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Orbost & District Historical Society
lace dickie, Early 20th century
A dickey is a type of false shirt-front that was originally intended to be worn with a tuxedo. Women made their own lace dickeys as a way to spice up their wardrobe. It was designed to be worn at the front, so that the lace decoration showed underneath another garment. This dickey is small and was worn by Marjorie Burton as a child. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. She came from a middle-class working church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who made most of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the handcraft skills of women in the early twentieth century.A small lace cream / white dickie. It is hand-made and double layered. There are two tapes sewn at both side at the bottom and there are 3 press studs for closing at the back. dickey women's-clothing accessory burton-marjorie -
Orbost & District Historical Society
notebook, 1915
This notebook was owned by Penuel Richardson (nee Gilbert). Entries were made by the treasurer of the Orbost High School Sports Club, P. Gluth.This item is a contemporary record for a community organisation. The group no longer exists. Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. The Gluth family was a prominent family of Marlo/Orbost in its early history.A small red covered stapled notebook used to record expenses of the Orbost High School Sports Club. Entries are hand-written. A small window has bee cut into the ront cover to reveal "P Gluth Tres."inside back cover hand-written in pen -"Pen Richardson".orbost-high-school-sports-club -
Orbost & District Historical Society
ledger
This ledger was used in Orbost as many of the names written inside are locals. It may have been used at a haberdashery store or by a local person who made items in a private business.This appears to be a record of a small commercial enterprise conducted by an Orbost local. It would have been used in a time when the needlework / knitting skills of women were important for the economy of the family.A buff coloured cardboard covered ledger book. On the front cover is a white rectangular sticker with "LEDGER" in black print. It contains accounts for sewing and knitting items. The hand - written entries are in pencil and blue pen.On front cover - hand -written is "...ANNE MUM's WORK BOOK FOR SEWING & KNITTING". There are some calculations in pen.haberdashery sewing knitting -
Orbost & District Historical Society
account, April 29 19??
A. J. Royce & Co. were general merchants in Orbost. Royce's was essentially a bakery in Nicholson Street on the site of the present supermarket. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is an example of the hand-written book-keeping of an early 20th century business in Orbost. It is a useful research tool.A small paper account, black print and blue writing. At the top are illustrations of two young girls with an advertisement for Chamberlain's Cough Remedy between them. The account is from A.J. Royce & Co. to R. P. Cameron.account book-keeping royce-a.j. cameron-robert-pullar -
Orbost & District Historical Society
account, March 31st 1911
Lancelot Herbert came to Orbost in 1886, taking up a partnership with local store-owner George Temple. After Mr Temple’s death in 1891, Lancelot took over the store and progressively developed Herberts Snowy River Stores which grew into a department store of several shops along Nicholson St. He also had small shops at Cann River, Noorinbee and Genoa which were run by members of his family, as well as a carrying business and fuel outlets. Lancelot died on 2/6/1911 and his wife Martha [died 1945] are buried in a joint grave in Orbost Cemetery. (info. Noreen and Lindsay Thomson) Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is associated with a well-known Orbost business which started in 1888 and finally closed in c.1970. it is an example of book-keeping in the early 20th century and is a useful research tool.A white paper account with black print and red lines. Hand-written from Lancelot Herbert of Snowy River Stores to R.P. Cameron.herbert-lancelot snowy-river-stores cameron-robert-pullar -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book / souvenir, Lancelot Herbert, Snowy River Stores and Bakery and at Cann River, c. 1910-20
