Christmas 1940s style

December 21, 2012June 15, 2017 / Merron Riddiford / 2 Comments

Christmas during wartime 1940s was bleak especially when Japan entered as National security and economic precautions came into force. Still, there were many eager volunteers to make sure that Christmas was cheery for all, even the Australians fighting overseas.

Preparations for Christmas 1940 started early, as volunteers packed parcels bound for overseas troops.

3HA CLUB. (1940, August 29). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64397250

Over 800 people attended a pantomime “A Year in the Navy” at the Horsham Town Hall.

SUCCESSFUL CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME. (1940, December 20). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73155556

The Australian Women’s Weekly issue of December 21, 1940 featured a fancy Christmas dinner menu.

CHRISTMAS DINNER. (1940, December 21). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 37 Section: The Homemaker. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47244840

Noradjuha school children received a treat with a visit from Father Christmas after their Christmas concert performance.

NORADJUHA. (1940, December 24). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73155694

The message of “Peace on Earth” returned to the newspapers.

The Christmas Message. (1940, December 24). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 8. Retrieved December 21, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73155682

WW2 saw the return of Christmas hampers and in August 1941 volunteers were again donating goods, baking puddings or packing. Simple items were in the hampers but a soldier in the trenches would have been grateful for a tin of fruit salad on Christmas day.

GOODS TO GO IN CHRISTMAS HAMPERS. (1941, August 26). Camperdown Chronicle (Vic. : 1877 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26547914

Miss Harrison’s shop in Camperdown displayed hampers packed ready for dispatch.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS FOR OVERSEAS MEN. (1941, September 2). Camperdown Chronicle (Vic. : 1877 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26548028

An initiative of the State branch of the Returned Soldiers League saw Horsham children that had fathers fighting overseas, receive a Christmas party in 1941. A nice touch was that each father received a letter to tell them of their children’s treat.

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR DIGGERS’ CHILDREN. (1941, October 3). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72696036

The Federal Treasure urged employers to give their staff War savings certificates or stamps for Christmas 1941 to support the war effort.

WAR SAVINGS CERTIFICATES AS CHRISTMAS GIFTS. (1941, November 25). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72697527

The Williamstown Chronicle of December 19, 1941 said “Merry Christmas” to one and all.

Christmas !. (1941, December 19). Williamstown Chronicle (Vic. : 1856 – 1954), p. 2 Supplement: Greetings Our Christmas Supplement. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70713662

Parents had to choose between peaceful toys and war toys in 1941. Tanks, submarines and planes increased in number on the toy shop shelves and hats, balls and drums carried patriotic logos.

Toyland is Divided Over War and Peace. (1941, December 19). Williamstown Chronicle (Vic. : 1856 – 1954), p. 2 Supplement: Greetings Our Christmas Supplement. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70713661

Mother always considers Dad’s interests when buying a gift, such as golf clubs or fishing rods, but does Dad think that she may also like a hobby. Don’t blow the budget though!

GIVE MOTHER A GIFT THAT WILL AID HER HOBBY. (1941, December 19). Williamstown Chronicle (Vic. : 1856 – 1954), p. 2 Supplement: Greetings Our Christmas Supplement. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70713714

Wartime saw a raft of new regulations imposed on citizens and Christmas was not exempt.

SHORT HOLIDAY PERIOD OVER CHRISTMAS. (1941, December 19). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 1. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72698208

Jack Watts of Horsham, stationed in Malaya over Christmas 1941 wrote home of his Christmas experience. The nurses of the AIF held an entertaining cocktail party.

CHRISTMAS DINNER ENJOYí. (1942, January 16). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved December 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72698798

The work of the Red Cross was often reported on during the 1940s. On this occasion, they were sending 72,000 Christmas boxes to British prisoners across Europe.

CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS TO GERMANY. (1942, January 20). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72698955

Private T.M. Holmes of Gorae had a welcome break from stew and rice for Christmas 1941, spent in the Middle East. A dinner of ham, turkey and plum duff was served by officers while the rank and file gave orders.

Les Hutchins spent Christmas in a hospital in Palestine and was grateful for his Red Cross parcel and the work of the nursing sisters to make sure Christmas for the patients was as happy as possible.

LETTER FROM OVERSEAS. (1942, February 2). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64378749

Christmas 1942, and attention had moved from Europe and the Middle East to closer to home. Troops were in New Guinea and family could send mail until November 15

Christmas Mail for New Guinea. (1942, November 16). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 4 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64382762

New restrictions were in place during 1942 and again Christmas was under the spotlight. Santa was given the year off.

ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS. (1942, November 16). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64382744

Printers kept a keen eye out for Christmas terms on their print jobs out of fear of a £100 fine and/or six months imprisonment.

