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Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, The Peg Family First readers, 1936
This is an early school reader and the name, ‘B. Morris’, suggests that it belonged to Bruce Morris, the editor of the Warrnambool Standard newspaper from 1946 to 1968. Bruce Morris was prominent in Warrnambool as the writer of a great number of historical articles in the Warrnambool Standard and as a passionate supporter of regional Victoria. He was the son of Frederick and Sarah Morris and the grandson of George Lance, prominent in 19th century Warrnambool as a plumber, inventor, musician, artist and writer. Lance is regarded as the founder of the Warrnambool Art Gallery. Bruce Morris helped to establish the Warrnambool Rostrum Club. This book is of interest because it is an early 20th century example of a school reading book. If it belonged to Bruce Morris then it is of greater interest. Bruce Morris rates with Richard Osburne, Edward Vidler and Henri Worland as a significant promoter of, and writer on, Warrnambool’s history. This is a soft cover book of 16 pages. It has a pinkish-red cover with a black and white illustration of The Three Bears story on the front cover and the titles in black print. The back cover has advertisements for other books by the same publisher (Macmillan and Co.). The inscription and some other writing on the front cover are handwritten in blue ink. The cover is a little faded and has partly come away from the pages. ‘B.Morris’ bruce morris, history of warrnambool -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Article - CHRISTMAS LETTER MISSION
This file contains 1 item: 1/Christmas Letter Mission. Victoria Australia December 1889. Report and Appeal. One page printed. ‘Supplement to the Southern Cross’ 29/11/1889. Statement of Appeal and detachable donor’s forum. Adhered to ‘Christian Readers’ it asks for donations to their annual Christmas appeal. It is apparently a Christian appeal for funds for the purchase of Christmas cards for the poor. The printed appeal signed Rev H.B Mccartney Junior, Caulfield, 27/11/1889. It has been stamped at the top ‘Caulfield Historical Society’.charities, christmas letter mission, christmas, mccartney rev h.b, churches, southern cross (newspaper), caulfield, charitable organisations -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Ephemera - The Sun Newspaper Sunbeams Club Envelopes and Awards, 1943
Parry Collection ‘Sunbeams’ and ‘Corinella’ were two of the few ways an Australian kid could get some acknowledgement and a pat on the back from the big wide world from the 1930s through to the 1950s. The Corinella columns ran in the Sun Newspaper with puzzles, jokes and colouring competitions. Kath Farmer played the role of ‘Corinella’ for yonks and hosted annual ‘Corinella’ Parties for boys and girls aged 5 to 13 years for decades. Sunbeam Certificates were awarded to young readers for good puzzles, riddles, drawings or original stories or verses. The Sun Newspaper Sunbeams Club Envelopes and Awards, envelopes with Ginger Meggs effigy and warning for the postman to take care with the delivery; various certificates received in return for colouring competitions and puzzles submitted back to the Sun Newspaper. Letters were sent to Merle Symons, Orville, Murphys Creek.history, bendigo, sunbeam club sun newspaper, merle lummis collection -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting - Watercolour, [The Towel] by Neville Bunning
Neville Bunning taught Sculpture and Ceramics at the School of Mines and Industry, Ballarat between 1945 and 1964. During that time he formed the Ballarat Artist’s Society, a group that sponsored art and invited modernist artists to visit Ballarat to speak to students and the public. Bunning wrote a weekly art column in The Courier, where his insightful comments made readers aware of significant trends in Art. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed watercolour.art, artwork, neville bunning, bunning, watercolour, watercolor -
Federation University Art Collection
Oil on masonite, Storm over Merimbula - Pambula Beach by Neville Bunning
Neville Bunning taught Sculpture and Ceramics at the School of Mines and Industry, Ballarat between 1945 and 1964. During that time, he formed the Ballarat Artist’s Society, a group that sponsored art and invited modernist artists to visit Ballarat to speak to students and the public. Bunning wrote a weekly art column in The Courier, where his insightful comments made readers aware of significant trends in Art. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.art, artwork -
Federation University Art Collection
Oil on masonite, 'The Fantastic Ship' by Neville Bunning
