Showing 123 items
matching matchboxes
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The Beechworth Burke Museum
Functional object - Silver Match Case, 1901
The markers hallmarks on this match case have become illegible, however the remaining hallmarks show that the case was made in Birmingham, England in 1901. Match cases are a decorative case that houses a cardboard matchbox.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A silver rectangular match case with an embossed top.[?]/ [?]/ anchor symbol/ lion symbol/ b/ [hallmarks] A01168/matchbox -
Orbost & District Historical Society
match box cover, 1950-1960's
This was owned and used by J.G. Ralston of Orbost. John Gavin Ralston was born 26 July 1914 at Eden, N.S.W. and came to Orbost in the early 1920's, with his parents and siblings. They lived at the corner of Tennyson and Salisbury Streets. Jack was educated at Orbost Higher Elementary School before being apprenticed to William Ross at the Snowy River Mail as a lino-type operator. He married Jean Cameron. After WW11 when he served overseas in the islands) He resumed his trade at the Snowy River Mail until 1949 when began J.G.& J.M. Ralston, Seed & Produce Merchants. Jack Ralston was very involved in the Orbost sporting community, the Presbyterian Church and the Orbost Municipal Band. He also served in the Orbost sub-branch of the R.S.L. He died on April 15 1967. (ref. Margaret Smith O.D.H.S. Newsletter) Collecting match box holders / grips was a popular hobby. They were made to fit over a box of matches for protection. Some were especially produced for significant occasions. This item is an example of a very common personal item rarely used today.A painted metal matchbox cover with a thin wooden matchbox inside. It is cream coloured with a picture of a cricketer being bowled out. In the top right hand corner is "OWZAT". The matches are Bryant & May's Crown Safety Matches. it is a rectangular cardboard box with a sliding cardboard drawer. The box has a paper label with text reading, "BRYANT & MAY'S CROWN SAFETY MATCHES" and an image of a crown. The top and bottom side has a purple striking paper, to light match. Bottom and sides of sliding drawer are a green color.J.G.Ralstonmatchbox-holder smoking-accessories ralston-j.g. -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Furniture - Set of Drawers, Matchbox Drawers, n.d
Set of drawers constructed from 46 matchboxes of various brands. Labelled on ends of boxes ' A - Z', plus various other, in black ink. Some boxes not labelled. A number of the drawers contain metal letters for stamps/printing.industry, printing -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Match Box, c1980
Commemorative set of seven boxes complete with matches.Set of seven matchboxes, with matches included, issued to Commemorates the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Dianne at St Pauls' Cathedral in 1950s. Include Prince Charles, Princess Dianne, Queen Elizabeth. Prince Phillip, Earl Spencer and .............Redheads Contents 47 Matches|Made in Australia|Bryant & Mayspersonal effects, smoking accessories -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Matchbox Cover, 1946; Post WW2
Rectangular stainless steel matchbox cover, with matches. It is engraved on its three sides. It was presented to W.H. Dolamore, VX7638 who was a P.O.W. in Changi, Malaya. He was with 8th Division, 2/10th Royal Australian Engineers, Australian Infantry Forces.On the front is an etching of a scroll with the inscription 8th Div, 2/10F, W.H.DOLAMORE VX 27638, RAE, AIF. onthe back is the Rotary International symbol and on the side are the words P.O.W. CHANGI MALAYA.8th, aif, changi, w h, cover, matchbox, dolamore, p o w, division, 2 10th, rae -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Container - Cigarette boxes, 1900s
In a box dug up during renovations at 78 Station StreetSeven cigarette boxes dug up during renovations at 78 Station Street. From a box of objects dug up at 78 Station Street: cigarette box, matchbox, greeting card "Remembrance" and advertising card for "throat weakness", dating early to mid 1900sdomestic life -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Leisure object - TOYS AND GAMES COLLECTION: CHILD'S PRINTING SET AND STORAGE, 1915
Object. (a) The Fulton Printing Outfit No 35, (Boxed). Containing stamps and interchangeable letters. Pictured on front a group of 4 children around a table. (b) Plus a handmade chest of drawers, made from matchboxes and labelled , Alpha betically. Some contain letters from painting set.Alex. H. Stone from Auntie Ina. Christmas 1915.toys, general, child's printing set and storage. -
Dutch Australian Heritage Centre Victoria
Lieutenant Dress Uniform Dutch Army