PRINTER’S PITFALLS. (1942, November 26). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 4 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64382890

Advertisements were strictly censored as were motion pictures, signs, leaflets, hoardings and more.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. (1942, November 27). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72706611

Traders were not allowed to employ staff specifically for Christmas trade but boys and girls could be used to free up the adult workforce for war related work.

CHRISTMAS TRADE. (1942, December 7). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64383060

Many would have been thankful for the double Christmas tea issue of 1942.

CHRISTMAS TEA ISSUE. (1942, December 15). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72706817

If Australian residents did not know what austerity was before WW2, they sure did by the end. The country tightened its belt. Not only that, a shortage of toys, sweets and books limited shopping. Shoppers opted for practical gifts, ties and handkerchiefs.

HORSHAM’S AUSTERITY CHRISTMAS. (1943, January 1). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73103254

Private Alfred Mitchell, formerly of Horsham, wrote a letter of thanks to Mr Crouch of Murtoa for the hamper he donated for Christmas 1942. Alf. received goodies including a tin of cream, dried fruit cake, tooth paste, chocolate, tobacco and kool mints.

As was the norm, Alf and the other members of his unit gave their puddings to the cooks to heat.

Christmas Hamper Appreciated. (1943, February 2). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 1. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73103694

At the Horsham Methodist Church during December 1943, the congregation enjoyed the story of the nativity, prayers for the King, Prime Minister and Winston Churchill and hymns. The evening finished with a solo of “O Holy Night” by Mrs Wallace. Christmas lilies, white gladioli, ivy and cyprus decorated the church.

Similar evenings were held at the St John’s Church of England and St Andrew’s Presbyterian church, also in Horsham.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC IN CHURCHES. (1943, December 21). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73108233

The Australian Comforts Fund packed over 400,000 hampers for New Guinea and beyond during Christmas 1943.

Christmas Hampers for Troops. (1943, December 20). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 4 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64387758

Christmas 1944 saw a promise of better toys. Limited materials and labour had reduced the quality during the war period.

Christmas Toys may Improve. (1944, August 25). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 8. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11358186 

Portland people were getting behind the Lord Mayor’s appeal to send toys to Britain for Christmas 1944.

TOYS FOR BRITAIN. (1944, September 25). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64390532

Cecile Besnard of Olinda won first prize in the 1944 Argus plum pudding recipe contest with a Creole Coffee pudding

New Christmas Pudding Idea. (1944, November 21). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 9. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11371169

Christmas Decorations. (1944, December 19). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 10. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11375480

Despite the Japanese surrender, Christmas hampers were still in great demand for Christmas 1945.

Christmas Hampers. (1945, September 17). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 1 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64405473

Children that could not remember a Christmas before the war looked forward to celebrating a “real” Christmas in 1945. Santa was back and made in-store appearances. Sadly the toys were still inferior and the dolls thought ugly enough to scare little girls.

Children To Have Real Christmas. (1945, November 14). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 10. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12153002

Gift suggestion articles were back as retailers got back into the swing of Christmas trading. Dad could expect a brush, socks or even a wool dressing gown worth 44/6 and 8 coupons. If mum was a smoker, maybe a lipstick shaped lighter or for something different, why not a shower curtain?

Give Them for Christmas—. (1945, December 11). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 7. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12157846

Gas was in short supply in 1945 as was poultry and ham. On the bright side dried fruits, almonds and holly sprigs were back.

CHRISTMAS PROBLEMS FOR THE HOUSEWIFE. (1945, December 19). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 12. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12159361

After years of penny-pinching and low-key Christmas days, shoppers were out in force in 1945.

PEOPLE BUYING HEAVILY FOR CHRISTMAS. (1945, December 21). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 3. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12159834

Toys were plentiful, but English mechanical toys were in limited supply and beach toys were unobtainable.

CHRISTMAS TOYS PLENTIFUL. (1946, October 25). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 18. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22390326

Carols By candlelight was growing in popularity, so the Horsham City Council decided to introduce their own for Christmas 1946. May Park was the proposed venue.

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT. (1946, December 10). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73080615

POULTRY SALES. (1946, December 16). Camperdown Chronicle (Vic. : 1877 – 1954), p. 4 Edition: Afternoons.. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65438306

Christmas was brighter in Australia, but in Britain the situation was still grim. Gifts of food could be left at the Camperdown branch of the Red Cross in Manifold Street.

Christmas Food For Britain. (1947, December 15). Camperdown Chronicle (Vic. : 1877 – 1954), p. 1 Edition: Afternoons.. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65243667

Was this the beginning of what used to be almost annual event? Brewery workers went on strike just before Christmas 1947.

CHRISTMAS BEER HOW ASSURED. (1947, December 20). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 1. Retrieved December 20, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22529758

The Red Cross provided transport for patients at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital to return home for Christmas 1947. Trucks, cars and ambulances drove patients to towns such as Dunkeld, Port Fairy, Colac and Terang.

