Sunshine League Member Rachel Harriet (Etta) Hollis...(1909).
One of my favourite topics to research are the lives of the children I read about who were members of the Sunshine League in the early 1900s in Western Australia. Some of the children who joined wrote no more than a couple of letters to The Daily News newspaper and gave up as other interests took over. For other children, the Sunshine League, the friendships they formed and work they did raising money with the support of their families played a significant role in their lives. As a researcher it is wonderful to follow their lives through their teenage years into adulthood.
Rachel Harriet Hollis, known at Etta is one of those children who spent her early teenage years raising money for Children's Hospital in Subiaco and other charities supported by the Sunshine League. How did I come to know about Etta? In 1909 children from the Sunshine League and around the State participated in a mass tree and shrub planting event at the newly opened Children's Hospital. The event was attended by the Lieutenant Governor Sir Edward Stone and Lady Stone. This story is published on the previous post.
Etta Hollis, Rona Murray and Vera Cantor were three members of the Sunshine League selected to assist Lieutenant Governor Sir Edward Stone and Lady Stone to plant the trees and shrubs. Etta Hollis presented the couple with a spade, with an inscribed plate and decorated by the League's color, bright red. Rona Murray who was six was also introduced. Vera Cantor presented Lady Stone with a bouquet. The children assisted with the planting of the first two trees.
Rachel Harriet Hollis (known at Etta) was born on the 17 December 1897 to Frederick Hollis and Rachel Bateman. Frederick Hollis was born in Nottingham Shire, England in 1863. He migrated to Australia and came to Western Australia in 1884 where he was the manager of Union Stores WA Ltd in High Street, Fremantle. He met and married Rachel Bateman in 1894 and to the best of my knowledge had only one child Etta. The family lived at 202 South Terrace in Fremantle and their house was known as "Linby".
Frederick Hollis was a Fremantle Town Councillor from 1927-1929, 1929-1935. Hollis Street and Hollis Park in Fremantle are named after him. There are several articles on Trove, the database for National Library of Australia about Fredrick Hollis and his work on the Fremantle Municipal Council.
So who was Etta Hollis and how did she participate in the Sunshine League? Etta's letters to Uncle Tom and Auntie Nell at the Children's Pages in the Daily News newspaper showed she participated in the Sunshine League in a number of ways. She visited sick children and adults in hospital with her cousins and other Sunshine League members, donated money to various causes supported by the Sunshine League, wrote letters for competitions and won prizes, attended events and participated in concerts organised to raise money including organising several bazaars at her family home with the assistance of other Sunshine League members.
In 1907, 1908, 1909 and 1910 Etta along with her fellow Sunshiners held bazaars to raise money for the various causes supported by the Sunshine League and attended by Uncle Tom and Auntie Nell. In 1907, Etta was 10 years old when she first wrote to Uncle Tom at the Children's Pages at the Daily News about her visit to the hospital and had her first bazaar. Although an only child Etta seems close to her cousins Dulcie and Sylvia Kenworthy who were also in the Sunshine League...
"PRIZE ACCOUNT. (The Prize is a Book, entitled 'Anderson's Fairy Tales.') Linby, 202 South-terrace, Fremantle. Dear Uncle Tom, - I have been to the Fremantle Hospital four Sundays in succession now, and have enjoyed myself very much. I go with cousins Dulcie and Sylvia Kenworthy; the people seem very glad to see us. One man, last Sunday week asked Dulcie if she had any carnations, and Dulcie said 'No.' Then she asked me, and I only had two, but I gave them to him, and he said, 'Thank you, that is just what I wanted'. So this Sunday I took some especially for him, but he had gone. Another man likes violets above all other flowers, and, I took him some today. Last Sunday Sylvia Kenworthy took her little sister to the hospital with her, and she had some flowers in a paper bag, and as we were going up the path to the hospital he called put, 'Come here, come here: what have you got in there?' Sylvia then said 'Buttonholes for the people.' Then he said, 'That is alright', and we went on up the path. I enclosed 3d. In stamps for the Cot fund. Goodbye. - I remain your, loving , niece, ETTA HOLLIS, aged 10. (Daily News, 9 November, 1907)."
