Records of Austral Salon

Identifier(s): MS 12379

Collection

Scope and Content

Records of Austral Salon 1890-1982, includes annual reports 1914-1984; minutes 1902-1982; financial records 1906-1974, membership lists 1890-1925, scrapbooks, ca. 1931-1980; autograph books, 1891-1983; membership applications and nomination papers 1920s-1970s; visitors’ books 1929-1975; attendance registers 1966-1975; ephemera 1921-ca. 1982; activity books 1929-1974 and correspondence 1916-1979. (F BOX 2822 is a scrapbook ca. 1969-1980 containing press cuttings, photographs, invitations and letters).

Series I : Annual Reports

Series II : Minute and activity books

Series III : Cash Books

Series IV : Registers and Journals

Series V : Miscellaneous correspondence and documents

Series VI : Membership papers

Series VII : Ephemera

Series VIII : Scrapbooks

Series IX : Autograph Book

Dates

1890-1984

Creator

Austral Salon (Melbourne, Vic.) (Organization)

Restrictions

Available for reference.

Biographical Information

The Austral Salon was founded in Melbourne in 1890 by a few journalists as a meeting place for women writers which subsequently developed into a club for artistic and intelligent women to become known. Artists such as Ada Castles, Ada Crossley and Florence Austral were first heard at the Austral Salon. Since 1951 the Salon has provided an annual scholarship for students at Melbourne University Conservatorium. The Salon was also active in philanthropic work and assisted many charitable organisations. The monthly meetings were held every third Thursday and were folowed by a presentation of a paper and a musical or dramatic programme. Musical ’At Homes’ and literary afternoons were held weekly on Mondays.