AT HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. (1948, January 20). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 8. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73087674

The Australian Women’s Weekly had personal gift giving ideas and a new cook book offer in their December 4, 1948 issue.

Our cookery book will make a wonderful Christmas gift. (1948, December 4). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 34. Retrieved December 20, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51389595

DIGGER DOINGS. (1948, December 31). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 5. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73093199

Father Christmas arrived on a bike for the Portland Kindergarten play-group Christmas party.

CHRISTMAS TREE. (1949, January 20). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 19, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64417285

Radio 3HA ran a hospital appeal on Christmas day 1948 and due to its success, repeated it in 1949.

Xmas Radio Appeal for Hospitals. (1949, December 1). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 4 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 20, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64420168

December. What a month!

Editorial. (1949, December 3). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 18. Retrieved December 20, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51594508

The December 17, 1949 issue of the Australian Women’s Weekly had recipes for Almond Snowballs and Chocolate date log and Christmas table presentation ideas.

Christmas. (1949, December 17). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 53. Retrieved December 20, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51600533

The Argus also had Christmas table hints and a recipe for Rabbit pâté.

Your Christmas Table. (1949, December 20). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 4 Supplement: The Argus Woman’s Magazine. Retrieved December 20, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22799645

Horsham traders were not experiencing a Christmas rush in 1949 and cooler weather had slowed the sale of summer clothing. Barnetts, however, saw a rush on that ever popular Christmas gift, handkerchiefs. Men’s dressing gowns were also selling well.

NO CHRISTMAS BUYING RUSH BUT TRADING IS STEADY. (1949, December 23). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 7. Retrieved December 20, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73103040

Christmas 1920s style

December 15, 2012December 9, 2018 / Merron Riddiford / Leave a comment

A new decade dawned with a sense of hope and positivity. Would the decade end in the same way?

Christmas 1920 and the Kodak brand continued to rise in prominence. Their advertisements promoted Kodak cameras’ convenience which could offer lasting memories of holidays long after they had passed. Even a child could use it.

Advertising. (1920, December 6). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING.. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64022869

The Salvation Army’s charity work at Christmas was attracting more attention in the papers during the 1920s.

CHRISTMAS TREATS. (1920, December 9). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING.. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64022893

The Portland Guardian Christmas editorial of 23 December 1920 had it all. Christmas from a religious perspective, the need for positivity, forward movement and encouragement to buy local products. Industrial disputes, prominent during the 1920s in Australia are also mentioned as was Santa with the suggestion that if Santa could not find a suitable Christmas gift in the Portland shops, he wasn’t up to the task. Luckily there was the clarification that Santa has been in the job too long for them to question his abilities.

Portland Guardian. (1920, December 23). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING.. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64022977

It was hot in the Western District during Christmas 1920 and this brought people out on to the streets of Heywood.

Heywood. (1921, January 3). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING.. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64023002

Spencer Street Station (now Southern Cross Station), Melbourne would have been a sight at Christmas time with crates of live poultry of various types lining the platforms. This report comes from Christmas 1921.

THE CHRISTMAS GOOSE. (1921, December 23). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72727852

The war was over but help was still needed by the many returned servicemen, many facing unemployment.

CHRISTMAS CHEER. (1921, December 24). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 9. Retrieved December 13, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4611429

The ladies of the Horsham Church of Christ had gathered together homemade goods to sell at their annual Christmas sale of 1922.

SALE OF WORK. (1922, December 15). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72742565

Photographs were a popular gift suggestion for Christmas 1922.

Advertising. (1922, December 15). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72742578

Barnes the Chemist of Horsham had ivory goods and hair tidies and were also an agent for Kodak, the camera to suit all purses.

Horsham experienced the coldest Christmas for years in 1922.

CHRISTMAS IN HORSHAM. (1922, December 29). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72742806

Shoppers fell over each other to get the best Christmas poultry at the Bendigo Auction markets in December 1923.

POULTRY FOR CHRISTMAS. (1923, December 21). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7273771

As seen above, turkeys were the more expensive type of poultry for Christmas 1923 and were considered “a forbidden luxury”.

OUR CHRISTMAS DINNER. (1923, December 15). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 21. Retrieved December 13, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1994780

The Argus of 18 December 1923 offered Christmas gift suggestions in the “Woman’s Realm” column. French embroidery dressing table mats looked “charming” on a glass-topped table. The Christmas handkerchief was always welcome with some relying on a handkerchief gift to replenish their supply. Telephone book covers and patience card sets were also suggested.

WOMAN’S REALM. (1923, December 18). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 14. Retrieved December 13, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2000447
MLA citation

Christmas 1923 in Horsham sounded a little brighter than 1922. The greenery on shops and the ladies’ summer dresses added to the splendour of the fine weather.

