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National Wool Museum
Textile - Skirt, Tina Knitwear, 1980-2000
Part of a selection of garments knitted by ‘Tina Knitwear’. Tina Knitwear was a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010, run by Assunta and Franco Liburti. This garment was owned and worn frequently by Assunta herself, as part of an ensemble. Daughter Melissa Persi writes: Our parents Assunta (Mum) and Franco (Dad) Liburti ran a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010. Assunta was affectionately known to her family as Assuntina, therefore the business was named "Tina Knitwear" after her. Assunta and Franco were born in the beautiful seaside town of Terracina in Italy in 1933 and 1930 respectively. As was so common in Italy in the 1950s, Assunta who was in her late teens and early twenties learnt the intricate skills of machine knitting, dressmaking and pattern making. Franco on the other hand, learnt the building trade with his 2 brothers and specialised in bricklaying and tiling. As was so common after the war, Assunta and Franco yearned for a better life so they decided that they would get engaged and then migrate to Australia to be married and raise their family in Australia, a land of much opportunity which they no longer felt their beloved Italy held for them. Assunta migrated to Australia first in 1957 and later Franco joined her in 1958 where they were married. For the first few years, Franco (also known as Frank) worked as bricklayer /tiler on buildings such as the Robert Menzies building at Monash University in Clayton and various buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Assunta on the other hand put her machine knitting skills to use working in factories doing piece machine knitting for various knitwear companies. The hours were long, the conditions were difficult, and travel was onerous without a car. After their 2 older children were born, it was decided that dad would leave the building trade and they would start their own made to order knitwear business. That way they could work from home and raise their family together. Mum taught dad everything he needed to know so he could operate the knitwear machinery. They purchased COPPO knitting machines from Italy and a Linking machine from Germany. Initially they had a knitwear shopfront in Bay Street Brighton where a store assistant would take the orders and client’s measurements and Assunta would then make the garments from a small workshop in their home. Unfortunately, the assistants were not skilled dressmakers and often measurements and orders were incorrectly taken. Assunta being the perfectionist and highly skilled machinist that she was, decided that she needed to oversee the entire process from meeting the client, to taking their order, right thru to the fittings and completion of the garment. It therefore made sense that they should close the shop front and run their business from their own home in Brighton and hence “Tina Knitwear” was born. Together, for more than 40 years they ran their very respected and successful business and were well known in the Bayside area. They specialised in made to order knitwear for both men and women using mainly pure wool (from Patons, Wangaratta Mills, Japan and Italy) but also lurex and estacel. Over those years, many of their clients became their close friends. It wasn't unusual for clients to come to order garments and then end up in the kitchen chatting over a cup of Italian espresso coffee and homemade biscuits. Some of their clients were especially memorable and became lifelong friends. Mrs Connell was a dear friend of mum’s, each year she would buy tickets for the “Gown of the Year” fashion show. She would insist on taking Assunta and her 2 daughters so that we could see the latest fashions. Then there was their dear friend Ms Griffiths. She had been a Matron nurse at the Queen Victoria Hospital when she met my parents in the 1970s. She returned to live in New Zealand in the 1980s but came back to Melbourne every year to stay for 2 weeks with the sole purpose of visiting my parents (she adored them) and order garments. For those 2 solid weeks, mum and dad would only knit for Ms Griffiths and she would go back to New Zealand with at least 5 or 6 new outfits. I actually think she enjoyed mum’s homemade pasta almost as much as her new clothes! Over the years, my parents learnt to speak English very well given that majority of their clients were not Italian speaking. Their oldest child John born in 1960 learnt to speak English with the help of those clients who were such a big part of our childhood. Mum and dad always went above and beyond to ensure their clients were satisfied. Mum was an absolute perfectionist and it showed in her attention to detail and the quality of their beautiful