Showing 848 items
matching early 1900s
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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Bridle Bit and Headstall, Early 1900s
... Early 1900s ...The leather headstall is connected to the metal bit are used in conjunction with a set of leather reins to guide and steer a horse or other similar animal. Made in Melbourne in 1900.The horse bridle and headstall were used in Warrnambool in the early 20th century. Bridle bit and headstall; horizontal metal oval shaped bit with a narrow rod each end that finishes in a narrow loop. Adjustable leather straps with holes are threaded through the narrow metal loops.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, horse husbandry, horse equipment, horse riding, 1900, melbourne, headstall, bridle, horse headgear, riding gear, horsemanship, equestrian equipment, headgear -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Military group, Warrnambool Artillery Members on Parade - Nicholson Street [Warrnambool], Early 1900s
... Early 1900s ...Photograph is a point in time with local Militia parading in an area now filled with houses. It show the means by which the cannon carriages were moved between locations, the uniforms of the soldiers and the development of the Warrnambool location.Photograph, landscape, sepia, mounted on card. Image of the Warrnambool Artillery Members on parade in Nicholson Street, Warrnambool. Figures are marching in groups with a steam driven gun carriage pulling several other gun carriages. A house is in the foreground and Lady Bay in the background. A typed label is attached to the bottom of the card."WARRNAMBOOL ARTILLERY MEMBERS ON PARADE - NICHOLSON STREET'flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, warrnambool location, militia, steam driven gun carriage, nicholson street warrnambool -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Nightgown, White cotton christening gown with lace edging at sleeves and wrists. C early 1900's, c. early 1900s
... c. early 1900s ...Unknown - possibly Maggs familyWhite cotton christening gown with lace edging at sleeves and wrists. Inserted V with lace and lace band at front. Opening at neck back tied with tapes. Pin tucks under neck lace. Machine sewn. +Additional Keywords: Maggs Family -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, McKenzie Day Book, Early 1900s
... Early 1900s ...This is a 1918 Day Book listing some employees/contractors and the day-to-day tasks undertaken by them. There is a separate page for each employee. The book lists such tasks as ‘carting from the Quarry’, ‘tarring Raglan Parade’, ‘tarring at the Gardens’, ‘screening Liebig Street’, ‘working at the Ladies’ Baths’ and ‘general patching’. The names of the employees/contractors include Niven, Thompson, Jewell, Walters, Mooney, Rodgers, Williams, Dunne and Gee. The name ‘McKenzie’ on the first page is the only clue to the identity of the employer/overseer and so far his identity has not been established. The jobs listed suggest that he was either an employee of the Warrnambool Council in the Public Works area or a contractor hired to do the same sort of work. This note book is of great interest as it lists workers and the jobs covered by them in 1918 in Warrnambool and it will be of greater significance when the identity of McKenzie is established.This is a note book with ruled blue and red lines. The cover is black and is a little torn and scuffed. There are some loose pages. The entries in the book are handwritten, mostly in black ink. ‘McKenzie Day Book November 4th 1918’history of warrnambool, mckenzie contractor, mckenzie warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Bottle, H London Chemist, Early 1900s
... Early 1900s ...This bottle was made by the Whitall Tatum Glass Company in New Jersey, U.S.A This company operated from 1806 to 1938. The bottle was used by Harry London in his Warrnambool pharmacy. Born in England, Harry London arrived in Victoria in 1883 and worked as a chemist in Ballarat and Euroa. In 1891 he went back to England where he studied dentistry. In 1891 he came to Warrnambool where he bought the pharmacy business of the late William Nettleton. He occupied the Nettleton building in Liebig Street (95 Liebig Street today) until 1896 when he erected new premises at the south west corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets. In 1896 London was the only Warrnambool chemist using a Pasteur filter to make up his prescriptions. In his dentistry business he used gas, chloroform and cocaine as anaesthetics. The making of dentures was his speciality. In 1904 London was the owner of the only set of Rontgen X Ray apparatus in Warrnambool. In 1905 his shop was the first in Warrnambool to establish electric lighting. This bottle is of importance as it is one of the few items we have associated with the prominent Warrnambool chemist, Harry London. It is comparatively rare so it is of some local significance. This is a glass bottle with a rectangular base with curved ledges, a circular neck and a circular moulded top. There is no stopper and the top is badly chipped. The name of the chemist is embossed on the front in an indent in the glass. ‘H. London, Chemist and Dentist, Warrnambool’ On Base: ‘W.T.Co, T, U.S.A.’ harry london, chemist, chemists in warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Bag Whitening Agent Reckitts, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...This little bag of "whitener" additive for the washing of white clothes was manufactured in Hull in the United Kingdom mid and later 1900's. The Manufacturer, Ricketts, was one of the first manufacturers to employ women in equal proportions with males (a rarity before 1914). This product was used to improve the appearance of white fabrics. This ability to use a product that would "whiten" clothes chemically rather than the "hard boiling" of clothes was a time saver and a lot easier on the fabrics. This is a boon to rural families where time was of the essence (boiling took time). The blue coloring was introduced because the white colour perception is enhanced by the blue (fadeable and not permanent). The "washing machine industry" of the late 1900's emphasised "whitening" agents that were not so haphazard in producing blue stains, and allowed a "gentle" washing action. This item is very significant in detailing the early 1900's rural household domestic "chore" of washing white clothes to a "social" standard of cleanliness. White shirts were the mark cleanliness that those outside of the family judged the family unit by. The best clothes were worn to church on Sundays. Hard and mostly rural activities/work in the Kiewa Valley encompassing farming, crop cultivation, cattle/sheep and "field work" to do with the SEC Vic Hydro Scheme involved provided a stain prone environment. As appearances, of clothing, was on the whole not significant it was a different scenario at social and religious scenes. The ability to attain "brilliant" white shirts, dresses and bonnets by a less drastic method to that of "boiling" of clothes in vats, was a boon of that "era". The anti establishment revolt came later in the 1950's onward took longer to migrate from the cities and larger rural townships to eventually sneak into the Kiewa valley.This "blue bag" is a whitening agent wrapped in flannel or muslin, or sold ready bagged (1 ounce).It was used in the final rinse to "whiten white coloured clothes" The string was