Chronology | 1914 to 1918 – The War Years
1914
July
Left for Australia just before outbreak of World War I (started August 4) and spent war years in Australia except for regular visits to USA and Canada for concert tours. (Vestey Melba p144 and Thompson/ McPherson, Melba: Important Dates p11.)November 18
Melba was in Adelaide staying at Government House and asked if Hans Heysen could bring some paintings to show her. (Thiele, Heysen of Hahndorf p157.)December
Australian artist Arthur Streeton stayed with Melba at Coombe Cottage. (Thiele, Heysen of Hahndorf p157.)December 11
Hans Heysen arrived at Coombe Cottage and stayed a week. (Thiele, Heysen of Hahndorf p157.)
1915
March 4
Melba opened Hans Heysen’s exhibition at the Athenaeum Hall in Melbourne. (Thiele, Heysen of Hahndorf p158-160.)April 12
Melba gave her first singing class at the Albert Street Conservatorium in Melbourne. (Thompson/ McPherson, Melba: Important Dates p11.)April 27
Special concert in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund at the Melbourne Town Hall. (Queensland Library Collection).
June
Melba’s Gift Book was produced to raise funds for the Belgians.October 4
Melba received Life Membership of the Canadian Red Cross at Toronto for her efforts during World War I. (Thompson/ McPherson, Melba: Important Dates p11.)
1916
February 2
Melba appointed Lady of Grace of the Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, England. (Thompson/ McPherson, Melba: Important Dates p11.)
1916
March 25
David Mitchell died at his home Doonside, Richmond, Victoria. (Thompson/ McPherson, Melba: Important Dates p12.)
1917
August 8
Melba laid the foundation block for St John’s Parish Hall, Sorrento. The hall was opened on October 24, 1917. (Ref: On Eagles’ Wings a History of the Anglican Parish of Sorrento -Rye, by Rev David Wood, 1985)
1918
July 25
Avenue of Australian gum trees was planted in honour of the AIF at Coldstream . Melba planted the first tree and dedicated it to her dear friend Captain Fitzclarence who although not an Australian, was associated with the Australian forces at Gallipoli where he lost his life. (Lilydale Express August 2, 1918)August 4
After an open air concert was given at Coldstream by the Domain Camp Band, the band was invited to Coombe Cottage where Dame Nellie presented each with an autographed photo of herself (Lilydale Express August 16, 1918 page 3)August 16
Melba and the ladies of Coldstream gave a farewell send off social to Eddie Bamber and F Currell of Coldstream who were leaving for the front. (Lilydale Express August 16, 1918 pg 2)September 12
Melba’s only grandchild, Pamela was born. (Thompson/ McPherson, Melba: Important Dates p12.)October 26
Afternoon concert in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Fund for Soldiers’ Dependents program at the Sydney Town Hall. (Queensland Library Collection)
November 2
Nellie Melba became the president of the Presbyterian Ladies’ College Old Collegians. (Patchwork magazine, December 1918 pg 30)
Online Shop
Purchase books, CDs, photographs and other merchandise
Share Your Information with the Museum!
Email us your info (and images) to:
[email protected]
Our home is the Old Lilydale Court House:
61 Castella Street, Lilydale 3140
Hours of opening:
By appointment only:
Fridays 1 to 4pm and Saturdays to Mondays 11am to 4pm.
Sundays are preferred.
Closed Public Holidays
Nellie Melba Museum
Contact Details:
Sue Thompson: 0475 219 884
Email: [email protected]
Share your info with us:
[email protected]
Our home is the Old Lilydale Court House:
61 Castella Street, Lilydale 3140
Hours of opening:
By Appointment only:
Fridays 1 to 4pm and Saturdays to Mondays 11am to 4pm.
Sundays are preferred.
Closed Public Holidays
Nellie Melba Museum
Contact Details:
Sue Thompson: 0475 219 884
[email protected]
Nellie Melba Museum
Contact Details:
Sue Thompson: 0475 219 884
[email protected]
Our home is the Old Lilydale Court House:
61 Castella Street, Lilydale 3140
Hours of opening:
By appointment only:
Fridays 1 to 4pm and Saturdays to Mondays 11am to 4pm.
Sundays are preferred.
Closed Public Holidays
Share Your Information
with Nellie Melba Museum!
Sue Thompson: 0475 219 884
[email protected]