Showing 3964 items
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Melbourne Tram Museum
Uniform - 101.9 Fox FM jacket, Dory's Exclusive Leather, 1992
Jacket used on Fox FM radio tram, A class 237 during 1992 - see item 2798 for associated documents. Only 9 produced.Demonstrates a jacket produced by Fox FM for their "Black Thunder" Tram advertising the radio station during 1992.Medium size jacket, leather and swede, polyester lining, press studs with embroidered FOX on front and back.Markings on jacket "Dory's" size labels, "Made in Australia"fox fm, tram 237, a class, uniforms -
Canterbury History Group
Article, Rose, Michelle, Landmark mansion is luxury on a grand scale, 23/06/2001 12:00:00 AM
Article from the Herald Sun, June 23, 2001, giving the history of Frognall and advertising the property to be sold by tender. Illustrated with coloured photographs of the interior and exterior of Frognall1 pageArticle from the Herald Sun, June 23, 2001, giving the history of Frognall and advertising the property to be sold by tender. Illustrated with coloured photographs of the interior and exterior of Frognallcanterbury, mont albert road, frognall, hicks> clarence, laycock> burdett, raaf frognall, italianate style -
Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society
Map, Millbank Estate Bacchus Marsh Thursday 4th October 1888 [Land sales], 1924
The Millbank Estate was a parcel of land close to the centre of the shopping area of Bacchus Marsh which was sub-divided and offered for sale in 62? lots on the 4th October 1888. The lots had frontages to Ballarat Road (Main Street), Maddingley Road (now Grant Street), Turner Street, Millbank Street, Clarinda Road (now Clarinda Street), and an unnamed street south of Turner Street (possibly known as Grant Street at this time) which connected to Maddingley Road through the vicinity of the present day Bacchus Marsh Hospital. This was a significant sub-division of land and represented a major expansion of residential housing in Bacchus Marsh in the late 19th century. The map includes a wealth of detail about the time of the sale, where it will take place, who the selling agents were, the deposit terms for purchases and details of a special train from Melbourne to Bacchus Marsh on sale day. The location of the allotments in relation to the shopping and commercial area of Bacchus Marsh, Maddingley and the railway station are indicated on an inset map within the overall map and poster. The Millbank Estate area was an area which had once belonged to the Grant family who were prominent early citizens of Bacchus Marsh and lived in a house in this area known as 'Millbank'.This land sale map is a typical example of housing estate land sales advertising maps produced by real estate agents in this era. The map is significant for the detailed information it provides about when and where land was sold for new housing estates in Bacchus Marsh in the late nineteenth century.Single page map showing land allotments for sale at auction in Bacchus Marsh in October 1888. A significant portion of the map is missing from the bottom right side. land sales bacchus marsh, land subdivsion bacchus marsh, housing estates land sales bacchus marsh, grant family bacchus marsh, millbank estate land sales -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Riddell, Charlotte (Mrs J. H. Riddell), Her mother's darling : Vol. 1 (of 3 volumes), [n.d.] [1877? This reprint 1890s.]
