This photograph is a visual record of Mrs Tatham who was President of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) from 1915 until 1923. Mrs. Tatham, with her happy disposition, tact and organizational skills, served the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) as a very active member for 25 years. At 38 years of age she was elected to the Committee of the MDNS in 1909, and in 1912 was elected as Honorary Secretary until being elected as President in 1915; a role she held until 1923. During this time she undertook roles on fund raising committees, as well as, in 1919, leading the committee in appealing to the public for funds to purchase motor cars for the use of the Society's Nurses so more cases could be visited during the Influenza Epidemic. In 1923 she resigned as President but agreed to take up the role as Vice-president and was the 'Head Almoner' in the Society's newly formed 'Committee of Almoners' who assisted discharged clients from the After-Care to receive assistance from other organizations if required; the name changed to 'Ward Visitors' when the newly formed 'Institute of Almoners' was formed with now trained Almoners. She remained as Vice-President until 1926 when she was appointed as Secretary of the Society and After-Care Home. She remained in this role until her death, aged 63 years, following a tragic car accident in October 1934. Mrs. Tatham was known as "a gentlewoman in the truest sense" and was held in high esteem by her friends and colleagues. Following her death a Ward in the After-Care Hospital was named the 'Constance Maud Tatham' Ward in her memory.Black and white head and shoulder photograph of Mrs. F. (Constance Maud) Tatham. She has a round visage and a small amount of dark curled hair is seen under a dark turned-up brimmed hat with large tails of a flat bow. She is wearing floral frock with buttons down the front; a dark and light coloured scarf is around her neck. melbourne district nursing society, after- care hospital, mdns president, rdns, royal district nursing service, mrs f. (constance maud) tatham

This is a photograph taken from the painting by McCubbin of Lady Janet Clarke, a prominent Melbourne philanthropist who worked for social welfare issues and was a driving force in the early days of the Melbourne District Nursing Society. At the end of 1885 for her work with MDNS she was given a Testimonial Dinner where she was presented with a letter signed by 429 people expressing their thanks for her visits, kindness, sympathy and charity shown toward the sick poor. In 1887, at her home, she held the first function to raise money for the Society. Lady Janet Clarke was a generous and hospitable prominent socialite of Melbourne; a kind and sympathetic philanthropist who worked tirelessly for social welfare issues. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded on the 17th of February 1885 and on the 9th of April a Special General Meeting was held to elect the committee for the following twelve months. Lady Clarke was elected a Vice-president; a position she held until being appointed President, when Mrs. Simon resigned on the 7th of June 1887, a role Lady Clarke held until she became ill in 1908; except during her trips overseas, when the role was held by another until her return. Her management and organizational skills enabled MDNS to flourish in its earliest days. She was actively involved taking her turn on the Superintendent sub-committee where she accompanied a Trained nurse when she visited patients; checking that high quality nursing care was maintained, as well as observing the patient's social condition; even giving a personal donation to a special case in need. The patients of the Society were so grateful for her sympathy, kindness and love that when she and her husband, Sir William Clarke, were going overseas at the end of 1885, a Testimonial was given for her at Scots Church District-hall where 200 attended to show their appreciation of her work carried out with MDNS. She was presented with a Bible from them, and their letter signed by 429 working persons expressing their thanks. In a time of great financial need of the Society, Lady Clarke offered the ballroom at her home, 'Cliveden', for a monster Cake, Flower, and Dairy produce Fair which raised a substantial amount saving the Society from closure. She promoted the Society and led it in further fund-raising events, such as the annual Ball, and Fairs where she often manned cake stalls. Near Christmas each year she made a special appeal to the public for 'comfort and good cheer' which could be given to poor families visited by the Society. During the depression of 1890 she had thick soup prepared in the Cliveden kitchens and this was distributed, with bread, from her home, and from a school room, to hundreds of the poor. In 1892 Lady Clarke agreed to represent the Society during her visit to England. During her years of leadership MDNS expanded; Nurses uniforms were introduced; lectures - for example, on hygiene and on the prevention of sickness and the treatment of children, were given by doctors for the patients; further Trained nursing staff were employed; Midwifery was introduced to the poor, the Society extended beyond the city centre and bicycles were introduced for transport; a system for regular annual subscriptions was introduced and sufficient funds were raised for the Society to rent its own premises, with Lady Clarke paying for a subscription to Mullen's bookstore each year for the use of the Nurses in the Nurses Home. As well as her work for MDNS she held roles in many other organizations . She donated a substantial amount of money to build a Hostel for Women University Students attending Trinity College, later named the Janet Clarke Hall. Lady Janet Marion Clarke died at Cliveden, aged 57 years, on the 28th of April 1909; a lady held in high esteem and affection by all she knew.This is a black and white photograph of a painting of Lady Janet Clarke. She is looking forward and has a serious visage; she is wearing her long dark hair drawn up and back and in her left ear a small dropped ear ring can be seen. She is wearing a light coloured, long sleeved, floral frock with a material short cape section seen over the top of her left sleeve. Her left arm is crooked with her hand resting just under a flower brooch fastened in the centre of her frock. She has a choker around her neck with a brooch in the centre..Janet Lady Clarke, president 1889-1908.From the painting by McCubbin.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service, lady janet clarke

RDNS Sister E. Anderson is Supervisor of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Footscray Centre and Mrs. J. Simpson is the coordinator of RDNS Auxiliaries. They are admiring items from auxiliaries and other interested friends which will be distributed, as required, by RDNS Sisters to any poor families whom they visit to administer nursing care.From its inception in 1885 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), held functions to gain finances to run the Society. They also asked the public for donations, ranging from food items to linen for bandages, bed linen, blankets, clothes, including baby clothes, etc to assist in the care of their patients. The public generously responded. Each year the President made a special appeal for donations at Christmas time for food and gifts for the MDNS sick poor. Out of this evolved, in 1925, the first MDNS Auxiliary in the Eastern Suburbs. This extended to Auxiliaries throughout the suburbs who worked to donate money and ‘gifts in kind’ to assist MDNS to continue their work, and to furnish wards in the After-Care Home. Before the District Division of MDNS had its own fleet of vehicles, a Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 where the general public, when available, provided their car, and drove Sisters to visit patients who lived a distance away. This was disbanded in 1971 when the, now named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), had its own fleet of vehicles. The Jessie Henderson Auxiliary ran a Kiosk and Library with all profits to the Society for 20 years. By 1950 there were fourteen auxiliaries who continued to hold functions when the District division separated from the After-Care Hospital and became Melbourne District Nursing Service, which, with Royal patronage, became RDNS in 1966. A Council of Auxiliaries, with Mrs. J. Simpson at its head, and which comprised of two delegates from each auxiliary, was formed in February 1968 to work for District. There were nine auxiliaries in 1970. They continued to run into the 2000s, but the numbers of auxiliaries reduced over the years, as well as the number of members in each auxiliary as the members aged, so this form of support ceased.On the rear left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister E. Anderson, who has short dark curly hair and is wearing her RDNS uniform of a long sleeved grey frock, with a white name badge on the upper left; parts of RDNS insignia are seen on the top section of each sleeve. On the right rear is Mrs. J. Simpson, who has her long dark hair drawn up and is wearing a light grey coloured frock with white lapels, cuffs and a white pocket, all with dark piping. They are both holding baby items and looking at knitted and other donated items which are laying on tables in front of them.Photographers stamp. Quote No. KH 74melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, mdns auxiliaries, rdns auxiliaries, ellen anderson,, j. simpson,

