Guide to the Papers of June Epstein

Series 1. General correspondence, 1935-96

This series comprises a small quantity of general correspondence accumulated by Epstein. There is correspondence with publishers Ure Smith relating to publication of her books, letters of appreciation from readers, personal references written by Epstein for others, correspondence relating to employment and letters of congratulation sent to Epstein when she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal. Correspondence in folders 1-2 is arranged alphabetically, while folders 3-5 are arranged chronologically. Correspondents include the Australian Broadcasting Commission, York Bowen, Benjamin Britten, A.E. [Alfred Ernest] Floyd, Henry Geehl (Professor of Music, Trinity College, London), Margaret Holmes, Hephzibah Menuhin, Dorothy Ross (Headmistress, Melbourne Church of England Girls Grammar School) and Camilla

Series 2. John Carey Guest, 1952-61

Epstein's second child, John Carey Guest (known as Carey), was born on 26 September 1952. Shortly after his birth he contracted encephalitis, which left him severely intellectually disabled. In 1957, after it became clear that the family could no longer provide the level of care required, Carey was placed in residential care at Kew Cottages in Melbourne.

Epstein's association with Kew Cottages led to a lifetime involvement in issues relating to the disabled. She and her husband were founders of the Kew Cottages Parents' Association, the first such organisation to be associated with a government institution, and Epstein was foundation President. The Association was responsible for many reforms in the field of mental health.

Epstein went on to write several books and numerous articles about the disabled, in an attempt to raise public awareness about disability. Her book, Image of the King: a parent's story of mentally handicapped children, details her personal experiences as the mother of a disabled child.

Included in this series are cards and letters from family and friends, including a sympathy letter and poem from Olive Pell, received when Carey was placed in care, and a case history notebook of Carey's progress, which was kept Epstein. There are also papers relating to the Kew Cottages Parents Association, which include a notebook recording proceedings of meetings, a copy of the constitution and newspaper cuttings.

See also series 8 for related material.

Series 3. Philip Ross Guest, 1959-78

Epstein's third child, Philip Ross Guest, was born on 16 April 1959. He was a lively, intelligent child, who developed normally. When he was five, Philip was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. He died a year later, completely physically disabled, but retaining his mental faculties.

In memory of Philip, Epstein and her husband presented a lectern, decorated with his sculptural likeness, to the Melbourne Kindergarten Teachers' College. They also established the Philip Ross Guest Memorial Endowment Fund, which was funded by royalties from Epstein's book Mermaid on wheels. The fund was used to establish the Philip Ross Guest Music Room at the Noah's Ark Toy Library for Handicapped Children in Melbourne.

Contained in this series are cards and letters from family and friends on Philip's birth and death and papers relating to his funeral service. There are also notes and photographs from the service for the presentation of the lectern and papers relating to the Memorial Endowment Fund, which include correspondence, financial statements, royalty statements and bank books.

See also series 7 for related papers.

Series 4. Family papers, 1949-88

This series contains a small collection of papers relating to Epstein and her family.

Series 5. Diaries, 1937-97

The diaries contained in this series comprise pocket diaries for the period 1947-97, incomplete for the earlier years, in which Epstein mostly recorded appointments. There are four other diaries which contain more detailed entries. Two early diaries record a trip to Scotland (c1937) and an ABC concert tour (1940) and there is an exercise book of notes from a holiday to Europe and the United States (1979). Also included is a fragment of a diary commenced in 1953 by Epstein for her children Katherine Ann and Carey. Meant as recollection for them of her thoughts and their childhood years, the diary was discontinued when Carey's illness became evident.

Series 6. Australian Broadcasting Commission

Epstein has had a long association with the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC), dating from 1940 when she undertook a three-month recital tour for them as a concert pianist. She subsequently became involved in ABC radio music education and worked for the organisation for a number of years in a variety of capacities. These included recitalist, accompanist, pianist for the program 'Kindergarten of the Air', broadcaster in charge of school programs such as 'A time for music', 'Let's join in' and 'Singing and listening' and scriptwriter for various non-musical programs. She was also Director of Music for Kindergarten Playtime, the first educational program to be screened on Victorian television.

