Photo depicts the Committee who organised the First Annual Picnic of the Employes of the Wool brokers Association Stores held at Schnapper Point, 23 March 1896Committee - First Annual Picnic of the Employes of the Wool brokers Association Stores held at Schnapper Point, 23 March 1896Committee - First Annual Picnic of the Employes of the Wool brokers Association Stores held at Schnapper Point, 23 March 1896wool stores - staff, woolbrokers association stores

The story of 90 years of wool classing between father & son begins in 1936, when a young boy by the name of Stanley James Hucker walked through the doors of the Gordon Technical School in Geelong. Born in 1921, Stanley was 15 years of age when he began his 3-year course in Wool Classing. 30 years later, Stanley’s second son Denis completed the same 3-year wool classing course. Beginning in 1966, Denis attended the same Gordon Technical School and walked the same halls as his father before him. Stanley finished his course in 1938. He went back to the family farm in Lake Bolac for a brief period before enrolling in the Second World War. At the completion of the war, Stanley returned home and married before gaining a soldier settler allotment, north of Willaura. This enabled Stan to use his wool classing knowledge. He ran between 1,500 and 2,000 sheep for many years, while his wool classer stencil also allowed him to go out and class at various sheds around the area. He held his stencil from 1938 until he retired at the age of 60 in 1981. On retirement, his second son Denis was working in the district, managing a local property while also leasing land himself. Upon his father’s retirement, Denis had the opportunity to lease his father’s farm, an opportunity he could not refuse. Denis had finished his wool classing course at the Gordon Technical School in 1968, graduating dux of his class. He began working with a local contractor and started classing wool in his team. Denis gained a great deal of experience working as part of this team in big sheds of up to 8 stands servicing between 10 & 20,000 sheep. It was not all smooth sailing for Denis however, and he soon learnt an important lesson. Class wool the way you’re taught, don’t listen to the owner standing over your shoulder. At a clip of Corriedales near Casterton, Denis was pushing too many fleeces into the line of fine wool. This resulted in a notice from the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) “mixing counts too much, submit three clips for inspection”. Denis was able to submit 3 clips with no further complaints, however, this proved a valuable lesson he would never forget over his long career classing wool. In the early 1980s, when Denis was leasing two properties including his father’s, things were going well until drought struck. February 1983 was the date of the Ash Wednesday bushfires, and saw Melbourne have three days over 40 °C for only the second time on record. This period saw Denis give away farming, turning towards contracting work instead. After the difficult times of the early 1980s, the next two decades were a good time for the sheep industry. 15 micron wool was selling for prices between 4 to 5,000 cents per kilo, double what you’d expect for the same wool in 2022. In 1995 a single bale of wool sold for a million dollars. This was a good time for Denis too. His contracting work saw him employing local shearers and shed staff. His team was involved with the shearing and classing of more than 130,000 sheep. After 20 years of contracting, it was time for Denis to transition into the next phase of his life. He gave up independent contracting, preferring instead to return to being a member of someone else’s team. In 2018, having completed 50 years of wool classing, it was time to call it a day and retire completely. At the annual Gordon Wool School Old Students Association dinner held in 2018, Denis was presented with his 50 years as a registered wool classer stencil awarded by the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX). This is a rare honour achieved by few. As of February 2020, a total of 430 wool classers had achieved this 50-year milestone. For Denis however, his proudest achievement is achieving 90 years of wool classing with his father. The National Wool Museum is proud to share the collection of objects gained from 90 years in the wool classing industry by Stanley and Denis. This ranges from Stanley’s first stencil and Wool Sample book, started when he first attended the Gordon in 1936. The collection concludes 90 years later with Denis’ 50 years of wool classing Stencil. The collection contains many more objects, all telling the story of these 90 years, and the hard work invested by this dedicated father and son duo. This is the fourth in a series of 5 wool classing exercise books. They were written by Stanley Hucker in his time at the Gordon Technical College from 1936-1938. This book begins in a white cover with blue ink illustrations and writing. It has a centrepiece-coloured emblem of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth with flags of the Union Jack & Australia in background. Internally, the book is handwritten on yellowed pages with blue lines for the assistance in clarity of handwriting. The pages are also surrounded by a margin of red pen. The exercise book’s content is about wool studies relating to the health and productivity of wool sheep. It is handwritten. A selection of pages have been photographed to give an impression of the information taught in classes, 90 years ago. This includes information about: - Wool scouring - Shearing - Lamb marking - Breeding - Fellmongering - Comparison between wool and artificial fibres - Characteristics of good wool - Wool selling methods - Established studs in Victoria - Award rates (1937-38)Front Cover. Wording, printed and handwritten. “CORONATION / EXERCISE BOOK / NAME Stanley Hucker / GRADE SUBJECT Wool / SCHOOL Gordon Front Cover. Illustration’s colour, printed. King George VI & Queen Elizabeth with flags of the Union Jack & Australia in background.gordon institute geelong, wool classing, 1930s sheep farming, 90 years wool classing between father & son

