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P OW E R HOUS E M US EU M A R CH I V E S
GU I DE T O T H E A R CH I V E S OF T H E
WEATHERLY SISTERSPAU L W I L S ON 2009
CONTENTS Biographical Note 3 Series List 5 Series Descriptions and Item Lists 6
COLLECTED ARCHIVES BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
98/29/1
Weatherly Sisters
Registration Number:
Creator:
The Weatherly sisters, Gaga and Toots, worked in circus, vaudeville, film and television as clowns,
contortionists, mimics, dancers, singers, songwriters and musicians. They both began performing on
stage at the age of two and continued as entertainers well into their 70s. They were fifth generation
show people. Their grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great grandparents were English circus
proprietors; their parents and their aunts were circus and vaudeville performers; one of their nieces was
the actress and variety performer Gloria Dawn.
The Weatherly Sisters' great grandparents on their maternal side, James and Pauline Newsome née
Hinne, were English equestrian performers and circus entrepreneurs. James Newsome was born in
Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1824 and apprenticed at the age of 12 to William Batty of Astley's Circus. An
older brother, Timothy, also trained in the circus and by the 1860s was the most famous lion-tamer in
England. Pauline Hinne was from a French circus family but had been born in Berlin. She married
James Newsome in 1846. For the next few years they travelled extensively throughout Europe.
Newsome's Circus was established in 1856 and by the mid-1870s had become one of the most successful
circuses in provincial England. James Newsome was also a highly regarded horse-breaker. According to
Thomas Frost in his Circus Life and Circus Celebrities, the distinctive features of Newsome's Circus
were that he broke in his own horses and that his company played in purpose-built structures. His
circus toured the north of England and Scotland. The Newsome's six daughters - Adele, Emma, Marie,
Pauline, Virginie and Ella Bertha - all became noted circus equestrians. Emma married another circus
performer and equestrian William Fredericks who also used the name William Frederick Coleman and
who was known professionally as 'Professor Fredericks' or 'Mr Fredericks'. It appears that William
Fredericks was born in Germany c1845. Frost mentions in his book that "Fredericks" was a member of
Newsome's Circus by 1873. Later in his career 'Professor Fredericks' became well-known for his troupe
of performing animals which included monkeys, cats, rats, mice and birds. At one time he also managed
Fredericks' Star Circus. In 1887 Newsome's Circus suffered a disastrous fire that destroyed its
Edinburgh Circus. The company continued for another two years but closed in Sunderland in 1889.
Pauline Newsome died in 1904 and James Newsome in 1912.
The Fredericks family had ten children, including Gaga and Toots' mother Clothilde, who was known as
Pinky. Billed as the Rio Sisters but sometimes as the Rio Troupe or the Fredericks, Pinky and four of
her sisters toured through India, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand with Harmston's Circus
during the 1890s. Pinky like her siblings often used the surname Coleman and in Melbourne in 1898 as
Clothilde Coleman she married another Harmston's performer, Sydney Odling, who was generally
known as Charles E Weatherly. Charles Weatherly was a musician, acrobat, contortionist, animal
trainer and clown, often billed as 'Pippo the Clown'. According to family legend, he had been born to a
well-to-do family in Birmingham, England, had led an orchestra in Birmingham at the age of nine, and
had abandoned a university course and run away to join the circus. However none of this can be verified
from the records. On both his marriage and death certificates "Charles Weatherly" was named as
Sydney Charles Odling. Charles and Clothilde's three children were born while the family was
travelling with Harmston's Circus: Zilla in a hotel in Bangkok, Thailand (then Siam) in 1900; Zaida
(Gaga) in a hotel in Singapore in 1903; and Queenie (Toots) on a ship travelling between Sumatra and
Penang in 1905.
As a family, the Weatherlys (or Weatherleys as their name was sometimes spelt) performed with
circuses throughout the Indian sub-continent, the Far East, Australasia, and southern Africa or with
regimental theatres operated by the British Army on the Indian sub-continent and in Burma, Malaya,
Singapore, and southern Africa. They made a number of short trips to Australia to perform with
circuses including Wirth's and Barton's. For a short period around 1910 they left show business and
Charles Weatherly worked as a driver in Toowoomba, Queensland. At first the children sang songs on
stage, played musical instruments and performed impersonations, but around 1917 they introduced a
contortion act into their program.
98/29/1
Weatherly Sisters
Registration Number:
Creator:
From 1920 the Weatherly family was based in Australia and focussed on vaudeville. They travelled
widely as itinerant performers. They were usually billed as the "Five Musical Weatherlys" and their act
involved a mixture of music, singing, dancing, comedy, impersonations and contortion work. For a short
period the Weatherly children also billed themselves as the "Atlantic City Girls". During the 1920s
Charles Weatherly, Pinky Weatherly and Toots Weatherly appeared in a small number of Australian
silent films. The family also travelled with Fuller's Theatres on tours of Australia and New Zealand and
performed with other vaudeville companies. In addition they performed at boxing and wrestling
stadiums providing entertainment between bouts. In 1927 Zilla Weatherly married William Evans, a
ventriloquist, magician and paper tearer, who billed himself as "Billy Andross". Their daughter, Gloria
Dawn, was born in 1929. By the time Gloria Dawn was aged two, Zilla and Billy were travelling
independently of other members of the family.
In the early 1930s Charles, Pinky, Gaga and Toots Weatherly undertook a tour to Singapore, India,
Burma and Java. In India they experienced civil unrest associated with Gandhi's campaign against
British rule and Toots also contracted smallpox. It was this trip that convinced the family to settle
permanently in Australia. Nevertheless they continued to travel and Gaga and Toots undertook tours
with a number of tent shows including Sorlie's and Barton's.
At the outbreak of World War II the family was in Brisbane preparing to undertake a tour of India but
international developments forced them to abandon this plan. They decided to buy a bus and for the
next two years travelled throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory, performing along the way.
Later in the war they settled in Sydney. Gaga and Toots performed their last contortion act in 1945.
Charles Weatherly died in 1945 while Pinky Weatherly died in 1952.
At times when things were quiet in show business Toots Weatherly worked as a secretary. Gaga had a
long-standing engagement as a drummer in an all-girl band that played at Leichhardt Stadium. From
the early 1950s the sisters concentrated on a boxing bells act and later appeared on a number of
nationally-televised variety shows including "The Don Lane Show" and "The Mike Walsh Show". The
last time they played on television was in the early 1970s and after that they confined their
performances to nursing homes and hospitals. Toots died in September 1989; it is not known when Gaga
died.
Sources:
98/29/1 Weatherly Sisters Archive, Powerhouse Museum
Oral history interviews conducted with the Weatherly Sisters, Toots and Gaga, by Graham Shirley on 9
February 1983 (NFSA 376614) and 20 June 1983 (NFSA 375653), National Film and Sound Archive of
Australia
Fairground Heritage Trust http://www.fairground-heritage.org.uk/ [Accessed 17 December 2007]
Frost, Thomas. Circus Life and Circus Celebrities. London: Tinsley Brothers, 1875.
Hogan, Susan. "Dawn, Gloria (1929 - 1978)", http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A130659b.htm
[Accessed 21 November 2007]
Van Straten, Frank. Tivoli. South Melbourne: Lothian, 2003
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES LIST
Weatherly Sisters
Reg. Number Series Title Date
Creator:
98/29/1-1 Programs 1879 - 1938
98/29/1-2 Posters and advertising cards c 1887 - 1921
98/29/1-3 Photographs c 1895 - c 1927
98/29/1-4 Documents c 1890 - 1930
98/29/1-5 Press and magazine articles and clippings 1874 - 1930s
98/29/1-6 "Circus Life and Circus Celebrities" 1875
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 98/29/1-1
Creators: Weatherly Sisters
Series Title: Programs
Date Range: 1879 - 1938
Physical Characteristics: Loose paper programs, programs pasted onto sheets of paper, silk
programs sewn onto pages of a scrapbook or onto sheets of paper.
Description: Programs, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, 1879 - 1938
Programs detailing performances by Toots and Gaga Weatherly and
their immediate and extended family in a number of circuses
including Newsome's Circus, Fredericks' Circus, and Harmston's
Circus, and on the vaudeville circuit with companies such as
Fuller's, the Tivoli, and Sorlie's. A scrapbook containing coloured silk
programs produced by Harmston's Circus while touring through
India and South-east Asia forms part of the series.
Arrangement: By theatrical organisation
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.04
Box Number: 1
COLLECTED ARCHIVES
Series Title: Programs
ITEM LIST
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/1 Program, Newsome's Hippodrome and Circus, Birmingham,
England, paper, James Upton, Birmingham, England, April
1879
Program for a performance of Newsome's Hippodrome and
Circus held at the Curzon Hall, Birmingham, England. The
program has been pasted onto a sheet of paper 365 h x 243 w.
