My Great Grandmother's House...100 Blog Posts.

My Great Grandmother's House...100 Blog Posts.

I never knew my great grandmother or grandfather. I did not know my grandmother who died in 1952. My grandfather died in 1973 when I was 10 years old. I learnt a little bit about my mother's side of the family and where they were from over the years through stories told to me by my mother and a collection of photographs. 

My interest in family history started when I found my grandmother's death notice on Trove, the database at the National Library of Australia. It was very emotional reading the notice. When I did a basic search of my grandmother's maiden name I found a collection of articles from a variety of sources. There were a number of articles collected via a brother who served in World War One in a Lighthorse Brigade created from documents from the Australian War Memorial and National Archives. There were articles about a sister who married a man who later became a mayor of East Fremantle.

Many of the documents about the history of the Wheelock family were collected for a page about a soldier in World War Two named Jack Logan Wheelock, the son of Darcy Logan Wheelock and Enda Elizabeth Wheelock (nee ILes) called 'WX8753 Wheelock Jack Logan - 2/4 Machine Gun Battalion'.

An entry from Friends of the Battye Library...

"WHEELOCK, CHARLES THOMAS, b. Toodyay, d. 15-5-1916, m 16.6.1885 (Carnarvon) Jessie Nevin McJANNET. Chd May Elizabeth Wheelock b. 1886 d. 1964 (Carnarvon owned drapery store), Darcy, Gerald d. 1964. Shepard at Irwin, drover of flocks into Gascoyne district. In partnership with G.J. Gooch, established "Wandagee Station" 1880. Was at meeting there when 1st Gascoyne Rd. Bd. was formed 1882. To Carnarvon, built "Red House" 1883. Town councillor employee as well as station manager, town butcher. Pesbyt..."     

The highlight of my search came when I searched the Royal Historical Society of Western Australia collection of digitalised photographs. I found a photograph titled 'Cotton Palm At Site of Red House Carnarvon'. The summary read "Cotton palm at site of Red House. Carnarvon. Note 'May Wheelock's birthplace and her mother's treasured cotton palm in a week enshrouded garden on the banks of Gascoyne River, Carnarvon. The cotton palm was grown and cared for by Mrs. C. Wheelock who built the Red House in the background. The wheels etc are all that remain of early transport". The photograph was by R. Scott-Memory.

There is also a photograph of May Elizabeth Wheelock. The summary of the photograph reads "In front of the home her father built in 1884 - Red House at Yankee Town on the Gascoyne River. Carnarvon. Verandahs were added later." The photographer was R. Scott-Memory. 

There is a considerable amount of information about their family home the Red House. The Red House is a heritage listed building on the Inherit State Heritage database. 

"...History

The Red House was built around 1883 in what was known as Yankee Town about three miles from the town centre. It was built by Charles Wheelock for his bride to be Jessie Nevin McJannet whom he married in 1885. They had six girls and two boys, the first child being the third white child to be born in Carnarvon. Their child May Elizabeth born in 1886 lived for seventy eight years in Carnarvon. Bricks were handmade mud bricks from the red soil. The house was renovated by Ann and Mike Kerswill and a portion of the mud brick section was left for tourists and interested people to see. The Cotton Palm is almost as old as the house having been planted by the Wheelocks from a seedling brought home in Charles Wheelock’s saddle bag from a droving trip and nurtured through drought seasons by Jesse. At one time, Aboriginal mothers and children used to hide and sleep under the beds in the Red House for fear of the ‘Gum mint’ (government) Man coming to get them (a law at that time was to separate the Aboriginal children from their mothers). The Red House is one of the few remaining homesteads and has stood for over 100 years through cyclones, floods and droughts and should continue to do so for much longer.

Physical Description

A hipped roofed dwelling with a surrounding partly enclosed verandah. The bricks used in the construction of the house were hand made locally. The original owners were the Wheelocks..."

The dream is to go up to Carnarvon and visit the house. Writing family history is very emotional. While I have learnt a lot from those who have kept records and photographs of the past  there is still a long way to on this journey. 

The photograph below is from the Royal Historical Society of Western Australia. The photograph below is from the Inherit database. No copyright infringement intended. 

The Story Of A Youthful Hero And A Gallant Mother...Subiaco Boating Tragedy (1906).

The Story Of A Youthful Hero And A Gallant Mother...Subiaco Boating Tragedy (1906).

This post is a continuation of the previous post about a boating tragedy on the Swan River where five young people from Subiaco tragically lost their lives in 1906. 

In 1906, Western Australian local newspapers reported on a boating accident on the Swan River where five young people from Subiaco lost their lives. The boat named the "Sadie", was an eighteen foot yacht that left Crawley with sixteen passengers for a two day cruise on the Swan River. 

The party left on a Sunday and sailed to Crawley where they camped for the night. The following morning  on a Monday, the yacht capsized somewhere between Applecross and Crawley. There were attempts to rescue the passengers and crew by others on boats on the Swan River and by the water police at the time. 

 

On the 27 October, 1906 the Express newspaper reported on the accident. Harry Chandler was aboard the yacht with his mother Ellen and sisters May and Rose. The family lived in Heytesbury-road, Subiaco. His sister Rose Chandler who was 15 years of age died in the tragedy. The article credited Harry with saving two lives. 

The article also writes about the heroism of Mrs Elizabeth Gunning when trying to save her son Alfred. On the boat were Mrs Elizabeth Gunning and her children Alfred and Ethel. The family lived at the corner of Hensman Road and Onslow Road, Subiaco. Alfred who was 22 years of age also died in the tragedy.    

In a search on Trove shows that a Harry Chandler of Subiaco enlisted in World War One. He died in 1918 as a result of his wounds gained in action. A post about Harry Chandler is coming up.  

The articles is from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

The Express, 27 October, 1906.

5 Subiaco Residents Drowned.

LAMENTABLE RIVER FATALITY.

A YOUTHFUL HERO.

GALLENT MOTHER.  

"...A HERO. A notable feature of the awful tragedy was a commendable act of bravery on the part of Harry Chandler. As soon as he was plunged with the rest into the water, he set about with a determined effort to assist his mother and two sisters, Rose and May. He is a fairly strong swimmer, and  immediately made for his mother, who was struggling some distance away from him. He managed to secure and pilot her to the edge of the boat, where she grasped a convenient spar and held on till rescue came.

 

Then Henry Chandler directed his attention to his sister May, aged 9 years, and with a great effort managed also to convey her to a temporary place of safety. His sister Rose he observed to be in an exhausted state near the stern of the boat, and he made for her with all despatch. The force of the waves, however, in the meantime had moved the boat, hiding the girl from her brother's gaze, and there he had gained the spot, where he had last seen her, she had gone under and was seen no more. The young hero was terribly exhausted by this time and, being unable to find any trace of his doomed sister, was compelled to clutch the Sadie's gunwale to save himself...

Mrs Gunning performed an ACT OF HEROISM in what proved to a fruitless effort to save the life of her boy, Alfred. The young man was about to sink, when his mother swam to his assistance. For some time the brave and loving mother buoyed up her boy, but at length her strength gave out, and the waves closed over one for whom she had risked her life..."

Five Subiaco Residents Drown...(1906). Part One.

Five Subiaco Residents Drown...(1906). Part One.

