Guides: Archives and Special Collections: De Lissa Association

De Lissa Association Collection

Lillian de Lissa

The collection is made up of 38 boxes and includes historical items related to the De Lissa Association, the Gipsy Hill Training College and the kindergarten movement in South Australia. There are papers, correspondence, books, photographs, newspaper clippings, slides and items made by graduates which were used in kindergartens.

Early childhood teacher education in South Australia

Dr Betty Davis was a principal, and director, of the Kindergarten Training College in Adelaide.

Listen to an interview she gave for an oral history project here.

In 2009 UniSA celebrated 100 years of early childhood teacher education, read more about the history in UniSANews.

Access Conditions

Location: City West Campus - Jeffrey Smart Building, Level 4

Loan: Not for loan. Access online via the UniSA Library Archives catalogue, Physical collection by appointment

Access and further information: Please contact Ask the Library

Highlights from the collection

Wooden toy train

This train was made by Cynthia Hannaford between 1961 and 1963 at the Kindergarten Training College

Kids blowing bubbles with bamboo bubble pipes

Improvised bubble blowing

Children using bamboo bubble pipes to blow bubbles at Port Adelaide Kindergarten in the 1940s

Doll

Little doll from the collection

Kindergarten Training College students

Graduating students from 1938

Matchbox doll

Handmade finger puppet made from a matchbox

Kids gardening 1908 at Franklin Street kindy

Franklin Street Kindergarten

Children gardening at Franklin Street Kindergarten in 1908

Kindy kids

Children at kindergarten with instruments

Handmade book

A book about Christmas made by a Kindergarten Teachers College student 1957

Children on mats playing at Keith Sheridan Kindy

Keith Sheridan Kindergarten

Children on mats playing at Keith Sheridan Kindergarten in 1928

Activities book

Handmade by Romola Wollaston

Activities book

Handmade by Romola Wollaston

Water play

Children playing with water in the Netherby Kindergarten's paddling pool in 1954

Wooden toy boat

This boat was made by Cynthia Hannaford between 1961 - 1963 at the Kindergarten Training College

Kids crafting

Kids making craft in the 1960s

At play

Kids climbing on packing cases and other equipment - 1960s

Doll

Little doll from the collection

Fundraising

Kindergarten Training College Students selling badges in the city for the Kindergarten Union of South Australia Appeal

Lillian De Lissa with students

Kindergarten students with Lillian De Lissa at Ashfield Day Nursery (Sydney) in 1908

Finger puppets

Multi-coloured felt finger puppets

Train

Kindy kids playing on a life-size play train in 1962

Clapping blocks

Wooden clapping blocks with coloured handles

Kids at play

Kids playing at Lucy Morice Free Kindergarten circa 1950

Sock puppets

Handmade puppets with button eyes

Climbing equipment

Outdoor equipment for climbing at Lucy Morice Free Kindergarten

Child development book

Handmade by Betty Daniels

Child development book

Handmade by Betty Daniels

Paddling pool

Children in paddling pool at Netherby Kindergarten in 1955

Paper folding book

Book made in 1935 by Joan Goode, a Kindergarten Training College student showing paper folding techniques

Kindy kids

Kids playing

Outside play

Kids playing outside

Lambs

Handmade lambs made from pipe cleaners

Dolls

Dolls dressed as shepherds to go with the pipe cleaner lambs

Lillian De Lissa

Lillian de Lissa

Lillian setup the first free kindergarten in Adelaide in 1906 and also established the Kindergarten Teacher's College in 1907, to train teachers in early childhood education. She also went on to establish kindergartens in the United Kingdom. Throughout her life she was a passionate advocate for early childhood education, speaking at seminars and publishing many articles.

Click here for more information about Lilian de Lissa.