Schools and Sports

So many stories of ancestors and relatives are mentioned in the newspapers of the past. During April 2020 for the A - Z blog challenge, I am listing the types of stories or information I have found in newspapers with examples for each letter of the alphabet. My clippings include a variety of articles about relatives of my children's ancestors.

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School Results

It appears that Grace Walmsley Payne excelled at her studies and music lessons as several of her results were listed. Music played a significant role in the Payne family. In 1909 she was still at school in Ballarat, Victoria.

1909 'SCHOOLS OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY.—MERIT CERTIFICATES.',
Advocate (Melbourne, Vic. : 1868 - 1954), 14 August, p. 21.
 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article170909620

By 1916 Grace had left school in Ballarat and was living in Adelaide where she passed a Grade IV singing examination (1). In later life she is listed as leading the choir at the Catholic church of Colonel Light Gardens in Adelaide. (2)

In the meantime her future husband John Michael Galvin had also undertaken music lessons listed here as passing an elementary piano exam.

1906 'SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS.', Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 - 1912),
12 December, p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201890777

Perhaps some of my readers may remember waiting for their own final school results to be published in the newspapers.

1. 1916 'MUSIC EXAMINATIONS.', The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), 13 October, p. 10. , http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6458260

2. 1928 'HONORING A SAINT.', The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), 8 October, p. 16. , viewed  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73726867

 This post first appeared on earlieryears.blogspot.com by CRGalvin

Love Lurks in the Literary Society

So many stories of ancestors and relatives are mentioned in the newspapers of the past. During April 2020 for the A - Z blog challenge, I am listing the types of stories or information I have found in newspapers with examples for each letter of the alphabet. My clippings include a variety of articles about relatives of my children's ancestors.

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 L for Letters to the editor and letters written to children's pages; these are a wonderful source of information for family historians. Electors' Lists were sometimes published in early newspapers along with Land deals and Licences for hotels. My story today involves a Literary Society and the romance that blossomed there in 1915 and 1916. To this end I have made a List in Trove where the complete articles can be found.

St Patrick's Literary and Dramatic Society

This society for Catholic youth was established in Adelaide as early as 1879 with the intention to "promote the social, moral, and intellectual well being of the members."(1) An early advertisement indicates that this society was only for young men, and indicates the scope of activities.

1889 'Advertising',
Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1954), 19 July, p. 1. ,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164855848

The splendid library mentioned now housed 171 books and the membership roll numbered 48. (2) By 1896 a Ladies Associated Branch had been established.

Fast forward to 1915 where we find not only young men but also young ladies now integral to the society's activities. In 1915 John Michael Galvin was 19 years of age and working for the South Australian Railways in the drawing office at Islington. His younger brother Frank was 16. Grace Walmsley Payne aged 21 and her brother Edward John (known as Ted), 25 were also members of the Society.

The Society met weekly and a lively series of debates and discussions took place. Papers were presented by individuals and other members nominated as critics for that week responded.  Debates were prepared on topics of the day as well as those requiring an examination of personal viewpoints.

Rehearsals for plays and skits offered more chances of interactions. 

In this heady mix of young men and women the romance of John Michael and Grace flourished.

In March of 1915, J M already showing signs of leadership was voted to chair the meeting. He and Grace took part in a humorous sketch entitled "Rival Forces" (3.1) In May that year at the election of officers John Michael took on the role of Librarian for the Society with Grace taking the role of Assistant Librarian. (3.2)

(3.3) Shakespearian Evening

Here in August of 1915, John Michael was Shylock with Grace as Portia and her brother Ted as the Duke. The court scene was performed again in November at the official opening of the hall at St Patrick's on West Terrace. A report of that occasion singled out both John Michael and Grace for their performances.

(3.12) Opening of St Patrick's Hall

In the meantime at a variety of meetings throughout the year John had presented papers entitled "Catholic - not Roman Catholic", (3.7)"Home Rule" focused on Ireland, (3.8) and "Bible teaching in State Schools"(3.9) Grace across a similar range of meetings had spoken on "The 5 Counties",(3.8) "Should women be elected to Parliament"(3.9)

At another function to raise moneys to go toward paying off the debt on the church, John Michael and Grace again performed together.

(3.22) Points about People

In 1916 John Michael also participated in teams debating the White Australia Policy (3.23) and then another Should Compulsory National Service be Adopted in the Commonwealth? (3.25)

In 1917 Grace presented an entertaining article on the customs of the natives of Papua, as depicted by the missionary nuns  (3.26) and another paper that dealt with "the inauguration of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and instanced the good works of one of the noblest societies of the Church." (3.27) She had passed a 4th Grade Singing exam, was in the St Patrick's choir and was considered well qualified to give a talk on "Church Music".(3.29)

With their common interests in debatable topics, drama and their religion, a fertile ground for romance existed. They were engaged in April of 1917 and married in November of that year. A photograph of their wedding is available on a previous post Dressed for the Occasion.

