Richard Grice (1858-1911) of Eirruc, Berwick

I came across the following from the book Early Days of Berwick (1) about Richard Grice and a plaque which was installed in his honour in High Street, Berwick. Before we look at the plaque, which actually wasn't installed until 1917, we will look at Richard's life. 

Reference to the Grice plaque in Early Days of Berwick (1)

Richard Grice was born in 1858 in Collingwood to Richard and Ann Grice.  Richard Grice senior (1813-1882), had arrived in Victoria in 1839, being amply supplied with funds by his family (2). He and his business partner, Benjamin Heape, set up in business together. Grice was soon a leading pastoralist and his land holdings included the Mount Alexander run near Castlemaine. On August 21, 1844 he married Ann Lavinia Hibberson (1822-1905) and they eventually settled in Melbourne. Heape returned to England and Grice set up partnership with Theodotus Sumner. Later, Sumner’s daughter Annie married Grice’s son James and the firm became known as Grice, Sumner and Co. (3) As a matter of interest, Alice Sumner, another daughter of Theodotus, married Charles Snodgrass Ryan and they became the parents of Maie, whose husband Lord Casey was the Governor General of Australia from 1865 - 1969, and the namesake of the City of Casey. (4) The firm Grice, Sumner and Co was one of the oldest mercantile houses in Australia and held large tracts of land in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. Grice senior, died in Fitzroy in 1882 and left a substantial estate valued at £320,000. (5).

Richard senior and  his Ann had twelve children, but there were only seven living when he passed away on November 4, 1882. One son, John, was given a Knighthood and was Vice Chancellor of Melbourne University and had substantial business interests. Another brother, James, was a foundation member of the Victorian Amateur Turf Club and Chairman on a number of occasions. (6). Ann died November 17, 1905 at the age of 83. (7)

This brings us to Richard Junior.  Richard married Louisa Jane 'Lula' Currie (1858-1908) on September 16, 1884 at St George's Presbyterian Church, East St Kilda.  Louisa was the daughter of John Lang Currie. Currie and his wife Louise (nee Johnston). He was described as a pioneer squatter, had arrived in Victoria in 1841 and by the mid 1890s he owned 80,000 freehold acres in Victoria's Western District, plus land in other states. When he died on March 11, 1898 he left an Estate valued at over £500,000. In his will he left his daughter, Louisa Grice, £30,000 of which she had already received £7,000. (8)

Richard purchased 710 acres in the Shire of Cranbourne in 1884/1885 and in 1887 he purchased 234 acres in the Shire of Berwick. (9) It was on the Cranbourne property that they built the wonderful house, Eirruc most likely in 1887 or 1888 (10)  Eirruc  is Currie spelt backwards, perhaps indicating that some of Louisa’s family money paid for the Estate. Eirruc (now called Eyrecourt) is always referred to as being in Berwick, but technically it was in Cranbourne and in modern times the address is 211 Grices Road, Clyde North. 

Eirruc (later Eyrecourt) by Charlie Hammond

State Library of Victoria  http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/149421

Image has been cropped. This illustration is from the Sketchbook of Charlie Hammond, held at the State Library of Victoria. The sketchbook contains both photographs and illustrations of various houses in Victoria. The book has been digitised by the State Library of Victoria and can be seen here. 

On April 17, 1909 Richard Grice held a sub-divisional sale of the Eirruc property, including the homestead. (11) Grice did retain some Berwick property and he was living in the town when he died on September 6, 1911.  His Probate papers at the Public Records Office of Victoria lists all his assets and, amongst other property, Grice had 66 acres in the Shire of Cranbourne; a weatherboard house, Wonalta, described as seven rooms, plus kitchen, bathroom, scullery and outbuildings on three acres in Berwick; a block of land on Station Street (Gloucester Avenue) and another block on Elgin Street in Berwick. (12) 

Subsequent owners of Eirric, include Humphrey Weinholt, then Richard Edols, who sold in November 1913 to Alexander Buchanan Pearson. Mr Pearson renamed the property Hilton. Around January 1920,  Pearson sold to Kevin Kinsella, who renamed the property Eyrecourt.  He was there for  a short time selling to Mrs Burnside in 1923, and she sold to Lionel Grimwade in June 1924 and  he was still in 1928, but that's where we will leave the owners. (13)

Advertisement for the  sub-divisional plan of Eirruc. 

The Argus, November 12 1909 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10698543 

Lounge Hall, Eirruc, Berwick, in 1910.

Punch October 13, 1910 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175607444

Richard's informative obituary has other details of his life - 

The friends of Mr Richard Grice, of Berwick, will regret to hear of his death from heart failure, at a private hospital in the city on September 6. Mr Grice, who was the son of the late Mr Richard Grice, was born in the old family mansion in Victoria Parade, which is now occupied by the Turn Verein Club. He was interested in the Retreat, a large squatting station on the Thompson river, but lived most of  his time at "Eirruc," a small estate near Berwick. When Mrs Grice died two years ago he bought a smaller place close by the township. Mr Grice was a member of the committee of the V.R.C. for some years. He owned Hova, which ran second in a race for the Melbourne Cup. He was very fond of hunting, and on several occasions acted as deputy master for the Melbourne Hounds. He leaves a son and two daughters. (14)  

Mr Grice was also a Mornington Farmers Society. He was a Shire of Cranbourne Councillor from 1894 until 1903 and Shire President 1898-99 (15) 

As mentioned in his obituary, Richard and Louise had three children - John, Henrietta  and Annie. 
John Alan Grice was born on August 10, 1885 at South Yarra and he died on May 25, 1932 at his property in Corowa. This is his obituary- 

The death occurred in tragic circumstances on Wednesday last of Mr. John Alan Grice, aged 47, who for the past ten years, had been a resident of the Lowesdale district, having occupied the property there known as "Pine Lodge." Last week Mr. Grice was an inmate of St. Margaret's Private Hospital suffering from pleurisy, but he left that institution, and returned to his home at the week-end. He attended the Corowa races on Saturday and was in Corowa on Tuesday, returning to his home on Tuesday afternoon, when he retired. At about 8.30 on Wednesday morning, however, his manager, Mr. Lumby, on entering his room, found deceased lying in his bed, and attempting to arouse him, discovered that life was extinct. The funeral took place yesterday.  (16). 

