This is an old story from my family blog dated 2007 but worth re-telling here I think.
February 22, 2007 The Denzil Don footy
I found an old leather football on our lawn the other day, “Denzil Don” brand, with some signatures on it. I asked our elderly neighbour Judy if it was hers – her grandkids live down the hill, and I thought they might have had a kick in her back yard. It was Judy’s, and she had put it out for the garbage. Someone must have thought it belonged to our boys, and lobbed it over.
I gave it back to her and she was on her way back to the garbage pile with it when I felt sorry for it, and asked if I could keep it. God knows we have too much of this sort of stuff already, but its just not right to throw out an old footy that meant something to someone once.
It turns out the footy is from King Island, home of Australia’s only three-team football comp (Currie, Grassy and Norths). One part of the inscription that is legible says “presented to Brian Mather, Currie Captain”. Maybe it was a grand final ball.
What makes this all more interesting is that the same week I found the ball, my employer Roar Film got the green light to make a TV series about country football. Filming starts this week. One of the five clubs/leagues featured is King Island. My footy is going to be a prop, and the crew might take it over with them when they are shooting, to see if any of the signatories are still on the scene.
On King Island footy is only for the very hardy – it’s probably the windiest place in Australia. Apparently one character called Beany generally plays in his jeans and swaps jumpers each quarter, so that he doesn’t have to change ends.
I have found there is a Denzil Don kindergarten in West Brunswick, Vic. Investigations still pending on the full D.D. story.
June 17, 2007 The Denzil Don footy goes home
Back in February I found an old “Denzil Don” brand football on our lawn. It had some signatures on it. On inspection I worked out it was from King Island (home of Australia’s only three-team football competition).
Coincidentally, only days after I found it, Roar Film got the go-ahead from SBS to make a series about country football, featuring King Island. The first shoot happened earlier this month. The crew took my footy over there to see what they could find out about it.
They were blown away by the reaction. People gathered around and helped identify the names inscribed on it. Steve and Marie even met a couple of the footballers, now in their nineties. The ball was a memento of a game against either Flinders Island, or Redpa (near Smithton) – both of whom used to play annual matches against a K.I. combined side. One of the old blokes, named Snow Watkins, has just had his driving license revoked, as he is blind as a bat. He was caught one night driving his tractor to the pub. It’s now in the middle of a paddock with its tires let down. Snow’s brother Splinter has also had his driver’s license taken away, but he’s very proud that he’s still got his Kelp License.
Roar will visit King Island again to film the grand final in September. I hope I will get a chance to tag along and carry some sound gear or something. It sounds like a really lovely, slow-paced place to visit. I have always got the impression that King is to Tasmania what Tasmania is to the rest of Australia.
July 24, 2014 Postscript
The series was called Alive and Kicking and ended up featuring the Tamar Cats, Woodsdale, the Queenstown Crows and the King Island comp. It was shown on SBS in August 2008, as part of the Inside Australia series of docos. There is a synopsis and interview with my then boss Steve Thomas, here.
Somewhere I have a copy of the King Island Chronicle celebrating the ball’s return, and showing it in a glass case. I have searched for a photo of it as it was when I found it, but I don’t think I took one. I never did get to go along on the shoot on the island.
I grew up in Balwyn (Vic) in the fifties and I had a Denzil Don football given to me by my dad. He had a business in Brunswick and I was always under the impression that the DD factory was there. It might have been, though, that he bought it from a shop. As an aside: after the war people either couldn’t afford proper footies. Often newspapers were bound up tightly with string and served the same purpose.
I grew In e.Brunswick The Denzil don factory was in lygon st just nth of Blyth st Street number would be around 300
We lived in Doncaster on the late 60s early 70s and denzil jnr and his family were our neighbours.
Denzil Don and his family was and are family friends. The D.D. factory was out past the old Essendon airport near the old Ford factory. The D.D. factory was originally known for manufacturing sports goods and later went into other leathers items, clothing and school bags etc. After Denzil’s death it was taken over by his son Robert Denzil Don.
Denzil and his family lived in Pascoe Vale and later in The Boulevarde Ivanhoe where Denzil had one of the earliest Christmas decorations display in Melbourne. In fact he was known to dress as Santa and hand out Christmas presents to children whose parents took them to see the lights on his house.
Denzil was a former mayor of Brunswick and founder of the Denzil Don Kindergarten in Brunswick.
Son Robert Denzil Don (dec’d) was a proud supporter of Richmond Tigers football club.
