From the age of fifteen, Maggie Symington resided with her Uncle James and Aunt Mary at Berringa Park, Huon Lane, and during that time she kept in close contact with her scattered family. She kept over fifty post cards which she had received in the years 1907 to 1910. No cards were kept relating to the years after her time at “the lane”.

There are cards from her elder sisters, Mary Jane (Dein) and Agnes (Jones) and from her itinerant brothers, Peter and Harry, also from her sister in law Ivy at Orange. There is nothing from her mother who may not have been sufficiently literate to correspond.  Most of her correspondents had a very basic level of schooling as indicated by their spelling and untutored turn of phrase. Fraternal correspondence, especially from Peter, was generally concise. Often there is only a brief exchange of greetings, an enquiry about health or observation about the weather, but this collection of cards nicely documents the whereabouts and movements of her near family and friends and of her peripatetic brothers in particular.  

There are cards from her friends and also cards to her brothers from a New Zealander, M. Cameron, who calls herself “sis”. Peter and Harry sought seasonal farm work in New Zealand where they were employed in shearing and harvesting. “Sis,” who wrote from Dunedin, was clearly fond of the brothers and concerned about their welfare. She seems to have had a hand in providing accommodation. Dolly (Ada Evaline Huon 1892-1950), her friend and neighbour from Bungoona, sent a photograph of herself. She received cards from her cousins, Jessie and Nellie Symington, who lived nearby at Teviotdale and from Ivy and Rose Thomas, daughters of  the local postmistress and caretaker of the railway station at Huon Lane.

Some cards are from exotic places, namely Tasmania and New Zealand; there are interesting regional pictorial views from the early twentieth century, some cards are decorative, but no doubt they were collected primarily for their sentimental value.  

POSTCARDS FROM PETER SYMINGTON

From Peter Symington

Postmark DUNEDIN NZ 20 JA 08

Miss Maggie Symington Huon Lane Victoria Australia

Dunedin 20.1.08

If you know Harry address write and let me know. Dunedin P.O. 

Peter

From Peter Symington

Postmark DUNEDIN NZ 12 MY 08

Miss M. Symington Huon Lane Victoria

Dear Mag

Received your letter and P.C. Sorry you did not like the cloudey New Zealander but wait until you see my little … and youd change your opinion

Peter

From Peter Symington

Postmark HOBART TASMANIA 4 JE 08

Miss M. Symington Berringa Pk Huon Lane Victoria

Thursday Hobart

Having a fairly good trip leave here for Melbourne to Night Will leave Melbourne Tuesday or Wednesday for the farm with fond love from 

Peter

From Peter Symington

Postmark HOBART 26 APR 12

Miss M. Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Victoria

Hobart

Dear M 

Will be up your way one day next week had a rotten trip over

Love to all Peter

From Peter Symington

Postmark WARREN N.S.W. 30 JU 1908

Not addressed

D.M.Mumbleton

We arrived in Warren Saturday but did not stay in town we just had dinner, and jumped on the bikes for Mumbleton We have been fixing our bikes up today so we shall be ready to start for Coonamble to morrow Florrie & Charlie are in the best  of health and their young son is doing …

Hoping you are all well with love 

from Peter

POSTCARDS FROM JESSIE SYMINGTON

From Jessie

Postmark BRIGHTON VICTORIA JA 9 07

Miss Maggie Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Victoria

Dear Maggie

I am having a grand holiday I am going to the beach tomorrow We are taking our Tea. When are you going home. Give my love to Aunt Mary & Uncle James

with love from Jessie

From Jessie

Postmark MELBOURNE 28 JAN 10

Miss M. Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Victoria

27.1.09

Dear Maggie

Hope you are keeping well I am feeling much better these last two days Did your mother come & … Auntie & Uncle and did they come down today? Give my love to your mother, Auntie Uncle & Peter & Harry

Love from Jessie

POSTCARD FROM NELLIE SYMINGTON

From Nellie Symington

Postmark VICTORIA 

Miss M. Symington c/- Mrs A.V.Jones Coonamble N.S.Wales.

