One of the pleasant tasks of overseeing the Club Collection is opening the daily mail. All sorts of stories, questions, gifts, donations and renewals arrive frequently with many a pleasant surprise.
A little parcel arrived the week after the Grand Final with the postmark indicating it was from NSW. Upon opening the parcel I discovered that inside was a hand painted tie from 1953 of a Hawthorn footballer flying for an overhead mark in virtually mint condition. What a way for the museum to celebrate the Club’s eleventh flag.
These ties were very popular in the 1950s and came in all the VFL team colours and were often advertised in the Football Record.
A letter accompanying the tie was from a man named Brian Brisbane who had been following the fortunes of the Hawks for at least 58 years, asking if the Club would like his tie. One could only imagine Brian’s elation when wearing the tie when he saw both the 1961 and 1971 Premierships.
The museum is very grateful to Brian for his wonderful donation. It will be a significant addition to the ever-growing supporters collection and will be on display shortly.
Below is Brian’s letter to Hawthorn that the museum would like to share with our 63,000 members as a thank you to Brian.
To Hawthorn Football Club,
I have followed the Hawks since 1945-6 when Alec Albiston was captain and we had great players like Wally Culpitt, Butch Prior, and Neil Pearson among others.
I bought this tie in 1953 for 4 shillings and 6 pence with money from my first pay packet. I was a member for years but now live in Northern NSW but still a fanatical Hawk.
I used to wear this tie to matches, wore it to both the 1961 and 1971 Premierships.
It is now 60 years old and a bit dilapidated, which is hardly a surprise. Rather than throw it away I thought the Club might be interested in it as a bit of history.
Great to have another premiership and I’m looking forward to many more.
Best wishes and wishing team best of luck for future,
Brian Brisbane
(A very happy Hawk)
