Sourry and Sourris family papers.

Photographs, clippings, biographical chronologies regarding the life and industry of Peter Sourry.

Photographs include:

• Peter Sourry and brother Jim
• Jim Sourry’s daughters
• Peter Sourry, wife Marika and children Effie, Helen and Betty.
• Daughter Effie’s wedding (to Chris J. Sourris) and two other weddings, possibly daughters Helen and Betty
• Peters & Co store front

Clippings and publications include:

• Articles regarding sale of the Arcadia Theatre, Armadale to ‘P. Sourry’
• Copies of the newspaper ‘The Greek Australian VEMA’
• Articles about Effie Sourry’s wedding to Chris J. Sourris
• Clippings from the newsletter ‘The Kytherian’

Other items include a photocopy of diary Peter Sourry’s diary – mostly in Greek – which is also held in this collection (item 33499/4)

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history in the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Photographs, clippings, biographical chronologies and ephemera regarding the life and industry of Chris Sourris.

Photographs include:

• AHEPA (Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) meeting May 1935, Scone NSW
• Family photographs; of marriage to Effie Sourry; of Effie and Chris Sourris; of people attending the opening of the film ‘Sons of Matthew’ at the Arcadia Theatre, Stanthorpe; of Sourris family with Charles Chauvel and family at said opening.

Photographs, correspondence, ephemera and newspaper clippings regarding various theatres including: Embassy Theatre, Fortitude Valley; Starlight Twin Drive-in, Aspley; Municipal Theatre, Charleville.

Other items reference Five Star Bowl in Redcliffe; including sale documentation of the land, photographs of and invitation to the opening night.

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history in the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Photographs, clippings, biographical chronologies and ephemera regarding the life and industry of James C. Sourris.

Album includes a selection of documentation summarising elements of James C. Sourris’ life including a resume, a brief biography and a list of philanthropic and corporate board participation. This item also includes a diagram of the ownership structure between James C. Sourris and Hoyts Cinemas of the Village Twin cinemas in Toombul and New Farm (also referred to New Farm Cinemas throughout the collection).

Photographs include:

• Family
• James C. Sourris as a young person
• Possible class and other photographs taken at Scotts College, Warrick

Folder also includes copies of news articles about James Sourris’ philanthropic activities.

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history in the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Small leather bound diary handwritten in Greek and English belonging to Peter Sourry. Includes drafts of letter to colleagues regarding businesses interests.

Miscellaneous personal papers belonging to James C. Sourris.

• Architectural drawing and photocollage of Sourris House, Hamilton [this architectural plan is housed separately in the OM cabinets]
• Floor plan for James C. Sourris and Marica Sourris’ apartment.
• 40 year reunion booklet from Scotts College, Warwick
• Postcard from London to 'Jim' and handwritten note to 'Jim and Ricki’ on the back of a photograph

Biographies of Chris J. Sourris (handwritten, possibly an autobiography) and Effie Sourris, nee Sourry.

Family portrait of Peter Sourry, wife Marika Sourry (nee. Coroneo) and daughter Effie, 1916? (32 x 29 cm)

Portrait of Effie Sourry, later Sourris, as a baby - taken at the same time as family portrait, 1916? (32 x 26 cm)

Portrait photograph of Stephne and Marica Sourris in white dresses, 1950? (oval backing board, 51 x 35 cm and square photograph 30 x 24 cm)

• Portrait of Effie Sourry, later Sourris, 1935? 
• Group photograph taken at the opening of Strathpine Drive-in Theatre, 1972 
• Photograph of James C. Sourris with two unknown women possibly between 1980-1989. Housed in a display envelope reading "Photographed by Gold Coast Bulletin" 
• Various professional headshots of James C. Sourris possibly taken between 1995-2000

Album of photographs taken of the Sourris family’s time living on property near Charleville.

Photographs are of: family; farm and farm house; farming activities including shearing and horse-riding; tractors, harvesters and other farm equipment; a creek in flood and livestock.

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Folder of telegrams congratulating Chris J. Sourris and Effie Sourris, nee Sourry, on their wedding and engagement, birth of child, birth of second child and a birthday greeting for Effie. 

Folder of correspondence to Effie Sourris, nee Sourry.

From Chris J. Sourris to Effie leading up to their wedding 1937, some in Greek, sent from - Goondiwindi, Stanthorpe, Thargomindah, Miles, Morven.

One to Effie from unknown person.

 Folder of miscellaneous correspondence between James C. Sourris and his sisters Marica Sourris and Stephne Sourris and their mother Effie Sourris, nee Sourry. 