Neville Bunning taught Sculpture and Ceramics at the School of Mines and Industry, Ballarat between 1945 and 1964. During that time he formed the Ballarat Artist’s Society, a group that sponsored art and invited modernist artists to visit Ballarat to speak to students and the public. Bunning wrote a weekly art column in The Courier, where his insightful comments made readers aware of significant trends in Art. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Painting of a sailing ship framed in a aluminium frame. art, artwork, neville bunning, ship, boat, sailing, sea -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Booklet - Paperback booklet, Margaret Furness, Mystery Roses of the Australian Tea-Noisette-China Collection, 2022
A booklet containing descriptions and photographs of tea roses found in Australia.Front cover has a photograph of a pink rose. The title of the book is in black lettering across the upper edge with the author's name along the lower edge. Reverse of book has a photograph of a cream rose with the blurb regarding the book above the photograph.non-fictionA booklet containing descriptions and photographs of tea roses found in Australia.tea roses, australia, heritage roses in australia inc -
Orbost & District Historical Society
magazine, Australia Album -The Past In Pictures, circa 1974
The magazine was produced as a tribute to Lillian Roxan who was a great Australian and an international journalist. It is not dated but was published by Sungravure Pty Ltd circa 1974-75, The editor, Ailsa Craig wrote for the the magazine Woman's Day in the 1950s and 60s. she had an active career in journalism from 1960-1980. it contains b/w and sepia photographs. This magazine style paperback book contains photos of an earlier Australia.A paper magazine - AUSTRALIA ALBUM -THE PAST IN PICTURES. It contains prints of historic photos. On the front cover is a portrait of three young children dressed in early 19th century clothing. This is inside an oval frame with a gold border. There is a wreath of colourful flowers and butterflies surrounding this.The title is printed in red at the top. In the top right-hand corner is the price $1.50. It was edited by Ailsa Craig and contains photos and text from readers of Womans Day, The Sydney Morning Herald, the Sydney Mitchell Library and the Department of the Army. The magazine style book has 94 pp.magazine photos roxon-lillian craig-ailsa -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Pamphlet - Congregational Union, Victoria, Why be good?
Bi-fold paper pamphlet with black ink cartoons and red ink on the front. The pamphlet has the following headings: Good for nothing; Good for something; Why can't I do as I like?; A quality of personality; Good for someone; The joy of living. The final paragraph reads: "P.S. - READER! Are you thinking that you know why you should be good: but you don't know how? Then accept Christ, and personally trust Him. And say with St. Paul, "I can do all things in Christ, Who strengthens me." (Philippians 4/13.)spiritual campaign committee, congregational union, -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Royal Readers No V1 - Royal school series, Late 19th century
This school reader was used by Edmond and Mary Grace at Laang State School. Laang is in the Western District and is eight kilometres from Garvoc and ten kilometres from Panmure. The Laang State School opened in 1875 with a new building being erected in 1876 and additions being added in 1889. The school is now closed. Edmond Morgan Grace was born to William and Mary Grace in 1886 and died in 1953. Mary was his sister. Charles Hider, with his brother James, were early settlers in Warrnambool and both ran book shops in the town. This book is of moderate interest as an example of a late 19th century school reader and as one used at Laang State School by the Grace family. This is a brown hard cover book of 398 pages. The cover has an embossed patterning and lettering. The binding has come apart and has been mended with white adhesive tape. Some pages at the front and back are missing. The book has a contents page and three sections of text. There are many black and white illustrations. The inscription is handwritten in blue ink. The cover is somewhat faded and rubbed and some pages are stained. There is a printed label of the seller of the book pasted onto the inside of the front cover. ‘Edmond M. Grace Laang State School’ ‘Mary Grace Laang S.S.’ ‘C.Hider Opposite Court House Warrnambool’ edmond and mary grace, laang state school, charles and james hider -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, Our 85th year in Braille and Talking Books: eighty-five annual report and statements of account for 1978-79, 1979
Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: the expansion of the library to new readers gained from Hear A Book and the range of books available on commercially produced cassettes, the decreased loans for Large print as other public libraries offer these for loan, the continued support for selecting the Braille Book of the Year by the committee of Barrett Reid, Dr Stephen Murray Smith and Joyce Nicholson, appointment of Maxene Hewitt, Ray Hannah and Jan Smark, and retirement of Joan Simmonds.1 volume of print and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual reports -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting - Oil on board, Neville Bunning, Self Portrait (unfinished) by Neville Bunning, 1997
