Kevin Madsen (detail from family portrait)
Kevin Rosewarne Madsen was one of four children, and the only son, of Martin and Emily Madsen. He was born in Cowra in 1906. He attended St. Raphael's Primary School, Cowra. He married Vera Ellen Cooke in 1937.
1919 - [SCHOOL]
Q. C. EXAMINATION. Catholic School Successes.
The following is a continuation of the results of the recent Qualifying Certificate
Examination... COUNTRY SCHOOLS... St. Raphael's Primary School, Cowra:
Kevin Rosewarne Madsen
Source: The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942) Thu 6 Feb 1919 Page 14
1926 - [PERFORMERS]
St. Francis Xavier's, Lavender Bay.
DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE.
The delightful dialogue and amusing situations that have made the three-act comedy, "Why Smith Left Home," popular in two hemispheres, provided an enjoyable entertainment for a crowded attendance at St. Francis Xavier's School Hall, Lavender Bay, on the 28th ult.
The performance given by "The Muffs," a Marrickville Dramatic Society, was one that will long be remembered. Formed between three and four years ago, the society has presented this and other plays with acceptance in various Sydney suburbs, and has in that time netted considerably over £1000 for Catholic charities. The visit to Lavender Bay was to assist in reducing the church debt, and it was a financial, as well as a dramatic, success.
The roles of John Smith (the harassed husband), Count Von Guggenheim (the German of quaint phrase, sound philosophy, and amusing mannerisms), Mrs. John Smith and Lavinia Daly (the "cook lady" of unionist principles), were splendidly handled by Messrs. J. Lynch and J. O'Donnell, and Misses E. Mullins and M. McGrath, respectively. They were well supported by Major Duncombe (Mr. E. Connell), General Billetdous, the man of valour (Mr. B. Meek), Miss Smith, the none-too-beautiful sister of John's charming wife (Miss L. Inness); Mrs. Billetdous, the formidable aunt (Miss S. Whitty), appeared in the unavoidable absence of Miss M. Madsen, and did the part full justice; Julia, the maid of siren proclivities (Miss T. McGrath), Robert Watson (Mr. J. Dixon) ; Rose Watson (Miss S. Mullins), and Elsie (Miss D. Anthony). The production was under the capable direction of Mr. D. Anthony. Music was provided by the 'Muffs' Orchestra — Miss V. Mullins (piano), Miss M. Mullins (violin), Mr. V. Acton (violin), Mr. K. Madsen (banjo-mandolin), and Mr. J. Dixon (traps and effects).
Miss Bernie Mullins sang and danced cleverly; and incidental songs were given by Miss E. Mullins and Mr. J. O'Donnell. The Rev. Father J. W. Magan, S.J., conveyed the thanks of the audience, and of the Church authorities, for the magnificent entertainment given by their friends from Marrickville. This was their first visit to Lavender Bay, but it was sincerely hoped it would not be the last. On Father Magan's call, three cheers were given for 'The Muffs,' and for the organisers of the entertainment, Miss Bridget Britt, Miss B. Carlon and Mr. C. Smith, who were warmly congratulated on their efforts.
Source: The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942) Thu 14 Oct 1926 Page 23
1933 - [DRAMA]
'JANE' LOOKING FOR A WIFE - BINALONG AMATEUR PRODUCTION
The Binalong Social and Dramatic Club presented its second production last Friday night, when the three-act farce 'Jane' was staged before a large and highly appreciative audience. The producer, Mr. K. Madsen, has every reason to be satisfied with his choice of cast, the members of which enhanced, with a natural adaptation, the impersonation of the various roles allotted them. They play was carried through without a hitch in any department, an exacting task even for seasoned players, but a circumstance reflecting the utmost credit on players not accustomed to the ordeal of appearing before the footlights. Their fine performance earned generous applause from the large audience.
