Nellie Harrison, Sunshine League Member From Subiaco (Aged 6 1908).
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One of the really interesting things I love researching and writing for my blog greetingsfromSubiaco.blogspot.com is about the children of Subiaco and their daily lives and contribution to the community in the early 1900's.
Recently while researching Trove, the database at the National Library of Australia I came across the name Nellie Harrison, who lived at 256 Perth street, Subiaco around the early 1900's. Nellie submitted recipes to the Sunday Times Recipe and Household Hints competition and won prizes and received honourable mentions. Her recipes were published in the paper. So I wanted to see if I could find out more about Nellie and her family. During this time Nellie and her family had a friend Olive Dunn stay with them. Olive Dunn also became a member of the Sunshine League and entered the Sunday Times Recipe and Household Hints competition, received honourable mentions and had her suggestions published.
Throughout Nellie's time as a member of the Sunshine League she made visits to various causes supported by Sunshine League, performed in concerts at the Home of Peace in Hamersley road, Subiaco helping to raise money for the various causes of the Sunshine League including the Perth Children's Hospital. She saved and donated her pocket money, volunteered for the Sewing Circle making pillow cases and sheets for the Perth Children's Hospital, entered the competitions and won prizes and had her creative work published in the Daily News newspaper.
Nellie Harrison from 256 Perth street, Subiaco name first appears in the local newspapers on 19 October, 1907 in letter from the Matron at the Home of Peace in Hamersley Road, Subiaco after the children from the Sunshine League made a visit to the Home of Peace in Hamersley Road, Subiaco.
The Matron writes "Dear Dear Sir, - I am sorry I could not write about the children last week, and I hope they will not think we do not appreciate their visits and flowers. Our wards would look very bare indeed were it not for the beautiful flowers they bring. I am enclosing a list of names, so that you will know your nieces and nephews who visit the Home. Children of the Sunshine Patches: - Miss Rita Wilde, Master Jack Robinson and Miss Edie Robinson, Miss Mavis Waterhouse and Master Jack Waterhouse, Miss Edith and Thede Beck, Miss Nellie Harrison arid Master L. Harrison... All the above have brought flowers to the Home for two weeks now. May I offer a suggestion to the children through your paper. We are in need of old linen; calico, and flannelette or flannel. It does not matter how old, we have use for the smallest piece. - Yours truly, KATE M. ANDERSON, Matron (Daily News, 19 October, 1907).
In January, 1908 Nellie wrote to Uncle Tom, the editor and co-ordinator of the Sunshine League at the Daily News newspaper and asked to be put on the Sunshine League roll. She was member 120 and 6 years old in 1908. "256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom. - Will you put my name of your roll. I was six year old on September 25. I went to school last year, and I am to get a medal. Good-bye. Uncle Tom. - Your little niece, NELLIE HARRISON, aged 6." (Daily News, 25 January 1908). She told Uncle Tom she was born on 25 September, was attending school and had recently received a medal. Her brother Willie was also a member of the Sunshine League and he entered competitions and wrote letters.
In July 1908 Nellie wrote to Uncle Tom about her sick brother Louie..."Uncle Tom. 256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom, The doctor says Louie must go under an operation before long, and mother thinks it may be put off until the Children's Hospital is open. Good-bye Uncle. - Your loving niece, NELLIE HARRISON, aged 6. Dear Nellie, - I am sorry Louie is not well, and that an operation is necessary. If I were your mother I would not put it off if the doctor's, say it is urgent. Will you gave him my kind regards and accept same yourself ? - Uncle Tom." (Daily News 18 July 1908).
During 1908 Nellie volunteered for the Sunshine League Sewing Circle. The Sewing Circle was established for members to make sheets, pillow cases, dusters and towels for the new Perth Children's Hospital. The Sewing Scheme was explained in the Daily News on the 18 July 1908..."In regard to the sewing scheme, I have made arrangements with the drapery houses to supply the material for the sheets and pillow-slips required for our two wards at the Children's Hospital at a cheaper rate than usual. On presentation, of an order. which I will supply, my nieces will be able to procure the materials. (Daily News, 18 July 1908). The children who contributed to the scheme had their names and what they made published in the newspaper. Many children from Perth and Subiaco made goods for the new Perth Children's Hospital. Nellie made some pillowcases (Daily News, 15 August 1908).
