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Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - CENTENARY of EAGLEHAWK ANZACS, FRAMED, Eaglehawk Heritage Society, FLETCHER FAMILY, c2014
PRIVATE JOSEPH FLETCHER, No 1226, 16th Infantry Battalion, RTA. PRIVATE JEFFREY WILLIAM FLETCHER, No , 13th Light Horse Regiment, RTA RICHARD FLETCHER - Employed as a Munitions Worker in England. PRIVATE JOHN FLETCHER, No 2723, 38th Battalion, RTA PRIVATE SEPTIMUS FLETCHER, No 4485, 7th Infantry Battalion, RTA. PRIVATE ROBERT MARTIN, No 662, 7th Infantry Battalion, died accidental injury in Egypt 26 Feb 1915. Memorabilia - Framed story of a family, in colour, using memorabilia of the soldiers and their lives. Printed on paper. Frame - black extruded plastic, glass front, cardboard backing.FLETCHER FAMILY framed item, anzacs, eaglehawk -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE, 17.9.1918
Letter from Alf Ferris to his family at Terrick Terrick, refer cat No 418.3.3P.1).2)Letter, rectangular shape, off white colour, ruled lines, hand written in purple pencil, dated. .3) Envelope, “YMCA”, light fawn colour, Army PO stamped, passed by censor stamp, initialled, hand written in purple pencil, dated..1) “France, 17th Sept 1918, Dear Mother and All”. .3) Dated “JL 15 18”letters, envelopes, ymca -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTERS AND ENVELOPE, C.1918
Letters from Alf Ferris to his Family in Terrick Terrick, refer cat No 4183.3P.1) Envelope, YMCA, rectangular shape, light green colour, Field PO stamped, stamped by censor in red & initialed, ruled lines, hand writing in black pencil. .2) Letter, “YMCA with the AIF” letter head, rectangular shape, off white colour, ruled lines, hand written in black pencil and dated. .3) .4) Letter, “YMCA” letter head, rectangular shape, off white colour, ruled lines, hand written in black pen & dated..2) At Top, “France, 2nd April 1918, Dear Mother” .3) Date appears to be, “Sun ..... April 1918, Dear Mother and all at home”.letters, envelopes, ymca -
Ballarat Clarendon College
Book, The Education Department's record of war service 1914 - 1919
Presented to the ballarat College Weatherly LIbrary by former student and school historian Newton Wanliss. Newton enrolled at Ballarat College in 1871 and attended the school along with his brothers David, Cecil, Ewan, Sydney and Neville. He left in 1877. Newton's father was Hon. T. D. Wanliss The Wanliss family grew up in Wanliss House Sturt St, which was bought by the school in 1910. The house remained on the property until 1996Example of ongoing community support of the school. The Weatherly Library was opened in 1936 and its collection significantly established by donation or bequest of old collegians and members of the college community and associates.Light brown cloth covered book bound in plastic with gold lettering on front cover and spineBook plate inside front cover: Crest / Ballarat College / Library / Presented by / Newton Wanliss 1938...newton-wanliss, ballarat-college, weatherly-library -
Ballarat Clarendon College
Trophy
Henry Youle Hind (10/11/1894 - 15/05/1979), son of Henry Dalzell Hind and Alice Louise nee Evans, Victoria Ave, Ballarat. He entered the school in 1910 as a 16yo (peer year 1912). The Senior Cup was a prestigious award for the winning athlete at the Ballarat College annual sports program. From 1884 College Cups were donated by the Old Collegians Association for the outstanding athlete amongst ‘present boys’ and ‘past boys’. It is obvious from written records Two cups were awarded to students – a Junior Cup and a Senior Cup. One cup was awarded to the outstanding Old Collegian athlete each year. This particular trophy was returned to the school and used as a House competition Cup in the Senior Boys Boarding House during the 1980s. After 1980 the trophy was removed from the Boarding House by persons unknown but returned during the 1990s. After repair in 2003 the Senior Boys Boarding House used it as a perpetual Trophy until 2005. The Hind family contacted the school and requested a photograph of the trophy in 2005. Large, silver, double-handled trophy; ornate engraving and fluting on silver stem, handles and cup; light wooden stand with blank plaque attached; small engraved plaque on stand also. Inscribed on face of bowl: Senior cup / 1911 / Presented by / O B C A / H Y Hind Inscribed on rear of bowl: Ballarat College cresthenry-youle-hind, ballarat-college, senior-cup, boys-boarding-house, house-competition -
Ballarat Clarendon College
Book, The poetical works of John Milton
Prize awarded to Kate (Letitia) Whittle (DoB 6/12/1863; entered Ballarat College Girls' School 1881), for excellence in french; daughter of James Whittle, Chemist, 131 Sturt St, sister of Annie Louise, Louis Clarendon, Henry John, Samuel Unsworth, Arthur Walter; sisters Elsie Eleanor and Lilian May possibly attended Clarendon Ladies College. Letitia and Annie attended Ballarat College Girls School (names are embroidered on tablecloth) ; The school holds extensive family history records.Full calf binding in light brown with raised bands and Ballarat College crest and borders embossed in gold on cover and spine; marbel endpages; page edges have gold leaf; bookplate fixed inside front coverBookplate: Ballarat College crest / French / First Prize / Upper Third Form / Awarded to / Kate Whittle / Christmas [date obliterated] -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - POSTCARD, c.26.6.1916
'Swag' nickname of Horace Samuel LONG who enlisted in the 9th Light Horse Regt No 437 on 17.9.1914 age 19 years. He transferred to the 4th L.H.Regt on 27.9.1916 and allotted No 437A. Promoted to Driver on 1.1.18, L/Cpl on 11.11.1918. During his service he was hospitalised 3 times with various illnesses. He was discharged from the AIF on 24.6.1919. His father and 2 brothers enlisted as well. Father, Benjamin Marshman No 97 Australian Remount Unit 1 Sqd 1. Benjamin Marshman 'Marsh' No 439 4th LHRegt. Rueben Ivan 'Rube' No 2192 4th reinforcements 60th Batt AIF. Refer the following Cat No’s relating to the Long family, 07.2, 11.4, 12.3, 13.2, 14.3, 15P, 17P.Copy of a black & white post card depicting a seated soldier and a cameo image of a woman superimposed top right corner.Original postcard inscribed verso: To Dear Beat, From Swag with love.postcards, photography, light horse -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTERS PERSONAL AND AWARD, 1916 - 1918
The 3 letters were sent home by Joseph Stanley FERRIS to his Family in Terrick near Pyramid Hill Victoria. He enlisted No 3142 age 25 years in the 8th reinforcements 60th Bn AIF on 25.9.1916, embarked for England 16.12.1916, disembarked 16.2.1917, to hospital 18.2.1917, discharged 24.2.1917, attends Signal School Codford, posted on strength A.A.M.C 18.12.1917, embark for France 27.12.1917, posted to staff SMO 15.6.1918, disembark England 18.1.1919, RTA 10.4.1919, Discharged from the AIF 8.8.1919.Three letters from Joseph Stanley Ferris. .1) Letter hand written in ink dated 31.10.1916 from Domain Camp Melbourne on light brown YMCA stationary. .2) Letter hand written in ink dated Dec 30th 1917 from France on yellowed Australian Military Church stationary. .3) Typed document re the award of the DFC to Capt Reginald George David Francis. At bottom in pencil a short note from Stanley re the award.letters, stationary, military -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH WW1, FRAMED, c.1915 - 1918
