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The Beechworth Burke Museum
Drawing, Ernest Marcuse, Courthouse - Beechworth, 1974
Ernest Heinrich Marcuse was born on the 1st of December 1900 to Hedwig and Siegmund Marcuse in Berlin Germany. While Marcuse's artistic talent was apparent from a younger age, his earliest existing artwork was from when he was approximately 20 years old. Ernest's formal art training commenced in 1918 with a three year course at the Berlin school of Interior design. After completion he found work until 1924 when Germany's Great Depression took effect. To broaden his career opportunities he undertook a further 12 months study of fashion, drawing and advertising at Berlin's Reiman school of art. From 1925 to 1934 Ernest was primarily a freelance press artist specialising in industrial, architectural and figurative drawing. Prominent newspaper The Berliner Morgenpost was his largest client along with Gross Deutsche Rundfunaustellung (Germany's organisation for major trade shows). During this period he would create many significant works. Two months after Hitler and the Nazi part came to power in 1933, Ernest received a life changing letter stating that being Jewish he could no longer continue employment in Germany. Up until 1938 he would only be able to undertake private commissions and occasional unofficial work as a book illustrator and games designer. This was by arrangement with non Jewish artists who claimed his work as their own, they would then share the income with Ernest. With increasing unrest in Germany during late 1938 Ernest decided to move to London and there he married his girlfriend Lotte. In late 1939 Ernest and Lotte Marcuse embarked on an eight week journey to their new home in Australia where they had been accepted as refugees. Shortly after arriving in Australia Ernest presented his portfolio to an editor at the Argus newspaper and gained employment as a war events illustrator. He soon became well respected and known in particular for his detailed illustrations and cross sections of ships , artillery and aircrafts. His detailed depictions of battles were displayed on the front pages of The Argus newspaper on a number of occasions. In May 1940 as the war intensified Ernest was dismissed from The Argus newspaper due to his Australian government classification of 'stateless person of enemy origin' and was considered a potential security risk. The editor of the time commented "don't blame us, blame Hitler". Marcuse then began to establish himself as a commercial artist. Ernest was de-classified as a 'stateless person of enemy origin' and in early 1942. The Australian army heard of Ernest's artistic abilities and began to utilize his designs for visual training aids and posters. Ernest became Private E.H Marcuse V377746, his first army posting was as staff artist at The infantry officer's training school at Bonegilla. When off duty he was inspired by the beauty of the surrounding area creating the works in North east Victoria 'Kiewa river bridge', 'Hume weir', ' Dried up river bed' and 'Hawksview gold reef mine' from his 1942-1943 period at Bonegilla Victoria. Ernest returned to the area to create drawings and paintings from 1948 to 1983 in locations including Bright, Wandilligong, Bogong High plains and Wallace's Hut, Mt Buffalo, Beechworth, Pretty valley, Kiewa Hydro, Yackandandah and Bontherambo homestead. These sketches were often completed on location, photographs were also taken onsite to assist the works back at the studio. Occasionally Marcuse also painted in the field. Ernest's preferred choice of medium was pencil and ink. Up until 1952 he would often incorporate watercolour into his work. Later into his career he began introducing pastels, acrylic and mixed media. In earlier years Ernest Marcuse often signed his work Mar, later on the signing of works ranged from Marcuse, E.Marcuse, Ernest Marcuse, EHM or simply EM . If a work was considered incomplete or Marcuse did not like the work it would remain unsigned. From Bonegilla Marcuse was transferred to Woodside South Australia before his final posting in Melbourne until the end of 1945. Ernest's work from within his army posting 'Troop Train at Night' from his 1945 exhibition Australia at War are part of the permanent collection at Canberra's War Museum. Between 1946 and 1969 Ernest largely worked from home and concentrated on a career as a freelance commercial artist and graphic designer. During that time he created work for well known household names including CRA/Conzinc, Vacuum oil (Caltex), Cottee's Brand (Schweppes and Heinz), Home Beautiful magazine Fulton garden supplies, International Iveco trucks, Ego pharmaceuticals, QV and Sunsense. After retirement Ernest concentrated on his true love of fine art and focused on painting images of personal interest both across Australia and Internationally. Earnest never drove a car. He would often walk or use public transport or enlist in the help of family or artist friends to drive him. Throughout his career Ernest Marcuse's artworks were purchase by private collectors these included ACTU, Melbourne City council, Holland Constructions, Melbourne Metropolitan Tramways Board, GJ Coles and Australian Resources Bank. Ernest Marcuse permanent collections can be viewed at The National Gallery of Victoria , Sydney Jewish Museum, Jewish Holocaust Centre Melbourne, Canberra's War Museum, City of Melbourne, Shire of Yarra ranges and now the Burke Museum. © 2020 Art by Marcuse https://www.artbymarcuse.com.au/aboutDonated to the Burke Museum through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Peter and Evelyn MarcusePen and coloured pencil landscape drawing on paper.Obverse: Marcuse 74 / Courthouse / Visitor Ned Kelly . B'worth Reverse: BEECHWORTH / COURTHOUSE / B5 / 06 ernest marcuse, marcuse, art, artbymarcuse, beechworth, burke museum, indigo shire, landscape, illustration, drawing, pen and pencil, australian army, war events illustrator, the age, the sun, the argus, germany, refugee, industrial drawing, architectual drawing, figure drawing, berliner morgenpost, grosse deutsche rundfunaustellung, berlin’s reiman school of art., cultural gifts program -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Drawing, Ernest Marcuse, Beechworth I, c1972-1976
Ernest Heinrich Marcuse was born on the 1st of December 1900 to Hedwig and Siegmund Marcuse in Berlin Germany. While Marcuse's artistic talent was apparent from a younger age, his earliest existing artwork was from when he was approximately 20 years old. Ernest's formal art training commenced in 1918 with a three year course at the Berlin school of Interior design. After completion he found work until 1924 when Germany's Great Depression took effect. To broaden his career opportunities he undertook a further 12 months study of fashion, drawing and advertising at Berlin's Reiman school of art. From 1925 to 1934 Ernest was primarily a freelance press artist specialising in industrial, architectural and figurative drawing. Prominent newspaper The Berliner Morgenpost was his largest client along with Gross Deutsche Rundfunaustellung (Germany's organisation for major trade shows). During this period he would create many significant works. Two months after Hitler and the Nazi part came to power in 1933, Ernest received a life changing letter stating that being Jewish he could no longer continue employment in Germany. Up until 1938 he would only be able to undertake private commissions and occasional unofficial work as a book illustrator and games designer. This was by arrangement with non Jewish artists who claimed his work as their own, they would then share the income with Ernest. With increasing unrest in Germany during late 1938 Ernest decided to move to London and there he married his girlfriend Lotte. In late 1939 Ernest and Lotte Marcuse embarked on an eight week journey to their new home in Australia where they had been accepted as refugees. Shortly after arriving in Australia Ernest presented his portfolio to an editor at the Argus newspaper and gained employment as a war events illustrator. He soon became well respected and known in particular for his detailed illustrations and cross sections of ships , artillery and aircrafts. His detailed depictions of battles were displayed on the front pages of The Argus newspaper on a number of occasions. In May 1940 as the war intensified Ernest was dismissed from The Argus newspaper due to his Australian government classification of 'stateless person of enemy origin' and was considered a potential security risk. The editor of the time commented "don't blame us, blame Hitler". Marcuse then began to establish himself as a commercial artist. Ernest was de-classified as a 'stateless person of enemy origin' and in early 1942. The Australian army heard of Ernest's artistic abilities and began to utilize his designs for visual training aids and posters. Ernest became Private E.H Marcuse V377746, his first army posting was as staff artist at The infantry officer's training school at Bonegilla. When off duty he was inspired by the beauty of the surrounding area creating the works in North east Victoria 'Kiewa river bridge', 'Hume weir', ' Dried up river bed' and 'Hawksview gold reef mine' from his 1942-1943 period at Bonegilla Victoria. Ernest returned to the area to create drawings and paintings from 1948 to 1983 in locations including Bright, Wandilligong, Bogong High plains and Wallace's Hut, Mt Buffalo, Beechworth, Pretty valley, Kiewa Hydro, Yackandandah and Bontherambo homestead. These sketches were often completed on location, photographs were also taken onsite to assist the works back at the studio. Occasionally Marcuse also painted in the field. Ernest's preferred choice of medium was pencil and ink. Up until 1952 he would often incorporate watercolour into his work. Later into his career he began introducing pastels, acrylic and mixed media. In earlier years Ernest Marcuse often signed his work Mar, later on the signing of works ranged from Marcuse, E.Marcuse, Ernest Marcuse, EHM or simply EM . If a work was considered incomplete or Marcuse did not like the work it would remain unsigned. From Bonegilla Marcuse was transferred to Woodside South Australia before his final posting in Melbourne until the end of 1945. Ernest's work from within his army posting 'Troop Train at Night' from his 1945 exhibition Australia at War are part of the permanent collection at Canberra's War Museum. Between 1946 and 1969 Ernest largely worked from home and concentrated on a career as a freelance commercial artist and graphic designer. During that time he created work for well known household names including CRA/Conzinc, Vacuum oil (Caltex), Cottee's Brand (Schweppes and Heinz), Home Beautiful magazine Fulton garden supplies, International Iveco trucks, Ego pharmaceuticals, QV and Sunsense. After retirement Ernest concentrated on his true love of fine art and focused on painting images of personal interest both across Australia and Internationally. Earnest never drove a car. He would often walk or use public transport or enlist in the help of family or artist friends to drive him. Throughout his career Ernest Marcuse's artworks were purchase by private collectors these included ACTU, Melbourne City council, Holland Constructions, Melbourne Metropolitan Tramways Board, GJ Coles and Australian Resources Bank. Ernest Marcuse permanent collections can be viewed at The National Gallery of Victoria , Sydney Jewish Museum, Jewish Holocaust Centre Melbourne, Canberra's War Museum, City of Melbourne, Shire of Yarra ranges and now the Burke Museum. © 2020 Art by Marcuse https://www.artbymarcuse.com.au/aboutDonated to the Burke Museum through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Peter and Evelyn MarcusePen and coloured pencil landscape drawing on paper.Obverse: MARCUSE / B.worth (in pen) Reverse: BEECHWORTH NOSTALGIA / BW – 01 (crossed out) / B2 / CORNER CAMP + FORD STREET / (on masking tape) 001 (pencil) ernest marcuse, marcuse, art, artbymarcuse, beechworth, burke museum, indigo shire, landscape, illustration, drawing, pen and pencil, australian army, war events illustrator, the age, the sun, the argus, germany, refugee, industrial drawing, architectual drawing, figure drawing, berliner morgenpost, grosse deutsche rundfunaustellung, berlin’s reiman school of art., cultural gifts program -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Drawing, Ernest Marcuse, Yackandandah I, 1983