23.2.09

Dear Maggie

I send this P.C. wishing you many happy returns of the Day although I am late. Thanks very much for the photo it is very like you I think. I am living at Aunt Emma’s now & go to school at Canterbury with love

From Nellie. Symington

32 Morang Rd Hawthorn

Thanks for Harry’s address, I wrote to both of the boys, Nell x

POSTCARDS FROM FLORRIE THOMAS (SYMINGTON)

From Florrie Thomas

Postmark LONGWOOD RYSTN VIC JL 23 09

Miss M. Symington Huon Lane Victoria

Dear Maggie,

I received your welcome letter and was very sorry to hear your lip was hurt. I think Cliff is coming home on Saturday. Mother & all wish to be remembered to all. I don’t like Longwood as much as T’gatta.

Write soon. I will write you a letter next time.

I remain

Your loving friend

Florrie

From Florence Thomas

Postmark HUON R ..VIC 14 AP 10

Miss Maggie Symington c/o Mrs H. Westerndayn Jindera N.S.Wales

Pine Lodge Huon 10/4

Dear Maggie

I hope you reached your journeys end safely & are enjoying your self. Have a good time as while you are away you know how Dead Huon Lane is at all times You did not miss much not staying for the wang picnic I was glad I did not go after I heard how it turned out No more time to write more 

Trusting you are well I am yours as ever

Florence Thomas

From Florrie Symington [1]

Postmark COBAR N.S.W. 6 SE 10

Mr H. Symington Huon Lane Via Wodonga Victoria

Cobar 5/9/1910

Dear Harry

Just a PC. Hoping it will find you quite well as it leaves us all well at present we are having lovely weather here your sister Florrie

[1] Harry's sister in law

From Florrie Symington

Postmark WARREN 5 FE ?YR 

Not addressed

Dear Maggie Charlie received your PC alright it is very nice you all look well baby is quite well we received a PC. From Peter & Harry not long ago they are both well best love from all to all your loving sister=in-law

Florrie Symington

POSTCARDS FROM IVY THOMAS

From Ivy Thomas

Postmark TELFORD VICTORIA OC 12 08

Mr D. McGilvary, c/o Mr. J. Symington Post Office Huon Lane

Telford 11.10.08

We were all very sorry we did not see you to say good by to you but you will see I have not forgotten you we all arrived hear all right but we are very Disappointed with the place Wish there was no such place as telford 

The people are very slow in making up friends with us. Hope you are quite well as it leaves us at Present kind regards from 

Ivy Thomas

From Ivy

Postmark MELBOURNE 17.11.08

Miss M Symington Post Office Huon Lane Via Wodonga

Dear Maggie Just a PC. In answer to your welcome letter which Rose received a while ago she is not at home now but today she come home for a while the people she is staying with live about six miles from hear. We are having such hot weather up hear now. To day was terrible I will write you a long letter next as it is bed time poor little Lily has not been herself since we came to this dreadful place she dose miss you if we ask her were Maggie is she runs out to the back fence & she said oh & oh for half an hour Be sure to write soon Hoping this will find you all well love from Ivy I think A Mc has fell in love with the new girl

From Ivy

Postmark BEECHWORTH VIC JA 2 ?YR

Miss Maggie Symington Huon Lane Via Wodonga

Beechworth

Dear Maggie

Just a P.C. to wish you a bright and happy New Year. I am having a good time hear

Good night love from Ivy

POSTCARD FROM ROSIE THOMAS

From Rosie Thomas

Postmark HUON VICTORIA FE …

Miss M. Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane

Dear Maggie 

Just a p.c. to wish you many happy returns of your birthday hoping you will enjoy yourself from your loving friend Rosie Thomas

POSTCARDS FROM AGNES SYMINGTON (JONES)

From Agnes

Postmark COONAMBLE N.S.W. JL 26 09

Miss M. Symington Houns Lane “Berringa Park” Victoria Via Wodonga

Coonamble July 22 1909 

Dear Maggie

We received your letter & postcards and very to here & Uncle getting along so well are the boys going to stay over their or are going shearing. Daisy is walking well and starting to talk she is quite a little trick so love to all from 

Agnes 

From Aggie

Postmark NSW 13 NO 9

Miss Symington Huons Lane Berringa Park Victoria Via Wodonga

Coonamble

I received your letter I sent you one of photo with Daisy & Jack so I hope you received it alright. I have very little time for writing the boys are improving very slowly but Daisy and Jack getting along grand Jack get everywhere he is very fat. Art has left the factory and got a lorry & horse he doing very well better than the factory we are having lovely weather 

love Aggie

From Agnes

Postmark COONAMBLE N.S.W. 29 AP 10

Miss M Symington c/- Mrs Westerdorf Jindera N.S.W.

