Helen Patricia Jones (1926-2018)
Papers 1910-2011

MSS 0181

 

Biographical Note

Helen Patricia Jones (née Cashmore) was born on 5th September 1926 in Adelaide, South Australia, the eldest of six children (five daughters and a son) of Arthur and Myrtle Cashmore. She is a fifth generation South Australian. The family home at Lockleys was not far from her father's bakery business at Torrensville. After attending Lockleys Primary School, she completed her secondary education at Walford House School, where inspiring female teachers fostered her interest in English and History. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science and History in 1948 at the University of Adelaide, whilst working as a cadet in the Barr Smith Library. Her academic mentor was Professor G.V. (Jerry) Portus whose lectures and radio talks piqued her interest in the history of education and labour. In 1949 she married Dr Geoffrey Jones. By 1950 she had commenced a Master of Arts and had started to lecture at the University in Political Institutions. Shortly thereafter, Jones put her academic life to one side to focus on her family and to raise four children.

During the mid-1960s Jones returned to the University of Adelaide to complete her Masters in History, submitting her thesis The History of commercial education in South Australia with special reference to women before graduating in 1969. She joined the staff of the Adelaide Kindergarten Training College as a history lecturer, quickly establishing rapport with her enthusiastic students. During the 1970s she wrote twenty radio scripts for the ABC's education programmes on diverse subjects, partly inspired by Portus' example. In 1975 she became the first woman to join the South Australian Working Party of the Australian Dictionary of Biography, significantly widening the pool of names for inclusion in the Dictionary. Her research into significant pioneers in women's education and political rights led her to enrol in 1974 as a PhD candidate in History at the University of Adelaide, in the field of education and the status of women in South Australia.

Eight years later, in 1982, her PhD was conferred for her thesis Women's education in South Australia: Institutional and social developments 1875-1915. This would form the basis of her 1985 book, Nothing seemed impossible: Women's education and social change in South Australia 1875-1915. It was the first thoroughly researched study of women's education in Australia, examining both formal education and less formal modes, particularly in the workplace and the home. These themes suggested a broader study with wider relevance and a year later Jones produced the landmark publication, In her own name: women in South Australian history. Although this book was apolitical and neutral in tone, her work necessarily made the link between women's education and political action. Jones drew upon the techniques of fine-grained social history, enlivening her account with anecdotes and personal experiences of otherwise overlooked and marginal women. Her meticulous analysis of the path to political enfranchisement taken by South Australian women (the first in Australia and among the first in the world) stands as a model of such research, founded principally upon primary sources. The book provided inspiration for feminist writers and speakers as well as for students of social and political history. Published shortly before South Australia's sesqui-centenary celebrations during 1986, the book helped to ensure that South Australian women of substance were recognised in a range of commemorations, as in the series of 150 biographical plaques placed along North Terrace. Jones' published research also largely underpinned the South Australian Women's Suffrage Centenary celebrations during 1994, and in that year she published a revised and expanded edition of In her own name, subtitled 'A history of women in South Australia from 1896'. The design of the tapestries commemorating the women's suffrage centenary, which hang in the South Australian House of Assembly, drew on her research.

Jones' academic career has been significant and includes positions as Lecturer in the Department of Education at the University of Adelaide and Lecturer at the de Lissa Institute of Early Childhood and Family Studies at the University of South Australia. Her contribution to the Australian Dictionary of Biography has been outstanding. A member of the South Australian ADB Working Party, Jones missed only one meeting in more than thirty-four years and her research enabled her to bring to notice many women whose important roles would otherwise have been overlooked. As a result, South Australia consistently nominated a far greater number of women subjects for inclusion in the Dictionary than any other state or territory. In fact, Jones herself produced thirty ADB entries, writing biographies for Mary Lee, Lillian de Lissa, Augusta Zadow and Mary Colton, amongst others.

Helen Jones' meticulous research and scholarship has resulted in an influential corpus of biography and history illuminating a previously neglected field of Australian historical research. Her careful and balanced accounts of the efforts and achievements of Australian women (and South Australian women in particular) in winning political rights and autonomy during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries represent a crucial resource for subsequent research. Her data-rich analysis, never didactic and rarely political in tone, provides a useful counterweight to more rhetorical accounts.

Helen Jones was recognised for her contribution to historical studies with the award of an Order of Australia on Australia Day, 1995. She passed away in July 2018.

The following papers were donated to Rare Books & Special Collections in July 2014.  Two publications, Pre-school centres in Australia, by J. H. L. Cumpston and Christine M. Heinig, 1945 (RB 372.21 C97) and Talks given by Lillian de Lissa at the Golden Jubilee of the Kindergarten Union of South Australia, by Lillia de Lissa Kindergarten Union of South Australia, 1955 (RB 372.21099423 D354t) were also received and have been catalogued separately for the Rare Books collection.