Ernest Heinrich Marcuse was born on the 1st of December 1900 to Hedwig and Siegmund Marcuse in Berlin Germany. While Marcuse's artistic talent was apparent from a younger age, his earliest existing artwork was from when he was approximately 20 years old. Ernest's formal art training commenced in 1918 with a three year course at the Berlin school of Interior design. After completion he found work until 1924 when Germany's Great Depression took effect. To broaden his career opportunities he undertook a further 12 months study of fashion, drawing and advertising at Berlin's Reiman school of art. From 1925 to 1934 Ernest was primarily a freelance press artist specialising in industrial, architectural and figurative drawing. Prominent newspaper The Berliner Morgenpost was his largest client along with Gross Deutsche Rundfunaustellung (Germany's organisation for major trade shows). During this period he would create many significant works. Two months after Hitler and the Nazi part came to power in 1933, Ernest received a life changing letter stating that being Jewish he could no longer continue employment in Germany. Up until 1938 he would only be able to undertake private commissions and occasional unofficial work as a book illustrator and games designer. This was by arrangement with non Jewish artists who claimed his work as their own, they would then share the income with Ernest. With increasing unrest in Germany during late 1938 Ernest decided to move to London and there he married his girlfriend Lotte. In late 1939 Ernest and Lotte Marcuse embarked on an eight week journey to their new home in Australia where they had been accepted as refugees. Shortly after arriving in Australia Ernest presented his portfolio to an editor at the Argus newspaper and gained employment as a war events illustrator. He soon became well respected and known in particular for his detailed illustrations and cross sections of ships , artillery and aircrafts. His detailed depictions of battles were displayed on the front pages of The Argus newspaper on a number of occasions. In May 1940 as the war intensified Ernest was dismissed from The Argus newspaper due to his Australian government classification of 'stateless person of enemy origin' and was considered a potential security risk. The editor of the time commented "don't blame us, blame Hitler". Marcuse then began to establish himself as a commercial artist. Ernest was de-classified as a 'stateless person of enemy origin' and in early 1942. The Australian army heard of Ernest's artistic abilities and began to utilize his designs for visual training aids and posters. Ernest became Private E.H Marcuse V377746, his first army posting was as staff artist at The infantry officer's training school at Bonegilla. When off duty he was inspired by the beauty of the surrounding area creating the works in North east Victoria 'Kiewa river bridge', 'Hume weir', ' Dried up river bed' and 'Hawksview gold reef mine' from his 1942-1943 period at Bonegilla Victoria. Ernest returned to the area to create drawings and paintings from 1948 to 1983 in locations including Bright, Wandilligong, Bogong High plains and Wallace's Hut, Mt Buffalo, Beechworth, Pretty valley, Kiewa Hydro, Yackandandah and Bontherambo homestead. These sketches were often completed on location, photographs were also taken onsite to assist the works back at the studio. Occasionally Marcuse also painted in the field. Ernest's preferred choice of medium was pencil and ink. Up until 1952 he would often incorporate watercolour into his work. Later into his career he began introducing pastels, acrylic and mixed media. In earlier years Ernest Marcuse often signed his work Mar, later on the signing of works ranged from Marcuse, E.Marcuse, Ernest Marcuse, EHM or simply EM . If a work was considered incomplete or Marcuse did not like the work it would remain unsigned. From Bonegilla Marcuse was transferred to Woodside South Australia before his final posting in Melbourne until the end of 1945. Ernest's work from within his army posting 'Troop Train at Night' from his 1945 exhibition Australia at War are part of the permanent collection at Canberra's War Museum. Between 1946 and 1969 Ernest largely worked from home and concentrated on a career as a freelance commercial artist and graphic designer. During that time he created work for well known household names including CRA/Conzinc, Vacuum oil (Caltex), Cottee's Brand (Schweppes and Heinz), Home Beautiful magazine Fulton garden supplies, International Iveco trucks, Ego pharmaceuticals, QV and Sunsense. After retirement Ernest concentrated on his true love of fine art and focused on painting images of personal interest both across Australia and Internationally. Earnest never drove a car. He would often walk or use public transport or enlist in the help of family or artist friends to drive him. Throughout his career Ernest Marcuse's artworks were purchase by private collectors these included ACTU, Melbourne City council, Holland Constructions, Melbourne Metropolitan Tramways Board, GJ Coles and Australian Resources Bank. Ernest Marcuse permanent collections can be viewed at The National Gallery of Victoria , Sydney Jewish Museum, Jewish Holocaust Centre Melbourne, Canberra's War Museum, City of Melbourne, Shire of Yarra ranges and now the Burke Museum. © 2020 Art by Marcuse https://www.artbymarcuse.com.au/aboutDonated to the Burke Museum through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Peter and Evelyn MarcusePen and coloured pencil landscape drawing on paper.Obverse: MILLS / DISPENSARY / MARCUSE 83 / YACKANDANDAH Reverse: Y 12 / ernest marcuse, marcuse, art, artbymarcuse, beechworth, burke museum, indigo shire, landscape, illustration, drawing, pen and pencil, australian army, war events illustrator, the age, the sun, the argus, germany, refugee, industrial drawing, architectual drawing, figure drawing, berliner morgenpost, grosse deutsche rundfunaustellung, berlin’s reiman school of art., cultural gifts program, yackandandah -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Fay Bridge, Clifton Pugh's Artists' Colony, Dunmoochin, Barreenong Road, Cottles Bridge, c.1995
Visit to Dunmoochin prior to Clifton Pugh's home being destroyed by fire in 2002. Following military service in the second world war, Clifton Pugh studied under artist Sir William Dargie at the National Gallery School in Melbourne as well as Justus Jorgensen, founder of Montsalvat. For a while he lived on the dole but also worked packing eggs for the Belot family saving sufficient to purchase six acres (2.4 ha) of land at Barreenong Road, Cottles Bridge. He accumulated more land and persuaded several other artists and friends to buy land nearby, resulting in a property of approximately 200 acres, stablishing it as one of the first artistic communes in Australia alongside Montsalvat in Eltham. It was around 1951 that Pugh felt he had '"done moochin' around" and so the name of the property evolved. He bought timber from Alistair Knox to build his house on the crest of a hill. Inspired by local goldminer's huts, it was a one room wattle-and-daub structure with dirt floor. Over the years it expanded with thick adobe walls made from local clay, high ceilings and stone floors. All materials other than the local earth were sourced from second hand materials, most found at wreckers' yards. Artists from across the nation were drawn to Dunmoochin, with several setting up houses and shacks on the property, maintaining their independence but sharing their artistic zeal. Artists who worked or resided at Dunmoochin included Mirka Mora, John Perceval, Albert Tucker, Fred Williams, Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd and John Olsen. In 2002, Pugh's house along with its treasure trove of art and a library of some 20,000 books was destroyed by fire. Traces of Pugh's home remain with the presence of the Victorian doorframe archway with leadlight of intricate design, procured from a demolished Melbourne mansion; and two bronze life-sized female statues created by Pugh and cast by Matcham Skipper. In place of Pugh's house rose two double-storey mud-brick artists' studios topped with corrugated iron rooves curved like the wings of a bird with accommodation for seven. The original studios, gallery and other buildings survived the fire.fay bridge collection, 1995, barreenong road, cottles bridge, dunmoochin -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, A Sydney-Side Saxon
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. Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) ‘Rolf Boldrewood’ is the pen-name used by Thomas Alexander Browne as a writer. Browne was the eldest child of Captain Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell nee Alexander. He was born in London on 6th August 1826 and arrived in Australia with his parents and siblings when he was 5 years old and grew up in Sydney. In the 1860’s Browne added the ‘e’ to his surname. As a 17-year-old Browne took up land in the Western District of Victoria between Portland and Port Fairy on a property named “Squattlesea Mere”. He remained there until 1858, enjoying the squatters’ life on his 32,000-acre property, growing potatoes and running cattle and horses. He sold in 1858 and purchased a sheep station on the Murray River near Swan Hill. He later sold this and bought another sheep station near Narrandera until bad seasons and severe droughts eventually caused him to change his career after 25 years as a squatter. Over the next 25 years, Browne held the position of Police Magistrate and as a gold commissioner in various locations. His third career as an author lasted approximately 40 years. In 1865 he wrote two articles on pastoral life while he was recovering from a riding accident. In the 1870s his writing was bringing in the income to support his family, changing his focus to the writing of novels. A series of these were written for the Australian market and published in The Sydney Mail and the Centennial Magazine. His later novels were aimed at the overseas markets. His best-known novel “Robbery Under Arms” was written from 1882 to 1883 and has been serialised on the radio in Australia and Britain. The novel was filmed in 1907, 1920 and 1957, and in 1985 it was made into a television series. It is now an Australian Classic. He also wrote short stories, several nonfiction graziers’ guides, and an autobiography named “Old Melbourne Memories” in 1884. [This information has been taken from Wikipedia; Australian Authors-Perry Meddlemiss; Australian Dictionary of Biography, Browne, Thomas Alexander (1826-1915)] 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. A Sydney-Side Saxon Auhor: Rolf Boldrewood Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1891The label on the spine with typed text 899.3 BOL Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Librarybook, a sydney-side saxon, rolf boldrewood, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Crooked Stick Or Pollie's Probation
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) ‘Rolf Boldrewood’ is the pen-name used by Thomas Alexander Browne as a writer. Browne was the eldest child of Captain Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell nee Alexander. He was born in London on 6th August 1826 and arrived in Australia with his parents and siblings when he was 5 years old and grew up in Sydney. In the 1860’s Browne added the ‘e’ to his surname. As a 17 year old Browne took up land in the Western District of Victoria between Portland and Port Fairy on a property named “Squattlesea Mere”. He remained there until 1858, enjoying the squatters’ life on his 32,000 acre property, growing potatoes and running cattle and horses. He sold in 1858 and purchased a sheep station on the Murray River near Swan Hill. He later sold this and bought another sheep station near Narrandera until bad seasons and severe droughts eventually caused him to change his career after 25 years as a squatter. Over the next 25 years Browne held the position of Police Magistrate and as a gold commissioner in various locations. His third career as an author lasted approximately 40 years. In 1865 he wrote two articles on pastoral life while he was recovering from a riding accident. In the 1870’s his writing was bringing in the income to support his family, changing his focus to the writing of novels. A series of these was written for the Australian market and published in The Sydney Mail and the Centennial Magazine. His later novels were aimed at the overseas markets. His best known novel “Robbery Under Arms” was written from 1882 to 1883 and has been serialised on radio in Australia and Britain. The novel was filmed in 1907, 1920 and 1957, and in 1985 it was made into a television series. It is now an Australian Classic. He also wrote short stories, several nonfiction graziers’ guides, and an autobiography named “Old Melbourne Memories” in 1884. [This information has been taken from Wikipedia; Australian Authors-Perry Meddlemiss; Australian Dictionary of Biography, Browne, Thomas Alexander (1826-1915)] 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. The Crooked Stick Or Pollie's Probation Author: Rolf Bolderwood Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1895 The label on the spine cover with typed text RA 823.91 BOL Flypaper has a person's signature flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the crooked stick or pollie's probation, rolf bolderwood -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, War to The Knife
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) ‘Rolf Boldrewood’ is the pen-name used by Thomas Alexander Browne as a writer. Browne was the eldest child of Captain Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell nee Alexander. He was born in London on 6th August 1826 and arrived in Australia with his parents and siblings when he was 5 years old and grew up in Sydney. In the 1860’s Browne added the ‘e’ to his surname. As a 17 year old Browne took up land in the Western District of Victoria between Portland and Port Fairy on a property named “Squattlesea Mere”. He remained there until 1858, enjoying the squatters’ life on his 32,000 acre property, growing potatoes and running cattle and horses. He sold in 1858 and purchased a sheep station on the Murray River near Swan Hill. He later sold this and bought another sheep station near Narrandera until bad seasons and severe droughts eventually caused him to change his career after 25 years as a squatter. Over the next 25 years Browne held the position of Police Magistrate and as a gold commissioner in various locations. His third career as an author lasted approximately 40 years. In 1865 he wrote two articles on pastoral life while he was recovering from a riding accident. In the 1870’s his writing was bringing in the income to support his family, changing his focus to the writing of novels. A series of these was written for the Australian market and published in The Sydney Mail and the Centennial Magazine. His later novels were aimed at the overseas markets. His best known novel “Robbery Under Arms” was written from 1882 to 1883 and has been serialised on radio in Australia and Britain. The novel was filmed in 1907, 1920 and 1957, and in 1985 it was made into a television series. It is now an Australian Classic. He also wrote short stories, several nonfiction graziers’ guides, and an autobiography named “Old Melbourne Memories” in 1884. [This information has been taken from Wikipedia; Australian Authors-Perry Meddlemiss; Australian Dictionary of Biography, Browne, Thomas Alexander (1826-1915)] 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. War to The Knife Author: Rolf Bolderwood Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: First published 1899 The label on the spine cover with typed text R.A. 823.912 BOL Inside the front loose paper has pencil handwriting that is unreadable flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, war to the knife, rolf bolderwood -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - TOWN HALL, THE BENDIGO CHORAL SOCIETY, 24 Apr 1928 - 27 Nov 1928
