This booklet has been produced in April 1902 for the Government of Victoria under the direction of the Minister for Agriculture, Hon John Morrissey M.L.A. It contains articles on agriculture in Victoria, including the dairying industry in the Western District. This journal is of some interest because of the photographs and information on dairying in the Western District in the early 20th century, including dairy inspection, milking controls in Koroit, prize-winning cows at Koroit and dairy bacteriology. This is a soft cover booklet of 102 pages - pages 350 to 452 of Part 4 of a journal published regularly (monthly?). The back cover is missing. The front cover is black and white and has an inset of a photograph showing wheat harvesting. The booklet is bound with cotton thread and shows rust where the thread is tied, perhaps from metal staples now removed. The cover has a slight tear and there is some staining throughout the pages. The booklet contains maps, diagrams, sketches and black and white photographs. dairying in the western district, koroit dairying, warrnambool history

This journal has been produced in 1905 for the Government of Victoria under the direction of the Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. George Swinburne, M.L.A. It has articles on agriculture in Victoria, including an article on how to increase and improve our dairy products and an article on the Grasmere Butter Factory. This journal produced in 1905 is of considerable interest because it has an article on the inspection of the Grasmere Butter Factory and the resultant erection of a new building on the site. Dairying is a major industry in the Warrnambool area and this journal contains important historical information and photographs.This is a soft cover journal of 68 pages (pages 482 to 550 in Part 7 of a journal). The front cover has a black and white photograph of a wheat harvesting scene. The back cover is missing. The first two pages have advertisements for insurance and banking firms. The journal contains black and white photographs and statistics tables. The pages show considerable silverfish damage. The journal is bound with cotton thread and rust marks show where metal staples may have been removed. grasmere butter factory, dairying in the western district, warrnambool history

This is a first edition copy of the Victorian School Readers (Eighth Book) issued by the Education Department of Victoria. These readers were first published in 1928 and became standard texts for all school children up to Year Eight. They complemented the School Paper which had been published monthly for different year levels since the end of the 19th century. Both the Readers and the School Papers were in widespread use until the late 1940s and the early 1950s. William McCullagh and his wife Margaret had the property Oak Grove at Yangery at the end of the 19th century and in the early decades of the 20th century. Yangery is an agricultural area situated between Woodford and Koroit. There is a record of Silvie Jean McCullagh (parents – William and Margaret) born in 1914 and this is probably the person who owned and used this reader. This book is of interest not only because it is a first edition copy of one of the well-known Victorian School Readers but also because it was connected to the McCullagh family of Oak Grove, Yangery. This is a hard cover book of 260 pages. The cover was originally a burnished brown colour but the book has been covered with a mottled patterned cloth material (red, green and brown). The cover is partly torn off at the bottom of the spine. The book has poetry and prose extracts and includes many black and white sketches, maps, photographs and illustrations. The inscription and some other annotations throughout the book are handwritten in pencil. ‘Sylvia McCullagh, Oak Grove, Yangery, Dennington P. Office’ history of warrnambool, oak grove, yangery, mccullagh family, school readers

This book has the signature of Joseph Ware of Minjah, Caramut, Victoria. Joseph Ware came, with his parents, from England to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) in 1822. With his brother, Jeremiah, he came to the Port Phillip Colony (Victoria) in 1838 and settled in the Colac area (Wooriwyrite and Koort-Koort-Nong stations). With his brothers or alone Joseph then held the runs of Minjah, Mustons Creek (Barwidgee), Sinclair West and Springburn. Joseph Ware was a highly successful pastoralist, breeding sheep, cattle and horses and importing Shorthorn cattle. Ware was connected with Minjah from 1845 to his death in 1895. The homestead at Minjah which still stands today was built by Joseph Ware in 1870. This book is of interest because of its antiquarian nature. But it is far more important because it was once the property of Joseph Ware. He and his brothers were most influential pastoralists in South Western Victoria in the 19th century. This is a hard cover book of 630 pages. It has a Preface, an Introduction, five Books with Chapters on the history of Greece and an Index. The cover is dark brown leather, now stained and mottled, with ‘Robertson’s Greece’ embossed in red and gold lettering on the spine. The top of the first page has been cut out and there is considerable staining throughout the book. There is one insert map of ancient Greece and some scribble (perhaps a signature) on the first and last pages. The inscription is handwritten in black ink. ‘Joseph Ware, Minjah, Caramut’ ‘Dec.24…’ ware brothers, joseph ware, minjah, pioneers of s.w. victoria