In November 1908 Nellie won a prize for her letter she wrote to Uncle Tom. In the letter she wrote she tells us her father was working at the Girl's Orphanage on Adelaide Terrace and provides a second had description about the children who were living there... "My dada is working at the Girls' Orphanage, on Adelaide terrace, and he says all the children look so nice and happy, and well-cared for there; and when I am older I am, going to visit them" (Daily News, 14 November 1908.) She donated a present and volunteered at the Orphan's Christmas Festivities at the St Joseph's Orphanage in Subiaco. Nellie was 7 years old.
December 1908 Nellie wrote to Uncle Tom to thank him for the book she had received and told his she was learning to read, to donate her pocket money and wish everyone a merry Christmas... "Uncle Tom. 256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom, - I thank you for the nice book you sent me. I can read it too. I have saved 12½d. of my own money, and mama is going to buy something for the orphans' Christmas Tree, and will send it to you early this week. I had a card to collect for the Children's Hospital, and I got it full, so I am going to get a medal. I hope you will get plenty of presents for the children all to get something, and I wish them all a Merry Xmas. Good-bye, dear Uncle. - Your loving little niece, NELLIE HARRISON, aged 7. Dear Nellie, - I was very pleased to get your nice letter, especially as you are. thinking of the little orphans who haven't a nice kind mother like you have to buy them nice presents at Christmas time. Will you ask your mother to take you to the Girls' Orphanage, Adelaide-terrace, Perth, on December 28, to see Father Christmas give out the presents. (Daily News, 19 December, 1908).
In 1909 Nellie and her brother Willie continued to write to Uncle Tom and raise money for the Perth Children's Hospital including selling tickets to events and sending stamps despite their family news in that her brothers were sick, and a bit of the interesting history about Subiaco and Perth she had learned from a neighbour. She also wrote an essay about spiders..."256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom, - I am sending you a little essay on spiders, so I will write only a short letter. I am in the big school now in the second standard. Good-bye, dear Uncle. - Your living little niece, NELLIE HARRISON. Aged 7 years and 4 months. P.S. - I send 6d. for the Children's Hospital, Sunshine Ward Fund. xxxx Dear Nellie. - You have written a nice essay. I can see that you have paid attention to your teacher at nature study lesson. I thank you for your contribution to the Children's Hospital Fund, and send you three xxx - Uncle Tom (Daily News, 6 February 1909).... "256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom, - I thank you for my prize which I received a little while ago. I have read it and Will has too. And dada is away in Albany. On Friday after school I went to Congdon-street to stay till Monday morning with Mrs. Richardson. Mama told me that Mr. Richardson built your 'Dally News' office and the Home of Peace, too. On Sunday while I was away our dear little baby Charlie was sick; and mama toad to send for the doctor. It was convulsions, but he got up to-day. I am glad he is better. On Monday when Willie was at carpentry he fainted, and he is sick now. Will asks me to say he would try and sell a few tickets for 'The Carnival of Flowers' on May 1. He will write when he gets up. I am sending three stamps for the Children's Hospital. I am tired now, dear Uncle Tom. - Your loving little niece, NELLIE HARRISON, aged 7 1/2..." (Daily News, April 10 1909).
By 1909 the Harrison family had Olive Dunn with them. Olive Dunn, a 11 year old girl asked to join the Sunshine League. Olive and Nellie went visiting a sick child at the new Perth Children's Hospital and Olive shared her thoughts with Uncle Tom... "256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom, - I would like to become on of your nieces. I live in Stratham's Siding, but I am staying with Nellie for a few months. I go to Subiaco school I am in the third standard. I was 11 on March 16. I am sending 3d for the Orphans' Xmas Cheer. We were asked at school to bring a fresh egg on Friday for the Children's Hospital. I went to the hospital with Nellie to see a little sick girl. I think it is a very nice place for the little sick ones. I think that is all. Good-bye dear Uncle Tom. - I remain, loving niece. OLIVE DUNN, aged 11...Dear Olive, - I accept you as a niece, and I am pleased to have been given the opportunity of accepting you as you appear to be a kindly-disposed little girl. I agree with you that the Children's Hospital is a nice place for sick children, and I am glad that you have paid a Sunshine visit.- Uncle Tom." (Daily News, 18 December 1909).
