Summary

Photograph of an encampment labelled 'Seymour Mending Society Receiving Depot'.

Seymour and Broadmeadows were amonst Victorian military camps during World War I that had 'mending societies' to undertake 'patriotic work' including mending, providing labels for soldiers' clothing (Argus, 22 Dec 1915, p.12), offering comforts and providing Christmas 'hospitality' (The Age, 24 Dec 1917, p.4) and 'otherwise see to the general welfare of the men who are without friends' (Geelong Advertiser, 1 Sep 1915, p.2). Contemporary articles suggest the societies were typically made up of 'ladies'. In September 1915 it was noted that a Mrs Joseph was president of the Melbourne [Mending] Society and 'controls Broadmeadows, Seymour and other camps' (Geelong Advertiser, 1 Sep 1915, p.2). Captain-chaplain Herring gave a description of life in the Seymour camp on 26 October 1917, at which 'He referred to the fine work done by local church ladies, who have formed a Mending Society, and visit the camp weekly for the purpose of doing sewing work and bringing a taste of home life into the lives of the brave lads in camp.'

Description of Content

Mounted photograph showing two men, one officer and two women, one seated, outside tent with sign post 'SEYMOUR MENDING SOCIETY RECEIVING DEPOT'. Seated woman is mending a greatcoat. Tents and another man are visible in the background.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph adhered to brown-covered cardboard. Deterioration of edges.

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