One of fifty one photographs originally in a photo album found in the National Wool Museum’s office. The album was water damaged and the images were removed for conservation. The images follow the process of wool. Beginning in a sheep paddock and finishing as a folded fabric. It includes all the steps in between in this process, including shearing, transporting, selling, washing and the many different steps in the process of turning a single thread of wool into fabric.Black and white image showing bales of wool in storage.AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PUBLICITY / ASSOCIATION / FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY BUILDING, / MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA / W6 / W6. Bulk storage.wool industry, working life, women, boonoke station, farming, sheep farming, agriculture, sheep stations, transport, wool processing, shearing, textile industry, wool

One of fifty one photographs originally in a photo album found in the National Wool Museum’s office. The album was water damaged and the images were removed for conservation. The images follow the process of wool. Beginning in a sheep paddock and finishing as a folded fabric. It includes all the steps in between in this process, including shearing, transporting, selling, washing and the many different steps in the process of turning a single thread of wool into fabric.Black and white image showing a wool spinning machine.W37 / Woollen (Mule) Spinningwool industry, working life, women, boonoke station, farming, sheep farming, agriculture, sheep stations, transport, wool processing, shearing, textile industry, wool

One of fifty one photographs originally in a photo album found in the National Wool Museum’s office. The album was water damaged and the images were removed for conservation. The images follow the process of wool. Beginning in a sheep paddock and finishing as a folded fabric. It includes all the steps in between in this process, including shearing, transporting, selling, washing and the many different steps in the process of turning a single thread of wool into fabric.Black and white image showing machinery with spools of wool.AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PUBLICITY / ASSOCIATION / FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY BUILDING, / MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA / W16 / W16. Open Drawing.wool industry, working life, women, boonoke station, farming, sheep farming, agriculture, sheep stations, transport, wool processing, shearing, textile industry, wool

"Souvenir: Trangie Agricultural Experiment Station; Official Opening of the Wool Research Laboratory and Stock Field Day, March 15, 1950".Souvenir booklet produced for the opening of the wool research laboratory and stock field day at Trangie Agricultural Experiment Station in NSW, 15 March 1950. Back cover of the souvenir booklet produced for the opening of the wool research laboratory and stock field day at Trangie Agricultural Experiment Station in NSW, 15 March 1950.SOUVENIR / TRANGIE / AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION / OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE / WOOL . RESEARCH . LABORATORY . & . STOCK . FIELD . DAY - MARCH 15TH. / 1950nsw; department of agriculture, trangie agricultural research station, nsw

Reproduction print of "Flora, a Spanish Sheep at Buckingham Palace,1849 ", a watercolour by Frederick Keyl (1823-1871), presented to the National Wool Museum by HRH Queen Elizabeth 11, April 28th, 1988.Red leather folder, presented by HRH Elizabeth II on her visit to the National Wool Centre in 1988. Red leather folder, presented by HRH Elizabeth II on her visit to the National Wool Centre in 1988. "Flora, a Spanish Sheep at Buckingham Palace,1849 ", print inside presentation folder from HRH Elzabeth II.ER/PRESENTED/ TO THE/ NATIONAL WOOL CENTRE/ GEELONG/ BY/ HER MAGESTY THE QUEEN/ 28TH APRIL 1988 "ER"