• From James to 'Rick' (Marica) 1953
• From ‘Mother’ (Effie Sourris, nee Sourry) to 'Ricky' (Marica) 1953?
• From James to 'All' from Athens 1979?
• From James to 'All' from Rome 1979
• Itinerary of rail travel London to Oslo
• James? to 'Girls' 1973 - possibly to his sisters while they were overseas.

Coroneo family history entitled: “My Kytherian family: the ancestors of Andre Coroneo / Kytherian Genealogy club, June 2016”

Collection of photographs and newspaper clippings regarding theatres owned and operated by the Sourry and Sourris families.

Photographs include:

• People attending the opening of the film ‘Sons of Matthew’ at the Arcadia Theatre, Stanthorpe; of Sourris family with Charles Chauvel and family at said opening.
• Aspley Starlight Twin Drive-in, 1950-1959
• Strathpine Drive-in opening, 1972
• Star Wars promotional event, posters and props from Toombul Twin Cinema,1977
• Demolition – before and after - of Aspley Starlight Twin Drive-in, 2002

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Two albums regarding the Sourris family ownership of the Aspley Drive-in, also known as the Aspley Starlight Twin Drive-in.

Albums include:

• Legal documents - contracts, sale information for drive-in
• News clippings of Aspley Drive-in closure
• Ownership contracts
• Papers regarding the consolidation of ownership to James C. Sourris
• Two valuation reports of Aspley Drive-in 1998, 2001 - includes photographs and maps of the site
• Documentation regarding the sale of Peter and Stephne Comonos (nee Sourris) share of Aspley Drive-in to James C. Sourris
• Correspondence with Department of Environmental Protection regarding a proposal to heritage list Aspley Drive-in

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Distribution and promotional material related to movies shown at drive-ins possibly when James C. Sourris was managing the Sourris family drive-ins between 1972 and 1975. This included the drive-ins at Aspley, Strathpine, Redcliffe.

The material in this item describes several movies across all formats. These are mostly b-grade movies commonly shown at drive-in cinemas in and around Brisbane in the 1970s. Movie titles include - 'Gator Bait’, ‘The Swinging Barmaids’, ‘Summer School Teachers’ and ‘Terminal Island’.

• Promotional sheets from distributer United Artists
• Promotional packs for various movies – some with part cut out to be used in layouts for advertising
• Layouts and proofs prepared for published advertisements like newspapers
• Clippings book of newspaper advertising for films showing at Aspley Starlight Drive-in
• Matrix for cinema audiences by age and genre

Site plans and proposals for drive-ins owned by or part owned by Chris J. Sourris and James C. Sourris.

• Report on the proposal for a drive-in at Albany Creek Road, Aspley, 1956.  Including a site plan produced by Cardno & Davies Consulting Engineers
• Site plan of extension to drive-in for Aspley Drive-in by Cardno & Davies Consulting Engineers, 1964
• Site plan for proposed drive-in at Redcliffe by A.H Conrad & B.F Garget Architects, 1965
• Site plan for proposed extension for drive-in at Redcliffe by Cardno & Davies Consulting Engineers, 1970
• Site plan for proposed drive-in at Strathpine by Munro, Johnson & Associates Consulting Engineers

Photographs, ephemera, business records regarding the running of Village Twin Cinemas at New Farm and then later at Toombul.

Ephemera includes:

• Various types of loyalty passes such as Ladies Lunch, Silver Pass, Christmas special gift cards
• Invitations to movie previews
• Handbills and programs of movies showing
• Tickets for fundraising events held by various local organisations at the cinema

Photographs include:

• Floor plans for New Farm Village Twin
• Photocopies of photographs of outside and inside of Village Twin Toombul and New Farm

Business records include:

• financial statements
• Advertising proofs
• Correspondence with Queensland Heritage Council
• Correspondence regarding film distributor Village Roadshow
• Partial handwritten accounts of day-to-day running of the cinema
• Land titles
• Surveyors report.
• Purchase documentation for Village Theatre New Farm, profit and loss statements New Farm Cinemas 1991

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Photographs and ephemera regarding the running of Clayfield Bowl and Greenslopes Lanes.

Including:

• Greenslopes Lanes photographs
• Greenslopes Lanes/AMC/Village Twin trio vouchers
• Clayfield Lanes/Village Twin duo brochure
• Clayfield bowel photographs - interior and exterior

Also included is the Strategic plan for team BPAA [Bowling Proprietors’ Association of Australia?] 1992.

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Business records regarding the creation and running of Australian Multiplex Cinemas (AMC) including photographs, correspondence, ephemera and clippings and copies of clippings.