This photograph is taken in the lounge room of Mrs. McCoubrie's home in Dudley Street, Fitzroy. Sr. Fullarton is assisting her to regain her independence from being wheelchair bound to walking with a 4 prong stick.From the founding of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1885, known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) from 1966, the rehabilitation of patients to ensure they were able to live independently in their own homes was at the forefront of care given by their Trained nurses. As well as teaching and supervising the use of equipment, their Trained nurses taught them safe transfer techniques. These techniques were also taught to family members to enable them to care for their loved ones. RDNS at first held workshops given by a contracted private Physiotherapist before employing their own Physiotherapist in 1975 who taught staff the correct techniques, not only for safety of the patient, but to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and patient’s family members. When required the Physiotherapist accompanied the Sister on her visit to the patient in their home. On the left of this black and white photograph, is Mrs. McCoubrie, who is an elderly lady with white curly hair and is wearing dark rimmed glasses. She is standing on a rug between the raised footplates of a wheelchair which is behind her. She is smiling and looking at Sister Ethel Fullarton from the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) who is in the right of the photograph. Mrs. McCoubrie is wearing a black frock with white buttons, collar and belt. She has her right hand on the wooden handle of a 4 prong stick and her left arm is supported by. Sr. Fullarton, who is standing side-on, and is smiling at Mrs. McCoubrie. Sr. Fullarton is wearing glasses; has curly dark hair, and is wearing a white gown over her uniform. She has her right hand under, and supporting, the upper section of Mrs. McCoubrie's left arm and is grasping Mrs. McCoubrie's hand with her left hand. In the left background, part of a brick fireplace with a small vase of flowers sitting on the wooden mantelpiece can be seen. A lounge chair is seen on the far right and a patterned carpet is under the dark patterned rug.Barry Sutton LW 1 Names.royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns rehabilitation, sister ethel fullerton, mrs mccoubrie

Post Card: Melton Railway Station 1909 Mattie to Fred My Dear Fred I received your letter and the L2 10/- I was very pleased to hear that I could write again. You say you will come home after the last shead. I should think so. I had a letter from E Jenkins so I am going down to see her next week we call the baby Fernie now I hope you will agree. Dear Fern has got the whooping cough. Written on the side: I suppose you will be away four weeks yet. Love from Mattie will write on Sunday. This letter appears to be connected with the post card Barwonleigh Saturday October 1908 handwriting My Dear Mattie I received your letter and was sorry to hear of our dear little babys misfortune how did it happen do you know what was the cause of it Mrs Watts must be a blind old fool not to have known what it was when you took him to her the first time poor dear you must be worried to death with all this trouble tell me what the doctor thinks of the rupture. I do hope dear he will get over this all right you must be nearly dead going without sleep for so long I had a bit of misfortune myself on Thursday the machine locked and jumped out of my hand and stuck in my bone I kept on working but it was very painful as all the holding is done with the..next page ..knee the boss also has been chipping a good deal this week he says the next time he has occasion to speak to me I will have to go he is very particular. I would like to go through if possible even if I do a lot less. I have about sixteen hundred done up to now and would get another nine hundred if I was let alone but I suppose we will live lovie even if I go do you know if they are full handed at Eynesbury if I thought I could get a week there I would cut myself out here quick. Well dear lovie I am sending you a couple of pounds as I suppose you will want it to get a truss. I don’t think they are very expensive and hope things will find this better with you. Well my dear love I must close with fond love for you and baby from your loving Husband Fred Post Card: 16 Aug 1909 - Mathoura The card depicts a small sailing boat laden with blue flowers. Well Dear Wife you see I have kept my promise. I rode all the way up here and also carried all my luggage with me it came in handy as I had to camp on the road last night between Rochester and Echuca surrounded by water. I had to walk all the way pretty well from Rochester to Echuca. I am now waiting for the train to Deniliquin. Love to you and my little son Fred. From you loving Husband Fred Written along the top and side of the card. what do you think if the card comes in all right as I have been wading through water all day yesterday and this might be …? will write when I get to the Station, don’t forget to look after the little Freddie and remember me to mother. Post Card: 1909 - view across the Flat from the Creek looking to the Presbyterian Church in the distance with some small dwellings in the foreground. To Mr Fred Myers Wandook Stn Denniliquin NSW Dear Fred, received your letter I am sorry to hear you are having such wet weather I will write a letter tomorrow baby is better With Love from M Post Card: 1910 Postmark Stamp 1d Aug 12 1910 Moama NSW Melton postmark stamped Aug 25? Hare Street, looking south Echuca Mrs F Myers, Melton P O Vic Dear Mattie, Just a line to let you know I got here all right I go to Pericotta tonight and to Cobran to morrow best love to all from yours Fred Letter Cobran Stn Via Deniliquin N.S.W. Sunday 21st Aug extract I am having a good time here, a good cook and the best of everything no fires to light or kettles to boil just get up and wire in… plenty hard work the sheep are pretty tough but much better than Wandook. I am well among them here we had a little rain on Friday but not enough to stop us so we have got one full week in .. the weather is lovely. I have been basking in the sunshine mainly in the morning and feel strong and fit a as fiddle, they are a grand lot of men here I only knew one out of the lots but know them all pretty well now, we have a bit of a concert here every nights almost there are a few good singers here and we also had a phonograph up from the station with all the latest records we have two dancers among ourselves very boisterous affairs indeed thy do make the dust fly. I have not ventured to take part in it and don’t think I will either. I get enough dancing all day long and besides I have to furnish the music you ought to see them going when I rattle up the concertina. Letter Cobran Stn via Deniliquin Thursday Sept 1st 1910 [abbreviated] My Dear Mattie, I received your welcome letter today. I though I was never going to get one as it was Sunday fortnight when I wrote to you but we only the mail here twice a week so it takes a long time to write and get an answer. I also got a reply from Eynesbury and a favourable reply it starts on the 13th Oct. …. I have 800 sheep shorn up to date and am fifth among about 30 men. I am sending two more [Ls] this time which I drew on Saturday. I don’t like sending too much more this time as there is a chance of it going astray and it is not very easily earned…. Things must be humming in Melton with all them babies coming and people getting married… I suppose we will be having new neighbours soon. If Mr Watts is selling out he was getting more property then he could keep. I hope you will soon have rain…. you will have to watch our little boy the dear little rascal he must be getting very cute opening the gates he will be tumbling into the tank …. I love to think of the happy times we have had together and hope that we will love one another to the end .. the mail will not leave here until Monday Love to you dear wife and baby Fred Post Card: – I Cling to you like Ivy Cobran September 18th 1910 Fred awaits a letter from Mattie I still have three weeks here yet.. I am sending L2 tell if you got the other 1L 1911 Letters Fred to Mattie October Spring Plains Oct 1911 Mia Mia Post Office I had a great job to catch the train at Diggers Rest as after I turned off the Keilor Rd it was very way and muddy and I had to walk a lot of the way and got there just in time. I came right into Redesdale by the train and stopped there last night… they had heavy rain on thursday up here and a tremendous fall of hail which covered the ground over a foot deep. There are only 4 shearers here yet.. I saw some of the sheep they look very rough and big so there will be no big tallies done, the men are saying he is giving 2s per hundred extra, so that will help a little. We are going to start Cobran via Deniliquin. Post Card: three scenes of Mathoura 10/9/1914 EB on a photo copy 10/9/12 ? Mathoura Thursday Dear Mattie, Just a line to let you know I got up here all right. I rode the seat out of my trousers. I have done 100 miles on the bike. I met none of the old hands this time so will go out on my own… Your loving husband Fred, did Marjie miss me at all. Post Card: Cobran 15th Sept 1912 Hearts and intertwined flowers and little envelope he has written Marjorie …just a line to let you know I will cut out here Friday next in find, we have had two falls of rain since I wrote and it has bean blowing a hurricane for couple of days and may blow up again however if we are delayed I will send you a card Wednesday I am longing to see you and the two little kiddies again…. Fred Copy only Golf Hill Sep 26th Cut out 31 Oct Total 2332 1913 Post Card: Scene View Street, Bendigo August 1913 Mathoura Tuesday My Dear Mattie Just a line to let you know I got up here all right. Teddy Ginger and another couple of chaps on the way ……. Letter Cobran Sunday Aug 7th 1913 My Dear Mattie Just a line to let you know that weather permitting we will cut out here about Thursday morning….I have not got any more shearing here. I have not heard from the other place…. Expect me about Friday …. I suppose Freddie and Marjie will be glad to see me, Marjie will climb all over me. I will be glad to se you all again you will have a fortnight before Golf Hill starts. I see in the Express you sent that Annie McPherson of (Dunvegan) is engaged to Len Farrell, she appears to be going to take no risks with him she wont let him slip through her hands like the banker did…… Fred Post Card: 1914 Garland of roses Warrambeen Stn Shelford PO October 14th 1914 Birthday wishes. Post Card: Love’s Golden Chain Golf Hill Tuesday Oct 17 1914 Birthday wishes [ this one might be a different year] Letter Cobran Wed 2nd Sept 1914 My Dear Mattie, I received your welcome letter today and also the papers which were very acceptable as we don’t get many papers here we only get see one at odd times as we get none for the hut this year.. I have not seen a bit of butter since I left home as it is too dear for us for sinners here. Poor Marjie had a cold.. so the little kid wants to go to the war, she must think it is good like a picnic. We had light rain on Monday as usual only half a day’s shearing in the shed so that is all we done this week, we took a vote 9 to 6 no shearing so nothing till to morrow morning Thursday so there is still a good fortnights shearing to do, will do nothing Saturday polling day as we have to go 13 miles is near Services where I was last year so we will want the full day 50 men to vote and some will probably have to walk to get there, all solid for Labour. I have just had an interval for lunch, pudding, yeast buns and rock cakes… We are doing nothing but eating and sleeping this week. Fred I am sending L1 in this which will do you till I come back if I keep drawing up I will have none when I finish so make the most of it. Post Card: Two doves with violets 1915 Cobran Wed 18th Sept [could be 1912] Sorry to tell you we are delayed with rain so will not be home till next week… only 3 days of shearing to do…. expect me about the middle of next week….I wish I was with you now and the dear little ones Fred Post Card: Iris Flowers Barwonleigh Stn Tuesday Oct 14th 1918 Happy birthday greetings from Fred Post Card: Irrigation channel Swan Hill 5 Year not shown Swan Hill Tuesday night Just a few lines to let you know I got this far all right. I had to walk nearly all the way to Gisborne and got there last night and took the train here today. It has been raining all the way between Gisborne and here. Moulamein tomorrow. I think it will be another case of walking as it is wet here no metal roads all mud. best love to yourself and the little ones and also mother. will write Sunday Post Card: The White Man’s Burden.The writing on the back rubbed out Mattie has written, I was weighed and I am 8 stone 10 pounds. 14 Post Cards, some have the original dates, others have the date added later by Martha. Two envelopes, one with addressed to Melton postmark Moule, stamp torn off, the other Cards from my dear Fred. The letters and the notebooks can be cross checked according the their contents. Italics show the dates added by Mattie local identities

