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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, An Englishman Looks At the World
Pattison Collection This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and it's Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. An Englishman Looks At the World Author: H G Wells Publisher: Cassell & Co The label on the spine with typed text PAT 824 WEL Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, an englishman looks at the world, h g wells, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, late 19th century - early 20th century
This is a photograph of the four daughters of Mrs George Thomas. L -R : Elleen Parsons, Julia Eaton, Eva Murray and Violet Gay. George Thomas and Gtranny Thomas lived at Newmerella on Grand View Road until the 1950's. In the Newmerella Koorie Community, there were about 15 families. The family was a very well-respected local Aboriginal family. . George was a stockman for Jas Stirling. From Colin Thomas "I learned that George Thomas was Kitty Johnson’s oldest son. As a young boy George had been found by the Reverend John Bulmer, in addition to other young Aboriginal children in the bush around the Lake Tyers area. He had gathered them all together and took them onto the reserve at the Mission. After quite a number of years had passed George had met and fallen in love with a young half-caste girl, known as Agnes Patterson. Agnes was of Monaro descent and came from New South Wales. George and Agnes got married at Lake Tyers. Because of the half-caste act George and Agnes had to leave the reserve along with their nine girls. They moved to Newmerella, situated outside the township of Orbost. This was the place that George and his wife and children came to call home. Soon after, George and Agnes would add to their family bringing the total of children to fourteen, the last five of whom were boys. At the time of the First World War George’s boy’s volunteered their services and joined the army. When in Europe one of the boys sustained an injury which caused the loss of an arm. Following the end of the war the boys came home, as men." The Thomas family was a well-respected family in Newmerell in the late 19th and first half of the 20th century. The daughter were well known for their needlework and craft skills.A black / white photograph of four women wearing log skirts / dresses and elaborate hats, two sitting on a log and two standing on either side.thomas-family newmerella koori-family -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1910
Alan Richardson was born in 1853 and died in 1936. He was a sawmiller at Tabbara who built and held the ticket for the Paddle Steamer Curlip. PS Curlip was registered in 1893 and the Passenger Certificate issued on 30th January 1903 to Captain Alan Richardson by the Marine Board of Victoria entitled her to carry 25 passengers and only 10 passengers when engaged in towage service. Two children under 12 years of age to be reckoned as one passenger. He had the first horseless motor buggy in Orbost. Alan Richardson was married to Emily Dawson and had two children - Alan Jnr and Ruth.Before the First World War, few people in Australia owned or knew how to drive cars before they bought them. This International auto buggy was promoted as a useful vehicle for station owners, farmers, doctors, and town and country salesmen. It was said to be the cheapest automobile in Australia (at one third the cost of a conventional car), required much less maintenance, had durable solid rubber tyres rather than troublesome pneumatic ones, and didn’t need a chauffeur. This is a pictorial record of a "horseless buggy" which would have been a novelty in the early 20th century in Orbost. The item is associated with the Richardson family, early Orbost settlers.A small black / white photograph of a motor vehicle with a man seated at the steering wheel. The vehicle has large buggy wheels with mud guards. It is open with no windows.transport motor-vehicle horseless-buggy richardson-alan -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph of Fancy-Dressed Children after WWI, Post-WWI
Photograph of Fancy-Dressed Children after WWI celebrating the end and victory of World War One. A child is dressed in a Dutch dress, others in a dressing gown, grass skirt, a soldier with gun. The parents and other adults are in the background, some learning on the fence. There is a building the top right corner. Possible the old Ringwood sports ground in Ringwood Street. Some children have displays with "Victory" on them. Another has the British and Australian flags. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Book, Battling with the World by A.L.O.E - awarded to Sylvia Richards, Ringwood State School 1930
