GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
FORMED 1904
The Gawler Camera Club was founded on 8th December 1904 with the following officers and members: Patron, Hon. John Warren M.L.C.; President, Rev. T. Geddes White; Vice-Presidents, Dr E.V.R. Fooks and Mr S.H. McMillan; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr G.F. Rogers; members, Messrs P. Potter, R. Sheedy, J. Creighton, F. Barnet, M.W. Forgie, A.A. Johnson, J.S. McLean, F. Rippin and N. Wilkinson.
In 1905 amateur photographers living in or visiting Gawler had free access to two well-equipped darkrooms. One was provided at the Gawler Pharmacy by the pharmacist, S.H. McMillan, who was also a club member and included the free use of chemicals.
The other was at the stationery shop of J. Fletcher Rogers, who may have been a relative of the secretary and both places stocked photographic equipment and offered instruction free of charge.
In November 1906 the Bunyip reported that the local camera fiends (camera club members) had held an excursion to One Tree Hill, arriving there in time to photograph the laying of the foundation stone of the One Tree Hill Institute. The report said that one member had secured six pictures on one plate, probably using a repeating back. The members then moved on to the cricket ground, then to Smithfield, where R.E. Sheedy and P. Potter, 'the club's celebrated flashlight members, took flashlight photos of the Smithfield Hotel. The members arrived back at Gawler 'in the smallest hour of the morning'.
The club was listed in the directory of photographic societies published in the Australasian Photo-Review for November 1916 and may have been active after that date.
Members of the Gawler Camera Club photographed on a field trip with tripods and cameras.
c.1900 Image from the STATE LIBRARY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The Gawler Camera Club members taking refreshments during an outing. Fletcher Rogers front left.
c.1910 - Image from the STATE LIBRARY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Wednesday 18th January 1905 Page 9 - The Advertiser (Adelaide, South Australia)
Saturday 21st January 1905 Page 12 - Chronicle (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The newly-formed Gawler Camera Club held their first meeting for this year on Friday last. There was a good attendance of members. The club promises to become a good solid society, and is fortunate in having so many active workers and officers.
The following gentlemen were elected to office: Patron, Hon. J. Warren; president, Rev. T.G. White; vice-presidents, Dr. E.V. Russel Fooks and Mr. S.H. McMillan; librarian, Mr. J. Creighton; secretary and Treasurer, Mr. Gilbert F. Rogers; and the committee to consist of the executive officers and Mr. P. Potter.
Wednesday 12th April 1905 Page 6 - The Advertiser (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The Gawler Camera Club held a meeting on Friday evening last. Mr. McMillan (vice-president) occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance. In addition to the usual business the secretary (Mr. F. Rogers) gave a practical demonstration of the development of the plate, which proved both instructive and interesting to the members. The club has only recently been formed, and is making splendid progress.
Friday 14th April 1905 Page 2 - Bunyip (Gawler, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The Gawler Camera Club met as usual on Friday evening last, when there was a good attendance. In the absence of the President (Rev. T.G. White) Mr. McMillan, one of the Vice-presidents, was voted to the chair. The usual business was put through and an alteration made in the night of meeting. The Secretary was then called upon and monopolized the evening with a practical demonstration of the development of plates. The members listened and watched attentively and an enjoyable evening was spent.
Saturday 15th April 1905 Page 11 - Chronicle (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The Gawler Camera Club held a meeting on Friday evening last. Mr. McMillan (vice-president) occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance. In addition to the usual business the secretary (Mr. F. Rogers) gave a practical demonstration of the development of the plate, which proved both instructive and interesting to the members. The club has only recently been formed, and is making splendid progress.
Friday 19th May 1905 Page 2 - Bunyip (Gawler, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The Gawler Camera Club held its usual meeting on Thursday week last. There was a good attendance. After routine business was gone through Mr. J.C. Rawlings, of Adelaide, who had kindly consented to give an evening for the benefit of the club was called.
His subject was "The Carbon Process", of which he gave a practical demonstration, making this science appear very simple. After his address a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Rawlings.
Friday 9th June 1905 Page 2 - Bunyip (Gawler, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The Gawler Camera Club held its usual fortnightly meeting on 25th May. It was the Presidents evening and the President (Rev. T.G. White) gave a lantern lecture and a practical demonstration of lantern slide making. Some views of picturesque Tasmania were shown, while the President pointed out the faults of various negatives and the difference in quality. He then took the members to the developing tank and started his exhibition of slide making, and showed the quickness of action and presence of mind required in this work. Some of the members then tried their hand, and did remarkably well for the first time. At the close of the meeting the usual vote of thanks was accorded to the President, who appropriately responded.
