The ESU is a cultural, educational, and literary organisation. According to the website of the ESU (Victoria Branch), “The ESU promotes friendship and closer ties between the peoples of English-speaking democracies through our common heritage and language. … We sponsor and run educational and cultural programs with a focus on public speaking and the celebration of national and cultural events relevant to the English speaking peoples. The ESU also promotes worldwide communication through the English language.”
The ESU has funded many worthy projects carried out by various organisations, such as the CJ Dennis Society, the Jane Austen Society of Melbourne, and the Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network, as well as funding the work of individuals working on worthwhile projects, including supporting authors like Dr. David Martin Jones.
These antique items have been reproduced in digital format on the Institute of Australian Culture website, therefore making these resources widely accessible to all those with internet access. Each item has been reproduced as a graphic (digital scan) along with a transcript of text (where appropriate). The desired outcome of the reproduction of these items is, in conjunction with the wide range of other items on the IAC site, to provide an outstanding resource for Australian students, and for Australians in general, regarding Australian history, heritage, and culture.
Some of the postcards are ones which would have been mass-produced, although there are others which are quite rare; using commercial postcard creators was a relatively common method by which individuals could have several of their photographs printed (for example, they could get a dozen or half-a-dozen printed, to give to friends and family).
Many old postcards and photographs end up being thrown away as non-essential ephemera, or “junk”, especially when the original possessors passed away; therefore, the acquisition and preservation of such unique items is an important part in the archiving of evidentiary items relating to the daily lives of past generations.
Digitising these items means that they can they be preserved forever; uploading these images to the IAC site makes these items of Australian history, heritage, and culture available to the general public, rather than remaining unseen in the hands of families or private collectors (or, worst of all, being thrown out or destroyed). The aim of this project is to assist in the preservation and promotion of Australia’s cultural and historical heritage.
Links to the items on the IAC website which were obtained with ESU funding are listed below; they can also be accessed via the ESU funding tag.
The assistance of the English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch), in funding this project, is very much appreciated.
Items obtained via ESU funding:
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photo of a group of Australian soldiers, or soldier-cadets, is believed to be from the era of the First World War (1914-1918). The postcard is undated.
Snow scene, Last Chance, Gold Mine, Ballarat [postcard, circa 1908]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photo of a group of men gathered in front of a gold mine (with the area covered in snow). The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published circa 1908. The postcard was made by W. T. Pater and Company.
Wesleyan Church, Junee [postcard, early 20th Century]
A postcard, which incorporates a photo of the Wesleyan Church in Junee (NSW). The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
Toolangi [postcard, early 20th Century]
A postcard, which incorporates a photo of a house at Toolangi (Vic.); the name of the property is “Glenora”. The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
The Salvation Army Womens Hostel [postcard, early 20th Century]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photo of the Salvation Army Women’s Hostel in Angas Street, Adelaide (South Australia). The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published circa 1922.
Plenty of water, miles of it [postcard, 17 August 1910]
A postcard, which incorporates a photo of a man on a horse, in front of a flooded plain; postmarked 17 August 1910.
A postcard, which incorporates a photo of the Balmain District Hospital. The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
[Group of men, Seymour] [postcard, early 20th Century]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photo of photo of a group of men (from Seymour, Victoria). The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
Looking up the Bulli Pass [postcard, early 20th Century]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photo of a mountain road (Bulli Pass, NSW). The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.]
Salvation Army officers [postcard, early 20th Century]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photo of four Salvation Army officers. The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century. The postcard was made by R. Yeoman & Co. (Melbourne, Vic.).
Emu Paddock, Melbourne Zoo [postcard, 13 December 1905]
A postcard, which incorporates a photo of several emus in an enclosure at Melbourne Zoo; dated 13 December 1905.
On the Murrumbidgee, near Cooma [postcard, circa 1895-1904]
A postcard, which incorporates a photo of some people in a rowboat on the Murrumbidgee River. The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published in the late 19th century or early 20th century, circa 1895-1904.