In 1906 the yacht Sadie capsized in the Swan River between Applecross and Crawley. Five passengers drowned. The passengers were Phillip. Whellon (22), Rose Chandler (15), Harold Place (9), Alfred Gunning (12) and Roy Burton (19) and were from Subiaco. 

To be continued...

Matron Agnes Marion McLean Walsh (1884-1967).

Matron Agnes Marion McLean Walsh (1884-1967)

Sister Agnes Marion McLean Walsh was a hospital nurse and matron who worked at King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women in Subiaco. After Agnes retired she shared a house in Subiaco with Mary Carson, her long time Deputy-Matron and friend. 

"...She had firm views on single motherhood. She considered that the paramount issues were the pregnant woman's well-being and her right to choose to keep or adopt out her baby. Encountering many agitated and scandalized parents, she was to say later that the young mothers' relations usually were 'too full of self-pity because of the coming social stigma, and too pre-occupied with their own broken hearts, to spare a sympathetic thought for the central figure in the drama'. She encouraged her staff to serve as witnesses at marriages performed in the hospital..." (Martyr, 2002).

Agnes was born on 10 June, 1884 at Mount McKinley, in New South Wales. Her father Richard McQueen Gibson and mother Kate migrated from Scotland. After Mary finished her education she became a saleswoman and married Edmond John Walsh on 25 October, 1910. 

Following the death of her husband Edmond four years later, Mary trained as a nurse at the Royal Hospital for Women in Paddington, specialising in obstetric nursing. She graduated in June 1916 and worked in the city slums as a district midwife.

In 1917 Agnes travelled to Western Australia on holiday and stayed. She obtained a position as a probationer nurse at the Royal Perth Hospital and registered as a general nurse on 8 June, 1920 and became a member of staff at the King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women in Subiaco. Agnes was appointed matron in 1922. 

In 1937 Agnes was awarded King George VI's coronation medal and an OBE in 1948. In 1955 she published her autobiography with Ruth Allen titled 'Life in Her Hands'. Throughout her life, Agnes served on many committees and advisory bodies associated with improving the conditions of nursing provided to the State and Commonwealth. She loved music and horse-racing. Agnes died on 12 August, 1967 at Shenton Park and was cremated.  

Martry, P. (2002). 'Walsh, Anges Marion McLean (1884-1967). Australian Dictionary of Biography. http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/walsh-agnes-marion-mclean-11949

The article is from Trove, the database of National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

West Australian, 21 July 1949.

Matron's Outstanding Work For Women More than 27 years of skilled service to the women of this State was recognised when Matron Agnes Marion Walsh received the O.B.E. at Government House on Tuesday. Her award was in recognition of her services as matron of King Memorial Hospital Subiaco.

One of the most outstanding women in her profession, Matron Walsh's ability has been recognised by the medical profession throughout the Commonwealth and on a number of occasions she has been sent abroad by the Government and other health authorities to gain. additional knowledge upon matters associated with midwifery practice. 

Matron Walsh first took up her duties at King Edward Memorial Hospital when it consisted of a number of wards in the old Industrial School, Subiaco, and where at first only 12 patients could be accepted. It is mainly due to her efforts, insistence and foresight that the present modern building is on a par with any other in the Southern Hemisphere and has a daily bed average of more than 148 patients. 

This Government hospital is under the full control and management of Matron Walsh and has the remarkably low maternal mortality rate of 2.15 per 1,000 live births. More than 50,000 babies have been born at King Edward Memorial Hospital since Matron Walsh was first appointed to her present position. Today, as in the past, she is on call at any hour of the day or night. 

VISITS ABROAD. 

As a young woman Matron Walsh gained her general nursing training at the Perth Hospital (now the Royal Perth Hospital), her midwifery training at the Royal Sydney Hospital for Women and her baby welfare knowledge at the Tresillian centre in New Zealand. 

She is president of the Florence Nightingale Scholarship W.A. Committee, president of the Florence Nightingale. Club, senior 'vice-president of the College of Nursing (Australia), a council member of the A.T.N.A., and is the only woman member of the Commonwrealth Government's National Medical Research Council. 

In 1937 Matron Walsh was sent to Britain, Europe and America to study and report upon matters associated with the work of the King Edward Memorial Hospital. Many of the improved and advanced methods of treatment and midwifery training that she studied have been incorporated in the new hospital. 

Last year she was sent to England by the Government and the Florence Nightingale Foundation Committee to study the latest developments in midwifery training and nursing. She has brought thousands of West Australians into the world and, in addition has been a guide, adviser and teacher to the many nurses who have gained their midwifery training at King Edward Memorial Hospital.

Subiaco Sunshine League Members...An Opinion On 'Mother' (1908).

Subiaco Sunshine League Members...An Opinion On 'Mother' (1908).

In 1908 Uncle Tom, editor of the children's pages at the Daily News newspaper suggested 'Mother' as a topic for children readers of the newspaper to write essays on. The best essays would be awarded prizes according to age groups. 

Several essays were written by children who were Sunshine League members from Subiaco. The children wrote some insightful comments about various aspects of a mother's role through their eyes and based on their experience including that of a carer, nurse, teacher, helper and comforter in times of trouble, advice giver and provider of correct behaviour. Other children shared empathy with children who may not be as lucky as them to have a caring mother and father and were in institutionalised care. 

The last letter was written by Ivy Love in an essay competition in1910 titled "My Most Valued Possession" who was her mother. The letter was written to Auntie Nell, editor of the children's pages at the time.

The photograph of children in informal clothes in the late 1900s is from the Royal Historical Society of Western Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

The articles are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Daily News, 18 November 1908.

ESSAYS ON 'MOTHER.'

By Florence Beryl Beauchamp, aged 13, 75 Olive-street, Subiaco.

Mother! The very sweetest word in the English, language. Just as mother's love surpasses any- other, so does that word contain all that is the sweetest and best. There are undutiful children, we know, but how can they be so unfaithful if they ever think of all their mother has to do for them. When they are little, helpless babies, with what endless love and patience she cares for them, and later, when they are running about, although perhaps unsteady on their little feet, after a tumble, but mother can kiss the place well. 

Then when school time comes, it is mother who is full of sympathy and, help, when sums will not come right, or teacher is cross, when we feel that we do not deserve it. Mother is full of comfort for everything. Now that we learn cooking at school, mother is so pleased with all our little experiments at home, and if they do not turn out quite as we expect, mother shows us where the mistake was made, and is full of encouragement to us to try again. 

How sorry we should be for the poor little ones who have no mother. For what is home without a mother?

Dear Florence, — You can see a home without a mother any day by just peeping into any orphanage.  No matter how kind the staff may be, they cannot fill mother's place. That  is why I encourage all my nieces and nephews to visit the orphanages. It brightens up the orphans and teaches the visitors to value their homes and mothers more than ever. Will you help us with the Orphans' Christmas Cheer by sending a present for one of children.— Uncle Tom.

Daily News, 18 November 1908. 

By Florence Cottrell, aged 14, Keightley-road, Subiaco.

To a home mother is everything. Everybody goes to her if they want anything. Mother is the principal person. If any of us get a cut or wound of any sort, we run to mother to make it better. We depend on her for most things. My mother is a dear, lovling mother. A home is very lonely without mother, so we who have her ought to look after and care for her, and help her in all we can. 

Mother is always very thankful to us when she is tired and we help. It takes very little to please a mother, and it encourages us to help her more. Mother is very fond of flowers, and she is pleased we are joining in your competitions, and thinks it is very kind and thoughtful of you to take such an interest in us boys and girls. 