This book contains poems written by Lindsay Russell. This was the pen name of Ethel Stonehouse (1883-1964) who was born in Nhill, Victoria and published verse, short stories and novels. She gained a national reputation for her novels, many of which were controversial at the time, dealing with rebellious women and they were often critical of some aspects of the Catholic Church. Her first novel, ‘Smouldering Fires’ sold 100,000 copies in Australia alone. In 1914 Ethel Stonehouse married Dr John Scott and came to live in Mortlake, Victoria. ‘The Caravan of Dreams’ was her last publication. This book is of considerable significance as a book of original poems by Lindsay Russell, an Australian author who lived in the local area (Mortlake). The book was printed at the Terang Express newspaper office in 1923. This is a soft cover book of 32 pages. It has a dark blue cover with a border at the top and bottom of the front cover and black printing. The ornate borders are repeated throughout the pages. The book contains 28 poems. The cover is a little stained. lindsay russell (ethel stonehouse), history of mortlake, australian literature, warrnambool history

This replica booklet documenting the details of the winning races by the thoroughbred racehorse Phar Lap shows the continuing interest today in the exploits of Phar Lap in the 1930s. Phar Lap captured the imagination of the Australian public during the Great Depression with his 37 wins from 51 starts, including a Melbourne Cup. He died in the USA in 1932 in controversial circumstances. At the time he was the third highest stakes winner in the world. His preserved hide is on display at the Melbourne Museum.This booklet is of some interest as Phar Lap is Australia’s best known racehorse. The booklet could be used in exhibits.This is a small booklet of 48 pages containing the details of the racehorse Phar Lap’s 37 race victories in the years 1930, 1931 and 1932. It has a reproduction colour image on the front cover of a painting of Phar Lap and his jockey from the 1930 Melbourne Cup Day Official Programme. This is a reproduction of the original booklet, published by Toohey's Brewery.Front cover –Phar Lap Collection and Melbourne Cup Day, Official Programme Back cover –Tooheys, Estd. 1869 australian horse racing,, phar lap, melbourne

Mechanics Institutes were first established in the 19th century in Scotland and England to improve the education of working class men and to instruct them in their various trades. In Australia Mechanics’ Institutes were set up in the late 1920s with the first one in Melbourne dating from 1839. The Institutes in Victoria were (and some still are) a feature of Victorian country towns, usually consisting of a hall containing a Library and in bigger centres art class rooms and other recreation areas. The Woodford Mechanics’ Institute was established in 1861, enlarged in 1868 and burnt down in 1917.This seal is of major interest as it is the only seal we have of Mechanics’ Institutes in our district. These Mechanics’ Institutes were very important in the educational and social development of Victorian country towns. This is a seal or stamp made of brass and attached to a wooden handle. The wood on the handle is of a dark colour and is urn-shapedStamp - Woodford Mechanics Institutemechanics’ institutes, woodford, early mechanic institute seal

An invitation to the 80th birthday celebrations of Elizabeth O’Callaghan, a life member of the Historical Society and prolific author of many of the society’s publication.Fawn coloured card with green backing paper. Peacock emblem on bottom. Printed with names hand written.elizabeth o'callaghan

