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Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Letter Opener, Ivory Carved, Early 20th century
No specific information is available on this item. Household items made of ivory were common in the early 20th century and were often brought back to Australia from people returning from an overseas trip. Many of these types of items came from Asia. Letter openers are still is use today.This item is of interest as an example of the use of ivory in household items early in the 20th century. This use of ivory is in the main illegal today.This is a letter opener made of ivory. It has a plain blade with a rounded highly decorated handle. The decoration consists mainly of punched holes in geometrical patterns. The top has a hole for hanging up the item. There is a small split in the ivory in the middle of the handle. letter opener, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Facts worth knowing, 1890
This book belonged to Con O’Mahony (1863-1920). He was a lawyer practising in Warrnambool in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born in Sandhurst (Bendigo) and studied at Melbourne University. In 1883 he won the University of Melbourne Bowen Prize for his essay entitled ‘The Federation of the Australian Colonies’. The Warrnambool and District Historical Society has a set of books on the lives of the British Chancellors which was given to Con O’Mahony for winning the Bowen Prize. This book is of considerable interest because it belonged to Con O’Mahony, a prominent Warrnambool lawyer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is also a book of strong antiquarian interest. This is a hard cover book of 878 pages. It has a dark red cover with red lettering on a gold background on the front cover and gold lettering on the spine. There are 250 illustrations scattered throughout the text. The cover is somewhat scuffed, especially at the edges. The inscription in handwritten in pencil. ‘C.O’Mahony, 13.9.93,WBool’ con o’mahony -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Lucid intervals by Walter Murdoch, 1936
These essays have been written by Walter Murdoch, a distinguished Australian academic and essayist. Murdoch (1874-1970) gained an Arts Degree at the University of Melbourne, with first class honours in philosophy and logic. In 1901 he came to Warrnambool, going into partnership with James Scott as proprietors of a private school, Warrnambool College. They bought out Warrnambool Grammar School, previously run by John Stanley. When Scott retired Murdoch became the sole proprietor and headmaster. While in Warrnambool Murdoch continued to write for Melbourne newspapers and published a book, ‘The Struggle for Freedom’ which covers English and Australian constitutional history. This book sold 10,000 copies in its first year. In 1904 Murdoch left Warrnambool to take up a lecturing position in English at the University of Melbourne. He went on to become the foundation Professor of English at the University of Western Australia and later its Chancellor. Murdoch University in Western Australia is named after him. Murdoch became a household name in Australia through his radio broadcasts and syndicated articles and literary columns in several Australian newspapers. During his lifetime Murdoch published over 40 works and he was knighted in 1964. This book is of interest as one written by Walter Murdoch who not only is important in Australian literature and academic circles but also has his place in Warrnambool’s history. This is a hard cover book of 209 pages. The cover is green with black printing and has an image of a quill outlined in black. The spine is much faded. The book contains a Preface and 28 short essays. The inside cover and the edges of the pages are stained. walter murdoch, warrnambool college (early 20th century), history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Steadfast A commentery by Walter Murdoch, 1941
... short essays containing thoughts concerning Australia... Australia in the early years of World War Two. Steadfast ...This book has been written by Walter Murdoch, the distinguished Australian academic and essayist. Walter Murdoch (1874-1970) gained an Arts Degree at the University of Melbourne with first class honours in philosophy and logic. In 1901 Murdoch came to Warrnambool in partnership with James Scott as co-proprietors of the private school, Warrnambool College. They bought out the Warrnambool Grammar School previously run by John Stanley and, when Scott retired, Murdoch became the sole proprietor and headmaster of the school. While he was in Warrnambool Murdoch continued to write for Melbourne newspapers and published a book, ‘The Struggle For Freedom’, covering the constitutional history of Britain and Australia. This book sold 10,000 copies in its first year. In 1904 Murdoch left Warrnambool to take up a position as a lecturer in English at the University of Melbourne. Later he became the foundation Professor of English at the University of Western Australia and later its Chancellor. Murdoch University in Western Australia is named after him. Murdoch became a household name to two generations of Australians through his radio broadcasts and his literary columns in several Australian newspapers. He published over 40 books and was knighted in 1964. This book is of interest as an example of the writings of Walter Murdoch, important not only in the history of Australian literature but also of note in the history of Warrnambool. This is a hard cover book of 195 pages. The cover is orange with red lettering and an image of a mountain (on an island?). The spine is a little faded. The book contains a Preface and 21 short essays containing thoughts concerning Australia in the early years of World War Two. walter murdoch, history of warrnambool, warrnambool college (early 20th century) -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Lives of the Chancellors Vol 1-10, 1868
