Portraiture from WW1, Nursing "Coloured photograph of Matron Stanbury, Jean in oval brown frame. Trained Colac Hospital, Matron Bundoora, Died August 1954, Photo donated by Jean Wilks (Marendaz) Geelong. AANS WWI, Matrons, Stanbury, Jean. Photograph on heater shelf in Nurses Rooms. Anzac House." [Former catalogued description, entry P45]Hand-coloured photography, Portraiture, Photography, PrintFramed, printed photograph of portrait painting, subject is Matron [Jean Matilda?] Stanbury, Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS), World War 1 [Former identification number and information on the back, glass marked with tape on front, some wear & tear on frame, hinge is missing from the back, backing nailed to frame, one nail head missing]aans, ww1, world war one, world war i, world war 1, jean stanbury

Early form of home heating and because of the copper dish was considered one of the better models|Manufacturing History Museum Victoria|Commentary: Australian manufacturing history Philip Wollen|Many years ago, when I was an ambition young man, I took over a company called Hecla.|This business was formed in 1872, long before Federation was even contemplated. The company established a rich tradition in the Australian manufacturing industry. The prodigious product range included kettles, mixers, toasters, hairdryers, urns, pie warmers, bain maries, and electric blankets for the domestic and commercial market. During the war it even manufactured parts for aircraft. It was one of Melbourne's largest employers.|Hecla was one of the pioneers in TV advertising, led by icons like Bert Newton, Bobby Limb, Evie Hayes and Graham Kennedy who ad Jibbed his way through irreverent and unscripted naughtiness about Hecla electric blankets and foot warmers. The slogan was 'By Hecla, its good.'. One can imagine the fun Bert and Graham had with their double entendres.|In the 60's Hecla entered into a partnership with General Electric and expanded rapidly. The massive factory, on the corner of Alexandra Parade and Chapel Street overlooking the Yarra River was a Melbourne landmark.|The business was formed by one of the scions of Melbourne industry. Mr Marriott was a metal worker of some repute, building the lights in front of Melbourne's Parliament House, the first steam car, the sideboard at the RACY Club, and the first factory to run on electricity.|By the time I acquired the company it was a shadow of its former self, incapable of competing with cheap Chinese imports. Wandering around the warehouse late one night I discovered a large, boarded up storeroom which appeared not to have been opened in decades.|Over several months I combed through the room, unearthing a treasure trove of products from a bygone era. Dusty files, engineering drawings, wooden prototypes, patent records, and correspondence from distributors on every continent.|I decided to track down an old man, Ray, long retired after 50 years with Hecla. He was not well off financially and welcomed the paid work. It turned out that he had done his apprenticeship with the company and there wasn't much he didn't know about it. He had been personally involved in the manufacture of almost every type of product on the Hecla smorgasbord's of products.|So for over 2 years he methodically assembled a mini museum of Hecla products, painstakingly polishing them and ensuring they were in working order. He attached the original brochure of each product and their respective warranty cards. For him it was ,a labour of love. For me it was a fascinating, if vicarious journey, into Australia's manufacturing past.|My colleagues complained that I was wasting money on his salary, our time and factory space on stuff that should have been dumped years ago. I tried to explain that I was merely a steward of the Hecla tradition, not merely an owner. Besides, the look on Ray's face convinced me that there was another dynamic at work. One I could see, but didn't really understand.|After he Passed away I faced a dilemma. What to do with this 'museum' of Hecla history. Nobody was interested.|So I kept the 'stuff' in private storage, hoping that same day someone would be interested in it. And the years passed.|Finally, I had a brainwave. Perhaps the Melbourne Museum would be interested. It was a long shot but I made the call. I had a nagging suspicion that they would think I was simply trying to get them to relieve me of paying for this huge collection to be taken to the tip.|To my surprise they said they would be willing to take a look, I secretly hoped that they would take the whole collection and not leave me with an incomplete jumble of appliances that I would indeed have to take to the tip.|On the appointed day, four serious looking young people showed up. Armed with digital cameras, note books and poker faces they spent four hours analysing the goods and the supporting materials. I asked them if they had any interest and their response was decidedly non-committal. It depends on the acquisitions committee, I was told. I was disheartened and packed up the exhibits to go back into storage.|Imagine my surprise when months later they telephoned to say that they had researched the history of the company, and yes, they would like to take the whole collection. And a truck with 'handlers' would arrive the following day to pick it up. Two years ago all Hecla's archives left me forever and went to the Museum's warehouse.|Well, to my delight I received a call yesterday inviting me to a private viewing of the exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. These young historians had meticulously assembled an impressive display of Melbourne's industry and technology going back to the 1800's. They thanked me like a significant benefactor when it is I who should have thanked them.|I saw the excitement in the eyes of these young people who had somehow managed to dig out and assemble memories from Australia's past. If this is the standard of care that the curators of the Melbourne Museum show all their exhibits, our history is in safe hands.|Their meticulous work took me back to those years long ago when I saw an old man lovingly assembling and cataloging a lifetime of his work.|It took me back to the day when Australians actually made things. Long before we became a nation of quarrymen. Before we became animal-factory 'farmers'. Of a time when products didn't break down, or dumped and replaced before the warranty expired. When men like Mr Marriott cared deeply about what their hands produced.|It reminded me of the call I received from an elderly lady in Tasmania asking for the electrical element for a Hecla K7 kettle. I searched the archives and called her back. The K7 was produced decades earlier and we no longer carried that spare part. She was quite disheartened and told me her kettle had finally 'given up the ghost' and she couldn't bear to part with it. It was a present from her husband on their wedding day 45 years ago. Her final words were 'they don't make them like that, do they? By Hecla they were good.'|I'm glad I followed my instinct and put Ray back on the payroll all those years ago..|I like to think Mr Marriott would have been pleased.Pedestal radiator. Base is cast iron with three feet with rose design on each. Pedestal supports a copper spherical reflector plate which has an electrical connection box at its base. The connection box is joined to the pedestal by a screw and nut to enable the reflector to be tilted. The element is cone shaped and is in the centre of the plate. The element is protected by a wire guard.Hecla Firedomestic items, heating

