Well Built: Simmie & Co Master Builders 1924 – 1978
RHSV Gallery Downstairs 239 A'Beckett St, MelbourneWeek of Events
Well Built: Simmie & Co Master Builders 1924 – 1978
Simmie & Co was a prominent building company in Melbourne (1924-1978) and in Canberra (1926-1969). In Melbourne the company was highly successful and built many iconic buildings, churches, monasteries, schools, housing, factories, defence works, the Shrine forecourt (1939-45), offices and theatres including some heritage-listed constructions (one designed by Robin Boyd). The founders were three Victorian brothers, all born in the last decade of the nineteenth century and all worked at the Sunshine Harvester factory before World War One – William, Jock & George. All were World War One veterans (two were Gallipoli veterans). All were wounded and survived. Two were closely involved with the Master Builders Association in Melbourne. Discover their story of a pioneering building company of the early to mid-twentieth century, of World War One veterans, of courage and a willingness to take a risk, of the beginning of the capital city of Australia and the workers, the unsung heroes, who made it all happen.
Jessie Webb Society Morning Tea
Jessie Webb Society Morning Tea
At this Jessie Webb Society event, we are delighted that Richard Simmie has agreed to talk to our members about his passion for history and philanthropy.
Richard is the grandson of Jock Simmie, one of the founders of Simmie & Co in the 1920s. Simmie & Co were builders responsible for many of the buildings we know and love in Melbourne and Canberra. The RHSV is currently hosting a wonderful exhibition about Simmie & Co and their legacy. At the launch Richard spoke very movingly about his growing understanding of the importance of recording stories and history and how this led him to preserve his own family's history but also, through philanthropy, to create scholarships in perpetuity which honour his grandfather's life's work.
CATALOGUING CLINICS 2023
CATALOGUING CLINICS 2023
Join Jillian Hiscock, the RHSV Collections Manager, each month is this informative and easy-going Zoom forum on all aspects of cataloguing collections for historical societies. Jillian has a different topic each month and is happy to be guided by those who attend as to what they would like covered in upcoming clinics. This is an
Read More...
Labassa Women: at war
Labassa Women: at war
Labassa’s women lived through two world wars and the social upheaval of the Vietnam War. Take a walk through time and experience some of their stories as told through imagery, object and special tours. Guided house tours will also be available on the hour from 11am to 3pm. The tower tours conducted will be at
Read More...
La Trobe’s Cottage Samplers
La Trobe’s Cottage Samplers
Dr Catherine Gay will enlighten us on how the samplers on display at La Trobe’s Cottage reflect the importance placed on the development of home-making skills in the education of young ladies during the 1840s and 1850s. You are invited to bring along a family sampler for us all to see. As it is La Trobe's Birthday celebration sparkling wine and cake will be served in the Cottage garden.
239 A'Beckett Street Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 
03 9326 9288 
office@historyvictoria.org.au 
Office & Library: Weekdays 9am-5pm
