Cova Cottage, Tooradin

Cova Cottage, a cafe and store, was opened in 1947 or 1948 by Florence and Bill Williams. It was located on the  South Gippsland Highway, on the corner of Mickle Street, in Tooradin. (1)

     Cova Cottage. Photographer: Neil Smith

        Image: Cranbourne Shire Historical Society collection, donated by Roderick Smith

Florence especially had a long connection to Tooradin. Florence Victoria McCarthy was born in Zeehan in Tasmania on December 30, 1900 to Francis George McCarthy and Annie (nee Ellis), who had married in 1881. There were ten children in all and Florence was the second youngest. Two older brothers Francis Claude (known as Claude), born in 1882 and Leon Charles, born in 1887 were also connected to Tooradin.   At some time the family moved to Victoria. In the 1913 Electoral Roll, Francis, a blacksmith; Annie and Claude, a carpenter were listed at Dandenong. In the 1917 Electoral Rolls son Leon, also a carpenter, was also living at Dandeong. In April 1915, Annie passed away at the age of 56 and around 1918 Francis and presumably Florence were living at Tooradin;  Claude later also moved to the town. (2)

In 1922, Claude and Leon built St Peter's Catholic Church in Tooradin, which was opened on December 3, 1922 by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Mannix. The Church was designed by ecclesiastical architect, Augustus Andrew Fritsch.  St Peter's at Tooradin later closed and the building was moved to St Peter's College in Cranbourne in 2003 where it is used as a Chapel. (3)  Claude lived in Tooradin until his death in May 1943 and during this time built, amongst other buildings, the Stella Maris Guesthouse in 1924 for James Dudley Singleton. (4) 

Florence's father died in August 1944 and this is part of his obituary from the Dandenong Journal -
Passing of Old Tooradin Identity - The Passing of "Daddy" F.C. McCarthy of Tooradin, last Wednesday, at Caritas Christi Hospice, Kew, removes a highly esteemed, and popular identity of the angling fraternity at Tooradin. For the past quarter-of-a-century the late Mr. McCarthy keenly pursued his sport, angling for the elusive bream at Tooradin. Prior to coming to Victoria, he was a mining ’smith at Zeehan (Tas.). Of his five sons and five daughters, two sons, Claude, and Leon, predeceased him within the year. His-wife passed away in 1915. (5)

When she was 22, Florence married 25 year old William Anthony Williams on December 1, 1923. They were married at the Church built by her brothers, St Peter's at Tooradin. The Advocate reported on the wedding -
The first marriage in the new church of St. Peter's has just been solemnised, when Miss Florence McCarthy, of Tooradin, has joined in holy matrimony with Mr. W. Williams, of Murtoa. Rev. L. McCarthy, M S.C., cousin of the bride, came over from Sydney, N.S.W., to perform the ceremony. (6)

Florence McCarthy marries Bill Williams, December 1, 1923.

Image: Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history, p. 35. (see footnote 4 for full citation)

William was the son of  Robert John Williams and Rose Mallon and was born in Melbourne in 1898. At the time of his marriage he was a railway employee and his address was Murtoa. Florence's address was Tooardin and her occupation was a shop assistant.  It would be interesting to know how they met. They had only one child, nineteen years after their marriage, and their daughter Mary, sadly only survived one day, and passed away on September 30, 1942. (7)

At some time it seems William, known as Bill, left the Railways as in 1928 they were living in Tooradin and his occupation was a carrier. In the 1931 Electoral Rolls Bill and Florence were living in Kinkora Road, Hawthorn and his occupation was a Grocer, the same as it was in 1939 and 1946 when they were living in Whitehorse Road, Box Hill. (8)

It was in 1939 that they purchased the land where the Cova Cottage was built, or to be correct it was Florence who purchased the land. In spite of the fact that the Electoral Rolls have her occupation as 'home duties' she was actually a pastry cook and the Cranbourne Shire Rate Books list her address as the Bright Way Delicatessen, Whitehorse Road, Box Hill. Due to the building material shortage and a man power supply during World War Two, the Williams were not able to build Cova Cottage until the War ended, and thus they seemed to have remained living in Box Hill until 1947. (9)

Cova Cottage soon proved popular with the locals and the tourists. The first mention I can find of it in the newspapers was this report from the Dandenong Journal in May 1948. The Guest House the snippet, below, refers to is the Stella Maris Guesthouse, built by Florence's brother Claude. 

Cova Cottage well patronised.

Dandenong Journal, May 5 1948 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214581237 

Two years later, in October 1950,  the Dandenong Journal could report the good news  that Cova Cottage was doubling in size and modernising  to handle the public. 

Cova Cottage extensions

Dandenong Journal, October 18, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219304588 

In May 1959, Florence applied to the Cranbourne Shire Council to have the footpath in front of Cova Cottage constructed and a bicycle rack erected.

Bicycle rack to be erected outside Cova Cottage
Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 13 1959 p. 6.

In August 1950, Bill (incorrectly called Jimmy in the Dandenong Journal article below) rescued seven-year old Robert Gibson, from drowning in Tooradin.

Bill Williams rescues a child

Dandenong Journal, August 30, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219303547

Child Rescued From Tooradin Spillway - When Robert Gibson, a little 7-year-old visitor to Tooradin, fell into the Spillway at high tide on Monday afternoon, Mr. Jimmy Williams, proprietor of “Cova Cottage” Cafe, dived in fully clothed and rescued the little fellow just in time.

Bobby, who comes from Bentleigh, wandered over to the spillway while his parents were having afternoon tea. A little girl who was with him rushed back to the cafe with the news that he had fallen in. Mr. Williams immediately rushed across from his cafe and dived in just as the little lad was being sucked into the rushing current. He brought him back to the shore, where a rope was thrown to him. Mrs. Arnold Osborne applied artificial respiration, and the lad, rolled up in blankets, was hurried to the D. & D. Hospital. He came through his ordeal with nothing worse than bad shock.

