A small assemblage of broadsheets by C.J. Dennis

Component identifier:

Item 90

Content Summary:

(a) ARMISTICE: To his dead cobber from The Sentimental Bloke. n.d.

(b) IN THE SILENCE: Armistice Day, 1929. Inscribed: 'For Dr R.H. Strong. With kind regards. C.J. Dennis'.

(c) STEWARDSHIP Armistice Day, 1930. Inscribed: 'Dr R.H. Strong. With kind regards. C.J. Dennis'.

(d) THISTLEDOWN (A poem in memory of Madame Pavlova, reprinted from The Herald, Melbourne. 24.1.31).

Bound in half-leather folder, together with letters to and from the late J.K. Moir, from whom I received the broadsheets as a gift.

For years J.K. Moir, O.B.E. kept open house at this home 474 Bridge Road, Richmond, Victoria. His magnificent library was always available to anyone wishing to use it. His rooms were a rendezvous and a meeting place where all were welcome. Many of his visitors abused their privileges, drank his liquor, wore out his books for bibliographical and other purposes; often they stole some of his choicest items. J.K. knew this and in one letter to me (included in this folder) dated 16.12.53, he wrote: '...I can sympathise with you re the giving without any reciprocation. Am getting 'fed up'. Am closing 474 on 20th until further notice. Some of the 'bots' received the news with consternation ...Cheerio. If you do come over let me know when you will be visiting me - otherwise I mightn't answer the door...'

A fine photograph of C.J. Dennis is included in this folder, together with other material including some illustrations of Pavlova and her company. A catalogue of the sale at auction of many of J.K. Moir's pictures and other effects, 7.11.58, is tipped in.

When Dennis was very ill near the end, it was Dr Strong who put him into hospital and attended him.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The collection was purchased from Harry Chaplin in 1981.

Names:

Chaplin, Harry F.

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