Ladies in the lounge
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
These days, the idea of a hotel ‘ladies’ lounge’ seems archaic, but there was a time not so long ago when they were de rigueur…
Articles by: Sarah Matthews
How our ‘genies’ saved the census
Ask a librarian, Family matters, Our stories, Victorian history:
Researchers visiting the Library are often dismayed when they discover that prior to 2001, there are no surviving census returns for individuals in the Colony of Victoria. What were the reasons behind the destruction of our census records? And how did our ‘genies’ save the day?
The unsolved mystery of the ‘Pride of Australia’
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
In 1991, a seven-kilogram gold nugget was stolen from its display case in a daring raid on the Museum of Victoria. Speculation was rife that it was an inside job, but neither the thieves, nor the gold, were ever found.
‘Will she wear a wig?’
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
On 1 August 1905, an unusually large crowd, including “ladies in bright dresses”, descended on Melbourne’s Supreme Court building to see Ms Grata Flos Matilda Greig become the first woman to be admitted to legal practice in Australia.
Mapping the past with Victoria’s historical plans
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories, Victorian history:
The Historical Maps and Plans Collection is a boon for researchers, containing everything from descriptions of what the landscape was like when Europeans arrived, to the locations of early buildings and houses, pastoral runs, and even shipwrecks.
‘Listen … quick. It’s Mr Whippy!’
Ask a librarian, Social life & customs, Such was life, Victorian history:
There are few sounds as synonymous with the beginning of summer as the strains of a Mr Whippy van floating on the breeze. But who was Mr Whippy really, and how did he get his start in Australia?
Miss Anderson’s Motor Service
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
In 1918, at just 20 years of age, Alice Anderson founded what would go on to become Victoria’s first all-female motor garage. Her vision, as she would later tell magazine ‘Woman’s World’, was ‘to turn a trade into a profession for women.’
New Idea turns 120
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:
On 1 August 1902, a magazine called ‘New Idea’ was published for the first time. Its aim was ‘to present the newest ideas continually arising in every branch of a woman’s life and interest.’
Neon magic!
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
There is something magical about the sight of neon against the backdrop of an evening sky. Whilst neon signs have fallen out of favour in recent years, many of those remaining have achieved iconic status. We look back at some of the highlights.
Captain Kenney’s bathing ship
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
There were several ‘sea baths’ at St Kilda in the 19th century, but none were more famous than Captain Kenney’s bathing ship, the Nancy.