work. You only need to look at the garments that have stood the test of time or speak to their clients to know that this is true. Their clients would always comment on how well their clothes would last and much of their clients came via word of mouth and recommendations. Occasionally there would be disagreements because mum had found an error in dad's knitting (either a wrong stitch or a sizing mistake mainly) and would ask him to redo a piece, he would argue back saying that it was fine, but we always knew who would win the argument and that the piece would get remade! Similarly, we recall discussions where mum would ask dad to find a particular colour of wool in the garage where the stock was kept. He would try to convince her that they were out of stock of that colour and that the client should choose a different colour. She would insist they had it and then after hours of searching, he would return into the house sheepishly holding the wool! Our childhood is full of beautiful memories of mum and dad always being present, clients coming and going, mum humming her favourite songs as she worked often late into the night and sometimes, we even fell asleep to the hum of the machinery. They put their heart and soul into "Tina Knitwear" and took pride in providing only the best quality garments for their clients. In Italian there is a saying “lei ha le mani d’oro” which literally translated means “she has hands of gold”. Franco enjoyed his work but for Assunta, it was more than just work and there is no better way to describe her skills, passion and dedication to her machine knitting… she truly did have “hands of gold”. We will forever be grateful that our parents’ life journey gave us the opportunity to live in a home filled with creativity, dedication and passion, amazing work ethic and mutual respect, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of love. Forrest green skirt shaped with darts and has an elastic waistband. Has a brown silky lining. knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Sign, Plant Label
Large plant label that can be inserted in the ground. Shaped metal with plastic embossed label stuck onRosaceae. Filipenula hexapetalaplants, labels, identification -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Medal, Stokes and Son, Eaglehawk Football Club, 1925
Established in 1880, the Eaglehawk Football Club was one of the first teams to join the Bendigo Football League and to date the senior team has won twenty eight premierships, the most of any team in the league. The Eaglehawk colours are represented by two blues, the light blue of Oxford University and dark blue of Cambridge University which is represented on this pin in the coloured enamel. This pin issued in 1925 commemorates Eaglehawk Football Club's 1924 win which was played at Kennington Oval against Rochester. Final scores were 14.17.101 to 8.9.57. The Bendigo Football League formally known as the Sandhurst Football Association was formed in 1881 and over the decades has grown to include some of the longest established teams in Australia including Castlemaine (formed 1859 - joined 1925) and Kyenton (formed1875 - joined 1947). The local municipal councils worked with the League to provide playing fields for the competition and the Upper Reserve now known as the Queen Elizabeth Oval continues to host many League games. In 1928 at the annual dinner it was noted by the Bendigo Football League that the 'grounds were not all that could be desired, but that they were getting along well with the councils'. Mayor Batchelder responded saying that the council realised that 'the League was a major tenant and was out to do its best for them'. (1) (FN The Riverine Herald, Fri 19 Oct 1928 Page 1). The City of Greater Bendigo continues to work with the various leagues to provide playing fields for competitions as well as supporting the emerging of football and netball clubs and the introduction of women's football teams which has seen great changes to traditionally male dominated football clubs. Diamond shaped commemorative medal with circular scroll. Football sits inside inner diamond shape. front; Eaglehawk Football Cub 1925 / Premiers / 1924 verso; Stokes & Sons / Melbbendigo football league, city of greater bendigo community groups, borough of eaglehawk, making a nation exhibition, city of greater bendigo sport -
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch
Pips Rank Lieutenant
These Rank Pips were presented to Dick Nankervis on his appointment as an Officer2 metal rank insignia pips diamond shaped Lieutenant with mounting pin holders on the reversemetal, pips, rank -
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch
Domestic object - Candlestick Brass