Alexander Black was a painter and decorator who operated a business in Timor St below Swinton’s. This ledger shows the items typically sold by the painting and decorating trade as well as names of local people and businesses such as T Redford, PJ McGennan, Smith Bakery, Sheldrick Brewery, and Co, Mr. Plowright and Victorian Railways and Gas works.This ledger provides a snapshot of daily life in the early 1900’s and documents the type of work completed by tradesman and their associated costs. It lists a number of people and organizations which are of historical interest to Warrnambool and district.Long thin rectangular ledger book. Worn dark aqua cardboard cover with black binding. Handwritten entries occupy three quarters of the ledger with line drawn through each entry. The entries relate to goods sold. Year written at top of page and dated in left hand column. warrnambool, warrnambool painters and decorators, black painters warrnambool,

This book contains information on all known Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes were organizations formed originally to improve the education of working men and to instruct them in their various trades. The first Institutes were established in London and Manchester in the 1820s and in Australia the first Institutes were set up in New South Wales and Tasmania in the late 1820s, with the first one in Melbourne in 1839. Mechanics’ Institutes were set up in Victorian country towns, in many cases, soon after the settlements were founded. This book is of some importance as a reference book as it gives information on all known Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria and there were many in the Warrnambool region. The Mechanics’ Institutes were important centres for local adult education and recreation. The book will therefore be of great use to readers of local history and researchers. This is a hard cover book of 704 pages. It has many photographs, mostly black and white, and other images related to Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. It has a Contents page, Foreword, Dedications, a story entitled ‘Dingo Flat’, Preface, Introduction, Acknowledgements and articles on hundreds of Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria, whether closed or still existing. The front cover has two black and white photographs and the title and the back cover has images from two Mechanics’ Institutes. The authors are Pam Baragwanath and Ken James.Front Cover: ‘These Walls Speak Volumes’, ‘A History of Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria, ‘Pam Baragwanath and Ken James’mechanics’ institutes in victoria

The Loch Ard had left England in March 1878 and 90 days later on June 1st it was approaching the coast of Victoria when it wrecked off the coast near Port Campbell at what was to become known as Loch Ard Gorge. Two people survived, Eva Carmichael and Tom Pearce. While much has been recorded about the survivors, this is the first publication which looks at the other 51 people on board. This book lists where they came from, family histories and lists internet references for further information. Some of the names listed are Yates, Stuckey, Jones, Rolleston, Godby, Mitchell, Fax, Hunt and Giles.An interesting insight into an aspect of the Wreck of the Loch Ard which has been previously unknown. Written by local authors.Soft card cover with coloured aerial photograph of Loch Ard Gorge Title in brown with sub title in white. Authors name in white on brown strip at bottom of cover. The back cover has blurb written in panel imposed over photo of Loch Ard Gorge looking seaward. 160 pages.Authors Carlyn and Ron Sproston.warrnambool, loch ard, lost of the loch ard, loch ard gorge,

This is a printed invitation to the opening of an exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ballarat in June 2015. The exhibition was of the art works and calligraphy of James Meek. It was curated by Joan Luxemburg who is writing a book on James Meek’s life and work. James Meek was an important 19th century fisherman, fish curer, accountant, writer, gold explorer and calligrapher. His art works are prized for their historical content and their illustrations of the work of a calligrapher at its best. This card is important as it concerns the art works of James Meek. He was important in the history of Ballarat, Peterborough and Warrnambool in the 19th century. In the latter town he was a well-known punt operator, a gold explorer, a writer and lecturer and a fish company operator. Several of his important calligraphy works were produced in Warrnambool. This is a lightweight cardboard card printed on both sides with printed material, logos of sponsors and an image of a section of one of James Meek’s sketches. ‘The Inimitable Mr Meek’james meek, art gallery of ballarat, joan luxemburg

This letter certifies that substantial and permanent improvements have been made to land in the Parish of Tallangatta Lot 50, which is near Allansford. The lease was to Charles Stonehouse.Part of a collection of letters relating to the Bostock family.Blue lined foolscap size sheet with writing in black ink. Writing is sideways on the backSigned by J M Grant, S Hopkinsallansford, charles stonehouse, james carlisle