From https://www.dogearedbooks.com.au/product-page/battling-with-the-world-by-a-l-o-e: Charlotte Maria Tucker, English author, who wrote under the pseudonym A.L.O.E. (a Lady of England), was the daughter of Henry St George Tucker (1771-1851), a distinguished official of the British East India Company. From 1852 till her death she wrote many stories for children, most of them allegories with an obvious moral, and devoted the proceeds to charity. In 1875 she left England for India to engage in missionary work, and died at Amritsar on the 2nd of December 1893. Book with Red Hard Cover, purchased from The Brown Study, Ringwood. No date, but presented as an award in 1930. Also includes handwritten letter dated 3rd May 1967 to "Dear Sylvia" from ?On inside fly leaf: Awarded to Sylvia Richards for highest marks in spelling Grade 7th Ringwood SS 2997, Dec 19th 1930 Grade Teacher Margaret E Barron Head Teacher William Broben Further down the page in different handwriting: presented to school by Mr and Mrs Thomas from Croydon 24/11/50 -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Plaque - Certificate of Appreciation, Southwood Primary School - World Vision 40 Hour Fammine 1996
PlaqueThank you for your generous support of the 1996 World Vision 40 Hour Fammine. Together, we are saving children's lives! Signed by Cheif Executive Philip Hunt. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Certificate - Certificate of Appreciation, Southwood Primary School - World Vision 40 hour Famine, 1997
CertificateIn recognition of your outstanding efforts in the 1997 World Vsion 40 Hour Famine. Working together, we can help stop the hunger of children in developing countires. Ashe Oleng! - Thank You. Signed by Chief Executive Lynn Arnold -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Postcard - Les Grenades, 1914-1918
This is number 22 of 27 items in the Daisy Vickers collection of World War One memorabilia. These items were sent or given to Daisy Ogier (nee Vickers) during World War One by Corporal Arthur Anderson who enlisted from Warrnambool in 1915 at the age of 21. He served in Egypt and France and returned to Australia in 1919. Daisy Ogier (1907-1987) was a student and then a teacher at Warrnambool Technical School with her early teaching years there from 1925 to 1936 and in 1949. She became the head mistress from 1950 to 1963 and in 1968. She officially retired in 1976. Daisy Vickers was one of the best loved and dedicated teachers that the school ever had. She married the Reverend Fred Ogier and continued her association with the school after her husband's death. This card is interesting because of its association with World War One and with two local people: Daisy Vickers and Arthur Anderson. This is a coloured postcard with a sketch of three children dressed in military outfits. The child dressed as a nurse is giving a piece of fruit to a child dressed as a wounded soldier. On the back it has space for correspondence and an address.Les Grenadesdaisy vickers, warrnambool, world war one post card, postcard ww1 -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Postcard - Bonne Annee, 1914-1918
This is number 21 of 27 items in the Daisy Vickers collection of World War One memorabilia. These items were sent or given to Daisy Ogier (nee Vickers) during World War One by Corporal Arthur Anderson who enlisted from Warrnambool in 1915 at the age of 21. He served in Egypt and France and returned to Australia in 1919. Daisy Ogier (1907-1987) was a student and then a teacher at Warrnambool Technical School with her early teaching years there from 1925 to 1936 and in 1949. She became the head mistress in 1950 to 1963 and in 1968. Daisy Vickers was one of the best loved and dedicated teachers the school has ever had. She married the Reverend Fred Ogier and continued her association with the school after her husband's death. This card is interesting because of its association with World War One and two local people Daisy Vickers and Arthur AndersonThis postcard features two children standing together holding a horseshoe and flowers. In the background are more flowers. One child is wearing a deep red coloured dress with a lace collar and a hat The other child is wearing a hat, a scarf and leggings.There is black printing on the front. On the back is a hand written letter. Bonne Annee Tous nos Voeux de Bonheur DIX 105.5/3 Belgium August 13th. Dear Daisy, It is a long time since I had a letter from you so I thought I would give you a reminder to write one. Its some time now since I had a letter from Home . They don't come too often now as the Germans sink the mail boats . I am sending a handkerchief along with this card I hope you like it Arthur daisy vickers, warrnambool technical school, world war one postcard -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, New Testament : Harry Rogers, Early 20th century
