A photograph of Drouin school children and band marching on Empire Day in 1909.
Empire Day was introduced to Australia in 1905 to celebrate Australia's connection to the British Empire. The date - May 24 - was chosen to commemorate Queen Victoria's birthday.
This photograph was taken in front of the Coffee Palace, run by Minnie and Thomas Walton. They ran the business from 1905 until 1912, when they sold it to Mrs Hunt.
The front sign signals that meals, beds and accommodation would be supplied for boarders.
On this day, the Empire Day march started at the primary school. The children had classes in the morning before assembling on the school sports ground, where they formed a square and saluted the Union Jack. They repeated the declaration, "I love God and my country. I honour the flag, I will serve the King, and cheerfully obey my parents, the teachers, and the law".
Three cheers were given for the King before they marched onto the main road, many waving flags. There they were joined by members of the Drouin Brass Band.
The procession marched to the paddock lent by Mr Sunley for a picnic. Mr Sunley had erected a see-saw, swing boats and a merry-go-round for the children.
During the afternoon, there were races for the children, with books handed out as prizes for the winners.
Boys from "Kings College" Warragul competed against the Drouin boys in a game of football, with Drouin winning by 37 points.
The day finished off with a social and dance hosted by the Drouin Rifle Club in the Mechanics' Institute Hall. The lodge rooms were utilised for games of chess, draughts, cards and quoits.
Empire Day was mainly aimed at school children, who were taught the history of the British Empire and sung patriotic songs before having a half holiday.
In 1958, Empire Day was renamed Commonwealth Day.
Photograph and information courtesy of Drouin History Group.
Visit drouinhistorygroup.org.au to discover more about the history group and its activities.