 12 months, museums History’, at the museum. Larina notes the Phone: 0437 29 69 25 and historical societies have been forced exhibition helps visitors understand the Email: [email protected]

RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 7 RHSV NEWS RHSV

The grand early 20th century foyer of the Australian National Memorial Theatre in St Kilda, Melbourne, the only other National Theatre now in existence. The Theatre with the grand-sounding name

The Ballarat National Theatre is This attitude was challenged by a felt it was at the vanguard of a fl owering of a local amateur dramatic society formidable Australian opera singer called Australian culture. The fi rst performance in with a surprisingly grand-sounding Gertrude Johnson. Johnson had studied Ballarat by the Melbourne company of the name. It is one of the longest- under the famous and popular ‘Barretts of Wimpole Street’, was a running community theatre groups enjoyed a successful, though not stellar, crowded success, although the conditions in Australia, for which it deserves career in England in the 1920s. On in the Alfred Hall were freezing, prompting celebration. But the company’s returning to Australia in the 1930s she a call for better venues in Ballarat. name reveals another fact worth argued for a National Theatre in all states Gertrude Johnson’s network of theatres celebrating. It has a rare, ongoing of Australia which would give talented and branches took hold in Victoria and Australian artists performance experience connection to a foundational fl owered in the 1940s and up to the 1950s. in their own country. The Australian episode in the cultural history of During this time Melbourne’s ‘National’ Broadcasting Commission had just been Australia: the Australian National became known as a source of sometimes formed and though there was little formal Theatre Movement. rowdy, but often surprisingly high calibre government support of active cultural performances. Nowadays, when Australian content is institutions Johnson and others had high The Ballarat National Theatre started mandated on TV stations, and we have hopes of a national strategy to keep young producing its own performances in 1939 a wealth of government and privately talent in Australia. funded performing arts institutions fi lling with Smilin’ Through. As other groups In 1935 Johnson founded the Australian every conceivable niche, it is diffi cult to existed locally for music and dance, National Theatre Movement and set up a see why the Australian National Theatre ‘The National’ in Ballarat focused almost theatre in her home base of Melbourne to Movement was such a big deal. But before exclusively on drama. A lively troupe train young people in music, opera, ballet the 1930s, Australia was not seen, nor with a dedicated local audience soon and drama to a professional level. Part of her did we see ourselves, as a nation which formed. And when the intimate 100 people genius was to found supportive branches deserved its own cultural icons or forms of venue, the ‘Little Theatre’, was built in of the Movement, beginning with the cultural expression. We were at the edge the basement of the ANA Building and Melbourne suburbs but extending outwards. of the British Empire. Culture came from Plaza Cinema in Camp Street in 1949, the there, and that was where the best, the The fi rst regional branch was founded company fl ourished. only, culture was found. At the time there in Ballarat in 1938. The Ballarat National Counter to Ballarat’s local success story, was little sense that Australia had any Theatre was formed at a meeting convened the broader National Theatre Movement form of identity outside of England. And by the Mayor of Ballarat, J. H. Trekardo. began to fi zzle out after a peak of activity it was simply expected that the brightest Gertrude Johnson was there and over 100 and critical acclaim in the 1950s. It never and most talented Australian performers people attended. The excitement in the achieved its grand aim of creating a would go overseas. contemporary articles is palpable. Ballarat network of theatres across Australia.

8 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 RHSV NEWS

Left to Right: 1962 Program for Come Back Little Sheba. Image courtesy of the Ballarat Gold Museum. Gertrude Johnson, c 1921. Still from Come Back Little Sheba, produced by the Ballarat National Theatre in 1962. Image courtesy of the Ballarat Gold Museum.

Instead, Gertrude Johnson’s goal of a truly At some point in its journey the Ballarat And the other is the Ballarat National Australian national theatre was realised in ‘National’ lost its contact and connection Theatre, the community theatre company the 1950s when the ‘Elizabethan Theatre with the Melbourne ‘National’ and became in regional Victoria, putting on four shows Trust,’ a national group, was formed. essentially an independent amateur a year in the Courthouse Theatre near the From this organisation developed a State theatre company. Old Ballarat Gaol. Theatre network and the two institutions Now as memories recede, we don’t really Neither company keeps in touch with the Australian Ballet and the Australian know how many branches of the Australian the other, they are linked only through Opera. Johnson herself, sadly, chose not National Theatre Movement were set up threads: name, a bit of history, and to be part of the Elizabethan Theatre Trust, in its heyday; the Melbourne movement remarkable longevity. It’s probably time an organisation she helped initiate but apparently did not keep records of they started talking. which she felt was compromised. Instead, branches as they formed. In 1988 three Lucinda Horrocks, 2014. she kept her Melbourne-based Australian other regional National Theatre branches Wind & Sky Productions was commissioned National Theatre separate and, while it still existed: metropolitan Heidelberg, to produce a history of the Ballarat National remains a Melbourne cultural fi xture to Yallourn and Swan Hill in regional Victoria Theatre in 2013. This article is based on this day, it gradually declined in infl uence, but gradually they severed their ties to the some of the history we unearthed whilst prestige and in numbers. movement and the name. (The ‘National researching the story. The Ballarat National Theatre kept going, Theatre’ in Perth is not connected to producing play after play, developing Johnson’s Movement). Today there exist To watch the documentary fi lm, visit http:// and extending its repertoire and drawing two solitary reminders of Johnson’s www.windsky.com.au/ballarat-national- strong local audiences well up to the 1980s dream. One is the Australian National theatre/ when the Little Theatre was forced to close Memorial Theatre in the glorious old to meet new stringent safety regulations. renovated silent cinema on the corner of Undeterred, the company remained active Barkly and Carlisle Streets, St Kilda, the and eventually relocated to a new venue heart of the Movement since the 1970s. in the 1990s: the Courthouse Theatre in It has trained and continues to train Lydiard Street Ballarat There it still puts generations of performers, struggling on four productions a year to this day. for every dollar to keep its legacy alive.