Gratitude for contribution letters Dear Bon and Edna, The members of the Mount Cottrell Group wish to extend to you both their sincere gratitude for the dedicated service you have both provided to the Group Brigades whilst you operated the radio and phone from your home. It is thanks to people such as yourselves who, with foresight, pioneered the Group system and the communications that went with it, that has made the Country Fire Authority what it is today. Words can never express the sacrifices we know you have both made over the years to keep the radio and phone manned. We did try to leave your remote but the Authority would only allow one to Wayne’s residence. Once again many, many thanks to you Bon and Edna for your contribution to the Group, but know we can still look forward to your support in the future, Bon is still a deputy communications officer. Incidently our next meeting is on Wednesday 17th December at the Melton Fire Station, you are both most welcome to attend, our guest that evening will be Ken Coghill M. L. A. Yours Sincerely Darryl Wells Typed letter dated 17th September 1976, Group Secretary  Melton South Dear Mrs. Barrie, The members of the Group wish to extend to you their sincere appreciation for the magnificent job carried out by you in the diligent task of radio operations. It gives confidence and morale to all firemen to know that an any time the pressure’s on, and effective back-up force is readily available via Group Base, and your role in this respect is acknowledged with the highest the highest esteem. Yours sincerely A.J.Morris Group Secretary Copied June 2013 Note MOUNT COTTRELL FIRE BRIDAGES’ GROUP Incorporating the Brigades of Diggers Rest, Melton Rural, Melton Urban Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Truganina, Werribee Rural, Werribee Urban.Edna and Bon Barrie's collection of invitations to fire brigade's eventsemergency services, local identities

Donald Mackintosh – notes from eeb notebook with re binding 1900 Games Shooting Donald Mackintosh Universal Paris Exposition pigeon shooting events won the Prix (Grand) de l’Exposition The grande Prix Centenaire 3rd de Paris tied ??? the Grand Prix Monte Carlo twice The London Gun Club Challenge Cup (3 times in a row) The Melbourne Gun Club Challenge (3 times in a row) The Gran Prize of Italy The Grand Prize Aix les Bains The Belgian Championship The Madrid Grand Prize as a result was declared the Champion of the World recorded Sydney Morning Herald and Australasian. Items of importance from Martha Myers/ Marjorie collection. Donald bought a freestanding gramophone to encourage Marjorie in her music studies to be able to listen to the great artists and composers and performers of the time He also bought an oil and watercolour paintings of the same scene at the Mitta Mitta river. The artist was Margery McCann sister of the well known artist (his work is in the State Library Gallery) Photograph of Donald and his friend Jock Lauder. Sheet music Francis and Day 4th Album if Harry Lauder’s Popular Songs. Roamin’ in the Gloamin Allans & Co. Christmas and New Year card signed From D & M Macintosh 1933- Melton Village of Stars – includes Marjorie Myers, twice winner of South Street Competitions, pianoforte Ballarat. May Ferris, Gold Medal for highest marks for L.L.C.M. Exam London College of Music in the Commonwealth. Telegram sent to Mrs Myers from McIntoshlocal identities

