A little further on are the well worn headstones of Stevenson graves. Joseph Stevenson, my Gt, Gt, Grandfather he married Ruth Boyd. Their daughter Isabella married Donald Grant, and their son David being my paternal grandfather who married Louise Gordon my grandmother. The Stevensons being original settlers and Donald Grant an original settler of Diamond Creek. A brief collection of reminiscences by Diana Bassett-Smith of locals who are buried at Kangaroo Ground Cemetery along with 17 photographs following a visit on 1 October 2001.Colour photograph print1983 bushfire, air vice marshall wackett, ambrose erswell, barry roach-pierson, bill pelling, billy roach-pierson, birrarung, bourchiers road, ca 13, crichton, david grant, diamond street, diana bassett-smith, donald grant, donaldson road, dorrie bourchier, duff, early settlers, elizabeth cottee, ewan cameron mp, grey house, helen kohn, isabella grant (nee stevenson), jack bourchier, james balfour, james wilson, jean stewart, jessie bull (nee haughton), jimmy cook, jocelyn, joseph stevenson, judge book village, judith furphy, kangaroo ground cemetery, kay roach-pierson, keith jocelyn, kraft foods, lacey, lloyd stuart, louise grant (nee gordon), mardi crocker, marion erswell, ned haughton, nursery, pam chevallier, passiona, peter bassett-smith, pigeon bank, rath, ricketson, robinson, ruth boyd, steven crawford baes, tintagell, tosch, vera jackson, wackett trainer, watershed jackson, willandra poultry farm, zac crocker

A little further on are the well worn headstones of Stevenson graves. Joseph Stevenson, my Gt, Gt, Grandfather he married Ruth Boyd. Their daughter Isabella married Donald Grant, and their son David being my paternal grandfather who married Louise Gordon my grandmother. The Stevensons being original settlers and Donald Grant an original settler of Diamond Creek. A brief collection of reminiscences by Diana Bassett-Smith of locals who are buried at Kangaroo Ground Cemetery along with 17 photographs following a visit on 1 October 2001.Colour photograph print1983 bushfire, air vice marshall wackett, ambrose erswell, barry roach-pierson, bill pelling, billy roach-pierson, birrarung, bourchiers road, ca 13, crichton, david grant, diamond street, diana bassett-smith, donald grant, donaldson road, dorrie bourchier, duff, early settlers, elizabeth cottee, ewan cameron mp, grey house, helen kohn, isabella grant (nee stevenson), jack bourchier, james balfour, james wilson, jean stewart, jessie bull (nee haughton), jimmy cook, jocelyn, joseph stevenson, judge book village, judith furphy, kangaroo ground cemetery, kay roach-pierson, keith jocelyn, kraft foods, lacey, lloyd stuart, louise grant (nee gordon), mardi crocker, marion erswell, ned haughton, nursery, pam chevallier, passiona, peter bassett-smith, pigeon bank, rath, ricketson, robinson, ruth boyd, steven crawford baes, tintagell, tosch, vera jackson, wackett trainer, watershed jackson, willandra poultry farm, zac crocker

These five photographs of the George Mann printing presses were probably taken circa 1960s in Lithographic Squadron at the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo. The photos are not annotated except for .4P. The George Mann Fast Five Printing Press was a two-colour demy quad offset press. It was a robust and well-made lithographic printing machine built by the George Mann company in Leeds, UK. The two presses were in service at the Army Svy Regt in the 1960s and 1970s and replaced with the Komori and Planeta offset printing presses in 1975 and 1976 respectively.This is a set of photographs of the George Mann Printing Presses operational at the Army Survey Regiment, Bendigo from c1960s to 1970s. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Photo, black & white, c1960s, printing press, Lithographic Squadron .2) - Photo, black & white, c1960s, unidentified, printing press, Lithographic Squadron .3) - Photo, black & white, c1960s, printing press, Lithographic Squadron .4) - Photo, black & white, c1960s, SPR Howard Dingle, Lithographic Squadron .5) - Photo, black & white, c1960s, printing presses, Lithographic Squadron.1 to .3 – no annotation .4 - personnel names (with rank) annotated on back. .5 – no annotation royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr, printing, litho