Waterloo: French Memorial [WW1-era postcard from an Australian soldier, 25 December 1918]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of a memorial statue known as the “Monument of the Wounded Eagle” (located near Waterloo, in Belgium). The postcard was written by an Australian soldier (“On Active Service”) and is dated 25 December 1918, which was just after the end of hostilities of the First World War (1914-1918), following the signing of the armistice on 11 November 1918).
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of Seaview Road in Henley Beach (South Australia), featuring a tram. The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published circa 1910.
Australian bullock team [postcard, early 20th Century]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of a bullock team and a bullocky, in a bush setting. The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
“Loving Hearts” [postcard, WW1 era (1914-1918)]
A postcard, which incorporates a picture of a Rising Sun symbol, as well as a poem. The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to be from the era of the First World War (1914-1918). It was sent from “Your loving Hubby” in England, and it is reasonable to hypothesise that the postcard was sent from an Australian soldier in England in the era of the First World War (1914-1918).
A Gum Leaf from the Golden South [postcard, version 1, circa 1907]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a map of mainland Australia (with a gum leaf made from leather). The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published circa 1907.
A Gum Leaf from the Golden South [postcard, version 2, circa 1907]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a map of mainland Australia (with a gum leaf made from leather). The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published circa 1907.
The E. S. and A. Bank [postcard, early 20th Century]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photograph of a branch of the English, Scottish and Australian Bank. The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
Greetings from Australia [postcard, 28 March 1912]
A postcard, which incorporates a map of mainland Australia (with a waratah flower); dated 28 March 1912.
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of a gold digger’s hut, or shack; postmarked 25 July 1906.
The Enemy [postcard, 16 November 1911]
A postcard, which incorporates a painting, by James Alfred Turner (1850-1908), of three men facing a bushfire; postmarked 16 November 1911.
A.M.S. Mariposa and Sydney Harbour Bridge [postcard, circa 1932-1947]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photograph of the Mariposa sailing underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published circa 1932-1947.
Aboriginal man on a horse [photograph, 1880s]
A photograph, of an Australian Aboriginal man on a horse (possibly a stockman). The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been taken in the 1880s.
ANZ Bank, Cudgewa (Victoria) [photograph, mid 20th century]
A photograph, of the ANZ Bank building in Cudgewa (Vic.). The postcard is undated; however, it is believed to have been published in the mid 20th century.
Ancient Order of Foresters: Calendar 1932 [mini-calendar, 1931]
A mini-calendar for 1932, produced by the Ancient Order of Foresters in West Hobart (Tas.); it is believed to have been published in 1931.
The Gould League of Bird Lovers of Victoria: Annual Membership Card [1935]
A membership card, for the Gould League of Bird Lovers of Victoria, is dated 1935-36.
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a young woman with a letter. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century.
Woman with book, photographed by J. Uren [carte de visite, late 19th century]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a woman with a book. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century.
Man with a beard (possibly a barrister), photographed by H. Burrows & Co. [carte de visite, late 19th century]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a man with a beard. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century.
Man and woman (possibly husband and wife), photographed by C. Roggenkamp [carte de visite, late 19th century]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a man and woman (possibly husband and wife). It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century.
Woman, photographed at the Royal Arcade Photo Studios [carte de visite, circa 1878]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a woman. It is believed to have been made in, or shortly after, 1878. It was made by the Royal Arcade Photo Studios, Melbourne (Vic.).
Woman, photographed by Freeman (Sydney) [carte de visite, late 19th century]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a woman. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century. It was made by Freeman’s Royal Photographic Gallery, Sydney (NSW).
Woman, photographed by Johnstone, O’Shannessy & Co. [carte de visite, late 19th century]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a woman. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century. It was made by Johnstone, O’Shannessy & Co. (Melbourne, Vic.).
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a stylish woman. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century. It was made by Stewart & Company, Melbourne (Vic.).