used to facilitate finger grip onto the "bag" after the wash had finished for easy removal to stop the hand and other surfaces from being stained by the blue colour residue drips.domestic and commercial laundries, starch and whitening additive, washing brightener -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Pot Boiler, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...This cast iron "boiler" was produced by one of the largest foundries in England during the late 1700's and onwards. These products were "shipped to the far realms of the "British Empire". This source was one of the only ones available to the early settlers in Australia until the mid 1900's. The catch cry of those "early " times was "the best of British" which was ingrained into the early (Australian) settler's iron and cast iron purchasing mind set. It was not until after World War II did that mindset change, when both American and Asian based manufacturers' products were accepted by the Australian consumer. The city based consumer embraced the swing a lot earlier than the more "traditional" rural consumer. This cast iron 8 gallon "boiler" is very significant to the Kiewa Valley not only that large "boilers" were used to "boil" clothes clean, over an open flame source, but also because it demonstrates one of the most important "rural" mores founded by the "early" settlers in this region. That more was the very "close" tie to "Mother England" and the "establishment". The social and "family" values from the "English" way of life was ingrained until well past the day of the "Australian Federation". It was not until the friendly "American soldier" invasion during World War II that the "Empire" bondage was being eroded away. The transition from the good "rural war cry" of "Australia prospers off the sheep's back" was slipping away and the industrial monolith started its challenge. This change was the slowest in semi remote rural centres such as the Kiewa Valley. The "old English" values lingered on until the mid 1900's.This large (8 gallons) cast iron boiler is oval in shape and has a cast iron (swivel) carrying handle. The handle has a "bend" in the centre position to allow hook and straight type rods to facilitate the positioning of a "hot" boiler. This boiler would have been used over an open fire or placed on top of "coals". On the top rim and evenly spaced between the fixed handle joins is a slightly semi curved balancing/control lip.At the bottom (underneath) "CLARK & Co. PATENT", Below this a six star triangle with the letter "C" in the middle.. On the opposite end "BEST QUALITY" and underneath "8 Gall s"camp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking and boiling appliance, drovers kitchen -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Safe Coolgardie, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...The harsh summer temperatures and the isolated rural environment(of the 1890's) provided the inventor of the "Coolgardie safe" (Arthur Patrick McCormick) with an idea to cool perishable foods by using water soaked "hessian" cloth to provide the "coolant" for the evaporation process to cool the inside temperature of the "safe". Items such as meat,cream/milk/butter and cool "drinks" are a few perishables that need cool environments , especially in isolated "ice free" locations. Cities during this time period had large "ice works" which delivered block ice to all areas that required a form of refrigeration. These ice blocks where held in early refrigerators to keep perishables cool to cold. This "Coolardie" safe was the next best thing for isolated rural households and travellers/campers/stockmen to provide a cooler environment for foodstuff affected by heat. Ice filled "esky" coolers and ice boxes are a modern day off shoot to the original Coogardie safe however they still rely on ice or frozen coolant bricks for cooling.This "Coogardie" safe is very significant to the Kiewa Valley and the Bogong High Plains because it represents not only the initiative thinking of the early settlers and communities but also the "primitive" solution to an everyday (1800s to 1930s) problem (before gas and electric run refrigerators) of keeping "perishables" at a low temperature and thereby prolonging their "shelf" life. This was before electricity and gas was available to the inhabitants of the Kiewa Valley and Bogong High Plains. Another cooling method for food was to have "water tight" containers dipped into the very cold streams running from the "cooler" alpine mountains and the Bogong High Plains. This however could not be carried out in all situations eg. fast flowing currents and locations away from streams. This "Coolgardie safe" is made from a medium grade steel enclosure and its appearance is of a perforated box with a wire handle and one side (long side) being a hinged "door" with a clasp securing "lock". There are air holes grouped into a small "boxed" pattern. Each "box" is divided by a crossed pattern, dividing the "holed" sections(4) into a diamond configuration of 49 small holes each. There are four sides (long) which have the perforations except for the base which does not. The base has an indentation with a loose "catch" tray to catch water spills. When in use the "box" is covered with a water "soaked" cloth. The wet cloth is used as "coolant" ie. fibers in the cloth hold the water droplets seep out evaporating the area and thereby (in mass) cooling the air inside the container.domestic refrigeration cabinets, coolgardie "safe", insect and vermin proof food containers, electric and gas free cold storage containers -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Spectacles Reading, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...These reading glasses plus the two additional replacement lenses were highly fashionable in the late 1800's and early 1900's due to their light frames ie. wire. They are of light material and are not as obtrusive, or heavy, as horn rimmed reading glasses.This minimisation of the eye wear was to allow the facial features to be presented without any obstructing eye wear, "au naturel". The "light weight" wire connections to nose and ears was to minimise weight upon those physical areas. It was an eye piece preferred by accountants and all forms of "book worms". This was a period when the "written word" was at its peak. This was well before the light enhanced computer screen and at an age where the "written word" was in the majority as compared to the typed word. These reading glasses are very significant to the Kiewa Valley as they provide additional material which supports the "isolational factors" which were prevalent in the 1800's and early 1900's. Poor lighting and lack of available optical technicians in rural areas, required those suffering with eye troubles in these rural areas to go to Melbourne. An advertisement placed by H B Bissel "eyesight specialist" in the "Independent" Newspaper in 1915 on page 3 " Every person's eyes are liable to be affected by some little weakness or other and these weaknesses, if not corrected at once, are apt to assume a most serious aspect as time goes on". This type of advertisement is putting "the fear of God" on those with slight eyesight problems. It also does not factor the poor lighting used by most in rural areas at this point in time. By the mid to late 1950's, electricity in the Kiewa Valley was available to all households and improved lighting helped nighttime readers. These reading glasses, made in Melbourne, highlight the fact that the Kiewa Valley and its region were still reliant on Melbourne based "specialists" and travel to and from these highly professional health practitioners not only involved a long, and time consuming journey, but also an expensive one.The frames of this oval wire reading glasses is made from gold plated copper wire. There are three nose bridges each with a slightly different angle and shape, each has a different magnification. This may suggest that they were in use at different developmental periods during the wearers ages. Each of the three lenses were fixed onto the frame by a screw and fastened directly onto the glass. Two of the glasses have nose "guides/rests" and one without.. The fine wire ear "loops" has a small "ball" feature at its end (to stop the glasses from slipping off the face).personal effects, spectacles, eye fashion, reading glasses -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photo - Mt Bogong, Towanga, Possibly early 1900s