Established during world War Two, the first 'Everyman's Hut' was built at Bonegilla camp to serve army personnel. An 'Everywoman's Hut' was established at Bandianna and was staffed by women. The hut's were also staffed by ministers of religion who had returned to Australia due to war plus volunteers. Everyman's staff wore a military cut uniform and, where appropriate, were given officer status by local commanders. Today, Everyman's Welfare Service caters for the well being of members of the ADF and their families. Part of the Reverend Chaplain Major Thomas Bruce Williams, No556101, Collection.Khaki coloured slide should backgrounder board in poly ester fabric. A label with fawn lettering on a brown background is sewn to the straight end of the board. Above the label are two horizontal red bands in cotton braid.Embroidered on a brown label: 'EVERYMAN'S HUT'.everyman's hut, major thomas b. williams

Hand written inside. "Murray, I will never forget you, how are you? I hope you are always well! My regards to your mother. I hope to one day see you again in V.Nam. Sister Augustine". The card relates to Geoff Murray No 3411521, 3 Cav Regt Vietnam 27.11.67 to 22.10.68, Survey Corp Vietnam 15.10.69 to 15.10.70. On his 2nd tour with Survey Corp Geoff procured a lot of food etc for the Baria Orphanage. Refer 610.2P, 611.8, 1866.3 re the Orphanage and Sister Augustine also 638P.Christmas card with river scene painted on front. .1) Heavy card outer pages. .2) Fine tissue paper inner pages..1) "Greetings" .2) "Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year"cards, xmas, vietnam

[from EDHS Newsletter No. 24, May 1982:] WILLIAMSTOWN TRIP The trip to Williamstown on 21st March was highly successful from any point of view, The one disappointment was that we were so successful in filling the bus that a few people with late bookings could not go. We apologise to those that missed out. The Williamstown Historical ........ us their excellent museum, arranged afternoon tea and provided a well informed guide for a trip around the sights of their city. Their obvious enthusiasm for informing visitors about Williamstown contributed in no small way to the enjoyment of the day.Twelve colour photographsactivities, williamstown, williamstown historical society

Historically(1920 to 1927), this ledger not only details the legible hand writing of this era but also the day to day commercial activity in the Kiewa Valley region. The neatness and the diligence of those who were required to pen the information into this ledger was a requirement by all who were involved in commercial trade be it in the city or in the rural area. Emphasis on neatness was ingrained in students at a young age. This era was well before general commercial stock computer based inventories. Generally all students of commerce required an accuracy in writing and arithmetic. Neatness and order were a "selection criteria" requirementThis item clearly identifies the Kiewa Valley as having a substantial financial hub to accommodate the various commercial enterprises within a rural environment Circa 1880's. Although Kiewa Valley had mining, agriculture, cattle and sheep it was also composed of a mixed society, encompassing all levels of society at that period. It identifies some the commercial activities(newsagency) undertaken by specific families farming in the Kiewa Valley and relates their history in the period of 1920 to 1927This ledger has a very thick cover of strong compressed cardboard. It has a cloth covering (Glued on) and is a faded blue colour. The corners of the opening side of the cover are reinforced by suede cloth,in a triangular shape, and enclose both the front and inside portions of the the ledger. The spin is reinforced by a suede section to provide increased strength and protection. The inside cover (both front and back) has an orange and brown bubbles and specks pattern. The grammage of the lined sheets (blue) is approximately 120g/m. The first twelve pages are indented and alphabetically marked with alternating red and black letters (two letters per page except for the last page which has three letters). The remaining pages are numbered in black print at the top outside edge of each page. There are 742 page numbers. Each page has thirty two blue horizontal lines and one double red line (second from top) Each page has thirteen vertical lines starting from the top horizontal double red lines and ending at the bottom of the page. These lines segregate the page into blocks for the date, the transaction and financial input. There are three double vertical red lines which designate the amount of money of each transaction (in pounds shillings,and pence).Located on the top section of the spin (in gold print on red background) "LEDGER" This is framed within a golden printed pattern of straight and squiggly lines.ledger, book keeping, 1920s commercial transactions, local kiewa valley commercial history