CHRISTMAS EVE IN HORSHAM. (1923, December 25). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72737815

The annual Christmas treat at May Park had grown into a popular Christmas Eve fixture in Horsham by Christmas 1924.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS TREAT. (1924, November 21). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72752604

The shopkeepers of Portland were competing for a prize of one guinea from the Mayor for their Christmas 1924 window displays.

CHRISTMAS EVE WINDOW DISPLAY. (1924, December 15). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING.. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64106332

If you were wanting a step by step guide to preparing a 1924 style Christmas dinner, this is it. Worth reading if you have a mother in law or sisters visiting. Failure to take heed could see your reputation as “a good housekeeper…hang on a thread”. This really is priceless and is a wonderful insight into domestic tasks of the 1920s.

1920ff

WOMEN to WOMEN. (1924, December 24). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 4. Retrieved December 13, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2090278

Christmas 1925 was looking disastrous for the parishioners of the Horsham Church of Christ when they heard the news that Father Christmas was stranded at Dooen Hill after his plane had broken down. A rescue party was sent and he eventually arrived with presents for all.

CHRISTMAS TREE. (1925, December 18). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73011596

Goodwill and good business marked Christmas 1925 in Horsham. The reporter also noted that the pine boughs on the shop verandah posts served the purpose of stopping people propping up the posts, “Australia’s favourite duty”.

THAT CHRISTMAS FEELING. (1925, December 25). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73011820

While the night soil man and his family innocently enjoyed a hearty Christmas dinner of two geese thanks to what he thought was a generous Christmas box, the true owners lamented that things don’t always turn out the way one expects them to.

NICE CHRISTMAS PRESENT. (1926, January 12). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73000513

A. and P. Glover of Horsham opened an extra shop during Christmas 1926 to cater for the increase in trade.

CHRISTMAS TOY CARNIVAL. (1926, November 26). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73017110

A Christmas story from Horsham, 1926.

HER CHRISTMAS LETTER. (1926, December 17). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73017834

The Border Watch. (1926, December 23). Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved December 13, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77688066

Father Christmas of “Balloon Land” wrote a letter to the Editor of the Portland Guardian to announce his visit to the Portland Free Library.

OUR LETTER BOX. (1927, November 14). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 13, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64259155

Mr G.C Perring advised Horsham residents that he was taking orders for Christmas Cakes for the 1927 celebration.

CHRISTMAS CAKES. (1927, December 2). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72999479

The Post Master General’s department distributed three million of the following posters in 1927.

CHRISTMAS POSTER. (1927, December 10). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 33. Retrieved December 13, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3897110

The Christmas Box Art Union were selling Australian made Christmas cards.

Christmas Cards. (1928, October 22). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64267379

The Argus Shopping Page offered a range of last minute gift ideas. Interesting items listed under the heading “Sweets for Children” were bunches of grapes and pink radishes along with tool sets and chocolate telephones.

“THE ARGUS” SHOPPING PAGE. (1928, December 21). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 13. Retrieved December 13, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3976851

Every shop in Horsham had taken the trouble to decorate for Christmas 1928. People were beginning to feel the pinch as the decade drew to a close.

THAT CHRISTMAS FEELING. (1928, December 25). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72681761

Only weeks on from the Wall Street Crash of 1929, Jim Scullin was insisting that Australians buy Australian. With high unemployment, the crash and a trade deficit of 10 million pounds there was a sense of urgency to stimulate the local economy and create jobs. Examples of the products imported were £400,000 of serviettes and linen and £46,000 of playing cards.

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. (1929, December 5). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 14. Retrieved December 14, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4054513

Santa dropped in at the Laverton Air school in December 1929.

MODERN FATHER CHRISTMAS. (1929, December 7). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 17. Retrieved December 14, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4055264

The Argus of 13 December 1929 offered tips on getting through Christmas during a time of “financial stringency”. Christmas trees ranged in price from 5/6 to 7/6 but a cheaper option was pieces of bamboo or hardwood placed in a pot and adorned with pine needles or asparagus fern.

“THE ARGUS” SHOPPING PAGE. (1929, December 13). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 13. Retrieved December 14, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4056538

Trove Tuesday – A Whale of a Time

September 25, 2012February 7, 2021 / Merron Riddiford / 2 Comments

I stumbled across this little gem only because it shared a page with an article I believe is about the sister of my ggg grandmother Ellen Barry. That article from The Argus of June 1, 1849, mentions Mary Walker, the married name of Mary Barry. Why do I think it is about my Mary Walker? Aside from the fact she was living in Melbourne then, the article is under the heading “Police Office” with Mary and another woman described as “two notorious termagants”. My Mary Walker caused an immigration agent to lose his bounty on her, thanks to her disruptive behavior on the voyage from Ireland to Port Phillip.

