George Cox was in Gibraltar with the British Navy when he heard about "gold" in Australia. In his latter days, as the mailman, he was granted a fisherman's license which enabled him to build a hut on the foreshore below the Isle of Wight and eastward of the Jetty. This is shown in the photograph.Scene of beach and tongue of land leading to the beach. The Jetty shed is mostly obscured by trees. George Cox's hut is tucked into the sweep of corner on the foreshore, large trees behind it.The Rose Series P 673 Near the pier Cowes, Phillip Island, Victorialocal history, photographs, george cox's hut, cowes foreshore, sepia photograph, betty kus collection, george cox, mailman, foreshore hut, phillip island, bruce bennett

George Cox became the mailman ferrying to and fro Frankston to Phillip Island. He was granted a fisherman's license enabling him to live on the foreshore below the Isle Of Wight. Hut was roughly built of brick blocks and wood. He is dressed in cap, old trousers and coat over singlet.George Cox standing outside his hut right hand shading his eyes as he looks out to sea.local history, photographs, george cox, first mailman, phillip island, sepia photograph, mailman, arthur woodley, bruce bennett

Six coloured photographs from a collection donated by Julie Barnett. Photos taken and purchased on her In-law's honeymoon during November 1946.Six coloured photographs as follows: 01. The Nobbies, Phillip Island 02. Cowes foreshore with Pier and Ferry. 03. Suspension Bridge 04. Cowes Pier looking towards Jetty Shed and Isle of Wight Hotel 05. Cowes Cenotaph with pier, Jetty shed and ferry in background. 06. Cowes Pier at sunset.On back: 01. The Nobbies, Phillip Island 02. Pier and Ferry Boat, at Cowes 03. San Remo Bridge, Phillip Island 04. The Pier at Cowes 05. Memorial and Pier at Cowes 06. Sunset over the Pier, Cowesthe nobbies phillip island, cowes pier phillip island, suspension bridge phillip island, cenotaph cowes phillip island, julie barnett

The first kiln built on Phillip Island in the 1870's for Mr John West. It was situated in Thompson Avenue next to Wests General Store. When the kiln was demolished, the bricks were used to build the old Post Office on the corner of the Esplanade. Mr John West gave a Banquet at the Isle of Wight Hotel to celebrate the opening of his kiln.Water Colour Sketch. This picture was reconstructed by Jean Archibald from pencil sketches by S Serpell in 1905, and an artist who travelled to Phillip Island with the "Vagabond", a journalist for the "Leader", in 1889. Chicory Kiln built for John West situated in Main Street, Cowes. First Chicory Kiln built on Phillip Island in the 1870's.Signed J. D. A.local history, illustrations, agriculture buildings, historic, chicory kiln, water colour sketch, west family, post office cowes phillip island, jean archibald, s serpell, john west, n & j archibald

A group of twenty-two people seated and standing on the Cowes Jetty, which was built in 1870. Trolleys on iron rail were used to convey goods along the Jetty. Slightly obscured by people is the Jetty Shed, built in 1870 and now classified by National Trust. Beyond water and beach are trees and shrubs. One gap mid centre depicting The Isle of Wight Hotel - licensed in 1870 - and a large Norfolk Pine.Group waiting for ferry "Genista" on the Cowes Pier.Waiting for the Steamer on the Pier at Cowes, Phillip Islandlocal history, photographs, jetties, cowes, phillip island, colour tinted from black & white photograph, mary robb

Five of a collection of 12 photographs and postcards donated by Jill Palmer.Five black & white postcards taken around Phillip Island. 357-08: Looking from the Cowes Pier towards the Isle of Wight Hotel. Shows camel rides on the beach. 357-09: Bayview Guest House on The Esplanade, Cowes. 357-10: A koala and young on tree. 357-11: Penguins coming in at dusk at the Penguin Parade. 357-12: Broadbent's Official Map of Phillip Island.357-08: The Pier, Cowes. No. 9. 357-09: Photo Shop Series. Bayview Guest House. Cowes. 357-10: Native Bears (Koala) at Cowes No. 55B. 357-11: Photo Shop Series. Parade of the Penguins. Phillip Island. 357-12: Broadbent's Official Map. Phillip Island.cowes pier, cowes beach, wildlife - koalas, wildlife - penguins, bayview guest house cowes phillip island, map of phillip island