The cabinet appears to be homemade and purposely built for the storage of a collection of vinyl records. The records are stored vertically in a 'holder' with a rectangular wooden base with soft covered wire strips well spaced and each extended to fit up to 50 records. See KVHS 18 . The stands then fit into the cabinet with the base of the holder resting on wooden ledges glued on each side allowing the records to fit in all directions. There are two levels - one on the bottom and one halfway up. Holding approximately 100 records altogether. The cabinet's door is opened with a silver push button latch. Many men made their own furniture as they had the equipment and experience to do so. During the 1950s vinyl records were played to entertain families and to educate children in the areas of music and dance. Mt Beauty didn't have TV until much later than the cities and furniture wasn't always available at the local shops.Wooden cabinet with 4 legs and a door with a silver push button latch. Inside are small ledges on each side at the bottom and halfway up.vinyl records, music, wooden cabinet

Page [i] : Prepared for the Committee of the Shire of Eltham Brass band by E. Y. Barnes. This may have been an early draft copy as it includes pen notations and corrections. Page 2: "The aim of this presentation is to give a balanced comprehensive story of the Shire of Eltham Brass Band, its origins, aims, history and operations". The Band was formed in 1954 with male members, Includes a list and biographies of bandmasters, uniforms, engagements, names of and roles of "helpers" and names of organisations which the Band has been associated. as well as names of early band members and other associated members. This document is significant in that it not only traces the development of the Shire of Eltham Brass Band (a forerunner of the current Eltham Concert Band) and of music in the area but it also gives an insight into the people and their community in the 1950s and early 1960s.Original typed manuscript with occasional photocopied sketch enclosed in a green folder. Calligraphy on cover plate and title page Title pages includes the signature: E.Y. Barnesbrass band

There is evidence of the game of marbles in the ruins of Pompeii and the tombs of Egyptians as well as early American Indians. The earliest marbles were simply rounded stones which had been polished but this was refined to handmade versions made of clay, stone and glass. It was in the late 19th century that mass production began and it gives testament to the popularity of the game that the Dyke factory of Ohio could produce 1,000,000 marbles a day. It was around 1915 that the mass production of glass marbles began. The game reached the height of popularity in the 1920-1930’s. Many were prized for their designs.The game of marbles was one of the most common games played universally, from childhood hence has a strong link with people of all ages and cultures. Five marbles in glass jar. All are various sizes ranging from large yellow streaked with red and blue, black striped with white, marbled tan, clear with multi coloured streaks and bright blue. Shapes are roughly spherical. Materials range from glass to glazed and stone. Three have pontil marks either on end.The lid of the jar has Nestle vacuumed sealed for extra protection. Use special key to open. Old sticker on base with 173 written in black lead pencil. toys, marbles, children's games, warrnambool, handmade marbles, glass marbles, clay marbles, agate marbles

These photographs are probably of bridges on the East Gippsland railway line. 3162.2 is possibly Hospital Creek and 3162.3 possibly Burn Road Newmerella. The Orbost-Bairnsdale railway initially played a crucial role in developing agricultural industries in Gippsland as well as tourism. It opened in 1916 and operated until 1987, principally carrying timber and farming produce. In the early days of the railway's operation dedicated passenger trains ran but these ceased by the 1930s. The line was completely closed to freightage in 1987.The track infrastructure was dismantled in 1994 and has been redeveloped as the East Gippsland Rail Trail.These photographs are associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost. Three black / white photographs of railway bridges. 3162.1 has a steam train on the bridge. 3162.3 shows three men on the right working at clearing vegetation. 3162.3 has been taken from a height.orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway bridges-railway