This set of books was given to Cornelius (Con) O’Mahony in 1883 when he won the Bowen Prize Essay Competition awarded by the University of Melbourne. The Bowen Prize was established in 1874 by the Governor of Victoria, Sir George Bowen. This was then awarded annually to the person who was a student or ex-student of the University of Melbourne who wrote the best essay on matters relating to British and British Empire history or literature. Con O’Mahony’s essay was on the Federation of the Australian Colonies. Con O’Mahony, born in Bendigo, studied at Melbourne University in the early 1880s. He was a lawyer in Kepler Street, Warrnambool from the late 1880s to his death in 1920, firstly in partnership with E. Klingender and later operating under the name of O’Mahony and Murray. These books are most important because: 1. They are a very attractive set of books with considerable antiquarian value. 2. They were given as the prize for winning the 1883 Bowen Prize at Melbourne University – a prestigious award still today. 3. They were given for a prize-winning essay on the advantages of Federation in Australia. The essay was written 17 years before Federation and so they forms an interesting part of the Australia-wide campaign for Federation. 4. The prize books were awarded to Con O’Mahony who played his part in Warrnambool’s late 19th century and early 20th century history as a prominent lawyer in the town for over 30 years.These ten volumes of books have hard covers in a dark red colour with a gold leather spine and leather reinforcements on the edges of the front and back covers. The front cover has an embossed gold emblem of the University of Melbourne and the spine has ornamental gold, black and red patterning and gold lettering. The insides of the cover have blue, red and orange mottled patterning and this is repeated on the edging of the pages. There are approximately 400 pages in each volume. A typed page on the Bowen Prize is inserted in the front of the first volume and the inscription on every volume is handwritten in black ink. The covers are a little scuffed and slightly torn in some volumes. Volume 1: ‘Con O’Mahony Sandhurst Mch 1883’ Volumes 11, 111, 1V, V, V1, V111, 1X, X: ‘Con O’Mahony Sandhurst 2 July 1883’ Volume V11: ‘Con O’Mahony Sandhurst 1883’ con o’mahony, bowen prize, history of warrnambool, federation movement in australia -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, The New University of Melb - Bowen Prise Essay 1883, 1914
The essay pasted into this booklet was originally produced in a newspaper (name unknown). The original essay was written by Cornelius (Con) O’Mahony and in 1883 it won the Bowen Prize Essay Competition for the best essay written by a student or past student of the University of Melbourne. The Bowen Prize was established in 1874 by the Governor of Victoria, Sir George Bowen, and was awarded annually thereafter. It is still awarded today. Con O’Mahony was a lawyer in Kepler Street, Warrnambool from the 1880s to 1920, initially in partnership with E.W. Klingender and later operating under the name of O’Mahony and Murray. He was born in Bendigo in 1863 and studied at Melbourne University in the early 1880s. O’Mahony received a set of ten books, Lives of the Chancellors, for winning the Bowen Prize and this set of books is in the collection of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society today. This essay, although only a typed copy, is important because it is a prime example of the 19th century positive writings on the need for Federation in Australia and so it played its part in promoting the cause of the Federation movement. It was written 17 years before Federation came into being by Con O’Mahony, a person who also played a part in Warrnambool’s history as a prominent lawyer in the town for over 30 years. This is a soft cover booklet of 24 pages. The cover is brown with black print and has handwritten material written over the original printing on the front cover. The booklet, originally an insurance booklet, has a stamp and typed material (a Federation essay) cut out and pasted onto 17 of the original pages. The booklet was originally stapled but the staples have been removed. The cover is partly torn and detached from the pages. The first couple of pages have silverfish damage. ‘Apr 22 1914’ ‘The University of Melbourne, Bowen Prize Essay 1883 won by C. O’Mahony’ con o’ mahony, bowen prize, history of warrnambool, federation campaign in australia -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, New Testament : Harry Rogers, Early 20th century
This New Testament was given to Private Henry Havelock Rogers (1895-1917), the son of Joseph and Ellen Rogers of Warrnambool. He left Australia on 4th April 1916 as a member of the 14th Battalion (17 Reinforcement Group) and died in France on 12th April 1917 as a result of wounds. The cousins named were the three older children of Arthur and Agnes Rogers, also of Warrnambool. Joseph and Arthur Rogers were brothers. The New Testament was found at the MacDonald Street, South Warrnambool home of Bill Rogers (part of his deceased estate). Bill Rogers was also a child of Arthur and Agnes Rogers but was not born until the early 1920s. This New Testament has a particular poignancy as a gift to a World War One Warrnambool soldier who was killed in the war in 1917. This is a leather-covered book of 612 pages. The cover extends over the edges of the pages and the pages are gilt-edged. There is a colour plate at the beginning of the text. There is a handwritten inscription in black ink on the second page of the book. The pages have a blue ribbon marker encased in the binding. ‘To Dear Harry from His Loving Cousins, Rita, Alfie and Charlie Rogers, 27/3/16’ henry rogers, bill rogers, rita, alfie and charlie rogers, world war one, warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, One of the best medical books in the world, 1844
