The Sunshine League, Member Vera Cantor, Part One...(1909).
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 in Subiaco. The event was attended by the Lieutenant Governor Sir Edward Stone and Lady Stone and the children and their families. This story is published in previous posts.
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 colour, 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.
So who was Vera Cantor? Uncle Tom in his letter published in the Children's Pages in the Daily News newspaper to Lieutenant Governor Sir Edward Stone and Lady Stone state that Vera Cantor was recognised by Uncle Tom as one of the... "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. " (Daily News, 5 June 1909). In 1907 the Cantors lived at 45 Hill Street, Perth.
Abraham Jacob Cantor and Lucie Louise Cantor were born in Melbourne, Victoria and moved to Western Australia around 1896. Together the couple had four children, Morris, Stanley, Vera and Harold. Harold, 12 years old and Vera, 13 years old were both in the Sunshine League. There are no letters by Morris and Stanley Cantor.
Harold was the first Cantor child to write letters to Uncle Tom. He made donations to the Sunshine League and visited the various institutions supported by the Sunshine League. He then encouraged other children he knew to become members and encouraged his sister Vera to write to Uncle Tom. Harold's letters provide some interesting insights into what children liked to read such as comics, and also the role boys played in the Sunshine League.
Harold first wrote to Uncle Tom in September, 1907 asking to become a nephew...."45 Hill-street, Perth. Dear Uncle Tom, - This is the first time I have written to you, and I hope that you will accept me as one of your nephews. I save postcards, and I have two albums with nearly 200 postcards. My last birthday was on August 28. I did not have a party, but I am going to have one next year. I am going up for a £200 scholarship next month. The scholarship is open to all the scholars under 13 In every primary school In Western Australia, - I remain, your loving nephew. HAROLD CANTOR, aged 12. Dear Harold, - I wish you success at the examination. Work hard and don't worry as to whether you will pass; that is the best advice I can give you. It would be fine, to know that a nephew of mlne carried off the prize. - Uncle Tom (Daily News, 21 September, 1907)...
....45 Hill-street, Perth. Dear Uncle Tom, — The scholarship examination is on the 24th and 25th of this month, and I will go up for it if I am better; but I will not have the advantage which the other boys have, because I will have been away from school a fortnight ill. I know more than half a dozen of your nieces and nephews. I told my sister to write to you and I will try to get for you as many nieces and nephews as I can. With my sister, I will visit the Girls' Orphanage as soon as I am better, and we will take plenty of flowers. - Your loving nephew, HAROLD CANTOR, aged 12. Dear Harold, - l am glad to hear that you are on the mend, and I shall look forward to reading the account of your Sunshine visit to the Orphanage. The matron and the 90, odd dear little children will welcome you. Uncle Tom...(Daily News, 26 October 1907)...
In October 1907 Vera Cantor wrote her first letter to Uncle Tom asking to be accepted as one of his nieces and donated money for the cot fund at the Children's Hospital. Vera writes about her interests in particular growing flowers and collecting postcards from around the world. Vera also made regular visits to the sick and aged and her letters were published in the newspaper.
"...45 Hill-street, Perth. Dear Uncle Tom, - This is the first time I have written to you, and I hope you will accept me as one of your nieces. My birthday is on January 30. Last birthday I had a party, to which I invited a large number of girl and boy friends, and I think we all enjoyed ourselves very much. Last Sunday we went to the Mundaring weir. The water was overflowing, and it looked a beautiful sight. I gathered a lot of wildflowers, and also got a lot of maidenhair fern. I have a little garden of my own, and have a good many flowers, out I am going to take some tomorrow to the Old Women's Home. Dear Uncle Tom l think I can get two or three girl friends to write to you. I collect postcards, and have about 500. I am enclosing three penny stamps for the Cot fund, which I think is a grand idea. Hoping you are well. - I remain, your affectionate niece, VERA CANTOR, aged 13. Dear Vera, - I am very pleased, to have such an enthusiastic niece as you are. Tell your friends I shall be very glad to hear from them. They might help us to send up the Cot fund thermometer. - Uncle Tom. (Daily News, 26 October, 1907)...
