In Hopkins Street in Footscray, just over the Hopetoun Bridge and near the corner of Moreland Street, on the site of the now demolished Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co. Tannery is a memorial to the employees of the firm who
nobly gave their lives to a just and righteous cause. Before we look at these men, here is a short history of Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co., taken from the 1959 publication
Footscray's first 100 years: the story of a great Australian City (1). The book was published by the City of Footscray for the centenary of the establishment of Footscray and it's a proud look at the community, history and businesses of the town. Well worth tracking down if you have an historic connection to Footscray.
The story goes that in 1864 Isaac Hallenstein, a wagon driver who worked between Melbourne and Ballarat had a wagon break-down and called in at the tannery to seek help. The owner of the business, Mr Cleghorn, said 'I'd be off to the diggings if I could find a buyer for my tannery' so Isaac purchased the business and within a year his uncle, Moritz Michaelis, joined the firm and Michaelis, Hallenstein was born. In 1959 when the book was written, the business occupied 25 acres on the corner of Hopkins and Moore Street and employed 430 people. Businesses were also established in other states and New Zealand and in 1948 they came under the holding company of Associated Leathers Ltd, the chairman of which in 1959 was Sir Archie Michaelis, former member of the Legislative Assembly.
Apparently, Mr Cleghorn did not become rich and he returned to the business and became the Manager. The Company produced leather for shoes, upholstery and suitcases and also had a large export business. The Company was one of Footscray's big industries that provided the population with steady well paid employment.
Footscray's first 100 years says they were the first large organisation to introduce the eight hour day for employees and the first business to install an electric power plant.
The business eventually occupied the area bounded by Wingfield, Moreland, Hopkins and Maribyrnong Streets
(2).
Aerial view of works of Michaelis Hallenstein & Co. Pty. Ltd. manufacturers of high grade gelatine, c. 1930.
Descendants of Isaac Hallenstein and Moritz Michalis also worked in the business - including grandsons Albert (Hal) Hallenstein and Roy Michaelis and three family members who enlisted and lost their lives in the Great War and whose names appear on this monument Dalbert Hallenstein, Frank Michaelis and Grant Michaelis. Footscray's first 100 years records the deaths of the three boys - Three members of the two families paid the supreme sacrifice during World War 1. Lieut. Grant Michaelis fell at Gallipoli in 1915. A plaque installed overseas in his honor was eventually reinstalled in the offices of the company at Footscray. Stg. Frank Michaelis, A.I.F., died in the service. Lieut. Dalbert Hallenstein was killed while leading his men in action at Peronne. Commemorative plaques to the three stand above the stairway today.
There is also a report in the
Footscray Independent in November 1918 where a memorial scroll was unveiled in Frank's honour. It was described thus
the copper scroll, which is enclosed in a plain kauri frame, the whole being covered with glass. The entablature, with repousse medallion encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves, with raised copper architraves, bore a bust representation of the deceased in the uniform of the A.I.F., with the following inscription: Dulce et Decorum est pro Patria Mori. In Affectionate Memory of Sergeant Frank M Michaelis, A.I.F., Who gave his life for King and Country, 14th May, 1917. "To know him was to love him." Erected by his fellow-workers. (
Footscray Independent November 9, 1918, see
here.) Was this the same plaque referred to in
Footscray's first 100 years or was this another memorial?
The tannery was demolished in 1987 according to the book
Footscray: a pictorial record of the Municipality from 1859 to 1988. (2) I wonder where the three plaques in honour of Dalbert, Frank and Grant are and where Frank's c
opper scroll enclosed in a plain kauri frame is?
Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co., Footscray works, over 25 years later than the aerial photo shown above.
Image: Footscray's first 100 years: the story of a great Australian City (1)
Sadly, like most businesses and families in Australia Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co., was impacted by the First World War and many large companies produced an Honor Board to commemorate the service of their employees, but it is unusual to have a granite memorial. The memorial was unveiled on August 17, 1920 and there was a report of this occasion in the
Footscray Independent of August 21, 1920, see
here.