As I rolled my eyes at possibly another discovery of a misdemeanor by one of the Barry girls, I noticed this little snippet two columns over.

Domestic Intelligence. (1849, June 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 1 Supplement: Supplement to the Argus.. Retrieved September 23, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4765656

Great news for the whales! At last, their winter home in the seas off the south-west of Victoria was safe to visit again. Whaling was a huge industry at both Portland and Port Fairy with Portland’s first whaling station established in 1833 and Port Fairy’s in 1835. By the 1840s, few whales existed and whaling was no longer considered commercially viable and the whaling stations closed.

As the article notes, by the end of the 1840s, whales were appearing again. Today, their descendants visit the waters of Warrnambool, Port Fairy, and Portland and have become a huge boost to tourism during the colder months. Warrnambool particularly has benefited from whale watching, however this year the main attractions have made only brief visits, preferring Port Fairy, with daily sightings close to shore of up to 13 whales. Portland too has had whales and over the past few days, a whale and her calf have been off the breakwater, oblivious to the slaughters over 170 years ago.

Spring Fashion

September 1, 2012September 11, 2020 / Merron Riddiford / 7 Comments

Spring has arrived and a girl’s thoughts turn to a new season’s wardrobe. This was no different in 1940, 1900, and even 1860 with retailers promoting new season’s trends from as early as July. Ladies in Western Victoria would have required their woollens for a few more months, but a new Spring outfit was necessary for the milder days and social outings.

Mr David Jones was offering a “Grand Show” of spring wear at his shop on Main Road, Ballarat in 1858.

Advertising. (1858, September 15). The Star (Ballarat, Vic. : 1855 – 1864), p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66050200

In 1862, the Old Criterion Store on Main Road Ballarat offered 1000 parasols for sale, perfect for keeping the Australian sun’s harsh rays at bay.

Advertising. (1862, October 13). The Star (Ballarat, Vic. : 1855 – 1864), p. 1. Retrieved August 26, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66327869

A sample of spring fashions from 1878.

Spring Fashions. (1878, September 7). Illustrated Sydney News (NSW : 1853 – 1872), p. 7. Retrieved August 26, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63335118

Spring fashions for the elegant lady of 1885.

[No heading]. (1885, August 24). The Australasian Sketcher with Pen and Pencil (Melbourne, Vic. : 1873 – 1889), p. 133. Retrieved August 26, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page5739497

The following article appeared in the Portland Guardian on August 1881 and offered spring fashion tips for the ladies of the Western District. White, all shades of red and heliotrope were the colours of the season. Grey was the new black and black was back. Cashmere and plaid wool fabrics were popular as were ribbons and beading for embellishment.

THE LADIES’ COLUMN. (1888, August 31). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING, Supplement: SUPPLEMENT TO THE PORTLAND GUARDIAN. Retrieved August 26, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63589936

The 20th century arrived but fashion was so last century.

THE LADIES’ COLUMN. (1905, July 25). Camperdown Chronicle (Vic. : 1877 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved August 31, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30351894

Fashion began to evolve during World War 1. One change was dress length, with hems going up to save material. An interesting website Fashion Era offers further examples of fashion during this period.

SPRING FASHIONS. (1915, August 4). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 12. Retrieved August 31, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1544786

These dresses from 1918 show traditional styles were still popular.

Spring Fashions. (1916, September 2). The Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889, 1914 – 1918), p. 7. Retrieved August 28, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74835347

But things were changing and this dress, also from 1918, is an example of that.

COMING FASHIONS. (1918, July 10). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 12. Retrieved August 28, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1404142

I love this stylish advertisement for Allans The Drapers of Fibrace street Horsham from 1927.

Advertising. (1927, September 2). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 5. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72996175

Fancy the Phryne Fisher look?

FASHION FORECASTS. (1928, August 3). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 8. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72676520

I can’t resist sharing more of the wonderful 1920s fashions, again from the Horsham Times.

Advertising. (1929, October 4). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 9. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72672337

Another stylish look, this time from 1930.

Woman’s Interests. (1930, July 3). Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article78010734

The Great Depression saw a rise in the number of sewing columns in the newspapers. This article gave advice on how to recycle a frock. The full article is here

“THE ARGUS” SHOOPING PAGE. (1930, August 8). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 12. Retrieved August 26, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4104490

Patterns were back for Spring 1935.

Gay Patterns for Spring Frocks. (1935, August 14). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 15. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11757450

World War 2 saw a dramatic drop in the number of “spring fashion” articles in the papers, more so than the Great War. The years 1942, 1943 and 1944 had very few and those I found were mostly for sewing patterns. Families relied on coupons to buy goods, there was rationing of goods including fabrics and the fashion houses of Paris closed. If a woman wanted to keep up appearances, there was little alternative but to make a frock or remodel one from last season. The latter half of the 1940s saw a rapid increase in fashion articles as women turned again to the fashion stages of Europe for inspiration and cast aside their drab wartime clothing.

