As a youth while working on his father's farm, Hugh Victor McKay became tired of the labour involved in winnowing wheat by hand. In 1884 he built the first machine in the world which did the winnowing in conjunction with the reaping. On Monday 21st August 1944, which coincided with the birthday of the late H. V. McKay, more than 2000 employees and friends of H. V. McKay Massey Harris Pty Ltd were entertained at the Melbourne Town Hall, in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Sunshine Harvester Works.The event was planned to "turn it on for the boys' in a manner befitting the occasion." The compere was Eric Pearce (of later TV newsreader fame) and the entertainment was provided by leading performers of song (W.M.Laird and Mary Miller), of music (John Robertson, W.M.King, and the Sunshine Brass Band), and of humour (Charles Sherman). The accompanists for some of the performances were Betty Miller and Eric Fox. Two films depicting the activities of the Sunshine Works were shown, and the managing director Mr C. N. McKay, was presented with a book by Mr Fred Bult who had 50 years service with the company. The book contained more than 1000 signatures from invited employees who had completed more than 10 years of service, Supper was provided in the Lower Hall, and the MC for dancing to the Synco-Harvesters Dance Band in the Main Hall was James Patrick. The committee which organised the function were Messrs. L.W. King (Chairman), G. Baker, J. Downing, R. Stewart, F. J. Lee, V. Armstrong, F. Fields, J. Aird, G. Wilson, J. G. McKay, T. N. McArthur, and R. Webb, with secretaries Messrs. G. Shaw and D. J. McKay. The above information was compiled from the Souvenir Programme, and from The Argus of Tuesday 22 August 1944 which can be viewed at http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11357700, and from the Sunshine Advocate of Friday 30 June 1944.The Souvenir Programme provides a historical record of how the Diamond Jubilee was celebrated, as well as the type of entertainment and the names of the entertainers and other people involved. It also lists the types of dances such as the 'Fox Trot' and the 'Pride of Erin' that were normal entertainment in 1944. The Souvenir Programme is also significant in what it does not tell us. There is absolutely no indication of what would be considered to be a supper for an event like this in 1944, especially in the Melbourne Town Hall. From a historical point of view it would be interesting to know.Beige coloured cardboard document which is folded in two, and has brown coloured printing on three of the four sides. The document provides a detailed list of the entertainment and the presentations held in the Melbourne Town Hall, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Sunshine Harvester Works.1884 1944 / SOUVENIR PROGRAMME / DIAMOND JUBILEE of the SUNSHINE HARVESTER / MELBOURNE TOWN HALL / Monday 21st Aug.sunshine harvester, diamond jubilee, h. v. mckay, massey harris pty ltd, 21 august 1944, 1884, 1944, melbourne town hall, sunshine harvester works, sunshine harvester, diamond jubilee, h. v. mckay, massey harris pty ltd, 21 august 1944, 1884, 1944, melbourne town hall, sunshine harvester works

Made by Mrs Noel (Lizzie) Morton, the donor's mother on their farm "Wanera" at Benjeroop on the Murray River. It was stitched with a treadle machine. Her sister Flora MacDonald did the running stitch and provided the silk backing. The squares were sent as samples from a firm called "Fred Hesse" who advertised in the Melbourne papers "Be smart and dressy In a suit by Fred Hesse". The buyer chose a sample and then sent it back with measurements and received a "mail order" suit.A small knee rug made from suiting samples machine stitched together. It is backed with black silk fabric and finished with a running stitch of orange wool oversewn with black wool thread.farming quilting quilting - history, wanera benjeroop, farming, quilting, quilting - history

Small cloth book with four pages printed on both sides. Brightly coloured pictures of farm animals and their babies and "Toddles" the little boy. Spine machine sewn, each page doube thickness, top and bottom edges neatened with pinking shears.Front - A Toddles Press TP Production Toddles on the Farm Regd. Drawn by Iris Waton Back - Made in England, Copyright reserved