Coonamble.

Dear Maggie.

Just a  … in answer to your. we are all getting along fairly just now. Mrs Bibb has been very bad in Sydney. She is a little better now. We have our cow in the yard feeding her chaff. very deer milk as they are … all cow about and … about-

Jack is nearly as big as Daisy is getting so fat. he  very cross at times but it think he is getting some teeth 

From Agnes

POSTCARDS FROM MARY JANE SYMINGTON (DEIN)

From Mary Jane Dein

Postmark WARREN N.S.W. 12 JUNE 07

Miss Maggie Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Victoria

Warren June 12th 07

Dear Maggie

Give my love to all over at Huon-Lane & tell them all that we are well here I will write again later on Jacob is home & I am rather busy hopeing you are all well I remain your loveing sister Mary

From Mary Jane Dein

Postmark WARREN N.S.W. 22 AU 1907

Miss Maggie Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Via Wodonga Victoria

Warren August 10/8/197

Dear Maggie

Just a line hopeing all well, as we are at present, why don’t you write I am waiting for a letter from you Bella will be going to Coonamble next month. boys have there shed where is mother let me know I suppose if she dont go to Melbourne she will be coming home, Your Sister 

M J Dein

From Mary Jane Dein

Postmark WARREN N.S.W. 28 DE 1907

Miss Maggie Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Victoria Via Wodonga

Warren Dec 29 1907

Dear Maggie hope all well as we are at prest I have not heard from mother tell her the same people are still after the place she will know it is sold when the agreement is sent over to be sign So I like to know where she is

From your loveing 

Sister Mary

From Mary Jane Dein

Postmark NSW DE 4 1909

4/12/09

Miss Maggie Symington Berring Park Huon Lane Via Wodonga Victoria

Dear Maggie

Your P.C. safely to hand Maggie I am sending the parcel by post as it cost 1/6 at the Station Cant book any parcel on a count of strike I hope Peter will get it alright

from your Sister 

Mary

(Photograph of Tobacconist's)

From Mary Jane Dein

Postmark ORANGE N.S.W. 13 JAN

Miss Maggie Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Via Wodonga Victoria

Jan ?/1/1911 

Dear Maggie just live hopeing all well as we are just at present only I have not been so well my head is the trouble I take bad at night I feel very weak Maggie did Uncle get my letter I wrote to him and told him I got that alright love to all from your loveing sister M.J.Dein

Write soon love to all

From Mary Jane Dein

Postmark WILLIAM STREET NSW 7 FE

Miss Maggie Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Via Wodonga Victoria

Feb 8/1/19

Dear Maggie

just now hopeing all well as we are just at present I am in Sydney I have a nice place to stay and I knew my way about if I was in Orange Eddie is Everywhere we had a good time going down love to all from your sister 

M.J.Dein

?32 St Marys Terrace

Sir John Young Crescent

Sydney N.S.W.

Write soon

From Mary Jane Dein

Postmark EASTORANGE NSW. AU 2 19

Miss Maggie Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Victoria Via Wodonga

August 25/8/198

Dear Maggie

Vera is sending this P.C. to you glad to hear that all well as we are all at present will you be over at xmas I suppose Bella has not wrote to you yet Bella is … her place

Love to Aunt & Uncle love from mother & Vera

Mary

POSTCARDS FROM AND TO HARRY SYMINGTON

From Harry Symington

Postmark WELLINGTON MAR 8 07

Miss M Symington Huon Lane Via Wodonga Victoria Aus

This is were we spent our Sundays having a good time am working in wellington hopeing that your are well at the lane as I think we will be over their soon So hurrah Harry