FIRM PAYS TRIBUTE
Memorial Unveiled at Footscray Tannery
Further proof of the feeling of mutual respect and regard existing at the Footscray Tannery between employers and employed was given on Tuesday afternoon, when a memorial, erected by the members of the firm as a tribute to their employees who had died in the Empire's cause, was unveiled.
In addition to members and employees of the firm there was a numerous attendance of other residents, including the Mayor and councillors and the Town Clerk. The ceremony was simple and direct, but very impressive. Those present stood with bared-heads, and the flag for which the men had died flew at half mast near by.
Mr. Frederick Hallenstein was the first speaker. In a few sentences he expressed the gratitude which he and his fellow directors felt for those gallant men who heard the call and answered the summons to beat down the forces of tyranny and oppression. He then asked the Mayor (Cr. H. W. C. Jenkins) to unveil the memorial. The Mayor thanked Messrs. Michaelis, Hallenstein and Co. Pty. Ltd. for having granted him the privilege of performing the ceremony. He felt honoured in being allowed to do so. The Australian soldiers had proved Australia's nationhood by their wonderful work at Gallipoli, Pozieres, Amiens, and other places. They did not like war, but they went to war to save the world. He hoped that none of those present, nor their children, would experience another conflict of such a nature as had raged between 1914 and 1920.
The firm of Michaelis, Hallenstein and Co. Pty. Ltd. was a good one for the city of Footscray, and
had always been ready to assist any movement that tended to forward the district. When approached to give a donation to the Memorial Hall a cheque for £200 was given at once, and later £100 was given towards the Footscray and District Hospital. Now a further sum had been expended in providing a monument to keep green the memory of those who had gone from the Footscray Tannery to fight for freedom, and who had died that others might live.
The Mayor then pulled the cord, the draping fell to the ground, and the monument was disclosed. Fashioned out of grey granite, the main pillar, which is 10 feet in height, stands on a base, also of grey granite, 7 feet by 5 feet. The stone is neither smoothed nor polished, except for a panel bearing the following inscription: In memory of Our Fallen Employees, who, in the Great War, 1914 1920, Nobly Gave their Lives for a Just and Righteous Cause. The article listed the names (which are below) and continued with
Brave Spirits! Mourned with Fond Regret." Erected by Michaelis, Hallenstein and Co. Pty. Ltd.
The monument, which weighs 2½ tons, was the work of Messrs. Jas Taylor and Sons, of Nicholson-street, Footscray, and is an excellent specimen of the mason's art. Rev. Danglow, who saw active service as a chaplain, Cr. A. A. Harris, and Mr. Fred Brown, a returned soldier, also briefly spoke, referring in warm terms of appreciation of the brave souls who had given their all for right and justice. (Footscray Independent August 21, 1920, see
here.
The Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co., Memorial - no longer standing outside the tannery, now in front of housing.
Image: Isaac Hermann.
Here are the men listed on the memorial, I have included their Service Numbers (SN) so you can look up their full military record on the National Archives of Australia website,
www.naa.gov.au. I can link some of these men definitely to Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co., but some I can only link to the tannery or leather production industry and some I can only link to Footscray or surrounding areas such as Spotswood or Yarraville, but I do believe I have the right men. There are three I cannot identify at all.
The men honoured on the The Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co., Memorial.
Image: Isaac Hermann.
Austin, Reginald Victor (SN 3696) Reginald was born in Footscray and enlisted at the age of 23 on July 12, 1915 in the 5th Infantry Battalion, 12th Reinforcements. He was a labourer, the son of William and Annie Austin of O'Farrell Street in Footscray. He was declared Missing in Action on July 25, 1916 and a Court of Enquiry held in November 1917, found he had actually been Killed in Action on that day.
The Footscray Advertiser had this report of the fate of some local boys, including Reginald Austin.