The first successful stripper harvestor ,a Nicholson & Morrow harvestor invented by James Morrow appeared at the Victorian Government trial at Dookie Experimental farm on Dec 27th 1883. Although the stripper harvestor was being manufactured in small numbers by the mid 1800's it did not take over from the tripper until 1904. Hugh McKay soon became the most successful manufacturer of stripper harvestors under the "Sunshine " name and by 1940 over 40,000 harvestors had been produced.This 1916 H.V. McKay harvestor Serial No.102736. The first machines looked like strippers ,but had a fan, sieves, elevators and a small grain storage bin.. The McKay Stripper Harvestor Sunshine

Associated with - Mhs Buildings - Threshing Machine People - Blackwell Family

p34 'Old Farm Machinery in Australia' Society Ref.Horse drawn, hand operated Spring Tyne Orchard Cultivator. It can be paired with a similar cultivator. Has 7 tynes one disc at rear both adjustable. Depth of tyne into soil controlled by levers for light scratching to deep. The weight per tooth was 1/2 that of ordinary English harrow. Useful for rough stony ground.'Harvey' - on rear disc adjuster pivot.rural industry, orcharding

Used by Mr. Livermore, Snr, and his brothers to construct dams on their properties and for neighbours. It was filled by raising the wooden handle slightly so that the cutting edge bit into the earth. It was tipped by raising the handles higher so that the cutting edge bit in so deeply that the scoop was rotated and emptied.Horse drawn earth moving scoop used for construction of dams, irrigation channels, roads, etc on a farm, orchard, or roads, or where earth needs to be moved. Scoops had no tipping mechanism and needed considerable effort to empty them.rural industry, agriculture, transport, roads

Item was handed to Society members in the late 1970s by Mr. Davey.Green painted metal four legged stand to which is attached a large red painted wheel with two cutting blades and a handle.A green wooden chute extends out and two large cog wheels are at the start of this. See NA1416 for comments.The 'Bentall' CPB chaff cutter.rural industry, livestock, farm machinery

Long thin shaft standing on a three legged round base. Handle attached to the round metal piece. Handle turns shaft on other side of the metal piece.Chicago Flexible Shaft|Stewart Clipper.rural industry, farm machinery

Long thin shaft standing on a three legged round base. Handle attached to round metal piece. Handle turns shaft on other side of metal piece.Burman & sons|Birmingham Englandrural industry, farm machinery

Mr Blaickie an Uncle of Mr S.W. McDonald, Local ResidentBlack and white photograph, mounted on grey cardboard, of Blackies Traction Engine and Threshing Machines - 16 Men in photo - child sitting on wheel- Bags of chaff in Foreground - Tree covered hill in background.On back of photo: "Blaikies Traction Engine & Thresher. Taken Porepunkah 1900 early. Blaikies were Uncles of Mr [illeg] McDonald. A Mr Blackies on engine"agriculture, threshing, blackie, traction engine, farm equipment

Jim Clancy, Sid Stewart and John Hunter sit of 'sleeping quarters' for workers on threshing machines on a farm at Millbrook.jim clancy, sid stewart, john hunter, millbrook, farm work, agriculture, people

Photo shows a team of three horses pulling a reaper and binder through a field. A man can just be seen at the back of the machine. The photo has a label "Cutting the hay at Breen farm 30's".

The ruler was used in a farm in Natimuk. The decorated side served as advertising for the McKay harvesting machines used in large farms in La Pampa, a fertile agricultural land in Argentina. In Australian Dictionary of Biography: "'Sunshine' harvesters were dispatched to South Africa, and in 1901 Sam and three Ballarat experts went to the Argentine where they demonstrated 'La Australiana' on a variety of crops so effectively that they soon threatened the trade in North American reaper-binders and headers."Foldable foot ruler: on one side (light yellow) is the ruler and the other side (light blue) are some inscriptions about H.V. Mckay and a farm (estancia) in Argentina, opposite is a reproduction of a photograph of harvesters taken in the fields of this estancia.On one fold: H. V. McKay's "Sunshine" harvesters harvest the grain on the largest wheat farms in the world. The estancia of the Company Rural Bremen (Sociedad Anonima), Cochico, Guamini, Argentina, South America. Opposite fold: Total area: 108.000 acres Fifty Sunshine harvesters, 6 ft. comb. were purchased (the photograph was taken at the termination of the work).hugh victor mckay, sunshine harvesters, agriculture, farming, argentina, la pampa, la australiana, natimuk