James Joseph Kirkham Regt No 685. The “A” on the Colour patch denotes he was an “Anzac”. The Rosette was called the “Anzac leave Rosette” Issued in September 1918 for 1914 enlistee’s who were sent home for 6 months leave. Worn on the arm it was to show they were not “Shirking” their duty. The War ended so after. Refer 1281 for his service history also 1283P.Coloured portrait, enhanced painted portrait of WW1 Soldier displaying on left arm a coloured A Patch above a red, white & blue rosette. Large, light timber frame with moulded decorations, brown boarded, with glass front.Rear of frame: "Family Tree, Wife & Children. James Joseph Kirkham. 8th Battalion. 1st Pioneers. 1st AIF ANZAC" "Married Elizabeth Cornelia Blackley, Wonthaggi Elsie Edith Kirlkham - Connell Olive Winifred Kirkham - Rothberger - Jenner Francis James Kirkham" Myrtle Florence Kirkham - McGillvray Alma Gwenth Kirkham - Baker George Thomas Philip Kirkhamphotography, framed, portrait, ww1 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - WW1 PHOTOGRAPH, FRAMED, c.1915-1918
George DANIEL had 2 years previous military experience prior to enlisting in the AIF as a Cpl No 367 in C Sqd 8th LH Regt on 16.8.1915 age 26 years. Embark for Egypt 25.2.1915, embark for Gallipoli 16.5.1915, promoted to Sgt 10.7.1915, hospital with Influenza 28.7.1915, rejoin unit 16.8.1915, promoted to QM Sgt 26.12.1915, hospital 1.12.1916 (unclear), rejoin unit 6.12.1916, transfer to 3rd LH Regt 2.7.1917, transfer back to 8th LH Regt 12 10.1917, WIA 11.12.1917 GSW’s to Back and right leg, embark for Australia 15.2.1918, hospital re his wounds 2.4.1918, discharged Medically unfit 12.9.1918. Scarsdale is a small town near Ballarat where the family came from.Rectangular sepia photograph of Light Horse SCARSDALE with 2 Arab handlers. Wooden frame, glass front & brown mount.Light Horse SCARSDALE, the mount in Egypt of QUARTER MASTER SERGEANT GEORGE DANIEL Regt No 367. 8th Light Horse Regiment, 3rd Light Horse Brigade 1915-1918. SCARSDALE was killed in action near Jerusalem mid 1918. photography, scarsdale, light horse ww1, framing -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - IDENTITY CARDS WW2, 2) 02.06.1944
Items in the collection re J.C.W.LEDEUX, refer Cat No 2378 for his service details.2 Identity Cards issued to members of the LEDEUX Family. They are civilian registration cards for British Subjects, made of light brown card printed in black ink..1) Written in front in ink: “LEDEUX / John Claude William / Rushworth” .2) “ Rose Christina Ledeux / Moora Road / Ruthworth” .2) Is endorsed: Ration Books for two childrendocuments - cards, military history - identification, civilian -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - FOLDER & PHOTOGRAPH WWI, c. post WWI
This item came to a family / widow etc with The Commemorative plaque & Commemorative scroll as package. Leo Harris No 3132. Refer 2478 for service history also 2476, 2477P, 2479.3..1) Small folder folds in 2, light brown colour. Front has Rising Sun at top under 'Australian Imperial Force'. Inside cover has details of the deceased person. Next to that is a cut out space for a photo of the grave of the deceased. Rear has name & address of person who received the folder. .2) Sepia colour photo of grave of the above .1).In memory of HARRIS LEO No 3132 - Gunner - 25th Field Artillery Brigade - ANZAC Cemetery Sailly SUR LA LYS Plot 2 Row 3 - Armentieres, Francedocuments, military, remembrance. -
Wycheproof & District Historical Society Inc.
Cabinet, Book Cabinet
The Book Cabinet was part of the home furnishings of Robert's parents Mr & Mrs Charles Elston of Wycheproof, kindly loaned by Robert to the society for their use. Robert's family gifted the cabinet on his passing. The society dedicated the cabinet in memory of Robert, a former member.Mahogany stain timber four shelf cabinet. Double three hinge timber framed full length doors featuring lead light glazing.In memory of Robert Elston Donated by his familycabinet, timber, lead light -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Framed Photograph, Taggarts, 1916
... Framed studio b&w photo of Taggart family of 4th Australian...4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit ...Framed studio b&w photo of Taggart family of 4th Australian Light Horse. Standing Tpr John Taggart, seated - Sgt Roy Taggart and Lcpl Jack TaggartOn back : "Picture Framing" by Mervyn Taggart 03 95988452 Caption: Trooper John Taggart, Sergeant Roy Taggart (Later WO1) Lance Corporal Jack Taggart (Later Corporal) Egypt February 1916 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet - Audit Report - Australian National Audit Office, Australian National Audit Office, Management of the M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier Upgrade Project, 28 July 2005
The Regiment was equipped with M113 family vehicles, some of which deployed with 1 Troop A Squadron in South VietnamSide bound A4 size 78 page reportISSN 1036-7632 ISBN 0 642 808600m113, audit reports, tanks -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Souvenir - Scarf, framed, 1916
Sgt Roy Arthur Heuston Taggart, 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Grazier of Hawthorn, born 4 Sep 1888, enlisted 19 July 1915, 12th Reinforcements. Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal for outstanding services during Flanders operations.Historic item by original member of 4ALHRectangular embroidery in glass fronted wooden frame. Background is colour patch of the 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment, diagonally divided with upper left section white and lower part red. The Australian Coat of Arms (in red) is at the upper left. Embroidered in red at top centre: "4th Light Horse Regiment 1st Division Egypt 1916". In gold thread at bottom right: Aust Army rising sun badge. . It is edged with white tassels at top and left and gold tassels at right and lower edge.Embroidered in gold thread : "From Roy"embroidery, 4th light horse, roy taggart, scarf as gift to family -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Chair, 1897-1921
These cane chairs are one of many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by, Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with Warrnambool and the Giles Family history. Items donated by the family have come to be known as the “Giles Collection”. Many items in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage were donated by Vera and Aurelin Giles and mostly came from the home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton) who married in 1880 and whose photos are on display in the parlour. Henry was born at Tower Hill in 1858, and was a labourer on the construction of the Warrnambool Breakwater before leaving in 1895 for around seven years to build bridges in NSW. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook and she attended Mailor’s Flat State School and where she eventually was to become a student teacher. After which she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, had once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family consisted of six, some of the children were born at Mailor’s Flat and later some children at Wangoom. They lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, and this is where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940. Heywood & Wakefield Furniture Co: The Heywood-Wakefield Company is an American furniture manufacturer established in 1897. It went on to become a major presence in the US. Its older products are considered collectibles and have been featured on television antique programs. The Heywood brothers established themselves in 1826, as furniture makers and the Wakefield Company began in 1855 as a separate company. Both firms produced wicker and rattan furniture, and as these products became increasingly popular towards the end of the century, they became serious rivals. In 1897 the companies merged as Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Company (this name was changed to Heywood-Wakefield Company in 1921), purchasing Washburn-Heywood Chair Company in 1916, Oregon Chair Company in 1920, and Lloyd Manufacturing Company in 1921. While its wooden furniture plant in Gardner, Massachusetts closed in 1979, a branch in Menominee, Michigan continued to manufacture metal outdoor seats, auditorium seats, and school furniture. The Heywood-Wakefield Company