...45 Hlll-street, Perth. Dear Uncle Tom,- I went to the Girls' Orphanage in Adelaide-terrace last Sunday, and took a big parcel of, comics. I was sorry the flowers could not all go round, but I promised them I would take them some more on the following Sunday. The children all !ook very healthy and bright, and some of them had little gardens of their own. The little ones were very shy at first, and stared at us, but afterwards came and talked with us. One of the bigger girls showed us over the building. She was very nice, and showed us everything. It was about 3 o'clock when we left there having had a very pleasant afternoon, as all the girls were so nice. Last Wednesday I helped to collect for the Children's Hospital Fund at the Royal Show, and I thlnk we did pretty well. Dear Uncle Tom, I mean to visit one of the institutions every Sunday, and take some flowers. - VERA CANTOR, aged 13. (Daily News, 9 November, 1907).
In 1908 Harold and Vera were active members of the Sunshine League. Together they visited children and adults at the various institutions and charities supported by the League including those in Subiaco. Their name appears on several concert programs. In May, Vera and Harold were asked by Uncle Tom to present a bouquet to Lady Stone and a button hole to Sir Edward Stone on behalf of all the children of Sunshine League at a ball to raise money for the Children's Hospital. The event was reported in the social pages of the newspapers of the time. Later that year Vera won a prize for an essay on 'Why we should support a boy's institution.' Harold's letters are the subject of the next post.
"...45 Hill-street, Perth. Dear Uncle Tom, - I must now tell you how I spent the holiday. We left home about a quarter-past 10 for a picnic down the river at a place callled 'Billy Goat Farm.' We had a lovely little journey down the river in a very nice motor-launch. It took about an hour and a half to get there. When we got to Billy Goat Farm we found a lovely shady spot under two large trees, and had our dinner. After dinner was over there were races, and my brother won a race, and, got a very nice pipe, which he gave to father. Mother also came second in a winding-up-cotton competition. I went into a running race for girls over 12, and came second. It was very cool down there, and we had a very enjoyable time. We left about half past 7, and coming back sang songs and choruses. When we were getting near Perth we passed the Torrens, which was stranded on a sandbank, and was crowded with picnickers. It was about half past 9 when we arrived at home feeling that we had had a very pleasant and enjoyable holiday. Now I must close with love from your affectionate niece, VERA CANTOR, aged 13. Dear Vera, - You spent your holiday in a very sensible health giving manner, and I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed it. Have you noticed, Vera, that we are arranging a Sunshine concert for the inmates of the Home of Peace, Subiaco, on Monday, March 9 ? I would like you and your brother (and parents too) to be present. Will you take part in the programme? We must try to give the poor people an enjoyable evening. - Uncle Tom. (Daily News, 22 February 1908)...
...45 Hill-street, Perth. Dear Uncle Tom, - Last Sunday Harold and I went to the Old Women's Home and they seemed very pleased to see us again. We took a bundle of papers as we have not to many flowers out just now. I will be glad when I can go down to the Orphanage again. I received a letter from one of the little girls down there last week. The matron wrote, and told me that nearly all the girls were better, but two fresh cases had broken out, but I hope they will be all free from the measles in the near future. - I remain your loving niece. VERA CANTOR, aged 14. Dear Vera, - I am as anxious as you and others are to see the poor little orphans again, but we must have patience and wait till the measles have all gone, and then just think of the fine Sunshine concert we will give them. - Uncle Tom. (Daily News, 28 March, 1908)...
"...THE BALL TOMORROW EVENING. A BOUQUET AND A BUTTON HOLE FOR LADY STONE AND SIR EDWARD STONE. 45 Hill-street, Perth. Dear Uncle Tom, - I hope this letter will find you in the best of health. How quickly the Thermometer is rising; I suppose it will be at the £200 mark next Saturday. Harold and I are going to the fancy dress ball in aid, of the Children's Hospital Fund next (Wednesday night. I daresay we will meet a lot of your nephews and nieces there. What a great success the concert at Subiaco was, how Mavis and (her helpers must have worked to be able to raise such a sum as over £18. Harold is writing to you this week. I enclose 6 penny stamps. With kind regards, - I remain, your affectionate niece, VERA CANTOR, aged 14. Dear Vera, - I shall be pleased to see you at the ball, and as you say probably I will see many of my nieces and nephews there. I am looking forward to the ball, which I believe will be a great success. I want you and Harold to represent all the children by presenting Lady Stone with a bouquet, and Sir Edward with a buttonhole. They will reach the ballroom at about 9.30 o'clock.—Uncle Tom. (Daily News, 12 May, 1908)...
