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Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Souvenir - Tumbler etched glass Warrnambool exhibition 1896-7, 1897
The Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7 was held for three months in the Town Hall/Council Chambers/ Mechanics Institute buildings with additional temporary buildings placed on the Liebig and Timor Streets corner area. It was one of the biggest events ever held in Warrnambool with an estimated 70,000 attending. John Villiers, the owner of a glassware and crockery shop in Liebig Street and a well-known theatrical performer, had a large display stand at the Exhibition. He displayed glassware items from Britain and Europe and sold souvenirs of the Exhibition. Villiers engaged Mr Bartholomew, a Melbourne engraving artist, and he gave engraving exhibitions at Villiers’ stall. Glass etching had not been seen in Warrnambool previous to this. No doubt many of his engraved objects were sold and this glass tumbler would be one of these. This is a valuable and significant item because:- 1. It is an important souvenir from the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7, the only one we have from Villiers’ stall. 2. It is an example of what is believed to be the first etching on glass to be done in Warrnambool. The identity of ‘M.R.’ is not known. This is an etched glass tumbler from the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7. It is plain glass with a solid base. A three branched frond of fern is on one side of the glass and a two-branched frond of leaves on the other. ‘Warrnambool Exhibition, M.R. 1897’ warrnambool, warrnambool industrial and art exhibition 1896-7, etched glass tumbler, john villiers 1896, warrnambool souvenirs, villiers -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Frame Fragment, Frame Fragment from 1860 J Wilder, Late 19th century
Joseph Wilder, a professional photographer, came to Warrnambool in 1860 and took a series of photographs, two of which survive today. One was of the local Volunteer Corps and the other was a series of photographs taken from Cannon Hill showing Merri Street and the town and buildings beyond. It seems that copies of these last-mentioned photographs were framed to produce a large panoramic view of 1860 Warrnambool and one of these was given to the old Warrnambool Museum in the 1880s by James Astley Bromfield. He had established a chemist’s shop in Warrnambool in 1854 and showed his interest in the history of the young town by producing a map in 1856 showing the first landowners, a seminal resource today for historians. He again demonstrated this interest when he included the names of the people and places in the 1860 photograph he gave to the museum in the 1880s. The frame fragment was found amongst the collection of items from the old Museum at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and brought to the Historical Society to accompany the original series of photographs. Bromfield went to live in Melbourne in the 1880s. It is presumed that the plastic cover has been placed on the frame fragment at a much later date than the 1880s.This frame fragment is interesting and very important for several reasons:- 1. It is one demonstration of the interest that James Astley Bromfield had in local history 2. It came from the old Warrnambool Museum and shows how that institution kept items of historical interest 3. It gives us the names of the people and places in the Joseph Wilder photographs of 1860 that placed together form a panorama that reveals what a major section of Warrnambool looked like only 13 years after its foundation. The list enables us to correctly identify the early places and people and so is invaluable for research purposes 4. It links a Museum exhibit of the 1880s with the original 1860 photographs which are held by the Historical Society This is a piece of wood broken from a frame containing a photograph. It has jagged edges. It contains the list of people and places depicted in the Joseph Wilder panorama photograph of Warrnambool in 1860. The list is handwritten in ink on paper which has been attached to the frame with a piece of plastic. Warrnambool in 1860 Photographed by Wilder. Showing children of the late Andrew Semple etc In red pencil – ‘Keep’, in ink, ‘Keep’ On separate piece of paper - Presented to Warrnambool Mechanics’ Muzeum by James Astley Bromfield, August 3rd 1886 joseph wilder 1860, panorama of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Original Document, Residential Qualification: Aden Armstrong, Circa 1900
