Summary

These two identical sepia stereographic views mounted on card, depict Maypole Dances at the Children's Fete on the Exhibition Oval, in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, on 11 May 1901, at 2.30 p.m.

The opening of the Australian Parliament on 9 May 1901 was an occasion for great celebrations in Melbourne. Ten days of festivities (from 6-16 May) were planned to mark the Federation of the new nation and honour the Royal visitors, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. The city was transformed with decorations - flags, bunting, colourful lights and festive arches - and a series of public events were held, including a military tattoo and several street parades. Unprecedented numbers of people arrived in Melbourne from the rest of Victoria and throughout Australia to take part in the celebrations. The State School Children's Fete was held as part of these celebrations.

Description of Content

Maypole Dances at the Children's Fete on the Exhibition Oval, in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, on 11 May 1901, at 2.30 p.m. The girls are wearing white flowing ankle length dresses with white shoes and stockings. They have white crowns on their heads. A large crowd is gathered in the background. The facade of the Exhibition Building is visible in the background. The State School Children's Fete was held as part of the celebrations for the opening of the first Australian Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901 and the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall & York.

Physical Description

Two identical sepia stereographs mounted on card, depict Maypole Dances at the Children's Fete on the Exhibition Oval. The girls are wearing white flowing ankle length dresses with white shoes and stockings. They have white crowns on their heads. A large crowd is gathered in the background. The facade of the REB is visible in the background.

More Information