Part of the small collection of uniforms in DAHC's possession. Like most of these uniform this one stems from the 1950's. The shoulder insignas indicate a "Genie" division (Engineering Corps).Many of the 1950's period uniforms came from people that had been discharged after having served in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) during the Indonesian Indepence War.Part of Dutch army uniform: (1) dress jacket with (2) cotton dress belt, (3a) leather belt with (3b) cross belt, (4) khaki tie and (5) cap with names W. van Reed//Dorland on the inside. Jacket has brass buttons, NL lion embroidered on sleeve, "genie" emblem on shoulder strap and rank sign (one star - Lieutenant) on collar. Note: match box "Drogist Lucifers" left in pocket.(1) Label jacket text "Maatkleding, Maison Jordi & Cie, tel 4608, Amersfoort" and rank indication (Lt). (5) Cap has names W van Reed & Dortland. "Drogist Lucifers" on matchbox in pocket. -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document - Advertising item, Matchbox holder, Early 20th century
James Parker and William McMeekin arrived in 1881 in Victoria and commenced their business a large proportion of which was in Warrnambool. They opened up a butter, cheese and pork export trade with South Australia, which operated successfully for sometime before South Australia altered their tariff duties which badly affected trade. After a period dealing with Queensland, they set their sights further afield to London. The Warrnambool butter Factory was commenced around this time and William McMeekin was closely connected with its establishment. They traded in other farm produce and machinery as well as having interests in land, loans and insurance. William McMeekin was a member of the Town Council for some time and J.P. McMeekin was a member of the Villiers and Heytesbury Agricultural Society and was a director of the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory. They operated their business from different sites in Kepler Street and Raglan Parade.An everyday item with a link to an individuals and a company which had a long association with Warrnambool.Aluminium cover with raised edge shaped to fit around top, bottom and one side. Designed to fit around match box leaving striking edge exposed. Embossed lettering on front and back. Contains matchbox with label depicting shell in green with green and yellow background. Box is faded blue. J.P. McMeekin Produce Merchant Warrnambool Phone 263 on front and back. Prov pat ** 367 on side. warrnambool, p.l. phillips, grocer, provision merchant, nestle warrnambool, nestle dennington, calendar 1919 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - MATCH BOX & HOLDER, 1914-1918
Item in the collection re Edwin James Jones No 3511 AIF. Refer 1367.5 for his service history..1) Match box holder, metal with paper covering. Covering has a depiction of a flag and Rising Sun with banner and text "Copyright. British Made." Writing has been scratched into the flag side. .2) Matchbox, complete made of cardboard. Red, black and yellowish face with text "Impregnated Safety Matches." Contains 2 matches..1) “Pte E Jones, 46 BAT-Good Luck"personal effects-smoking accessories, containers-commercial, metalcraft, domestic items-matches, jones -
Victorian Maritime Centre
Metal Ashtray
The matchbox ashtray was purchased sometime during a cruise by unknown person. It is part of a cruise liner collection by D Benson and Family over a period of years. D Benson sold part of the collection to the V.M.C who purchased the remaining part. It is a great source of information to visitors to the V.M.C. At the time of ocean liner holiday cruising, many people smoked cigarettes and purchased these souvenirs to keep or give away as gifts.Flat metal ashtray from P.O Liner Himalaya, with anchor standing up in the centre.P.O Logo Himalayasouvenir, cruise liners, merchant souvenir, ss himalaya -
Victorian Maritime Centre
Metal Ashtray
The matchbox ashtray was purchased sometime during a cruise by unknown person. It is part of a cruise liner collection by D Benson and Family over a period of years. D Benson sold part of the collection to the V.M.C who purchased the remaining part. It is a great source of information to visitors to the V.M.C. At the time of ocean liner holiday cruising, many people smoked cigarettes and purchased these souvenirs to keep or give away as gifts.Aluminium square ashtray, with the P.O Log Himalaya embossed thereon, and an anchor standing in centre.Logo SS Himalayasouvenir, cruise liners, merchant souvenir, ss himalaya -
Victorian Maritime Centre
Metal Ashtray
The matchbox ashtray was purchased sometime during a cruise by unknown person. It is part of a cruise liner collection by D Benson and Family over a period of years. D Benson sold part of the collection to the V.M.C who purchased the remaining part. It is a great source of information to visitors to the V.M.C. At the time of ocean liner holiday cruising, many people smoked cigarettes and purchased these souvenirs to keep or give away as gifts.A metal Ashtray from M.V Duntroon, which has a square base, with a brass anchor in middle.souvenir, merchant souvenir, cruise liners, m.v duntroon -
Victorian Maritime Centre
Metal Ashtray