Friday 9th June 1905 Page 4 - Kapunda Herald (South Australia)
The meetings of the Kapunda Photographic Club have been well attended and useful evening's spent. At a recent meeting Messrs H. Banyer, O'Sullivan and A. Richter, junior members, supplied the work with the development of plates, different kinds of plates and developers being used. The work was successful. At the meeting on Tuesday evening, May 30th, the president (Mr. R.S. Hawke) gave a demonstration of the single transfer carbon process, when three prints were developed. Mr. Hawke read an interesting paper on the process. The Hon.Secretary (Mr. Thomas Warner) reported that 35 pictures had been sent to the exhibition of the Broken Hill Photographic Society. An invitation was received from the Gawler Camera Club to join in a trip to Angaston on 5th June. The notice was too short. Members had already arranged their holiday fixtures. The Gawler Camera Club was thanked for its invitation and regret was expressed that it could not be accepted.
Thursday 21st September 1905 Page 9 - The Advertiser (Adelaide, South Australia)
1905 GAWLER SHOW
Fine but cloudy weather prevailed at Gawler on Wednesday, when the local Agricultural, Horticultural, and Floricultural Society held their annual show. There was a nice collection of photographic views, this section being improved by the co-operation of the recently-formed Gawler Camera Club, of which the Rev. G. White is president.
Tuesday 13th February 1906 Page 3 - The Register (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
On Thursday evening 8th February, the Gawler Camera Club held a meeting at Mr. McMillan's pharmacy, when the following officers were elected:
President, Rev. T.G. White; Vice-Presidents, Dr. Fooks and Mr. M. Forgie; Hon.Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. S.H. McMillan; librarian, Mr. M. Creighton; committee to act with officials, Messrs. H. Dean and P. Potter.
Demonstrations in developing were given by several of the members. It was resolved that meetings be held fortnightly, and that the executive committee draw up a program.
Tuesday 13th February 1906 Page 6 - The Advertiser (Adelaide, South Australia)
Saturday 17th February 1906 Page 14 - Chronicle (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The Gawler Camera Club met Thursday evening 8th February, when the following officers were elected for the year:
President, Rev. T.G. White; vice-presidents, Dr. Fooks and Mr. M. Forgie; Hon.Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. S.H. McMillan; librarian, Mr. M. Creighton; committee, Messrs. H. Dean and P. Potter and the other officials mentioned.
Several members gave a demonstration in developing.
21st February 1906 Page 75 - Volume 13 No. 2 - Australasian photo-review
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
Meet every alternate Friday at Mr. Smith's Pharmacy.
Hon.Secretary
G.F. ROGERS
Friday 2nd March 1906 Page 2 - Bunyip (Gawler, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The Gawler Camera Club held its fortnightly meeting at McMillan's Pharmacy, under the presidency of the Rev. T. Geddes White on Thursday evening of last week. After the usual business had been transacted Mr. R. Sheedy gave a demonstration in contact printing with bromide and gaslight papers illustrating how convenient it is to use these papers in preference to the old P.O.P.
Saturday 10th March 1906 Page 12 - The Advertiser (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
A meeting of the Gawler Camera Club was held last night. The chair was occupied by Dr. E.V. Fooks. It was decided to refer to the committee the advisableness of arranging an afternoon for members to do some practical work in taking views surrounding the town. Mr. M. Forgie (vice-president) gave a demonstration in toning P.O.P., which was very instructive.
Monday 12th March 1906 Page 7 - The Register (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The Gawler Camera Club held a meeting last night. Dr. E.V. Russell Fooks presided. The committee was deputed to consider the advisableness of arranging an afternoon for practical, work in taking views around the town. Mr. M.W. Forgie (Vice-President) gave a demonstration in toning P.O.P., which was much appreciated.
Saturday 17th March 1906 Page 13 - Observer (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The Gawler Camera Club held a meeting last night. Dr. E.V. Russell Fooks presided. The committee was deputed to consider the advisableness of arranging an afternoon for practical, work in taking views around the town. Mr. M.W. Forgie (Vice-President) gave a demonstration in toning P.O.P., which was much appreciated.
Friday 30th March 1906 Page 2 - Bunyip (Gawler, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The usual fortnightly meeting of the Gawler Camera Club was held on Thursday evening of last week. The chair, in the absence of the President, was taken by Mr. P. Potter. After the usual business had been transacted, Mr. J. Creighton gave a practical demonstration in mounting trimming, and squeegeeing prints. His methods of doing them were commented on favorably by members present.
Monday 9th April 1906 Page 8 - The Register (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
A meeting of the Gawler Camera Club was held on Thursday evening. The President (Rev. T.G. White) occupied the chair. There was an interesting demonstration in intensification and reduction.
