The story of 90 years of wool classing between father & son begins in 1936, when a young boy by the name of Stanley James Hucker walked through the doors of the Gordon Technical School in Geelong. Born in 1921, Stanley was 15 years of age when he began his 3-year course in Wool Classing. 30 years later, Stanley’s second son Denis completed the same 3-year wool classing course. Beginning in 1966, Denis attended the same Gordon Technical School and walked the same halls as his father before him. Stanley finished his course in 1938. He went back to the family farm in Lake Bolac for a brief period before enrolling in the Second World War. At the completion of the war, Stanley returned home and married before gaining a soldier settler allotment, north of Willaura. This enabled Stan to use his wool classing knowledge. He ran between 1,500 and 2,000 sheep for many years, while his wool classer stencil also allowed him to go out and class at various sheds around the area. He held his stencil from 1938 until he retired at the age of 60 in 1981. On retirement, his second son Denis was working in the district, managing a local property while also leasing land himself. Upon his father’s retirement, Denis had the opportunity to lease his father’s farm, an opportunity he could not refuse. Denis had finished his wool classing course at the Gordon Technical School in 1968, graduating dux of his class. He began working with a local contractor and started classing wool in his team. Denis gained a great deal of experience working as part of this team in big sheds of up to 8 stands servicing between 10 & 20,000 sheep. It was not all smooth sailing for Denis however, and he soon learnt an important lesson. Class wool the way you’re taught, don’t listen to the owner standing over your shoulder. At a clip of Corriedales near Casterton, Denis was pushing too many fleeces into the line of fine wool. This resulted in a notice from the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) “mixing counts too much, submit three clips for inspection”. Denis was able to submit 3 clips with no further complaints, however, this proved a valuable lesson he would never forget over his long career classing wool. In the early 1980s, when Denis was leasing two properties including his father’s, things were going well until drought struck. February 1983 was the date of the Ash Wednesday bushfires, and saw Melbourne have three days over 40 °C for only the second time on record. This period saw Denis give away farming, turning towards contracting work instead. After the difficult times of the early 1980s, the next two decades were a good time for the sheep industry. 15 micron wool was selling for prices between 4 to 5,000 cents per kilo, double what you’d expect for the same wool in 2022. In 1995 a single bale of wool sold for a million dollars. This was a good time for Denis too. His contracting work saw him employing local shearers and shed staff. His team was involved with the shearing and classing of more than 130,000 sheep. After 20 years of contracting, it was time for Denis to transition into the next phase of his life. He gave up independent contracting, preferring instead to return to being a member of someone else’s team. In 2018, having completed 50 years of wool classing, it was time to call it a day and retire completely. At the annual Gordon Wool School Old Students Association dinner held in 2018, Denis was presented with his 50 years as a registered wool classer stencil awarded by the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX). This is a rare honour achieved by few. As of February 2020, a total of 430 wool classers had achieved this 50-year milestone. For Denis however, his proudest achievement is achieving 90 years of wool classing with his father. The National Wool Museum is proud to share the collection of objects gained from 90 years in the wool classing industry by Stanley and Denis. This ranges from Stanley’s first stencil and Wool Sample book, started when he first attended the Gordon in 1936. The collection concludes 90 years later with Denis’ 50 years of wool classing Stencil. The collection contains many more objects, all telling the story of these 90 years, and the hard work invested by this dedicated father and son duo. This is the fourth in a series of 5 wool classing exercise books. They were written by Stanley Hucker in his time at the Gordon Technical College from 1936-1938. This book begins in a white cover with blue ink illustrations and writing. It has a centrepiece-coloured emblem of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth with flags of the Union Jack & Australia in background. Internally, the book is handwritten on yellowed pages with blue lines for the assistance in clarity of handwriting. The pages are also surrounded by a margin of red pen. The exercise book’s content is about wool studies relating to the health and productivity of wool sheep. It is handwritten. A selection of pages have been photographed to give an impression of the information taught in classes, 90 years ago. This includes information about: - Wool scouring - Shearing - Lamb marking - Breeding - Fellmongering - Comparison between wool and artificial fibres - Characteristics of good wool - Wool selling methods - Established studs in Victoria - Award rates (1937-38)Front Cover. Wording, printed and handwritten. “CORONATION / EXERCISE BOOK / NAME Stanley Hucker / GRADE SUBJECT Wool / SCHOOL Gordon Front Cover. Illustration’s colour, printed. King George VI & Queen Elizabeth with flags of the Union Jack & Australia in background.gordon institute geelong, wool classing, 1930s sheep farming, 90 years wool classing between father & son