This book, an Irish spelling book with a strong religious tone, is in a very tattered state but has the name ‘Freckleton’ on it and it may have come with the first Freckleton immigrants to Australia. In the 19th century there were Freckleton families in the Warrnambool district at Port Fairy, Cooramook, Mailors Flat, Woolsthorpe, Woodford and Wangoom. The provenance of this book is unclear but it is kept because of its early printing (1844) and because of its association with the Freckleton families. This is a soft cover book of 240 pages. The cloth cover is brown with no visible markings on the front cover or spine. The pages are bound together with string and the material on the spine is almost worn away. Some of the pages are torn and very dirty and all are dog-eared. There is a grey and white illustration on the first page. The inscriptions on the first and second pages, barely legible, are handwritten in pencil and in black ink. ‘W. Freckleton, landed (?) 1857….1875….1888’ ‘…May landeth….’ freckleton families,, western district, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, The Dublin spelling book, 1844
This book, an Irish spelling book with a strong religious tone, is in a very tattered state but has the name ‘Freckleton’ on it and it may have come with the first Freckleton immigrants to Australia. In the 19th century there were Freckleton families in the Warrnambool district at Port Fairy, Cooramook, Mailors Flat, Woolsthorpe, Woodford and Wangoom. The provenance of this book is unclear but it is kept because of its early printing (1844) and because of its association with the Freckleton families. This is a soft cover book of 240 pages. The cloth cover is brown with no visible markings on the front cover or spine. The pages are bound together with string and the material on the spine is almost worn away. Some of the pages are torn and very dirty and all are dog-eared. There is a grey and white illustration on the first page. The inscriptions on the first and second pages, barely legible, are handwritten in pencil and in black ink. ‘W. Freckleton, landed (?) 1857….1875….1888’ ‘…May landeth….’ freckleton families, western district, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Language of the Aborigines of the colony of Victoria, 1859
This is the second edition of a book published originally in 1851. It is an early work concerned with the recording of aboriginal languages and was published in Geelong. The author, Daniel Bunce (1813-1872) was a botanist who went on journeys with aborigines in Victoria in 1839 and later in 1846 joined Ludwig Leichhardt’s second expedition in his attempt to cross Australia from east to west. This was unsuccessful. Bunce’s experiences in 1839 and in 1846 enabled him to write his book on aboriginal languages. In 1858 Bunce became the Director of the Geelong Botanic Gardens and designed and planted out the gardens. No information has been found on Noel Hallowill. This book is of antiquarian interest as an early dictionary of aboriginal languages and as a book written by the botanist, Daniel Bunce. This is a hard cover book of 60 pages. The cover is yellow with black lettering. There is an ornamental border around the printing. There are two blue stamps of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society on the front cover and on the first page. The book is bound with brown tape. The book has a Preface, an Introduction and sections on the aboriginal languages in areas of Victoria and beyond. A copy of a letter from the explorer, Ludwig Leichhardt, is included at the end of the book. Stamp of ‘Noel Hallowill’ (name unclear) daniel bunce, aboriginal languages, ludwig leichhardt -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Documents, Henry Parrington, 1896
These documents relate to the proposed 1896 sale of a legal practice by Henry Parrington, a solicitor from Warrnambool, to Samuel Backhouse, a lawyer from Melbourne and his brother, a Terang lawyer. The draft indenture papers were drawn up but, after some weeks of negotiations, Henry Parrington withdrew from the sale. He was then sued by Samuel Backhouse for breach of contract. The outcome of this case is not known but Parrington continued his practice in Warrnambool. Henry Roberts Parrington qualified as a lawyer in England in 1873 and worked as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand from 1876 to 1886. He then came to Australia and worked for the legal firm of Messrs Higgins in Geelong and for Bayly and Higgins in Warrnambool. The business in Kepler Street, Warrnambool later became known as Higgins and Parrington and, in 1900, as Parrington and Tait (partner John Sym Tait). When John Tait retired in 1901 Henry Parrington was the sole proprietor of the practice. He died in 1926 in Melbourne. These documents have some significance as they relate to Henry Parrington’s legal career. He was a prominent lawyer in Warrnambool in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.This material is in three sections:- .1 Eleven pages of handwritten material on blue paper (draft indenture document). The last page is blank and the front section has the red stamp of the Melbourne firm of Backhouse and Mellor. The front page is stained and there is a hole punched through the document at the top left hand corner. .2 Twelve handwritten letters – correspondence between Henry Parrington and Samuel Backhouse. These are on white paper and are a little crumpled and stained. .3 Twelve typed letters (typed from the handwritten letters noted above). Several of the pages have corrections in black ink or pencil.henry parrington, samuel backhouse, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Documents, Henry Parrington, 1880s