Purported to be trench art by donor; however this is refuted because the items appear mass produced. Artillery shell casing do not come in that thickness. Items acquired by Pte B.A. Bristow 58848 6th London Regiment Machined column shaped candlestick in solid brass with hollowed out portion on top to hold the candle -
University of Melbourne, School of Chemistry
Squat Beakers
Examples of squat beaker shaped heavy glass containers, cut down from other bottles -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Plaque - Presentation Plaque, 4 Task Force Green Trophy for Volleyball, 1969
Shield shaped varnished wooden plaque with a Royal Australian Infantry hat badge located in the centre. "TASK FORCE GREEN TROPHY *FOR VOLLEYBALL* 1969 6RVR 1970 1 SUB-DEPOT 11BOD 1971 1RVR 1972 1973 1974 1975" painted in gold on the face of the plaqueplaque, 6rvr, task force green, wark vc club, infantry' -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Plaque - Presentation Plaque, Officer Cadet Training Unit
Shield shaped plaque made of varnished timber. A large gold coloured badge is affixed to the front.officer cadets, wark vc club, plaque -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Plaque - Presentation Plaque, Royal Australian Survey Corps
Shield shaped plaque made of varnished timber with a large RASC badge affixed to its frontrasvy, rae, plaque, wark vc club -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Plaque - Presentation Plaque, K89, 1989
Shield Shaped Plaque with black and silver square metal badge with K89 logo on it attached to the front k89, army exercises, 5/6 rvr, wark vc club -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Plaque - Presentation Plaque, RAEME Adelaide WKSP COY, 1985
Presented to 1RVR in 1985Shield shaped wooden plaque with an engraved brass facing with a raised black and white magpie in the centre. RAEME ADELAIDE WKSP COY Presented to 1RVR Jan 85wark vc club, raeme, plaque -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Award - Presentation Plaque, 3RD DIVISION MILITARY SKILLS COMPETITION 1989, 1989
Presented to the winning section of the 1989 3rd Division Mil Skills Team Large shield shaped, vanished MDF plaque with engraved brass plates attached to its face3RD DIVISION MILITARY SKILLS COMPETITION 1989 OVERALL WINNING TEAM 5/6 RVR COMPOSITE TEAM Lt D. Laidlaw Sgt. D. Davis Pte N.R. Arnott Pte P. Bey Pte P.Davis Pte P. Dockery Pte S. McMaster5/6 rvr -
Trafalgar Holden Museum
Accessory - Equestrian spur - pair, Circa 1900
worn on the rear of boot to edge into the flank of the horse to help urge it forward.As manufactured and sold by Holden and Frost Ca 1900Metal U shaped boot mounted projection, straps for boot mounting buckled on toe of bootequine, spur -
Trafalgar Holden Museum
Container - Glass medicine jar, 1890's
Jar containing a liquid for the treatment of Horses and cattleWe believe item was imported and sold by Holden and FrostGeometrically shaped glass jar sealed screw lid paper label wrapped around jarKendall's Spavin Treatment alcohol 41% A counter irritant methodequine, medication -
Mont De Lancey
Dish, Circa 1900
Blue and white floral patterned, oval shaped serving dish. Grindley China "Brussels" design. serving dishes -
Mont De Lancey
Tape measure, J. Rabone & Sons
Tin tape measure in circular-shaped brass covering. Has a metal ring at the end. rusty. tape measures, measuring instruments -
Mont De Lancey
Glass bottle
Glass bottle with greenish-blue tinge, a pointed-shaped bottom and a thickened rim at the top with no stopperNone -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Souvenir Glass Ashtray Wodonga, Victoria
A wide range of small china or glass pieces carrying scenic views of holiday destinations or key locations were a popular kind of souvenir during much of the 20th century. Several different items have been produced to commemorate Wodonga and its landmarks over time. These items document key changes in Wodonga and its heritage. This ashtray showcases a photo of High Street, Wodonga, VictoriaThis item has local historic and social significance as it depicts which features of the city the community valued in the past. It has artistic significance as an example of the kinds of souvenirs used widely across Australia to represent communities and the landscape.An oval shaped glass ashtray, incorporating a sepia print image of High Street, Wodonga, Victoriawodonga victoria, souvenir, high street wodonga, ash trays -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Corkscrew, 1930s or after