This New Testament was given to Private Henry Havelock Rogers (1895-1917), the son of Joseph and Ellen Rogers of Warrnambool. He left Australia on 4th April 1916 as a member of the 14th Battalion (17 Reinforcement Group) and died in France on 12th April 1917 as a result of wounds. The cousins named were the three older children of Arthur and Agnes Rogers, also of Warrnambool. Joseph and Arthur Rogers were brothers. The New Testament was found at the MacDonald Street, South Warrnambool home of Bill Rogers (part of his deceased estate). Bill Rogers was also a child of Arthur and Agnes Rogers but was not born until the early 1920s. This New Testament has a particular poignancy as a gift to a World War One Warrnambool soldier who was killed in the war in 1917. This is a leather-covered book of 612 pages. The cover extends over the edges of the pages and the pages are gilt-edged. There is a colour plate at the beginning of the text. There is a handwritten inscription in black ink on the second page of the book. The pages have a blue ribbon marker encased in the binding. ‘To Dear Harry from His Loving Cousins, Rita, Alfie and Charlie Rogers, 27/3/16’ henry rogers, bill rogers, rita, alfie and charlie rogers, world war one, warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, The Holy Bible, 1914
This Bible was given in March 1916 to Private Henry Havelock Rogers (1895-1917), the son of Joseph and Ellen Rogers of Warrnambool. He left Australia in April 1916 as a member of the 14th Battalion (17 Reinforcement Group) and died in France in April 1917 as a result of wounds. The cousins named on the card were the three older children of Arthur and Agnes Rogers, also of Warrnambool. Joseph and Arthur Rogers were brothers. The Bible was found in the MacDonald Street, South Warrnambool home of Bill Rogers, another son of Arthur and Agnes Rogers not born until the 1920s (deceased estate item). This item has a particular poignancy as it was given to a Warrnambool World War One soldier who was killed in action. Perhaps he carried the Bible with him and it was returned to his family after his death. This is a brown leather-covered book of 822 pages. The cover extends over the edges of the pages and has gold lettering on the front cover and spine. The pages are gilt-edged and there are several colour maps at the end of the book. There is a blue ribbon marker encased in the binding. The inscription is on a loose card and is handwritten in black ink. ‘To Dear Harry Wishing Him God Speed & Safe Return From His Loving Uncle, Aunt And Cousins, Rita, Alfie & Charlie’. henry rogers, rogers families of south warrnambool, world war one and warrnambool -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photographs x 2 - Afternoon tea visit to Towong Hill
Towong Hill Homestead is a 110-year-old Federation style mansion situated on a rock outcrop, with views of about 260 degrees. It was built over 2 years by grazier Walter Mitchell from bricks made from local clay dug from the river bank, to be the family home for his new bride Winifred. They established their home in 1904. After the death of Walter in 1917, Winifred relocated her family, but the homestead remained in the families hands. In 1935, Thomas Mitchell (1906-1984) returned home to Australia, a successful Lawyer, and married city girl, Elyne Chauvel, and settled himself back at his childhood home, Towong Hill. Thomas was a world champion slalom skier, had been a prisoner of the Japanese at Changi, and was elected for the Country Party in 1946 and served as attorney-general in the McDonald government. His wife Elayne (1913-2002) is best remembered for her Silver Brumby series of novels for children. But Elyne also wrote a substantial number of non-fiction works about the Snowy Mountains. Photographs demonstrate local Kiewa Valley residents enjoying a community visit to the historic homestead at Towong Hill which holds significance to the early history of the area. Also demonstrates a pictorial history of social activities undertaken during this period2 black and white photographs mounted on buff card. Kiewa Valley residents attending afternoon tea at Towong HillHandwritten in black pen underneath photo - T.W.Mitchell Towong Hill. Afternoon Teat w mitchell, towong hill, kiewa valley -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photographs – Set of 3 black and white photographs of a building being transported by steam train
Prior to the sealing of the Kiewa Valley Highway in 1950, all heavy road stock including building materials, farm equipment and other heavy machinery had to be transported via railway lines to either Albury, Wodonga or Bright and then transported overland for the remainder of the distance by wagon on rough, poorly made roads. Trains also services the mining industries of the Ovens Valley and the transportation of tourists to Mount Buffalo and the very popular Mount Buffalo Chalet.Steam trains were a major form of transport for rural community members prior to the introduction of road transport. Local producers including farmers relied on rail transport to send and receive essential building equipment, farming produce, materials, stock and mail to maintain their lifestyles and social connections with the outside world. 3 black and white photographs of a building being transported by steam train. Photos show the train in three progressively closer photos. Photo shows a man standing in the doorway at the controls of the train, 3 figures, possibly children leaning out of the window of the carriage and another man, standing on the tracks with hands on hips. Photo could have been taken in Tallangatta, Cudgewa or Ebden near Lake Hume where trains were a major form of transport prior to the 1950’s. No markingstransportables; steam train; railway;, old tallangatta, esther temple -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Tin Coffee Cylindrical, circa mid to late 1900's