Monday 30th April 1906 Page 7 - The Advertiser (Adelaide, South Australia)
Monday 30th April 1906 Page 6 - The Register (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The Gawler Camera Club held a meeting in the club-room on Thursday. The chair was occupied by the Rev. T.G. White (President). Two new members were admitted. A collection of nice photographs were shown by the President, and also a number taken by various members of the club.
Saturday 5th May 1906 Page 14 - Chronicle (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
A meeting of the Gawler Camera Club was held at the club room on Thursday evening, the president (Rev. T.G. White) occupying the chair. After the usual business had been transacted two new members were admitted. Views taken by members of the club were inspected, and a nice collection was also shown by the president.
21st July 1906 Page 281 - Volume 13 No. 7 - Australasian photo-review
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
Meet every alternate Friday at Mr. Smith's Pharmacy.
Hon.Secretary
G.F. ROGERS
Friday 31st August 1906 Page 2 - Bunyip (Gawler, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
The Gawler Camera Club held its meeting in clubroom on August 22nd. There was a fair attendance, and in the absence of the President, Mr. P. Potter occupied the chair. It was stated that as proposed at the previous meeting, Wednesday, August 21st was held as "Field Day". Owing to the inclemency of the weather and various appointments by several members, field day the first was not a great success. But notwithstanding the unfavorableness a number of plates were exposed, and the development of these formed the subject for the evening, which was in the hands of Messrs. P. Potter and R.E. Sheedy, plates were handed in by Messrs. Sheedy, Arbon, and Rogers, and the best results gained, were a pony study by Mr. Sheedy and a river scene by Mr. Arbon. The exposure of Mr. Rogers plates were a little misjudged. Mr. Sheedy mixed his solutions with a dash of Irish wit which seemed to pervade the atmosphere of the dark room and imbue the members with an evident taint of good humor, in which state they departed.
22nd October 1906 Page 401 - Volume 13 No. 10 - Australasian photo-review
21st December 1906 Page 485 - Volume 13 No. 12 - Australasian photo-review
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
Meet every alternate Friday at Mr. Smith's Pharmacy.
Hon.Secretary
G.F. ROGERS
Monday 11th March 1907 Page 8 - The Advertiser (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
A meeting of the Gawler Camera Club was held on Thursday evening. Pictures were produced by Messrs. H.K. Dean and A. Collypriest, and some interesting remarks were passed upon them. It was decided to tender the president of the club (Rev. T.G. White), who is leaving the town, a farewell field day, and the necessary arrangements were made. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. F. Rogers) read the annual report and balance-sheet. The latter showed that there was a small credit balance.
Friday 15th March 1907 Page 4 - Bunyip (Gawler, South Australia)
Saturday 16th March 1907 Page 45 - Observer (Adelaide, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
At the Gawler Camera Club meeting on 7th March, though the attendance was not large, the proceedings were enthusiastic.
Messrs. H.K. Dean and A. Colleypriest produced pictures, some of which received deprecatory, while others called forth laudatory remarks from members, Messrs. P. Potter and F. Rogers, being the most severe and profuse.
Mr. Dean portrayed a trip to Port Victor, the Murray mouth, and up the Australian Nile to Milang, including aboriginal subjects and various studies of interest Mr. Colleypriest produced finished prints depicting an excursion up the Gulf, giving a good idea of several ports, including Port Pirie and Port Augusta.
At the meeting previous it was decided to tender the President (the Rev. T.G. White) who is leaving the district, a farewell field day and an animated discussion on arrangement, for the coming event formed the principal business for the evening and the pleasure in anticipation of the outing was very evident amongst the members.
The Secretary (Mr. F. Rogers) read the annual report and balance-sheet, showing a credit balance of 7s 4d. Mr. R.E. Sheedy was much concerned about the amount, and hoped the club would lay it out to advantage, and suggested investing it in Government bonds. The club, however, decided to purchase a serviceable red lamp.
Correspondence was read from the Kapunda Photographic Society concerning their forth coming exhibition, also a letter from Messrs. Baker and Rouse stating that they would supply a gratis copy of the "Australasian Photographic Journal" to the club. This kindness is much appreciated.
Negatives of One Tree Hill were then developed by Mr. White, with excellent results. The subjects being One Tree Hill recalled to the President an anecdote told by a farmer of that district.
A BEAR STORY
Whilst in Adelaide recently a farmer of One Tree Hill employed a city lad to kill rabbits. They arrived at the homestead in the evening, and in the morning the lad departed with the farmer's son to the slaughter. They passed up a gully and were mounting a hill when over the top appeared a well grown, well-wooled lamb.