Neville Bunning taught Sculpture and ceramics at the Ballarat Technical Art School, a division of the Ballarat School of mines, from 1945 until 1964. During that time he formed the Ballarat Artist's Society, a group that sponsored art and invited modernist artists to visit Ballarat to speak to students and the public. Bunning wrote a weekly column in 'The Courier', where his insightful comments made readers aware of significant trends in art. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.A framed unfinished portrait by Neville Bunning, teacher of Ceramics at the Ballarat School of Mines. The portrait of the artists shows a camera around his neck, a ceramic pot in one hand, and some of Neville Bunnings paintings in the background.art, artwork, neville bunning, bunning, available -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting, Neville Bunning, 'The Buckjumper' by Neville Bunning
Neville Bunning taught Sculpture and ceramiCs at the Ballarat Technical Art School, a division of the Ballarat School of mines, from 1945 until 1964. During that time he formed the Ballarat Artist's Society, a group that sponsored art and invited modernist artists to visit Ballarat to speak to students and the public. Bunning wrote a weekly column in 'The Courier', where his insightful comments made readers aware of significant trends in art. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Oil painting depicting a horse and rider.art, artwork, neville bunning, horse, bunning, available -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting - Oil on board, Neville Bunning, [Portrait of a Girl] by Neville Bunning
Neville Bunning taught Sculpture and ceramics at the Ballarat Technical Art School, a division of the Ballarat School of mines, from 1945 until 1964. During that time he formed the Ballarat Artist's Society, a group that sponsored art and invited modernist artists to visit Ballarat to speak to students and the public. Bunning wrote a weekly column in 'The Courier', where his insightful comments made readers aware of significant trends in art. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Portrait of a girl in yellow. artwork, art, neville bunning, girl, child, bunning, available, portrait -
Federation University Art Collection
Watercolour on paper, Neville Bunning, [Yachting] by Neville Bunning
Neville Bunning taught Sculpture and ceramiCs at the Ballarat Technical Art School, a division of the Ballarat School of mines, from 1945 until 1964. During that time he formed the Ballarat Artist's Society, a group that sponsored art and invited modernist artists to visit Ballarat to speak to students and the public. Bunning wrote a weekly column in 'The Courier', where his insightful comments made readers aware of significant trends in art. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.art, artwork, neville bunning, bunning -
Vision Australia
Administrative record - Text, VABW Entertainment Committee minutes: 2/7/1940 - 22/9/1959, 1940-1959
Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. It was noted at the June 4, 1953 meeting that the Braille Cottage at Chelsea had been sold to Mr and Mrs Smith of Ascot Vale, both who are blind readers for £1,950.1 volume of handwritten pages and typewritten sheets glued on to pagesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation -
Vision Australia
Audio - Sound recording, Vision Australia, Around Vision Australia: Episode 37
Covering issues and news about Vision Australia and the opportunities it provides for clients, volunteers and staff. Host: Stephen Jolley with guest interviews by Valerie Thomas. Stephen Jolley speaks with Marjorie West about audio description and acting as a guide for tour groups around Kooyong. Siobhan Dennis continues exploring the books shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award. Valerie Thomas’s guest of the week is Debbie Cooke, a braille transcriber and proof reader and musician. Kate Gniel looks at the importance (and continued need) for Volunteers as celebrated last week and appeal to donors.1 digital sound file in WAV formatradio shows, vision australia, valerie thomas, stephen jolley, kate gniel, marjorie west, siobhan dennis, debbie cooke -
Orbost & District Historical Society
magazine, Woman and Home, September 1940
Women’s magazines during WWII played a “reflecting role,” meaning they cooperated with government agendas while still including topics of readers’ interests Women’s employment rate skyrocketed during WWII. However, even though the number of women working outside the home grew rapidly most of them were still engaged entirely in homemaking. Therefore women’s magazines centered mostly on the stresses and shortages of wartime. Articles as well as advertisements presented information on “product rationing, tips on keeping the family healthy, guidelines for thrifty shopping and advice on how to look good through it all.This is an example of an English women's magazine published during WW11.It gives practical advice on needlework / knitting and evidences the widespread interest in contemporary fashion. In doing so it shows what were the fashionable, but broadly affordable, women's and children's clothing styles of their day. These magazines also reflect women's interests.A 64 pp magazine, titled Woman and Home and Good Needlework Magazine. The front cover has a a coloured picture of a man in a uniform and woman sitting at a round table drinking tea and photographs of knitted jumpers, the patterns of which are inside the magazine.Handwritten on front cover in pencil -Mehlert -
