From the Archives

Old Collegians’ networks have always been a vital part of MLC history. However, ‘The Chain Letter,’ probably takes the cake as the longest-running correspondence between MLC alumni – circulating for over five decades!

Julie Edmondson (Day 1939) began the chain after moving to Perth in 1951, fearing that she would lose contact with her schoolfriends: twins Isabel Pratt (Chenoweth 1939) and Marie Perry (Chenoweth 1939), Lydia Denehy, (Duncan 1939), Joan Carne (Day 1939), Le Beenie (Barnett 1940), Jean Spreadborough (Fowler 1941), Sheila Trezise (Daley 1939), Heather Kings (Rentoul 1939), and Dorothy Torode (Pollock 1940). 

Upon receiving the letters, the recipient would remove their last contribution from the pile and write a new update. The chain has circulated interstate and internationally – travelling through Europe, Canada and even New Guinea as each friend set out on their own path.

The group dominated the pages of the Silver and Green during their time at MLC in the 1930s. They were sportswomen:  Le Beenie (Barnett) was described as “unsurpassed” in sport – serving as Captain of the Tennis and Baseball teams and member of the Sports Committee. And Lydia Denehy (Duncan) was 1938 Krome House Sport Captain, Hockey team Forward, and Sports Committee member.

They were performers and scholars, with Dorothy Torode (Pollock) performing in numerous school productions and Heather Kings (Rentoul) serving on the Bible Study Committee.

They were leaders: Le, Julie, Sheila, Joan, Isabel, Marie, Heather and Dorothy were made Associate Prefects - with Le, Jean, Sheila and Heather later becoming Full Prefects. Julie was also 1939 Senior Berry House Captain.

Their adult paths were just as varied. Marie served in the Red Cross as a diversional therapist from 1945. Dorothy was registered as a dietitian in 1945. She married surgeon Keith Torode, and their son, Ian, became a Fellow of the College of Surgeons in 1996. Julie served in the Victorian division of the Red Cross as a medical social worker and was later appointed to director of the WA social services. She was also Honorary Secretary of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Others maintained their sporting interests. Le Barnett remained involved with MLC Sports into the 1960s, and Lydia became a champion golf player, marrying fellow golfer Dennis Denehy in 1948. Their love for the sport was such that, according to The Mail, Adelaide, “when Dennis… finished the third round of the Victorian close championship… a steward met him on the last green with a pot of beer. Attached was a note: ‘Congratulations – a son – both well.’”

Joan and her husband, Ronald Carne, lived in Papua New Guinea for 27 years – starting their family there before resettling in Australia.

Several others in the group – including Isabel, Jean, and Sheila - established lives as homemakers. Through all of this: marriage, children, aging – the letter continued.

Sadly, the chain was broken upon the death of member Dorothy in 2005, at which time the final iteration of the chain letter was donated to MLC. However, the group noted that they still intended to meet up as often as possible.

This amazing find highlights the strength of the friendships forged at MLC and gives us a brief glimpse into ten fascinating lives.