This is an original Elector’s right certificate of 1900 for the Warrnambool Electoral District. This entitled the owner to vote at elections held for the Legislative Assembly in the Government of Victoria. The voter had to be male and resident in the electorate( in this case Warrnambool).This certificate was issued to Aden Armstrong an undertaker with a business in Timor Street opposite the Old National Bank which was at the corner of Kepler and Timor Streets. The Registrar who signed the certificate was Richard Geilhofer. The certificate was one of the items in the Henri Worland collection of historical society in 1973 by the Warrnambool City Council via Keith Arnel the Town Clerk. The timeframe of this document is on the cusp of major electoral change in Australia with the Federation of Australian states happening in 1901 and the granting of the vote for Australian women in the various states over the next decade.This item would have been a common item at the time as all those entitled to vote had to present same. It has local significance with Aden Armstrong being in business in Warrnambool for a number of years.Cream coloured paper with black text. Victorian coat of Arms at centre top of document. Drawing of lady holding shield on left side Handwritten information is written in faded black ink. Blue stamped number 137050 on top right corner. Back is printed with notes for the elector.Signature and date 1/11/00 at top left. Warrnambool is stamped in dark blue twice at top. Aden Armstrong of Lava St Warrnambool, Undertaker is written on the form with his signature at bottom right. Also signed by the registrar of the day, Richard Geilhofer. Date is also included 24th January 1900 elector's right certificate, aden armstrong, warrnambool, warrnambool undertakers -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, The History of Warrnambool by Richard Osburne, 1887
Richard Osburne (1825-1895) came to Warrnambool in 1847, a pioneer resident in the new settlement. In 1851, with John Wilkinson, he founded Warrnambool’s first newspaper, the Warrnambool Examiner, and issued it weekly for some months until he left the town for the goldfields. Returning in 1853 he resumed publication of the Examiner and continued it, intermittently in its last few years, until 1880. He was acknowledged in his day as the Father of the Warrnambool Press and was a dominant figure in Warrnambool’s early history. In 1882 he went to live in Melbourne, returning to publish his ‘History of Warrnambool’ in 1887.This book is highly significant as it is an original copy of one of the most important books written on Warrnambool’s history by one of Warrnambool’s most important early settlers (published 1887). Original copies are extremely rare now. The book was given to D.B. Sellars by his first cousin, John Murray, who was Warrnambool’s Parliamentary representative for over 30 years and Premier of Victoria from 1909 to 1912. John Murray’s signature is in the book and this is an important addition. The provenance therefore is of the highest significance. No details are available on the recipient of the book or the donor of the book to the Historical Society. This is an original copy of Richard Osburne’s book on the history of Warrnambool from 1847 to 1886. It is a hard cover buff-coloured book of 284 pages with additional Melbourne and Warrnambool advertisements at the book. There is one fold-up insert (four of the original missing) There are a Preface and Notes from the Author ('To the public in general’ and ‘To my personal friends in the Warrnambool district’)Inside front cover: Mr D.B. Sellars from John Murray (in pencil – Premier of Victoria 1909-1912, 1st cousin of D.B.Sellars, Uncle David) Donated to the Historical Society of Warrnambool in memory of Miss Clemintine MacDonald of Maffra, who died April 1979, aged 91 years. Given by Mrs M.Allen (niece) 72 Grange Road, Sandringham, 3191, 22-7-80 john murray, richard osburne, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Seal: Woodford Mechanics Institute, 19th century
Mechanics Institutes were first established in the 19th century in Scotland and England to improve the education of working class men and to instruct them in their various trades. In Australia Mechanics’ Institutes were set up in the late 1920s with the first one in Melbourne dating from 1839. The Institutes in Victoria were (and some still are) a feature of Victorian country towns, usually consisting of a hall containing a Library and in bigger centres art class rooms and other recreation areas. The Woodford Mechanics’ Institute was established in 1861, enlarged in 1868 and burnt down in 1917.This seal is of major interest as it is the only seal we have of Mechanics’ Institutes in our district. These Mechanics’ Institutes were very important in the educational and social development of Victorian country towns. This is a seal or stamp made of brass and attached to a wooden handle. The wood on the handle is of a dark colour and is urn-shapedStamp - Woodford Mechanics Institutemechanics’ institutes, woodford, early mechanic institute seal -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Invitation, Centenary of the School on the Hill, 2015
An Invitation to the Centenary of the School on the Hill which housed at various times, the Warrnambool Agricultural High School, Warrnambool High School, Warrnambool Technical School SEAL Inc and with the Warrnambool Special School on the same site.Many students from Warrnambool and the surrounding district would have been students at one of the various schools which have occupied this site from time to time from the earliest in 1915 to the present time and as such has historic and social significance to the town.White paper with black print A4sizewarrnambool agricultural high school, warrnambool high school, warrnambool technical school, schools of warrnambool, warrnambool special school -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Ledger, Alex Black Painter and Decorator, Circa 1900