Complex in Gardner was added to the National Historic Register in 1983. The South Beach Furniture Company acquired the rights to the name in 1994 and reproduces its wooden furniture. Both founding companies produced wicker and rattan furniture in the late 19th century. The wicker styles drew on the Aesthetic Movement and Japanese influences simpler designs arose in the wake of the Arts and Crafts Movement. The merged entity stayed abreast of wicker furniture trends by hiring designers such as Paul Frankl and Donald Deskey during the 1920s. Its furniture was exhibited at the 1933 Century of Progress exhibition and the 1964 New York World's Fair. During the 1930s and 1940s, Heywood-Wakefield began producing furniture using sleek designs based on French Art Deco.The Giles family collection has social significance at a local level, because it illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill when the village and Museum was established. The wicker furniture is a fine example of late 19th and early 20th century light weight domestic furniture that are today very collectible items and quite rare and valuable.Pair of wicker armchairs, painted dark brown. The open wicker weave pattern extends from the seat up to the armrests and completely over the backrest, plus across the front of the chair below the seat. The seat is very firmly woven and fitted into a timber frame. A reinforcing pattern of wicker work covers the top edges of the armrests and backrest in one piece and folds around to the underside, referred to as ‘rolled serpentine arms and back’. The hollow ends of the armrests are filled with a circular knob of wicker work. The back legs are also completed with decorative wicker knobs. One chair base (3788.01) has been strengthened with metal bracing. The other chair (3788.02) has the remnants of an orange manufacture’s tag fixed to the base. The chairs were made 1897-1921 by Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Company, USA. These chairs are part of the Giles Collection.Printed in black on an orange tag “MANUFA - Heywood B – GARDNE”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, giles collection, giles family, henry and mary jane giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century furniture, wicker armchairs, rolled serpentine wicker work, cane armchair, classic wicker furniture, victorian style furniture, domestic furniture late 19th century, heywood-wakefield company -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Proddey, Early 20th century
This wooden proddey has a rounded handle and a cone shape with a point at the bottom. It is used for making rag rugs. The wood is discoloured at the pointed end, indicating that is has been used. The tool is part of the W.R. Angus Collection. Traditionally, in the 18th and 19th centuries, rag rug making was a domestic craft. Old or worn-out fabrics and clothing would be cut into strips then proddey would be used to poke the strips through a woven backing fabric. The fabrics were re-purposed and the rugs provided warmth or protected the floors from fluids or dirt.The proddey is an example of a tool used for rag rug making, in the 18th and 19th centuries. The handcraft returned to popularity in the early 20th century. W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool.Proddey; teardrop or conical shape, light-coloured wood, used for rag rug making. Tool has a rounded handle and is decorated with two scored lines around the top of the cone. Part of the W.R. Angus Collection. Dr Angus lived and worked in Warrnambool with his family from the 1930s to the 1960s. He was the last doctor to pe appointed as a Port Medical Officer. He and his wife were actively involved in the local community. He enjoyed several pastimes, such as billiards, weaving, pastel drawing and rag rug making.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, hand craft, homemade, rag rug, rug making tool, proddie, recycled fabric, cottage craft, 18th century, 19th century, handmade, floor mat, mat, rug, w.r. angus, craft, handcraft, recycle -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Uniform - Tunic, 1899-1903
This original tunic or jacket is part of the full dress uniform of the pre-Federation Victorian Permanent Artillery regiment. Its owner had the rank of Sergeant, as indicated by the three inverted chevrons. The Artillery design of the badges and buttons indicate the date of the tunic to be from 1893 to 1903. However the maker of the tunic, W. Moncton, began manufacture in Melbourne in 1899, so this the tunic can be dated between 1899 and 1903. The donor's grandfather was given this tunic but not the name of the original owner. It has since been suggested to the family that the tunic was worn by a local Western District Light Horse member. This could very well have been the case because mounted troops were officially referred to as the Light Horse in the late 19th to early 20th century. Several local men were involved in the Light Horse during the First World War. The donor's grandfather wore this tunic in the local district when riding a penny farthing bicycle. The donor's father also wore the tunic when dressed as a 'Captain' hosting a local disco dance. BRIEF MILITARY HISTORY- The Crimean War began In 1854 and many people in colonial Australia were afraid of a Russian attack. Volunteer forces were established to strengthen the British Imperial troops posted here. A battery of artillery was raised in Victoria as well as in other Australian states. In 1870 Australia became responsible for its own naval and military defence. The Volunteer Corps and Victorian Navy shared the responsibility of defending the existing forts, assisted by volunteer coastal and mobile field batteries. The Permanent Victorian Artillery force was established. It was disbanded in 1880 then re-formed in 1882 as the Victorian Garrison Artillery Corps. In 1895 the Geelong, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland Batteries became part of the Western District Garrison Artillery. Many of the volunteers who served in the Artillery were from rural areas. They belonged to rifle clubs and were experience horsemen as well. Australia's defence at this time relied on these mounted troops, or Light Horse men. In 1899 the Victorian Garrison Artillery Corps amalgamated with the New South Wales and Queensland Permanent Artillery to become the Victorian Regiment of the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA). Then prior to Federation, the RAA and the Permanent Artillery of South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania all combined, becoming the Royal Australian Artillery Regiment with two Batteries of Field Artillery; Battery A from Sydney and Battery B from Melbourne.This original uniform tunic of the pre-Federation Victorian Permanent Artillery is significant for its association with Australia's military defence and the fortifications of our district, state and country. The tunic is also significant, representing part of the history and evolution of uniforms in the Australian military forces. The tunic is also significant in its representation of Australia's independence in forming its own defences. The tunic has local significance in its connection with local social events.Tunic or jacket, part of the full dress uniform of the pre-Federation Victorian Permanent Artillery operating from 1893 to 1903. Original, single-breasted tunic of dark blue wool, red piping trim, black cotton lining in body. Sleeves lined with blue striped, white cotton. Front closure has eight brass buttons. Red band-style collar with hook-and-eye closure has gold bullion braid trim and a brass badge pinned each side at the front. Upper right sleeve has three inverted chevrons on red fabric with gold bullion braid trim (rank of Sergeant). Both sleeves have gold bullion braid 'Austrian knot' emblems stitched onto lower arm, with ends finishing on the