Women's History Month...2023. Post 4. Adelaide Ilfra "Queenie" Chugg...(1898 - 1981).
This month is Women's History Month. I have decided to repost the stories of many of the wonderful women from Subiaco I have come across.
Adelaide Ilfra "Queenie" Chugg...(1898 - 1981).
"Miss Queenie Chugg expresses' her opinion and considers it is essential for women to be able to state their views in a capable manner at all times, and to help West Australians in the country the Penguin Club hopes to establish groups for this purpose, and indeed most states have already formed country branches. What an opportunity for the shy but intelligent woman to join this movement and learn to speak as a delegate, and take the chair when it is necessary without feeling nervous1 (Reliance Weekly, 19 November 1953).
This blog post is a continuation of the previous blog posts "Alexandra McKinnon Burns... Subiaco Business Woman (1938)", the "Lipfert Sisters" and "Ethel Maude Thomas" about the women mentioned in the Museum of Subiaco exhibition on International Women's Day. This post is about Adelaide Ilfra Chugg, a Subiaco business woman.
The following information about is from the previous blog post..."During March International Women's Day was held. The Subiaco Museum created an exhibition to highlight the contribution of women to the Subiaco community.
The women included Alexandra McKinnon Burns (1864 -1961), Dame Annie Florence Gillies Cardell-Oliver (1876 - 1965), Adelaide 'Queenie' Chugg (1898 - 1981), The Lipfert Sisters (Minna Maria Lipfert (1902 – 1959), Olga Gertrude Lipfert (1906 - 1989) and Thekla Elsa Lipfert (1912 - 1989) and Ethel Maude Thomas M.B.E (1881 - 1961). The exhibition contained a number of wonderful photographs and artefacts and are available on the webpage from the Subiaco Museum.
While there is a substantial amount of information information about the exceptional work and life of Dame Cardell-Oliver available on various sites on the Internet, Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia contains some wonderful information and photographs about the women mentioned by the Subiaco Museum in their exhibition..."
Simon and Louisa Matilda (nee Atkins) had two children Adelaide Ilfra (1898) and Rita Winifred.
From the Subiaco Museum webpage...
"...Adelaide Ilya Chugg was born in Subiaco to Simon and Louisa Chugg. The Chuggs lived at 168 Townsend Road, Subiaco and established a business S Chugg & Co. Importers in Railway Road Subiaco, 1897. Adelaide received her teachers diploma from the Trinity College of London in 1937.
In 1979 Miss Chugg donated an outdoor chess table for use in Council Gardens in memory of her father. Miss Chugg and Miss Daglish were invited to open Subiaco Historical Society's Museum in November 1975 by turning a golden key in the door. They were the first people to enter and sign the visitor's book.
Known affectionately as ‘Queenie’, Miss Chugg was the founding Vice-President and later Patron of the Subiaco Historical Society. She gave generously during her life to the museum and her bequest at her death in 1981 to the Museum made the interior refurbishment and new displays possible. Her donations included furniture made from Australian timbers, such as a Tasmanian cedar chest of drawers, a jarrah book shelf, documents, photographs and a set of lace-making bobbins. At the end of the Museum's entrance hall is a glass fronted display case marked by a plaque acknowledging the bequest made by Miss Chugg. The bequest provided for the construction of the display case and also allowed for significant improvements to and refurbishment of, the interior of the Museum, including the restoration of its magnificent jarrah floors..."
Trove, the database of the National Library of Australia provides many articles about Adelaide "Queenie" Chugg as she was regularly mentioned in the local social scene and involved in the dramatic arts scene producing and starring in productions. Many of these productions were held in the Subiaco library and other venues around Perth. They were well attended and received great reviews in local newspapers.