... Possibly early 1900s ...Towanga & Mt Bogong. Mt Bogong is actually the mountain on the left at the back. Early maps spelt Tawonga differently to the current day spelling 'Tawonga'. The haystack and fence indicate that the photo may have been taken at the turn of the century. The exotic trees are not very old.This seems to be an early photo of Tawonga showing older style fencing and haystack and vegetation in the area.Black and white photo with title at the bottom middle - "Mt Bogong / Towanga (sic), Victoria Modern light brown wooden frame with black cardboard back triangular hook and black cardboard stand attached. Photo covered with clear glass.Sticker on back of frame "67480 Eng Walnut / 49426 / Made In Thailandtowanga. tawonga. mt bogong. kiewa valley. -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Angel's Brother Eleanora H Stooke, Early 1900s
... Early 1900s ...This book, ‘Angel’s Brother’ by Eleanora H. Stooke was a prize given to a pupil (name unknown) by the Christ Church Sunday School, Warrnambool in 1909. The Sunday School of the Anglican Church in Warrnambool dates from the 1850s and by 1909 it was an established tradition for most children whose parents belonged to the Anglican Church to attend a Sunday School. In 1906 there were about 30 teachers taking 45 pupils in the morning session and 177 pupils in the afternoon session. The highlights of the year were the Sunday School picnic held at various venues and the annual prizegiving day. In 1909 a cantata, ‘The Fairy Chain’ was performed by Sunday School students in the Oddfellows Hall. The Vicar in 1909 was Archdeacon Peacock (1906-1912) and in 1908 he introduced a Church Stamp System at the Sunday School whereby children were given stamps and pictures for an album to record their attendance and instruction. This book is significant because it is an example of the type of prize given to the prizewinners at the Christ Church Sunday School in Warrnambool in 1909. The prize, a book, has a story that has heavy Christian religious and moral overtones and the English Religious Tract Society produced books especially for the Sunday School prizegiving market. This is a hard cover book of 314 pages pus several pages detailing other books recently published. The book is a children’s book given as a prize by Christ Church Sunday School, Warrnambool in 1909. It has a brown cover with an inset of a sketch of a young woman holding an umbrella and a sea or a lake setting in the background. The colours of the sketch are blue, white and black and the sketch is set in a decorative border. A similar decorative pattern is on the spine of the book. There are several black and white plates in the book relating to the story. The inscription plate inside has both printed material in blue print and handwritten material in black ink. Front Cover: ‘Angel’s Brother, Eleanora H. Stooke’ Book Plate inside: ‘Christ Church Sunday School, Warrnambool, presented to Ethel … (name scratched out), Class VI, Teacher, Miss Ware, A.E.Peacock, Vicar, J.Ward, S.Smith, Superintendents, Advent, 1909.’ christ church warrnambool sunday school, archdeacon peacock, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Good Luck Post card WW1, Early 1900s
... Early 1900s ...This post card has been sent from a military camp in England by Private George Hall to his niece Myra. Private Hall was a farmer from Purnim who enlisted in August 1915 (14th Battalion, 15 Reinforcement Group). He was aged 30 at the time. He left Australia in 1916 and transferred to 3 Field Artillery Brigade. He returned to Australia in 1919. The card gives no details of Private Hall’s activities at the time but indicates that he had sent several post cards to members of his family. This post card is of interest as an example of the many beautiful embroidered post cards that were sent by Australian soldiers to family members during World War One. The cards were usually made in France and sent from there but in this case was sent from England. The card is also of interest because it is a personal message sent from a local soldier from Purnim during World War One This is a post card from World War One. It has a written message on the back from Private George Hall to his niece Myra and it has a piece of embroidery on the front of the card. This depicts a black cat with the British colours of red, white and blue around its collar and other ornaments – a white horseshoe, a Union Jack, a white pedestal and red, green and white greenery. The words ‘Good Luck’ are stitched in yellow. The stitching is on white silk which is somewhat stained. There is a crimped border in lightweight cardboard around the embroidery. The message on the back is written in pencil.‘Dear Myra, Just this P.C. to let you see I have not forgotten you. Hope you are quite well. I have sent you & Dorry a lot of P. cards from England. I hope you get them all right. Your poor old Uncle George, 4821, 40 Bat. Worgret Camp, Wareham, Dorset. Wishing you all a very Merry Xmas & Happy New Year XXXX Nov. 24th -11-16.private george hall, world war one, world war one embroidered postcards, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Demijohn, Early 1900s
... Early 1900s ...This jar is of interest as it is one of the few items we have connected to the early 20th century Warrnambool business of Charles Morris.This is a stone demijohn with a cream-coloured base and body and a brown top. The circular opening is chipped on the edge and has no stopper. The side handle is broken off. C.W. Morris Warrnambool charles morris store, warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Letterhead, Early 1900s
... Early 1900s... example of a letterhead from the early 1900s. It is also a memento ...This letterhead was used in the business of Alex Black, a Warrnambool house painter and decorator. Alexander Black (1862-1918) came to Warrnambool in the late 1880s and established his business in Timor Street. He was a Town Councillor and a Trustee of the Friendly Societies Park. Kinross Court in Warrnambool was originally called Blacks Lane and was named after Alexander Black. In 1962 it was renamed Kinross Court after Alexander Black’s birthplace in Scotland. This letterhead is an attractive one and is a good example of a letterhead from the early 1900s. It is also a memento of Alex Black, a Warrnambool businessman in the 19th and early 20th centuries.This is a buff-coloured piece of paper which has crease marks from being folded. The top left hand corner has an image in red of a building and red printing. The left hand corner has four ruled lines for inserting an address.Memorandum 190.. From Alex Black House Painter & Decorator Importer of Paper Hangings and Painters Materials Timor Street Warrnambool (near Western Hotel) Sign Writing, Graining, Glazing, Paper Hangings &c. alex black, warrnambool house painter -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medals, Baden Powell, Early 1900s
