Ida May BLACKMAN was born on 22 November 1886, the seventh child and youngest daughter of Frances Emily CROMPTON and William BLACKMAN, a farmer of 'Lyndon', Sulky, north of Ballarat, Victoria. She married Nelson Frederick WELLINGTON. Pat WELLINGTON writes of her parents. My parents' interest in singing led to their membership of the leading Ballarat choir of the day. My Father was the number one tenor and my Mother was the number one contralto. They did a great deal of singing together and the romance took off from there. My Mother's courtship days were filled with music and teaching. She had elocution pupils and she taught in a little country school. Left: Ida Blackman c.1900 taken from a photograph of all the Blackman sisters. Source: Heather Schoffelen

Nelson edward Wellington (Commercial Street Merbein)  John Smith 
b......1866 Ballarat East, Victoria                   b.             
d.30aug1936 Mildura, Victoria                         d.       
|                                                     |
m......1888 (Reg no. 5271)                            m......1859
|                                                     |
Margaret (Minnie) Elizabeth Smith =================== Hephzibah Petty
b......1864 Ballarat East, Victoria                   b.
d.23dec1950 Merbein, Victoria                         d......1892
|
|============|===========|========|========|========|========|=======||
Nelson       Minnie      Allen    Daisy    Margaret Ireen    Adele
frederick                                  (Marge)  (Rene)   (Dell)
b.03mar1889  b.1891      b.1893   b.1896   b.1901   b.1904   b.1911
d.22aug1952  d.1976      d.1893   d.1975   d.1976   d.1980   d.1996
|            |             ****   |        |        |        |
m.14nov1911  m.05jul1919          m.       m.       m.       m.
|            |                    |        |        |        |
Ida may      Frank                George   William  Harry    Charles
Blackman     Beaven               Ball     Missen   Symons   Tulloch
             ******

1821info13a, sheet 2

Nelson Frederick WELLINGTON was born Ballarat on 04 April 1889. His father was in the building trade - a plasterer and concrete expert. ¹ A former pupil of Mount Pleasant, established in Ballarat on 3 August 1874 as State School No. 1436 for 550 scholars and then the Church of England Grammar School, Ballarat. Nelson was, in March 1937, listed in an article from The Age, as a distinguished former pupil. ² On completing school he joined the Ballarat East Town Council as a junior clerk where he remained for 6 years. In that time, on 19 August 1911, he gained a Certificate of Competence from the Municipal Clerks Board.

Their first child, Pat WELLINGTON, writes of her parents:

Besides singing well my Father was a talented pianist. He could play anything by ear as well as read music. He was much in demand socially all his life because of this entertainment skill. Two of his sisters were also talented musicians so there was a great deal of music in his family life. My Father was also good at sport and played football in the Golden Point team [Now East Point Football Club]. He also rowed well. His days as a young man were filled with music, sport and municipal training at Ballarat Municipal Offices. When the opportunity came to get a shire secretary's job at Orbost [Gippsland] my Father applied and when he was successful my parents married and went to Orbost to live. 3 Left: NF WELLINGTON Shire Secretary, Orbost, 1911-1914 All photographs, unless otherwise stated, with permission of Pat WELLINGTON's son, Geoffrey HUTSON

Before and after her marriage on 14 November 1911, the Electoral Roll records Ida May BLACKMAN living at:

• 1908      67 Blackman, Ida May, Bald Hill, sewing-mistress, in Learmonth sub-district of Grampian
• 1913   118  Blackman, Ida May, Bald Hill, sewing-mistress, in Learmonth sub-district of Ballarat

and who also gave elocution lessons.

Nelson Frederick WELLINGTON was living with his family at:

• 1912 2030 Wellington, Minnie, 13 Laurie st., home duties, in Mount Pleasant sub- district of Ballarat
• 1912 2031 Wellington, Nelson, 13 Laurie st., plasterer, in Mount Pleasant sub- district of Ballarat
• 1912 2032 Wellington, Nelson Frederick, 13 Laurie st., assistant town clerk, in Mount Pleasant sub-district of Ballarat

1821info 13a, sheet 3

Source: Photograph of 7 Laurie Street, Ballarat date unknown. Victorian Collections Titheridge Collection 2006.1004 (Accessed: 10 July 2017)

It is believed that 13 Laurie Street was renumbered 709 Laurie Street. This belief is supported by the similar architectural style of numbers 7 and 709. Left: 709 Laurie Street, Ballarat Author: November 2015

Right: 709 Laurie Street, Ballarat Author: November 2015

1821info 13a, sheet 4

The wedding

Above: Blackman - Wellington wedding, Ballarat, 14 November 1911 4 Left to right: Mabel BLACKMAN, sister of the bride, later Mrs PEARSON, Eric BRIND 1 , best man and NFW's friend Ida May BLACKMAN, the bride, Nelson Frederick WELLINGTON the groom, Minnie WELLINGTON, bridesmaid and sister of NFW, Thomas BLACKMAN, brother of the bride.

The report of the Ballarat Star of 09 December 1911 gives a vivid description of the wedding and the dresses featured in the photograph.

1821info 13a, sheet 5

In 1911, where Nelson was the Shire Secretary. He was assistant town clerk at Ballarat East when he was appointed as Shire Secretary to the Shire of Orbost in December 1911 following their wedding, the couple moved to Orbost. He commenced duties at Orbost in the first week of January 1912. Right: Orbost Shire Offices early 1950s Source: Geoffrey Hutson

The Australian Electoral Roll 1903-1977, available on Ancestry, records their homes and occupations in the 1913 Roll as:

• 1913  1167 Wellington, Ida May, Orbost, home duties, in Orbost sub-district of Gippsland
• 1913  1168 Wellington, Nelson Frederick, Orbost, shire secretary, in Orbost sub- district of Gippsland

They lived at “Rosslyn”, Salisbury Street, Orbost, then at “Rosslyn” Gordon Street, Orbost. Whilst Salisbury and Gordon Streets are on Google maps, “Rosslyn” is not.