This is a small souvenir or promotional book for Herbert Stores in Orbost and Cann River. Lancelot Herbert came to Orbost in 1886, taking up a partnership with local store-owner George Temple. After Mr Temple’s death in 1891, Lancelot took over the store and progressively developed Herberts Snowy River Stores which grew into a department store of several shops along Nicholson St. He also had small shops at Cann River, Noorinbee and Genoa which were run by members of his family, as well as a carrying business and fuel outlets. Lancelot died on 2/6/1911 and his wife Martha [died 1945] are buried in a joint grave in Orbost Cemetery. (info. Noreen and Lindsay Thomson. More from "In Times Gone By' by Deborah Hall)Associated with a well-known Orbost business which started in 1888 and finally closed in c.1970. A small book with a white/cream cover and black printing. It has three cardboard pages inside which are blank. A pencil holder is attached to the back cover. On front cover: SNOWY RIVER STORES AND BAKERY. Established 1886, AND CANN RIVER. Lancelot Herbert, Wholesale and Retail DRAPER, OUTFITTER, Grocer & Ironmonger, MILLINERY A SPECIALTY. BAKERY, SMALLGOODS FRESH DAILY. Tobacco & Cigars of the Best Brands. AGENT FOR: Age, Leader, Every Saturday, Argus, Australasian, Melbourne Punch, and Sydney Morning Bulletin. WINES AND SPIRITS.souvenir herbert-stores -
Orbost & District Historical Society
specimen bottle, circa 19th, early 20th century
On loan from John Mundy family. Searching for gold in the Orbost district began in the last half of the 19th century and continued until circa 1930s. The original Mundy family moved to a land "selection" at Betebolong in the early 1880's from Buchan. This item is reflective of the late 19th -early 20th century gold mining era in East Gippsland.A small square bottle with a push-in cork stopper. This bottle contains specks of gold or gold dust. mining-gold -
Orbost & District Historical Society
books, 1916
These books are part of the Lawless Collection. The Lawless family lived in Orbost from 1907 - c 1920. John Francis Lawless had a saddlery shop. He died at an early age - 47 years - June 7 1912, leaving his wife, Elizabeth and seven children. The eldest son, Victor Rowland lawless volunteered for serv ice in WW1 but did not leave Australia because of illness. The second son, Edward Vincent Lawless (b 1895 d 1917) worked for McCoy & Co. in Orbost, coachbuilding, undertakers, general blacksmiths and farriers, prior to enlisting in WW!. He was trained as a signaller and was sent to France where he was killed in action on 9.10.1917. Elizabeth Lawless worked as a ladies' nurse (midwife) in Orbost prior to leaving the district in 1920. She lived to 6.6.1975 aged 104 years.These personal documents, photographs, medals and books give an insight into the human element of World War 1 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and died while playing a vital role during this time are remembered.Three books used by Edward Vincent Lawless during his service in WW1. 1846.5 has a black cover and contains hand-written notes and diagrams in an exercise book. 1846.6 has a purple cover and contains hand-written notes on bombing. 1846.7 is a small book with a black cover and a ribbon for tying closed. It contains signalling notes1846.5 Edward Lawless 1846.6 E.V. Lawless 1846.7 Ted Lawless A Group Signalling 6th Battalion 22/6 Lark Hill School No 5 Camp No 5 Camp B Coylawless-family ww1 books signalling -
Orbost & District Historical Society
ornament, Healey, Ada
Ada Healey was for 20 years a volunteer and organizer at the Orbost Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre). She was known for her craft skills and was a particularly fine knitter, She did own, as a child, a handheld mini sewing machine and it is possible that the item was made using this. Ada was the only child of Tom & Queenie Warne, born in Bombala/Delegate. She married Keith Healey. The Healey family were early settlers in Marlo.This hand-sewn ornament is an example of the skill and craftmanship of women in pioneer families.A hand-sewn silk tortoise. The head is padded. Four small beads are sewn to each side. It has white/brown lining. Pink beads are sewn on either side of the head for eyes.hand-made handcraft silk ornament -
Orbost & District Historical Society
sewing machine, C 1920's
This machine was given to Ada Healey as a child. Ada Healey was for 20 years a volunteer and organizer at the Orbost Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre). She was known for her craft skills and was a particularly fine knitter. Ada was the only child of Tom & Queenie Warne, born in Bombala/Delrgate. She was married to Keith Healey. The Healey family were early settlers in Marlo.This is an example of a toy given as a "teaching" toy. It was used by its owner to practise sewing before graduating to an adult type machine.A small hand-operated sewing machine. The body of the sewing machine is painted black. The top arm appears to have been painted in a white/cream colour. The machine could have been used to make small articles. There is no bobbin.On the stand- A.L.L.sewing handcraft toy toy-sewing-machine -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Christmas card, c.1914-1918