A book of 54 pages including photographic images, an index and acknowledgements detailing the stories of 100 service personnel whose names are inscribed on the Albury War Memorial. non-fictionThis book was written to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Albury War Memorial on Anzac Day 2025. It reveals the real people behind the names of 100 people amongst the 234 names inscribed on the Memorial. Those recognised served their nation in the Boer War, World War I and World War II and Vietnam. The Albury War Memorial was built by Thomas Bartleson whose eldest son, John Henry Bartleson who was killed in battle in 1916 at Pozieres in France. John’s story is one of those captured in this book. albury war memorial, howard c jones, australian military

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Townsville Qld, 18/08/1968. The Prime Minister of Australia, the Right Honourable John Gorton presents an emblem of the United States Presidential Unit Citation to a next of kin of one of the Diggers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the Battle of Long Tan, 18/08/1966. Maj I.T. Stewart, the Officer Commanding D company, 6RAR looks on.photograph, 6 rar, townsville, john gorton, united states presidential distinguished unit, maj i t stewart, d coy, gibbons collection catalogue, battle of long tan, prime minister of australia j g gorton mp, diggers, killed in action, officer commanding, d company, denis gibbons

BHS CollectionPhotocopy of a Bendigo Weekly article titled Discover Bendigo by James Lerk, dated 30 June 2000. Article mentions the inrush of water into the Victoria Quartz Mine and the breakage of the cables which held the water-baling tank. Other mines had been baling as well. It became too expensive to keep on with the baling. The article also has a photo of the Victoria Quartz.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - discover bendigo, james lerk, bendigo weekly, victoria quartz, i e dyason, w hunter, e g mueller, g w lansell, l v lansell, j h craig, new chum railway, mining department, lansell estate, mr a h merrin, victoria quartz company, the bendigo advertiser

The 2017 Official Coin Collection The Legends of the Anzacs: Medals of Honour – commemorate 14 significant military honours (both Imperial and Australian honours) awarded to Australians throughout the 100 years of Anzac. The folder contains all 14 coins including the 4 unique issue 25 cent coins produced as part of the News Corp program . Each coin design explores a different medal and the stories behind them, inspired by images supplied by the Australian War Memorial, Gary Ramage and the Australian Government Department of Defence. Coins presented in a card, housed in the display folder. Released by the Australian Mint as the official collection of ANZAC medals of honour commemorating the centenary of the Great War, World War 1.anzac, medals, world war i, military, australian mint