... Early 1900s ...These medals were struck to commemorate the feat of Colonel Baden Powell who, with his troops, defended the town of Mafeking in South Africa during the Boer War for 217 days. Robert Baden Powell (1857-1941) was a British Army officer who served in India and Africa from 1876 to 1910. In 1907 he founded the Boy Scout movement, now an international organization for boys and with his sister Agnes, founded the Girl Guide movement, also now internationally established.These medals are of local interest as they commemorate Colonel Baden Powell’s heroics in defending in 1899-1900 the town of Mafeking in South Africa during the Boer War. The Relief of Mafeking was celebrated in Warrnambool in May 1900. .1 A bronze-coloured medal with an image of Colonel Baden Powell on one side and some descriptive text on the other. The medal has a metal ring at the top to attach the medal to a cord. .2 as .1 above except that the top metal ring is missing .1 Colonel Baden Powell Defender of Mafeking Relief of Mafeking May 1900 and Baden Powell The Hero Who Kept the Flag Flying For Over 215 Days .2 as .1 above colonel robert baden powell, boer war, relief of mafeking, history of warrnambool -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Leisure object - Boudoir Doll, c. early 1900s
... c. early 1900s ...The donor was given this doll about 50 years ago by her grandfather (in the late 1960s). He used to be a handyman at a high rise building in St Kilda, Melbourne. He had been doing some work for one of the old ladies and she gave him the doll to give to his granddaughter, who collected dolls. The doll has spent a few years at the Nagambie museum until it closed down and returned to the donor The origins or age of the doll are unknown. Originally it was thought to be a Fashion Doll dating from around the 1880s but the painted face together with the bisque legs and gold painted shoes are similar to those found on Boudoir Dolls (also known as Bed Dolls, Sofa Dolls, Flapper Dolls and French Dolls) of the early 20th century. Fashion dolls were sent from fashion houses to advertise the latest styles, fabrics, trims, hairstyles and accessories. Dressmakers would show these dolls to their customers. Ladies would then place their order and the dressmakers would make the dress to their size. The dressmakers would learn the construction techniques from examining the dolls. Boudoir Dolls dolls usually had no maker's marks and were primarily used as bedroom decorations for ladies rather than as children's toys. This doll appears to date at about the early part of the 20th century, but the petticoats are much older - possibly from a child's christening gown. At the time that the donor received the doll, it had a coloured lace over-gown that was badly torn so her mother removed it to replace with more lace but this never eventuated. The pink silk dress also appears to have been remodelled into a 19th century style with gathered sleeves and a gathered skirt. This fashion or boudoir doll is significant for being a rare example of a doll made in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. The doll is wearing clothing representing the fashion for young girls in that era. The doll is also significant as an item possibly used by fashion houses and dressmakers to advertise the latest fashions in clothing, trims, accessories and hairstyles. A doll such as this may have been found in a Victorian dressmaker's premises for use as a pattern and technique template and for a display to customers. It may also have been used as a decorative item in a lady's bedroom.Female boudoir doll with silk face and body, and porcelain lower arms and legs. She has plaited blonde silk hair. Her painted face has brown eyes and her shoes are painted gold. The doll is dressed in a long pink puffed-sleeve dress with a gathered waist and a ruffle at the hem. A pink ribbon around her waist is tied at the back. There are small silver balls hand-stitched around the neckline. She has a white, hand-embroidered lace petticoat and bloomers.warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, doll, boudoir doll, female doll, dressmaker's doll, display doll, late 1800s doll, fashion doll, antique doll, 19th century doll, children's fashion, girl's fashion, late 1800s children's fashion, early 20th century doll, composite doll, french doll -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Surgical silks and sutures, Teleflex (manufacturers of Deknatel), Early 1900s
... Early 1900s ...Through many millennia, various suture materials were used or proposed. Needles were made of bone or metals such as silver, copper, and aluminium bronze wire. Sutures were made of plant materials (flax, hemp and cotton) or animal material (hair, tendons, arteries, muscle strips and nerves, silk, and catgut).[citation needed] The earliest reports of surgical suture date to 3000 BC in ancient Egypt, and the oldest known suture is in a mummy from 1100 BC. A detailed description of a wound suture and the suture materials used in it is by the Indian sage and physician Sushruta, written in 500 BC. The Greek father of medicine, Hippocrates, described suture techniques, as did the later Roman Aulus Cornelius Celsus. The 2nd-century Roman physician Galen described sutures made of surgical gut or catgut. In the 10th century, the catgut suture along with the surgery needle were used in operations by Abulcasis. The gut suture was similar to that of strings for violins, guitars, and tennis racquets and it involved harvesting sheep or cow intestines. Catgut sometimes led to infection due to a lack of disinfection and sterilization of the material. Joseph Lister endorsed the routine sterilization of all suture threads. He first attempted sterilization with the 1860s "carbolic catgut," and chromic catgut followed two decades later. Sterile catgut was finally achieved in 1906 with iodine treatment. The next great leap came in the twentieth century. The chemical industry drove production of the first synthetic thread in the early 1930s, which exploded into production of numerous absorbable and non-absorbable synthetics. The first synthetic absorbable was based on polyvinyl alcohol in 1931. Polyesters were developed in the 1950s, and later the process of radiation sterilization was established for catgut and polyester. Polyglycolic acid was discovered in the 1960s and implemented in the 1970s. Today, most sutures are made of synthetic polymer fibers. Silk and, rarely, gut sutures are the only materials still in use from ancient times. In fact, gut sutures have been banned in Europe and Japan owing to concerns regarding bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Silk suture is still used today, mainly to secure surgical drains. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_suture#:~:text=Sutures%20were%20made%20of%20plant,a%20mummy%20from%201100%20BC. This tin contains a variety of surgical threads and accessories that were used by Dr W.R.Angus. It was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. ABOUT THE “W.R.ANGUS COLLECTION” Doctor William Roy Angus M.B., B.S., Adel., 1923, F.R.C.S. Edin.,1928 (also known as Dr Roy Angus) was born in Murrumbeena, Victoria in 1901 and lived until 1970. He qualified as a doctor in 1923 at University of Adelaide, was Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1924 and for a period was house surgeon to Sir (then Mr.) Henry Simpson Newland. Dr Angus was briefly an Assistant to Dr Riddell of Kapunda, then commenced private practice at Curramulka, Yorke Peninsula, SA, where he was physician, surgeon and chemist. In 1926, he was appointed as new Medical Assistant to Dr Thomas Francis Ryan (T.F. Ryan, or Tom), in Nhill, Victoria, where his experiences included radiology and pharmacy. In 1927 he was Acting House Surgeon in Dr Tom Ryan’s absence. Dr Angus had become engaged to Gladys Forsyth and they decided he would take time to further his studies overseas in the UK in 1927. He studied at London University College Hospital and at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and in 1928, was awarded FRCS (Fellow from the Royal College of Surgeons), Edinburgh. He worked his passage back to Australia as a Ship’s Surgeon on the on the Australian Commonwealth Line’s SS Largs Bay. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1929, in Ballarat. (They went on to have one son (Graham 1932, born in SA) and two daughters (Helen (died 12/07/1996) and Berenice (Berry), both born at Mira, Nhill ) Dr Angus was a ‘flying doctor’ for the A.I.M. (Australian Inland Ministry) Aerial Medical Service in 1928 . The organisation began in South Australia through the Presbyterian Church in that year, with its first station being in the remote town of Oodnadatta, where Dr Angus was stationed. He was locum tenens there on North-South Railway at 21 Mile Camp. He took up this ‘flying doctor’ position in response to a call from Dr John Flynn; the organisation was later known as the Flying Doctor Service, then the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A lot of his work during this time involved dental surgery also. Between 1928-1932 he was surgeon at the Curramulka Hospital, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. In 1933 Dr Angus returned to Nhill where he’d previously worked as Medical Assistant and purchased a share of the Nelson Street practice and Mira hospital from Dr Les Middleton one of the Middleton Brothers, the current owners of what was once Dr Tom Ryan’s practice. Dr L Middleton was House Surgeon to the Nhill Hospital 1926-1933, when he resigned. [Dr Tom Ryan’s practice had originally belonged to his older brother Dr Edward Ryan, who came to Nhill in 1885. Dr Edward saw patients at his rooms, firstly in Victoria Street and in 1886 in Nelson Street, until 1901. The Nelson Street practice also had a 2 bed ward, called Mira Private Hospital ). Dr Edward Ryan was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1884-1902 . He also had occasions where he successfully performed veterinary surgery for the local farmers too. Dr Tom Ryan then purchased the practice from his brother in 1901. Both Dr Edward and Dr Tom Ryan work as surgeons included eye surgery. Dr Tom Ryan performed many of his operations in the Mira private hospital on his premises. He too was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1902-1926. Dr Tom Ryan had one of the only two pieces of radiology equipment in Victoria during his practicing years – The Royal Melbourne Hospital had the other one. Over the years Dr Tom Ryan gradually set up what was effectively a training school for country general-practitioner-surgeons. Each patient was carefully examined, including using the X-ray machine, and any surgery was discussed and planned with Dr Ryan’s assistants several days in advance. Dr Angus gained experience in using the X-ray machine there during his time as assistant to Dr Ryan. Dr Tom Ryan moved from Nhill in 1926. He became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1927, soon after its formation, a rare accolade for a doctor outside any of the major cities. He remained a bachelor and died suddenly on 7th Dec 1955, aged 91, at his home in Ararat. Scholarships and prizes are still awarded to medical students in the honour of Dr T.F. Ryan and his father, Dr Michael Ryan, and brother, John Patrick Ryan. ] When Dr Angus bought into the Nelson Street premises in Nhill he was also appointed as the Nhill Hospital’s Honorary House Surgeon 1933-1938. His practitioner’s plate from his Nhill surgery states “HOURS Daily, except Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons, 9-10am, 2-4pm, 7-8pm. Sundays by appointment”. This plate is now mounted on the doorway to the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Tom Ryan had an extensive collection of historical medical equipment and materials spanning 1884-1926 and when Dr Angus took up practice in their old premises he obtained this collection, a large part of which is now on display at the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. During his time in Nhill Dr Angus was involved in the merging of the Mira Hospital and Nhill Public Hospital into one public hospital and the property titles passed on to Nhill Hospital in 1939. In 1939 Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool where he purchased “Birchwood,” the 1852 home and medical practice of Dr John Hunter Henderson, at 214 Koroit Street. (This property was sold in1965 to the State Government and is now the site of the Warrnambool Police Station. ). The Angus family was able to afford gardeners, cooks and maids; their home was a popular place for visiting dignitaries to stay whilst visiting Warrnambool. Dr Angus had his own silk worm farm at home in a Mulberry tree. His young daughter used his centrifuge for spinning the silk. Dr Angus was appointed on a part-time basis as Port Medical Officer (Health Officer) in Warrnambool and held this position until the 1940’s when the government no longer required the service of a Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool; he was thus Warrnambool’s last serving Port Medical Officer. (The duties of a Port Medical Officer were outlined by the Colonial Secretary on 21st June, 1839 under the terms of the Quarantine Act. Masters of immigrant ships arriving in port reported incidents of diseases, illness and death and the Port Medical Officer made a decision on whether the ship required Quarantine and for how long, in this way preventing contagious illness from spreading from new immigrants to the residents already in the colony.) Dr Angus was a member of the Australian Medical Association, for 35 years and surgeon at the Warrnambool Base Hospital 1939-1942, He served as a Surgeon Captain during WWII1942-45, in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. During his convalescence he carved an intricate and ‘most artistic’ chess set from the material that dentures were made from. He then studied ophthalmology at the Royal Melbourne Eye and Ear Hospital and created cosmetically superior artificial eyes by pioneering using the intrascleral cartilage. Angus received accolades from the Ophthalmological Society of Australasia for this work. He returned to Warrnambool to commence practice as an ophthalmologist, pioneering in artificial eye improvements. He was Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist to Warrnambool Base Hospital for 31 years. He made