These are personal documents that belonged to Henry Roberts Parrington. They include statements regarding his preliminary and final examinations that qualified him as a lawyer in England (1867, 1873), annual certificates of registration as a lawyer in New Zealand (1876-1886), personal affidavits presented to the Supreme Court of Victoria and permission to practise as a lawyer in Victoria (1886). Henry Roberts Parrington qualified as a lawyer in England in 1873 and worked as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand from 1876 to 1886. He then came to Australia and worked for the legal firm of Messrs Higgins in Geelong and Bayly and Higgins in Warrnambool. The business in Kepler Street, Warrnambool later became known as Higgins and Parrington and, in 1900, as Parrington and Tait (partner John Sym Tait). When John Tait retired in 1901 Henry Parrington was the sole proprietor of the practice. He died in Melbourne in 1926. These documents have some significance as they are original papers documenting Henry Parrington’s early years as a lawyer. He was a prominent lawyer in Warrnambool in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These sixteen paper documents relate to the lawyer, Henry Roberts Parrington. They are all original documents from England, New Zealand and Australia (Victoria). Most have printed material on them. All have statements and information handwritten in black ink and many have stamps relating to the country concerned. Some are foolscap size and are printed on blue paper. Others are quarto and envelope size. All have some staining and are crinkled where they have been folded. henry roberts parrington, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Documents, Parrington, 1896-1897
These documents concern the 19th century proposed sale of the legal practice of Henry Parrington of Warrnambool to Samuel Backhouse of Collins Street, Melbourne. Samuel Backhouse came to Warrnambool to inspect the Parrington practice and offered £750 for the practice. The offer was accepted and the contract for the sale was drawn up. Henry Parrington then withdrew from the sale and was sued by Backhouse for breach of contract. Backhouse was wanting £150 compensation. The outcome of this case is not known. Henry Roberts Parrington qualified as a lawyer in England in 1873 and worked as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand from 1876 to 1886. He then came to Australia and worked for the legal firm of Messrs Higgins in Geelong and for Bayly and Higgins in Warrnambool. The business in Kepler Street, Warrnambool later became known as Higgins and Parrington and, in 1900, as Parrington and Tait (partner John Sym Tait). When John Tait retired in 1901 Henry Parrington was the sole proprietor of the practice. He died in Melbourne in 1926. These documents are of considerable interest as they outline an episode in the life of Henry Parrington, a well-known lawyer in Warrnambool in the late 19th century and the early 20th century. These are eleven documents pertaining to the Warrnambool lawyer, Henry Parrington. There are four single-sheet letters – two have blue typing and two have handwritten material in black ink. There is one telegram with both printed and handwritten material and a Post Office stamp. There are two envelopes which have been sent by mail and which have mauve Victorian twopenny stamps. These envelopes are torn at the top. These envelopes contain letters which have printed material at the top of the sheets and handwritten material in black ink. samuel backhouse, henry parrington, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Bottle, James Barnes Chemist, Early 1920s
This bottle was used in the pharmacy of James Barnes in Minyip and Horsham and possibly also in Warrnambool as the bottle was found in this city. Born in England, James Barnes came to Australia in 1873. He was a chemist and veterinary surgeon in Creswick, Minyip and Horsham before coming to Warrnambool about 1926. He purchased the pharmacy of Dougall and Easton at 102 Liebig Street which had been leased to Leonard Eason in the early 1920s. Barnes called this business the Manuka Pharmacy. The chemist he brought in to manage the business, Len Suggett, eventually bought the business. Barnes died in 1939. His son Ralph also had a pharmacy business in Warrnambool in the 1920s. Although this bottle does not have the name ‘Warrnambool’ on it, it is likely that James Barnes used the bottle in his Warrnambool pharmacy. It is, therefore, of considerable interest as it is one of the few pieces of James Barnes’ mementoes found so far. James and Ralph Barnes were prominent chemists in Warrnambool in the 20th century. This is a glass bottle with a rectangular body with curved edges, a circular-shaped neck and a round moulded top. There is no stopper and the top has a small chip in the glass. The front of the bottle is embossed with the name of the chemist and the outline of a shield with the chemist’s initials. The bottle is empty and the inside of the bottle is discoloured from the original contents. ‘J.B.’ ‘James Barnes Chemist Minyip & Horsham’ On Base: ‘M’ chemists in warrnambool, history of warrnambool, james barnes,, warrnambool chemist -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Artefact, Shaving Razor, Early 20th century
This razor is made by Joseph Rodgers of Sheffield, England. This business existed from 1682 to 1975. It would have been a common-place item in households in Australia in the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century up to the widespread use of shavers containing razor blades and the advent of electric shavers. This razor has no known local provenance but is retained as an example of the type of razor in use in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It will be useful for display. .1 This is a razor, much rusted but still very sharp, which fits into a bean-shaped cover which is made of bone. The blade has the maker’s name on it. The cover has two screws. .2 The container is made of thickened cardboard in two parts and has an inner covering, also made of cloth and cardboard. The top part of the container may not the original one for this razor. The bottom end of the container is missing. The outer container is much scuffed. ‘Extra Ground Hollow’ “Joseph Rodgers Clun St. Sheffield’ social history, history of warrnambool, razor -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
China, Cup & Saucer, Eary 20th century