98/29/1-2 is on the reverse.
198/29/1-1/2 Program, Musical concert presented by Weatherly Sisters and
family, paper, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South
Wales, Australia, c 1920
Section of hand written program for a musical concert
presented by the Weatherly family including Toots and Gaga
Weatherly, the Weatherly Sisters. The program has been torn
and what remains has been pasted onto a sheet of paper 365 h
x 243 w. The program is possibly a draft prepared for a printer.
It includes a piano recital by Charles E Weatherly and songs
by "Miss Zilla, "Miss Toots" and "Miss Zaida", Charles and
Clothilde Weatherly's three daughters. 98/29/1-1/1 is on the
reverse.
198/29/1-1/3 Program, Newsome's Grand Circus, Dundee, Scotland, paper, J
Durham, Son & Kinnoch, Dundee, Scotland, 21 July 1880
Program for a performance of Newsome's Grand Circus held at
Craig Pier, Dundee, Scotland, on Wednesday 21 July 1880 for
the "BENEFIT OF MR LOUIS EGERTON, RING MASTER."
Various acts featuring members of the Weatherly Sisters'
extended family have been underlined using a blue pen. On the
front cover there are portrait sketches of James and Pauline
Newsome as well as a drawing of James Newsome riding a
horse in the circus ring. The program also has drawings of two
horses on a see saw and of equestrian and clown acts.
198/29/1-1/4 Program, Newsome's Grand Circus, Glasgow, paper, T C
Barlow, Glasgow, Scotland, 1885
Program for a performance of Newsome's Grand Circus held at
Ingram St, Glasgow, Scotland, in 1885. Various acts featuring
members of the Weatherly Sisters' extended family have been
indicated using red pen. On the front cover there are portrait
sketches of James and Pauline Newsome, a drawing of James
Newsome riding a horse in the circus ring, and other drawings
of horses performing a range of tricks. Throughout the
program there are other drawings of performers.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/5 Program, Newsome's Hippodrome and Circus, Edinburgh,
Scotland, paper, James Brydone, Edinburgh, Scotland, 1885
Program for a performance of Newsome's Grand Circus and
Hippodrome held at Nicolson Street, Edinburgh at New Year
1886. The program was billed as "The Grand Equestrian Fairy
Spectacle/WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT/or, THE FAIRIES
BANQUET and MINIATURE LORD MAYOR'S SHOW". The
program further stated that 100 children of Edinburgh had
been specially trained to take part in the production. On the
front cover there is a drawing of Dick Whittington as a young
boy.
198/29/1-1/6 Program, Newsome's Grand Circus and Hippodrome,
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, paper, M Benson, Newcastle
upon Tyne, England, 27 September 1886
Program for a performance of Newsome's Grand Circus and
Hippodrome held at Percy Street, Newcastle, England, on
Monday 27 September 1886 as a benefit for James Newsome.
Various acts featuring members of the Weatherly Sisters'
extended family have been indicated using red pen. There is a
drawing of William Fredericks, Toots and Gaga Weatherly's
grand father, sitting on a horse at the top of the program. The
program has been pasted onto a sheet of paper 325 h x 200 w.
198/29/1-1/7 Program, Fredericks' Star Circus, Paisley, Glasgow, Scotland,
paper, Stephen Young, Paisley, Glasgow, Scotland, c 1890
Program for a performance of Frederick's Star Circus at Love
Street, Paisley, Scotland. Fredericks' Star Circus was managed
by Toots and Gaga Weatherly's grandfather, William
Fredericks who was also known as William Frederick
Coleman, who billed himself as "Professor Fredericks" or "Mr
Fredericks". The highlighted acts on the program were the Rio
Sisters which included the Weatherly Sisters' mother Clothilde
(Pinky) Weatherly née Coleman as well as a number of their
aunts; Professor Fredericks and his troupe of trained cats,
rats, mice and canaries; and "MDLLE. EMMELINE, 'THE
AERIAL QUEEN'".
198/29/1-1/8 Program, Fredericks' Star Circus, Paisley, Glasgow, Scotland,
paper, Stephen Young, Paisley, Glasgow, Scotland, c 1890
Program for a performance of Fredericks' Star Circus at Love
Street, Paisley, Scotland. Fredericks' Star Circus was managed
by Toots and Gaga Weatherly's grandfather, William
Fredericks who was also known as William Frederick
Coleman, who billed himself as "Professor Fredericks" or "Mr
Fredericks". Various acts featuring members of the Weatherly
Sisters' extended family have been indicated using red pen.
They are the Rio Sisters which included the Weatherly Sisters'
mother Clothilde (Pinky) Weatherly née Coleman as well as a
number of their aunts; Professor Fredericks and his troupe of
trained cats, rats, mice and canaries; and "Graceful Evolutions
on the Aerial Trapeze by Mddlle. Emmeline".
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/9 Programs and playbills, Flying Jordan's Circus and
Hippodrome, Hipodromo de Verona, Newsome's Grand Circus,
Nouveau Cirque, Ocolat Mexicain, Gatos Sabrios, and Circo y
Teatro de Price, paper, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New
South Wales, Australia, 1880s - 1890s
Double-sided sheet of paper containing various programs and
playbills for the following circuses that featured performances
by members of the Weatherly Sisters extended family
particularly Emma and William Fredericks ("Professor
Fredericks"), Toots and Gaga Weatherly's grand parents:
Flying Jordan's Circus and Hippodrome; Hipodromo de
Verona, 5 August 1888; Newsome's Grand Circus, Dundee,
Scotland, 19 July 1886; Nouveau Cirque, Paris, France; Ocolat
Mexicain, 3 March 1895; Gatos Sabrios, Lisbon, Portugal;
Circo y Teatro de Price, Lisbon, Portugal, 1887. There are two
drawings: one of a performance at the Nouveau Cirque, and
the other of "Professor Fredericks" menagerie of performing
animals.
198/29/1-1/10 Scrapbook containing programs (10), Harmston's Circus,
paper/satin, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, 1896 - 1897, 1902 - c 1907
Scrapbook containing satin programs for Harmston's Circus
variously billed as Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal
Menagerie of Wild Animals, Harmston's Grand Circus and
Royal Menagerie of Performing Wild Animals, Harmston's
Circus and Harmston's Circus and Royal Menagerie for
performances in India and Java. The programs have been sewn
onto the pages of the scrapbook using coloured thread. Acts
performed by the Weatherly Sisters as children, by their
parents Charles and Clothide (Pinky) Weatherly, and by their
extended family of circus performers have been underlined
using coloured ink or pencils.
The "Ideal/SCRAP BOOK" appears to have been printed in the
1960s. On the front cover is a picture of a young girl wearing a
tartan dress holding up her hands which are covered in dough;
on the back cover is a picture of a young girl holding a pink
rose.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/10/1 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Wild Animals Vice Regal Night performance in Calcutta, India,
satin, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, 17 January 1902
Program printed on gold satin of Harmston's Grand Circus and
Royal Menagerie of Wild Animals Vice Regal Night
performance held in Calcutta, India, on 17 January 1902.
Various acts featuring members of the Weatherly Sisters'
immediate and extended family have been underlined using
red pencil. They are: "CLOWNS, PIPINO AND AUGUSTE.";
IMPERIAL LADDERS...{MONA, JESSIE, DAISY,
DORA/BLANCHE, ANNIE, PINKEY, &/CHAS.
WEATHERLY."; "MUSICAL ENTREE...CHAS. E.
WEATHERLY."
198/29/1-1/10/2 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Wild Animals Special Command Night performance in
Bombay, India, satin, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New
South Wales, Australia, 13 February 1902
Program printed on pink satin of Harmston's Grand Circus
and Royal Menagerie of Wild Animals Special Command Night
performance held in Bombay, India, on 17 January 1902.
Various acts featuring members of the Weatherly Sisters'
immediate and extended family have been underlined using
red and blue pencil. They are: "Imperial Ladders...Mona,
Tessie, Daisy, Dora, Blanche, Annie, Pinkey, & Chas.
Weatherly"; "Musical Entree...Chas. E. Weatherly".
198/29/1-1/10/3 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Wild Animals performance in Bombay, India, satin, Weatherly
Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 9 February
1903
Program printed on white satin of Harmston's Grand Circus
and Royal Menagerie of Wild Animals Special Command Night
performance held in Bombay, India, on 9 January 1903. A
"Musical Entrée" performed by the Weatherly Sisters' father,
Charles Weatherly, has been underlined using red pencil.