Mother always helps and comforts us in our troubles and pains. If we want to go out we ask mother to take us. It is best to take mother's advice, and we are always If we are late for school mother says better late than ,never, children. 

Dear Florrie,— You have placed a correct estimate on the value of a good mother. Fathers have the passing events of the outside world to relieve the monotony of life, but a mother's world is rather dull, unless the children do all they can to brighten her. The best way to do that is to be gentle, and kind. - Uncle Tom.

Daily News, 19 November 1908.

ESSAYS ON 'MOTHER.'

By Ella Kerr, 'Restcliffe,' 334 Barker-rd., Subiaco.

Dear Uncle Tom, — Mother is the dearest name on earth. Think of the worries and the trials that she passes through without demur. If any of her children or her husband take sick see how she looks after them. She will watch over them day and night, taking a few moments' sleep when it is possible. There must be hundreds of poor motherless children. What a life they must lead, and think of the hardships they must go through. Of course this does not refer to all. 

Motherless children, for some children, we may say, are often better without mothers, for one, love my mother better than anybody. She gets angry with me at times, no doubt, but I suppose I deserve to be scolded, for I must do some very naughty things, which I do not notice at the time, but after being scolded I generally sit down and say mother is very nasty to have scolded me.

But that is all very well. If we were not corrected at times we would never know the end of our naughtiness. Mother always knows what is best for us. If she did not we might often be very for want of advice on what food we should eat; then also, we might have sweets or play-things by which we should not benefit. So, as the saying is, Mother's advice is the best. I hope you will like my essay, Uncle Tom, and thanking you for accepting me as your niece. 

Dear Ella.— Your essay is a good for Mother's advice, in the vast majority of instances, is the advice children who should learn to obey without pout of the lips and a slouch of the shoulders. - Uncle Tom.

Daily News, 17 September 1910.

PRIZE ESSAY.

'MY MOST PRECIOUS POSSESSION.' by Ivy Love 206 Hay-street, Subiaco.

Dear Auntie Nell, — I suppose you will be beginning to think l have quite forgotten you; but I have not had much time, as we have had a lot of homework lately. Can you try more than once for a prize? If so, I would like to try for a prize on 'My' most valued possession.' I will be 11 on September 28. 

My mother is my most valued possession.  I prize her love and kindness to me. I like many others, have known a mother's love, therefore we prize her so much. We have never known what it is to be homeless and destitute or to have a bad and wicked father or mother, like some poor children have, who are worse off even than orphans, who at least have a home, where they are treated well. 

These poor children, who have never known a mother's love, care, and kindness are looked after and loved by noble men and women, who have devoted, their lives to looking after and loving. God forsaken little children. So we who have loving mothers prize them, all the more. We children cannot do this noble work until we are older hut we can at least save our pennies and give them to the numerous homes where these children are living happily. Well, dear Auntie, I think that is all I have to say now. I must now say goodbye, with best love. - I remain, your loving niece IVY LOVE.  

My dear Ivy, - I was pleased to hear from you again, and to learn that you had not forgotten me. I am also glad you tried for a prize on 'My most precious possession' because your, effort has gained a prize. You were a wise girl in choosing mother as your most precious possession. There is no doubt they are the dearest and most precious of all our earthly belongings. I wonder if you will make something for Ailsa Skene's bazaar in aid of the orphans cheer. Have you noticed that we are endeavoring to give the orphans a picnic about Christmas time? Well the proceeds of Ailsa's bazaar are  to be devoted to this outing. Yes, dear, the members are, allowed to compete for prizes as often as they like. Hoping that your prize arrives safely, and that you will write to me soon, Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell.

Gladys Cressey...A Girl And An Opinion (1904).

Gladys Cressey...A Girl And An Opinion (1904).

In 1904 and 1906 the W.A. Record, the Catholic newspaper published two essays written by Gladys Cressey on 'Why all Catholics should support the West Australian Recorder' and the 'Life of St Patrick' in the Children's Competitions section of the newspaper. 

The newspaper also printed a photograph that appeared with both contributions by the photographer J. J. Dwyer. There are very few photographs of children who wrote to newspapers and had their letters and creative work published. The photographs provide a wonderful insight into the fashions of the time for children and young people like Gladys. They always inspire further research.  

In 1904 Gladys was a student a the Convent School in Kalgoorlie when her essay 'Why all Catholics should support the West Australia Recorder' was published. The photograph provided with the essay states she was 14 years old.   

Many children wrote essays and submitted them on a regular basis to the newspaper. The essays submitted had to be the children's own work and validated by the teacher and local priest before entered.  

The essay on 'Why all Catholics should support the 'West Australian Record' has been copied below as it provides a wonderful insight into Gladys, in particular her opinions on the value of the Children's Corner and the authors of the articles published in it. "...It also contains a Children's Corner, for, which reason the children should induce our parents to support it, that we may read the letters therein, and thereby know how our cousins, who live in the different parts of the State are, and how they are employed, etc. I fancy that I know each of them already, and am very much interested in their various games and holiday amusements, and anxiously wish to meet them, in order to strengthen our acquaintance." Over one hundred years on Gladys and I share something in common. We both want to get to know the children that lived at that time.

Gladys also makes some interesting comment about the articles that appear in West Australian Recorder and who write them..."Few I think like "The Record" better than I do, and yet I would prefer the words were not so large as I would wish to read the articles straight, off without a stop, and this cannot be so for when I meet a difficult word I have to apply to the dictionary, otherwise I would not understand what I was reading about, which doubtlessly shows that the articles are written by well educated men." 

In 1906 Gladys was now attending St. John of God's Convent in Subiaco and again she submitted an essay on 'The Life of St. Patrick'. The W.A. Record, 9 June 1906, wrote about Gladys' essay on the 'Life of St. Patrick' published in the children's corner. 

"...Now a word about the essays...The best essay on the 'Life of St. Patrick' was written by Miss Gladys Cressey (aged 15), of the Convent of St, John of God Subiaco. For a girl of her age we, consider her essay a very; creditable production. The writing and phrasing are good, and as our readers may see she has shown a thorough grasp of her subject, giving us a racy and interesting account of the various periods of the Saint's life. With a minuteness of detail which bordered on but never became boresome..." 

Little information about Gladys Cressey can be found on Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. She does not seem to have anything else published after 1906. 

The article and photograph is from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia.  

W.A. Record, 12 November 1904.

Prize Essays. COMPETITIVE ESSAYS ON 'WHY ALL CATHOLICS SHOULD SUPPORT 'THE WEST AUSTRALIAN RECORD.' 

(By Gladys Cressey, Convent School, Kalgoorlie)

It is the duty of Catholics to support their own paper therefore, I think, "The Record" ought to receive substantial, support, being the sole Catholic paper in this State. Not only for the above mentioned reason should Catholics support "The Record," but also because, in such a vast State as this is, where the population is so scattered, and all have not the opportunity that we, in Kalgoorlie, have, of hearing daily Mass or attending to their religious duties some incentive is necessary to bring them into a closer religious union than would be possible were by all "The Record" will do what it not established, and if support is required. 