1821info 13a, sheet 6

In the same year, Nelson was supplementing his salary by teaching clerical skills at his home in 'Rosslyn', Salisbury Street, Orbost. Right: A composite image of Snowy River Mail of 11 November 1913

During his time at Orbost he was actively involved with local groups and activities.

• At the time of his arrival, it was compulsory for all boys between the ages of 14 and 18 to register for military training. As a trained army Lieutenant, he organised a corps of local lads to be provided with rifles and uniforms and undertake some initial training, and later on organised a system of voluntary training in military instruction for all male residents of the district.
• He umpired local football matches between Orbost, Newmerella, Cunninghame (Lakes Entrance) and Bruthen football clubs; he captained the Orbost cricket team and was a very competent golfer.
• He chaired local meetings and took on the position of auditor of the Orbost branch of the People’s Party.
• Both he and Mrs WELLINGTON contributed vocal and recitation items as well as musical accompaniment for local church performances and other occasions, such as a visit by the Governor of Victoria. He was a member of the Orbost Municipal Band. ⁶

The Snowy River Mail reports the Orbost Shire Hall council meeting, which said farewell to Nelson leaving Orbost for war on 30 April 1915. The President said he was extremely sorry Mr Wellington was leaving, as he had proved a worthy officer. He congratulated him on the position he had attained in the forces, and expressed confidence that he would discharge the duties with honours ...

1821info13a, sheet 7

Above: Shire of Orbost honours board - Orbost Museum

The central panel records: In Honour Of The BRAVE MEN Of This District Who Enlisted For Active Service Abroad In The Great European War Right: Nelson's detail on the Orbost honours board

1821info13a, sheet 8

Nelson the horticulturalist as part of the Soldier Settlement Scheme

When war intervened, Nelson was still registered in Orbost. However, on board the returning troopship, soldiers were advised not to try and return to their old jobs, but to go to the new Soldier Settlements being set up by the government. One was at Merbein, near Mildura, on the Murray River. New virgin land was to cleared to extend the grape and citrus industry. 5 Here Nelson became a horticulturalist. Nelson Edward WELLINGTON decided to move his family from Ballarat to an established citrus farm he had purchased: a challenge for both families. 7 Nelson's eleven page application to the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Inquiry Board is available on-line at PROV. To summarise. At the time of his application, on 15 April 1919, he requested about 20 acres of land needing irrigating in Merbein. Nelson was living at 6 Finlay Street, Albert Park. the home of William Henry BLACKMAN being temporarily employed as an area officer in the Defence Department. He was ordered to appear before the Board on 17 May 1919, but failed to appear. His declaration confirmed his position as Orbost's Shire Secretary for 3½ years, his rank and position with 21/Bn and AIF's General Staff and that he had been wounded in the chest that required a dry climate. He was applying for fruit growing land with three months practical and theoretical experience at Merbein and a certificate for irrigation orchard farming. Nelson requested a preference for the 18 acre block 67 at £153 or the 15 acre block 72 valued at £135 'or any other' and a three roomed house to be built for his wife and girl of 6 year and boy of 4 years. Right: Nelson Wellington, back row right, in Merbein at an unknown date, with, its believed Nelson Edward seated

Having £30 in London's Bank of Australia and £120 in Stakes Saving Bank and no liabilities, he didn't require a loan. Nelson's lease was dated 02 June 1919 for a term of 39½ years at a cost of £304 15 shillings and 3 pence (£304.76) repayable over 72 half-yearly instalments of £4 4s (£4.20), the first being paid on 2 December 1922. The lease was cancelled on 05 April 1928 for non-compliance and confirmed on 22 August 1919.

Above: the lower half of page 8 of Nelson's Application at Discharged Soldiers Settlement Inquiry Board showing confirmation that he was allocated allotment 72 on 10 June 1919 Victoria PROV World War I Soldier Settlement Scheme (Accessed: 27 December 2023)

1821info13a, sheet 9

Above: A map locating Wellington's lot 72 circa 1925, circled, after the family had left for Mildura, hence the Wellington name is not recorded Source: Mildura06 Parish Plan Imperial measure3102 VPRS 16171/P0001/7, Mildura-06(Psh)LOImp3102.pdf available at VPRO

Right: Lot 72 in 2019 with the assumed location of The Dugout - approximately 432 River Avenue, Birdwoodton

• 1919 5207 Wellington, Ida May, Merbein, home duties, Mildura sub-district of Wimmera
• 1919 5207 Wellington, Nelson Frederick, Merbein, horticulturalist, Mildura sub-district of Wimmera

1821info13a, sheet 10

The settlement in Merbein was virgin land about three miles from Merbein township, and had to be cleared, blocks measured and fenced, and then planted up with vines and citrus and irrigated. [...] We had grapes back and front and an orange grove in the centre. It was a grim life - freezing cold with frosts in the winter and blazing hot for months in the summer. [...] The harsh life at Merbein in 1920 was very difficult to tolerate. A one roomed dwelling was erected between the front vines and the orange on our block - bunks at one end and wood stove and large kitchen stove at the other. [...] Eventually Grandfather Wellington helped us extend the one-roomed cottage. Two rooms were added onto the back of it. [...] We had plenty of fruit as the vines and citrus trees grew and flourished. ⁸