Barnes, George (SN 565) George was a 22 year old tanner when he enlisted on August 20, 1914, in the 7th Infantry Battalion, E Company, this was the same day as Arthur Hetherton, who is listed below. He was born in Footscray and his next of kin was his father, John Barnes of Castlemaine. George was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on May 26, 1915. George is listed as E. Barnes on the monument. The report in the local paper, below, describes George as
sturdy built - he was 5 foot 9 inches and just over eleven stone when he enlisted. He was also a
popular employee at Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co.
The report of George Barnes' death.
Bye, Bertie David Lester (SN 31639) Bertie enlisted on September 30, 1916 at the age of 29. He was born in Richmond, was a tanner and living in Melbourne Road, Spotswood. He was in the 24th Howitzer Brigade, 9th Reinforcements. Bertie was Killed in Action on March 3, 1918. He left behind his wife, Lavinia, and two little girls - Edna and Jean.
Bertie Bye's death notice.
Cunninghame, T This man is listed on the monument, but I cannot identify him. There are no Cunninghames on the Roll of Honor at the
Australian War Memorial, so I presume his surname is Cunningham - but I still can't find a T. Cunningham with a Footscray connection and who did not survive the War. It is possibly Willliam Thomas Cunningham (SN 2056), a 23 year old warehouseman, born and lived in Albert Park and was Killed in Action August 31, 1918. My other thought is that is is Major Trevor Russell Cunningham, Killed in Action August 4 1916, He was from Geelong but his Roll of Honor circular lists his occupation as a
manufacturer of salt. I believe salt is used extensively in the tanneries, so maybe Trevor Cunningham was a valued supplier to Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co.
The Michaelis, Hallenstein building 23-27 Lonsdale Street, 1865
Photographer: Charles Rudd. State Library of Victoria Image H12684
Evans, Alwyn Morris (SN 5682) Alwyn was 29 years old, a clerk and he enlisted on August 19, 1915 in the 6th Infantry Battalion, 18th Reinforcements. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Stewart of Coburg. Alwyn Died of Wounds on May 31, 1918. A death notice from his workmates at Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co, is below.
Death Notice from Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co., for Alwyn Evans.
Gilchrist, Harold (SN 2474) Harold enlisted on June 22, 1915 in the 6th Infantry Battalion, 7th Reinforcements. He was a ledger keeper and nearly 22 years of age. His next of kin was father, Robert Gilchrist of Glenferrie. Lieutenant Gilchrist was Killed in Action on October 4, 1917. Michaelis, Hallenstein & C0., held an annual picnic at which the entertainment included a sports program. The picnic and sports results were reported in the local paper and in 1911 Harold won the Warehouse Handicap. In 1912 he won the event again as well as the M.H. & Co Handicap race - both over 120 yards. (Footscray Independent, November 23, 1912, see
here)
Part of the report of the Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co., Annual Picnic day in 1911, where Harold Gilchrist won the Warehouse Handicap by three yards.
I had found the reports of the race results and thought it was more than likely that this was the H. Gilchrist on the monument, but it wasn't until I found this short report below in
The Argus, that I could establish the full identity of H. Gilchrist.
Short report of the death of Harold Gilchrist.
Harold Gilchrist. What a handsome looking man.
Hallenstein, Dalbert Isaac Lieutenant Hallenstein was 21 when he enlisted on January 16, 1915 in the 5th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Reinforcements. He listed his occupation as a tanner and his next of kin was his father, Reuben Hallenstein of St Kilda. Lieutenant Hallenstein was Killed in Action on September 2, 1918. You can read about his military service in his obituary, below.
Report of Lieutenant Hallenstein's death
A reminder of the Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co., tannery - a street named after the Hallenstein family. It's the continuation of Moreland Street, on the north side of Hopkins Street, which has been renamed Hallenstein Street.
Image: Isaac Hermann.
Harding, William Alfred (SN 2318) William was a 28 year old salesman and he enlisted on August 22, 1916 in the 39th Infantry Battalion, 4th Reinforcements. His next of kin was his father, Charles, of West Brunswick. William was Killed in Action on June 20, 1918. His fellow employees at Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co. put a death notice in paper for William.
William Harding's death notice inserted by Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co.
