HARRISON, Nellie Frances was Jack Harrison’s Aunt
25.9.1901 – 17.9.1998
Nellie Frances Harrison was the third child born in Subiaco to Arthur Dight Harrison and Phoebe Alice Parsons.
1907:
In addition to brother William, the names of Nellie and Lou Harrison from 256 Perth Street, Subiaco first appear in the local newspapers on 19 October 1907 in a letter from the Matron at the Home of Peace in Hamersley Road, Subiaco after the children from the Sunshine League made a visit.
In January, 1908 Nellie Harrison wrote to Uncle Tom, the editor and co-ordinator of the Sunshine League at the Daily News newspaper and asked to be put on the Sunshine League roll. She was member 120 and 6 years old living at 256 Perth-street, Subiaco:
The Daily News Saturday 14 November 1908 page 9
PRIZE LETTER.
(The Prize is a Picture and Story Book.)
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I thank you for the nice card you sent -me for my birthday. My dada is working at the Girls’ Orphanage, on Adelaide Terrace, and he says all the children look so nice and happy, and well-cared for there, and when I am older I am going to visit them. Enclosed sixpence for their Xmas Cheer Fund.
Your loving little niece,
NELLIE HARRISON, aged 7.
Dear Nellie,— I thank you for your subscription for the Orphans’ Christmas Cheer. I would be, very, pleased if you would save your pennies and buy a present for one of the orphans. If you send something to me I will write the name of one of the children on the present, and will put it on the Christmas tree, x x x x. Uncle Tom [1]
Also in July 1908, Nellie volunteered for the Sunshine League Sewing Circle. The Sewing Circle was established for members to make sheets, pillow cases, dusters and towels for the new Perth Children’s Hospital.
Sunshine League Concert At The Home Of Peace Subiaco (1908).
In 1908, the children from the Sunshine League performed a concert at the Home of Peace for the Dying and Incurable in Subiaco. Over 400 children attended. The concert was reported in the Daily News newspaper by Uncle Tom, a journalist and coordinator of the Sunshine League. The Sunshine League, the children, events and the adults who worked at the Daily News newspaper have been discussed in earlier posts on this blog. The Sunshine League was established by the Daily News newspaper in 1907 and was coordinated by Uncle Tom. Those children who joined the Sunshine League members were known as nieces and nephews were encouraged to spread kindness where ever they could to orphans, the sick and dying and old people in various institutions. They also helped raise money for the Perth Children’s Hospital and other causes in Perth. In the first year 1908 the annual report stated the Sunshine League held 28 concerts, 2 fancy dress balls, 16 bazaars, 2 afternoon teas and one play, a total of 49 events many of them organised and volunteered by children (and their families) raising hundreds of pounds. The children and their families also made substantial donations of money many of them from Subiaco (Daily News, 30 May, 1908).
Sunshine Concert
March 1908
Conducted by UNCLE TOM.
My Dear Nieces and Nephews, – I must say at the outset that I was very pleased with the Sunshine Concert at the Home of Peace on Monday evening.
At its conclusion I passed around to each of the patients on the verandah, and they all said they had spent a most pleasant evening, and the beaming smile on their faces was evidence in support of their statement.
I was delighted also to meet so many of my happy and smiling nieces and nephews, and as for the program me, I cannot say more than that I was pleasantly surprised at its splendid quality. The older persons present enjoyed It as much as we did, for no one left till the close, although there was ample opportunity had they felt so disposed. For the benefit of those who were not able to attend – (I estimate that about 400 children were present) – I will give you the programme as it took place: –
Overture, Miss Ella R. Weickhardt; song, Miss Dorothy Kelly; recitation, Miss Diana Lazarus; character song, Master Sam Masai (accompanist Mrs. Brown); recitation, Miss Hilda Jones; pianoforte selection, Miss Cissie Troy; recitation, Miss Tessie Murphay; part song, Master Louis and Miss Nellie Harrison; character song, ‘Gretchen,’ the Misses Gracie M. White, N. Marie Burmaister, and Laura A. Porter; recitation, Miss Verona Rodriques; spectacular dialogue, the Misses Birdie Beckwith, Etta Hollis, Gwen Knox, Hattie Rlnger, Hilda Patterson, Gladys Taylor; and Mabel M. Wright; pianoforte selection, Miss Vera Cantor; song, Miss Margaret Parker; recitation, Miss Alice Rlckard; song, Miss Muriel Francis; part song, Misses Violet Frank, Eunice Thomas, Lizzie M’Narmara, Willa M’Donald, Rita Maddaford, and Vera Maddaford; recitation, Miss Janet Rlckard; pianoforte duet, the Misses Eileen O’Mahoney and Kathleen Dempsey; recitation, Miss Mavis M. Harris; song, Miss Katie Breadsell, recitation, Master Victor D. A. Courtney; chorus, Fremantle Girls. [2]
LETTER.