1821info13a, sheet 11

To Mildura as Shire Secretary

As time passed [Nelson] became more and more involved with the administration of the settlement. [...] As time passed, [Nelson] began to miss his former occupation and his enthusiasm for fruit growing was waning. Mildura been a shire and was about to become a town. When the position for the town clerk of Mildura became available, [Nelson] decided to apply [...] and when he was appointed in 1923 we moved to Mildura. 10 When the arrangements for the management of the farm proved unsatisfactory the block and house were sold. Left: Mildura Shire Offices circa 1923 Source: Wellington

We didn't stay long in the first floor flat. [In 1925] my parents eventually found a [three bedroomed and with bathroom] home to rent in Tenth Street. [...] It was a large house, with grape vines all round the front verandah and considerable garden space [...] one of the first electric stoves in town. We also had electric light [and] a telephone. [...] The floors were covered in linoleum and in the living room [...] rugs and some new furniture and a piano. 11 Right: Map locating the 10th Street Mildura House 12

During this time the Electoral Register shows the family still residents of Merbein, though the family had a small flat at the back of the municipal office, right in the centre of Mildura and close to the shops. A second flat was rented above some shops which faced the road behind Deakin Avenue and close to Brownings Store (Brownings Lane(?)).

1821info13a, sheet 12

Nelson meets Pompey Elliott - a supposition

Given Nelson’s wartime experience, his between wars commitment to the Australian militia and his location and position, it would be surprising if Nelson was not at one of the meetings hosted by Victoria’s illustrious Brig-Gen. Harold ‘Pompey’ Elliott, whose original 7/Battalion was formed on Essendon and Moonee Ponds volunteers.

1821info13a, sheet 13

As part of Elliott’s 1925 campaign for re-election to the Federal Senate he travelled around northern Victoria. On Thursday 15 October 1925, Elliott began a four-day stay at Mildura’ s Grand Hotel to give his standard campaign address in Mildura, Merbein and Red Cliff.

After the third of these speeches on Saturday morning, the meeting chairman GC Green announced he had a ‘pleasant duty to perform on behalf of ex-members of the 7th Battalion’, who were represented amongst the local resettlement soldier settlers. Green retold the story of how Pompey castigated one of his soldiers, whilst at Mena Camp, Egypt, for appearing on parade without a hat. The soldier’s explanation that his hat had been stolen was scorned until soon afterwards Elliott found his own hat to be missing. Ten years after that event, Green pulled a crumpled felt hat from his pocket and presented it to Elliott. Whilst Elliott was reluctant to spoil a good story, he strongly suspected it was not the real thing.

Later that Saturday, Elliott returned to Mildura as guest of honour at a memorable social of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA). The struggling soldier settlers forgot their troubles, enjoyed a jovial evening of spirited singing and memories. They saluted Pompey in genuine gratitude for his keen interest in their cause. ¹⁴

End notes

1. Research by Geoffrey HUTSON
2. Trove - Old Victorian Schooldays (1937, March 6). The Age (Accessed: 1 January, 2017)
3. Wellington Pat, 'Memories 1913-1954', Clifton Press, Kensington, Victoria, 2007, p.1
4. ibid p.7
5. ibid p.9
6. Phillips, John, Who’s Who in Orbost and District, Orbost Historical Society Inc. P.O. Box 284 Orbost Vic 3888, 9 March 2020 which is full of newspaper clips depicting Nelson's life
7. Wellington p.10
8. ibid pp.11-12
9. Oram p.53
10. Wellington pp.13, 15
11. ibid p.19
12. ibid p.29
13. McMullin p.605
14. Trove - “Still a Digger, October 19 1925 Sunraysia Daily, Mildura, Victoria (Accessed: 12 July 12, 2021)

1821info13a, sheet 14

The move to Essendon

In 1926 the town clerk of Essendon died and, after an interview in Melbourne, Nelson was, on 29 October 1926, offered the job at a salary of £750 per annum (equivalent to £119,000 in 2015. In 2015 Prime Minister Cameron was earning £146,000. ¹ Ida, being in variable heath, was delighted as she found the severe summers difficult to manage. In November that year a public farewell, in Mildura, was arranged. It was a big affair in the town hall and presentations were made. ²

Right: The Wellington family between 1925 and 1930 Left to right: Nelson Thomas Lyle (Chip), Ida May, Lesley Joan (Mickie), Patricia Frances

Right: Nelson Wellington with Councillor A Fenton, Mayor of Essendon between 1929-31, with Mrs Fenton holding the flowers

1821info13a, sheet 15

In December 1926 Nelson became Essendon's town clerk with the family living in the Junction Hotel, Moonee Ponds, almost opposite the town hall. Right: Nelson Wellington as Essendon town clerk in 1930

At this time Nelson was a founder member of Essendon Rotary Club and later its secretary. ³

• 1927 11394 Wellington, Ida May, Junction Hotel, Puckle st., home duties, in Moonee Ponds sub-district of Maribyrnong
• 1927 11395 Wellington, Nelson Frederick, Junction Hotel, Puckle st., town clerk, in Moonee Ponds sub-district of Maribyrnong

In the week of 7 April 1927 their new home was a bungalow at 57 Aberfeldie Street.