This hat has the brand name or model, ‘The Solent’ which is the name of the strait that separates the Isle of Wight from mainland England. Boater hats such as these were mostly worn for informal occasions and were usually associated with sporting events such as boating and sailing, particularly in Britain. Hats of this type were also part of the school uniform of some Australian schools, usually prominent private schools with a British tradition, in the first half of the 20th century and there may be some schools still using the style today. This boater is of interest as an example of the informal head gear worn by men in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It will be useful for display.This is a cream straw boater hat with a flat circular crown and round brim. The straw is stiffened and plaited. There is a black material band ending with a black bow around the base of the crown. The hat has brown leather internal lining with a cream cord insert for altering the inside size of the hat. Inside the hat is a printed shield with the maker’s details and some gold ornamentation with printed material. The Criterion Brand Reg. No. 15094 The Solent Extra Quality Copyright. vintage headware, history of warrnambool

Selection of 8 photographs taken at the Restoration Project of the Jetty Shed Cowes Pier. Donated by Anne Davie.Eight coloured photographs of the Cowes Jetty Shed building restoration in 1994. 1. Men working on the roof 2. Internal Walls 3. External walls, footings and steps. 4. Photo of shed without roof 5. External walls from west side 6. Men at work 7. View of shed without roof 8. Car park near Jetty Shed looking up to The Esplanade at Isle of Wight Hoteljetty shed cowes pier, jetty shed restoration, cowes pier phillip island, anne davie

They are addressed from a George to his wife Louie. WW1. Item in the collection re George Bailey Jackson, refer cat No 3446P for his service details.This is a purchased buckram book. On front it shows gold line dropping down froma horizontal bar. The tips of the gold lines show a Fleur De Lys on each tip. The phrase "Postcard Album" is also printed in gold. Inside are numerous pages cut with various slots to hold postcards. The postcards are brilliant, beautiful and awe inspiring - their colours, cottons etc. Most are sewn, some are hand painted. Some have intricate lace work.A lot of postcards have "To Louie from George" (Louie possibly his wife), Louie was c/o address Nth Ryde, Isle of Wight, England. An early card is addressed to Miss Louie Hobbs, Southampton, England. A lot are about the Army Service Corps.postcards, ww1, passchendaele barracks trust

Four of a collection of slides taken by Laurie Dixon. (Scanned by E Alexander) The new bridge was built in 1968.Four coloured photographs scanned from slides. Three aerial views. 273-01. Aerial view of the old and new bridges and Newhaven, San Remo and Churchill Island - extra close up of same photo. 273-02. Aerial view of the old and new bridges looking towards Cape Woolamai on the top right. 273-03. Aerial view of the Cowes Pier and township - extra close up of same photo. 273-04. Looking down the Cowes Pier towards the township with Isle of Wight Hotel in the background.273-03. Inscription on the slide: Cowes from the air Jan 1968.phillip island suspension bridge, two bridges phillip island, san remo, newhaven, laurie dixon, cowes pier, cowes pier phillip island

The Album was compiled by Nancy McHaffie late 1990's, with the assistance of Edith Jeffery's, with her book "Garden of Memories" and extensive knowledge of Phillip Island. The Cemetery lies back from the road and is surrounded by Manna Gums, rare Peppermint Gums, Blackwoods and other native trees. In all 25 acres of land were set aside as Crown Land in the land settlement of 1868. There are 6.2 acres of wetlands near the cemetery entrance.FANNY LAGAL (nee THOMPSON): Fanny arrived in Australia in the early 1920s. After her husband died she arrived on Phillip Island. She worked at "Summerland House" and later at the "Isle of Wight Hotel". She took great pride in keeping the altar linen and generally looking after the Anglican Church. Those who knew her said she was a gracious lady with a great sense of humour. Fanny went to a nursing home at Frankston where she resided until she died in February 1980, aged 90. Friends arranged for her to be buried at the Cemetery.phillip island cemetery, fanny lagal nee thompson, nancy mchaffie, edith jeffery