21 Ronley Street Blackburn Vic 3130 publishp @penfolk.com.au For all your publishing needs … www.penfolk.com.au PPenFolPenFolk e n F o l k PenFolk produces high quality books for historians

»» Our service is adapted to suit your needs, and »» Our services include design andd may include design and production of books, development; writing, editing andd papers and charts; reproducing and retouching proof reading; illustration; graphicc photos and documents; advice and assistance and photographic reproduction;; with writing; designing and compiling family training and support; consultationn tree charts. We can take you through all stages of and advice; printing and delivery off your project, or provide guidance and assistance the finished product. winner Collaborative! with specific elements. Community History We take pride in producing work of the highest possible quality, and provide a service Award 2014 that is personal, friendly, cooperative and confidential Call for appointment (03) 9878 9285

RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 9 Around the societies Prepared by volunteer We welcome Societies to submit an article/event of around SOCIETIES Glenda Beckley on 50 words, or email your Newsletter to us and we will write up around 50 words for you around twice per year. behalf of the History FOR THE JUNE 2021 ISSUE please send details Victoria Support Group. to offi [email protected] by 24th April 2021.

AUSTRALIAN GARDEN HISTORY: Later fi nished; orders now being taken. Cost will 2pm: Annual General Meeting. Society this year the Victorian Branch will be be $5 per booklet plus $2 postage. If you Meetings are held at the Eltham Senior visiting Coolart House and Wetlands would like to order a booklet or if you Citizens’ Centre, Library Place, Eltham. on the Mornington Peninsula. Dr Jan have a service person at the Brighton FRIENDS OF WESTGARTHTOWN: With Schapper has been invited to talk Cemetery please contact Lois on 9558 restrictions easing the Zeibell’s Farmhouse about her connection with the property 4248 or [email protected] museum and garden has reopened with and discuss her 1980 Environmental CASTLEMAINE: The Society to reopen pre-booked entry each Sunday from conservation plan. This week marks the the doors of the Former Court House 11.30am-3pm and on our new Tuesday 50th Anniversary of the signing of the in Goldsmith Crescent from Tuesday, hours of 11.30am-2pm. Bookings can be Ramsar Convention. The Convention’s February 23. Volunteers are looking made at EventBrite via the link on our mission is ‘the conservation and wise use forward to welcoming everyone back after website http://westgarthtown.org.au/ of all wetlands through local and national 11 long months. The Society’s new opening visit/index.htm. New to the garden will be actions and international cooperation, hours will be Tuesday from 10am – 3pm, tours led by the garden’s horticulturalist, as a contribution towards achieving preferably by appointment. To make an Christine Burke. The garden now also has sustainable development throughout the appointment please email the society at QR codes on selected plants. This allows world’. www.gardenhistorysociety.org.au [email protected]. visitors to access additional information BENDIGO: ‘Walks into History’: First To find out more about the Society regarding various plants. Silent reading Sunday of the month, except Easter, at and our holdings visit https://www. hours is a program under consideration, 10.00 a.m. Cost: $5, unless otherwise castlemainehistoricalsociety.com/ likely to be Sunday mornings from 9.30- specifi ed. April 1: ‘Kings Bridge and its 11.30am. This will be a chance for anyone COBURG: The Society has reopened the surroundings a taste of Irishtown’ with to sit and read in the garden with no talking Bluestone Cottage Museum at 82 Bell James Lerk; meet at Gasworks retort or mobiles ringing allowed. While the Street Coburg, on Fridays from 12-2pm house, Weeroona Avenue, Bendigo - note: Ziebell’s Farmhouse may be in the middle and on the first Sunday of the month Unsteady terrain. May 2: ‘Passport to the of suburban Melbourne, it is tranquil and from 2-4.30pm. We have organised Borough’ with Aylene Kirkwood; meet at usually quiet and, wherever feasible, another interesting year of talks to be held the Old Court House, Sailors Gully Road, we will welcome everyone to come and mainly at Coburg Library on a Thursday Eaglehawk. June 6: ‘Mining at Victoria experience it. night at 8pm. To find out more, email Hill with Billy Allen; meet at Victoria Hill, [email protected] or browse HEIDELBERG: Speakers for Heidelberg opposite the Goldmines Hotel. July 4: our website. The Society used social Historical Society evening meetings in ‘Bendigo’s German Community’ with media to connect with its community 2021: 13 April: Terry Young, Chinese Dennis Johanson; meet at Vahland during lockdown and increased its Market Gardens. 8 June: Eleneth Woolley, Drinking Fountain, Pall Mall. membership by generating interest in Ivanhoe Reading Circle Centenary. 10 BRIGHTON CEMETORIANS: Diary Dates local history topics through images, August: Dr David Sornig, The Blue for 2021: April 18: Anzac Walk, angels of discussions online and zoom talks. It was Lake, Finding Dudley Flats and the Mercy Walk, WW1 Nurses. May 23: Law nominated for an AMaGa award for its West Melbourne Swamp. 12 October: Week Walk, Convict Taint. August 8: AGM. Social Media Project in the category of AGM/Members Night. 14 December: October: Sporting People. October: Boyd ‘Audiences and Engagement’. https:// John Anderson, A short history of the Family of Artists Walk. November 14th: coburghistoricalsociety.wordpress.com/ railway line to Heidelberg to mark the Remembrance Day Walk. Ring Lois on centenary of electrifi cation. The talks are ECHUCA: ‘Always Tells a Story’: An 9558 4248 to book. held at the Uniting Church Community exhibition that looks at some of the Centre, Seddon Street, Ivanhoe at 8pm Flag Project: We intend to have an museum’s vast collection of letters, books under applicable Victorian Government Australian Flag attached to a pole to and documents that give an insight into COVID19 regulations. publicly commemorate the role these the lives of early settlers to the region. people had in representing Australia as Now open: Echuca Historical Society KILMORE: What a time to be part of the part of the war eff ort. The pole will be Museum, 1 Dickson Street Echuca, Victoria Kilmore Historical Society! A new home placed in a sleeve that will be anchored 3564 Phone 0407297845. The exhibition with more space than we could dream into the ground at the front of the will close on 3 May 2021 Visit: www. of, new opening hours, so many new grave. Please note that Flags cannot be echucahistoricalsociety.org.au opportunities and even a new committee placed at cremation memorial positions, member. How exciting! We would be ELTHAM: Reduced program until June wall positions or public grave areas. keen to hear from anyone who is familiar 2021: Saturday 3 April 2pm: Heritage Family permission is needed for a service with the history of our new home at the Excursion. Saturday 1 May 2pm: Heritage person to be included. The little booklet bluestone Old Kilmore Post Office on Walk. Wednesday 12 May 9.30am: that will tell the stories of the people in the Powlett Street. We are particularly keen to Committee Meeting. Saturday 12 June fi rst 50 graves to have a fl ag fl ying is nearly hear oral histories from those who worked