Alexander Black was a painter and decorator who operated a business in Timor St below Swinton’s. Some of the customers in this book are town council baths, Mr Fritz Landmann, St John’s Church, Thomas Redford, Thomas Robinson, Public Works Department, J W Crawley, Jas McLeod, W J Jackman among many more.Listing many local people and being associated with a local business, it has social and historical significance.Large rectangular hard card cover. Maroon, blue and cream patterned card cover with dark green spine binding. Hand written entries listing details of work completed at front and tenders for work at the back of the book. Paper label pasted to front cover “Working account book from 5th December 1899 to August 1918 Tenders at back of book 1900.” Purple oval stamp Alexr Black Painter Importer of paper hangings Warrnambool. Handwritten inside front cover: Mr Alex Black Timor Street Warrnambool. warrnambool, alexander black, alex black painter, black painterwarrnambool, -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Mechanics Institute, 2015
This book contains information on all known Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes were organizations formed originally to improve the education of working men and to instruct them in their various trades. The first Institutes were established in London and Manchester in the 1820s and in Australia the first Institutes were set up in New South Wales and Tasmania in the late 1820s, with the first one in Melbourne in 1839. Mechanics’ Institutes were set up in Victorian country towns, in many cases, soon after the settlements were founded. This book is of some importance as a reference book as it gives information on all known Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria and there were many in the Warrnambool region. The Mechanics’ Institutes were important centres for local adult education and recreation. The book will therefore be of great use to readers of local history and researchers. This is a hard cover book of 704 pages. It has many photographs, mostly black and white, and other images related to Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. It has a Contents page, Foreword, Dedications, a story entitled ‘Dingo Flat’, Preface, Introduction, Acknowledgements and articles on hundreds of Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria, whether closed or still existing. The front cover has two black and white photographs and the title and the back cover has images from two Mechanics’ Institutes. The authors are Pam Baragwanath and Ken James.Front Cover: ‘These Walls Speak Volumes’, ‘A History of Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria, ‘Pam Baragwanath and Ken James’mechanics’ institutes in victoria -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Post Card, 2015
This is a printed invitation to the opening of an exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ballarat in June 2015. The exhibition was of the art works and calligraphy of James Meek. It was curated by Joan Luxemburg who is writing a book on James Meek’s life and work. James Meek was an important 19th century fisherman, fish curer, accountant, writer, gold explorer and calligrapher. His art works are prized for their historical content and their illustrations of the work of a calligrapher at its best. This card is important as it concerns the art works of James Meek. He was important in the history of Ballarat, Peterborough and Warrnambool in the 19th century. In the latter town he was a well-known punt operator, a gold explorer, a writer and lecturer and a fish company operator. Several of his important calligraphy works were produced in Warrnambool. This is a lightweight cardboard card printed on both sides with printed material, logos of sponsors and an image of a section of one of James Meek’s sketches. ‘The Inimitable Mr Meek’james meek, art gallery of ballarat, joan luxemburg -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Programme - Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in Warrnambool Program, 2014
This program features a concert by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Warrnambool Lighthouse Theatre on 23rd October 2014. The conductor was Brett Kelly. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is the oldest professional orchestra in Australia, being established in 1906. It has 100 permanent musicians and performs regularly in Melbourne and in regional towns and cities.This item is of minor importance as a program of one of the concerts held in Warrnambool and featuring the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. This is an A4 size program of two pages with printed material back-to-back. There are photographs in colour, logos in black and white and advertisements.melbourne symphony orchestra, warrnambool, lighthouse theatre -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Menu 150th, 1997
