[Gadsden Family Home Movie Collection: Reel 22]

The Gadsden Company has a long and proud history of manufacture, dating back to its foundation by Jabez Gadsden in 1879. The company pioneered tinplate printing in Australia, and produced the first printed can the country had seen. By 1936 the company had twelve factories spread throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The company’s success allowed two generations of Gadsden family men – Stanley Gadsden and his son Ronald – to pursue their interest in amateur filmmaking (a relatively expensive hobby for the time). The two cameramen captured the family’s children, homes, many of its major events and holidays on film.

A collection of the films made by these Gadsden family photographers has been donated to ACMI by Chris Gadsden (Ronald’s son). The films comprise a fascinating assortment of imagery that provides a window into bygone days and customs.

This reel contains yacht racing at Davies Bay Yacht Club in Melbourne and at Lake Eppalock in Victoria. Footage shows the club members preparing yachts and sailing as well as the family and friends who are watching.

This film was originally made using Super 8mm film.

Selected highlights list:
00:02:50:00 children gathered at a berthed yacht
00:03:08:00 “Cheeky Chic” berthed yacht
00:03:32:00 competition rescue boat speeding away from a line up of competing yachts in preparation for the race
00:07:23:00 expansive view of yachts on the water
00:09:12:00 family members watching from the bank