Brislington has a long history of fetes and social gatherings being held in its garden. These events are often of a charitable nature, helping to raise funds and awareness for a significant local cause.
Dr. Walter Sigismund Brown’s wife, Margaret Isabella Brown nee Macarthur - who was the first daughter of George Fairfowl Macarthur, headmaster of The King’s School, and grand-daughter of Hannibal Hawkins Macarthur and Anna Maria King of The Vineyard - was instrumental in organising and ensuring the success of many charitable garden events at Brislington whilst she and her husband lived and worked at their Brislington family home. Many of the newspaper reports described her as the “life and soul” of these events. In 1899 it was reported that:
“Brislington was en fete on Wednesday afternoon, the occasion being a children's fair, arranged by Mrs. W. S. Brown, on the grounds, Brislington. The proceeds were in aid of the Parramatta District Hospital. Mrs. Jas. Burns, of Gowan Brae, performed the opening ceremony in the presence of a splendid gathering. Dr. W. S. Brown introduced Mrs. Burns, and then asked her to declare the fair open, which she did, taking advantage of the occasion to congratulate the young workers on the noble character of their efforts. Business then began briskly, and in the few hours that the fair remained open the sum of £13 3s was netted. Mrs. W. S. Brown, on whose shoulders the bulk of the work fell, was supported by Matron Rutter, Misses B. Todhunter, Maud Rutter, Pigott, Mary Burnell, Wilson, Waugh, and Mr. Manton. Miss Lulu Brown was in charge of the tea stall, and was assisted by Misses Waugh, Lamb , N. Pigott, and Wickham. Mister Keith Brown was in his element. He ran the lolly stall, and did a great trade. Miss Margy Brown presided over the doll's stall, and Miss Enid Lloyd supervised the dips. The afternoon was not a very enjoyable one, but once in the cool seclusion of Brislington grounds, and all discomfort disappeared. The affair was a great success from start to finish, and: it should be an incentive to other large-hearted ladies to do something for the Hospital.”
The charitable spirit learnt by the children from their parents expressed itself in charitable initiatives that they took responsibilty for:
“Some time ago the Brislington children were caught with the idea that they could do something for the Hospital, and so they set about getting together all sorts of nicknacks with a view to having an afternoon's sale. Miss Pigott was taken into their confidence, and invitations were sent out. In response, there was quite a large gathering at Brislington on Wednesday afternoon and the youngsters did real good business. In addition to 'dips' all sorts of games were instituted, and Master Keith Brown ran a special show in a tent, while one of the other youngsters brought the family pony into requisition, and made a charge for the privilege of having a ride on the steed. Altogether the afternoon was a really profitable one, and both young and old thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Mrs. W. S. Brown was happy to see her young family interesting themselves so in the cause of charity, but she modestly disclaimed any share of the kudos. The children ran it solely on their own, and may their shadows never grow less. The Hospital netted by the effort nearly £8.”
One unfortunate disadvantage of a garden fete is that the event is subject to the vagaries of the weather. In one example of a garden fete organised by Dr. Walter Sigismund Brown and his wife Margaret, a storm broke out over the entire Parramatta district a few minutes after the event began, but everyone in attendance quickly adapted:
“However, whatever may have been the height of the morning's hopes, there was, admittedly, a good crowd of visitors; and when the rain showers began to descend, it was not easy to accommodate all under shelter, in the large tents and booths on the ground. In the largest of these, afternoon tea was served, Mrs. Brown's arrangements being carried out by a bevy of young lady helpers. A band discoursed sweet music at intervals, and Lieut. Colonel Cox, C.B., exhibited his collection of interesting Boer curios in another part of the grounds. At the main gates, members of the Lancer Regiment assisted, taking up the 'entrance fees'. The monetary result of the garden party should be a generous little lift to the funds of that deserving institution, the Parramatta District Hospital. Unfortunately, the rain spoilt the effect of the venture, so far as the costuming was concerned; for promenading was soon out of vogue, and cloaks and umbrellas were in requisition. In connection with the event, the help of Mr. G. T. Erby and Mr. A. E. Marsden, in the negotiation of much of the hard work (in relation to the decorations, etc.), is gratefully spoken of by Mrs. W. S. Brown. To Dr. Williamson and to Mrs. Lockwood, who worked in connection with the catering, thanks are due also; for the loan of the tents, in which the guests of the day were accommodated, during afternoon-tea period, and otherwise…The garden party on Thursday realised £10 in aid of the Parramatta Hospital.”