198/29/1-1/10/4 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Performing Wild Animals Vice Regal Night performance in
Madras, India, satin, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New
South Wales, Australia, 26 March 1896
Program printed on red satin of Harmston's Grand Circus and
Royal Menagerie of Performing Wild Animals Vice Regal Night
performance held in Madras, India, on 26 March 1896.
Various acts featuring members of the Weatherly Sisters'
immediate and extended family have been underlined using
black pencil. They are: "CLOWN, C.E. WEATHERLY"; "THE
HUMAN ROCKET...'On the Slack Rope...Miss Adele
Fredericks'"; "W. FREDERICKS...Equestrian Director".
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/10/5 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Wild Animals Large Gala Show performance in Soerabaja,
Java, satin, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, 11 July 1896
Program printed in Dutch on pink satin of Harmston's Grand
Circus and Royal Menagerie of Wild Animals Large Gala Show
performance held in Soerabaja [now Surabaya], Java, on 11
July 1896. The circus was billed as Harmston Circus en
Koninklyke Menagerie van gedresseerde wilde dieren. Various
acts featuring members of the Weatherly Sisters' immediate
and extended family have been underlined using red and blue
pencil. They are: "Musikaal Entree...C.E. Weatherly";
"Equilibrisme Op de Trapèze...Miss Emma Fredericks";
(CLOWN, C.E. WEATHERLY)"; "Komische manege
vertooning...C.E. Weatherly."
198/29/1-1/10/6 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Performing Wild Animals Vice-Regal Night performance in
Calcutta, India, satin, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New
South Wales, Australia, 18 December 1896
Program printed on red satin of Harmston's Grand Circus and
Royal Menagerie of Performing Wild Animals Vice-Regal Night
performance held in Calcutta, India on 18 December 1896.
Various acts featuring members of the Weatherly Sisters'
immediate and extended family have been underlined using
black pencil. They are: "Musical Entree...C.E. Weatherly"; "The
Human Rocket on the Slack Rope...Miss Addie Fredericks";
Comic Burlesque...Chas. Weatherly/and McGinty".
198/29/1-1/10/7 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Performing Wild Animals performance in an unknown location
possibly Calcutta, India, satin, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield,
New South Wales, Australia, 15 January 1897
Program printed on pink satin of Harmston's Grand Circus
and Royal Menagerie of Wild Animals performance held in an
unknown location possibly Calcutta, India on 15 January 1897.
Various acts featuring members of the Weatherly Sisters'
immediate and extended family have been underlined using
blue and red pencil. They are: "EQUESTRIAN MONEKEY
(Stofel)...Introduced by Pro. Fredericks."; EQUILIBRIUM ON
THE TRAPEZE...Miss Emmaline Scadel."; THE ARAB
STALLIONS....Introduced by Pro. Fredericks."; GRECO
ROMAN STATUARY...The Rio Troupe of Lady
Acrobats/assisted by the Sisters Lange and/Mdlle. Annette.";
THE HUMAN ROCKET ON THE SLACK ROPE...Miss Addie
Fredericks".
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/10/8 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Performing Wild Animals Special Command Night
performance in Madras, India, satin, Weatherly Sisters,
Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 19 February 1897
Program printed on beige satin of Harmston's Grand Circus
and Royal Menagerie Performing Wild Animals Special
Command Night performance held in Madras, India on 19
February 1897. Various acts featuring members of the
Weatherly Sisters' immediate and extended family have been
underlined using red and blue pencil. They are: "Comic
Entree...The Aldeans."; educated Ponies and Monkeys...The
Great Riding Monkey STOFEL/and the only talking PONY in
the world./INTRODUCED BY THEIR TRAINER PROFESSOR
FREDERICKS."; (CLOWNS WEATHERLY AND McGINTY)";
High School Riding...By Pro. Fredericks."; "The Rio Troupe of
Lady Acrobats...Direct from the Nouveau Cirque Paris."; W.
FREDERICKS...EQUESTRIAN DIRECTOR".
198/29/1-1/10/9 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Performing Wild Animals Special Command Night
performance in Madras, India, satin, Weatherly Sisters,
Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 17 March 1897
Program printed on white satin of Harmston's Grand Circus
and Royal Menagerie of Performing Wild Animals Special
Command Night performance for the benefit of Indian Famine
Relief held in Madras, India on 17 March 1897. Various acts
featuring members of the Weatherly Sisters' immediate and
extended family have been underlined using red pencil. They
are: "Educated Ponies and Monkeys...The Great Riding
Monkey "STOFEL"/and the only talking Pony in the
world./INTRODUCED BY THEIR TRAINER PROFESSOR
FREDERICKS."; (CLOWNS C E WEATHERLY AND THE
DWARF McGINTY)"; The Arab Stallions...Introduced by their
trainer, Pro./Fredericks."; "The Rio Troupe of Lady Acrobats,
(direct from the Nouveau Cirque, Paris.)"; Burlesque...Chas. E.
Weatherly."; W. FREDERICKS...EQUESTRIAN DIRECTOR".
198/29/1-1/10/10 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Wild Animals performance at an unknown location possibly on
Java, satin, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, 14 August 1897
Program printed in Dutch on beige satin of Harmston's Grand
Circus and Royal Menagerie of Wild Animals performance at
an unknown location possibly on Java on 14 August 1897. The
circus was billed as Harmstons Groot Circus en menagerie van
wilde dieren. Various acts featuring members of the Weatherly
Sisters' immediate and extended family have been underlined
using red pencil: Emmaline Schadelle; Professor Fredericks
[William Fredericks also known as Frederick William
Coleman], and Clown Weatherly [Charles Weatherly].
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/11 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Wild Animals Gala Show performance at Buitenzorg, Java,
satin, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, 9 September 1897
Program printed in Dutch on pink satin of Harmston's Grand
Circus and Royal Menagerie of Wild Animals Gala Show
performance at Buitenzorg [now Bogor], Java, on 9 September
1897. The circus was billed as Harmston's Groot Circus en
Menagerie Van Wilde Dieren. Clown and musical acts
performed by the Weatherly Sisters' father, Charles
Weatherly, have been underlined using red pencil. The
program has been sewn onto a sheet of paper 365 h x 235 w.
98/29/1-1/12 is on the reverse.
198/29/1-1/12 Program, Harmston's Grand Circus and Royal Menagerie of
Wild Animals performance at Calcutta, India, satin, Weatherly
Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 21 December
1899
Program printed on white satin of Harmston's Grand Circus
and Royal Menagerie of Wild Animals performance at
Calcutta, India, on 21 December 1899 for the "Benefit of the
Transvaal Widows and Orphans' Fund". Elephant and musical
acts performed by the Weatherly Sisters' father, Charles
Weatherly, have been underlined using red pencil. They are:
"(CLOWNS PEPPINO AND DUMMY.)"; EDUCATED
ELEPHANT (Babe) Introduced by C.E. Weatherly."; MUSICAL
ENTREE...C.E. Weatherly." The program has been sewn onto
a sheet of paper 365 h x 235 w. 98/29/1-1/11 is on the reverse.
198/29/1-1/13 Program, Harmston's Circus and Royal Menagerie
performance at Madras, India, satin, Weatherly Sisters,
Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c 1905
Program printed on teal satin of Harmston's Circus and Royal
Menagerie performance at Madras, India, c 1905. Various acts
featuring members of the Weatherly Sisters' immediate and
extended family have been underlined using red pencil. They
are: "COMIC ENTREE...By Pips and Shadow."; MUSICAL
ACT...By the Weatherleys."; "POT POURRI DANCE...By Miss
J. Harmston and Miss Zilla/Weatherley." The program has
been sewn onto a sheet of paper 365 h x 245 w. 98/29/1-1/14 is
on the reverse.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/14 Program, Harmston's Circus performance at Mysore, India,
satin, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, c 1907
Program printed on pink satin of Harmston's Circus
performance at Mysore, India, c 1905. Various acts featuring
the Weatherly Sisters and their immediate and extended
family have been underlined using red pencil. They are: "High
Jumping Dog Tiger.../Introduced by Mdlle. Clothilde."; Comic
Entree...Pips and Jimmy."; The Flexible Marvels...Zeno Zaida
and Pearlie."; and "Musical Melange...By Zilla Zaida and
Toots.", the three children of Charles and Clothilde (Pinky)
Weatherly, baptised as Zilla, Zaida (Gaga) and Queenie
(Toots). The program has been sewn onto a sheet of paper 365
h x 245 w. 98/29/1-1/13 is on the reverse.