This watch belonged to Norman Borthwick of Ecklin, who, with his wife and two children, Janet, aged 7 and Jack, aged 6, were survivors of the sinking of the cruise boat, Nestor, on the Hopkins River in January 1921. The boat was on its regular trip from the Hopkins River boatsheds to Jubilee Park with 80 passengers. Ten people were drowned when the boat began to take water and sank about a kilometre upstream. Norman Borthwick was wearing the watch at the time and the hands have stopped at 5.20 p.m. on the day of the tragedy. A hero of the day was Constable Sharrock who drowned after saving the lives of several of those on boardThis watch is of great significance as it is an item that belonged to Norman Borthwick who was wearing the watch when he survived the sinking of the Nestor in the Hopkins River in 1921. This was one of the great tragic incidents in Warrnambool in the early 20th centuryThis is a Swiss-made watch made of gunmetal with a glass face and a metal winder at the top and a ring to attach the watch to a chain. The figures are Roman numerals and there is a separate minute hand dial. The watch is much rusted and is not able to be easily opened to see the mechanism. The gold-coloured hands point to the time of 20 past 5. The face of the watch is discoloured on the right hand side.‘Le Duc, Swiss made’nestor sinking, norman borthwick, constable sharrock

These two volumes are seminal historical writings published in 1888. The author of Volume One is Alexander Sutherland (1852-1902), described as ‘a forgotten Australian intellectual’. Born in Scotland, Sutherland was a teacher, poet, biographer, novelist, scientist, philosopher and journalist. In 1902 he was the Registrar of Melbourne University and he was the Secretary of the Royal Society of Victoria. With his brother, George, he wrote a history of Australia and New Zealand which sold 100,000 copies, the first best-selling Australian history. His book, ‘The Origin and Growth of the Moral Instinct’ influenced Russian philosophical thought. This is a most significant book as it contains short biographical notes on a great number of early (19th century) residents of the Warrnambool district. As well as listing information on Warrnambool identities it includes information on residents of Purnim, Wangoom, Dennington, Panmure, Garvoc, Framlingham, Winslow, Yangery, Woodford, Mailors Flat, Grasmere, Bushfield and Allansford. It is a great resource for researchers today. The two volumes also contain illustrations pertaining to the areas around Warrnambool and are of great historical as well as artistic interest. These are two volumes of ‘Victoria and Its Metropolis’. They are leather bound with a black cover, heavily ornamented in gold around the edges of the cover and with the printed material also in gold lettering in an ornamental pattern. The spine of the covers are brown with gold ornamental patterns and printing. Volume One has 594 pages with 258 illustrations , all black and white and this volume contains writings on the early days of the colony up to 1888 and chapters on the arts, churches, education, industries, science etc. in Victoria. Volume Two has 822 pages with many black and white illustrations and chapters on the regions in Victoria and biographical notes on the pioneer settlers of these districts. Both volumes are in a very tattered condition with many loose pages and the leather binding much torn and with some parts missing. Volume One cover: ‘Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present’ Volume One spine: ‘Victoria and its Metropolis, Vol. 1’ Volume Two Cover: ‘Victoria and its Metropolis, Past and Present’’ Volume Two Spine: ‘Victoria and its Metropolis, Vol. 2’ 19th century victorian history, victorian pioneer settlers, alexander sutherland

This book tells the story of the Rev. William Hamilton (1807-1879), a pioneer Presbyterian Minister in the Western District. He studied at Glasgow University, became a Presbyterian Minister and came to Australia in 1837. He spent some time in the Goulburn area in N.S.W and then moved to Kilnoorat in Victoria in 1846, building a manse and a church at Darlington and later two churches at Mortlake. He retired from active ministry in 1873. This book is significant in that it was written by a Presbyterian Minister in 1946 and gives details of the life and work of a local pioneer Presbyterian minister, the Rev. William Hamilton. It is a rare book.This is a small paper back book of eight pages with a mottled green cover with a blank back and a black and white photograph of Rev. William Hamilton on the front. The pages include printed material and three more black and white photographs. The pages have been stapled but the rusty staples have been removed. Front cover: ‘The Pioneer of Presbyterianism in the Western District, Rev. William Hamilton, by Rev. H. Clark, M.C, M.A., Terang, 1947’presbyterianism in the western district rev., william hamilton