Documents and Photograph donated by the Woodhead family. Dorothy Edhouse was the only child of James & Frances Hill, who were Sylvia Woodhead's grandparents. "James Hill (Jimmy) came to Phillip Island in 1920 and purchased the Hotel, known as Woods Family Hotel. (Later, the Phillip Island Hotel in Walpole Street, now demolished). A milestone occurred whilst in his capable hands, when he installed an electric light plant, (32 volt), the first on the Island. He also made hundreds of cement bricks, when he built his own home. Later he purchased a building in Thompson Avenue, where he established a Billiard Saloon, with a small shop attached. He died in 1937, aged 68. His only child Dorothy Edhouse, is now 95 and has made arrangements to have her ashes added to her fathers' grave." This was added to the photograph of James Hill and Frances Edith Hill - not sure what date it was compiled by Richard Woodhead. Frances died in 1960. The write up was take from "Garden of Memories" by Edith Jeffrey. Four documents/photograph relating to Cr J O Edhouse and his wife Mrs Dorothy Edhouse. Also came with accompanying letter from Sylvia Woodhead. 361-01: An Invitation to a Dinner at the Isle of Wight Hotel - 26/11/1943 - on the occassion of the visit of Delegates to the Gippsland Shires and Boroughs Development Association Annual Conference. 361-03: Identity Card for Dorothy Symes Edhouse. 361-04: Circular from the Liquid Fuel Control Board dated 21st February 1942. 361-05: Photograph of James & Frances Edith Hill. A note saying that James (fondly called Jimmy) came to Phillip Island in 1920 and purchased a hotel - see history below. james & frances edith hill, shire of phillip island dinner invitation, identity card, cr j o edhouse, mrs edhouse, sylvia woodhead, documents

Comprehensive Baker Family History / John,Ann of 48 pages.John Weaver Baker arrived in Williamstown aboard the "Marion" on 25th January 1848.He was transported from Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight as an "Exile",having been convicted of having in his possesion a silk handkerchief and sentenced to 10 years.On arrival he "left ship at own request",finding his own way to Melbourne and a new life.Proof of birth has at this time not been located,it is possible he may have been an orphan.He met Ann Neligan,an Irish orphan,who along with her sister,Eliza,made the journey from the poor house in Mallow on board ship.They were Married in Melbourne 9th July 1850. They had three daughters Caroline Ann 2nd May 1851,Elizabeth Conchetta 1st April 1853,died 20th August 1853,and Elizabeth born 1854.History of Journey of the Baker family from England and Ireland to Australia, then Melbourne/Ercildoune/Addington and finally to Donald.Family History Book, England / Ireland to Australia. Melbourne to Ercildoune / Addington and Addington to Donald. Author Jean Tillet/ Great Grandaughter.18/06/2010.Baker, John and Ann, Family History.ercildoune, addington, baker family

The Album was compiled by Nancy McHaffie late 1990's, with the assistance of Edith Jeffery's, with her book "Garden of Memories" and extensive knowledge of Phillip Island. The Cemetery lies back from the road and is surrounded by Manna Gums, rare Peppermint Gums, Blackwoods and other native trees. In all 25 acres of land were set aside as Crown Land in the land settlement of 1868. There are 6.2 acres of wetlands near the cemetery entrance.466-27: Charles Grayden: Charles arrived from England on the "Robert Ben" about 1835. On arrival he went bush. He later married Margaret Larkie in St. James' old Cathedral, Melbourne on 15th September, 1842. They arrived at Hastings in 1860 then came to Phillip Island to live on Block 33, Newhaven in the year 1867. He died 26th January 1905 aged 85. Margaret died 21st June 1907 aged 81. She is also buried in this grave. 466-28: Joseph Bauer: Joseph was the son of our first owner of the Isle of Wight Hotel. His father came to the Island in 1870 and bought a small private house, then added to it in the style of a Swiss House. It became one of the most comfortable hotels in Victoria. Joseph died aged 19, in 1878.phillip island cemetery, nancy mchaffie, edith jeffery