10 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 SOCIETIES

or lived here. If you have photographs RINGWOOD & DISTRICT: Using decals, SEYMOUR: In the early 1870s there of the interior we would be delighted to our Heathmont History Group has now was debate as to a location to establish see and copy them. Either contact us via decorated more than 100 of the bollards a town library, and eventually the site Facebook or drop in on one of our open in the Heathmont shopping strip. All the currently occupied by the Pioneer Library days. http://www.kilmorehistory.info/ or artwork has been done by local school was decided on. In July 1974 the Society https://www.facebook.com/kilmorehistory/ children and local artists, the youngest 4 took over the back part of the Library for years old, the oldest 100! This ‘urban silo research and exhibition rooms, and the art’ display has the theme of Orcharding remainder of the building in November Tribute, for the bollards and the shops 1979. We have hosted many historical are on the site of one of the orchards exhibitions and displays, local history book so prevalent in Heathmont one hundred launches, guest speakers and become the years ago. That the theme has been central archive on Seymour and District expressed in many ways is a feature of History: preserving our local history for the bold and colourful display. There future generations. The Library is open are apples and pears, paintings and to the public on the fi rst Sunday of each photographs, trees and ladders, cherries month from 1-3pm, and the third Tuesday KORUMBURRA: The township was and lemons. And only 50 more to do! of each month from 1-3pm, and other times surveyed in 1887, and the fi rst land sales ROCHESTER: We remember the by arrangement. in Commercial Street took place early the devastation 10 years ago. January 15 following year. With the discovery of coal 2011 the Society was inundated with and the arrival of the railway, the town 70 centimetres of fl ood water from the was set to boom. Some buildings of the Campaspe River. We lost books, display time still stand. The self guided historical cabinets, and some display items. We tour was designed and compiled by our were very fortunate with the help of the members. https://bit.ly/3b83D2z We Echuca Historical Society and the Shire of welcome all visitors who wish to see our Campaspe to save a great number of old extensive eCollection or to obtain help in book ledgers and records that were very looking for information. Starting the walk sodden. The process involved wrapping from any point you could visit each site in the individual wet books and photos in a loop that would bring you back to your plastic wrap and freezing. Months later starting point. these frozen articles were Freeze Dried in RICHMOND & BURNLEY: Upcoming Melbourne and returned to our Museum WHITEHORSE: 2021 Diary Dates: events at Studio 1, Kennedy Place here in Rochester in good condition. After Meetings are held at the Schwerkolt Richmond. Booking essential to cater receiving many grants for new shelving Cottage and Museum Complex. Saturday, for numbers due to COVID restrictions: and furniture our Museum was back in 10 April 1pm: General Meeting - Ross email the society or call 94271800. Events business in about 14 months. McMullin - Will Dyson, War Artist. Saturday, will also be available on Zoom. 16 May 5 June 1pm: General Meeting, Jenny 2.30pm: Look What I Found, Mysteries Briely, Vermont, A History. Saturday, 14 and Artefacts from Richmond, discover August 1pm: Annual General Meeting, some of Richmond’s past through items, Rosalie Whalen, WHS. Saturday, 9 images and artefacts. Contribute to a October 1pm General Meeting, Dr. Gary ‘Did You Know?’ session and hear what’s Presland, Coranderrk. happening in the suburb. 20 June 2.30pm: Ghost Signs and the Melbourne Circle, Nick Gadd author of Melbourne circle : walking, memory and loss (2020). With the intensive development in the suburbs, Ghost Signs suddenly appear after being locked away from previous development. Nick has captured many of these nostalgic and historic signs on his webpage. Many have since disappeared behind the new constructions, perhaps waiting for another century until they reappear. Email: [email protected]

RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 11 RHSV NEWS RHSV

Windows on history: The Beaney Stained Glass window

The fi rst Melbourne Hospital opened of money to ensure his reappointment, as times in subsequent years. Unsurprisingly, in 1848 and stood on the corner of was often the practice before 1910. he features prominently in Medico-Legal Lonsdale and Swanston Streets for History doesn’t fl atter Beaney who was Society of Victoria’s ‘Medico-Legal Crimes nearly a century. Thirty years later… loved, hated, admired, despised, and in the Nineteenth Century Melbourne’. “…Mr. Jas. Geo. Beaney, one of the labelled a controversial surgeon, medical Despite his notoriety James George honorary surgeons… expressed his wish pioneer and plagiarist. His flamboyant Beaney was elected to the Victorian to present a stained-glass window, to be clothing, extraordinary coif, diamond studs Legislative Council in 1883. placed in the west wing of the hospital. and rings won him the title of ‘Diamond The Beaney window was designed The committee had much pleasure in Jim’, earned in part through his practice of and made by Ferguson & Urie of North assisting to give eff ect to his generous performing surgery wearing his jewelled Melbourne at the huge cost of £105, and off er, and entrusted the work to Messrs. rings, at a time when sepsis was rife. unveiled on 14 June 1878, a day before Ferguson and Urie, who executed the Another nickname, ‘Champagne Jimmy’, Beaney left for Europe. The window commission to the satisfaction of the resulted from boozy hospitality before and depicts Faith and Hope and the Greek donor. This acceptable present has after his lectures and operations. medical philosopher Esculap (Asclepius), greatly improved that portion of the Beaney’s first charge of medical the God of Medicine and Healing with his building...”. Argus 30 Jan 1879. negligence was in 1866 when he was daughter Hygeia, Goddess of Health and James George Beaney (1828 – 1891), was tried for the murder of St Kilda barmaid, Sanitation. The central scene is from the a native of Canterbury, England. After Mary Lewis. The post-mortem suggested Old Testament, 2 Kings 4-37, ‘She Took completing his training in Edinburgh, he he had performed an illegal abortion, a Up her Son and Went Out’. There is a emigrated to Australia in 1852 and by charge dismissed due to lack of evidence. nurse holding an oil lamp is synonymous 1860 had bought his appointment as Regarded as crass and egotistical, Beaney with Florence Nightingale. The medical an honorary surgeon at the Melbourne performed risky operations his peers symbol below her contains the Caduceus, Hospital. He remained an honorary for would never dare, which almost certainly or ‘The Rod of Asclepius’, being symbols of most of his life, expending large amounts led to him defending himself a further three medicine. Beaney’s heraldic crest is more

12 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 RHSV NEWS

Left to Right: Once Beaney’s private medical clinic, ‘Cromwell House’, on the corner of Russell and Collins Streets, Melbourne. Rexness February 2010. 1873 Lithographic print of caricature of Dr. Beaney. ‘No. 6. - A Collins Street Surgeon. Patients and Diamonds.’ State Library of Victoria

contentious, if not fi ctitious, and the Latin Beaney’s private medical clinic is the to establish motto Virtus sola nobilitas (Virtue is the signifi cant in Melbourne’s architectural scholarships in Pathology and Surgery only nobility), probably wishful thinking. history. ‘Cromwell House’ was designed which continue today. A bequest to The arrangement is now set in a wooden by William Salway and still stands on the his hometown in Canterbury, Kent, frame fl anked by two Ferguson & Urie corner of Russell and Collins Streets, established what is known today as the windows dating from 1867. My first diagonally opposite Scots church. Today it Beaney House of Art and Knowledge. impression was that all the text was is home to the swank ‘Louis Vuitton’ shop Beaney’s window can be seen in the Latin but close examination showed it with ‘Beaney Lane’ behind it. chapel of the Monash Medical Centre was English, but all the glass has been Before Beaney’s death in 1891 he boastfully at Clayton. Unfortunately, it remains assembled back-to-front, except for predicted the timing of his demise to his assembled back-to-front. Beaney’s dedicatory panel at the base housekeeper: ‘…he would sink into a Further information can be found at: http:// that reads: ‘THE GIFT OF JAMES GEORGE comatose state 24 hours before his fergusonandurie.wordpress.com BEANEY F.R.C.S. HONORARY SURGEON death and would breathe his last at 4 Ray Brown 2021 OF THIS HOSPITAL 1878’. o’clock in the morning’ - In his prediction ‘…When the hospital was rebuilt on he was but fi ve minutes astray...” - Argus the same site in 1913, the window was 1 July 1891. relocated to the Chapel facing Russell Beaney was buried in the Melbourne Street. It remained on this site following General Cemetery. Unsurprisingly for a … the occupation of the buildings by the man so determined to leave his mark on former Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital Melbourne, his almost-five-metre-high from 1946 to 1988. In the late 1980s … the granite monolith still dominates that window was transferred to the Chapel section of the cemetery skyline. of Monash Medical Centre’s Clayton His will included many philanthropic Campus…’ – RMH Web site 2021. disbursements, most notably £2,000 to

RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 13 RHSV NEWS RHSV

Prior to the construction of the Ossario, graves of Italian POW’s from Camp 13 The Italian Murchison, were located in the General section of Murchison Cemetery. Each year, beginning mid-1950s, a Mass of Ossario Remembrance was celebrated in the open air at a temporary altar draped with fl ags, until the Commonwealth Government authorized the building of an Italian Murchison Memorial on Australian soil. The Murchison Cemetery Trust handed To mark 75 years since the end of World away during their imprisonment in over a piece of land, fundraising began War 2, Heritage Victoria engaged Heritage Australia during World War 2. They and Mr. Luigi Gigliotti, a notable community Advisor David Helms to research and were military Prisoners of War (POWs) worker in Kyabram collected £25,000 from compile an assessment on the cultural brought to our shores as Italian civilians, the Goulburn Valley Italian community. heritage signifi cance of the Italian Ossario, thought to be a security risk, who were Negotiations occurred with the Italian located at Murchison, central Victoria. both resident in Australia and from allied Government, Consuls, the Commonwealth This resulted in the Ossario being listed territories overseas. War Graves Commission and families of the deceased. This resulted in the remains on the Victorian Heritage Register on Entry to the grounds is through wrought of Italian POWs and civilian internees, the 1 October 2020 as a Registered iron gates with sculptured relief on pillars previously buried in local cemeteries close Place: VHR Number H2405. The offi cial either side. The Ossario is approached to the detention camps in all states of statement reads: ‘the Italian Ossario is of through an avenue of Mediterranean Australia, being exhumed and re-interred cultural heritage signifi cance to the State Cypress, each bearing the name of Italian in one place, at Murchison. of Victoria and is to be included in the Service Organizations. Appearance of Heritage Register, as a Registered Place’. the building is attractive and distinctly The Ossario is constructed of Castlemaine The Italian Ossario, situated in a peaceful Mediterranean. It is quite unique as it stone with terracotta tile roof, bell tower, setting in the south east corner of the was built and is maintained by the Italian and a sanctuary area containing an altar Murchison Cemetery is a sacred place. community, not the Commonwealth War of white Italian marble enclosed with The Italian word ‘ossario’ (old bones) is Graves Commission as other foreign decorative wrought iron gates. The names a place of fi nal rest for human remains war grave cemeteries are in Australia, of the 129 men and one woman who rest that have initially been buried elsewhere. such as the German War Cemetery at here are cast in bronze on the walls of The Ossario shelters Italians who passed near-by Tatura. the sanctuary. The Ossario was offi cially

14 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 RHSV NEWS

dedicated on the 10th September 1961. A It is a European oasis, a little piece of Italy, In 2020, due to Covid-19 restrictions, monument to their fallen comrades built set in the Australian bush-land. the annual service to be cancelled. by Italian POWs at Camp 13 Murchison A remembrance service with speeches, Although unable to attend a memorial was relocated and placed to the left of the Catholic mass and choral singing is service and remember those that rest building in 1968. held annually on the nearest Sunday to in the Ossario, we can at least applaud Initially, a crypt below ground level, housed Armistice Day in November. Hundreds of and celebrate the listing of this unique the caskets but following severe Goulburn Italian relatives, descendants and friends place on the Victorian Heritage Register, River fl ooding in the early 1970s when attend each year, coming from overseas a fi tting acknowledgment of its value to water inundated this underground area, and from all around Australia. Italian and the cultural heritage of our State and of Victorian Health Commission ordered the Australian dignitaries attend the service its importance to the Italian community. It caskets to be relocated above ground beginning with a procession and laying also acknowledges the signifi cant history level. This required extensive alteration of wreaths on the Greco memorial in the associated with POW Camp 13 Murchison. to the Ossario in 1974, with the addition forecourt then the singing of both the Kay Ball, of an area behind the sanctuary to house Australian and Italian national anthems. President, Murchison & District Historical the remains. The crypt was then fi lled in It is a moving and colourful ceremony, Society with sand. A memorial on the right side of with flags flying, music and men and the forecourt created by Attilo Greco was women from Italian Services wearing their installed in 1975, dedicated to the armed distinctive uniforms. forces of Italy.

Enhance your next book with an Index by Terri Mackenzie Founded

Over 30,000 items of Victorian and interstate Professional Back of Book Indexer history, resources for family Member of Australian and New Zealand Society of Indexers history and much more Honorary Victorian Historical Journal Indexer available for loan. [email protected] 9510 3393 www.pmi.net.au 39 St Edmonds Road, [email protected] Prahran

RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 15 RHSV NEWS RHSV

Left: Portrait of architect Joseph Reed Source: State Library of Victoria Bottom: Interior of the building in 1880 Source: Museum Victoria

