Jean Tomkins nee Kirk was the first of three children of
Hannah Kirk (nee Dibley) and James Kirk Jnr. As a Dibley grandchild, she was cousin of
Grace O'Brien (nee Morris).
The following articles from Trove describe some events in her life.
1921 - Lavender Bay Dance.
JUVENILE FESTIVITY.
One of the most picturesque dances of the season was held in the Lavender Bay Schoolhall on September 3, when the children of the district donned fancy dresses and had the time of their lives. The hall was decorated with streamers in all the colors of the rainbow, and spectators from all parts of the parish came along to enjoy the sight of the happy youngsters tripping it merrily to the strains of enchanting music. Many thanks are due to Miss G. M'Gregor, who for weeks prior to the dance, every Saturday morning, in structed, gratis, as many children as cared to avail themselves of her good offices, in the intricacies of the jazz, the two-step and the foxtrot; and the way in which the youngsters acquitted themselves on the evening of the entertainment probably rewarded her for the immense amount of trouble she had gone to. In addition, she arranged several picturesque fancy sets, and it was a joy to watch the small people gaily treading the mazes of the Lancers. Miss M'Gregor was partly responsible, too, for the decorations, and she saw that the children had as much dancing as they wanted on the night of the great event. Fancy sets were as follow: —
Scotch Set: N Smoth, J. Kirk...
Mr. Smith acted as M.C., and a pleasant interlude was provided by the Highland Fling, danced very cleverly by Miss Nancy Smith and Miss Jean Kirk...
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Thu 15 Sep 1921 Page 17
Jean Kirk, aged 16 and Grace Morris, aged 23, were close cousins, despite the age gap and the geographic distance between their homes.
1926 - [HOLIDAYS]
Spending an enjoyable holiday in Bathurst are Miss Grace Morris, of Mudgee and Miss Jean Kirk, Kirribilli Point. Both are very musical. Miss Morris' diplomas are A.L.C.M. L.L.C.M. and F.S.C.M. These young ladies are the grand-daughters of Mr and Mrs. J. Dibley of Lambert Street.
Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Fri 1 Jan 1926 Page 4
During the last week-end, a party comprising Mr. Green, Coll Murray, Mrs. Murray, Miss Nellie Murray and Miss Jean Kirk, all of Sydney, motored to Bathurst to spend a few days with their friends. Mr. and Mrs. J. Dibley of 41 Lambert Street. On their way up from Sydney, they visited the Jenolan Caves, and stopped the night at Katoomba. The party returned to Sydney on Monday afternoon, after having a most enjoyable trip.
Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Sat 8 Jan 1927 Page 6
1928 - [DANCES]
Miss Phyllis Sibthorpe wore a dainty frock of lavender georgette, and entertained the Misses Jean Kirk, D. and L. Morgan, and Messrs. T. Green, K. Gebbutt, and C. Barrell.
Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) Mon 21 May 1928 Page 17
REGATTA DANCE.
The second annual dance of the "Regatta Revellers" was held at the Dungowan, Martin-place, on Saturday night, to raise funds to support the nomination of Mrs. Peter Kaad, the Rose Day younger set's candidate in the Fire Brigade's queen competition. Ribbons in all the school colours were used in the scheme of decorations, and during the evening novelty hats and clappers were sold to add to the proceeds. Thera were nearly 200 present.
... Miss Essie Hayes, entertained at a table at which were Miss Kathleen Hunter, Miss Jean
Kirk...
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Mon 29 Apr 1929 Page 5
MISS JEAN KIRK, who is helping to make a success of the Government Savings Bank Football Dance, to be held at the bank to-night.
1929 - HOLIDAY VISIT
Miss Jean Kirk, of Kirribilli, is the guest of Mr and Mrs W. Morris of Denison Street. Mudgee. Miss Kirk, in company with Miss Grace Morris, leaves for Bathurst to-day.
1930 - Crystal Tea
Miss Louise Quelch, who is to marry Mr. Arthur Morgan, was the guest of honor at a crystal tea at The Ambassadors, at which Miss Heather Murray was hostess. Pink carnations and roses decorated the table, and those who came to offer congratulations were Miss Jean Kirk, the Misses Doris and Eileen Carpenter, Marjorie Martin. Flo Jones and Les Murray.
Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Sat 25 Jan 1930 Page 8
WILL GET TOGETHER ON A LAUNCH
THERE were so many new members to welcome when the Younger Set working for the Rose Day Appeal met for their first 1930 meeting yesterday that the president (Mrs. Vaughan Joyner) hit upon a novel plan. She decided that a "Get together" party would be an excellent means of becoming acquainted, and on Saturday, February 22, she will be at the helm of a launch picnic. After a cruise around the harbor the party will travel to Snails Bay to Mrs. Joyner's home, where afternoon tea will await the visitors. The newly-elected committee includes Misses Cecily Kavanagh and Essie Hayes (hon. secretaries), Misses Jean Kirk and M. Gawne (hon. treasurers), with Mrs. Vaughan Joyner again as president.