"...TODAY'S BAZAAR. AT FREMANTLE, Fremantle. Dear Uncle Tom,- I hope our bazaar will be a success, as you do, and l thank you very much for promising to send me something for the fancy stall. We are working very hard for it now, and we have not much more time. My auntie came back from England last week, and she brought me a nice doll, Good-bye,- I remain ever your loving niece, ETTA HOLLIS, aged 10 3/4 P.S.- I went to the hospital today (Sunday) and took some books and flowers. - E.H. Dear Etta, - I expect to see the Thermometer make a big jump as the result of your effort. I thank you all very much for what you have done.- Uncle Tom (Daily News, 30 November 1907.)..."
"ANOTHER SUCCESS, South-terrace, Fremantle, Dear Uncle Tom, - Thank you very much for the nice presents you sent us for our bazaar. It was opened at 4 pm. my by my auntie, and Dulcie Kenworthy's little sister presented her with a bouquet tied with red, white, and blue ribbons. The things that were left I will send to you for the Orphanage. As it was a hot day on Saturday the ice creams and cool drinks sold well. The result of our bazaar is £3 18s. 9d., and we all hope that you will get all the money you want by Christmas to keep the Cot and give the little orphans a treat, too. Good-bye, - I remain, ever your loving niece, ETTA HOLLIS. Dear Etta, - I thank you and your willing helpers with all the emphasis I can command, I need not remind you that you will soon see the practical result of your efforts In the Sunshine Cot, which will be unveiled by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor on December 27. The fine result of your bazaar tells us that you must have all worked very hard, but the cause, you, will admit, is a worthy one, - Uncle Tom." (Daily News 7 December, 1907).
In 1908, Etta aged 11 wrote to Uncle Tom about some of her adventures. She helped out other Sunshine League members with their bazaars, donated money to various causes and expressed an interest in visiting sick children at the Cottage-by-the-Sea home. Etta and her family also attended and participated in concerts such as the concert for the Old Men's Depot in Fremantle and other events to raise money including having her first bazaar.
"202 South terrace, Fremantle. Dear Uncle Tom,- It is a long time since I wrote to you, but I have not forgotten you or your good work. I have been out camping for a week to Point Walter with my mother and father, and I enjoyed myself very much, and when the day came for us to come home I was very sorry. We broke up school for the Christmas holidays on December 20, 1907, when the prizes were given out, of which I won three - one was for music, one for the highest number of examination marks In my class, and one for, theory of music. I have enjoyed my Christmas holidays very much. On Boxing Day we went to Bicton for a picnic, and we had such fun; and on New Year's Day we went to Point Walter for another picnic, and we went out in a little motor launch, and it was very nice, Good-bye. - I remain, your loving niece, ETTA HOLLIS, aged 10. Dear Etta,- Allow me to congratulate you on winning three school prizes. Yours is the reward of a persevering girl. I hope to see you next Wednesday evening at the Sunshine concert at the Old Men's Home, Fremantle. I know it will be a success, for there are so many willing helpers. - Uncle Tom (Daily News, 1 February, 1908).
In June Etta wrote to Uncle Tom..."Dear Uncle Tom, - I have not written, to you for five weeks. I went to the ball in the Town Hall and enjoyed myself very much, some of the dresses were very pretty, a good many of your nieces were there. The decorations, in the hall were so very pretty. I have only been to the Cottage-by-the-Sea once and would like to go again, but I have no one to go with me. On Easter Monday one of my uncles, came and took some of my cousins and aunt and uncle, and my parents and myself for a picnic in a motor launch up the Canning River to Bull's Creek. We left the East Fremantle wharf at 9.30 and reached there (Bull's Creek) at 11.30 a.m. We had lunch under the trees, and after lunch we went for a row on the creek. At 4.30 p.m. we left for home, and reached, there at 6.30 p.m. after spending a very enjoyable day. Now I must close.- I remain, ever your loving niece, ETTA HOLLIS aged 11 P.S.- Please enclosed 6 d for the Sunshine Ward Fund.- E.H. Dear Etta - were 10 little patients at the Cottage-by-the-Sea when I rang up during the week. Our Sunshine Cots are always full, I have several children on my list waiting to go in. It would be nice If you and several of my nieces, would visit, the Cottage together.— Uncle Tom." (Daily News, 20 June, 1908).
