Step Up, Mrs Dugdale
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Pioneer resident of Queenscliff, Henrietta Augusta Dugdale (1827-1918), activist and promoter of women’s rights, is again the subject of a book. A new novel by Lynne Leonhardt, "Step up, Mrs Dugdale", tells the story of her great-great-grand-aunt, Henrietta Dugdale Johnson, nee Worrell. Lynne is a Worrell descendant.
Following on Susan Priestley’s meticulously researched biography of Henrietta Dugdale, the novel by Lynne Leonhardt will have a wider appeal. It is an engaging account of the early days of Queenscliff, peopled by characters we know, living and working in places we frequent. The authenticity of the novel reflects the familiarity of the writer with her characters and their place. Henrietta and her partner Frederick out walking ‘Up past Buckley’s Cave, near the end of the point, the towering white cone of a lighthouse’. |
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In 1855 Henrietta’s second husband Captain Dugdale bought an allotment at 3 Stevens Street, Queenscliff, with a right of way into Hobson Street. There the couple established the Hermitage Dairy and raised their three sons. After Captain Dugdale and Henrietta parted on acrimonious terms, Captain Dugdale went to New Zealand with their three sons and Henrietta to Melbourne in the company of Frederick Johnson.
Henrietta returned to Point Lonsdale with her son Carl Dugdale after the death of Frederick. She died in Point Lonsdale in 1918 and is buried in the Cemetery. Some items from Carl’s house came into the Historical Museum Collection via Mr David Beavis, a member. This has enabled us to have a permanent display honouring Henrietta Dugdale.
Three members of the Museum, Sandra Lee, Rosemary Brown and Maggie Stowers, attended the launch of "Step up, Mrs Dugdale" which took place in Her Place, Women’s Museum Australia, in East Melbourne. Professor Fiona Stanley, epidemiologist and Australian Citizen of the Year 2003, did the honours. “Henrietta Dugdale is the right fit for this place. She should be more widely known”, said Professor Stanley.
In October during History Week, Lynne Leonhardt will come to Queenscliff to launch "Step up, Mrs Dugdale" for a second time this year.
Henrietta returned to Point Lonsdale with her son Carl Dugdale after the death of Frederick. She died in Point Lonsdale in 1918 and is buried in the Cemetery. Some items from Carl’s house came into the Historical Museum Collection via Mr David Beavis, a member. This has enabled us to have a permanent display honouring Henrietta Dugdale.
Three members of the Museum, Sandra Lee, Rosemary Brown and Maggie Stowers, attended the launch of "Step up, Mrs Dugdale" which took place in Her Place, Women’s Museum Australia, in East Melbourne. Professor Fiona Stanley, epidemiologist and Australian Citizen of the Year 2003, did the honours. “Henrietta Dugdale is the right fit for this place. She should be more widely known”, said Professor Stanley.
In October during History Week, Lynne Leonhardt will come to Queenscliff to launch "Step up, Mrs Dugdale" for a second time this year.