Largely organised in chronological order regarding cinema. Cinema’s opened by AMC are:

• Sunnybank 8 Cinema, opened 30 March 1995
• Stafford City 10 Cinema, opened 11 November 1997
• Redcliffe 8 Cinema, opened 12 December 1998
• Tweed City 6 Cinema, opened 23 September 1999
• Frankston 12 Cinema, opened 02 December 2004

While content is similar to AMC album (item 33499/20) this album includes photographs of opening nights, projection rooms of some of the cinemas and of foyers. Also included is the AMC staff handbook and Christmas cards sent to staff.

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Business records regarding the creation and running of Australian Multiplex Cinemas (AMC) including photographs, correspondence, ephemera and clippings and copies of clippings.

Largely organised in chronological order regarding cinema. Cinema’s opened by AMC are:

• Sunnybank 8 Cinema, opened 30 March 1995
• Stafford City 10 Cinema, opened 11 November 1997
• Redcliffe 8 Cinema, opened 12 December 1998
• Tweed City 6 Cinema, opened 23 September 1999
• Frankston 12 Cinema, opened 02 December 2004

Other items include AMC media release and correspondence to staff and shareholders pertaining to AMC sale to Hoyts in 2010 and budget projections for a hypothetical theatre.

Also included in this folder is the ownership structure of cinemas jointly owned by James C. Sourris, Hoyts and others.

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein. 

General business papers pertaining to both Chris J. Sourris and James C. Sourris professional activities.

Papers include: 

• AMC: annual report (1996, 1997), letter head, branded folder, information folder, first draft of the sale contract of AMC 
• Results and certificate of a title search of property in Fortitude Valley
• Preliminary submission for the construction and operation of a 4 cinema complex within the Carindale Shopping Centre
• Pitch documents for 'Celebrity Coffee Lounge' with subtitle 'an entirely new concept in marketing’
• Documents regarding the purchase of Clayfield and Greenslopes Bowling Centres
• Lease documents for Toombul Village Twin location
• Conceptual drawings for proposed development at Albany Creek Road, Aspley

Photographs of cinemas in Australia and around the world including: New York; Los Angeles; Las Vegas; Warwick, Qld.; Port Macquarie, NSW.; New Zealand (Aotearoa), Thailand.

Invitations for film premier and preview screenings held at cinemas all over Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast addressed to both Chris J. Sourris and James C. Sourris.

Invitations are largely for major international films previewing in local cinemas however some local films are included - for example ‘From Reel to Reel, Charles Chauvel Australian Film Pioneer’ and ‘Coolangatta Gold’.

The dates for these invitations ranges from 1963-2009 but mostly occurs between 1980-2000.

Invitations pertaining to James C. Sourris’ business activities.

Invitations include:

• Conferences/conventions and film trade days - Australian International Movie Convention
• From cinemas owned by James C. Sourris to public or specialist groups for specific movie nights, sometimes for charity, sometimes from other local business or interest groups
• Awards ceremonies - Movie Commercial awards
• Film festivals - Brisbane international Film Festival 1993, Noosa Film Festival 1999
• Opening events of other cinemas and entertainment venues around Queensland - Cinema Maroochydore, Pacific 8 Cinemas at Logan Hyperdrome; Cairns Coral Twin Drive-In; Cinema Nambour; Hoyts Regent Entertainment Centre; The Strand Cinema, Caloundra.

Miscellaneous ephemera including:

• Clippings and handbills for films at Village Twin (New Farm and Toombul)
• Advertising and special offers
• Queensland Library Foundation James C. Sourris AM Collection: Recognition and Discovery Proposal 2016
• Souvenir brochure from Mann Chinese Theatre in Hollywood
• Newspaper clippings about cinema and development

Magic lantern slides showing various advertisements made to be projected onto the cinema screen before a film. Possibly found by Chris J. Sourris when he bought the Embassy Theatre in Fortitude Valley.  

Advertisements include:

• For other films or shows – ‘The Squatter’s Daughter’, ‘Columbia’s Krazy Kat cartoons’ , ‘Red Dust’
• For local events – ‘The bakers annual picnic at Redcliffe’, ‘Monster motor picnic, Redcliffe’
• For products – ‘Adams rich cakes and biscuits’, ‘Queen lavender oil with musk’, ‘Queen Macassar Oil’
• Competitions and announcing winners
• Announcement to cinema patrons
• T.C Beirnes Winter sale

Many slides were made by H.B. Green & Co in Brisbane.