""The public trial of reaping machines, under the auspices of the Port Phillip Farmers' Society, advertised to take place on Friday, last, but postponed on account of the weather, came off December 27. The place selected (Mr. Wade's farm, Belford, near Kew) is undulating ground, with a remarkably heavy crop of wheat upon it. This, taken in connection with, the state of the ground, still soft from the recent rains, made the trial an uncommonly severe one. ..."(South Australian Advertiser, 15 January 1859) Some bricks used in Kew buildings came from the brickworks on Wade's Farm at the end of Belford Road near the Yarra River (now part of the Kew Golf Club). (History of RSL by John Torpey)Wade's Farm, Kilby Road, Kew.wade's farm, farming (kew), kilby road, north kew, belford road, kew, kew golf club

Tyrie’s Farm at Greens Creek c1930’s with Horse Drawn Header. Charles Tyrie is seated on machine. Bags of wheat in foreground.stawell

57 slides and 1 negative. (1) "1947 Rolling the surface," in front of the newly constructed Administration Building. (2) "5-5-60 Same tree 7 months later-New Growth." (3) Men standing around a large horticultural machine. (4) "Lawns Housing Com" Aug "66?" (5) "Flemington Racecourse." (6) "Mustard-Cover Crop. 1960." (7) Tree climbing. (8) "Grafting-scions. BHC." (11) "Mildura-Soil Probe Oct 67." (12) Virus tested stock trees & layout Flemings Apr 70." (13) "Best's Winery Mar 75." (15, 16) Best's single student and group. (17) "Ploughing-Diagram to show incomplete cover of trash? Farm Practices." (18) "Spraying Hand Equipment for Insect Control in and around Buildings USA Yearbook 1952." (19) "Pasture Harrows." (20) "Mould Board Plough-Tractor." (21) "Disc Harrows-Offset-Tractor." (22) Tyne Cultivator-for Tractor." (23) See B91.258." (24) Burnley College libary. (25) "Irrigation-Delver Tatura 12/59." (26) "Tatura 12/59 Delver Ferguson T." (27) "Wilson's Prom? date." (28) "Wilson's Promontary Nov 1960 lunch." (29) "W. Prom." (30) Camp 1957 Wilson's Promontary." (31)" Longeronong Field Day 1964 Machinery Combination (Small)." (32, 33) "Longeronong Field Day 1964 Machinery Cultivating." (34-36) Photographs of plants in book. (35) Alnus? (37) "Meterosideros excelsa." (38) "Rhipsalidopsis rosea." (39) "Protea neriifolia." (40) Banksias-Species." Insects: (41) "Lacewing larva." (42) "Mites Aug 75." (43) "Yellow Mite, Red Spider (Arachnida)." (44) "Jassid-Life Cycle 9/51." (45) "Grape Fruit Crop (Florida) Destroyed by Fruit Fly. Animals without backbones." (46) "Jassid-Vegetable 9/51." (47) "Field Day 57 (Fruit Fly-Enlarged)." (48) "Field Day 57 (Fruit Fly-Stages)." (49) Insect Life Cycle. (50) "Comatibility (sic) Chart." for Insecticides & Fungicides. (51) "Insecticides-Toxicity." (52) "Life Cycle of the Leather Jacket." (53) "Grasshopper-Head Dissected Mouth Parts." (54) "Types of Antennae." (55) "Spider Mites USA Yearbook 1952." (56) "Cultivator." (57) "Organic Phosphates." (58) Negative Isopogon anemonifolius.administration building, lawns, flemington racecourse, mustard-cover crop, tree climbing, grafting, mildura, soil probe, pests, machinery, excursions, tatura, library, wilsons promontory, plants, alnus, zygocactus, schlumbergia, feijoa, acca sellowiana, protea neriifolia, banksia, isopogon anemonifolius

