Summary

Alternative Name(s): Pin, Button

Fundraising badge, possibly dating to World War I.

The concept of 'Hospital Day' possibly arises from the tradition of 'Hospital Saturday/Sunday' which originated in England during the 1700s. Hospital Sundays (or Saturdays) were a day set aside by the local church or chapel where a portion of the congregation's tithes would be donated to the local hospital to support its upkeep.

It is possible that 'Hospital Day' badges were inspired by this tradtion and were used to raise funds for military hospitals. It is unclear whether 'Hospital Day' refers to a specific day.

This is the only example of a Hospital Day badge to include a patroness (or a patron). Lady Victoria Stradbroke was the wife of the third Earl of Stradbroke who led various brigades of the Royal Field Artillery during World War I before serving as Governor of Victoria from 24 February 1921 to 7 April 1926. Lady Stradbroke was known for her philathropic nature which is evidenced by her patronage of this Hospital Day. According to Table Talk magazine, Lady Stradbroke advocated for Hospital Days during her husband's tenure as govenor in the early 1920s.

Physical Description

Round metal badge in brown and white. Brown border has white printed words. Portrait of a woman is in the centre. Metal pin fits in slot on back. Maker printed on outer lower rim.

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