Summary

St Patrick's Day badge which belonged to Helena Hunter (nee Trainor) who was born circa 1866 and died circa 1957. It was worn by Helena and her daughter, Gladys, at St Patrick Day marches in Melbourne. The green ribbon on this badge was put on by Helena's only child Gladys in the 1960s.

Helena married David Montgomery McLeod Hunter in the Clifton Hill Methodist Church, circa 1892. Subsequently the couple continued to attend their own churches. This badge speaks to the maintenance of cultural identity in a new country but also to issues of religion and public events. Helena's parents were both pre-gold rush emigrants. Her father Patrick arrived in Melbourne circa 1842 and her mother in 1848 in the company of her brother and sister. Their passage was paid by Lord Mounteagle and they are part of the Monteagle emigrants.

Physical Description

Small brass pin type badge in the shape of the Harp of Erin with debossed green writing, Small piece of green ribbon attached to back of badge.

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