The Royal Exhibition Building and its and Italian Renaissance buildings. The The Royal surrounding Carlton Gardens were building is constructed of brick and designed for the Melbourne International timber, steel and slate. The dome’s design Exhibition of 1880, by architect Joseph was influenced by Brunelleschi’s 15th Exhibition Reed and landscape gardener William century cathedral in Florence. The Royal Sangster. Joseph Reed was born in Exhibition Building is the only surviving Building: Constantine, Cornwall, England, about Great Hall that once housed a 19th century 1823 and arrived in Melbourne on 4 April international exhibition and is still used for celebrating 1853. In the following year Reed won the exhibitions. Today, the Royal Exhibition competition to design the Melbourne Building fl ourishes as one of the world’s Public Library, now the State Library of oldest pavilions. 140 years of Victoria. By 1890 Joseph Reed was in fi nancial The 1880 exhibition attracted more than diffi culties through land speculation and a Melbourne 1.3 million visitors over eight months and died on 29 April 1890 of ‘inanition and the subsequent Melbourne Centennial exhaustion’ and is buried at Boroondara International Exhibition of 1888 was even Cemetery, Kew. Reed was one of the most icon larger. Electric lighting was installed and talented, prolifi c and infl uential Victorian visitors were now able to visit the building era architects in Melbourne. The Royal at night and so the 1888 exhibition was Exhibition Building displays his skill in the fi rst in the world to have night-time controlling large volumes in an extensive viewings. During the 1880 and 1888 landscape. William Sangster died on 7 international exhibitions, the southern April 1910 and is buried at the St Kilda portion of the Carlton Gardens became Cemetery. The Royal Exhibition Building a pleasure garden with many attractions. and Carlton Gardens were inscribed on In the late 19th century Melbourne was the World Heritage list on 1 July 2004, a prosperous city, basking in the wealth becoming the fi rst building and gardens in from the richest gold rush in the world. Australia to achieve World Heritage listing. When it was built, the Great Hall was Rose Raymen the largest building in Australia, and the Acknowledgements: highest building in Melbourne. Reed’s Museum Victoria design was infl uenced by Rundbogenstil, UNESCO World Heritage Centre a nineteenth- century round-arched Australian Dictionary of Biography architectural style combining elements State Library of Victoria from Byzantine, Romanesque, Lombardic

16 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 RHSV NEWS

When heroines gather: how Florrie Hodges met Jane Duff Duff -Cooper children lost for 9 days in bush, 1864 Argus 3 August 1940

Celebrity for its own sake may be relatively her siblings would become familiar to for the occasion of the presentation of a new but not of course celebrity itself. generations of Victorians who grew up £1000 testimonial to Florrie. The story of Florrie Hodges, heroic reading a version of her story: in an 1864 By all accounts these two unlikely teenager of the 1926 Victorian bushfi res, epic poem by William Stitt Jenkins, in celebrities hit it off. Mrs Turnbull was has recently been revisited in two articles religious tracts, in the School Paper and described as “a woman of great vitality” in the RHSV Journal. In the second, Dr later the Education Department’s School when she arrived by train at Spencer Nikki Henningham examines the toll of Reader up until the 1960s. Street station from her home in Horsham. celebrity on a modest individual neither As Kim Torney notes in Babes in the Florrie greeted her with a handshake and seeking nor prepared for it. Bush (2005), her exploration of this a kiss. Florrie Hodges was a 15-year-old from powerful phenomena in the Australian At the presentation event at Hoyts picture a mill settlement near Powelltown. On imagination, stories of children lost in the theatre in Bourke St, it was Jane who Sunday 14 February 1926, she saved bush captured public attention in early was prevailed upon to present the purse her three younger siblings by shielding colonial Australia. They still do, as shown containing the testimonial funds. Silent fi lm them from the fl ames with her own body, in the desperate, and happily successful, actress Louise Lovely initiated a collection suff ering horrifi c burns to her own legs search for 14-year-old autistic boy William in her honour. Later that week, Florrie and back. Callaghan, lost at Mt Disappointment north presented Jane with a cheque for 100 of Melbourne in June 2020. Her actions captured the national guineas raised. imagination. Florrie was celebrated. The Duff children, Isaac, Jane and Frank While Florrie Hodges has been largely Almost a century later, Henningham’s — aged nine, seven and three — lived on forgotten, Jane Duff, as she is always account of the intergenerational trauma Spring Hill station near Horsham. John called, is memorialised in and around the fl owing from both the fi re and the ensuing Duff was a shepherd. Isaac and Jane were locality where she lived until her death in celebrity is sobering reading. children of their mother’s fi rst marriage. 1932. Celebrity for her was a positive force, Their surname was actually Cooper. On The need for heroic fi gures during times one she reportedly did not shun. Friday, 12 August 1864, the three went into of crisis has not diminished over time. If Near where the children were found is a the bush to collect brush for their mother anything, it has been amplifi ed almost to stone obelisk ‘in memory of Jane Duff ’. to make brooms. They were lost for nine the point of absurdity. Oddly militaristic Her gravestone in the Horsham Cemetery days and eight wintery nights. in construction, ‘heroes’ are framed as is ‘sacred to the memory of Jane Duff , bush those on ‘the front line’, whether fi ghting Jane’s selfless care for her brothers heroine who succored her brothers Isaac bushfi res or fending off a pandemic. Most enthralled local scribes. Central to the and Frank nine days and eight nights in upon whom the appellation is bestowed story was how she had taken off her Nurcoung scrub in August 1864’. There declaim it. frock and wrapped her younger brother is a Duff Street in Horsham. The Jane to keep him warm. The children’s story In the gendered terms of the day, Florrie Duff Highway Park on the road between became a morality tale that served both was a “bush heroine”. This led to a Natimuk and Goroke, incorporating the Christian and secular purposes. Quickly remarkable episode during her time as a 1935 obelisk, dates to the 1980s. Her story mythologised, Jane was venerated. national fi gure. Florrie’s exploits triggered is occasionally retold in the popular media a search for a comparable figure. In Just whose idea it was to unite the more than a century and a half later. Victoria there was only one: the original teenage Florrie and Jane, by then the The experience of these two bush bush heroine Jane Duff , whose exploits 70-year-old Mrs Jane Turnbull and mother heroines whose stories intersected was occurred more than 60 years earlier. of 11, is unknown. But in September 1926 in the end a world apart. they were brought together in Melbourne The enduring story of Jane Duff and John Schauble

RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 17 RHSV NEWS RHSV VALE Margery Missen: 3.1.1927 – 15.2.2021

Margery Missen, 94, was the go-to historic Greenmount Cemetery, was a In 1996 Margery received an award of person in the Yarram district for local cemetery trust member and researched merit from the Royal Historical Society for history for more than half a century. A those buried there, publishing a history her meritorious service to the Yarram and life member of the Yarram and District around 2000. She was also involved District Historical Society which was also Historical Society for some 55 years, with the Maritime Museum recognised by the local and since it reconvened in 1965, Margery from its inception in 1973, history communities. held the role of secretary for 42 years It was Margery who educated the local Margery lived in the Yarram area all from 1965 to 2006 and treasurer from community on the singing success of her life, her younger years spent on 1965 to 1975. Ada Crossley and one of her books, the family farm at Wron Wron and Margery was as passionate about the ‘Ada, Tarraville’s Queen of Song’, led then moving to Greenmount after she local history to the end as she was to an invitation to write an article on married. A true volunteer, she will when she fi rst joined with an enduring Ada for the Australia Dictionary of be sorely missed. Our sympathy is commitment and valuable contribution Biography, published in 1981. In 2008, extended to her children Judith, Graeme to the knowledge and recording of when Margery was asked about an and Neil, her six grandchildren and the Yarram and surrounds history. She Alberton Shire WW1 medal, she promptly seven great grandchildren. helped many organisations and families produced one her father had received, Pauline Hitchins with Darren Chester MP solve mysteries of the past through her and this led to the search for lost soldiers research. She became involved in the in Pheasant Woods, Fromelles.

widow, Joyce Woodroff e. They were we know today as Deloittes. She cared VALE married in 1982 during Ian Woodroff e’s with characteristic compassion for Ian Joyce tenure and many will remember the as he later declined with Parkinson’s. input and assistance given to the RHSV Joyce Woodroffe had been closely Woodroffe: by the delightful Joyce, mostly after involved with St John’s Anglican offi ce hours, supporting Ian with clerical Church Toorak all her life. A Service of 1932-2021 duties and administration. Joyce was Thanksgiving for the Life and Love of a former air hostess with what was Joyce was held there on 12 February Members who recollect Ian Woodroff e, the Australian National Airways. She 2021. a former Executive Offi cer of the RHSV eventually focused on accountancy Lucille Andel in its then home at The Mint, will be working for Eastwood and Etherington, saddened to learn of the death of his and then, through acquisitions, to what

A Reminder of The ‘Inhalatorium’ in use The Kodak Company has opened an what it was like inhalatorium as a means of protection of its employees against the infl uenza 100 years ago epidemic. The chamber at present in use will accommodate 20 persons at Mary Sheehan was the author a time. It consists of a raised structure of an article in the February 16ft. long, 2ft. wide at the bottom, and 2ft. from the apex of the gable to edition of History News “Spanish the base, which is left open. In each Infl uenza Pandemic in Melbourne”. sloping side of the roof there are 10 Unfortunately, an inaccurate email oval holes, about 6in. by 4in., and in these holes the faces of the persons address was included. receiving treatment are inserted. Please note, Mary can be Steam under 30lb. pressure, carrying contacted at: sulphate of zinc in solution, is then released into the box from sprays [email protected] in a pipe running along the base, or alternatively: and the people receiving treatment [email protected] breathe it in. It disinfects their throats and air passages. This treatment is Right: Australasian. 15 February 1919. administered twice a day for about four minutes at a time.

18 RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 RHSV NEWS

Parliamentary E-Petition to see more Victorian newspapers searchable online

An excellent opportunity exists for more newspapers limited funds. Beyond the major newspapers and from all across Victoria to be digitised to Trove. Trove the World War One commemorative project only a is a fantastic resource that enables anyone, anytime, minimal number of newspapers are fully on Trove. anywhere, in moments to fi nd the exact historical Calculations have been done with State Library newspaper article that they are after. Unfortunately, Victoria’s microfilmed newspapers. Victoria has there is a limited range of newspapers available more than the equivalent of 10,000 years’ worth of to be searched, with most being concentrated out-of-copyright microfi lmed newspapers yet to be during World War I. Having collective funding to digitised (and that does not factor in the physical sponsor mass-digitisation will mean a vast range only newspapers). Allowing 12 pages per issue these of newspapers will be readily accessible and include approximately 9.9 million pages in more conveniently searchable. than 870 newspapers, published in 216 towns (and During the COVID-19 lockdown community groups, on behalf of countless surrounding communities), students, genealogists, and researchers were all across Victoria. It would take nearly 180 years unable to access the vital information contained to digitise at 2018-19’s rate of digitisation. Yet with in non-digitised newspapers. Digitising more reasonable State-level funding, mass-digitisation newspapers provides broader access to information can be achieved between 2021-2024. All those on community heritage, irrespective of time, newspapers on microfi lm could be digitised for as geographical or physical constraints. little as 80¢ per Victorian, per year, for three years. Whilst some areas’ newspapers are on or coming Dedicated collectively funded digitisation to Trove, there are other municipalities that have programs are already being run by the NSW multiple out-of-copyright newspapers published and WA Governments, something the Victorian for more than a century yet to be digitised. In the Government could also do. Please consider signing past the Federal Government provided collective the Victorian Parliamentary e-petition and encourage funding to sponsor digitisation of an even spread the Government to help see more newspapers of newspapers. Now the responsibility for providing searchable online. funding rests with members of communities, who can See Petition #286 https://www.parliament.vic.gov. apply for grants, but these are far from what is needed au/council/petitions/electronic-petitions/view-e- to digitise all the newspapers. This creates a situation petitions where there are thousands of Victorian newspapers yet to be digitised and disadvantages areas with

Visit: MoreTroveForVic.org/petition

@MoreTroveForVic

RHSV NEWS APRIL 2021 19 Authors, publishers and Historical Societies are invited to contribute books to the RHSV for the library and for consideration for Books received inclusion in Books Received. Please note: these books listed are not John Schauble necessarily off ered to the bookshop by authors, please check the shop catalogue.

When the Past Awakens: a mother’s At home on the hill: the story of those Two rivers run : the story of Gippsland’s pain. Maria Avraam and Helena Kidd, buried in the Phillip Island Cemetery fi rst pioneer settler Samuel Anderson. Xlibris, Melbourne, 2019, pp.vii-238, ISBN between 1901 and 1920 : everyone Tony Hughes, the author, 2020, pp.vi-185, 9781796003178. has a story, Vol. 2. Pamela Rothfi eld, ISBN 9780646802671. the author, Rhyll, 2020, pp.1-253, ISBN Arriving in Melbourne as the wife in an Samuel Anderson settled along the 9780648735106. arranged marriage some years before Bass River near its entry into Western in her native Cyprus, Maria Avraam’s life It is 150 years since the fi rst burial at the Port in 1835, just months after the arrival story in Australia had a brutal beginning. Phillip Island cemetery and 150 people of the Batman party in the Yarra River. Soon abandoned by her husband, her life were interred there in its fi rst 50 years. Growing grain crops, fruit and vegetables, Prefaced with a brief history of the as the single mother of three children in producing salt and eventually milling fl our, island, this handsomely illustrated, well inner suburban Melbourne is far from the Anderson and his partner Robert Massie, researched book tells the individual migrant dream. Her remarkable decision and later his brothers Hugh and Thomas, stories of the 77 buried there between to document her story, supplemented were significant but often overlooked federation and 1920. It also recalls more by that of daughter Helena’s story of her than a dozen others who were lost at fi gures in the early settlement of Victoria. upbringing in their crowded Richmond sea around the island and whose bodies Trading with both Port Phillip and Van home provides a window to Melbourne in were never found. This is a companion Diemen’s Land, their focus on cropping is the 1950s to 1980s in particular that would volume to the stories of 73 island pioneers interesting in the context of the fi xation of otherwise be shuttered to most. Aged in captured in Volume 1, published in 2018. other farmers on sheep and cattle. This is her nineties and a beloved yia-yia, Maria’s Both are essential reading for those not the fi rst account of Anderson’s exploits life has been one of pain, hard work and interested in the social history of Phillip but serves to refocus attention on this eventually some peace and joy. Island. Published by the author. earliest of Gippsland settlers.

SAGA to Steam: The story of NG/G16- Busch’s Weir. Heathmont History Group, A Community Spirit: The History of the 129. Puffi ng Billy Preservation Society, Penfolk Publishing, Blackburn, 2019, Emerald Mechanics’ Institute 1905- Belgrave, 2019, pp.1-14. pp.iv-90, ISBN 9781925467048. 2018. Chris Avard-Britton, Emerald The Puffi ng Billy Preservation Society has Hermann Busch was one among the Lions Club, Emerald, 2019, pp.1-179, ISBN enjoyed many successes over the years German diaspora to Australia in the late 9780958021531. and its trains and infrastructure would 19th and early 20th centuries. Melbourne’s In many Victorian communities, the have to be among the most popular and eastern suburbs attracted many who Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library most photographed in the world. SAGA is established and worked orchards which provided community access to education an acronym for South African Garrett and thrived until the 1970s when they were and socializing; the role they fulfi lled as NG/G16-129 is a locomotive that came to swallowed by housing development. a non-sectarian social hub was critical in be reborn in Victoria after a life of service ‘Poppa’ Busch married into an orchardist’s many small communities. As they drifted in Natal Province. Garrett locomotives family. A painter and handyman who from their original purposes to one of an were used fairly widely across Australia. arrived from Germany in 1912, he built all-purpose community centre, institutes The rebirth of this particular one began a popular farm guest house, Waldheim, remained just as valuable. No fewer than with its arrival from South Africa in 1996 at then semi-rural Bayswater. Eccentric 20 diverse community groups used the and took almost a quarter of a century and gifted, in the 1930s he also built a Emerald Mechanics over its long life. Burnt and more than $2 million. This is a brief, weir in the Dandenong Creek for the down in 1955 and rebuilt as Emerald Hall, well-illustrated tribute to the project and benefit of his family and patrons. The it is being rebuilt as new life Community documents the achievements of those water authorities eventually took a dim Hub by the local shire. This book is a great involved. view of this and blew it up in 1967 before record of the growth and transition of a realigning the creek. community viewed through the doors of its most important meeting place.