Newspaper article referring to The North Deborah Gold Mine Co's last meeting in Bendigo. It was a stormy farewell as a few shareholders continually hackled the chairman of the meeting, Mr. C. C. Maskiell, and generally endeavored to disrupt the meeting. Article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Tues, October 28th, 1969.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the north deborah gold mine co, mr c c maskiell, mr l rubinstein, mr m o'hair, mr g a pell, mr john stanistreet, cornelius and co, d a o clinton, r burdett, i p cornelius, k fraenkel, poseidon n l, ralph w king & yulli, sydney stock exchange ltd

This Minnitt machine was owned by Dr Mary Clementina DeGaris. Dr DeGaris qualified from medicine, MB BS, at the University of Melbourne in 1905. She continued her studies, becoming only the second woman in Victoria to qualify MD, in 1907. With the outbreak of war, DeGaris attempted to enlist as a doctor with the Australian Army but was refused. Undeterred she travelled to England, where she joined the Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service, a medical group made up entirely of women. After the war, she returned to Australia and set up practice as an obstetrician in Geelong, Victoria. Subsequently, the Geelong Hospital named a wing after her, "DeGaris House", which is now part of Geelong Private Hospital. DeGaris was awarded the St Saba medal, 3rd class, for her work during WWI. Robert James Minnitt introduced the concept of self-administered analgesia, using an apparatus designed and built in conjunction with London scientific instrument-maker, Charles King. The Minnitt apparatus met with considerable success and led to further modifications, including the introduction of the Queen Charlotte gas-air analgesia apparatus in 1936.Brown leather suitcase with brass locks and leather handle. Inside the case is metal equipment, with arms for attaching cylinders. On top of the case, located underneath the handle, is a small brass plate, bearing the name of the owner in black printed script on a piece of card or paper held inside the plate.Printed in black ink on name plate: Dr Mary C. De Garis.minnitt, geelong, scottish women's hospitals, world war i, obstetrician

Recognising that warmed ether was less irritating to the airway and patients receiving it were less likely to experience shock, Francis Shipway developed the Shipway's apparatus which was used during World War 1 and continued to be used through to World War 2. Reduction of shock for patients who had experienced trauma was crucial to their later recovery, particularly during war times. This example of the Shipway's apparatus also has the facility for administering chloroform.A triangular metal stand with two glass jars sitting in a metal tub and a green metal jar that looks like a thermos, also sitting in a metal tub. A metal pole has been screwed into the centre point of the stand, with a circular top to act as a handle. One of the jars has a rubber stopper in the neck with metal tubing attached to the stopper. The other glass jar has a metal screw top with a dropper spout. The two glass jars are connected via red rubber tubing. The apparatus has been sectioned in parts to show the inner mechanisms.Typed in black ink on white paper and adhered to metal bath: SHIPWAY'S APPARATUS •Typed in black ink on white paper and adhered to metal bath: ETHER VAPORISER •Typed in black ink on white paper and adhered to metal bath: THERMOS WITH HOT WATER •Typed in black ink on white paper and adhered to glass bottle: CHLOROFORM VAPORIZER •Typed in black ink on white paper and adhered to metal connector: TO AIR BELLOWS •Typed in black ink on white paper and adhered to tube in thermos: DELIVERY TUBE •Moulded into base of thermos: THERMOSshipway, world war i, warmed ether, endotracheal, chloroform