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, – I thank you for the nice book you sent me. I can read it too. I have saved 12½d. of my own money, and mama is going to buy something for the orphans’ Christmas Tree, and will send it to you early this week. I had a card to collect for the Children’s Hospital, and I got it full, so I am going to get a medal. I hope you will get plenty of presents for the children all to get something, and I wish them all a Merry Xmas. Good-bye, dear Uncle. – Your loving little niece,
NELLIE HARRISON, aged 7.
Dear Nellie, – I was very pleased to get your nice letter, especially as you are thinking of the little orphans who haven’t a nice kind mother like you have to buy them nice presents at Christmas time. Will you ask your mother to take you to the Girls’ Orphanage, Adelaide-terrace, Perth, on December 28, to see Father Christmas give out the presents [3].
In 1909 Nellie and her brother Willie continued to write to Uncle Tom and raise money for the Perth Children’s Hospital including selling tickets to events and sending stamps.
LETTER.
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, – I am sending you a little essay on spiders, so I will write only a short letter. I am in the big school now in the second standard. Good-bye, dear Uncle. – Your living little niece, NELLIE HARRISON. Aged 7 years and 4 months. P.S. – I send 6d. for the Children’s Hospital, Sunshine Ward Fund. xxxx
Dear Nellie. – You have written a nice essay. I can see that you have paid attention to your teacher at nature study lesson. I thank you for your contribution to the Children’s Hospital Fund, and send you three xxx – Uncle Tom. [4]
MY LETTER BAG
256 Perth-street, Subiaco.
Dear Uncle Tom, — I thank you for my prize which I received a little while ago. I have read it and Will has too. And dada is away in Albany. On Friday after school I went to Congdon-street to stay till Monday morning with Mrs. Richardson. Mama told me that Mr. Richardson built your ‘Daily News’ office and the Home of Peace, too. On Sunday while I was away our dear little baby Charlie was sick; and mama told to send for the doctor. It was convulsions, but he got up to-day. I am glad he is better. On Monday when Willie was at carpentry, he fainted, and he is sick now. Will asks me to say he would try and sell a few tickets for ‘The Carnival of Flowers’ on May 1. He will write when he gets up. I am sending three stamps for the Children’s Hospital. I am tired now, dear Uncle Tom. – Your loving little niece,
NELLIE HARRISON, aged 7 1/2.
Dear Nellie, – I have sent Willie a few tickets to sell for the ‘Carnival of Flowers, I shall be pleased to see you all present. You have sent me a lot of bad news this week. I hope you next letter will be full of good news – Uncle Tom.[5]
By 1909 the Harrison family had Olive Dunn with them. Olive Dunn, a 11 year old girl asked to join the Sunshine League. Olive and Nellie went visiting a sick child at the new Perth Children’s Hospital and Olive shared her thoughts with Uncle Tom. Olive was from Statham Siding, the daughter Thomas Statham, a prominent local figure who managed the quarry and related infrastructure near what was known as Statham’s Siding.