1950 decade HAY FORK - A local invention. Bill and Arthur Gillespie and Bon Barrie In the early 1950’s Bill Gillespie of Bulmans Lane had been experimenting in developing a machine to improve the collection of hay sheaves at harvesting and stack building time. The ripened crop was cut by a reaper and binder which bundled the storks into sheaves tied with binder twine. The reaper and binder was towed by a tractor by the mid 1940s previously teams of draught horses were used to pull the reaper and binder. A photograph taken at the Barrie farm shows three binders the first being towed with a tractor and the others with horse teams. Two workmen were needed to operate the binder when cutting a crop. The sheaves collected on the binder and released onto the ground and were scattered across the paddocks. Using a conventional two pronged pitch fork the harvest hands collected the sheaves and placed each one cut edge on the ground in an upright position and layered with about 15 sheaves into an apex shape to form was is known as a stook. The shape of the stook allowed for drying and draining of water if rain had occurred. Prior to the invention of the mechanical hayfork this was a laborious task requiring each sheaf to be pitched onto a tray truck and moved to the location of the haystack. The mechanised HAYFORK was operated by one person on tractor greatly reducing the need for gangs of labourers. At harvest time farmers had relied on itinerant teams of workers descending on the district looking for work. The three Barrie brothers on their adjoining farms combined forces to cut their crop at its optimum time while the weather was in their favour. Up to many 20 workers at times formed a team in earlier times. Agricultural university students were also keen to gain practical experience in the field. Each of the brothers had a particular skill, and Tom Barrie was the expert on stack building. The district haystacks had a distinctive shape and could be recognised by their builder. Bill Gillespie’s first operational HAY FORK consisted of a large 13 pronged fork situated forward of the truck cabin. It was attached with iron girders and mounted on the rear of the cabin to the tray of his British Bedford truck. It was constructed in metal and iron and welded in the farmers work sheds. The mechanism was raised and lowered by the driver scooping along the ground to pick up a complete stook to raise high enough to deposit all the sheaves in one stook onto the stack or truck tray. The fork section was released by a rope and operated by the driver in the cabin. This model was trialled on the Barrie farm at Ferris Lane. It proved to be very successful and the Barrie/ Gillespie brothers went on to develop a HAYFORK which attached to a tractor and was operated with a series of levers and was raised and lowered hydraulically. It was detached from the tractor when stacking was completed. In its early days farmers travelling along the Western Highway called at the Barrie farm at Ferris Lane to inspect its construction and operation of the invention. It became a widely adopted by farmers throughout the State. It was being used on Wattie Palmer’s farm on Bridge Road Melton South in 1997. Farming in Melton, hay growing and stack building. agriculture, local identities

An antique machine made forged steel pulley block with a hook at the top which moves sideways. It has a slot on the cylindrical section for the rope or chain. It is an old farm tool from the 19th or 20th century.MAKERS PATENT SNATCHpulleys, tools, lifting equipment, pulley blocks, steel

The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community. The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s.| This sewing machine belonged to Isla Ilma Margaret Ernestine neeTasker, mother of Alfred Haeusler. Singer was first established as I. M. Singer & Co. in 1851 by Isaac Merritt Singer with New York lawyer Edward C. Clark. Best known for its sewing machines, it was renamed Singer Manufacturing Company in 1865, then the Singer Company in 1963. The Singer company began to market its machines internationally in 1855 and won first prize at the Paris world's fair that year. They had offices established in both Sydney and Melbourne by the mid-1960s. The company demonstrated the first workable electric sewing machine in 1910. Singer was also a marketing innovator and a pioneer in promoting the use of instalment payment plans, making their machines more affordable for many people. This item is from the Hauseler Collection which documents social life of early settlers in the Wodonga community.Singer "Coffin top" treadle sewing machine with extension table. The machine is mainly black and silver metal but is extensively decorated with coloured decals. The decorations on this machine features a pheasant design which also helps to date the machine as it was only used from 1890 to 1915. The sewing machine is set into a wooden table with and extension leaf and 6 drawers, 3 on either side. The frame and treadle mechanism are iron with a thin leather belt to drive the mechanism. The "coffin" shaped top sits over the machine to protect it when not in use and is easily removed. The extension leaf provides a larger working surface and folds down when not in use. The Singer logo attached to the front of the machine features a needle, shuttle and thread.On metal base plate: "PATENTED /DEC 5 -1882/ MARCH 20 - 1883/ AUG - 21 1888. Model no: L6485622 Along top of machine: "The Singer Manufacturing Co." Front right: Singer Company Logohaeusler family, wodonga pioneers, sewing machines, singer sewing macnine

