Name/Title
Poon familyEntry/Object ID
2015.3.19Context
Historic: These objects are associated with the Poon family, especially Hunter Poon, who served in World War I, and is featured in the Museum’s Chinese Anzacs exhibition. Hunter Poon’s grandparents were original convicts (Thomas Gilligan). Their daughter, Jane Elizabeth, married a Chinese shepherd (named Kee?). Their first son was born c1892 in Lismore. Hunter’s mother was born on the Darling Downs in Queensland. She also married a Chinese man, Lam Poon, who came to Queensland during the Palmer River gold rushes. Hunter was a high school teacher in Queensland and a keen sportsman. He is reputably the first Chinese-Australian cricketer but was also a keen tennis player (in Toowomba, Qld), golfer (state champion) and billiard player.
Scientific: These photographs and manuscripts provide insight into and a record of the history of the Poon family from the 19th century till present. They also document Hunter Poon’s involvement in secondary education and in sport on national level.
Social: These are significant to members of the Poon family and those who know them. They also have significance to the Chinese-Australian community as they record life and activities of a Chinese Anzac and Chinese-Australian sportsman.
Provenance: These objects belong to Ron Poon, grandson of Hunter Poon.
Condition: The original photographs show signs of wear, scratches and denting on the edges. The bottom left corner of the card on one of the mounted photographs has broken off.
Interpretive: These photographs can be used in interpretive displays about the contributions Chinese Australians have made in war, and to sport and education. These can also be used in displays about Chinese Australian families from around Australia (Queensland).Acquisition
Accession
2015.3Source or Donor
POON Ronald HunterAcquisition Method
Unknown