Board mounted photograph of Embassy Staff including manager Dave Lee, 1928 

No further information was provided with this photograph. It was possibly found at the Embassy Theatre in Fortitude Valley when it was acquired by Chris J. Sourris in 1955.

Large photographs mounted on board which includes the caption:

“Union Theatres' "Journey's End" set … 1st Prize … Movie Ball 12th August 1930. Presented to E.F. Lane, Esq. Misses: K. Murphy, B. Peters, M. Stanley, L. Retchless, V. Rose & E. Moberley. Messrs: E. Pelling, D. Lee, C. Pond, F. Kable, J.W. Robinson, W. Ladbrook & D. Carmody”

No further context was provided with this photograph

Two branded mugs.

-  AMC mug

- Village Twin mug with the winners of the 1984 academy awards listed and image of an academy award

Harrison’s Reports : 3 bound volumes with ‘Chris Sourris’ embossed above the title. Date scope of each is: 4 august 1934 - 4 Jan 1936; 4th Jan 1936- 2nd July 1938; 9 July 1938- 5 April 1941.

Harrison's Reports was a New York City-based motion picture trade journal published weekly from 1919 to 1962.

Book about the Kings Theatres of Sydney entitled: “For all the Kings Men: The Kings Theatres of Sydney, NSW / by Ross Thorne & Kevin Cork, 1994”

Motion Picture Exhibitors’ Association of Queensland (MPEAQ) general correspondence and ephemera including:

• Pamphlets on becoming a member
• James C. Sourris' resignation as president
• Newsletters to members
• Copy of the 'Australia' edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine
• Invitations and advertising for other industry bodies or products

Papers regarding the organisation of the Motion Picture Exhibitors’ Association of Queensland Inc (MPEAQ) Conventions and AGM agendas and minutes; 1982, 1983 (including Sugar Coast Movie Convention hosted by MPEAQ during that year too), 1988 (AGM agenda and minutes and a schedule for convention not other material) and 1989. 

Papers include: guest lists, programs, advertising, newspaper clippings, venue research, correspondence, speeches and speech notes, and information on guest speakers.

This item is largely made up of supporting documentation of a submission to the Queensland Parliament made by the Picture Theatres and Film Commission. This submission requests amendments to the present act that the Motion Picture Industry feels are needed to cover certain deficiencies - specifically the need to stop unlicensed copies of films being shown in public venues. Written and compiled by James C. Sourris in his capacity as President of the MPEAQ.

Also included in this item is other material relating to the MPEAQ's campaign against video piracy.

Motion Picture Exhibitors’ Association of Queensland (MPEAQ) records, ephemera and photographs.

• Correspondence regarding organisation of conventions
• Advertisements for conventions
• Photographs of conventions and delegates
• Invitations too conventions
• Programs for 1981, 1983, 1989, 2008 convention
• Financial report 1981-82 for Queensland Film Corporation

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Issues of a broadsheet trade paper with articles pertaining to MPEAQ.

“The Australasian Cinema: forum of the motion picture industry of Australia” - March 1973, scattered 1982-1983, August 1986

Including MPEAQ 38th and 41st convention issues

Records pertaining to James Sourris’ time associated with Screen Queensland.

Correspondence includes:

• Regarding appointment and resignation
• Annual report 2009-2010
• Nominee to the Pacific Film and Television Commission (earlier iteration of Screen Queensland)
• Appointment to Film Advisory Committee

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Photographs and ephemera relating to James Sourris’ philanthropic activities.

Notable photograph subjects include:

• Professor Ian O'Connor, QAGOMA chair of Trustees
• Presentation 2017 QAGOMA medal to Mr Sourris
• Chris Saines, Director QAGOMA
• Paul de Jersey, Qld Governor
• Paul Taylor, QAGOMA trustee
• Tim Fairfax, QAGOMA foundation president

Invitations to and menus for QAGOMA and State Library of Queensland events between 2007 and 2017 including QAGOMA medal ceremony dinner and the unveiling of the Marcia Sourris & James C Sourris Gallery at State Library.

Albums also include some Government House ephemera.

Cataloguer’s provenance note: This album was compiled by James C. Souris with the aim of building a comprehensive archive regarding his career and his family’s 100 year history the film industry as cinema owners. These albums appear across the collection and form a significant proportion of the content therein.

Certificates presented to Chris J. Sourris and James C. Sourris.