 

Contents Listing

Series 1: Biographical  (0.5 cm)

Curriculum vitae, 1992; official academic transcript, University of Adelaide, 1990; offers of employment as Library Cadet and Lecturer on Political Institutions at the University of Adelaide, 1944 and 1950; citations read at presentation of Flinders Chancellor's medal, 1994(?) and at the Australian Dictionary of Biography presentation for the ADB Medal, (undated); Jones' notes on teaching and family, 1999 and copy of Lyceum Club talk "Behind the books: Some background to writing a history", 1999. Also includes scan of newspaper photograph of Jones (nee Cashmore) as winner of the League of Nations essay prize, Advertiser, 1946; Jones' wedding invitation, 1949 and Wakefield Press invitation to the launch of Jones' book In her own name, 1986.

Series 2: Correspondence  (1.5 cm)

2.1 Letters, invitations, reviews and talks etc. re Jones' book In her own name, first published in 1986 and later revised and updated in 1994. Includes Wakefield Press order forms, promotional flyers and card, official invitation to launch at Old Parliament House and letters and responses from E. Simpson and R.M. Cockington re errata in Jones' book. Also includes notes for a Flinders seminar "In her own name - women in South Australian history: Why the book had to be written." 1986-2000.

2.2 Correspondence re service to the ANU's Australian Dictionary of Biography, including various letters of thanks and Professor M. Nolan's announcement on behalf of the ADB editorial board of the decision to award Jones an ADB Medal. 1989-2009.

2.3 Copies of Jones' reviews of works by other authors, including Helen Reid's "Age of transition: A study of four South Australian private girls schools..." and Diana Cook's "Uneven Stephen". 1987-2000.

2.4 Correspondence with other researchers re their own works, including Jan Roberts and her work on Maybanke Anderson, John Calvert and his work on Douglas Pike and Nancy Flannery and her work on Lady Paquita Mawson. 1985-2006.

2.5 Various letters, notes, referee reports, newspaper clippings, invitations and advertising material related to Jones and her work, particularly in the field of the history of women in South Australia. Includes Jones' reference in support of John Playford's nomination for an honour in the Order of Australia; draft entry for Jones in The Australian Roll of Honour; invitation to the launch of the Women & Politics website by The Hon Diana Laidlaw; History Council of South Australia information leaflet; reference for Christopher Dowd's Ph.D. application to ANU, including a copy of his curriculum vitae; Jones' request to the National Museum for a display on Catherine Helen Spence and a photocopy of the de Lissa Institute's invitation to a luncheon marking Jones' retirement. Also includes correspondence with the Minister of Education, Hugh, Hudson, on the renaming of the Adelaide Kindergarten Teachers College to de Lissa College of Advanced Education, plus a letter on Gladys Elphick; general progress report and contributors' guide re entries in the Wakefield Companion to South Australian History and minutes of a 1910 Head Mistresses Union meeting, including Carol Jacob's 1915 letter of resignation from the Headmistresses' Association. 1910-2011.

Series 3: Publications and related research materials  (20 cm)

3.1 Copy of Threshold: A parent magazine, containing Jones's article "Pre-school children in China: Impressions of a 1975 visit", 1979; copy of Pol, containing Jones's article "The lovely ladies of women's liberation: Helen Jones remembers the pioneers", undated and copy of PIVOT: A journal of South Australian education, containing Jones's article "Foundations of early childhood education in South Australia", 1979. Also includes a copy of Jones's 2001 talk at the Lillian de Lissa ceremony at University of S.A. "Lillian de Lissa and her influence on early childhood education in South Australia".

3.2 Handwritten research notes, articles and news clippings re women's suffrage, including draft copy of "The ‘woman question' in South Australia", Carol Bacchi, 1984, "Woman suffrage: The movement in Australia", Dianne Scott, 1967 and "They were the real Victorian suffragettes", Barbara Hutton, 1987. Sunday Mail article on Jones and her book "In her own name", 1986; The Adelaide Review article "A scrupulous account" in which Carol Treloar reviews Jones's book, 1987(?); small exercise book with notes on education in Australia, undated and an envelope containing the Mortlock Library requests slips for items used in revising the second ed. of In her own name, 1993.
Note: A copy of In her own name by Helen Jones (1986) is available for reading in Rare Books & Special Collections (RB 994.23 J77i).

3.3 Typed and handwritten notes, correspondence and a booklet of speeches pertaining to the Kindergarten Union of S.A. and its Jubilee history, including letters to and from R. Bennett, Administrator of the Union, concerning Jones’ access to all of its historical documents; letters re publication of Jubilee History of the Kindergarten Union of South Australia and suggestions for its promotion; handwritten and typed copies of its forward, introduction, appendix, chapter footnotes and 1975 reprint of booklet “Talks given by Lillian de Lissa at the Golden Jubilee of the Kindergarten Union of South Australia”, 1955. 1955-1976.

