The early years, Wonthaggi

The following photos are from the early days in Wonthaggi, in the period from about 1912 as the family of Thomas Patrick Keady “Tommy” and Lillian Catherine Keady(nee Crawford) started to grow.

Birth dates

• John Dennis “Jack”, born in Albury, NSW on 30 December 1907
• Thomas Patrick “Tom” Keady, born in Powlett River, Vic on 2 June 1909
• Frances Lillian “Francie” Keady, born in Powlett River, Vic on 13 July 1910
• Robert William “Bob” Keady, born in Wonthaggi, Vic on 20 August, 1911

Note: The area surrounding the State Coal Mine was officially known as Powlett River until the township of Wonthaggi was proclaimed in August, 1910.

What’s the story behind the frilly collars on the boys ?

You might be wondering why the boys, other than baby Robert, are wearing such frilly collars. Initial thoughts turned to some formal occasion such as a first communion. This may well be the reason for the formal photography session, however it seems that this particular fashion style was common for boy’s school uniforms in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The uniform typically included a formal jacket and a frilly collar. It is most obvious on Jack in the first photo. This fashion was following trends in both England and America at the time.