The matchbox ashtray was purchased sometime during a cruise by unknown person. It is part of a cruise liner collection by D Benson and Family over a period of years. D Benson sold part of the collection to the V.M.C who purchased the remaining part. It is a great source of information to visitors to the V.M.C. At the time of ocean liner holiday cruising, many people smoked cigarettes and purchased these souvenirs to keep or give away as gifts.Metal plated ashtray in the shape of a ships wheel, with P&O Logo & SS HimalayaP&O Logo SS Himalayasouvenir, cruise liners, merchant souvenir, ss himalaya, p&o cruise ship -
Victorian Maritime Centre
Metal Ashtray
The matchbox ashtray was purchased sometime during a cruise by unknown person. It is part of a cruise liner collection by D Benson and Family over a period of years. D Benson sold part of the collection to the V.M.C who purchased the remaining part. It is a great source of information to visitors to the V.M.C. At the time of ocean liner holiday cruising, many people smoked cigarettes and purchased these souvenirs to keep or give away as gifts.Round Metal Aluminium Ashtray shaped as a ships wheel, with 8 spokes. Logo P&O, ArcadiaLogo P&O, Arcadiasouvenir, cruise liners, merchant souvenir, arcadia, p&o cruise ship -
Victorian Maritime Centre
Metal Ashtray
The matchbox ashtray was purchased sometime during a cruise by unknown person. It is part of a cruise liner collection by D Benson and Family over a period of years. D Benson sold part of the collection to the V.M.C who purchased the remaining part. It is a great source of information to visitors to the V.M.C. At the time of ocean liner holiday cruising, many people smoked cigarettes and purchased these souvenirs to keep or give away as gifts.Metal Ashtray with logo SS OrcadesLogo SS. Orcadessouvenir, cruise liners, merchant souvenir, ss orcades -
Victorian Maritime Centre
Ashtray - China
The matchbox ashtray was purchased sometime during a cruise by unknown person. It is part of a cruise liner collection by D Benson and Family over a period of years. D Benson sold part of the collection to the V.M.C who purchased the remaining part. It is a great source of information to visitors to the V.M.C. At the time of ocean liner holiday cruising, many people smoked cigarettes and purchased these souvenirs to keep or give away as gifts.Cream coloured Salisbury bone China ashtray, with yellow ship on blue water. S.S OrsovaSalisbury Bone China, made in England. S.S Orsovasouvenir, cruise liners, s.s orsova -
Victorian Maritime Centre
Match Boxes, Union Match
The matchboxes were purchased sometime during a cruise by an unknown person. It is part of a cruise liner collection by D Benson and Family over a period of years. D Benson sold part of the collection to the V.M.C who purchased the remaining part. It is a great source of information to visitors to the V.M.C. At the time of ocean liner holiday cruising, many people smoked cigarettes and purchased these match box souvenirs to keep or give away as gifts.A set of 6 match rectangle boxes from P & O Cruises from SS Canberra - they depict the an image of SS Canberra on front.Each box has an image of SS Canberra printed on front with the name of the ship printed on one side.match boxes, cruise ships, merchant souvenir, ss canberra -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Souvenir - Matchbox Cover, n.d
Identification numbers 6677a, b Two matchbox covers, metal with different views of the harbour, (a) cream background, ocean pier and baths one side, Nuns beach the other, on spine "SOUVENIR OF PORTLAND (VIC)' (b) Green background, harbour including baths, one side 'HISTORICAL PORTLAND THE CRADLE OF VICTORIA', on the other spine 'PORTLAND FOUNDED NOVEMBER 19th, 1834'. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Container - JOY WELLINGS COLLECTION: METAL MATCHBOX COVER
Blue and yellow matchbox cover. On top the words: strike W.H. Roy & Son for your next mount. On the front: W.H. Roy & Son, Blue Diamond Cycle Works, 5 Pall Mall, Bendigo. Dunlop Tyres and accessories stocked. On the back: Blue Diamond Cycle Works for repairs of all makes of cycles. First class workmanship guaranteed. New & second cycles kept in stock.business, retail, blue diamond cycle works -
Victorian Maritime Centre
Rare - Metal Ashtray
The matchbox ashtray was purchased sometime during a cruise by unknown person. It is part of a cruise liner collection by D Benson and Family over a period of years. D Benson sold part of the collection to the V.M.C who purchased the remaining part. It is a great source of information to visitors to the V.M.C. At the time of ocean liner holiday cruising, many people smoked cigarettes and purchased these souvenirs to keep or give away as gifts. In 1932 this ship the T.S.S Strathaird evacuated 6,000 troops & civilians from???Rare - Round brass ashtray with scroll work top and bottom. Butterfly wing with ship picture in centre. Back is embossed. 3 small ball feet.T.S.S Strathairdsouvenir, cruise liners, merchant souvenir, t.s.s strathaird -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Manufactured Objects, safety matches 'Redheads' 2015, c2015