When articles are published through the Press people will form an opinion, and owing to the manner in which statements are represented, the generality of Catholics, probably will form the wrong opinion, and for those "The Record" is particularly necessary, as in it they are certain, to find a true and perfect account of all matters relating to Catholicity. It is useless for a person to say : "I require no paper to explain matters to me, for I never form a wrong opinion, nor am I prejudiced," as all persons are liable to mistakes. Again, a certain amount of reading is done by all and, of course, it could not be done from anything better than from a Catholic paper such as "The Record.' In its present state  'The Record' is highly worthy of support, as it contains not only a plentiful supply of good Catholic reading, but also instructive general news. 

It also contains a Children's Corner, for, which reason the children should induce our parents to support it, that we may read the letters therein, and thereby know how our cousins, who live in the different parts of the State are, and how they are employed, etc. I fancy that I know each of them already, and am very much interested in their various games and holiday amusements, and anxiously wish to meet them, in order to strengthen our acquintance. 

The much admired poetry, which at present appears in "The Record" is very commendable. How beautifully it illustrates the patriotic, and poetic spirit of the Irish people and as the greater number of us are of Irish descent, we should love very much, to read it, and learn  more about our forefathers.  

A Catholic book or paper should be available in every household to prevent people from reading useless books and to improve them, for if they read good news, it will strengthen their faith, and increase their knowledge, while they are, in a certain sense only amusing themselves. Excuses always creep in, so some people may say that they have Catholic books, and ask why they should support "The Record" when they have in a supply of Catholic reading.

Well, I think, that most people like fresh reading, and like also to have plenty of it. "The Record" is of ample size and is delivered weekly, therefore, it should please all thoroughly.  Add to this the instructive powers of "The Record." Few I think like "The Record" better than I do, and yet I would prefer the words were not so large as I would wish to read the articles straight, off without a stop, and this cannot be so for when I meet a difficult word I have to apply to the dictionary, otherwise I would not understand what I was reading about, which doubtlessly shows that the articles are written by well educated men. 

Again ordinary books would, perhaps, remain away unread for some time, but if a paper were delivered weekly as "The Record" is, people would feel bound to read some of it, at least, before placing it down, and if once they looked at "The Record" they would read it, no doubt right through for I think it would interest any person. 

I must not omit to mention the artistic headings which have appeared lately on "The Record." I think they are both interesting and amusing. On the whole I think there are many and urgent reasons for which, Catholics should support "The Record," and hope they will do so in a manner that will be a credit to them..."

Gladys Cressey,

Age 14 years. September 29, 1904.

The Daily News Newspaper And A History Of The Orphans' Christmas Cheer Fund (1932).

The Daily News Newspaper And A History Of The Orphans' Christmas Cheer Fund (1932).

In 1932 the Daily News newspaper published an article titled 'A Paper With A History. The 'Daily News' Links Beginnings With State' to celebrate the jubilee. The article discusses the history of the ownership of the newspaper and it's role in recording the history in Western Australia though the early settlement of the colony, the gold rush, the Great War until the present. Included in this article is a paragraph on the newspaper's appeals for charity.

The article provides how much money was raised for the Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund, hospitals and other charitable organisations initially started by 'Uncle Tom' of the Children's Column. Money..."was raised and distributed among orphans and various charitable , organisations, the guiding principle, being a Christmas treat bringing the festive season to the hearts of those who others wise would miss the visit of Father Christmas..." The early years of the Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund has been discussed on a number of previous blog posts.

The first article discusses two other initiatives that were created to help raise money including a Charity Carnival and a Golden Apple appeal during the Depression. "...Owing to the depression the Carnival was discontinued temporarily but a Golden Apple appeal made in 1931 to help apple-growers in marketing their fruit was so well organised that in addition to helping the growers material  £3291 was available as profit to distribute amongst deserving institutions..."

The article does not discuss where the money donated came from. A lot the money raised came from activities of children supported by their families through the children's pages. An example is provided in another article titled 'Christmas Cheer. Children Help Orphans' about four children under eight years of age who organised a bazaar to help raise funds for the appeal. 

The photograph was used in an article in 1930 to open the Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund (Daily News, 8 November, 1930).

The article is from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended No copyright infringement intended. 

Daily News, 1 September 1932.

APPEALS FOR CHARITY , Also complete record of the results of appeals made by 'The Daily News' for hospitals  and other beneficent funds has been kept, but figures are available for the major efforts made in the last eight years. These show a total of -£23,297 raised in cash and given wide distribution throughout the State. One of the main appeals made every year is that of the Orphans' Christmas Cheer Fund. This developed out of the manual picnic conducted by 'Uncle Tom' writer at the time of the Children's Column. The appeal grew in favor. In 1923 the sum of £683 was raised and distributed among orphans and various charitable , organisations, the guiding principle, being a Christmas treat bringing the festive season to the hearts of those who others wise would miss the visit of Father Christmas. In 1929 the total had grown to £1318, but owing to depression fell to £850 in 1930 to rise again in 1931 to £999. In the eight years the amount of Orphans' Christmas Cheer raised and distributed totaled £S450. 

A Charity Carnival launched in 1929 to help public charitable institutions (as distinct from and additional to the Orphans' Cheer effort) raised £127G in the first year and the splendid total of £10,160 in 1930. Owing to the depression the carnival was discontinued temporarily but a Golden Apple appeal made in 1931 to help apple-growers in marketing their fruit was so well organised that in addition to helping the growers material  £3291 was available as profit to distribute amongst deserving institutions..."Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1950), Friday 1 December 1933, page 7

Daily News, 29 November 1932.

"CHRISTMAS CHEER.

Children Help Orphans

There is a breath of human kindness in the touching effort of four little children of Maylands to assist the cause that 'The Daily News' Orphans' Christmas Cheer Fund is championing. Gerda, Win, Don and Len are four kiddies, none of whom is over nine years of age, who wanted to do their bit for other boys and girls to whom the fates have been unkind. 

They thought they would try to help the orphans' fund and organised a bazaar among their playmates. In that way they raised £2 10s and have sent it along to the fund, hoping that it will help to provide a joyful Christmas for other children. In these times of financial stringency there is inexhaustible scope for practical help. 

Our institutions are crowded with orphaned children and aged and injured people. So that something may be done to relieve them of their weight of suffering and sense of loneliness 'The Daily News' has called for the co-operation of the community each year for 25 years past. The call has always met & splendid response, and it is imperative that the public shall help on this occasion. The gift of the four little Australians of Maylands is an inspiration that should quickly make itself felt. All donations are acknowledged in our columns.."

Lily Groth And A Christmas Story From Subiaco (1908).

Lily Groth And A Christmas Story From Subiaco (1908).

Lily Groth was an 11 year old girl who lived at 83 Robinson-Street, Subiaco in 1907. In 1907 she wrote to Uncle Tom, the editor of the children's pages of the Daily News newspaper to become a member of the Sunshine League. Lily's name, address and age were published in the children's pages on the 30 November, 1907. The following week her letter to Uncle Tom was published. 

"...Uncle Tom, I am writing to ask you if you would accept me as one of your many nieces. I am 11 years old, and my birthday is on June 10. I have a garden, which I am going to call my Sunshine Patch. I think the Sunshine Cot scheme Is a very splendid idea. I hope you will have the £30 by Christmas. I am in the fourth standard at school. Hoping you are well, With love from LILY GROTH, aged 11.

Dear Lily, I have put your name on my roll, and in my birthday roll, so you see you are my niece now, and I hope you will prove as a willing a Sunshine-worker as many others I have in Subiaco, Kind regards Uncle Tom..."

