AustLit

Ellie Wemyss was the daughter of Thomas B Wemyss, who was for many years in the service of the SA Government. She is remembered by someone who knew her in her later years as a small woman, very short-sighted; so short-sighted, Ellie told her, that her parents thought she could not be educated until she began to teach herself to read from the large letters on a metal travelling trunk. In spite of her poor sight she graduated from the University of Adelaide with a BA (1921) and MA (1924). She continued studies in law and divinity, and tutored from her family home at 4 Stamford St, Parkside for many years.

She was a songwriter, and her 'Golden Wattle' and 'The Chalice of Life' were set to music by Edith Harrhy and A B Mortimer respectively, and broadcast in Melbourne. She received her first literary encouragement in 'The Bookshelf' conducted by 'Magpie' in The Observer (see Scott, Winifred, qv) and the Saturday Journal, and was also a regular contributor to The Register.

Ellie was active in various movements involved with social service. She founded the Girl Guides movement in SA, undertaking the task after an interview with Sir Robert Baden-Powell, and was Honorary State Secretary during World War I. Her involvement with the Guides lasted from 1912-1930. She was associated with the committee of the League of the Empire, and was a member of the League of Nations Union. She was also involved with the Student Christian Movement.