This "coffee" tin has by the "art deco" appearance its origins in the late 1950's to 1960's. This time period was one of accelerated growth both in the physical (housing) sense and the mental (new ideas and inventions) changes in "attitudes". These occurred more rapidly in cities but had its effects on the rural environment. The drinking of coffee was spurred on by easier distribution of imported food and drinks. Advertising by stronger radio links and then by television brought the variety of foods and drinks to semi isolated rural regions. The accessibility through greater information channels becoming available brought with it unbelievable ranges of goods and foodstuffs. Rural regions still relied on bulk supplies and relatively larger storage containers than those in cities. This "bulk" buying and storage "syndrome" was a lingering result of many years of "drought" periods when road transports met delays from flooded roadways in supplying population centres in the Kiewa Valley. The construction phases in building the SEC Vic Hydro electricity Scheme in the eastern sections of the Victorian Alps brought many changes to the quiet rural regions in the Kiewa Valley. Changes in population and social mores. The influx of a varied , mostly temporary, and "European flavoured cuisine" changes the "cuppa tea only" flavour to the have a "coffee break". The subliminal influence of the "American" films changed those children growing up in the post 1950s from the "English tea" to the "American coffee". This "Americanisation process has influenced not only rural Australia but also other areas throughout the world.This "insignificant" coffee tin is very significant as it demonstrates that the Kiewa Valley was becoming more accessible to reliable coffee supplies and general food items.The container was part of a "set" of containers that included tea, sugar,biscuits,flour, rice and other family condiments. This type of kitchen storage containers was brought about through changing patterns in tea and coffee useage and overall consumption. Household demands for faster "self help" cooking especially beveridges and the greater choice of kitchen "utensils" was brought on by easier access to products due to a lessening of the area's "isolation" by having a reliable (all weather) road system and an ever increasing population growth. The need for travelling goods/merchant supply caravans to service the area became a diminishing factor, as a result of the establishment of grocery stores in Tawonga and Mount Beauty in the supply of previously "hard to get" groceries. This transition was precipitated by the SEC Vic Hydro Scheme of the 1940's to 1960's which increased the valley's population level three fold.This cylindrical tin has a pull/push lid(for easy access to the contents). The container is labelled for "coffee" however it has no commercial manufacturer's label to establish that it was bought with coffee ingredients in it. The majority of the container's external surface has a "metallic" light blue colour with two sets of silver rings confining black (horizontal spotted) rectangles. "COFFEE" within an elongated spherical "art deco" four pointed banner of silver and black colouringkitchen containers, domestic food storage, bulk stocks of dried condiments -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Evacuation Plans for children during WWII, 1941
During World War 2 the State Emergency Council for Civil Defence (Victoria) sent out forms to Municipal Councils requesting a survey to be carried out regarding the suitability of householders to accommodate persons, especially children, in the more dangerous parts of Victoria. Also, surveying parents as to their wishes regarding the evacuation of their own children if necessary. The documents list householders living in the Kiewa Valley including Gundowring giving an insight into the families (size, age, religion, sex), the homes (size, number and type of rooms), Water supply, Conveyance (motor or horse drawn), distance from railway station and school. Papers created by the State Emergency Council for Civil Defence, Premier's Department 1941 requesting Municipal Councils to survey people in case of the billeting of persons who may be evacuated from the more dangerous parts of Victoria. The Accommodation Survey lists the householder, details of the house, how many people living there and how many could be accommodated.There are also forms asking householders if they wish their children to be evacuated if necessary.Forms filled out in ink. world war ii; evacuation plans; kiewa valley; gundowring -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, This is Legacy, 1947