Town Hall, The Bendigo Choral Society. 3 Programs for 1928: First Concert, Second Concert & Third Concert. a/ First Concert 38th Grand Concert, Town Hall, Bendigo. Tue. April 24th, 1928. Conductor MR W C Frazier ARCO. Artists: Miss A Caddell, Mr L Bienvenu. Pianiste: Miss Eileen Hains, ATCL. Hon. Sec. E H Collett. Asst. Sec. W F Mansell. Other Artists from BCS; Miss Essa McSwiney, Miss Jean Thompson, Miss May McGauchie, Hector Taylor. Programme: Price 3d. Programme: In These Delightful Pleasant Groves, Like To A Damask Rose, When The King Went Forth To War, Lament Of Isis, Tell I Tell Me, The Princess, Autumn's Storms, Prelude (The Cycle of Life), How Fair is Thy Face, God's Son Hath Set Me Free, Jesus Christ Our Lord Is Risen, I Heav'n Above, King Arthur. b/ The Bendigo Choral Society, Season 1928. Second Concert. 39th Grand Concert. Town Hall, Bendigo. Wednesday, Sep. 19th 1928. Conductor: Mr W C Frazier ARCO. Sub-Conductor: Mr E A Miller. Artists: Coral Trenerry, Muriel Bolt, Leslie Jephcott, Eileen Hains, Bendigo Choral Society. Hon. Sec. E H Collett. Asst. Hon. Sec. W F Mansell. Programme: The Hexhamshire Lass, Prelude and Allegro, M'Appari Tutt 'Amor', Rhapsody, Sweet Stay Awhile, There is a Lady Sweet and Kind, Danse Negre, Study, Merry Andrew, Gracious and Kind Art Thou My Queen, Secrecy, Sweet Honey-Sucking Bees, Mazurka, Sigh No More, Faery Song, Fantasie, Courage Brothers. Picture of W C Frazier is on cover. c/ The Bendigo Choral Society. Season 1928. Third Concert. 40th Grand Concert. Town Hall, Bendigo, Tuesday, November 27th, 1928. Conductor: Mr W C Frazier. Artists: Gwen Prockter, Lotte Daniell, A E Sayer, Eileen Hains ATCL, Joyce Connell LTCL. Hon. Se. E H Collett, Asst. Hon. Sec. W F Mansell. Programme 3d.Programme: Rest Sweet Nymph, Fine Knacks for Ladies, Adagio, Allegro, The Maiden's Complaint, I've Been Roaming, Down in a Valley, Flora Gave Me Fairest Flowers, Gipsy Dance, Songs of Love, Elegie, Songs of Love, Moonlight, The Nut-Tree, Songs of Love, Traumerei, Zigeunertanz, Nymphs and Fauns, Romance, Budmouth Dears, Bonny Fisher Lad, Rolling Down to Rio.Boltons Print, Bendigoprogram, music, the bendigo choral society, town hall, bendigo, the bendigo choral society. 3 programs for 1928 a/ first concert 38th grand concert. tue. april 24th, 1928. conductor mr w c frazier arco. artists: miss a caddell, mr l bienvenu. pianiste: miss eileen hains, atcl. hon. sec. e h collett. asst. sec. w f mansell. other artists from bcs; miss essa mcswiney, miss jean thompson, miss may mcgauchie, hector taylor. programme: in these delightful pleasant groves, like to a damask rose, when the king went forth to war, lament of isis, tell i tell me, the princess, autumn's storms, prelude (the cycle of life), how fair is thy face, god's son hath set me free, jesus christ our lord is risen, i heav'n above, king arthur. b/ second concert. 39th grand concert. wednesday, sep. 19th 1928. sub-conductor: mr e a miller. artists: coral trenerry, muriel bolt, leslie jephcott, eileen hains, bendigo choral society. hon. sec. programme: the hexhamshire lass, prelude and allegro, m'appari tutt 'amor', rhapsody, sweet stay awhile, there is a lady sweet and kind, danse negre, study, merry andrew, gracious and kind art thou my queen, secrecy, sweet honey-sucking bees, mazurka, sigh no more, faery song, fantasie, courage brothers. picture of w c frazier is on cover. c/ the bendigo choral society. season 1928. third concert. 40th grand concert. town hall, bendigo, tuesday, november 27th, 1928. conductor: artists: gwen prockter, lotte daniell, a e sayer, eileen hains atcl, joyce connell ltcl. programme: rest sweet nymph, fine knacks for ladies, adagio, allegro, the maiden's complaint, i've been roaming, down in a valley, flora gave me fairest flowers, gipsy dance, songs of love, elegie, songs of love, moonlight, the nut-tree, songs of love, traumerei, zigeunertanz, nymphs and fauns, romance, budmouth dears, bonny fisher lad, rolling down to rio. -
Federation University Historical Collection
Medal - Numismatics, 'Dead Man's Penny' for Edwin Joseph 'Ted' Cannon, c1919
The Dead Man’s Penny is a commemorative medallion which was presented to the next-of-kin of the men and women from England and the Empire who died during World War One. The Dead Man’s Penny was accompanied by a letter from King George V, stating ‘I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War’.[http://nma.gov.au/blogs/education/2010/11/14/dead-mans-penny/] Popularly known as the "Dead Man’s Penny", because of the similarity in appearance to the somewhat smaller penny coin. 1,355,000 plaques were issued, which used a total of 450 tonnes of bronze, and continued to be issued into the 1930s to commemorate people who died as a consequence of the war. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Plaque_(medallion)] It was decided that the design of the plaque was to be picked from submissions made in a public competition. Over 800 designs were submitted and the competition was won by the sculptor and medallist Edward Carter Preston with his design called Pyramus, receiving a first place prize of £250.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Plaque_(medallion)] They were initially made at the Memorial Plaque Factory, 54/56 Church Road, Acton, W3, London from 1919. Early plaques did not have a number stamped on them but later ones have a number stamped behind the lion's back leg. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Plaque_(medallion)] Ted Cannon's plaquette does not have a stamped number. Ted Cannon was a gifted artist and cartoonist who studied at the Ballarat School of Mines Technical Art School. During the Battle of Pozieres on the Western Front Ted Cannon worked with the Scout Platoon sketching the enemy's gun emplacements. Ted proved invaluable to the Brigade and brought he came under the attention of the Australian High Command. On 13 September 1916 Ted was given a special assignment for General C.B.B. White. Ted was sent out forward of the Old Mill at Verbrandenmolen (in the Ypres Salient) to draw a panorama of the German lines in the area from Hill 60 to The Bluff. It was a hazardous task and Ted was warned to be careful. Tragically he was sniped by an enemy machine-gunner and sustained severe abdominal wounds. Stretcher-bearers rushed him to the 17th Casualty Clearing Station where he was operated on by the doctors at 8.30 that night. With little chance of success, but ever resilient, Ted remained conscious almost to the end. He died early in the morning of the 14 September 1916. His body was buried in the large Military Cemetery at Lijssenthoek. The effects of the late Ted Cannon were returned to his parents. These were an autograph book, three brushes, prayer book, housewife, whistle, book, hymn book, curios. Another listing gives his effects as "identity disc, letters, photos, wallet, 2 books, Mexican Dollar, 1 cent (Ceylon), 3 German Straps, Fountain Pen, Cigarette-holder, Franc Note, 50 centimes Note, devotional book, mirror, rosary, scapula, metal ring, two combs, book of views, nail clippers, badges, tie clip, Egyptian stamp.[http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/Imagine.asp?B=3202589] Ted Cannon was an only child. It is not known how the 'Dead Man's Penny' came into the ownership of the donor, but it is thought that it may have been left in a house owned by the donor's mother. Further information on Ted Cannon can be found at http://bih.ballarat.edu.au/index.php/Edwin_J._Cannon and http://www.ballarat.edu.au/about-ub/history/art-and-historical-collection/ub-honour-roll/c/edwin-joseph-ted-cannon-1895-1916Large bronze medallion or plaquette featuring an image of Lady Britannia surrounded by two dolphins (representing Britain’s sea power) and a lion (representing Britain) standing over a defeated eagle (symbolising Germany). Around the outer edge of the medallion are the words ‘He died for freedom and honour’. Next to Lady Britannia is the deceased solider’s name, with no rank provided to show equality in their sacrifice. (http://nma.gov.au/blogs/education/2010/11/14/dead-mans-penny) The plaque was distributed throughout the British Empire, and the first plaques were distributed in Australia in 1922 "Returned home" by W. & O. Mayne, 2013. ted cannon, edwin joseph cannon, cannon, world war 1, world war -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Vessel, Sail and Steam Ship, S.S. Warrnambool
This photograph and a matching earlier photograph are the images of a painting of the British steamship SS Warrnambool at Dover Strait in the English Channel. The photographs were donated by the painting’s owner, who acquired the 30” x 56” (76 x 142.5 cm) oil on canvas painting in 1998. Both photographs were accompanied by a letter, one written in 2001, and the other in 2003. The letters confirm that the artist of the painting was Charles Keith Miller, signed with the initials “CKM” and dated “1893”. The painting shown in the photographs was a gift to the Town Council of Warrnambool, presented to Warrnambool folks in Melbourne on December 1, 1892, by the Captain of William Lund’s ship SS Warrnambool. The painting was given by Lund in appreciation of the Ladies of Warrnambool who had presented the ship with a ‘house’ flag bearing the Blue Anchor Line’s symbol of a diagonal blue anchor on a white background; the ladies had made the decision to present the flag only a month earlier. A few days later, December 6th, the SS Warrnambool was on its homeward journey to Britain, sailing via Adelaide. It anchored for a short time off the Port of Warrnambool. A boat was launched from Lady Bay to take a group of friends to the ship with a delivery of gifts. After cheers were roused for both the ship and the Captain, the ship continued on its way. The photograph shows the gifted white flag with a diagonal blue anchor flying from the masthead. The same symbol is painted on the ship’s black funnel. The signal flags on the foremast display ‘M’ ‘R’ ‘V’ ‘B’. These letters are most likely the ship’s call number ‘MRVB’. Although the painting was given as a gift in December 1892, it is post-dated “1893”. Perhaps the painting was given earlier than anticipated; or the date added later, but whatever the reason, the provenance of the painting was confirmed at auctions of this painting and other works by the same artist. CHARLES KEITH MILLER 1836-1907:- Captain Charles Miller left his home in Scotland at the age of 15 years for a life at sea. He earned his Master’s Certificate ten years later. After being the captain of sailing ships he moved over to the steamships because they were faster. In 1866 he married and settled in Glasgow. Over the following eleven years he and his wife had five children, then sadly his wife passed away. Captain Miller returned to the sea for a while but in 1888 he gave up his sea life to spend his time as a marine artist. His understanding of seafaring life and vessels, combined with his artistic skills, gave him the ability to produce fine art and several galleries and museums have collections of his sought-after works. S.S. WARRNAMBOOL 1892-1925:- The steamship SS Warrnambool was built in 1892 by the Sunderland Ship Building Company for the Lund Line of London, founded by William Lund in 1869. It efficiently carried both passengers and cargo across the world to Australia, under the command of her master Captain Joshua Edward Iibery, who had many years of experience with the Blue Anchor Line. The company, referred to as the Blue Anchor Line or BAL, owned a fleet of both sail and steamships. The funnels of all of the steamships were painted black, with a white band around the top bearing a diagonal blue anchor and chain. The company’s house flag was also white with a diagonal blue anchor. The SS Warrnambool carried passengers and cargo in a ‘no frills’ service to and from Europe around the Cape of Good Hope, stopping at some ports in between. The ship was involved in bringing home returned solders in 1895. At one time it carried a doctor from Victoria, Australia, to assist at the war front in South Africa. The ship had a very good reputation for its cargo arriving ‘almost always in excellent condition.’ Exported goods from Australia included iron safes, flour, wool, apples, frozen rabbits, butter, cheese, pork, cattle, poultry and sheep. One remarkable delivery contained Ostriches for Queen Victoria and they survived the journey well. The SS Warrnambool was sold in 1900 to the British and South American Steam Navigation Co. Ltd of Liverpool and was renamed ‘Harmodius’. The company was managed by R.P. Houston & Company of London and its Houston Line funnels were red with a black top. The Harmodius was sold in 1919 to K.S.S. Co. Ltd, managed by Kaye Son & Co. Ltd. of Liverpool, and was renamed ‘Kut’. The line had black funnels with a white ‘K’ in a diamond or between white stripes. In 1926 it was purchased by T.W. Ward Ltd. and broken up. NOTE- other vessels named “Warrnambool” Two other vessels carried the name “Warrnambool” (1)- HMAS Warrnambool J202 (1941-1947), a Bathurst Class corvette vessel owned by the Royal Australian Navy, destroyed by a mine. The photograph is significant for its association with the painting "SS Warrnambool" by well-known early 20th century marine artist Charles Keith Miller, whose paintings are well valued. The painting and the photograph of it are namesakes of Warrnambool and are connected through the gifts exchanged between the ship company owner, the City of Warrnambool and the Ladies of Warrnambool; the House Flag and the painting by C K Miller. The image is a good likeness to original photographs of the late-19th to early-20th century steam and sale vessel. Coloured photograph of a painting, the steamship S.S. Warrnambool. The three-masted ship has lowered sails. It is in calm water, land on one side, and other vessels in the water. The ship has four raised signal flags, a house flag and a blue ensign. The funnel also bears the house flags symbol. Smoke emits from the funnel. Figures are visible onboard. There is a signature and a title on the lower edge of the photograph. (Artist of the painting in the photograph was Charles Keith Miller)House flag symbol, [diagonal blue anchor on white background] Text "CKM" and "1893" Text "S. S. WARRNAMBOOL."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, photograph, steam ship warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime village, shipwreck coast, ss warrnambool, captain, charles keith miller, ckm, 1893, william lund, warrnambool town council, blue anchor line, lund line, ladies of warrnambool, house flag, diagonal blue anchor, captain miller, sunderland ship building company, migrant ship, 1892 ship, home flag, bal, australian export, s.s.warrnambool, dover strait, english chanel, port of warrnambool, lady bay, mrvb, captain charles miller, captain joshua edward iibery, ostriches, queen victoria, british and south american steam navigation co., harmodius, r.p. houston & company, houston line, k.s.s. co. ltd, kaye son & co. ltd, kut, t.w. ward ltd -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Photograph (Black & White), Victa Studios, Presentation to Professor Alfred Mica Smith of the Ballarat School of Mines at Craig's Royal Hotel, c1924, c1924