Later that year Etta wrote to Uncle Tom about recruiting some cousins for the Sunshine League and having a sore tooth. Uncle Tom responded to her via his column... "GOOD AND BAD NEWS. Fremantle. Dear Uncle Tom - l have two new nieces and a nephew for you. They live at East Fremantle, and they are my cousins. I have l had toothaches for a long time, but yesterday I had it pulled out, and it hurt very much. Dulcie Kenworthy, who, is one, of your nieces, has the measles. Now, I must close - Every your loving niece, ETTA HOLLIS. Dear Etta - You have sent me a mixture of good and bad news. Your toothache trouble is now over but you must be careful not to catch cold in the gum. If you do then you get more bad news! I am sorry to hear of Dulcie's illness. She too, must take care not to catch a cold. - Uncle Tom...(Daily News, 1 August, 1908).
In 1909 Etta continued her work in the Sunshine League visiting sick patients in hospitals, donating money, attending events and holding a bazaar again at her home. She was selected to participate in the tree planting at the Children's Hospital.
ARBOR DAY, MAY 29, 1909. The trees and shrubs planted.
"...The programme outlined last Saturday, was successfully carried out. On Saturday morning I wrote to His Excellency the Lieutenant- Governor (Sir Ed. Stone) as follows: — 'Your Excellency, — I am sending you a copy of today's programme for your guidance. You will notice that the committee will meet you at 3 o'clock at the Hay-street entrance. I will introduce to you Miss Etta Hollis, one of my Fremantle nieces, who has always been foremost in helping the Sunshine League in its efforts for charities. Miss Hollis will present you with a spade, with an inscribed plate and decorated by the League's color— bright red. I will introduce to Lady Stone Miss Rona Murray (aged 6), who has performed at all our big charity concerts. The children will assist Your Excellency and Lady Stone with the planting of the first two trees. Miss Vera Cantor will present Lady Stone with a bouquet. She is a foremost Sunshine League worker, and is the daughter of Mr. A. J. Cantor, J.P., and Mrs. Cantor, who have been among the mainstays of the Children's Hospital movement. After the ceremony, Your Excellency and Lady Stone will be entertained at afternoon tea in the ante-room of the surgical ward. - I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, Uncle Tom.'..." (Daily News, 5 June 1909).
NAMES OF TREE-PLANTERS
Mirror, 4 June 1909.
Above... Arbor Day. The Lieut.-Governor and Miss Etta Hollis planting the first tree. General view of the Hospital.
Below... Sunshine League children in the foreground.
On 20 November 1909 Etta held a bazaar at her home "Linby" at 202 South Terrace, South Fremantle.
"MISS ETTA HOLLIS'S BAZAAR. A RECORD SUCCESS. South-terrace, Fremantle.
Dear Uncle Tom,— The bazaar was a great success, as we took £10 10s. Altogether we have had five bazaars— three for the Cottage-by-the-Sea and Orphans' Christmas Cheer Fund, and the other two for different charities, but we have never taken so much as on Saturday. I am sending you a list of the stallholders:— £ s. d. Sweets (Miss Beryl Broomhall) .. .. .. .. .. .. ..1 12 1 Fancy (Misses Hattie Ringer and Etta Hollis) .. .. ..6 2 8 1/2Ham .. .. .. .. .. .. 0 15 1/2 4 1/8 Flowers and Dip (Misses E, Broomhall and M. Wilson) .. .. .. .. .. 1 2 7 Afternoon tea .. .. .. .. .. 0 10 7 Ice Cream (Miss B. Porter) .. .. .. .. .. 0 6 8 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. £10 10 0 Now I must close, thanking you for that nice book you gave me, and also for printing the tickets, Please find cheque enclosed for £10 10s. - Believe me, your willing niece, ETTA HOLLIS. Dear Etta, - I congratulate you on the splendid success of your bazaar. But success implies previous hard work, which you and your helpers generously rendered. I was most agreeably surprised to find such a big cheque in your letter, and you have the satisfaction not only of sending the Thermometer up with a big jump, but of having provided the means to give a considerable number of orphan children a merry Christmas, This is the greatest pleasure of all. When I call for volunteers for helpers with the picnic I want you and all your helpers to offer to assist. Kindest regards.- Uncle Tom. (Daily News, 27 November 1909)."
By 1910 Uncle Tom had left the Daily News newspaper to work in the eastern states and was replaced with Auntie Nell. Auntie Nell and the Sunshine League members used Etta's work as encouragement for other members. Etta continued to write to Auntie Nell..