inner sleeve. Shoulder epaulettes have red piping and smaller brass buttons. Closed back vent has vertical scalloped design with six brass buttons, in two columns of three, and red piping trim. Brass belt hook is attached to the left back waist, close to the seam (right side has a mark indicating a previous similar clip). Inside left breast is a concealed pocket. Tunic has both machine and hand stitching. All brass shank-style buttons have matching Artillery emblems with inscriptions on the back. The two brass collar badges have additional artillery emblems of exploding grenade and star as well as an inscription. Buttons were made for W. Moncton, of Melbourne and marked with his name. He traded from 1899, dating the tunic to between 1899 and 1903.Button front: Artillery emblem on front (field cannon facing left, in front of a muzzle-loading ram rod). Button back: engraved "W. MONCTON . MELBOURNE ." Collar badges: Artillery emblem (field cannon facing right | stars | exploding grenade | "AUSTRALIA")flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, uniform jacket, uniform tunic, garrison volunteer uniform, fortifications in victoria, victorian permanent artillery, pre-federation military uniform, sergeant's uniform, jacket, militia, victoria, victorian volunteer forces, victorian regiment, royal australian artillery, raa, field gun, sergeant, w. moncton, garrison, dress uniform, tunic, scarlet collar, red collar, scarlet piping, red piping, gold bullion, artillery emblem, light horse, artillery, mounted troops, victorian garrison artillery corps -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Thermometer, Late 19th - early 20th century
The Thermoscope The thermometer dates back to the early 1600s, with Galileo’s invention of the “thermoscope.” Galileo’s device could determine whether temperature was rising or falling, but was not able to detect the actual scale of the temperature. In 1612, Italian inventor and physician Sanctorius was the first to put a numerical scale on the thermoscope. His product was also designed for taking temperature from a patient’s mouth. However, neither Galileo’s nor Sanctorius’ thermoscopes were very accurate. Standardized Scales In 1709, Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit invented his first thermometer using alcohol. He later introduced the mercury thermometer in 1714, which was more accurate and predictable. The Fahrenheit temperature scale was standardized in 1724 with a freezing point of 32 degrees and a boiling point of 212 degrees. Fahrenheit’s mercury thermometer is recognized as the first modern thermometer with a standardized scale. The Celsius scale was invented in 1742 by Anders Celsius, with a freezing point of 0 degrees and a boiling point of 100 degrees. This scale was accepted into the international conference on weights and measurements in 1948. The Kelvin Scale, measuring extreme temperatures, was developed by Lord Kelvin in 1848. Registering Thermometers Early versions of the thermometer were not able to hold the temperature after they were moved. You can imagine how this made it hard for doctors to correctly read a patient’s temperature. The first thermometer that could register and hold onto temperature was built by James Six in 1782. Today, it is known as Six’s thermometer. Since then, the mercury thermometer was adapted to read a patients temperature after leaving the body. Registering thermometers are still used today and are reset by shaking down the mercury to the bottom of the tube. The Modern Devices Modern Day Thermometers This brings us to the first practical clinical thermometer, which was invented in 1867 by Sir Thomas Allbutt. The device was portable, about 6 inches long and was capable of recording a patient’s temperature in 5 minutes. Now, there are a few options for clinical and home use. Liquid filled thermometers have been adapted based on the designs of inventors like Fahrenheight and Six are still used today. Digital thermometers, like the Omron Compact Digital Thermometer, are capable of finding a temperature and producing an electronic number within a minute of use. Digital ear thermometers also produce a quick and accurate temperature. Dr. Jacob Fraden invented an infared thermometer called the Thermoscan Human Ear Thermometer in 1984. These thermometers use an infared light to scan the heat radiation in a patient’s ear or forehead. The thermometer, like many medical devices, has made strides in efficiency and accuracy. As medical technology continues to advance, businesses in the medical device industry must be prepared to move with it. This thermometer was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments, and material once belonging to Dr. Edward Ryan and Dr. Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr. Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr. Angus, up until 1969. ABOUT THE “W.R.ANGUS COLLECTION” Doctor William Roy Angus M.B., B.S., Adel., 1923, F.R.C.S. Edin.,1928 (also known as Dr. Roy Angus) was born in Murrumbeena, Victoria in 1901 and lived until 1970. He qualified as a doctor in 1923 at the University of Adelaide, was Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1924 and for a period was house surgeon to Sir (then Mr.) Henry Simpson Newland. Dr. Angus was briefly an Assistant to Dr. Riddell of Kapunda, then commenced private practice at Curramulka, Yorke Peninsula, SA, where he was a physician, surgeon, and chemist. In 1926, he was appointed as a new Medical Assistant to Dr. Thomas Francis Ryan (T.F. Ryan, or Tom), in Nhill, Victoria, where his experiences included radiology and pharmacy. In 1927 he was Acting House Surgeon in Dr. Tom Ryan’s absence. Dr. Angus had become engaged to Gladys Forsyth and they decided he would take time to further his studies overseas in the UK in 1927. He studied at London University College Hospital and at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and in 1928, was awarded FRCS (Fellow from the Royal College of Surgeons), Edinburgh. He worked his passage back to Australia as a Ship’s Surgeon on the Australian Commonwealth Line’s SS Largs Bay. Dr. Angus married Gladys in 1929, in Ballarat. (They went on to have one son (Graham 1932, born in SA) and two daughters (Helen (died 12/07/1996) and Berenice (Berry), both born at Mira, Nhill ) Dr. Angus was a ‘flying doctor’ for the A.I.M. (Australian Inland Ministry) Aerial Medical Service in 1928. The organisation began in South Australia through the Presbyterian Church that year, with its first station being in the remote town of Oodnadatta, where Dr. Angus was stationed. He was locum tenens there on North-South Railway at 21 Mile Camp. He took up this ‘flying doctor’ position in response to a call from Dr. John Flynn; the organisation was later known as the Flying Doctor Service, then the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A lot of his work during this time involved dental surgery also. Between 1928-1932 he was a surgeon at the Curramulka Hospital, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. In 1933 Dr. Angus returned to Nhill where he’d previously worked as Medical Assistant and purchased a share of the Nelson Street practice and Mira hospital from Dr. Les Middleton one of the Middleton Brothers, the current owners of what was once Dr. Tom Ryan’s practice. Dr. L Middleton was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital from 1926-1933 when he resigned. [Dr. Tom Ryan’s practice had originally belonged to his older brother Dr. Edward Ryan, who came to Nhill in 1885. Dr. Edward saw patients in his rooms, firstly in Victoria Street and in 1886 in Nelson Street, until 1901. The Nelson Street practice also had a 2-bed ward, called Mira Private Hospital ). Dr. Edward Ryan was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital from 1884-1902. He also had occasions where he successfully performed veterinary surgery for the local farmers