198/29/1-1/15 Program, Nouveau Cirque, Paris, France, paper, H Sicard,
Paris, France, 10 March 1887
Program card for the Nouveau Cirque, Paris, France for a
matinee performance on Thursday 10 March 1887. On the
front of the card is the program for the performance. Two acts
featuring the Weatherly Sisters' aunt Maggie Fredericks (also
known as Maggie Coleman), who performed here under the
name Maggie Frederick, have been starred using a red pen. On
the reverse is a list of the "TROUPE DU NOUVEAU CIRQUE"
for the 1886/1887 season.
198/29/1-1/16 Program, Orpheum Theatre, Manila, Philippines, paper, The
Philippines Gossip Press, Manila, Philippines, Australia, 30
September 1905
Program for the Orpheum Theatre, Manila, Philippines, for the
week beginning Saturday 30 September 1905, featuring "The
Entertaining & Humourous Burlesque IN GAY PAREE. The
cast included Toots and Gaga Weatherly's father Charles
Weatherly as well as their aunts, Rosie Coleman and Carmen
Coleman. On the back of the program is a photograph of the
comedy troupe, "The Gothams".
198/29/1-1/17 Program, Theatre Royal, Hong Kong, paper, South China
Morning Post Ltd, Hong Kong, 1 November 1919
Program for a performance at the Theatre Royal, Hong Kong,
on 1 November 1919 described as "A Potted Revuette" entitled
"Chin Chin, Hong Kong". The musical numbers were "Written
and Composed by CHAS. E. WEATHERLEY" with
performances by other members of the Weatherly family. The
program is interspersed with numerous advertisements for
local businesses.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/18 Program, Willison's British American Circus and Mammoth
Menagerie, Penang, The Criterion Press Ltd, Penang, 1920s
Program for a performance of Willison's British American
Circus and Mammoth Menagerie at Magazine Road, Penang
sometime during the 1920s. The Willison's were members of
the Weatherly Sisters' extended family. One of the acts on the
program is described as, "Now comes The Weatherley Prize
Packets in a/Pot Pourrie of Pleasing Pastimes
incidentally/introducing all the latest and greatest/American
Songs and Musical Selections."
198/29/1-1/19 Program, Tivoli Theatre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
paper, Everyone's Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
15 March 1924
Program for a performance at the Tivoli Theatre, Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia billed as the "Musgrove Celebrity
Vaudeville". One of the acts was described as "THE FIVE
WEATHERLYS/In an Unorthodox Act". The program includes
an extensive number of advertisements for local businesses.
198/29/1-1/20 Program, Tivoli Theatre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
paper, Whitmarks Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales,
Australia, 21 April 1934
Program for a performance at the Tivoli Theatre, Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia which also incorporated the "New
Tivoli Theatre Magazine". One of the acts was "THE
WEATHERLEY GIRLS (Two Dainty Sisters in a New/Angle of
Contortion". The program includes an extensive number of
advertisements for local businesses.
198/29/1-1/21 Program, Fuller's Opera House, Christchurch, New Zealand,
paper, John Fuller & Sons Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales,
Australia, November 1925
Program for a performance at Fuller's Opera House,
Christchurch, New Zealand during November 1925. In Part I
of the program it lists "THE MUSICAL
WEATHERLEYS/DELIGHTFUL NOVELTY
INSTRUMENTALISTS". The program includes an extensive
number of advertisements for local businesses.
198/29/1-1/22 Program, Carson's Great American Circus combined with Ott's
Famous European Circus, Calcutta, India, paper, Movie Press,
Calcutta, India, 1930
Program for a performance of Carson's Great American Circus
combined with Ott's Famous European Circus held in
Calcutta, India, during 1930. Act 7 in Part I featured "THE
FAMOUS WEATHERLY SISTERS, Invertebrate Artist in
amazing feats of contortion", while Act 13 in Part II was
described as "THE WEATHERLY SISTERS, Two clever artists
presenting a song and dance revue". These two acts have been
identified using a red pen.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/23 Program, Les Shipp Variety Revue, Sydney, New South Wales,
Australia, paper, James & James, Ashfield, New South Wales,
Australia, 1930s
Program for a performance of the Les Shipp Variety Revue in
Sydney during the 1930s billed as "GEORGE WALLACE/THE
ASSASSIN OF SORROW/AND BIG REVIEW COMPANY IN
'FUNBURSTS'". The program included performances by Toots
Weatherly, Zaida (Gaga) Weatherly and the The Weatherly
Sisters. On the front cover of the program is a picture of
George Wallace, described as "AUSTRALIA'S KING OF
COMEDY".
198/29/1-1/24 Program, Wild West Rodeo Carnival, Exhibition Grounds,
Melbourne, Victoria, paper, Adersons' Printing & Publishing
Co Pty Ltd, South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 30 January
1933
Program for the Wild West Rodeo Carnival held at the
Exhibition Grounds, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and
promoted by Arthur Greenlaugh. The Weatherly Sisters
appeared at the carnival and the description in the prgram
read, "THE MISSES WEATHERLEY will now surprise you/in
what a little practice and patience can do". Their act has been
indicated on the program using a red pen. There are
illustrations on the front cover showing steer-riding and buck
jumping.
198/29/1-1/25 Program, Wild West Rodeo Carnival, Exhibition Grounds,
Melbourne, Victoria, paper, Australia, Weatherly Sisters,
Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 30 January 1933
Program for a performance at the Prahran Town Hall,
Prahran, Victoria, Australia billed as the "MONSTER
BENEFIT/Tendered to Professor FRED IRELAND/The
Well-known Pianist". The comedian George Wallace headed
the bill and the "Weatherly Sisters" was listed as one of the
acts. Their sister Zilla, brother-in-law Billy Andross [William
Evans], and neice Gloria [Gloria Dawn] also appeared on the
program. There is a caricature of George Wallace on the front
cover.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/26 Program, George Sorlie's "The Crispies and Crackers of 1937"
Tour, paper, Sorlie's Country Theatrical
Enterprises/Whitmarks Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales,
Australia, 1937
Program for George Sorlie's "The Crispies and Crackers of
1937" Tour to the Northern Rivers District of New South
Wales. There is a photo of George Sorlie on the front cover and
photos and brief descriptions of two acts: Moran and Wiser,
"The Highest Paid Act Ever to Visit the Rivers" who were
"Recognised the World's Champion Hat Throwers and Club
Manipulators"; and U.S. Thompson, "America's Champion
Whirlwind Dancing Star". A range of other acts are listed on
the back cover including "THE WEATHERLEYS/The Twisting
Girls in a Unique Speciality".
198/29/1-1/27 Program, "Sorlie's Souvenir Programme No. 3", paper, Sorlie's
Country Theatrical Enterprises/Job Stone Pty Ltd, Sydney,
New South Wales, Australia/Toowoomba, Queensland,
Australia, 1938
Program for George Sorlie Country Theatrical Enterprises
20th Anniversary Year Tour. There is a photo of George Sorlie
on the front cover and a list of his key staff on the inside front
cover. The program includes photos and biographical sketches
of performers George Hurd, Ronnie Shand (listed as Ronie
Shand), The Moreni Trio, The Weatherly Girls, and The
Newtons.
198/29/1-1/28 Program, "Sorlie's Souvenir Programme No. 4", paper, Sorlie's
Country Theatrical Enterprises/Job Stone Pty Ltd, Sydney,
New South Wales, Australia/Toowoomba, Queensland,
Australia, 1938
Program for George Sorlie Country Theatrical Enterprises
20th Anniversary Year Tour. There is a photo of George Sorlie
on the front cover and a list of his key staff on the inside front
cover. Act 5 of the program features "THE
WEATHERLYS/Twisting Sisters" with Toots and Zaida (Gaga)
Weatherly also appearing in a number of other acts. The
program includes photos and biographical sketches of
performers George Hurd, Ronnie Shand (listed as Ronie
Shand), The Moreni Trio, The Weatherly Girls, and The
Newtons.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-1/29 Program, "Sorlie's A Special 150th Year Celebration Show also
Geo. Sorlie's 20th Anniversary Tour", paper, Sorlie's Country
Theatrical Enterprises, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
1938
Program for George Sorlie's Country Theatrical Enterprises
show to celebrate 150 years of white settlement in Australia
which was held as part of its 20th Anniversary Year Tour.
There is a photo of George Sorlie on the front cover and inside
photographs with captions of "Ronie Shand, the New Electric
Comic", "George Hurd, the Royal Command Juggler", "Percy
Roberts, the Blind Musical Genius", "The Newtons, Best
Yodellers of All Times", "The Morini Trio - Somewhat
Different" and "The Twisting Weatherleys".
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 98/29/1-2
Creators: Weatherly Sisters
Series Title: Posters and advertising cards
Date Range: c 1887 - 1921
Physical Characteristics: Paper posters and advertising cards.