253 p.; 25 cmnon-fictionThere is no other store like David Jones... and there is no other consultant like Sheila Scotter! Known variously as the Kangaroo editor (by Diana Vreeland), the black and white lady from Albert Park, and the Silver Duchess, this is the autobiography, scrapbook-style, of one of Australia's doyennes of style. For Sheila Scotter's seventeenth birthday her parents put on a 'coming out ball' in the United Services Club in Calcutta, where they lived at the time. The teenager wore a pale turquoise silk taffeta ball gown. Sheila no longer remembers what happened to that dress, but she does know that it is responsible for the black-and-white wardrobe that has been her hallmark ever since, with the exception of one occasion and one occasion only. For her seventieth birthday party, close friend John Truscott conned her into wearing red, insisting that the theme for the event was all red. And what did the guests all wear? Black and white! This anecdote lite, stylish, idiosyncratic is typical of the many that make up Sheila Scotter's autobiographical assortment. Most Australian women know Sheila Scotter through her Women's Weekly column 'Sheila Scotter Suggests' which ran between 1975 and 1980 and totalled some 235 instalments. The fact that this column is still vividly remembered 17 years later attests to the sacred place it held in every Australian household. A feminist before the word was invented, Sheila has had a formidable career. Two chapters are devoted to her career in fashion, including her time as the editor-in-chief of Vogue and founding editor of Vogue Living. The art of fundraising is also treated in some depth. In snippets, we hear of her love of cricket (which she once played); we find out how she came to live in Australia in the first place and why she has made Melbourne her home. Not surprisingly, the book reflects the personal contradictoriness of its author/subject on the one hand an aristocrat, on the other a rogue who does not respect rank; blithely mixing innate feminism with blatant coquettishness; outrageous yet scrupulously stylish; in the know yet discrete; courting notoriety while at the same time needing solitude a Like all celebrity autobiographers Sheila reserves her right to privacy while basking in the limelight. But she has used this book to set the record straight on a number of issues, including why she left Vogue, her many romantic involvements, her much-publicised spat with socialite Lillian Frank, and what was wrong with David Jones, to whom she consulted during 1994-95. The book contains the expected wining, dining and partying, as well as the inside story on some recent scandals. Sheila Scotter is glamorous and alluring, a forthright mover and shaker who inspires fear in some, awe and respect in others, and admiration and loyalty in most. No matter what you think of her, you simply cannot ignore her. Friends and enemies alike are awaiting this book with bated breath for one reason: when Sheila Scotter speaks, people listen. Contents Foreword (by Ruth Cracknell, a personal friend) Before I Begin a (explaining the rationale for the book) 1 Thursday's Child (birthdays) 2 Christmases to Remember 3 In Fashion (career in fashion) 4 A Matter of Style (Vogue Living and its influence) 5 Marriage and Other Liaisons 6 A Mixed Salad of Letters (letters, personal and business, from prominent people) 7 Fundraising: Are Committees Really Necessary? 8 Loved Ones Departed (or Why I Envy the Angels) 9 Disappointments and Other Disasters (scandals and inside stories) 10 London, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne (the places she has lived) 11 Not the Last Instalment (a look ahead) Postscript (a tribute to some special men read between the lines) Source: Publishersheila scotter, fashion

xvii, 388 p.; 24 cmnon-fictionThis biography explores the remarkable life of Jessie Traill - artist, traveller, humanitarian and independent spirit. From the ten-year-old who first met Tom Roberts painting on the shores of Port Phillip Bay, to a student of Frederick McCubbin and etchers John Mather and Frank Brangwyn, Jessie developed her professional skills. She interrupted her career to work as a voluntary nurse in France during World War I, later raising funds for and revisiting war-torn Europe. She also became one of Australia's most outstanding etchers, working in a field uncommon for women of her time. Through diary extracts, descriptions of her world travels and personal letters we hear her voice and see through her eyes, beauty, humour and the joys of simple living. jessie traill, frederick mccubbin, tom roberts, artist

This Honour Board was made by the Ballarat Technical Art School, a division of the Ballarat School of Mines. Lieut. Col. Alexander H. White was the Commanding officer of the 8th Light Horse Regiment. He fell at The Nek Gallipoli on 07 August 1915.Timber honour boards with names on repoussed copper. ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, honour board, world war one, world war i, a.h. white, w.s.t. morgan, g.f. morgan, e.s. holgate, j.s. lazarus, m. mcgregor, j.g. tyler, j.d. tassell, dr j.k. richards, a.w. bennett, t.e. peart, f. beaton, j.r. cameron, f.f. brind, l malin, h.g. morrow, r.s. anderson, t.c. naples, n.h. jones, f.h. ronaldson, t.j. entwistle, ballarat technical art school, alexander white, war memorial

In 1914, Bendigo and Northern Victoria Citizens Force Unit was the 67th (Bendigo) Inf. Castlemaine and Central Vic had the 66th (Mt Alexander) Inf. The book was written by Lt.Col A. H. Sandford R.A.G.A.Cardboard cover booklet. The printing on front cover is black ink. Inside are 128 pages of drill movements. Illustrations. Semaphore, morse code signals and the magnetic variations for Aust and NE Capital Cities. Inside, Page 1 has the embossed stamp of "Bendigo Book Sellers & W. Hampton, Stationery. It has pages of pay for Commonwealth Citizen Forces.Inside written in blue pencil "Simon Auladell"passchendaele barracks trust, 738-i-t 73b, booklet, drill manual