3.4 Materials, primarily correspondence, re Jones’ Ph.D. “Women’s education in South Australia: institutional and social developments, 1875-1915”, including confirmation from the Office of the Academic Registrar of award of the Ph.D.; University notes and instructions to candidates for higher degrees; letters to and from the Academic Registrar re the three title changes to Jones’ thesis; letters, primarly to and from the Academic Registrar, concerning Jones’ four Ph.D. supervisors (J. Tregenza, J.S. Dunkerley, Vivien Brodsky and H.S. Kent); Ph.D. examination reports by Gwyneth Dow (Reader in Education) and Richard J.W. Selleck (Monash University, Chair of Education) and Jones’ requests to the Kindergarten Union, National Library of Australia, The United Trades & Labor Council of S.A. and the Australian Labor Party for access to records pertinent to her Ph.D.  Also includes three of Jones’ 1974-1975 papers presented during post-graduate seminars in Australian History at the University of Adelaide – “The role of the advanced school for girls, 1879-1908”, “The status and occupation of women in South Australia in the later 19th century…” and “Some women’s organisations in South Australia in the later 19th century”.  1973-1981.

3.5 Correspondence, speeches and promotional material re the 1994 revised edition of Jones’ publication In her own name. Includes congratulatory cards and letters from friends and colleagues; copies of the book launch flyer (held at Old Parliament House); launch speech notes for the Hon. Diana Laidlaw; copy of Jones’ launch speech; invitation lists for the launch; letters to the Australian Author editor and to ANZHES promoting the revised ed. and correspondence to and from Brian Dickey (Reader in History, Flinders University) re progress of the book.  1984-1994.

3.6 Notes, correspondence, book reviews and financial documentation re Jones’ publication, Nothing seemed impossible: Women’s education and social change in South Australia 1875-1915. Includes detailed information about Jones and her book, as provided to the editorial and sales staff of the publisher (Queensland University Press); contractual documentation such as the memorandum of agreement with the QUP and correspondence clarifying its clauses; various letters to and from the QUP and Judy MacDonald, the editor assigned to review Jones’ manuscript re the copyediting process; selection of handwritten notes on and printouts from the book; reviews of the book as published in Australian journal of education and Choice: History, geography and area studies; statements of royalties due for sales recorded in 1987-88 and other correspondence re sales and stock levels.  Also includes letters to and from various publishers re suitability of Jones’ book for publication. 1981-1988

3.7 Biographical material, research and lecture notes, articles, scholarship information and news clippings about Catherine Helen Spence.  Includes photocopies of three portraits, 1850-1900, photocopy of last will and testament, 1910; death certificate, 1910; original Jubilee 150 Board C.H. Spence Memorial Appeal brochure, undated; draft letter to D. Thomas (director Art Gallery of S.A.) from Mary Joseph (Women’s Executive Committee) offering to donate a 1900 water-colour painting of Spence, 1985; Jones’ draft biography prepared for M. Joseph for the Spence Child Care Centre, 1990; Jones’ assorted handwritten research notes on women’s suffrage and on Spence, notably Jones’ 1982 “Talk to history club”.  Also includes Jones’ 2004 lecture manuscript “Catherine Helen Spence – Educator and social reformer”; articles by other researchers (e.g. Susan Magarey, Susan Eade and Jill Roe) on both Spence and women and history; publications authored by Spence including photocopy of 1905 pamphlet “Kindergarten to University” and “Some social aspects of South Australian life…”, 1878; C.H. Spence scholarship summary including list of recipients 1912-1983 and numerous original and copied press clippings re Spence and women and history.

3.8 Assortment of papers, notes, conference materials, correspondence and newsclippings on a variety of topics.  Includes Jones’ own talks/papers “Personalities remembered: Mabel Jewell Baker”, 1971; “Women in South Australia at the turn of the century”, 1978; “Exploring questions in Australian women’s history, 1991; Victoria League talk “Some women in S.A. history”, 1996 and part of a chapter “Women and politics to 1945”, 1984.  Minutes of meetings, news clippings, handwritten notes and photocopies of articles related to S.A. girls schools, 1888-1972; brochures, list of members and correspondence re the S.A. Women’s History Task Force and its proposed ‘Source Book’, 1982-1983; conference materials for ‘Crucible of feminism…’, 1985 and ‘3rd state history conference’,1994, at both of which Jones participated.  Includes Jones paper “Expanding a woman’s place: an overview since 1984, which she presented at the latter. Letter from Brian Dickey, editor of The Australian Dictionary of Evangelical Biography, requesting Jones to write contributions for the dictionary, plus her contributions for Mary Lee and Rosetta Birks; notes and letters of naturalization for Augusta Zadow, 1895-1994; variety of newsclippings by and about Jones, 1995-2000; Jones’ referee report for article “Career paths for provisional teachers in S.A….” to be published in History of education review, 1990 etc.

3.9 One ring binder, with handwritten index, containing notes, articles, a newsletter and a photograph pertaining to women and history and the education of children.  Includes notes on Edith Hübbe, the Advanced School for Girls, C.H. Spence, G.E. Saunders etc.; papers “Address on necessary reform in the education of girls”, A. Scott Broad, 1912 and “Training kindergarten and nursery school teachers in Australia”, M. Walker, 1965, etc.; Adelaide University Graduates’ Union Monthly Newsletter and Gazette,  April 1970 and two copies of a photograph of ‘Miss Newton and her kindergarten class’, undated.