During the year Lily wrote a lovely short story called 'A Christmas Story' and submitted it to the children's pages. The story was published on 18 January, 1908. There do not appear to be any more letters or submissions by Lily that were published after this time.  

The article and letter are from Trove, the database on the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

Daily News, 18 January 1908.

A CHRISTMAS STORY.

(By NIECE LILY GROTH, Aged 11, 33 Robinson-street, Subiaco.)

'It won't be a bit like Christmas,' said Dennis, gloomily, as he stood at the window of the little dining-room, and gazed across the snow-covered fields. 'No presents! No party, and no grand dinner! It will be a miserable time !' 

'Oh, Dennls, take care; don't let, mother hear you,' softly said Patty, a dark-haired child a year or two older than her brother. 'Poor mother, she all but cried to-day who she told us about the bank breaking, and said that we must try and save every penny we could; I know she is more disappointed than we are not to be able to give all the nice things we have always had for Christmas!' 

'Banks have no business to break at Christmas,' muttered Dennis; 'but the next minute he called out in quite a different tone, 'Oh, Patty, look! The Squire's gig is at our gate, and he's coming up the path with such a turkey, and, oh, such parcels!'

Dennis flew to tho door, closely followed by Patty, whilst the sad-faced mother, roused by the rapturous cries of Dennis, also came into tho little ivy-clad porch to see what good fairy wag caning such happy shouts. It was no fairy, wait the sturdy Squire bringing brightness into tho sad little household. 

Patty would have dragged him into the house, for the old gentleman was a great favorite at 'Ivy Cottage'; but he said was too busy to stop to-day. 'No, no, my dear,' he was saying as Mrs, Lenton came out, 'I have a great many visits to pay. Every one of my friends expects a Hall turkey, so I'll leave this on here, and be off.' 

Here he pushed the big turkey into Dennis's arms, and loaded Patty with presents. Then, wishing Mrs. Lenton a happy Christmas, he jumped Into the gig and drove off quickly along the road, not giving them time to thank him for his gifts. After all, it was Christmas time.

The Sunshine League 'And How I Would Like To Spend Christmas'...Christmas 1910. Part Four.

The Sunshine League 'And How I Would Like To Spend Christmas'...Christmas 1910. Part Four. 

 

The lives and letters of the children of the Sunshine League via the Daily News newspaper are my favourite subject to research and write about on this blog. They offer an insight into the lives of children of the time.  

This post is a continuation of the three previous posts on the Sunshine League and the Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund in 1910, 'A Sunshine Maker's Bazaar In Subiaco...Christmas 1910, Part One' , 'Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fun...Christmas 1910, Part Two' and 'The Sunshine League and the Orphan's Christmas Fund.... Children's Opinions Christmas 1910, Part Three'.

In the early 1900s many of the children in Western Australia, Perth and Subiaco, entered competitions, donated money to charitable organisations like the Orphans Christmas Cheer Fund and the Children's Hospital Cot Fund and shared aspects of their lives through letters and essays in the children's pages run by Uncle Tom and Auntie Nell at the Daily News newspaper.

Many of the topics were suggested by Uncle Tom and Auntie Nell based on the children's interests and events happening around Perth and Western Australia. The essays were classified according to the age of the children. They were often published, often with a response by Uncle Tom or Aunty Nell who awarded prizes, usually a book on topics relevant to their interests. Even if unsuccessful the children were encouraged to continue writing, 

The children's letters record their feelings and observations about themselves, their life and family and events at the time. This post is about how some children in Perth would like to spend their Christmas. The children provide an interesting insight into the customs of their home including the arrival of Santa, presents, Christmas dinner, treats like Christmas pudding, going to Church and spending time with family and friends. There was one interesting letter where a young boy got a gun for Christmas and spent his day shooting at bottles. 

But there are also thoughts of others, including helping around the house, helping their mother with Christmas dinner and looking after little children but also the thought of those less fortunate like the orphans and the Christmas Cheer fund. 

The articles are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.  

The photograph is from The Royal Historical Society of Western Australia photographic collection on how some people might enjoy Christmas Day in 1910 on the Swan River. No copyright infringement intended. 

Daily News, 24 December, 1910.

MY LETTER BAG

SUNSHINE-MAKING ACCOUNTS And WELCOME CORRESPONDENCE

 

Hamilton-street, East Fremantle. Dear Aunt Nell,— I wish to become one of your many nephews, and also to compete for your weekly prize this week, entitled 'What I Consider to be the Most Enjoyable Way to Spend Christmas Day'. Everybody in a nice, cosy, comfortable home; on Christmas Day is happy. The little ones rise quite early to meet the pleasant surprises which they will find Father Christmas has left for them in their stockings. 

Christmas Day is a quiet day, yet full of rejoicing and excitement. For Christmas morning church would be very suitable; returning home from there where a little help about the house would be very acceptable, for there is so much to do at this festive seasons. Then comes the best of all, Christmas dinner, and as we sit before our heaped plate of roast duck, baked potatoes, and other delicacies, to say nothing of a large, round steaming Christmas pudding, which perhaps is the most welcome of the Christmas dinner and we think of a small donation sent on towards the orphans' Christmas Cheer, we can think that we have made at least one little heart happy.  

Dinner over just when the day is at its hottest a rest would be beneficial. Later on, when the day is cooler, a short walk would  be beneficial, or a drive would be very refreshing. The evening may not be wasted, for a Christmas, party evening may be arranged, and a very happy time may be spent. Supper and the departing of guests would end ''What I consider to be a most enjoyable Christmas Day." Wishing you the compliments of the season and hoping you will accept, this small donation,  I remain, with love, your would be, nephew, HAROLD E. THOMSON, aged 16.

  

Dear Harold,— It gives me much pleasure to welcome you as my nephew, and I trust you will be a frequent contributor to the Children's Page. Your essay on 'What I Consider to be the Most Enjoyable Way to Spend Christmas' is very good, but this week, owing to competitions arriving late in the week and our Children's Page going to press earlier than usual, I cannot announce the prizewinners. The programme you suggest sounds most enjoyable, and I trust it will be your lot to enjoy such a Christmas Day. With best wishes for a happy yule tide, — Yours affectionately, Auntie Nell. P.S.— Many thanks for the shilling postal note enclosed in your letter. It was very kind of you, and has been added to our Thermometer.— A.N.

Daily News, 31 December, 1910.

ESSAYS

'HOW I WOULD LIKE TO SPEND CHRISTMAS.' PRIZE ESSAY.

Dear Auntie Nell,— I am writing, a letter on how I would like to spend Christmas Day: As it falls on Sunday this year, I think it will make a little difference how we should act. I think we should first of all rise in the morning in a very good temper, and get dressed, and go to church and pray; for all the dear little orphans throughout the whole, of the world, and ask God to give them some little thing to remind them that Christmas Day means so much, as it is Christ's birthday; then come home and help our parents to get the dinner.

Then go out for a nice quiet walk, and have a game with our toys; have our tea; and go to bed. and have a sleep, after thanking God for all the good things, and get ready for Monday (Boxing Day), the day for a lot of fun. Dear Auntie Nell, I am sending you a small sum towards the orphans' cheer. I do hope they will have a good holiday this year, Dear auntie, I won a medal this year in school for collecting a sum for the Children's Hospital.