The cast of characters was as follows: — 'Jane' (a housemaid), Miss Alice Corcoran; Charles Shackleton (a bachelor), Mr. Monty Dwyer; William (a butler, Jane's husband), Mr. Rex Garry; Mr. Kershaw (Shackleton's. trustee), Mr. N. Boardman; Lucy Norton (Shackleton's fiancee), Miss M. Corcoran; Mrs. Chadwick (Lucy's aunt), Miss Vera Cooke; Mrs. Pixton (a nurse), Miss L. Anderson; Mr. Pixton (her husband), Mr. P. Marian; Claude (a page boy), Mr. J. Watson, Producer: Mr. K. Madsen; stage manager, Mr. H. O. Yelland; scenario, Mr. F. Marian and Mr. A. Wallace. Charles Shackleton, a wealthy young bachelor, obtains money from his trustee, Mr. Kershaw, by stating that he is married, and his wife's extravagance has run him frightfully into debt. Mr. Kershaw decides to call and remonstrate with Shackleton's supposed wife, before advancing any more money. Shackleton's endeavours to find a wife, before his trustee arrives, and the confusion and difficulties which follow, were highly amusing and created delightful comedy.
Miss Alice Corcoran as leading lady played the title role of 'Jane,' and imparted grace and diction of a commendable standard to the varying demands which her big task involved. Mr. Monty Dwyer made the ideal young bachelor with plenty of money to spend, but found the matter of finding a wife at short notice an ordeal, that kept him 'hot and bothered,' and his handling of the situation throughout was highly praiseworthy in this leading role. His butler, Mr. Rex Garry, played a splendid part all through, and was made the target for many of his master's indiscretions. His embarrassment reached a climax when his master invited 'Jane' to be his wife while Mr. Kershaw paid his visit. Mr. J. Watson as the page boy, kept the household in a state of 'nerves,' making entries and remarks at most awkward and tense moments, and like all page boys appeared to have 'something up his sleeve,' much to the discomfiture of the principals. Mr. Boardman as Shackleton's trustee, came to straighten 'things up,' but after meeting Jane, the supposed wife, he 'softened' considerably and was quite unaware of his host's frantic but concealed efforts to get rid of him before the plot was discovered. He ably sustained his part throughout, with a pleasing adaption as the occasion arose.
Miss Vera Cooke as Mrs. Chadwick, an elderly widow, caused no end of amusement in her attempts to ensnare the rich young bachelor for herself. Her plans, however, all went astray, her dignity as a result being much wounded. A bribe to be a wife for ''the time being" found her hotly indignant, neither would she agree to her niece, Lucy Norton, being so humiliated. The latter character was played by Miss Marge Corcoran, who ably supported her aunt in a series of highly amusing incidents. Miss L. Anderson as Mrs. Pixton looked and played her part well while Mr. F. Marian, as her husband, looked a typical henpecked husband. Their appearance to clear the ''air" regarding the ownership of a baby being highly amusing.
Mr. H. Yelland, as stage manager, invested the staging of the play with an experience of long association with dramatic art. His guidance and counsel was no small factor in the production of this highly entertaining farce, of which Mr. Madsen was the producer. Mr. Madsen is to be congratulated, with his able cast, upon the highly successful manner in which the entire production was staged and presented. The work and artistry of the scenario reflect the utmost credit on Messrs. Marian and Wallace who were responsible for its creation. The 'setting' was admirably designed and carried out.
At the conclusion of the play, the ladies of the cast were presented with beautiful bouquets by the management, as a gesture of appreciation for their able performance.
Source: The Burrowa News (NSW : 1874 - 1951) Fri 4 Aug 1933 Page 2
1934 - [DRAMA]
BINALONG - Social And Dramatic Club
The annual meeting of the Binalong Social and Dramatic Club was held on Thursday night, 14th inst., when there was a large attendance of members. Mr. K. Madsen, president, was in the chair. The finances of the club are in a healthy state and it was decided to again form the society. The following officials were appointed:—
Patron, Mr. J. J. Garry; president, Mr. J. Howard; vice-presidents, Messrs. Monty Dwyer and W. Kennie and Miss A. Corcoran; secretary, Mr. A. R. Wallace; assistant secretary, Miss V. Cooke; treasurer, Miss M. Marshall; producer, Mr. H. Yelland; stage manager, Mr. A. R. Wallace; cast selectors, Miss V. Cook and Messrs. H. Yelland and K. Madsen; scenario artists, Messrs. F. Marian and W. Kennie.