monthly visits to Portland as a visiting surgeon, to perform eye surgery. He represented the Victorian South-West subdivision of the Australian Medical Association as its secretary between 1949 and 1956 and as chairman from 1956 to 1958. In 1968 Dr Angus was elected member of Spain’s Barraquer Institute of Barcelona after his research work in Intrasclearal cartilage grafting, becoming one of the few Australian ophthalmologists to receive this honour, and in the following year presented his final paper on Living Intrasclearal Cartilage Implants at the Inaugural Meeting of the Australian College of Ophthalmologists in Melbourne In his personal life Dr Angus was a Presbyterian and treated Sunday as a Sabbath, a day of rest. He would visit 3 or 4 country patients on a Sunday, taking his children along ‘for the ride’ and to visit with him. Sunday evenings he would play the pianola and sing Scottish songs to his family. One of Dr Angus’ patients was Margaret MacKenzie, author of a book on local shipwrecks that she’d seen as an eye witness from the late 1880’s in Peterborough, Victoria. In the early 1950’s Dr Angus, painted a picture of a shipwreck for the cover jacket of Margaret’s book, Shipwrecks and More Shipwrecks. She was blind in later life and her daughter wrote the actual book for her. Dr Angus and his wife Gladys were very involved in Warrnambool’s society with a strong interest in civic affairs. Their interests included organisations such as Red Cross, Rostrum, Warrnambool and District Historical Society (founding members), Wine and Food Society, Steering Committee for Tertiary Education in Warrnambool, Local National Trust, Good Neighbour Council, Housing Commission Advisory Board, United Services Institute, Legion of Ex-Servicemen, Olympic Pool Committee, Food for Britain Organisation, Warrnambool Hospital, Anti-Cancer Council, Boys’ Club, Charitable Council, National Fitness Council and Air Raid Precautions Group. He was also a member of the Steam Preservation Society and derived much pleasure from a steam traction engine on his farm. He had an interest in people and the community He and his wife Gladys were both involved in the creation of Flagstaff Hill, including the layout of the gardens. After his death (28th March 1970) his family requested his practitioner’s plate, medical instruments and some personal belongings be displayed in the Port Medical Office surgery at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and be called the “W. R. Angus Collection”. The repair of open wounds is essential to prevent infection and death. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery. Black tin with hinged lid, containing reels and packets of surgical silk, gut and metal suture threads, scalpel blades, chamois and metal blade holder with tensioned chamois piece across top. (W.R. Angus Collection)‘MEDRAFIL, Dr MULLER- MEERNACH, Nr O, MADE IN GERMANY.’ printed on one of the paper bags in the box containing a suture bobbin. 'PEARSALL'S LONDON' printed on some bobbins. 'J A DEKNATEL & SON INC, QUEENS VILLAGE, LONG ISLAND NEW YORK' printed on others.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, surgical silks and sutures, dr w r angus, medical equipment, surgical instrument, dr ryan, ophthalmology, s.s. largs bay, warrnambool base hospital, nhill base hospital, flying doctor, medical history, medical treatment, mira hospital, medical education, medical text book, sutures, surgical silk -
Greensborough Historical Society
Container - Bottle, Perfume bottle, Early 1900s
... Early 1900s ...Small perfume bottle, screw top.Small, oval, frosted glass bottle, pressed inscription, screw top.'3' on base; monogram on front.glass bottles, perfume bottles -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Medal - 1319 E E Cork, Early 1900s
... Early 1900s ...1319 E E Cork enlisted in Geelong 26 July 1915 and served during WW1 with Light Horse Regiment, AIF. The archives record shows him as posted to 4th Light Horse, the 1914-1915 Star has 8th Light Horse.This Medal is the original that was issued to 1319 E E Cork1914-1915 Star with ribbon - red white blue stripe - bronze colour.On the reverse 1319 Pte E E Cork, 8/LH Rgt, AIF1319 e e cork, ww1, light horse, geelong -
Halls Gap & Grampians Historical Society
Photograph - B/W, C early 1900s
... C early 1900s ...The photo shows a woodchopping competition in an unknown location in the Grampians. The identity of the people in the photo is unknown.The photo shows a large group of men standing in a clearing , around a cut log with a crow bar lodged in it. Other similar logs lie around the clearing. Many of the men are holding axes. There is a woman in a large hat standing beside a post in the right foreground and a man standing on a rock or log behind her with a pipe in his mouth.recreation, woodchopping competition -
Halls Gap & Grampians Historical Society
Photograph - B/W, C early 1900s
... C early 1900s ...The photo shows a woodchopping competition in an unknown location in the Grampians. The identity of the people in the photo is unknown.The photo shows a large group of men standing in a clearing, around a cut log. One man has his foot on the log and is holding an axe and a crow bar which are lodged in the log. There is a man holding a book standing on a rock in the centre.recreation, woodchopping competition -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Jar Stone Earthenware, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...This type of "stone" jar drinking container was used before glass and later plastic material made it "out of date" as a drink container. The qualities of the glazed pottery (stone) drinking containers made from this natural thermal insulation material was to contain the liquid to a prescribed temperature either hot or cold, as required. This was particularly important in rural environments that lacked adequate refrigeration means. The rural regions where the last areas in Australia where this type of drinking container remained in use. The late 1960's saw a revival of the basic rural ethos by the "hippie" culture of going to basic survival non "commercial" living.This particular stone jar drinking container was also a method of advertising for a Wodonga Stone masonry manufacturer. It is both relevant and significant to the Kiewa Valley because it highlights the type of industry that has breached the evolutionary trend for cheaper "throw away" drinking containers. Although this particular type of container is limited to quality liquids and it is still available in most rural sectors of the Australian "bush" environment.This stone/earthenware jar has a lip 250mm in length and 150mm thick. This lip will allow the thumb and forefinger to be used to grip the container for either pouring its contents out or securing it for any movement. The external glazed surface may become slippery when wet. The jar is heavy even when empty and would be too heavy for small children to carry. By using a cork seal the jar can be reused and therefore become more economical for the longer term. The thickness of the vessel provides a good insulation for the liquid contained. Most of this type of container would have contained ginger beer.Within two elliptical circles are painted (in freehand) "S. MASON" in the top half and "WODONGA" in the bottom half.These are separated by an asterisk on both sides. A large "S" overlaid by a similarly large "M" is within the inner circle. Stamped into the jar when still wet during manufacture is "PINNACLE BRAND" in 5mm lettering.drinking container, stone jar, ginger beer container, s. mason, wodonga earthen ware -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Sharpener Saw Raker/Jointer, early 1900s