Man with a beard, photographed by James Uren [carte de visite, circa 1871-1886]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a man with a beard. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century (circa 1871-1886). It was made by James Uren, Kapunda (SA).
Woman wearing a wedding dress, photographed by W. Bear [carte de visite, late 19th century]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a woman wearing a wedding dress. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century. It was made by W. Bear, Fitzroy (Vic.).
Man and woman (possibly husband and wife), photographed by R. S. Stacy [carte de visite, late 19th century]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a man and a woman (possibly husband and wife). It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century. It was made by R. S. Stacy, North Adelaide (South Australia).
Woman wearing a hat, photographed by Charles Nettleton [carte de visite, late 19th century (circa 1863-1889)]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a woman wearing a hat. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century (circa 1863-1889). It was made by Charles Nettleton, of North Melbourne (Vic.).
Woman holding a fan, photographed by E. C. Waddington [cabinet card, late 19th century]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a woman holding a fan. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century. It was made by E. C. Waddington, of Melbourne (Vic.).
Woman wearing a necklace, photographed by Stewart & Co. [cabinet card, late 19th century]
A carte de visite, featuring a photograph of a woman wearing a necklace. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century. It was made by Stewart & Co., of Melbourne (Vic.).
A cabinet card, featuring a photograph of a woman wearing a wedding dress. It is believed to have been made in the late 19th century. It was made by Stewart & Co. (Melbourne, Vic.).
titleGwen Price, photographed by Jordan [cabinet card, early 20th century]
A cabinet card, featuring a photograph of Gwen Price. It is believed to have been made in the early 20th century. It was made by either Joseph Jordan or his son, Arthur Jordan (Warrnambool, Vic.).
A Gum Leaf from the Golden South [postcard, version 3, 27 June 1911]
A postcard, which incorporates a map of mainland Australia (with a gum leaf made from leather); dated 27 June 1911. It includes an amusing message about the addressee’s popularity with the fairer sex.
Coogee Bay, Sydney, N.S.W. [postcard, 10 December 1906]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of the beach at Coogee Bay (Sydney, NSW); dated 10 December 1906 (postmarked Melbourne, 11 December 1906).
The Man with the Donkey [postcard, monument of Simpson and his donkey, circa 1950-1954]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photo of a monument of Simpson and his donkey. The postcard is believed to have been published circa 1950-1954.
The Reserve, Maroondah Dam, Healesville [postcard, 5 January 1953]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of the Reserve, at the Maroondah Dam, Healesville (Victoria); dated 5 January 1953.
The Australian Museum, Sydney, N.S.W. [postcard, circa 1950s]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of the Australian Museum in Sydney (NSW). It is believed to have been published in the 1950s.
A postcard, which incorporates a picture of a child with the Union Jack and the Australian Red Ensign; postmarked 4 January 1917 (Sydney).
Cute baby koalas at Lone Pine Brisbane [postcard, circa 1940s-1950s]
This postcard, which incorporates a photograph of ten young koalas sitting on a log, at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (Brisbane, Qld.). It is believed to have been published in the 1940s or 1950s.
The Man with the Donkey [postcard, monument of Simpson and his donkey, circa 1940s-1950s]
A postcard, which incorporates a photo of a monument of Simpson and his donkey. It is believed to have been published in the 1940s or 1950s. The sender, Auntie Nell, says that her new wireless (radio) is “goodoh”, and asks the addressee “What do you think of Dad and Dave?” (a popular radio show; also novels).
Native Bear [postcard, circa 1940s-1950s]
A postcard, which incorporates a picture of a koala in a tree. It is believed to have been published in the 1940s or 1950s.
Greetings from Australia [postcard, circa 1940s-1950s]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of a koala in a tree. It is believed to have been published in the 1940s or 1950s.
Public Library, Melbourne [postcard, 19 April 1943]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph the State Library of Victoria; dated 19 April 1943.