This is a porridge set which probably dates from the early years of the 20th century. Porridge bowls and cups were particularly popular in Scotland at that time and would have been used in households in Australia throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. These items have no known local provenance but are of interest as an example of the household china that was in use 100 years ago and was still being used for many decades after that time. They are attractive items and will be useful for display. These two items are a large cup and saucer made of china and used for porridge. The cup has colour floral and leaf scroll decorations inside the top rim, a piece of verse extolling the farmer and surrounded by black and white patterns, including farming implements, on one side of the cup and coloured farming implements in circles with the same verses in larger circles with a colour wheat sheaf in the centre on the other side of the cup. The saucer, more in the shape of a soup bowl, has the same colour floral and leaf decorations around the rim and the same farming patterns and verses in the centre. The handle has a black and white floral decoration The maker’s mark and name are on the bottom of the cup and saucer. ‘In God is Our Trust’ ‘The Farmers Arms’ history of warrnambool, porridge bowls -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Artefact, Model of Church, C1900
This model of St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Warrnambool was made by Johan Carl August Landmann (1826-1920). August Landmann and his wife, Christina came from Silesia to Australia in 1854. They settled in Warrnambool where August made a living as a carpenter and joiner. At first he rented shops in Timor Street and then built a two-storeyed shop and residence in Henna Street. Landmann built many of the early commercial buildings and residences in Warrnambool and he and his family were associated with the management of the Warrnambool Western Brewery. When he retired in 1900 he built another residence in Mickle Street and it was at that time that it is believed he made the model of the Presbyterian Church and the model of the Ozone Hotel (which is in the Warrnambool Art Gallery today). St. John’s Presbyterian Church, designed by Andrew Kerr, was built in the English Gothic style and opened in 1875. It was destroyed by fire in 1920 but was rebuilt to a similar style. This model is of great significance for two reasons: 1. It was made by a prominent early Warrnambool carpenter and joiner, Johan Carl August Landmann. 2. It is the only known model of the Warrnambool St. John’s Presbyterian Church which was destroyed by fire in 1920.This model is on a wooden stand or base which is painted black with metal screws. The edging of the stand contains straw which is now brown but was originally green to resemble grass or lawn. The church is a wooden structure (hollow inside) with some sections painted to resemble sandstone. The roof is slanted and painted grey and has six dormer windows or ventilation pieces on each side. The main body of the church has a nave with dual arched windows, the west end has dual arched windows and a door with louvre ventilation and the east end has a door and dual arched windows and two conical-shaped finials. The windows, some of which are triangular, have frosted decorated glass. Some of the glass in the windows is missing. The main tower is square-shaped with four conical-shaped finials. The upper part has four sets of louvres and two arched windows. The centre and lower sections have rosette patterns and several sets of dual arched windows with frosted decorated glass panels. The north east corner has a smaller tower.johan carl august landmann, st. john’s presbyterian church, warrnambool, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Artefact, Pipes x 4, Mid 20th century
These pipes came from the Warrnambool firm of Peter Hand Tobacco Company Pty Ltd and were typical of the pipes sold by that firm. The Peter Hand Tobacco Company commenced in 1958 and was a wholesale distributor of tobacco and cigarettes throughout the Western District until early in the 21st century when tobacco smoking was no longer a widespread habit in any community in Australia. The retail shop was at 97 Liebig Street Warrnambool. These pipes are of interest as they came from the Peter Hand Tobacco Company, a prominent business in Warrnambool for 50 years. They are also a memento of the times when pipe-smoking amongst men was prevalent. These are briar pipes with black Bakelite mouth pieces. All appear to be unused. .1 A brown briar pipe with an indented pattern .2 A brown briar pipe with a polished wood .3 A light brown briar pipe with a mottled pattern finish .4 A brown briar pipe with a smooth polished finish1 ‘Seville Special’ .2 ‘Real Briar’ .3 ‘Nording Danmark N 118’ .4 ‘Vavrs VZ’ (?) peter hand tobacco company (warrnambool), history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Musical Instrument, Edison Phonograph, 1905
The phonograph is a mechanical device for the recording and reproduction of sound and originally used a tinfoil sheet wrapped around a rotating cylinder to produce the sound. It was invented by Thomas Edison of U.S.A. in 1877 and was the model for all phonographs or gramophones made and developed throughout the 20th century. This machine is of particular interest to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society as it is an Edison phonograph and an earlier model of this phonograph was used in Warrnambool late in the 19th century to make an important recording. In 1896 Thomas Rome, an employee in a Warrnambool boot and shoe shop, purchased an Edison phonograph that could both play and record sounds. At the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7 visitors to the Exhibition paid a fee to listen to music on this phonograph. But Rome also recorded some local Warrnambool people singing and speaking and these recordings survive today. They are regarded as the oldest surviving recordings made in Australia. Thomas Rome later became a shoe shop proprietor in Warrnambool and was a well-known person in the town/city for a great number of years. This is an Edison Gem Phonograph. It has a black-painted wooden base, now detached from the main mechanism. The phonograph is made of metal which is now heavily rusted. It has a cylindrical turntable for playing the Edison cylindrical records and a handle with a wooden knob. The turning mechanism and belt are now broken. The name of the manufacturer and details of the patents are on a metal plate attached to the side of the phonograph. The amplifier mechanism at the top of the machine is missing. The cover of the machine is made of wood and has a wooden handle attached with a piece of metal and two metal screws. There are also two metal screws on the side of the cover. The cover has a slot on the side to allow the turning handle to be accommodated outside of the cover. The cover is much stained and spotted. ‘Edison Gem Phonograph’ thomas edison, history of sound recordings, thomas rome (warrnambool) -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Picturesque Pursuits, 2005
