Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden (Melbourne) facts for kids
The Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden is a special place in Kings Domain, Melbourne, Australia. It was created to honor the amazing women who helped build the state of Victoria from its early days. Imagine a beautiful garden designed to remember their hard work and courage!
Contents
Remembering Pioneer Women
Back in 1933, people started planning a big celebration for Melbourne's 100th birthday, which was in 1934. A group called the Women's Centenary Council was formed. Their job was to make sure women's ideas were part of the celebration.
How the Garden Idea Started
At their very first meeting, the council decided to create a memorial garden. This garden would be a peaceful spot in Kings Domain where everyone could remember the pioneer women. To pay for the garden, they came up with clever ways to raise money. They sold a special book about the centenary. People could also donate money to have a woman's name written on a "sheet of remembrance." These special sheets were later buried under a sundial in the garden. It was a way to keep their names remembered forever.
Designing a Special Place
The garden was designed by a talented person named Hugh Linaker. He made it a formal and balanced garden. A gentle watercourse flows through it, leading to a quiet grotto. Inside this grotto, you can find a bronze statue of a woman. This beautiful statue was created by the sculptor Charles Web Gilbert.
A Lasting Tribute
The Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden was officially opened on Saturday, June 8, 1935. Two special plaques were unveiled during a ceremony. Lady Huntingfield, who was the wife of the Governor of Victoria, and Mrs. I.H. Moss, the president of the Women's Centenary Council, did the honors. Years later, in 1960, the Quota Club of Melbourne planted a tree in the garden. Today, the garden is a very popular and lovely spot for outdoor weddings. It continues to be a beautiful tribute to the pioneer women of Victoria.