Mary Tolhurst M&DHS - March 29th Dunvegan Willows Park Melton 1992 Ladies Oral History Day Graham Minns President Ray Radford MC Sound recording transfer to CD 2011 by Tom Wood Edited typescript by Wendy Barrie 2013 I was born in Rockbank, and when I was five years old moved to Toolern Vale and started and finished school there. Toolern Vale only consisted of the Store, Post Office and shop, where you could buy your fodder, and pollard supplies, the Hall, the little Church and the bluestone School. The School changed shape three times from the 1800s[1869] til the time I went there. There was four generations of my family that went there and it was destroyed by fire in 1965. Marjorie nee Myers Butler. Yes, I remember along with it your lovely Ronisch piano. Mary, quite true! Marj what you say about the Ronisch piano. When I came the age to learn music my mum and dad couldn’t really afford it, but still what parents do for their children. They had Marj go along with them and pick this lovely Ronisch piano. It was known round the district. Everyone commented about the loss that lovely piano. After leaving school it was war time, 1939, then it was work, When I was 7 year old I was put out into the cow yard. In 1940 when the soldiers were going away our milk was confiscated it had to go to Bacchus Marsh. It used to go the Sunbury to be brine cooled and then go to Melbourne. Then they took it then to the Lifeguard Milk Factory at Bacchus Marsh. It had to go as condensed milk to the soldiers. This year is 50 years of the Land Army. I was an unofficial Land Army but they still kept check on me. I went onto married life and I followed the cows right through [howls of laughter] and we went on until the 1965 fire. That’s when we got out of the cows. Marjorie asks, was Granny Watts your grandmother or great grandmother? Mary: She was my great grandmother, the midwife of Melton. The 1965 fire started ¾ of a mile above our place, Frank Ryan’s sheds were burnt and his house was saved, then it wiped the School out, the Hall, the Church the Post Office and Store and little house that was Charlie Charlton’s in the early days. Mrs Wilson’s place was saved by the Fire Brigade by pulling boards off the side, and from there it went over the hill and it was stopped at the Rockbank Railway Station. If it had of got over the railway they said it would have gone into Werribee. A lot was burnt out in that strip. Mary nee Nixon Collins: 18 houses burnt that day. Audience question, did Melton get burnt that day? Ray: No. It came down through the Toolern Vale road and cut across about a mile and a half from the cross roads at Toolern Vale from north westerly to the south east and cut through over the Keilor road. Mary: It came in across the creek at Funstons in Toolern, then through Jim Minns. Dorothy was it your place then [nee Knox Beaty] to Ken Beatty’s and from there it went through to Doug McIntosh’s and to Cockbills and the wind changed and it came across to the railway line, and that is where they stopped it. [the cause of the fire was controversial, they had been burning off the night before and there was some talk of someone starting it. It was very hot and very strong wind, it was a terrible day] Ray: When the fire went through McIntosh’s they had a haystack on the north side of their house and the haystack got caught and the fire burnt a hole through the side of the house and the boys pyjamas on the bed. The house was saved. It came through like and express train roaring at you, I was at McIntosh’s when it went roaring past. You couldn’t see, dust and ash and tremendous heat. The fire started about 12 o’clock Jack [husband] said to me, fire, I said where, where? Just up the road, what have I got to do? and he went out and he had gone to the fire and left me. I tried to get the animals and I put out buckets of water, putting the buckets of water out saved my life. Chas Jones and another friend of his came in and they picked up the buckets of water, I thought I had better get out because the fire was on the haystack up the paddock and when I went to go out through the north side of the house and couldn’t get out, I’ll go through the front gate so I went around the other side of the house. I got caught there and Chassy Jones and his friend came round carrying the bucket of water and I panicked. He threw the bucket of water over me. Well that is what saved my life because I was damp, whenever we tried to leave the ball of fire came over me and over my shoulder and my hair was scorched. Chassy Jones lost his truck and Keith Watt his big truck because he had the water tank on it and they couldn’t get out of the yard. Granny Watt’s house, the first private hospital had condemned and Jack and I pulled it down and had it moved up to Toolern and had it in the yard a fortnight and it was all burnt and we didn’t get the shed we wanted. Every 13 years right up until Ash Wednesday fires, there has always been fire close at hand. The 1952 fire went down the back of the house, the 1965 fire took the house, and the house that I live in now, it is the third house that has been on that spot. When the Hunters owned it, Mrs Hunter was nearly burnt in her bed. They had a 13 roomed house. In 1924 the house burnt down, and there was another house was built there and that was the one that burnt down. Edna: So Mary built a brick veneer house. Marjorie: like the three little pigs [laughter] Collins - Mary M &DHS - March 29th 1992 Ladies oral history day at Dunvegan, Willows Park Melton. Graham Minns President Ray Radford MC Sound recording transferred to CD 2011 Edited typescript by Wendy Barrie 2013 Mary Collins nee Nixon born in Terang 1907 down in the Western District and we shifted to Melton when I was 5 and a half then I started school here in Melton, and spent all my school life at Melton State School, next to the Church of England, it’s called the Primary School now. I got my Qualifying and Merit Certificate then I left School because there wasn’t a High School. When I was 16 I got and job in the Melton Post Office and I worked there, I was the first girl in Melton to deliver the mail, and worked on the telephone and the Bank business. Mrs Ross and myself behind the counter, there were about 500 – 600 people in the Shire at that time and now when I go into the new Post Office there is 36,000 here there’s still 2 people behind the counter [laughter from the audience] and wait in a queue right out to the door. Times haven’t changed much have they! There was a manual telephone and you had to ring the handle, and there were eight subscribers when I went there and when I left there were 46 I had coaxed that number to join the telephone, even the police station didn’t have the phone on. The two Hotels and the two Chaff mills and Mr Ernie Barrie, Parkers the butcher, the Shire Office was No 8, and the Police house was next to the Courthouse on the corner. They were number 9. I can remember a lot of the numbers still. The Post Office was the Agency for the Commonwealth Bank [comment from audience member] I used to do the Bank business too, I left after four years there, mother wasn’t very well. The Inspector who used to come up to the Post Office asked me if I would take up casual Post Mistress and to go around the different districts but I refused and when Mrs Ross’s holidays were due I was the replacement. I wasn’t 21. I loved my work meeting everybody and most people had horse and jinkers and when the elderly would come in there would be Mr Tom Morrow, he only had one arm and Mrs Dunn came from Bulman’s road in their horse and jinker. They were elderly I would see them pull up out the front and quickly get their mail and run out to them because they didn’t have to get out of the jinker to tie up their horse. If someone had a baby in arms I would tear out and hold the baby while they got down. Mrs Ross was very very strict. I had to sweep the Post Office, she had a couple of mats and there would be a threepence or a sixpence under the mats show she knew whether I lifted the mat, I was whether I was honest or not. Graham: How much were your wages? I got 27/7 pence a week for a 52 hour week. I had to work every holiday except Good Friday and Christmas Day and even when it was Monday holiday I always had to go to work from 9am - !0 am, the Post Office was always open. In the winter I had to wait until twenty past six in case there were any telegrams to deliver. I delivered them on a push bike. One time Tom Barrie told me this years afterwards. I used to go home for lunch. We lived on the Keilor road and I used to ride my bike home. On the hot days the boys used to go and swim in the swimming pool down near a turn in the creek there was a hole where the boys would swim in the nude, they didn’t have any bathers and they didn’t have any watches in those days. Tom Barrie said they always used to watched for me as I was always about 3 minutes past 1, my lunch hour was from 1-2. One particular day they missed seeing me and swam on, and of course they were all late for school when they got back and were all kept in a night. I did get a fortnight holiday. I loved my work and I knew everyone in the district right from Toolern Vale to the Marsh and everybody at Melton South. Did you listen into conversations on the Switchboard? Oh no. [laughter] Melton did not have electricity then. I had to fill the lamps everyday with kerosene. The Staughton Memorial was outside the Post Office. It had four posts with the chain looped around it, and that’s where the people used to tie up their horses. Marjorie nee Myers Butler comments about sitting and swinging on the chains. Mr Fred Coburn lit the acetylene gas light in the Memorial. It was the only streetlight in Melton. There was no electricity until 1939. Ray Radford comments about another gas street light which was on the corner of Station road. [later] Mary passes around her school photos. Mary mentions the names of those who have passed away, Maisie McDonald, ,Marian Wraith, Hilda McCreey, and Valda McDonald. I have written the names on the back. Marjorie comments about Marie Jongebloed and Greta are the only two girls left out of big family of ten I think there were [hesitates] 4 or 5 girls and the rest were boys. Mary. Flora Woodley, Dorrie Flynn and Margaret McDonald are still alive. They are my age we were all born about 1907. Marjorie points out herself in a later photo [1921 and 1922 School ] Mary mentions the name Walsh and identyfies following names, the Parker boys, Ken Beaty, Malc and Linda Cameron, Maisie Mc Donald, Ted Radford, George Nixon, Norman Minns, he was later the Shire Secretary of Werribee. One of the Woodley girls. [Maisie Arthur] Marjorie: Rosie Shearwood, June Whiting Mary. Lily Mc Donald, she has passed away. Isabel Harrison nee Tinkler, she lives at Werribee, Doreen Rogers, Marjorie Walker, Jess McIntosh, Mary Gillespie. Mr Malone was the Junior teacher Mr Roe and Miss Cooke. Fred Myers, my sister [Elizabeth] and the year was 1921. Myers (Barrie) School Photo Collection. Many of the names were identified at the 1970 Centenary of Melton State School No. 430. Edna Barrie organised, compiled and typed the lists to accompany these photos for the year 1921. The 1922 photo shows the higher grades. Ladies Oral History Day event held by Melton and District Historical Society, article featured in the Telegraphlocal identities, local special interest groups