Legacy had its origins in the aftermath of the first World War. General Sir John Gellibrand in 1923 in Hobart established the Remembrance Club which was to assist returned soldiers. He convinced Stanley Savige a returned soldier who had served with Gellibrand to set up a similar group in Melbourne. The Melbourne group was established at Anzac House shortly after. Initially looking to the needs of returned soldiers, by 1925 they had included the care of deceased soldiers’ widows and children a task which continues to the present day. It is an entirely honorary organization. It lists among its objectives as doing all for the children which the father would have been glad to see done for them. The Warrnambool club was founded in 1947 and this booklet lists the office bearers as Chas Watts, I Buzzard, D B de Beaurepaire, A K Browne R Potter, N K Morris, P H Allen, W J Tolmie, J Paterson, b C Stronach, L G Stevens, T b Patrick, R S Robinson, J O Tait. The Warrnambool region covered from Port Campbell north to Pormborneit, through Darlington and Woorndoo and across to Broadwater and Codrington and Port Fairy in the west. In 1947 they had 200 wards under their care. This booklet has as its centre pages two photographs depicting children and adults and the captions to raise £10000 towards their work and also to build a holiday camp on beach frontage already approved by the Warrnambool City Council.This booklet has historical and social significance as it shows the endeavor of the people of the district to care for those affected by war, in the district and records the names of the first people involved in working with Legacy in Warrnambool .Dark cream coloured soft card cover with brown text. Title is in larger text with the Legacy emblem in the centre of the front cover. The back cover has the poem, Flanders Field and the legacy response. Eight pages which has text and some photographs. A list of Warrnambool office bearers is on the inside back cover. *Printers Geelong. Issued by Warrnambool Legacy. warrnambool, warrnambool legacy warrnambool legacy 1947 -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medallion, Bicentennial Memento School Students 1988, 1988
This medal was produced in 1988 by the Australian Bicentennial Authority as a memento for distribution to all school students in Australia. It was one of many medals struck to commemorate 200 years of European settlement in Australia.This medal is of some interest as it is a memento of Australia’s Bicentennial celebrations and it is one that all school children in Warrnambool and district would have received at that time. This silver circular medal has five stars and a large group of men, women and children some of whom are holding hands and dancing on the reverse. On the obverse is a geometrical shaped logo and two sprays of leaves. The medal is encased in a three page green , gold, blue and red coloured card folder The inside area has the Australian flag and streamers. Medal: AUSTRALIA on reverse. AUSTRALIAN BICENTENARRY 1788-1988 On the back cover of the folder: A Coat of Arms and Governor General of Australia During 1988 we commemorate 200 years of Australia's history in the modern world and will be celebrating our Bicentenary in many different ways. But one thing that we should all be doing is thinking about what it is to be an Australian. We should be learning about our past, trying better to understand the present, and thinking of the part we can play in the Australia of the future. You are Australia's future . Keep this medallion as a reminder of this important year in our history. Signed Ninian Stephen bicentennary, schools -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Three badges, Children's Flower Day, 1. 1941 2. 1918 3. 1919
... to assist the War effort in World Wars. children flowers war effort ...These three badges were issued as fund raisers on Children's Day in 1918,1919 and 1941. The Children's Flower day arose out of the League of Young Gardeners established in 1916 to assist the war effort by encouraging children to cultivate garden plots at home and at school. The Children's Flower Day included lectures and lessons at school related to garden cultivation. Flower shows of produce grown at home and at school and street stalls were run by children to raise funds for the war effort.These badges are of interest as examples of the activities of children in Victoria to assist the War effort in World Wars.1 Cream coloured circular metal and enamel badge featuring Union flag, a wreath of red flowers and leaves around the edge on two sides and text . A clip is on the reverse. 2 Cream coloured oval plastic coated card badge featuring blue flowers and wattle blossom and text. A slot at the top for a pin so it may be attached to clothing. 3 Cream coloured circular badge featuring a six pointed gold star, a coloured image of a house and garden and text. A clip is on the reverse1 EVD CHILDREN'S FLOWER DAY 1941 on face. A.W. PATRICK. N. FITZROY. V. on rim 2 CHILDREN'S FLOWER DAY 1918 3 CHILDREN'S FLOWER DAY 1919 PEACE YEAR and symbol of an flattened semi circle with incomplete rectangle interlaced. children, flowers, war effort, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medal, German Mothers Cross, Late 1930s