This photo is thought to have been taken at the time of Alfred Mica Smith's retirement from the Ballarat School of Mines. It is most probably also the unveiling of the Max Meldrum portrait of Smith. Alfred Mica Smith retired from the Ballarat School of Mines in 1922 after an association of 41 years and aged 78 years. At the August meeting of the Ballarat School of Mines Council in 1881 it was resolved that 'Alfred Mica Smith Esq., B.Sc., be appointed Professor in Chemistry and Metallurgy and be Superintendent of the Laboratories, for the period of twelve months at a stipend of five hundred pounds per annum, and to commence duty as soon as possible'. (signed: James Oddie, Vice-President) Smith played a major role in the years of 1887-1893 when SMB was affiliated with Melbourne University. In 1912 he became Professor of Metallurgy and received an annual salary of 250 pounds. Alfred Mica Smith presented many scholarly papers, gave evidence at government enquiries into the safety of mines and became an authority on mine safety and ventilation. He was on the Mines Ventilation Board. Professor Smith was the public analyst for the City of Ballarat and Town of Ballarat East, as well as to a number of other boroughs and shires. He was also Chief juror to the Adelaide International Exhibition, chemical section. He provided information to the Royal Commission on gold mining (1889, 1891), and was President to the chemistry section of Australian Association for the Advancement of Science, Associate of American and Australasian Institute of Mining Engineering, Member of the Science Faculty Melbourne University, and Hon. Life Member of the Miner Managers' Association of Australia. He also was involved in many educational and community affairs such as President of the SMB Students' Association, President of the Ballarat Science Society, first President of the Ballarat Camera Club, Vice President of the Field Naturalists' Club, and he presented Ballaarat Fine Art Gallery with his collection of paintings and porcelain ware. His legacies include the mutual regard between him and his students, the many tributes by former students, the Mica Smith scholarship (established in 1923) and now known as the Corbould-Mica Smith Travelling Scholarship, his portrait in oils by noted artist Max Meldrum, and the marble bust of Smith sculptured by Paul Montford. Money for a scholarship in sanitary science at the University of Manchester in the name of his uncle R. A. Smith was left being set up in 1928. Smith died of cancer on 14 May 1926 and his remains, cremated at Springvale, were interred in the Ballaarat New Cemetery. See http://guerin.ballarat.edu.au/curator/honour-roll/honourroll_Smith,%20Alfred%20Mica.shtml Black and white mounted photograph showing a number of men sitting around two dining tables at Craig's Royal Hotel in Ballarat. Professor Alfred Mica Smith of the Ballarat School of Mines is standing 15 from the left, and is the subject of the painting on an easel to the left. The painting was presented to the Ballarat Fine Art GalleryLower right of mount 'Victa Studios Ballarat' Verso (typed and glued on): Presentation to professor Mica Smith, Craig's Hotelballarat school of mines, craig's hotel, craig's royal hotel, alfred mica smith, art gallery of ballarat, ballarat fine art gallery, portrait, frederick martell, daniel walker -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Frederick Harwood Noble and Winifred Noble, c.1890
One of five group and individual portraits of the Noble family of Kew, two in the rear garden of what is presumed to be ‘Charnwood’, in Station Street, Coburg. The photographs date from the period c.1890-1914. One of the larger framed photographs is a portrait of the entire family group, while another is of two of the children, Frederick and Winifred. The father, Frederick William Noble was a businessman, and, at one period Secretary of the Victorian Creamery & Butter Company in South Melbourne. Later he was to manage J. Bartram & Co., Ice & Cold Storage Department in Flinders Lane. By 1906, the Noble family had moved to Kew, living for almost 20 years at 100 Walpole Street before relocating to 26 Molesworth Street in the mid 1920s. The five photographs in the collection reveal details of family life and social values as expressed through attire. The family is formally costumed in a manner indicative of their social status. Mrs Noble, in one of the large framed portraits, is dressed in a sombre manner in a long, dark-coloured long-sleeved, high-necked gown. It is difficult to know whether she is dressed in mourning wear in this black and white photograph. It was not uncommon for a woman to regularly wear mourning attire due to the high mortality rate in the Victorian era. This situation was compounded for women due to the size of extended families. A woman might rarely be out of mourning due to the death of a parent, a sibling, a husband, a child or a near relative. The portraits of the Noble family children, particularly Frederick and Winifred, show the elaborateness of formal attire worn by the children of wealthy families during the late Victorian era. Winifred is dressed in a long cotton dress and a broad-rimmed hat; both liberally covered in lace. Winifred and Frederick’s lace collars extend to their shoulders. Winifred’s diaries, covering the period 1908-50, are now in the collection of the State Library of Victoria. The most detailed of the diaries is from 1914, just before the outbreak of World War 1, and includes ‘Accounts of my Dancing Evenings - Season 1914’. The diaries were the inspiration for an art exhibition by Jim Pavlidis in 2014. One of the family’s two sons, Frederick, was to work at The Age newspaper for 50 years. His obituary records that “He was regarded as the epitome of accuracy and a fount of knowledge on many subjects, but especially cricket, the Royal Melbourne Show and Gilbert & Sullivan”. With Robert Morgan he compiled Speed the Plough, a history of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and its role in developing agriculture in Victoria.A series of photographs that depict family life in the period 1890-1914. The family is significant and the children achieved success in a number of fields.Framed large albumen silver photograph of Frederick Harwood Noble and his sister Winifred in the rear garden of the family home in Coburg (sic). Later Label on rear reads ‘F.H. Noble, W.M. Noble’.winifred noble, frederick noble, charnwood (coburg), station street (coburg) -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph, The Noble family, c.1890
One of five group and individual portraits of the Noble family of Kew, two in the rear garden of what is presumed to be ‘Charnwood’, in Station Street, Coburg. The photographs date from the period c.1890-1914. One of the larger framed photographs is a portrait of the entire family group, while another is of two of the children, Frederick and Winifred. The father, Frederick William Noble was a businessman, and, at one period Secretary of the Victorian Creamery & Butter Company in South Melbourne. Later he was to manage J. Bartram & Co., Ice & Cold Storage Department in Flinders Lane. By 1906, the Noble family had moved to Kew, living for almost 20 years at 100 Walpole Street before relocating to 26 Molesworth Street in the mid 1920s. The five photographs in the collection reveal details of family life and social values as expressed through attire. The family is formally costumed in a manner indicative of their social status. Mrs Noble, in one of the large framed portraits, is dressed in a sombre manner in a long, dark-coloured long-sleeved, high-necked gown. It is difficult to know whether she is dressed in mourning wear in this black and white photograph. It was not uncommon for a woman to regularly wear mourning attire due to the high mortality rate in the Victorian era. This situation was compounded for women due to the size of extended families. A woman might rarely be out of mourning due to the death of a parent, a sibling, a husband, a child or a near relative. The portraits of the Noble family children, particularly Frederick and Winifred, show the elaborateness of formal attire worn by the children of wealthy families during the late Victorian era. Winifred is dressed in a long cotton dress and a broad-rimmed hat; both liberally covered in lace. Winifred and Frederick’s lace collars extend to their shoulders. Winifred’s diaries, covering the period 1908-50, are now in the collection of the State Library of Victoria. The most detailed of the diaries is from 1914, just before the outbreak of World War 1, and includes ‘Accounts of my Dancing Evenings - Season 1914’. The diaries were the inspiration for an art exhibition by Jim Pavlidis in 2014. One of the family’s two sons, Frederick, was to work at The Age newspaper for 50 years. His obituary records that “He was regarded as the epitome of accuracy and a fount of knowledge on many subjects, but especially cricket, the Royal Melbourne Show and Gilbert & Sullivan”. With Robert Morgan he compiled Speed the Plough, a history of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and its role in developing agriculture in Victoria.A compelling group of family portraits. Members of the family were to achieve important roles as managers, journalists and writers.Framed and gazed albumen silver print of Mr and Frederick Warner Mrs Noble in the garden of their home in Coburg (sic) with their three children. There are minor losses to the gesso and paint of the original frame. Later labels to rear include: "Mr Noble, Mrs Noble’. ‘Frederick, Winifred, Wilfred"noble family, charnwood (coburg), station street (coburg) -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Portrait of Frederick Noble, c.1912
One of five group and individual portraits of the Noble family of Kew, two in the rear garden of what is presumed to be ‘Charnwood’, in Station Street, Coburg. The photographs date from the period c.1890-1914. One of the larger framed photographs is a portrait of the entire family group, while another is of two of the children, Frederick and Winifred. The father, Frederick William Noble was a businessman, and, at one period Secretary of the Victorian Creamery & Butter Company in South Melbourne. Later he was to manage J. Bartram & Co., Ice & Cold Storage Department in Flinders Lane. By 1906, the Noble family had moved to Kew, living for almost 20 years at 100 Walpole Street before relocating to 26 Molesworth Street in the mid 1920s. The five photographs in the collection reveal details of family life and social values as expressed through attire. The family is formally costumed in a manner indicative of their social status. Mrs Noble, in one of the large framed portraits, is dressed in a sombre manner in a long, dark-coloured long-sleeved, high-necked gown. It is difficult to know whether she is dressed in mourning wear in this black and white photograph. It was not uncommon for a woman to regularly wear mourning attire due to the high mortality rate in the Victorian era. This situation was compounded for women due to the size of extended families. A woman might rarely be out of mourning due to the death of a parent, a sibling, a husband, a child or a near relative. The portraits of the Noble family children, particularly Frederick and Winifred, show the elaborateness of formal attire worn by the children of wealthy families during the late Victorian era. Winifred is dressed in a long cotton dress and a broad-rimmed hat; both liberally covered in lace. Winifred and Frederick’s lace collars extend to their shoulders. Winifred’s diaries, covering the period 1908-50, are now in the collection of the State Library of Victoria. The most detailed of the diaries is from 1914, just before the outbreak of World War 1, and includes ‘Accounts of my Dancing Evenings - Season 1914’. The diaries were the inspiration for an art exhibition by Jim Pavlidis in 2014. One of the family’s two sons, Frederick, was to work at The Age newspaper for 50 years. His obituary records that “He was regarded as the epitome of accuracy and a fount of knowledge on many subjects, but especially cricket, the Royal Melbourne Show and Gilbert & Sullivan”. With Robert Morgan he compiled Speed the Plough, a history of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and its role in developing agriculture in Victoria.Framed portrait of Frederick Noble"Frederick Noble". The name "PRENTICE" is handwritten below the label.noble family, frederick noble -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Portrait of Mrs P.W. Noble, c.1870
