Schlaikier, Lucy Mary (c. 1866 - 1929)

Summary

Lucy Schlaiker migrated to Australia and became a tailoress in South Melbourne. In 1888 she married and moved to Adelaide. Here she advertised her services as a phrenologist under the name Madame Amalia Valletta (later Madame Amalia). She travelled with her business to Broken Hill, N.S.W. and Launceston, Tasmania, and progressively added physiogonomy and palmistry to her repertoire. In a number of advertisements she called herself an 'intuitive lady scientist' and added the letters 'M.F.P.I.' (Member of Fowler's Phrenological Institute, London). This suggests that she may have used publications by American Lorenzo Fowler and Samuel Wells to learn her trade. By 1906 she was the sole supporter of her children, her husband having absconded to New Zealand. In 1917 she (and 20 others) were tried in court (and fined) for using a 'subtle craft' with the 'intent to deceive'; a practice disapproved of by authorities during WW1. Again in 1923 she was convicted for 'pretending to tell fortunes'.

Details

For sources used in compiling this entry please contact the Editors.

Chronology

23 May 1893

Career event - Advertises as Madame Amalia Valletta, phrenologist, from Melbourne at Hutt St, Adelaide

12 March 1895

Career event - Advertises in Broken Hill, NSW and has added 'palmist' to her repertoire

14 May 1895

Career event - Advertises as Madame Amalia M.F.P.T., 74 Brisbane St, Launceston, Tasmania

30 November 1895

Career event - Advertises at 1 Leigh St, Adelaide

22 June 1917

Career event - Madame Amalia found guilty in the Adelaide Police Court with having 'used certain subtle craft with intent to deceive and impose upon his Majesty's subjects'

1923

Career event - Fined for 'unlawfully pretending to tell fortunes' at Adelaide

13 March 1987

Career event - Advertises at Argent St, Broken Hill, New South Wales