• 1928 11851 Wellington, Ida May, 57 Aberfeldie st., home duties, in Moonee Ponds sub- district of Maribyrnong
• 1927 11395 Wellington, Nelson Frederick, 57 Aberfeldie st., town clerk, in Moonee Ponds sub-district of Maribyrnong

1821info13a, sheet 16

During this time Ida, being the wife of the Town Clerk, had widely reported social responsibilities at receptions as far away as Mordialloc. Whilst at Aberfeldie Road, because of her social position or church affiliation, Ida was on the committee of the Moonee Ponds St. Martin's and St John, the Evangelist Homes for Boys (Church of England). This reinforces her protestant faith. Left: 57 Aberfieldie Street, Moonee Ponds, Author: November 2015

Ida's committee undertook to provide £150 a year to the homes maintenance. In July 1928, Ida helped organise a bridge party at Toronga, the residence of Mr and Mrs E.H. Kinnear in Aberfeldie Road, which once stood in the now Aberfeldie Park. Card tables were set in the spacious ballroom, drawing and dining rooms and the committee provided refreshments. ⁴ Two years later, still on the committee, Ida helped to organise an informal dance held at Lowther Hall, Essendon. ⁵

• 1931 12387 Wellington, Ida May, 23 Learmonth st., home duties, in Moonee Ponds sub- district of Maribyrnong
• 1931 12388 Wellington, Nelson Frederick, 23 Learmonth st., town clerk, in Moonee Ponds sub-district of Maribyrnong

In late 1929 the family moved to the now much modified Kiandra, built in 1887, at 23 Learmonth Street. This was recorded as the family home through out the Second World War, when again Nelson was on active service. However, Ida endeavoured to follow Nelson's Queensland postings and to where Mickey was preparing to be a war bride. Left: 23 Learmonth Street, Moonee Ponds - extensively altered since the 1930s Author: November 2015

Trove suggested that Ida has more social column inches than Nelson has civic mentions. In 1935 Ida's social duties had expanded to train Essendon's 32 debutants for the Essendon Combined Freemasons' ball. ⁶ In 1938 Ida was president of the Essendon Housewives' Association of Victoria when a craft competition was organised for adults and children in aid of Women in Need. ⁷ In Ballarat Ida had been a renowned teacher of elocution. With her Ballarat friend being the chair of Melbourne's English Speaking Union and Ida the secretary, she was frequently mentioned in the society pages: Mrs NF Wellington is about to leave on/has returned from her trip to .....

In 1936 the Shire Councils and Essendon in particular, were in the Arbitration Court for letting out council contracts to tender at a reduced rate per hour and with the prospect of unemployment for council workers. Specifically, carters, their horses and insurance were re-employed at a reduction of 12/6 (12 shillings and 6 pence) a week. Nelson was called to give evidence on the contracts, the need for economy and the necessity for getting down to the rates which the council was able to pay. ⁸

1821info13a, sheet 17

The municipalities of Footscray, Essendon, Braybrook, Werribee and Williamstown were in dispute with the Graziers' Association of Victoria and Southern Rlverina, the Melbourne Stock and Station Agents' Association, the City and Country Land, Stock and Station Agents' Association, the Master Butchers' Association, and Melbourne City Council. The council had in 1929 passed a by-law prohibiting the droving of stock except between midnight and 8am, but it had suspended the law owing to the complaints of those interested in the sale yards, who declared they would not have sufficient road facilities, and that buying for export would have to be practically abandoned. Nelson, along with the Health Inspector was called to give evidence on behalf of Essendon Council, who were proposing to move the stock yard to another location. 9

1821info13a, sheet 18

Nelson's military life between the wars

Through out this time Nelson maintained his military contacts, being active in the peace time forces with the command of the 58th Battalion (Essendon Rifles Militia) ³ for 4½ years until October 1, 1938. ¹⁰ He is recorded as a full colonel at the farewell ball given on the retirement of Lieut. Colonel JJ McKenna, from command of the 57/60 Battalion, at the Drill Hall, Preston. ¹¹

He gained his air pilot's licence with the Royal Victorian Aero Club at Essendon. ¹²

End notes

1. Trove - The Age, 29 October 1926, Melbourne, Vic., p.14 (Accessed: 31 December, 2016)
2. Wellington p.24
3. Trove - Mildura. 23 February 1935, February 23, The Age, Melbourne, Vic., p.24 (Accessed: 01 January 2017)
4. Trove - Social Events, 12 July 1928, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic., p.7.(Accessed: 01 January 2017)
5. Australian War Memorial (Accessed: 31 January 2017), Trove - 21 June 1930, The Age, Melbourne, Vic., p.22 (Accessed: 01 January 2017)
6. Trove - Essendon Freemasons' Ball, 05 September 1935, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic., p.5. (Accessed: 01 January 2017)
7. Trove - Aid for Women in Need, 30 June 1938, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic. p.4 (Accessed: 01 January 2017)
8. Trove - Municipal Cartage, 09 February 9 1932, The Age, Melbourne, Vic., p.7. (Accessed: 01 January 2017)
9. Trove - Sale Yards in the City, 08 August 1935, The Age, Melbourne, Vic., p.9. (Accessed: 01 January 2017)
10. Trove - Lt. Col. Wellington Wounded, 11 July 1941, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic. (Accessed: 01 January 1 2017)
11. Trove - Officer of Battalion Farewelled, 27 June 1935, Table Talk, Melbourne, Vic., p.34. (Accessed: 01 January 2017)
12. Trove - Lt.Col. Wellington wounded, 11 July 1941, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic., p.5 (Accessed: 01 January 2017)

Post War life

After 12 months convalescing in Queensland, Nelson resumed his role as town clerk in Essendon in June 1945 ¹, where he presided over the post-war development of Essendon, which involved the building of good quality homes on the old racecourse and the choice of street names. Another concern was the bottle neck between Puckle Street and Flemington Bridge, which could have involved the widening of Mount Alexander Road at a cost of more than £1 million, or removing the traffic to Essendon airport. ²

In 1949, for some unknown reason the family, with the children having left home, Nelson and Ida were back in the Junction Hotel on Puckle Street.