In view of the great success of the several productions staged during the past few years it was decided to commence rehearsals at an early date on a further production, entitled "Why Smith Left Home," and with the selection of a strong cast, it was felt that the club's high standard of efficiency and popularity would be ably maintained.
Source: Yass Tribune-Courier (NSW : 1929 - 1954) Thu 21 Jun 1934 Page 2
1934 - [DRAMA]
The Binalong Social and Dramatic
Club staged a very successful and enjoyable entertainment in the Mechanics' Institute on Wednesday night last before a large and highly appreciative audience. It was the third performance staged by this talented company during the past 12 months, and was eagerly awaited by an audience aware of the high standard obtained in their previous performances.
Expectations were fully realised in this respect, as the play, a farce entitled "Why Smith Left Home," in three acts, was carried through without a hitch and reflected the utmost credit on those: concerned.
The cast was as follows:—John Smith (Mrs. Smith's husband), Mr. K. Madsen; General Billet Doux, Mr. Rex Garry; Count von Guggenheim (a German), Mr. J. Howard; Major Duncombe (an old soldier), Mr. Monty Dwyer; Robert Walton (Mrs. Smith's brother), Mr. J. Watson; Mrs. John Smith (John Smith's wife), Miss Vera Cooke; Miss Smith (a lady in waiting), Miss N. Andersen; Mrs. Billet Doux (Mrs. Smith's aunt), Miss A. Butters; Rose Walton (John Walton's bride), Miss M. Knott; Julia (a maid), Miss Alice Corcoran; Lavina Daly (a cook), Mrs. W. Rennie; Elsie (a maid), Miss A. Elliott. The characters throughout were ably sustained, many of the players having exacting roles to uphold, but nowhere could the most caustic critic find grounds for complaint and the players were showered with congratulations and floral tributes at the close of the performance.
The producer, Mr. H. Yelland, has every reason to be gratified with his players interpretation of this highly entertaining play, and with them shared the appreciation so manifested by the large audience. Mr. A. Wallace, secretary, and Mr. F. Marian and Mr. W. Rennie, scenario artists, also deserve every credit for their effective work in carrying out so successfully the many and exacting duties in connection with the successful staging of this entertainment, the stage settings and the beautiful dress of the ladies, particularly in the third act, being highly spectacular and effective. Mr. Yelland, the producer, in presenting the many tributes handed up to the players, expressed his appreciation to the players for their work so ably carried out, and thanked the large audience for their appreciative endorsement of his players' efforts.
Source: Yass Tribune-Courier (NSW : 1929 - 1954) Thu 20 Dec 1934 Page 7
1934 - [BINALONG LABOR]
The monthly meeting of the above branch was held in the Mechanics Institute on Friday evening, March 13. 30 members being present. Ten new members were proposed and accepted, and it was decided that three delegates be sent to attend the annual meeting of Hume Electorate Council on Sunday, March 39, at Gundagai.
The secretary was instructed to forward a message of condolence to Mr. J. J. Graves in his recent sad bereavement. The meeting also passed a resolution. "Deploring the attitude of the employers of the Port Kembla steelworks," and a committee of three was appointed to sell tickets in regard to the Port Kembla Relief Fund.
It was also definitely decided that the A.L.P. sports meeting and picnic be held at the racecourse on Easter Monday; that the necessary printing be given to "The Labor Daily"; that the sports be insured for £60; and that 50 per cent, of the profits be donated towards the R.S.I.L. "Popular Girl" in the coming B.NA. competition. Mr. B. E. Baker was elected organising secretary and Mr. K. Madsen treasurer.
1936 - FUNDS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED
Work in connection with the organising for the forthcoming elections and for the drive for funds has been put in hand, and from now on every ounce of energy will be put into the campaigns. The need to be prepared is becoming more evident every day...
HUME E. C.
A meeting of the Hume Electorate council was held at the Town Hall, Cootamundra, on October 18, when delegates from Wagga, Tumut, Binalong and Cootamundra were present, under the presidency of Mr. K. Madsen, who, in the absence of the president, occupied the chair.
The nomination for the, H.E.C. resulted in Mr. Essell Hoad being elected unopposed. The secretary was instructed to, notify all A.L.P. branches to forward lists of their members, also their books, to returning officer, Mr. A. Puller, Tumut, to be examined for the Senate selection ballot.