This is the program for the dinner celebrating Warrnambool’s 150th anniversary. Warrnambool was established in 1847 as a planned town in response to the need for a new port to be established to service the pastoralists who had occupied land nearby. Superintendent La Trobe authorized the establishment of the town and probably gave it its name. The surveyor of the 250 acre grid that today comprises most of the Central Business District was William Pickering. The 150th anniversary celebrations were organized by an 150th Anniversary Committee headed by Frank JacobsThis program is of minor interest as a memento of the important 150th anniversary celebrations held in Warrnambool in 1997. This is a buff-coloured A3–size sheet folded into three to make six pages of printed material. These include sepia-tone photographs, the menu for the dinner, the official crest of the Warrnambool City Council and the 150th anniversary celebrations logoFront cover: ‘Official 150th Anniversary Dinner, 17th February 1997’warrnambool’s 150 anniversary celebrations -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Programme - My Fair Lady, 1986
This is a program for the 1956 production of ‘My Fair Lady’ by the Warrnambool Theatre Company. This group was originally known as the Warrnambool Dramatic Society but in the late 1950s the name was changed to the Warrnambool Theatre Group. Since that time the company has produced all types of theatrical performances, many of them in the old Warrnambool Town Hall. Joyce and Cyril Hayward were associated with the company productions for many years. This program is of minor significance as a memento of the 1956 performance of ‘My Fair Lady’ by the Warrnambool Theatre Group.This is a booklet of eight pages with a green cover. There is printed material on all pages and this includes advertisements, information on the Warrnambool Theatre Company, synopsis of the story, lists of actors and associated personnel in the production, sketches and photographs and acknowledgements. The pages are stapled.Front Cover: ‘My Fair Lady’warrnambool theatre company, warrnambool, program, my fair lady -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Brass Plate, Chamber of Commerce 1933, 1933
This plaque has been attached to a Warrnambool installation in 1933. It is not known to which site this refers but it may have been the Warrnambool Information Pavilion which was erected outside the old Warrnambool City Council Chambers. There have been many Warrnambool Chambers of Commerce over the years. These were established by Warrnambool businessmen and women to promote the interests of the town/city and to encourage the development of local industry and the tourism trade. This plaque is of great local interest but unfortunately does not have a clear provenance.This is a small brass plaque. The plaque has four holes at each corner for attachment to a building or other object. ‘Erected by the Chamber of Commerce, Warrnambool, 1933’warrnambool chamber of commerce, warrnambool city council chambers, plaque -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Tie Pin, Tie Pin half crown, Late 19th century
This tie pin has as its centerpiece a souvenir medal from the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7. This exhibition was held in the Town Hall and Council Buildings and the Mechanics’ Institute and temporary buildings at the corner of Liebig and Timor Streets, Warrnambool. It was held over three months and attracted many visitors and featured concerts, sports events, industrial exhibits and a variety of competitions. This is an interesting and important item. It is one of the more unusual mementoes from the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition and shows the use made of souvenirs from exhibitions around the world. This tiepin was purchased in an antique shop in England in the 20th century. This is a metal tie pin with three circular coins, soldered together at the edges. In the middle is a souvenir medal of the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7 showing an image of the Exhibition buildings at the corner of Timor and Liebig Streets on one side and a Coat of Arms on the other side. The two smaller coins on each side are imitation British half crowns. The clip at the back is soldered on to the two smaller coins Medal: Industrial Exhibition, Warrnambool 1896 Coins: 1889-90 warrnambool industrial and art exhibition 1896-7, warrnambool, tie pin -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Box, Box of Seidlitz powder, 1920s