 

I am if you remember, a dewdrop in the Fairy Set. I am willing to go and help the concert which is to take place, and do all I can to help it to be a success. I am sorry I cannot attend the concert tonight, as mother is not able to take me, and I cannot go by myself, but I do hope the dear old men, will enjoy themselves. I think this is all I have to say. Now I must close my letter, with all the good wishes for a Merry Christmas and a bright New Year.  I remain, with love from your loving niece,  DORIS MAY COLBOURNE Fulkirk-avenue, Maylands. AGED 10. Dear Auntie,  I enclose you 6d. and 3d. each for Ernie and Harry, my two brothers for the Christmas Cheer. 

Dear Doris,— Thank you very much for the shilling you brought In to me for the Orphans' Cheer Fund. Also thank Ernie and Harry for me for their share. You have written me a very nice little essay on 'How I Should like to Spend Christmas Day,' and you'll be glad to know you have gained a prize. You will naturally be proud of the medal awarded you for collecting for the Children's Hospital. You must have worked very energetically. Yes I remember you as a dewdrop quite well in the Fairy Set. Thank you for helping again in the New Year. 

Yes, the old men had a very excellent concert on Wednesday last, and we enjoyed ourselves. With many thanks for your good wishes and kisses, and hoping that you will all spend a bright and happy New Year, Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell. 

Dear Auntie Nell, I am a seaside boy, and I think the best way to spend Christmas is to go right away for a complete change into the country. Everything is so novel there, the kangaroos, the birds, and the scenery. Last year I went to Burracoppin, and had the time of my life. Dear aunt, I took my new rifle with me, and after having Christmas dinner I went out into the yard and shot at all the empty lemonade bottles. 

I have a brother, Tom, who works in a newspaper office, and he says the best way to spend Christmas Day is to have enough to eat at Christmas dinner for twenty four hours, and then to in to sleep till you get hungry again. That seems rather a queer way of doing things though I hope you spend a happy Christmas and a happy New Year. Dolly sends her love, and it from to send you 3d. for the hospital next week. - Your affectionate nephew CHARLIE SPENCER. Beaconsfield, East Perth.

 

Dear Auntie Nell, — The best way to spend Christmas Day is to paddle by the seaside and build castles in the sand. I don't much like mixed bathing, but I think it is great fun for a lot of young girls to get together and make a splash. Cottesloe Beach is my favorite place, because the sands are so clean and nice, and the water is not too deep. Edith is away at Albany for ten days. We do miss her so much. George is going to Rottnest on Monday. I hope he won't be seasick. With love from us all, — Your true niece, MARY DUNN. East Fremantle.

 

Dear Auntie Nell,— I see you are offering a prize, for the best letters on 'What I consider the best way to spend Christmas Day.' I should like to compete if you will allow me, but before I start I should like to explain to you why you have not heard from me for so many weeks. I have been away visiting my aunt in Bunbury. I had my holiday then instead of at Christmas, because at Christmas time mother could not spare me, as my aunt and two cousins are coming, to stay with us from Sydney. 

I think a good way to spend Christmas Day is to waken about 7 o'clock in the morning; and go and sing Christmas. Carols outside mother's and father's bedroom door. Then to hurry up and get dressed yourself, and help the little ones washed and dressed in time for breakfast. Then get in early and put all the presents on the plates, then when all the presents have been, admired to put them carefully away and get ready, for church. 

After church is over return home, enjoy a good Christmas dinner, and it's very exciting if you are lucky enough to find some silver in your portion of the pudding. After dinner always go and prepare afternoon tea, then we all go for a walk. For tea it is nice to, have some of your friends, and decorate the table prettily with creepers and Christmas cake and mince pies. 

In the evening music and games are nice, after which we should finish up with family worship, because we must not forget that it is Christ's birthday, and what his birth means to all the world. Sometimes the holiday spirit takes such possession of us that we are apt to forget the most vital lesson of all to he learned from Christmas. I hope the little orphans had a good Christmas, and that next year our League will work just as successfully. Hoping you will not find this too long, - Your  ever willing niece, BESSIE BURROWS.

Muelle Park. My Dear Auntie Nell,  It is, hard to say; the best way to spend Christmas Day, but really I think the best way is to go to the pantry before dinner and pick out all the three penny pieces from the Christmas pudding. My word, when I did this last year, you ought to have seen my brother Jack's face. He was very angry. I think a good way to spend Christmas is to try and make everybody happy. I always hang my stocking up, and I think that's one of the pleasures of Christmas Day. 

Mother, has to fill four little stockings; every year for us, so we should be very good during the year to her, don't you think so, auntie? My greatest joy is to hand over mother a present. No matter how small it is, she always seems to be very pleased. I never know what to get father, the things he wants are too expensive to buy. This year I presented him with a pretty pair of socks with pretty blue clocks up the sides. — From your loving niece, JEANIE GREY. P.S. I wish you a very merry, Christmas and happy New Year.— J.G.

The Sunshine League and the Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund.... Children's Opinions, Christmas 1910. Part Three.

The Sunshine League and the Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund...Children's Opinions Christmas 1910. Part Three.

This post is a continuation of the two previous posts on the Sunshine League and the Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund in 1910, 'A Sunshine Maker's Bazaar In Subiaco...Christmas 1910, Part One' and 'Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fun...Christmas 1910, Part Two'. 

As previously stated in blogposts on this blog, The Sunshine League was associated with the Daily News newspaper's children's pages edited by Auntie Nell. Children wrote letters to Auntie Nell and entered competitions including writing essays, donated and raised money for charitable causes including the Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund and the Children's Hospital Cot Fund. The members were known as nieces or nephews and Sunshine Makers. 

In 1910, Auntie Nell asked the members of Sunshine League children for their opinions on 'what would be the most enjoyable way to entertain the orphans at Christmas time' for the Orphans' Christmas Cheer Fund. Many children responded to Auntie Nell about where they thought the orphans might like to go for a picnic and a good time. Some children were awarded prizes for their efforts. The responses and awarding of prizes were classified according to ages. 

  

It is always interesting to read the children's letters and Auntie Nell's responses to these letters of over a hundred years ago and the children's opinions and thoughts were valued by an adult. Auntie Nell's responses showed she had an intimate knowledge of most of the Sunshine League members and their families.    

One of the letters was from Subiaco Sunshine League member Daphne Pyett who lived at 57 York-street, Subiaco in 1910. There is a previous post about Daphne as a member of the Sunshine League. In this letter she made a suggestion on and enjoyable way to entertain the orphans via the Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund.  

The letters copied below are some of the children's responses. The articles are from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 

The photographs copied below are from the Royal Historical Society of Western Australia photographic collection of sites around Perth in 1910 based on the ideas suggested by the children in the letters. No copyright infringement intended. 

Daily News, 8 October 1910.

AUNTIE NELL'S POSTSCRIPT

Prizes will be given for the best essays on 'What I think would be the most enjoyable way to entertain the orphans at Christmas time.' AUNTIE NELL.

Daily News, 15 October 1910.

ESSAYS

PRIZE ESSAY. 

Coode-street. South Perth. Dear Aunt Nell, - I think a good idea to entertain tho orphans would do to have a picnic at Como Beach South Perth, it is within easy distance of Perth, and Mr. Sutton would most likely reduce the fares. There Is a good road down to the beach and it is about three-quarters of a mile to the jetty. It is a very nice place for bathing, and there is no danger, oven the very little ones can go and paddle. There are many attractions, such as fishing and crabbing. At the end of the Jetty there are shelter sheds where the meals can be set. - Your loving niece, OLIVE SMITH. P.S. - My sister Is going to Join this week - O.S. 