A copy of both the ‘Dennys Lascelles Limited 1857-1957: Annual Wool Report & Centenary Review’ & ‘Staff Reunion Souvenir Programme, 1988’ was donated to the museum in 2021. These were duplicate items so only their story was retained in addition to the image of Rita located in Multimedia. “Enclose two items which may be of interest to add to your collection. They belonged to my mother, Rita Sedgwick (nee Glenn), who died earlier this year in April. She worked for Dennys Lascelles in two separate periods. First as a young girl, who had finished her schooling, at Morongo Presbyterian ladies College, having been sent as boarder there by her parents from their farm at Mathoura (just north of Echuca). This period was from 1942 — 1947. It was her second job out of school having worked first at the then Geelong Telephone Exchange. She would commute daily to work on a bicycle from where she was then living in Drumcondra. She had the front office role of receptionist and telephonist driving an old manual switchboard. The old front desk was her domain. She departed in 1947, shortly after she was married in late 1946. She spoke fondly of her times at the company as a young girl in her late teens and early twenties. Her second stint was much later, but again as the front-desk telephonist and receptionist commencing in 1972, ending 11 years later in 1983. This was a period when Sir Henry Bolte was on the Board, Don Urqhuart was MD, Ray Hobson was General Manger, Cliff Bone the company Secretary, Peter Keys the CFO and Jim Hay was also on the Executive team. While there were some 25 years between her periods of service, she welcomed the chance to re-join the company. Again, it was a time of hard work, and good friends. The busy times were the wool auctions, when the Firm would be visited by representatives of the big Japanese trading houses such as Mitsui, and Kanematsu. The Chief Auctioneer, Mr. Reeves (I can't recall his first name), would hold court at the now demolished Geelong Wool Exchange — I saw him in action once — what a sight. The huge show floors in the Denny's building would be full of open bales and samples for the buyers to inspect, and for mum days would start at 0800, and finish at 1800 or later. In quieter times over summer, it was reported that the empty show floor would provide an excellent arena for the more enthusiastic cricketers to get in a bit of practise with a tennis ball at lunch and after closing time! Dennys was a full-service firm for wool growers, with branches all over the Western Districts as far afield as Mt Gambier, but through Timboon, Warrnambool, and the like, as I am sure you are aware. She also saw the merger of Dennys and Strachan to create DSM, and later the amalgamation with AML&F to create Dennys AML (I think). She saw the change from the old manual switch board to the then latest of PABX technologies and was part of the team the relocated from the original offices to the new address on the south side of Brougham Street. Along with the shift from the large show floor-based sales of the past. She retired from fulltime work in mid-1983, again with fond memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime. I found these two items among her things recently, and felt that given her connection to the industry, and the place in which the Museum now resides you may like to add them to the collection. I hope you can find a home for them, and that they might add a little to the story that the wool museum now houses and curates.” Program 12pp: soft pale grey cover, contians brief history of the company , the buildings and at the last page is a list of acceptances for the reunion, 2nd October, 1988Judith Lagingdennys, lascelles limited

This media kit was produced by Melba Industries, part of the Austrim Textiles Group. It contains three photographs, as well as other company information. The photos depict Mr Alan Jackson, the chairman of Austrim, Mr Tom Quick, the general manager of technical textiles at Austrim, and a shot of the new packs being made in the old Valley Mill. The kit was given away at a media launch to publicise the production of an Australian made, nylon wool pack called 'Jumbuck'. The packs will be made at the former Valley Mill in Geelong. This launch occurred on 21 July 2000 and was attended by Andrew Moritz, National Wool Museum Director, who collected this media kit for the museum collection.Media kit from launch of 'Jumbuck', Australian made nylon wool packs made by Melba Industries (part of the Austrim Textiles Group) in Geelong. Contents of media kit produced for the launch of 'Jumbuck', Australian made nylon wool packs made by Melba Industries (part of the Austrim Textiles Group) in Geelong.Media Kit / JUMBUCK TM / AUSSIE-MADE WOOL PACKS / The Aussie-Made Pack / For A Cleaner Clipblack, mr lindsay - melba industries (an austrim nylex ltd company) austrim nylex ltd valley worsted mill, jumbuck wool pack, jackson, mr alan ao - austrim nylex ltd quick, mr tom - austrim nylex ltd