One of five group and individual portraits of the Noble family of Kew, two in the rear garden of what is presumed to be ‘Charnwood’, in Station Street, Coburg. The photographs date from the period c.1890-1914. One of the larger framed photographs is a portrait of the entire family group, while another is of two of the children, Frederick and Winifred. The father, Frederick William Noble was a businessman, and, at one period Secretary of the Victorian Creamery & Butter Company in South Melbourne. Later he was to manage J. Bartram & Co., Ice & Cold Storage Department in Flinders Lane. By 1906, the Noble family had moved to Kew, living for almost 20 years at 100 Walpole Street before relocating to 26 Molesworth Street in the mid 1920s. The five photographs in the collection reveal details of family life and social values as expressed through attire. The family is formally costumed in a manner indicative of their social status. Mrs Noble, in one of the large framed portraits, is dressed in a sombre manner in a long, dark-coloured long-sleeved, high-necked gown. It is difficult to know whether she is dressed in mourning wear in this black and white photograph. It was not uncommon for a woman to regularly wear mourning attire due to the high mortality rate in the Victorian era. This situation was compounded for women due to the size of extended families. A woman might rarely be out of mourning due to the death of a parent, a sibling, a husband, a child or a near relative. The portraits of the Noble family children, particularly Frederick and Winifred, show the elaborateness of formal attire worn by the children of wealthy families during the late Victorian era. Winifred is dressed in a long cotton dress and a broad-rimmed hat; both liberally covered in lace. Winifred and Frederick’s lace collars extend to their shoulders. Winifred’s diaries, covering the period 1908-50, are now in the collection of the State Library of Victoria. The most detailed of the diaries is from 1914, just before the outbreak of World War 1, and includes ‘Accounts of my Dancing Evenings - Season 1914’. The diaries were the inspiration for an art exhibition by Jim Pavlidis in 2014. One of the family’s two sons, Frederick, was to work at The Age newspaper for 50 years. His obituary records that “He was regarded as the epitome of accuracy and a fount of knowledge on many subjects, but especially cricket, the Royal Melbourne Show and Gilbert & Sullivan”. With Robert Morgan he compiled Speed the Plough, a history of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and its role in developing agriculture in Victoria.Framed oval portrait of Mrs P. W. Noble in a carved wooden frame."P. W. Noble" handwritten on label on reverse. noble family -
University of Melbourne, School of Chemistry
Diethylene Disulphide Methyl Iodide
Born in Ireland, John Drummond Kirkland trained as a chemical analyst through apprenticeship in a medical laboratory in Dublin, before migrating to Australia in 1852 and moving to Melbourne in 1855. While still an undergraduate medical student at the University of Melbourne, he was appointed lecturer in chemistry following the sudden death of John Macadam in 1865. Due to the enthusiastic support of his fellow students this temporary role became a permanent appointment the following year. Kirkland continued his studies, graduating in medicine in 1873 and surgery in 1880. His son, John Booth Kirkland, was appointed as his assistant in 1878, later leading to accusations of nepotism. In 1882 John Drummond Kirkland became the University?s first professor of chemistry and metallurgy, continuing until his death in 1885. Today?s researchers use a high performance computing facility named ?Kirkland? after the first Professor of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne. Chemistry was still controlled by the medical school during Kirkland?s career, but became part of the science degree from 1886, along with the appointment of David Orme Masson as professor. Kirkland struggled for University funding to buy new apparatus. To compensate, he bought much from his own personal funds, including analytical chemistry equipment. Chemistry was first taught at Melbourne in the medical school, located in the area now occupied by Physics and the Ian Potter Museum of Art. (Sir) David Orme Masson was Professor of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne from 1886 to1923. As well as being a distinguished teacher and researcher, he contributed significantly to Australian scientific and public life, being instrumental in the establishment and governance of many important bodies including the CSIRO. Masson supported Antarctic research for 25 years, beginning with Douglas Mawson?s expedition of 1911. Born in England and receiving an MA, BSc and DSc from the University of Edinburgh, he was a gifted, elegant and disciplined lecturer and a researcher of substance. His research work included the theory of solutions, from which emerged the term ?critical solution temperature?; the periodic classification of the elements; and the velocity of migration of ions in solutions. Much of his research was done in collaboration with talented students such as David Rivett and his own son Irvine Masson. Masson was knighted in 1923. He is commemorated by the Masson Theatre and Masson Road at the University of Melbourne; a mountain range and island in Antarctica; a portrait painting by William McInnes in the foyer of the School of Chemistry; the Masson lectureship from the Australian National Research Council; and the Masson memorial scholarship from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.Stocks used in the Blackie - Masson - J.B.Kirkland work. -
Melton City Libraries
Document, Country Women's Association Song Lyrics, c.1960
MABEL nee ABRAHAM ROGERS 1920 - 2004 Publications: The First One Hundred Years 1870-1970 Melton State School No 430 Co Author with Edna Barrie The Mechanics [Melton] 1985 Mabel Abraham was daughter of Herbert G Abraham, Butcher of High Street Melton. She attended Melton State School from 1928 qualifying for her Merit certificate in December 1928 and continued her education at Melbourne Girls High School [soon after known as MacRobertson Girls High School] She studied piano and elocution as a school girl. Mabel was associated with many activities in the Melton community. She was a natural writer and interested in research and was committed to documenting and preserving Meltons History. Mabel produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skilfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. Mabel was a member of the C.W.A. holding position of Secretary. She was a member of the Melton and District Historical Society at its inception in 1968 and was a Member of The Willows Committee of Management. She was supporter of the first historical display and the Mechanics Hall and the Historical Society Annual Art and Craft shows from 1974 until 1982. In 1961 she was involved with Melton Development Association and in 1969 with the establishment of the first “Carols by Candlelight” held in Melton. Mabel was a member Anglican Church and Committee. She was a member of the Melton Mechanics Institute and made a Trustee and Life Member in 1965. She was a member of Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee. She was Guide Leader, member of the Red Cross and School Committee. In November 1982 she was a recipient of the Annual Rotary Community Service Award for outstanding service to the Community of Melton over a prolonged time. Mabel married Eric Rogers in August 1944 the wedding reception was held at the Melton Mechanics Hall. Their are children John, Ron, Francis and Judy. The family lived in High Street Melton between the Mechanics Institute and earliest Shire Hall eastern end. Eric was grader operator on the district roads. In their latter years Mabel and Eric lived in Bacchus Marsh. Eric died in Bacchus Marsh in July 2007. Country Women's Association Melton Branch lyrics from Mabel Roger's handwritten noteslocal identities, local significant groups -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Great Hall, Montsalvat, 8 January 2008
Great Hall at Montsalvat built 1938-52, designed by Justus Jorgensen Covered under National Estate, National Trust of Australia (Victoria) State Significance, Victorian Heritage and Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p129 At first glance, Montsalvat, the artists’ community at Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham, could belong to another time and place. The French provincial Gothic-style buildings blend picturesquely with the introduced and native trees and farm animals on the five hectare property. But Montsalvat belongs very much to today’s Eltham, having inspired much of its creative activity and style. The use of mud-brick and recycled building materials, for which Eltham is so well-known, was largely popularised by Montsalvat. Montsalvat – unique in Victoria and probably in Australia – is registered by the National Trust and National Estate.1 Montsalvat, named after the castle of the Knights of the Holy Grail, has attracted artists and intellectuals since it was founded in 1934. For years at weekends, artists, lawyers, philosophers, politicians and others, who shared a love for what Montsalvat stood for, gathered for a meal and stimulating discussion. The focus for this gathering of talent was Justus Jörgensen, an eccentric man with vision and charisma. It was Jörgensen’s foresight that saw the creation of Montsalvat, which in 1975 was formed into a trust to benefit the Victorian people. The property was then valued at about three million dollars. It is now visited by thousands of people annually. Born in 1894 and brought up a Catholic, Jörgensen had trained as an architect. He later studied painting at the National Gallery School under artist, Frederick McCubbin, then joined the studio of artist Max Meldrum. In 1924, Jörgensen married medical student Lillian Smith, and with artist friends they travelled to Europe to study the great masters. In London Jörgensen exhibited in several major galleries. One of his still life paintings was included in the book The Art of Still Life by Herbert Furst, which featured 100 of the greatest ever still life paintings.2 In 1929, Jörgensen returned to Melbourne where Lil, now qualified, worked as an anaesthetist at St Vincent’s Hospital. They bought a small house in Brighton and Jörgensen rented a large building in Queen Street for his studio until the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria bought it in 1955. While designing and overseeing the building of a studio for his friend the famous cartoonist Percy Leason, in Lavender Park Road, Jörgensen decided to buy land for a country retreat in Eltham. So the building of Montsalvat began. Jörgensen gathered around a dozen of his friends and students from his Queen Street studio. They set to work, first at weekends then some decided to live permanently on the site. Jörgensen had seen mud-brick buildings in Spain and recognised that Eltham’s clay soil was ideal for mud-bricks and although labour intensive, it was a very cheap way of building. Jörgensen’s students and friends worked under his direction with the help of local tradesmen, including carpenter, Len Jarrold and later stone mason, Horrie Judd. In return Jörgensen would give the students a painting lesson or two. It was the Great Depression when many were out of work. Jörgensen also inspired people to give generously of money and materials. With their help Jörgensen found second-hand materials for building. Friends donated slate for roofing, discarded firebricks were used for flooring and windows and doors and a cast-iron circular staircase came from a wrecker. The students’ day started at 7am with building and domestic chores, shared equally between the sexes. The first building was used by his friends at weekends and then became a home for his wife Lil. It consisted of three rooms and an attic under a high-pitched roof. Jörgensen then built a similar structure with the same high-pitched roof as a more permanent home for his students. The two buildings were joined together with a tower and a studio for Jörgensen. While excavating for the studio a reef of yellow mud-stone was found and then used in construction. The next building was the Great Hall, to be used for dining, exhibitions and meetings and completed in 1958, after a halt during the war. Whelan the Wrecker donated the stone-framed windows from the building that housed the Victorian Insurance Co. in Collins Street, which had been demolished in the 1930s. The swimming pool was donated and cubicles were built for the students with their initials marked in tiles on each doorstep.1 One of Jörgensen’s great abilities was to recognise how to use material which harmonised. He would comb through wreckers’ yards for what he needed. Regarding his buildings as sculptural pieces, his first consideration was for the aesthetic quality of a building and only then for its functionality.2 At Montsalvat, Jörgensen found he was able to put his ideas into practice without compromise and those who worked with him had to conform to his ideas. With the Jörgensens, the colony’s original nucleus consisted of the Skipper family – Mervyn and wife Lena, daughters Helen and Sonia and son Matcham,who was to become an eminent jeweller and sculptor represented in National Gallery collections throughout Australia and in European museums.3 Other members were Arthur Munday, Lesley Sinclair, Helen Lempriere, Ian Robertson, John Smith, George Chalmers, John Busst and Sue Van der Kellan; also Jörgensen’s three sons – Max, Sebastian and Sigmund – and Saskia, Sonia Skipper and Arthur Munday’s daughter. Montsalvat went through some hard times when local gossips spread rumours of sexual shenanigans at Montsalvat. However Montsalvat also had many local supporters – especially amongst the local tradespeople. The colony was certainly unconventional – with Jörgensen’s wife Lil (and son Max) and life-time partner Helen Skipper, (mother of Sebastian and Sigmund) living at Montsalvat. Sonia Skipper says in her biography that the group were ‘very conscious of their responsibilities to each other and a desire to make their relationships work’.4 By World War Two many buildings around the Great Hall were completed. Jörgensen was a pacifist, as were most of his students. Some of the Montsalvat community enlisted while others engaged in essential services like dairy farming and market gardening for the war effort. It was then that Jörgensen constructed farm buildings. After the war many well-known personalities such as Clifton Pugh, landscape gardener Gordon Ford, and builder Alistair Knox, were drawn to Montsalvat. They learnt that building was not a ‘sacred cow’ only for professionals, but that anyone who was willing to get their hands dirty could do it. The post-war shortage of materials also encouraged builders to follow Montsalvat’s lead in reusing materials. When Jörgensen died in 1975, his influence did not – thanks largely to the vigilance of his son, Sigmund, who became its administrator. The weekend dinners have gone, but in 2008 about 14 artists still work at Montsalvat – some living there – including a couple who have been there since its early days. Under Sigmund’s direction Montsalvat further expanded its activities which included festivals, art exhibitions, concerts and weddings. Sigmund completed the Chapel, then the Long Gallery next to the pool, After the barn burnt down, he replaced it in 1999 (the builder was Hamish Knox, Alistair’s son) with a new gallery and entrance and added a restaurant. Sigmund has been careful that any new building blends in with the character of Montsalvat. In 2006 Montsalvat was restructured for its continued financial viability and with the help of Arts Victoria a new executive officer was appointed. A representative board from the wider community was established, which includes members from the former Montsalvat Trust including Sigmund Jörgensen – who is now the heritage and arts adviser to the new company Montsalvat Ltd.5 Today, visiting Montsalvat one still sees artists, students and visitors enjoying the unique and beautiful surroundings.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, great hall, montsalvat -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Lasseters Last Ride