Dear Olive, - I was so pleased to have your letter and essay, also the beautiful fragrant blooms of lavender enclosed in your letter. Thank you. It sounds quite a delightful place for a picnic. I shall bear it in mind. I am so glad you have found me a new sunshine-maker. I am pleased to welcome Ivy as my niece. Do you think you could make something for Ailsa Skene's bazaar in aid of the orphans' cheer?  She would be very grateful to you If you could. Are you taking part in the Schools' Demonstration at Claremont on Saturday? Good-bye, dear. Take much love from yours lovingly, Auntie Nell.

Daily News, 15 October 1910.

MY LETTER BAG

SUNSHINE MAKING ACCOUNTS,  And WELCOME CORRESPONDENCE FIRST CLASS 

Suburban-road, South Perth. Dear Auntie Nell, — Will you accept me as one of your nephews. I am six years old, and I am in the first standard at school. I am going to write an essay on, 'Where I think would be the best place to take the orphans for their picnic ' this year. Well, I think that it would be a good thing to take them to King's Park. As there is plenty of room for them to run about, and have races. And there is a lovely view and they could see all the boats on the river. I am enclosing three pence for the Orphan's Cheer. I think that is all, from your would be nephew. ROLAND PUTTICK. P.S.— A little friend is writing this letter for me.- R.P. 

Dear Roland,— I am so glad you have written to me and l am delighted to have you for my little nephew. Thank you so much for your, three pennies for our Orphan's Cheer Fund. You were a kind little man thank you for your suggestion for the orphans' picnic; a very good one, but I will not decide until I hear the opinion of a few more of the sunshine makers. Did Thelma help you with your letter? It was very kind of her, wasn't it ? Did you and Thelma catch your ferry on Sunday. I was so pleased to have met you. You must go and see Amy some other Sunday. Good-bye, dear, take much love from yours lovingly, Auntie Nell. 

Daily News, 15 October 1910.

PRIZE ESSAY.

Mackle-street.- Victoria Park. Dear Aunt Nell,— I am writing an essay on 'What I think would be the most enjoyable way to entertain the orphans at Christmas time.' I think they would enjoy a picnic in the country. There is plenty of room for them to play in. There are also nice shady trees for them to rest under and have their, lunch under. In the country there are many pretty wildflowers to look at and pick. Swings can also be fixed on the boughs of trees for them to swing on. The country is very pretty when all the flowers are out. I think they would enjoy the train ride very much. There is much beautiful scenery to be seen when going along In the train. A day in the country would be very delightful for them. Enclosed you will find, threepence worth of stamps.- I remain, your affectionate niece. SYLVIA WEICKHARDT, aged 10. 

Dear Sylvia,— It is a long time since I heard from you. I thought you must have forgotten all about me. Did Freda receive her prize, do you know? I think the little orphans would enjoy a day in the country, especially if the idea you suggest was carried out. Very many thanks for your orphans cheer contribution; it was most welcome. I trust you will like your prize, dear, and gain some more. Give my love to Ella and Freda, and kiss your sweet little baby sister from me. Much love, dear, from - Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell. 

Daily News, 15 October 1910.

PRIZE ESSAY.

Rosalie; Bruce-street, Leedervillle. Dear Auntie Nell.— I think a nice way to entertain the orphan children at Christmas time would be to get some large wagons drawn by nice quiet horses (as trains go too quickly, and the children cannot see all the beautiful things as they pass along), and taken for a long drive Into the country, past farms, so that the children may see the sheep and  cattle feeding In the paddocks, and the farmers gathering in the harvest, the vines loaded, with grapes, the orange trees with their golden green foliage, dotted all over with lovely golden oranges, and to a nice green shady part beside a stream, then waited on with refreshments (not forgetting strawberries or peaches and cream), then allowed to wander and pick flowers, listening to the dear little birds singing, or partake of games, swings, or any other amusements; then more cakes and billy tea, and a lovely ride home. I am sure they would be just ready for bed. - I remain your affectionate niece. DOROTHY VINCENT. 

Dear Dorothy,— What a charming day we could give the orphans If it was only possible to carry out the scheme you suggest in your letter. It sounds most enjoyable. I have awarded your essay a prize, dear. I trust it will arrive safely, and that you will like it. Hoping you are all well, and that I will hear from you again soon, - Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell.

PRIZE ESSAY

My Dear Auntie Nell,— I should like to try and write an essay on what I think would do to give tho orphans an outing at Christmas time. In my opinion, the best way to entertain them would be to take them for a lovely picnic to the beach, either at Cottesloe or North Beach, I should like to get some wagons and some horses and drive them gently through the beautiful bush roads, where they could see all the lovely wild flowers growing; then, when they arrived at the beach they could all take off their shoes and stockings and paddle. Run races on the sands, and build beautiful sand castle, then I would have some swings put under the trees, where they could have lovely swings there on. I would have lovely sandwiches and buns and cakes and fruit for them to eat, and should finish up with a lollie scramble. Then, when the sun was beginning to go to have a rest, I should give them all an orange to take home, and get them into the wagons and drive home again, when they would for very pleased to tumble Into their little beds, after a happy day. This is all this time, from your loving niece, WINNIE YOUNG.

 

Dear Winnie, — I think if the programme you suggest in your essay was carried out, a very happy day would be enjoyed by the orphans. The drive through the country roads, and eventually the paddling and races on the beach, would be really lovely. The lollie scramble, too, they would think was lovely fun. If not just as you suggest, we hope to give the orphans a happy day, and I am very anxious for all the Sunshine-makers to interest themselves in this movement, and work energetically in order to make the thermometer rise. Good-bye, dear. Take much love from - Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell.

Daily News, 19 November 1910.

57 York-street, Subiaco. Dear Auntie Nell,— I am writing you a few lines to ask you if you are in good health, as it leaves us at present. We are getting a concert hall built at our school just now. Our school concert is coming off soon. I hope Ailsa's bazaar will be a great success, so that the little orphans will be able to have a nice picnic. I think if they went to Point Walter they would have a grand time I am sure. They could have a nice lot of races and prizes in the afternoon. I am 12 years of age. I am going to the Royal Show. I hope I will be able to collect a nice lot of money to help to rise the Thermometer speedily. Good-night, dear Auntie Nell,— I remain, your loving niece DAPHNE PYETT 

Dear Daphne,— I was so disappointed at not meeting you- at Thelma and Feda's bazaar on Saturday last. If it had been possible for you to get along I know you would have enjoyed yourself. The stalls looked so pretty, and everyone was so bright and happy. I trust the school concert will be a big success. Are you taking part in it? I, too, trust you will be able to collect some pennies for the orphans. We will require every penny we can possibly collect to give them these lovely picnics we are talking so much about. I hope you enjoyed yourself at the Royal Show. What day were you there? With much love, dear, and thanks for all the sweet kisses.— Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell. 

The first two photographs are the views from Cottesloe Beach in 1910. The last two photographs are from Kings Park in 1910.  

'Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund' And King Edward Memorial Hospital....Christmas 1933, Part Three.

'Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund' And King Edward Memorial Hospital. Christmas (1933).

Part Three continued on from the previous two posts on the Orphans' Christmas Cheer Fund in 1910...