From Harry

Postmark DUNEDIN MR 08 

Miss Maggie Symington Huon Lane Victoria Australia

Dunedin 25.3.08

Dear Maggie

Hope you are keeping well am down in Dunedin with Peter and having a good time I am sending one to Bella if she is over their hope you had a good time at the shows and took prize with your mare

Write to the Dunedin address now So hurrah

from Brother Harry

From Harry

Postmark DUNEDIN MAY 9

Miss M. Symington Huon Lane Victoria

Dunedin 8.5.08

Dear Maggie

I received your P.C. and letters and glad to hear you are all well been out in the country working for month and just arrived back will write soon So hurrah Harry

From Harry

Postmark DUNEDIN MY 08

Miss M. Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Via Wodonga Victoria

Dunedin 20.5.08

Dear Maggie

Hope you are well am leaving over here will be over in about 3 weeks

So good bye 

Your loving

Brother Harry

From Harry

Postmark EAST ORANGE SP 8 1908

Not addressed

Orange 8.9.08

Dear Sister

I hope you are well we cut out at mum and am leaving here in the morning for Burrawong Forbes it starts on the 11the they were all well at Mumble when we left we are staying at Marys and they all look splendid over here we are going down to see Bella to night so good bye with fond love 

Brother Harry

remember me to all how do you get on for dancing now have they had any more on the Hill

From Harry

No Postmark New Zealand stamp

Miss Maggie Symington Berringa Park Huon Victoria

Christchurch 10.11.08

Dear Sister

Hope you are well had a good trip over on the boat have not started work yet we was out and saw the N.Z. cup run and the show is on this week

So remember me to all So good bye Brother Harry

From Harry

No Postmark New Zealand stamp

Not addressed

Christ Church 19.11.08

Dear Sister

Hope you are well am starting out for shed on Monday next Peter has one at different place so we are apart again it is lovely and cool over here I hope you are having the same over their I suppose yous have all got over your sickness  by now so remember me to all 

So good bye

Brother Harry

Address 84 Moore House Avenue 

Christ-church. N.Z.

From Harry

Postmark NSW

Miss M. Symington Berringa Park Huon Victoria

Sydney 30.11.08

Dear Maggie

Hope you are well we arrived at Sydney and leaving for N.Z. tomorrow by the Ulimaroa

So good bye your brother Harry

From Harry

No postmark New Zealand stamp

Miss M. Symington Huon Lane Victoria

Christ Church

24.12.08

Dear Sister

this to wish you a merry xmas and new year and dont be as long at writing as I was

So good bye B.er Harry

From Harry

Postmark DUNEDIN N.Z. 6 JA 09

Not addressed

Dunedin 6.1.09

Dear Sister

Hope you are well and had a good time for xmas & new year at Orange it will be a bit of a change for you after being so long at the lane

Peter and I came down to Dunedin from Ch.Ch. last monday and spending  week here till harvest time I finished up shearing on New years day I don’t think there is any more to be got now

So remember me to all your Brother Harry

When write address to Dunedin

From Harry

Postmark 09NZ

Not addressed

Lyndhurst 20.1.09

Dear Sister

Hope you have enjoyed your holiday Peter & I  are out now and will be starting harvesting to morrow we have been 5 days idle on account of the wet the hill around us here are all white with snow we will be at this place about 6 weeks Hoping this finds you well with all best wishes remember to all 

So good bye 

Brother Harry

From Harry

No postmark New Zealand stamp

Miss M Symington Huon Victoria

Lyndhurst 31.1.09

Dear Maggie

This P.C. Shows you a bit of the country around were we are working looks pretty cold

Am sending a letter news is all there Brother Harry

From M. Cameron (Sis)

Postmark DUNEDIN N.Z. 23 JE 09

Not addressed

22/6/09

Dear Harry

You did not send me a PC so am not sending you one so under the circumstances I quite excuse you. Bell & I went expressly out to night to get these pcs to send to you and Dubbo but could not get any nice ones. Hope yourself & D are enjoying good health. We Federal folk are all well & happy here.