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 area 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 during 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. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940 he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. 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. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940 he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. Lasseters Last Ride An Epic of Central Australian Gold Discovery First Published 1931 Author: Ion Idriess Publisher: John Murray Date: 1950Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 919.4 IDR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, ion idriess, lasseters last ride -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Fortunes in Minerals
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 area 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 during 1942 to 1942 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. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940 he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. 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. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940 he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. Fortunes in Minerals Author: Ion Idriess Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1954 Label on spine with typed text PAT 549 IDR Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, ion idriess, fortunes in minerals -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Historical, Australia, Man Tracks
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 a 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 a 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 because 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 he died in 1969. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age of 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932,d 1940 he published three books each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ were where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968.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. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940 he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. Man Tracks with the Mounted Police in Australian Wilds Author: Ion Idriess Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1935Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 364.1 IDR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service and a stamp from Warrnambool Public Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, 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, man tracks, ion idriess, historical book -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Historical, novel, Drums of Mer
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 area 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 during 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. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940 he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. 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. Drums of Mer Author: Ion L Idriess Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1933Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 919.4 IDR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free 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, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Print, The Loch Ard, 1993
ABOUT THE ARTIST – Philip James Gray “Philip is one of Australia’s leading maritime artists and his meticulous research and social commentary paintings of ships, such as, the Loch Ard and Schomberg form an important part of Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum.” [ref. Dr Marion Manifold, Artist and Art Historian, 2014] Philip James Gray was born in London but has lived most of his life in Australia. He graduated from a London school of art as an illustrator, specialising in technical and scientific illustration as well as other commercial and applied art. He was also a student for a time of Fyffe Christie - British figurative artist, mural painter and humanitarian – who had a great influence on his career. Philip has always worked as a professional artist and illustrator. Many publications on maritime history have featured his work. His paintings have been released and sold all over the world as limited edition prints. The State Library of Victoria’s ‘Latrobe Collection’ holds two of his paintings. His street painting of ‘The Ashes Contest’ decorates the brick wall of Old Bakery Laneway in Sunbury and a Sunbury café owner commissioned him to paint the ‘Sunbury Pop Festival’ as a remembrance of local history. [ref. Sunbury Leader, Nov 15 2013] Philip has been an active member of the Sunbury Art Society in Victoria for several years, serving on the committee for some of that time and being involved in exhibitions. He enjoys helping new artists and sharing his skills and experience. [other references: Sunbury Art Society Inc. Oct-Nov 2012] HISTORY OF THE LOCH ARD The LOCH ARD belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many ships from England to Australia. Built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the LOCH ARD was a three-masted square rigged iron sailing ship. The ship measured 262ft 7" (79.87m) in length, 38ft (11.58m) in width, 23ft (7m) in depth and had a gross tonnage of 1693 tons. The LOCH ARD's main mast measured a massive 150ft (45.7m) in height. LOCH ARD made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its final voyage. LOCH ARD left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of Captain Gibbs, a newly married, 29 year old. She was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers and a load of cargo. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. On board were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionary, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were items included that intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. At 3am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land and the passengers were becoming excited as they prepared to view their new homeland in the early morning. But LOCH ARD was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4am the fog lifted. A man aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and LOCH ARD's bow swung back. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time LOCH ARD was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind the ship. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves broke over the ship and the top deck was loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of LOCH ARD and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael had raced onto deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached LOCH ARD Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland, this time by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the LOCH ARD disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the LOCH ARD tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of LOCH ARD still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some was washed up into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton porcelain peacock - one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today, the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artefact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. Print of the sailing ship Loch Ard by artist Philip J. Gray, 1993. Depicts the Loch Ard in full sail at sea, figures on deck. Limited Edition number 54/925. Print is adhered to a piece of chipboard and is stamped by the framer, Ian's Picture Framing of Warrnambool.Signature of "Philip J. Gray" , "54/925" Stamped on back "IAN'S PICTURE FRAMING, 48 KEPLER STREET, WARRNAMBOOL 3280, PH: (055) 628 022, FAX: (055) 628 145"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, print, philip j. gray -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Book, Percy Leason: an artist's life by Margot Tasca, 2016
"Who would have thought that a boy born in 1889 from the Victorian Mallee would become a successful artist on New York’s Staten Island? This finely illustrated, exhaustively researched and beautifully written biography on Leason features the artist’s entire career as a painter and cartoonist renowned for his depictions of Australian society in the 1920s and 1930s. Leason’s story is a poignant one tracing his beginnings as a cartoonist, to the bohemian Melbourne art scene in the early 20th century, to his involvement in the artists’ camps of Eltham, to his important series of portraits of Lake Tyers Indigenous Australians, and his eventual move to the US where he has been acknowledged as making an enormous contribution to the New York arts scene. This story, as yet untold, fills a gap in the history of art in Australia and offers a new perspective on Australian art in the first half of the 20th century." - Thames and Hudson website A NEW HOME IN ELTHAM Once they had settled back into Melbourne, Perry and Belle began to look for a place to make a permanent home. Having enjoyed the bush setting of Mosman, they decided to explore the rural fringes of Melbourne. Each weekend they packed a picnic and travelled to the towns in the nearby hills - such as Ferntree Gully, Sassafras, Lilydale and, of course, Cockatoo Creek. Eventually deciding these places might be a little too far from The Herald office, they searched closer to the city. The Heidelberg and Box Hill regions that had inspired his old teacher McCubbin, had become busy, urban areas but further east, towards Warrandyte and Templestowe, there were still large tracts of bush. Finally they settled on Eltham, an area Percy knew very well, having often painted there with Jock Frater. Perry's old friend Dick McCann and his wife Margery had also settled in Eltham. The township was fifteen miles from Melbourne and serviced by an electric train that went to the central Melbourne station of Flinders Street, near where The Herald offices were located. Eltham was a small village in 1925, separated from Melbourne by the Yarra River, and surrounded by orchards and large tracts of bush. Small farms dotted the landscape and the main businesses revolved around ironmongers, blacksmiths, and farming supplies. Of particular appeal to artists was Eltham Park, a large expanse of bushland bounded by the Yarra River on the south side and the Diamond Creek on the east. The park included a playing field that was busy on weekends with cricket or football matches, but for the rest of the week it was mostly empty and an ideal place to paint. The scenery there provided the inspiration for many paintings by Leason, Meldrum and other artists such as Colin Colahan and Peter (A.E.) Newburv. The Leasons found a rundown old farmhouse on four-and-a-half acres of land in New Street, now known as Lavender Park Road. The site was splendid, at the top of a gentle slope which gave panoramic views east to the Dandenong hills, south over the Templestowe orchards and north to Kinglake. The front lawn was taken over by onion grass (or wiregrass as Leason called it) and scattered about the property were many wattles and gum trees. Aloe cacti covered much to the front of the house, while old quince and lucerne hedges separated the house and out-buildings from a rundown apple orchard. Here they would build a new home. ·with financial assistance from The Herald, Leason bought the property and immediately commissioned an architectural firm to design a new house in the popular bungalow style of the time. The old farm house was demolished but Percy saved the siding boards, bricks and corrugated iron for the outbuildings of his new home. The new house was a two storey, triple brick with a large, gabled, terracotta tiled roof. It was situated at the very top of the slope. The paint and varnish were barely dry when the family moved in during the summer of 1925-26 and the fumes were overpowering in the heat. Despite the house being wired for electricity, power poles had not yet reached the area and initially the family had to rely on kerosene lamps and candles. When electricity did arrive, Leason reflected on the community's reception of electricity at the expense of the old growth gum tree corridors in his cartoon, Electricity comes to Wiregrass. The family had now grown to seven. Jack was nearly nine, Jean was seven, Marjory was four, Nancy was two and the baby Patricia was seven months old. Jack and Jean were enrolled in the local primary school down the hill. A retired farmer, Jock McMillan, came to live on the property and help out with the general maintenance. Jock built himself a shack and Belle provided him with meals. He was kept occupied building structures around the property·, such as the garage, the outside toilet, garden beds, trellis arbours and a number of ponds. The elderly, bearded Scotsman with his old hat and baggy pants also provided the inspiration for one of the characters Leason regularly included in his cartoons. Like Leason, Jock smoked a straight stemmed pipe. A neighbour was employed to help Belle with domestic chores, and so the family settled down to live comfortably in their new Eltham house. Two dogs, Maginary and Wodger, completed the large and vibrant household. “Percy Leason; an artist’s life” by Margot Tasca, Thames & Hudson Australia Pty Ltd, Port Melbourne 2016, pp 63-64 Hardback Bookpercy leason, margot tasca, biography, artist, landscape -