3.10 Miscellaneous source material.  Includes minutes of meetings and papers re the Australian and New Zealand History of Education Society, 1974-1984; domestic science notebook possibly belonging to Kathleen M. Grubb of Adelaide High School; negatives (no prints) of Jones at Muirden College, undated; notes and copies of news clippings re the demolition of the South Adelaide Creche, 1886-1996; assortment of original booklets, pamphlets and promotional flyers including “100 Years of housework: Women’s suffrage centenary exhibition”, 1994, “The story of kindergarten in New South Wales”, 1911, “de Lissa Institute history 1905-“, undated, “Printing and publishing in South Australia…”, 1993 and “The defence society”, Natalia Davis, 1951.

Series 4: Australian Dictionary of Biography (ADB) research and writings  (18 cm)

The following list of ADB research and writings is ordered alphabetically according to entrant surname. This list does not cover all of Jones's entries in the ADB. For that listing of thirty-one entries, consult the ADB website.

Baker, Mabel
Jones's ADB invitation to contribute the Mabel Jewell Baker entry; typed copies, including final draft and alterations, of the ADB entry; copy of birth certificate and University of Adelaide student card/record; Apr 1991 and Nov 2003 issues of Walford News, plus additional handwritten research notes. 1971-2003.

Benham, Ellen
Jones's ADB invitation to contribute the Ellen Ida Benham entry; typed copies of the ADB entry; facsimile of the official entry as it appeared in the book; copy of birth certificate and other related research materials. 1976-1978.

Colton, Mary
Typed and printed copies, including drafts, of Jones's ADB entry for Mary Colton; copy of certificate of death and various handwritten research notes and copies of printed news articles and advertisements. 2001-2002.

de Lissa, Lillian Daphne
Various research materials and correspondence about de Lissa, including booklet “1917-1967: Gipsy Hill College” (of which de Lissa was Principal from 1917-1947); 2 copies of the Gipsy Hill College “Opening of New Hall” programme, during which the hall was named after de Lissa, 1972; photocopied booklet of information about the Gipsy Hall Training College, London, copy of programme for the presentation of the de Lissa Memorial Fund and the naming of the Lillian de Lissa Nursery School, 1972; original Gipsy Hill Training College booklet “Presentation of the portrait of Miss Lillian de Lissa, first principal 1917-1947 by Gilbert Spencer, A.R.A”, 1953; Gipsy Hill College “Old student’s news letter”, 1967; de Lissa obituary as written by college principal, Miss F. D. Batsone, 1967; order of service “In memory of Lillian de Lissa”, 1967 and envelope of newsclippings re Montessori method of teaching.  Correspondence, mostly typed, includes Jones’ letters to the Jewish Historical Society confirming de Lissa’s religion and that of her parents; letter re genealogical information, with handwritten family tree on reverse, from Dr Anthony Joseph, 1978; Jones’ letter to Gerald de Lissa re the establishment of the De Lissa Institute of Early Childhood Studies, 1978 and various letters requesting marital and early career information. 1918-1979.

Gell, Heather
Jones's ADB invitation to contribute the Heather Doris Gell entry; copy of ADB entry, including draft; correspondence between Jones and the ADB Acting General Editor, Di Langmore. 2002-2006.

Jacob, Caroline
Typed articles, handwritten notes, news clippings and a photograph primarily re Tormore House School, founded by Jacob.  Includes “Tormore House School: Notes on its history and development”, H. Jones, 1970; “Who was before us?”, H. Jones, 1970; “Personalities remembered: Caroline Jacob”, H. Jones, 1970; report “Tormore House”, unknown author, 1910; Fornightly report of marks gained and record of lessons set for Mary Adams, Dec. 1910 and 1911; photocopy of typed transcripts of newspaper cuttings, plus two original cuttings, re Tormore House and Caroline Jacob, 1936-1977.  Undated but ca. early 1900s b/w photograph of horse and cart with 25+ people, possibly boarders of Tormore House School, sitting in or standing near the carriage.  1902-1977.

Leal, Charlotte
Jones's ADB invitation to contribute the Charlotte Mary Clarina Leal entry; copy of ADB procedures including style guide; copy of ADB entry as sent for publication, plus various drafts; copies of assorted news articles discussing Leal's contribution to the community and women's service associations; list of sources used in preparing the ADB entry; two handwritten letters from Leal's mother, Maria Leal, providing both additional information for the entry and suggested alterations; various handwritten research notes. 1989-1997.