BE CHIC… but coupon canny. (1942, October 17). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 7. Retrieved August 31, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article46446873

A few bright notions to cope with a war budget. (1942, January 10). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 24 Section: Fashion Portfolio. Retrieved August 31, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54876753

Shock, horror “Hems to go higher” in 1952. Just wait until the 60s!

Hems to go higher. (1952, May 21). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 5. Retrieved August 26, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23197518

I could have continued to the 1960s but that would have gone on for some time as I do like the fashion particularly from the latter half of the decade. I could have gone on to the 70s too. While fashion from that decade was much maligned during the 1980s, anyone who saw Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo was reminded of the great fashions of the 1970s. I think the 1980s would have pulled it up though. Agreed?

Looking at fashions of different eras is beneficial to the family historian especially if you are trying to date photos. It also gives us some idea of what our female ancestors might have endured for either the sake of fashion or managing with what was available. The long, impractical dresses of the 19th and early 20th century make me think of my ggg grandmothers on farms, getting in and out of buggies and tending fires for washing and cooking. Consider how your grandmothers or great grandmothers managed during the Depression when money was tight or World War 2 with coupons and rationing. No wonder my Nana was good at sewing, darning and knitting. It was a necessity.

***If you are interested in learning how your female ancestors washed their big dresses during the 1850s, the Sovereign Hill Education blog has great posts on washing, drying, and ironing.

False Alarm

August 29, 2012February 7, 2021 / Merron Riddiford / 4 Comments

Reading the list of newspapers waiting to be released by the NLA’s Trove, I noticed the Port Fairy Gazette would not be far away. Out of interest, I ran a search for “Port Fairy” and bingo many “coming soon” articles came up. As my Harman and Bishop families lived in Port Fairy at various times, I went straight for a search on “Harman”. Eleven matches came up with nine relevant to my Harmans. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw one of the article previews:

“Mr James Harman, Byaduk, aged 85, died last week. He landed in Port Fairy in 1853 and…..“

It looked like it could be my ggg grandfather’s obituary. I search for his obituary every time Trove releases a new paper. To date all I have found is the following snippet from The Argus:

COUNTRY NEWS. (1916, August 22). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 8. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1630566

Brothers Walt, George, and Jonathan all had lengthy obituaries why not my ggg grandfather. Even the shadow dweller, brother Alfred had a Family Notice when he died!. It did seem that my only chance was to search the microfilmed Hamilton Spectators at the Hamilton History Centre. The hard part about that is getting to Hamilton.

Trove’s release of the Port Fairy Gazette (1914-1918) happened today and yes, the much-anticipated article was available. I clicked on the link. This is it, I thought. What did I find?

Personal. (1916, August 24). Port Fairy Gazette (Vic. : 1914 – 1918), p. 2 Edition: EVENING.. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88010281

Twelve more words than the preview. Only 12 words. How can I expect any more in The Hamilton Spectator? How I can ever expect to find any mention of the death of my ggg grandmother Susan Read, wife of James, who died in the same year?

On the bright side, I found a couple of good Bishop related articles and a nice article about my gg uncle Charles James Harman prior to his departure for Egypt during WW1. So far, only 1916 is available but based on the results so far, I think I’m bound to find more when the other years become available.

It was a big day for Trove today with 13Victorian titles released and another Western District paper, the Portland Observer and Normanby Advertiser (1914-1918) was among them.

Also of interest to me are the Flemington Spectator (1914-1918) and the Wangaratta Chronicle (1914-1918). Sarah Harman and her husband George Adams lived in Flemington and so far I have found plenty of “Adams” matches in the Spectator but none for Sarah or George yet. Herbert George Harman, nephew of James Harman was a reporter for the Wangaratta Chronicle for over 50 years and I have found matches for both him and his father George, mostly to do with their Masonic activities.

Portland’s Immigration Wall

August 18, 2012June 28, 2017 / Merron Riddiford / 1 Comment

Portland’s Immigration wall is a great way to remember those ancestors who first set foot in Australia at the harbour town. Located on the “Ploughed Field” opposite the Portland hospital and overlooking Portland Bay, the wall has plaques unveiled by grateful descendants of early pioneers to the south-west of Victoria.

The “Ploughed Field” is where one of Edward Henty’s workers ploughed the first sod of earth in Victoria in 1834 with a single furrowed plough now known as the “Henty Plough” and on display at Portland’s History House.

Some of the families remembered on the Immigration wall are :

William and Isabella ROBB were buried at the Old Portland Cemetery.