Explores "the complexities of the marriage market, and social constraints place on women in the [Victorian] era".288 p. : Bound in cloth which is printed with product advertisements.fictionExplores "the complexities of the marriage market, and social constraints place on women in the [Victorian] era".fiction, charlotte eliza riddell, t. craig [bookbinder] -
Clunes Museum
Equipment - RUBBER STAMP
RUBBER IMPRESSION MOUNTED ON WOODEN BLOCK. J P SEXTON BAKER, PASTRYCOOK, CONFECTIONER FRASER ST. CLUNES Lyster's Patentoffice equipment, advertising object -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Ephemera - Timetable, State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV), "Official Timetable Geelong", November 1937
Gives details of the fares, transfers, luggage or parcels, lost property, times of each tram on the Newtown, West Geelong, East Geelong, Chilwell, Eastern Park, Belmont,, North, Dated Nov. 1937. Has adverts for SEC domestic appliances eg toasters, refrigerators and hot water.Yields information the 1937 tramway services in Geelong and SECV advertising domestic appliances.Printed booklet - was centre stapled - part of two timetables included within one cover. One loose sheet.secv, tramways, geelong, timetables -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Card - Koki Plastic Business Card
These items are from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. This business card was used to promote Koki Alpine Resort and Equipment Hire. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This items is significant because it was part of the advertising campaign for Koki Alpine Resort at Falls Creek, Victoria.A plastic business card bearing the logo and details of Koki Alpine Resort.george shirling, falls creek, koki lodge -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Booklet (Item) - Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation CAC advertising brochure
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Moorabbin Air Museum
Pamphlet (Item) - Boeing 767 advertising brochures
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Moorabbin Air Museum
Pamphlet (Item) - Boeing 757 advertising brochures
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Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Advertisement - Digital Image, Laurel Kerosene, 1930s
Advertisement from "Selected recipes from "The Leader" small corner books" (1930s). This advertisement is for Laurel Kerosene and gives many uses for kerosene that are no longer common in the 21st century, such as refrigeration, cleaning, lighting, heating and cooking.An example of early 20th century advertisingDigital copy of advertisement from a bookhistoric advertisements, "the leader" small corner books, laurel kerosene -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Advertisement - Digital Image, Sausetta Blended Spices, by Fowlers Vacola, 1930s
Advertisement from "Selected recipes from "The Leader" small corner books" (1930s). This advertisement is for Sausetta Blended Spices, by Fowlers Vacola, used for flavouring home made sauces.An example of early 20th century advertisingDigital copy of advertisement from a bookhistoric advertisements, "the leader" small corner books, sausetta blended spices, fowlers vacola -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Book - Digital Image, Selected recipes from "The Leader" spare corner books, 1930s
Front and back covers of "Selected recipes from "The Leader" small corner books". The back cover is an advertisement for Fowlers Vacola bottling outfits.An example of early 20th century advertisingDigital copy of front and back covers of a bookthe leader, recipe books, historic advertisements, fowlers vacola -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Advertisement - Digital Image, Janitor Cleanser, 1930s
Advertisement from "Selected recipes from "The Leader" small corner books" (1930s). This advertisement is for Janitor Cleanser, "a universal cleanser for kitchen, laundry and all household chores".An example of early 20th century advertisingDigital copy of advertisement from a bookhistoric advertisements, "the leader" small corner books, janitor cleanser -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Advertisement - Digital Image, Fowlers Vacola, 1930s
Advertisement from "Selected recipes from "The Leader" small corner books" (1930s). This advertisement is for Fowlers Vacola and shows a variety of bottles and caps used in the Fowlers Vacola system.An example of early 20th century advertisingDigital copy of advertisement from a bookhistoric advertisements, "the leader" small corner books, fowlers vacola -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Advertisement - Digital Image, Griffiths Bros. Tea, 1930s
Advertisement from "Selected recipes from "The Leader" small corner books" (1930s). This advertisement is for Griffiths Bros. Tea and shows different varieties of tea.An example of early 20th century advertisingDigital copy of advertisement from a bookhistoric advertisements, "the leader" small corner books, griffiths bros tea -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Advertisement - Digital Image, Floor Coverings Pty Ltd Melbourne, 1930s