Description: Posters and advertising cards, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New
South Wales, Australia, c 1887 - 1921
Posters and advertising cards publicising performances by Toots and
Gaga Weatherly's immediate family of entertainers as well as their
extended family of circus performers, particularly their grandfather,
William Fredericks who was also known as Frederick William
Coleman and who billed himself as "Professor Fredericks" or "Mr
Fredericks", and the acrobatic act known as the Rio Sisters which
included the Weatherly Sisters' mother Clothilde (Pinky) Weatherly
née Coleman and a number of her sisters.
Arrangement: No specific order.
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 1.03
Box Number: 1 & F1
COLLECTED ARCHIVES
Series Title: Posters and advertising cards
ITEM LIST
Item Number BoxItem Title
F198/29/1-2/1 Poster, "The Novelty Combination", paper, Harrold & Parker,
Manchester, England, 1890s
Poster entitled, "THE NOVELTY COMBINATION", designed
by the firm of Harrold & Parker, Manchester, England. The
poster features illustrations of a number of circus acts
including members of the Toots and Gaga Weatherly's
extended family. Heading the bill was Miss Emelina and there
are two drawings of her performing her aerial act. The caption
reads, "MISS EMELINA/THE AERIAL/QUEEN". To the right
of Miss Emelina is a drawing of "The Boxing Cats" and on the
left hand side of the page a drawing of "The Baldwin
Monkeys". In the centre of the poster there are drawings
showing the animal act conducted by the Weatherly Sisters'
grandfather, William Fredericks who was also known as
William Frederick Coleman, who appeared under the stage
names of Professor Fredericks or Mr Fredericks. There is a
drawing of Professor Fredericks holding a hoop while one of his
cats jumps through it. There are also two drawings of "The
Happy Family" showing his menagerie of monkeys, cats, rats,
mice and birds performing various tricks. Further down the
poster there are a number of drawings of the Rio Sisters, which
included the Weatherly Sisters' mother and aunts, performing
their acrobatic act. The overall caption for this set of drawings
is "THE RIO/SISTERS/LADY ACROBATS/5 IN NUMBER 5".
The final drawing shows the acrobat Jackles and the caption
reads, "JACKLES/The/ALPINE CLIMBER". At the bottom left
is the name of the artist who drew the poster which reads,
"Will Parker/del & desn", and one of the lower right the name
of the printers, "HARROLD & PARKER. 38 ROSAMOND ST
EAST MANCHESTER." The poster is in poor condition.
Item Number BoxItem Title
F198/29/1-2/2 Poster, "Rio Sisters", paper, Charles Lane, Brighton, England,
1890s
Poster advertising the Rio Sisters troupe of acrobats which
included Toots and Gaga Weatherly's mother, Clothilde
(Pinky) Weatherly née Coleman, and their aunts. The main
text of the poster identifies the "RIO SISTERS/FIVE IN
NUMBER" as "ACROBATS AND GYMNASTS". The central
drawing shows the Rio Sisters forming a human tower with
three members as the base, another member on the next rung,
and then a final member balancing on top. In an oral history
interview conducted on 9 February 1983 [NFSA 376614] the
Weatherly Sisters identified their aunt Adie Coleman as the
bearer and their mother as the acrobat balancing on top of the
tower. In the top left hand corner of the poster is a drawing of
a member of the troupe - later identified in the same interview
as Adie Colemen - balancing on a ladder. In the top right hand
corner is a drawing of a member of the troupe lying across a
high wire. In the bottom left hand corner is a drawing of three
members of the Rio Sisters performing acrobatics, and in the
bottom right hand corner is a drawing of two members also
performing acrobatics. The name of the artist, "Chas Lane
Lithographer Brighton" is in the left hand corner.
F198/29/1-2/3 Poster, Wirth Bros Ltd Circus and Zoo 1921 Season, paper,
Troedel and Cooper Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,
1921
Poster advertising the opening of Wirth Bros Ltd Circus and
Zoo's 1921 Season in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on
Saturday 15 October 1921. The program was headed by
"THE/5 MUSICAL WEATHERLYS/IN MUSIC, MIRTH AND
MELODY". It also featured "ZEEO, THE LADY FROG/And her
Sisters, ZAIDA and TOOTS/in 'FROLICKS IN FROGLAND'"
and "JOE, DANNY & PIPPS/CLOWNS". Pipps was one of the
names Charles Weatherly used when performing as a clown.
198/29/1-2/4 Advertising card, "Nouveau Cirque" and "Redfern Tailleur
Pour Dames", Paris, France, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield,
New South Wales, Australia, c 1887
Card advertising on one side the Nouveau Cirque and on the
other side the Redfern Tailleur Pour Dames, both located in
Paris, France.
198/29/1-2/5 Advertising card, "Weatherly's Surprise Party and
Bellringers", Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, c 1905
Card advertising the "Weatherly's/Surprise Party/and
Bellringers" first South African tour. The card states that the
group had just completed a successful tour of India, China,
Netherlands Indie, Sumatra, Borneo, India, Ceylon, Burma,
New Zealand and Australia. The card also lists royalty and
senior members of the British colonial administrators whom
the group had performed before.
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 98/29/1-3
Creators: Weatherly Sisters
Series Title: Photographs
Date Range: c 1895 - c 1927
Physical Characteristics: Black and white and albumen photographic prints, photographic
postcards and magazine clipping of an image. All but one of the
images are pasted onto sheets of paper.
Description: Photographs, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, c 1895 - c 1927
Photographs showing members of the Toots and Gaga Weatherly's
immediate and extended family including their parents, the
musician, clown and contortionist Charles Weatherly, and the
acrobat and actress Clothilde (Pinky) Weatherly née Coleman. There
are also photographs of their grandfather, William Fredericks who
was also known as William Frederick Coleman and who billed
himself as "Professor Fredericks" or "Mr Fredericks", and the
acrobatic act known as the Rio Sisters which included Clothilde
Coleman and four of her sisters. There are also images taken while
their family was on tour with various circuses as well as
photographs of other circus or vaudeville performers. There is a later
photograph taken c 1927 of the Weatherly Sisters and other
performers in costume applying make-up before a performance in
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Arrangement: Original order as pasted onto sheets of paper.
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.01
Box Number: 1
COLLECTED ARCHIVES
Series Title: Photographs
ITEM LIST
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-3/1 Photographic print, albumen, Charles Weatherly and the Rio
Sisters performing their Imperial Ladders act with Harmston's
Circus, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, c 1900
Charles Weatherly and the Rio Sisters, an acrobatic act which
also worked as the Rio Troupe or the Fredericks, performing
their Imperial Ladders act with Harmston's Circus under the
big top at a location in Asia. Charles Weatherly and Pinky
(Clothilde) Weatherly née Coleman of the Rio Sisters were the
parents of Toots and Gaga Weatherly, known as the Weatherly
Sisters. Four other members of the Rio Sisters were their
aunts. Their grandfather, William Fredericks who was also
known as William Frederick Coleman and who performed
under the name "Professor Fredericks" or "Mr Fredericks", is
pictured at the bottom right of the image acting as ring
master. The photograph has been pasted onto a sheet of paper
365 h x 242 w and on the other side of the sheet are the images
98/29/1-3/2:4.
198/29/1-3/2 Photographic print, albumen, Mackie Sisters, Weatherly
Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c 1900
The Mackie Sisters (Maggie and Lizzie), an Australian
acrobatic act, pictured in costume in a studio portrait. The
photograph has been pasted onto a sheet of paper 365 h x 242
w on the same page as images 98/29/1-3/3 and 98/29/1-3/4. On
the other side of the sheet is 98/29/1-3/1.
198/29/1-3/3 Photographic print, albumen, Clothilde (Pinky) Weatherly,
Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c
1900
Clothilde (Pinky) Weatherly née Coleman, a member of the Rio
Sisters acrobatic act, wife of the performer Charles Weatherly,
and mother of Toots and Gaga Weatherly, known as the
Weatherly Sisters, pictured in costume in a studio portrait. All
four corners of the photograph have been trimmed. The
photograph has been pasted onto a sheet of paper 365 h x 242
w on the same page as images 98/29/1-3/2 and 98/29/1-3/4. On
the other side of the sheet is 98/29/1-3/1.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-3/4 Photographic print, black & white, Group photograph of the
Rio Sisters, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, c 1900
Group photograph taken in a photographic studio of the
acrobatic group billed as the Rio Sisters which also worked as
the Rio Troupe or the Fredericks. Toots and Gaga Weatherly's
mother, Clothilde (Pinky) Weatherly née Coleman, was a
member of the act as were a number of their aunts. The Rio
Sisters are pictured wearing their costumes. The photograph
has been pasted onto a sheet of paper 365 h x 225 w on the
same page as images 98/29/1-3/2 and 98/29/1-3/3. On the other
side of the sheet is 98/29/1-3/1.