• Australian Cinema Pioneers membership certificate presented to Chris Sourris (not written on certificate)
• Certificate of membership presented to James C. Sourris from Queensland Art Gallery Foundation; vice patron, founder benefactor, governor, individual patron, individual special patron
• Certificate of appreciation presented to Chris J. Sourris from Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Association (Queensland) Inc. - platinum donor, patron donor, special patron donor

Final item is a certificate of incorporation for Dover Theatres, 1946. Note on the back reads: ‘From the desk of Andrew Coroneo. On loan from the collection of Alexander Andrew Coroneo for display in the C.J Sourris Australia Museum of Cinema Exhibition. Commemorating the reunion of two old-established cinema exhibitor houses on the occasion of the float of Australian Multiplex Cinemas Pty. Ltd.’

Plaque awarded to Chris Sourris by Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA)

Shield shaped wooden plaque 31cm high x 24 cm wide.

Plaque reads: "AHEPA award, presented to Bro Chris J Sourris for his contribution to the establishment of the first AHEPA chapter in Queensland. By the members of the order of the AHEPA in Queensland at the 29th national convention, Brisbane 5th October, 1983."

3 objects presented in honour of service to James C. Sourris from the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, 2017.

• Framed statement of recognition 25 x 25 cm
• Wooden plaque with Perspex overlay with embedded medal and medal ribbon 16 x 16 cm
• Wooden box containing an award pin 9 x 7 x 3 cm

Collection of photocollages professionally photographed and assembled of Chris and James Sourris’ winning horse races.

• T.R.C Eagle Farm, Open HDCP, 29 June 1991
• T.R.C Eagle Farm, Mercedes-Benz Stakes, 30 June 1990
• Q.T.C Eagle Farm, Rocklea Flying Handicap, 21 October 1989
• Doomben, Brisbane Amateur Turf Club Meeting, 22 October 1988
• Doomben, Brisbane Amateur Turf Club Meeting, 14 May 1988
• Q.T.C Eagle Farm, Class 6 HCP, 2 April 1994
• Eagle Farm, Queensland Turf Club Meeting, 5 November 1988
• B.A.T.C Doomben, Class 6 HCP, 26 January 1994
• B.A.T.C Doomben, Class 6 HCP, 6 March, 1993
• B.A.T.C Doomben, 2Y.O Stakes, 13 June 1992
• B.A.T.C Doomben, 2Y.O Stakes, 14 December 1991
• Gold Coast Turf Club, 30 November 1991
• Doomben, Brisbane Amateur Turf Club Meeting, 30 November 1988
• Doomben, Brisbane Amateur Turf Club Meeting, 19 October 1988
• T.R.C Eagle Farm, 2Y.O Stakes, 26 December 1991
• Gold Coast Turf Club, 21 December 1991
• Sunshine Coast Turf Club Meeting, Corbould Park, 11 June 1994
• Gold Coast Turf Club, 3Y.O. MDN. (Div. 1) HDCP, 26 August 1995
• Q.T.C Eagle Farm, 2Y.O. HDCP, 21 October 1989
• Q.T.C Eagle Farm, 3Y.O. Maiden HCP, 26 September 1991
• Brisbane Amateur Turf Club's Dollar Stakes Meeting, Doomben Racecourse, 24 September 1966
• Queensland Turf Club Guineas Meeting, Eagle Farm 18 October 1958
• Brisbane Amateur Turf Club's Meeting, Albion Park Racecourse, 6 August 1966
• Brisbane Amateur Turf Club's Meeting, Albion Park Racecourse, 28 May 1966
• Beaudesert Amateur Race Club, 21 July 1948
• Queensland Turf Club's Qld. Cup Meeting, Eagle Farm Racecourse, 19 November 1966
• Queensland Turf Club's Christmas & New Year Meeting, Eagle Farm Racecourse, 28 December 1968
• Yandina Race Club, 10 June 1948
• Brisbane Amateur Turf Club Meeting, Doomben 31 October 1987

Original cartoon about horse racing captioned "Just a matter of horse-sense" by Ian Gull.

Two folders – one pertaining to Chris J Sourris’ horse Grand Garry and the other pertaining to his horse Grand Thrill.

Newspaper clippings, photographs (of horses, trainers, owners, racing, Chris J. Sourris and others at races), invitation to Randwick racecourse 1960.

Red leather, double-door opening box, 40cm high, 24cm wide, 19 cm deep containing trophy.

Brass and wood trophy reading: "Australian Jockey club, Randwick Centenary Meeting 1960, Sydney cup won by Grand Gary owned by Mr & Mrs Chris Sourris and Mr & Mrs Peter Sourris" includes a card reading "Australian Jockey club, Randwick Centenary Meeting, Sydney Cip 18th April 1960, supplied by Hardy Bros. LTD"