Hetherton, Arthur (SN 596) Arthur was born and lived in West Footscray. He enlisted in the 7th Infantry Battalion, E Company on August 20, 1914, same day as his work mate, George Barnes (see above). He was 22 year old labourer and his next of kin was his mother, Florence Hetherton. Arthur was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.
Report of the death of Arthur Hetherton.
Lloyd, P I cannot work out who this is. There are no Lloyds on the Roll of Honour who have a first or middle name starting with P and have also checked spelling variations of the surname (Loyd, Lloyde, Loyde) and no result. I have looked at all the six Lloyds from Victoria who enlisted and did not survive the War and there are none with an obvious connection to Footscray or the Tannery industry, so Mr Lloyd is a mystery.
Louis, Adrian (SN 2623) Adrian enlisted on June 17, 1915, in the 8th Infantry Battalion, 8th Reinforcements, he was 24 and his occupation was 'beamsman' which according to a website that explains old occupations - a
Tanner's Beamsman draped part-cured skins over a Tanners Beam, a flat slab of wood or stone, to scrape off the remaining flesh, fat and hair (Hall Genealogy - Old Occupations, see
here) Adrian's next of kin was his father, A.D. Louis, of Ryan Street in Footscray. Adrian was was Wounded in Action (gun shot wound to the head) in September 1916, returned to Australia and died April 15, 1917 at the Caulfield Hospital. Corporal Lewis was buried with full military honours at the Footscray Cemetery. His funeral was written up in the
Footscray Independent of April 21, 1917 (read it
here), here is an excerpt -
The last obsequies were most impressive. The coffin was mounted on a gun carriage wreathed in flags. A firing party and bandsmen from Broadmeadows Camp headed the funeral procession, while club mates of the Junior Football Club the Rowing Club and the Tannery followed.
Corporal Adrian Louis
Lowe, Hugh Mosman (SN 1053) Hugh was born in Scotland and enlisted at the age of 20 on October 19, 1914 in the 9th Infantry Battalion, C Company. His next of kin was his mother, Jessie Lowe, of
Lufra, Glen Eira Road, East St Kilda. Hugh died of wounds received while serving at Gallipoli, on June 3, 1915. Hugh and his three brothers are listed on the Elwood Presbyterian Church Honor Board, I have written about this
here. The lovely death notice from his work mates at Michaelis, Hallenstein is reproduced below.
Hugh Lowe's death notice inserted by Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co.
Matthews, C. I have looked at all the C. Matthews and C. Mathews on the Roll of Honour and there is none with a connection to the Footscray area or the tannery business. There is a Lieutenant Charles Matthews who enlisted December 24, 1914. He was 23, born in England, his mother was his next of kin and she lived in England. Charles was Killed in Action October 12, 1917. He was living at 162 Cecil Street in South Melbourne before he enlisted and a sweet notice was put in
The Age after his death (see
here) by Mrs Johnston and Mrs Bell, whom I presume were his land-ladies. The only flaw in this is that Charles' occupation was a Draper's Assistant, so not tannery related. There is one Matthews with a Footscray address - James Edward Matthews (SN 1232). He was a 27 year old labourer and enlisted January 25, 1915 in the 22nd Infantry Battalion, A Company. His next of kin was his mother Mrs J. Madden of 31 Greig Street, Footscray. However for some reason his file is not digitised at National Archives and also he is not in nominal rolls and not in Roll of Honour. At the moment the full identity of Mr Matthews is a bit of a mystery.
Michaelis, Frank Moritz (SN 31586) Frank enlisted on August 23, 1916 at the age of 24, in the 6th Field Artillery Brigade, 12th Reinforcements. He was a tanner and his next of kin was his father, Frederick. Frederick David Michaelis (1861 - 1935) was a member of the St Kilda Foreshore Committee and the Chairman of the Carlo Catani Clock Tower Memorial Committee (read about this
here). Frank later married and his next of kin became his wife, Kathleen. Frank died of acute meningitis in London on May 14, 1917.