Thanks for those details Valerie. I think Robert should be on the TTBB Duffle Coat. I will add him with the latest batch of players later today.
Denzil Don used to make kit bags and stuff for the Australian Army,. As a young clerk in the early 1980s my job was to chase the companies up to see how orders were progressing. Sadly a lot of those factories are gone now. They used to be a good workplace for post war migrant women and their daughters.
My mother lived in Minnie St, Brunswick, very close to the factory,she worked there during the war years,she is 90 year old,still bright and active,and talks about it often,her maiden name was Sargent. My grandfather played football for Brunswick,he was also a cyclist,he worked at Dawsons foundry.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for the information. Your mum might have made the King Island footy! Please tell her about it and that its now in good hands. A lot of the players whose names are inscribed on it are also in their nineties.
Hi there. My children and I have just come across this thread as we have been talking about their great grandfather, Denzil Don, given an upcoming excursion to Brunswick. My father, Robert Denzil Don, passed away when I was quite young and reading about him, my grandfather and some of the family history is very touching. My children are quite impressed with Pa’s (Denzil) ‘fame’ and now want to do school projects on him. I would be willing to buy any memorabilia, like the football, as they have all disappeared and there are none in our family. My father ran Stagg Leather Goods from the factory for many years also making, among other things, motorcycle pants, jackets and gloves.
My children, husband and I continue to loyally follow the Tigers in memory of Denzil and Robert Don.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Fleur Don Jensen.
I’m a keen golfer, playing with antique clubs. I use a beautiful old leather bag made by Denzil Don. Today I found one with Robert Don stamped into it, with the Minnie Street Brunswick address below his name. It is a beautiful old bag – I fear there are few around today who possess the skills Denzil, his son and their colleagues became famous for.
I have recently been clearing my dads 83 year olds home as he has gone into age care. I came across this thread as I am was searching for information on a Denzil Don Pty Ltd OTTOMAN / FOOT STOOL / POUF – was wandering if any one has any information as I can not find any other furniture. The footstool is marked with “Made in Victoria Denzil Don P/L”. It is round, made of vinyl, different colors and the top has Australian designs.
Not sure I can add a photo here. ANY INFORMATION APPRECIATED.
IMG_7898.jpg
Fleur,
My name is Denzil Don named after your papa by mu dad Donald Don I was Born in 1944 in Melborne my mother Matilda. If you would like find out more about the Denzil Don family I may be able to help.
Hi Fleur, I am writing a story on Bob Jane and believe he was related to Wally Don and the Denzil Don family. His grandfather and his brother had a leather business in Deneliquin where Fred Jane was also mayor early in the 1900s. They later brought their tannery to Brunswick, and in the early 1950s Bob started a shop in Sydney Road Brunswick repairing leather seats etc. Do you know anything of this side?
I would like to hear from you my great great grandfather was Andrew Don he and Denzils father were brothers Andrew stayed in nsw while his brother went to Victoria they were from Crief Scotland
My name is Judith Don from Wellington nsw I believe Denzel Don was a nephew to my great great grandfather Andrew Don who later changed our name to Donn Andrew and his brother left Crief Perthshire Scotland Andrew stayed in nsw and his brother (denzels dad) went to Victoria I have been told by my dad Edwin (Ted) Donn that Denzel had a leather business in Victoria I am wondering if this the same Denzel?? How ironic is it if we are related from generations back My name is now Judith Robinson and I live in Cobar NSW would be interested to hear if any of these names ring a bell .
G’day Fleur, and to all other family and friends.
I have only now just discovered the good man, Denzil Don… (because I bought a no golf bag from the guide dog op shop)
after a few Google searches failed to bring anything, of any good substance, except a Kindergarten and this page… I believe that is a horrible injustice, and that many may very much love to learn and hear more about this lost legend.
I, myself, would encourage and gladly participate (if needed direct) creating a Denzil Don memorial museum (in his home town of course).
I truly believe, it is tragic that a man whose life and work can still be see to have founded some of our biggest Australian sporting gear (Slazenger and dunlop) and who has kindly influenced the life of countless families, with a nonprofit childcare that still stands today.
If you are willing to collaborate with this task, please contact me – Jake Z McDaniel
ph, 0413020397 or
jakezmcdaniel98@gmail.com
if it has already been done, or is being done… let me know… and/or don’t worry about it.