This item is a bronze German MotherCross. The MotherCross was given to German mothers of pure Aryan heritage before and during World War Two. Adolf Hitler wanted to encourage population growth and keep the German mother at home. Mothers were awarded these crosses according to the number of children they had – gold crosses for eight or more children, silver for six or seven children and bronze for four or five children. The crosses were presented to mothers on 4th August, the birthday of Hitler’s mother and also on Mother’s Day. They could only be worn on special occasions around the neck on a blue cord with two white stripes. This German MotherCross is a bronze one and has on one side ‘Der Deutschen Mutter’ and on the other side ‘16 Dezember 1938’ and Adolf Hitler’s signature. The date indicates when the award was first instituted. There were at least 8 million recipients of the medal.The recipient and donor of this medal are not known but it is a very interesting and unusual memento of World War Two.This is a metal medal in the shape of a cross with a bronze ridged background in the shape of a rectangle. The cross is enamelled in blue and white and has a round bronze disc in the centre and lettering with a blue swastika on a white background. There is lettering on the back of the cross. A metal catch is attached to the top of the cross and remnants of a blue and white cloth cord are looped over the catch. One small fragment of the cord is detached. The medal is in a box which is not the original container. ‘Der Deutschen Mutter’ ‘16 Dezember 1938’ plus Adolf Hitler’s signature world war two, german mothercross -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medal, Peace Medallion 1919, !919
This medal was awarded to children of Australia up to age of i4. The medal was designed by Charles Douglas Richardson, a sculptor. . One million, six hundred and seventy medals were produced and they were distributed in 1919 to mark the end of World War One. On the original medal the inscriptions included the words: "AUSTRALIA," "VICTORY", THE TRIUMPH OF LIBERTY AND JUSTICE " and " THE PEACE OF 1919"This medal is significant as a memento of the declaration of peace at the end of World War One. Circular white metal medallion .The obverse features a figure of peace with decorative surrounds and on the top two doves and text. The reverse has a crown with rising sun rays. Below is a laurel wreath, a sailor and a soldier and text. It has a small ring attached to the top,Obverse VICTORY, the rest is indecipherable on our item. Reverse AUSTRALIA, the rest is indecipherable on our item -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medals, Stokes & Son, Anzac Day 1918, 1918
These medals were produced for Anzac Day 1918 by the Education Department of Victoria and made by the Melbourne firm, Stokes and Son. They were issued to Victorian school children and also sold to aid the war effort. These medals have no particular local provenance but are retained for display purposes..1 A silver-coloured metal medal with an image of an A.I F. soldier and printed words on the obverse side and a banner and decorative leaves and printed words on the reverse side. The medal has a metal circular piece at the top for attachment to a ribbon or cord. .2 as above except that the medal is bronze-coloured. EDV Gallipoli France Palestine Anzac Day 1918 Honor to the AIF S & S world war one, history of warrnambool, anzac day -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Certificate, Loyal Victoria Lodge, mid 1940s
The Loyal Victoria Lodge was established in Warrnambool in1862. It was a Lodge connected with the Friendly Society Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows. Friendly Societies were established to give members assistance in times of illness and hardship and to offer insurance against such events. The MUIOOF had its origins in Manchester, England. The Warrnambool Lodge built the Oddfellows Hall in Koroit Street in 1869 and in 1872 it joined with other friendly societies and established the Friendly Societies Park in Koroit Street. The MUIOOF joined with the Australian Natives Association and today the new name in Australian Unity. No details are available on W. A. McLean but the certificate indicates that he served his country during World War Two.This certificate is of considerable interest as the Loyal Victoria Lodge was a pioneer friendly society in Warrnambool with its history going back to 1862. It is also a good example of the certificates given to Warrnambool residents who had rendered significant war time service in World War Two.Framed Certificate featuring text and a coloured picture. The picture includes: a dove, five scrolls, a laurel wreath surrounding a globe, three women in long dresses, three young children, two stylised flower beds, rays of light, a hill and four coats of arms. It is covered with clear plastic with a metal back and metal prop. WARRNAMBOOL DISTRICT INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS IN VICTORIA MANCHESTER UNITY FRIENDLY SOCIETY. The Officers and Members of the Loyal Victoria Lodge No. 4835 express grateful recognition and sincere appreciation to Bro. W. A. McLean for services rendered to God, King and Empire in Great War, 1939- 1945. N.G.Chas Gerock V.G. F.J. Toogood Rob Fairbridge Secretary. a circular red seal. -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Badges X 5, Legacy Stickpins