MY LETTER BAG
SUNSHINE-MAKING ACCOUNTS and WELCOME CORRESPONDENCE
FIRST CLASS
256 Perth-street, Subiaco
Dear Auntie Nell, — I am very sorry we are losing “Uncle Tom,” and I am sending you 3d. each from myself and my two brothers. I am not able to write a long letter to-night, for I have the toothache. Good-bye, dear auntie, Your loving niece,
NELLIE HARRISON, aged 8¼
Dear Little Nellie, I thank you so much for your threepence sent in by Louis. It was very good of you all to club together and give the shilling. I do hope, the nasty old toothache is better. It is so painful, Isn’t it? Will you take part in our anniversary celebrations? I want as many as possible to assist. Good-bye, dear. Yours lovingly, Auntie Nell.[6]
MY LETTER BAG
256 Perth Street Subiaco
Dear Auntie Nell, it is a long time since I have written to you, but I always read the Children’s Page. I used to write to ‘Uncle Tom,’ and I got three prizes from him. One was for an essay on ‘The Spider,’ and the others were for two letters. I have coloured the Scout and I am enclosing it. I have three brothers; two older than myself and one younger, and I am ten years old and will be eleven next September. I am in the higher fifth at school. I will now close, as it is bed time. Hoping you are well. I remain your loving niece,
NELLIE HARRISON.
Dear Nellie, I do not remember you writing to me before, it was possibly to ‘Uncle Tom’ that you wrote, and I have been so busy that I have not been able to look your letter up. Now that you tell me about the essay on ‘The Spider’ I shall find it and read it. Can’t you get., your brother to join, the League? Do you think you and your brothers could help in a pretty opera if we decide to give it in aid of the Children’s Hospital? With love, dear,
From yours lovingly, Auntie Nell[7]
RECIPE CONTEST
THE PRIZE RECIPES
SECOND
Second, prize is awarded to Miss Nellie Harrison, 256 Perth-Street, Subiaco, for recipe for LEMON JAM
Ingredients: Six large lemons, six pounds of sugar, six pints water.
Method ; Cut lemons in half lengthwise, then in thin slices, removing pips, and soak in the six pints of water for 24 hours; about half an hour before adding, sugar. ‘ Then boil one hour, or until it jellies nicely.[8]
RECIPE CONTEST
THE PRIZE RECIPES
SECOND
Second prize is awarded to Miss Nellie Harrison of 256 Perth Street Subiaco for recipe for QUEEN CAKES
Ingredients : Three eggs, quarter pound butter, quarter pound sugar, six ounces flour (self-raising), two tablespoonsful milk, and a few drops essence of lemon.
Mode: Beat butter and sugar to a cream the add the eggs one by one, beat well and add the milk, beat again before and also after adding the flour, half fill well buttered pattie tins and drop a few currants in centre. Bake in a quick oven about seven minutes.[9]
RECIPE CONTEST
THE PRIZE RECIPES
Third prize is awarded to Miss Nellie Harrison, 256 Perth-street, Subiaco, for recipe for PLUM JELLY.
Mode: Put plums into preserving pan and barely cover with water; boil until the plums will mash readily; then strain through a fine strainer and return juice to pan and boil for twenty minutes; then add to each cup of the juice one cup of sugar, and boil until it jellies, which will be about twenty minutes.[10]
MY LETTER BAG
My Dear Auntie Nell. – Just a few lines hoping to find you well. I was wishing last week I was old enough to try for the first aid prize. We have a St. John’s Ambulance book and I often read it. In last Saturday’s paper I saw a puzzle. There was the young son his father, and his grandfather, and three of them spent fourpence each so three fourpences are a shilling. I will now close my letter hoping it will prove successful. – I remain your loving niece. NELLIE HARRISON, age 10 3/4.
Dear Nellie. – I am pleased to know that I have a little niece who employs her time so profitably as to read up on the subject of “First Aid.” Perhaps you will make a good little nurse some-day. You have solved this week’s puzzle correctly, dear. I hope you are one of the prize-winners. Look for the list of names. –
Lovingly your Auntie Nell [11]
MY LETTER BAG
256 Perth street Subiaco
Dear Auntie Nell,— I have not written to you for a long time, but I have not forgotten you. I was one of Uncle Tom’s nieces, and I have four prizes which I got from him. They are very nice books, the names of them are ‘Road Rail,’ ‘Sea Dorothy,’ ‘In Dormsdorp,’ and ‘Sunshine ‘ and the Fairy Queen.’ Our baby will be three years old, next Saturday. He is such a funny little fellow; his name is Charlie George, but he calls himself Charlie Mick Harrison. I will
now say good-bye, dear Auntie. -Your loving little niece,
NELLIE F. HARRISON, aged 8.