too. Dr. Tom Ryan then purchased the practice from his brother in 1901. Both Dr. Edward and Dr. Tom Ryan work as surgeons including in eye surgery. Dr. Tom Ryan performed many of his operations in the Mira private hospital on his premises. He too was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital from 1902-1926. Dr. Tom Ryan had one of the only two pieces of radiology equipment in Victoria during his practicing years – The Royal Melbourne Hospital had the other one. Over the years Dr. Tom Ryan gradually set up what was effectively a training school for country general-practitioner-surgeons. Each patient was carefully examined, including using the X-ray machine, and any surgery was discussed and planned with Dr. Ryan’s assistants several days in advance. Dr. Angus gained experience in using the X-ray machine there during his time as assistant to Dr. Ryan. Dr. Tom Ryan moved from Nhill in 1926. He became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1927, soon after its formation, a rare accolade for a doctor outside any of the major cities. He remained a bachelor and died suddenly on 7th Dec 1955, aged 91, at his home in Ararat. Scholarships and prizes are still awarded to medical students in the honour of Dr. T.F. Ryan and his father, Dr. Michael Ryan, and brother, John Patrick Ryan. ] When Dr. Angus bought into the Nelson Street premises in Nhill he was also appointed as the Nhill Hospital’s Honorary House Surgeon from 1933-1938. His practitioner’s plate from his Nhill surgery states “HOURS Daily, except Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons, 9-10 am, 2-4 pm, 7-8 pm. Sundays by appointment”. This plate is now mounted on the doorway to the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. Dr. Edward Ryan and Dr. Tom Ryan had an extensive collection of historical medical equipment and materials spanning 1884-1926 and when Dr. Angus took up practice in their old premises he obtained this collection, a large part of which is now on display at the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. During his time in Nhill Dr. Angus was involved in the merging of the Mira Hospital and Nhill Public Hospital into one public hospital and the property titles were passed on to Nhill Hospital in 1939. In 1939 Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool where he purchased “Birchwood,” the 1852 home and medical practice of Dr. John Hunter Henderson, at 214 Koroit Street. (This property was sold in1965 to the State Government and is now the site of the Warrnambool Police Station. ). The Angus family was able to afford gardeners, cooks, and maids; their home was a popular place for visiting dignitaries to stay whilst visiting Warrnambool. Dr. Angus had his own silkworm farm at home in a Mulberry tree. His young daughter used his centrifuge for spinning the silk. Dr. Angus was appointed on a part-time basis as Port Medical Officer (Health Officer) in Warrnambool and held this position until the 1940’s when the government no longer required the service of a Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool; he was thus Warrnambool’s last serving Port Medical Officer. (The duties of a Port Medical Officer were outlined by the Colonial Secretary on 21st June 1839 under the terms of the Quarantine Act. Masters of immigrant ships arriving in port reported incidents of diseases, illness, and death and the Port Medical Officer made a decision on whether the ship required Quarantine and for how long, in this way preventing contagious illness from spreading from new immigrants to the residents already in the colony.) Dr. Angus was a member of the Australian Medical Association, for 35 years and a surgeon at the Warrnambool Base Hospital from 1939-1942, He served as a Surgeon Captain during WWII1942-45, in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. During his convalescence, he carved an intricate and ‘most artistic’ chess set from the material that dentures were made from. He then studied ophthalmology at the Royal Melbourne Eye and Ear Hospital and created cosmetically superior artificial eyes by pioneering using the intrascleral cartilage. Angus received accolades from the Ophthalmological Society of Australasia for this work. He returned to Warrnambool to commence practice as an ophthalmologist, pioneering artificial eye improvements. He was Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist at Warrnambool Base Hospital for 31 years. He made monthly visits to Portland as a visiting surgeon, to perform eye surgery. He represented the Victorian South-West subdivision of the Australian Medical Association as its secretary between 1949 and 1956 and as chairman from 1956 to 1958. In 1968 Dr. Angus was elected a member of Spain’s Barraquer Institute of Barcelona after his research work in Intrasclearal cartilage grafting, becoming one of the few Australian ophthalmologists to receive this honour, and in the following year presented his final paper on Living Intrasclearal Cartilage Implants at the Inaugural Meeting of the Australian College of Ophthalmologists in Melbourne In his personal life, Dr. Angus was a Presbyterian and treated Sunday as a Sabbath, a day of rest. He would visit 3 or 4 country patients on a Sunday, taking his children along ‘for the ride’ and to visit with him. Sunday evenings he would play the pianola and sing Scottish songs to his family. One of Dr. Angus’ patients was Margaret MacKenzie, author of a book on local shipwrecks that she’d seen as an eyewitness from the late 1880s in Peterborough, Victoria. In the early 1950’s Dr. Angus, painted a picture of a shipwreck for the cover jacket of Margaret’s book, Shipwrecks, and More Shipwrecks. She was blind in later life and her daughter wrote the actual book for her. Dr. Angus and his wife Gladys were very involved in Warrnambool’s society with a strong interest in civic affairs. Their interests included organisations such as the Red Cross, Rostrum, Warrnambool and District Historical Society (founding members), Wine and Food Society, Steering Committee for Tertiary Education in Warrnambool, Local National Trust, Good Neighbour Council, Housing Commission Advisory Board, United Services Institute, Legion of Ex-Servicemen, Olympic Pool Committee, Food for Britain Organisation, Warrnambool Hospital, Anti-Cancer Council, Boys’ Club, Charitable Council, National Fitness Council, and Air Raid Precautions Group. He was also a member of the Steam Preservation Society and derived much pleasure from a steam traction engine on his farm. He had an interest in people and the community He and his wife Gladys were both involved in the creation of Flagstaff Hill, including the layout of the gardens. After his death (28th March 1970) his family requested his practitioner’s plate, medical instruments, and some personal belongings be displayed in the Port Medical Office surgery at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and be called the “W. R. Angus Collection”. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery. Long cylindrical glass thermometer with mercury bulb, inside a light weight wooden cylinder with top, (W.R. Angus Collection) Temperature scale in fahrenheit. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, thermometer, dr w r angus, medical equipment, surgical instrument, dr ryan, ophthalmology, s.s. largs bay, warrnambool base hospital, nhill base hospital, flying doctor, medical history, medical treatment, mira hospital, medical education, medical text book -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Documents, Shire of Phillip Island et al, 1940's