TOM COLLINS–from the reel to reel tape recording at Melton 1969 In the years between 1890 and to about 1913 Melton was a quiet little hamlet alongside the Toolern Creek, once called the Pennyroyal Creek, 24 miles from Melbourne on the Ballarat Road. There was a fair amount of woodland left around it, mostly grey and yellow box with sheoak, and golden wattle, which in spring time made a rather attractive setting. Most of the premises were in the main or High Street, with its line of elm and pepper trees on each side. Unitt, McKenzie and Henry streets each contained only a few dwellings. Hotels were four in number, Minns’s, Mrs Hay licencee, now Mac’s, Golden Fleece – Sheblers. The Royal or Ryan’s as it was then called, later Graham had the licence, and the Raglan - Kilpatricks had the licence and afterwards Tom Manning. This was situated about where Mr K. Young had his residence. There was a store attached to the hotel until about 1900. Both the Royal and the Raglan were delicensed, later on the Royal being converted to a green grocery and a boarding house, the Raglan was demolished. The Royal green grocery and boarding house was kept by E Carew and after he retired, E Radford. The Post and Telegraph Office was on the opposite side of the street to the Raglan Hotel about two doors west of the Shire Hall and was kept by Mrs Ferris and Lady Farmer until her retirement, when it was carried on by Miss Lottie Ross. A store was attached to the Post Office and was sometimes used as a store and at one time housed the National Bank. There were two full time banks at Melton, the other being the Commercial which built premises about 1904 and on the corner of High and Smith Streets, which it still occupies. Mr G Egan was the manager of the Commercial and Mr Stradling and later Mr Lee of the National. However as business was not thought good enough they reverted to a part time branch operated from Bacchus Marsh. Grocer shops were Chalmers, with a news agency and drapery now Arnolds, Jongebloeds had the bakery. Mr Fox also a produce merchant, was where Melton Real Estate is now, it was later occupied by Buchanans, Atleys, and Mrs Ross. Not long after the War Mrs Ross built the Post Office, since demolished where Miss Lottie Ross was the Post Mistress and later built the store which she conducted. It was later turned into a factory and in now the barbers shop. McNichols was just west of the Minns Hotel. He travelled as far a Ballan weekly, buying calves and dairy produce for sale in Melbourne. Afterwards he sold the business and bought Minns Hotel and changing the name to Macs. Blacksmiths were three in number. Blackwoods – later James Byrnes next door to Jongebloeds. Alex Cameron who learnt his trade with Blackwoods had his shop about the rear of where Ken Youngs Garage is now he later moved to the north west corner of High and Alexander Street. He was also the Registrar of Birth and Deaths and Electoral Registrar. After his retirement he was weighbridge keeper at Melton South. Two of his sons were engaged in the carpentry trade, but both died at an early age. Whittingtons shop was a few doors east of the Mechanics Hall and it was later occupied by Gordon Macdonald who did business there until about eight years ago. The butchers of the period were George Graham, that is where Mandy Lees hairdressing establishment is now. Euan MacDonald had premises later occupied by Whittingtons blacksmith shop. Later shifting next door. He left here about 1901, he slaughtererd animals at a slaughter house right where Chas Jones now resides, it had previously been a slaughter house and butcher shop of that site. George Spring also operated as a butcher for two or three years about the 1900 or so. Ted Simpsons shop was where John Kontek now has his Estate Agency, he used it as an branch shop from Bacchus Marsh bringing meat from there by a two horse lorry. Jimmy Butler the manager was well known and loved, his son was later a steeplechase jockey. The Court House and Police Station would be built sometime before 1900. The Constables at the time were McGuire, later Wade, Riely and McKenzie after that Robert Wilson and Seinfort were here, they were a bit later on. The Mechanics Hall was first opened by Ryan of the Royal Hotel who sold it to the Hall Committee. It was on Unitt Street and it was moved by McLellans the house shifters from Unitt Street to its present site. Bluestone premises formerly occupied by the bootmaker Carew, were later demolished and replaced by the brick frontage to the Hall. Keith Orensini [?] the local bricklayer built brick portion to the Hall. In the cottage adjoining the Hall a Frenchman named Baudin, had a boot repairing business.This cottage was the later residence of J Hill, a local carpenter and builder from whom I learnt my trade. Granny Watts was the well known local nurse and operated the Mid-Wifery Hospital in Yuille Street on the Sherwin Street corner. Mrs Nissen was on the opposite side of Yuille Street a short distance nearer the township. She conducted the laundry. Carew had a greengrocers shop next door to the Post Office in the High Street for some time before transferring to the Royal Hotel site. He also bought [?] calves for killing. W Cecil was a tank maker and also had a produce round, he lived on Pyke and Sherwin Street. Later Gus Shebler, builder and carpenter engaged in tank making being well known for good workmanship. Shebler was very energetic in forming the Gun Club which met for a good number of years where the golf course now has its headquarters. Of the four churches only three are in use, Christ Church, Scots and St Dominics. The Methodist closed down but later transferred to Melton South. Monthly stock sales were held at the yards in Unitt Street at Minns Hotel by McPhail Auctioneers, later held by McCarthur and McLeod. After the Council built the pound and sale yards they transferred sales to these premises, but lack of patronage caused them to be abandoned. A familiar sight in the district was blind Bob Nixon, who lived in a tumbled down cottage in Centenary Road near W Coburns, being led by his dog down the road to Melton, that is Palmerston street, to the Post Office, butcher and baker for his supplies and then back home. He was able to do his own cooking and other chores. Sundays he would come down Raleighs Road to the back of the church and tie his dog to a tree. Someone, mostly one of the boys would guide him into the church and out again after the service, when the dog would lead him home again. State School 430, a two roomed bluestone building it was the only school in the district, none at Melton South. The nearest would be Rockbank and Toolern Vale. Scholars had a fair distance to walk in most cases. The teachers were Mr T Lang Headmaster. I put a query here, Miss Winters, I’m not certain of the name, Mrs Skinner and Miss Silke as Assistant Teachers. Miss Augusta Cecil and Miss Maud Lang were Junior teachers. One boy who attended the school about the turn of the century was Hector Fraser who resided with his parents in Keilor Road, where Jim Gillespie now lives. He was an excellent gun shot and at the age of about 17 years his father took him to France or Monaco where he won the Gran Prix for pigeon shooting and became the champion boy shot of the world. However he died there from pneumonia. He shot under the name of “Parvo”. The Melbourne Hunt Club used to meet in Keilor Road north side just east of the Toolern Creek on what was originally Pykes Run. This was also the place where the races were held and the Sports Meetings. Dave Murphy, employed at Clarke’s Rockbank Station usually provided the fox which he liberated for the Club. Greyhound coursing was usually held on Moylans property Mt Kororoit, or Mt Misery as it was known then. Later it was held at Melton Park, Mr Matt Carberry was the judge and Percy Cook the slipper. Early in the 1900’s the Recreation Park was created and the Caledonian and the ANA sports meetings were held there, they were annual events. L Paterson from Melton South was a successful competitor in all the cycling events as a young man. He later in life became the Deputy Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The present Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade is John Paterson, nephew of his, and spent his early life in Exford where his father was manager of the Exford Estate. Notes Tom Collins was born c 1895. He lived on the south side of the Ballarat Road near the intersection of Keilor Road.Historical image of Palmerston Street in Meltonlocal architecture, landscapes of significance