One of the most significant and emotional events that has been celebrated in the Brislington garden was the welcoming home party for the two returning soldier sons of Dr. Walter Sigismund Brown and his wife Margaret on the Monday 10 November 1919:
“Dr. W. S. Brown's two soldier sons, Dr. Keith Brown and his brother, Captain Gordon Brown, returned home to Parramatta at midday on Monday. The grounds of 'Brislington' had been attractively decorated for the occasion. On the outside of the main portal wore emblazoned the words 'Welcome Home.' The cock-a-doodle-dooing of trains announced to those of Parramatta who knew that returning that day were the two sons of one of Parramatta 's oldest and most respected families, that 'the boys' would soon be home again, and the hooting of motors in the main streets was a little later heard as Mr. L. W. Pye's car, beautifully dressed out with gay flags and military favours, swung round the Old Courthouse corner westwards to the front of the historic red brick pile at the Marsdon-street corner. There was quite a large family house party awaiting the return of the two young Australian officers; and the returned men were most enthusiastically received. Mr. F. W. Todhunter’s car was in the procession from the Parramatta station bearing brother Arthur as Lord High Guardian of the baggage and of the various 'train-bearers' of the 'home coming' welcome party.”
Keith Sigismund Macarthur Brown who was born at Brislington on the 14 April 1890 became the third Brown to conduct a medical practice from Brislington after his return from the war. His father Walter Sigismund retired after having been ravaged by a virulent and deadly influenza epidemic in 1919. Keith married Ayesha Borthwick and together they continued the long tradition of charitable and compassionate events held in the Brislington garden. In 1926 it was reported that Dr. Keith and his wife were to host a fete for the Minden Church of England Home for Boys:
“Many residents of Parramatta and district have formed themselves into an independent committee, to provide comforts for Minden Church of England Home for Boys, at Carlingford. Mrs. R. Phipps Waugh is president; Miss May Davies honorary secretary; and the Mayor Ald. W. P. Noller honorary treasurer. On October 23, a garden fete will be held at Brislington Parramatta, the residence of Dr. Keith Brown.”
After the fete the newspaper The Labor Daily described the day in detail:
“The grounds of Brislington Parramatta, the home of Dr. and Mrs. Keith Brown, were beautifully decorated and illuminated, when the Parramatta committee for the Church of England Homes at Carlingford held a garden fete to aid the homes comfort fund. Mr. A. Bruntnell performed the opening ceremony, and Miss Lylie Brown presented Mrs. Bruntnell with a bouquet. Following were the stall-holders: Refreshments Mesdames Keith Brown, G. Cowpcr; W. Morley and J. Noller; cake stall Mesdames Phillip Waugh, Cedric Whiting, J. J. Miller, Edwin Brown, and Miss Dor. Miller; sweets Mesdames Hawthorn Pearce, W. Meg Harvey and H.Douglas; work stall Mrs. H. Doyle and Miss Small; fancy stall Mesdames F. Robinson, T. Franks Catt and Miss Fox; penny stall Mrs. Fairfax-Ross, Misses Barbara Ross and Hilda Cowper; ice cream Mrs. Rupert Cooke and Miss Sattler; produce Mrs. Butcher and Messrs. W. F. Noller, Garland Franks. F. Robinson Douglas and Miss Davies.”
Mayor William Peter Noller who also attended the fete welcomed Mr. Bruntnell before asking him to officially declare the fete open. The Mayor then expressed his thanks by saying:
“to all who had so willingly come forward to assist and help towards the necessary replenishing and furnishing of Minden Home, and very grateful thanks to the generous public for their donations.”
Mr. Bruntnell in his opening remarks thanked the mayor and described the importance of the Church of England Home for Boys and the influence it would have in their preparation as future citizens of the state.
The scale of the collaboration required to organise such a significant event and the number of distinguished guests in attendance highlights the importance of this event. It also serves as one example of many of the role of Brislington and its garden in the preservation and conservation of the district’s community health and future.
Caroline Finlay, Regional Studies Facilitator, Parramatta Heritage Centre, City of Parramatta, 2021
References
Garden Party in Aid of the Hospital. (1903, October 21). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85685107
Hospital Fair at Brislington. (1899, October 14). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85781788
Brislington Children's Charity Effort. (1902, June 21). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86204258
Garden Party at Brislington. (1903, October 24). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85691280
Personal. (1919, November 12). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86112191
Advertising (1926, October 7). The Daily Telegraph, p. 4 (The Daily Telegraph Woman’s Supplement). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245911636
Carlingford Homes. (1926, October 26). The Labor Daily, p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239845675
Minden Home. (1926, October 26). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104959083