This bowl was imported from "the mother" country (England) in the period when good table ware was either shipped from England or Europe. It was in the period before the American and Asian imports were sought (post World War II and the depression/recession years), when only the best quality kitchenware was preferred and the cheaper mass produced goods were not on the market. The maker's details on the bottom puts the manufacture time between 1955 to 1962.This item, used by one of the Kiewa Valley's oldest established families provides the historical provenance for the item and the period purchased within the time frame when change in the purchasing (in cities) practices from traditional sources, England and Europe was slowly evolving from these sources to cheaper USA and Asian producers. This change however was slower in rural sectors than the cities and larger rural towns. The "traditional" sources was ingrained into the mores of rural sections and changing economic ties with Asia and the USA connected to the greater influx of dinner wares and the cheaper produce. The "throw away" society mores , developed in the USA, after World War II, and transferred to Australia by new technology driven media outlets had a very effective outcome for the demise of quality products from the "mother" country.This buff coloured glazed ceramic bowl was manufactured by an official potter to Her Majesty Queen Victoria. It has a "patterned" top rim but no other details.On the outside bottom the makers seal "Est. 1792" and in a double lined scroll like frame "RIDGEWAY" underneath in smaller print "Made In England".ceramic bowls, kitchen crockery, domestic plates

Medal bronze celebration presentation medal of Queen Victoria's 60th year of reign. 1837-1897, to Warrnambool care of W J Hickford, Mayor.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, queen victoria's 60th year of reign, queen victoria

Medal, bronze celebration presentation medal of Queen Victoria's 60th year of reign 1837-1897, to Warrnambool care of W J Hickford, Mayor.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, medal, queen victoria's 60th year of reign, w j hickford

Brown 2 cent Australian coin with a frill neck lizard and a 2 on one side and on the other side is the Queen and Elizabeth 11 Australia 1974.numismatics, coins - australian, 2 cent, 2 cent coin

Small rectangular biscuit tin commemorating Coronation of HM King Edward VII with portraits of him & HM Queen Alexandra plus scenes of coronation.Swallow & Ariel Ltd Biscuit Manufacturers Port Melbournedomestic equipment, containers, tin

One pound note Queen Elizabeth II. Signatures Coombs/Wilson. Serial number HK59713494. The note is in good condition except for a centre fold.numismatics, notes - australian, one pound

Colour photo 14.02.2004. Station Pier with Spirit of Tasmania 2, Pacific Venus, Queen Elizabeth 2 (obscured) and bow of Naval vessel in view.transport - shipping, pacific venus, rms queen elizabeth 2, qe2, spirit of tasmania

Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 1999. Brand spanker: the then new grandstand at Upper Reserve, Bendigo, now the Queen Elizabeth Oval.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Black and White photo of a many people, ( school children?) on the Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo, spelling out 'For Empire' during the Royal visit on 1954.photograph, royal visit, royal visit

Slide, Allan Budge Collection: house, Queen Street. Verandah Friezes In Timber. Frieze in wood - note the 'Sun' inserts. The eave brackets are distinctive.house, public, allan budge collection:, allan budge collection:

Slide, ALLAN BUDGE COLLECTION, General Views, Queen Street. Street name plate on one of the above. Note the garden wall bonding in the walls.house, public, allan budge collection, allan budge collection

AFTER HEAVY RAINS - CRESWICK CREEK IN CLUNES TOWNSHIP FLOODED, OVER FLOWING ITS BANKS, NEAR BY AREAS WERE SUBMERGED.BLACK AND WHITE SMALL PHOTOGRAPH OF CLUNES FLOODS IN 1934. CLUNES QUEEN'S PARK WITH FOUNTAIN UNDER WATER - TREES IN THE BACKGROUND AND A FEW FLOWERS IN THE FOREGROUND.local history, queen's park garden., floods 1934

The Till CollectionSchool exercise book, in the year of the Coronation (1937), decorated with pictures of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth, with flags of the Union Jack & Australian in background.Alison Till, Senior School. Fitzroy Girls.books, school/educational

Digital photocopy by Arrowsmith, TedB/W copy - Band outside Government House, Melbourne, awaiting arrival of Queen Elizabeth II during her Royal Tour of 1954queen elizabeth ii, government house, royal tour 1954, standfield, ray

The first meeting of the 1st Bendigo Guides was held by Miss Merle Bush on the 22nd of August 1922 in the St Paul' School Room. Twelve girls were present. Miss Bush was given permission to open the Company by Miss R. Hamilton, State Secretary for Victoria, she received her Captain's Warrant on 12th December 1922.Guiding Matters - November 2007 -JLM Thirteen page document of research into Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh including photographs of related wedding/anniversaryeventsThis one is going into the next Guiding Mattersgirl guides, guiding, merle bush, trefoil guild, queen elizabeth ii, duke of edinburgh, royal wedding 1947, monarchy, guiding matters

Published by M. Sternberg, Wholesale and Retail Postcard Dealer at No. 51 Queen's Road Central and at No. 34 Queen's Road Central, Kongkong.This item, a souvenir from Hongkong from between the wars (circa 1923) was brought home to Research, Victoria by Bill Teagle who was serving in the Royal Australian Navy (1919-1945). According to Bill's neice Valerie Waller (nee Feldbauer, daughter of Violet and Theodore 'Curly' Feldbauer), her Uncle Bill would always bring some sort of souvenir home from his travels for family members. The item ( along with a series of postcards from Japan of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1 September 1923) was possibly given by Bill Teagle to his sister Margaret Rose (formerly Ingram) who later married Richard Edward (Eddie) Fielding in early 1948. (Eddie had been engaged to someone else before he went to war, but his fiancée broke it off before his return to Australia.) It was cared for by the Teagle/Fielding family for approximately one hundred years. It is of particular significance given the family's connection to the Eltham War Memorial through 'Curly' Feldbauer and the significance of that memorial to the local community and represents that despite the horrors of war, former friends then foes can become friends again.tom fielding collection, postcard, hongkong, m. sternberg

