Summary

Logbook issued to J Stegelman by the German Transport Workers Union in Hamburg. The logbook contains details of voyages from 1 November 1909 to 8 April 1911.

Description of Content

Logbook issued by the German Transport Workers Union in Hamburg to J Stegelmann. From 1/11/1909 to 8/4/1911.

Physical Description

Blue card cover with white paper pasted to it. 80 pages. White paper inside with black printed text. Personal details written in pen with some purple inked stamps. Two staples on spine. All in German

Significance

Johannes Stegelman's story is a great example of more unorthodox migration. Jumping ship was a common way to start a new life in Australia, especially for sailors on merchant ships, and dates back to the 1850s gold rush with sailors jumping ship to head for the goldfields (John Simpson Kirkpatrick of 'Simpson and his donkey' fame arrived in Australia by jumping ship). Stegelman's objects all relate to his career in both the German Navy and the merchant navy including the hire document that brought him to Australia. The story is also interesting for its cross-cultural marriage and the bringing together of two very different migrant stories from different periods in time.

Gladys Leichti's objects and story represents the push to attract young British girls for domestic service in the 1920s and the role of philanthropic organizations such as the Salvation Army in meeting this demand.

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