This box contained Seidlitz Powders. These powders were used for indigestion and constipation with the name coming from the village of Sedlec or Sedlitz which was the source of a bitter mineral water once used for indigestion. The 19th century product was produced by many chemical factories with nothing to do with the original Sedlitz town. The powders were a mixture of tartaric acid, sodium bicarbonate and potassium sodium tartrate. This box contained powders distributed by the chemist firm of Sambell and Son. John Sambell came to Warrnambool in 1886 and three generations of the Sambell family conducted chemist shops in four different locations in Fairy Street. Sambell and Son were operating at 151 Fairy Street in the late 1910s and in the 1920s. This is an item of interest as it not only shows us the type of box used by chemists t0 package their medicines in the 1920s but also reminds us of the days when Seidlitz Powers were commonly used for indigestion and constipation. It also has a strong link to the Sambell family, chemists in Warrnambool for over 40 years. This is an empty cream-coloured cardboard box with a lid with blue edgings and printed material in blue type and a British crest and an ornamental pattern around the edges of the lid. The sides of the box are torn and the box is discoloured and dirty. Superior Genuine, Seidlitz Powders, prepared by Sambell & Son, Dispensing Chemists, Fairy Street Warrnambool, ‘Phone 90, Directions – Dissolve the contents of one of the BLUE papers in half a pint of cold water, add the contents of one of the WHITE papers, and drink during a state of effervescence’sambell and son, chemists, seidlitz powders, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Badge, stickers, medal, Premier town items, 1982; 1991
Premier Town Awards are awarded by the Victorian State Government to regional communities that best protect and enhance their environment. The award recognizes success in litter prevention, waste management and environmental projects and community group and individual efforts are taken into account in this regard, Warrnambool has won the award three times (1958, 1979-82 and 1988-1991). These items are of interest as examples of the souvenirs distributed to celebrate Warrnambool’s being awarded the title of Premier Town of Victoria in the 1970s and the late 1980s. Bruce Rogers, the recipient of the brass plaque and Director of the Premier Town Campaign in 1979-82 was a Warrnambool businessman, City Councillor (1965-9) and a Lawn bowls player of note. Three items- 1. Five Premier Town 1988-1991 paper stickers – circular with black printing and blue and green colouring in the Premier Town design 2. Premier Town 1979-82 shield-shaped cloth badge with black printing and blue and green stitching of Premier Town design (in plastic folder accompanied by paper backing with name of supplier) 3. Premier Town 1979-82 brass plaque Sporting Award etched with name of Bruce Rogers, Hon. Director 1. Warrnambool Premier Town, 1988-1991, Victoria 2. Warrnambool Premier Town, 1979-82 Vic. 3. Warrnambool Premier Town, 1979-82, the 1979-82 Premier Town Sporting Award, Bruce Rogers, Hon. Director warrnambool, premier town awards -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Souvenir, Oven Mitt, Early 20th century
This is a product that was sold in the general store of Cramond and Dickson in Warrnambool early in the 20th century and produced for this store at the time. It may also have been given to customers as an advertising feature. John Glass Cramond and James Dickson established a drapery store in Warrnambool in 1855, firstly in Timor Street and then in Liebig Street. It specialized in men’s and women’s clothing and drapery and had a tailoring and millinery business. The store opened branches in several towns in the vicinity of Warrnambool, including Port Fairy. It also opened a branch store in London, enabling it to import materials and other items direct from London. The Cramond and Dickson store in Warrnambool closed in 1973. This mitt is of considerable interest as it is a sample of the wares and advertising articles coming from the general store of Cramond and Dickson of Warrnambool. This store was of great importance in Warrnambool as a dominant business in the town/city for over 100 years. This is a rectangular-shaped oven mitt with light brown leather on one side and a green-coloured felt-like material with a fluted edge on the other side. The mitt has machine stitching diagonally across both sides and machine stitching around the edges. A leather looped tag is attached at one corner so that the mitt can be hung up. The reddish-brown printing on the leather side of the mitt is stamped into the leather. The leather side is a little stained. ‘Cramond & Dickson. Warrnambool, Port Fairy & London’ cramond & dickson stores, warrnambool, port fairy, london, history of warrnambool, john glass cramond, james dickson -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, The New University of Melb - Bowen Prise Essay 1883, 1914
