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 and remember the amazing women settlers who helped build and develop the state of Victoria. It's a beautiful garden that reminds everyone of their important contributions.
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Remembering Victoria's Pioneer Women
In 1933, people started planning big celebrations for the 1934 Centenary of Melbourne. This was a huge event marking 100 years since Melbourne was founded. To make sure women's ideas were included, a group called the Women's Centenary Council was formed.
Planning the Memorial Garden
At their very first meeting, the Women's Centenary Council decided to create a special memorial garden. This garden would be a place of remembrance in Kings Domain. To raise money for the garden, they came up with different ideas. They produced and sold a special book to celebrate the centenary. People could also donate money to have a woman's name written on a "sheet of remembrance." These sheets were later carefully buried under the sundial in the garden.
Garden Design and Features
The garden was designed by a famous landscape architect named Hugh Linaker. It's a very neat and balanced garden, with everything arranged in a formal, symmetrical way. A gentle watercourse flows through the garden. This water leads to a small, cave-like area called a grotto. Inside the grotto, you'll find a bronze statue of a woman. This beautiful statue was created by the sculptor Charles Web Gilbert.
Opening the Garden
The Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden was officially opened at a special ceremony on Saturday, June 8, 1935. Two plaques were unveiled in the garden. Lady Huntingfield, who was the wife of the Governor of Victoria (a high-ranking official representing the King or Queen), helped unveil them. Mrs. I.H. Moss, the president of the Women's Centenary Council, was also there to help. Later, in 1960, a group called the Quota Club of Melbourne planted a tree in the garden to add to its beauty.
The Garden Today
Today, the Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden is still a very popular and peaceful spot. It's often chosen as a beautiful location for outdoor weddings. It continues to be a quiet reminder of the hard work and spirit of the women who helped shape Victoria.