By March 1910 Uncle Tom has left the Daily News newspaper and was replaced with Auntie Nell. Nellie wrote to Auntie Nell the new editor and co-ordinator in August 1910 and provided a wonderful description of her little brother Charlie who is now three..."256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Auntie Nell, - I have not written to you for a long time, but I have not forgotten you. I was one of Uncle Tom's nieces, and I have four prizes which I got from him. They are very nice books, the names of them are 'Road Rail,' 'Sea Dorothy,' 'In Dormsdorp,' and 'Sunshine ' and the 'Fairy Queen.' Our baby will be three years old, next Saturday. He as such a funny little fellow; his name is, Charlie George, but he calls himself Charlie Mick Harrison. I will now say good-bye, dear Auntie. - Your loving little niece, NELLIE F. HARRISON,' aged 8."
During 1910 Nellie started entering the Sunday Times Recipe competition and wins second prize for Lemon Jam (Sunday Times, 10 August, 1910). In February 1911 Nellie won a prize for the recipe Plum Jelly (Sunday Times, 5 February 1911). Olive Dunn also began to the competition and won an honourable mention and had her letter published with a household hint.
In 1910 Uncle Tom states the essay topic would be 'How I Spent My Holidays'. Nellie's brother Willie and house guest Olive Dunn entered the competition providing a wonderful insight into the families and how they spent the summer in the early years of the colony. Their entries won a prize and were published... "PRIZE ESSAY (The Prize is a Book for Boys.) 256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom, - I am writing you an essay on my holidays. During the first week Louis and I went to Crawley fishing, and on Christmas Eve we went to the Queen's Hall with two boy friends to see the pictures, and thought they were good. On Christmas Day we did not go out as Louis had a bad toothache, and on Boxing Day we did not go out either, but my father took Louis to get his tooth out. On Monday we made an early start to Nedland's Park. We had a good day, but when we got home we were tired. On Wednesday we went to the orphans' Christmas picnic, and although I had a headache, I was pleased to see the orphans enjoy themselves. On New Year's Eve we all stayed up to see the New Year in. Several times this week I went to Crawley. I went on Saturday, and caught eighteen whiting and a flathead. Louis and Nellie went to Statham's on Saturday for a week. When they come home I am going up to stay for some months. I hope you have had an enjoyable Christmas arid will have a bright New Year. - I remain, your loving nephew, W. HARRISON, aged 11 (Daily News, 15 January, 1910).
PRIZE LETTER. (The Prize is a Book for Girls.) 256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom, I am going to write you an essay about my 'holidays' The first, week of our holidays Nellie and I helped Mrs. Harrison with her work, and on Christmas Eve my mother and father and my little, sister and two brothers came down to Subiaco for a week, and we all went into Perth, and when little Charlie Harrison saw the pretty lights, he said ;'Ah,' and after having a good look around town, we arrived home about half-past 10. On Christmas Day we stayed home and rested, and on Sunday we went to the Fallen Soldiers Memorial in the afternoon, and then I went to Fremantle to see a friend, and stayed there all night, and on Monday morning our friend came up to Subiaco and we all went to Nedlands Park and had a real good day: We returned home about 9 o'clock. On Tuesday we stayed home, and on Wednesday morning we started off about 10 o'clock for the Zoo to see all: the little orphans, and I am sure they all had a good, enjoyable day. We looked at the tables, and thought how lovely and bright they looked. I think the Sunshine League is a grand thing, and I am sure the little orphans do, too. We got home about half-past 8, tired out. On Thursday we stayed home, and on Friday we went to Crawley, and we caught 38 crabs, and we children got very much sunburnt, and our backs were very sore. We stayed up to see the old year out and, the new year in. On New Year's Day we did not go out at all, but on Sunday, the 2nd, we went to Sunday-school, and in the evening to church, and on Monday my parents, went home, and we have had a quiet week since. On Saturday about 20 girls my Sunday-school class went down to Nedlands on our invitation, and we enjoyed ourselves well. Now, dear uncle, I have told - you all about my holidays. I had a very enjoyable time, and I hope you and your nieces and nephews and all the little orphans have, too Good-bye, dear Uncle Tom, - I remain, your loving little niece, OLIVE DUNN, aged 11 (Daily News, 15 January 1910).
