Alice Elizabeth Anderson

• Name — Alice Elizabeth Anderson • Birth Name — Alecia Elizabeth Foley Anderson • Born — 8 June 1897 • Birthplace — Melbourne, Australia • Died — 17 September 1926 • Place of death — Kew, Melbourne, Australia • Death Cause — Gunshot • Occupation — Businesswoman, garage proprietor, designer, industrial/product designer, and mechanic • Years Active — 1919–1926 • Known for — First all-women garage proprietor in Australia • Father — Joshua Thomas Noble Anderson

Alice Anderson was born Mary Elizabeth Foley Anderson in Melbourne, Australia on 8 June 1897, to Irish-born couple Joshua Thomas Noble Anderson and Ellen Mary (née White-Spunner). She was the third of five children in the family, and her sisters were Joan, artist and educator Frances Derham, and Claire, who became the first female engineering student at the University of Melbourne. Her only brother Stewart drowned in 1913. She grew up in a bush house in Narbethong, a small town in the rural suburbs of Melbourne, where she learned to hunt, fish, horse ride, and had her first contact with driving. From 1913 to 1914, Anderson attended the Melbourne Church of England Girls' Grammar School, however financial struggles forced her to abandon schooling after five terms. In 1915, she began taking private lessons in bookkeeping, French, and history with Jessie Webb. Anderson's interest in motor vehicles was sparked in her teens; some writers say Anderson's first contact with vehicles happened in the local co-operative bus service, others say she worked in her father's motoring business as a secretary and the staff taught her to drive. On her 18th birthday, Anderson's father gifted her a Hupmobile decorated with their family crest and the motto, "We Stoop Not." At the age of 18, Anderson began working part-time as a clerical worker, and made extra money by shuttling weekend tour groups to the Dandenong Ranges. By the age of 21, she settled in Kew and became a full-time worker for her tourism business. A year later, she acquired a block in Cotham Road, constructed a brick garage, and founded the Alice Anderson Motor Service enterprise. Her endeavours were inspired by Joe Carstairs, a British Standard Oil heiress who started an all-woman garage in London.

• Illustration — Alice Elizabeth Anderson in 1925 Inaugurated in 1919, Alice Anderson Motor Service was the first all-women garage workshop in Australia. The opening party for the garage was attended by Nellie Melba, Robert Menzies, and students from the University of Melbourne. The services offered included vehicle repair, chauffeuring with garage-owned cars, interstate touring trips, driving classes, and petrol stations. In addition, women could take educational programs on engine technology, and participate in a mechanics apprenticeship. Due to Anderson's reputation for caring and passion, mothers from all across Australia would send their daughters to the garage to learn to drive. By 1925, the garage was so popular that 50 women applied for the apprenticeship program, the crew grew to 9 members, and the car fleet grew to 5 vehicles. She trained more than thirty young female chauffeurs. Notable alum includes popular motorist, Jean Beatson. The garage continued to operate after Anderson's death, with Ethel Bage managing the business until at least 1935, and May Rooney taking over in 1937. Driving instruction became the primary focus of the business, and the Alice Anderson Motor School operating until at least 1954.

On 7 September 1926, Anderson was found dead in her workshop in Kew after a day of work. The coroner's report suggested that she accidentally shot herself while cleaning two of her guns, and family and friends dismissed the possibility of suicide. The news stated the following day: "Probably no woman in Melbourne was better known. She pioneered the way to motor garages for women, and made a greater success of it than most men could." Anderson was buried in the Boroondara Cemetery following a graveside service. Young women who worked in her garage acted as pallbearers.

The authorities additionally record the heading Alice Elizabeth Foley Anderson. She was the child of Joshua Thomas Noble Anderson.

Alice Elizabeth Anderson is recorded as having received Victorian Honour Roll of Women.