... early 1900s ...This raker/jointer/guage set is a sharpening tool for cross cut logging saws. The logging saws used in the early 1900's for the clearing of forests required constant sharpening of their "cutting teeth". The logging of forested areas during these times was very much a "hands on" method of either one or two men by the use of saw or hand axe. Chain saws, chain and ball(clearing) and bulldozing methods came in the mid 1900's.This particular saw sharpening method was used by surveyors laying down boundaries for the S.E.C. Victoria Hydro Electricity Scheme (1920's). This item was given to a local Kiewa Valley lad who accompanied the initial surveyors. The lad was responsible for the tendering and feeding of the surveyors "pack horses". Surveys during this period and in the dense mountainous terrain of the Victorian Alps was both exhausting and hazardous. Overnight accommodation at various log cabins was not always possible and swag/tent alternative was the "fall back" This raker/jointer saw sharpener was made in the USA (DISSTON) from cast and flat iron. The main body has been painted in orange. It has three adjustment screws on the top horizontal bar and one bolt on(adjusting) leveling platform on the bottom. The small size and weight of this saw sharpener was ideal for the travelling/mobile logger or surveyor(as in this case). The main frame resembles two towers connected by two horizontal bars and the top of the towers has a horizontal bar with adjustment screws. See KVHS 0090 (B) for setting stake wedge adjusting the rake and cutting angle and KVHS 0090 (C) for a small spanner (for adjustments).On one inner supports is stamped "DISSTON" and on the other "U.S.A."hand tool, saw, sharpening method, tree felling. -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Tool Spring Set, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...This is part of a crosscut saw raker/jointer/guage set used to bend the tip of each cutter tooth for cross cut logging saws. The logging saws used in the early 1900's for the clearing of forests required constant sharpening of their "cutting teeth". The logging of forested areas during these times was very much a "hands on" method of either one or two men by the use of saw or hand axe. This item was used by the surveyors commissioned by The S.E.C. Victoria Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme project mapping the relevant Alpine region. Chain saws, chain and ball(clearing) and bulldozing methods came in the mid 1900's.This particular saw sharpening method was used by surveyors laying down boundaries for the S.E.C. Victoria Hydro Electricity Scheme (1920's). This item was given to a local Kiewa Valley lad who accompanied the initial surveyors. The lad was responsible for the tendering and feeding of the surveyors "pack horses". Surveys work during this period and in these dense mountainous terrain of the Victorian Alps was both exhausting and hazardous. Overnight accommodation at various log cabins was not always possible and swag/tent alternative was the "fall back".This cast iron Spring Setting tool has a main body of angle iron contours with one end tappered into a flat circular extension with a slit (3/32" wide) running from the top to nearly the centre(15mm). This slit is to allow the bending of each "cutter tooth" of the cross cut saw. The "bottom of this slit has a semi circular ending. Protruding from one side of the bar body, and close to the "slit" is a tounge like extension (wedge) to fasten the spring set tool into a tree stump. See KVHS 0090 (A) for its Raker/Jointer saw sharpening guage set partner. Also see KVHS 0090 (C) for the associated wrench. On one side of the bar "DISSTON U.S.A."hand tool, saw, sharpening method, tree felling -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Lamp Small Kerosene, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...The period when kerosene was extensively used for indoor lighting was before electrical reticulation was installed in rural areas. In remote areas this was up to the mid 1900's. The kerosene lantern however was still in use, for camping and outdoor activities, well beyond this period and was eventually replaced by LPG and battery powered lighting. The transition phase to "modern" outdoor and domestic lighting lingered on the rural areas where the electrical reticulation suffered from reliable constant supply.In the Kiewa Valley, being a rural region, had reliable electrical domestic and farm supply only after the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme had been fully operational. The supply was relative to how close the homestead was to the major electricity substation. This kerosene lamp was in use during the period when it was the only reliable source of domestic night time lighting. The strength of refractive light produced by this lantern/lamp hinged upon the size of the lamp(wick and glass bowl). The small size of this lamp suggests that it was for use in a small room(children's bedroom) or as providing a light for a safe walk to the outside ablutions (toilet) area. This small kerosene lamp has an enclosed "cup" body which would have contained the kerosene fuel. The top wick holder, made from brass, has an extended enclosed spout which raises the wick approximately 20mm from the bottom of the holder. The wick holder screws into the the top of the kerosene reservoir bowl and has a wick adjustment screw (light control) at one side. The small white glass light reflector bulb nestles securely onto the wick holder and is kept snug by snap designed extending "fingers". The section between the bottom of the refractive glass "light" bowl and the top of the kerosene bowl has perforations to allow air passage to feed directly to the wick.The light refracting bulb is open at the top to allow heat and smoke from the burning wick to escape upwards.On the wick control screw "CWB BRITISH MADE"kerosene reading lamp, domestic lighting, bedside light -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Lighter Lift Arm, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...This cigarette or pipe lighter was in use in the mid 1900's when the majority of users were men. Ladies did smoke but mainly not in "public" The activity was still regarded as a male activity. Middle to Upper "Class" of women nearly always had a gentleman "at hand" that would "light up" her cigarette. This was seen as a "social" activity only but later in the mid 1900's onward it was quite acceptable for both sexes to "smoke" at anytime.This type of lighter was male orientated due to the degree of lighting the flint with the horizontal movement required a strong thumb action across the lighting wheel. It is significant to rural areas such as the Kiewa Valley as the majority of men (especially during and after World War II) regarded smoking as a way to ease off the "tension" of hard work. The socio-economics of the Australian work place changed after the emancipation of women in the "workforce" after the World War II depleted the male workforce for the duration of the War and changed the Australian ethics of women in all aspects of both city and rural working "so called" male only occupations.This Roller Beacon lift arm