This postcard was hand-embroidered in France and sent to Australia during World War I. A large piece of silk would be hand-embroidered by French women with the same pattern 20 times or so, then the large completed piece would be sent to a factory to be cut up and the individual pieces mounted on card. They had varying themes and patterns, greetings such as happy birthday or thinking of you, featuring butterflies, flowers and sometimes patriotic flags of allied countries involved in the war. They were marketed to troops to send home to female members of the family and girlfriends. It was estimated 10 million silk postcards were produced in Europe between 1915 and 1919. During World War 1 postcards were a welcome means of personal communication for many people. Most information came from newspapers or broadcasts.A small Christmas postcard of fabric with embroidery of flowers around the British flag and "Happy Christmas" sewn along the bottom."I am still going well & strong Love to all Maurie"ww1-correspondence ww1 postcard -
Orbost & District Historical Society
books, Whale Killers of Twofold Bay, circa 1960
Author, Mary Mitchell was the daughter of Charles Wellings early resident of Eden. Charles took many of the early photos of Eden while his brother, Henry, did the research on the Imlay Bros (very early settlers of Orbost) and early Twofold Bay settlers. Mary Wellings married Roy Mitchell of Lower Towamba. In Eden there are streets and a park named for both families.These books record the history of the whaling industry on the south coast of New South Wales.Two copies of a small thin ten page booklet with blue laminated covers. It has black print and a black photo of a whale tail on the front cover.It was written by Mary Mitchell. The book relates the history of whaling at Twofold Bay on the south coast of New South Wales.2116.1 - has a library sticker on the front cove - bottom left hand cornertwofold-bay whaling mitchell-mary welliings -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, Close Family Allotment, 2006
This report was compiled by Martin Healey for the Department of Conservation and Land Management, Victoria. Martin Healey, a long time Orbost resident, worked for the Department of Conservation and Land Management in Orbost.This is a useful research tool.A small spiral bound book of 30 pp with a plastic cover. It is a report written by Martin Healey and details the close Family allotments at Murrangower, east of Orbost. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, Wood, C1900
James Hossack and his wife, Penuel, arrived from Scotland to Geelong on Christmas Day 1852. James and Penuel had one daughter, Penuel who married Robert Pullar Cameron at Orbost. They had two sons, James(1858) and George(1860). James Hossack farmed "Brooklands" which he bought from John Cameron The Hossack family was a prominent Orbost family with strong ties to the Presbyterian Church in Orbost. This item is a part of the Hossack family history.A black / white photograph of a family group with the mother seated on the left and the father on the right and twin girls standing between them. Three smaller children are seated in front. It is mounted on a grey buff card with the names written at the bottom.on front - "Charlotte, Jessie, Lizzie, James, Alex, Penuel & Jim Hossack"hossak-family-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, Green, O. S, April 1897
This photograph shows the Richardson family having a picnic on the verandah of Captain McNeil' house at Marlo - April 1897. Snowy River Shipping Company formed in 1880. They were soon shipping produce (mainly vegetables) from the area to Melbourne. The Snowy River Shipping Company was formed by Mr Henry James during the 1880s, with Captain McNeil as master. Captain Hegarty was the shipping agent at Marlo. Towing a line of small barges these paddle steamers plied their trade between the port of Marlo, and the farms along the river banks, churning their way almost twenty miles upstream to a landing beside what is now Frank Richardson’s property. On these trips, the barges carried mail and supplies to the townspeople and farmers, loading their produce, mostly maize, on the return trip to the coast. The coming of the railway in 1915 spelt the end for the little river boats. ( ref. F. W. RODWELL in the “Snowy Review”) Frank Richardson 1877-1950 was a sawmiller at Tabbara and helped build and run paddle steamer "Curlip"as engineer. Captain McNeil was an always cheerful Marlo identity and local children had many times sailing with him on the river. Captain McNeil with tug went out through the entrance and brought in the schooners.This item is associated with the Richardson family, early settlers of the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a group of people having afternoon tea on the end of a verandah of a wooden house. All are seated.on back - " The Richardson family picnic at Marlo"richardson-family-orbost-marlo mcneil-captain -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, early 20th century - 1910?
