Summary

Cream satin wedding dress. Purchased at Manton's Department Store, 200 Bourke Street, Melbourne, on 14 December 1942 by Norma Green. She married Arthur William '(Bill') Green on the same day, at the Methodist Church in Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. He was serving in 3 Corps of Signals in World War II (service # # VX109455), and had received advice that he was about to be transferred to a combat zone in New Guinea.

Norma recorded her recollection of their wedding day on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary: 'Met Bill 9am Monday at Catanagh's - bought wedding ring. Left Bill, met Doris (Bill's sister) and Grandma Green (Bill's mother). Went to Mantons, bought wedding dress, going away dress and bridesmaids dress. To Preston Motors to tell them I wouldn't be in tomorrow because I was being married that afternoon. Hair appointment 2pm, JP appointment 4pm. Married 5.30 pm. Busy day'.

Norma wore the wedding dress with a long white veil, pearls and a fabric-covered horseshoe. After her wedding she carefully put aside her outfit and preserved her dress and horseshoe all her long life.

After the war ended, Norma and Bill had a single son, Rob. Bill worked for the AWA's beam wireless service (later part of OTC - Overseas Telecommunications Commission). He rose to become shift controller of its Melbourne Operating Room. He and Norma also renovated properties, and ran dairy farms with her father.

Physical Description

Full-length wedding dress, made from an off-white material, possibly a synthetic satin. The dress has a high neckline, shortened sleeves slightly gathered at inside and gathered shoulders. Dropped waist at the front ending in point and at the back secured with a half-belt with three fabric-covered buttons. The skirt is slightly gathered into the waistline and extends at the back to form a train. The bodice features a series of diagonal seams in groups of nine. The dress has a small mark on the side of the skirt section and some minor staining on the bottom of the train.

More Information