cigarette/pipe lighter has a chrome plated brass shell and is fueled by petrol. To operate this lighter you lift the "snuffer" arm(long roller lift arm) exposing the horizontal external flint tube, then scrape the flint wheel to create a spark (to light the wick) from the adjacent flint(resting on the brass ignition wheel).At the base to the left of the "filler" screw "PATENT No. 485037, 818155" underneath "REG. DES. N" on the filler screw "ROLLER REG" underneath "TRADE MARK". To the right of the "filler", "THE ROLLER BEACON MADE IN ENGLAND"early hand lighters, smoking in the 1930's, cigarette lighter, cigarette, tobacco -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Purse Money Filigree, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...This item has historical value as it shows part of the importance of fashionable money containers specific to a more affluent rural family. The period when sheep properties producing high grade wool were providing Australia with the high yield capital return to sustain an ever growing population. This was an era where most of the manufactured goods were imported from England and the European continent.This has relevant significant value as it portrays the earlier reliance that the growing Australian population had from the rural sector. The wealth capital was from the rural sector and the elaborate fashion accessories, such as this money purse, shows how that wealth was utilised. The Kiewa Valley was part of the "rich" farm regions of Victoria and besides gold mines and tobacco plantations, dairy and cattle properties provided for not only the needs of the Victorian region but also the rest of Australia. This gold plated filigree money purse has a clasp on top for fastening purposes and has on either side inside a small extension frame which would have contained a felt/silk padding buffer. The buffer would have highlighted the intricate pattern of the filigree metalwork.hand purse, money purse, filigree women's accessories -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Bowl Carnival Glass, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...This particular glass bowl was a favoured ornamental type room "brightener" in the early 1900's. Although referred to as a "nappy bowl" this bowl has not the capacity for nappies but for nappy pins. This was a period in time before the nappy ties and instant nappy covers.This has relevance as an object that was both practical for the early 1900's nappy changes and provided some visual relief for any "drab" household ambience, especial in rural homes. The early to mid 1900's, rural households, on the whole, were more practical and not designed for entertainment. This reflected the more serious nature which were governed by aspects of providing a living from the land and unreliable weather. By placing visually attractive ornaments within various rooms (lounge/living rooms) the transformation from a stark external environment to a more warm and friendly area was achieved. This dark amber (Marigold) carnival glass 5 inch nappy bowl has a Kookaburra press molded base and wattle blossom with waratah and flannel flower sides. The bowl has a twelve scolloped rippled rim. Initially this type of bowl was reintroduced(from Roman times) into the 19th and 20th Century (modern age) by a United States glass manufacturer..Manufacturer's mark at the base illegible nappy bowls, nappy pin holders, visual mood changing ornaments -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Frame Photograph, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...This photograph frame with its decorative dragon and bamboo shoots was typical of the early 1900's when photography was in the hands of the professional artist. It was in a period before the "instant" photo and required a dark room and processing liquids for development. It was therefor in a time when photographs were "shot" only at important events, be they family or public occasions. Good quality picture frames such as this item were a part of the "reverence" of photographs per se.This photograph frame holds and protects, part of a very significant occasion, the 90th birthday photograph of the matriarch of one of the founding families within the Kiewa Valley. The frame therefore has historical significance.This silver painted aluminium photograph frame has a glass front pane within a formed inlay and a formed inlay at the back. The anchor points, at the back, for securing toggles are in place but not the toggles. These toggles were installed to allow the photograph to be securely positioned within the correct alignment of the the frame.The metal front plate has seven rivets holding the cloth covered cardboard back frame to the metal front cover. The front part of the frame has sculptured dragon and wild bamboo shoots and is boarded with a plain border pattern. The back panel to secure the photo and hold the stabiliser flap is missing. See also KVHS 0092 for a more complete frame.photograph frame early 1900's, the roper family -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Console Telephone 10 shutter, circa early 1900s
... circa early 1900s ...This manual telephone exchange console is an important piece of equipment which provided the most efficient method of long distance communications in the 1950's to the 1980's. Communications were critical, not only for the regional Hospital, but also for large construction sites i.e. the Kiewa Hydro Scheme, especially if they are in dense rugged mountainous regions. The degree of Occupation Health and Welfare on industrial sites were at a bare minimum compared to the work scene after the 1980's.This telephone exchange console is highly significant to both the Kiewa Valley and Mount Beauty region because it was so important in the communications field relating to operational safety and work related controls. The success of any large undertaken relies heavily upon good communications. In the hospital this method of communications is still used i.e. patient to ward station. This flag system link a patient's room to the controlling nursing station. Identification of the patient needing help is crucial for swift action from the available medical staff. Similarly in large construction sites such as the Kiewa Hydro Scheme, successful instant communications was also essential. This switchboard required a 50 volt supply to successfully operate and was in use when both telecommunications and postal were under the one Federal Government carrier i.e. The Post Master General. A benefit with a line communication system (such as the one that fed this console was that interference from atmospheric conditions did not impede the connection.This console telephone switchboard (manual) unit has a shutter operation (precursor to the light indicator) to identify the caller to the telephone switchboard operator. This switchboard has a ten point indication shutter system allowing the operator to clearly identify where the caller is located. The console has a 44 connection point holes with their configurations in a triangular shape. The shutters are held closed by a small lever at the top which is opened by a small electrical charge from the incoming call. The operator uses a wind up handle to power a magneto connector(handle on the console's right side). The telephone hand set is located on the left side of the console. sec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine population growth and communications