• 1949 15660 Wellington, Ida May, Hotel, Puckle st., home duties, in Moonee Ponds sub- district of Maribyrnong
• 1949 15661 Wellington, Nelson Frederick, Junction Hotel, Puckle st., town clerk, in Moonee Ponds sub-district of Maribyrnong

Nelson's Second World War service sheet gives a post 1940 address as Lot 3, Laura St. and Holmes Rd., Moonee Ponds W4 as dated by his MC, rank and service with 2/2 Pioneers. A second undated document gives the same post-war address identified by his DSO and rank of Hon. Col 15 May 1945. Right: 3 Laura Street, Moonee Ponds

1821info13a, sheet 19

Ida's professional elocution association over many years, with the English Speaking Union continued after the War. There were several occasions when Ida and her friends from Ballarat, Mrs Maie Hoban (Ida's oldest friend and a director of the Pilgrim Theatre) and Mrs Elsie Carnegie got together for afternoon tea parties at the Oriental Hotel. Several other familiar names seemed to be present. Ida appears to feature in Melbourne society, being frequently reported in The Argus social columns. Right: Ida Wellington 20 June 1949 probably at an Essendon council event

On 5 April 1951 The Argus reported that Ida was joint guest of honour, with Nelson, at an afternoon reception after their 15 month trip to the United States. She commented on 'the lack of old women in America, due to the labour saving appliances that can do their work at night if necessary [... and] they can buy what food they want at the marts'. Nelson, after his war leave, convalescences and a fifteen month holiday in America, was still employed as town clerk for Essendon.

1821info13a, sheet 20

	Source: Obituary (1952, August 25). The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), p.2. (Accessed: 02 January, 2017)

	Source: Family Notices (1952, August 25). The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), p.7. (Accessed: 02 January, 2017)

That Nelson was received into the Catholic Faith by Bishop Hayes, of Rockhampton, whom Colonel Wellington first knew as Father Romauld Hayes, of St. Columban's Mission, Essendon, was not generally know by the family and by Ida in particular. Nelson was buried in the Roman Catholic section of Fawkner Memorial Park on 26 August 1952 in a grave maintained by the Office of Australian War Graves, who are responsible for the maintenance of all war graves. Ida, given the choice of being buried besides Nelson or in the Protestant section, was buried on 19 October 1964 in an unmarked grave next to Nelson. However, as his grandson Geoffrey Hutson writes 'Ida went through much anguish. She wanted to be with her husband in death, but couldn't bear the shame of being in the Roman Catholic section. The book suggests she is buried in the space alongside Nelson, but when we asked Fawkner they said she was in the plot with him.

1821info31a, sheet 21

Above: Wellington graves at Fawkner November 2015 with Ida's interned in the same grave Author: November 2015

Right: Nelson Wellington's Veteran's headstone at Fawkner Author: November 2015

1821info13a, sheet 22

Nelson Wellington's memorial (Author: November 2015 or family)

Ballarat's Arch of Victory looking on to the Avenue of Honour

Nelson's name of the Arch of Victory's name boards which also indicates his tree number

Nelson's memorial on the central reservation of Ballarat's Avenue of Honour

Nelson's memorial plaque by his tree in Queen's Park, Moonee Ponds (Family photo)

Nelson's memorial tree, Queen's Park, as a sapling with family members (Family photo)

Nelson's mature memorial tree in Queen's Park (Family photo)

Bruce Hutson in front of Nelson's tree in Queen's Park (Family photo 2016)

Moonee Ponds War Memorial on Kellaway Avenue (Web photo)

Memory Lane Garden, Essendon

More information about the Arch of Victory and Avenue of Honour ⁴.

A picture of the late town clerk, Colonel Nelson F. Wellington. D.S.O., M.C., V.D., was presented in late June 1953 to the Essendon City Council. The presentation, made to the Mayor (Cr. A. S. McDonald), by the wife of the late Col. Wellington. ³

Nelson's wartime will was signed on 30 May 1940. In it everything was left to Ida ad his solicitor in Litle Collins Street, his sole Executor. At the time of his death, Nelson was living in Dandenong. Nelson's will is available at Victoria Public Records Office ⁴ His probate, date 15 January 1953, appoints Ida, Pat and Lyle as executors to allocate the sum of £413 1 shilling and 11 pence.

Subsequent to Nelson's death, Essendon Council voted to open its meeting with one of two prayers: one being written by Nelson and subsequently used by several other Councils. 5

After the death of Nelson, Ida had a flat in Essendon. Later, when her daughter Mickie and granddaughter Libby were visiting from Kansas, they moved in with her daughter Pat at 153 Foster Street, Dandenong.

1821info 13a, sheet 23

Wanting to sever connection with Essendon Ida found a solution when, in late 1952, she inspected the Majestic Private Hotel in St. Kilda. Right: Majestic Hotel, St Kilda in 1981

Situated at 151 Fitzroy Street, the hotel faced the grounds and lake of Albert Park. It had become a superior guest house for genteel ladies, which Ida thought would suit her. Left: Majestic Hotel, St Kilda

• 1954 4455 Wellington, Ida May, 151 Fitzroy st., home duties, St Kilda West sub-district of Isaacs

After Mickie's departure on 29 April 1953, Ida became restless and arrived on the Foster Street doorstep with suitcase saying she couldn't stay at the Majestic any longer and wanted to save to visit Mickie. (Wellington p.258-9)