Lee, Mary
Typed copy, with amendments, of Jones’ ADB entry for Mary Lee; slide portrait of Lee, undated; typed copies of letters to Rose Scott and Lady Windeyer re women’s suffrage; two copies of a paper to a 1978 post-graduate seminar “A forgotten advocate: Mary Lee and women’s suffrage in South Australia;  and Elizabeth Mansutti’s paper “Mary Lee: Her letters and a visit to Broken Hill N.S.W. 1892-3”.  Also includes an original 1908 attendance certificate for Louie Smith, class 5 of St. Paul’s School, Adelaide, issued by the Diocesan Board of Education of the Church of England. 1891-1994.

Miethke, Adelaide
Draft copies, with alternations, of Jones's ADB entry for Adelaide Laetitia Miethke; handwritten research notes used in preparing the entry. Also includes correspondence between Sue (at ADB) and Jones re both Leal and also a misunderstanding over who would write the entry for Elizabeth Webb Nicholls. Includes draft copies of Nicholls ADB entry. 1985-1986.

Melrose, Charles
Handwritten and typed draft copies of Jones's ADB entry for Charles James Melrose. Undated but ca. 1986.

Morice, Louise (Lucy)
Jones's ADB invitation to contribute the Louise (Lucy) Spence Morice and James Percy Morice entry; copy of ADB procedures, including style guide; final and draft typewritten copies of entry; related handwritten research notes. Also includes photocopies of “A tribute to Lucy Spence Morice” by Anne Wainwright and Morice’s 1951 last Will and Testament. 1951-1984

Vaughan, Dorothy
Jones's ADB invitation to contribute the Dorothy Vaughan entry; draft and final copies of the entry; Jones's letter to the ADB editor, John Ritchie, outlining several corrections she made to the entry; handwritten research notes. 1987-1989.

Walker, Ellinor
Draft and final copy of Jones's ADB entry for Ellinor Gertrude Walker; copy of "Interview: Helen Jones with Ellinor Walker 30 July 1986 at Illoura Nursing Home" and various handwritten and printed research notes. Also includes two Advertiser news articles on Heather Gell, with whom Walker devised the "Heritage Centenary Pageant of SA", plus a copy of the prelude to that production, as described by Gell, and the script and program for the pageant. 1976-2010.

Zadow, Augustine (Augusta)
Draft copies of Jones's ABD entry for Christine Susanne Augustine Zadow; ADB procedures including style guide; correspondence between Jones and the Secretary (W. Tietjens) of The German Association, in which Tietjens regretfully advises that he cannot assist due to the confiscation of all of the Society's records, first during WWI and again during WWII. Also includes various handwritten research notes. 1977-1990.

ADB (General)
Copies of the minutes (and some agendas) of the ADB South Australian Working Party meetings, spanning Nov 1995 to May 1998; final SA list of subjects and authors for vol. 14; final lists of people who died between 1941-1980 and 1981-1990; Jones's paper "A remarkable gift to the nation" in which she describes the ADB project and the importance of the Dictionary as an authoritative reference; various handwritten research notes relating to entries for Dorothy Parker Grace, Donald Brook Cheek, Mary Helen Campbell Withers, John Russell Black, Kathleen Stirling Scrymgour and Annie Mildred Mocatta, among others. 1973-1998.

Series 5: Teaching notes and lecture material  (2 cm)

Adelaide Kindergarten Teachers College.   1967-1971

· Politics
Information booklets “The House of Representatives”, 1972 and “The House of Assembly”, 1972; undated campaign flyer “More women in state and federal parliaments”; lecture/seminar overview for Introducing Politics subject, 1971 and Jones’ handwritten notes on Australian government and politics.

Kingston College of Advanced Education.   1975-1978

· History
Overview of tutorials for The shaping of societies subject, plus lists of textbooks required for the subjects History II, History III, Modern China and its heritage, The development of modern Russia, Introduction to Asian civilisations, The shaping of societies and Asian history.

South Australian College of Advanced Education.  1981-1983

· History of early childhood education in Australia and Advanced early childhood studies
Completed textbook order form and original course books for both subjects, including weekly study topics and assignment information.

· Value systems and child development
Completed textbook order form and original course book, including subject objectives and  requirements, lecture outline and tutorial topics.

· Greek civilization: An introduction
Original course book, including assessment information, tutorial topics and associated reading list.

Also includes booklets “Research in early childhood education and family studies conducted by staff of the institute”, (outlining the interests of de Lissa Institute staff), 1984 and “Old KTC” (college magazine which includes Jones’ article “Who was before us?”), 1970; plus a variety of general teaching administrative papers such as workload statistics, notes on leave applications and letter from F.N. Ebbeck, executive director of the Kindergarten Union of S.A., inviting Jones to become a member of the committee responsible for preserving the Union’s historical documents, 1979.

Series 6: Associations/Organisations  (8 cm)

6.1 Women’s Suffrage Centenary Committee

Official Women’s Suffrage Centenary information pamphlet, outlining the purpose of the centenary, undated; centenary planning document, with vision statement and committee background and responsibilities, 1992; centenary newsletters, 1992-1994; executive committee meeting minutes, 1992; correspondence, draft feature article; official launch invitation and Royal Australian Mint promotional brochure re the 1994 commemorative five dollar coin featuring Irish-born suffragist Mary Lee; correspondence, design brief, promotional material, news clippings and workshop instructions re the two tapestries (woven as a community project and hung in the S.A. Parliament House of Assembly) to commemorate the centenary of granting voting rights to women, 1992-1993 and miscellaneous letters, handwritten notes, news clippings and promotional exhibition flyer re women’s suffrage issues, 1992-1994.