From L-R : Nathan Spielvogel, Hector Young, Percy Watt and George Holden. . Taken on the front porch at Illfracombe in 1908 after the four men had enjoyed a weekend fishing There appears to be a photo hanging on the wall in the background which looks like it could be of a young Marion Watt and the family's dog, a golden retriever In "The Gum Sucker at Home: Bound for Croajingolong 1908" by Nathan Spielvogel, published in Mary Gilbert's Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District, 3rd edition, p. 107-116, Spielvogel talks of his trip to Orbost, and fishing with Watt, Bruce and Young aboard Percy Watt's boat, the Maris Stella. Spielvogel's story says Young was the secretary at James & Birds auctioneers and "was one of the builders of the first foot bridge over the Backwater". It says George Holden was a Bank Manager at the Bank of Victoria. (info. from Campbell Watt) This photograph shows Mr Nathan Spielvogel on the left. He was a school teacher at the Orbost State School following Mr Rowe. Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874-1956), teacher, writer and historian, was born on 10 May 1874 at Ballarat, Victoria, son of Newman Frederick Spielvogel, pawnbroker, and his wife Hannah, née Cohen. As well as his stories he published a number of books about the history of Ballarat. Spielvogel taught at Orbost for at least a year Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874–1956) was a teacher, writer and historian. As a country schoolteacher, he traveled widely in the eastern Australian outback and also made a journey to London. Spielvogel gained distinction as one of the only Australian Jewish writers of his time. Many of his early books were best-sellers. He has an association with the history of Orbost having spent a year as a teacher at Orbost. The Watt family were early Marlo settlers.A black / white photograph / postcard of four men sitting around a small table playing cards. Two of the men have pillows behind their heads. Three are smoking pipes.on back - "On R - N. Spielvogel"spielvogel-nathan-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
photograph / postcard, first half 20th century
The child in the photograph is Delia Murray (Mrs Jack Kenny). She was one of eight children of Herbert Cecil Murray and Evelyn Murray. Photographs of children families sitting in hollowed out pumpkins were common in the first half of the 20th century. This item is associated with a popular activity of the Orbost community in the first half of the 20th century. Pumpkins have been been paat of the district's agricultural history since settlement.A black / white photograph / postcardof a small girl sitting in a hollowed out pumpkin. It appears to have been taken outside on a verandah of a wooden house.on front - " H. M. S. Orbost" ; "Stanley Vogt, Bairnsdale" on back is a letter - "I got the plants......."pumpkins-orbost murray-delia -
Orbost & District Historical Society
bookmaker's bag, late 19th century
A Gladstone bag is a small portmanteau suitcase built over a rigid frame which could separate into two equal sections. Unlike a suitcase, a Gladstone bag is deeper in proportion to its length.They are typically made of stiff leather and often belted with lanyards. The bags are named after William Ewart Gladstone (1809–1898), the four-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This one has been adapted to suit the needs of a bookmaker. The leather neck strap has been added. Horse racing was a popular past-time in early Orbost. The Nixon family was involved through Keith Nixon. Some of the earliest horse races were held on a course in a paddock belonging to Mr James Cowell at Jarrahmond. For a long time horse races were part of the Marlo Picnic Races.This item is connected to an activity once popular in the Orbost district. A very worn leather bookmaker's bag. It is a Gladstone style bag with a leather neck strap. It has a spring lock with a key hole. It has a curved handle at the top. The leather neck strap does not appear to be original. The inside lining is cotton and there is a metal hinged frame. On the base are four metal studs.On the base - SOLID LEATHERgladstone-bag bookmaker's-bag horse-racing -
Orbost & District Historical Society
coat hook
This hanging rack has been made out of used horse shoes. It may have been used separately or as part of a longer rack attached to a wooden backing.This item shows the skill and craftmanship of self-reliant rural families.A home-made coat hook made from two small horseshoes which have been bent and welded together to make a hook for hanging coats. It has been painted black.horse-shoes handicraft hanging-rack -
