The past few days in Melbourne have been eventful. During the Sudgen Symposium I learned a great deal more about the history of Queen's College, the University of Melbourne, Edgar Sugden & his family, and the history of Methodism in Australia. Around 15 papers were presented by lecturers, librarians, archivists, and ministers - each dealing with a segment of Sugden's life, work and family.
The use of primary sources was especially present throughout the conference. The sources included diaries, letters, photographs, pamphlets, flyers, portraits and ephemera. The early photographs were of special interest to me and a short silent film gave moving glimpses of Sudgen and Queen's College. The contacts made at the conference will continue into the future. I presented a short talk discussing trans-Pacific collaborations and a number of people seemed interested in helping Queen's and Drew build each other's collections on Australian and New Zealand Methodism. I was given two books by Sudgen to add to our collection when I return.
Today (Sunday) I had the opportunity to wander around Melbourne a bit more. I did not have a car (a good thing actually since I've never driven on the left side) so I hiked around town. I spent some time on Lygon Street - full of shops and eateries. I also walked through the Melbourne General Cemetery for about two hours and then worked past an Australian Rules football game and a large stadium.
I'm leaving on a jet plane tomorrow at noon. Though I'm ready to get back to New Jersey - a part of me will miss the people and the places of Melbourne.