In 1866 Humble & Nicholson brought the Vulcan Foundry in Geelong, where it is believed this model wool press was made.Red wooden model of a wool press with string pulley and crank.wool, wool press, humble and sons pty ltd, humble and nicholson, vulcan foundry, geelong, innovation, industry, model, design

This bag contained a media kit produced by Melba Industries, part of the Austrim Textiles Group. The kit was given away at a media launch to publicise the production of an Australian made, nylon wool pack called 'Jumbuck'. The packs will be made at the former Valley Mill in Geelong. This launch occurred on 21 July 2000 and was attended by Andrew Moritz, National Wool Museum Director, who collected this media kit for the museum collection.Contained media kit from the launch of 'Jumbuck', an Australian made nylon wool pack produced by Melba Industries (part of the Austrim Textiles Group) in Geelong.JUMBUCK TM / AUSSIE-MADE WOOL PACKS FILDESFAST / LABELS BAGS PRINTING / Tel: 1800 351 185black, mr lindsay - melba industries (an austrim nylex ltd company) austrim nylex ltd valley worsted mill, jumbuck wool pack

One of fifty one photographs originally in a photo album found in the National Wool Museum’s office. The album was water damaged and the images were removed for conservation. The images follow the process of wool. Beginning in a sheep paddock and finishing as a folded fabric. It includes all the steps in between in this process, including shearing, transporting, selling, washing and the many different steps in the process of turning a single thread of wool into fabric.Black and white image showing a man with a wool bale on a trolley.AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PUBLICITY / ASSOCIATION / FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY BUILDING, / MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA / W8 / W8. Wheeling away for despatch.wool industry, working life, women, boonoke station, farming, sheep farming, agriculture, sheep stations, transport, wool processing, shearing, textile industry, wool

One of fifty one photographs originally in a photo album found in the National Wool Museum’s office. The album was water damaged and the images were removed for conservation. The images follow the process of wool. Beginning in a sheep paddock and finishing as a folded fabric. It includes all the steps in between in this process, including shearing, transporting, selling, washing and the many different steps in the process of turning a single thread of wool into fabric.Black and white image showing a man weighing wool in a basket.AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PUBLICITY / ASSOCIATION / FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY BUILDING, / MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA / W3 / W3. Weighing loose Fleece.wool industry, working life, women, boonoke station, farming, sheep farming, agriculture, sheep stations, transport, wool processing, shearing, textile industry, wool

One of fifty one photographs originally in a photo album found in the National Wool Museum’s office. The album was water damaged and the images were removed for conservation. The images follow the process of wool. Beginning in a sheep paddock and finishing as a folded fabric. It includes all the steps in between in this process, including shearing, transporting, selling, washing and the many different steps in the process of turning a single thread of wool into fabric.Black and white image showing a spinning machine with spools of wool.W36 / Woollen Spinningwool industry, working life, women, boonoke station, farming, sheep farming, agriculture, sheep stations, transport, wool processing, shearing, textile industry, wool

One of fifty one photographs originally in a photo album found in the National Wool Museum’s office. The album was water damaged and the images were removed for conservation. The images follow the process of wool. Beginning in a sheep paddock and finishing as a folded fabric. It includes all the steps in between in this process, including shearing, transporting, selling, washing and the many different steps in the process of turning a single thread of wool into fabric.Black and white image showing a wool moving through machinery.AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PUBLICITY / ASSOCIATION / FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY BUILDING, / MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA / W11 / W11. From Scourer to Dryer.wool industry, working life, women, boonoke station, farming, sheep farming, agriculture, sheep stations, transport, wool processing, shearing, textile industry, wool