A separator is a centrifugal device that separates milk into cream and skimmed milk. Separation was commonly performed on farms in the past. Most farmers milked a few cows, usually by hand, and separated milk with a hand operated machine for domestic use. The milk was poured into the bowl on the top and the handle had to then be turned fast enough to get the separator up to speed adequate to separate the cream and the milk. The milk would come out of one spigot and the cream out of the other. In general practice some of the skimmed milk was consumed by the family, while the rest may have been used to feed calves and pigs. Enough cream was saved to make butter, and the excess was sold. In many cases excess could be bartered or swapped with neighbours for other items of produce. ALFA-LAVAL SEPARATORS The principal works and head office of Aktiebolaget Separator was established by Gustaf de Laval in Stockholm. The first Laval milk separator was patented in1884. In Australia three old established firms commenced pioneering the Alfa Laval cream separators in about 1885. These were A. W. Sandford & Co. Ltd., in Adelaide, J. Bartram & Son, of Melbourne, who have ever since been the Victorian agents of Aktiebolaget Separator. In New South Wales and Queensland, the pioneering firm was Waugh & Josephson Ltd. J. Bartram & Son, the distributor of the separator in this collection, established their business in Melbourne in 1881. In 1892 Bartram & Son estimated that 1,130 of these machines were operating throughout Victoria. This item is significant as it is representative of domestic and dairying machinery used throughout rural areas of Australia in the early to mid 20th century.The separator is made in 3 sections. The base is made from cast iron. The cover and vat are made from silver painted tin. There are 2 outlet spouts. The detachable handle, made from cast iron and wood, is held in place by a screw. A name plate featuring the Victorian distributor, J Bartram & Son of Melbourne and a plate outlining patent information are attached to the base by screws.Around edge of wheel "Aktiebolaget Separator Stockholm/ 2236"dairying industry, dairy machinery, milk separators

A separator is a centrifugal device that separates milk into cream and skimmed milk. Separation was commonly performed on farms in the past. Most farmers milked a few cows, usually by hand, and separated milk with a hand operated machine for domestic use. The milk was poured into the bowl on the top and the handle had to then be turned fast enough to get the separator up to speed adequate to separate the cream and the milk. The milk would come out of one spigot and the cream out of the other. In general practice some of the skimmed milk was consumed by the family, while the rest may have been used to feed calves and pigs. Enough cream was saved to make butter, and the excess was sold. In many cases excess could be bartered or swapped with neighbours for other items of produce. LISTER - A prominent make of separator which became very popular with the dairy farmer, was the "Lister" separator. The early separators sold by R. A. Lister in the 1880's, were made by "Koefoed & Hauberg", Copenhagen. Denmark, called the "Alexandria". Ashton Lister became the sole agent for Koefoed & Hauberg made separators in England and all the English Colonies, throughout the world. Being an enterprising salesman, Ashton, sent his son Edward on a three-year sales tour of Australia & New Zealand in 1890, (hence the strong presence of Lister in Australia.) Initially, the separator was totally manufactured in Denmark and assembled in Dursley, England. By 1892 Lister were making parts at their Victorian Iron Works, and around about the early 1900's, Lister began manufacturing separators in their own right, severing ties with Koefoed & Hauberg. The Lister firm is still going today, under the name of Lister Petter, England, but do not manufacture separators, as the manufacture of farm / domestic separators ceased in the early 1960's.This item is significant as it is representative of domestic and dairying machinery used throughout rural areas of Australia in the early to mid 20th century.The separator is made in 3 sections. The base is metal plated with blue enamel. The vat is made from silver painted tin. There are 2 outlet spouts. The detachable handle, made from cast iron and wood, is held in place by a screw. A metal plate featuring the manufacturer information is attached to the side of the handle. Model CR 15 hand operated table version.On metal plate attached to handle" Lister/ MADE BY R. A. LISTER & Co.LTD. / AT DURSLEY ENGLAND / VICTORIAN AGENTS / GIPPSLAND & NORTHERN CO-OP/ CO. LTD. / MELBOURNE C.1"dairying industry, dairy machinery, milk separators, lister separators