I know a little of Richard and Jane PRICE thanks to their grandson’s marriage to my first cousin 3 x removed. Allan James Price married Ada Harman, daughter of Alfred Harman, in 1911. One of the organisers, Lynn Price, invited me to the unveiling of the plaque and family reunion in 2009. I met Lynn via the Rootsweb Western District mailing list. It was disappointing that I was unable to attend as a lot of time has gone into remembering the Price family as seen at the Price family website. It has photos of the reunion as well as a later event, the unveiling of headstone for Richard and Jane at the Heywood cemetery in 2010.

For more information on how you can see your family on the Immigration Wall, go to the Glenelg Shire website.

I hope one day plaques will be on the wall for my three sets of ggg grandparents who arrived at Portland. James and Sarah Harman and William and Margaret Diwell and daughters Elizabeth and Sarah Diwell arrived on the Duke of Richmond in 1853 and George and Jane Jelly and their daughter Mary on the Athletae in 1855.

In The News – July 29, 1929

July 29, 2012 / Merron Riddiford / 1 Comment

Although many of the Western District newspapers are not digitised at Trove, it is possible to find articles from the likes of The Hamilton Spectator in the The Portland Guardian, for example. On this day 83 years ago, an excerpt from the Albion newspaper of Coleraine appeared in The Portland Guardian of July 29, 1929.

Prompted by the deaths of many of the early pioneers, the article reflected on the history of the Western District from the time Major Thomas Mitchell made his way across the land he called Australia Felix 93 years earlier.

Early History. (1929, July 29). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved July 23, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64270110

There is a clue in the article for those of you who having trouble finding your Western District family member’s arrival in Victoria. The writer mentions many people from Van Diemen’s Land making their way to Victoria once news got back the Hentys had pushed up from Portland into the Merino district. It could then be possible that family members travelled to Victoria via Tasmania where they had resided as convicts or otherwise.

Jenny Fawcett, on her great South-West Victoria genealogy and history site, has indexed the names of those who travelled to Victoria as part of a Geelong and Portland Bay Immigration Society scheme in 1845 and 1846. The idea behind that and similar schemes was to bring labour into the colony with those behind the society being squatters and merchants. Jenny provides a great description of the scheme on her site.

Browsing through the names,there are many I instantly recognise as Western District family names. Also, a lot of the pioneer obituaries I have read tell of the deceased having come to Victoria via Van Diemen’s Land.

So, if you are beginning to think your ancestors were good swimmers, follow-up the possibility they came to the Western District from Tasmania. You just never know.

Portland’s History House

July 5, 2012March 20, 2021 / Merron Riddiford / 3 Comments

HISTORY HOUSE, PORTLAND

History House in Portland is the place to go to search for your ancestors who lived or arrived in the harbour town. Located in the former Portland Town Hall, History House offers research facilities and a small museum.

The museum has many reminders of Portland’s early history, in particular, the Henty family.

It is not easy taking a photo of a long plough in a narrow room with a fairly ordinary camera, but I had to give it a go as this in the one and only Henty plough. While it is famous for it being the first plough used in Victoria, its journey since those early days is interesting.

HENTYS PLOUGH

Maybe this picture does the plough more justice than my own.

THE FIRST PLOUGH USED IN VICTORIA, BY THE HENTY BROTHERS, OF PORTLAND. (1910, September 10). Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), p. 10. Retrieved July 3, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38361343

This article from the Portland Guardian of 18 November 1935 described what happened to the plough after it left the Henty’s possession

HENTY’S PLOUGH. (1935, November 18). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING.. Retrieved July 3, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64290884

Hugh Lennon, who had the plough on display at his factory in Spotswood, was the manufacturer of the Lennon plough. This was the plough of choice for ggg grandfather James Harman in local ploughing matches. It was also the plough of choice for the Kelly gang when making armour. The plough eventually returned to Portland in 1970.

The is a model of the house occupied by Joseph Henry Porter and his wife, Sarah Herbertson, in Gawler Street, Portland. Joseph constructed the model and Sarah furnished it. I like the detail, even down to pickets missing off the fence. Both Joseph and Sarah are part of the Western District Families Pioneer Obituary Index. Joseph’s obituary mentioned his fine craftmanship.

MODEL OF 42 GAWLER STREET, PORTLAND

While this isn’t the best photo, I had to share it. It depicts the meeting of Major Thomas Mitchell and the Henty brothers, a significant time in the history of the Western District. You can read more about this chance meeting in the post “Major Mitchell Reaches Portland Bay”.

MAJOR MITCHELL AND THE HENTY BROTHERS

Mary McKillop spent some time in Portland and an exhibit commemorates this, complete with the spires from the original Roman Catholic church in Portland.

MARY MacKILLOP DISPLAY

The Portland Rocket Shed is next to History House. The shed was built in 1886 by George Sedgewick who was the gg grandfather of Ann, a follower of this blog. Fully restored, the shed has a display inside which includes a rocket launcher used to fire ropes to boats in distress.