A colour slide people on a boat at a mooring in 1957. From the caption it is the Helen B whose owners were Mr and Mrs Dalley. Operation Float was an event run by Melbourne Legacy to take Junior legatees on an outing. It could have been to naval boats such as HMAS Cerberus or to a Yacht club. It gave the junior legatees the opportunity to see a naval boat in action, spend time on the water or try sailing. In 1957 it appears to be several smaller boats taking small groups of children out on the bay. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of outings being organised for children.Colour slide of people in a boat in a red edged Kodachrome cardboard mount.Printed on reverse in red ink 'Kodachrome Transparency / Processed by Kodak'. Handwritten in blue ink 'Quite a boatload. The Helen B after a happy day / Owners Mrs and Mrs John Dalley / 27'. Imprinted in black ink '21'operation float, junior legatee outings

A very damaged antique brown and black covered introduction to singing music book. The title page is missing. The spine has four double gold bands with the title printed in gold lettering. It has 319 songs or hymns included as well as Preliminary remarks addressed to learners, musical characters, intervals, time, diatonic scale, major and minor modes or keys and transposition.non-fictionAn introduction to singing prepared with a view to assist those who wish to acquire a sufficient knowledge of the science to sing the praises of God correctly; and also to encourage the cultivation of vocal music in schools. It is of use for beginners.music books, singing books, singing

This cocktail cabinet is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable.A beautifully hand carved ornate wooden cocktail cabinet featuring two female carved busts, carved mythical beasts on the front, sides and two doors of the cabinet underneath the drop down mirrored shelf. The shelf is attached by two gold linked chains screwed onto the sides. Two drawers at the top are elaborately decorated. The cupboard doors at the bottom open to show a shelf inside. This cabinet is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of handcarved items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection.On the top shelf, carved into the relief panels at the back is 'WELL BEFALL' and 'HEARTH HALL'bar equipment, cocktail cabinets, cabinets, furniture

This hand carved framed mirror is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable.An elaborately carved wooden framed mirror with two carved kookaburras, one with a lizard in its beak as well as some Australian flora - eucalyptus leaves, flowers and gumnuts around the edges of the frame.mirrors, functional objects, wall mirrors, objects

Mrs G. I. McCabe invented the ruler around 1930 in Sydney NSW and founded several branches of the McCabe academy of Dressmaking based on its use in Australia and London.A light coloured 'McCabe Faultless System of Cutting', dressmaker's folding, wood and metal ruler, Australia, 1950 - 1970. One side has six proportions for cutting bodices, the back has measurements for cutting coat and blouse sleeves only, as well as 12 inches markings. Copyright patented details are stamped onto the back side in black, as well as all measurements. 'McCabe Faultless System of Cutting' as well as many detailed measurements for dressmaking. 'Copyright Patented No 6783 54637' is stamped on the back. 'Patented Com No 6783 N.Z No 54637' is tam[ed on the front top.dressmaking equipment, sewing equipment, measuring instrument, measuring rulers

TRANSCRIPTION - Region 14 Mount Cotterill Fire Brigades Group final radio schedule Sunday 26/11/78 Last regular sched as GO Thanks to all Brigades and Members and will carry on communications and GO taking over. thanks on behalf of Ed and I over the years Thanks from LY 1 Good job LY 23 Good job over the years LY 33 ????? LY 43 Thanks for making ? LY 45 Trug [anina] for all work done and looking to assist in future Group No first for Tel LY 48 Thanks job well done LY 51 From officers and fireman add congrat to job well done, both you and your wife. LY 51 Rene Thanks for assist to me by you and Mrs Barrie LY Rem Thanks and look for help when roles are reversed. LY/OX G Morn to Group Freda and I and BM Group and sad. I too approach with mixed feelings / radios beginning in the 50’s too long to remember LY/OX I took clues from transmissions. Fires along the rail line OX and LY and RC From all Hand written notes by Edna Barrie during transmission of last radio schedule of Group Communications Officer Mt Cotterill Fire Brigade Group taken by EW (Bon) Barrie from Headquarters at 19 First Avenue Melton South. 1967 – 1978.Edna Barrie's copy of the procedure booklet, issued by Country Fire Authority emergency services

