Item SH 880224 Scarf - Black Silk, circa 1920s

Summary

Black silk scarf. Belonged to Betty Anderson of Kew. Date unknown, but may be 1920s.

Betty (Elizabeth) was the daughter of James Caldwell Anderson and Mary Lloyd Anderson, and grand-daughter of renowned architect Lloyd Tayler. Born in 1889, Betty was one of four siblings, all of whom she outlived. The family lived at 'Mynda', 5 Molesworth Street, Kew, Melbourne. Betty served in the Red Cross during World War I, although details are confined to a nurse's apron and a photograph. She never married, and lived to the age of 92, passing away in 1982.

Betty (and her mother Minnie) had several items of black clothing in this period, which could suggest mourning clothing. Her father and brother had both died in 1915 (their deaths were not related to World War I). Although she was actively involved in World War I, apparently serving as a nurse, Betty never married. It is not known if she lost others to whom she was close during the War.

Physical Description

Black silk machine net evening scarf with fringe at each end.