ROCKET SHED

For more photos, better than my own, check out ABC South West Victoria’s report on History House’s renovation in 2010 http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/02/17/2822431.htm. There was also a report at the time of Mary MacKillop’s canonization http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/10/12/3035824.htm

Old Portland Cemetery – Part 2

June 10, 2012September 12, 2025 / Merron Riddiford / 1 Comment

“The Cemetery is the first object to greet the ascending tourist.

This is charmingly situated on the top of the cliff overlooking the ocean“

This quote is not from one of the tourist guides I collected while in Portland earlier this year. Rather, it was written 155 years earlier by James Bonwick in his book “Western Victoria: It’s Geography, Geology and Social Condition”: the Narrative of an Educational Tour in 1857″ (p.98)

One of the older graves in the cemetery is that of William Wheeler, who was born in 1776.

HEADSTONE OF WILLIAM WHEELER (1776-1848)

The grave of James Fawthrop was of interest to us. Earlier in the day, we visited Portland’s Maritime Discovery Centre, housing the Portland Lifeboat captained by James Fawthrop. Fawthrop and his crew were part of the rescue of the steamer Admella in 1859. His heroics are a legendary part of the maritime history of the stretch of coast from the southwest of Victoria to the southeast of South Australia.

After a search of the Victorian Death Index, I found that James Ward was Fawthrop’s stepson. Fawthrop’s wife, Jane Rosevear, was previously married to James Ward senior, who drowned in Tasmania in 1838.

GRAVES OF JAMES FAWTHROP AND HIS STEPSON JAMES WARD

The following is Captain Fawthrop’s obituary from the Border Watch of 20 November 1878.

The DEATH OF CAPT. FAWTHROP. (1878, November 20). Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77564021

THE PORTLAND LIFEBOAT CAPTAINED BY JAMES FAWTHROP

William and Sarah Rosevear were the parents of Jane, wife of James Fawthrop and grandparents of James Ward. William Rosevear was the coxswain aboard the Portland lifeboat with his son-in-law during the Admella rescue.

ROSEVEAR FAMILY GRAVE

The largest grave in the cemetery belongs to the Trangmar family. James Trangmar died in 1888 and was a leading Portland identity. He had been Mayor, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Western Region Artillery, and owned the stations Morgiana, Bochara, and Violet Creek, all near Hamilton. His home in Portland was Burswood, bought from Edward Henty

TRANGMAR FAMILY GRAVE

Old Portland Cemetery – Part 1

May 21, 2012February 7, 2021 / Merron Riddiford / 7 Comments

During our holiday to Portland in January, we visited the North Portland Cemetery also known as the Old Portland Cemetery. Thanks to a handy brochure I picked up at the Tourist Information Centre it was something we could do as a family.

The guide outlines some of the more notable graves in the cemetery. Each of those graves has a number marker. There are also arrows pointing to the next grave of interest. This made visiting the cemetery fun and educational for the small research assistant. Finding each of the numbered graves and reading the corresponding information in the brochure kept his interest on our circumnavigation of the cemetery.

The number one grave is the Robb family memorial. William was a local stonemason.

Robb Family Grave

Despite fires in the past, the wooden fence around the Rankin grave still stands, the last of its kind in the cemetery. The grave belongs to Agnes, Margaret and Charles Rankin

Agnes died from blood poisoning in 1875.

UNIVERSITY LAW EXAMINATIONS. (1875, March 17). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 7. Retrieved May 21, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11513825

GRAVE OF AGNES, MARGARET AND CHARLES RANKIN

Several members of the Haggestton family lie in the Haggestton plot. Frederick, Sara, Joseph, and John Haggestton, the children of Joseph and Mary Haggestton and Joseph and Mary themselves are all buried here. At the time of Joseph senior’s death in 1907, he owned several properties around Portland. Nineteen properties, including The Royal Hotel, were auctioned on 20 February 1908. The Haggestton headstone was vandalised, along with others, in 1986. It was restored by Parker & Sons, a Portland stonemason.

HAGGESTTON FAMILY GRAVE

The graves face out over Portland Bay where many of those buried first entered Victoria.

This unusual headstone dates back to 1841 before the cemetery opened. It belongs to six-year-old Henrietta Earls. Her mother Harriet was also buried in the plot in 1854.

EARLS FAMILY GRAVE

You can read more about the cemetery on the link:

Western District Families

Family history from the Western District of Victoria, Australia

Portland

Christmas 1940s style

Christmas 1920s style

Trove Tuesday – A Whale of a Time

Spring Fashion

False Alarm

Portland’s Immigration Wall

In The News – July 29, 1929

Portland’s History House

Old Portland Cemetery – Part 2

Old Portland Cemetery – Part 1

OLD PORTLAND CEMETERY PART 2

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