Levitzke Legacy 1

The Levitzke family has had a huge presence in the Western Australian Deaf Community for over 100 years , beginning with Gotthardt (Tom) and Mary Jane Levitzke, who had eight children, including three Deaf sons, Ernest (Ernie), August (Auby) and Richard (Richie). Tom built a residence, bakery and tennis courts at 11 Henry Street, Midland in the early 1900's.

Informal gatherings for the WA Deaf community were often held at 11 Henry St until a formal establishment of a Deaf committee was confirmed on 9th July 1921 in Mt Lawley. Ernie was one of the 12 founders of the Western Australian Adult Deaf Society, an organisation that later became the WA Deaf Society. Ernie was an avid sportsman, representing WA in Lacrosse.

Mary Jane, or "Mother" as the Deaf community affectionately called her, was the first caretaker of Stanmore House, at 292 Hay Street, East Perth, in 1934 and held the position for 14 years as the Matron. After she resigned, Mary Jane's daughter Ivy was employed as the welfare officer for 4 years, then Florence, another daughter of Mary Jane's, for the next 10 years, replacing Ivy. For 28 years, the Levtizke women worked at Stanmore house as Matron & welfare officers.

John George known as Jack, Mary Jane's son, was appointed the Superintendent in 1964 after serving on the Board for 4 years. Jack and his family moved into Stanmore the same year where they lived until 1974. Jack retired in 1986. He received a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1988 for his work with the Deaf community.