Born

1 March 1859
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Died

10 June 1951
South Australia, Australia

Occupation

Kindergarten worker and Social reformer

Alternative Names

• Morice, Lucy (also known as)
• Spence, Louise (maiden name)

Website

http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A100571b.htm

Summary

Lucy Morice was committed to isues of social justice throughout her life. She, with her aunt, Catherine Helen Spence, founded the Woman's League in 1895 after women had gained the franchise in South Australia in 1894. It aimed to 'educate women politically and to work for the interests of women and children', but did not receive the support of women. Her major commitment however, was to the Kindergarten Union of South Australia, which she helped to found in 1905. She believed that kindergarten was the hope of the future and she saw it as a means of combating what she considered was the regimentation of the state school system. She has a kindergarten named after her in North Adelaide. In 1936 she was appointed Member of the British Empire (M. B. E.) for services to social welfare.

Sources used to compile this entry: Jones, Helen, 'Morice, Louise (Lucy) (1859-1951)', in Australian Dictionary of Biography Online, Australian National University, 2006, http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A100571b.htm.