Documents and Photograph donated by the Woodhead family. Dorothy Edhouse was the only child of James & Frances Hill, who were Sylvia Woodhead's grandparents. "James Hill (Jimmy) came to Phillip Island in 1920 and purchased the Hotel, known as Woods Family Hotel. (Later, the Phillip Island Hotel in Walpole Street, now demolished). A milestone occurred whilst in his capable hands, when he installed an electric light plant, (32 volt), the first on the Island. He also made hundreds of cement bricks, when he built his own home. Later he purchased a building in Thompson Avenue, where he established a Billiard Saloon, with a small shop attached. He died in 1937, aged 68. His only child Dorothy Edhouse, is now 95 and has made arrangements to have her ashes added to her fathers' grave." This was added to the photograph of James Hill and Frances Edith Hill - not sure what date it was compiled by Richard Woodhead. Frances died in 1960. The write up was take from "Garden of Memories" by Edith Jeffrey. Four documents/photograph relating to Cr J O Edhouse and his wife Mrs Dorothy Edhouse. Also came with accompanying letter from Sylvia Woodhead. 361-01: An Invitation to a Dinner at the Isle of Wight Hotel - 26/11/1943 - on the occassion of the visit of Delegates to the Gippsland Shires and Boroughs Development Association Annual Conference. 361-03: Identity Card for Dorothy Symes Edhouse. 361-04: Circular from the Liquid Fuel Control Board dated 21st February 1942. 361-05: Photograph of James & Frances Edith Hill. A note saying that James (fondly called Jimmy) came to Phillip Island in 1920 and purchased a hotel - see history below. james & frances edith hill, shire of phillip island dinner invitation, identity card, cr j o edhouse, mrs edhouse, sylvia woodhead, documents -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph Album, Kodak, Phillip Island Cemetery, c 1990
The Album was compiled by Nancy McHaffie late 1990's, with the assistance of Edith Jeffery's, with her book "Garden of Memories" and extensive knowledge of Phillip Island. The Cemetery lies back from the road and is surrounded by Manna Gums, rare Peppermint Gums, Blackwoods and other native trees. In all 25 acres of land were set aside as Crown Land in the land settlement of 1868. There are 6.2 acres of wetlands near the cemetery entrance.466-38: Rev Alexander Robb, DD. Rev Robb had been a missionary in Old Calabar and Jamaica and was the first minister of the Cowes Presbyterian Church from 1890-1901. Services were also held in the Public Hall at Rhyll. A daughter, Kathleen, like her parents, is buried in the cemetery. Kathleen was married to Harry West. 466-39: James Hill. Jimmy, as he was fondly called, came to Phillip Island in 1920 and purchased the Hotel, known as Woods Family Hotel (later the Phillip Island Hotel in Walpole Street). A milestone occurred whilst in his capable hands he installed an electric light plant, (32 volts), the first on the Island. He also made hundreds of cement bricks with which he built his own home. He died in 1937 aged 68. His only child Dorothy Edhouse aged 98, is also buried with her father.phillip island cemetery, james hill, rev alexander robb, nancy mchaffie, edith jeffery -
Greensborough Historical Society
Certificate, Melbourne Hospital, The Melbourne Hospital birthday league, 08/06/1936
Membership Certificate for the Melbourne Hospital Birthday League. Certificate number 76809 awarded to Ernest Bishop 08/06/1936Certificate printed on light card.Typed on card "Date 8/6/36" and "Mr Ernest Bishop"royal melbourne hospital, bishop family -
Greensborough Historical Society
Container - Jar, Hoffman Australia, Earthenware storage jar, 1930s
This is an unmarked earthenware storage jar possibly made by the Hoffman's Pottery of Brunswick Victoria. It displays a dark treacle glaze typical of Hoffman's Pottery in the 1930s. this jar would have been used to store foods such as biscuits, flour or rice away from rodent attack. it has a wide mouth to enable easy withdrawal of produce. Originally it would have had a large cork stopper or cloth fastened with a string to seal it.This item was recovered from the abandoned barn of the Pope family in 1971, when the property was sold to the Shire of Diamond Valley. This barn was located on the northern side of Pope Place and sketched by Ron Reynolds for the book "Greensborough and Greenhills".Glazed stoneware jar with light treacle glaze to top, wide neck. Stopper missing.hoffman pottery, stoneware jars -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Book - Autobiography, The Autobiography of R. H. Marten Esq. of Plaistow, Essex. (1763 - 1839)
Small size book with light blue front and back covers and a darker blue spinenon-fictionrobert humphrey marten, robert humphrey marten (1763-1839), cate lewis, seamen, welfare, napoleonic wars, london, plaistow, essex, autobiography -
Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Functional object - Military Whistle and lanyard
Used by Colour Sgt Cordwell, grandfather of John Cordwell, past President of Sub-Branch.On loan from John Cordwell's Family (past president of the Montmorency RSL)Nickel plated silver coloured brass metal military whistle and woven brown leather neck loop. The leather neck loop is attached to the body of the whistle by a small circular steel metal key ring. A metal post with a hole attaches the key ring to the whistle. The whistle has a small light brown coloured wooden pea.Premier Wire Works Melbourne Australia 1944 Marked with the Broad Arrowcordwell whistle, military, metal -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Print - Engraving, In the anxious hours of waiting, 1916-1917
For Trafalgar Day, 20 October 1914, the Archbishop of Canterbury in England had "drawn up a new form of private prayer to be offered up specially for the sailors of the Fleets in the present crisis. He suggested its use particularly at noon as a silent prayer, when those at work may be reminded by the ringing of the " Angelus" bell to lift up their hearts to the Lord. The prayer was as follow: "O Thou that slumberest not nor sleepest, protect, we pray Thee, our sailors from the hidden perils of the sea, from the snares and assaults of the enemy. In the anxious hours of waiting, steady and support those on whom the burdens of responsibility lies heavily, and grant that in dangers often, watching often, in weariness often, they may serve Thee with a quiet mind, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” The prayer illustrated by English artist G.M. Langley became popular. Prints were sold as gift for 7/9 each with an oak frame. As mentioned in the ' Quarterly Jottings from our log" no 47 midwinter 1917: the etching was gifted to the Mission for display in the new Chapel by the Godfrey sisters. The frame was gifted by their cousin's wife, Mrs William Scott Purves Godfrey ( ' Quarterly Jottings from our log" no 48 Michaelmas 1917).The print was gifted by the Misses Godfrey, influential and long term members and supporters of the Ladies Harbour Light Guild. At the time of the completion of the St Peter's Chapel in September 1917, it was dedicated to the memory of all merchant seamen serving in the long war. The print subject, of the sailor guarded by Jesus was no doubt intended to inspire faith and hope but also acknowledges and reflects the anxious days of waiting not only of the sailors and seafarers negotiating the dangerous waters and oceans but also the challenge for families, experiencing the widespread anxieties of a world at war. Wood framed and glazed engraved print of Jesus Christ with sailor in the foreground and printed inscription on mount belowSignature of artist lower left of print.: G M Langley Printed on mount at lower right: "In the Anxious hours of waiting"g.m. langley, prints, engravings, merchant seamen, seafarers, ww1, godfrey family, ethel augusta godfrey, frederica godfrey, first world war, great war, mrs william scott purves godfrey, rica godfrey, rita godfrey, artwork-paintings -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and white, Mrs Weller, A Sunday lunch group in the Chaplaincy garden, Dec. 1925, December 1925