The essay pasted into this booklet was originally produced in a newspaper (name unknown). The original essay was written by Cornelius (Con) O’Mahony and in 1883 it won the Bowen Prize Essay Competition for the best essay written by a student or past student of the University of Melbourne. The Bowen Prize was established in 1874 by the Governor of Victoria, Sir George Bowen, and was awarded annually thereafter. It is still awarded today. Con O’Mahony was a lawyer in Kepler Street, Warrnambool from the 1880s to 1920, initially in partnership with E.W. Klingender and later operating under the name of O’Mahony and Murray. He was born in Bendigo in 1863 and studied at Melbourne University in the early 1880s. O’Mahony received a set of ten books, Lives of the Chancellors, for winning the Bowen Prize and this set of books is in the collection of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society today. This essay, although only a typed copy, is important because it is a prime example of the 19th century positive writings on the need for Federation in Australia and so it played its part in promoting the cause of the Federation movement. It was written 17 years before Federation came into being by Con O’Mahony, a person who also played a part in Warrnambool’s history as a prominent lawyer in the town for over 30 years. This is a soft cover booklet of 24 pages. The cover is brown with black print and has handwritten material written over the original printing on the front cover. The booklet, originally an insurance booklet, has a stamp and typed material (a Federation essay) cut out and pasted onto 17 of the original pages. The booklet was originally stapled but the staples have been removed. The cover is partly torn and detached from the pages. The first couple of pages have silverfish damage. ‘Apr 22 1914’ ‘The University of Melbourne, Bowen Prize Essay 1883 won by C. O’Mahony’ con o’ mahony, bowen prize, history of warrnambool, federation campaign in australia -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, The adventures of Rolly, Early 1930s
This book was given by the Warrnambool State School as a school prize to Ruddy Holland in 1933. He went from the primary school to the Warrnambool Technical School and was well-known for is sporting prowess, especially as a footballer. The Warrnambool State School in Jamieson Street, Warrnambool was opened in 1876, replacing the four Common Schools on the town. This book is of interest as a memento of the Warrnambool State School in the 1930s and of Ruddy Holland, a well-known sportsperson in Warrnambool in the mid 20th century. This is a hard cover book of 206 pages. The cover is dark green with yellow, pink, black and green floral designs on the front cover and spine. The lettering is yellow. The book has several full-page black and white illustrations, with the one at the front detached from the binding. The cover is partly detached from the binding and has been mended with adhesive tape. The book plate on the first page is printed with an ornamental red, blue and gold border. The book plate has been filled in with hand-printing in black ink. ‘Warrnambool 1743, presented to Ruddy Holland, Leadership in Sport, Head Teacher’s Prize, Dec. 1933’. ruddy holland, warrnambool state school -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Tray, Wooden sandwich tray, Early 20th century
This wooden tray has been purchased from the Warrnambool Fancy Goods shop of M. Giblett. She had taken over this shop early in the 20th century from Mrs Martha Wright who was well-known in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for her shop in Liebig Street (95 Liebig Street today) and for her needlework classes in the town. Many of her pupils won prizes at the local Agricultural Shows. This tray is of some interest as an object bought at the Wright/Giblett Fancy Goods Store in Warrnambool early in the 20th century. This is a rectangular-shaped wooden tray with four raised pieces of wood attached to form edges. The tray has been painted yellow. There is a label on the base of the tray indicating the shop from where it was purchased. The tray has some chipped paint, some dirt marks and some small cracks in the wood. ‘Millinery, Art Needlework, Baby Wear and Wool Specialists, Wrights (M.I.Giblett) Warrnambool’ martha wright, warrnambool, m. giblett, warrnambool, history of warrnambool, art needlework in warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, John Ross notebook, 1890s
This small note book belonged to John Ross, the Warrnambool Town Surveyor and Engineer (1889-1906 & 1913-1914). The book lists the levels taken for the benefit of contractors undertaking jobs for the Warrnambool Council from 1898 to 1902. The jobs include ‘Russells Creek from the Merri River upwards’, ‘Outlet at the Flume’, ‘Guns at the Battery’ and Drainage from the Terminus Hotel to the end of the Japan Street Tunnel’. John Ross was also in private practice with the architectural firm of Ross and Jackman. This notebook is of considerable interest because it is an original note book that belonged to John Ross, the Warrnambool Town Surveyor and Engineer in the late 19h century and early 20th century. The note book contains important information on the engineering projects in Warrnambool and district from 1898 to 1902. This note book has a red leather cover. The cover is a little creased. The inside pages have ruled red lines and printed headings regarding the levels taken of a site and the location of the site (1898 to 1902). The engineer’s entries in the printed columns are handwritten , mostly in pencil. The inscription on the first page is handwritten in black ink. ‘Jno C Ross, Town Surveyor Wbool 19/5/98’ john ross, warrnambool town council, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Billy Bratwurst, 2013