Orbost & District Historical Society
magazine, Woman and Home, October 1951
Women’s magazines just after WWII played a “reflecting role,” meaning they cooperated with government agendas while still including topics of readers’ interests Women’s employment rate had skyrocketed during WWII. However, even though the number of women working outside the home grew rapidly most of them were still engaged entirely in homemaking. Therefore women’s magazines centered mostly on the stresses and shortages of wartime. Articles as well as advertisements presented information on “product rationing, tips on keeping the family healthy, guidelines for thrifty shopping and advice on how to look good through it all.This is an example of an English women's magazine published post WW11.It gives practical advice on needlework / knitting and evidences the widespread interest in contemporary fashion. In doing so it shows what were the fashionable, but broadly affordable, women's and children's clothing styles of their day. These magazines also reflect women's interests.A 64 pp magazine, titled Woman and Home and Good Needlework Magazine. On the front cover is a coloured drawing of a fashionably dressed and made-up woman with red hair and holding a bunch of similarly coloured flowers (gerberas?) At the bottom left are knitted baby clothes - pattern inside - as well as a man and woman wearing fashionable clothing - suggesting patterns are inside the magazine. The magazine cost 1/6 and is dated October 1951.magazine-woman-and-home -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, First book, 1909
This is a reader produced for schools in Victoria in 1909. It contains many simple fables and stories and some phonetic instruction at the beginning of the short articles. It has no specific Australian content. The inscription includes the name ‘Stanley Bell’. There were several Bell families in the Wangoom area early in the 20th century, including one teacher associated with the Wangoom State School. Stanley Bell may have belonged to one of these families. Walter Davies had a book shop in Timor Street, Warrnambool from the late 19th century and three generations of the Davies family were proprietors of this shop over the years. This book is of educational and social interest as an example of the readers used by primary school children in the early 20th century. This is a soft cover book of 80 pages. The cover is brown with black printing. The pages are partly torn across and very tattered. The inscriptions are handwritten in black ink and pencil and there is some scribble on the first pages. The text has many black and white illustrations. There is a blue stamp of Walter Davies, the Warrnambool bookseller, on the first page. ‘Stanley J. Bell, Warrumyea, Wangoom’ ‘Walter Davies, Bookseller, Warrnambool’ walter davies, stanley bell -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting - Watercolour and Ink, 'The Firebird' by Neville Bunning
Neville BUNNING (1902-1990) Born Rockhampton Neville Bunning taught Sculpture and Ceramics at the Ballarat Technical Art School between 1945 and 1964. During that time he started the Ballarat Artists's Society, a group tat sponsored art and invited modernist artists to visit Ballarat to speak to students and the public. Bunning wrote a weekly rt column in 'The Courier' where his insightful comments made readers aware of significant trends in Art. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed painting of a bird in flight.art, artwork, neville bunning, watercolour, ballarat artists society, ballarat school of mines, available, rooster, bird, animal -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - HEROES OF THE UNITED SERVICE, 1901
A red hard covered book with gold and black title and illustration. 'Heroes of the United Service' by L Valentine with numerous illustrations. Fredericke Warne & Co, London & New York. C 1901. This volume covers articles of the exploits of a wide variety of British soldiers and sailors of all ranks. The aim of the author was to inspire the reader to be patriotic. Pages 256. Markings & Inscriptions: 'Presented by the Sisters of Mercy to Doris Kelly for general good conduct and proficiency as Dux of 5th class. The Convent of Our Lady of Mercy, Sandhurst Xmas 1901.'Page 38 contains a leaf -possibly used as a bookmarkL. Valentinehistory, naval, illustrated british history book -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Book, Colorgravure Publications [for] The Herald & the Sun news-pictorial, Queen Elizabeth's coronation book, 1953?