Dora Walker (married 1928 taking the name Simpson) had a long association with the Mission as a member of the Ladies Harbour light guild. This image is similar to another image in the collection which depicts the garden of the Walker family where many fund-raising events and hosting of seafarers took place. Rev Weller dates the image to around mid to late 1920s. In the 1960s and 70s Dora was president of the LHLG which later merged with the Flying Angels. She was awarded the MBE for her services to the community in the 1970s. Dora's son David Simpson is a volunteer still iat MTS n the 21stC. The Walker and Simpson families are examples of long association and commitment supporting the Mission to Seafarers. As they are researched it is clear the stories of these families document not only support for the Mission but are also shown to have been significant contributors, leaders and donors to the broader Melbourne and Victorian community from the 19th Century and up to the present day. The photograph shows the garden in its early years.Group portrait depicting 4 men in suits standing (reverend Weller on the right), a man sitting on the grass, next to a woman in white summer dress (Dora Walker), sitting on a chair in front of the men. They are photographed outdoor probably in the mission's garden (in the background we can see the letters E-EX on a building wall, thought to be from the Extension Bond and Free Stores located next to the mission at the time)dora walker, reverend reginald weller, picnic, cadets, officers, lhlg, amy dora walker, dora simpson, mission's garden, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, ladies harbour lights guild, melbourne, lawn, grass, trees, plants, peppercorn tree, weller album, dora simpson nee walker -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Booklet - Manual, Sailing directions for Port Phillip, in the colony of Victoria including the ports of Melbourne and Geelong, 1854
Captain Charles Ferguson was born in Scotland in 1813. He was the Master of the "Rajah" from 1838 to 1850 on voyages from England to Australia and vice versa. He became the First Chief Harbour Master for the port of Melbourne in 1852 after being the first Harbour Master and Water Police Officer in Geelong for 12 months. On the 5th of April 1841, the Rajah sailed with James Donovan M.D. as Surgeon Superintendent, and the Rajah sailed from Woolwich with 180 female convicts. The Rajah arrived on the 19th of July in Hobart, with 179 females (one died during the voyage) and 10 children. Miss Kezia Elizabeth Hayter was the matron on board. On page 28 of the "Sailing directions for Port Phillip, in the colony of Victoria including the ports of Melbourne and Geelong", a mention is made of the Mariner's Hospital and Floating Church soon to be established. There were discussions to built the hospital in Williamstown but instead the Government decided to build it in Melbourne. The Harbour Master and a commiittee decided to use the water police hulk, Emily, left unsold in 1856, to create a floating church: the Bethel was open in July 1857 with Reverend Kerr Johnston as Chaplain. Latrobe wrote a letter to Captain Cole in 1869, a few months after learning his death : "To Captain George Ward Cole † [from a draft in another’s hand] Clapham House, Lewes, Sussex, January 28th, 1869. My dear Captain Cole, Last mail will have taken out the sad intelligence of the death of our excellent old friend, Captain Ferguson. This will have been a terrible blow to his children and to his friends in the colony, who may have held reason to expect his early return to his home, with a not unreasonable prospect of ultimate restoration to health and activity. In the course of last October I went up to town with one of my children, mainly with the purpose of finding my way to Pinner, where he and Mrs. Ferguson were staying with an intimate friend. I found him in excellent health and spirits, and enjoying the prospect of a speeding resumption of the service to which he had devoted his best days, and upon the furtherance of which his entire energy was still directed. A week or two later Captain and Mrs. Ferguson went to Dover for change of air, and being still under the impression received from the advisers by whom they had been guided during their residence at a hydropathic establishment at Matlock, felt encouraged to plan almost immediate return to the colony by the Jerusalem early in December. However, certain misgivings in the mind of a medical gentleman, then in England, under whose care Captain Ferguson had at one time placed himself in Williamtown, led them to consider it judicious before departure to take the advice of some surgeon of eminence in London. Accordingly they came up to town at the close of November. The first London practitioners they consulted shook their heads, and advised consultation with Sir Wm. Ferguson. The result was that amputation, without loss of time, was pronounced necessary. The rest is soon told. He received the painful intelligence with calmness and full resignation to God's will, and underwent the operation at King's College Hospital with exemplary firmness and Courage on the 28th of November. Perfect success seemingly attended it, and there seemed, humanly speaking, to be every prospect of a prompt cure and early convalescence; everything seemed in his favour. A few days later, however, all was clouded by symptoms of hospital fever (pyoe æm ia). This resisted all control, and finally carried him off on the 27th of December, just one month after the operation. He had lived a Christian life, and his death was the peaceful and resigned death of a Christian. It was a melancholy satisfaction to me to be able to join a few friends in following his remains to their resting place in one of the outlying London cemeteries on the last day of the year. You know Mrs Ferguson well, and will be prepared to hear me say that her whole conduct and demeanour throughout this period of suspense and bitter trial has been worthy of her high character and steadfast principle. Come what will, and happen what may, I have the fullest conviction that neither the widow nor the children will be forsaken, however doubtful and clouded the future may appear, in consequence of the irreparable loss which, they have sustained. And now, dear Captain Cole, it is possible that you may already have heard all this from other sources, but I have dictated it to you under strong impulse, for I feel assured that there is no member of the community in which you live who will more sincerely deplore the loss of Captain Ferguson on private grounds; at the same time that there is no one who, from long acquaintance with his official character and services, will be in a better position to estimate their real value or the loss which the colony has sustained. The circumstances in which Captain Ferguson's family are left not only demands the utmost display of sympathy and interest on the part of friends, but may call for decided and prompt action; therefore I cannot rest satisfied without discharging what I consider my duty, and seeking to strengthen your hands as far as I may in bringing the character of his long services before the existing colonial authorities. Of his private career previous to his entering the service of the Colonial Government in 1851 nothing need be said. Captain Ferguson was appointed as the Harbour Master at Geelong in April, 1851 – a few months before the separation of the colony from New South Wales. He there did excellent service in a variety of ways calculated to advance the interests of the port, and to introduce www.latrobesociety.org.au 27 order, where, from circumstances, but little order had hitherto prevailed. His was the first appointment of this class in that locality. The separation of the colony from New South Wales took place in the month of July following. Shortly after, the late Captain Bunbury resigned the Harbour Mastership of Port Phillip. Captain Ferguson was