David McKenzie obituary, Romsey Examiner 1928 Another of Australia’s very old pioneers in the person of Mr McKenzie, passed away last weekend at his daughters residence At regent at the ripe old age of 92 years ( he would be 93 in November) Born at Berwick of Tweed Scotland, the late Mr McKenzie arrived in Australia with two of his uncles in 1855 by the ship “Red Jacket”. A stone- mason by trade he worked about Melbourne and at Geelong until attack by “gold fever” but met with no success at this venture so he returned to his trade, arriving at Melton about 1860. There he married and settles for about 20 years. In 1880 the Cherokee Heights with its subdivision was famous and Mr McKenzie moved there with his daughter. He continues in his trade, his work extending to Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, and Springfield and other places, where to this day, may be seen monuments of his skill and through tradesmanship as a mason. During his residence in the Mount, he took a keen interest in all the affairs of Kerrie and Cherokee, and he was a familiar figure at all the public gatherings at which he nearly always filled the position of Chairman, because of outstanding qualifications. He was a man of those sterling qualities possessed by those men who laid the foundation of this country so well and truly. Loyal, broad of vision, just in thought and deed, honourable to the extreme in all dealings, fearless in the cause of right, a lover of home and family, and ready to lend a hand to all progressive movements. To the memory of those grand men the youth of today should lift their hats in reverence. Mr McKenzie was a prolific reader of educational works, and the wonderful knowledge he retained upon a variety of subjects was a source joy to those who associated with him. His wife predeceased him by 43 years ago soon after arrival in Cherokee. A Pioneer of Melton There are probably some residents left at Melton and Bacchus Marsh who will remember the late Mr McKenzie, one of them has written as follows:- I knew the late Mr. McKenzie since I was a little boy – over 50 years ago- and no better man ever lived than he, he was a good man from every point of view. The late Mr McKenzie was born on the November 25th, 1835 at Montrose, Scotland. He came to Australia in 1853 and resided for a time with his uncle the late Mr. Gibson on the Kororoit Creek near Melton. A few years later he settled in Melton. In 1861 he was married to Miss Mary Buchanan, the eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Buchanan, one of the early settlers of Melton. Deceased resided on the main road to Bacchus Marsh one mile from Melton. He was a stone- mason by trade, and some fine buildings in Melton and surrounding districts to this day, stand to his credit. He built the Presbyterian Church Melton. The old school, the Shire Hall, many private dwellings and numerous bridges. He was highly respected, as he was well known for the good work he put into all he had to do with. He also took numerous contracts in the Melton Shire, and was also employed by the Shire as Clerk of Works. He was a most conscious man. In his day he took a prominent part in all public affairs, and was a leading spirit in the old school Board. He was one of the pioneers of the Melton Rechabite Tent. He was one of the earliest workers and supporters of the Melton Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder, and for a great number of years, its Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher. He also lead the singing for many years before the days of the organ, as he had a splendid voice, and could sing his old Scotch songs and hymns up to within six months of his death. For the past five years he has resided with one of his daughters at north Preston, where he died. He had good health up to within six months of his death and could well remember all the early happenings at Melton and surrounding districts. There are five daughters and one living son:- Margaret Mrs. Walter Wyatt Twose of Burnley Elizabeth Mrs George Shebler of Brunswick Georgina Mrs Jack Sinclair Isabel Mrs H Knight of North Preston Jane Mrs William Gibson of Warragul John W. of Fremantle - Western Australia Letter from Margaret to the Melton Presbyterian Churchchurches, local architecture

The Practice of Divine Love; Being an exposition upon the Church Catechism: to which are added directions for prayer.Green cloth-bound hardcover book, embossed decoration to front and back covers. Cover totally detached from body, tear to spine. Foxing throughout. 140 pp. Fair condition.On 2nd flyleaf, 'Mrs. Hanniford/With Walter's, Best and/Kindest Wishes/May 25, 1859'.religion, mrs. hanniford

Small blue softcover book, Hamilton's Celebrated Dictionary comprising an explanation of 3,500 Italian, French, German, English, and other musical terms, phrases and abbreviations. It has an Appendix at the back as well as lists of books for merchants and shoppers of musical items.173p. plus 11 pages of suggested musical items for sale.non-fictionA small musical dictionary of 3,500 Italian, French, German, English and other musical terms, phrases and abbreviations, also a copious list of musical characters such as are found in the works of various composers. It has an appendix consisting of a reprint of John Tinctor's First Musical Dictionary known. dictionary - musical terms, music

Murray Comrie Collection. A telegram sent from R. Tyler in Tarnagulla to Mrs Tyler at Union Tavern St. Arnaud on 8th September 1872. Reads: "Arrived Safe half past seven. Hope alls well."tarnagulla, post office, telegrams, travel, family, st arnaud

1912 Dorothy Wilms is now Mrs. C.H. AdamsonWhite Winston China baby plate, with poem and drawings of individuals mentioned in the poem."Ding Dong Dell Pussy's in the well Who put her in? Little Johnny Green Who pulled her out? Little Johnny Stout."baby plates

An unsuccessful attempt was made to set up a silkworm industry at Mt Alexander, to be an occupation for ladies of the district as well as to introduce the silk industry to Victoria. An attempt by women to enter the business world was beaten by difficulties: (1). Road access to the property (2). Heavy frost damage to mulberry plants. (3). Disease of silkworms. (4). Lack of quantity of leaves. (5) drought and rabbits. Experiments proved silk harvested and woven was superior to overseas products, but the venture was defeated by the climate and the surviving trees were relocated to Corowa NSWA relic of the far-sighted venture by the Victorian Ladies Sericulture Co, promoted by the charismatic Mrs Bladen Neill , who was anxious to generate employment opportunities for women..A dead branch from a mulberry tree grown at Sericulture Farm, Mt Alexander, in the early 1870s. This long limb's bark has cracked with age, forming a pattern of brown cracks. Remnants of smaller branch axilla are clearly visible. An inscription on paper is pasted around the branchTyped: "Part of a limb of a mulberry tree from the Sericulture Farm on Mt Alexander which was started by Mrs Bladen-Neill in early 1870s, finally closing in 1878. Mrs Bladen-Neill died in September 1884 at the residence of Dr Barker, Melbourne" "Courtesy of Keith Henderson, Harcourt"

This item was donated to Wodonga Historical Society by the artist, Betty L. Barberis. Betty Barberis nee Barton was one of 12 children born to Roderick Barton and Myrtle Ann Hore of Gundowring in the Kiewa Valley. She was born in 1927 and attended Upper Gundowring Primary School. Betty was encouraged to enter a project for the "Young Farmers" by illustrating a book. She won first prize for Victoria and the book was exhibited at the Royal Melbourne Show. This resulted in Betty attaining a Manual Art Teacher's Studentship which she completed at Wangaratta Technical School. Here she learned many new skills ranging from garment design to ceramics. She also attended Melbourne Teachers College. Betty created many decorative banners, the first being for the Australian section of the World Scout Jamboree in 1948. Over her long career she was to create many other banners and commissioned work for significant organisations and institutions . Betty’s great body of work included landscapes, millinery, ceramics, and a bronze sculpture of her husband Vern Barberis who was a fellow schoolteacher and represented Australia as a weightlifter, winning a bronze medal at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. She also illustrated several books and had exhibitions in many galleries including in Albury. Betty passed away at The Grange, Wodonga on 26 November 2013. The 1981 Rotary International Pacific Region Conference was held in the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne, between 26 and 29 November 1981. More than 5,000 Rotarians from around the Pacific attended the conference in Melbourne to discuss 'The Future of the Pacific Region'. Speakers included the Honourable Malcolm Fraser, Rotary International President Stan McCaffrey, President Elect Horoji Mukasa, Ranald McDonald, representing the media, Sir Ian McLennan, representing industry, Japanese former Ambassador Nobuhiko Ushiba and Philippines Deputy Consul General Mrs Minerva Falcon, both representing diplomatic services, as well as other Rotarians. A limited number of plaques were produced from quality imported porcelain.This item represents a major event held in Melbourne for Rotary International and is also the work of a prominent artist from the Wodonga district.2 ceramic plaques designed by Betty Barberis for the emblem of the 198T Rotary International Pacific Region Conference held in Melbourne in 1981. The plaque bears the Rotary emblem, slogan and other text as well as an image of a kangaroo and lyre bird.In top banner: "SERVICE - ABOVE - SELF" In central circle: "ROTARY INTERNATIONAL" around 1981 In lower banners: "PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE / MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA".betty barberis, rotary international, 1981 rotary international pacific region conference