No information is available on this item but heel protectors were commonly used by householders in the early to mid 20th century to protect shoes from scuffing and damage caused by the wear and tear of frequent use. The protectors were usually put on the boots or shoes by a member of the family. They were commonly used until the 1950s. This item is of some interest as an example of the custom in the early 20th century of using heel protectors on boots and shoes. It is a useful display item. This is a metal object in the shape of a shoe heel (semi-spherical). It has five holes to put in screws to attach to the heel of a shoe or boot. It is silver in colour and has grooves across the surface to prevent slipping. heel protector, shoe

This map possibly relates to land of John Bostock at Preston, Delatite. Part of a collection of papers relating to the Bostock family one of the earliest pioneering families in Warrnambool.Cream coloured map printed in black with sections coloured in pink. Plan of subdivision of part of crown allotments 15 and 17 and part of Preston pre- emptive right, Parish of Wappan, County of Delatite.warrnambool,bostock,augustus bostock map, delatite map,district of wappan map,

This book, published in New South Wales in 1910, is a handbook for ambulance personnel. It belonged to ‘J. Brennan’ but this person has so far not been identified. This book is of strong antiquarian interest but its significance to Warrnambool and district has not yet been established. This is a brown leather-covered book of 275 pages. The front of the cover has gold lettering. The book has a preface, 18 chapters with many illustrations and an index. The inscription is handwritten in black ink. There is one fold-out page showing the arteries of the body. The cover is somewhat scuffed on the edges. ‘J.Brennan’ ambulance handbook, j. brennan

This book is a 19th Century treatise on aids to navigation. It belonged to John Cowtan who held land near the Cassady's Bridge area in Caramut Road today (he was related to the Cassady family) and who is mainly important in the history of Port Fairy. Captain John Cowtan was a ship's master for John Griffiths and a Launceston entrepreneur and ship owner between 1839 and 1844. In 1847 he went into partnership with John Bland, establishing a merchant's business with riverside buildings at the Port Fairy wharf. He left Port Fairy in the 1860s. The date of John Cowtan's signature in this book is 1849 (certainly a very early one in our history) and inside the front cover he has written notes about the local weather, mainly as it affected sailing conditions in late 1849 and early 1850. These notes are of great historical interestThis book is of great interest because it belonged to a Port Fairy historical figure and because of the hand written weather notes inside the front cover. This is a hard covered,leather bound book of 680 pages. It contains printed text, illustrations, tables, maps and sketches.One page is torn Some pages are stained. . J Cowtan 1849john cowtan, port fairy

This book belonged to James and Catherine McGinness (both names are in the book). James McGinness (1842-1905) came to the Framlingham area in the 1870s and married Catherine Taafe in 1880. Members of the McGinness families had been involved in hotelkeeping in the Purnim district. James and Catherine McGinness had a farm at Framlingham (including the breeding of horses) with the property known as Riverview. The farm and derelict remnants of the house still exist today. The youngest son of James and Catherine was Paul McGinness, a hero of two World Wars and the founder of the airline Qantas. The original spelling of the surname was ‘McGuinness’ but James altered the spelling to avoid confusion over names with his brother John. This book is of interest because it belonged to the McGinness family of Riverview, Framlingham. Several of the names in the book are marked, especially those of ‘McGuinness’ showing that perhaps the McGinness family of Framlingham had expectations of claiming some of the money listed as unclaimed. This is a hard cover book of 472 pages. At the back of the book are several pages giving addresses of lawyers and opinions of the Press. The cover is red with an embedded pattern on the front cover and gold lettering on the front cover and the spine. The inscriptions are handwritten in blue and black ink. The book contains names of those deceased persons and/or their heirs who have appeared in advertisements regarding unclaimed money. There are several coloured insert sheets in the book with copies of letters of thanks sent by grateful readers. The cover is very stained and torn at the edges. ‘C. McGinness Framlingham’ ‘James McGinness Framlingham’ james and catherine mcginness, paul mcginness, history of framlingham, history of warrnambool