Advertisement from "Selected recipes from "The Leader" small corner books" (1930s). This advertisement is for Floor Coverings Pty Ltd of Flinders Lane MelbourneAn example of early 20th century advertisingDigital copy of advertisement from a bookhistoric advertisements, "the leader" small corner books -
Greensborough Historical Society
Advertisement - Digital Image, McAlpin's Self Raising Flour, 1930s
Advertisement from "Selected recipes from "The Leader" small corner books" (1930s). This advertisement is for McAlpin's Self Raising Flour.An example of early 20th century advertisingDigital copy of advertisement from a bookhistoric advertisements, "the leader" small corner books, mcalpins self raising flour -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Textile - Parsons' Farm Animal Series Oat Bags
Dry foods for domestic use were packaged in cloth bags from the late 19th century to the mid 20th century. As the bags contain the name Parsons' it could be presumed that they were oat bags as the Parsons Company packaged a variety of groceries for the Australian market including oats. The bags provide an example of calico bags used to store dry goods. Being presented as a ‘Farm Animal Series’ gives them added value as a collectable item and may have been an advertising ploy used by the company.A set of two calico bags from the Parsons' company - most likely bought as oat bags. The two are: No 1. (Clydesdale) and No 3. (Suffolk) from the Parsons' Farm Animal Series. Each bag has a multicoloured ink picture and written information about the horse described on the bag.8650.1 PARSONS' FARM ANIMAL SERIES No. 1, CLYDESDALE, The Clydesdale originated in the valley of the Clyde, Scotland. The main characteristics of the Clydesdale are ability to acclimatise in all parts of the world and perform all types of draught work. Clydesdale breeders lay emphasis upon bone, quality, weight, and action. The feet must be proportionate to the size of the horse, the hoof-head should have a full crown, with heels wide and quarters strong. 8650.2 PARSONS' FARM ANIMAL SERIES No. 3, SUFFOLK, The Suffolk, often known as the Suffolk Punch, originated in the County of Suffolk, England and is noted for its hardiness. From 15 to 16 hands in height, the Suffolk in general is smaller than the Clydesdale. The head is rather coarse, with the neck short. The body long, deep and wide with a round full appearance. The croup is straight, the legs short and free from feather. The invariable colour is chestnut, varying from light to dark.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, warrnambool, calico, domestic object, textile, food storage, parsons' farm animal series, oats, clydesdale, suffolk -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Postcard (item) - Advertising postcard, SOMERLED, Unknown
A postcard published to advertise Somerled Mountain Retreat in Marysville.A postcard published to advertise Somerled Mountain Retreat in Marysville.AFFIX/ STAMP/ HEREmarysville, victoria, australia, somerled holiday home, somerled tea house, somerled mountain retreat, accommodation, j.c. greatorex, r. greatorex, mrs d. ivey, somerled road house, postcard -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Radiator
Early form of home heating and because of the copper dish was considered one of the better models|Manufacturing History Museum Victoria|Commentary: Australian manufacturing history Philip Wollen|Many years ago, when I was an ambition young man, I took over a company called Hecla.|This business was formed in 1872, long before Federation was even contemplated. The company established a rich tradition in the Australian manufacturing industry. The prodigious product range included kettles, mixers, toasters, hairdryers, urns, pie warmers, bain maries, and electric blankets for the domestic and commercial market. During the war it even manufactured parts for aircraft. It was one of Melbourne's largest employers.|Hecla was one of the pioneers in TV advertising, led by icons like Bert Newton, Bobby Limb, Evie Hayes and Graham Kennedy who ad Jibbed his way through irreverent and unscripted naughtiness about Hecla electric blankets and foot warmers. The slogan was 'By Hecla, its good.'. One can imagine the fun Bert and Graham had with their double entendres.|In the 60's Hecla entered into a partnership with General Electric and expanded rapidly. The massive factory, on the corner of Alexandra Parade and Chapel Street overlooking the Yarra River was a Melbourne landmark.|The business was formed by one of the scions of Melbourne industry. Mr Marriott was a metal worker of some repute, building the lights in front of Melbourne's Parliament House, the first steam car, the sideboard at the RACY Club, and the first factory to run on electricity.|By the time I acquired the company it was a shadow of its former self, incapable of competing with cheap Chinese imports. Wandering around the warehouse late one night I discovered a large, boarded up storeroom which appeared not to have been opened in decades.|Over several months I combed through the room, unearthing a treasure trove of products from a bygone era. Dusty files, engineering drawings, wooden prototypes, patent records, and correspondence from distributors on every continent.