Dear Little Nellie,— Yes, it, is a long time since you have written, and I thought you had forgotten all about me. What a lot of nice prizes you received from Uncle Tom. I hope you will try and win some from me too. You write a good letter for a little maid of eight years, and your writing is very good also. What a sweet little man Charlie must be. He must amuse you all very much with his dear, funny little ways. When he is big enough you must ask him to write me a letter— I should love to have him for a little nephew. Good-bye, dearie.
—Take much love and a kiss from yours lovingly, Auntie Nell.[12]
Nellie attended Perth Girl’s School then Perth Technical School to study shorthand and typing:
1916 State Education Certificates
Subiaco Centre
English.-Passed with credit: James Baird, B. F. Black, Dorothy Blair, B. Chaloner, J. Donald, Connie Gee, Fred Islip, Eirene Owen, Margery Smith, Dorothy Worth. Pass: Nellie Allen, Jack Bradshaw, Mollie Conroy, E. Davenport, Chrisie Ede, M. Evan, Blanche Fraser, Nellie Harrison, Arthur Hazelhurst, Annie Jenkinson. Emily Jolly, Rita Kent, Florrie Moss, Nellie Poletta, Olive Prout, Ivy Prosser, Eric Ralph, Jean Savage. Vernon Smith, Myra Needham.
Bookkeeping.-Passed with credit: B. Chaloner, George Jenkins. Pass: E. F. Black, Dorothy Blair, E. Davenport. E M lvan, Arthur Hazelhurst, Nellie Poletta, Vernon Smith, Leslie Vickers, Dorothy Worth.
Shorthand.-Passed with credit: B. Chaloner. Pass: Nellie Allen, E. F. Black, Dorothy Blair, Mollie Conroy, E. Davenport, E. M. Ewan, Arthur Hazelhurst, F. Islip, Emily Jolly, Florrie Moss, Ruby Place, Vernon Smith, Margery Smith, Dorothy Worth.
Arithmetic.-Passed with credit: Eirene Owen, Margery Smith, Eileen Williams. Pass. Nellie Allen, May Donaldson, Connie Gee. Fred Islip, Myra Needham, Ruby Place, Olive Pront, Eric Ralph. [13]
1916 PERTH TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
PITMAN’S SHORTHAND EXAMINATIONS
The following are the names of the successful candidates. Eighty candidates secured passes in the theory examination which is believed to be the greatest number obtained at any single Pitman’s examination in the State. The examiner speaks in laudatory terms of the excellence of the papers submitted, which reflects great credit on the commercial staff of the school. Speed Examination. Day Students’ Certificates 60 words per minute: Misses N. Harrison.
Theory Examination: Day students’ certificates: Misses N. Harrison [14]
From around 1918 Nellie was employed as a typist with the Vacuum Oil Company, which distributed prominent contemporary brands like Mobiloil, Plume motor spirit, and Laurel kerosene.
On January 16th 1926, Nellie married Edward Francis McDavitt (1897 – 1978) with her brother Charlie Harrison was a groomsman:
McDAVITT-HARRISON.
A pretty wedding was solemnised at St. Mary’s Church, West Perth, recently, by the Rev. Riley, when Nellie, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Harrison, of Nedlands, was married to Edward F., son of Mrs. and the late Mr. E. McDavitt, of West Perth. The bride, who entered the church on the arm of her father, made a charming picture in a gown of heavy morocain, richly embroidered. The train of morocain was lined with shell pink georgette, and the veil fell softly from a becoming chaplet of orange blossom. A shower bouquet of roses completed her toilette. The bride was attended by two bridesmaids, the Misses Lily Faddfson and Marion Hobbs, both of whom wore dainty frocks of shell pink and powder blue crepe de chine respectively and black picture hats. The bridegroom was ably supported by Mr. Keckwick,
and Mr. Charles Harrison, brother of the bride, was groomsman.