The design of the corkscrew may have been derived from the gun worm, which was a device from at least the early 1630s, used by men to remove unspent charges from a musket's barrel in a similar fashion. The corkscrew is possibly an English invention, due to the tradition of beer and cider, and the 'Treatise on Cider' by John Worlidge in 1676 describes "binning of tightly corked cider bottles on their sides", although the earliest reference to a corkscrew is, "steel worm used for the drawing of Corks out of Bottles" from 1681. In 1795, the first corkscrew patent was granted to the Reverend Samuel Henshall, in England. The clergyman affixed a simple disc, now known as the Henshall Button, between the worm and the shank. The disc prevents the worm from going too deep into the cork, forces the cork to turn with the turning of the crosspiece, and thus breaks the adhesion between the cork and the neck of the bottle. The disc is designed and manufactured slightly concave on the underside, which compresses the top of the cork and helps keep it from breaking apart. The winged corkscrew, sometimes called a cork extractor, butterfly corkscrew, owl corkscrew, Indian corkscrew, or angel corkscrew, has two levers, one on either side of the worm. As the worm is twisted into the cork, the levers are raised. Pushing down the levers draws the cork from the bottle in one smooth motion. The most common design has a rack and pinion connecting the levers to the body. The head of the central shaft is frequently modified to form a bottle opener, or foil cutter, increasing the utility of the device. Corkscrews of this design are particularly popular in household use. In 1880, William Burton Baker was issued British Patent No. 2950 for his double lever corkscrew, with both levers sliding onto the upper end of the shank. The first American patent was in 1930 granted to the Italian Domenico Rosati who emigrated to Chicago, Illinois, to work as bartender before prohibition. Rosati's design had an exposed rack and pinion mechanism. Such design was adapted by other brands as the wine-market grew in popularity. The winged owl version, with two side-plates covering the rack and pinion mechanism, was first designed and manufactured in 1932 by the Spanish industrial designer David Olañeta for his brand BOJ and was later adopted by others, such as the 1936 US Patent No. 98,968 by Richard Smythe marked HOOTCH-OWL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CorkscrewThis object is significant as an example of an item in common use in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and that was developed further in the 1930s.Winged corkscrew with a T-shaped wooden handle, metal spring and worm-wheel screw section.None.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, corkscrew, beverages, kitchen equipment, bottle opener -
Clunes Museum
Equipment - GLASS FLASK AND GLASS FUNNEL, SCHOTT & GEN. JENA
.1 GLASS FLASK .2 LARGE CLEAR GLASS THISTLE SHAPED FUNNEL WITH ETCHED INSCRIPTION.1 JENAER SUPRAX GLAS .2 SCHOTT & GEN. JENA 1584Lglassware, funnel, scientific laboratory equipment -
Linton and District Historical Society Inc
Badge, K.G. Luke, Melbourne, Treasurer, Linton and District Bowling Club
This badge belonged to Selwyn Morgan who was the first treasurer of Linton & District Bowling Club. Donated to Linton & District Historical Society by the Morgan family in 2009.Dark blue and gold, diamond-shaped metal badge, attached to dark blue bar with pin.On badge: "Linton & District Bowling Club". On bar: "Treasurer".badges, linton & district bowling club, selwyn morgan -
Linton and District Historical Society Inc
Ticket, Linton Football Club, Season 1961, 1961
Small, pale blue, shield-shaped ticket, gold printing. Printing on ticket is not quite straight.Text: " LINTON / FOOTBALL CLUB / Season 1961 / MEMBER'S TICKET. "linton football club, tickets -
Australian Lace Guild - Victorian Branch
Textile - Tape lace, Early 20th Century
Tape lace in the making. The lace is incomplete and still attached to the backing cloth. It is shaped - possibly as an edging for a tray cloth. Home made or hobby lace.Tape lace edging. Incomplete. Machine made tapes with needle made fillings. -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Bottle, R F Kennedy, c. 1893
This bottle was used in the pharmacy of R. F. Kennedy of Warrnambool. On the side of the bottle is the well-known Kennedy symbol of a lighthouse on a rocky cliff on the coast with ships in the distance. Richard Frank Kennedy (1826-1903) was born in England and came to Warrnambool in the early 1880s. He established a large pharmacy in Timor Street, with a retail, wholesale and manufacturing business. In 1891 he erected a new building which was described as one of the most elegant and best-stocked chemist shops in Victoria. Kennedy was active in Warrnambool community affairs and was a foundation member of the Warrnambool Bowls Club, being the first Vice-President and an early President. The business continued after Kennedy’s death, trading as’ R.F.Kennedy and Co.’ Richard Frank Kennedy was one of the most significant businessmen in Warrnambool in the late 19th century. The products of his business were sold all over Victoria and beyond. This bottle, although severely marked, is kept as an example of a Kennedy bottle. This is a clear glass bottle with a rectangular-shaped body with rounded edges, a circular-shaped neck and an open moulded top. There is no stopper. The name and logo of the chemist are on the side of the bottle and the name of the maker of the bottle is on the base. The bottle is completely encrusted inside with some unknown substance. ‘R. F. Kennedy Chemist Warrnambool’ ‘W.T & Co. U.S.A.’ ‘Pat. Jan 5 1892’ r. f. kennedy,, warrnambool chemist, chemists in warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Rocket Key, John Dennett, c. 1860s