|I decided to track down an old man, Ray, long retired after 50 years with Hecla. He was not well off financially and welcomed the paid work. It turned out that he had done his apprenticeship with the company and there wasn't much he didn't know about it. He had been personally involved in the manufacture of almost every type of product on the Hecla smorgasbord's of products.|So for over 2 years he methodically assembled a mini museum of Hecla products, painstakingly polishing them and ensuring they were in working order. He attached the original brochure of each product and their respective warranty cards. For him it was ,a labour of love. For me it was a fascinating, if vicarious journey, into Australia's manufacturing past.|My colleagues complained that I was wasting money on his salary, our time and factory space on stuff that should have been dumped years ago. I tried to explain that I was merely a steward of the Hecla tradition, not merely an owner. Besides, the look on Ray's face convinced me that there was another dynamic at work. One I could see, but didn't really understand.|After he Passed away I faced a dilemma. What to do with this 'museum' of Hecla history. Nobody was interested.|So I kept the 'stuff' in private storage, hoping that same day someone would be interested in it. And the years passed.|Finally, I had a brainwave. Perhaps the Melbourne Museum would be interested. It was a long shot but I made the call. I had a nagging suspicion that they would think I was simply trying to get them to relieve me of paying for this huge collection to be taken to the tip.|To my surprise they said they would be willing to take a look, I secretly hoped that they would take the whole collection and not leave me with an incomplete jumble of appliances that I would indeed have to take to the tip.|On the appointed day, four serious looking young people showed up. Armed with digital cameras, note books and poker faces they spent four hours analysing the goods and the supporting materials. I asked them if they had any interest and their response was decidedly non-committal. It depends on the acquisitions committee, I was told. I was disheartened and packed up the exhibits to go back into storage.|Imagine my surprise when months later they telephoned to say that they had researched the history of the company, and yes, they would like to take the whole collection. And a truck with 'handlers' would arrive the following day to pick it up. Two years ago all Hecla's archives left me forever and went to the Museum's warehouse.|Well, to my delight I received a call yesterday inviting me to a private viewing of the exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. These young historians had meticulously assembled an impressive display of Melbourne's industry and technology going back to the 1800's. They thanked me like a significant benefactor when it is I who should have thanked them.|I saw the excitement in the eyes of these young people who had somehow managed to dig out and assemble memories from Australia's past. If this is the standard of care that the curators of the Melbourne Museum show all their exhibits, our history is in safe hands.|Their meticulous work took me back to those years long ago when I saw an old man lovingly assembling and cataloging a lifetime of his work.|It took me back to the day when Australians actually made things. Long before we became a nation of quarrymen. Before we became animal-factory 'farmers'. Of a time when products didn't break down, or dumped and replaced before the warranty expired. When men like Mr Marriott cared deeply about what their hands produced.|It reminded me of the call I received from an elderly lady in Tasmania asking for the electrical element for a Hecla K7 kettle. I searched the archives and called her back. The K7 was produced decades earlier and we no longer carried that spare part. She was quite disheartened and told me her kettle had finally 'given up the ghost' and she couldn't bear to part with it. It was a present from her husband on their wedding day 45 years ago. Her final words were 'they don't make them like that, do they? By Hecla they were good.'|I'm glad I followed my instinct and put Ray back on the payroll all those years ago..|I like to think Mr Marriott would have been pleased.Pedestal radiator. Base is cast iron with three feet with rose design on each. Pedestal supports a copper spherical reflector plate which has an electrical connection box at its base. The connection box is joined to the pedestal by a screw and nut to enable the reflector to be tilted. The element is cone shaped and is in the centre of the plate. The element is protected by a wire guard.Hecla Firedomestic items, heating -
Hymettus Cottage & Garden Ballarat
Work on paper - Bookmark, Bookmark with the compliments of Jeffrey Bird
An example of political advertising promoting Jeffrey Bird of Williamstown Victoria as Liberal Party candidate for election. Bird was a community leader who went on to be Mayor of Williamstown.liberal party, politics, bookmark -
Hymettus Cottage & Garden Ballarat
Work on paper - Bookmark, The Mudlark
An example of theatre and film promotional advertising in mid-twentieth century Melbourne using bookmarks.regent theatre, film, melbourne, mudlark, bookmark -
Hymettus Cottage & Garden Ballarat
Work on paper - Bookmarks