This is a current example of the 'Redhead' logo used by Bryant & May Ltd Richmond,Victoria, Australia c 1946 - 1980 On 15th December 1909, Bryant & May, Australia’s first match factory at Church Street, Richmond, Victoria. was opened by The Honourable Alfred Deakin, Prime Minister of Australia, and Mrs. Deakin. It was heralded by the first Commonwealth Government of newly-federated Australia because the government of the day was anxious to encourage secondary industry and pledged tariff protection of local manufacturers. The building was constructed in 1909 as the Empire Works to a design by prolific Melbourne architect William Pitt and was purchased soon after by British safety match manufacturer Bryant and May, who significantly expanded the building, adding another level and the landmark clock tower. Bryant and May were unique in that they operated as a model factory, providing workers with conditions and amenities that even today seem generous. These included a dining hall and sports facilities such as a tennis court and bowling green which were constructed in the 1920s. Bryant and May ceased Australian match manufacture in the early 1980s as a result of import competition. Their iconic Redheads matches are now imported from Sweden. The complex has since been converted for use as offices and showrooms but is extremely well preserved. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. Bryant and May was a United Kingdom (UK) company created in the mid-nineteenth century specifically to make matches. Their original Bryant and May Factory was located in Bow, London. They later opened other match factories in the United Kingdom and Australia, such as the Bryant and May Factory, Melbourne; and owned match factories in other parts of the world. Bryant and May survived as an independent company for over seventy years, but went through a series of mergers with other match companies and later with consumer products companies. To protect its position Bryant and May merged with or took over its rivals. In 1971 the Northern Ireland factory, Maguire & Patterson closed down following a terrorist attack.. In the 1980s, factories in Gloucester and Glasgow closed too leaving Liverpool as the last match factory in the UK, until December 1994. . The registered trade name Bryant and May still exists and it is owned by Swedish Match Industries as are many of the other registered trade names of the other, formerly independent, companies within the Bryant and May group. Two French chemists, Henri Savene and Emile David Cahen, proved in 1898 that the addition of phosphorus sesquisulfide meant that the substance was not poisonous, that it could be used in a "strike-anywhere" match, and that the match heads were not explosive. British company Albright and Wilson, was the first company to produce phosphorus sesquisulfide ( Red Phosphorous) matches commercially. The company developed a safe means of making commercial quantities of phosphorus sesquisulfide in 1899 and started selling it to match manufacturers. Matches were first produced by Bryant & May in Australia in 1909. The Redhead name applies to the red striking heads of the matches which were introduced to Australia in 1946. The logo on the matchbox depicted the head and shoulder of a redheaded woman and has had four major updates since that time with a number of special issues depicting animals, birds and notable persons also producedThe Bryant & May Ltd factory in Church St Richmond is a listed building and has been converted to apartments following the closure of the Company 1980. Bryant & May's Ltd were influential in fighting against the dreadful disease known as Phossy jaw which was caused by white phosphorus used in the manufacture of the early matches. They were also the object of the 'Match Girls Strike' in London 1888, which won important improvements in working conditions and pay for the mostly female workforce working with the dangerous white phosphorus. The public were slow to purchase these safety matches because of the higher price An empty box of 'Redheads' safety matches made in Sweden for ST-Group, Springvale, Victoria, Australia c2015. The tray for the matches slides inside the open ended cover. The striking patch is on both sides of the cover. The matches have been removed. Matches were first produced by Bryant & May in Australia in 1909. The Redhead name applies to the red striking heads of the matches which were introduced to Australia in 1946. The logo on the matchbox depicted the head and shoulder of a redheaded woman and has had four major updates since that time with a number of special issues depicting animals, birds and notable persons also produced. Bryant and May ceased Australian match manufacture in the early 1980s.Top of cover ; Redheads / 45 safety / matches . Logo ; head & shoulders of a female with red hair Base of