Please write when you find time. Best wishes

From

M Cameron Sis

From M Cameron

Postmark DUNEDIN N.Z. 23 OC 09

Not addressed

22/10/09

My Dear 

At last I am sending you a card in reply to your last welcome pc & I was so sorry to hear that you were not well but cheer up dear one and you will soon get better you must come to dear old Dunedin soon & see us all & even a sight of some dear old hearts will at once make you feel better. Mrs MacKechnie has such a nice place she lives in now & will give you a nice room to sleep in & other nice things. I am still at the central. We have four dear wee kittens & … cats all black ones Jimmy Redman is as big as … as ever he is worrying me now. & Duncan too Jack & Allan are home A. has started a business of his own. I must say good night dear one & all sorts of nice dreams. good bye

From..sis..

M Cameron

Best wishes from Maggie and Mrs Mac. Write soon

From M. Cameron

Postmark DUNEDIN N.Z. JA 10 

Not addressed

Dear Harry

Just a card to wish you a good New Year & hope you will be much better in health by this. Walter was with us for a few days & was expecting Dubbo to arrive so it will be of no use to send him a card. I think a trip to our country would do you a lot of good perhaps you have been doing too much fleshing. Supper is just made so must have some. Have finished supper so feel better now. Jack is home again since the Waikare* was wrecked. Flora is married to T. W. & are here on their honeymoon & send best wishes to you. best wishes to you for the rest of the year from an old friend M. Cameron

Sis

From M. Cameron

No postmark New Zealand stamp

Not addressed

31/1/10

Dear Dubbo,[1] Many thanks for card & and very sorry to hear you are not coming to dear old N.Z. I suppose by the time you do come I will be moving from Dunedin. Bell and Flora (now Mrs. White) are away to the West coast for a holiday lucky people I think that I had better get married if one can trip after like this. Walter was with us for a few days & when he went back he sent me a card saying he had a wire from you to tell him you were not coming over this time. Angus left yesterday by the … for the V.C. so we will not see him for four months. good bye Dubbo & sweet thoughts for Harry & yourself from your old New Zealand friend

M. Cameron Sis

[1] "Dubbo" is her nickname for Peter, Harry's brother

POSTCARDS TO HARRY AND PETER FROM BELLA

From Bella

Postmark DUNEDIN N.Z. 09

Not addressed

Dear Harry, just a few lines to let you know that I have not all together forgotten you. How have you been keeping this long time Harry I hope you have quite recovered from your sickness we have been very busy this long while we have moved to another place now so I will have to give you our new address. It is a nicer place than the Federal It has been papered and painted inside & painted white on the outside well goodbye just now best wishes & kind regards from all 

from Bella write soon

Imperial Private Hotel Princes St. Sth. Dunedin.

From Bella

Postmark DUNEDIN 09

Not addressed, but to Peter Symington

Dear Dubbo, Just a p.c. in ans to your very pretty p.c. which I received a day or two ago glad to hear you are enjoying yourself but sorry you didn’t have a good trip over. How did you enjoy yourself at bachelor’s dance hope you had a good time it is a very long time since we had one here. Every body here wishes to be remembered to you. Flora also. We are having nice weather here just now a bit cold in the evenings. Well I will have to say goodbye with best wishes & kind regards from all

from Bella

How is your mate getting a long

OTHER CARDS ADDRESSED TO MAGGIE SYMINGTON

From M.S.

Postmark YACKANDANDAH JA 4 07

Miss M Symington Huon Lane Via Kiewa

Dear Maggie

I received your welcome P.C. and was glad to see you had not forgotten me. I spent a very quiet xmas did not go anywhere. We were speaking about you the other day Mr Wallace said he saw you boxing day. I am sorry to tell you both Mr. & Mrs.C. are not well at all. Will close. Wishing you a very happy New Year. Hoping your Uncle & Aunt are well. With love from M.S.

FROM DOLLIE HUON

Victorian stamp not dated

Miss M. Symington Beringa Park Huon Lane via Wodonga

My dear Maggie

Do you think this photo is like me? Hurry up & have yours taken and send one to me.

love from Dollie

FROM DOLLIE HUON

Postmark MELBOURNE 2.11.?07

To Miss Maggie Symington “Bering Park” Huon Lane Via Wodonga

My dear Maggie

I received your pretty post-card I suppose you thought I was never going to write to you We went for a picnic to the Botanical Gardens yesterday 

love from

Dollie

FROM E.M.C.