Grahame's was a Sydney bookseller and publisher from c. 1940 until the 1980s.Grahame's was a Sydney bookseller and publisher from the 1940s to the 1980s often regarded as being on a level with Angus & Robertson. They published a range of books, with an emphasis on educational products, maps etc. They produced these advertising bookmarks c. 1940s.A pair of bookmarks from Grahame Book Company Sydney c.1940s.Nilbookmarks, bookseller, stationers, sydney -
Hymettus Cottage & Garden Ballarat
Work on paper - Bookmark, Book Mark
An example of a Queensland municipal library sponsoring a bookmark advertising local businesses in c. 1950.south brisbane, library services -
Hymettus Cottage & Garden Ballarat
Work on paper - Bookmark
Records revenue cuts by government in 1978-79 as reasons for cuts in local library services.By stating the reasons for library cuts being due to state government finance cuts this is a rare example in Victoria of advertising political reasons for restrictions of local government services.Printed both sides on blue background.Nilcaulfield, malvern, libraries, bookimark, local government, political -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Book - Epic - Poetry for the People, Peter Corney, 2018
Peter Corney originally studied maintenance engineering and then became a pioneer snowboarder, moving to Falls Creek in 1991 . After 30 years of following winters, working in all aspects or mountain resorts and contributing to magazines and advertising as a model, writer and photographer, he put together poetry for the people along with ten short journals.A 160 page book of poetry and short stories relating mainly to snow life, with some skateboarding, surfing, mountain biking and skydiving additionsnon-fictionPeter Corney originally studied maintenance engineering and then became a pioneer snowboarder, moving to Falls Creek in 1991 . After 30 years of following winters, working in all aspects or mountain resorts and contributing to magazines and advertising as a model, writer and photographer, he put together poetry for the people along with ten short journals.peter corney, snowboarding, snow photography, falls creek -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Heater - Electric, C1940s
Manufacturing History Museum Victoria|Commentary: Australian manufacturing history Philip Wollen|Many years ago, when I was an ambition young man, I took over a company called Hecla. This business was formed in 1872, long before Federation was even contemplated. The company established a rich tradition in the Australian manufacturing industry. The prodigious product range included kettles, mixers, toasters, hairdryers, urns, pie warmers, bain maries, and electric blankets for the domestic and commercial market. During the war it even manufactured parts for aircraft. It was one of Melbourne's largest employers.|Hecla was one of the pioneers in TV advertising, led by icons like Bert Newton, Bobby Limb, Evie Hayes and Graham Kennedy who ad Jibbed his way through irreverent and unscripted naughtiness about Hecla electric blankets and foot warmers. The slogan was 'By Hecla, its good.'. One can imagine the fun Bert and Graham had with their double entendres.|In the 60's Hecla entered into a partnership with General Electric and expanded rapidly. The massive factory, on the corner of Alexandra Parade and Chapel Street overlooking the Yarra River was a Melbourne landmark.|The business was formed by one of the scions of Melbourne industry. Mr Marriott was a metal worker of some repute, building the lights in front of Melbourne's Parliament House, the first steam car, the sideboard at the RACY Club, and the first factory to run on electricity.|By the time I acquired the company it was a shadow of its former self, incapable of competing with cheap Chinese imports. Wandering around the warehouse late one night I discovered a large, boarded up storeroom which appeared not to have been opened in decades.|Over several months I combed through the room, unearthing a treasure trove of products from a bygone era. Dusty files, engineering drawings, wooden prototypes, patent records, and correspondence from distributors on every continent.|I decided to track down an old man, Ray, long retired after 50 years with Hecla. He was not well off financially and welcomed the paid work. It turned out that he had done his apprenticeship with the company and there wasn't much he didn't know about it. He had been personally involved in the manufacture of almost every type of product on the Hecla smorgasbord's of products.|So for over 2 years he methodically assembled a mini museum of Hecla products, painstakingly polishing them and ensuring they were in working order. He attached the original brochure of each product and their respective warranty cards. For him it was ,a labour of love. For me it was a fascinating, if vicarious journey, into Australia's manufacturing past.|My colleagues complained that I was wasting money on his salary, our time and factory space on stuff that should have been dumped years ago. I tried to explain that I was merely a steward of the Hecla tradition, not merely an owner. Besides, the look on Ray's face convinced me that there was another dynamic at work. One I could see, but didn't really understand.|After he Passed away I faced a dilemma. What to do with this 'museum' of Hecla history. Nobody was interested.