Melton City Libraries
Photograph, Edna Barrie, 1920, 1924, 1933 and 1940
SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Program, Shire of Eltham 1983 Eltham Festival: Year of the Theatre!, 14th, 15th & 16th October 1983; Insert, Diamond Valley News, 11 October 1983, pp35-46, 1983
Events and information concerning the 1983 Eltham Festival including advertisements On page 37 the article "Force behind the revival" is about how Alistair Knox was the instigator of the revival of the Eltham Festival in 1975 and discusses the history of four earlier festivals held in the early 1960s. Advertisers and people noted include: AAAA Display Signs, Alan Leake, Alan Marshall, Alistair Knox, Allan Leake, Ansell and Muir, Australian Film, Barry Maddock, Beverley Sheehan, Bimbi World, Brian Jeeves, Brian Wright, Briar Hill Glass centre, Briar Hill Swimming Pools Pty Ltd, Briar Hill Timber, Bryan Payne, Bush band, Cal Martin, Central Park, Country Art Store, Cr. Horsley, David Baker, David Sadedin, Dawn Mack, Diamond Valley Big Band, Diamond Valley Drapes, Diamond Valley Dutch Social Club, Diamond Valley Society, Dr Peter Reichenbach, Dr Rob Moffitt, Eastern District Bottle Company, Eccacentre, Eltham Central Cellars, Eltham Community Centre, Eltham Concert Band, Eltham Festival, Eltham High School, Eltham Jazz festival, Eltham Little Theatre, Eltham Living and Learning Centre, Eltham Newsagency & Toyworld, Eltham Orchestra, Eltham Pharmacy, Eltham Phoenix Club, Eltham Shire Council, Eltham Sports & Tennis, Eltham Wiregrass Gallery, Eltham Yamaha, Five and a Zack, Franciscus Henri, Frank Gow, Gavin Gray, George Barker, Graham Coyle, Graham Taylor, Greensborogh Hire service, I Can Jump Puddles (film), Ian Orr, Ian Walkear, International Communications Year, Janice Dadd, Jerry Clements, John Adams, John Higgins, John Murray, Kenton Shoes Eltham, Kings, Lazy Ade Monsbourgh, Leisure Footwear Pty Ltd, Lower Plenty Sports Centre, Mal Harrop, Matcham Skipper, Maurie Dann, Michael Poore, Montsalvat, MontsalvatValma Brundell, Myra Skipper, Panton Hill Hotel, Pats, Penna Guardian Chemist, Pine Canection, Purdy's Furniture, Ralph's Eltham Meat Supply, Ranger, Roller City, Ron Blyth, Ron Mack, Rotary Club of Eltham, Second Life decor Pty Ltd, Shire of Eltham Historical Society, Shire President, Skippers Marine Greensborough, Society for Growing Australian Plants, Squeaker's Mate (film), Storyville Allstars, Strings 'n Things, Style Interiors, T.J.'s Hair & Beauty Centre, The Eltham Chicken Shop, The Printing Works, The Prize (film), Thompson's Pharmacy, tim burstall, Todaro Coiffure, Tony Figgins, Tony Floyd, Travel Affair, Two Roads Boutique, Valley Door Centre, Warrandyte Hire, Warren Fordham, Wonderland Plant Nursery, Woolworths ArcadeNewsprint - 12 page newspaper insert1983, eltham festival, alistair knox -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Black and white printed card, Ballarat Old Boys' Association presentation to Albert W.Steane, 1942, 1942
Albert Steane was born at Sandhurst (now known as Bendigo) in 1877. He attended the Gravel Hill State School until the fourth class, then transferred to the Central School 1876 where he gained the Merit Certificate. The monitor system of teacher training had been introduced and he passed fourth, third, second and first class pupil teacher. At about 16 years of age he was appointed a teacher monitor at 12 pounds per annum. Albert Steane was awarded the Teachers' Certificate of Competency in 1897. The teaching of woodwork in Victoria began in 1901 and Steane was chosen, among 18 others for the inaugural training course at Queensberry State School in Melbourne. Steane was known for the teaching of Sloyd or woodwork, which was an important point in his career. He opened the Sloyd (woodwork) Centre in 1902 at the Ballarat East Art School (later known as the Ballarat East Free Library) at the School of Mines and Industries Ballarat (SMB). In 1913 Albert Steane, the young head of the East Ballarat Sloyd Centre, was appointed to establish a junior technical school in Ballarat becoming the first headmaster of the Ballarat Junior Technical School. Steane's lifelong interest in gymnastics brought him as much fame as his reputation as a headmaster. He organised the Education Department's gymnastics display at Bendigo's Golden Jubilee Exhibition in 1902. He played a major role in the establishment of the Ballarat Y.M.C.A. and from 1906 responsible for evening classes in physical culture. In 1968, aged 91, he was made a Life Member of the Association. Steane was in complete command of his school, his staff and students. It must be remembered that schooling was not as permissive, tolerant and informal as today. A.W. Steane retired in 1942 after 29 years as Headmaster of Ballarat Junior Technical School. Many visible memorials are evident of his time and influence on the growth of the Junior Tech. A good school also lives on in the memories and affections of its old boys. Many remained in touch to talk about "the old days". A simple lesson he taught was "Win Through". No matter what path was chosen by the students, many were true to his teaching. On his retirement, Mr Jeffery was appointed the new Headmaster. On 19 March 1942, a farewell meeting was held presided over by Mr Jeffery. Those present included A.F. Heseltine, G. Netherway (representing the Old Boys' Association), N. McHuthchinson (District Schools' Inspector), G.A. Simcock (High School), E. Youlden (Pleasant Street State School), and J.A. Ewins (Citizens' Representative). The following presentations were made: G Netherway - nickel-plated smokers' stand with the Old Boys' badge A. Robinson - an illuminated scroll (B&W photograph above) C. Jeffery - lounge room clock with inscribed silver plate Steane died, aged 93 years, on 13 July 1970, at Sydney, leaving his widow Grace Elliott Steane and children Eric and Violet. Black and white image of an illumination for the retirement of Albert W. Steane. Written in calligraphy and signed by the President and Secretary of the Old Boys' Association. Dated March 19th 1942 .1) Framed colour illumination with ribbons in School coloursSignatures of H. Daykin, President and Alan Robinson, Secretary of the Ballarat Junior Technical School Old Boys' Association. Dated March 19th 1942.albert steane, sandhurst, bendigo, gravel hill state school, teacher monitor system, teaching certificate, sloyd, ballarat sloyd centre, gymnastics, y.m.c.a., ballarat junior technical school, n. mchutchison, a heseltine, george netherway, c jeffery, old boys' association, illuminated scroll, h. daykin -
Melton City Libraries
Pamphlet, Thoroughbred Country, c.1985
"Melton has a long and celebrated history of horse breeding and racing. Draught horses were a crucial aspect of life in the early days of European settlement, and were heavily depended upon for both transport and agricultural labour. Peppercorn trees at the corner of Station and Brooklyn roads have been associated with a horse trough installed there to provide a drink to workhorses carting produce to the chaff mills and railway station south of Melton.20 Breeders, trainers and harness drivers in the area later became such an influential force in the equine industry that this came to be a defining aspect of the district’s identity and reputation.Pioneer of the Victorian horse racing industry and early Rockbank squatter William Cross Yuille was one of the earliest importers of stud racehorses in the district in the 1850s. A leading sports editor and writer, Yuille established bloodstock auctioning agency W. C. Yuille & Co. and was involved in the compilation of the first Australian Stud Book, which ensures the integrity of thoroughbred breeding in Australia. According to early Melton chronicler Alexander Cameron, horse races were first organised in the area by Rockbank farmer William Keating. Keating owned racehorses of his own, and many brought horses from Melbourne for the events, which ‘drew large gatherings’.22 Melton Racing Club meetings were held on the Exford Estate with the permission of H. W. Staughton, who built a small wooden grandstand in 1882. Other early races and sports meetings are said to have been held in the vicinity of the current-day Melton golf course.23 An 1884 article reported that Melton’s ‘race programme … equals any put forth by country towns of far greater size’. Ernest Clarke was another important figure in the early horse racing industry in Melton. He established the Melton Stud in 1902, which bred numerous successful racehorses. Perhaps most notably The Welkin, one of the most famous stallions in Australian horse racing in the early twentieth century. The Welkin sired Gloaming, bred by Clarke at the Melton stud in 1915 and one of Australia’s greatest champion racehorses. During a long and prestigious career in both Australia and New Zealand, Gloaming achieved a triumphant 57 wins out of 67 starts and won a record amount of prize money. Ken Cox purchased the Stockwell Stud in Diggers Rest in 1957 and developed it into one of the largest and most renowned thoroughbred breeders in Australia. With its top-class facilities, international design standards and scientific methods, Stockwell became ‘the flagship of the Victorian breeding industry’.26 As well as racing studs, numerous trotting tracks were established on the flat plains around Melton in the 1960s.27 Other studs to play a leading role in the development of Melton as thoroughbred country were Cornwall Park and Merrywood at Toolern Vale, St John’s Lane Stud at Diggers Rest and Birchwood, Teppo Park and Dreelburn in the far north-east of the shire, near Sunbury. By 1985, thoroughbred horse breeding was such big business in Melton that the shire council adopted the slogan ‘The Heart of Thoroughbred Country’, which was used throughout its promotional material.29 But the slogan contained deeper meaning and was not just about Melton’s great equine industry and thoroughbred champions, the council explained: ‘“Thoroughbred Country” should be seen as a new concept of Melton, as a place where people can achieve the “Thoroughbred” ideal, excellence in all aspects of life’. The aim of the council in promoting ‘The Heart of Thoroughbred Country’, was ‘to instil in present and future residents the feeling that this is a place that is better than others. A place to be proud of’. In 1988, Melton’s champion reinsman Gavin Lang won his 176th race of the season, claiming the national harness racing record for the most wins in a single season.The following year, the first Melton Plate was held at Moonee Valley Racecourse, cementing the district’s importance in the harness racing industry. The inaugural winner was Victorys Phil, owned by local Danny Mullan. By the 1990s, Melton had earned the title of the ‘Home of Harness Racing in Victoria’. State-of-the-art, world-class harness racing facility and entertainment complex Tabcorp Park opened in Melton in 2009. In 2011, the Shire of Melton was home to over 140 registered trainers and over 1,200 horses. The municipality’s continuing leadership and influence in the industry today is a testament to the skills, talents and leadership of the local community over its history".Shire of Melton pamphlet of a map and information of the equine industry in Meltoncouncil -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - SPECIMEN COTTAGE COLLECTION: VARIOUS DOCUMENTS