"Hallow!" said the city lad, in a deep, quick, sighing voice, caused by the rapid outlet of a deep indrawn breath, "Is that a bear?"
"Yes !" exclaimed the farmer's son, and made off. Something blustered past him, and before he could realize anything the city lad disappeared down the gully, sighted the homestead, and the first door he saw was that of the dairy. It was shut, but he went for it like a cannon ball, and landed behind a cheese press, where he remained until evening, when a buggy left for the city. Moral - City lads, don't smile too broadly at a country bumpkin.
Friday 29th March 1907 Page 2 - Bunyip (Gawler, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
On Wednesday 20th March, the Gawler Camera Club held their farewell field day to the President (the Rev. T.G. White). With a drag and four-in-hand they left the town at 10.50am, conveying a dozen cameras and 85 plates. They passed in good style over the twelve miles of road to Williamstown and thence three miles on to the Williamstown waterfalls.
Luncheon was first indulged in, and then members set to work in earnest. Much rough bat picturesque country was encountered, and many plates exposed. Members struggled back to camp about 5pm. Tea was then partaken of, and Mr. M.W. Forgie (the Vice President) made a speech in honest praise of the President's great help and value to the Club, and expressed the members regret at losing him. This was well supported by Mr. H.K. Dean and the Hon.Secretary (Mr. F. Rogers). The President, in reply, expressed appreciation of the Club's demonstration of approval of his services, and admitted having enjoyed a profitable and very excellent day's outing. A vote of thanks was carried to Messrs. Coleman Bros., of Uraparinga, for the kindness meted out to the Club by them, and on whose property they camped.
Friday 26th April 1907 Page 2 - Bunyip (Gawler, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
On 18th April the Gawler Camera Club held a photo picture competition of any work done by members since January 1st, 1907. There was a splendid representation, being no fewer than 51 entries, and the work was good all round, showing a decided upward move by almost all the members.
The picture to receive the first award was a photo of Mr. G. Lines saddle back "Starlight", by Mr. A. Johnson. The negative required some delicate treatment to produce the effect shown.
Mr. Herbert Harris came very close up second. The composition of this picture was all that could be desired, and the print was well finished. Mr. Harris also received third award and two hon. mentions.
The following received hon. mentions: Messrs. P.C. Potter, A.F. Thomas, H.K. Dean, M.W. Forgie, and Norman Coombe.
The Vice-President (Mr. P.C. Potter) occupied the chair, and at the close, after the work had been criticized, remarked that the object of the evening was to induce members to produce finished work, and the experiment had proved satisfactory beyond expectations. The club has decided to engage the services of an Adelaide man next evening to give a demonstration in enlarging.
Friday 2nd August 1907 Page 2 - Bunyip (Gawler, South Australia)
GAWLER CAMERA CLUB
There was a fair attendance at the last meeting of the Gawler Camera Club, and two new members were proposed and accepted.
Negatives were successfully developed by Mr. H.K. Dean, and some commendable prints were produced by Mr. A. Johnson. Mr. Herbert Harris gave a demonstration in stripping and reversing negatives.
At the meeting previous Mr. Williams gave the club an essay and address containing useful hints practical points for amateurs, some of which have already been made good use of by members. He also presented a collection of formulas and tips to the club. At the close of the meeting Mr. Williams was entertained to supper at "The General's".
Friday 23rd August 1907 Page 3 - Kapunda Herald (SA)
The meeting of the Kapunda Photographic Club was held on Tuesday evening, presided over by Mr. M. Thomson (President). Members were reminded that the date of entry was approaching for the Kapunda show and were urged to enter as much standard work as possible. The Hon.Secretary (Mr. Thomas Warner) referred to the death by accidental poisoning whilst working in his dark-room of Mr. Perry (a member of the Gawler Photographic Club) and suggested that a letter of sympathy be sent to the parents. The suggestion was adopted, members expressing their regret at Mr. Perry's death. The work of the evening was the development of plates by Messrs. A. Berrett and R.S. Hawke, the former using adurol and the latter pyro-ammonia. Mr. Ilee developed a "Brownie" film of six views. This was the first spool treated at a meeting of the Kapunda Photographic Club. The demonstrations were successful.
Friday 30th August 1918 Page 2 - Bunyip (Gawler, South Australia)
GAWLER'S AUSTRALIA DAY
SNAPSHOTS FROM HOME
An innovation was the outdoor photographic studio, promoted and controlled by Miss Rogers, Hon.Secretary of the Gawler Camera Club. The ladies prepared a very effective studio on the opposite side of the ground. The green sward, armfuls of lilies let into the earth easy chairs and lounges, children's rocking horses, lattice work, and greenery made the whole a splendid exhibit. Snapshots were taken through-out the day and sold for One Shilling each.