Fighting Jack: Melbourne’s first boxing kangaroo
Social life & customs, Such was life:
What are the origins of our national sporting symbol, the boxing kangaroo?
Social life & customs
The Myer Christmas windows
Social life & customs, Such was life:
The Myer Christmas windows hold a special place in the heart of most Melburnians. The brainchild of Fred Asmussen (1913-1974), who began his career at the Myer emporium in 1928 as a ‘wheeler’ boy, moving products from one place to another in wicker cart, the much-loved tradition is now in its 63rd year.
The ancient art of bellringing
Social life & customs, Such was life:
The ancient art of bellringing is harder than it looks. Bellringers require confidence and stamina, not to mention an excellent memory.
Beauty spots: from facial flaws to fashion statements
Social life & customs, Such was life, Theatre:
Under the eye or the corner of the mouth? Does the position of your beauty spot mean you are a flirt, engaged or just cheeky? Stars, pigs and horses; from the eighteenth century onward, the beauty spot has an alluring past.
Law making and breaking in colonial Victoria
People & professions, Social life & customs, Such was life:
Criminals, crime and justice in colonial Victoria!
Our women
Social life & customs, Such was life:
Our women was a magazine in the 1950s and ’60s which focused on the social issues, contributions and opinions of women in Australia.
Chess in Victoria
Social life & customs, Such was life:
The Library’s Chess Collection reflects Victorian’s long enthusiasm for the game.
European labour stamps on Australian furniture
Social life & customs, Such was life:
Why did furniture made in Victoria prior to 1960 have to be stamped ‘European labour only’?
Slums of Melbourne
Social life & customs, Such was life:
As far back as the 1850s, slums existed in inner city Melbourne. In the 1930s, Frederick Barnett began taking photos of the slums, using them in a push for social reform.
A Melbourne love affair
Social life & customs, Such was life:
Melbourne’s love affair with coffee has been long-term, passionate, and sometimes controversial.