Wawn's Wonder - Wool - Cardboard Box containing pink cotton wool - Red and black label reading 'Wawn's Wonder - Wool Relieves pain - a medicated cotton wool that brings warming, soothing relief from aches and pains - relief of Rheumatism, Fibrosis’s …colds, congestion, influenza, bronchitis. Tonsillitis, Laryngitis, gout, lumbago …/ instructions for use on the back / Wonder - Wool pty ltd Sydney Australia / .front of box signed V.A.Wawn.Wonder - Wool pty ltd Sydney Australiamedicine, nursing, wawn's wonder - wool /-wonder - wool pty ltd sydney australia / v.a.wawn

Donated by Mr Leslie Rourke.Officewool industry wool sales wool marketing wool - research wool marketing textile mills textile mills, australian wool board, wool industry, wool sales, wool marketing, wool - research, textile mills

Donated by Mr Leslie Rourke.Officewool industry wool sales wool marketing wool - research wool marketing textile mills textile mills, australian wool board, wool industry, wool sales, wool marketing, wool - research, textile mills

Donated by Mr Leslie Rourke.Officewool industry wool sales wool marketing wool - research wool marketing textile mills textile mills, australian wool board, wool industry, wool sales, wool marketing, wool - research, textile mills

Donated by Mr Leslie Rourke.Officewool industry wool sales wool marketing textile mills textile mills, australian wool corporation, wool industry, wool sales, wool marketing, textile mills

Donated by Mr Leslie Rourke.Officewool industry wool sales wool marketing textile mills textile mills, australian wool corporation, wool industry, wool sales, wool marketing, textile mills

Donated by Mr Leslie Rourke.wool sales wool stockpile textile mills textile mills, australian wool realisation commission, stock pile, wool sales, wool stockpile, textile mills

Donated by Mr Leslie Rourke.wool sales wool stockpile wool marketing wool industry - international textile mills textile mills, wool industry review committee, stock pile, wool sales, wool stockpile, wool marketing, wool industry - international, textile mills

One of fifty one photographs originally in a photo album found in the National Wool Museum’s office. The album was water damaged and the images were removed for conservation. The images follow the process of wool. Beginning in a sheep paddock and finishing as a folded fabric. It includes all the steps in between in this process, including shearing, transporting, selling, washing and the many different steps in the process of turning a single thread of wool into fabric.Black and white image showing two men weighing a bale of wool.AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PUBLICITY / ASSOCIATION / FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY BUILDING, / MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA / W5 / W5. Weighing bales.wool industry, working life, women, boonoke station, farming, sheep farming, agriculture, sheep stations, transport, wool processing, shearing, textile industry, wool

One of fifty one photographs originally in a photo album found in the National Wool Museum’s office. The album was water damaged and the images were removed for conservation. The images follow the process of wool. Beginning in a sheep paddock and finishing as a folded fabric. It includes all the steps in between in this process, including shearing, transporting, selling, washing and the many different steps in the process of turning a single thread of wool into fabric.Black and white image showing a man in a lab coat handling wool.AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PUBLICITY / ASSOCIATION / FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY BUILDING, / MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA / W9 / W9. Testing Staple for strengthwool industry, working life, women, boonoke station, farming, sheep farming, agriculture, sheep stations, transport, wool processing, shearing, textile industry, wool

This slide is part of a collection of visual resources used by Stuart Ascough while conducting training and technical advice at mills in China, India, Russia and Australia. This item is part of a collection of books, manuals, photographs, letters and clothing relating to the working life of Stuart Ascough. Stuart's career in the wool industry spanned over 43 years from 1960 to 2003 in various roles including Topmaking Plant Manager at Courtaulds Ltd. in Spennymore, U.K., Operations Manager at Port Phillip Mills in Williamstown Victoria, Marketing Executive, Early Stage Wool Processing at the International Wool Secretariat Melbourne, Australia and General Manager of Victoria Wool Processors Pty. Ltd. in Laverton North, Victoria. Throughout his career Stuart travelled extensively, and in the 1990s worked at many topmaking mills in China on quality improvement projects. He also provided technical advice and training at mills in India, Ukraine, Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Latvia, Byelorussia and other parts of Europe and Asia.35mm colour transparency mounted in plastic slide mount showing detail of combing machinery and wool. wool, industry, australia, australian wool board international wool secretariat, factory, training, combing machinery

