Wooden 21st birthday key
Production date
1960
Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail
Description
Oversized wooden key, painted gold with signatures marked in pencil on one side.
Classification
CIVIC MEMENTOES Souvenirs
Production date
1960
Production place
Measurements
H510 x W180 x D7 mm
Media/Materials description
Wood, paint, graphite.
Signature/Marks
Best Interpretation
"Mary/ DAD/ .../ Ross H Rahean/ L... And.../ RJ.../ D G Purcel/ B... Twiggs/ Mary O'Shea/ .../ Leigh McCornish/ J O'Sullivan/ ... C. Thompson/ .../ Kath Medhurst/ .../ Jan Stewart/ F Thompson/ Noelene Elliott/ D W Donald/ B... Benzei/ Suzette Carter/ Ron J Andrews/ Diane Gray/ Pat Medhurst/ Mike Tyler/ R Gallagher/.../ .../ Anna Loa.../ Rob Kits/ Val Kits/.../ Paul Georgeson/ Judy Gould/ .../ .../ ... "
"Mary/ DAD/ .../ Ross H Rahean/ L... And.../ RJ.../ D G Purcel/ B... Twiggs/ Mary O'Shea/ .../ Leigh McCornish/ J O'Sullivan/ ... C. Thompson/ .../ Kath Medhurst/ .../ Jan Stewart/ F Thompson/ Noelene Elliott/ D W Donald/ B... Benzei/ Suzette Carter/ Ron J Andrews/ Diane Gray/ Pat Medhurst/ Mike Tyler/ R Gallagher/.../ .../ Anna Loa.../ Rob Kits/ Val Kits/.../ Paul Georgeson/ Judy Gould/ .../ .../ ... "
History and use
A 21st birthday was celebrated as a milestone of entry to adulthood. It is sometimes acknowledged at different ages across cultures however, from a legal perspective in Queensland in the the 1960s, it meant the right to vote, obtain a driver’s license and drink alcohol. These rights would often have resulted in significant lifestyle changes, as individuals were legally allowed in bars, could attend music venues and had the freedom associated with a driver’s licence.
This key was made by a Brisbane father as a memento for his daughter on her 21st birthday. A key has become a traditional gift for 21st birthdays as a symbol of the keys to adulthood. A party for around 50 people was held at the iconic function venue, Whytecliffe, where everyone was invited to sign the key in pencil. The dress that was purchased specifically for the party is also a part of the Queensland Museum collection (Object H50644).
Changes in laws meant the voting age and drinking age, changed to 18 in 1973 and 1974 respectively. Queensland now uses a graded driver’s licensing model that begins at 16 and most students finish their schooling at 18. This has altered the significance of turning 21, with the celebration of adulthood often occurring at 18. This rite of passage is now celebrated at a different age but is still regarded as a significant time in a young person’s life.
This key was made by a Brisbane father as a memento for his daughter on her 21st birthday. A key has become a traditional gift for 21st birthdays as a symbol of the keys to adulthood. A party for around 50 people was held at the iconic function venue, Whytecliffe, where everyone was invited to sign the key in pencil. The dress that was purchased specifically for the party is also a part of the Queensland Museum collection (Object H50644).
Changes in laws meant the voting age and drinking age, changed to 18 in 1973 and 1974 respectively. Queensland now uses a graded driver’s licensing model that begins at 16 and most students finish their schooling at 18. This has altered the significance of turning 21, with the celebration of adulthood often occurring at 18. This rite of passage is now celebrated at a different age but is still regarded as a significant time in a young person’s life.
Registration number
H50645
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