Legacy is an Australian organisation which was founded in 1923 to assist the widows of servicemen who had not returned from active service in World War One. It now assists widows, widowers and their children whose parent died whilst serving during any conflict or subsequently. These badges are an interesting memento of the means used by the organisation of Legacy to raise funds to assist widows, widowers and children of deceased service men and women.1 silver coloured metal inverted tear drop shaped badge featuring a torch with red flame and a blue scroll with text. There is a pin on the reverse. .2,.3,.4, .5 silver coloured metal "figure eight" shaped badge featuring a torch with red flame and a blue scroll with text. There is a pin on the reverse..1 , .2, .3, .4, .5 LEGACY -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Album, early 20th century
This album contains cut-outs and newspaper illustrations that date mainly from 1915 and 1916. The compiler is mainly interested in animals and agricultural shows etc bu there are also images of World War One deceased soldiers and local Warrnambool cuttings, including some of an Australia Day parade showing the floats. No information has been found on the compiler, George Bennett.This album is of interest, firstly because it is a good example of a young boy's album compiled in early 20th century times and secondly because it has some local content - images not hitherto seen.This is an album with a red cover decorated with mauve and orange flowers and greenery. The pages contain children's cut-outs of animals, mainly horses and dogs, newspaper illustrations and images of World War One deceased soldiers. All the items are pasted in. The edges of the cover are slightly worn and the binding is a little loose. There are some blank pages.George Bennett 1915album with warrnambool cuttings -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Folder, Manuell, Bob
Bob Manuel was director of Briar Hill Timber and Hardware, started in 1934 by Bob's father-in-law, Fred Squire, a pioneering building at Briar Hill, and his wife Hazel. Bob was hired in 1956 when 90 worked for the firm; that number grew to 430 during World War II, including the sawmill in the Otways. Later it provided much of the timber for Melbourne's Olympic Village. Bob and wife Lorraine were retiring to travel, and visit children Robert, Sally, Janet and Catherine. Contents Newspaper article: "Timber door shuts after decades serving the hill", Diamond Valley News, 17 May 2000, Bob Manuell will close his business Briar Hill Timber and Hardware after 66 years.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcbob manuel, briar hill timber and hardware, fred squire, hazel squire, olympic village melbournelorraine manuel, robert manuel, sally manuel, janet manuel, catherine manuel -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Folder, Masefield, Bert and Ethel
Bert Masefield's parents came from Lancashire to Surrey Hills, his education ending because of the depression when he went to work at an orchard at Hastings. When his father list his job as a cabinet maker, he bought an orchard at Cottlesbridge and Bert joined them, ploughing with a horse. He met and married Ethel Smith who had grown u at Panton Hill; her great grandparents Sarah and Samuel Smith came from Lancashire where they had a cotton mill and iron foundry, settling at Smith Gully between Panton Hill and St Andrews. Their son Edwin married Louisa Purcell whose parents owned the Caledonie Hotel at Smiths Gully; they had 12 children and settled on a property in Cherrytree Road. Son Edwin left Panton Hill school aged 11 in 1885 and worked with his father and uncle fencing the family property. Edwin had nine children, Ethel being the seventh. Aged 14, she gained a scholarship to Stotts Business College. Berth and Ethel, when they married, bough a property in Cherrytree Road. In 1941 Bert, a ham radio enthusiast, joined the RAAF as a radio mechanic, serving in Townsville and New Guinea until 1945. Over time, they subdivided their property. Bert worked for ten years as property officer for Eltham Shire Council; his work included coverting Three Chain Road (or Gumtree Road) into a huge firebreak. Now retired, Bert spends time speaking with radio operators around the world and the couple are involved with sports including the Montmorency Bowling Club; they were foundation members of the Hurstbridge Bowling Club. Marjorie North (nee Cooper) was 14 when her family moved from the city to Montmorency when the railway station was first built in 1923. Marjorie described her memories of Montmorency at that time. She and sister Connie were keen tennis players, playing at Greensborough. By 1927, they had arranged, though shire engineer Ben Johnson, to rent land from the Council for 10 pounds a year; Mr Paragreen levelled the land. The club held a dance every three weeks in a school room with piano for music. She won the singles, doubles and mixed doubles championships in 1929 at the first championship. Contents Newspaper article: "Round the world on radio waves," Diamond Valley News, 30 September 1986, outlines Bert and Ethel Masefield's lives. Newspaper article: "Stalwart recalls the early days," Diamond Valley News, 30 September 1986, outlines Bert and Ethel Masefield's lives.