Hi Jake
I am Jane Williams and Denzil was my grandfather (Pa). I have the warmest memories of him and sooo much info that may help. Fleur is living in Europe now – but I would love to help you with this idea- I will send you an email today! I am Merle’s daughter – Nancy – his eldest daughter is his only surviving child and would also love to help out
Cheers!
Hi Fleur, lovely to read your comments about Denzil and dear Rob. I do hope you can get this footy back. I believe my family has one somewhere too. Will ask about it. Go Tigers! Valerie Currer
Doing some shed cleaning found a very old vinyl mickey mouse bag made by denzil don pty ltd on the label. Would love to know more about this bag. Age etc.
I have a Denzil Don Golf bag in good condition. If you are interested please let me know.
The facts on the Don story are.
The first Don factory was established in Minnie Street in 1908 by Rodert S Don. (The S is Somerville) this factory manufactured leather goods including footballs and manufactured many items for the 1st World War a significant business up until his death in 1928 aged 51.
This was 12 months before the Great Depression and was sold up he had 6 children 1 girl and 5 boys, one son Denzil the second youngest was 14 years old.
In 1934 on finally receiving his enherance he set up his business in Brunswick, the
Same as his father’s and at the start of the 2nd World War also manufactured many items for the war effort as well as footballs, many leagues used this brand.
Yes he was the Mayor of Brunswick and a number of hospitals have wards named after him as well as local Kindergardens. I am the son of his one sister Merle
This was my first job at D D in Lygan St Brunswick in1951 I had to put my age up to 15 so I could operate the machines asI was 14 at the time, remember we made bundles of garden gloves , the blokes did cricket pads and golf bags and often had sport celebrities in .Gosh a lifetime ago
I would be really interested in any further information on the don factory. I have a chair that was my grandfathers who was mayor of Broadmeadows and had a real estate office there. I would love to know if the chair is by Denzil Don.
A lot of the information about Denzil Don above is not complete, he was a most wonderful man and loved and admired by many. If you really like know about my cousin or Uncle I always called him I would be happy to assist. Robert his son and my cousin was a great person very well respected but was actually Dunlop that took over Denzil Don in Blair street Broadmedowes after Denzil died. Slananger or Dunlop the holding company had a very big interest in Denzil Don for many years.
I ti is nice to know people are still talking about my Uncle.
Best wishes to Denzil Don Jnr. Or Donald Dons youngest son.
I just picked up an Esky from bulk rubbish it is a Tooheys Draught with Dunlop Thermapak and labelled manufactured by Denzil Don Pty Ltd 38 Temple Drive, Thomastown. Very good quality and will be proudly used to catty cold beverages into the future. A real shame products of today are not made to such a high standard ☹️
I just found the most gorgeous leather camera case and on the inside it says ‘exclusive to Kodak, made by Denzil Don, Melbourne’. Searched and came across this page. Love hearing the story of where this bag came from.
Does anyone know what happened to Denzil And Water’ Dons parents?
I was in Beechworth on the weekend for Alma Ashcroft’s funeral she was 99. Alma was my dads mum’ sister !
My dad Graham was Walter’s son !
I’m Graham’s son Peter Don.
Hi everyone, it’s great to hear so much about Denzil Don. I didn’t know that my 90 year old Dad (Kevin Jacobs) had worked at Denzil Don until his story was in the Herald Sun (22nd January this year), and started to ‘surf the web’ to know more. When I found this thread I took my iPad around and read the comments to my Dad, Dad was rapped to hear the stories and wanted me to add his, so here it is (in his words);
‘I started work at the age of 14 at Ross Faulkner, a well known sporting goods manufacturer. At the time producing sporting goods for the armed services. In 1947 I went to Denzil Don who employed 40 people, males and females. I was employed as a hand stitcher sewing footballs and basketballs. I spent the best 2 years of my working life at Denzil Don, and the man himself was a real gentleman, a pleasure to work for. Some of the people I worked with were; George Holmes, Charlie Dibbs, Bill Thoms, Des Fothergill, Frank Brew, Frank Briglia, Alf Harbrow, Roy Spinner, Graham White, Bob McFarlane and many more’.
Denzil Don was mayor of Brunswick in the late 1940’s and sat on the Carlton Football Club committee for three or four years in the early 1950’s. There are adverts for Denzil Don footballs in the digitalized newspapers on Trove.