The Churchill Island collection includes objects from the 18th and 20th centuries. The collection is presented in sets and series, of which this object belongs to the National Trust sub-collection.Wool presses were used in shearing sheds around the country to create bales of wool by hand in preparation for transport to the wool markets for purchase and distribution. Bales have been used to store and were a standard trading unit for wool for centuries. A standard wool bale holds about 60 compressed wool fleeces and weighs a minimum of 120 kgs. The square shape and weight enabled them to be stacked on wagons or in warehouses, and a large pack horse could carry one on each side. Large, retangular upright metal wool press, unpainted with some surface rust.farm machinery, wool, wool press, hand operated, shearing, national trust

Photograph shows early farming method and illustrates some of the machines used at this timeThreshing machine in operation at Scotsburn in the 1940's. 3 workers and tractor visbleThreshing machine. 1940's. Note old Dominic Lorensene on stack.scene showing farm machinery in use. threshing machine vdriven by belt from stationary tractor., several man are working on the equipment, l

A comprehensive thick catalogue book: D.W. Chandler General Hardware Ltd. Catalogue established 1876 which has a very decorative busy front cover with green, burgundy and cream colours for the title, full details of the contents, address, Registered Trademark, phone numbers and more. It is bound on the spine with red tape, 27.5 Inside on the left front end paper are details about Chandler's mail orders, a map of the Melbourne city location and addresses for Melbourne, Fitzroy and country cities. Opposite is a NOTICE page, explaining prices were current at the time of issue, (October 1937) with several altered prices since printing. Pp. 180 with four thin blue paper Order Forms at the back; two which have been filled in and two with a child's scribble on them. There is a comprehensive four page Index at the back. Hundreds of black and white drawings of hardware items and general life of the times are included throughout. Inserted in the catalogue are four dried plants or flowers, a small leaflet which shows illustrations and information about "Rega" spraying nozzles with diagrams and handwritten prices. A leaflet of a Parts Price List for Stewart No.1 Clipping machine and clipping heads. A copy of a D. W. Chandler Ltd Fitzroy order dated 12 March 1937 for "Ringlock" Fencing. On page 146 is a light blue thin paper Note for P146 about models of Churchill's and Jeffery's guns. Attached to this paper with cellotape is a typed copy dated 10/11/37 for an order for Square Iron Tanks to be delivered by rail. The back cover has advertising for "Perfect" Welded Fencing from Chandler's hardware stores. There is a manufactured hole by the publisher in the top left hand corner to hang it for future reference.non-fictionA comprehensive 1937 catalogue of general hardware for household and farm use for buyers to order in Melbourne and rural cities in Australia. The company was established in 1876. This is the 49th issue. social history, australian history, history, hardware, catalogues, objects, tools

A black and white photograph of one of the accommodation flats at the Fruit Salad Farm in Marysville.A black and white photograph of one of the accommodation flats at the Fruit Salad Farm in Marysville.Flat 2. Fruit Salad Farm, Gilbert's Gully/ MARysville. JAN 54 Kitchen/ Dining. Room/ Two bed.rooms/ Bathroom (Kero. HOT Shower)/ Woodshed Two. double beds./ Two single beds/ Use of Simpson Washing/ Machine + Hot./ Water Service Four flats 1 1 double 1 single/ 2 as above/ 3 1 double 2 singles/ 4 1 " 2 " V.L. KING. Propmarysville, victoria, australia, fruit salad farm, accommodation, restaurant, photograph