Pam Middlemiss, the daughter of the late John Hood who served Hawthorn as Time Keeper for over 40 years has donated a most intriguing piece of Hawk history that belonged to her father.
As a younger girl, Pam bought her dad a very special Christmas present, a plaster wobble head football doll painted in Hawthorns colours. John was known to be a rather quite and cautious person in his roll as Time Keeper and it has been a surprise to many of his friends who have visited the Hawks Museum to learn of his weekly football ritual with his doll. The doll which he named 'Crimmo' after his favourite player became his good luck omen. Prior to going to the footy he would tape its head before leaving. If the head bobbed up and down John felt comfortable that the Hawks would win. If the head wobbled sideways John would leave concerned that his beloved Hawks were in for a tough day.
John’s doll has become a very popular item for visitors from his era with many recalling having similar superstitions. The doll can be seen in the cabinet that pays tribute to Peter Crimmins.
Pam Middlemiss with her father’s good luck doll
The name Bromage has had a long association with Hawthorn. When Peter Bromage rang to ask would the club be interested in some stuff that belonged to his father and grandfather he received a very quick and positive reply, "yes".
Peter’s Grandfather Jack Bromage was a well-known local Hawthorn identity with his Wood & Fuel depot. He served on the committee of the Club during the 1950’s and was there when the Hawks made the finals for the first time in 1957. Jack also coached the under 19’s before becoming part of the recruiting team that laid the framework for the Club’s first Premiership in 1961. His son John played junior football with the Hawks before graduating as Club Runner carrying the instructions for John Kennedy Snr in the 1971 Premiership.
Peter and his mother Mavis, the wife of John have given the Club a number of significant trophies that belonged to both John and Jack that were presented in recognition of Jack’s coaching, and the roles that both played in the 1961 and 1971 Premierships. Of added interest the family hold a number of Under 19’s photos from the late 1940’s that the Club has been able to copy. They add significantly to the ongoing story of Hawthorn.
Peter and Mavis Bromage with the Bromage Collection
The third item has been kindly donated to the Club by Phil De La Haye. A delightful framed gold metallic paper illustration of a Hawk, wings outstretched. This wonderful piece dates from the late 1950’s when most suburban mens' barbershops had a least one hanging on the wall representing the popular football team of that suburb. With changing times these shops have virtually disappeared along with all the paraphernalia that was on display. These items have become extremely rare and the Hawks Museum is extremely grateful to Phil for being so generous. Visitors should seek out this wonderful interpretation of our club mascot that will be on display before Christmas Family Day.
Graeme McKenzie and his mate Phil De La Haye with Phil’s framed Hawk from the late ‘50’s