ROSE DAY YOUNGER SET.
The first meeting for the year of the Rose Day (United Charities) younger set was held at the offices of the United Charities, George street, yesterday afternoon, when several new members were welcomed. Activities for the year were discussed, and it was decided to hold a dance at the Arts Club on April 1, to be called the Fools' Frolic. The proceeds will go to the United Charities Fund. The election of office-bearers took place, and resulted as follows:- President, Mrs. Vaughan Joyner; vice-presidents, the Misses E. Collier, L. Paull, Vera Rodgers, Betty Thomson, May Spring, S. Collins, C. Hansford, M. Brand, Phyllis Sibthorpe; hon. secretaries, the Misses Cecily Kavanagh and Essie Hayes; hon. treasurers, Misses Jean Kirk and Maisie Gawne. Mrs. Vaughan Joyner will entertain the committee at a harbour outing on February 22.
MISS JEAN KIRK hon. treasurer... of the "Fools Frolic" dance which members of the Rose Day
Younger Set are organising at the Arts Club on April 1st for the United Charities Fund.—Walker.
Source: The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954) Sat 15 Mar 1930 Page 7
"FOOLS' FROLIC" TO HELP FUND. Younger Set's Wild Night
QUEER noises and exotic-colored masks, with "goo-goo" eyes, made the Rose Day Younger Set's dance for the United Charities Fund, at the Arts Club last night, what it was claimed to be — a "Fools' Frolic." The levity of "April Fools' Day" captivated the 200 dancers, who enthusiastically blew their queer notes on the novelties which Mrs. Vaughan Joyner, president, had distributed.
Mrs. Vaughan Joyner, who wore sapphire blue moire, entertained in her party...
Miss Jean Kirk, whose long pink georgette frock had a cape, included in her party Misses N. Cook, D. Kennedy Johnson, and Messrs. Stuart and Wood...
MISS JEAN KIRK, who is on the committee for the annual Bankers' Ball, to he held at David Jones's, on September 4, in aid of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.—Hollywood photo
Source: The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954) Sun 10 Aug 1930 Page 30
1934 - [WEDDING PLANS]
Arrangements have been made for the wedding of Miss Grace Morris, of Mudgee to Mr. Wilfred O'Brien, of Goodiman Station, to take place in Sydney. They will be married at 8 o'clock on December 1 at a Nuptial Mass at St. Mary's Basilica. The bridesmaids will be Misses Jean Kirk and Kath O'Brien, and the best man the groomsman, Messrs. Charles and John O'Brien. The reception is to be at Usher's, and they will leave on the Strathaird at about noon the same day for Bombay. The honeymoon is to be spent touring India.
Source: Catholic Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1932 - 1942) Thu 29 Nov 1934 Page 11
O'Brien-Morris
A honeymoon tour of India is the exciting prospect in store for Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred O'Brien (the latter was Miss Grace Morris), who sailed by the Strathaird for Bombay on Saturday afternoon, following their marriage during the morning at St. Mary's Basilica.
Given away by her grandfather, Mr. J. Dibley, of Bathurst, the bride, who is the only child of the late Mr. W. Morris and Mrs. S. Morris, of Mudgee, wore a classical gown of white satin. It was designed with long, tight-fitting sleeves and a draped cowl neck-line. A cut tulle veil, held in place by a coronet of orange blossom, billowed over the long train, and she carried a sheaf of Madonna lilies. Pastel pink organdie frocks, with matching picture hats and gloves, were worn by the bridesmaids, who were Misses Jean Kirk and Kath O'Brien. As a contrast, they carried bouquets of blue delphiniums. The bridegroom was attended by Messrs. Charles and John O'Brien. After the ceremony, which was performed by Father Farrari, a reception was held at Usher's Hotel.
Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954) Mon 3 Dec 1934 Page 11
Jean Kirk, Grace O'Brien, Kath O'Brien
1936 - [RECUPERATING]
Miss Jean Kirk, of Kirribilli, is spending a month in Bathurst, recuperating after an operation for appendicitis, at her grandfather's, Mr. J. Dibley, 'The Pines', Lambert Street.
Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Sat 4 Jan 1936 Page 4
Miss Jean Kirk, of Kirribilli, spent the week-end in Bathurst as the guest of her auntie, Miss Nina Dibley at her home, 'The Pines.' Lambert Street.
Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Sat 5 Dec 1936 Page 4
1937 - Five Hundred Dancers Attend Rural Bank Staff Ball
More than 500 dancers attended the annual ball of the Rural Bank staff, which was held last night at Foy's Empress Rooms. The proceeds from the function will go to augment the funds of the Bankers' Ball, which will be held in August in aid of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. The guests were received by the president of the ball committee, Mr. J. King, assisted by Mrs. King, wearing a long-sleeved gown of navy blue romaine beaded in navy blue and pink.