This is Mr. Williams’ second rescue at this spot, as he previously pulled a dazed truck-driver from the water when his truck went over the cause way into the water. (10)

Other facts about Cova Cottage - they were the first applicants to have the telephone connected in Tooradin, this was in July 1948;  and they also supplied catering for functions and hosted events such as Shower Teas. (11). I am not sure how long the Williams operated  Cova Cottage. The 1963 and the 1972 Electoral Rolls list Florence and Bill at 'Main Highway' Tooradin, with his occupation as Grocer and hers as home duties.

Bill died on June 30, 1975 and his obituary from the Koo Wee Rup Sun, records his extensive community involvement (however makes no mention of his wife, Florence) -
Tooradin lost a loyal and valuable citizen in Bill Williams - With the death of Bill Williams on 30 June, Tooradin lost a loyal and valuable citizen. The Guard of Honour by the Fire Brigade, was a fitting tribute. For his services and work in this aspect of community service, he was awarded the Queen’s medal, which came to hand after his death. In this sphere, Bill had served the community for over 20 years and was largely responsible for the present buildings, fire engine and equipment, and more recently the billiard table and other recreational facilities for the youth of the village, in whom he was extremely interested.

The large crowd at the church and funeral, was probably one of the most representative gatherings seen in Tooradin – this too was fitting, for it wasn’t only to the Fire Brigade that Bill had given constant and tenacious service. He had worked for many causes – if help was needed, his was available, and, if he believed in the cause the opposition was secondary. A trustee of Rutter Park Memorial Park Land, member of the Foreshore Committee, the hall trust and the representative of the St Vincent de Paul Society in this area.

He had taught swimming in the village and had been commended for saving the life of one child in the dangerous floodgates, and with the help of a friend, had walked the District from end to end and started the football club in Tooradin when he recognised such need.

He had been a prominent member of the Tooradin Men’s Club, which had its meeting at the ‘Palais de Danse’ attached to the Tooradin Hotel in days gone past. Bill could talk at length, and did, on all aspects of the growth of Tooradin, as he had records and experiences of worth, which he was happy to share.

He had been, for 50 years, part of the village in so many aspects – Cova Cottage, which he had built during the war years, when he saw the needs of a tea house. Materials were scarce and the obtaining of these was a big problem (if one felt strongly about the illegalities of the ‘black market’ as he did) – for he was a man of strong principles and honour. Before he had a small general store where Peddle’s Milk Bar now operates.

As a Justice of the Peace, he had helped and counselled many; particularly the young, and, whilst aggressive in defence of what he believed in, his patience, kindness and generosity (which he hid under a self conscious shyness) was without bounds and his gratitude of a kindness or a courtesy was overwhelming and sincere

His coffin bearers were fellow Knights of the Southern Cross, a distinguished order of Catholic laymen, to which Bill had the honour to belong. Five priests, including past Parish Priests, came very long distances to have the privilege of paying their tributes at a con-celebrated Mass. It was fitting that he should have been buried from the Church, where his had been the first marriage over 52 years ago – a church he had personally cared for over so many years. (12)

I have limited information on Florence's activities after her husband's death, but she died 25 years after him on April 1, 2001, aged 100 years old. At the time of her death she was living at the Nursing Home in Koo Wee Rup.  Florence and Bill are buried at the Box Hill Cemetery with their little daughter, Mary. Also in the grave is 23 year old William Blakeley who died in May 1942; he was the nephew of Bill, the son of his sister Rose. (13)

I also have limited information on Cova Cottage after the Williams. In 1977 it was owned by Sue Dow and her daughter Ann. They were featured in the Koo Wee Rup Sun in the November, and had been in the shop for nine months. (14)

Sue Dow and daughter Ann, at Cova Cottage.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 16, 1977, p. 15

Now here is a mystery - this was the photograph of Cova Cottage in the Koo Wee Rup Sun in November 1977. It is quite different from the original Cova Cottage erected in the 1940s.

Cova Cottage advertisement

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 16, 1977, p. 13

However, this photograph below was taken in 1982 and is part of the National Archives of Australia collection. I presume the building shown in the advertisement, above, was a new building erected next to the original Cova Cottage. The original Cova Cottage had now been demolished and new shops erected. 

Cova Cottage, 1982

National Archives of Australia image B583, 3/1982

If you have any information about Cova Cottage, especially after the Florence and Bill left,  please let me know in the comments.

Footnotes
(1) It's hard to tell when it was built, but the 1946/1947 Shire of Cranborne Rate books, still have the Williams' address as Box Hill; the 1947/1948 Rate Books have their address as Tooradin and that they have a 4-roomed weatherboard residence.  The 1948/1948 Rate Books list a 4-roomed weatherboard residence and cafe.
(2) Family information from Tasmanian Archives and the Tasmanian Names List - https://libraries.tas.gov.au/slat/#search Electoral Rolls are on Ancestry.com and Francis McCarthy's death notice, see below.

The Argus, August 24, 1944 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11357914

(3) The Advocate, December 7, 1922, see here. Augustus Andrew Fritsch obituary - The Sun New-Pictorial, June  10, 1933, see here.
(4) Claude McCarthy obituary - Dandenong Journal, May 19, 1943, see here; Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history - Blind Bight, Cannon's Creek, Sherwood, Tooradin North, Warneet 1875-2000 State school No. 1503 compiled by John Wells and the 'Tooradin Celebrates Together 125 Years of Education Committee' (The Committee, 2001)  p. 95.