This item is the invitation to the wedding breakfast (reception) of Grace Hamilton-Smith (née Ellwood) and John Hamilton-Smith. Grace and John married on the 31st May 1941 at the Presbyterian St David's Church in Albury. The wedding breakfast that followed was held at the Albury Hotel in Kiewa Street.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner and represents the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.A cream coloured invitation on card featuring a menu and a handwritten inscription addressed to the bride's mother, Mrs M. Ellwood. A handwritten pen inscription in the centre of the invitation addresses "Mrs M. Ellwood". wedding, marriage, dress, wedding dress, satin, 1940s, christianity, wodonga, albury, albury wodonga

John Woodland was the first President, Secretary and Engineer for the Shire of Wodonga, after it separated from the Yackandandah Shire in 1876, when the Victorian Government agreed to a ratepayers' petitions to form a new municipality.The framed photograph of John Woodland has local significance as he was the first President, Secretary and Engineer for the Shire of Wodonga when it was established in 1876. The photograph has historical significance as it is an illustration of three generations of a prominent family in Wodonga in the late 19th century in the stylised setting typical of that time. It also shows the kind of clothes and hair styles men, women and children from well-to-do familes wore.Sepia-toned photograph of John Woodland and his family in a brown wooden frame with a gold bevelled edge and grey matt board. Hand written inscription on the cardboard on the back of the frame." MrJohn Woodland / & Family / first President / Secretary / Engineer } for Wodonga Sh---" on the top of the cardboard back and above the following inscription: "Son Mr Charles Woodland & Grandson. / Daughters Mrs. R. F. Murphy, Secretary for Council for ... / years after her father's d... / Mrs. Susan Noonan"john woodland, wodonga shire, woodland family, wodonga, john woodland photographs

Pen-wipers or pen-cleaners were invented to prolong the usefulness of their pens by keeping them clean and dry between uses. This helped to prevent rusting of the nib from water-based inks. In the 1890s and 1900s, with the rise of the fountain pen, pen-cleaners remained a popular desktop accessory, since they could still be used to wipe away the excess ink from the nib and feed of a pen, once it had been refilled in an inkwell. Pen-cleaners died out in the second half of the 1900s when people started using ballpoint pens. This wiper was used by the teacher at Upper Gundowring Primary school, Victoria. The school, number 2733, opened on 13 July 1886. Due to changing demographics in the region, in 1953 the school was merged with schools from Dederang North, Kergunyah, Gundowring, Kiewa, Red Bluff, Charleroi and Gundowing North on a 10 acre site with 11 rooms at Kiewa to become Kiewa Valley Consolidated School.This item is was donated by Mrs. Betty Barberis, a well-known artist in the Wodonga district.ThIs ceramic pen wiper/ cleaner was produced to clean and maintain the nib on an ink pen. It has a blue line pattern at the base, middle and inside the rim.domestic items, writing implements, pen and ink

In a "LED HORSE" category, the horse is presented bridled and unsaddled. The handler leads the horse in clockwise direction on the circle. The horse is required to walk and trot and stand to be judged. The judge looks for correct conformation of the horse as well as ahorse that is neatly presented and in good condition. Straight movement, correctness and quality of paces and obedience of the horse are also taken into consideration. This trophy was sponsored by Manns of Wodonga. The Mann family operated a major business in Wodonga for 85 years, beginning with a produce store in February 1921. It expanded to become one of Australia’s largest regional shopping centres, with a Supermarket, Hardware Store, Steel Store, Plumbing and Industrial supplies store, at one stage employing well over 100 people. The Mann Family sold the business in 2006.This item has local significance as it records winners in equestrian events at the Wodonga Show. The award was also presented by a prominent citizen of Wodonga.A wooden shield with metal plaques engraved with names and year of competition winners for the Supreme Champion Led horse at the Wodonga Show.On gold toned banner at top: "Manns of Wodonga" On bottom plate: Supreme Champion/ Led Horse of / the Wodonga Show" On smaller shields: "1976/MISS M McINTYRE/ GREEN VALLEY/CALYPSO", "1977 /MISS M McINTYRE/BIRRAHLEE LONICERA" , "1978/J. VINGE/ HILLINVIEW/BLACK PANTHER" , "1979/MRS A. WILKINSON/SWEET SUE"equestrian events wodonga show, wodonga show, supreme champion led horse, mann wodonga

Pinking shears or scissors were a valuable accessory for any professional or home dressmaker. Pinking shears have serrated edges and they leave trimmed fabric with a decorative edge as well as preventing the fabric from fraying. The words under the trademark "Marque Depose" mean trademark pending. These pinking shears were owned by Mrs. Betty Sheather of Gordon Street, Wodonga, Victoria. Betty was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Fletcher. Her father had many jobs including carriage cleaner with Victoria Railways at Wodonga and her mother was at House Creek State School No. 2266. Betty worked in Arnold's Store, the store of Costelloe & Smith as well as the Bethanga Park homestead as well as Drummonds at Walwa and the Hotel at Ebden. As a younger woman she lived with the Whan family at Stonleigh which was then a rope factory.Betty was a keen golfer and belonged to a club which played at the Wodonga Racecourse and was a member of the Bandiana Golf Club. These shears were owned by a well-known member of Wodonga and were representative of dressmaking implements used in the mid 1900s.Large vintage Comete Pinking Shears / zigzag scissors produced in Italy from metal alloy.On outer side of blade : NINCI COMETE 1948. Beside central hinge in ring shape: COMETE/ITALY/NINCI/ MARQUE DEPOSE.pinking shears, dressmaking

This unusual jewellery set belonged to the family of Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It is part of an extensive collection of jewellery items which belonged primarily to her mother and grandmother.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A set of 40 closed loops forming a chain and featuring a locket like pendant. This item is made from a light material similar to tortoise shell. The central pendant has been carved with a cross and a criss-cross pattern as well as initials and a date. It is held together with a metal pin which is probably not part of the original piece.On central pendant front: "AMM" on reverse side: "14 Jan 1883"fashion accessory, women's jewellery

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Railway Commissioner Harold Clapp and Mrs. Clapp ready to leave Albury on the "Spirit of Progress" in 1938. The Driver is George Lynch Snr. and the Fireman is E. Finley. Sir Harold Winthrop Clapp (7 May 1875 – 21 October 1952) was a transport administrator with the Victorian Railways who over the course of 30 years revolutionised the railways in Victoria. Clapp introduced faster services and more powerful locomotives, supported the farming sector and presented a report on standardising rail gauges which then led to a uniform rail gauge across capital cities. His most well-known project was the upgrade of the Sydney Limited service into the all-steel, all-air-conditioned, non-stop, high-speed express streamliner, Spirit of Progress which was launched on 17 November 1937. Clapp became Chairman of Commissioners of Victorian Railways in 1920 and remained Chairman until his retirement in 1951. Harold W Clapp was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1941 in recognition of his contribution to public service.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, s class locomotive