6.2 Jubilee 150 Board – Women’s Executive Committee

Three folders of meeting minutes, correspondence, handwritten notes and employment documentation relating primarily to the Jubilee 150 Board Women’s Executive Committee and its activities.  Includes the Secretary’s letter to Jones thanking her for accepting a position on the committee, 1980; letter from P.J. Cahalan (Director, History Trust of S.A.) to G. Joseph (Chairman, Women’s Executive Committee) re the donation of a C.H. Spence portrait to the trust, 1984; minutes of committee meetings, 1982 and various reports from the Women’s Historical Sub-committee meetings, 1984 and some undated.  Also includes material related to the research, writing, publication and launch of two books that the sub-committee was responsible for and which were initially titled: South Australian women’s pioneering experiences from 1836 to the 1980s and A history of women’s legal, political and social emancipation in South Australia.  Items of note include an advertisement for a Historian-Writer who could assist with the first title; Anne Geddes C.V. and letter of application for the position, plus various letters between her and the Committee regarding the progress of her research for the book, 1983-1984.

Series 7: Index cards used in general research  (8 index card boxes)

Index cards containing handwritten references, citations and notes recorded during research for Jones's publications and ADB entries.  Subject areas include women's suffrage, marriage, sexual legislation crimes, domestic service, history of childhood, including infant mortality, women in industry and women in Parliament. Individuals noted include H. G. Bircher, Mary Colton, Ida Forsyth, Mary Lee, Ethel McDonnell, Dorothy Marshall, E. W. Nicholls, C. H. Spence, E. C. Stirling, Dorothy Vaughan, J. F. Young and Augusta Zadow.

Series 8: Photographs and negatives  (1 cm)

Small collection of photographs and negatives, primarily used in Jones’ 1986 book In her own name. Also, 21 index cards with her handwritten information about the images.

Photographs:

1. Marie Skitch, first woman endorsed as a Labor Parliamentary candidate, 1938. 2 copies.
2. Lillian de Lissa, director, Kindergarten Union, 1907-15.
3. Students in shorthand class, Muirden College, 1916. 3 copies.
4. Students in typewriting class, Muirden College, 1916.
5. Catherine Branson, South Australian Crown Solicitor, 1984.
6. Fanny Kate Boadicea Cocks, undated but ca. 1934
7. Dorothea (Dorrit) Foster Black, undated.
8. Susan Grace Benny, undated.
9. Adelaide Laetitia Miethke, undated.
10. Laura Mary Louisa Corbin(?).  Includes note to reverse “To be verified…”, undated.
11. Doris Garret, district clerk of Le Hunte, 1942.
12. Young unknown woman at work, possibly in a munitions factory, undated but ca. 1940s.
13. Enlarged portrait of an unknown woman, possibly taken from a newspaper, undated.
14. Group photograph of 28 women, identities and location unknown, undated.

Negatives:
Packet of 4 (5.5 x 7cm)

1. Mary Kitson, lawyer, 1916.
2. Rosetta Birks, treasurer, Women’s Suffrage League, 1888-1894.
3. Mary Colton, President, Women’s Suffrage League, 1892-1894.
4. Nancy Buttfield, Senator and first South Australian woman to enter Parliament, undated.

Packet of 5 (3.5 x2.5cm)

1. The Servant’s Home, Flinders Street, Adelaide, 1879.
2. Miss Edith E. Dornwell, University of Adelaide’s first woman graduate, 1885.
3. Gifforn patent oven, manufactured by A.Simpson & Son, 1893.
4. Laura Fowler, University of Adelaide’s first woman graduate in medicine, 1891.
5. “Will the cure be effected?”

Note: Print copies of the slides have been made and are held in the Series 8 folder.  Electronic copies are also available on request.

Series 9: China travel notes  (2.5 cm)

In May/June 1975, 24 members of the Friends of the Art Gallery of South Australia, including Jones, embarked on a tour of the People's Republic of China for 18 days to explore art museums, sites of historical and archaeological interest, art and craft workshops and other places that demonstrated aspects of Chinese culture and society. The following travel notes, news clippings, brochures and receipts are records of this tour.

9.1 Typewritten information for the Friends of the Art Gallery of S.A. re 1975 tour of China, including historical notes on dynasties, climate, currency, accommodation, visa applications, vaccinations etc.; income and expenditure financial statement for the tour, 1975; passenger airline tickets to Hong Kong; Jones's paper "Some aspects of Chinese education. Notes of visits to Chinese schools and kindergartens...", (3 copies); handwritten notes outlining the activities of each day and the places visited, 1975.