"...In the early 1900s many of the children in Western Australia, Perth and Subiaco, entered competitions and shared aspects of their lives through letters and essays in the 'Children's Pages' run by Uncle Tom and Auntie Nell at the Daily News newspaper. 

The children became members of the Sunshine League, a charitable organisation initiated by Uncle Tom the original editor of the children's pages at the newspaper. The object of the Sunshine League was "to train children to in sets of kindness and love, believing that such sets bring blessings to themselves and others. The motto is "there is nothing greater or more beautiful in all the world than kind deeds and the humblest child can do them." Children wrote to Uncle Tom and Auntie Nell asking to become members. They were known as nieces and nephews.

There was no membership fee but those members who wanted to could make a donation or actively raise money for two causes the 'Orphans Christmas Cheer Fund' and the Children's Hospital Cot Fund. Those events were annual features in children's pages. Many children donated  money on a regular basis and their names were published in the newspaper. Those adventures of members have been written about in previous blog posts..."

This article is from Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.     

Daily News, 28 November 1933.

ORPHANS' XMAS CHEER FUND

MORE THAN 1000 Babies! Brighten Their First Christmas

Many more than 1000 babies have been born at the King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women this year. Many more than 1000 mothers know that their babies have the invisible K.E.M.H. 'well-born' seal on their birth certificates. 

The babies ranged in weight from less than two pounds to ten, and the mothers ranged from those so financially distressed that the hospital authorities returned to them the baby bonus money to women of means who would pay a lot for the guaranteed health that the K.E.M.H. seal assures. 

The annual number of new citizens who come from the King Edward increases year by year, and this year it has been found necessary to appoint another honorary surgeon. Few places have felt the need for funds during the times of financial stringency as has the King Edward Hospital. Many babies left the hospital to return to distressed homes, and kindly wise Matron Walsh, to whom her job is not only an important post, but a life's work, saw that all those babies would be properly clad during the important first months of their lives. 

Hundreds of full sets of baby clothes have been given to departing babies, and  in many cases the untouched baby bonus has been returned to the mothers. 

In the ante-natal ward, where expectant mothers have been advised, instructed; and even genially bullied into preparing a healthy future for their babies, 4000 visits from patients have been paid this year. There are ten wards in the hospital — al-ways busy — and always about 50 or 60 babies to be cared for. 

In recent years, to accede to the request of many women financially 'comfortably off,' who wished to avail themselves of the excellent treatment the hospital gives, an intermediate ward was established. 

A recent visitor to the hospital was much struck by the voluntary testimony given by a mother established in one of the private rooms of this ward. 'I wouldn't like my baby to be born anywhere else,' she said. 

Tiny morsels swaddled in wool and oil in the 'incubator,' being assisted by unceasing attention and anxious care to repair an unfortunate start in life; others a little bigger in bassinets outdoors basking in a judicious amount of sun, or sleeping or howling with all the zest of brand-new lungs in the cot at the foot of their mothers' beds in the ward, and a sprinkling of sturdy orphans in canvas playgrounds in the sun, unaware of any serious deprivation. Such are pictures of the daily life of the hospital. 

So high is official opinion of the work that the Minister for Health recently asked in the House for a grant of £2500 for putting up extra wards, so that a full community hospital could be established to relieve congestion at the Perth Public Hospital. 

How high does your opinion of it run? Do you feel that, with many other members of the community, it is your privilege as well as your duty to contribute some donation to a fund which will benefit many other institutions as well at Christmas time? There is no limit to the size of your contribution. 

It will be greatly appreciated. Send it to the ORPHANS' CHRISTMAS CHEER FUND Box 156 G.P.O., Perth...

'Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund'...Christmas 1910, Part Two.

'Orphan's Christmas Cheer Fund'...Christmas 1910, Part Two. 

Part Two continued on from the previous post on the Orphans' Christmas Cheer Fund in 1910...

In the early 1900s many of the children in Western Australia, Perth and Subiaco, entered competitions and shared aspects of their lives through letters and essays in the 'Children's Pages' run by Uncle Tom and Auntie Nell at the Daily News newspaper. 

"...The children became members of the Sunshine League, a charitable organisation initiated by Uncle Tom the original editor of the children's pages at the newspaper. The object of the Sunshine League was "to train children in sets of kindness and love, believing that such sets bring blessings to themselves and others. The motto was "there is nothing greater or more beautiful in all the world than kind deeds and the humblest child can do them." Children wrote to Uncle Tom and Auntie Nell asking to become members and were known as nieces and nephews. 

There was no membership fee but those members who wanted to could make a donation or actively raise money for two causes the 'Orphans Christmas Cheer Fund' and the Children's Hospital Cot Fund. Those events were annual features in children's pages. Many children donated  money on a regular basis and their names were published in the newspaper. Those adventures of members have been written about in previous blog posts.    

In the beginning of 1910 the aim of the Fund was to provide the children in the orphanages with 3 shillings to spend  on what they wanted, however this changed to a local picnic and for the orphanages and institutions of buy presents for the children..."

The money from the fund was donated on a regular basis to several institutions and orphanages  in Subiaco including St. Joseph's Orphanage, Children's Hospital, Boys and Girls Industrial School.

The articles are from Trove, the database at the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement. 

Daily News, 20 December, 1910.

ORPHANS CHRISTMAS CHEER FUND DISTRIBUTION.

THREE SHILLINGS PER ORPHAN.

Although the funds available last week were not sufficient to provide each orphan with three shillings, we sent the principals of the several orphanages cheques equal to this sum. We have adopted this course during the present year, because we are of opinion that the children will fare better than if we held a gigantic picnic for them. The course avoids the cost of transporting the little ones, to the picnic of the picnic, besides which the catering, although cheaply done, has also to include the cost of transport of materials and utensils.

This year the whole of the money will be devoted to extras for the children. The following letter has been sent attached to each cheque: — Dear Sir or Madam, — Herewith please find cheque for being contribution from our Orphans' Christmas Cheer Fund. We desire to point out that this is in no way a donation towards the funds of your institution, but is a gift for the special purpose of providing a day's enjoyment aid % small present for each child at Chrlstmas. We shall be glad if you will delay the acknowledgment of our cheque until after the festivity you may see fit to arrange, and then let us have a short account of It for publication, together with the receipt. The adoption of this course will, we think, help the fund in future years.— Yours , faithfully, THE PROPRIETORS 'DAILY NEWS.' 

The following institutions has detailed account showing the of collection and dispersal of funds dealt with by the Sunshine League or the year 1910 will be published as early as possible in the new year. 

Daily News, 20 December, 1910.

ANOTHER. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.

Convent of Mercy, Victoria Square December 1910.

Dear Sirs, — We know, not how to express our thanks for large and unexpected donation from your 'Orphans' Christmas Cheer Fund'. We cannot refrain from now expressing our gratitude for your kindness to our poor little destitute children they, themselves are simply delighted at the prospect of the treat in store for them. We shall be more than pleased to spend the money in the way you suggest and will later on send an account for publication.

Did everyone concerned in the matter of collecting for the orphans but know how much happiness their charity has caused, and how many grateful hearts there, are on account of it. they would, we are sure, feel amply rewarded. Again thanking you most cordially, and wishing you a very happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year on our own behalf and that of the children. We remain, sincerely yours, SISTERS OF MERCY. From S.M.B. For St. Joseph's Orphanage, Subiaco.