A collection of 6 postcards and 1 photograph taken around Phillip Island. Donated by Julie Barnett.Photograph 228-01. Black & White photograph of the Cowes Pier with vehicles and pedestrians. Rail tracks on pier. Isle of Wight Hotel in background. Sheds at end. Photograph 228-02. Black & White aerial photograph of "Broadwater" Guesthouse, Cowes. Photograph 228-03. Black & White photograph of Cowes Pier with Steamer coming in. Shed at end of Jetty and Cenotaph in the foreground. Looking north. Photograph 228-04. Black & White photograph of a Koala and her young. Photograph 228-05. Black & White photograph looking over the Cowes shoreline near Lover's Walk. Photograph 228-06. Black & White photograph of a group of penguins coming home at dusk at the "Penguin Parade". Photograph 228-07. Black & White photograph of Bert West holding a Shearwater (Mutton Bird) with it's wings outstretched.Photo 01. "Photo Shop Series". "Cowes from the Jetty". Photo 02. Aerial view of "Broadwater" Cowes, Phillip Island. No. 146 Photo 03. "Photo Shop Series". The Jetty. Cowes. Photo 04. "Photo Shop Series". "Koala Bear". Phillip Island Photo 05. "The Rose Series P3416". "Near the Lovers' Walk, Cowes, Phillip Is., Vic. Photo 06. "Penguins, Phillip Island." No. 82. Valentines Series. Photo 07. On Back: Mr West with Mutton bird at Phillip Island.wildlife - koalas, wildlife - penguins, penguin parade, bert west, wildlife - mutton birds, mutton birds, shearwaters, cowes pier phillip island, cowes jetty, lover's walk cowes, broadwater guesthouse cowes phillip island, guesthouses cowes phillip island, julie barnett

The Album was compiled by Nancy McHaffie late 1990's, with the assistance of Edith Jeffery's, with her book "Garden of Memories" and extensive knowledge of Phillip Island. The Cemetery lies back from the road and is surrounded by Manna Gums, rare Peppermint Gums, Blackwoods and other native trees. In all 25 acres of land were set aside as Crown Land in the land settlement of 1868. There are 6.2 acres of wetlands near the cemetery entrance.466-32: Stanley Stowel Kennon Sr. was born in Melbourne in 1852. He spent many years at Newhaven and Cowes. He was 24 years old when he spent six weeks on Seal Rocks obtaining Seal Oil. In 1888 he rescued Sir William Irvine and a friend when they were marooned on a small island whilst out fishing. He was presented with a gold watch and chain for his bravery. Stanley was known as one of the most capable and daring sailors ever connected to Phillip Island. He died in 1924 aged 72. 466-33: Lucy Cox was the wife of George Cox who was the first official mailman to Phillip Island. George had a love of the sea from boyhood serving as a British Sailor. He heard of the discovery of gold in Australia which brought him to Australia to try his luck. He built a hut on the foreshore opposite the Isle of Wight Hotel. He lived there until he disappeared; it is thought he drowned. Lucy died 3rd September 1888.phillip island cemetery, nancy mchaffie, edith jeffery, george cox, lucy cox, stanley kennon