Allwood Nurseries in Hurstbridge was operated by W.G (William George) Gray. He operated a well cultivated property under nursery healthy stock, principally apples, peaches, plums and cherries and sometimes potatoes. He grew seedling stock which he supplied to other local orchardists and the overseas market. This image is of railroad train wagons loaded with fruit trees at Hurstbridge Railway Station for export to New Zealand. Frederick George Hurst (bearded) sits on top of the load (aged 73 years). His son-in-law Willian Gray stands beside the wagon. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, hurstbridge, allwood nurseries, frederick george hurst, w.g. gray, hurstbrdge railway station, william george gray, railroad trains, nurseries (plants), export, despatch, transport

A horse collar is a part of a horse harness that is used to distribute the load around a horse's neck and shoulders when pulling a wagon or plough. The collar often supports and pads a pair of curved metal or wooden pieces, called hames, to which the traces of the harness are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling, essentially enabling the animal to push forward with its hindquarters into the collar. It is a padded appliance that conforms well to the shape of the horse's body and is constructed so that at all points of contact with the body of the horse it avoids the air passage.The early settlers in Moorabbin Shire depended on the draught horse to pull the equipment need to plough the fields, grade the roads, pull their wagons of produce and small carts for transport as they developed the land after the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841Horse Collar, 20thC mediumearly settlers, pioneers, draught horse, ploughs, farm equipment, saddles, leatherwork, blacksmiths, cheltenham, sandringham, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, horse drawn wagons, plateway, vegetables, poultry farms, dairy farms,

A horse collar is a part of a horse harness that is used to distribute the load around a horse's neck and shoulders when pulling a wagon or plough. The collar often supports and pads a pair of curved metal or wooden pieces, called hames, to which the traces of the harness are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling, essentially enabling the animal to push forward with its hindquarters into the collar. It is a padded appliance that conforms well to the shape of the horse's body and is constructed so that at all points of contact with the body of the horse it avoids the air passage.The early settlers in Moorabbin Shire depended on the draught horse to pull the equipment need to plough the fields, grade the roads, pull their wagons of produce and small carts for transport as they developed the land after the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841Horse Collar large 20thCearly settlers, pioneers, draught horse, ploughs, farm equipment, saddles, leatherwork, blacksmiths, cheltenham, sandringham, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, horse drawn wagons, plateway, vegetables, poultry farms, dairy farms,

This sea urchin shell was recovered from the wreck of the S.S. Casino (1882 – 1932) between the late 1960’s to early 1970’s. It is part of the John Chance Collection. The coastal trader SS Casino (1882–1932) had a run of almost 50 years along the coast of Western Victoria. She traded goods and food as well as carrying passengers from port to port on her many voyages. This vase may have been included in her cargo or could have been amongst the personal luggage of the people on board.The sea urchin shell is significant as an example of underwater animal life existing in Victoria the 1960s. It was recovered by John Chance, a diver from the wreck of the S.S. Casino in the 1960s-70s. Items that come from several wrecks along Victoria's coast have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. The urchin is connected with the S.S. Casino, which played an historical role in Western Victoria, providing transport, communication and trade along the coast between Melbourne and Portland in the late 19th and the early 20th century, visiting the ports at Apollo Bay, Warrnambool and Belfast (Port Fairy). The S.S. Casino was the only regular trader with normal passenger accommodation along the West Coast and the only Western District steamship that was in service between 1854 and 1939, and to be represented in the Victorian Heritage Shipwreck register, and to have been wrecked in the Western District, and to have the wreck located, and to be accessible to divers. The wreck of the S.S. Casino, and its associated relics, is considered an important part of Victorian and Australian cultural heritage and is now protected as a Historic Shipwreck under State and Commonwealth Law in the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act (1976). Sea urchin, global shape, beige colour. Urchin has two naturally formed holes, the larger being the mouth. Ten segments radiate from top to bottom, each with a row of small white raised circles.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, s.s. casino, john chance, west coast trader, apollo bay, sea urchin, south west victoria, sea life