(5) Dandenong Journal, August 30, 1944, see here.
(6) Marriage Certificate; The Advocate, January 17, 1924, see here.
(7) Marriage Certificate. Index to Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; head stone at Box Hill Cemetery

Williams Family Grave at Box Hills Cemetery.

Image: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/123946746/florence-victoria-williams

(8) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(9) Shire of Cranbourne Rate Books; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Bill's obituary in the Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 16, 1975, p. 7.
(10) Dandenong Journal, August 30, 1950, see here. 

(11) Dandenong Journal, July  21, 1948, see here, Dandenong Journal, June 8, 1949, see here; Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 9, 1960, p. 5

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 9, 1960, p. 5

(12) Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 16, 1975, p. 7
(13) See Footnote 7; Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history  op.cit p. 35.
(14) Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 16, 1977, p. 15

Ernest Oldham - the first man to enlist from Koo Wee Rup - or was he?

In May 1915, The Age reported on the fact that Private E. Oldham had been wounded.
Private E. Oldham (wounded), is the youngest son of the late John S. Oldham, of Williamstown. He served his apprenticeship as engineer at  Mephan Ferguson's, Footscray, and worked at the railway rolling stock works and signal shops, Newport. He had only recently returned from a twelve months'  trip to England and Scotland when the war commenced. He was a cricketer, and played with the Williamstown club. Private Oldham was the first to enlist from the Kooweerup district. (1)

Private Oldham, wounded

The Age, May 28, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154944775

It is the last line of the report which is of interest to us -  Private Oldham was the first to enlist from the Kooweerup district. I can find no connection between Ernest and Koo Wee Rup  and I believe this is a mistake on the part of The Age. He is not mentioned as enlisting in the Lang Lang Guardian, the local newspaper at the time; nor does the paper carry the report of his injury or his death. He is also not listed at Koo Wee Rup or surrounds in the Electoral Rolls.  However, I may be wrong and I hope by writing this post that someone may provide the link to Koo Wee Rup. 

Ernest Oldham

Sons of Williamstown: the Great War 1914-1919 Honour Board  

https://sonsofwilliamstown.com.au/portfolio/e-oldham/

Private Oldham was Ernest Oldham, born in Williamstown in 1888 to  John Spencer Oldham and his wife Harriett (nee Hodge). He had eight older siblings  - William Robert (1867 - 1880);  James Alfred (1869 - 1915);  Isabella Jane (1871 - 1877); John Henry (1874 - 1923); Selina Harriet (1877 - 1929, married name Hawdon); Albert (1879, died aged 4 months in 1879); Arthur (1880 - 1931) and Marmaduke Luke (1883 - 1948). (2) John Spencer Oldham died in November 1912 at the age of 74  and his obituary noted that he was a boiler maker and had worked at the Newport  Railway Workshops and was a life member and past president of the Williamstown Mechanics' Institute; and a member of the Loyal Williamstown Manchester Unity Lodge. Harriet had died in November 1909 aged 65. (3)

Ernest attended Williamstown Central State School and Footscray Technical School and became a Fitter and Turner. (4)

Ernest (service number 1162) enlisted on September 18, 1914 in the 7th Battalion, at the age of 26. His next of kin was his brother James, of 109 Hanmer Street, Williamstown.  He embarked on the Themistocles on December 24, 1914, and later arrived at Alexandria on April 5, 1915.  Twenty days later, on what was to become Anzac Day,  Ernest was wounded at Gallipoli, shrapnel wound to his left leg.  This was the incident which was the subject of the report in The Age. Ernest was promoted to Corporal in June 1917 and was Killed in Action in France on June 27, 1918 after 3 years and 9 months of active service. He is buried at the Borre British Cemetery in France. (5)

Death notice  for Ernest

The Argus, July 13, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1401576

With all this information - the fact that he worked at the Railway Workshops at Newport and had just returned after a year in England and Scotland before he enlisted  - it seems unlikely that he could have spent any length of  time in Koo Wee Rup. Let me know in the comments if you have any information about his connection to the Koo Wee Rup area.

Footnotes
(1) The Age, May 28, 1915, see here. 
(2) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages
(3) Williamstown Chronicle, November 9, 1912, see here;  The Australasian, November 13, 1909, see here.
(4) Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial   https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1658302
(5) First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920, National Archives of Australia https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=7993871

Dissolving Bones

If you put the term 'dissolving bones' into the newspapers on Trove, you get about 1800 results up to the 1920s  just for Victoria alone. Not a topic I thought anyone would write about, but apparently people wanted to dissolve bones to re-use them as fertiliser and they wrote to the newspapers asking for 'recipes'  or the best method. So I presume these people were all farmers or keen home gardeners and not serial killers. 

The Leader of February 8, 1879 published  the following  request from a person calling themselves, T. Koala of Tobin Yallock. 

The Leader, February 8, 1879 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198005144

Sir,  Would you kindly inform me the best way to dissolve bones. I have tried sulphuric acid, one part to ten of water. That will not do. Then I tried one to five, but no better. Should the bones be covered with anything? A reply will oblige, 
Yours, &c.,
T. KOALA.
Tobin Yallock.
The reply was - 1 ton bones crushed will take half a ton of vitrol [sulphuric acid], consisting of 5 cwt. of acid to 5 of water. Cover with earth.

Tobin Yallock was the forerunner of the town of Lang Lang, it was based around the intersection of McDonalds Track and the South Gippsland Highway. The first store and hotel were built c.1867 by William Lyall and located on part of the Tobin Yallock (or Torbinurruck) squatting run on the junction of McDonald’s Track and the Grantville Road, as the South Gippsland Highway was then called. This store and hotel became the nucleus of the town of Lang Lang, as it was officially known, though the locals called it Tobin Yallock. Tobin Yallock would eventually have a church, a Post Office, Mechanics’ Institute and other stores. Its decline began with the coming of the South Gippsland railway line when the station was built east of Tobin Yallock in 1890.  By about 1894 most of the businesses and public buildings had transferred to the new Lang Lang based around the railway station. 

