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Remember it is spring in just two days. Oh! If only a date could the weather make.
The adventures of Mollie Hill
Having read Mollie’s poem Progress through Courage several times, I concluded that she was born and bred in Shepparton, with our history in her DNA.
I was completely wrong!
Mollie was born in the UK; educated in London and Geneva, studying journalism at London University — and, presumably, being ‘finished’ at a Swiss Finishing School. She came to Australia in 1928, studying art in Melbourne and arriving in Shepp in 1934. She worked for The Advertiser (a second newspaper in town) writing a social column, for the ladies — and writing and illustrating a children’s page.
Mollie (whose true name was Margery) quickly became a part of the fabric of our town and, it seems, made many friends. There is mention of an art display, in Maples’ window (a furniture store on the corner over Maude and Fryers), and obviously she was active in our centenary celebrations — anticipating in her poem our ambition to become a city:
‘A hundred years since white men blazed the way, Yet few years till we boast a city’s crown.’
In 1946, she left to live in an ‘old cottage’ in Wandiligong — and to paint. A farewell party was held at the home of Mrs J. Riordan, with approximately 70 attendees. Mollie didn’t sell her Shepparton home, and returned for an art exhibition of her country water colours in 1951.
The exhibition was held in the Star supper room and was opened by the Mayor (Cr V.E. Vibert). Mollie exhibited 60 water colours including unusual views of the ‘top of Victoria’. The Advertiser tells us that Mollie had been on a sketching tour of the Alps, with fellow artists Anne Montgomery and Lucy Newell, when they camped in a cattleman’s hut at 5000 feet — until they ran out of food. Relief came from the Hotham hospice, which sent down a cold roast, biscuits and margarine.
The Advertiser November 9, 1951:
‘As could be expected, unorthodoxy is a feature of her style. Perhaps the dominant impression is her eye for, and treatment of, colour.’
A further report tells us that ‘most of the exhibition’ was purchased on the opening night.
I have no further information regarding Mollie — but would love to know what happened after 1951. Also, where are the landscapes that were bought in November of that year? Have you got one? I read that one was purchased by the City for the Shepparton Art Gallery.
From readers. I have pics of a still life and the sketches shown here — but no landscapes. It would be nice to get a small exhibition up in the Shepparton Museum (Heritage Centre), don’t you think?
The sketches came from Rita. They are place cards Mollie drew for a wedding. (Rita’s great aunt.)
Our memories
A wonderful memory from Glenice.
Dear Marnie,
With health care in all our minds recently, I recalled a story of our family doctor (Dr Grutzner) in Nixon St.
He had a big green car (don’t know which style) and he did house calls in the mornings. I was taken to Mooroopna Hospital with diphtheria. I was about five or six years old (early 1940s). The isolation ward was out the back of the hospital, with a wooden walkway from the front. You could hear the rumble of goods and footsteps coming.
This children’s ward was quite big — I think eight to 10 beds — and the building itself was wooden with very high windows.
NO VISITORS FOR SIX WEEKS!
Dr Grutzner would call in to our place after his rounds and pick up something, for me, from Mother — every day. I believe he did this for others — cakes, biscuits, bottle drinks, toys, books, colouring books, pencils. He then took these to Mooroopna on his hospital rounds. Everything was shared around the ward. And he could give parents word on how their children were, first hand.
Probably today, we wouldn’t be able to accept their goods. We all got home safely.
It was a worrying time for Shepparton.
Glenice (McNeill) Holmes.
Firstly Glenice, thank you so much. I remember hearing from you in regard to John Pick and your memories of him. I think you mentioned Mr Pick painting one of Ducat’s milk carts (if I am wrong, forgive me!) However (in case I’m right), I wanted to tell you that a member of the Ducat family has a photo of the painted cart and has promised to search for it. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been well and climbing a step ladder, lifting boxes etc has been out of the question. Hopefully, one day, I’ll be able to share it.
I was also reminded, once again, of the kindness of our local doctors. When I was researching Isa Kelly, in regard to her life and paintings, I discovered that she worked for Dr John McKellar (Snr) in Mooroopna. She told about him going through the accounts before she posted them — and throwing out the ones that would cause hardship for his patients. Sometimes, a substantial number would be thrown into the bin.
Glenice’s letter is also a reminder of the stories each of us has; each of us carries throughout our lives; not earth-shaking but important none the less. Important enough to stay in our memories over the years; whether it is a flood, a sports day, or the birth of a child — they matter! I have received some other memories, which I’ll share next week.
By the way, for many years, Glenice and her family lived in High St and her brother, Bruce, became mayor of our city.
Under the clock
October 8, 1914
DIPHTHERIA CASES
In view of the fact that there have been several cases of diphtheria in Mooroopna. It was suggested that the department should be approached with the object of closing the school. A case occurred in the family of the headmaster, Mr W.C. Crane. Dr Florance, as the local health officer, advised that all patients should be isolated, and that Mr Crane should isolate himself from his family. Mr Crane readily accepted this suggestion and is now having his meals away from home and sleeping under canvas. The school board held a special meeting and accepted these arrangements as satisfactory for the present. The cases so far are of a mild form.
Our local gem – Lost Shepparton
When I began writing Town Talk, I had no idea of the amount of time and effort that has gone into ‘Lost Shepparton’ files — or what an amazing resource it is for our city. An early approach to Geoff Allemand went something like this:
Me: Geoff, I don’t suppose you’ve got a picture of ...?
Geoff: Would you like to rephrase that question, in a positive manner?’
Me: (laughing) Have you got a pic of ...?
Geoff: Of course, I have several. I’ll send them through now.
Another example was when I included, in the column, some information about a topic, asking readers what they could add. An email arrived before lunch saying ‘You only had to ask!’
Last week, during one of our phone conversations, I mentioned that I was interested in Mollie Hill; I received invaluable articles within an hour.
Lost Shepparton is Geoff’s ‘baby’ — just as KidsTown Adventure Playground was. It is his passion and he has created yet another fantastic resource for us all. If there is any information for which you are searching, Geoff can be found at the Shepparton Museum, Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 5pm. (The museum is also open Sunday but Geoff is unlikely to be there.) Or on 0459 215 205.
May it be easy, my friends
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.
Phone: Send a text on 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back, if you wish)
Town Talk