198/29/1-3/5 Photographic print, black & white, William Fredericks,
Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c
1895
Studio portrait of the performer William Fredericks who was
also known as William Frederick Coleman and who billed
himself as "Professor Fredericks" or "Mr Fredericks". At one
time he was also Manager of Fredericks' Star Circus. William
Fredericks was Toots and Gaga Weatherly's grandfather on
their maternal side. All four corners of the photograph have
been trimmed and the photograph has been pasted onto a
sheet of paper on the same page as images 98/29/1-3/6 and
98/29/1-3/7. On the other side of the sheet are images
98/29/1-3/8:10.
198/29/1-3/6 Postcard, colour, Group photograph of the Rio Sisters,
Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c
1900
Coloured postcard featuring a group photograph taken in the
studio of the acrobatic act billed as the Rio Sisters which also
worked as the Rio Troupe or the Fredericks. Toots and Gaga
Weatherly's mother, Clothilde (Pinky) Weatherly née Coleman,
was a member of the Rio Sisters as were a number of their
aunts. A small panel on the card reads, "European Ladies".
The Rio Sisters are pictured wearing green costumes, white
lace collars, white sashes, pink stockings and white slippers.
The postcard has been pasted onto a sheet of paper 365 mm h
x 245 mm w on the same page as images 98/29/1-3/5 and
98/29/1-3/7. On the other side of the sheet are images
98/29/1-3/8:10.
198/29/1-3/7 Photographic print, albumen, Red Fort in Delhi, India,
Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c
1900
Photograph of the Red Fort in Delhi, India, which has been
trimmed to reflect the shape of the building. The photograph
has been pasted onto a sheet of paper 365 h x 245 w on the
same page as images 98/29/1-3/5 and 98/29/1-3/6. On the other
side of the sheet are images 98/29/1-3/8:10. The image has
faded.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-3/8 Photographic print, albumen, Moving 'Lord' George Sanger's
Circus possibly in South Africa, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield,
New South Wales, Australia, c 1895
A group of five men from 'Lord' George Sanger's Circus
pictured in front of a wagon laden with equipment possibly
while moving the circus in South Africa. On the right hand
side of the photograph is William Fredericks, also known as
William Frederick Coleman, the Weatherly Sisters'
grandfather, pictured smoking a pipe. The photograph has
been pasted onto a sheet of paper 365 h x 245 w on the same
page as images 98/29/1-3/9 and 98/29/1-3/10. On the other side
of the sheet are images 98/29/1-3/5:7. The image has faded.
198/29/1-3/9 Photographic print, albumen, Group of people standing in front
of the Phoenix Hotel possibly in South Africa, Weatherly
Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c 1895
Group of adults and children standing in front of the Phoenix
Hotel possibly in South Africa. The sign at the front of the
building reads, "PHOENIX HOTEL/J.W.
FRENCH/PROPRIETOR". All four corners of the photograph
have been trimmed. The photograph has been pasted onto a
sheet of paper 365 h x 245 w on the same page as images
98/29/1-3/8 and 98/29/1-3/10. On the other side of the sheet are
images 98/29/1-3/5:7. The image has faded.
198/29/1-3/10 Magazine clipping, Photograph of Meers Sisters, Weatherly
Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c 1900
Magazine clipping of a studio photograph of the Meers Sisters,
an American circus equestrian act, in costume. The Meers
Sisters were related to Toots and Gaga Weatherly, the
Weatherly Sisters. The clipping has been trimmed at the top
right hand and left hand corners. The photograph has been
pasted onto a sheet of paper 365 h x 245 on the same page as
images 98/29/1-3/8 and 98/29/1-3/9. On the other side of the
sheet are images 98/29/1-3/5:7.
198/29/1-3/11 Photographic print, black & white, Charles Weatherly feeding
one of his trained elephants at Kiddepur in Calcutta, India,
Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c
1905
The photograph has been pasted onto a sheet of paper 196 h x
240 w. On the other side of the sheet is 98/29/1-3/12.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-3/12 Photographic print, black & white, Montage of images of
Charles Weatherly, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South
Wales, Australia, c 1905
Montage of 11 images of the performer Charles Weatherly
comprising a central formal side-on portrait which is
surrounded by other images of Weatherly dressed in costume
in various poses as a singer, clown and contortionist.
Underneath the central portrait are the words, "Yours
Truly/Charles Weatherly". The print has been pasted onto a
sheet of paper 196 h x 240 w. On the other side of the sheet is
98/29/1-3/11.
198/29/1-3/13 Postcard, colour, black & white, Group photo of Rio Sisters,
Walls & Skeen, Rangoon, Burma, c 1900
Group photo taken in the photographic studio of Walls &
Skeen in Rangoon, Burma of the acrobatic act known as the
Rio Sisters either seated on or standing by a rickshaw. The Rio
Sisters also worked as the Rio Troupe or the Fredericks. Toots
and Gaga Weatherly's mother, Clothilde (Pinky) Weatherly née
Coleman, was a member of the Rio Sisters as were a number of
their aunts. Form left to right: Ricksaw driver, Adie Coleman,
Rosie Coleman, Carmen Coleman (at front), Cecilia Coleman
(with hand linked to Adie Coleman), Clothilde (Pinky)
Weatherly, and unidentified. The postcard was later sent to
the Weatherly Sisters by their aunt, Joli Coleman, who at the
time was living in the USA.
198/29/1-3/14 Photographic print, black & white, sepia toned, Group
photograph of the Weatherly Sisters and other performers
applying makeup at Victoria Theatre, Newcastle, New South
Wales, Australia, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South
Wales, Australia, c 1927
Group photograph of performers in costume applying makeup
at Victoria Theatre, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
From left to right: Zilla Weatherly (holding Ivy Rogers' baby),
Ivy Rogers, Toots Weatherly (in background), Fanny Rogers
(seated) and Gaga Weatherly. In an oral history conducted on
20 June 1983 Toots and Gaga Weatherly state that the image
was taken while they were working for the Newcastle
producers Dix and Baker whereas the annotation on the
reverse of the images states that it was taken at a Fuller' s
Theatres production. Both companies used the Victoria
Theatre in Newcastle.
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 98/29/1-4
Creators: Weatherly Sisters
Series Title: Documents
Date Range: c 1890 - 1930
Physical Characteristics: Ink and pencil cartoon on paper; paper documents pasted onto sheets
of paper.
Description: Documents, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, c 1890 - 1930
Small number of documents detailing aspects of the Weatherly
family's circus and vaudeville career such as letters of
recommendation, a permit to transport elephants through Calcutta,
India, in 1905 and a three panel cartoon showing performers and
members of the audience at a benefit for the San Francisco Relief
Fund held in Manila, Philippines in 1906.
Arrangement: Generally original order as pasted onto sheets of paper.
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.01
Box Number: 1
COLLECTED ARCHIVES
Series Title: Documents
ITEM LIST
Item Number BoxItem Title
Item Number BoxItem Title
F198/29/1-4/1 Cartoon, Performers and audience members at the San
Francisco Relief Fund concert held in Manila, Philippines, to
aid victims of the San Francisco earthquake and fire,
paper/ink/pencil, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South
Wales, Australia, 1906
Cartoon featuring drawings of performers and members of the
audience at the San Francisco Relief Fund concert held in
Manila, Philippines in May 1906 to aid victims of the San
Francisco earthquake and fire. Charles Weatherly, father of
Toots and Gaga Weatherly, the Weatherly Sisters, appeared on
the program.
The cartoon features text and drawings in three panels. The
first panel on the left hand side of the page features two
drawings. The first drawing located at the top of the page
shows Major Putnam Bradlee "Putty" Strong of the USA Army
throwing two bouquets of flowers onto the stage from a private
box in the theatre. The caption reads, "PUTNAM
BRADLEE/STRONG THREW BOQUETS - ". Underneath this
drawing is one of a group of rowdy male members of the
audience who are identified in the text as baseball players.
