Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Wonderfully, naturally, beautiful (couple on picnic blanket)Onkaparinga/Wonderfully, Naturally, Beautiful blanket, blanket fever, wool, onkaparinga, advertisement, australian women's weekly

Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Gay as a highland gathering (lamb playing bagpipes)Gay as a highland gathering….good for a lifetime of comfort/Onkaparinga/100% Pure Wool Rugs/Buy Well-Buy Wool blanket, blanket fever, wool, onkaparinga, advertisement

Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Playing card set - double pack of cards in original boxWith Complements "Onkaparinga"/Onkaparinga Blankets/Onkaparinga Robes of Distinctionblanket fever, onkaparinga, marketing

Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Salesman's Wool sample card containing samples of wool at different stages of processingJohn Taylor/With Compliments from Onkaparinga/Woollen Co.Ltd/Adelaide, Sth Aust. Mills Lobethal and Thebarton, S.A/Always insist on Onkaparinga Rugs.Blankets.Worsteds.Melanges.Woollens and Flannelswool, blanket fever, advertisement, onkaparinga, sample

Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from."Playing cards featuring Onkaparinga sales mottos and picturesOnkaparinga Pure Wool Blankets/Australia’s Best/Rugs, Blankets, Piece Goods, Men’s and Boy’s Clothing/Made from Pure Wool In White Pink Blue Green And Primrose/The Home Of The Famous Onkaparinga Pure Wool Products/White And Coloured Blankets Give Individuality And Charm/Made In Australiablanket fever, wool, playing cards, advertisements, onkaparinga

Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." "Most admired of the Bride's presents" (bride and bridesmaids with blanket)"Most admired of the Bride's presents" /Warrnambool Blankets and Rugs/Warmer Wool from Warrnamboolblankets, blanket fever, wool, advertisement, warrnambool, australian women's weekly

Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Let it rain, let it blow... (lady in bed)Let it Rain, Let it Blow…/Warrnambool Blankets and Rugs/Warmer Wool from Warrnambool blanket, blanket fever, wool, warrnambool, advertisement, australian women's weekly

Used by Collins Bros, woollen millsBrass plaque used by Collins Bros woollen mills.FOR PORT LINEwool transportation, woollen mills, collins bros mill pty ltd, sign, wool - transportation

These documents concern a legal case involving the Town Of Warrnambool, Elizabeth Granter and James Harris. The lawyer in the case was William Ardlie. The son of John and Mary Ardlie, pioneer settlers in Warrnambool, William Ardlie was a prominent lawyer in Warrnambool from the late 1860s to the early 1930s and was active in community affairs. Elizabeth Granter, involved in the financial side of the legal case, was the wife of James Granter, another prominent Warrnambool identity of the 19th century. Granter was a quarryman and a road contractor and he and other members of his family seem to have been involved in other legal battles with James Harris, an employee of the Warrnambool Tramway, also involved in the financial aspects of the legal case. These three documents are of minor interest as an example of the legal cases undertaken by the well-known Warrnambool lawyer, William Ardlie. These are three 1888/1889 documents related to the legal practice of William Ardlie. Item One is a document listing the details of a court case involving Elizabeth Granter, James Harris and the Town Council of Warrnambool and is a sheet of paper with the details of the case written on both sides of the paper in black ink. The back page has a green stamp to the value of one penny. Item Two is a letter from Charles Hider, the bookseller, in regard to an item received by H.A.C. Macdonald, the Town Clerk of the Town of Warrnambool. The handwriting is in black ink. Item Three is a letter from the Warrnambool Tramway Department to Mr Ardlie regarding the request of James Harris for a small sum of money. This letter is a sheet of paper folded in two and written in black ink on one of the four sides. The first page has the stamp of the Town of Warrnambool.james harris, history of warrnambool, elizabeth granter, william ardlie, town of warrnambool

Photograph,of a plaque on the wall of the original Victorian Woollen Mill.Photograph,of a plaque on the wall of the original Victorian Woollen Mill.Godfrey Hirst/16/2/65 Cobb Topweaving mills, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd victorian woollen and cloth manufacturing co.

Group photograph, possibly depicting the staff of a Geelong woollen mill, c.1880s.Photograph of the staff of a Geelong Woollen Mill, c.1880s.Geelong Wollen Mills [sic] / Taken in early 80'stextile industry - history textile mills - history textile mills - staff, geelong woollen mills, textile industry - history, textile mills - history, textile mills - staff

Scrapbook of advertisements, newspaper articles and photographs about woollen mills in Geelong.Scrapbook of advertisements, newspaper articles and photographs about woollen mills in Geelong.Scrapbookwoollen mills woollen mills - history textile mills, collins bros mill pty ltd godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd victoria woollen mills albion woollen mills co. pty ltd textile workers' union returned soldiers and sailors mill, hirst, mr godfrey, woollen mills, woollen mills - history, textile mills

North Western Woollen Mills became Norwellan Textiles then AUNDEGrey Blanket. Pink Blanket Stitch Both Ends. – Woollen Mills (Norwellan) 1943stawell clothing material

Jacket woven and made at the Commonwealth Woollen Mill and Clothing Factory, Geelong.Victorian policeman's jacket, woven and made at the Commonwealth Woollen Mill and Clothing Factory, Geelong.commonwealth woollen mills, uniforms

Winding Department, Federal Woollen Mills, Geelong, c early 1960'sWinding Department,/Federal Woollen Mills, /Geelong 20/87textile mills - staff woollen mills - history, federal woollen mills ltd, winding machinery, textile mills - staff, woollen mills - history