All State electorate councils in the Hume electorate are to appoint their own campaign director, Albury, Wagga, Cootamundra, Young, and Yass. The Central Executive is to be advised. The council strongly condemns all labor camp schemes for relief workers unless full time work is provided at award rates and the men are provided with barrack accommodation and issued and supplied with cooking utensils.
The next meeting of the council will be held at Albury, the date of which is to be fixed by the executive.
Source: The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938) Fri 23 Oct 1936 Page 10
1936 - TENNIS-TOURNEY
A mixed tennis tourney was played on Sunday, and was won by Mrs. W. Butt and Mr. K. Madsen...
Source: Goulburn Evening Penny Post (NSW : 1881 - 1940) Tue 1 Dec 1936 Page 7
1937 - [ENGAGEMENT]
THE engagement is announced of Miss Vera Ellen Cooke, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Cooke, of Binalong to Mr. Kevin Madsen, only son of Mrs. Madsen of Marrickville. Mr. Madsen is secretary of the Binalong A.L.P. branch, and vice-president of the Hume Federal Electorate Council.
Source: The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938) Thu 25 Feb 1937 Page 9
1937 - [WEDDING]
MADSEN--COOKE
A pretty wedding was celebrated recently at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Binalong, when Mr. Kevin Rosewarne Madsen, only son of Mrs. Madsen of Marrickville, and the late Mr. Madsen, was married to Miss Vera Helen Cooke, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Cooke, of Binalong.
The bride, who entered the church on the arm of her father, wore a cream satin and lace frock, with wreath and veil. The bridesmaid was Miss Banks, of Rye Park, who chose pink. Mr. Ernest Hansen, of Binalong, was best man.
During the signing of the register, Miss Madsen, of Marrickville, sang "Ave Maria." Mrs. A. Sykes presided at the organ.
The reception was held at the Royal Hotel, where the guests were received by the bride's mother, who wore a smart frock of navy blue. The bride's travelling frock was of rust, with gold trimmings.
The honeymoon was spent in Melbourne and Adelaide. Mr. and Mrs. Madsen will make their home at Binalong.
Source: Goulburn Evening Penny Post (NSW : 1881 - 1940) Wed 14 Apr 1937 Page 3
In The City And Country - Weddings Of InterestOF particular interest in Labor circles was the marriage of Miss Vera Cook, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Cook, of Binalong, to Mr. Kevin Madsen, only son of the late Mr. M. J. Madsen, and of Mrs. E. Madsen, of Marrickville, which took place at the Catholic Church, Binalong. Rev. Father Cahill officiated.The bride is an active member of the local branch of the A.L.P. of which the bridegroom is secretary. Mr. Madsen is also senior vice-president of the Hume Electorate Council.A beautiful cream satin and lace gown was worn by the pretty bride. Her tulle veil was arranged with a halo of orange blossom, and she carried a bouquet of frangipanni. She was given away by her father, and was attended by her cousin, Miss Doris Banks, of Rye Park, who wore a pretty frock of pink matelasse and carried a bouquet of red and white roses and carnations. Mr. E. Han son was the best man.After the ceremony, the bride's mother, wearing a gown of deep blue matelasse with a corsage spray of white roses, received the guests at the Royal Hotel. The bridegroom's mother, who was unable to attend owing to illness, was represented, by her daughter. Miss M Madsen, who was frocked in pink chiffon.Mr. T. V. Marlin presided at the wedding breakfast, and the usual toasts were proposed and responded to by Messrs. Holgate, H. Cook, B. Baker, Brown, B. Regan, Miss Madsen, Mr. E. Hanson and the bridegroom. Musical items were contributed by Mr. E. Hanson and Mr. R. Cook.When leaving on the honeymoon, which is being spent in Melbourne and Adelaide, the bride wore a Kenya red tunic frock with a matching hat.
1940 - BINAWAY WEDDING
GREEN— WALLMAN
A wedding of local interest was celebrated at St. Patrick's R. C. Church, Binalong, on Saturday evening last, at 7 p.m...
Mr. Kevin Madsen, of Moss Vale, was chairman of the happy gathering...
Source: The Burrowa News (NSW : 1874 - 1951) Fri 3 May 1940 Page 7
