The Cygnet Joyspreaders Orchestra

I’ve been researching Clarence Stafford John Burton (1890–1970) who was born in 1890 at Emu Bay, Tasmania. His father, Edward Burton, was headteacher at the Lovett State School in 1907. In the 70s, I crewed on his namesake, the C S Burton, a 12 ft Cadet Dinghy, a three-handed open clinker-built sailing dingy, out of the Derwent Sailing Squadron.

There is more to tell, but I’ll begin with the story of the renowned Cygnet Joyspreaders Orchestra.

On Christmas eve 1922, five businessmen walked into a Sydney orphanage carrying armfuls of toys and sweets. They walked out inspired by a single goal: to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in Australia.

When asked who the children could thank, one of the men, preferring to remain anonymous, said “Smith”. “What about the others?” the matron asked. “They’re Smiths too”, replied the man. “We’re all Smiths. We’re The Smith Family.”

And so, The Smith Family was born.

Official joy spreaders

The Joy Spreaders were constituted to:

• conduct a continuous campaign of good cheer and goodwill; 
• restore confidence in those whom misfortune has dealt with; and 
• radiate the spirit of the Family throughout the length and breadth of our country.

The 1930s was a decade characterised by hardship but it was also a time when people came together to help one another. The Smith Family’s vision – a better future for young Australians in need – was truly born. With the help of caring Australians, food and clothing packages were delivered, and hospitals and orphanages were established to help the most vulnerable members of society.

https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/about-us/our-story

The Cygnet Joyspreaders Orchestra

The Cygnet Joyspreaders Orchestra was managed by C S Burton, who also played in the band. They were active from about 1926 through to the late ‘40s. The CJO were especially popular in the Huon district, playing fundraisers for community groups, sports clubs, charities, the war effort, and vice-regal balls at City Hall and Government House.

The following article from the Huon and Derwent Times on September 24, 1936 suggests that wherever they played it was ‘a hot time in the old town tonight’.

BIG DANCE AT FRANKLIN
FAREWELL APPEARANCE OF MR C. S. BURTON
POPULAR MAN COMPETITION

Huon dancers will regret to learn that Mr C. S. Burton has decided to retire from ‘the managership of the Joyspreaders’ Orchestra, a position which he has held for the past 20 years, and has been very largely responsible for the wonderful reputation which this splendid organisation has among dancers throughout Southern Tasmania. 

Mr Burton has decided to make his exit from the band at the big dance which is to be held at Franklin next Wednesday evening, in aid of the Cygnet Popular Man competition. This function will probably see a record attendance. It is being organised by Mr Jack Wallace’s committee. Mr Wallace is another, member of the Joyspreaders, that has done much to popularise its music. As the ‘saxo’ of the band; he invariably provided the zest and humor that does so much to make dancing what it should be— a joyful exercise. 

The orchestra will be strengthened for the occasion by double part’s — two trumpets two saxophones, two violins, euphonium, slide trombone, piano, drums, and effects, and by special request, Miss Fanny Lawler will sing a solo, and Miss Joyce Cockerill and party of girls will give an exhibition dance.

Altogether the evening promises to be a memorable one, and patrons are likely to be present from all parts of the Huon.