Ida died on 16 October 1964. Her will leaves her jewellery and clothes to Pat and Mickie and her costume jewellery to her daughter-in-law and grand-daughters. Legacies of £100 were left to Mickie, Pat and Dorothy Wellington. Methwyn Hutson and Elizabeth Howard received £200, Barney £250. ⁶

End notes

1. Trove - Personal, 12 June1946, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, p.4 (Accessed: 01 January 2017)
2. Trove - Former Racecourse As Suburban Showplace, 16 July 1949, The Argus Week-End Magazine, Melbourne, Vic. p.6 (Accessed: 01 January 2017)
3. Trove - Advocate, 25 June 1953, Melbourne, Vic.,p. 2. (Accessed: 02 January, 2017)
4. Victoria Public Records Office reference VPRS 7591/P2 unit 1586, item 456/225 and probate VPRS 28/P4 unit 418, item 456/225.
5. Trove - Opening Council Meetings With Prayer, 28 August, Record, Emerald Hill, Vic., p. 2. (Accessed: 02 January, 2017)
6. Victoria Public Records Office reference VPRS 7591/P3 unit 572, item 621/928 and probate VPRS 28/P4 unit 3373, item 61/928.

1821info 13a, sheet 24

Their children and grandchildren

Patricia Frances Nelson and Ida Mays first child

Nelson and Ida May's first child, married Doctor Medwyn HUTSON In later life Patricia wrote her autobiography Memoirs 1913-1954, which was published by her son Geoffrey. Medwyn had been a brilliant student and not long out of Melbourne University volunteered for a field ambulance unit in PNG. He went on to become a past president of the Australian Medical Association. Right: Medwyn Hutson and Barney Howard in Kansas City in the 1970s Source: Chip Wellington's book

Patricia and Medwyn second son is Dr Geoffrey HUTSON a behavioural scientist, who in retirement, is applying his knowledge to Flemington racehorse Their third child is Professor John HUTSON who was the Chair of Paediatric Surgery at the University of Melbourne, and one of the Consultant Paediatric Urologists at The Royal Children's Hospital. Bruce, the couple's eldest child, is a retired medical practitioner who spent many years as a country GP in Grafton, NSW. In Brisbane he does voluntary work in the AMP building that was once General MacArthur's war room for the Pacific campaign, where Nelson also had his Brisbane office on the seventh floor.

Nelson Thomas Lyle Wellington (known as Lyle and 'Chips'), Nelson and Ida Mays second child

'Chip' Wellington has his own page.

1821info13a, sheet 25

Lesley Joan Wellington (known as 'Mickie'), Nelson and Ida Mays third child

Mickie was born on 03 May 1921 at "Quisisana", Dandenong Road, Windsor. ¹ On 25 September 1943 Mickey married Alva Bernard HOWARD, born at RDF2 (West) Peculiar, Cass County, Missouri on 04 May 1913/ the third child, first son of Alva and Elizabeth.. Before joining the army, Barney was employed by Standard Oil Company of California as an apprentice machinist and lived at 162 Santa Fe Avenue, Richmond, Contra Costa, California. ² Barney had enlisted in the army on 01 August 1942 and was discharged on 23 September 1946. He reenlisted, for Korea, on 01 December 1957 and was discharged on 31 May 1961. ³

Pat Wellington writes: In spite of their initial reluctance the girls enjoyed the party which was voted a great success. Afterwards, one of the American officers, Captain A.B. ("Barney") Howard, started paying my sister a good deal of attention. He was an ordnance officer from Kansas City, Missouri, and they dated a few times and then gradually became very friendly and a romance developed. This worried my parents. They had heard all the tales about the Americans and Australian girls and did not want Joan (Mickie) to get involved. Right: Major Barney Howard from an oil painting made in Stuttgart c.1956

My Father decided to investigate Barney's family background through a Rotary friend in America. The information obtained disclosed that Barney's family were a Methodist family — the parents living on a prosperous farm near Kansas City. The farm was originally purchased with money Barney's father made on the goldfields of Ballarat on his stop over in Australia on his way to USA from England. The father still had his miner's licence. [...] Barney was single and had not been married. It was reported that the family were highly respected in their district. My parents then relaxed a bit but did not really want Joan to marry an American and go to USA to live — not their precious "delicate" daughter carefully protected all her life. However, Barney proceeded to charm them all, won over my sister and my parents and they all went to Surfer's Paradise for the Easter holidays to celebrate the engagement. I was amazed at this news and just hoped it was the right decision. [...] I could only wish them well and hope for the best. ⁴

Joan and Barney began to think about marriage in Rockhampton if there was no sign of his unit going overseas in the immediate future. Barney applied for leave in September and tentative arrangements for the wedding were made. Joan invited me to be matron of honour and there was to be one other bridesmaid. [...] My Father said he would solve that and I could go with him to Rockhampton by army plane. He could see no difficulty as I was an air force staff officer. [...]My sister and Barney were married in Rockhampton on 25 September 1943 [...] ⁵

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With Nelson commuting between Melbourne and Brisbane and Barney being in North Queensland, Ida and Mickey decided to take an apartment at Orient House in Redcliffe. Here Mickey began to organise her eventual departure to the USA by the 'brideship' SS Marinosa that arrived San Francisco on 06 March 1946. Two years later, her naturalisation papers, recorded her living at 6175 Alameda, El Paso, Texas as a housewife with one child.