The Soulevac sterile glass drip tube was used for blood transfusions.Clear glass bulb with rubber caps at each end and blue manufacturer's information stamped onto bulb. Drip tube is housed in original packaging.blood transfusion, world war i, first world war

Acriflavine was developed in 1912 by German Paul Erlich. It was an early antiseptic agent before the discovery of penicillin. It was also very effective. In recent years there has been a lot of research on acriflavine for its potential to fight "super bugs", as well as its potential to prevent contracting the common cold. This research is still underway.Amber glass, triangular bottle with black bakelite screw-top lid. Two sides of the bottle are dimpled and the words "NOT TO BE TAKEN" are moulded into the bottle. There is a white [discoloured] manufacturer's label with red printed text and black handwritten text. The bottle is empty.antibacterial, paul erlich, world war i, super bugs

non-fictionmosaics, ballarat, world war i, aif, light horse

Illustrated book. Front cover has a coloured black and white photograph of Kit McNaughton in nurse's uniform seated alongside soldiers. Book title is printed in golden-brown and white ink on the front cover along with the authors name (white ink) Spine and back cover have a golden-brown background. Abbreviated title printed in white and black ink on spine, along with the authors name in white ink. Same coloured photo of Kit McNaughton is printed at top of spine. Publishers mark is printed in white ink on a black background at base of spine. The back cover has a summary of the book along with three black and white photographs: Kit McNaughton and another nurse standing behind two soldiers in hospital beds, the photograph from which the image on the front cover was taken, and a photograph of Kit McNaughton aged 16non-fictionThis book is based upon the previously unpublished diaries of army nurse Kit Mcnaughton, who embarked on the troopship Orsova in 1915, tracing her journey through the war from Egypt (where she nursed Gallipoli veterans), Lemnos Island and then to France and the Somme. Kit finished active service as Australia's first plastic surgery nurse, assisting medical pioneers in this field as they repaired the shattered faces of Australian soldiersworld war 1914-1918, nurses, nursing

Illustrated book with dustjacket. Book has a black cover with title, author's name and Australian Army badge embossed in gold on spine. Front of dustjacket has a black and white photo 'Westen Australian night nurses in 14 AGH, Abbassia, Egypt in 1918. Under this part of tile is printed in dark grey and red brown on a cream background. Rest of title is printed in white on a dark grey band. Authors name is printed in white on a red brown background. Title and authors name are printed in white on a red brown background along with Australian Army Badge (gold) and publisher's mark. On the back of the dustjacket is a summary of the book printed on a cream background, below which is a black and white photo 'No 2 Australian General Hospital, Mena, Egypt, January 1915non-fictionThe author draws on personal diaries, interviews, service records, hospital diaries and autobiographies to create an absorbing and meticulously constructed book showcasing the breadth and significance of the contributions Army nurses made during World War I. In becoming part of the AIF these women fashioned the role of the Australian military nurseaustralian army nurses, military nursing-australia-history, nurses-australia-history, world war 1914-1918 - medical care, alfred nurses

non-fictionIn the early 19th Century rural Ireland was experiencing severe economic and social problems Population continued to grow as couples married at 16 or 17 and proceeded to have an average of 9 children. At the bottom end of the social scale labourers and the very smallest of farmers were in dire poverty. For the more comfortable farmers with 20 acres or so circumstances were better as they were in a position to grow additional crops which generated extra valuable income. Crop failures in 1822 and 1837 and again in 1845 to 1848 brought about unendurable hardship and famine. It was against this backdrop that Michael Neylon (Nilon) left his native Benvoran, Kilmurry McMahon Co Clare in search of opportunity and a better life. Now Beverley Rasker (nee Nilon) has fully researched his arrival in Australia in 1841 and she has taken up his story and that of his many descendants. Having communicated with Beverley for some time, I eventually had the pleasure of meeting her in September 2000, during her 2nd trip to Ireland in connection with her research. She has now put together an excellent record of interesting and informative material, which indeed makes us all proud of the achievements of the Neylon (Nilon) family. As we say in Irish'Molann an obair an fear' Sean Neylon, Kilkee, Co Clare Ireland. November 2000michael nilon, bolong (nsw), cootamundra (nsw)