The queen bee cage is designed to hold a queen bee, and up to three or four escort worker bees. The design allows for adequate ventilation, and has a spot for 'queen candy' -candied honey- to block one end. The queen is placed in her new hive inside the cage, and once the queen candy has been eaten through -allowing her access to the hive- the hive has become accustomed to her smell and accept her. Bees could be sent through the post in this cage. Used by a beekeeper and provided by Mr Richard Diss (beekeeper's son). The cage is significant because it was made with metal and wood. The more contemporary cages are now plastic and of a different design and specifications.Mesh cage stapled over wooden lid with metal strut and top and bottom metal bands. Base is larger than lid. Lid has metal cap.queen cage, nursery cage, bee travelling, mailing bees, beechworth honey, beekeeping

Leslie John Bagust Collection. Black and white photo of the Queen Victoria Gardens. In the foreground is the baby health centre, (since removed), Queen Victoria statue in white, centre background shows the RSL Hall and part of the roof and the clock tower of the Old Bendigo post Office. Background right the tower of the Shamrock Hotel and centre background is the town of the Bendigo School of mines. The right shows vehicles parked along Pall Mall. To the right of the health centre there is a small white statue, of unknown representation. At the bottom of the photo in white Queen Victoria Gardens, Bendigo and to the right is No.10.bendigo, parks and gardens, queen victoria gardens

Official opening of the Lake Bolac Memorial Hall on Friday 9th June, 1922. Depicted is the Queen Carnival, held to raise funds. Shown are Queen Doris Cameron (Quin) and her attendants. To immediate left of the Queen is Isabel MacKenzie (who later married Stanley Moreton).mackenzie

The oval (.2) shoulder badge replaced the square (.1) shoulder badge. Both were worn on the top left sleeve on the service dress jacket, the polyester shirt and the utility jacket. Part of the Reverend Chaplain Major Thomas Bruce Williams, No 556101, Collection..1) Square embroidered Australian Army Rising Sun cloth shoulder badge. The rising Sun is embroidered in gold on a khaki background. It features the words 'THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY' and a Queen's Crown. .2) Oval embroidered Australian Army Rising Sun cloth shoulder badge. The rising Sun is embroidered in gold on a khaki background. It features the words 'THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY' and a Queen's Crown.army chaplain, australian army badges, rising sun, major thomas b. williams

00509 .1 Royal Australian Artillery Hat Badge Kings Crown Oxidised 1930 -42 period .2 Women's Royal Australian Army Corps Queen's Crown Bi Metal 1953 - 1960 3. Australian Army Christian Chaplain Hat Badge 1953 - 1960 4. Royal Australian Artillery Hat Badge Queen's Crown 1953 - 1960

Set of eight photographs, views of Bendigo. 1. Alexandra Fountain, Bendigo; 2. Town Hall, Bendigo; 3. The Conservatory, Bendigo; 4. The Swimming Pool, Bendigo; 5. View Point from Mitchell Street, Bendigo; 6. King George V Memorial Conservatory Gardens, Bendigo; 7. Queen Victoria Gardens, Bendigo; 8. Queen Victoria Gardens, Bendigo.

This is the lid of a Cherry Tooth Paste container made by John Gosnell & Co. London. This company had its origins in the 17th century with John Gosnell joining the company in 1814. It made perfume, soap, brushes and combs and other personal household items. By 1898 the firm was based in London and known for its Cherry Tooth Paste. The practice of brushing the teeth for hygienic reasons began in the 18th century and became more popular in the 19th century. This item has no known local provenance but is interesting as an example of an early 20th century household product and is useful for display.This is a white china container lid, cracked and mended in places and chipped in other places. The container had Cherry Tooth Paste in it. The top of the lid is brown and yellow with brown and yellow printing. There is an image of the head of a young Grecian girl on the lid. ‘Cherry Tooth Paste, Patronized by the Queen, For beautifying and preserving the teeth & gums, prepared by John Gosnell & Co. Ltd., London’cherry tooth paste, john gosnell & co., warrnambool

Surveying equipment in fitted timber box. 3 components of solid brass painted dark green. Missing one additional component. Outer fitted and hand tooled leather carrying case.EquipmentT.005 Ass.No.108B From Norman H.Seward, Optician 459 Bourke St (near Queen St.) Melbourne

Donated by Margaret ScarlettGilt Medal on gilt bar & pin. Medal is of the Royal Visit to Victoria in 1954 & was presented to the children by the Government.(MEDAL) Queen Elizabeth 11 Duke of Edinburgh|E11R Royal Visit Victoria|(BAR) Presented to the Children by the Government of Victorianumismatics, medals - commemorative