In 1853, Bendigo Miners protested against the 30 shilling miners licence the had to pay the government. They wore red ribbons to show their protest and shopkeepers hung red ribbons outside their premises in support. Thousands of miners signed a petition to Governor LaTrobe to no avail. A protest gathering in Pall Mall marched to the Government camp on Camp Hill but this was a peaceful event again to no real avail.Various documents. The topics are: 1. Public donations and organised charities in Bendigo (1850's to 1900's by Carol Holsworth. 2. The spirit of Bendigo R711 and the loco driver on the return trip from Bendigo by Rod Giri, also several photographs of the train. 3. Diary of a new chum - Johnny Greenfield Gill. 4. Family history by Pat Hocking. 5. The story of the Gaylards as told by Ella Gaylard. 6. Journalism- History first draft by Wayne Gregson. 7. List of residents of Thistle Street, Bendigo approx. 1950's compiled by Cynthia Stringer. 8. Sandhurst club history by David Cotton. 9. Sandhurst boys centre compiled by Brian Dillon. 10. Lily Street Walk 24/04/2018 notes by Jim Evans. 11. Document - All things Bendigo, wine food and music fest. 12. White Hills Sandhurst copies of maps and two pages of district directory1908. 13. Draft report of interview with Noel Smith of 5 Summit Drive, Kennington. 14. Three brothers from Scotland by Rae Alexander Anderson. Also, seven newspaper articles by James Lerk on William, Alexander Rae and John Rae. 15. St. John Presbyterian church, Bendigo. Historical record. 16. Journal of Thomas Llewellyn Raston. 17. Recollections of Sandhurst in the 1850's - Joseph Anderson Panton, 22 segments from Panton manuscript by Terry Davidson. Also, a photographs of a portrait of Joseph Panton. 18. Photocopy of letter of Chinese storekeepers, miners and residents to Joseph Anderson Panton esquire, resident warden of Bendigo dated August 28th, 1858, with transcription and the reply from Esquire Panton dated 29 August, 1858. 19. View street reborn, tours of inspection ''welcome to View Street'' view Street properties part of stage 1 of the project: National Trust Chambers, Temperance Hall, Art Gallery Annexe, Trades Hall, Bendigo Regional Arts Centre, Bendigo Regional Performing Arts Centre, Dudley House. 20. View Street early 1900's in between and now. From handwritten notes by Mr. Bob Carr written in 1989. The handwriting has been transcribed by Beverly Ellis. 21. Transcription of ''Diary of a voyage to the colony of Victoria and back'' June1856-September 1858 by Charles Groves. 22. Adelaide Vale historic homestead built by Cr. John Harney. Tour notes prepared by the Central Victorian Branch of the National Trust. 23. Four pages essay titled Spanish Tomato Growers. 24. Eight pages of notes compiled by Leonard Henderson title: Trade token issuers of Bendigo district. The issuers mentioned are: Grieve, Hodgson, Stead and Williams. 25. City of Bendigo tourist promotion Committee. Eight pages document describing the formation of committee for the promotion of tourism in the City of Bendigo. 26. Article ''The Birdman of Bendigo'' Bendigo Advertiser 17th January 1968 detailing the life of Mr. Redvers James Eddy. 27. Speech presented by Miss Margaret Brennan on the occasion of the Drechsler family reunion, Sunday 5th April 1987. 28. Robert Gray Ford - A man before his time! Talk by James Lerk to the Bendigo Historical Society 3 February 2006. 29. Copy of an article from The Bendigonian Annual from November 16, 1910. The demand for good music, how a Bendigo firm has met it. The article is about the life of Oscar Flight. 30. Five photocopies of the Bendigonian masthead showing the changes through the years, plus the notice of the final issue on April 8th, 1920. 31. The red ribbon rebellion & the Bendigo petition, a proposal to commemorate a significant event in Bendigo. Also three different sizes poster for the August 26, 2016 re-enactment and two invitations to join the red ribbon agitation memorial. 32. Two handwritten pages of notes on the red ribbon rebellion. 33. Three pages of typewritten notes on the Creeth and Howie families. 34. An Australian Edward Medallist - Joseph Davies honoured by Paul Street. 35. A. H. Chisholm obituary. 36. Catalogue auction sale of the entire collection of antique furniture, objects d'art etc of Mr. and Mrs S. Cragg. 37. two coloured photographs of Cherry Tree Hotel in Melbourne Road just north of Tuckerman's lane, Big Hill. Photos taken March 2000 by Joan Paynter. -
Melton City Libraries
Photograph, Wendy Barrie, Unknown
Eldest daughter of Edna and Bon Barrie, born on 03 November 1943 in Melbourne, Victoria, Memoirs of Wendy Barrie, recalling the early formative years of life in Melton: In 1949 I started school at Melton State School no 430 and was driven the 2½ miles to there by my parents at first. Later we walked home in the afternoons or were picked up by car as we made our way home along the Western Highway. In 1956 I went to Bacchus Marsh High School. There were 4 students in grade 6 and 3 of us went to the High School. The students from Melton, Melton South and Toolern Vale State Schools went by bus to Bacchus Marsh High School as far a fifth form. My parents drove me to the pick up point and during the five years of travel to High School. The bus travelled via Toolern Vale and later went through Exford and through Parwan. On the return journey in the afternoon the bus went in the reverse direction. The bridge at Exford was an old narrow wooden one, and the students had to get off the bus and walk across, with the driver crossing in the empty bus for safety reasons. There was a travelling allowance paid to parents and it was estimated from the distance the crow flies, a straight line. We lived a Ferris Lane, just where the Harness Racing entrance is now situated about 2 ½ miles by road to school too close to qualify for the subsidy. While at State School Melton we would walk home in a group with the Nixon and Gillespie children, along the main road over the bridge near the Shire Offices and down a hill. I was being dinked on Joyce Gillespie’s bike while holding onto the seat, toppled off the bike striking my chin and teeth on the bitumen and cracking my jaw. I was about 9 years old and stayed a couple of days in the Quamby Hospital in Bacchus Marsh, it seemed like and eternity at the time and quite traumatic being separated from my family. I can remember contemplating how I could get out of the window and run away but realised it was too far to walk home. Often we would cut across the Common on our way home from school picking up stray golf balls and collecting them from the creek when it dried out. We were warned about not accepting lifts from strangers passing along the Melbourne/ Ballarat Road. The only danger we faced was being swooped by the magpies particularly on the open ground on the Common. We were also fairly cautious when the Gypsies camped on the Common in the area just about opposite the small reservoir. “Mum” grandma Myers loved to have us call in on our way home, and usually would cut a slice of Jongebloed’s bread and spread it with home made butter. Sometimes we waited there until we were collected by car, usually driven by our mother. Margaret Nixon and Joyce Gillespie were a few grades ahead of me and Barbara Nixon was born just two months earlier than me. Our mothers were great friends for over 6o years, born in the same month three years apart. They lived within a few days of the same age as each other at the time their deaths. Dad and George Nixon attended Melton school at the same time. Sarah nee Hornbuckle Nixon and my grandfather Frederick Myers Snr were at school together at the same in the 1880s. The Nixon family lived in Keilor Road just past the Toolern Creek near the turnoff. Tom and Ann Collins lived on the southern side of the Western highway and Keilor road intersection. Jim and Ruby Gillespie’s house was further long Keilor road on the right. They backed onto the Myers who lived on the north side of Western Highway east of Myers Gully (Ryans Creek). The Bridge over the Toolern Creek as very narrow and as truck traffic increased there were accidents. One truck took out the side railing and plunged upside down into the bank and into the shallow water. Another fatal accident happened between a car and a truck right in front of the Myers house. Grandfather Fred had been a bike rider all his life, as far as the Riverina in his younger years, wryly made the comment about the drivers the speeding along the Ballarat Road were setting out to kill themselves. The road was busy particularly after the Races at Ballarat when the crowds were hurrying home to Melbourne. Train travel had changed very little from the time my mothers generation to mine. The timetable meant the usual rush to Melton South by bike in her case and if she was running late the train pulled up on the crossing. I was driven to the Station from home past Keith and Mary Gillespie’s house near the Ferris Road rail crossing to Bridge road to Melton South for the 7.32 train. While attending Sunshine High School in 1961 I would meet up with three other students, two of whom I knew from Bacchus Marsh High School days. We usually got into the same compartment on the train, it was a typical country train with a corridor along the side and compartments with a door, roof racks and sometimes heated metal containers for the feet in the winter. Some of the trains came through from Horsham and Ballarat, and the Overland from Adelaide passed through in the evening, we could hear it in the distance from the Ferris Lane home. The carriages had 1st and economy class compartments showing photographs of county scenes and holiday destinations. The engine was the large A class diesel. They are still running to Bacchus Marsh 50 years later, due to the need for the greatly increased number of commuters travelling to work in the city. Sometimes the carriages were pull by a Steam engine, these were a problem in the summer time because the sparks caused fires along the train lines and then quickly spread into the dry grass, crops and stubble. The Motor Train left Spencer Street at 4.23 pm and was the best train for me to catch. Ferris Road was a designated stop and train pulled up on the road crossing. It had steps at the door and rungs to hold while alighting to the ground. The ballast along the tracks was rough and uneven and awkward to land on. The train was painted blue and yellow with the letters VR pained on the front. This saved may parents the afternoon trip to collect me from the Station. On the walk home on the gravel road I would pass Uncle Tom and Aunty May’s house before reaching home. Melva Gillespie was studying at Sunshine Technical School and we sometimes both got off the train at the same time. On other occasions the Motor Train was replaced with a diesel engine with carriages, it was also required to stop and the driver had to be notified in advance. This meant getting into the guards van a Rockbank. It was more difficult alighting from the carriage as the gap was greater and more precarious to swing out and land on the ground. A few times in my last year of study at Melbourne Teachers College in Grattan Street Carlton. I managed to catch the 2.30 pm train to Serviceton, it was express to Melton and was very quick trip. The last train, was the 5.25 pm diesel to Ballarat and I usually caught this train to Melton South Station. On one occasion after being held up on the tram in Bourke street I had to make a mad dash to the platform chasing the train as it was just moving off and yelling to the guard, fortunately I was noticed and the train ground to halt. I scrambled into the end door and took most of the journey home to recover. After the last year at High School I continued to travel on the train, 2 years to Prahran Technical School changing at North Melbourne. There were a lot school children travelling to private schools and some at the primary level and mainly from Bacchus Marsh. Rockbank children also travelled by train from the beginning of their high school years, quite a few went to Sunshine High School. During my third year of teacher training I travelled to Flinders Street to RMIT for ceramics classes and Grattan St Teachers College located in the grounds of Melbourne University. There were many teachers being trained at the Secondary Teachers College due to the baby bulge creating a great shortage of teachers. Sunshine High School was very well represented amongst the different courses in Primary, Secondary and Art and Crafts. I attended Melbourne University lectures, studying a Fine Art subject. Bernard Smith was the most notable of the lecturers. he replaced Professor Joseph Bourke who had taken leave for the years. In 1962 he published the art book “Australian Painting”. The secondary art and craft student teachers from the College were in the majority, taking this subject and were well regarded due to their practical art and craft methods and their teaching round experience. In December 1964 I graduated as a Trained Secondary Teacher – Art and Crafts. The graduating ceremony was held at Wilson Hall. I received my appointment to work at Maryborough High School. Uncle Max and Aunty Rosemary Myers arranged my accommodation. Uncle Max was a teacher at the Maryborough Technical School fat the time. The appointment was suddenly changed when just before the school year was about to start when I received notification that I was now required to move to Warracknabeal High School. I was subject to a bond for the three years of training and three years of teaching and was under an obligation to comply with the directive of the Education Department. My father stood as guarantor when I was accepted as student at the Melbourne Teachers’ College, thus enabling me to receive my teacher training, and a 5 pounds a week allowance for expenses. After teaching for two years at Warracknabeal High School I was fortunate enough the gain a transfer to Sunshine West High School, returning to live at home in Melton and travelling by car to work with a fellow colleague, Jock Smith who lived at Station road Melton. I completed bond obligation and resigned at the end of the year. The employment regulations at that time did not allow the option of leave of absence for, indefinite overseas travel. I returned to Australia in October 1969. Visiting Arthur Hart the Principal of Sunshine High School he arranged with the Education Department for my re-employment at Sunshine High School until the end of the year. In 1970 I was transferred, and returned to Sunshine West High School where I worked for the next three years. In January 1968 I sailed on the “Oriana” to South Hampton with two teaching friends from Warracknabeal High School on a travelling and working holiday. Doreen Kiely, a former Bacchus Marsh High student and fellow train traveller from Bacchus Marsh, was already working in London, had arranged our accommodation at the London Travellers Club Hotel, Braham Gardens, Earls Court SW5. We based our stay at this address in London and travelled around Scotland, Ireland and England. In the summer we took a four month trip around the Continent and the Mediterranean. I registered with The Royal Borough Of Kingston Upon Thames as a Supply teacher, and worked at Chessington School form autumn to spring the following year and living with Mrs Rose Gillies at Kinross Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey. In the spring of 1969 visiting Norway, Sweden and Finland joining an organised camping group to the Artic Circle, entered Russia at Leningrad (St Petersburg) Moscow, Minsk, to Poland and Czechoslovakia. In August returning to Worcester Park for the flight to Montreal to stay with cousin Lynette and husband Jurgen. A side trip was taken to Toronto, Niagara Falls and New York. The flight home from Montreal to Melbourne took 52 hours. A ½ day break in Vancouver before boarding the Qantas boeing 707 via San Francisco, Honolulu, Fiji, Sydney to Melbourne. Around the world in 21 months. Photographs of Wendy local identities