My name is Barry Phillips I was born in Brunswick in 1944. I went to Coburg West Primary school my last yore there was in 1956. One of my class mates was Ken Don who I believe was related to Denzil Don. If this is true is he still alive and contactable
My name is Julie McDonald,
I have just read all these messages with great interest. Denzil was my uncle (Uncle Diddy) he died on 31st. May 1975 the day I left Australia for a working holiday based in UK. I am currently going through my 95 year old mothers photos and have recently scanned photos of Uncle Diddy, Aunty Nan (my Dads sister) Nancy, Merle & Robert in 1946. My father was a leather clicker by trade and worked with Denzil designing and making many of the sporting goods and other things mentioned in these posts. Memories of Christmas and the house in Ivanhoe are indeed very fond. I’m looking forward to reading all of this to my mother.
Denzil and Nancy Don had three children, Nancy, Merle and Robert. I was best friends with Robert for many year at Coburg High School. He had a very gentle, caring nature. We had great times together. Unfortunately he died rather early.
When we were old enough to have cars we would sometimes drive to the Denzil Don Factory in Broadmeadows and party on. Robert left school to work at the factory, often on the factory floor, but later in management roles.
We lived in Union st and went to Denzil Don kinder in 1950
My teacher was Mrs Wordsworth who I understand kept teaching there for many years after that
John you forgot to mention the notorious “burn outs” on the factory track in Broadmeadows. I believe on my first date with you we did 100 mph in Gerty the 45 Buick. Rob Don was our bestman in 1965. It’s lovely to read all the history of the Denzil Don factory.
I have stumbled across this thread. As I have a coca cola bag ( bowling maybe and the label has denzil don. Temple drive thomastown. And I have no iron about it.
So I began searching and ended up here but an still none the wiser.
Would love to know more about the denzil don coke range. My searching suggested that the company was deregistered in 1959. And later moved to the Philippines as denzil don a subsidy of Dunlop.
What years was denzil don factory in thomastown ?
What years was the factory in the Philippines?
I have come across TAa bags people 1970. A mickey mouse bag saying 1960. Also a couple of other coke bags saying 1970. But i was thinking if mine said thomastown and company was deregistered in 1959 then wouldn’t the coke bag I have , then have to be pre 1959.
Any info you have would be appreciated. My research lead me here as I collect coke merchandise and memorabilia. And am looking at selling my collection
Hi Briony
I have a bag with the same label have not able to pinpoint the date Denzil don company was located at 38 Temple Street Thomastown. I am super keen on knowing the dates company was operating from this address as my Great Great Aunt had a Coca Cola bag with 2 historical books dated 1925 & 1926. My Aunty was a well known local figure in the Nsw town of Mudgee& one boo is an Autograph book with local residents signing the Autograph book & the other book was titled My Book Of odds & ends
Edna Margaret May Gates
1925-1926- on the way to Mudgee Mudgee Via Budgee Budgee
Aunty Edna was a budding Writer & a long term employee at the Federal Hotel Mudgee for many years from early 1920
My parents had planned on having a girl, but I arrived instead, and they had no boys’ names. My sport mad dad suggested Denzil after Denzil Don. You bet my mother didn’t hit the roof about that. No way her son was going to be called that, so she named me after her father.
Would my life been different with that name?
My father Frank McDonald, played for Footscray in the association around 1915-16 and then with Essendon 1919, 20 ,21. he captained and coached Hamilton and South Ballarat and many more teams in his lifetime including Essendon thirds, North Melbourne thirds and fourths, he wrote a book on football but when it came to publishing it he was told he would need a big name footballer to add his name to it and dad couldn’t bring himself to ask, he said I wouldn’t have the gaal to ask anyone. He sold the copyright to Denzil Don for fifty pounds, and excerpts from the book were published in the Saturday Sporting Globe.
My father worked all his life with TAA then Australian Airlines then QANTAS and I keep an eye out for TAA memorabilia.
A photo of my first day at primary school shows me all primed and ready to go with a TAA hand luggage bag and I have been looking for one for a very, very long time. My wife found one in a second hand store and gave it to me today and it is in immaculate condition!
The label reads Denzil Don, Blair Street, Broadmeadows, VIC ph: 307 2221, made from PVC coated fabric. It is navy blue with white piping and on one side it reads TAA THE FRIENDLY WAY in red print and overprinted in white it reads TRANS-AUSTRALIA AIRLINES with the flying kangaroo and a white line with an arrowhead underneath the kangaroo. It is the same on the pocket side except in smaller font. If anyone is able to date this from the description it would be much appreciated – thank you. (TAA was in business from 1946 to 1986 and as the factory moved a few times perhaps the Broadmeadows address will help narrow the period)
Also, it was very interesting reading of the family and business history above.