non-fictionHector Valentine James Hanson Esq., a sort of "knock-about" bloke of over eighty, has lived and worked in quite a few areas of eastern Australia, and like all of us, has a story to tell. Generally. I believe that the stories of "ordinary folk" are all too often left unwritten. This book is just part of the history of each place that Hec lived, worked and relaxed, particularly the hilly country of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. Hec knew the country like the back of his hand and in many instances could have told various landholders things about their properties that even they did not know. H.V.J.Hanson is "living history" and the tales related in this book are both interesting and entertaining. Foreword by Terence J. Wilson.red hill (vic.), mornington peninsula, hector vj hanson

non-fictionMelbourne 1841-1865 Georgiana McCrae was the grandmother of the poet Hugh McCrae and one of the most graceful of Australia's early diarists. In 1841, only six years after Melbourne was founded, she arrived in the Port Phillip district where she was to spend forty-nine of her eighty-seven years. Her journal is not only a fascinating personal document but an invaluable reflection of the social life and history of the infant settlement. As well as being an artist of considerable talent—even genius (she had been a favourite pupil of the water-colourist John Varley), Georgiana had been an indefatigable diarist since she was a little girl; and to this cultivated and therefore perhaps lonely young woman in the embryo town that was Melbourne her journal was her confidant and companion. Whether she is telling how Bishop Broughton "exonerated the Popish party from the blame in the Gunpowder Plot", or how her son was within an inch of treading on a snake which I killed with the stick of my parasol", whether she is spring cleaning, combating a grasshopper plague, or making a velvet bonnet for her daughter, she is always perceptive and arresting in recording her daily life and the affairs of the colony.georgiana mccrae, melbourne (vic.)

non-fictionMy Aboriginality is the root of my identity - my being; but my dear father was the technician who shaped and moulded me towards what I have finally become. I owe him much more than I can describe.indigenous australians, barham (vic.), shorty (bill) harrison

This postcard is part of an album of postcards which date from late 19th century to mid 20th century.This postcard is in an album of postcards dating from the late 19th century to mid 20th century and, as such, indicate the popularity of postcards during that time.Postcard decorated with a floral arrangement in a basket with WW1 allies' flags from the Russian Empire, France, Belgium, Italy, United Kingdom and "Servia"Front of postcard: 'With Loving Wishes' Back of card: Blankpostcard, 1900s, world war i, world war one, first world war, "green postcard album"

The music for popular First World War composition "The Boys of the Dardenelles" by Marsh Little and arranged by J.Devlin Deane 1915 and copyrighted Sydney 1915. These cards attach to the lyre holder on the cornet for use in a marching band. This copy belonging to Michael Taffe of Ballarat and used during WWI & WWII.This is the first piece of specifically Australian patriotic music generated as a result of the disastrous campaign at Anzac. Produced in 1915 it was used in this instance by Ballarat Bands within a year of Anzac..Small music card for cornet lyre.nil,brass band, solo cornet, taffe, ballarat, music card, world war i, deane, devlin, dardenelles, quick march