Included in this series are Epstein's musical arrangements, notes and scripts for various ABC radio broadcasts, including some of her original musical compositions. There is also a large collection of ABC school broadcast booklets and guide books for teachers and newspaper cuttings relating to Epstein's 'Singing and listening' series of records, which were based on the ABC programs of the same name.

Series 7. Mermaid on wheels, 1967-68

Epstein's first book, Mermaid on wheels, was a biography of paraplegic architect and sportswoman Margaret Lester. It was published by Ure Smith in 1967, with a foreword by D.J.E. Cheshire. The book was serialised in Woman magazine in 1968. Royalties from this book were used to fund the Philip Ross Guest Memorial Endowment Fund

This small series includes congratulatory letters on the publication, reviews of the book and copies of Woman magazine.

See also Series 3 for related material.

Series 8. Image of the King: a parent's story of mentally handicapped children, 1970

In Epstein's second book, Image of the King: a parent's story of mentally handicapped children, she recounts her personal experiences as the mother of a disabled child. Containing a foreword by Rosemary and Gunnar Dybwad, the book was published by Darwen Finlayson, Henley-on-Thames in 1970.

This series comprises a small collection of papers relating to the book, including congratulatory letters on the publication and reviews of the book. Correspondents include Alexandra Hasluck (wife of the then Govenor-General), Margaret Holmes and Winifred West. There is also a letter and typescript of a poem from Betty [Hodges] Linton.

See also Series 2 for related papers.

Series 9. A paltry affair

In 1970, Epstein wrote and produced a musical melodrama entitled 'Captain Chook' for a performance by students at the Melbourne Kindergarten Teachers' College. In 1978 it was produced by Dorothy Rickards, with the new title of 'A paltry affair', for a performance by the Ravens Players of Glen Iris.

In 1982, Epstein signed an agreement with Yackandandah Playscripts for publication of the work, but this did not proceed.

This series contains a small group of papers relating to the musical.

Series 10. 'Big Dipper' series, 1982

Oxford University Press, Melbourne, published a series of children's books aimed at the under-8 age group, which were edited by Epstein, June Factor, Gwenda McKay and Dorothy Rickards and illustrated by Alison Lester. The series comprises Big dipper: stories, poems, songs and activities for young children(1980), Big dipper rides again(1982), Big dipper returns (1985) and Big dipper songs (1985), which was a compilation of music by Epstein, taken from the three books in the series.

Included in this series are notes and musical scores for material used in Big dipper rides again, 1982.

2 folders

Series 11. Scarecrow and company, 1983

Scarecrow and company is a children's book written by Epstein and published by Rigby, Adelaide in 1984. It was released in paperback by Collins, Sydney in 1989.

This series contains correspondence with Rigby (1983) and edited typescript (83pp).

2 folders

Series 12. Woman with two hats: an autobiography

Epstein's autobiography, Woman with two hats, was published by Hyland House, Melbourne in 1988.

The bulk of this series comprises research material and notes made by Epstein during the course of writing the book. This material has been placed in files by Epstein and is listed by file name. There is also a small amount of correspondence, mostly relating to requests for information by Epstein, an edited typescript of the book and proofs of the index to the book.

Series 13. The story of the bionic ear, 1985-90

Epstein was approached by Dr Graeme Clark from the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Melbourne about the possibility of her undertaking the writing of a book about cochlear implants. Epstein accepted the project, with the aim of promoting public awareness about the procedure. The resulting book, The story of the bionic ear, was published by Hyland House, Melbourne in 1989.

This series mostly consists of material accumulated by Epstein during the course of her research for the book. There are typescripts of case studies from interviews she conducted with a number of people who have undergone cochlear implants and correspondence relating to requests for information about the procedure. During the course of her research she also amassed a large collection of brochures, pamphlets, newspaper cuttings, notes and photocopies of books, journal articles and reports and these are included. There is also an edited final draft and an edited proof copy of the book.

Note: Graeme Clark's Papers are located at MS 8696

Series 14. Rosalie McCutcheon: a memoir,1979, 1992-93

Epstein met the teacher Rosalie McCutcheon in 1941 when she started work at Frensham School, Mittagong. When McCutcheon died in 1992, at the urging of a number of McCutcheon's friends, Epstein agreed to undertake the writing of her memoir.