The articles and further activities that John and Grace are mentioned in are available through this list via Trove. The numbers throughout this post, (3.1) - (3.29) refer to that list.

1. 1886 'GENERAL NEWS.', The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 - 1922), 14 September, p. 2. (Second Edition.),  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208493077

2. 1889 'The Register. Adelaide : Wednesday, August 14,1889.', South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), 14 August, p. 4.  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54591323 

3. Numbered List on Trove St Patrick's Literary and Dramatic Society 1915 -1917 https://trove.nla.gov.au/list?id=141369  compiled April 2020 by C R Galvin

This post first appeared on earlieryears.blogspot.com by CRGalvin

Dressed for the occasion

L to R: Edward Payne, Kathleen Dineen, John Michael Galvin, Grace Walmsley Payne, James Dineen, Annie Walmsley

Wedding photos.

Everyone looking their best.

So it was on 21 November 1917 when John Michael Galvin and Grace Walmsley Payne married. Thanks to one of my husband’s cousins, we now have some photos of them.
The description of the wedding appeared in the newspaper some two months after the wedding.

WEDDING BELLS.
A pretty wedding was celebrated before a Choral Mass in St. Patrick's Church, Adelaide, on November 21, the contracting parties being Mr. Jack M. Galvin, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Galvin, of Adelaide, and Miss Grace Walmsley Payne, youngest daughter of Mrs. E. Payne, of Adelaide. Rev. Father O'Sullivan officiated.

The bride, who was conducted to the altar by her brother, Mr. E. Payne, looked charming in a dress of ivory silk poplin (tunic effect), and carried a shower bouquet. The first bridesmaid, Miss Annie Walmsley (cousin of the bride), wore a dainty Assam, silk costume and black hat with pink trimmings. The second bridesmaid, Miss Kathleen Dineen (cousin of the bridegroom), was charmingly dressed in a Japanese silk frock costume with black hat relieved with pink.

The duties of best man were performed by Mr. James Dineen, of Mile-End. Mr. Arthur Watts led the choir, Mrs. V. Brown being organist. During the Mass the bride and bridegroom approached Communion together. At the breakfast, held at the residence of the parents of the bridegroom. Rev. Father O'Sullivan proposed the toast of the bride and bridegroom, and spoke in eulogistic praise of the newly married couple and wished them every success. The bridegroom suitably responded. The toast of the bridesmaids was proposed by Mr. E. Payne and Mr. J. Dineen responded, and that of the parents of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by Mr. F. P. Keogh and responded to by Mr. J. P. Galvin. The happy couple were the recipients of costly and numerous presents. A very pleasant time was spent on the evening of the wedding, when many of their numerous friends were present. (1)

A courtship of the times

It is highly likely that Grace and John had met in Adelaide through the very active local Catholic church youth group, St Patrick’s Literary and Dramatic Society. This group held weekly meetings with debates, impromptu speeches, readings and talks and they were both very active members. So one could suggest that this was indeed fertile ground for young love; weekly meetings, spirited debating and performances. John had turned 19 in 1915 and Grace was 21.

In the photo below they are performing together, most likely in the skit “Rival Forces” as part of an elocutionary evening detailed thus:

L to R Unknown performer,
Grace Payne and John Michael Galvin

The next item consisted of a humorous sketch, entitled "Rival Forces," the following taking part— Miss Grace Payne, Messrs. P. A. Greene, P. O'Reilly, and J. M. Galvin. (2)

At a September meeting in 1915 which focussed on all things Irish, Grace presented a talk on “The five counties” and John’s presentation was entitled “Home Rule”(3).
On another occasion Grace’s impromptu speech topic was “Should Women be Elected to Parliament” while John was required to address the topic of “Bible teaching in State Schools.” (4)

They were also required to act as critics for other speeches and performances.  In November of 1915 when the  new hall at St Patrick’s was opened, a celebratory evening concluded with the court scene  from “The merchant of Venice”  John was Antonio and Grace performed as Portia.

A reporter provided this commentary:Mr. J. M. Galvin gave a good interpretation of Shylock, his enunciation being clear and distinct. Miss G. Payne as Portia was seen at her best. Her reading of the character was excellent, and her elocution proved decidedly attractive. The remaining members of the caste also did well.   (5)

Looking Back - John Michael Galvin's 1968 recollections

After his wife died in 1968, John Michael Galvin wrote a brief history about his ancestors, relations and descendants in Australia. Here he recalled his early years.

It was my very good fortune to meet a most gracious young lady, Grace Walmsley Payne. We were both members of a self-improvement Society - St Patrick' s Literary and Debating Society - which conducted weekly meetings at which papers on current topics would be read by individual members and then would be subjected to criticism by the other members present. 

