ProvenanceThe "CHEER UP SOCIETY" volunteer's badge belonged to Joan Eunice Mallen (1927 - 1980), who was a volunteer at the cheer up hut during the years 1945 - 1946. At the time, Joan, who was born born in Riverton, SA, was 18 - 19 years old and was training to be a nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. She was also a member of the Red Cross and worked at the cheer-up hut located on the Torren's river bank, King William Road, performing such tasks as reading novels to returned servicemen.SignificanceThe "CHEER-UP HUT" was one of many such institutions run by the cheer up society during the war years to provide comfort and entertainment to returned servicemen. This particular hut was located centrally in Adelaide on the Torren's river bank parklands, just north of where the Festival Theatre now stands. The hut was staffed by volunteers, who wore a badge to signify their work. This item is a fine example of one such badge.DescriptionOval shaped badge with horizontal rectangular section bottom containing two dark blue stars on left. "CHEER UP SOCIETY" written around the top edge and "VOLUNTARY SERVICE" written within inner oval border, all on a pale blue background. Pin clip on back with safety pin on 50mm of light safety chain. "BENLANE ADELAIDE" written on centre back, with the number 836 stamped on top.Creator (person)Creator (organisation)BenlaneAcknowledgementKeywordsbadgeswartime badgescharity badgesfundraisingDate of Creationc1945Date of UsageAccession NumberHT 2004.0125
Image Credits
Image FilenameHT2004-0125_CI2861.jpgCopyrightHistory Trust of South AustraliaLicenseCC-0PhotographerRachel Harris, Bit Scribbly Design