Read more about Lang Lang in Protector’s Plains: history of Lang Lang Primary School No.2899, 1888- 1988 and district by Barbara Coghlan  (C.B.C Publishing, 1988)

Iona Brass Band

This is a chronological history of the Iona Brass Band, taken from reports in the newspapers, mainly the Bunyip and Garfield Express, which is not on-line. The Band was established in 1908. Denise Nest in her book, Call of the Bunyip (1), has this information about the band  - that it was formed on the initiative of Mr Tom Baillie, Snr; some of the other members were Bill Legg, Percy  Bennett, Bill Browne, Sandy Robinson,  Wally Dawes and Tom Sommerville, Harold 'Bumper' Gee, Tim Sheehan and Wally Curtain. There are other names mentioned in the articles and a list of everyone associated with the band is at the end of this post. 

It appears that the Iona Brass Band fell into abeyance in 1911/1912, as I can find no mention of them in any newspaper. They reformed at the end of 1913, but, as Mrs Nest notes, it seems the group disbanded in 1916, when about half the members joined the services during the First World War. (2)   As we will see, towards the end of 1915, this lack of musicians impacted other local Bands as well as Iona. 

Iona Brass band, 1916

Image: Call of the Bunyip: a history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847 - 1990 by Denise Nest 

(Bunyip History Committee, 1990), p. 62

1908

November 26, 1908 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p.2.
A public meeting will be held in the Columba Hall on Wednesday night next, for the purpose of deciding what steps will be taken towards the establishment of a Brass band. Residents of Iona have promised strong support, and it is hoped the surrounding towns will do likewise.

December 10, 1908 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
Iona - A preliminary meeting in connection with the establishment of a district Brass Band was held in the Columba Hall on Wednesday night last. There was fine attendance and much enthusiasm. Mr J. Donald occupied the chair, and in opening said the Rev. Father Byrne has guaranteed the sum of £25, and he thought the district and surrounding towns would accord the movement a strong support. Mr T. Baillie volunteered to undertake the tutorship and should prove a capable instructor. It was decided to open a district subscription list. Another meeting will be held on Monday at the same hall, and will probably be followed by a meeting at Bunyip on a later date.

December 24, 1908 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The Iona Brass Band held a meeting at the Columba Hall on Wednesday night, where there was a good attendance. The instruments are to hand and the band will make its first public appearance on New Years Eve with collection boxes. 

1909

January 7,  1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

Iona and District Brass Band mustered for practice at the Columba Hall on Wednesday night. The members number 29 in all, and as the majority have had past experience it is expected that the band will make rapid progress. In fact it is mooted that they intend to appear in public at the annual sports gathering on March 17th.

January 13, 1909  South Bourke & Mornington Journal (see here)

The Iona Brass Band is making satisfactory progress towards efficiency, the result of assiduous practice on Tuesdays and Fridays, and it will not now be long before the Band will parade in all its glory.

May 7, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

Members of the Iona and District Brass Band have found a strong supporter in Mr Rocksborough [sic -  Roxburgh]. That gentleman has donated £5 for the purchase of a drum; an example which will shortly be followed by a number of other residents of Iona. Mr Rocksborough (3) also entertained the members of  the band at his residence one evening of this weekend  and has given them to understand that it is the fore-runner of many others.

May 21,  1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

Mr T. Baillie, sectary of the Iona and District Brass Band, is in receipt of  a communication from Mr Roxburgh, disclaiming the sole credit of the £5 donation to the Band for the purchase of bass and side drums. In this letter Mr Roxburgh states that the £5 forwarded was the joint contributions of Mr W.S. Keast (our district member), the Hon. Wm Pitt, M.P., and himself. 

A dance in aid of the funds of the District Brass Band took place at Columba Hall on Friday night last. Despite the adverse weather conditions there was a good  attendance, and a very enjoyable evening was spent.... There was some discussion amongst  members of the band  on the advisability  of holding weekly or fortnightly quadrilles in aid of the funds, and it was decided to hold them fortnightly, the first to be held on Saturday, May 29th.

May 28, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

Iona and district Brass band made their first public appearance at the Empire celebrations in connection with the local State School and acquitted themselves creditably. Although this band is scarcely three months old they are well advanced, and their rapid progress speaks well for their earnestness. We hope our townspeople will interest themselves in the establishment of the band and assist the lads, who thus far have had a very hard fight. 

June 4, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The fortnightly quadrille in connection with the funds of the Iona and District Brass Band took place on Saturday night at the Iona Hall. There was a good attendance and the floor was in capital order and the arrangements were well carried out. Mr T. Baillie supplied the music and the band rendered several selections during the proceedings. Altogether the evening was a very enjoyable one.

June 18, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The Iona State School shelter shed now in the course of erection will be opened on Friday July 2nd, when an excellent programme has been arranged for. The proceedings will take the form of a basket picnic and the services of  the Iona Brass Band have been engaged. 

July 9, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The Shelter shed was opened on Arbor Day, with 200 children and 300 adults in attendance and the event was enlivened with selections from the Iona Brass Band, under Mr T. Baillie during the afternoon.

October 29, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The Iona Brass Band will give an open air performance in Bunyip on Saturday evening, November 6th and it is hoped that it will be well patronised. The band is now capable of a good programme, and should give a good account of themselves; also they are deserving of every encouragement for their perseverance and energy in their struggles to establish themselves. 