A Collection of 12 (1 missing) photographs in a paper envelope. On the front of the envelope is the following: Valentine's Snapshots. 12 Real Photographs for Your Album. Cowes, Phillip Island. Published by The Valentine Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd., Melbourne. Photo No. 9 was originally missing but has now been supplied by James Iveson who had the complete collection. This was supplied to us on the 23/5/2020. We are always pleased when people visit VC and can add or make corrections to our entries and thank James very much. We are sure our original Donor, Anne Lucas, would also be pleased. 231-01. Black & White Photograph of the Cowes Pier looking towards Cowes with The Isle of Wight Hotel in the background. 231-02. Black & White Photograph of Forrest Caves looking out to the sea. Two people on the foreshore. 231-03. Black & White Photograph of seabirds on the coastline of Phillip Island. 231-04. Black & White Photograph of The Nobbies, Phillip Island. 231-05. Black & White Photograph of Pyramid Rock, Phillip Island. 231-06. Black & White Photograph of seals on Seal Rocks, Phillip Island. 231-07. Black & White Photograph of rocks at Cape Woolamai. 231-08. Black & White Photograph of the beach at Cowes. People and beach umbrellas - looking towards Mussell Rocks, Phillip Island. 231-09 Black & White Photograph of a Ferry arriving at the Cowes Pier loaded with people. Originally missing. 231-10. Black & White Photograph of the Killara Ferry at the Cowes Pier, Phillip Island. 231-11. Black & White Photograph looking towards the Cowes Pier. The Killara Ferry at the pier. 231-12. Black & White Photograph looking toward the Cowes Pier with the War Memorial in the foreground.Each photograph has a description of the photo with a number.the nobbies phillip island, australian fur seals, seals, wildlife - seals, wildlife - sea birds, pyramid rock, rocks at cape woolamai, rocky cliffs at cape woolamai, cowes war memorial, the killara ferry, cowes beach phillip island, cowes pier phillip island, forrest caves, phillip island, anne lucas

A collection of 27 photographs and 2 brochures of Tourists buses used during the 1930's to 1950's on Phillip Island. Also some photographs of penguins and mutton birds. Donated by Terry Watchorn. In reference to 288-17. A post on Facebook relating to this photo in Feb 2019 by Gwyneth Myers said “ there are some wonderful Knights restored amongst the Willy’s Car Club members”29 Photographs and Brochures of Tourist Buses, penguins and mutton birds. 288-01. Photograph of Herb Watchorn, driver, outside the bus. 288-02. Photograph of a new Ford Bus 1938. 288-03. Photograph of Herb Watchorn with a Mutton Bird. 288-04. Photograph of a 1946 Ford Car, new sheds with cars and house in Cowes. 288-05. Photograph of Elizabeth, Mary, Patricia and Herbet Watchorn outside Cora Lynn Guest House. 288-06. Photograph of a Chev Tourist Bus outside the Isle of Wight Hotel in Cowes. April 1935. Herb Watchorn & another man. 288-07. Photograph of a Tourist bus and passengers with a Bullock Team passing by. 1936. 288-08. Photograph of the Phillip Island Tourist Bus - "EY" Ford - used on the Dandenong Run. 288-09. Photograph of three 1946 Ford Buses, an Indiana Bus and a Chev. 288-10. Photograph of a Chevrolet bus 1934. 288-11. Photograph of a Ford Bus 1953. 288-12. Photograph of Herb Watchorn and Willys Knight Car. 288-13. Photograph of five buses - Chev, Indiana & Ford Buses. 288-14. Photograph of a Chev bus and passengers on the San Remo-Newhaven Punt. 1934. 288-15. Photograph of Herb Watchorn with a penguin. 288-16. Photograph of Bern Denham with a penguin. 288-17. Photograph of Willy's Knight at The Nobbies and a group of people. 288-18. Photograph of Herb Watchorn, passengers and Hudson at The Nobbies. 288-19. Photograph of a Chev Bus and passengers in the Esplanade, Cowes ? 288-20. Photograph of Herb Watchorn with passengers outside a bus. 288-21. Photograph of Bern Denham with a penguin. 288-22. Photograph of a penguin with young. 288-23. Photograph of Bern Denham with a penguin. 288-24. Photograph of Willys-Knight Sedan Car Service Tours and Price List. 288-25. Photograph of Bern Denham with a mutton bird. 288-26. Photograph of 3 Ford, an Indiana and Chev Buses in Cowes. 288-27. Photograph of Herb Watchorn outside a Ford Bus in front of The Isle of Wight Hotel - Feb 1941. 288-28. Photograph of a Chev Tourist Bus - Phillip Island Tourist Service Cowes - at the Cowes Pier. 1947. 288-29. Photograph of the Cowes - Dandenong Road Service Brochure. A Koala on one side and map on the other.All as above.tourist buses on phillip island, herb watchorn, wildlife - penguins, wildlife - mutton birds, bern denham, watchorn family, terry watchorn