Orbost & District Historical Society
wash board
Glass washboards were popular during World War II due to a shortage of metal. The body was made of wood, but the scrubbing area was glass. Washboards were normally two-sided with one side having more refined ridges and also came in a variety of sizes. The smaller washboards were used for delicates such as undergarments and petticoats, while larger washboards were used for such items of clothing as shirts and pants. They were used over the laundry tubs. (ref. Antique Traders)This glass scrubbing board is an example of the typical laundry equipment used by families in the Orbost district in the early 20th century.A rectangular glass washboard with a wooden frame. The glass insert is corrugated glass and the backing at the top is original. Frame is new (original had borer damage).On backing at top - Possum trademarklaundry-equipment washing scrubbing-board -
Orbost & District Historical Society
writing box, Early 1900's
This item belonged to Daisy Close, born 1899, at Murrangowar. She was the mother of Ethel Pike. Daisy Close married Ed Jensen who lived at Murrangowar. The Jensens were farmers. The wristing set was probably used at home rather than at school.This book, together with a book awarded to Daisy Close form part of the history of the Close family who were early settlers at Murrangowar in the late 19th century.A black rectangular box -probably cardboard covered with leatherette. The top folds out and inside the box lid are pockets. In the main section is a compartment for an inkwell. The inkwell has a an ink bottle. The box is lockable with a small metal key.There is a pencilled inscription which is unreadable.writing-set stationery close murrangowar -
Orbost & District Historical Society
jasper fossils
Presumed found in the Buchan area. Inspected by George Rawlings 6.2.2013Fossils are among the most valuable sources of information about the Earth's history. This fossil is part of the geological history of East GippslandTtwo pieces of jasper fossil. Genus-nautiloidea, family-cephalopoda, order - mollusca. Fossil of a cuttlefish like animal- head and tentacles protruding from one end of the long tubular shell. This is in red jasper. The small fossil piece has been polished.jasper fossil nautilloidea mollusc -
Orbost & District Historical Society
glue pot, early 1900s
Glue pot used by Joiners, early Orbost family.An iron glue pot consisting of two separate pots - the larger of the two is designed to hold water and be hung over a fire; the smaller pot is placed inside so the glue can melt. Outer pot - underneath - Kenrick - 1 pint Inner pot - underneath - 1 pintglue-pot trades carpentry cast-iron kenrick -
Orbost & District Historical Society
bottle, Early 20th century
Brothers Davis and Lowell Chamberlain, along with their sister Izanna, established what became known as the Chamberlain Medicine Company in 1873. The Des Moines, Iowa-based company eventually stretched to Australia, Canada and South Africa. Chamberlains Colic and Diarrhea Remedy used alcohol, ether, and chloroform to soothe upset stomachs. The company also sold a cough remedy, liniment, pain relief balm and lotion. Chamberlain’s Colic, Cholera and Diarrhea Remedy was one of many thousands of patent medicines that made incredible, and often false, claims about their effectiveness, and became tremendously profitable. Eventually government regulations were put in place to prevent medicine manufacturers from making unfounded claims about their products.This item is an example of a typical "over the counter" patented medicine commonly used by families. It reflect the changes in public health, medical practice and research over the last century.Small green tinted medicine bottle. Writing on front. Cork is attached with wire handle.Front-Chamberlain's Colic & diarrhea Remedy Side- Sydney NSW Side Chamberlain's Ltd Bottom-1185bottle chamberlain's medicine remedies -
Orbost & District Historical Society
medicine, 1930-1940
Beecham’s Pills became one of the most popular ‘over the counter’ patent medicines after their introduction in the 1840s. Developed by Thomas Beecham, Beecham’s Pills were a standard family medicine for many generations. (Ref sciencemuseum.org)This item reflects changes in public health medical practice and research over the last century. Beecham pills were a commonly purchased home remedy.Small, round wooden container for Beecham's Pills. Still has original label and two pills inside.medicine beecham pharmacy -
Orbost & District Historical Society
toy monkey, Kerr, Hilda (nee Temple) wife of Dr Kerr, W.W.1
