Download (14Mb) - VUIR - Victoria University

produce a large batch of sausages. Presumably rewarded for their efforts wdth a share
in the produce, both families prospered by these cooperative arrangements.
Often, at the conclusion of these working days, the families would celebrate
wdth a party, or 'pot night', when the fresh sausages would be boiled and eaten hot.
Sometimes other Italian-speaking families would be invited, each bringing a
contribution of their ovm cheese or bread, which allowed a variety and abundance of
foods to be eaten without depleting any family's personal supplies. At various times
throughout the year, the Vanina home was cheered with the sound of music and
laughter and people leaming to dance on its floors, these social and working occasions
serving to consolidate ethnic ties and provide practical and emotional support. Though
Giuseppa operated her property successfully for many years after her husband's death,
her listing as only a housewife in the district rates books was a common omission
which left the contribution of many working women overlooked in the official records.
On 13 June 1881 she became owner of around nine hectares of land beside the
Hepburn school ~ land, which would eventually be endowed to her children as they
married, ensuring the close proximity of the Vanina clan at Hepbum.^'
After a time, since beginning an apprenticeship as a carpenter and
cabinet-maker in Daylesford, Charlie was able to contribute fewer hours to the family
farm; different from his father, who had gained his knowledge from village elders, he,
along with other local boys, leamed his trade outside the family home. Eventually
employed by one Mr Elyah Parkinson, constmcting and renovating local buildings, he
was based in Daylesford, where his sister had also taken up residence in Leggatt Street
284