King William Street, Adelaide [postcard, mid 20th Century]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of King William Street, Adelaide (South Australia). It is believed to have been published in the mid 20th Century.
A postcard, which incorporates a painting (by J. Hutchings) of two swagmen beside a road; made circa 1906-1907.
Woman and an Australian soldier [photograph, circa WW2 (1939-1945)]
A photograph, of a woman and an Australian soldier. It is believed to be from the era of the Second World War (1939-1945).
Bush Blacksmith [postcard, circa early 20th Century]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photograph of the premises of a rural blacksmith, t is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
Silver Falls, Hobart [postcard, 20 March 1905]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of the Silver Falls (Hobart); dated 20 March 1905. Apparently the postcard was written from a man to his love (Daisy Wherrett); it includes a handwritten poem (although it is one which had been previously published elsewhere).
Australian Commonwealth Military Forces badge [postcard, First World War (1914-1918) era]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of the chalk carving of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces badge at Fovant Down (Wiltshire, England). It is believed to have been published around the era of the First World War (1914-1918), perhaps within a few years of the end of the war.
Good Cheer! [postcard, early 20th Century]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photograph of a man crossing a bridge with a horse and cart (with a kangaroo made from metal). It is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
The official opening of Adelaide’s electric tram system [postcard, 1909]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photograph of the official opening of Adelaide’s electric tram system on 9 March 1909. It is reasonable to assume that this postcard was published in 1909.
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of a school in rural Victoria, with some girls doing some gardening tasks; postmarked 18 May 1909.
Station life in Australia [postcard, 26 December 1905]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of a mob of sheep, mustered near a body of water; postmarked 26 December 1905. Includes good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Nuggety Ajax, Daylesford [postcard, early 20th Century]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of a mine, beside a body of water. It is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
Bush Blacksmith, Gippsland [postcard, 1904]
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of a blacksmith’s premises in the bush; postmarked 1904. Includes good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Passenger ship (Fielding Studio, Fremantle, WA) [postcard, circa 1920s]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photograph of some passengers aboard a ship. It is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century (possibly in the 1920s).
Stylish woman [postcard, circa 1908-1914]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photograph of a stylish woman. It is believed to have been published circa 1908-1914.
Grand Hotel, Huonville, Tas. [postcard, circa 1945]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photograph of the Grand Hotel in Huonville (Tasmania). It is believed to have been published circa 1945.
A postcard, which incorporates a photograph of a class of schoolchildren. It is believed to have been published in 1937.
An Australian lake scene [postcard, art by Harold Herbert, circa 1915-1945]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a painting by Harold Herbert (1891-1945). It is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
A Seaside View, Australia [postcard, art by Harold Herbert, circa 1915-1945]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a painting by Harold Herbert (1891-1945). It is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
An Australian Beach [postcard, art by Harold Herbert, circa 1915-1945]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a painting by Harold Herbert (1891-1945). It is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
A Popular Australian Watering-place [postcard, art by Harold Herbert, circa 1915-1945]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a painting by Harold Herbert (1891-1945). It is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
A Giant Eucalypt, Australia [postcard, art by Harold Herbert, circa 1915-1945]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a painting by Harold Herbert (1891-1945). It is believed to have been published in the early 20th Century.
Federal Government House, Melbourne [postcard, circa 1908]
A postcard (unused), which incorporates a photograph of the Federal Government House in Melbourne (Victoria). It is believed to have been published circa 1908.
A postcard incorporates a photograph of an interior section of a church. It appears that the postcard was sent by a soldier who was stationed in Egypt in 1916, during the First World War (1914-1918).
Note: Items which were obtained with ESU funding can also be accessed via the ESU funding tag.
References:
Introduction to the ESU, The English-Speaking Union Victoria Branch
Our aims, The English-Speaking Union Victoria Branch
Awards, The English-Speaking Union Victoria Branch
Updated 12 March 2025
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