Manufacturing History Museum Victoria|Commentary: Australian manufacturing history Philip Wollen|Many years ago, when I was an ambition young man, I took over a company called Hecla. This business was formed in 1872, long before Federation was even contemplated. The company established a rich tradition in the Australian manufacturing industry. The prodigious product range included kettles, mixers, toasters, hairdryers, urns, pie warmers, bain maries, and electric blankets for the domestic and commercial market. During the war it even manufactured parts for aircraft. It was one of Melbourne's largest employers.|Hecla was one of the pioneers in TV advertising, led by icons like Bert Newton, Bobby Limb, Evie Hayes and Graham Kennedy who ad Jibbed his way through irreverent and unscripted naughtiness about Hecla electric blankets and foot warmers. The slogan was 'By Hecla, its good.'. One can imagine the fun Bert and Graham had with their double entendres.|In the 60's Hecla entered into a partnership with General Electric and expanded rapidly. The massive factory, on the corner of Alexandra Parade and Chapel Street overlooking the Yarra River was a Melbourne landmark.|The business was formed by one of the scions of Melbourne industry. Mr Marriott was a metal worker of some repute, building the lights in front of Melbourne's Parliament House, the first steam car, the sideboard at the RACY Club, and the first factory to run on electricity.|By the time I acquired the company it was a shadow of its former self, incapable of competing with cheap Chinese imports. Wandering around the warehouse late one night I discovered a large, boarded up storeroom which appeared not to have been opened in decades.|Over several months I combed through the room, unearthing a treasure trove of products from a bygone era. Dusty files, engineering drawings, wooden prototypes, patent records, and correspondence from distributors on every continent.|I decided to track down an old man, Ray, long retired after 50 years with Hecla. He was not well off financially and welcomed the paid work. It turned out that he had done his apprenticeship with the company and there wasn't much he didn't know about it. He had been personally involved in the manufacture of almost every type of product on the Hecla smorgasbord's of products.|So for over 2 years he methodically assembled a mini museum of Hecla products, painstakingly polishing them and ensuring they were in working order. He attached the original brochure of each product and their respective warranty cards. For him it was ,a labour of love. For me it was a fascinating, if vicarious journey, into Australia's manufacturing past.|My colleagues complained that I was wasting money on his salary, our time and factory space on stuff that should have been dumped years ago. I tried to explain that I was merely a steward of the Hecla tradition, not merely an owner. Besides, the look on Ray's face convinced me that there was another dynamic at work. One I could see, but didn't really understand.|After he Passed away I faced a dilemma. What to do with this 'museum' of Hecla history. Nobody was interested.|So I kept the 'stuff' in private storage, hoping that same day someone would be interested in it. And the years passed.|Finally, I had a brainwave. Perhaps the Melbourne Museum would be interested. It was a long shot but I made the call. I had a nagging suspicion that they would think I was simply trying to get them to relieve me of paying for this huge collection to be taken to the tip.|To my surprise they said they would be willing to take a look, I secretly hoped that they would take the whole collection and not leave me with an incomplete jumble of appliances that I would indeed have to take to the tip.|On the appointed day, four serious looking young people showed up. Armed with digital cameras, note books and poker faces they spent four hours analysing the goods and the supporting materials. I asked them if they had any interest and their response was decidedly non-committal. It depends on the acquisitions committee, I was told. I was disheartened and packed up the exhibits to go back into storage.|Imagine my surprise when months later they telephoned to say that they had researched the history of the company, and yes, they would like to take the whole collection. And a truck with 'handlers' would arrive the following day to pick it up. Two years ago all Hecla's archives left me forever and went to the Museum's warehouse.|Well, to my delight I received a call yesterday inviting me to a private viewing of the exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. These young historians had meticulously assembled an impressive display of Melbourne's industry and technology going back to the 1800's. They thanked me like a significant benefactor when it is I who should have thanked them.|I saw the excitement in the eyes of these young people who had somehow managed to dig out and assemble memories from Australia's past. If this is the standard of care that the curators of the Melbourne Museum show all their exhibits, our history is in safe hands.|Their meticulous work took me back to those years long ago when I saw an old man lovingly assembling and cataloging a lifetime of his work.|It took me back to the day when Australians actually made things. Long before we became a nation of quarrymen. Before we became animal-factory 'farmers'. Of a time when products didn't break down, or dumped and replaced before the warranty expired. When men like Mr Marriott cared deeply about what their hands produced.|It reminded me of the call I received from an elderly lady in Tasmania asking for the electrical element for a Hecla K7 kettle. I searched the archives and called her back. The K7 was produced decades earlier and we no longer carried that spare part. She was quite disheartened and told me her kettle had finally 'given up the ghost' and she couldn't bear to part with it. It was a present from her husband on their wedding day 45 years ago. Her final words were 'they don't make them like that, do they? By Hecla they were good.'|I'm glad I followed my instinct and put Ray back on the payroll all those years ago..|I like to think Mr Marriott would have been pleased.Large electric heater with two radiator bars and a protective grille at the top and false coals at the bottom.Replacements for this fire - Elements No. F314 - Illuminators No. 3P. Berry's Electric Ltd - Volts 230 - 240 -Watts 2000 V/AD/Cat No. 454 . Made in Australia by Hecla Electrics Pty Ltd Melbournedomestic items, heating

Index, bibliography, ill, p.185.non-fictionChronicles the rise and eventual fall of Nazi Germany. Chronicles the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party following the collapse of Germany following World War I. germany - social life and customs - 1933-1945, national socialism, adolf hitler

non-fictionavenues of honour, remembrance, world war i, italy

Kylie Dowie in action on the tennis court Bairnsdale Victoria . She is a member of the Lakes Entrance Tennis ClubBlack and white photograph of Kylie Dowie in action on the tennis court Bairnsdale Victoriasports, tennis, clubs, recreation