Mr W. H. (Billy) Lewis manufactured soft drinks and cordials of many types in his factory in Woods street south, Donald. An energetic man, Mr. Lewis built up a big business, and supplied surrounding towns and districts as well as shops and customers in the Donald and Watchem areas. In the later stages of operation he was assisted by his son Alf, who died in May, 1952. Mr. W. H. Lewis died in June, 1924. The patronage accorded to the Lewis products enabled Mr Lewis to keep the factory in full production for many years.Aqua codd-neck glass bottle. Four round indents above two neck side crimps. W. H. LEWIS DONALD moulded lengthwise on front. LEMONADE moulded horizontally on back. "M" moulded on base. Glass marble and rubber washer inside. Some inner stain.

Pocket Gospel of St John, issued to 'Men of H.M. Forces' on active service in 1914-1916. Contains a message from Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts, VC, KG, KP, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, VD, PC, FRSGS, at that time retired after his distinguished military career yet still active in public life, and less than three months before he died of pneumonia when visiting troops in France. Includes some hymns and music as well as the passages from the Gospel of St John. Brown coloured booklet of multiple white pages, discoloured by age.Handwritten notes on title page written in red ink that are no longer decipherable.wwi, scripture gift mission, naval and military bible society

Major Minor, the space mouse, was feeling well again now that no-one was poisoning his food and plans were made to send him up in the satellite that afternoon. The countdown began. Major Minor was strapped in and given his camera, notebook and cheese lunch packages for seven orbits. The Flying Dogtor thought his work in Woomera had been completed when he realised they’d given the space mouse the wrong package. The Dogtor and the Secret Service Man looked at each other in horror because that meant that Crafty was onboard the rocket!The Flying Dogtor" series was broadcast on Australian Television Network (later becoming the Seven Network) between February and April 1964 (see item D254 for schedule).Handwritten, foolscap, 2 pagesThe title is crossed out. Many edits.the flying dogtor, robin boyd, crawford productions, manuscript

Pamela Irving (born 1960) is a prominent Australian visual artist specialising in bronze, ceramic and mosaic sculptures as well as printmaking and copper etchings. Irving's early art was influenced by artists including Arthur Boyd, John Brack, Noel Connihan, Mirka Mora, Sidney Nolan and John Perceval. In recent years, Irving has been influenced ″by the honest and direct expressiveness of ‘outsider art’ (the art of self-taught or ‘naive artists’) and the craft of ‘memoryware’″ Significantly, this interest grew following Irving's visit to Nek Chand's Rock Garden in Chandigarh, India.Green Wedge Larry - dog sculpture reminiscent of the iconic Larry LaTrobe located at Melbourne City Square. The dog is constructed from Italian Bisazza glass tiles, using a Mapei adhesive system. The theme for his 'coat' is the flora from the local surrounds of Nillumbik, drawing from the 'Live Local Plant Local' Nillumbik plant directory.green wedge, larry, dog, sculpture, mosaic, indigenous flora, irving

The quilt, alternatively known as a wagga due to its improvised nature of creation, was made by Harry Walter Hewitt Wilton (great grandfather of donor), b.1872, d.1950. Harry joined the Essex Regiment and served in the British Military in India, as well as seeing action in the Boer War. Married wife Mary Elizabeth in India in 1895, she was a seamstress. Harry was injured during a battle and made this quilt as part of his rehabilitation. Quilt was made using woolen army singlets. Harry and Mary moved to Victoria, near Orbost, in 1914. Patchwork style quilt with coloured pieces of dyed woolen singlets stitched together over a backing. Features feather stitching between pieces and around border edges. Size of a double bed.wagga, harry walter hewitt wilton