Above: Mickie Howard's naturalisation paper Source: Ancestry Click on the map to open a scalable pdf map in a new window

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In 1948, after retiring from Essendon City Council, Nelson and Ida planned an extended visit, sailing on the Mariposa, to see Mickey and granddaughter Libby. When Nelson died on 24 August 1952, Mickie was unable to be at the funeral but in October/November 1952, she and Libby flew to Melbourne to visit Ida for four months, staying in the Majestic Private Hotel in St. Kilda, where Ida then lived. Shortly after Libby became ill with whopping cough and needed admission to the Royal Children's Hospital for several weeks. Mickie returned to Melbourne in January 1953, from seeing friends in Sydney and relatives in Mildura, to plan to return to the US. She sailed in the Oronsay on 29 April 1953 to London, for the Coronation, and then sailed to America on the Queen Mary in July 1953. ⁶

[...]Barney refused to come to Australia with her and she did not know when she would get the chance to come again. Barney's excuse was that he had an overdose of travelling during the war. [...] We wondered about the marriage but when Mickie and Libby returned to Kansas City everything seemed to continue as before. My Mother settled in to The Majestic at first, after Mickie's departure, but gradually became restless and missed Mickie very much. They had always been very close. It seemed a pity Mickie had chosen to marry an American and live so far from home. After coasting for a while my Mother decided to leave The Majestic [and] wanted us to help her save enough money to go and visit my sister. ⁷

In 1950 Barney, Mickie and Elizabeth were living on the Fort Bliss Military Reservation, El Paso, Texas, where Elizabeth had been born in 1948. Barney was employed in ordnance. ⁸

After treatment for a breast lump, in 1954, Ida was given medical permission to fly to Germany provided that Mickie was willing to accept responsibility for her condition.

[...] Mickie, Barney and Libby were in Stuttgart. Barney was stationed at a US base there and they were living in army staff housing. As soon as my Mother felt well enough to travel she was keen to join them, but needed a bit more finance to do this. My Father had bought two blocks of land at Port Douglas when he was in Queensland and it was developing into a tourist resort and land prices going up. My Mother was in the process of working out my Father's legacy with her solicitor. If she sold both blocks, and with her savings, she would have enough to go to Germany. ⁹

Right: Mickie Howard née Wellington circa 1956 whilst is Stuttgart Source: Chip describes this as an idealised oil painting. Chip describes Mickie as having a fuller face which spoke of kindness, warm-heartedness and sensitivity 10

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Chip records that Mickie worked with computers until her death and Barney, who retired on an army Lieutenant Colonel's pension, found it difficult to live comfortably, even with the American social security pension. However, the two combined pensions were just about enough. 11 Barney remarried Thelma Marie PEEK on 09 October 1982 at Harrison, Cass County, Missouri, where he died on 16 January 1987 aged 74. Right: Mickie and Barney Howard c.1975 12

Mickie and Barney's daughter, Elizabeth Ida, known as Libby, was born 31 January 1948. 13 According to Chip Wellington, in about 1975, Libby left the Conservatorium of Music at the University of Missouri where she was an able flutist and music critic for the Kansas City Star. Libby became pregnant to a man living in Kansas City whom she refused to name. She left the family home and drove to New York City. She gave birth to Rebecca, known as Becky, who was in the care of an Italian couple in whilst Libby was ill in a mental institution. Mickie applied for and was granted custody. Mickie and Barney cared for Becky in Kansas City until Mickie died of Leukaemia then Barney took over until he died in 1987. In the 1970s, when visited by Pat and Medwyn, Mickie and Barney were living in Kansas City, where Mickie died. Chip records Mickie's last years as being clouded not only by pain, discomfort and worry [about Libby] and [her] final disease she contracted - described by her doctor as cancer of the throat. 14 Right: Libby Howard c.1975

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End notes

1. Trove - Family Notices, 22 May 1920, The Ballarat Star, Vic., p. 4. (Accessed: 31 December, 2016)
2. 1940 US Federal Census, Ancestry
3. US Veterans Affairs death file and Draft Card, Ancestry
4. Wellington Pat p.138
5. ibid p.142
6. Trove - Farewell, 31 March 1953, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic., p.6. (Accessed: 2 January, 2017)
7. Wellington, Pat, p.259
8. 1950 US Federal Census, Ancestry
9. Wellington p.261
10. Wellington Chip p.67
11. ibid p.67
12. ibid p.67
13. ibid p.67
14. ibid p.68

Sources:

• McMullin, Ross, Pompey Elliott, Scribe Publication, Carlton North, 2002
• Oakes Family Tree Ancestry (Accessed: 23 May 2020)
• Orma, DS, Land Settlement in Victoria Useful information for intending Soldier Settlers, Crown Lands Department, Melbourne, 1920
• Wellington NTL, called Regions Caesar Never Knew, Bellingen, NSW, 1980 also Victoria State Library
• Wellington Pat, Memories 1913-1954, Clifton Press, Kensington, Victoria, 2007

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Major Eric Thomas Brind Major Eric Thomas Brind, of the 23rd Battalion and was KiA on 28 July 1916 in France and is commemorated on the Australian National Memorial at Villers- Bretonneux. A 31 year old distiller prior to being appointed a Lieutenant on 24 March 1915 and promoted to Captain on 1 May 1916, he embarked with the Headquarters Staff. After serving at Gallipoli, he went on to serve in France where he was promoted to Major on 27 May 1916. He was Mentioned in Despatches for conspicuous good work as Company Commander since arriving in France. Major Brind was reported missing in action at Pozieres on 28 July 1916 and is on the Villers-Bretonneux, Memorial, France. Right: Major Brind's memorial at Villers-Bretonneux Author: 23 April 2018

Australian Native' Association Originating in 1871, the Australian Native' Association was a mutual society for those born first in Victoria and later Australia. The present 1924 building at 22 Camp Street, Ballarat. The branch was one of the most active in the colony, playing a key role in Federation. The Ballarat branch of the ANA was wound up in 1957. Source: Australian Natives' Association (Accessed: 23 August 2017)