This stock measurer would have been used on a farm during the first half of the 20th century. A similar item with decimal measurements may perhaps be used today though mechanized weighing machines are now available. This stock tape measure has no known local significance but it is an interesting item and has its place in the history of agriculture in the district. It will be useful for display. This is a glassfibre measuring tape (imperial measure) in a circular brass holder. The tape has a metal clip at the end. The tape is yellow on one side (measuring weight of pigs) and red on the other side (measuring weight of cattle). The holder has a winding mechanism on the top attached by a brass screw. There is a knob on the winder to hold while turning the winder to bring out the tape to the measurement required and to retract it back into the holder. The holder has a black ridged pattern around the sides. The maker’s marks are etched into the back of the container and printed on the tape. ‘We –Bo’ ‘Comb Maal” On tape: ‘We-Bo Made in Denmark’ ‘Live weight of pigs in lbs in relation to chest-measure in inches’ ‘Live weight of cattle in lbs in relation to chest-measure in inches’ stock tape measure, history of warrnambool, agricultural history

English currency before decimalisation in the 1970's consisted of pounds, shillings and pence with twelve pennies to the shilling and twenty shillings to the pound.Coins ranged from farthings which were one quarter of a penny through to pennies, threepence, sixpence, shillings ,half crowns and crowns. Most coins had a variety of common names such as a " bob" for a shilling a "quid for a pound and a tanner for a sixpence. This coin is the equivalent of five shillings and is known as a crown. The text around the obverse, "Victoria Dei Gratia 1844". On the reverse the text of Reg Fid Def"Britanniar translates as Queen of Britain and defender of the faith. This coin is one of the smaller denominations.A common currency coin which has social and historical significance.Round copper coin with flat edge. The The obverse has an image of the young Victoria with text around the edge.The reverse has an image of Brittania in a chariot.Dotted edge around the inside rim of both sides.BRITTANNIAR REG FID DEFon the reverse and Victoria Dei gratia on the obverse.english penny, 1854 penny

This letter has been written from France in 1917 by Private Edwin Johnson Carter to his friend Mrs Maggie Craig. It gives details of events in his life at the time – in the trenches in World War One. Private Edwin Johnson was a farmer from Nullawarre who enlisted in 1916 and served in France. He was drowned when the mail boat R.M.S. Leinster was torpedoed by a German submarine in the Irish Sea in October 1918. Private Johnson was returning from a visit to Ireland while on leave. This is an original letter from World War One It was written by a soldier from Nullawarre and has a particular poignancy as he writes: “My work brings me in contact with all that hurts in war. I am somewhat calm to it now but if I am spared to return I fear it shall be my nightmare.” He did not return but we have this letter to remind us of the horrors men such as Private Carter endured. This is an envelope containing a letter of two pages sent by a soldier on active service in France in World War One. Both the envelope and the letter are buff-coloured. The envelope has an image of an Australian Military Forces Y.M.C.A. logo, a Post Office stamp and a Censor stamp. The address is handwritten in pencil. The letter has an image of a Y.M.C.A. logo in red and black and the handwritten material is in pencil. Envelope: ‘On Active Service’ ‘Mrs Craig, Craiglea Trafalgar Victoria Australia’ Letter: ‘In the Field, France Dec 27 1917’world war one, private edwin carter, warrnambool history

This letter was written during World War One from France in 1916 by Private George McDowall to a friend Mrs Maggie Craig. Private George Francis Ernest McDowall was a farmer from Nirranda who enlisted in August 1915. He landed in Egypt in1916 and was transferred to the 8th Battalion. He was killed in action at Pozieres on 25 July 1916 and was buried in France. This letter is an original one and is an important relic from World War One – from a soldier from the Warrnambool area who did not return. The letter is headed ‘From my little dug-out in the trench in France’ and he wrote: ‘It is a great life this if one can only get through it’. He did not survive the war and was killed only two and a half months after this letter was written. This is a letter written from France in 1916 during World War One. It is handwritten in pencil on buff-coloured paper. The paper has been folded and it is a little torn at the top. The page has some staining from age and handling. world war one, private george mcdowall, warrnambool history, world war 1 soldier's letter

