Stereograph - Federation Celebrations, Maypole Dancing, Children's Fete at the Exhibition Oval, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, Victoria, 1901
Summary:
These two identical sepia stereographic views mounted on card, depict Maypole Dances at the Children's Fete on the Exhibition Oval, in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, on 11 May 1901, at 2.30 p.m.
The opening of the Australian Parliament on 9 May 1901 was an occasion for great celebrations in Melbourne. Ten days of festivities (from 6-16 May) were planned to mark the Federation of the new nation and honour the Royal visitors, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. The city was transformed with decorations - flags, bunting, colourful lights and festive arches - and a series of public events were held, including a military tattoo and several street parades. Unprecedented numbers of people arrived in Melbourne from the rest of Victoria and throughout Australia to take part in the celebrations. The State School Children's Fete was held as part of these celebrations.
Description:
Two identical sepia stereographs mounted on card, depict Maypole Dances at the Children's Fete on the Exhibition Oval. The girls are wearing white flowing ankle length dresses with white shoes and stockings. They have white crowns on their heads. A large crowd is gathered in the background. The facade of the REB is visible in the background.
Description Of Content:
Maypole Dances at the Children's Fete on the Exhibition Oval, in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, on 11 May 1901, at 2.30 p.m. The girls are wearing white flowing ankle length dresses with white shoes and stockings. They have white crowns on their heads. A large crowd is gathered in the background. The facade of the Exhibition Building is visible in the background. The State School Children's Fete was held as part of the celebrations for the opening of the first Australian Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901 and the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall & York.
Acquisition Information:
Donation from Mrs Jillian Gengoult Smith
Courtesy Museum Victoria
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What a marvelous time they all had I'm sure! I knew about May Day, and my school way way way back had small celebrations, but nothing ever like what I've been viewing! Maybe we could muster up something again with all our Sepia Posts! They do have parades even around here now, but nothing like what the past was all about!
ReplyDeleteIt's photos like this that make me want to step back in time very briefly, just long enough to see the sights myself and drink in the sounds and smells.
ReplyDeleteI vaguely remember looking at stereographs at my great-grandmother's house. It would be fun to see them again but heaven knows what became of them.
ReplyDeleteThose stereographs must have really brought the picture to life. We take such things for granted now, but I remember when my great-aunt in America sent my brother one of the first Viewmasters with lots of reels, we were fascinated, and that’s how it must have been for the first people using a stereograph.
ReplyDeleteI have been waiting with interest to read your post this week because I was fascinated to find out our May Day transfers to the southern hemisphere. And I am not disappointed by either your pictures or words. Isn't it amazing how, given a good celebratioon and holiday, it can be shaped to meet any climatic requirement.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful stereograph! I had not yet read your post when I posted my own - so happy to see another stereograph regarding May Day. Thanks for sharing this beautiful photo.
ReplyDeleteI wish someone would hang a may basket on my door with some flowers and a handmade friendship bracelet like the ones in your previous post.
ReplyDeleteLove the stereo photo. What a spectacle.
Nancy
It is interesting to see the May Pole as part of a historical celebration.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great picture. Interesting to see that the traditions went with the settlers.
ReplyDeleteInteresting steroegraphs. I did a double take when I saw the reference to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall until I looked at the date again - it couldn't be Charles and Camilla.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, Tatiana, and a wonderful piece of history.
ReplyDeleteKathy M.
There really was a large crowd in the photo. It does say that people came from all over Australia for the event. You wonder where they stayed?? And having been in the food business most of my life, I always wonder what they did for lunch? Somebody had to organize a massive feeding operation and when you consider they didn't have much ice or refrigeration...quite a feat.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful scene of everyone dancing around the pole. They never photograph the end result of the wrapped pole.
ReplyDelete