"This book is right royally produced to be a treasured exhibit in the library of every home. Seven separate distinct printing operations have gone to make the beautiful, vivid coloring which distinguishes it as an object of fine and lasting craftsmanship. No pains have been spared to produce a fitting volume to mark the beginning of the Age of Queen Elizabeth the Second, and the publishers proudly present it as a book which their readers will rejoice to own."--Front flap.[48] pages : colour illustrations, plans ;non-fiction"This book is right royally produced to be a treasured exhibit in the library of every home. Seven separate distinct printing operations have gone to make the beautiful, vivid coloring which distinguishes it as an object of fine and lasting craftsmanship. No pains have been spared to produce a fitting volume to mark the beginning of the Age of Queen Elizabeth the Second, and the publishers proudly present it as a book which their readers will rejoice to own."--Front flap.queen elizabeth ii, coronation -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Martin Tattler, 1876
This book, by the well-known author R.M.Ballantyne, was awarded to Edith Newton in 1877 when she was a pupil at the Warrnambool State School. This school was opened on August 1st 1876 when the National School in Warrnambool closed and most of the pupils of other denominational schools in Warrnambool at the time moved to the new State School. The Head Teacher, William Bryant was at the school until 1894. (Blanch) Edith Newton was born in 1868, the eighth child of Robert and Mary Newton. Robert Newton was a Rate Collector, Borough Inspector and Manager of the Town Common in Warrnambool. It is noted that the prize received by Edith Newton was an adventure book mostly appealing to male readers. This book is significant because it is connected with important elements in Warrnambool in 1877 – the school, Warrnambool State School, the pupil, Edith Newton and the Head Teacher, William Bryant,This is a hard cover book of 330 pages. It has a dark red cover with etched ornamental borders and patterns and an image of a jungle scene on the front cover and on the spine. The title and author’s name are in gold lettering. At the heading of each chapter there is an ornamental scroll and there are several black and white sketches throughout the pages. There are blue stamps of the Warrnambool & District Historical Society at the front and back of the book and a school plate label attached to the inside front cover. The spine is partly detached and torn and the cover is very worn and water or mould damaged. A letter from the donor accompanies the book. ‘Warrnambool State School, No. 1743, Prize Awarded to Edith Newton, 4th Class, Divn. 111, for Home Exercises, 19th December 1877, W.Bryant, Head Teacher.’ warrnambool state school, history of warrnambool, william bryant, edith newton -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, The Secret of Serenity, 1957
This is a book offering the reader ways to combat mental and spiritual stress. The author, the Rev. Gordon Powell (1911-2005) was born in Warrnambool to Louisa and George Powell. His father was a dentist in Kepler Street Warrnambool. Gordon Powell was educated in Melbourne and was a Presbyterian Minister in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and U.S.A. He was an R.A.A.F. chaplain in World War Two and established the Alcoholics Anonymous organization in Victoria. At St. Stephens Church in Sydney he attracted large attendances at both his Sunday and week-day services and became well-known for his religious radio broadcasts. He wrote several books and many articles for religious journals. This book is retained because it is the only piece of writing we have by the Rev. Gordon Powell who was born in Warrnambool in 1911 and was one of the most influential Presbyterian Church ministers in Australia in the 20th century. This is a hard cover book of 128 pages. The hard cover is blue with black printing on the spine. The dust cover has printing on the back cover and spine and a colour photograph of a path and parkland with red printing on the front cover. The pages contain an introduction and twelve chapters of text. rev. gordon powell, australian presbyterian church, history of warrnambool -
Vision Australia
Map - Object, Victorian railways map