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The formation of the Essendon Rifles The advent of compulsory military training led to an overhaul of the militia structure as well as a large increase in its numerical strength. Major Harold [Pompey] Elliott, with other 5th Australian Infantry Regiment officers, joined a newly created battalion, the 60th Infantry, based in North Carlton. A year later [1912], when another batch of cadets was drafted into the militia and further formations came into existence, he was promoted to command one of these new units, the 58th Infantry Battalion (Essendon Rifles). The nucleus of the 58th was a single Essendon based company previously belonging to the 60th. Henceforth all eight companies of the 58th were to obtain their recruits from the Essendon area, including the nearby suburbs of Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale, and Newmarket. Right from the outset Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott forged the closest possible links between his battalion and the local community. He arranged for a formal ceremonial inauguration of the unit at Essendon on 19 July, and a special church parade the following day. His impetus led to the formation of a citizens' committee to support the battalion's activities, particularly in sport, military competitions, and fund- raising. Elliott used sport wherever possible to help the local community identify with the battalion. For the unit's colours he chose the red and black of the popular Essendon VFL team. Colonel Elliott outlined his views on discipline for officers and NCOs of the 58th in a lively and informative treatise full of historical allusions. In particular, it was sprinkled with insights derived from his Boer War experiences. […] Right: Pre-war Essendon Rifles badge Before long it was evident to anyone who took an interest in the Essendon Rifles that its inaugural commander had abundant zeal and capacity. He was a hard taskmaster who frequently roared at his men (and sometimes at his officers), but his demanding methods instilled effectiveness. That he quickly managed to overcome any misgivings entertained by influential Essendon residents was demonstrated by the remarkable success of a military fete held in March 1914 at Queen's Park, Moonee Ponds. The fete was conceived in order to raise funds for the district's cadets and militiamen so they could acquire various facilities such as band instruments, gymnastic equipment and camp requisites. Source: McMullin, Ross, Pompey Elliott, Scribe Publications, North Carlton, 2002, p.64/72 Lt. Col. Nelson Frederick Wellington commanded the battalion in the inter-war years so continuing the close connections with the city. The Second AIF, for overseas service, attracted the keen from the peace time militia, designed for home defence. The officers were generally drawn from the militia with the senior commanders and most of the regimental ones being chosen from a large pool of leaders who had served with distinction in the First AIF. The younger officers, who resolved to prove themselves as formidable as their fathers, had been trained by these men during their militia service. They believed that the First AIF had been the finest force in the world in its day and that the training and experience they had gained, in their militia service, from ‘the old-lags’ was beyond that to be gained as a civilian conscript. The younger men had full confidence in their leaders and particularly those who had been in battle before. The wisdom of the older citizen officers was founded on four or more years as regimental officers in the war of 1914-18 and kept alive by study and militia service between the wars. In commanding

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The formation of the Essendon Rifles - cont: the Essendon Rifles, Nelson Wellington fitted into this between wars picture. He had experience of combat, of brigade administration and a medal for valour. However, the frugal treatment of the Australian Army, between the wars, with its night parade, its eight or ten days annual training, its uncertain future and its constantly changing organisation, left gaps that were hard to remedy by the experienced officers of the middle ranks. By an intense devotion to soldiering tested in battle, Nelson had made it a second profession during the peace years and had attained a degree of proficiency well beyond what the militia system demanded. Nelson had come to command with a full apprenticeship. In the lean tween war years the Australian Army was kept alive by men of Nelson’s character. Source: Long, Gavin, Australia in the War of 1939-1945, Second World War Official History, Chapter 8, The Battle of Bardia, pp.204/5

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Ballarat's Avenue of Honour Trees in Ballarat's Avenue of Honour (Remembrance Drive) were planted by the ladies of E. Lucas Clothing Factory in honour of all the men from Ballarat and district who fought in the Great War. Source: Karen Walsh Ballarat Councillor Glen Crompton (no relation, but one of three Crompton families in old Ballarat), writes, with pride: 'At 22km Ballarat boast the longest First World War commemorative avenue in the world and the Arch structure is acknowledged within Paris’ grand Arc. The original tree plantings were undertaken between 1917 and 1919. Unfortunately, The Avenue fell to neglect over the years. Trees were lost to harsh natural events, road building, and vehicle crashes. Many of the plaques identifying the trees were damaged or pilfered. In a final insult, the avenue’s full length was severed 20 years ago as a result of the construction of a freeway.' 'Ballarat's Arch of Victory and Avenue of Honour Committee has spent decades quite simply adhering to the remembrance axiom, 'We will remember them'. By 25 April 25 2015, the centenary of ANZAC day, the Avenue had been restored to its full complement of 3801 tree, each and every one bearing a commemorative plaque. The Arch had been fully restored and rejuvenated. Incredibly, The Avenue was re-connected to its full length after the Road Authority constructed a magnificent overpass for the freeway. This was not merely a bridge, rather a spectacular engineering and landscaping feat which enhances The Avenue'. Avenue of Honour bypass unveiled (Accessed: 01 August 2015) 'And so it was at dawn on the 25 April, 25,000 citizens of Ballarat, about a quarter of the entire population, remembered them a hundred years on. The Honour Party comprised of the descendants of the 8th Battalion 8/7 Royal Victorian Rifles.' Anzac Day dawn service in Ballarat 2015 (Accessed: 01 August 2015) View YouTube video of the one hundredth anniversary commemoration of Ballarat's Victory Arch and Avenue of Honour

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This page was created by Richard Crompton and maintained by Chris Glass		Version A16 Updated 01 June 2025