During 1912 Nellie wrote to Auntie Nell and entered the competition. She wrote about the prizes she has won with Uncle Tom, and informs Auntie Nell she has three brothers, two older and one younger and her grade at school. Nellie is now ten years and in the higher fifth grade at school... "254 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Auntie Nell, - It is a long time since I have written to you but I always read the Children's Page. I use to write to "Uncle Tom" and I got three prizes from him. One was for an essay "The Spider" and the others were for two letters. I have colored the Scout, and I am enclosing it. I have three brothers, two older than myself and one younger, and I am ten years old, and will be eleven next September. I am in the higher fifth at school. I will close, as it is bedtime. Hoping you are well, - I remain your loving niece. NELLIE HARRISON. Dear Nellie. - I do not remember you writing me before. It was possibly in "Uncle Tom" that you wrote, and I have been so busy that I have not been able to look your letter up. Now that you tell me about the essay on the Spider, I shall find it and read it. Can't you get your brothers to join the League? - Do you think you and your brothers could help in a pretty opera if we decide to give it in aid of the Children's Hospital ? With love, dear - From yours lovingly, Auntie Nell (Daily News, 12 July 1912).
In August 1912 Nellie wrote to Auntie Nell and enters the competition. She informs us she is learning first aid. "My Dear Auntie Nell. - Just a few lines hoping to find you well. I was wishing last week I was old enough to try for the first aid prize. We have a St. John's Ambulance book and I often read it. In last Saturday's paper I saw a puzzle. There was the young son his father, and his grandfather, and three of them spent fourpence each so three fourpences are a a shilling. I will now close my letter hoping it will prove successful. - I remain your loving niece. NELLIE HARRISON, age 10 3/4. Dear Nellie. - I am pleased to know that I have a little niece who employs her time so profitably as to read up on the subject of "First Aid." Perhaps you will make a good little nurse some-day. You have solved this week's puzzle correctly, dear. I hope you are one of the prize-winners. Look for the list of names. - Lovingly your Auntie Nell (Daily News 12 August 1912).
From Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended.
Daily News, 19 October 1907.
Home of Peace, Townshend-road Subiaco.
To Uncle Tom, "The Daily News" office. -
Dear Dear Sir,— I am sorry I could not write about the children last week, and I hope they will not think we do not appreciate their visits and flowers. Our wards would, look very bare indeed were it not for the beautiful flowers they bring. I am enclosing a list of names, so that you will know your nieces and nephews who visit the Home. Children of the Sunshine Patches:- Miss Rita Wilde, Master Jack Robinson and Miss Edie Robinson, Miss Mavis Waterhouse and Master Jack Waterhouse, Miss Edith and Thede Beck, Miss Nellie Harrison arid Master L. Harrison, Miss Pearly Forbes, Miss Muriel Francis, Misses Stella and Gladys Davies, Miss Grace Youngberg, Miss Lorna Chandler, Miss Clarice Stone, Misses Eileen Crowley, and Winifred Crowley, Miss Merton Peachey, Miss Vera Gill, Miss Kathleen Dempsey, Miss Sissie Dowling. All the above have brought flowers to the Home for two weeks now. May I offer a suggestion to the children through, your paper. We are in need of old linen; calico, and flannelette or flannel. It does not matter how old, we have use for the smallest piece. — Yours truly, KATE M. ANDERSON, Matron.
Daily News, 18 July 1908.