November 12, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The Iona Brass Band gave an open air performance in the Main street on Saturday night last and attracted a large crowd who thoroughly enjoyed the music. The Band has improved out of recognition since we last had the pleasure of hearing it, and with  a little more encouragement from the town and district would soon become  a splendid acquisition to both. However, now the ice is once broken, we hope to see more of the band in public. 

November 19, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The Band made its appearance at Garfield in an open air performance on Saturday night last, which proved a very financial success, and was greatly appreciated by a large audience. A very handsome donation was awarded by Mr O'Donohue for which the members of the Band wish to thank him and hope many more will follow his example. The Band is to play in front of Mr Kavanagh's store, Iona on Saturday night next. 

1910

February 8, 1910 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The first annual ball of the Iona Brass Band is scheduled to take place on the 18th inst., at the Columba Hall, and promises to be something out of the ordinary. The committee have arranged a series of  waltzing competitions which are to be supplemented  by jigs and reels and prizes will be donated to the winners in each class.  No expense is being spared to make the function a success, and it should be well patronised for this reason, apart from the fact that it is in aid of a deserving object. A band is a splendid acquisition to any district, and Iona with its surroundings towns should turn out en-masse with two objects in view, viz, to enjoy a good night's entertainment, and place the band on a sound financial footing. Tickets may now be obtained at 3/ from the Secretary, Mr O. Kavanagh.

February 22, 1910 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

A very successful ball was held in the Columba Hall in aid of the Iona Brass Band, on Friday night, when fully 40 couples took the floor to the excellent music provided by Messrs McNamara and H. Gee. During the evening the band played several waltzes which were much enjoyed by the dancers. About midnight a tempting supper was provided and the arrangements were altogether to the satisfaction of those present. Mr D. Dansen, with the assistance of the other gentlemen officiated as M.C., in a satisfactory manner. It is understood that the band will net a handsome profit, which will be very acceptable.

March and April - The Band played at the Iona Hibernian Carnival and in April at open air concert in Bunyip, where they enlivened the town with their spirited selections. (4)

April 6, 1910 - South Bourke and Mornington Journal, see here.

The Bunyip and District Caledonian Society held a function at Ronald McAllister's property on Pitt Road, Iona - Shortly before 8 o'clock the guests met at the Parish boundary bridge and fell in line; headed by the Iona Brass Band and pipers of Bunyip & District Caledonian Society, the procession marched to Mr. McAllister's residence....[where] the Iona Band played lively selections....Mr. T. Baillie took the opportunity of thanking the society on behalf of the Iona Brass Band for their donations towards the funds, he could assure them it had been very acceptable, and he hoped the band, by such aid, would shortly be in a strong financial position.

October 18, 1910 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The Iona Brass Band Committee members, as elected at a public meeting were - Messrs Doherty, Fraser, D. Feild, junr., Wilson, Baillie, Maybury, junr., and Strafford. 

1913

September 30, 1913 -  The Age, see here. 

At a meeting at Iona on Monday it was decided to reorganise the Iona Brass Band.

December 16, 1913 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

Played at the Church of England Flower Shower in Bunyip where they played selections throughout the evening, which lent gaiety to the proceedings. 

1914

February 24, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The Iona Brass Band is becoming quite proficient and the performance at the Columba Hall on Friday night of last week was a pleasant surprise to many of the audience. There is unanimity amongst the players which is pleasing to note and their practices are  always well attended. There will be another appearance in Bunyip shortly by invitation, and the bandsmen should be well received.

March 3, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 6 

Hospital Sunday at Bunyip - A pleasant Sunday was held at the Bunyip showground on the 1st last, in aid of the building fund of the Warragul Hospital infectious diseases ward which is to be built at a cost of  £1500. The Iona Brass band kindly gave their services free and played sacred music during the  afternoon under the able  conductorship of  Mr W. Legge. 

Iona Dramatic Club production in aid of the Brass  Band

Bunyip and Garfield Express,  March 10, 1914 p. 2.

March 10, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The Iona Dramatic Club, under the management of  Mr J. Gleeson, will appear at the Bunyip Mechanics' hall in "Our Domestics" on Wednesday 25th inst. The proceeds will be handed to the Iona brass band.

March 17, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 5.

The fifteenth annual show of the Bunyip Agricultural Society was held on the local ground on  Wednesday last and was one of the finest held to date under the auspices of that body. The day was very hot, but notwithstanding the unpleasant conditions a record crowd turned out, and all appeared to enjoy themselves. The Iona Brass band played  spirited selections during the afternoon and thereby enlivened the proceedings considerably and their performance under bandmaster Legg established them in the favour of the public.

March 26, 1914 - Bunyip Free Press, see here.

The Iona Brass Band, which shows improvement as time goes on, played a number of selections in the main street at Bunyip last Saturday night. The new drum recently purchased by the band renders the music more acceptable, and the band now has an expert " drummer-boy" in Mr. W. Browne, our local blacksmith.

April 30, 1914, Bunyip Free Press, see here.

The new building at the Iona State School was opened, with 500 people being present and the Iona Brass band played some lively tunes during the intervals.

Grand Ball in aid of the Iona Brass Band

Bunyip and Garfield Express, July 14, 1914, p.2

July 28, 1914 -  Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 5.

The local Brass band will hold a grand ball on Friday next at Keast hall, Cora Lynn, in aid of the funds. The arrangements are well in hand and given a fine evening, the ball will be one of the finest held in the district. The music will be supplied by chosen players from the band, while refreshments will be provided. 

September 22, 1914 -  Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.  
The local brass band are celebrating their first anniversary at Columba Hall on 30th inst., with a grand ball, and everyone should support this organisation. It is now 12 months since this band was reformed and it had made wonderful progress since then. The secretary has received a communication from Warragul engaging the services of the band, therefore it may be assumed that the band has already made an impression outside our own district.