This safe came from the property “Fairview” Tungamah. Victoria. Fairview was owned and farmed by Charles and Nellie Nunn. The safe is at least 100 yrs old and served the family of parents and 12 children well by keeping food cool in the blazing summer days. Beverley Long(McFarlane) remembers it on the farmhouse verandah of her grandparents property near the dairy where fresh milk was separated to produce cream and butter..it cooled meats, and dairy products by strips of hessian kept wet by water stored in the top tank, hanging down around the safe.More than 100 years oldMetal box construction with fly wire covering on all 4 sides. Has three shelves

Collector says: "As a general rule I only collected blankets with a label, but there are always exceptions. The colour ways of these 3 are just so gorgeous I had to include them - especially as the brown and blue from the Bass Valley op shop was 1 dollar! The cream one with the mint panel + watermelon stripe is one of my favourite blankets ever despite no label - it looks like the blanket version of the Agnes Martin painting called Gratitude which is exactly how I felt finding this simple, beautiful, well kept blanket. Collector's note: "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from."Double sized cream blanket with watermelon and mint stripesNo inscriptionwool, blanket, blanket fever, no label

Collector says: "As a general rule I only collected blankets with a label, but there are always exceptions. The colour ways of these 3 are just so gorgeous I had to include them - especially as the brown and blue from the Bass Valley op shop was 1 dollar! The cream one with the mint panel + watermelon stripe is one of my favourite blankets ever despite no label - it looks like the blanket version of the Agnes Martin painting called Gratitude which is exactly how I felt finding this simple, beautiful, well kept blanket.Collector's note: "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from."Double sized, checked blanket, brown, blue and creamNo inscriptionwool, blanket, blanket fever, no label

Collector says: As a general rule I only collected blankets with a label, but there are always exceptions. The colour ways of these 3 are just so gorgeous I had to include them - especially as the brown and blue from the Bass Valley op shop was 1 dollar! The cream one with the mint panel + watermelon stripe is one of my favourite blankets ever despite no label - it looks like the blanket version of the Agnes Martin painting called Gratitude which is exactly how I felt finding this simple, beautiful, well kept blanket."Collector's note: "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from."Double sized multicolour checked blanketNo inscriptionwool, blanket, blanket fever, no label

An image from the Herbert Richmond collection, gifted in 1982 to the Ballarat Library. The collection contains approximately 200 photographs of Ballarat and district in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, as well as photo albums, glass negatives and other memorabilia. Herb Richmond was a keen photographer, a foundation member and a life member of the Ballarat Camera Club, and a photographer with the Ballarat Courier during the 1940s. The Ballarat Camera Club named an annual award after him. Mr Richmond died in 1981 aged 79. These images were digitally re-photographed by members of the Ballarat Camera Club in September 2006.minerva, ballarat mechanics institute, statue

An image from the Herbert Richmond collection, gifted in 1982 to the Ballarat Library. The collection contains approximately 200 photographs of Ballarat and district in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, as well as photo albums, glass negatives and other memorabilia. Herb Richmond was a keen photographer, a foundation member and a life member of the Ballarat Camera Club, and a photographer with the Ballarat Courier during the 1940s. The Ballarat Camera Club named an annual award after him. Mr Richmond died in 1981 aged 79. These images were digitally re-photographed by members of the Ballarat Camera Club in September 2006.chancery house, punshon & plummer pty ltd, harry irvine, legal & general assurance society ltd, j.a. dellaca, estate agents, parking meters, gas lamps, ansonia hotel

An image from the Herbert Richmond collection, gifted in 1982 to the Ballarat Library. The collection contains approximately 200 photographs of Ballarat and district in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, as well as photo albums, glass negatives and other memorabilia. Herb Richmond was a keen photographer, a foundation member and a life member of the Ballarat Camera Club, and a photographer with the Ballarat Courier during the 1940s. The Ballarat Camera Club named an annual award after him. Mr Richmond died in 1981 aged 79. These images were digitally re-photographed by members of the Ballarat Camera Club in September 2006.barkly street, east ballarat, main road, len t frazer reserve