In January Etta wrote this letter about her holidays including attending the Orphan's Picnic at the Zoo and offering to help the Sunshine League..."South-terrace, Fremantle. Dear Uncle Tom, - I have not written to you for a long time, but I still take, an interest in your good work. We broke up at school on December 22, and I got five prizes. I get a lot of things for Christmas, and we had a nice quiet Christmas Day. On Boxing Day we went to the King's Park to see the races, but I did not enjoy it very much because it was so windy. The next Wednesday, came and with it the long looked for Orphans' picnic. We arrived at the Zoo at about eleven o'clock, and we had a nice time. The orphans seemed to be enjoying themselves, and I was very glad to see them so happy. The next Saturday was New Year's Day, and we went to Point Walter. In the afternoon we went prawning and I caught some for tea, and after tea we returned home, after a very enjoyable day. Since this the holidays have been very quiet, but I have enjoyed them. We go back to school on February 1. Now I must close.- Believe me, ever your willing niece, ETTA HOLLIS, aged 13. P.S.- I am ready to help you. with your new scheme.- E.H. Dear Etta,- I thank you for your offer to help with any new Sunshine scheme I may ask my nieces and nephews to support. I shall! call on you to redeem your promise before Song. - Uncle Tom...(Daily News, 22 January 1910).
This letter was written in March 1910 about Uncle Tom's farewell concert "...Linby, 202 South-terrace, Fremantle. Dear Auntie Nell, - Thank you very much for that nice book you sent me. I have not read it yet, but it looks very interesting. I have not much time for reading, because I come home from school I have to do my lessons, and then to practice. Mother and I went to Uncle Tom's farewell concert, and we enjoyed It very much. Last time I wrote I forgot to tell you when my birthday is; it is on December 17. Now I must close.— Believe me, your willing niece, ETTA HOLLIS, aged 13 3/4. Dear Etta, - I am glad your book arrived safely, and trust that you'll, soon have time to read it. You are working hard at your lessons and music. Are you fond of the latter, I wonder if you could play a piece at our anniversary Carnival? ; One can give so much pleasure if they cultivate their gifts, particularly music - don't you think so? I am glad Uncle Tom's concert was such a us success. He leaves very soon for the East. Goodbye, dear, - Your loving Auntie Nell (Daily News, 19 March 1910)."
In November 1910 Auntie Nell wrote about Etta Hollis in her weekly to the Sunshine League members... "next Saturday, and that arranged by Etta Hollis - a very loyal and useful Sunshine maker, at her home at South terrace, South Fremantle, the following; Saturday afternoon; Etta extends a very cordial invitation to all the Perth, nieces and nephews- and their friends to be present, and I know that many charming articles are to be displayed. I'm looking forward to seeing Sunshiners from near and far today week, and am very anxious, to meet you all. I want you there to be sure and come and introduce yourselves to me; also I should like you all to wear your red rosettes then I cannot possibly mistake you..." (Daily News, 12 November, 1910).
In January 1911 while still on holidays Etta wrote to Auntie Nell thanking her for the prize she had received..."South-terrace, Fremantle. Dear Auntie Nell,- Just a short note to thank you very much for the prize you sent me. I have read it, and it was a very nice little story. We have had a beautifully cool, Christmas Day this year, have we not? Well, now I must close, wishing you a Happy New Year,- Believe me, your loving niece, ETTA HOLLIS. P.S.- I am sending some things up to ''The Dally News'' office for the orphans during this week,- E.H. Dear Etta,— Many thanks for the box containing toys, etc; which I duly received. The contents will, I am sure, be most welcome to the orphans I am pleased your prize arrived safely. There was an error made in the despatching of both your and Ellie Fleming's prizes. I chose older books for you both, and it was not until, after they were posted that the mistake was discovered. Yes, the Christmas weather was beautifully cool - so unusual for Perth; it is generally so very hot. I suppose you are already preparing for your lovely trip? What a lot you will see and learn from so much travelling. Thank you for your kind wishes for the New Year. I, too, trust that this year will prove one of the happiest you have spent. With much love, dear,- Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell..." (Daily News,14 January 1911)
By the end of 1911 Etta had finished at her local state school and was going on to high school and her interests turned to her academic studies. In 1924 Etta married Edgar K. Dukes. After their marriage the newspapers reported that the 'The new home of Mr and Mrs Dukes (Miss Etta Hollis) was in Perth Fremantle Road, Claremont.' Etta died on 28 January, 1972 and was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery
The articial and photographs are from Trove, the database at the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.
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