Iona Brass Band - first annual ball

Bunyip and Garfield Express, September 29, 1914, p.2

October  6,  1914 -  Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 5.

A grand ball was held in the Columba Hall on Wednesday night last and was  a great success, about 30 couples dancing to splendid music supplied by the Iona Brass Band of 20 performers. The music was pronounced by those present to be the best ever danced to. Mr E. Berry made a capable master of ceremonies. After the supper Mr C.J. Donald (president of the trustees of the band) on behalf of the members presented Bandmaster W. Legg with a silver mounted baton, suitably inscribed. In a very nice speech Mr Donald eulogised  the many good qualities of the bandmaster, and said it was a pity the public would not take more interest in the band, and show their appreciation by responding more  freely, and as the members are all working lads it was hard on them  to have to supply the money to run the band as well as the time and trouble they took in learning to play.  He pointed out what a splendid thing a band is in a district, and said for everything in the line of charity it was expected to play free; but when it came to taking up a collection on their own behalf people seemed to think because they were "going strong" that they could do it without money. He hoped that donations would come along more freely. The gathering, which was to celebrate the first anniversary of  the band, was a creditable one. As they had £100 worth of instruments to pay for he trusted the people would give the band whole-hearted support. Mr Legg suitably responded and dancing was kept up till the early hours of the morning. The band desires to thank the following for donations :- J. Curtain £1,D. Fraser £1, J. Slattery 10/. The refreshments supplied by the ladies were of the choicest.

October 20, 1914 -  Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 5.

The local brass band is securing a number of engagements about the district. Sport and other committee are recognising the necessity of securing its services, and it appears to have a full list of  engagements through the holidays. The Longwarry Axeman's Carnival Committee has engaged the band to play on Boxing Day on the Recreation Reserve. [The Axeman's Carnival raised £50 for the Patriotic Fund (5)]

December 1, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2. 

Iona Brass Band. The band visited Garfield on Saturday night and gave a fine program of music which was much appreciated by the residents.  Mr T.J. Cryan of the Iona Hotel treated the members to a splendid supper which was much enjoyed.  He also thanked them heartily for their visit by donating 

£1 1- towards the funds. The Secretary, Mr Gee, on behalf of the members, thanked Mr Cryan for his donation and hospitality and also wished to apologise to the rest of the townspeople for not playing in front if their premises as the police had instructed them not to encroach on the footpath and the torches which they were getting have not arrive yet so they could not play in the streets without lights.

1915

January 7, 1915 - Bunyip Free Press, see here.

From a report of the Yannathan Annual Picnic Sports Day - During the day the Iona Brass Band played a number of selections on the ground, and these were greatly appreciated by the public. Band master W. Legge wielded the baton which was presented to him some time ago by members of the band.

March 9, 1915 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 3.

The Iona Brass Band visited Bunyip on Friday night last and played selections. The band is making great progress, and now may be said  to be an established organisation and should be liberally supported throughout the district.

June 8, 1915 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The Iona Brass Band will hold a dance and supper on Wednesday night, June 30, in the Bunyip Mechanics' hall. As the Band has recently purchased a 50 candle power gas lamp and new instruments this effort will help pay for the aforementioned articles and should be met with a good response. The music will be made up by the band, also the piano and violin.

Dance and Supper in aid of the Iona Brass Band

Bunyip and Garfield Express, June 8, 1915, p. 2

October 12, 1915 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 3.

A number of members of the Iona Brass Band recently journeyed to Dandenong to supplement the local band. Both organisations have lost a number of their best players owing to enlistment and this scheme was hit upon to fill the vacancies.

November 2, 1915 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

Iona and Drouin brass bands in conjunction will give  a concert on Sunday next on the Longwarry recreation reserve. The ladies of the town are contemplating a collection for the Warragul Hospital.

[£3 was raised for the Hospital. (6)]

November 16, 1915 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.

The Iona Brass band will take part, in conjunction with the Drouin and Trafalgar bands, in the procession at Warragul on Saturday in connection with the Hospital carnival.

Some of the other events that Band played at in 1915 included -  in April they played at a social in aid of the Belgium Relief fund at Iona and at the Pakenham Show; a Recruitment meeting at Iona in August under Bandmaster  Legg and in September they played at the opening of E. Harcourt & Co, new store in Garfield and the Nar Nar Goon Picnic Races held on Boxing Day, under Bandmaster Lee. (7)

1916

January 12, 1916 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 3.

Two of the Iona band boys enrolled at Warragul on Christmas day and left for Melbourne yesterday. This will leave a gap in the band which will be hard to fill. 

January 14, 1916 - The Argus, January 14, 1916, see here.

Nine members of the Iona Brass Band are now at the front. Walter Davies and Charles Daw, also band members have enlisted.

List of Iona Brass Band members. 

This list is more than likely incomplete. The occupational information comes from the Electoral Roll on Ancestry.com.

Baillie, Tom - operated a blacksmith, wheelwright and carriage building business at Iona
Bennett, Percy - no other information
Browne, William - a blacksmith from Bunyip
Curtain, Wally - presumably William Curtain, a farmer from Iona
Davies, Walter - no other information
Daw, Charles - a labourer from Iona
Dawes, Wally - a carpenter from Iona
Doherty - there were a few families of Dohertys in Iona and Bunyip. 
Donald, Charles Joseph - a farmer from Iona.
Feild, D  junr - presumably Daniel Field, a farmer, from Iona.
Fraser - no other information
Gee, Harold 'Bumper' - a farmer from Iona

Kavanagh, Owen - a farmer from Iona
Lee - listed as the Bandmaster in a 1915 report, may be a typo for Legg.
Legg, William - the Bandmaster and a farmer from Iona
Maybury, William junr - a farmer from Iona
Robinson, Sandy - no other information
Sheehan, Tim - surname Sheahan, a farmer from Iona.
Sommerville, Tom - no other information
Strafford, Thomas - a farmer from Iona.
Wilson - no other information
 

Trove list - I have created a list of articles on the Iona Brass Band on Trove, access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Nest, Denise Call of the Bunyip: a history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847 - 1990  (Bunyip History Committee, 1990)

(2) Nest, op. cit pp 62-64.