A black and white map of Victoria showing the railway lines where mail is transported and the individual towns listed next to the dot that provides location of such. Underneath is written "Map of Victoria showing the localities beyond the suburbs of Melbourne to which library books are sent to blind members. Books are carried over the railways FREE there is no charge to the readers." Through the work of Tilly Aston, braille postage was provided free by the Victorian Railways which greatly assisted the Braille Library in reaching members who resided outside of Melbourne. This map was produced to show the extent of the work by the Victorian Association of Braille Writers and the need for reading materials across the state.Paper of Victorian railway lines mounted in framevictorian association of braille writers, marketing -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - SECOND BOOK OF THE VICTORIAN READERS
112 Page soft cover book titled 'The Victorian Readers Second Book' dark orange in colour with a cloth strip at the spine. On the front cover is a female child sitting on a wooden chair reading a book. The book consists of 102 pages of stories and poems plus 9 pages of language list. The back page has three children in various poses looking at a monkey on a swing hanging from two trees. Below the monkey written in script is 'The End' Inside the front cover hand written in blue ink is the name 'John M. Merifield' Registered by the Postmaster General for transmission through the post as a book.Education Department of Victoria. H.J. Green, Government Printer, Melbourne 1930.education, primary, victoria, the victorian readers second book -
Mont De Lancey
Book, Whitcombe and Tombs Limited, Whitcombe's New Federal Arithmetic Grade VI, 1937
An arithmetic book for Grade VI elementary students with exercises, problems, diagrams and revision for young students in Australia.A badly damaged grey softcover textbook with the title, Whitcombe's New Federal Arithmetic Grade VI printed on a black lined scroll design with Specially written to meet the requirements of the Revised Victorian Course of Study in Elementary School in a box at the bottom along with the publisher symbol. Whitcombe & Tombs Limited Melbourne & Sydney and other cities is printed beneath. The price 1/3 is written in the right hand bottom corner. Inside are exercises, short problems, diagrams and lists of examples of work set out for the students. There are pencil and ink markings inside. On the back inside and outside the cover are advertisements for Whitcombe's Vivid History and Geography Readers. 132p. non-fictionAn arithmetic book for Grade VI elementary students with exercises, problems, diagrams and revision for young students in Australia.arithmetic, school curriculum, australian schools -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - JENNY FOLEY COLLECTION: PUZZLING PIECE OF HISTORY
Bendigo Advertiser '' The way we were'' from Tuesday, November 5, 2002. Puzzling piece of history: the people in this photo is a mystery. The owner of the photograph hopes that our readers may be able to shed some light on the details. Bendigo Advertiser '' The way we were'' from 2002. Way we were photo, November 5, 2002: the woman seated third from the left could be Lily McDonald (Nee Sadner), SISTER OF Hugo and Eugene Sadner. Lily McDonald was a teacher at the Bendigo High School (now Bendigo Senior Secondary College) during the early part of the last century. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were -
Monash University Museum of Computing History
Ferranti Sirius mainframe computer, 1961
The Ferranti Sirius is an electronic second-generation transistor computer and is one of three remaining examples of this machine left in the world. It was an important addition to the computing facilities at Monash University in the early 1960s and provided access for computer programming and research for many early computer professionals, academics and teachers. The Ferranti Sirius computer was built in a period of rapid growth in computing technology. The first stored program computers appeared in the late 1940s and used individual designs with valve technology. By the mid-1950s valve technology was replaced by transistors and the first mass produced commercial computers became available. The Ferranti Sirius was announced in 1959 and offered a “small” academic computer. It was designed and built by the English company Ferranti Ltd and sold through a local office of the company in Melbourne. The Sirius was manufactured at the Ferranti Ltd.’s West Gorton, England factory from 1959 to 1963 and, in all, the company produced probably 22 installations although only 16 were actually recorded as sold; this included one at Ferranti’s Bureau in London and one at Ferranti’s Melbourne Bureau. Only 7 were exported and 4 of these 7 were located in Melbourne, Australia. All four were associated with computing at Monash University – the Sirius in the MMoCH collection was purchased by Monash University in 1962, a smaller