Throughout her life Adelaide was involved in many causes including the committee for the West Australian Elocution Teachers' Association. Adelaide was a committee member and president of the Marlow Club. She produced and starred in plays for Felica's Art of Speech Club, the Marlow Club and Mrs. Walter M'Rostie's Dramatic Society that raised money for various causes around Perth. In the 1950's Adelaide was secretary of the West Australian Penguin Club for over eight years.
In 1953 the West Australian published the following article about Adelaide's work in the West Australian Penguin Club who attended a conference in Sydney...
"Women Must Be Able To Express Views....It is essential, now that women are "taking their place," for them to be able to express their views in a capable manner. The secretary of the West Australian Penguin Club (Miss Queenie Chugg) who recently returned from the club's interstate convention in Sydney, said this yesterday. To help West Australian country women, Miss Chugg said, the club hopes to establish groups in country centres. New South Wales and Victoria had already formed several country branches. All States except Queensland had an active Penguin Club and delegates at the interstate convention were women from all walks of life, Miss Chugg said. Many were business women and wives of politicians and others were mothers and housewives. This State had 130 members and they were divided into groups of 25 so that each member had an opportunity to speak and take the chair. At the final meeting of the convention five women, one of whom was Miss Chugg, spoke on Australia's future in world affairs. Miss Chugg and the three other West Australian delegates, Mrs. W. H. Barndon, Miss R. Daglish and Mrs. J. A. Cundill, were given a welcome home party, last night" (West Australian, 10 November 1953).
The "J S Battye Library of West Australian History Ephemera Collection – Collection Listing Pioneer Women’s Memorial Fund" states that A. I "Queenie" Chugg was involved in extensive community work that included "Foundation member W.A. Branch Penguin Club 1945, pioneered establishment of W.A. branch. Member of Soroptimists Club, Tree Society, National Trust and many others."
Adelaide "Queenie" Chugg died on 29 December, 1981 and was buried in Karrakatta Cemetery in the Anglican section. She was 81 years of age.
Note...The birth certificate and Karrakatta burial details state different middle names for Adelaide "Queenie" Chugg. The birth certificate states her middle name was Jefra. There was no death certificate registered. The burial details state her middle name was Ilfra.
The articles and photograph are from Trove, the national database of the National Library of Australia. No copyright infringement intended. 
The West Australian, 18 Nov 1938 (photo)
Daily News, 16 December 1929.
SUBIACO INSTITUTE
Musical & Dramatic Evening,
To an audience filling the Subiaco Library and presided over by Mr. G. Olney, the Mayor, the Subiaco Civic Dramatic Society, presented on Wednesday evening, December 11, two sketches, both of which were attractively staged.
'Dearest Mama,' the name part taken by Miss Rae Daglish, belied her name and made herself successfully obnoxious in disrupting the honeymoon harmony of a hymeneal couple (played by Mr. H. Betteridge and Miss Queenie Chugg) throughout the piece and succeeded admirably in railing foul of the household guests, Uncle Browser (Mr. Allan O'Keefe) and Mr. Croker (Mr. Lewis Weeden), and also provided excuse for the sudden departure of an attractive maid (Miss Jean Galbraith.) But eventually, by the comfortable stolid placidity of Uncle Browser and gentle shatts of sarcastic raillery from Mr. Croker. 'Dearest Mama' was deported , to the tender matrimonial mercies of distant cousin Towzler. Mrs. Honeywood, an attractive widow played by Miss Betty Moore, innocently provided fuel for the wrath of 'Dearest Mama.' The second offering was a short' sketch, 'Mrs. Hamblett Records Her Vote,' and provided ample opportunity for farcical effects, and Mrs. E. A. Donegan as the garrulous, if not bibulous ancient voter, with deaf ears and blind intellect, left no stone unturned in her efforts at obtuseness. In this she was ably supported by her daughter Gerty (Miss Rene Roberts), the pair making strenuous demands on the limited patience of the returning officers (played by Mr. G. Coxon and Mr. L. T. Boas.) This was a diverting piece of work and left the audience in high good humor. The success of the initial productions of this society augurs well for . their future efforts. Musical and elocutionary items of first-class merit were provided by Mr. Lyall Richardson, Miss Gillett, Mr. H. Neate, Miss Edna Williams, Miss Joyce Fuller and Miss Bloxsome. A delicious supper concluded a happy evening's entertainment.
