This extract from the ‘Morwell Advertiser’ reported on a visit to the Yallourn State School by Father Christmas in 1934. The brief article was published in the newspaper on the 10th January 1935 (Page: 9)…
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10th January 1935 Morwell Advertiser Page 9
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Yallourn State School
MOTHERS' CLUB
A happy afternoon was spent at the Infant School on Tuesday, the 19th December, when Father Christmas again visited the school with gifts for all the children.
An appreciative audience of parents and friends listened to the songs and recitations, etc.; by the children and watched with pleasure their tumultuous welcome of Santa Claus and their evident delight and joy at receiving their gifts.
The Mothers' Club committee wishes to thank most heartily all those who, by their donations and willing help, made this treat for the children possible.
CHRISTMAS IN YALLOURN THROUGH THE YEARS
1. The first recorded Christmas event (party) organized for the children of the town occurred in 1922. That year, Father Christmas rode into the ‘new settlement’ of Yallourn on horseback. It is believed that about 50 children received gifts from Santa that year.
2. In 1923 the Christmas party was held in the new St John’s Hall.
3. The singing of Christmas carols was an annual highlight for the workers who lived in the harsh and trying conditions of the Yallourn camps… “Another popular Christmas custom was the camp men’s singsong in the mess where the men from many lands entertained the community.” Prue McGoldrick.
4. The various Christmas parties, within the town’s clubs and organizations, were popular for workers and their families. On page: 69 of the book ‘Yallourn Was’ there is a photograph of the men, women and children gathered together (probably in St John’s Hall) for a Christmas celebration. In the photo, Father Christmas is almost lost in a ‘sea of faces.’ The children seem to be wearing their best outfits (some young boys with ties) for the big event.
5. The Yallourn Girl Guides received a most welcome Christmas present in 1932. On December 17th, a newly built ‘Guide Hut’ was opened. It is believed that the building was located behind the Post Office in those days. ‘The Live Wire’ (December 22nd) described the new Hut as a ‘palace.’
6. The Presbyterian and Methodist Churches held combined morning and evening services on Christmas Day in Yallourn in 1932.
7. The Yallourn Hotel offered specially priced parcels of “Christmas Cheer’ on sale in 1932. One discounted pack included 6 bottles of Ale, one bottle of Invalid Port and one bottle of White Port. The price of the ‘Christmas bundle’ was 13/- (shillings) which meant a saving of 4/- to customers.
8. In 1932, the Christmas pantomime ‘Cinderella’ was presented by the pupils of the Myee Huddy Ballet School.
9. In the lead-up to Christmas in 1933, the Yallourn & District Band provided an entertaining program of ‘selected music’ for the people of the town in the rotunda in the Broadway Gardens.
10. According to the ‘Morwell Advertiser,’ Yallourn’s new tennis courts were opened on December 23rd in 1933. (Note: These courts were situated on the grounds of St John’s Church of England.)
11. The Yallourn Salvation Army Band played a significant role in the Christmas celebrations in the town. In 1951 the Salvation Army Band also received praise for its ‘efficient accompaniment’ at a special Combined Carol Service which was organized at Morwell.
12. In 1952, radio station 3TR sponsored a ‘Christmas Day Appeal’ to assist the local hospitals and ambulance services throughout the Latrobe Valley region. The President of the LVC H at Yallourn, Mr E.H. Stott, endorsed the 3TR fund raising appeal via an article in a local newspaper.
13. The staff of the Hinkley’s chain stores at Yallourn attended the company’s Christmas Social which was held in Morwell in 1952.
14. In 1954 the Men’s Club had a special Christmas break-up function at Fairfield House in Yallourn.
15. Anyone who was in Yallourn on Christmas Day in 1966 will never forget the extraordinary hail storm that cut a swathe through the town on that hot and humid afternoon. The photos of such hailstones (some as big as golf balls) are posted on the Virtual Yallourn website.
16. Rockmans Store closed its doors sometime after Christmas in 1974.The cessation of trade by such a prominent business in the town was a sign of ‘things to come.’
Note: The above newspaper article has been reprinted in good faith. The only changes, from the original copy, were in regard to font size, font style and spacing so as to enhance the presentation of the story on the Virtual Yallourn website.
Sources:
• The ‘Morwell Advertiser’- Various editions (1932-1954).
• ‘The Live Wire.’ December 22nd1932
• ‘Yallourn Was.’ Written by Prue McGoldrick.
• National Library Archives.
• ‘Chronicle of Australia’.
In my Mothers day in the
In my Mothers day in the Guides the Guide Hall ( Hut) was in that area behind the National Bank (between the Bank and the back of the Office Place Guest House). In my day the guide hall was across the road form the swimming pool between Parkside and the Tennis Courts. I am wondering whether the new Guide Hall referred to in "5" was actually the one near the Tennis Courts.