Ferranti Sirius was used on the Caulfield campus (prior to amalgamation with Monash University) from 1963, the Ferranti company had its own Ferranti Sirius initially temporarily installed at Clayton campus in 1962 and then placed in their office in Queens Road, Melbourne. A fourth computer was purchased by ICIANZ (now Orica) in 1962 and was transferred to Clayton campus in 1967. Only two of these Melbourne examples have survived; one in the MMoCH collection and one at Museums Victoria. There is an example of the Ferranti Sirius in the Science Museum Group collection in the UK as well. The Ferranti Sirius in the MMoCH collection was the first computer purchased by Monash University and it was shipped to Australia to be installed by November 1962. The University had a similar model computer on loan from Ferranti Ltd during the first part of the year and it was returned to the office of the company in Queens Road, Melbourne once the University’s own machine was installed. The computer was placed on site at Clayton campus, Monash University. The computer operated from 1962 until 1972 when it was officially decommissioned. The Ferranti Sirius was sold to Mr Paul Stewart in late 1974 and removed from Monash University. Mr Stewart later donated the computer back to the University in 1988 and it was transferred to the collection of the Monash Museum of Computing History after 2001. The Ferranti Sirius is an electronic second-generation transistor computer and is one of three remaining examples of this machine left in the world. It was an important addition to the computing facilities at Monash University in the early 1960s and provided access for computer programming and research for many early computer professionals, academics and teachers. The Ferranti Sirius is of scientific (technological) significance as one of the early transistor digital computers that transitioned computing from first-generation valve computers to second generation commercial installations. This example of the Sirius is of historical significance in its role as a part of the Computer Centre, Clayton campus, Monash University which provided computing facilities in Melbourne in the early 1960s when there were few installations available for academic, administrative and commercial users. Staff and students were able to undertake investigative research and learn programming techniques. The Computer Centre encouraged the use of the computer across all disciplines and this provided the base to establish computer science as a subject offering and, later, a new department in the University. This growth in computer education eventually culminated in the establishment of the Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University. The Ferranti Sirius in the collection at Monash Museum of Computing History has a main unit with a CPU and memory combined with input/output equipment and one extra cabinet of memory. The Central Processing Unit is a floor-standing unit which contains the computer circuits, power supplies and has a decimal digit display panel and a normal clock. A moveable control panel is placed in front of the Unit (Currently set on a recreated desk/filing cabinet support in the display). The Sirius base unit uses acoustic delay line memory with 1000 word store. An additional 3000 word memory cabinet is set adjacent to the CPU and can be connected to increase the memory. The computer is supported by a range of input/output devices. There is a Ferranti Paper tape reader, located on desk in front of CPU. Red label on front “Ferranti tape reader. Type TR 5. Serial No. 477”. Adjacent to the CPU is a set of Simplified tape editing equipment in three pieces which includes a (1) Table unit with switches on front face. Metal tag on reverse reads “Creed & Co. Model No. S4060. Serial No. 1457. Original Customers Marking GRP7 V706”. The table has a numbered internal tag “Table Serial No. 198579. (2)Creed teletype set on table unit. Metal tag on reverse “Creed & Co. Model No. 75RPR K4M4. Serial No. 5897 Made in England”. (3)Creed paper tape reader set on table unit. This set of equipment could read paper tape and print it, or copy paper tape while allowing it to be edited, or allow a programmer or data preparation person to type and punch a new program or data. It has no electrical connection to the computer. Paper tapes were usually torn off and carried across to the computer. There is also another table unit with switches on front face and changeable setting switch on front right side which holds a Ferranti Westrex paper tape punch set. Label on reverse “Teletype Code BRPE11” This was the Computer’s only output device. BRPE-11 is a teletype model number.