This rocket launcher key was used with the Dennett's Rocket Launcher system to remove the end cap of the Dennett's Rocket to expose the propellant to be fused . Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. Rocket Rescue Method - Rocket rescue became the preferred lifesaving method of the rescue crews, being much safer that using a lifeboat in rough seas and poor conditions. The Government of Victoria adopted lifesaving methods based on Her Majesty’s Coast Guard in Great Britain. It authorised the first line-throwing rescue system in 1858. Captain Manby’s mortar powered a projectile connected to rope, invented in 1808. The equipment was updated to John Dennett’s 8-foot shaft and rocket method that had a longer range of about 250 yards. From the 1860s the breeches buoy and traveller block rocket rescue apparatus was in use. It was suspended on a hawser line and manually pulled to and from the distressed vessel carrying passengers and items. In the early 1870s Colonel Boxer’s rocket rescue method became the standard in Victoria. His two-stage rockets, charged by a gunpowder composition, could fire the line up to 500-600 yards, although 1000 yards range was possible. Boxer’s rocket carried the light line, which was faked, or coiled, in a particular way between pegs in a faking box to prevent twists and tangles when fired. The angle of firing the rocket to the vessel in distress was measured by a quadrant-type instrument on the side of the rocket machine. Decades later, in about 1920, Schermuly invented the line-throwing pistol that used a small cartridge to fire the rocket. . The British Board of Trade regularly published instructions for both the beach rescue crew and ship’s crew. It involved setting up the rocket launcher on shore at a particular angle, determined by the Head of the crew and measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a light-weight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A continuous whip line was then sent out to the ship’s crew, who hauled it in then followed the instructions – in four languages - on the attached tally board. The survivors would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line with a tail block connected to it. They then secured the block to the mast or other strong part the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the survivors fixed above the whip’s tail block. The hawser was then tightened by the crew pulling on it, or by using the hooked block on the shore end of the whip and attaching it to a sand anchor. The breeches buoy was attached to the traveller block on the hawser, and the shore crew then used the whip line to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. The rescue crew wore scarlet, numbered armbands and worked on a numerical rotation system, swapping members out to rest them. This rocket launcher key is a necessary part of the equipment for the the rocket launcher, which is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Key, part of the Rocket Rescue equipment. T shaped metal key, round handle across the top and hexagonal shaped shaft and square end. Used to remove the end cap of the Dennett's Rocket to expose the propellant to be fused . Donation from Ports and Harbour.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, tramway jetty, breakwater, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, lifeboat men, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, marine technology, rescue boat, lifeboat, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket apparatus, rocket rescue method, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, line throwing mortar, mortar, rocket rescue apparatus, line thrower, line throwing, lifeboat warrnambool, rocket house, rocket shed, rocket machine, rocket head, rocket launcher, rocket line, beach rescue set, rocket set, john dennett, rocket key, rocket launcher key, life saving -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Money box