|So I kept the 'stuff' in private storage, hoping that same day someone would be interested in it. And the years passed.|Finally, I had a brainwave. Perhaps the Melbourne Museum would be interested. It was a long shot but I made the call. I had a nagging suspicion that they would think I was simply trying to get them to relieve me of paying for this huge collection to be taken to the tip.|To my surprise they said they would be willing to take a look, I secretly hoped that they would take the whole collection and not leave me with an incomplete jumble of appliances that I would indeed have to take to the tip.|On the appointed day, four serious looking young people showed up. Armed with digital cameras, note books and poker faces they spent four hours analysing the goods and the supporting materials. I asked them if they had any interest and their response was decidedly non-committal. It depends on the acquisitions committee, I was told. I was disheartened and packed up the exhibits to go back into storage.|Imagine my surprise when months later they telephoned to say that they had researched the history of the company, and yes, they would like to take the whole collection. And a truck with 'handlers' would arrive the following day to pick it up. Two years ago all Hecla's archives left me forever and went to the Museum's warehouse.|Well, to my delight I received a call yesterday inviting me to a private viewing of the exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. These young historians had meticulously assembled an impressive display of Melbourne's industry and technology going back to the 1800's. They thanked me like a significant benefactor when it is I who should have thanked them.|I saw the excitement in the eyes of these young people who had somehow managed to dig out and assemble memories from Australia's past. If this is the standard of care that the curators of the Melbourne Museum show all their exhibits, our history is in safe hands.|Their meticulous work took me back to those years long ago when I saw an old man lovingly assembling and cataloging a lifetime of his work.|It took me back to the day when Australians actually made things. Long before we became a nation of quarrymen. Before we became animal-factory 'farmers'. Of a time when products didn't break down, or dumped and replaced before the warranty expired. When men like Mr Marriott cared deeply about what their hands produced.|It reminded me of the call I received from an elderly lady in Tasmania asking for the electrical element for a Hecla K7 kettle. I searched the archives and called her back. The K7 was produced decades earlier and we no longer carried that spare part. She was quite disheartened and told me her kettle had finally 'given up the ghost' and she couldn't bear to part with it. It was a present from her husband on their wedding day 45 years ago. Her final words were 'they don't make them like that, do they? By Hecla they were good.'|I'm glad I followed my instinct and put Ray back on the payroll all those years ago..|I like to think Mr Marriott would have been pleased.Large electric heater with two radiator bars and a protective grille at the top and false coals at the bottom.Replacements for this fire - Elements No. F314 - Illuminators No. 3P. Berry's Electric Ltd - Volts 230 - 240 -Watts 2000 V/AD/Cat No. 454 . Made in Australia by Hecla Electrics Pty Ltd Melbournedomestic items, heating -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Leisure object - Playing cards - SEC Briquettes, Hudson Industries Pty Ltd, 1950s
Pack of playing cards, complete with Joker and a card advising the International Contract Bridge score system. Advertises SEC Briquettes, "Australia's finest fuel" and has the SECV full name around a logo on the card. Understood there was also a blue-backed set of cards. Box marked "Rathdown Club playing cards", printed by Hudson Industries of Carlton Vic.Demonstrates a SEC souvenir advertising Briquettes.Pack of playing cards within a cardboard box.playing cards, secv, briquettes -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Electric Foot Warmer
Used by Colin Sach during his employment as Manager of the Chemistry Dept. at the University of Melbourne over a period of forty years.Manufacturing History Museum Victoria Commentary: Australian manufacturing history Philip Wollen Many years ago, when I was an ambition young man, I took over a company called Hecla.|This business was formed in 1872, long before Federation was even contemplated. The company established a rich tradition in the Australian manufacturing industry. The prodigious product range included kettles, mixers, toasters, hairdryers, urns, pie warmers, bain maries, and electric blankets for the domestic and commercial market. During the war it even manufactured parts for aircraft. It was one of Melbourne's largest employers.|Hecla was one of the pioneers in TV advertising, led by icons like Bert Newton, Bobby Limb, Evie Hayes and Graham Kennedy who ad Jibbed his way through irreverent and unscripted naughtiness about Hecla electric blankets and foot warmers. The slogan was 'By Hecla, its good1'. One can imagine the fun Bert and Graham had with their double entendres.|In the 60's Hecla entered into a partnership with General Electric and expanded rapidly. The massive factory, on the corner of Alexandra Parade and Chapel Street overlooking the Yarra River was a Melbourne landmark.