9.2 Various newspapers and news articles, including "Our town: It's like living in a Chinese painting", Leslie Walford, The Sun-Herald, 1975 and "Adelaide group: A four-week tour of China...", The News, unknown author, 1975. Typewritten papers on the National Palace Museum exhibits, including Chinese jade, ancient ritual vessels, calligraphy and paintings, Hsuan-Te porcelain, carvings, snuff bottles, pottery, lacquerwares and miniature treasures. Foreign exchange memos and receipts for tours and various arts and crafts; small collection of Chinese stamps; pamphlets and brochures on the Imperial palaces of Peking, crafts of China and the Peking Hotel; assortment of miscellaneous travel tags, postcards, menus and advertising materials, mostly undated but ca. 1975.

Series 10: Research relating to the Grubb family (4 cm)

In July 2016 Helen Jones' sister, Gillian Forwood, donated the following four folders of research material, compiled by Helen, relating to their Cornish grandfather, William Grubb, and his family.  This research formed the basis of Gillian's book, Coming from Cornwall, which can be accessed in Rare Books & Special Collections at RB 929.2099423 G8851.F

Folder 1

• Letter from Jones to Ben Wurm with details of Grubb-Crush genealogy, 9 July 1996
• Original St Luke's Parish Paper, with obituary of Mrs Julia Grub, October 1944
• Public Cemetery, West Terrace, original lease document permitting Julia Grubb to rent a lot next to William John Grubb, 20 May 1933, and cemetery map indicating location of their graves
• Handwritten cemetery records (Auburn, Manoora) re Crush-Grubb family, undated
• Country Life article "Geoffrey Wood: The man with the wind in his sails" by Tessa Waugh re Mountnessing Essex windmills, 31 January 2008
• Booklet on the history of St. Giles parish church, Mountnessing Essex, April 1960
• Photocopied map of Essex, undated
• Photocopy of Kapunda Herald newspaper's report on the Coroner's inquest into Alfred Crush's death, 3 April 1894
• Photocopies of SA Education Dept. correspondence with Fanny Crush (Julia Grubb's sister) re her accommodation as a teacher at Booboorowie school, July 1910
• Peter Wurm's handwritten memories of Grandpa Grubb, 10 June 1995
• Letter from Jones to Gillian and Peter Forwood re Betsy Donovan, 8 June 1999
• Letters from Ronald Grubb to Jones re Margaret Grubb's death, 25 January 2006, and re sale of her property and distribution of her assets, 26 April 2006
• Letter from Ronald Grubb to Jones enclosing a copy of newsletter Grubbing Around, 1983, and a photograph of William Grubb and his brothers from the Summer 2007 issue. 
• Small tourist map of Cornwall
• Jones' draft biography of William John Grubb, 9 July 1995
• 3 news clippings from The Advertiser re Myrtle Cashmore (nee Grubb) and the D. & J. Fowler lion sculpture on North Terrace, 1983
• Jones' handwritten notes re Myrtle Elizabeth Cashmore, undated
• Frances Adamson's Walford school "Interview with Grandma Cashmore", undated
• Jones' essay Women's hockey and its influence on my family, 1996
• Original and photocopied letter from Myrtle Cashmore to her parents re visiting Mountnessing Hall, Essex, 6 June 1926

Folder 2

• Jones' handwritten notes, taken from Land Titles Office documents, re property owned between 1902-1945 by William John Grubb and later Julia Grubb, undated
• LTO Memorandum of Transfer (2) for 11 Morphett St, Adelaide, and mortgage on 17 Whitmore Square, Adelaide, 1902
• Copies of a further six LTO Certificates of Title, Memoranda of Mortgage and Memoranda of Transfer relating to Adelaide properties belonging to the Grubb family, 1910-1995
• Jones' handwritten notes "Land Titles Office/Old Titles" re other family members, including Henry Crush (Brompton, East Auburn), Samuel Cashmore, Lilian Agnes Cashmore, Arthur Brook Cashmore and Alfred Grubb (Milang, Lake Hotel), undated

Folder 3

• Marriage certificate Henry Crush and Betsey Donovan, married 7 Feb 1853, certified copy, 8 May 1981
• Birth certificate Elizabeth Crush, daughter of Henry and Betsey, born 26 Nov 1853, certified copy, 27 Nov 1990
• Birth certificate Julia Crush, born 30(?) May 1862, certified copy, 28 May 1984
• Birth certificate William John Grubb, born 13 February 1857, certified copy, 4 April 1975
• Birth certificate Myrtle Elizabeth Grubb, born 23 November 1897, certified copy, 22 April 1975
• 2 extracts from birth registration, Myrtle Elizabeth Grubb, 5 May 1960 and 30 October 1973
• Extract from death registration, Arthur Herbert Cashmore, 5 May 1960
• Marriage certificate William John Grubb and Julia Crush, married 30 August 1894
• Marriage certificate Arthur Herbert Cashmore and Myrtle Elizabeth Grubb, married 3 November 1923
• Search copy of 1933 will of William John Grubb
• Search copy of 1944 will of Julia Grubb
• Letter from A.C. Lucy of Elder's Trustee and Executor Co. Ltd to Myrtle Cashmore re clauses of and expenses associated with her will, 27 December 1972
• Second codicil to last will of Myrtle Cashmore, 19 July 1978
• New will of Myrtle Cashmore, including Elder's Trustee letter, 14 February 1985
• Death certificate Myrtle Cashmore, died 12 August 1989, certified copy 15 November 1989
• Search copy of 1919 will of Richard Francis Humphris
• Search copy of 1929 will of Margaret Humphris (Richard's widow)
• Search copy of 1932 will of Lilian Agnes Cashmore
• Copy of 1929 will of Arthur Herbert Cashmore
• Copy of last will (1950) of Arthur Herbert Cashmore

