Readers will be aware of (and in many cases attended) the joint Wombat Post/Rotary initiative in conducting Daylesford Conversations.  The aim of the Conversations is to bring people together to discuss topics that are interesting and relevant to the local community.  Expert speakers engage with the audience through presentations and panels.  We have held Conversations on Medicare, Green Hydrogen, Local Tourism, Local Swimming Pools and the role of Weight Loss Drugs.  Conversations are regularly attended by between 20 and 40 people.

But this is obviously not a new initiative.  The Daylesford Advocate of Tuesday 28 February 1882 advertised a similar activity.

“SCIENTIFIC and LITERARY ENTERTAINMENT”.

Mr A.S. Hamilton, the Phrenologist and Mrs Hamilton will give their First and Only Entertainment in Daylesford, in the Albert Hall, on Tuesday next.  Mrs. Hamilton on the Grand Conservation of Human Life – Parental Love, in all its phases, with scientific demonstrations and poetic illustrations.  Mr. Hamilton on the choice of professions for youth of both sexes.

Demonstrations upon a large collection of skulls; and leading men of Daylesford invited to the platform for public descriptions of their character.

Admission, 2s. and 1s.; children, half price.  Commence at 8 o’clock precisely.  Private descriptions of character.  Advice – Verbal,5s.; written ditto 10s.  Full study of character, £1.  Families visited at their own residences by request. 

Will only remain a very short time in Daylesford.  Private rooms – Albert Hotel, from 9 morning to 9 evening.

The presentations and education were obviously very successful and engaging (although the numbers attending seemed to have been disappointing).The following advertisement appeared in The Daylesford Advocate on 8 March 1882 .

On Tuesday evening Mr and Mrs Hamilton gave a phrenological séance at the Albert Hall, but the attendance was by no means commensurate with the excellence of the entertainment offered.  Mr Hamilton’s exposition on the science of phrenology was one of the most intelligent that has been given here in reference to the subject treated; while his delineation of the traits of several local residents aptly hit off some of their well-known characteristics.

Mrs. Hamilton’s lecture on “Parental Love” was indeed a treat and that lady exhibited an amount of ability, eloquence and forcibility which elicited the warm acclamation of her hearers.

At the conclusion, a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton was proposed by Mr. E.J. Wright and seconded by Mr Hughston, both gentlemen warmly eulogizing Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton’s efforts.  Mr J. Jamieson, who was temporarily placed in the chair, put the motion, which was carried by acclamation.

[Editor’s Note:  It is not expected that the topic of Phrenology will feature in future Daylesford Conversations!]

From the Daylesford and District Historical Society.  https://daylesfordmuseum.net/