coverMade in Sweden / Redheads (R) is proudly marketed / by ST- Group Australia. / 718 Princes Highway Springvale Vic. 3171 / .............../ Readheads is a registered trademark / of Swedish Match Industries AB. / Complies ith European / Match Standard EN 1783-1997-SAF/ WARNING; / KEEP OUT OF REACH / OF CHILDREN. STRIKE / GENTLY AWAY FROM BODY . / barcode.redheads safety matches, safety matches, bryant & may pty ltd, phossy jaw disease, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, lights, lamps, tobacco, white phosphorous, phosphorus sesquisulfide, swedish match pty ltd, pitt william, savens henri, cahen emile david , richmond victoria, match girls strike 1888, -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Memorabilia - German Match Safe, Harburger Gummi-Kamm co
The Harburger Gummi-Kamm Co was a rubber manufacturer founded in Hamburg in 1870. The company produced engraved match-safes from vulcanised rubber.Small green rubber German matchbox. Box is engraved with mythological images - one side has Diana running and firing an arrow with her hunting dog at her side. The other side has two deer. The box has a hinged lid that opens at the top. One long side has a match striking area. the other is inscribed with the maker's company name. It is held together with brass screws.Harb Gummi-Kamm Comatches, match safe, mythology, germany, diana, war, military -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Book - School Exercise Book, 1960
With a blue & white cover with red lettering this is a standard exercise book approved by the Victorian Education Department. The back cover has Arithmetical Tables & the Multiplication Table. While marked library book, it was used to hold the pasted in covers of 'Readheads' matchbox covers. Each of the 28 cover depicts an Australian bird or animal. The item was used by Glen COSHAM whilst attending Nott Street State School, Port Melbourne in 1960. Library Bookeducation - primary schools, nott street state school, glen cosham, victorian education department -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Book - School Exercise Book, 1960
With a blue & white cover with red lettering this is a standard exercise book approved by the Victorian Education Department. The back cover has Arithmetical Tables & the Multiplication Table. While marked library book, it was used to hold the pasted in covers of 'Readheads' matchbox covers. Each of the 28 cover depicts an Australian bird or animal. The item was used by Glen COSHAM whilst attending Nott Street State School, Port Melbourne in 1960. Library Bookeducation - primary schools, nott street state school, glen cosham, victorian education department -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Memorabilia - Matchbox, Fred Cook's Station Hotel, c.1990
The Station Hotel was converted into three townhouses in 1995.The small white matchbox from the Station Hotel situated on the corner of Bridge & Station Streets, Port Melbourne. It was owned by well-known Port Melbourne footballer, Fred Cook from 1982. The background of the front cover logo depicts a stylised football with the four goalposts and 'Fred Cook's Station Hotel' in dark blue. The original Station Hotel was built in 1872 and a second story was added at a later date. The back cover lists the hotel's attractions as Bistro & Piano Bar, A La Carte Menu, Cocktail Bar, Friendly Atmosphere and excellent service as well as the address, 116 Station Street.fred cook, station hotel, built environment - commercial, port melbourne football club, business and traders - hotels -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Geological specimen - AMY HUXTABLE COLLECTION: MINERAL COLLECTION
Fifty-three mineral samples collected by Amy Huxtable. Samples in two plastic partitioned boxes. Samples were originally housed in poor conditions in matchbox inserts and placed on cotton wool. Existing labels, hand printed on tan card: Cerussite, crystalline ore of silver lead Galena, ore of silver lead, fine grained Galena, ore of silver lead, coarse grained Native copper, wave like form Malachite, copper carbonate, ore of copper Chalcopyrite, copper iron sulfide, ore of copper lead Malachite, copper carbonate, ore of coppermining, sampling, mineral samples -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Bushfire awareness sign, Protect your forests from fire, 1953
Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signProtect your forests from firebushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), forest signs -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Bushfire awareness sign, Help Prevent Bushfires, Pre 1966
Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signHelp Prevent Bushfiresbushfire, forest signs, forests commission victoria (fcv) -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Bushfire awareness sign, Camp Fires, 1962
Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signbushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), forest signs