After determining the costs involved in publication and distribution of the book, it was decided to raise funds for the project by seeking donations. A committee was established to deal with administration and to set up a trust account. Those supporting the project included Professor Charles Birch, Rev. Frank Engel and Rev. John Garrett.

Epstein's book, Rosalie McCutcheon: a memoir, was published by Henley Beach, South Australia in 1993.

Included in this series is correspondence (mainly research for the book), research papers, edited typescripts and proofs of the book and papers relating to financial arrangements for the project, including a list of donations received. There are also family slides, photographs and papers relating to McCutcheon, which include birth, death and marriage certificates and a family tree.

Note: Rosalie McCutcheon's papers are at MS 9380

Correspondence, 1992-93 (File 1_2)

Financial papers relating to the project, 1992-93 (File 3)

McCutcheon family papers (File 4)

Research material (File 5)

McCutcheon family photographs (File 6)

Various (File 7)

2 cassette tapes

Computer disks: 3 disks containing drafts of the book

Sydney University International House 10th Anniversary dinner and speeches [audio cassette], 1977 (Item NLA.MS-SAV002744) - Cassette-Box 35

1 item, BASF C90, Compact cassette tape

Rosalie McCutcheon Talk to 7 old Korowa students from 1921, 29/03/1979 (Item NLA.MS-SAV002745) - Cassette-Box 35

1 item, Fuji DR-I 90, Magnetic tape reel (any size)

Drafts of June Epstein's book 'Rosalie McCutcheon: a memoir' (Item NLA.MS-DM000116) - Digital-Carriers-Box 3

3 item, 3.5 inch floppy disk

Edited typescripts and proofs (File 8)

Series 15. Published articles

This series contains a small collection of typescripts of articles by Epstein, together with copies of magazines in which some of them appeared, including People (1954), Stand-easy (1954) and Woman's World(1951).

3 folders

Series 16. Other published works

During the course of her career, Epstein has written prolifically, publishing over fifty works in several genres. Included in this series are small collections of papers relating to a number of these published works, which include short stories, children's books, musical scores, plays, teaching guides and biographies. The works are listed chronologically.

Series 17. Unpublished works

This series comprises mostly typescripts of unpublished works by Epstein and includes short stories, stage plays, radio and television plays and a novel.

The works have been listed in chronological order where the date is known, and alphabetically by title where the date is unknown.

Series 18. Lectures

This small series contains notes and material relating to lectures given by Epstein.

Series 19. Music

Epstein trained as a pianist from an early age. In 1936, she was the first Australian to be awarded a three-year scholarship to study at Trinity College of Music, London. On completion of these studies, she was awarded a London University Scholarship to study for a Bachelor of Music. This study was interrupted by World War II and Epstein returned to Australia in 1940. On her return, she undertook a three-month national recital tour for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.

Epstein has remained involved with music throughout her life, both in her career and in her personal life. This series comprises musical scores, some original, for compositions by Epstein. They include music for children's songs, anthems and the score for the musical 'Almost Jack and the beanstalk', written by Dorothy Rickards, with music arranged and composed by Epstein.

Series 20. Programs, 1936-96

This series comprises programs for recitals, concerts and competitions with which Epstein was involved.

Series 21. Certificates, 1929-39

A collection of certificates of achievement attained by Epstein, mostly relating to her early musical studies. Included are the following certificates: Australian Music Examinations Board (pianoforte), 1929-34; The Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, 1929-34; Junior, leaving and matriculation certificates, University of Western Australia, 1934-35; Pupil's certificate and teacher's diploma, Trinity College of Music, London, 1937-39; Edmonton Musical Festival, 1938; London Musical Competition, 1939; Diploma (pianoforte), Royal Academy of Music, 1939.

1 folio box

1 elephant folio

Series 22. Newspaper cuttings, 1936-99

A series of newspaper cuttings, compiled by Epstein, which relate to her life and career.

Series 23. Miscellaneous

This series contains miscellaneous papers accumulated by Epstein. Included are typed notes and scrapbook for the celebration of the Ravens Players, Glen Iris, 20th anniversary (1992) and a folder of papers relating to Epstein's lifelong friend, the music teacher Ruth Alexander.

2 files