Sergeant Frank Michaelis
The
Footscray Advertiser had wonderful tribute to Frank Michaelis, which shows how popular the family was with their employees -
By the death of Sergeant Frank M. Michaelis, at Salisbury Plains, England, Footscray is the poorer by one of its most popular employers of labor. He was the second son of Mr and Mrs F. D. Michaelis of Robe street, St. Kilda, and up to the time of his enlistment had for 5 years been learning the business at the Tannery. He was only 24 years of age and was educated at Wesley College and afterwards at Harrow, England. He was beloved by all who knew him, and the employees of the tannery, amongst whom he worked just as one of themselves, held him in high esteem. When the news of his death was received on Wednesday Messrs. Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co. closed the works for the day. Before leaving, however, the whole of the employees met together under the flag in the Tannery gardens and after tributes to the worth of the deceased soldier had been paid by several speakers a motion of sympathy was passed to be forwarded to the widow, parents and family. Mr and Mrs Michaelis have only one other son, Lieut. Archie Michaelis, and he has been on active service since the day after the outbreak of war. Another director, Mr Ed. Michaelis, lost his eldest son at Gallipoli. It will be remembered that Sgt. Frank Michaelis was "sent off" at a pleasant function at the Barkly Theatre some 10 months ago. (
Footscray Advertiser May 19, 1917, see
here)
Michaelis, Grant As mentioned in the newspaper report of Frank Michaelis' death, another director of the Company, Mr Edward Michaelis, also lost a son. This was Grant Michaelis. Grant and Frank were first cousins. Grant's military history can be found in this obituary published in the
Footscray Advertiser, of October 9, 1915 (see
here)
Though not a resident of Footscray, Lieut. Grant Michaelis, son of Mr E. J. Michaelis, of Michaelis, Hallenstein and Co., was well known in this district, especially to employees of the firm named and to those who patronise the social activities of the firm and its employees. Regret is therefore freely expressed locally at the news received by cable that Lieut. Grant Michaelis met his death in action at the Dardanelles on 23rd September. Lieut. Michaelis, who was educated at the Church of England Grammar School, Geelong, left for England about four years ago to study engineering with Messrs. Alien Bros., electrical engineers, at Bedford, and when war broke out was lieutenant in the East Anglian Engineers. He at once volunteered for active service abroad, but, with his company, was retained for service in England until the end of August this year, when he left for the front. He can, therefore, have been only a few weeks in the fighting line when he met his death. (
Footscray Advertiser, October 9, 1915, see
here)
McCall, James Patterson (SN 6401) James enlisted on October 23, 1916, in the 22nd Infantry Battalion, 18th Reinforcements. He was 29, born in Scotland and his next of kin was his mother, Mary McCall of Caulfield. James was awarded the Military Medal in June 1918 and was Killed in Action on October 4, 1918. James was listed as a postal clerk on his enlistment papers, the Electoral Roll has his occupation as warehouseman and the Roll of Honour Circular has his occupation as Leather Worker. The Roll of Honour Circular was completed by the family, thus you would assume it is correct, and this links him to the tannery industry. I don't know why there are these discrepencies in regard to James' occupation, but as the only other J. McCall on the Roll of Honour is from Dubbo in New South Wales, I believe I have the right man.
James Patterson's Roll of Honour Circular listing his occupation as Leather Worker.
Neale, Henry (SN 3101) Henry was 19 when he enlisted on July 13, 1915. He was a plasterer, the son of John and Eliza Neale of 18 Sydenham Street in West Footscray. He was part the 14th Infantry Battalion, 10th Reinforcements. Henry was reported as missing on August 8, 1916 and at a Court of Enquiry held in April 1917 it was determined that he was Killed in Action on that date.
Private Henry Neale
Henry's short obituary in the Footscray Advertiser, confirms he worked at the tannery -
Mr and Mrs J. S. Neale, of 18 Sydenham street, West Footscray, received word on Monday that their son, Pte.Harry Neale, was killed in action France on the 8th of August, 1916. He was previously reported missing. Private Neale enlisted in July, 1915. Previous to enlisting he was employed at the Footscray tannery and was just turned 19 years when he volunteered. Pte. Neale was a member of the Footscray A.N.A. His brother, Pte Alf. Neale, has just returned home after a long illness and nearly two years of active service. (
Footscray Advertiser, May 19, 1917, see
here)
Ravenstrunck, Arthur (SN 1991) Arthur enlisted on June 19, 1915 in 21st Infantry Battalion, 3rd Reinforcements. He was 19 and 9 months years of age, a labourer and his next of kin was his mother, Sarah, of Buxton Street West Footscray. Arthur was wounded in action (gun shot wound to the head) and died four days later on November 24, 1916. His surname is spelt as Ravenstraunk on the Memorial, Ravenstrunch at National Archives, Ravensctrunck on the Embarkation Roll and Ravenstrunck on the Nominal Roll and Roll of Honour - which is correct because that is the way Arthur signed his name. He looks very young in the photo below, and that is because he was young, he lied about his age. His brother Clifford completed his Roll of Honour Circular and listed Arthur's age as 16 years and 9 months on enlistment, which meant he was only 18 when he died.
Private Arthur Ravenstrunck
Arthur's obituary in the Footscray Advertiser which mentions his employment at Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co.
Sarah Ravenstrunck (nee Carmody) died on April 14, 1918 aged 58, she is buried at the Footscray Cemetery. There were reports in the newspapers in 1917 that Sarah had been charged with assault. There had been an altercation between Mrs Ravenstrunck and Mrs Misken. Mrs Misken, who was reported to be of German background, had allegedly insulted her and Mrs Ravenstrunck had fought back, you can read reports
here and
here and
here. One interesting thing that comes out of Arthur's obituary is that his brother also enlisted. I cannot find a record of his service under any variation of his surname, however the National Archives has this record - see below.
Clifford Ravenstrunck's alias
It appears that Clifford had used W. Anderson when he enlisted and I found his record - William Anderson (SN 7) - enlisted December 8, 1914, in Oaklands, a suburb of Adelaide. He served in France and then Returned to Australia September 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds in the November (nephritis). Clifford said his address at enlistment was Footscray and his next of kin was his uncle, A. Anderson of Footscray. Why did he enlist under a false name? Perhaps because of anti-German feeling at the time and perhaps because he, like his brother Arthur, lied about his age. He said he was 21, in reality he had been born in June 1895, so was only 19. Maybe his mother wouldn't give him permission to enlist.
Tognini, William (SN 16065) William enlisted on December 11, 1915, in the 17th Reinforcements. He was a 22 year old labourer. He was the son of James and Elizabeth Tognini, of the Bridge Hotel, which was located on the corner of Maribyrnong and Wingfield Streets, Footscray. William was Killed in Action on August 21, 1918. His brother Charles, who also served, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct medal (see
here)
Report of William Tognini's death
.............................................................................................................................
Acknowledgement: Thank you to my friend and research colleague, Isaac Hermann, for taking the photographs of the Memorial for this post.
Footnotes and sources:
(1)
Footscray's first 100 years: the story of a great Australian City (City of Footscray, 1959)
(2)
Footscray: a pictorial record of the Municipality from 1859 to 1988 (City of Footscray, 1989).
Some of the photos in this book are in
Footscray & Yarraville: a pictorial record (Footscray Historical Society, 2005) which is still available for purchase from the Historical Society
https://footscrayhistoricalsociety.org.au/
This is an interesting history of the firm -
The Michaelis, Hallenstein story 1864 - 1964 one hundred years in leather. It is available as part of the University of Florida digital collection - see here
- https://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00004165/00001
My fellow historian, Isaac Hermann, and I wanted to take some photographs of the memorial. We drove down Sims Street, couldn't see it, drove back up and there it was in a small reserve, currently fenced off due to some infrastructure project. That was disappointing as I thought we would not get any good photos, however lucky for me Isaac decided to climb the fence, strictly in the interests of historical research, and the image (left) shows the difficulties he faced in taking the photos. Thanks, Isaac.