Apparently at that stage of my life I must have been somewhat assertive in character as it came back to me that Grace had mentioned to some of her girl friends that when she got the opportunity she was going "to take that cocky young Jack Galvin down a peg or two". She did and as I remember the incident it concerned my over emphasis of the letter 'h' in hospital-as she said in her criticism "I would remind Mr Galvin that it is pronounced 'aitch' not 'haitch'.
Something had to be done to atone for that. Something was.
On 2nd November 1917 we were married at St Patrick' s Church, Grote Street Adelaide. (6)

There is much more to be told another day about the lives of this couple, my husband's paternal grandparents, but for now we come full circle to the wedding photo.

Members of the bridal party

Left to right:

Edward John Payne: 1889 -1934 son of Edward Payne and Mary Walmsley, Grace's brother

Kathleen May Dineen: 1898 -1965 daughter of Jeremiah James Dineen and Julia O'Neill, first cousin of 

John Michael Galvin: 1896 - 1971 son of John Patrick Galvin and Catherine O'Neill

Grace Walmsley Payne:1893 -1968 daughter of Edward Payne and Mary Walmsley

James Augustine Dineen: 1894 - 1934 son of Jeremiah James Dineen and Julia O'Neill

Annie Walmsley: daughter of William Walmsley and Henrietta Rogers - Grace's first cousin

It is highly likely that this photo was taken at the time of the wedding breakfast outside the home of John Michael's father John Patrick Galvin. He was a photographer who at various times between 1902 and 1923 operated out of studios in Adelaide and from his home.

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1. 1918 'Family Notices.', Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1954), 18 January, p. 16, viewed 3 November, 2015, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166985060 
2. 1915 'LITERARY SOCIETIES.', Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1954), 12 March, p. 12. , viewed 18 Apr 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166424633
3. 1915 'LITERARY SOCIETIES. ST. PATRICK'S LITERARY AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY.', Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1954), 3 September, p. 12. , viewed 18 Apr 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166427424
4. 1915 'ST. PATRICK'S LITERARY AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY.', Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1954), 1 October, p. 9. , viewed 18 Apr 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166427833
5. 1915 'OPENING OF ST. PATRICK'S HALL', Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1954), 5 November, p. 14. , viewed 18 Apr 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166428370
6. 1968 Galvin, John Michael The Galvin Family: Over one hundred years in Australia. Family document held digitally.

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This post written by CRGalvin appears at https://earlieryears.blogspot.com/2018/04/dressed-for-occasion.html 

Galvin wedding in the news

My interest in family history has led me to my search for my husband's ancestors.I knew my husband's grandfather was John Michael Galvin and that he had died in Victoria about the time we had met. An easy place to start was Trove. I built a list of Galvin related announcements then proceeded to verify details with other sources of information relating to this family. Several months into my research I discovered my beloved father-in-law John Dominic Galvin 1918-2003, had compiled a hand drawn tree on paper which was in our filing cabinet. I was delighted to discover that what I had reconstructed from sources matched his findings even though his sources were undocumented.

 Here is a notice for the wedding of his parents John Michael Galvin and Grace Walmsley Payne.
A full description of the wedding was also included in the same paper.

WEDDING BELLS.
A pretty wedding was celebrated before a Choral Mass in St. Patrick's Church, Adelaide, on November 21, the contracting parties being Mr. Jack M. Galvin, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Galvin, of Adelaide, and Miss Grace Walmsley Payne, youngest daughter of Mrs. E. Payne, of Adelaide. Rev. Father O'Sullivan officiated. 

The bride, who was conducted to the altar by her brother, Mr. E. Payne, looked charming in a dress of ivory silk poplin (tunic effect), and carried a shower bouquet. The first bridesmaid, Miss Annie Walmsley (cousin of the bride), wore a dainty Assam, silk costume and black hat with pink trimmings. The second bridesmaid, Miss Kathleen Dineen (cousin of the bridegroom), was charmingly dressed in a Japanese silk frock costume with black hat relieved with pink. 

The duties of best man were performed by Mr. James Dineen, of Mile-End. Mr. Arthur Watts led the choir, Mrs. V. Brown being organist. During the Mass the bride and bridegroom approached Communion together. 

At the breakfast, held at the residence of the parents of the bridegroom. Rev. Father O'Sullivan proposed the toast of the bride and bridegroom, and spoke in eulogistic praise of the newly married couple and wished them every success. The bridegroom suitably responded. The toast of the bridesmaids was proposed by Mr. E. Payne and Mr. J. Dineen responded, and that of the parents of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by Mr. F. P. Keogh and responded to by Mr. J. P. Galvin. The happy couple were the recipients of costly and numerous presents. A very pleasant time was spent on the evening of the wedding, when many of their numerous friends were present.

1918 'Family Notices.', Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1954), 18 January, p. 16, viewed 3 November, 2015, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166985060

 On the same day, Jan 18th, 1918 further down the Family Notices this Silver Wedding notice caught my attention. It alerted me to the names of the grandparents of John Michael Galvin and also provided some details about his mother Catherine Josephine O'Neill. Thanks to Trove my Galvin research was off to a good start.