This slide is part of a collection of visual resources used by Stuart Ascough while conducting training and technical advice at mills in China, India, Russia and Australia. This item is part of a collection of books, manuals, photographs, letters and clothing relating to the working life of Stuart Ascough. Stuart's career in the wool industry spanned over 43 years from 1960 to 2003 in various roles including Topmaking Plant Manager at Courtaulds Ltd. in Spennymore, U.K., Operations Manager at Port Phillip Mills in Williamstown Victoria, Marketing Executive, Early Stage Wool Processing at the International Wool Secretariat Melbourne, Australia and General Manager of Victoria Wool Processors Pty. Ltd. in Laverton North, Victoria. Throughout his career Stuart travelled extensively, and in the 1990s worked at many topmaking mills in China on quality improvement projects. He also provided technical advice and training at mills in India, Ukraine, Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Latvia, Byelorussia and other parts of Europe and Asia.35mm colour transparency mounted in plastic slide mount showing detail of topmaking machinery and wool.wool, industry, australia, australian wool board international wool secretariat, factory, training, topmaking'

"Dennys, Lascelles Limited Annual Review August 1963"Two copies. Green paperback stapled booklet entitled "Dennys, Lascelles Limited Annual Wool Report August, 1963" including advice and information for wool growers. Includes Wool Sale Dates. 22p.Dennys, Lascelles Limited Annual Wool Report August, 1963wool brokering, wool growing, dennys, lascelles limited

The rug was made at Albion Mill in Geelong. It was owned by Mr Angus Peter and Ms Mary Anne Downie, the parents of Mary Virr (the donor). They lived in Cobden. Ms Downie's family had several connections to the Geelong wool industry, in particular the Albion Mill. See attached histories and family tree.W7214 W7214 reverse. Statement from Mary Virr on offer of donation Written family history by Mary Virr, page 1 Written family history by Mary Virr, page 2 Partial family tree of Mary Virr, including connections to the wool industry. Photocopy of marriage certificate dated 13th April 1881, marriage between James Downie and Mary Cairns, the grandparents of Mary Virr. A photocopy of a reference dated 15/09/1919 from Mr E. Plumridge from the Corio Wool Scouring Company for Miss M. DownieAlbion Mills Geelong Albion Rug All Wooltextile industry textile mills, albion woollen mills co. pty ltd, weaving, albion woollen mills, geelong, victoria, textile industry, textile mills

Augustus Bostock was the 9th child of Robert & Rachael Bostock of Vaucluse Epping Forest, Van Diemen’s Land. He was only 4 years old when his mother died. He was inspired by his father to seek his fortune in the Western District of Victoria. He arrived around 1850. He married Margaret Aitkin in July 1865. Augustus owned several properties in the district and leased others. He sat on the court of Warrnambool, Mortlake or Hexham as required. He resided at Marramook in Hawkesdale and later moved to Vaucluse in Hopetoun Road Warrnambool, where he died in 1920 at the age of 87. He was involved in many aspects of life in the Western District, racing, cricket, and social activities to name a few. This statement shows the results of the wool sales for the early 1870’s being fairly strong Lincoln cross but earlier results were more merino This is one of a number of documents which relate to the Bostock family who were one of the most important pioneering families of the Western District. They owned and leased various properties around Warrnambool and were involved in many aspects of social and business life. The document itself is indicative of its time and provides an insight into the details and terms of such documents at the time.White lined note paper with black ink writing. Has table of prices for the years 1870-1874warrnambool, coomete, bostock, augustus bostock, 1870,