Daily News, 4 March 1930.
MAINLY ABOUT PEOPLE Here, There and Everywhere
The Subiaco Library was filled to its utmost capacity last Wednesday evening, when the members of the Subiaco Civic Dramatic Club held a social evening, presided over by Colonel Roberts, D.S.O. A delightful musical and elocutionary programme, each item of which won enthusiastic applause, was contributed to by Mr. Harold Betteridge, Miss Willmott, Miss N. Shortland-Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Hemmingway, Mr. Orgill, Miss Simpson, and the graceful dancing of Miss Felicity Sands was much admired. A feature of the evening was the staging of a one act play entitled 'Followers.' produced by Miss Queenie Chugg. The various characters were cleverly enacted by Miss Nancy Bloxsome, Miss Betty Moore, Miss. Chugg, and Mr. G. Coxon. The old fashioned parlor setting and frocks of 1850 called forth much admiration. Miss Chugg was heartily congratulated on this her first attempt at production. During the evening dainty refreshments were served by the members of the club.
Daily News, 19 September 1931.
Assembly Hall
'All of-a-Sudden Peggy'
Members of Mrs. Walter M'Rostie's Dramatic Society presented 'All of a Sudden Peggy' last evening in the Assembly Hall before a very appreciative audience. Miss Queenie Chugg, who gave a very pleasing performance ot Peggy was consistent and natural throughout, and Mr. W. A. Hoey, who played the Hon. Jimmy Keppel, brother lo Lord Crackenthorpe, was equally successful.
The work of all on the stage was good, Mrs. M'Rostie taking the part of Lady Crackenthorpe with her usual skill. Each individual in the cast has some fairly difficult character work to carry, and their production was highly commendable. The spider-loving entomologist, Lord Crackenthorpe, taken by Mr. R. Mooney, and the individual who has the good of the family at heart, were both clearly portrayed, Mr. G. Savage giving an impression of naturalness that is not easy. Miss Edna Burgess, as the Hon. Millicent Keppel, carried a minor role capably, as did Miss Iris Parker, who was Hon. Mrs. Colquhoun. Miss Nancy Hill was Mrs. O'Mara, Peggy's mother, widow of Professor O'Mara, F.R.S. Mr. L. Green had the role of a man servant, and Mr. Schuster as Jack Menzies was also adequate. Mrs. M'Rostie was producer, and was responsible for the hundred and one details of work.
The Subiaco Church of Christ orchestra provide pleasing incidental music. The performance will be repeated this evening, and the proceeds of last evening's work are to be devoted to the unemployment relief funds.
Daily News, 19 September 1932.
Subiaco Dramatic Club.
The Subiaco Civic and Dramatic Club presented three charming short plays in the Subiaco Library ; Mrs. Sands carrying out the duties of producer in her usual capable manner.
The Misses Galbraith, Bloxsome, Neate and and Roberts supported by Messrs. Graham, Weedon, Coxon and O'Keefe were responsible for the success of 'The Bracelet'; J. M. Barrie's .'Twelve Pound Look' received much applause, the liar's being taken by Misses Daglish and Hraly and Messrs. Larrard and Nave. Miss Queenie Chugg and Mr. Nave held the audience breathless during the presentation of 'The Brass Door Knob.' During the intervals musical items were rendered by Mr. L. Richardson, accompanied by Mrs. Dickinson, and wireless selections were enjoyed through the loan of a wireless set by Mr. H. Moody. Miss E. McCallum delighted everyone present with her recitations. At the conclusion of the programme a dainty supper was served by members of the club.