(3) Thomas Roxburgh - https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2019/04/thomas-roxburgh-asparagus-pioneer.html

(4) Bunyip and Garfield Express, March 8, 1910, p. 2;  Bunyip and Garfield Express , April 12, 1910, p. 2

(5) Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 5, 1915. p. 2.

(6) Bunyip and Garfield Express, November 9, 1915. p. 3.

(7) Bunyip and Garfield Express, April 20, 1915, p. 2 ; South Bourke and Mornington Journal, April 1, 1915, see here;   Bunyip Free Press, August 19, 1915, see here; Bunyip and Garfield Express, September 7, 1915, p.3;  Dandenong Advertiser, December 30, 1915, see here.

Anderson and Gardiner - The Corner Store, Koo Wee Rup

In August 1946 the Koo Wee Rup Sun reported that
Mr L. Anderson and Mr T. Gardiner wish to notify the people of Kooweerup and district that they have purchased The Corner Store business of Mr E.R. Williams, Kooweerup. The public is assured that they will maintain the popularity of the store by giving only the best value, quality and friendly service. From Monday, August 12, a full delivery will be commenced, when orders will be called for and delivered throughout the district. (1)  The store was on the corner of  Station Street and Rossiter Road. 

Report of Anderson and Gardiner taking over the business

Koo Wee Rup Sun, August 7, 1946, p. 1.

The first advertisement of Anderson and Gardiner in the Koo Wee Rup Sun

Koo Wee Rup Sun, August 7, 1946, p. 4.

1953 - you can see Anderson and Gardiner's store on the left.

Weekly Times, March 18, 1953 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224028894

Weddings

Leigh Edgar Anderson and Thomas George Gardiner had come from Sunshine where they were both employed with the McKay Massey-Harris works. They both married after their arrival in Koo Wee Rup. Thomas married on March 12, 1947 to Miss Loris Lilian Naylor of Sunshine.  The Sunshine Advocate reported on the wedding -

St. Andrew's Church, Footscray, was the setting, on March 12th, for the marriage of Loris Lilian, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ern Naylor 24 Sydney St., Sunshine, to Thomas George, only son of Mrs. Gardiner, and the late Mr. Gardiner of Caulfield. Rev. Stevens officiated. A gown of lace and net over satin was worn by the bride with a finger tip length veil held with a coronet of orchids. A bouquet of orchids, frangipanni and gladioli completed a charming ensemble.

Mrs. J. Davies attended as Matron-of-Honor, in a frock of hand painted white taffeta. She carried a bouquet of pink dahlias and gladioli. Mr. Alan Polson supported the groom as best man. The bride's mother chose a black crepe frock and black hat, both trimmed with blue. A black tailored coat over a floral frock with small black hat was worn by the bridegroom's mother.

A reception was held at the Hotel Federal, Melbourne where 20 guests were entertained. When leaving for the honeymoon, spent at Lakes' Entrance, the bride travelled in a blue suit with black accessories. The happy couple will reside at Kooweerup, where the bridegroom has recently entered into business. (2)

 

Leigh married on November 12 the same year to Miss Doreen Rosetta Walpole of Footscray, at St John's Church of England, in Footscray. I can't find a full report of their wedding, however the Sunshine Advocate reported on their engagement function at the Sunshine Golf Club - Last Saturday evening a most pleasant Social Evening was held and a presentation made to those very popular players, Miss D. Walpole and Lee [sic] Anderson on the occasion of their engagement. (3)

Engagement report of Leigh Anderson and Doreen Walpole

Sunshine Advocate, October 24, 1947 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74776370

The Koo Wee Rup Sun published a short report on their wedding -
A wedding of local interest is this afternoon (Wednesday) to take place at St. John's Church of England, Footscray, the contracting parties being Miss D. Walpole, of Footscray, and Mr E.L. Anderson of the Corner Store, Kooweerup. The Rev. Brand will be the officiating clergyman and the reception will be held at the Federal Hotel, Melbourne. Following a honeymoon of two weeks the newly married couple will reside in Kooweerup. (4)

Marriage report of Leigh Anderson and Doreen Walpole

Koo Wee Rup Sun,  November 12 1947 p. 1

The Store

Anderson and Gardiner were fairly regular advertisers in the Koo Wee Rup Sun and in 1958 they re-modelled and modernised the store and introduced self-service.  It was also around this time that the store became a Foodland. (5)

1958 - the new-look store

Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 10, 1958, p. 7

Anderson and Gardiner advertisement 

Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 9, 1959, p. 4

Thomas Gardiner obituary

Thomas Gardiner died on February 25, 1961 aged only 56 years old. The Koo Wee Rup Sun published an obituary - 

Mr. T. Gardiner dies suddenly. The death occurred on Saturday night of Mr. Thomas George Gardiner of Kooweerup. The late Mr. Gardiner and his wife were on holidays at Rye, when he was suddenly taken ill and died a short time later. Mr. Gardiner appeared to be in excellent health and his sudden death came as a great shock to his many friends throughout the district and beyond. Sympathy of the district is extended to his widow in her sad loss. 

Residents will remember Tom Gardiner first and foremost as a gentleman. He carried this quality into his business and social life and it was indeed a feature of his everyday living.

Born in the Shepparton district fifty-six years ago, the late Mr Gardiner learnt the grocery trade in his father's business. Later he went to Melbourne and worked at the McKay-Massey Harris plant at Sunshine. At the age of eighteen he became friendly with another employee at the plant, Mr Leigh Anderson, and that friendship has existed closely ever since. 