Folder 4

• "Thuin Belgium 104th Battery A. I. F." card menu and musical program of farewell dinner, including numerous autographs, 31 December 1918
• Adie Bros. Ltd. invoice for dressing table set, 5 November 1926
• Myrtle Cashmore's All England Women's Hockey Association invitation to dinner at Hotel Belgravia, 24 March 1926
• Pension Jaselli-Owen invoice for Myrtle Cashmore's Rome 2-day stay, 5 May1926
• New Princes' Restaurant New Year's Eve dinner menu, including pencil annotations, 1925-1926
• Orient Line passenger ticket on SS Osterley, first saloon, for M. E. Cashmore, 26 June 1926
• M. E. Cashmore's account from the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, 17 July 1926
• Itinerary for M. Cashmore and M. A. Dowdy for 1972 Europe trip,
• M. E. Cashmore's account from Hotel Avenida Palace, Portugal, 28 October 1972
• South Australian Women's Hockey Association memorabilia of 1922 trip to W.A and menu for dinner at South Australian Hotel, 5 August 1933.
• Letter from M. Cashmore to Marjorie Dowdy 14th[?] January 1940
• 3 schoolgirl letters from M. Cashmore to Helen, Nancy and Dick, c1942-1943
• Marriage announcement of Nancy Elizabeth Cashmore and Francis Alexander Cormack, London, 24 October 1953
• 11 b/w negatives of Myrtle Cashmore taken by photographer Bernard D'Abrera, c1985

Series 11: Bessie Davidson and the South Australian Women Artists' Project (1cm)

The following folder of material was collected by Helen Jones and donated to the Library by her sister, Gillian Forwood, in July 2016.  It relates to Bessie Davidson and the University of South Australia research Project "Significant Women Artists at the South Australian School of Art 1888-1968".

• Letter from Kay Lawrence and Catherine Speck, University of South Australia, to Jones re development of the Significant Women Artists at the South Australian School of Art 1888-1968 project. Includes a paper outlining the aims and significance of the project, the research plan and a timetable for completing archival searches for a publication, plus the intention to select 6-8 artists to research further for a tapestry to record the influence of S.A. women artists, 1 June 1996
• Letter of reply from Jones to K. Lawrence and C. Speck, 25 June 1996
• Exhibition catalogue "Bessie Davidson 1880-1965", 1997 (2 copies)
• Booklet "Bessie Davidson: Une Australienne en France 1880-1965, Peintures", 1999 (2 copies)
• The Advertiser news article "Paris honors Bessie" re the Paris exhibition of her work, 7 May 1999 (3 copies)
• The Advertiser and The Age news articles re the Paris auction of 30 Davidson paintings, 1999 (3 articles)
• Various index cards with Jones' notes on Davidson's early education in Adelaide, undated
• Newsletter l'Australie en France, with article re Davidson's exhibition and the calendar of events accompanying it, May 1999
• Penelope Little's request for information about Davidson's early life in Adelaide, The Advertiser, 15 January 1999
• P. Little's letter of thanks to Jones for responding to the newspaper article request, 5 February 1999
• "Bessie Davidson: Specifications of individual works in private collections" form, completed by Jones who owned Davidson's 'Purple flowers (Clematis)' oil painting, 23 February 1999
• Letter from Jones to Little outlining Davidson's schooling, 25 February 1999
• Letter of thanks from Little to Jones in which she discusses the progress of her Davidson research, 2 March 1999
• Letter of thanks from Little to Jones for sending photograph of Davidson's oil painting 'Purple Flowers', 7 April 1999
• Art Gallery of South Australia entry on Davidson from Chris Wigg, gallery guide, compiled in 1981 by Margaret Black
• Letters from Jones to Little re-considering unresolved questions about schools which Davidson may have attended, 23-24 January 2000
• Portion of a letter from Little, possibly in reply to Jones, speculating on secondary schools Davidson may have attended, and reporting on her research progress generally, undated.

Note: Penelope Little's biography A studio in Montparnasse: Bessie Davidson: An Australian artist in Paris was published by Craftsman House, Melbourne in 2003

Lee Hayes
Updated 19 July 2017