This is a book written by Caroline Jordan about colonial women artists in Australia. It gives information on women artists whose achievements have been discounted in the past because they were labelled ‘amateurs’. This book is of interest because it provides information on colonial women artists and has important background details that will be useful to those studying early women artists in other towns and districts. The author visited Warrnambool as part of her study of early women artists. This is a hard cover book of 224 pages. It contains sections on Acknowledgements, Prologue, five chapters, Epilogue, Abbreviations, Notes, Bibliography, Sources of Illustrations and Index. The cover is cream-coloured with gold lettering and the dust cover has a grey background with a colour image of an artist’s work on the front cover and a colour image of a woman on the back cover. The book has many black and white and colour illustrations. women artists in australia, caroline jordan -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Artefact, Shillelagh, Early 20th century
This walking stick or club is of a heavy quality and could be classified as an Irish shillelagh, although it lacks the heavy curved knob at the top that characterizes the shillelagh. It does not seem typical of the walking sticks used in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries although it appears to date from those times. It may have come from an overseas country.This walking stick has no known local provenance but it is an interesting item and is kept as a curio from the past.This is a piece of black wood (blackthorn?) shaped from a gnarled and knotted piece of wood to make a rough, curved shape. The shaft is rounded at the top and tapering to a smaller round shape at the bottom. The top has a brass-coloured metal band.walking sticks, household items, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, The Road to Laurel-Dale, 2014
This book by Heather Cook and Tania Shalders contains the family histories of the Bennett, Buck and Guinea families of Laang and south west Victoria. It celebrates 160 years since Elizabeth Guinea nee Redpath left her home in Ireland in 1854 and came to Australia. Laang is eight kilometres from Garvoc and ten kilometres from Panmure. This book is of interest as it gives family history details of those early pioneers from Laang and surrounding districts. It includes a chronological history of the settlement of Laang and will be very useful for researchers as many of the descendants of these families settled in Warrnambool or nearby. This is a soft cover book of 340 pages. It has a grey cover with a black and white sketch of a house on the front and a black and white photograph of a house on the back. There is black printing on the front and the back and the spine of the cover. The book has an introduction, acknowledgements and contents pages, information on the Bennett, Buck and Guinea families, a bibliography and an index. There are many maps, black and white photographs and illustrations and family trees. There are several blank pages at the back of the book for the inclusion of family records and information. laang, guinea families of south west victoria, bennett families of south west victoria, buck families of south west victoria, history of warrnambool -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photograph - Mount Beauty from Bogong Hill, 1950
The new State Electricity Commission construction camp at the head of the Kiewa Valley was for workmen on the second power station in the project expected to be the most modern and best equipped in Australia… In contrast to the early Kiewa days of horses and canvas tents, the new camp, with its modern amenities, compared favourably with any country town. Administration of the Kiewa Scheme was moved from Tawonga to Mount Beauty in 1946. The first house in Mount Beauty, in Hollonds Street, was occupied by the co-op store manager from November 1946. The new Mess Hall at Mt Beauty was opened with much ceremony in early November 1946. The houses up to Nelse street were erected from 1946 onward and then the township was extended beyond Nelse Street in 1950. The workmen's camp was enlarged in 1950 to the extent of providing accommodation for a total of 1,200.Shows early construction of the town of Mt. Beauty surrounded by farmland taken in 1950 during the early stages of construction of the Kiewa Hydro electric SystemBlack and white photograph - aerial view of Mt Beauty taken from Bogong Hill. Photograph framed by 6mm white boarder.Handwritten on back of photograph in black ink - Mt Beauty from Bogong Hill 1950 Printed on rear Volox 2428mt beauty, bogong hill, secv -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photograph - Mount Beauty from second gate. View down Kiewa Valley, 1950