Henrietta May Grice was born at Valetta, Toorak, on August 25, 1889.  From 1912 to 1914 she was listed in the Electoral Rolls at Mount Elephant at Derinallum. Her grandfather, John Lang Currie, owned Larra at the foot of Mount Elephant and when he died in 1898 it was taken over by his son, John Lang Currie junior, so I assume she was living with her Uncle and cousins.   She married in England in April 1915 - this is the report from Table Talk - 

The marriage of Miss May Grice, elder of the two daughters of the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard Grice, to Mr. Auburn Wilson, a nephew of the late Sir Samuel Wilson, took place in London last month. It was a a sudden affair, as the bridegroom, who had enlisted, was about to leave England for the front. Mr. Wilson was out here on a visit about two years ago. Miss Grice, with her sister, has been residing in Knightsbridge, London, for a time under the chaperonage of Miss Mary Chomley.  The couple had two daughters, Vivian and Yvonne and sadly it was not a happy marriage and the couple divorced in May 1921. Even sadder still Henrietta died on February 28, 1922 in England, The grandfather of the two girls, Harold Charles Wilson, was assigned their guardian as their father had renounced guardianship.  (17)  

Annie Elinor Julia was born May 2, 1894 at Eirruc. She married Lieutenant Percy Robert Murdoch Collins in London on May 11, 1915. Sadly, he was killed in action near Ypres in France on June 25, 1917 and Annie died on December 8, 1918 in London. Percy was the son of Henry and Isabella Collins of Frankston (18). This is from her obituary - 

Sir John Grice has had a cable from Blighty, telling of the sudden death of his widowed niece, Mrs. Collins, who succumbed to an attack of pneumonic influenza, early this week, just a year after the death of her husband, Captain Collins, a son of Mr. Henry Collins, one-time manager of Reuters in this city. She leaves a tiny daughter. Mrs. Collins, who was the younger daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard Grice - the latter was one of the Western District Currie clan - went to England with her sister, May, a year before the War started, and stayed there under the chaperonage of Miss Mary Chomley. During the first year of the War, both sisters were married - one to Mr. Wilson and the other to Lieut. Collins. Both sisters were extremely pretty girls, popular with all who knew them. The deepest sympathy is felt for the former in the loss of her only sister. (19)

In October 1925 a stained glass window in St Paul’s Anglican Church in Frankston was dedicated to the memory of Percy and Annie. - 

At St. Paul's Church, Frankston, on Sunday morning last, the Ven. Archdeacon Aicken, in the presence of a very large congregation, unveiled and dedicated a mosaic tablet to the memory of Mr. H. M. Collins late wife, also a stained glass window in memory of Mr. Collins' soldier son, Major Percy Collins, D.S.O., who fell in the Great War, and Mrs. Percy Collins, who was a daughter of the

late Mr. Richard Grice. The window was by Brookes, Robinson & Co., and illustrated the Marys at the Tomb. (20)

Richard and Louise (who died December 30, 1908,  at the age of 50) are buried at the Berwick Cemetery (21). Now, as we said at the start of this post there was another memorial to Richard Grice, the tablet in High Street, erected in 1912, by the Berwick Town Improvement Association. (22) As we can see by the article below, it was decided at a meeting in June 1912 to erect the plaque but I haven’t been able to find the exact date the plaque was placed in High Street - or that is what I wrote when I researched the first version of this story in 2014.

The Grice Memorial plaque

Berwick Shire News, June 19 1912. p. 2. 

I have now discovered that the plaque was not actually installed until 1917 - this is from the Pakenham Gazette of  September 28, 1917 -

A marble tablet to the memory of the late Mr Richard Grice has been placed in the boulevard opposite the post office. This tablet was obtained about 3 or 4 years ago by the then existing Town Improvement Society but was not erected. (23)  It was installed by Mr Miller, who has been engaged for the project in 1912, under the auspices of the Berwick Town Improvement Association. (24)

The plaque is no longer there, it was removed when the public toilet was built in High Street. At the time I wrote the original version of this post, 2014, one of the long term City of Casey officers, Ron Chidgey, made a few enquires for me and found that the plaque was stored safely at a Council depot. He sent me a photograph of it, see below. 

The Grice plaque at the City of Casey depot in 2014

Eirruc / Eyrecourt in 1984

Eyre Court, April 26, 1984. Photographer: John T. Collins

State Library of Victoria image H2010.1/206

Trove list - I have created a list of articled connected to Richard Grice and the Berwick property, access it here. 

Footnotes

(1) Early Days of Berwick and its surrounding districts, compiled by Norman E. Beaumont, James F. Curran and R.H. Hughes (3rd edition published by Rotary, 1979)., p. 31.The book was originally published in 1948.

(2) J. S. Legge, 'Grice, Richard (1813–1882)', Australian Dictionary of Biography   https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/grice-richard-3669 

(3) Ibid

(4) Diane Langmore, 'Casey, Lady Ethel Marian (Maie) (1891–1983)', Australian Dictionary of Biography https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/casey-lady-ethel-marian-maie-12296

(5) J. S. Legge, 'Grice, Richard (1813–1882)', Australian Dictionary of Biography   https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/grice-richard-3669 

(6) Judith Tyers, 'Grice, Sir John (1850–1935)', Australian Dictionary of Biography  https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/grice-sir-john-6483 ; The Australasian, December 3, 1932, see here.

(7) Obituary of Ann Grice -  The Leader, November 25, 1905, see here.

(8) Wedding announcement - The Argus, September 20, 1884, see here; J. Ann Hone, 'Currie, John Lang (1818–1898)', Australian Dictionary of Biography    https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/currie-john-lang-3304 ; J.L. Currie's will - Geelong Advertiser, July 22 1898, see here.

(9) Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne Rate Books. 

(10) In the 1886/1887 the Net Annual Value of the property was £250 and in 1887/1888 it was £350, so based on this increase, I am making the assumption that the newly built house was responsible for the increase.

(11) The Argus, November 12, 1909, see here.

(12) Death notice - Weekly Times, September 9, 1911 see here; Richard Grice Probate, Public Records Office of Victoria, see here.

(13)  Weinholt to Edols - The Argus, December 3, 1910,  see here; South Bourke & Mornington Journal, November 20, 1913, see here, had an advertisement for the sale of Richard Edol's superior household furniture, owing to the property having been sold. Alexander Pearson, his clearing sale in January 1920 advertised the property as Hilton, formerly known as Grice's property - The Argus, January 21, 1920, see here; Kinsella to Mrs Burnside The Argus, February 9, 1923, see here; Grimwade - The Herald, June 30, 1924, see here.

(14) Weekly Times, September 9, 1911 see here.

(15) Gunson, Niel The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire (F.W. Cheshire, 1968)

(16) Birth notice, The Herald, August 26, 1885,  see here; Death notice, The Argus, May 27, 1932, see here; Obituary - Corowa Free Press, May 27, 1932, see here.

(17) Birth notice, The Argus, September 2, 1889, see here;  Electoral rolls on Ancestry.com; Table Talk, May 6, 1915, see here; Details of divorce and children - Probate papers at the Public Records Office of Victoria, see here.

(18) Birth notice, The Argus, May 7, 1894, see here; Marriage notice, The Argus, June 23, 1915, see here;  Percy's death notice The Australasian, September 15, 1917, see here; The Argus, December 24, 1918, see here.

(19) The Graphic of Australia, December 26, 1918, see here.

(20) Frankston & Somerville Standard, October 23, 1925, see here.

(21) Death notice The Argus, December 31, 1908, see here. Berwick Cemetery https://bhct.net.au/

(22) Berwick Shire News, June 19 1912. p. 2. 

(23) Pakenham Gazette, September 28, 1917, see here.

(24) Pakenham Gazette, October 5, 1917, see here

This is an expanded and updated version of a post, that I wrote and researched which appears on my work blog Casey Cardinia Links to our Past. 

William A. Smith Lace Factory Dandenong

Lace Street in Eumemmerring, is the only reminder of the William A. Smith (Vic) Pty Ltd Lace Factory which operated there from 1951 until the 1970s. The name of the suburb where the factory was located has changed over the years and has been known as Dandenong, Doveton and Eumemmerring (1)

The Company had a presence in Melbourne from 1931 operating in Flinders Lane (2), but this factory considerably expanded its operations in Australia. The move may have been prompted by the conditions the factory endured in England during the Second World War - 

Lace Firm Carried On Under difficulties During War. The Dandenong lace factory of William A. Smith (Vic.) Pty. Ltd., which is to commence operations near the Eumemmering Creek on the Princes Highway, is an off-shoot of an old-established Nottingham firm. In company with many other English industries the firm had its war-time troubles, but showed enterprise in over-coming them. In 1941 Mr. Smith's Nottingham factory was completely destroyed in an air raid and his house - Montroyal - at Castle Donington, became temporary headquarters of the firm. Almost every room was used for business. The garage and a shed became “factories”. Later Mr. Smith obtained premises in Long Eaton, from which lace goods are shipped all over the world. The establishment of the Dandenong factory is not to alter the status of either of the Long Eaton or Castle Donnington works where it will be “business as usual.” (3)

The first report of the establishment of the new factory in rural surroundings... just outside of Dandenong was in The Herald who reported in March 1948 that - 

First lace-producing factory in Australia will be built in Victoria this year by one of England's largest lace manufacturers.  He is Mr William A. Smith, owner of three lace factories in northern England and managing director of William A. Smith Ltd. (Nottingham), manufacturers and exporters of laces, nets, veilings and fancy lines. Mr Smith arrived in Australia last month on a tour of agencies in Australia and New Zealand. He said today that he had bought five acres of land for the factory at Dandenong. He will spend £20,000 to open the factory, which will process unbleached laces from his English factories. He explained that it would be impracticable for some years to start a factory actually manufacturing lace from raw materials, which he said would cost at least £250,000. (4).

Later reports said that the site was actually seven acres in size. It was located  on the Princes Highway, surrounded on the west and north sides by the Eumemmering Creek, at the bottom end of Power Road. At the time of the construction of the factory, Power Road was a dead-end road because its southern end is cut by a bad wash, and also by the Eumemmering creek. (5) The Berwick Shire constructed Power Road to the Princes Highway in, I believe, 1954. (6)

This is a 1963 aerial of Doveton / Eumemmerring. Click on photo to enlarge it. The tree-lined Eumemmerring Creek, snakes through from top right to bottom left and just to the right of the Creek, at the bottom, you can see Lace Street (effectively a straight continuation of Power Road) and the two factories on the western (left) side, along with the three Manager's houses. Further north, the two ovals are Robinson Reserve and L.S. Reid oval. The intersection middle top is that of Frawley Road/Paperbark Street with Power Road. Follow Power Road to the bottom of the photo and it intersects with the Princes Highway.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries

In December 1950 the Dandenong Journal  had the following report on the impending opening of the factory - 

The new lace factory erected by William A. Smith (Vic.) Pty. Ltd., a subsidiary of William A. Smith (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., of Flinders Lane, Melbourne, just over the Eumemmering Creek, on the Princes Highway, Dandenong, hopes to be in production early in January. Eventually a staff of from 50 to 100 will be employed finishing laces, nets, veilings, lace and linen handkerchiefs and lace and linen napery. Skilled staff from the firm’s head quarters in Nottingham (Eng.) is on the way and the firm will be seeking local labor to train to supplement this. 

For 22 years Mr. W. A. Smith, of Castle Donington (Eng.) has been exporting lace to Australia, where they have had their local headquarters in Flinders Lane. Lace will be exported from England to Dandenong, where the new factory will make it into finished lace goods. Mr. Alan Smith, managing director of the firm, will stay in Australia for two years. Mr. Smith, snr., has had a house built at Dandenong and in tends to divide his time between here and Castle Donington. Mr. John W. Pegg, works manager at Castle Donington, is coming out to take over the position of Works Manager at Dandenong, but the English works will be still carried on. Mr. Smith, snr., was for some time a member of Castle Donington Parish and Rural Councils. His Montroyal herd of Ayrshire cattle is well-known throughout England. (7)

Advertisement for staff at the Lace Factory, April 1951.

Not the way that we would advertise for staff these days.

Dandenong Journal, April 18, 1951 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222351819

Advertisement for staff at the Lace Factory, June 1951.

Dandenong Journal, June 20, 1951 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222353060

I don't have an exact date of the factory opening but as noted in the Dandenong Journal in June 1951 the factory was now producing. A staff of 25 is at present operating the new, modern machines with which the factory has been equipped, and more experienced machinists are needed.  (8). Two Managers houses were also built at this time and a third house erected was when the factory expanded in 1954. (9)

The employees of the lace factory in 1951.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries

In January 1954, the factory began expanding, as once again the Dandenong Journal reported -

That clean, neat-looking lace factory which William A. Smith (Vic.) Pty. Ltd. established in the attractive setting beside the Eumemmerring Creek, has been so successful that increased accommodation has become necessary. Work has commenced on the erection of a new factory on the creek side of the present building. This will be a separate unit, which will greatly extend the local output of this progressive local firm. (10)

In June 1954, the same paper provided an update on the progress - 

Shortly lace-manufacturing will be added to Dandenong’s achievements. In an interesting address to Dandenong Rotarians last Friday night Mr. W. A. Smith, of the Dandenong lace firm, of William A Smith (Vic.) Pty Ltd., revealed that in the new extensions being erected by the company... it is proposed to install a circular lace-making machine which will manufacture lace for table use. The machine should be installed by the end of the year. So far the factory has confined itself to making up articles from lace made by the company overseas but Mr. Smith said from his experience he knew we could make lace here as good as in any country on the Continent. They looked forward to being able to export a lot of their products. There was not another country in the world that used as much lace per person as Australia and New Zealand, he added. (11) 

Advertisement for staff, 1953.

Dandenong Journal March 4, 1953 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/215817660

We have three reports of visits to the factory - in 1953 the members of the Dandenong Country Women's Association visited -

A very pleasant and instructive afternoon was spent by members on Thursday, April 9th, when, by courtesy of Mr. Smith (of W. A. Smith Pty. Ltd.), we were shown over the Lace and Linen Factory on the Princes Highway. In this very modern and beautifully lit workroom, the girls were as “busy as bees.” We were all most impressed by the confident way the machines were handled. Squares of linen were edged with lace, then passed on to the presser, who used a cute spray to damp them. After being pressed, they were folded, then on to be boxed and tied into bundles. All kinds of napery were being made up ready to send off to all parts of Australia. We inspected the locker rooms, etc., and the canteen, where Mr. Smith acted as host whilst we had tea. Each member was presented with a handkerchief with Mr. Smith’s compliments. Mrs. Reid, our president, thanked Mr. Smith and his assistants for their kindness in showing us just what is being done in yet another industry which will help us to be proud of “Made in Australia.” (12)

In April 1959 the Australian Women's Weekly visited Dandenong and presented an interesting snapshot of the City -

Dandenong - a symbol of industrial strength.

Dandenong, gateway to Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley, is Australia's youngest city - and one of its most prosperous and virile. Since 1948 Dandenong has grown from a sleepy rural market township to a thriving industrial centre with more than 200 factories. Its resident population has swelled in this time from 6000 to nearly 30,000. Plans are being made to accommodate a population of more than 80,000 by 1970. Millions of pounds have been invested in the spectacular development of Dandenong, created a city in March this year. In the past few years more than 130 major industries have established big plants in the area. They include manufacturers of such international- repute as General Motors, Chesebrough's, Rootes, Heinz, International Harvester, and Volkswagen. (13)

The reporter visited the Lace Factory and wrote - 

Mr. W. A. Smith, who with his sons Alan and Terry transferred his lace-making and napery firm from England to Dandenong in 1947, claims that his was the city's first factory. At his 300-year-old walnut desk, brought from England. Mr. Smith sighed "for the old days at Dandenong (1947) when not a light could be seen for miles at night." "Look at the bustle now," he said. A heavy stream of traffic packed the four-lane highway in front of the factory. An estimated 20,000 people are on Dandenong's roads in morning and evening peak hours, many of them commuters from nearby towns. (14)

This picture accompanied the Australian Women's Weekly article about Dandenong and 

shows some of the Lace Factory employees.
Australian Women's Weekly, April 22, 1959 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48077502

In 1964 the City of Dandenong  produced a booklet promoting Dandenong. It looked at demographics, education, social and cultural life and businesses including the Lace Factory. This is the text -

Happy the Bride in the Dandenong veil - 

Here comes the bride, radiant, happy and more than likely wearing a veil made at the Dandenong factory of William A. Smith (Vic.) Pty Ltd...

This firm of lace and linen manufacturers came out to Australia after World War II, after its factory in Nottinghamshire was destroyed by Nazi bombs. Although the company had a branch in Melbourne to distribute its products, it took a war to transplant the company entirely to Victoria - and Dandenong was selected.

Success breeds success, and now the firm has a SECOND factory operating on its eight-acres site, one plant concentrating on bridal wear, and the other purely on lace manufacture for ladies' handkerchiefs, napery and tablecloths.

Now the Smiths are as Australian as the gum trees. The plant at Dandenong employs more than 70 people and is growing all the time. 

It takes more than bombs to break the British spirit... (15)

The William A. Smith Lace Factory

Image: From the booklet - Dandenong produced by the City of Dandenong in 1964. You can see the full booklet here  https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2024/01/work-live-and-play-in-dandenong-booklet.html

Advertisement for staff, 1971.

The Age August 14, 1971, page 71, from newspapers.com

What happened to the Lace Factory? It closed in the 1970s presumably as it could no longer compete with cheaper imports. On September 28, 1977 at 3.00pm the W. A. Smith Pty. Ltd. Lace Factory site was put up for auction. Later, all the buildings were demolished. (16) The Company moved to Collingwood and operated as an importer, although they still had premises at 187 Flinders Lane in the early 1980s. (17)

The Lace Factory site for auction

The Age September 20, 1977 page 13 from newspapers.com

Acknowledgement: This is a much expanded and updated version of a post I wrote in 2013 on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past The basis of that research was Doveton: a brief history by Maria Harding (Friends of Doveton Library, 1993).

Trove list - I have created a short list of articles on the Lace Factory on Trove, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Dandenong was the original name for the area when the Lace Factory was established. In October 1954 the area became Doveton. On May 20, 1981 that part of Doveton became Eumemmerring. See my place names list here https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2022/02/place-names-and-their-meanings-from-old.html and my post on the Grassmere / Doveton name here   https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2022/02/grassmere-becomes-doveton.htm

(2) Establishment date in Melbourne - Dandenong Journal, February 21, 1951, see here. Location of William A. Smith in Flinders Lane: Sands and McDougall Directory for 1935, 1940 and 1945 list them at  301-311 Flinders Lane. In 1947 an advertisement lists them at 318-324 Flinders Lane and they are still at this location in the 1965 Sands and McDougall Directory. In the 1970 Sands and McDougall the firm is at 187 Flinders Lane. (see also footnote 17)

(3) Dandenong Journal, December 13, 1950, see here.

(4) The Herald, March 27, 1948, see here.

(5) Dandenong Journal, April 30, 1952, see here.

(6) Dandenong Journal, March 24, 1954, see here.

(7) Dandenong Journal, December 6, 1950, see here.

(8) Dandenong Journal, June 20, 1951, see here.

(9) Harding, Maria Doveton: a brief history (Friends of Doveton Library, 1993). p. 7

(10) Dandenong Journal, January 27, 1954, see here.

(11) Dandenong Journal, June 2, 1954, see here.

(12) Dandenong Journal, April 15, 1953, see here.

(13) Australian Women's Weekly, April 22, 1959, see here.

(14) Ibid

(15) Dandenong produced by the City of Dandenong in 1964. You can see the full booklet here  https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2024/01/work-live-and-play-in-dandenong-booklet.html

(16) The Age September 20, 1977 p. 13 from newspapers.com

(17) Harding, op. cit., p.7. Mrs Harding writes that they moved to Collingwood however into the 1980s they still had premises at 187 Flinders Lane (see also footnote 2)

William A. Smith advertisement, 1982

The Age, January 2, 1982 p. 46, from newspapers.com

Work, Live and Play in Dandenong booklet 1964

This booklet was produced by the City of Dandenong in 1964 extolling the virtues of  the bustling manufacturing centre that still retains the charm of its rural setting. The publication covers the history, demographics, social and cultural life, businesses and factories. It was indeed a young city with an assured future...a fine place for people to live and for youngsters to grow up in. 

An Acrostic and Eclectic social history of Mechanics' Institutes

This is an Acrostic and eclectic look at some themes from the social history of Mechanics’ Institutes and the first letter of each theme spells a seasonal greeting. I originally wrote this for the Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria newsletter, which came out in December 2023. 

M is for Marriage. The local hall or Mechanics' Institute was the usual venue for wedding receptions in the past and there are hundreds of reports in the newspapers of these happy occasions. Many couples returned to celebrate significant anniversaries - Golden and Diamond Anniversaries.  
The Mechanics' Hall, Footscray was the scene of a festive gathering on Saturday evening last, when about 80 members and friends of the family of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Kruse, of Paisley street, assembled to celebrate the golden wedding of that genial couple. The breakfast was tastefully set in the small hall, and ample justice was done to the good things provided by Mr. G. Stewart. (Footscray Independent, September 28, 1918, see here) 

Golden Wedding - An event of unusual local interest was held in Yinnar Mechanics' Institute on Wednesday evening, June 23rd, the occasion being the celebration of the Golden Wedding of Cr. and Mrs. A. M. Coleman, "Fair View", Yinnar. Upwards of 50 relatives representing four generations attended the function. After games of a various nature had been indulged in supper was partaken
of.  (Morwell Advertiser, July 1, 1948, see here)  

There is something sublime in the contemplation of a diamond jubilee whereby 60 years of life hand in hand together are celebrated by an aged and honored couple amidst about 50 of their descendants. This great privilege has just been enjoyed by Mr J.F. Walther, of Murtoa, and his worthy wife, and the Mechanics' Hall was requisitioned for the occasion last Saturday evening by the numerous relatives. Mr Walther is now 83 years of age, and his wife is three years younger; and the couple were united in holy wedlock on November 21st November, 1854. Whilst the the old couple are not as nimble as of yore, they nevertheless enjoy fairly good health and their faculties are as bright as ever, demonstrating the value of living pure and healthy lives. (Kaniva Lawloit Times, December 1 1914, see here)

E is for Explosions. The use of generators Mechanics' Institutes used to power lighting and film projectors etc presented a danger as the acetylene gas used as the fuel was extremely flammable – here are two explosive accounts - one from Werribee in 1908 and the other from Merino in 1910 - 

Acetylene Gas Explosion - Mr. Thomas Peacock, the caretaker in charge of the Werribee Mechanics' Hall, met with a serious accident while opening a drum containing carbide, prior to charging the acetylene gas generator.He struck a match, and an explosion took place. He was burnt on the face and neck.  (Geelong Advertiser, July 24, 1908, see here)

Acetylene Generator Explodes, Merino Mechanics’ Hall unroofed - An explosion occurred in the Merino Mechanics' on Monday night while the secretary (Mr. Clarke) was attending to the acetylene generator. The roof of the house was blown off. Mr Clarke was thrown some distance away, and received injuries to his leg, shoulder and face. He is confined to bed, but is doing well. No lights were used, and it is hard to account for the explosion. (Geelong Advertiser, June 22, 1910, see here)

Werribee Mechanics' Institute, c. 1911, the location of an explosion in 1908.

State Library of Victoria image H96.200/1479

 

R is for Rules.  All Mechanics' Institutes had their own rules and here are some of the rules the Newport Mechanics' Institute adopted in 1934. 
Newport Mechanics’ Institute. Conditions of Membership. At a public meeting last week 61 rules and five by-laws were adopted for the control of the Newport Mechanics’ Institute. The rules were originally drawn up in 1886, and are now revised in view of the erection of the Institute. The following rules are of special interest:—
The Newport Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library has for its objects the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge, and recreation, among its members, to the exclusion of controversy on religious subjects.
These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a library of reference and a circulating library, a reading room, a lecture hall, the establishment of classes, and the delivery of lectures, particularly those which have more immediate reference to the Commonwealth of Australia.
The Institution shall be under the sole control of a committee of management of nine members, who shall be elected every three years. Males of 18 years and upward shall be eligible to become members. Youths over 14 years and under 18 years of age, and ladies shall be eligible as associates.
The annual subscription for members shall be ten shillings, and for Associates five shillings.
Due order shall be preserved, and no person shall be allowed to smoke in any part of the Institution, except in the room set apart for that purpose. And no person shall be allowed to bring a dog into the Institution under a penalty not exceeding five shillings for the first offence, and subject to expulsion from the Institution on a repetition of the same if the committee of management shall think fit. No intoxicating liquor shall be brought into the building under any pretext whatever. (Williamstown Advertiser, July 21, 1934, see here)

R is for Rubbish. The constant battle in Libraries between popular novels and high-brow improving works. This report is from Wagga Wagga in 1871.
At the monthly meeting of the Committee of Management of the Mechanics' Institute, on Wednesday last, it was resolved to clear out of the library the accumulation of rubbish in the shape of trashy novels and worn out volumes which at present cumber and disgrace the shelves, and to set apart such a sum as the funds will admit (probably from £20 to £30) for the purchase of new and standard works. This very necessary step has long been contemplated, and we are glad to see that the Committee have at length taken action in the matter. (Wagga Wagga Advertiser, March 4, 1871, see here)

Y is for Youngsters.  The Frankston Standard newspaper sponsored the Grand Champion Baby Contest of the Peninsula at the Somerville Mechanics’ Institute in 1947. 
The "Standard" grand champion Baby Contest of the Peninsula was was finalised at the Mechanics' Hall on Friday afternoon, when three months old Lynne Higgins, of Somerville, was judged grand champion (all ages), also champion under six months (boy or girl) of the Mornington Peninsula. There were 40 finalists, representing all parts of the Peninsula. Peninsula age champions are: Lynne Higgins (Somerville), under six months; Dorothy Peterson (Sorrento), under 21 months; Harry Lockett (Mornington),under two years; and Lorraine and Edward Scully (Sorrento), twins. Sole judge was Dr. V. L. Collins, eminent Melbourne child specialist, Colonel A. Sage (former Matron-in-Chief Australian Army National Services), officiated as honorary matron supervisor, and was ably, assisted by Sister McDonald (Truby King sister), and Miss B. Duncan (secretary Frankston Infant Welfare Centre.) (Frankston Standard, April 24, 1947, see full report here)

Lorraine and Edward Scully, champion twins.

Frankston Standard, April 24, 1947 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73596136

C is for Critters. Mechanics' Institutes were the venue for pet shows, dog shows, bird shows and the like. The Coonabarabran Mechanics' Institute hosted the Church of England pet show in July 1947 and Graham Smith won the best trained dog class. As reported - 

Chief amongst the star items for the afternoon was young Graham Smith's blue and white cattle/collie dog "Butch", which won the best trained dog class. Showing remarkable intelligence, "Butch" sat up and begged, laid down and "died," walked through a hoop between two chairs, jumped over six feet high to reach a stick held in its young owner's hand, lay down at command and stayed there whilst Graham walked around the building, fetching and delivering a tennis ball, with skill and sagacity. (North Western Watchman, July 3, 1947, see here)

H is for Heat and Cold – the weather. The Geelong Mechanics’ Institute was an official Bureau of
Meteorology weather station. The Geelong Advertiser reported -
The Geelong Mechanics' Institute has as one of its main functions, the recording of rain and weather conditions generally. In a district so noted for its primary products as the Western District the existence of a station with such a replete means of keeping a systematic record of the weather is an asset in many directions. Men on the land, more dependent than anyone upon the weather, are wont to make a study of its fluctuations in modern times. Information gleaned from the weather bureaux enables them to make comparisons that are often valuable in subsequent years as a guide in planting and carrying out other rural processes. Much interest centred in the record of last year's rainfall which was prepared at the Mechanics' and published in the "Advertiser" and other periodical returns are always eagerly awaited. The bureau is also serviceable as a centre for the dissemination of weather reports from near and far, and the daily weather bulletins and maps are available to be perused from 9 o'clock every morning. (Geelong Advertiser, January 7, 1926, see here)

In January 1917 the Geelong Advertiser reported that At the Mechanics' Institute the highest reading at 2.30 p.m. was 103, which constitutes a record for this summer. In June 1927 the same paper reported that At 9 o'clock yesterday morning the reading on the dry bulb thermometer at the Mechanics' Institute was 34.8 degrees, which is 2.2 degrees above freezing point. The officer in charge (Mr D. McDonald) reports that this is the lowest temperature for that hour in Geelong of which he can find any record. (Geelong Advertiser, January 20, 1917, see here and June 18, 1927, see here)

Geelong Mechanics' Institute, c. 1882, which also housed a weather station.

Photographer: Fred Kruger. State Library of Victoria Image H39614/52

R is for Raffles. Mechanics' Institutes hosted an array of social functions to raise funds for
community groups and a raffle was frequently a feature of these functions. Raffles were also run to raise funds for building or maintaining Institutes. In Brisbane in 1879 it was reported that -
An allotment of land in Stanley-street, was raffled for at the Mechanics' Institute, South Brisbane, on Thursday week. Between, four and five hundred persons, ticket-holders wore present. As often happens in these cases, the man who least expected to win did win. Mr. Joseph Kelly, principal messenger for the Legislative Council, invested in a solitary half-crown ticket and thought no more about it. (The Brisbane Week, December 27, 1879, see here)

In Victoria in 1914 a raffle was held, which sold over 6,000 tickets, which seems an extraordinary amount -
In August last a bazaar was held in aid of the Long Gully Mechanics' Institute. In connection with the bazaar a raffle was conducted for a canteen of cutlery, valued at £50, made by Joseph Rogers, of Sheffield, and supplied by Messrs. White Bros., Pall Mall. Five other prizes were also offered. Since the issue of the tickets 6400 were sold, including more than 1000 on Saturday and yesterday. The drawing took place at the Royal Princess Theatre last night in the presence of the large crowd which had witnessed the Tivoli pictures. The drawing was done by two small girls - Misses Irene Foley and Rose O'Callaghan - and under the supervision of Mayor Wilkie, Mr. J. Jewell, president; Mr. Wm Bidwell secretary, and other members of the committee. (Bendigo Independent, September 1, 1914, see here)

I found two accounts of a horse being offered as a raffle prize at functions held at Mechanics' Institutes. In Geelong in 1912 -
On Friday evening in the Mechanics' Institute a somewhat novel mode of raising funds for a charitable institution, the St. Augustine's Orphanage, will be brought into play - a concert combined with a raffle. The prizes consist of a draught horse, dray and harness, gold watch and chain, books and stationery and other articles. (Geelong Advertiser, July 13, 1912, see here)
In Bacchus Marsh in 1940 -
The final War Service Fund effort for this year will be the big night to be held in the Mechanics' Hall on Wednesday night, 4th December, when the raffle for the filly donated by Mr. L. M. Dugdale, J.P., will be drawn. (Bacchus Marsh Express, November 9, 1940, see here)

Bacchus Marsh Mechanics' Institute, in 1949.

Photographer: Colin Caldwell. State Library of Victoria Image H84.276/6/5a/B

I is for Inquests. Inquests were held at Mechanics' Institutes and these sad events were reported in the papers, sometimes in graphic detail.
Violet Town in 1902 - At the Mechanics' Hall on Monday afternoon an inquest was held as to the cause of death of an illegitimate female child, named Kate Corbett, the infant of an unmarried woman, named Johanna Corbett, residing at Tamleugh. (Violet Town Sentinel, January 24 1902, see here)

Loch in 1915 - At the Mechanics' Hall, today an inquest was opened by Dr. R. H. Cole, the City Coroner, concerning the death of Elizabeth Dunbabin, single, 44, whose body was found at Woodleigh, on August 24, and of Peter Allen, a railway navvy, who was found dead in his tent at Woodleigh on August 26. (The Herald, September 8, 1915, see here)

Morwell in 1924 - Keen interest was taken in the inquest held in, Morwell Mechanics' Hall, on Wednesday last, touching the unfortunate death of Catherine Dawson, 68 years of age, who was found brutally murdered in her hut between the Eastern Camp and Brown Coal Mine on the morning of 10th inst, her head having been battered in with an axe. (Morwell Advertiser, November 28 1924, see here) 

At most of the Inquests the body was not present but there was this tragic case from 1891-
The funeral of Mrs. Haussman, the wife of a Presbyterian minister at Barnedown, had been stopped by a telegram from Superintendent Ryall, just as the mournful cortege was approaching the Goornong Cemetery. The body was then conveyed to the Goornong hall, where an inquest was held by Mr. G. W.F. Patterson, P. M. Mounted-constable Murray watched the case on behalf of the police. After reviewing, a quantity of evidence adduced the jury returned a verdict as follows: - That the deceased, Blanche Haussmann died on the 21st. October at Barnedown from bronchitis, complicated by childbirth, and we are of opinion that if a medical man had been called in sooner her life might have been saved, and the husband, J. G. Haussmann, and Sophia Heatley, a niece, were guilty of negligence in not calling in a doctor sooner, but we do not intend this verdict to be one of manslaughter against either of them." (Tarrangower Times, October 28, 1891, see here)  

S is for Soldiers. Mechanics' Institutes were the usual venue for 'Welcome Homes' to returning soldiers. This event took place at the  Koo Wee Rup Mechanics’ Hall - 
Koo-Wee-Rup Welcomes Soldiers - About the biggest and best function of its kind ever held at Koo wee-rup took place on Friday night last, when the local hall was crammed, jammed and packed to its utmost capacity, over 300 being present. Koo-wee-rup was honoring its returning heroes, Corporal Gilchrist, Privates Cochrane and M'Gree. On arrival the schoolchildren formed a guard of honor, and Mr W. Eason welcomed the soldiers on behalf of the committee. At the local hall, which was most tastefully decorated by the ladies, Councillor O'Brien presented each man with a ring, bearing the colors of their respective battalions. They were enthusiastically received, and made suitable responses. The returned men all fought in France. Corporal Gilchrist was injured in the body with shrapnel, a piece still lying close to his heart. Private Cochrane was wounded in the hand and elbow, and Private M'Gree's leg was injured. The latter was on board the Ballarat when that troopship was torpedoed in the Channel. (Lang Lang Guardian, May 4, 1918, see here)  

Welcome home to soldiers, Les, Bill and Billy. at the Koo Wee Rup Mechanics' Institute.

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

T is for Toilets.  In the past public toilets were not provided in many towns, and thus the toilets in Mechanics' Institutes  became the de facto public toilets, which put an added burden onto the committee who was responsible for keeping them clean.
Deplorable condition of conveniences. The request of the Moe Mechanics' Committee that the council should bear the whole cost of servicing and cleaning the lavatories at the Mechanics' Hall because they were used by the general public, met with a favourable response from councillors at the last meeting. Councillors agreed with the committee's description of conditions. Cr. K. Mitchell said that they were deplorable. The conveniences are far too accessible to police properly. He was inclined to agree with the suggestion of the caretaker and the committee, that they should be closed up during the day and only open when functions took place in the hall. Cr. Guy: It's a sorry state of affairs. I don't blame the hall committee in the least. They are doing a good job and should not be charged rates for the service. Cr. Balfour: The shire has a responsibility in this matter. A comfort station will relieve the situation. The council should provide a free service. A motion writing-off the rates on the notice serve on the committee was later carried. The engineer is also to see what can be done about cleaning the conveniences daily (Narracan Shire Advocate, October 19, 1951, see here). 

M is for Moving. This is a great account of moving the Kongwak Hall in 1924 (Not sure if Kongwak was a Mechanic’ Institute but it is too good a story to leave out)
Moving a Public Hall – Remarkable Feat - What was regarded as an impossible achievement has been carried out at Kongwak, in South Gippsland, by the firm carrying on business under the name of A. McGregor, of Doveton street, Ballarat. For many years past local residents have been desirous of transferring the public hall, which was situated on top of a hill 200 feet from the road, to a new and more accessible site about 300 yards further up the road. From the top of the hill down to the rod there was a drop of 60 feet in the 200 feet, and some idea of the difficulties to be overcome will be gleaned when it is stated that it took 42 bullocks to draw the empty jinker up the hill to the hall. 

After the structure had been placed on the jinker and secured, the necessity for turning it around in the required direction confronted the contractors. However, they succeeded, and jinker and building were lowered down the hill to the road on two wire rope tackles. The work was accomplished without mishap. The hall was conveyed to the site chosen, and that same night a wedding celebration took place in it. People came from miles around to watch the hazardous work in progress. Practically a local holiday was observed. Everything was suspended, and even the children were allowed out of school to witness the unusual operations. The ladies turned out in their best attire. Many of the parties brought their hampers, and altogether the occasion was made quite a day in the district. The building measured 60 ft by 26 ft, and it was shifted without removing the furniture and fittings. 

In consequence of this feat Messrs' McGregor have received several other contracts, but as there has been 76 " inches of rain registered in that part of the State during the past eight months, and it is still raining, they are not anxious to remain there for any indefinite period. All transit was by means of bullock waggons, and one of the contractors remarked, "' I will never complain about mud in Ballarat as long as I live. " Some of the hills over which the tackle and plant were taken must have made the Ballarat contractors persuade themselves they were on top of the world. Twenty-two bullocks were required to convey the jinker and plant from Korumburra to Kongwak. (Horsham Times, May 27, 1924, see here) 

 Kongwak Hall at the top right, in the original location.

Image: Valley of Peace: a history of Kongwak (Kongwak Public Hall, 2009

 Kongwak Hall in new location in the town. The School building is on the left and the Hall, 

with extensions, is on the right.

Image: Valley of Peace: a history of Kongwak (Kongwak Public Hall, 2009

A is for Amusements. Should Mechanics' Institutes be a place of amusement? Here are two views from the 1860s, the first one taking a light-hearted look at the matter. 
Early next session an Act will be passed for altering the name of Mechanics' Institutes to some more appropriate title. These places are not intended either for the working classes or for educational purposes. Books and papers should be abolished, and skittles and dog-fighting, ratting, boxing, and other congenial amusements, substituted. We recommend the latter suggestion to the serious consideration of the managers of the various miscalled institutions in and about Melbourne. (Melbourne Punch, December 14, 1865, see here) 

Sir -  Happening to be with a friend an evening or two ago, the conversation turned upon Mechanics' Institutes and what amusements given in them were suitable for the caterers to supply to the public. We differed, and hence arose a warm argument upon the subject, I maintaining that by proper amusements people were educated; therefore, the caterers ought to study to select those which would really give relaxation to the hard-wrought mind and wearied physical frame, at the same time giving a healthy moral tone by raising the mind above what is low and debasing to what is grand and sublime, and endeavoring to cultivate and permanently fix a taste for such. The grand question is, how is this to be done, and by what class of entertainment? Amusements must be had, especially by young men, for if they do not get them one way they will seek them in another that is most deteriorating to humanity ; and it ought to be the aim of every philanthropic individual to lend a helping hand - to raise that fallen thing to its proper elevation. Every stone helps to build the cairn, therefore if every hand, by its writing - every tongue, by its words -  every action, by its example - would lay a stone, how soon would a mighty pyramid be reared, how soon would prostrate humanity's noble form be uplifted from grovelling in the dust. Let those who take an interest in the moral and intellectual culture of youth take the above question into their serious consideration, previous to the opening of the Mechanics' Hall after the additions and improvements now going on have been finished, that they may give the result for the guidance of those who are the managers of that institution, and who are deeply desirous of promoting the welfare of the masses. (Mount Alexander Mail, February 1, 1867, see here)   

S is for Stealing. Sadly not every treasurer of Mechanics' Institutes was honest, some were tempted and embezzled funds.
The Kyneton Guardian writes that Wm.Gordon, late secretary to the local mechanics' institute, has absconded. It is believed that he has embezzled about £14 or £15 belonging to the institute. (The Advocate, December 15, 1877 see here)  

Mr Cyril Haviland, well known as secretary of the School of Arts (Mechanics' Institute), Sydney, has confessed to the committee of management, that he had embezzled L1800, the moneys of the Institution. Since then a committee of investigation has discovered that his total defalcations amount to L2300. (Mount Alexander Mail, December 13, 1893, see here)  

James Sutherland Armstrong, the secretary of the Boulder Mechanics' Institute, was presented at the City Court this morning on a charge of having on November 17, stolen the sum of £33, which money had come into his possession by virtue of his position. (The Fremantle Evening Mail, November 25, 1905, see here) 

And it was not only money stolen, as this report notes, reading material was also stolen.
Wholesale thefts have been taking place at the Goulburn Mechanics' reading room. Judging by the periodicals and magazines stolen, the thefts are not the work of small children. Among the magazines being stolen are Readers' Digest, World Digest, Strand, Illustrated London News, Sketch, Punch, Saturday Evening Post, Picture Post. All these have been taken during the past fortnight. (Goulburn Evening Penny Post, September 14, 1939, see here)  

 MERRY  CHRISTMAS