They are yelling out "WOW!", "AH!", "PIPPIN!" at the
performance of a woman dancing on stage although only the
lower part of the woman's leg features in the drawing. The
caption reads, "OH! I GUESS THEM/BALL PLAYERS IN
THE/CORNER BOX DIDN'T ENJOY THE SHOW/EH! -
WOT?". The centre panel features numerous drawings. In the
top left hand corner the singer Willie Green is strenuously
singing a song which features the line "DARK MAN
COMING/WID A BUNDLE". A man in the audience is pictured
calling out "BUST/YERSELF". The caption for the drawing
reads, "WILLIE/GREEN MADE/A HIT". In the top right hand
corner of the panel is a drawing of the clown Vic Loydall with
the caption, "VIC LOYDALL/IS ALL TO/THE CUSTARD". In
the centre of the panel is a drawing of a female performer with
her arms outstretched. The caption reads, "LITTLE
EVA/WHOSE/"SMILE" WAS/MOST BETWITCHING -
/WOT?". In the lower right hand corner of the panel is a
drawing of the musician, clown and contortionist Charles
Weatherly sitting on a large pile of coins and notes which has a
dollar sign on it. He is laughing and has his right hand over
his face saying the words "OH, WELL". The caption reads,
"WEATHERLY -/MADE A PILE." At the bottom of the panel
there is a drawing of the singer Bobby McGreer with the
caption, "BOBBY/MCGREER". Next to this is a silhouette of a
black cat with the word, "MAC" next to it. In the bottom right
hand corner is a drawing of a card showing the two of
diamonds with the caption, "A GOOD CARD/AT THE
ORPHEIM". The third panel on the right hand side of the page
also features two drawings. The first drawing located at the
top of the page shows a man identified as "JOE TEETER"
seated on a chair surreptitiously indicating the number five
with his left hand. Below him is a drawing of a man identified
as "GLAD HANDS MARKUS" who is seated on a chair
Item Number BoxItem Title
clapping. On the reverse there are a small number of sketches
in pencil showing a man in an armchair, a man dining, and a
woman possibly serving table. There are some pencil
annotations in the border at the bottom of the cartoon and also
on the reverse.
Overall the cartoon is in poor condition having broken at the
folds and with one piece detached and others missing. However
the ink drawings and captions are still highly legible.
198/29/1-4/2 Christmas card, 'Lord' George Sanger's Grand National
Amphitheatre, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South
Wales, Australia, 1892
Christmas card sent by 'Lord' George Sanger's Grand National
Amphitheatre run by the British circus entrepreneur 'Lord'
George Sanger at Christmas 1892 which reads, "WITH VERY
BEST WISHES/TO YOU AND YOURS/LORD GEORGE
SANGER'S GRAND NATIONAL AMPHITHEATRE". The card
features a portrait of Sanger enclosed within a border in the
shape of a horse's collar with riding crops running behind the
image. The card has been pasted onto a sheet of paper 365 h x
245 w. 98/29/1-4/3 is on the same page while 98/29/1-4/4:5 are
on the reverse.
198/29/1-4/3 Card, Photograph and description of 'Lord' George Sanger's
present of miniature ponies and miniature carriage to the
children of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Weatherly
Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c 1890
Card with photograph and caption describing a present of
miniature ponies and a miniature carriage to the children of
the Prince and Princess of Wales made by the British circus
entrepreneur 'Lord' George Sanger. The card has been pasted
onto a sheet of paper 365 h x 245 w. 98/29/1-4/2 is on the same
page while 98/29/1-4/4:5 are on the reverse.
198/29/1-4/4 Letter, Battalion Lieutenant Colonel D P Dickinson, President,
Regimental Institutes, Singapore, to Charles Weatherly,
Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 10
September 1930
Letter in the form of a testimonial from Battalion Lieutenant
Colonel D P Dickinson, President, Regimental Institutes, 2nd
Battalion, The Welch Company, Singapore, to Charles
Weatherly concerning the two performances delivered by the
Weatherly Sisters and "Pippo" the clown [Charles Weatherly]
at the Tanglin Regimental Theatre, Singapore. The letter has
been pasted onto a sheet of paper 365 h x 245 w. 98/29/1-4/5 is
on the same page while 98/29/1-4/2:3 are on the reverse.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-4/5 Letter, A F Stork, Honorary Secretary, Bukom Club, Pulo
Bukom, to Charles Weatherly, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield,
New South Wales, Australia, 1 October 1930
Letter from A F Stork, Honorary Secretary, Bukom Club, Pulo
Bukom, [now Pulau Bukom] to Charles Weatherly, 1 October
1930 congratulating him on a performance given on 27
September 1930. The letter has been pasted onto a sheet of
paper 365 h x 245 w. 98/29/1-4/4 is on the same page while
98/29/1-4/2:3 are on the reverse.
198/29/1-4/6 Permit, Office of Commissioner of Police, Calcutta, India,
Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 3
January 1905
Permit issued by the Office of Commissioner of Police,
Calcutta, India, on 3 January 1905 for Charles Weatherly to
transport 10 elephants through Calcutta between 1 and 4 am
from the Circus Ground to Kiddepur Docks via Kiddepur. The
permit has been pasted on piece of card 260 h x 230 w. On the
reverse of the card are three press clippings concerning the
Weatherly family of performers. 98/29/1-5/6 is on the reverse.
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 98/29/1-5
Creators: Weatherly Sisters
Series Title: Press and magazine articles and clippings
Date Range: 1874 - 1930s
Physical Characteristics: Press and magazine articles and clippings either loose or pasted onto
sheets of paper.
Description: Press and magazine articles and clippings, Weatherly Sisters,
Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 1874 - 1930s
Press and magazine articles and clippings that generally document
aspects of the careers of Toots and Gaga Weatherly, the Weatherly
Sisters, and their immediate and extended family of circus and
vaudeville performers.
Arrangement: Broadly chronological
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.02
Box Number: 1
COLLECTED ARCHIVES
Series Title: Press and magazine articles and clippings
ITEM LIST
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-5/1 Magazine article, "Murrays Illustrated News", Weatherly
Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 1874
Four pages (pp6 - 9) from the second issue of "Murray's
Illustrated News" for the 1874 season produced by the
equestrian trainer and proprietor of the John H Murray
Circus, John H Murray. Page 6 has a short story entitled,
"John & Becky" by Charles H Day. Page 7 has an article on the
highwayman "Dick Turpin" as background to Murray's
equestrian drama, "Dick Turpin's Ride to York and the death
of Black Bess"; a humorous story entitled "The Clown and the
Lawyer" about a circus clown giving evidence during a trial in
Manchester, New Hampshire, USA; and an item entitled, "The
Murray Stud" about the horses that performed in Murray's
shows. On page 8 Murray talks about his career and offers
advice to the circus-going public. On page 9 there is a drawing
with the caption, "JOHN H MURRAY EXHIBITING 'BLACK
EAGLE' BEFORE THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND AND ROYAL
FAMILY AT THE ROYAL ALHAMBRA PALACE" in Leicester
Square, London, England.
198/29/1-5/2 Press clippings, John H Murray's Great Rail Road Circus and
Howes & Cushing United States Circus, Weatherly Sisters,
Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c 1874
Double-sided paper sheet containing clippings for John H
Murray's Great Rail Road Circus and Howes & Cushing
United States Circus. The clipping for John H Murray's Great
Rail Road Circus contains illustrations of Emma Fredericks
and William Fredericks (also known as William Frederick
Coleman), Toots and Gaga Weatherly's grand parents. The
clipping for the Howes & Cushing United States Circus
features a drawing of a menagerie of wild animals.
198/29/1-5/3 Press clippings, Newsome's Grand Circus, Fredericks' Star
Circus and 'Lord' George Sanger's Grand National
Amphitheatre, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South
Wales, Australia, 1880s - 1890s
Press clippings for Newsome's Grand Circus, Fredericks' Star
Circus and 'Lord' George Sanger's Grand National
Amphitheatre from the 1880s and 1890s pasted on the back of
a section of a map of South Australia.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-5/4 Press clippings, Harmston's Circus, Weatherly Sisters,
Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c 1896 - 1900
Double-sided paper sheet containing clippings describing
performances of Harmston's Circus primarily in Ceylon and
Australia. Members of Toots and Gaga Weatherly's immediate
and extended family including their parents, Charles
Weatherly and Clothilde (Pinky) Weatherly née Coleman, were
performers with the circus. There is also an unidentified
clipping which includes an interview with the Weatherly
Sisters' grandfather, William Fredericks who was also known
as William Frederick Coleman and who billed himself as
"Professor Fredericks" or "Mr Fredericks", as well as
illustrations showing his performing cats. Descriptions of
performances by members of the Weatherly Sisters' immediate
and extended family have been highlighted using red and blue
pencil.
198/29/1-5/5 Magazine article, "The 'Groveries' Quiz Supplement",
Bellgrove, Glasgow, Scotland, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield,
New South Wales, Australia, 7 April 1892
Four pages from "The 'Groveries' Quiz Supplement" of 7 April
1892 which includes drawings of patrons, administrative staff
and performers at an exhibition held in The "Groveries",
Bellgrove, Glasgow, Scotland. They include drawings of
members of Toots and Gaga Weatherly's extended family: "The
Fredericks Troupe of 'Lady Acrobats'" (also known as the Rio
Sisters) which included the Weatherly Sisters's mother
Clothilde (Pinky) Weatherly née Coleman and a number of
their aunts; and their grandfather who was also known as
William Frederick Coleman and who billed himself as
"Professor Fredericks" or "Mr Fredericks", and his performing
cats.