"...Why Should We Help Our Boys' institute?" and I award the prizes as follows: - 45 Hill-street, Perth. Dear Uncle Tom,- I will in this letter give you my reasons why I think Our Boys' Institute ought to be helped. I think the O.B.I. is a very necessary institution, for, besides keeping the boys off the streets, and so keeping them from the many evils boys are apt to run into, it gives them a place to look forward to, a place where a boy can see a friendly face and hear a kind word spoken to him, as I know a great many of them do not get in their own homes, where they have to work for parents who do not appreciate their efforts. Also the boys can go in for physical training, so as to keep them strong and healthy, after working all day. Also where they can indulge in all kinds of pastimes and games, as well as improve their education. The institute gives the boy a sort of feeling that he is not altogether an outsider in the world, and as long as he has the ability, he has the hope of becoming a good and respected citizen, and I think, in conclusion, that it is an institution worthy of support and all who have the welfare of growing boys at heart, I feel sure, will endeavour to help this institution, which is doing at present a great amount of good. - I remain, your loving niece, VERA CANTOR, aged 14. P.S.—I enclose my small donation of 1s. for the O.B.I., and I will endeavour to do whatever I can to help it.—V.C. Dear Vera,—You have written a nice essay, and a very thoughtful one, too.— Uncle Tom. ' (22 August, 1908).
Throughout 1909 Vera continued to be involved in the Sunshine League in a number of ways including making donations and participating in concerts. In February, Uncle Tom gave credit in his column to the Cantor family for their assistance in a production "Little Dewdrop". This production also showed the inclusion of Stanley Cantor who was studying medicine in Melbourne and home on holidays. Vera was selected to participate in the tree planting at the Children's Hospital on Arbor Day, 1909. The tree planting event was recorded in the various social pages of the newspapers.
In 1909 Uncle Tom wrote about the Cantor family, their interest in Children's Hospital and participation in a pantomime "Little Dewdrops"... ".....The Credit for the success of the evening lies with the Cantor family, who have for many years been very enthusiastic supporters of the Children's Hospital movement. Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Cantor are among the foundation members of the Children's Hospital Committee. They remained staunch to their belief that a Children's Hospital was a necessity. In Perth, even when the advocacy of the establishment of such an institution was unpopular, and they are entitled to lay claim to much of the credit for the existence of the hospital. On Wednesday evening Mrs. Cantor was the principal accompanist, and the sweet choruses sung by the children, were taught by her. It is pleasing to note that their son, Mr. Stanley Cantor - who, by the way, is studying in Melbourne for the medical profession - is following in the charitable footsteps of his parents. He acted as general director or the pantomime, and he displayed very marked ability in that capacity. The result was that everything passed off without a hitch. The stage was festive with imitation snow, and a gentle fall of snow took place whilst the piece was in progress. The effect was very pretty the white snow flakes harmonising with the scenery. Mr. Cantor wishes to thank all those who have assisted in its elaboration and production, as well as those who so generously gave their time and services for the various items; and to acknowledge the valued assistance of the following firms... (Daily News, 20 February, 1909)...
"...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).
There are no more letters published from Vera after 1909. In the following years the Cantor family, including Vera and Harold became involved in other charity work, for example, raising money for the Silver Chain in fetes. There are photographs of the stalls they help create.
Western Mail, 27 December 1912.
SILVER CHAIN FETE. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE FETE
THE SWEETS STALL.
Mrs. Franklin and Mrs Cantor were the successful heads of this department, and they were aided by Mrs Morris Cantor, Miss Doris Franklin, Miss Vera Cantor, Miss Toilet Franklin, Miss Ettie Tretheway, Mrs Gladys Tretheway, Miss Ruby Renfrey, Mrs Dorie Woodbridge, Mrs Aileen Halligan and Miss Ruby Franklin.
Western Mail, 30 December 1911.
THE SILVER CHAIN ANNUAL FETE-VIEWS OF THE STALLS.
THE SWEET STALL.
This was vendor the supervision of Mrs. Cantor and Mrs. Mose, assisted by Mrs. Vila. Mrs I. Oats, the Misses E. and G.Tretheway, Vera Cantor, Doris Franklin, and Mildred and Muriel Spencer, and Mr. Harold Cantor.
Photos, by C. E. Farr.