North Western Woollen Mills became Norwellan Textiles then AUNDEBlack Duffle Coat – Norwellan Fabric – Shower Proof. Made at Stawell Woollen Mills. Norwellan Bluey Junior stawell clothing material

Photocopy of page of "The Weekly Times', June 20, 1945. Photographs of workers at the Federal Woollen Mills, Geelong.Photocopy of page of "The Weekly Times', June 20, 1945. Photographs of workers at the Federal Woollen Mills, Geelong.woollen mills - history world war ii weaving, federal woollen mills ltd the weekly times, carding, combing, warping, winding, woollen mills - history, world war ii, weaving

Black and white photograph of Returned Soldiers and Sailors Woollen Mills Girls' Interhouse Sports 1940 'A' Team.Black and white photograph of Returned Soldiers and Sailors Woollen Mills Girls' Interhouse Sports 1940 'A' Team.textile mill, s textile mills sporting teams, returned soldiers and sailors mill, sport, leibhardt, c i.s. - returned soldiers and sailors mill, textile mills, textile mills - sporting teams

This book dates from the 1940s and was part of the Running Stitch collection of quilts, probably because it was common for women to acquire these books from travelling salesmen. This sample book is an example of the type made by textile mills and given to tailors to sell fabric for made to measure suits. With little money to spare during the austere years of the war, women often acquired these books from tailors when the fabrics were no longer available. They made use of the fabric sample pieces to make quilts. The Australian Woollen Mills was an example of a woollen mill which went into worsted production making good quality English-type suiting. They were very successful until the 1960's when the oversupply of worsted fabrics from Europe and Asia led to the decline of the industry in this country. This book was displayed in the Running Stitch exhibition "Wool Quilts Old and New" of 1985 where it was catalogue entry number 40.Australian Woollen Mills Crusader fabric sample book, c.1940sKnight / QUALITY SELECTED / SUITINGS / of / Crusader / CLOTH / NEVER SOLD OUT Crusader / CLOTH / Makes the best suits "Crusader" / WORSTEDaustralian woollen mills pty ltd running stitch group, cloth - worsted, running stitch collection

These cards, presumably part of a pack of cards (or two packs) are an advertising tool for Warrnambool rugs made by the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill in South Warrnambool was opened in 1910 with John Bennett the first manager. It produced woollen blankets and rugs and woollen products during the war years for military purposes. It closed in 2000.These cards are of interest as an advertising tool for the Warrnambool Woollen Mill which was a major industry in Warrnambool for 90 years. It shows the advertising techniques used by businesses in the 20th century.These are two regulation-size playing cards, both showing the five of clubs, with a colour advertisement for Warrnambool Rugs on the back. The advertisement features an assortment of Warrnambool woollen rugs. On back of cards – ‘Warrnambool Rugs, pure wool’warrnambool woollen mill, cards

Leesona Winders, Worsted Division, Federal Woollen Mills, Geelong, c early 1960'sLeesona Winders, Worsted Division, early 1960's/ Federal Woollen Mills, Geelong 19/87textile mills - staff woollen mills - history, federal woollen mills ltd, winding machinery, textile mills - staff, woollen mills - history

Depicts an eastern view of the Victorian Woollen Mill. This was the first woollen mill in Victoria and was producing cloth by 1868. It became defunct and was purchased by Godfrey Hirst and his partners in 1899, who renamed it Excelsior Mill No. 2. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096textile mills, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, victorian woollen mill, excelsior mill no. 2

Depicts an eastern view of the Victorian Woollen Mill. This was the first woollen mill in Victoria and was producing cloth by 1868. It became defunct and was purchased by Godfrey Hirst and his partners in 1899, who renamed it Excelsior Mill No. 2. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096textile mills, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, victorian woollen mill, excelsior mill no. 2

Depicts the west side of the Victorian Woollen Mill. This was the first woollen mill in Victoria and was producing cloth by 1868. It became defunct and was purchased by Godfrey Hirst and his partners in 1899, who renamed it Excelsior Mill No. 2. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096textile mills, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, victorian woollen mill, excelsior mill no. 2

Depicts the west side of the Victorian Woollen Mill. This was the first woollen mill in Victoria and was producing cloth by 1868. It became defunct and was purchased by Godfrey Hirst and his partners in 1899, who renamed it Excelsior Mill No. 2. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096textile mills, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, victorian woollen mill, excelsior mill no. 2

Depicts a northern view of the Victorian Woollen Mill. This was the first woollen mill in Victoria and was producing cloth by 1868. It became defunct and was purchased by Godfrey Hirst and his partners in 1899, who renamed it Excelsior Mill No. 2. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096textile mills, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, victorian woollen mill, excelsior mill no. 2

In 1869, the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company commenced their business on the site, where it operated until 1875 when it was sold to the directors of the Warrnambool Woolen Mill Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882 it wasn’t until 1910 that the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce was approached by Marcus Saltau and Peter McGennan to invest in a new mill. The original directors were James Dickson, P J McGennan, Robert Swinton, M Saltau, and J W Younger. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries.These coasters were part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations.A common item which has significance as it has links to one of Warrnambool's longest operating businesses.A boxed set of six coasters which are metal coloured gold. Each has an outline of Australia with text Buy Australian and the Australian flag. there is text below the outline. The backs are dark blue felt. Buy Australian Warrnambool Textiles A paper insert has " In recognition of your Safety Performance.75th Anniversary Warrnambool Textiles 1909-1984.warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, warrnambool woollen mill 1975