Two items donated to the Club in 1994 gave confidence to the newly formed historical committee, Hawks Forever, that a collection of memorabilia could be gathered to tell the Hawthorn Story. A football and a trophy were the first of a multitude of fascinating items that would eventually become the Hawks Museum.
The Peck family donated that first football. It had been presented to their father, John Peck by the Collingwood Football Club in recognition of his kicking the winning goal when the Hawks achieved their first win at Victorian Park on July 23, 1960. The Hawks won by a point. The final score was Hawthorn 7.16.58 v Collingwood 7.15.57.
Former player, Neil Pearson, who was to become a valued benefactor to the Hawks Museum, presented the first trophy. Hawks Forever gladly received his Gardiner Medal, which is actually a very impressive cup, won in 1954 for the Best & Fairest in the VFL Reserves competition.
A sample of the Museum’s more recent acquisitions is listed below. They represent but a handful of the many Brown and Gold treasures on display today.
- Peter Hudson’s Copper-plated Boots presented to him to commemorate 100 goals by round 16 against Collingwood at Glenferrie Oval, 1968.
- Allan Jeans’ St Kilda Guernsey.
Triple Premiership Coach, Allan Jeans played 77 games with St Kilda between 1955-59 and then coached St Kilda’s first premiership in 1966 prior to coming to Hawthorn. When Jeans retired as a player, he presented his guernsey in gratitude to his favourite trainer at St Kilda, George McKenzie. - A wonderful Hawk stain-glass window made and donated by Tony Adamo.
- A Gerry Gee Doll dressed in Hawthorn’s colours.
Ventriloquist Ron Blasket and his Gerry Gee Doll were an institution at GTV9 from 1956 until 1999, when Blasket retired from show business at the age of 90. Loved by all, they were stars on the Tarax Show, IMT and Young Talent Time. Gerry Gee was also well known for his participation at football club functions, always performing in the host team’s colours. On loan from Cameron Doyle. - Bev Sharp’s framed HFC Service award presented in 2005.
Bev was a member for 44 years. She was an active member of the Thornbirds, HIC, Hawks Forever and the Past Players. She also gave sterling service as a volunteer overseeing the Club’s Membership database. - Gary Cooper’s Hawks bag.
When Gary retired from teaching in 1997, he became a volunteer at Hawthorn. He and Kate Gredden introduced the Junior Hawks Committee. He visited schools with players Jonathan Hay and Trent Croad, travelling to all parts of Victoria and Tasmania. He bought his bag in the early 1980s and religiously took it to each game he attended. - A junior sized Peter Knights T-Shirt.
Thanks to donors, Lois and Cameron Read we have a junior sized Peter Knights T-Shirt worn to the football by Cameron when a young boy, circa 1978.