The new State Electricity Commission construction camp at the head of the Kiewa Valley was for workmen on the second power station in the project expected to be the most modern and best equipped in Australia… In contrast to the early Kiewa days of horses and canvas tents, the new camp, with its modern amenities, compared favourably with any country town. Administration of the Kiewa Scheme was moved from Tawonga to Mount Beauty in 1946. The first house in Mount Beauty, in Hollonds Street, was occupied by the co-op store manager from November 1946. The new Mess Hall at Mt Beauty was opened with much ceremony in early November 1946. The houses up to Nelse street were erected from 1946 onward and then the township was extended beyond Nelse Street in 1950. The workmen's camp was enlarged in 1950 to the extent of providing accommodation for a total of 1,200.Shows early construction of the town of Mt. Beauty surrounded by farmland taken in 1950 during the early stages of construction of the Kiewa Hydro electric SystemBlack and white photograph - View from second gate down Kiewa Valley showing early buildings. Photograph framed by 6mm white boarderHandwritten in back of photo in blue ink - View from second gate down Kiewa Valley 1950mt beauty, kiewa valley, secv -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photograph - Mount Beauty SEC Camp and Town, 1950
The new State Electricity Commission construction camp at the head of the Kiewa Valley was for workmen on the second power station in the project expected to be the most modern and best equipped in Australia… In contrast to the early Kiewa days of horses and canvas tents, the new camp, with its modern amenities, compared favourably with any country town. Administration of the Kiewa Scheme was moved from Tawonga to Mount Beauty in 1946. The first house in Mount Beauty, in Hollonds Street, was occupied by the co-op store manager from November 1946. The new Mess Hall at Mt Beauty was opened with much ceremony in early November 1946. The houses up to Nelse street were erected from 1946 onward and then the township was extended beyond Nelse Street in 1950. The workmen's camp was enlarged in 1950 to the extent of providing accommodation for a total of 1,200.Shows early construction in the town of Mt. Beauty surrounded by hills and farmland, with Mt Bogong in the background. Photo was taken in 1950 during the early stages of construction of the Kiewa Hydro electric SystemBlack and white photograph of Mt Beauty township in 1950 showing original workers buildings. Photograph has a .5cm white border around the photo.Handwritten on back of photograph in blue ink - SEC Camp and Town Mt Beauty 1950mt beauty, secv, mt beauty workmen's camp -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photographs x 2 - 1. Mt Beauty Camp 2. Bogong Camp, Photo 1 - September 1950
Mt Beauty Camp- The new State Electricity Commission construction camp at the head of the Kiewa Valley was for workmen on the second power station in the project expected to be the most modern and best equipped in Australia… In contrast to the early Kiewa days of horses and canvas tents, the new camp, with its modern amenities, compared favourably with any country town. Administration of the Kiewa Scheme was moved from Tawonga to Mount Beauty in 1946. The first house in Mount Beauty, in Hollonds Street, was occupied by the co-op store manager from November 1946. The new Mess Hall at Mt Beauty was opened with much ceremony in early November 1946. The houses up to Nelse street were erected from 1946 onward and then the township was extended beyond Nelse Street in 1950. The workmen's camp was enlarged in 1950 to the extent of providing accommodation for a total of 1,200. Bogong Camp - In 1940 Field Headquarters for the Kiewa Scheme were established at Bogong with office, workshop facilities and accommodation for workmen, staff and some families constructed. (There had been a 'tent camp' on this site in 1939 but was destroyed by bushfires) Construction of accommodation continued until 1947. A total of 40 houses plus a hostel for single staff, post office, police station, medical centre and primary school all with water and sewerage and electricity supply. The staff hostel was known as Kiewa House and is now occupied by the Education Department. Lake Guy was named after Mr. L.T. Guy who was the Resident Engineer in charge of construction work and associated activities on the Kiewa area. He held this position from 1939 to November 1946 when he was transferred to Head Office. Both Bogong Village and Mt Beauty were developed to accommodate workmen on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme but have since become centres for tourism and a range of outdoor activities.1. Black and white photograph of Mount Beauty Camp taken in September 1950 2. Black and white photograph of Bogong Village Camp1. Written on the back in grey lead - Sept 1950. Mt Beauty Camp. HT Cooper own taking 2. Stamped on back of photograph - Copyright. Not for reproduction. Herald Sun feature Service. Melbourne Australiamt beauty camp, bogong camp, secv -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photograph - Mt Beauty Camp
The new State Electricity Commission construction camp at the head of the Kiewa Valley was for workmen on the second power station in the project expected to be the most modern and best equipped in Australia… In contrast to the early Kiewa days of horses and canvas tents, the new camp, with its modern amenities, compared favourably with any country town. Administration of the Kiewa Scheme was moved from Tawonga to Mount Beauty in 1946. The first house in Mount Beauty, in Hollonds Street, was occupied by the co-op store manager from November 1946. The new Mess Hall at Mt Beauty was opened with much ceremony in early November 1946. The houses up to Nelse street were erected from 1946 onward and then the township was extended beyond Nelse Street in 1950. The workmen's camp was enlarged in 1950 to the extent of providing accommodation for a total of 1,200.Shows early construction in the town of Mt. Beauty surrounded by hills and farmland, with a snow capped Mt Bogong in the background. Photo was taken in approximately 1950 during the early stages of construction of the Kiewa Hydro-electric SystemBlack and white photograph, mounted on corrugated cardboard. Photograph of Mt Beauty townshipHandwritten on back of photograph in blue pen - Permanent loan from Adrian Campan April 96 057-544043mt beauty camp, secv -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photograph - Kiewa River in flood at Clover Dam