Metal money boxes shaped like common familiar objects became a popular from the 18th century. In the 20th century they were used to promote and advertise events and businesses. In the 1950s money boxes shaped like a bank building were given away to children by their parents' bank to encourage them to save money. This money box was possibly used in an organisation such as the Missions to Seamen as a donation box, particularly as there is no means of easily opening the box or tampering with it.The money box is an example of a way of collecting money as a donation or contribution for an organisation or charity.Money box, rectangular polished wood money box with coin slot in the top and a blue felt fabric pad on the base. The base has a purple stamped inscription which is indecipherable. There is no obvious means of opening the box. The box has contents.Stamp (indecipherable)flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, money box, money safe, vintage money box, wooden money box, savings, donations, collection, contribution -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Mixed media - Video, RDHS Guest Speaker Presentation - A Taste of Australian Climate History - Don Garden
Digitised video (2.84GB). Duration: 43 minutes. Recorded October, 2019 (Video is available for viewing at Ringwood & District Historical Society Archives by appointment)Presenter: Don Garden, OAM FFAHS, FRHSV, historian and author, examins the history of climate in Australia as researched for his book "Droughts, Floods & Cyclones - El Ninos that Shaped our Colonial Past". -
Orbost & District Historical Society
padlocks, 1920's -1930's
Two small brass padlocks. 1847.1 is a brass heart-shaped lock with a small lever which covers the keyhole. It has a star pattern on the top right side. 1847.2 is rectangular shaped with the keyhole underneath. It has the word YALE inside a circle within a circle.padlock lock brass yale -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Bottle, R F Kennedy Chemist
This bottle was used in the pharmacy of R. F. Kennedy of Warrnambool. It has on it the well-known Kennedy symbol of a lighthouse on a rocky cliff on a coastline with ships in the distance. Richard Frank Kennedy (1826-1903) was born in England and came to Warrnambool in the early 1880s. He established a large pharmacy in Timor Street with a retail, wholesale and manufacturing business. In 1891 he erected a new building which was described as one of the most elegant and best-stocked chemist shops in Victoria. Kennedy was active in Warrnambool community affairs and was a foundation member of the Warrnambool Bowls Club, being its first Vice-President and an early President. The business continued after Kennedy’s death, trading as ‘R.F.Kennedy and Co.’ Richard Frank Kennedy was one of the most significant businessmen in Warrnambool in the late 19th century. The products of his chemist shop and factory were distributed all over Victoria and beyond. This item is a very good example of a Kennedy bottle. This is a small clear glass bottle used in the pharmacy of R.F. Kennedy. It has a rectangular-shaped body with rounded edges, a circular-shaped neck and a circular top moulded over the neck. There is no stopper. The name and logo of the chemist are embossed on the side of the bottle and the name of the maker is on the base. ‘R.F. Kennedy Chemist Warrnambool’ ‘W.T & Co. U.S.A.’ ‘Pat. Dec. 11 1894’ r.f. kennedy, warrnambool chemist, chemists in warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Container, Ink Wells
These ink wells have been used in the Warrnambool business of Swintons Pty Ltd in the mid 20th century. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool area, erecting many buildings, including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a store in Timor Street, Warrnambool, selling groceries, hardware, glassware and china. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Cudgee, Nullawarre, Wangoom, West Warrnambool and South Warrnambool. After William Swinton died his son became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split, with George Swinton and Sons selling clothing, furnishings and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling produce, seeds and hardware. Today the Swinton family still operates a store in Timor Street, selling furniture and bedding. These ink wells are of interest as examples of the office equipment used by the firm of Swintons Pty Ltd in the mid 20th century. The current Swinton store in Timor Street is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the name Swinton associated with businesses in Timor Street, it is amongst the oldest family businesses in Australia. These are two black Bakelite ink wells. They have a rectangular-shaped base with a curved top with a rectangular-shaped container at the top for holding ink. The ink container has a sliding top which is worked by means of a small mechanism or button sliding up and down in a slot. swinton family, warrnambool, history of warrnambool