This book contains passages from literature for use in the teaching of Pitman’s shorthand. Isaac Pitman (1813-1897) was an English educator who invented in 1837 the shorthand system named after him. Pitman’s shorthand was the most widely used shorthand system in the 19th century and early to mid 20th century. Pupils studying commercial subjects learned Pitman’s shorthand until it was replaced in the second half of the 20th century in Victorian State schools by Dacomb’s shorthand system. No information has been found on D. Vickers.This book is of interest as an example of the type of shorthand tcxt books used early in the 20th century. It is useful for display.This is a soft cover book of 63 pages. It has a green cover with blue binding and black printing on the front cover with a printed signature of Isaac Pitman enclosed by an ornamental border. The back page has printed information about other Isaac Pitman books. The front cover has a circular black and green label pasted on. The pages are slightly detached from the binding. The inscription is handwritten in black ink and pencil.‘D.McK. Vickers’ pitman’s shorthand, history of education

This box is a decorative item made to be used in the household. It could have held cigars or jewellery items. This box has been an attractive item but it has no known local provenance. It will be useful for display. This is a rectangular-shaped wooden box which has been reinforced with metal inserts. It has metal hinges and a locking mechanism with a keyhole lined with metal. There is no key. The box is completely covered, except for the base, with inlaid material consisting of small black pieces and triangular-shaped white pieces, possibly bone. The inlaid material forms a decorative pattern around the box. Portions of the decoration are missing and some other parts broken away. history of warrnambool, household items, cigar box

This is a high-quality item and would have been used in a household in affluent circumstances. The firm of James Dixon and Sons of Sheffield, England, was established in 1806 and ceased to operate in 1992. Candles were widely used for household lighting until the advent and availability of electric lighting from the 1920s onwards. This item has no known local provenance but is retained because it is fine example of a household item of the past.This is an electro-plated silver candlestick holder. The base is roughly circular (more hexagonal) with an embossed edge and a handle attached by welding. The candlestick holder is vase-shaped with a circular open top for inserting the candle. The circular top also has an embossed edge. Attached to the handle by a clip is a cone-shaped snuffer. The candle holder and snuffer have been used. On the bottom of the base are the name and symbol of the maker and five hallmarks. ‘Jas Dixon & Sons Sheffield’ ‘866 P W/B’ household lighting, history of warrnambool, silver candlestick, candlestick with snuffer

This is a standard British Army Pigeon Service Message Book which was issued to Australian Army units during World War One. This Pigeon Service Message Book has no known local provenance but it is a very interesting memento of World War One.This is a British Army Pigeon Service Message Book which consists of a number of sheets of paper stapled into a cardboard cover protected with black leatherette. The writing on the front cover is stencilled in white. The ends of the cover are held together by a black elastic strap. The strap has now lost its elasticity. Inside the front cover is a printed sheet indicating the use of the book and the care of the pigeons. There are two leatherette tubes attached to the back cover which would have held writing implements. The book material consists of a top sheet printed with space for the message details, and sheets of carbon paper for two copies of the message. There is a piece of cardboard backing the carbon paper. None of the message pages has been used. The staples have rusted and the sides of the paper material are stained. The cover is a little crumpled and dirty. ‘Army Book 418’ ‘Pigeon Service Message Book’ world war one, british army pigeon service message book

This child’s wash board, a play item, is possibly home-made. Wash boards for rubbing and washing clothes were common household clothes- washing items in Australia until the mid 20th century, along with wood coppers, washing troughs, copper sticks and simple wringers. By the 1950s and 60s washing machines were becoming more prevalent and the wash board was no longer a common item in households. This item is retained as an interesting example of a twentieth Century child's toy.This is a rectangular-shaped unpainted wooden wash board with clear rippled glass inserted in the centre and held in by four metal screws. The top of the board has a piece of the wood missing. household items, children’s toys