198/29/1-5/6 Press clippings, Weatherly family, Weatherly Sisters,
Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, c 1906 - 1920s
Paper sheet containing clippings for the San Francisco Relief
Fund concert held in Manila, Philippines, in May 1906 to aid
the victims of the San Francisco earthquake and fire at which
Charles Weatherly appeared; an advertisement for the
"Weatherleys" concert at the Regal Theatre, Wynberg, Cape
Town, South Africa which featured Saccharine, "The Sweetest
Thing on Earth" and "The only Talking Donkey in the World"
as well as The Contraband, "A Stirring Drama in 2 Parts" and
"NINE OTHER STAR PHOTOPLAYS"; and a performance at
the Alhambra Theatre, Dunedin, New Zealand, which featured
Charles Weatherly who was described as "one of those clever
performers who can extract music from many sources"
including a slide trombone, a single stringed fiddle, the
harmonium and policeman's rattles all of which was
interspersed with comic patter. 98/29/1-4/6 is on the reverse.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-5/7 Press clipping, Photograph of scene from the film "Townies and
Hayseeds", Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, 1923
Press clipping pasted on a detached page from a photograph
album showing a scene from the 1923 Australian silent film
"Townies and Hayseeds" with various cast members including
members of Toots and Gaga Weatherly's immediate and
extended family including their mother Clothilde (Pinky)
Weatherly who played Mum Hayseed. The caption under the
photograph reads, "SCENE FROM TOWNIES AND
HAYSEEDS AT LYCEUM AND LYRIC". No copies of the film
survive. 98/29/1-5/8 is on the reverse.
198/29/1-5/8 Press clippings, Reviews of the film "Townies and Hayseeds",
Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia,
1923
Press clippings pasted on a detached page from a photograph
album of three reviews of the 1923 Australian silent film
"Townies and Hayseeds" which starred various members of
Toots and Gaga Weatherly's immediate and extended family
including their mother Clothilde (Pinky) Weatherly as Mum
Hayseed. No copies of the film survive. 98/29/1-5/7 is on the
reverse.
198/29/1-5/9 Magazine article, (reprint), "The Latest", Weatherly Sisters,
Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 24 September 1927
Reprint of an issue of "The Latest" published by the
Memorable Order of Tin Hats, a South African ex-serviceman's
organisation formed in Durban on 7 May 1927. It appears the
Weatherly family performed concerts for the organisation.
198/29/1-5/10 Magazine article, (reprint), "The Natal Mercury", Weatherly
Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 10 March
1928
Reprint of an article from "The Natal Mercury", 10 March
1928, entitled, "Heard in the Listening Post". It concerns news
about local activities of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats, a
South African ex-serviceman's organisation formed in Durban
on 7 May 1927. It appears the Weatherly family performed
concerts for the organisation.
198/29/1-5/11 Press clippings, Weatherly family, Fuller's Theatres and Clay's
Theatres, Weatherly Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales,
Australia, 1920s
The clippings, which have been pasted onto detached pages
from a photograph album, provide biographical details about
Charles Weatherly and the Weatherly family (or Weatherley as
they were sometimes described). They also concern
performances by the "Five Musical Weatherleys" and "The
Atlantic Girls", an act featured Zilla, Gaga and Toots
Weatherly, at Fuller's Theatres and Clay's Theatres.
Item Number BoxItem Title
198/29/1-5/12 Magazine clipping, Weatherly Sisters in costume, Weatherly
Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 1930s
Magazine clipping featuring seven images of Toots and Gaga
Weatherly, the Weatherly Sisters, dressed in various costumes
either as individual performers or as a duo.
198/29/1-5/13 Magazine clipping, Weatherly Sisters in costume, Weatherly
Sisters, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia, 1940s
Magazine clipping which includes a photograph of Toots and
Gaga Weatherly, the Weatherly Sisters, in costume as well as
a short overview of their careers.
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 98/29/1-6
Creators: Weatherly Sisters
Tinsley Brothers
Frost, Thomas
Series Title: "Circus Life and Circus Celebrities"
Date Range: 1875
Physical Characteristics: Cardboard covers originally covered in blue cloth. Subsequently
wrapped in brown kraft paper and then surrounded by a leather
cover from another book, 210 mm h x 140 mm w x 40 mm d
Description: Book, Thomas Frost, "Circus Life and Circus Celebrities", Tinsley
Brothers, London, England, 1875
Copy of Thomas Frost's "Circus Life and Circus Celebrities" once
owned by Cecilia Eldred (née Coleman), aunt of Toots and Gaga
Weatherly, the Weatherly Sisters. Cecilia Eldred was a circus
performer and part of the Rio Sisters troupe of acrobats. Her
parents, William and Emma Fredericks who also went by the name
of Coleman, and her grand parents, James and Pauline Newsome,
were all circus performers. James Newsome and his family are
featured in Frost's book. Cecilia Coleman married another circus
performer, Frank Eldred. The book contains various inscriptions.
From the inscriptions it appears the book was originally given as a
present to Cecilia Eldred by her friend Anne Bruce. The first
inscription reads, "Circus Life/By/Thomas Frost/In
year/1873./Property of Cecile Eldred/100. W 54th St/New York." The
second inscription reads, "To Dear Ceil Eldred/This Book was given
to my/[indecipherable] little niece: her last/time in Portugal. Its very
old/I fancy your dear/Mother's name/is in it." The third inscription
reads, "Finder kindly return to/Cecile Eldred/100 W 54th St/New
York" Added in pen at a later time are the words, "Sentimental
Value". The fourth inscription on the title page reads, "Cecile
Eldred/100 W. 54th St/finder will be rewarded." The fifth inscription
on the first page of the preface reads, "See if your Mothers name/is
in here", and the final inscription at the top of the first page of
chapter one reads, "From/Anne Bruce/to Ceil".
Arrangement:
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.04
Box Number: 1
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION
Registration Number: 98/29/1-6
Creators: Weatherly Sisters
Tinsley Brothers
Frost, Thomas
Series Title: "Circus Life and Circus Celebrities"
Date Range: 1875
Physical Characteristics: Cardboard covers originally covered in blue cloth. Subsequently
wrapped in brown kraft paper and then surrounded by a leather
cover from another book, 210 mm h x 140 mm w x 40 mm d
Description: Book, Thomas Frost, "Circus Life and Circus Celebrities", Tinsley
Brothers, London, England, 1875
Copy of Thomas Frost's "Circus Life and Circus Celebrities" once
owned by Cecilia Eldred (née Coleman), aunt of Toots and Gaga
Weatherly, the Weatherly Sisters. Cecilia Eldred was a circus
performer and part of the Rio Sisters troupe of acrobats. Her
parents, William and Emma Fredericks who also went by the name
of Coleman, and her grand parents, James and Pauline Newsome,
were all circus performers. James Newsome and his family are
featured in Frost's book. Cecilia Coleman married another circus
performer, Frank Eldred. The book contains various inscriptions.
From the inscriptions it appears the book was originally given as a
present to Cecilia Eldred by her friend Anne Bruce. The first
inscription reads, "Circus Life/By/Thomas Frost/In
year/1873./Property of Cecile Eldred/100. W 54th St/New York." The
second inscription reads, "To Dear Ceil Eldred/This Book was given
to my/[indecipherable] little niece: her last/time in Portugal. Its very
old/I fancy your dear/Mother's name/is in it." The third inscription
reads, "Finder kindly return to/Cecile Eldred/100 W 54th St/New
York" Added in pen at a later time are the words, "Sentimental
Value". The fourth inscription on the title page reads, "Cecile
Eldred/100 W. 54th St/finder will be rewarded." The fifth inscription
on the first page of the preface reads, "See if your Mothers name/is
in here", and the final inscription at the top of the first page of
chapter one reads, "From/Anne Bruce/to Ceil".
Arrangement:
Dimensions: Shelf Length m 0.04
Box Number: 1
The Powerhouse Museum Archives
has a dual purpose. First, to manage
and preserve the institutional records
of the Museum from its establishment
in 1880 to the present. Secondly,
to manage and preserve collected
archives which are the papers
of individuals and the records of
organisations and businesses acquired
by the Museum for its collection in the
fields of science, technology, design,
industry, decorative arts, music,
transport and history.
COVER: Photographic print, Weatherly Sisters
and other performers applying makeup at
Victoria Theatre, Newcastle, New South Wales,
Australia, c 1927 (98/29/1-3/14)
COVER DESIGN: Colin Rowan
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