Postmark ORANGE N.S.W. JU 16 09 

Miss M Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Via Wodonga

16/6/09

My Dear Mag I sent you a PC in reply to the one you sent me and answered Harry a week ago so as I have got no answer I thought I would drop you a PC how did you enjoy yourself at the dance and did Harry get his photo taken you … the one I want I am sorrie to hear of your uncle sickness but hope he will be better when this reaches. Fred E told me to remember him to you when I wrote Love from all to all

From your Pal 

EMC 

Wish you were over hear all well write soon

FROM KITTY

Postmark TALLANGATTA VICTORIA JE 24 0 ?

Miss M. Symington Beringa Park Huon Lane Victoria

Spring Creek Tallangatta Vic

Dear Maggie

You will be surprised to hear from me as you never answered my last P.C. and now dear Maggie if you do not send me a P.C. I will never speak to you again Hoping to hear from you I am yours aff.

Kitty ?Kally

FROM KITTY

Postmark TALLANGATTA   NO 16 09

Miss M. Symington Beringa Park Huon Lane Victoria

Dear Maggie

I am sure you will think I have forgotten you but you will have to excuse me I am so busy. I received your welcome P.C. and was so pleased to see you had not forgotten me. I was not envious of those two but I think you was. Do not forget to answer this P.C. 

Good. Bye Maggie with “love from” 

Kitty

Tell Florrie I am writing soon.

FROM EMMA

Postmark EAST ORANGE N.S.W. SE 30 1910

Miss M Symington Beringa Park Huon Lane Woodonga Victoria

Thanks for your lovely Card and we wish you a very Bright Happy New Year

Emma 

FROM "COUSIN MARY"

Postmark ALBURY, dated JY 20(?) 10

Addressed to Miss Maggie Symington Huon Victoria

Albury Thursday

Dear Maggie

In town today thanks very much for the oranges will enjoy same when I get home could not get in on Tuesday had a good time at the Ball plenty of dust going to Henty Saturday coming back Sunday hope this finds you all well how is uncle had a letter from Florrie says you must of forgotten them again so you had better write 

love from all I remain 

your loving

Cousin Mary

UNKNOWN SENDER

Postmark ORANGE FE 24 19

Addressed to Miss M Symington Berringa Park Huon Lane Woodonga Victoria

Dear Madge I received your card and was sorry to hear you have been sick that is a good Photo of you I have been that busy I have not have had time to write I am learning Millinery now I have not had much time to write hope all are well over their give Vera a kiss … xxx

FROM W.A. GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Postmark MELBOURNE VIC 1907

Ian[1] Symington Esq Huon Lane, Victoria

At the request of Mr Hodgson, I forward you under separate cover copies of pamphlets relating to conditions under whish Crown Lands are selectable in Western Australia

RRG

(Western Australian Farm SOUTH WEST DISTRICT.  W.A. Govt. Agency. 317 COLLINS ST. MELBOURNE)

[1] Should be James

FROM F G FOX

Postmark WODONGA VICTORIA  MR 09

Urgent please deliver

Mr W Chapple [1]

C/o J Symington Esq. Huon Lane

Will, Bert and I will be up on Saturday afternoon to have some fishing. We will stay overnight as Bert did last time. If you are coming home before Sat, write and let us know so as to save us a journey. 

F G Fox

(Back Beach, Sorrento)

[1] A William Chapple died at Wodonga 1922 aged 63

From Mollie May

Postmark VICTORIA

Mr D. McGillivray

c/o Mr Symmington Huon Victoria

Dear Uncle. Just to wish you all good things. All well here. Pretty busy now no time to write you a letter Glad to get your letter. Fancy Pa was 69 years old on Saturday last. All send love and wish you a Merry Xmas & Happy New Year.

Hope you are all well.

Your loving niece

Mollie May

Arthur … & Norman wish to be remembered to you. Arthur is working in Echuca now Norm still in Bendigo-both are well

From V.A.Yates

Undated

Not addressed

(Photograph of Presbyterian Church, Orange, N.S.W.)

Orange

Dear Mrs Mc

Is this where you said that fatal I will Little better than Berrigan having a good time Kind Regards

V.A.Yates