The only person identified in the below photo is Alfred Edward Leigh Ellis, the Zither player (born 15 October 1865 in England), he and his zither is identified by a small cross at the bottom of the photo.
Photographic Studio, Oxide Street, Alfred Edward
Leigh Ellis zither player, circa 1910, Broken Hill, Victoria, Australia [T168]
Unfortunately, the address for the photographer has been cut
off during the scanning process, but it is presumed to be “Oxide Street” in Broken
Hill, New South Wales. Alfred married his first wife in 1898 in Minindee not
far from Broken Hill. The couple lived in Perth, only returning to New South Wales before his wife died.
"BUTCHERS.-The fortnightly MEETING of the COASTAL JOURNEYMAN BUTCHERS' UNION will take place at the Hotel Australia, East. Fremantle, TO-NIGHT (Monday), 22nd inst., at 8 o'clock.
A.E.L. ELLIS, Secretary."
So what was Alfred doing accompanying a violinist and other
musicians? I wish I knew, I've done extensive searches on TROVE and discovered
that were all sorts of musical events and concerts going on in Broken Hill between 1910-1920. Events were held outdoors in Rotundas, some in the local Skating Rink (that seem to have been in process of becoming an early picture theatre) plus fundraiser events in Halls, Churches and schools.
There was also the “Annual Smoke Concerts of the Broken Hill branch of the Australian Natives’ Association, in celebration of the landing of Captain Cook”, in Australia [natives not referring to indigenous Australians but to European settlers born in Australia].
But the one that made me smile the most was
the Salvation Army Self Denial Concert.
If only
photographs could talk.
Sepia Saturday: Using Old Images As Prompt for New Reflections – Prompt 554
Sources for Images:
- Digital image from Authors personal collection scanned by Yvonne
Marshall from
- Advertisement for Union meeting 1902 'Advertising', The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), 22 December, p. 10. , viewed 24 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article24850847
- William Ah Chung of Meninidie, lease granted for Vegetable garden in Livingstone, Wambah; Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Government Gazettes, 1853-1899 [database on-line]. from 1 January 1897 to 31 December 1921, granted 1897, page 2653; Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
- William Ah Chung, baker residing in Meninidie. Ancestry.com. Sands Directories: Sydney and New South Wales, Australia, 1858-1933 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. year 1907, listed in page beginning with Allen under Country Alphabetical Listing.
- 1910 'A DARLING RIVER GARDEN.', Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), 21 December, p. 7. (Christmas Supplement To THE BARRIER MINER), viewed 24 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45131853
- Sunday Concerts in the Skating Rink which held up to 2000 people which showed films accompanied by music. - 1910 'SUNDAY CONCERTS.', Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), 21 February, p. 5. , viewed 23 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45101142 & 1910 'SUNDAY CONCERTS.', Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), 28 February, p. 1. , viewed 23 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45101886
- “The Broken Hill Band played at the Central Part Rotunda, The Broken Hill Mouth Organ Band played at the North Reserve Rotunda” - 1910 'BAND CONCERTS.', Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), 28 February, p. 1. , viewed 23 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45101888
- ‘West Suburban Band’ played in the Hillside Rotunda - 1910 'BAND CONCERTS.', Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), 7 March, p. 5. , viewed 23 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45102829
- Philharmonic Society which played at Correl’s Hall - 1910 'PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.', Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), 3 June, p. 5. , viewed 23 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45113369
- Annual Smoke Concert of The Broken Hill branch of the Australian Natives’ Association the celebrated the arrival of Caption Cook to Australia [natives not referring to indigenous folk but to white settlers born in Australia]. - 1910 'AUSTRALIAN NATIVES' ASSOCIATION.', Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), 30 April, p. 6. , viewed 23 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45109098
- Salvation Army Self-Denial Concert.- 1910 'SALVATION ARMY SELF-DENIAL CONCERT.', Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), 13 October, p. 1. , viewed 23 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45143062
- 1910 'BAND OF HOPE CONCERT.', Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), 24 February, p. 3. , viewed 23 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45101630 - 1910 'BAND OF HOPE CONCERT.', Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), 24 February, p. 3. , viewed 23 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45101630
Butcher AND pastry chef? Two vastly different skill sets, I would think. Strength vs delicate touch.
ReplyDeleteThe Self-Denial Concert - wow, what a draw!
As a Journeyman butcher he had passed his apprenticship but wasn't a master butcher which is one who owns his shop. The pastry chef is an interesting one, and was given on one of his children's birth certificates. I'm assuming he had an opportunity to work doing something not quite so physical as butchering but he does seem like a man of opposites especially when you throw in the music as well. A very intriguing fellow
DeleteI wonder what the program was for the Self-Denial Concert? They all match the prompt with their mustaches and suits.
ReplyDeleteThe program would have been something like this "Self-Denial Concert.—An enjoyable evening was spent at tlie Salvation
DeleteArmy ball, Wallaroo, on Thursday, August 17, when a concert in aid of the Self-Denial Appeal was given by local talent. Captain E. Moore presided, and the program included items by the banjo band, conducted by Miss Vera Tucker, pianoforte solos by Florence Kempster and Margaret and Yvonne Bowman; banjo items, lima Phillips, Georgina Nicholls, D. Bennett, Rhonda Prosser, K. Thomas, Geoff, and Betty Rainsford, and Miss V. Tucker; vocal solo, Mrs Grillell; vocal duet, Mrs and
Miss Knuckev; recitations, Miss A. Banks. Beverley Thomas, Joan Buck, and Marjorie Chittleborough." 1939 'GENERAL NEWS.', The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954), 26 August, p. 2. , viewed 25 Jan 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article124535315
They are a very odd mix for a band, and with only one violin they are hardly an orchestra. The melody instruments, the violin, piccolo, and E-flat clarinet (common in military bands), and the glockenspiel are all high treble instruments. The piccolo, glock,and clarinet are really loud too. Alfred is definitely the leader as he holds a baton, not a drum stick. His instrument is actually an autoharp that has a set of narrow bars that when pressed play chords. An easy school or church instrument. The little accordion suggests that they might be a kind of country dance band, but he men are dressed too nice for a contra dance at the pub. I think they are more of a church social band. I'd like to know what kind of music would be on a self-denial concert too!
ReplyDeleteThankyou Mike, for your observations they are very interesting, I didn't realise that Alfred was holding the baton at first I thought they were zither "hammers" but saw it was the wrong shape. It also seemed odd to me that at lease one if not two of the musicans are waering ties rather bow ties. All very intriguing.
DeleteI enjoyed your post very much. As you said "If only photographs could talk." Indeed! :)
ReplyDelete