After the ceremony a reception was held at Wembley Hall, where a large number of guests were received by Mr. and Mrs. A. Harrison, the hostess wearing to advantage a gown of black morocain, with trimming of crystal beads and black hat with ospreys. Mrs. McDavitt, mother of the bridegroom, was gracefully attired in embossed, morocain, with hat en suite. After congratulations and good wishes had been expressed to the bride and bridegroom, a happy time was spent at the wedding breakfast. The customary toasts were honoured, and later music and dancing were enjoyed. Mr. and Mrs. McDavitt left by car, the bride travelling in a pretty gown of saxe blue morocain, with touches of red and a smart black hat. Many beautiful presents were received, including cheques.
Their future home will be at Cottesloe.
Edward was a carpenter and built their family home at 99 Victoria Street (corner of Hope), Cottesloe around 1930.
They had four children during their marriage:
Betty (1926 – 1.11.2020)
McDAVITT (nee Nell Harrison).
On November 4, at Hillcrest Hospital, to Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. McDavitt, of corner Hope and Victoria streets, Cottesloe Beach — a daughter (Betty Francis). Both well.
John (1932 – 2017)
Edward (1934 – 2024)
Ronald (1936 –
Nellie died on 17 September 1998 in Perth, Western Australia, at the age of 96.
McDAVITT (Nellie Frances)
25.9.1901 – 17.9.1998
Passed peacefully away on Sept 17th at Joondanna Village. Dearly loved wife of Ted (dec) and cherished mother of Bet and Don, John and Coralie, Ted and Val, Ron and Lila. Treasured Nan of 12 grandchildren and great-Nanna Mac of 13. She was so special and loved by us all and will be greatly missed. Just one week away from 97 years.
McDAVITT (Nellie Frances)
Slipped quietly away on September 17th 1998 after a peaceful end to a full and happy life. Dearest Mum of Best and Don, darling Nan of Terry and Di, Russ and Wendy, Lee, Lana and Tom. Devoted Nanna Mac to Kirsty, Chenoa and Bodan, Matthew and Courtney, Bradley and Rochelle. A beautiful mother her cared fo so many and gave so much and was always interested and proud of all her families. Thank you for your guidance and love and for always being there. So dearly loved, so sadly missed.
McDAVITT (Nellie Frances)
Slipped peacefully away from us on Sept. 17th. Mum, your smile of welcome will be sadly missed. Your love and interest was always there for us. Thank you Sweet Nell for all the kind thoughtful things you have done throughout your life. Coralie and John, grandchildren Wendy, Chris and Sabrina and great-grandchildren Vanessa, Jacob, Willian and John Paul.
McDAVITT (Nell)
Mum, your life was totally devoted to your family. You gave so much but asked for so little. Enjoy your walks in god’s beautiful sunny garden. You were just too tired to make a fuss. Thank you for the love you gave and the way you always cared. A special lady we will never replace. Loved mother of Ted and Val. Nans of Garry and Teresa, Kelly and Don, Nanna Mac of Jack and Tom.
McDAVITT (Nellie Frances)
Passed away peacefully on sept. 17th in her 97th year. You were a wonderful mother, always there for each and every one of us and we will treasure your memory. Say hello to Pa for us all. Goodbye Mum. From your son Ron, daughter-in-law Lila and grandchildren Shelley, Andrew, Ross and Celeste.
McDAVITT (Nell)
Loved sister of Charles (dec), loved sister-in-law of Emmie, loved Aunt of Lindsay, Kay, Carol and Alvin. Loved great aunt of Denise, Wendy, Kristina and Paul.
McDAVITT (Nellie)
Dear aunty of bill and Mavis, Ray and Norma, Jack and Marcia Harrison and Jill and John Mowson. A beautiful lady gone to rest.
[1] The Daily News Saturday 14 November 1908 page 9
[2] Daily News, 14 March 1908
[3] Daily News 19 December 1908
[4] Daily News 6 February 1909
[5] Daily News 10 April 1909
[6] The Daily News Saturday 12 March 1910 page 11
[7] The Daily News Saturday 20 July 1910 page 2
[8] Sunday Times Sunday 7 August 1910 page 7
[9] Sunday Times Sunday 11 September 1910 page 23
[10] Sunday Times Sunday 5 February 1911 page 27
[11] Daily News 12 August 1912
[12] Daily News Saturday 27 August 1910 page 11
[13] West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 24 January 1916, page 5
[14] West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Thursday 14 December 1916, page 9