at once (February, 1852) appointed to succeed him, and from that time performed all duties of Chief Harbour Master of the colony. The previous year (May 1851) the first gold discoveries in New South Wales had taken place, and in the month of August those of our colony followed. At the time of Captain Ferguson’s taking charge of the Port of Melbourne their influence had begun to be fully felt, and in no department more seriously than in that of the Harbour Master. This is no place for statistical details, but they must bear me out in reminding you of a few facts connected with our late friend’s career. At the time of separation that department comprised only 30 individuals of all ranks, and when he took charge the number was much reduced. There were at that time, according to the returns, no fewer than 54 vessels, registering 26,785 tons, in Hobson’s Bay alone. The crews on arrival numbered 1,235 men. Of this number only 463 remained on board, 500 having deserted, and the rest having been discharged by arrangement or pure necessity. For the first six months after Captain Ferguson’s assumption of office as Harbour Master the duties of Police Magistrate and Chief of the Water Police were superadded, and how much labour they involved may be surmised from the fact that from 1st of April to the 31st July, 1852, four months only, no less than 236 marine cases were brought before the bench at Williamstown - sometimes as many as 30 in a day. A year later (March 1853) the returns show that the number of vessels in the harbour in Hobson’s Bay alone were 91, tonnage 43,754; and passing on to the still later returns of May, 1853, two years after Captain Ferguson’s assumption of office, we find from the records that the number of ships in port had increased to 129; tonnage, 63,292; crew on board on arrival, 2872, and at the date of report, 1628; the amount of desertions at that time having, however, proportionally diminished, in consequence of the abatement of the gold fever, caused by the non-success attendant upon the labours of thousands at the goldfields. The above numbers take no account of the large number of vessels and amount of tonnage lying at the wharves at Melbourne or elsewhere. From these figures alone it may be judged what must have been a struggle in which the Chief Harbour Master was engaged from the very outset to secure order, and answer the innumerable calls on every branch of his department, at the same time that there was for many months an almost complete impossibility of securing subordinate agency, such as boatmen, pilots, and police, at any price. But I may bear witness to the untiring diligence, energy, and self-devotion with which Captain Ferguson grappled with the difficulties of his position, and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles which stood in his way. Ashore and afloat he was always ready, showing the same directness of purpose, intelligence, and forgetfulness of self. He shunned no responsibility, and turned his hand from no work, whether within or beyond the ordinary scope of his duty, which the hard necessity of the times forced the Government to bring under his notice. Already in 1852, when the overflowing of our gaol and stockade rendered the adoption of other methods of restraint absolutely necessary, and addition to the existing buildings could not be thought of, it was Captain Ferguson who first suggested the employment of hulks; and it was with his personal assistance and supervision, and under his unflagging energy, that the three first of these – the Success, the President, and the Sacramento – were purchased, fitted up, and made available for the purpose in view, and the rules and regulations for the employment and safety of the men afloat and ashore prescribed and carried out. He carried the same energy into every branch of his department, and his influence was soon apparent. His subordinates of every class became actuated by his spirit. As time moved on, the range of his duties, both ordinary and extraordinary, increased. In the formation of the quarantine station at the heads, in the management if not the erection of lighthouses, sailing directions, port and wharf regulations, buoys, signal stations, www.latrobesociety.org.au 28 steam dredging &c., he was the main and most active agent. The whole pilot establishment and regulations, men, and vessels, were under his charge; and when I left the colony in May, 1854, the entire range of ports outside Port Phillip Heads from Point Lonsdale to Portland, as well as that of Geelong had felt the influence of his intelligent supervision and care. The entire department of Chief Harbour Master, which I have numbered at the period of separation about thirty individuals, then numbered 230. The character of Captain Ferguson’s unbroken service during the fourteen years which have elapsed since I left the colony must be well known to the Government and the people he has served so long and so faithfully. I confine myself to recalling to mind those earlier, and what must have been the hardest and most difficult, period – none can know how difficult but those who were in that fierce struggle for the maintenance of order under so many disadvantages; and on this subject I have spoken advisedly and with reason, for I may truly say he worked under my own eye. I had sincere regard for the man, and just pride in the qualities of his heart, head, and hand. Whatever mistakes may have been made by the Government of the colony in those hard and difficult times (and I am quite ready to admit that there were many, especially if the past is to be judged by the light of the present), I never have hesitated in believing that, in appointing Captain Ferguson to the office he has so long filled, it was the right man in the right place. I shall be heartily rejoiced to find that the Government and inhabitants of the colony admit that this has been the case, and to learn that they have not forgotten the strong claims of one who has served them so long and so faithfully, and who, removed by God’s providence, so to say, in the maturity of his powers, has left a widow and young family behind him. I have done, I leave you to make use of this communication, or any portion of it, which you may think judicious and called for. There may be among Ferguson’s friends those who may not be sorry to be reminded of facts. By-the-bye, I may mention as a proof how completely Captain Ferguson’s mind was engrossed by devotion to his public duty, that while in Dover, only ten days before the operation, he took an opportunity to drag himself up into the lantern of the S. Foreland Lighthouse, and made a most careful scrutiny of the whole apparatus and arrangement, with a view of the adoption of any hint for the perfection of those under his charge in the colony. And now, goodbye. I trust this will find you in good health, and in comparative vigour. Believe me ever, dear Captain Cole, Yours very truly, C. J. La Trobe"The attempt for a floating church was made as early as 1853 following similar examples in London like the Seamen's Hospital. Captain Ferguson was instrumental in the foundation of the Bethel Church.Digital copies of the 37 pages ; 22 cm.1854, hobsons bay, geelong, melbourne, williamstown, sandridge, mariner's hospital, floating church, seamen's hospital, captain charles ferguson (1813-1868), kezia elizabeth hayter (1818-1885), rajah quilt, prison hulks, water police, harbour master, harbor master, gaols -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Organ - Wood, McIlwraith organ, 1868 approximate
Organ donated to the Cowes Kindergarten by McIlwraith Ancestors, then given PIDHSOrgan from McIlwraith home, Rhyll. Wooden, fret work in front, coloured cherubs and panels, rest for candle or light on left side top, beading below keyboard.Waters, New Yorklocal history, musical instruments, keyboard, organ, mcilwraith family, rhyll, phillip island