The Little Black Book of William Henry Locke

Background

This small notebook was passed down through the Locke family, ultimately reaching the present custodian Stephen John Miller Locke via Charles Herbert Locke (1910–1977). The notebook was written in brief notes by William Henry Locke (WHL), and has been transcribed and arranged into a readable narrative. Many pages were blank or fragmentary, so the material has been ordered as logically as possible.

Early Life and Education

William Henry Locke was born on 11 April 1874. He attended Shoreham Grammar School until September 1887. His early working life began soon after leaving school.

Early Employment (1887–1891)

WHL recorded several short-term positions, likely within British insurance firms or agencies:

• D. Dykes – 1 Oct 1887 to 1 Dec 1887
• F & H’s – 6 Dec 1887 until the firm dissolved on 18 Mar 1891
• A.H. & Co – continued employment until 2 May 1891

His recorded salaries progressed steadily: 7/–, 10/–, 15/–, 18/–, and 22/–.

Voyage to Australia (May–June 1891)

WHL sailed from England with his mother Mary Ann Locke and sister Rosalie aboard the RMS Orizaba on 8 May 1891. The voyage included stops at Gibraltar, Naples, Port Said, Colombo, Albany, Adelaide, and finally Melbourne on 18 June 1891.

He recorded a short diary for the first three days:

8 May 1891 – Departure Day

He rose early, travelled to Fenchurch Street, then to Filbury, and boarded the Orizaba at 12:50pm. He passed Dover and Brighton before retiring early, “feeling rather miserable.”

9 May 1891 – Bay of Biscay

A restless night due to the ship’s vibration and early seasickness. After a brief stop at Plymouth, the ship headed into rougher seas approaching the Bay of Biscay. WHL felt “more sick tonight… and a good deal more miserable.”

10 May 1891

No further diary entries were made, suggesting he recovered or became occupied with other matters. Notably, he did not record anything about his mother’s illness or her death at sea on 26 May 1891.

Early Life in Melbourne (1891–1895)

WHL began work with Union NZ Insurance on 15 July 1891, initially as a Marine Clerk. He later moved to the Ledgers Section, receiving a salary increase to £100, backdated to 1 July 1892. In March 1895, he returned to the Marine Department.

He lived at several Melbourne addresses between 1891 and 1895, including:

• Innellscroft, Princes Street, Prahran
• Wrights Terrace, Hawksburn
• Mossbank, Barkley Avenue, Malvern
• Mrs Paton’s, Naghorn House, Prahran

These residences are carefully recorded in his notebook.

Photography and Hobbies

WHL had a strong interest in photography, recording numerous photographs taken between 29 October and 11 December 1892. He also noted stamp purchases and even a recipe for gelatine paste.

On 7 February 1893, he joined the Loyal Good Intent Lodge – MUIOOF No. 4498, paying a subscription of 10/6 and being initiated into the Juvenile Societies.

Trip to Sydney (11–26 March 1893)

WHL recorded an extensive diary of his Sydney visit. He sailed aboard the SS Elivgainile on 11 March, arriving on 13 March 1893. The diary describes sightseeing, photography excursions, visits to Randwick, Coogee, Manly, Bondi, Parramatta, and time spent with the Jones family.

A few highlights:

• Climbed the Post Office tower for a panoramic harbour view
• Photographed Coogee Aquarium, beaches, and coastal scenery
• Took family portraits of the Jones family
• Enjoyed a Sunday drive to Manly, calling it “the most beautiful drive I have ever seen”
• Listened to phonograph recordings including The Wedding March and The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo

He returned to Melbourne on 26 March 1893 after a rough sea crossing.

Cricket Notes

WHL recorded cricket scores from a match at Lord’s, Sheffield, dated 8 May 1893, including detailed innings for Grace, Shrewsbury, Gunn, and others. England won by 8 wickets and 1 run. He also noted other significant scores but without dates.

Family Records

The notebook contains a list of births and deaths for the Locke family:

• John Locke – Born 11 Dec 1832, died 25 Dec 1880
• Mary Ann Locke – Born 13 Sep 1834, died 25 May 1891; buried at sea in the Red Sea
• Herbert John Locke – Born 9 Oct 1865, died 1944
• Charles James Locke – Born 1 Aug 1867, died 1946
• Rosalie Locke – Born 19 Oct 1871
• William Henry Locke – Born 11 Apr 1874

Other Family Movements

WHL also recorded travels of his siblings:

• Herbert (Bert) sailed for Australia in 1888
• Charles travelled to Western Australia in 1892
• Rosalie visited Fern Tree Gully in 1892
• WHL himself travelled to Western Australia in March–April 1895, recording detailed arrival and departure dates

Summary

The Little Black Book provides a rare and intimate glimpse into the early life of William Henry Locke, documenting:

• His schooling and early employment
• His migration to Australia
• His mother’s death at sea
• His early career in Melbourne
• His passion for photography
• His Sydney travels in 1893
• His interest in cricket
• Detailed family movements and addresses

It is an invaluable family record, preserving the daily experiences and personal interests of a young man building a new life in Australia during the late 19th century. This document has been transcribed in more detail and used here with the permission of Stephen John Miller Locke, Grandson of the Author of this account. This summary has been generated using AI for a more concise structure.