This is a fictional story about a small boy growing up in rural Australia. The author, Jo Hyland, lives in Woolsthorpe. The story, written in a light-hearted way, is suitable for adults and older children. This book is of minor interest as it was written by a resident of Woolsthorpe, a small town in the Warrnambool district. This is a soft cover book of 134 pages. The cover is multi-coloured with many comic images centred around the activities of a small boy. The book contains 22 chapters. jo hyland, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Book Reflection - In Jamaica, 1932
This is a travel book written by Mary Gaunt (1861-1942). She was an Australian author who gained international recognition for her novels, travel books, magazine articles and short stories. The wife of Dr H. L. Miller, she lived in Warrnambool from 1894 to 1900 and wrote some of her novels whilst in the town, using local scenes and situations for some of her writings. Her travel books are important as she wrote about her adventures in countries such as Africa and China where she was often touring places not previously visited by a white woman unaccompanied by other Europeans. This original copy of Mary Gaunt’s book about her travels in Jamaica is significant. Not only was Mary Gaunt a noted Australian writer but she was also a resident of Warrnambool for some time and thus has her place in Warrnambool’s history. This book was sent by Mary Gaunt to her brother Clive, resident in Rangoon at the time of the book’s publication. This is a hard cover book of 258 pages. The book has a dark green cover with gold lettering on the spine. The cover is very mottled and stained. There are four black and white photographs scattered throughout the text. A signature on the first page is in black ink and a small book plate is printed on a piece of paper which is pasted into the first page. ‘Clive Gaunt Rangoon’ ‘With the Author’s Compliments’ mary gaunt, history of warrnambool, australian literature -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Program, Clara Butt, 1913
This is a programme for a 1913 Clara Butt and Kennerley Rumford concert in the Warrnambool Town Hall. Clara Butt (1872-1936) was an English contralto recitalist and concert performer, well-known for her powerful and deep voice. Her three months’ tuition in Paris was sponsored by Queen Victoria. She was married to Kennerley Rumford in 1900 and they had three children. Robert Henry Kennerley Rumford (1870-1957) was an English baritone singer known initially for his performance of oratorio. Clara Butt and Kennerley Rumford were called ‘the greatest classical Valentines’. Other performers listed in this concert programme were Mowat Carter, a Melbourne-born violinist and William Murdoch, a pianist, composer and author, born in Bendigo.This programme is of considerable significance as it records the visit to Warrnambool of the famous English singer, Clara Butt. It is an original programme and it is probably a rare one. This is an eight-page programme, consisting of two sheets of cream paper folded in half. The programme was stapled but the staples have been removed. The front cover has blue printing and the back cover has an advertisement in blue print. The print on the inside pages is in black. Two inscriptions are handwritten in blue ink.‘1913’ ‘N.J.Absalom’clara butt, kennerley rumford, warrnambool town hall, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Glass, Warrnambool Premier Town, 1980s
This glass is a souvenir of the awarding to Warrnambool of the title of Victoria’s Premier Town for the period 1979 to 1982. The Premier Town Awards were given by the State Government to the town or city that best protected and enhanced its environment. Factors contributing to this included waste management, litter control and environmental improvements. Warrnambool won the award in 1958, 1979-82 and 1988-1991. This souvenir glass is kept as an example of the type of souvenir sold on the occasion of Warrnambool’s winning the Premier Town Award for 1979 to 1982. It will be useful for display. This is a drinking glass in the form of a goblet with a circular base, a thin stem and a top with gold edging around the rim. On the side of the glass there is a Warrnambool logo and wording in gold lettering. ‘Warrnambool Premier Town ‘ ‘1979-82’ ‘Victoria Australia’ premier town awards, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Platter, Transfer Hopkins River
This is a souvenir dish or small plate with an illustration of the Hopkins River in Warrnambool. Included in the illustration are the rowing shed, the boathouses and the lambertiana trees in the property of Lyndoch. The souvenir dish would have been sold to tourists visiting Warrnambool or Warrnambool residents in the 1920s and 30s. This type of souvenir was popular at the time in any tourist town or place in Australia. Tourism has been an important industry in Warrnambool since the late 19th century. This item is of interest as an example of the type of souvenir produced for tourists in the 1920s and 30s. It was both a useful and decorative item. It will be useful for display. This is a small glass souvenir dish. The centre of the dish features a colour illustration of the Hopkins River, Warrnambool (near its mouth). The glass around the illustration is heavily patterned and embossed. The bottom of the dish is dark blue. ‘Hopkins River Warrnambool’ tourism in warrnambool, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Ashtray, Mid 20th century