|The business was formed by one of the scions of Melbourne industry. Mr Marriott was a metal worker of some repute, building the lights in front of Melbourne's Parliament House, the first steam car, the sideboard at the RACY Club, and the first factory to run on electricity.|By the time I acquired the company it was a shadow of its former self, incapable of competing with cheap Chinese imports. Wandering around the warehouse late one night I discovered a large, boarded up storeroom which appeared not to have been opened in decades.|Over several months I combed through the room, unearthing a treasure trove of products from a bygone era. Dusty files, engineering drawings, wooden prototypes, patent records, and correspondence from distributors on every continent.|I decided to track down an old man, Ray, long retired after 50 years with Hecla. He was not well off financially and welcomed the paid work. It turned out that he had done his apprenticeship with the company and there wasn't much he didn't know about it. He had been personally involved in the manufacture of almost every type of product on the Hecla smorgasbord's of products.|So for over 2 years he methodically assembled a mini museum of Hecla products, painstakingly polishing them and ensuring they were in working order. He attached the original brochure of each product and their respective warranty cards. For him it was ,a labour of love. For me it was a fascinating, if vicarious journey, into Australia's manufacturing past.|My colleagues complained that I was wasting money on his salary, our time and factory space on stuff that should have been dumped years ago. I tried to explain that I was merely a steward of the Hecla tradition, not merely an owner. Besides, the look on Ray's face convinced me that there was another dynamic at work. One I could see, but didn't really understand.|After he Passed away I faced a dilemma. What to do with this 'museum' of Hecla history. Nobody was interested.|So I kept the 'stuff' in private storage, hoping that same day someone would be interested in it. And the years passed.|Finally, I had a brainwave. Perhaps the Melbourne Museum would be interested. It was a long shot but I made the call. I had a nagging suspicion that they would think I was simply trying to get them to relieve me of paying for this huge collection to be taken to the tip.|To my surprise they said they would be willing to take a look, I secretly hoped that they would take the whole collection and not leave me with an incomplete jumble of appliances that I would indeed have to take to the tip.|On the appointed day, four serious looking young people showed up. Armed with digital cameras, note books and poker faces they spent four hours analysing the goods and the supporting materials. I asked them if they had any interest and their response was decidedly non-committal. It depends on the acquisitions committee, I was told. I was disheartened and packed up the exhibits to go back into storage.|Imagine my surprise when months later they telephoned to say that they had researched the history of the company, and yes, they would like to take the whole collection. And a truck with 'handlers' would arrive the following day to pick it up. Two years ago all Hecla's archives left me forever and went to the Museum's warehouse.|Well, to my delight I received a call yesterday inviting me to a private viewing of the exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. These young historians had meticulously assembled an impressive display of Melbourne's industry and technology going back to the 1800's. They thanked me like a significant benefactor when it is I who should have thanked them.|I saw the excitement in the eyes of these young people who had somehow managed to dig out and assemble memories from Australia's past. If this is the standard of care that the curators of the Melbourne Museum show all their exhibits, our history is in safe hands.|Their meticulous work took me back to those years long ago when I saw an old man lovingly assembling and cataloging a lifetime of his work.|It took me back to the day when Australians actually made things. Long before we became a nation of quarrymen. Before we became animal-factory 'farmers'. Of a time when products didn't break down, or dumped and replaced before the warranty expired. When men like Mr Marriott cared deeply about what their hands produced.|It reminded me of the call I received from an elderly lady in Tasmania asking for the electrical element for a Hecla K7 kettle. I searched the archives and called her back. The K7 was produced decades earlier and we no longer carried that spare part. She was quite disheartened and told me her kettle had finally 'given up the ghost' and she couldn't bear to part with it. It was a present from her husband on their wedding day 45 years ago. Her final words were 'they don't make them like that, do they? By Hecla they were good1'|I'm glad I followed my instinct and put Ray back on the payroll all those years ago..|I like to think Mr Marriott would have been pleased.Square metal box with electrical elements inside. Used to stand on or to put feet on when sitting. Elaborate pattern in centre with inscription.Hecla Foot Warmerdomestic items, heating