This toy monkey was handmade by Hilda Kerr (nee Temple), wife of Dr James Kerr. It was made to raise funds during World War 1.This WW1 item is a reminder of the part played by the families and friends of those who were involved in this conflict.Small black handmade soft toy monkey. Light brown hat, white beard and blue pants.handcrafts soft-toy w.w.1 kerr-hilda -
Orbost & District Historical Society
music box, 1830-1840
Music boxes have been around at least since the end of the 18th century. The finest artisans in Europe created them and brought music into family homes when there were really no other types of music entertainment for homes. Music boxes performed the popular music of their day; songs from the opera, traditional songs, and hymns.The Nicole Freres were regarded as the best maker of cylinder music boxes during the mid 1800s. This is a fine example of a 19th century music box.Small wooden music box operated by winding a key which moves a studded cylinder against a comb of tuned teeth. A green paper label has been tacked to the underside of the lid. Cylinder music box, made by Nicole Freres, Geneva, Switzerland, c.1830-1840 Music box with an outside key wind . The cylinder length is 20cm and it plays 4 different airs. single comb, 112 teeth with exposed control levers. on label underneath the lid is "Music de Geneve" and the names of the tunes and the number 5929music-box musical-instrument nicole-freres -
Orbost & District Historical Society
ink stand, c. late 19th century
Possibly used within the Gilbert family, Orbost.We have mostly dispensed with ink bottles and quills. This item is an example of early stationery equipment commonly used in households for correspondence, creative writing and household accounting reecords.A wooden box with several small compartments, two porcelain ink well. A long space at the front is for holding pens. A small sliding door can move on top of the ink wells.The words PENS COPY RED BLACK are written into the front of the section which hold the ink wells. on front of box Ro No 347854ink-stand pen-and-ink -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Ring Ouzel, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Ring Ouzel is a member of the Thrush family, Turdis, of which there are about 85 different species, commonly located in Europe. They are found in upland Scotland, northern England, north west Wales and Dartmoor. This species is identified by their dark colouring which contrasts to the white crescent across the breast and the white edging on the wings and some body feathers which provides a scale-like appearance. The diet of this species consists of invertebrates, some small vertebrates and a wide range of fruit. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Ring Ouzel specimen is stylised perched on a wooden platform. It is a medium sized bird of the thrush family. This particular specimen is a brown colour with pale edging to the wing feathers rather than the plumage being a darker black which can help identify this bird as female. The feathers have a white edging on the stomach giving this bird a scaly appearance. The bird has a small dark bill, two glass eyes, black legs and a long tail. Around the front of the upper breast, the bird has a striking white crescent shaped band. "Label 1 110a. / Ring Thrush / Catalogue Page 29 / Lable 2 Furdus torquaters / [illegible] 10 OCT. 1859 / near Leiden /"taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, european birds, ring ouzel, blackbird, ouzel -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Squirrel, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Squirrel is a small to medium sized member of the rodent family Sciuridae. They are commonly located in America, Eurasia and Africa. The Squirrel was introduced to Australia by humans. Interestingly, the tail of the Squirrel serves the purpose of keeping the rain, wind or cold off the body of the animal, to help it cool off in hot weather, to counterbalance when moving and can be utilized as a parachute when jumping from one location to the next. Squirrels consume foods that are rich in protein, carbohydrates and fats. They eat nuts, seeds. fruits and vegetation. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Grey Squirrel standing on a wooden platform. The small sized specimen holds a pinecone between its hands and has a paper identification tag tied to one of its arms. It has grey/ash coloured fur with a pale belly and dark coloured glass eyes. It has a long and bushy tail that stands along its back in an arched shape. It has tiny hands and feet.40. ash-coloured / Squirrel / Catalogue, Page, 49. / A.4484 / BMM 75 32 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, squirrel