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcbert masefield, elthel masefield, ethel smith, cherrytree road panton hill, samuel smith, sarah smith, smith gully victoria, caledonie hotel smiths gully, stotts business college, montmorency bowling club, hurstbridge bowling club, eltham shire council, edwin smith, louisa purcell, parragreen of para road, ben johnson, montmorency tennis club -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Beulah Alice Rutter and children, June and Samuel, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
... in the First World War. While the children were growing up at ‘Yarra... in the First World War. While the children were growing up at ‘Yarra ...Hubert and Beulah Alice (Simpson) Rutter had five children: Hubert Jnr. (Joe) in 1913, David in 1915, June in 1917, Donald in 1922 and Samuel in 1926. Samuel died as an infant aged 17 days. Hubert was a notable figure in Eltham and beyond, with a career as a mining manager in Australia and Malaya. He served in the AIF in the First World War. While the children were growing up at ‘Yarra Braes’, Eltham, their father was an Eltham Shire Councillor in the 1920s, shire president in 1928 and a leading figure in establishing the Shire of Eltham War Memorial League, which was responsible for building the Shire of Eltham War Memorial tower at Kangaroo Ground, near where the Shire Offices were located until the 1930s. The Rutter name was commemorated after the war at Eltham High School with one of the schoolhouses named ‘Rutter House’ and at Geelong Grammar School until the 1960s where a ‘Rutter Badge’ was awarded to junior boys for leadership. The family home, ‘Yarra Braes’ was destroyed in the devasting Black Friday bushfire, 13 January 1939 and Beulah relocated to Toorak, Hubert working in Western Australia. Tragedy struck the family again December 19, 1940 when daughter June was killed after falling from the Heidelberg train on to an adjacent track into the path of a Reservoir train at Victoria Park station. Sons David and Donald both served in the R.A.A.F. during the Second World War and were killed in action, David in Libya in 1941 and Donald in Germany in 1945. The wreck of his plane and his body were not recovered at the time and Hubert never ceased to chase down leads as to his whereabouts. Beulah never gave up hope that Donald was still alive. Hubert had received several reports shortly after the war that his son was still alive but these were ultimately accepted as misidentification. Such was the anguish of the grieving parents, their son’s plane not found to confirm the fact for certain. Hubert wrote to the Air Force in frustration, failing to understand how the plane could disappear when it crashed in a relatively populated area. Unfortunately the answers came too late for Beulah who died in 1946 and was buried in Eltham Cemetery along with her daughter June and baby Samuel. Donald’s plane was eventually located and his body recovered in 1949. He is buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany. David is commemorated on Column 245, Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Both David and Donald are commemorated on Eltham’s Roll of Honour Board, commissioned by the Eltham War Memorial Trust to be hung in the Baby Health Centre, part of the Eltham War Memorial building precinct. Hubert Senior and Hubert Junior both continued to work in the mining industry in Western Australia. Hubert senior died 1957 at Plantagenet Western Australia and Hubert junior in 1979 at Gascoyne, Western Australia. Sacred to the memory of Beulah AliceBeloved wife of Hubert Rutter Died August 21st 1946 also June Beloved daughter of Beulah and Hubert Rutter Died 19th December 1940 aged 23 years Also her baby brother Samuel Died 7th October 1926, aged 17 daysBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, beulah alice rutter, hubert rutter, june rutter, samuel rutter -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Len Parker's Bedford truck at the Tosch home in Panton Hill, c.1952
Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker, panton hill, tosch property -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Len Parker's Bedford truck, c.1962
Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. The little girl is Grace de Visser's sister. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Len Parker with his restored Bedford truck, 1999
Len's Bedford truk is featured in one of the Montmorency Were Street shopping precinct mosaics. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker