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HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS
Published quarterly by the
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Anniversaries of Milestone Battles in 2015
Issue No 281 July 2015
qwha@miegunyah.org
To all of our QWHA Members and Friends,
www.miegunyah.org
Welcome to the 2015 Winter issue of Historical Happenings.
ABN 79 118 011 056
This a jam packed edition with articles relevant to both the First World War
centenary and the bicentenary of the Waterloo Campaign.
Inside this issue:
Our wonderful exhibition “We Will Remember Them”, a tribute to the
1
100th Anniversary of ANZAC Day continues at Miegunyah until 3rd August, THE WATERLOO
DRESS
2015. Do not miss this display! We look forward to welcoming you to
Miegunyah soon!
3
PRESIDENT’S
The Waterloo Dress
by Jenny Steadman
The First World War is not the only anniversary this year. June 2015 is also
the 200th anniversary of The Battle of Waterloo.
Our costume collection is extensive. We currently hold more than 1000
individual pieces of costume and related accessories. Since 2010 our policy
has been to display sections of the costume collection to increase knowledge
about the social history that always accompanies a piece of clothing.
From the very beginnings of our historical association donations have been
acknowledged in our newsletter. This has meant we have good provenance
for many of the items, and many of the family connections have been
preserved.
Researching the family stories that are connected to the costume collection
has led to many new insights into pioneering Australian History.
PRESERVE
HAPPENINGS AT THE
4
HOUSE
THE DEAD MAN’S
14
PENNY
ARCHIVAL STORIES
15
PAST EVENTS
21
ACTIVITIES
22
PROGRAMME
23
MEMBERSHIP
RENEWAL FORM
Helen Cameron, our costume manager, and I have been working on a project for the last two years to
try and authenticate the story behind two dresses that are reputedly linked to the Battle of Waterloo.
We would now like to share our findings, and the story so far, as our tribute to the 200 th Anniversary
of the Battle of Waterloo.
The June edition of Historical Happenings
1969 records the donation of two dresses
from Mrs. Thomson and Mrs. Davidson. The
donor story was that one of the dresses was
worn at the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball in
June 1815.
The ball was held the night before the
famous battle and has never been forgotten.
It has been extensively researched ever since.
There are paintings depicting the ball and a
whole society dedicated to the memory of
the people who were there at the time.
If undeliverable return to:
Hon. Sec. QWHA “Miegunyah”
35 Jordan Terrace
Bowen Hills Qld 4006
AUSTRALIA
Qld
24
Waterloo Dress - inner bodice. QWHA collection. Photo H. Cameron.
Cont’d pg 9
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
The QWHA can be contacted at
‘Miegunyah’
35 Jordan Terrace,
Bowen Hills Qld 4006
ABN 79 118 011 056
Search for:
Miegunyah House Museum
Telephone: 07 3252 2979
Email:
qwha@miegunyah.org
Website:
www.miegunyah.org
2015 QWHA Committee Positions
President
Jenny Steadman
Vice President
Sandra Hyde Page
Hon. Secretary
Marilyn O’Sullivan
Hon. Minutes Secretary
Marilyn O’Sullivan
Hon. Treasurer
Barbara Harvey
Hon. Subscription Treasurer
Beverley Farley
Other Committee Members
Julia Bigge
Marita Bodman
Helen Cameron
Michele Pickering
Carolyn Polson
Robyn Wallace
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Membership Renewal Form
If you would like to join the Queensland Women's Historical Association as a new member
please contact the Association on 07 3252 2979 or download a membership form from
our website: www.miegunyah.org
Annual subscriptions were due in September, if you have a red spot here
this form and post or email to:
The Subscription Treasurer,
The Queensland Women’s Historical Association,
35 Jordan Terrace,
Bowen Hills, 4006
email: qwha@miegunyah.org
Title
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Postal Address
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Email Address
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Contact Phone Number
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Do you have a particular ……………….…….………...……………...……………
Interest or skill that you would ………….…….……….………….…………………
Hon. Archivist
Diana Hacker
Like to share with us?
Hon. Assistant Archivist
Julia Bigge
Signature ………………………………………………… Date …………………
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Editor Historical Happenings
Carolyn Polson & Jenny Steadman
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Please find enclosed my
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Welcome to New Members
Donation:
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Kerrie Rogers, Ivane Bayo and Janet Elliott
Total:
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Donations: Thank you to our members and friends for their kind support
Anon $250.00, Joan Palmes $20.00, Anon $200.00, Flora Nicholson $200.00,
Kenmore Schoolhouse Quilters $1000.00, Rosemary Burnett $10.00, Jennette Lavis
$50.00, Maureen Shannon $10.00, Margaret Bunce $50.00, Jean Collins $50.00, Anon
(various including donation box and 'Black Boy') $307.00. A special thank you for
donations from Isa Maynard $2000.00 and Fraser Power $1000.00, who have
continued to generously support the QWHA over many years.
Thank you to Councillor David McLachlan for supporting our
application for a grant to undertake tree maintenance at Miegunyah. See
photos on page 4.
This newsletter is kindly printed courtesy of Senator Claire Moore, Senator for Queensland.
2
please use
Please make your cheque/money order payable to The Queensland Women’s Historical
Association OR
Payment may be made by Direct Bank Transfer: NAB: BSB 084004: A/C 15395893
If you pay your membership by bank transfer it is vital that you include the following codes:
Adult membership = (Surname) MA
Junior Membership = (Surname) MJ
Annual Membership Renewal Rates:
Adult or Organisation:
Husband & Wife:
Junior Member (to 18 years)
Couple membership = (Surname) MC
Donation = D
$30.00
$50.00
$15.00
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THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Activities Programme 2015
President’s Preserve
Morning Talks are held at Miegunyah each month at 11.00am,
preceded by morning tea at 10.30am,
Admission:- Members $10.00, Non-Members $15.00 (includes morning tea).
Costs, Place and Times of other Activities are noted below.
Wednesday 22nd April until Sunday 2nd August 2015
Display: “We Will Remember” - Commemorating the Centenary of ANZAC. Admission
$7.50 for non-members.
Dear Members,
I have to report a very busy beginning to the year. Miegunyah has been positively
buzzing with people and events since we opened this year. The sampler exhibition was a
great success and drew many visitors to our beautiful home. As part of this exhibition we
began some embroidery classes on the verandah. Expertly run by the talented Mrs. Nicky
Haron, these classes were both popular and productive, and everyone who participated
agreed that they should continue. A new round of classes may happen in July so we shall
keep you updated about new times and costs.
The First World War exhibition has taken over the house since March. Many people have
worked to bring this display to fruition and I think it is a credit to how well our team
work together when we can now see how well it has been received and supported.
I would like to thank all the members who provided their family stories and photos for
this exhibition. Thanks must also go to the librarians, Jan George and Helen Brandl who
always find just the right book or article to complement the story. Helen Cameron has
dressed the mannequins and Michele Pickering has researched and curated the display in
the main display room. Julie Martin has been photographing objects since November last
year and we hope to have the catalogue finished by August so that we have a
documented record of the exhibition and a record of all that has been given to the
museum relating to the First World War. This exhibition would not have been possible
without the support of the Anzac Centenary Grant and we do acknowledge and thank the
State Government for supporting our endeavours.
Research continues into the whole QWHA collection and we have recently been working
on another project that has connections to the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.
You will read the story in the following pages. Our costume collection is attracting much
positive attention from many areas of the museum world. As I mentioned in my talk on
lecture day in April we are becoming known and visited because people want to know
more about the costume collection. This is something I believe we should build on and
continue to highlight.
Our maintenance programme continues too. We have had the dehumidifiers checked and
cleaned. The plumbing has been inspected as a first step in improving the storm water
drainage. Our antiquated computer system is due to be upgraded in late June and our
trees have been trimmed to make them safe. We continue to wait for the insurance report
from the storm last year so that the sign can be replaced. Our builder, Greg Chapman,
will soon replace some rotted boards at the back of the house. Thanks to all who have so
kindly donated to the upkeep of this wonderful museum. Maintaining a house like
Miegunyah is a continual monitoring responsibility and the committee works very hard to
keep it looking its best and fully functioning. Sandra Hyde-Page and Marilyn O’Sullivan
deserve full credit for the work they do in keeping the guides up-to-date about what is
happening and who is coming to visit.
Thursday 9th July 2015 – Morning Tea 10.30am and Talk at 11.00am
“Bung Bung and Amity - The Life of Thomas Welsby.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Geoffrey Dyne, Scientist and Historian.
Thursday 6th August 2015 – Morning Tea 10.30am and Talk at 11.00am
“Thomas Murray Prior, pastoralist and politician”.
Guest Speaker: Andrew Derbyshire (TBC)
Wednesday 5th August to Sunday 11th October 2015
Display: “Thoroughly Modern” An exhibition from our archives of 1920’s costumes and
accessories. Admission $7.50 for non-members.
Thursday 10th September 2015 – Morning Tea 10.30am and Talk at 11.00am
“A War Against War: The Women’s Peace Army, 1915-1919.” This talk will explore the
history of the Queensland chapter of the Women’s Peace Army and celebrate the 100 th
anniversary of its inception during the First World War. It will discuss the aims,
ideologies, motivation, members and methods of this little known anti-war socialist
movement. Cost $10.00 for QWHA members, $15.00 for non-members.
Guest Speaker: Marianne Taylor House Detective and History Nerd.
Guest Speakers Barbara Harvey (far
left) and Sandra Hyde-Page (Mid) with
QWHA Life Member and State MP for
Brisbane Central, Grace Grace at the
seminar held on Thursday 11th June
2015 “A Tribute to First World War
Nurses.” - a reading of the first lecture
given at “Beverley Wood” by Miss
Eunice M Paten MBE, ARRC (Associate
Royal Red Cross) on Thursday 8 June
1967 entitled “Reminiscences of
Nursing”.
22
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Jenny Steadman (Email: jenny.steadman56@gmail.com)
President
3
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Past Events
Happenings at the House
Donation of Lady Morgan’s Coat
We recently received a donation of a seal skin coat and
cape from Marion Wilson, great granddaughter of Sir
Arthur and Lady Alice Morgan. They both belonged to
Lady Morgan and are in wonderful condition.
Lady Morgan (Alice Augusta, neé Clinton) was the wife of
Sir Arthur Morgan who was the Member for Warwick in
the State Legislature. He was first elected in November
1883 at a young age. He was later Premier of Queensland
after forming a coalition government in September 1903
(he resigned from the position of Speaker to take up the
role of Premier). Sir Arthur resigned as Premier in 1906
when he became President of the Legislative Council. In
January 1905, during Sir Arthur's term as Premier, the
Elections Act Amendment Bill and the Electoral Franchise Bill
were passed enfranchising the women of Queensland. Sir
Arthur also held the position of Lieutenant Governor of
Queensland. Sir Arthur and Lady Morgan (1856 - 1933)
lived in Brisbane permanently from 1910 at Garfield
Drive, Bardon and had eight children.
Helen Cameron (L) and Marion Wilson ®
with Lady Alice Morgan’s sealskin coat,
donated recently to the QWHA by Marion,
the great granddaughter of Lady Morgan.
Raffle Winner
The winner of the raffle for the tea set and tablecloth with matching napkins was Dorothy Holland.
Thankyou to all who bought tickets.
Tree-lopping
Due to receiving a grant from Brisbane City Council we have been able to have maintenance
performed on some of the larger trees at Miegunyah. Evergreen Tree Services reported that the trees
are in good condition and in no danger of falling over, they just needed trimming. Thank you to
Councillor David McLachlan for supporting us in the application process for the grant.
4
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Thursday 12th March 2015 “Thomas Coar Dixon, Boot
Manufacturer of West End”. Guest Speaker: Marilyn
England, Historian.
Thomas Coar Dixon was born into a Yorkshire Quaker
family in 1845 and came to Australia in the1860s. His
elder brother Joseph, who had arrived in Australia in
1864, moved to Queensland in 1869 and convinced
Thomas to move his tannery business to Brisbane. He
opened this tannery in 1875 at West End, Brisbane and in
1878 he expanded his business to incorporate a boot and
shoe manufacturing factory in Russell Street, bringing in Jocelyn Dixon, descendant of Thomas Coar
equipment, machinery and lasts for the new factory from Dixon (L), and Marilyn England, Historian.
Sydney. In 1906 he acquired land bound by Montague
Rd, Raven and Drake Streets for a new factory. He lived to see it built, but died in 1909, the year
following its completion. Thomas was beloved by his employees, and was always known to help
anyone down on their luck. The Dixon family were known to have supplied free shoes to soldiers who
had lost a leg during the war. The family business continued at these premises until 1973 when they
moved to Wacol to a larger factory.
In 1975 the factory building was purchased by the Queensland Government and used as a storage
building until it became the home of the Queensland Ballet in 1991.
Thank you to Marilyn England for an interesting and little known story. It would be equally
interesting to hear the story of Thomas’ brother Joseph Chapman Dixon, a pioneer of Buderim and
the Blackall Range - maybe Marilyn could research his life for a future talk?
Thursday 14th May 2015 – “Those remarkable women from Queensland who went to the Great
War.” Guest Speaker: Associate Professor Cliff Pollard MB BSc, Royal Brisbane Hospital.
A/Professor Pollard spoke about the, at least, 238 Queensland nurses
who enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing service during the First
World War. It is known that many others travelled to England to enist
in the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, and that
some also joined voluntary organisations. He detailed several of their
stories, including Julia Hart and Constance Keys, who were the first two
Sisters on staff at the Brisbane Hospital to enlist, doing so on 21st
September 1914. They sailed from Brisbane on 24th Sept 1914 with
the first group of nurses, which included Sisters Eunice Paten and
Bertha Williams. A second, larger group left on 21 Nov 1914. Most
of these nurses were posted to the 1 Australian General Hospital in
Cairo. They were to treat huge numbers of wounded soldiers from the
initial assault at Gallipoli, with almost no warning - 469 wounded on
29th April and a further 1,352 over the next 3 days.
Assoc/Prof Pollard also spoke about the two doctors Lillian Violet
Cooper and Eleanor Elizabeth Bourne, who saw overseas service during
Dr Cliff Pollard presents Don Hacker, on
World
War I, neither of whom could serve in the Australia Army
behalf of the QWHA, with a copy of
“Not for glory : a century of service by Medical Corps. Dr Cooper joined the Scottish Women’s Hospital
medical women to the Australian Army (American Division) and Dr Bourne joined the Royal Army Medical
and its Allies” by Susan J. Neuhaus and
Corps in London, and then was promoted to Major and appointed to
Sharon Mascall-Dar.
the Queen Mary’s Army Auxillary Corps in 1917.
Thank you Assoc/Prof Pollard, it was an interesting and informative talk, and a very fitting lead into
the QWHA display “We Will Remember Them”.
21
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
History - Convenor of Lectures 2008 to 2015 Retires
This note is to let members know that as from 12 th March
2015 I have stepped down from convening the monthly
lectures for the Queensland Women’s Historical Association.
It is seven years since very unexpectedly I inherited the job of
the organisation of lecturers at Miegunyah from the long
time convenor, Lorraine Cazalar, in January 2008 - a hard
act to follow.
Through the years many guest speakers have given some
wonderful presentations which I hope people have found
enlightening and educational. I and the guest speakers
greatly appreciated the number of regular members who
attended the monthly lecture mornings.
During the search for these guest speakers I have met some most interesting people at unexpected
venues and also I have attended many an outside lecture given at other organisations in search for
special speakers. Still at times it has been frustrating to find the right guest speaker.
In the early days of my tenure of convening lectures at Miegunyah the presentations by guest
speakers were mainly with no visual presentation or using slides or an overhead projector only.
Slowly with the gift from myself (Janet Edwards) of the LCD (data) projector for powerpoint
presentations the Association was brought into the 21 st century. Around the same time a new
microphone address system was donated by a member to replace the ancient temperamental
system.
Of late, more and more of my personal time has been taken up with sourcing new guest speakers,
corresponding with the guest speakers, the advertising of lectures in local papers, at radio stations
and other historical associations, etc. and the running of the projector for guest speakers on lecture
mornings.
So I decided it was time to step down from convening lecturers for talks so enabling me to attend
to things at home and to see my friends. Now I will look forward to sitting back and enjoying
lecture mornings at Miegunyah House Museum instead of being on a knife’s edge wondering if the
guest speaker would arrive, and on time, and that the LCD data projector would be compatible
with the guest speaker’s computer or USB stick.
So it is goodbye from the immediate past convenor of lecturers, and I look forward to speaking to
members at leisure on lecture mornings. Again thank you to all who have supported the monthly
lecture programme through the years.
Janet Edwards.
The Queensland Women’s Historical Association would like to acknowledge the efforts of Janet
Edwards as she retires from her position as lecture co-ordinator. Janet has organised speakers, coordinated publicity, overseen the printing of the brochures, produced many volunteer induction kits
and is an excellent proof reader . We would like to thank her for her commitment to the
association during her many years of service. The role of lecture co-ordinator is a crucial one for
the organisation but not always recognised as an important job. There is sometimes an assumption
that lectures just happen to be there on the given day because that is how it has always been. It is a
testament to the hard work of volunteers like Janet who keep the regular routine ticking along in a
seamless manner. Thank you Janet. We hope we can continue your good work for many years to
come.
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Cards & Games
A wonderful time
was had by all at
the recent card and
games afternoon at
Miegunyah.
Recent Visitors to Miegunyah
We have had a wonderful response so far to our current display “We Will Remember Them”, a
tribute to the 100th anniversary of ANZAC Day. The exhibition team has worked very hard in what
has truly been a collaborative effort. We have had several bus tours, as well as smaller groups come
to visit Miegunyah and the display.
A group of Vietnamese museum directors visited We have had many visitors to our display “We
Miegunyah recently with Dr. Graeme Were, Will Remember Them”. The exhibition has been
director of The University of Queensland’s very well received.
Museum Studies course.
5
Cont’d page 6
T H E
Q U E E N S L A N D
W O M E N ' S
H I S T O R I C A L
A S S O C I A T I O N
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Happenings at the House
cont’d
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Display to Commemorate the Centenary of ANZAC
Music and the First World War
Following the outbreak of war and the upsurge of patriotic
fervour, Australian songwriters and musicians soon gave a
distinctive Australian flavour to patriotic songs.
They expressed support for King and Country and for Aussie
soldiers in Gallipoli, France and Belgium. Songs written by
soldiers themselves focused on their loved ones at home and
their Australian homeland.
Sheet music from the pantomime
A-N-Z-A-C. QWHA collection
QWHA members Sandra HydePage and Marilyn O’Sullivan
attended the Memorial Vigil at the
Nurses Memorial held on ANZAC
Day Eve, 2015. They laid a
wreath on behalf of the QWHA.
QWHA Treasurer Barbara
Harvey holding the necklace
donated by Judith HendersonPlace for a raffle prize.
Preparations for the “We Will Remember Them “
display. Above: preparing the Poppy Dress for display
in the sitting room. Below Left: Julie Martin and Michele
Pickering setting up photos and typing display notes.
Below Right: Part of the display in the dining room.
Above: Winifred Croll’s First World War nurses
cape. Right: Winifred Croll in uniform during the
First World War. Both of these uniforms are
displayed as part of “We Will Remember Them”,
until 3rd August, 2015. Source: QWHA Archives.
6
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THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Display to Commemorate the Centenary of ANZAC
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Happenings at the House
cont’d
Above: the Ship “Aeneas” leaving dock. The
scrapbook displayed in the sitting room is full of First
World War memories. This page has streamers
included that were thrown as the ships departed. We
have a streamer on display beside the book.
We would like to acknowledge the Queensland Museum for lending us three mannequins
for our display. Jenny Steadman and Julie Martin will attend a workshop on mannequins
at the Museum of Brisbane, which will help to increase our knowledge and skill with
mannequins for future displays.
The Imperial Camel Corps
The Imperial Camel Corps was formed in January 1916
in order to deal with the revolt of pro-Turkish Senussi
tribesmen in Egypt’s Western Desert. The first four
companies were recruited from Australian Infantry
Battalions recuperating after Gallipoli.
The men of the ICC were resourceful and effective. While
defending a hill called Musallabeh in April 1918, some
Australians of the ICC ran out of hand grenades. They
resorted to heaving boulders down upon the attacking
Turks and eventually fought them off. The hill became
knows as the “Camel’s Hump”.
Information courtesy of Australian War Memorial
Lance Corporal George Smart (at left) Camel Corps - Egypt
WWI invalided out with malaria just before battle of Mersa
George Smart, Imperial Camel Matruh. Pictured with his friends Vic Costin (standing right)
Corps. Photo QWHA archives
and George Baillie (sitting).
18
Cont’d page 8
7
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Happenings at the House
cont’d
T H E
Q U E E N S L A N D
The following extract is from the Arthur Mee Encyclopaedia, London,
Vol3. (Arthur Mee Encyclopaedia were English texts aimed at educating
children from Commonwealth countries about the world they lived in.)
The Tremendous Effort of the Anzacs in Gallipoli
The entrance of Turkey into the war on the German and Austrian side
gave great trouble to the Allies, and especially to us. It forced us to
keep troops in Egypt to save it from invasion, which the Turks tried
once and were always threatening; it spread the war over Palestine,
Syria and Arabia, right up to the Persian Gulf. But most serious of all
it set up a barrier between the Allies in the West and Russia. They
could no longer send guns, shells and rifles, the things she most
needed, through the Dardenelles to her ports in the Black Sea without
first conquering the Turks.
This led to our attempt to capture the Peninsula of Gallipoli and
In the First World War Arthur force the Dardenelles, an attempt which lasted for many months in
Harcourt Perry served in the Unit
of Supply. Photo QWHA 1915. A tremendous effort, on which Australian and New Zealand
troops played a very brave part, was made; but it proved fruitless.
archives.
A S S O C I A T I O N
State Conference and the “Hunt for Reuben Nicklin”
The Genealogy Society of Queensland and the Queensland Family History Group are
arranging a State Conference at Riverglenn, 70 Kate Street, Indooroopilly on 3-4th October,
2015. The title “In Time and Place”. For further information go to the website at: http://
itap.historyqueensland.org.au/
I have nominated myself as a speaker from the QWHA with the title of my paper being “Three
Minutes between Time and Eternity”. The substance of this paper is to record and recall the
various memorials in Queensland and overseas to those who were lost in the wreck of RMS
Quetta, Torres Strait, February 1890.
The research has taken me to many parts of Queensland and to have correspondence with
historical societies and individuals in the United Kingdom. All of which has been most interesting
and exciting and sometimes very frustrating. I am on what I believe to be the home straight
with just one memorial to locate and this has been the most frustrating of all. Initially I believed
this memorial to have been in the Ann Street [Fortitude Valley] church, but this would seem to
be incorrect, and I have now cast my net further afield. Regardless of my less-than-fruitful
search I have recently visited a very interesting building in Brookes Street in The Valley.
An attack from the sea by warships failed, and when later another attack by sea and land was
made the Turks, helped by the Germans, had built trenches and fortifications, and brought up
big guns which made the landing of troops very difficult.
Every time we brought in more troops the Turks did the same, and though there were desperate
battles and many brave deeds we were unable to break through. Perhaps if we had gone on
long enough we should have succeeded; but after a few months troops were greatly needed at
Salonika, the base of a long and arduous campaign in the Balkans, and we decided to
withdraw. So one dark night the whole British force walked out of the Peninsula and went away
in ships. Not a man was lost during the withdrawal.
The second (actually third)
Fortitude
Valley
Wesleyan Church built
1887-1888 at Brookes
Street.
8
H I S T O R I C A L
Archival Stories: From Diana Hacker’s Desk cont’d
The Anzac Story as told to children
All the photographs on display in the thin room
are from this one album. It was started by one
man and completed by another. It details the
training and service of the 11th Light Horse.
W O M E N ' S
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Above: Image of the Historical
Happenings that detailed the
inaugural lecture at Miegunyah
(Beverley Wood) by Eunice Paten, to
be held on 8th June, 1967.
The first Fortitude Valley Wesleyan Church was erected on another site in Ann
Street in 1856. In 1861 the Crown granted the church a site in Ann Street. In
1867 the Brisbane Circuit was divided in two The Valley and Albert Street. The
Valley Circuit was large stretching from the Valley to Sandgate. In 1870/71
a larger church and hall was built on the 1861 site. The congregation
expanded and in 1887 a second Methodist church was built behind the
original in Ann Street, Fortitude Valley.
This second church actually faced Brookes Street. The architect was George
Simkin [refer to an earlier issue of Hist. Happs. and an item on the Redcliffe
Railway] and the foundation stone was laid by Mrs. Cowlishaw on 20 th August
1887. An outstanding feature of the very pretty building is the many stained
glass windows which were brought from Munich [none of which are memorial
windows].
The church was decommissioned in February1977and in 1985 was sold to the
Royal Geographic Society. The building was placed on the State Heritage
Register in 1992.
Some time later c.2002 it was again sold to a developer. At the time there was an article in the
Courier Mail and Murray Spinaze kept this item. The church itself is now open plan office space,
while the hall next door is currently being turned into a labyrinth of cubby-hole offices.
I was able to walk into the church, make myself known and have a good look about. This expedition
proved that NO memorial tablets remained on the walls [Mrs. Cowlishaw’s plaque is part of the
back wall], and that none of the glorious windows are memorial windows.
The Methodist Church office appears to have no knowledge of any memorials having been placed
or retrieved from the building. Also the State Heritage Office was not informative as to the
obligations of owners to preserve any memorials.
So the “Hunt for Reuben and Jane Nicklin’s memorial. They were staunch supporters of the
Methodist Church until their deaths. The newest clue I have is that a memorial service was held in
March 1890 in the Kangaroo Point Methodist Church. That will be my next port of call. Does
anyone else have any information?????
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THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Archival Stories: From Diana Hacker’s Desk - cont’d.
The Waterloo Dress
Exploration in the Archives
One of our esteemed Librarians, Helen Brandl has been searching various government repositories
for the stories behind our many First World War nurses and in addition I have been going
through the vast archive which Murray Spinaze left in my hands to sort and cull before adding to
our records. He collected some very interesting and informative newspaper articles which have
enriched our records.
Many of the highly experienced and qualified Matrons and Nurses, such as Elizabeth Kenny and
Sarah and Flora MacDonald, after returning from service on the front line established small
district, cottage type hospitals which catered mostly for maternity or convalescence cases.
Elizabeth Kenny ran a small cottage hospital at Clifton.
The MacDonald family from Raglan was exceptional being two sons and six daughters born to
Donald MacDonald and Annie née Fraser. The girls were Sarah [Sadie] Grace, Flora, Adalene
[Lena], Margaret Mary and Mary Ann [May] who all trained and graduated as nurses from the
Rockhampton and Maryborough hospitals.
After the First World War Flora operated a Baby Clinic and Day Care Centre. Grace ran the
Hillcrest Hospital in Rockhampton. Mary Ann was the director of the Bush Nursing Association in
Rockhampton. Sadie was Matron of the Ardoyne Hospital at Corinda, while May and Lena ran the
MacDonald Private Hospital in Gertrude Street, Highgate Hill. From one of the newspaper cuttings
which Murray had kept I came across this interesting tit-bit.
Heather Elliott recalls this special hospital:“Brisbane between the wars and until the late 40s was blessed with a number of private
maternity hospitals, which catered for the birthing needs of many of Brisbane’s women. The
one I knew well was the MacDonald Private Hospital in Highgate Hill. My siblings and I were
born there, and later I was employed as a probationary nurse. Its distinguishing features
reflected a slower pace of life.
The rooms were large – all single accommodation – not numbered but designated as Pink,
Blue, Mauve, East Room etc. The attention from May and Lena MacDonald, Matron and Sister
was individual during labour and delivery of your baby. Afterwards the first meal was
sweetened bread and milk, the second a superb omelette prepared by Sister and from then
on Matron’s marvelous home cooking.
Afternoon tea was served on a highly polished brass tray with tatted doiley’s and a different
hand painted tea set each day you were there. The baby’s bassinets were decorated with
appliqué in lemon, blue or pink surrounds and covers. And Joy of Joys, all this attention went
on for two whole weeks and cost £10 in 1925. The efficiency of today’s maternity hospitals is
not in question, but wouldn’t today’s young mothers like attention like that?”
Such luxury was extended to Brisbane women by these two genteel ladies from 1920 to 1948.
Dress No.1
The first dress is pale coloured with heavily
embroidered floral decoration over the surface of the
silk polonaise fabric. It is full skirted and has a low
bodice. This dress would have been very pretty in its
day. Initially we attributed the donor story to this dress
and when Nadia Buik from the Fashion Archives came
to visit we brought it out for her as one of our
‘treasures’. Nadia and Madeline duly photographed it
but kept its story as an 18th century dress as they felt
the fabric and design might be a little early for its
story.
We then contacted the V&A in London to try and get
a definitive answer. Over a series of weeks and some
interesting digressions we were asked to send some
photographs to a textile expert. The answer came
back:
“The dress looks to be a generation earlier than
1817. The elbow-length sleeves, pleated back and
waist at the natural level are all characteristic of
English gowns of the late 1770s and early 1780s. A
comparative gown, in terms of style, would be: 18th century dress. QWHA collection. Photo
http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O74098/robe- The Fashion Archives, Madeline King and
Nadine Buik.
unknown/
Members have you noticed
The Miegunyah bottom line has been looking much better with the trading table up and running
again. The efforts of the members led by Michelle Pickering are proving financially rewarding and
all members might assist by bringing along items. Pickles, jams, baking, craft items etc are all
welcome. It is NOT a SIN to go through your cupboards and re-gift !!! It is especially gratifying
when groups visit the house and buy, buy, buy.
Do you have a friend or relative you’d like to treat? Bring them along for a Devonshire Tea and
an inspection of our WWI tribute. The members of QWHA are to be congratulated for their
efforts in trolling our collection for relative material and displaying it is such a well thought our
and executed way.
16
Cont’d page 17
cont’d
There was quite a dramatic change in style in the 1790s, and gowns from the period 18151820, are very high-waisted with shorter, fuller sleeves, made of much lighter fabrics, as for
example: http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O13825/evening-dress-unknown/
The silk that your gown is made of dates from about 1745-55. The large floral motifs joined
by meandering stems are quite characteristic of a Spitalfields designer, John Vansommer, for
example: http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O264943/textile-john-vansommer/
Remaking an old-fashioned dress into a more up-to-date style was common practice in the
eighteenth-century and a number of our late 1770s, 1780s gowns are made of silks woven in
the 1740s and 50s.”
Dr Susan North Curator of Fashion, 1550-1800, V&A Museum
Helen and I had to eliminate No.1 dress as the one having been worn at the ball.
"The Duchess of Richmond's Ball, by
Robert Hillingford, 1870s, oil on
canvas, 44 x 60 cm 17½ 23½
in." (Rosemary Baird Goodwood: Art
and Architecture, Sport and Family.
Cont’d page 10
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THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
The Waterloo Dress
Archival Stories: From Diana Hacker’s Desk
cont’d
Dress No.2
Helen Cameron took photographs of the second dress. This
dress looked to be plainer than the first but shared many
other characteristics in terms of fabric. Helen was careful to
detail the inside bodice and the stitching in various places as
well as the floral motif.
I emailed the V& A.
The Waterloo dress, front. QWHA
collection. Photo H. Cameron.
The Waterloo dress, buttonholes.
collection. Photo H. Cameron.
10
A Franco/ Australian History connection with Miegunyah
Whenever I travel the experience is enriched if I can include some historic research. Even friends
fortunately or unfortunately are given small tasks. In early 2014 my long time friends Peter and Pam
Duncan took extended leave to travel Europe. Their plans included taking a villa in rural France for
several weeks. I gave them the task of checking on Captain Wickham’s grave in Biarritz and this they did
sending me photographic proof that the QWHA plaque was still firmly in place and considering that it
had been there since 1964 was in rather good condition.
Prior to their departure from Brisbane they had read the book by Miles Morland entitled “The Man Who
Broke Out of the Bank and Went for a Walk in France”, and this inspired them to contemplate walking a
section of his route. While resident in Bordeaux they planned to walk a distance which they would easily
cover in a week. Their route was from Carassonne to Auterive, stopping along the way at Casteinaudary,
Bastide d’Anjou, St Michael de lanes, Le Baylou and finally to La Manufacture Royale at Auterive, about
40 kms south of Toulouse. Their hostess there was Valerie Balansa, née Basset.
QWHA
We were referred to Jenny Lister – an expert in turn-of-the-century costume.
The initial result:
“At last - I'm having a proper look at the photographs you sent of your early 19th century silk
dress. The silk is likely to have been made earlier than the dress as it survives now - it has been
identified as a 1770s pattern by my colleague Clare Browne.
And if I was shown the dress without knowledge of the possible Waterloo ball connection, my
instinct would be to date it to a little later - the bust-line seems a bit low for 1815, although it's
not easy to be sure from the photographs. I would date the dress to 1815-20, or 1818 at a
push, comparing what I can see of the construction to that of examples in our own collection. If
you could send me photographs of the interior of the bodice, and the back of the dress, to
show the extent of any train or gathering at the centre back, I could maybe be a little more
definite. I expect you know about the article about the ‘Waterloo’ dresses at the Museum of
Costume, Bath, in Costume no.34, 2000, already – but if not, it might be of interest. I hope
these thoughts are of some help.”
The Waterloo dress, (left and
right) stitch details QWHA
collection. Photo H. Cameron.
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Interior and exterior of La Manufacture
Royale, Auterive, France. Above: Valerie
Balansa, née Basset (L) & Pam Duncan (R).
Pictures courtesy of Peter and Pam Duncan
The Manufacture Royale complex was built in 1726 and was used to manufacture luxury fabrics and to
dye cloth, especially the blue obtained from the locally grown Pastel (Woad). By 1791 Napoleon had
made Royals and wealthy, titled people well out of favour in France so the factory ceased production.
The property was purchased by Dr Jules Basset in 1896 and turned into a residence. Since then six
generations of Basset doctors have lived there.
Valerie has kept the Doctor’s portraits and medical instruments on display. As can be seen from the
pictures the rooms are all furnished with beautiful period items, mostly original pieces from the time of
the doctors.
What is the connection with Miegunyah you might ask?
The late Kevin Bassett and his wife Blanche lived in our cottage and acted as caretakers for over ten
years. The couple were known to many in the Brisbane Four Wheel Drive Club and Kevin always claimed
[generally after a few snorts of port around the campfire] that he was descended from a family of
French doctors in the South of France [with a little Scottish heritage thrown in].
It would appear that the Docteurs Basset of La Manufacture 2 Rue des Docteurs Basset, Auterive, France,
are our late friend’s ancestors.
Blanch also traced her ancestry from German and French stock!!!!!
Cont’d page 16
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THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
The Dead Man’s Penny
by Julia Bigge
The Waterloo Dress
The Dead Man’s Penny is a memorial plaque that was issued at the end of the First World War
as an official token of gratitude by the British Government to the next of kin of all British and
Empire servicemen who lost their lives as a result of the war. It commemorated those who died
between 4 August 1914 and 10th January 1920.
The plaque was designed by Edward Carter Preston who won the prize of 250, from over 800
entries, in the competition for its design in 1917.’ The design depicts Britannia standing with a
lion, with her left hand holding a wreath of oak leaves and acorns above a rectangular panel
with the soldier’s name - no rank was provided as all were considered equal in their sacrifice.
Britannia is surrounded by two dolphins (representing Britain’s sea power) and at the bottom of
the plaque, a lion is tearing apart the German eagle. On the outer edge are the words “He (or
she) died for freedom and honour”.
The Dead Man’s Penny was accompanied by two documents - a letter from King George V and a
commemorative scroll.
Production of the plaques began in 1919 and approximately 1,355,000 (1500 for women)
were issued and continued to be issued into the 1930s.
The plaque was named the Dead Man’s Penny by the soldiers because of its similarity to the
smaller coin of that name.
It has been suggested the name was a slightly derogative colloquialism used by the soldier’s
themselves for the plaque, a payment for a death for the next of kin.
It was hoped that the next of kin would derive some comfort from the plaque. However families
were not happy to receive it, especially considering the time taken to issue them and returned it
to the Australian Government in protest, feeling that it was insulting and did not replace the lives
of their loved ones.
Commemorative Memorial Plaque issued in
1919 as an official token of gratitude for
those British and Empire servicemen who lost
their lives in the First World War.
The Memorial Scroll that
accompanied the Commemorative
Memorial Plaque was presented to
the next of kin of those those British
and Empire servicemen who lost their
lives in the First World War. Source:
Australian War Memorial website: https://
www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/memorial_scroll/
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THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Cover letter for the Memorial Plaque
a nd S c ro l l . S o urc e: ht t p : / /
www.greatwar.co.uk/memorials/
memorial-plaque.htm
cont’d
We sent more photos. The reply came:
“I have had a good look. It is true that the dress has
been extensively altered, it appears at various points
including c.1850 or later in the nineteenth century
because of that open-weave canvas lining the skirt,
and the back buttons.
There is nothing that really helps to fix it to the
Waterloo ball - it has had a long history clearly
starting out as a 1780s silk and through various
transformations. It is still such a fascinating dress and
it is still always a possibility. Sorry not to be more
definite.” Jenny Lister, Curator, Fashion and Textiles
V&A.
Where to from here?
Clearly there was a story but we still could not
attribute the dress to the ball in 1815 purely on
design. I went back to the family story.
The Waterloo dress, back.
collection. Photo H. Cameron.
QWHA
Social History
Family History Research – Vernor Family
There are many articles in Trove detailing the Vernor
story. A full account of his life can be found in the
Queensland Times (Ipswich).
In summary:
Capt. Robert Vernor born Edinburgh 30 Jan 1836
and educated at Edward Loretto’s school,
Musselburgh. Later joined the 88th Connaught
Rangers.
Capt Vernor was a very well known and well
respected citizen of the Ipswich area. He had taken up
land after arriving in the colony in 1866 on the
The Waterloo dress, stitch detail QWHA
“Southern Ocean”.
collection. Photo H. Cameron.
The town of Vernor was named after him due to his community activism in getting a bridge built.
He was a Justice of the Peace. He owned property including “Cluen”.
Capt Vernor married Miss Sara Harlin in 1865. Miss Harlin was the sister of Mr. T. Harlin, the
first headmaster at Brisbane Grammar School. She was born in Rosedale, County Antrim, Ireland
and died May 16, 1926. She came to Australia in 1860. Her obituary lists her bravery in the
1893 floods, when the family was upset into the flooded river and she saved two of the children.
An engraving of this event is held at the State Library SLQ Image No: 121166 – Engraving of
Vernor family 1893.
At the time of Mrs. Vernor’s death she left a son, Robert William Harlin Vernor and four
daughters. Mrs. Thomson and Mrs. Davidson were two of the daughters.
Queensland Figaro 23 Jan 1904 reports in Orange Blossoms (the social pages): The wedding
of Miss Charlotte Vernor to Mr. P. Davidson.
11
Cont’d pg 12
THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
The Waterloo Dress
cont’d
At the time of Capt. Robert Vernor’s death he had in his
possession “the Waterloo medals from his grandfather and
his own medals from his Indian service”. These were kept at
Cluen, the family home. (Qld Times 6 Mar 1915 p.6).
Capt. Robert Vernor’s obinuary was reported in the Qld
Times (Ipswich) 6 Oct 1920.
A prior mention on 5 Oct 1920 in the same paper says:
Capt. Robert Vernor’s grandfather was Major Robert
Vernor of the “Scot’s Greys” who was wounded at
Waterloo. The Waterloo medal hangs on the wall of Cluen
along with 5 medals of his own. (Qld Times 5 Oct 1920).
Robert Vernor’s Father: James Alexander Vernor – also in
the military.
Robert Vernor’s Grandfather: Major Robert Vernor – who
Engraving of Vernor family rescued was wounded at Waterloo and was disabled. He retired
during the February flood near with distinction and left the service in 1817 and resided
Fernvale, 1893. John Oxley Library, afterwards in Mussellburgh.
SLQ Image No: 121166.
The Waterloo Roll Call (1904) is a Register of all those men who served at the Battle of
Waterloo. It was continually being updated and annotated:
It lists in Section 253 - Capt. Robert Vernor’s Troop under Lieut. Col Hamilton.
2nd or Royal North British Regiment of Dragoons
Capt Robert Vernor
Lieut. John Mills, wounded
Troop Sergeant Major W. McMillan, wounded
Sergeant William Clarke
James Inglis
Charles Ewart – who was later commissioned for capturing an Eagle of
the 45th French regiment. He became very famous.
18th June 1816, Ensign Ewart and other Waterloo officers were entertained at a public
banquet at Edinburgh. He was with Ponsonby when he fell. This meant that the “Scots Greys”
were in the very thick of battle.
The roll call also says:
“This officer’s name (Vernor) is erroneously spelt Vernon in the army lists.”
“Casualties of Royal Scots Greys – 11 officers and 185 men killed and wounded”, all from
the one unit.
So, the family history is authentic in so far as the men’s story. But: What about the dress?
Women at Waterloo? What about the Ball?
There is a guest list for the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball. It is accessible online. The list details
people who were sent invitation. Capt. Verner of the 7 th Hussars is listed and caused some
confusion for some time. He is a separate person and has a story of his own.
There were definitely British Officer’s wives in Brussels and many wives attended the ball.
Lady Magdelene de Lancey has written a famous account and memoir “A Week at
Waterloo in 1815” and it details many women’s experiences. This book gives a first hand
account by a woman and gives insight into the role of women at war in the Napoleonic era.
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THE QUEENSLAND WOMEN'S HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
The Waterloo Dress
cont’d
Conclusion and Significance of the Dresses:
We cannot definitively say that the dress was worn at the ball. However both dresses are
associated with a family who had Waterloo connections.
The dresses do have a significance that goes beyond the Battle of Waterloo. They are
representative of the pioneers who came to Australia to make their home and a new life
after a career of army service throughout the British Empire. These dresses are not the
only items of costume in our collection that have been brought to Queensland many years
after their original owners wore them. We have a Wedding Dress, (The Rusher dress),
that was worn in England 1821 and brought out to Australia by a son nearly 50 years
later. It features in our display catalogue book “The Bride Wore White”. There is a
precedent for men to bring their mother’s clothing out here as heirlooms and for them to
be handed down through the generations.
The Vernor story is a story of pioneering Queensland and its settlement. The dresses are
a tangible connection to our past and our history.
References and Acknowledgements:
I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Helen Cameron in this work. As costume
manager at Miegunyah house museum she is responsible for the care and conservation of
the costume collection. Some of her photographs have been used for this article.
Costume Museum, Bath accessed via www.fashionmuseum.co.uk
Dalton,C 1904. The Waterloo Roll Call. London. Eyre and Spotswoode
De Lancey, Lady Magdelene.1906. London. John Murray. Assessed at
www.gutenburg .org
Fashion Archives Issue 3 access at thefashionarchives.org
Fashion Archives: Our thanks to Nadia Buik and Madeline King for their early advice and
assistance with this project.
Fisk,C. 2013. The Bride Wore White. Brisbane. The Queensland Women’s Historical
Association. see page 12 for the Rusher dress.
Historical Happenings June 1969. Brisbane. The Queensland Women’s Historical
Association.
Queensland Times (Ipswich) 6.3.1915 p.6 accessed via Trove
Queensland Times (Ipswich) 5.10.1920; 6.10.1920 and 7.10.1920 accessed via Trove
Queensland Figaro 23.1.1904 accessed via Trove
State Library of Queensland
Victoria and Albert Museum (Costume) Our thanks to Jenny Lister and Dr. Sue North for
their invaluable assistance.
Wikipedia – gave a list of guests from which we began our search. The Verner
mentioned in that list is William Verner of the 7th Hussars. We have not established a
connection as yet. To date I have not found a more complete list of attendees.
13