This is an ash tray sold to tourists as a souvenir of a visit to Warrnambool. It would have been relatively cheap to buy. Souvenirs such as this were mass-produced for the tourist market and a relevant photograph inserted on the base to suit the town or settlement where they were sold. As cigarette-smoking is no longer so socially acceptable, items such as this one are no longer sold as tourist souvenirs. This item is of interest as an example of the type of souvenir sold to tourists in Australia in the first half of the 20th century, probably in the 1940s or 1950s. It is of particular local interest because it contains a photograph of Warrnambool during that time. This is a souvenir tin ash tray circular in shape. It has a colour photograph of Warrnambool inserted into the base of the dish (Flagstaff Hill showing part of the fortifications, the Lower Lighthouse, a camping ground and Warrnambool Bay). The ash tray has three lips on the side of the dish for resting a cigarette. The base is gold-coloured and is slightly tarnished. ‘Warrnambool Victoria’ tourism in warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
China, Vase, 1930s
This is a souvenir vase produced for the tourist trade in Warrnambool. The vase was made by Victoria China in Czechoslovakia and the image of the Warrnambool War Memorial has been added for sale in Warrnambool. Similar items with suitable illustrations would have been produced for the tourist industry for other towns and places in Australia. Tourism has been an important industry in Warrnambool since the late 19th century. This vase is of interest as an example of the souvenirs available to tourists in Warrnambool in the 1930s. It is both a decorative and a useful item. This is a white china vase with an elliptical-shaped body and a circular neck with a wider opening at the top. There is a faint brown-gold colouring on the neck of the vase and this colouring is stronger on the under-side of the top opening, There is a colour illustration of the War Memorial at Warrnambool on the side of the vase. The maker’s name is on the base of the vase. ‘Soldier’s (sic) Memorial, Warrnambool’ tourism in warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document - Ledger, Standard Articles, Mid 20th century
This ledger contains original Warrnambool Standard newspaper cuttings of the eleven articles written by Henri Worland on the early history of Warrnambool. The subject matter includes the Post and Telegraph Office, Punts over the Merri and Hopkins Rivers, Transport in the Early Days, Early Exploration, Minjah Station and the History of the Breakwater. Henri Worland (1883-1972) was Warrnambool’s most important 20th century local historian. He was the Town Clerk of Warrnambool from 1918 to 1949 and his intense interest in Warrnambool’s history led him to collect and preserve a great amount of local history material. He wrote extensively on Warrnambool’s history and gave talks on the local radio station over a period of many years.These newspaper cuttings are of interest as examples of the many local history articles written by the important Warrnambool historian Henri Worland. The Warrnambool and District Historical Society has a collection of Worland’s original writings in his own handwriting. This is a ledger book with a brown-coloured cover with red binding. There is a label pasted on to the front cover with black printing on it. The ledger has indented alphabet tabs and the pages are ruled with red lines for ledger purposes but these have not been used. The ledger has been used to paste in original cuttings from the Warrnambool Standard newspaper (Henri Worland articles from the 1940s). One page contains two copies of old photographs. Some of the pages have been reinforced with staples and some pages have become detached from the binding. ‘Ledger’ henri worland, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Program, Into the woods, 1997
This is a programme for the 1997 Warrnambool Theatre Company production of ‘Into the Woods’. Warrnambool has had many drama and theatrical groups throughout its history, with the present day Warrnambool Theatre Company evolving from the Warrnambool Theatre Group which was founded in 1948. Plays and musicals have been produced each year since, with most productions being staged at the Warrnambool Town Hall/Performing Arts Centre/Lighthouse Theatre. This programme is of interest as an example of the productions staged by the Warrnambool Theatre Company. This is a booklet of 16 pages with a white cover. On the front cover is an illustration of a wooded forest in black and white tonings with the lettering in black and white. The back cover has an advertisement in black and white. The booklet contains advertisements, information on the play and the theatrical performers and producers and black and white photographs. The booklet is bound with metal staples. warrnambool theatre company, history of warrnambool