In 1946 the partnership of Anderson and Gardiner took over the management of the Corner Store at Kooweerup, and in that same year Mr. Tom Gardiner married Miss Loris Naylor and the couple made their home in Kooweerup.

The partnership of Anderson and Gardiner built the typical country general store into a flourishing business and some three years ago they opened their modern self-service and hardware store on the site of the old "corner store."

Many arm-chair critics said that Tom and Leigh were a little too far-seeing in their plans. However, the policy put into practice by the two partners had proved successful, not only to themselves, but has been of great benefit to Kooweerup as a town. The present building stands as a tribute to the late Tom Gardiner and to the remaining partner, Mr. Leigh Anderson.

The link of friendship which had existed between Tom and Leigh over a  period of nearly 40 years could not be broken by the frailities of human misunderstanding, nor by the worries and differences of business life.  It remained to the bitter hand of fate to strike  the blow which severed the seemingly undissoluble partnership. It was a sad stroke of luck that Mr. Tom Gardiner, having helped to lay the foundations of a successful business, was not spared to enjoy the fruits of his labours for  a least a few additional years. 

Many Kooweerup and district friends attended the funeral which took place on Tuesday at the Fawkner Crematorium. (6)

Obituary of Thomas Gardiner

Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 1, 1961 page 1

Thomas was born in 1905 to Samuel and Ellen (nee Cooper) Gardiner. He and his wife Loris did not have any children.  Loris was listed in the Electorate rolls at Koo Wee Rup until 1967 and she was then listed at 5 Holland Grove, Caulfield. This is the last I can trace of her. (7)

Leigh Anderson obituary

Leigh Anderson died on June 25, 1966. This is his obituary from the Koo Wee Rup Sun - 

Sudden Death of Well Known Kooweerup Businessman. It is with the deepest regret that we record the death of one of Kooweerup's leading citizens and businessmen, Mr Edgar Leigh Anderson at his home in Charles Street, Kooweerup on June 25th.

His death came as a great shock to his large number of friends in this area. Although he had been away from his self-service store for a number of days his sudden death was totally unsuspected by his family and close friends. 

The late Leigh Anderson was born in the country at Mt. Clare near Ballarat and attended Ballarat High School. A great part of his early life was spent in the Sunshine area, where he was on the staff of McKay-Massey Harris. Here by his meticulous attention to detail and quiet efficiency he became one of the firm's leading moulders, a position he held for many years.

It was during this time at the Sunshine plant that he met Tom Gardiner and a friendship developed which brought both men to Kooweerup and into the life of business and close friendship, which lasted until death severed the link. Anderson and Gardiner became a well known business in this area when the partners took over the Corner Store in 1946.The store was formerly occupied by the late E.R. Williams.

Shortly after coming to Kooweerup Leigh Anderson married his wife Doreen and the couple settled in the town.

The advent of the partners to Kooweerup was the forerunner of big things for Kooweerup. In 1958 the flourishing business was expanded into a modern self-service grocery and hardware store. It was the greatest single lift the town had ever had, at a time when its trade seemed certain to go to bigger centres. 

The late Leigh Anderson was an excellent sportsman and showed the same application and determination he had in his commercial life. He played cricket at Sunshine in his younger days and for a short time with Kooweerup. He was also a very good golfer playing on a handicap of 11, but he gave up the game for as he said, "I could just not master the darn game." He was president of the Lang Lang  Club when the course was located on the site nearer Lang Lang. 

Leigh then took on bowling, again with the same determination and developed into the best bowler the club has produced. He won many of the club events and his knowledge put many a bowler on the way to success. The illness which caused his sudden death also forced him to give up competition bowls some time ago.

The extremely large and representative crowd which attended his funeral today was a tribute to a man who was respected for his ability and sincerity of manner who will be a great loss to the community. The service was held at St. George's Church, Kooweerup and the funeral then proceeded to the Springvale Crematorium. The officiating minister at both places was Rev. Fuhrmeister.  The sympathy of the district is offered to his wife and two sons, Ron and David. (8)

Obituary of Leigh Anderson

Koo Wee Rup Sun,  June 29, 1966 page 1

Leigh was born in 1904 to James and Lillian (nee Cooke) Anderson. Doreen, born in 1918, was still listed in the 1972 Electoral Roll at Koo Wee Rup; she then moved to Cranbourne. Doreen died in August 1998. (9)

After the death of Leigh Anderson, I assume the business was sold. The last advertisement for the store, under their name was in the Koo Wee Rup Sun of September 6, 1967

Last advertisement for Anderson and Gardiner in the Koo Wee Rup Sun

Koo Wee Rup Sun, September 6, 1967, p.4

The advertisement the next week was this one, now just known as the Corner Store.

Corner Store advertisement

 Koo Wee Rup Sun, September 13, 1967, p. 3

Footnotes

(1) Koo Wee Rup Sun, August 7, 1946, p. 1.

(2) Sunshine Advocate, March 28, 1947, see here.

(3) Sunshine Advocate, October 24, 1947, see here.  

(4) Koo Wee Rup Sun,  November 12 1947 p. 1.

(5) Self service - Leigh Anderson's obituary - Koo Wee Rup Sun,  June 29, 1966 p.1; Foodland - advertisements in the Koo Wee Rup Sun

(6) Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 1, 1961, p. 1.

(7) Indexes to Victorian Births; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(8) Koo Wee Rup Sun,  June 29, 1966 p. 1.

(9) Indexes to Victorian Births; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Cremated at Springvale https://www.smct.org.au/deceased-search/detail?id=49cd4053-529a-ef11-8a69-00224811c475