Others in the official party included Mr. and Mrs. H. Rogers, the latter wearing a sequinned gown of black velvet with a matching wrap; Mr. P. Kearns and Mrs. Kearns, who wore an early Victorian gown of blue chiffon velvet and ninon; Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Goldrick, the latter gowned in midnight blue velvet; Mr. C. H. Prosser and Mrs. Prosser, who chose a dark blue velvet frock; Mr. and Mrs. A. Moriarty, the latter wearing a draped gown of black velvet with a matching full-length coat; Mr. E. R. Collins and Mrs. Collins, who chose a tailored frock of fuschia lace.
Members of the committee who entertained parties included Miss Julie Casey, wearing floral chiffon in cherry and green tonings; Miss Wyn McShane, whose black tailored frock was threaded with gold; Miss Lilian Appleton, who favored floral chiffon; Miss Jean Kirk, frocked in coronation gold satin; and Miss Eleanor Taylor, whose black velvet frock was relieved with green.
Source: The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938) Fri 7 May 1937 Page 15
1937 - [HOLIDAY]
At present, Miss Nina Dibley and Miss Jean Kirk of Kirribilli are enjoying a holiday at Bathurst, and are staying at the Royal Hotel. They motored across from 'Goodaman' after spending an enjoyable holiday at the station home of Mr and Mrs W. O'Brien which is situated 30 miles from Mudgee. Mrs O'Brien will be remembered as Miss Grace Morris the brilliant musician who charmed our City by her Carillon recitals.
Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Wed 22 Dec 1937 Page 2
Lane Cove Parish Ball. A BRILLIANT SUCCESS
Brilliant and successful, the Lane Cove parish ball, held on Saturday, 30th ult., in the Ada Ludowici Hall, stands out in the events of the social year... Miss Jean Kirk, pink georgette;
Source: The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942) Thu 11 Aug 1938 Page 31
1939 - EX-STUDENTS' DANCE AT CITY HALL
Bright Decorations And Frocking
Cook's Hill Ex-Students' dance at the City Hall on Saturday night. Was in every way an outstanding success. The attendance was exceptionally large, the music Was good and bright decorations provided a colorful background for the gay frocks.
Among the dancers were: — Miss Jean Kirk was in a dainty white georgette frock;
Source: The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) Mon 26 Jun 1939 Page 5
Wedding.
CAMPBELL — BOYLE.
Star of the Sea Church, Kirribilli, was the scene of a very pretty wedding on Saturday, November 22, when Miss Lillian Boyle, younger daughter of the late Terence and Mrs. E. M. Boyle, of 62 Upper Pitt-street, Kirribilli, was married to Thomas, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Campbell, of 15 Portview-street, North Wollstonecraft. Rev. T. P. Vaughan, friend of the bride, celebrated the marriage with Nuptial Mass. Masters Paul and Peter Trevaskis, cousins of the bride, acted as acolytes. The Altar Society artistically decorated the altar with gladioli and roses. The attractive bride was escorted to the altar by her uncle, Mr. James Trevaskis, and chose a gown of magnolia brocaded satin cut on classical lines. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Ivy Boyle, who wore an old-world gown of delphinium floral organdi, with white picture hat to match.
During the ceremony Miss Jean Kirk, organist, rendered 'The Mass of St. John the Baptist,' and Miss Carmel Steannan and Mrs. Kitty Carroll gave a delightful rendition of Gounod's 'Ave Maria' and Paston Cooper's 'Ave Maria' respectively'.
The reception was held at the Milson Club, Milson's Point. Mrs. Boyle, wearing a navy blue ensemble, received the guests, assisted by the bridegroom's mother, whose navy blue frock was embroidered in white.
Source: Catholic Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1932 - 1942) Thu 4 Dec 1941 Page 6
1943 - [VISIT]
Miss Jean Kirk, of Kirribilli, is now staying in Gulgong with her cousin, Mrs. O'Brien, and Mr. W. O'Brien, Goodiman, Gulgong.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 14 Oct 1943 Page 17
NORTH SYDNEY - No 78 CARABELLA STREET
CORNER or BURTON STREET and close to Milson's Point Station - SUBSTANTIAL COTTAGE of brick on stone, tiled roof having verandahs, hall, lounge-room, 4 bedrooms, kitchen, laundry, linen-press, bathroom.
LAND about 14 feet to Carabella Street and 32 feet 11 inches to Burton Street by depths of about 75 feet 9 3/4 inches and 101 feet 6 1/4 inches rear line about 34 feet along a lane.
Jean Tomkins nee Kirk, the daughter of Hannah Dibley and James Matthew Kirk, was the cousin of
Grace Morris.
Jean Tomkins with her husband.
