Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Tom and May Nevin at the Union Chapel flower show 1892



Creator: Clifford, Samuel, 1827-1890
Publisher: [ca. 1865]
Description: 1 stereoscopic pair of photographs : sepia toned ; 9 x 18 cm. (mount)
Format: Photograph
ADRI: AUTAS001125299602
Source: W.L. Crowther Library

THE UNION CHAPEL
Samuel Clifford and partner Thomas Nevin produced this photograph as a stereograph of the Congregational Union Chapel in Bathurst Street Hobart not long after it was built by the Rev. J. W. Simmons in 1863. It was also known as “The Helping Hand Mission” . In 1892 the Congregational Union held a flower show at the Chapel to raise much needed funds for repairs to the building. Tom and May Nevin - the two eldest of Thomas and Elizabeth Nevin's six children - entered chrysanthemums and flower arrangements as a contribution.

In 1914 the Chapel was still functioning as a Haven for Homeless Men, (The Mercury 21 May 1914), but by the 1920s it was used as a cinema and called the Amazu Theatre. In 1937  the building was purchased by the Hobart Repertory Theatre Society, converted into a "legitimate" theatre at a cost of £1500 pounds and renamed The Playhouse. The venue has been maintained as a public theatre by the Hobart Repertory Theatre Society since its conversion in 1938.



Title: Union Chapel (later The Playhouse) Bathurst Street ca. 1880
ADRI: PH30-1-3009
Source: Archives Office of Tasmania



The Playhouse Theatre, Bathurst St Hobart
Photo copyright © KLW NFC 2013
The Playhouse website: http://playhouse.org.au/

MAY NEVIN and younger brother TOM NEVIN
Mary Florence "May" Nevin (1872-1955)
Thomas James "Sonny" Nevin (1874-1948)

Both Tom and May Nevin were born at their father's photographic studio, 140 Elizabeth Street, Hobart Town. May was born in 1872, Tom in 1874. Tom Nevin had just turned 18 yrs old when he entered six chrysanthemums in the Union Chapel flower show. He was christened with his father's name - "Thomas James Nevin" but was known as "Sonny". May was christened Mary Florence and only ever known to descendants as May.



Tom Nevin, prize for six chrysanthemums,
May Nevin, prize for collection of flowers
The Mercury 4 May 1892

TRANSCRIPT

Flower Show. - A flower show was opened in tho Union schoolroom last night, in aid of the Union Chapel repair fund, and considering that it was only decided last Wednesday to have the exhibition, the display made was very prize worthy and well worth seeing. Tables placed along the side of the room were covered with a splendid collection of flowers, pot plants, bouquets, and floral designs. The latter were as a rule got up with good taste, and looked very pretty, the first prize, a model ship decorated principally with chrysanthemums, being well worthy of a place in a more pretentious show. The inclement weather of the past few days told against a first-class exhibit of cut flowers, but still there were some splendid dahlia and chrysanthemum blooms, and the competition in hand, table, and bridal bouquets was close. Messrs. Aldred and Jones were the judges, and the following were their awards:-Floral design, W. Green, 1 and 2 ; table bouquet, Zella Koerbin, 1 ; W. Green, 2. Pot plants, W. Green, 1 ; Ada Ward, 2. Bridal bouquet, W. Green, 1 ; Miss Kerr, 2. Hand bouquet, Miss Sea- brooks, 1 ; Daisy Wookey, 2. Six chrysanthemums, Tom Nevin, 1 ; May Nevin, 2. Collection of flowers, Herbert Kirby, 1 ; Violet Kirby, 2. Buttonholes, Philip Andrews, 1 ; Mabel Wiggins, 2. Ladies' spray 3, Miss Moore, 1 ; Miss F. Kerr, 2. There was also a sale of useful articles and a refreshment stall, at which tea was served up during the evening. Several ladies played selections on the piano, and Mr. Dontith played several violin solos. A large number of people visited the show, and expressed themselves highly pleased with the display made. The Mercury 4 May 1892



May Nevin ca. 1950 (aged 78yrs) and her brother Tom Nevin ca. 1946 (aged 72yrs)
Copyright © KLW NFC 2013  ARR



When Thomas James Nevin jnr, known as Tom or 'Sonny,' died in January 1948 (born 1874), he was officially Sergeant T. Nevin of the Salvation Army. A service was held for him, per this notice in the Mercury, dated 24 January 24, 1948.

TRANSCRIPT
Salvation Army
THE CITADEL LiverpoolSt., Tonight at 8. Open Air Meeting, Collins St. Sunday, 11 a.m., Holiness unto the Lord, 3 p.m. Praise Meeting., 7 p.m. Memorial Service to the late Sergeant T. Nevin ...





Chrysanthemums / F Styant-Browne -- 1021
Title:[Northern Tasmanian Camera Club photographic album no. 35 1897] / Northern Tasmanian Camera Club
Creator:Northern Tasmanian Camera Club
Publisher:[1895-1897]
Description:1 album (24 photographic prints : b&w ; 29 x 37 cm
Format:Album, Photograph
ADRI:AUTAS001139610232
Information under each photograph includes photograph number, subject, time of day and date, light, plate, development, lens, stop, exposure, toning and name of club member.

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