Australian Orphanage receives historic candle

The Australian Orphanage Museum has welcomed the mysterious donation of a nearly century-old item to its collection. The candle invitation joins a rich collection of orphanage memorabilia from around the country housed at the museum.

Recently, the Australian Orphanage Museum was given a donation of boxing and wrestling trophies and medals, plus some newspaper articles by Care Leaver Cyril Ellis.

Cyril was in St Augustine’s Boys’ Home during the 1950s and 1960s and was part of the successful boxing and wrestling team. He was taught boxing and wrestling by Brother Robinson from St Augustine’s. Cyril travelled across the state to participate in boxing and wrestling matches.

He represented the Geelong area in the Western District’s competitions. Cyril went to Bendigo for country championships and was awarded the winner’s cup. In the Melbourne Championships, he came runner-up. St Vincent de Paul in South Melbourne organised a Golden Gloves competition, which was an eight-week tournament. Cyril won all the divisions for his weight and was Champion of Champions. The first time that title had been awarded.

The AOM thanks Cyril very much for his donations.

 

Did you know that the green jacket worn by ex-Royal Commissioner Jennifer Coate is in Australian Orphanage Museum in Care Leavers Activism Room? Jen also donated $150 towards the framing of the jacket for the exhibition.

Thanks to Jen for this kind donation!