As part of the push to cut electricity costs and diversify supply, the Victorian Government (circa 1930) implemented the conversion strategy from mainly brown coal supply to hydro - electricity. The Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme became the largest scheme of its kind in the State Of Victoria and the second largest scheme in Australia. Clover Dam and Power Station were built by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria as part of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme from the late 1930's to the early 1940's. This dam was constructed to supply water to feed four turbines (62 mega watts) at the West Kiewa Power Station. This was at the forefront of sustainable "Green" energy. Costs associated with power supplies is still a major incentive of governments, however environmentally friendly alternatives such as wind and nuclear have also made inroads. The Kiewa valley and its surrounding alpine catchment were looked at(Victorian State Government), from the beginning of the twentieth century as a source of alternate power for an ever-increasing demand for electricity by growing population and heavy industrial areas within Melbourne City and State regions. Construction of dams, such as Clover Dam provided the large quantity holding areas of water required to turn the turbines at the various power stations to provide the electricity needed. The impact of these controls by moderating water run-off from the alpine regions is beneficial in reducing flooding from thawing of snow on the alps. This by-product allows agriculture and grazing to be less vulnerable to seasonal flooding thereby resulting in a more stable annual production level.Black and white photograph of Clover Dam with Kiewa River in flood. .5mm white boarder on 3 sides of photo.Handwritten on back of photograph in black pen - Kiewa in flood. Clover Dam.clover dam, secv -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photograph - Clover Dam
As part of the push to cut electricity costs and diversify supply, the Victorian Government (circa 1930) implemented the conversion strategy from mainly brown coal supply to hydro - electricity. The Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme became the largest scheme of its kind in the State Of Victoria and the second largest scheme in Australia. Clover Dam and Power Station were built by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria as part of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme from the late 1930's to the early 1940's. This dam was constructed to supply water to feed four turbines (62 mega watts) at the West Kiewa Power Station. This was at the forefront of sustainable "Green" energy. Costs associated with power supplies is still a major incentive of governments, however environmentally friendly alternatives such as wind and nuclear have also made inroads. The Kiewa valley and its surrounding alpine catchment were looked at(Victorian State Government), from the beginning of the twentieth century as a source of alternate power for an ever-increasing demand for electricity by growing population and heavy industrial areas within Melbourne City and State regions. Construction of dams, such as Clover Dam provided the large quantity holding areas of water required to turn the turbines at the various power stations to provide the electricity needed. The impact of these controls by moderating water run-off from the alpine regions is beneficial in reducing flooding from thawing of snow on the alps. This by-product allows agriculture and grazing to be less vulnerable to seasonal flooding thereby resulting in a more stable annual production level.Black and white photograph of Clover Dam buildings and Kiewa River. Has a .4cm white border around photograph Printed on bottom left corner of photograph in white - Clover Flatclover dam, secv -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photographs x 2 - Clover Dam, Circa 1940's
As part of the push to cut electricity costs and diversify supply, the Victorian Government (circa 1930) implemented the conversion strategy from mainly brown coal supply to hydro - electricity. The Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme became the largest scheme of its kind in the State Of Victoria and the second largest scheme in Australia. Clover Dam and Power Station were built by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria as part of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme from the late 1930's to the early 1940's. This dam was constructed to supply water to feed four turbines (62 mega watts) at the West Kiewa Power Station. This was at the forefront of sustainable "Green" energy. Costs associated with power supplies is still a major incentive of governments, however environmentally friendly alternatives such as wind and nuclear have also made inroads. The Kiewa valley and its surrounding alpine catchment were looked at(Victorian State Government), from the beginning of the twentieth century as a source of alternate power for an ever-increasing demand for electricity by growing population and heavy industrial areas within Melbourne City and State regions. Construction of dams, such as Clover Dam provided the large quantity holding areas of water required to turn the turbines at the various power stations to provide the electricity needed. The impact of these controls by moderating water run-off from the alpine regions is beneficial in reducing flooding from thawing of snow on the alps. This by-product allows agriculture and grazing to be less vulnerable to seasonal flooding thereby resulting in a more stable annual production level. Photographs also document early engineering and building techniques used in the construction of dams and power stations during the 1940’s and 1950’s. Note the lack of safety equipment and suitable work attire worn by construction workers on the sites 1. Black and white photograph of Clover Dam under construction. Has a .5cm white border around photo 2. Black and white photograph of Clover Dam under construction showing workmen at work. Has a .5cm white border around photo Written in pencil on back of both photographs - Clover Damclover dam, secv