HOW IT IS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
In regard to the sewing scheme, I have made arrangements with the drapery houses to supply the material for the sheets and pillow-slips required for our two wards at the Children's Hospital at a cheaper rate than usual. On presentation, of an order. which I will supply, my nieces will be able to procure the materials. It would not be fair to ask these houses to be continually showing and explaining' the samples, and I have decided therefore to have the samples at 'The Daily News' offices, Perth and Fremantle, where they may be examined between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. When examining the samples you will' obtain, the orders for the material. The finished articles need not be made in a hurry, far there is plenty of time.
In addition to the sheets and pillowslips, we shall require some special towels, and some dusters, and I will give this work to some of those who have volunteered. One of my nieces suggested having a red rosette worked into the material. The idea is; a good one, but the consensus of opinion among those capable of judging is that the names of nieces worked in small plain round lettering below the hems, with good red ingrained cotton (the drapers will tell you the proper kind), wild be most suitable. I want you all, therefore, to work your names into the pillowslips and sheets just below the hems in the following style. The above letters will be far easier ordinary signatures were worked to work, and more serviceable than if ordinary signatures were worked over.
Daily News, 14 November 1908.
PRIZE LETTER.
(The Prize is a Picture and Story Book.) 256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I thank you for the nice card you sent me for my birthday. My dada is working at the Girls' Orphanage, on Adelaide terrace, and he says all the children look so nice and happy, and well-cared for there; and when I am older I am, going to visit them. Enclosed sixpence for their Xmas Cheer Fund. - Your loving little, niece, NELLIE HARRISON, aged 7. Dear Nellie, - I thank you for your subscription for the Orphans' Christmas Cheer. I would be, very, pleased if you would save your pennies and buy a present for one of the orphans. If you send something to me I will write the name of one of the children on the present, and will put it on the Christmas tree. Uncle Tom.
Daily News, 10 April 1909.
256 Perth-street, Subiaco. Dear Uncle Tom, — I thank you for my prize which I received a little while ago. I have read it ? and Will has too. And dada is away in Albany. On Friday after school I went to Congdon-street to stay till Monday morning with Mrs. Richardson. Mama told me that Mr. Richardson built your 'Dally News' office and the Home of Peace, too. On- Sunday while I was away our dear little baby Charlie was sick; and mama toad to send for the doctor. It was convulsions, but he got up to-day. I am glad he is better. On Monday when Willie was at carpentry he fainted, and he is sick now. Will asks me to say he would try and sell a few tickets for 'The Carnival of Flowers' on May 1. He will write when he gets up. I am sending three stamps for the Children's Hospital. I am tired now, dear Uncle Tom. - Your loving little niece, NELLIE HARRISON, aged 7 1/2. Dear Nellie, - I have sent Willie a few tickets to sell for the 'Carnival of Flowers, I shall be pleased to see you all present. You have sent me lot of bad news this week. I hope you next letter will be full of good news - Uncle Tom. (Daily News 1O April, 1909)
Sunday Times, 7 August 1910
Recipes.
SECOND.
Second prize is awarded to Miss Nellie Harrison, 256 Perth-street, Subiaco for recipe for
LEMON JAM.
Ingredients: Six large lemons, six pounds of sugar, six pints water. Method: Cut lemons in half length-wise, then in the thin slices, removing pips, and soak in the six pints of water for 24 hours; boil half an hour before adding sugar. Then boil one hour, or until it jellies nicely.
Sunday Times, 5 February 1911.
The Prize Recipes.
THIRD.
Third prize is awarded to Miss Nellie Harrison, 256 Perth-street, Subiaco, for recipe for
PLUM JELLY.
Mode: Put plums into preserving pan and barely cover with water; boil until the plums will mash readily; then strain through a fine strainer and return juice to pan and boil for twenty minutes; then add to each cup of the juice one cup of sugar, and boil until it jellies, which will be about twenty minutes.
Sunday Times, 18 May 1913.
Honorable Mention
To Stop a Tank from Leaking. Make a paste of common soap and whiting, and put it on the hole, and it will instantly, stop the leak, and will last for months. -Olive Dunne, 256 Perth-street. Subiaco.