Souvenir Photographic Strip photo envelope donated by Anne LucasBlack & White photographs in a Souvenir Folder. Photos of wildlife and coastal scenes at Phillip Island.On Cover: "Cowes, Phillip Island. Photographic Souvenir" 230-01. "Australian Native Bears (Koalas)." 230-02. "Bathing scene at Cowes." 230-03. "The Pier, showing Isle of Wight Hotel." 230-04. "The Beach at Cowes." 230-05. "Seals on Seal Rock." 230-06. "The Beach, Cowes." 230-07. "War Memorial and Pier". 230-08. "The Pier. Cowes (Phillip Island)" 230-09. "Rocks at Cape Woolamai. Cowes (Phillip Island)." 230-10. "The Nobbies." 230-11. "Sea Birds at Phillip Island." 230-12. "Rocky Headland, Cape Woolamai." 230-13. "Australian Native Bears (Koalas)." 230-14. "Forrest Caves."wildlife - koalas, wildlife - sea birds, coastline cape woolamai, the nobbies phillip island, seals on seal rocks phillip island, wildlife - seals, cowes pier phillip island, cowes jetty, cowes beach phillip island, forrest caves, phillip island, seal rocks phillip island, cowes war memorial, war memorial cowes phillip island, cenotaph cowes phillip island, anne lucas

A selection of photographs sold to tourists. A selection of hand coloured photographs of Phillip Island. Following description as on the photographs. 344-01: Pyramid Rock, Phillip Island. No. 5. 344-02: Penguin Beach, Summerlands, Phillip Island No. 3. 344-03: The 'Killara' at the pier, Cowes. No. 10 (shows Cowes Pier with shed and Killara Ferry.) 344-04: Boat arriving at Cowes. No. 9. (shows the Killara near the pier full of people.) 344-05: The beach, Cowes No. 8. (beachgoers on the Cowes west beach enjoying the sun - many sitting under beach umbrellas.) 344-06: The Nobbies showing Seal Rocks, Phillip Island. No. 4. (Coastal scene at The Nobbies with Seal Rocks in the distance.) 344-07: Penguins, Phillip Island No. 11. (Penguins arriving on the beach at dusk after a day out fishing.) 344-08: Rocks at Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island. No. 7. 344-09: The Pier, Cowes. No. 1. (Photo taken from the end of the Cowes Pier looking towards Cowes Township. Jetty shed and Isle of Wight Hotel in the background.) 344-10: The Pier & War Memorial, Cowes. No. 12. (Taken looking from The Esplanade to the War Memorial and Cowes Pier. People and boats at the Pier.) 344-11: Seals at Phillip Island. No. 6. (Seals are on Seal Rocks out from The Nobbies.)As above.pyramid rock, summerland beach, the killara ferry, cowes pier phillip island, cowes beach phillip island, the nobbies, penguins, wildlife - penguins, cape woolamai phillip island, cowes war memorial, seals on seal rocks phillip island, wildlife - seals, cheryl burton

A collection of 18 photographs taken by Mrs Haines' sister whilst on an excursion to Phillip Island from Mt Barker High School in South Australia. 217-01 Photograph of the Cowes Pier taken from foreshore. Ferry at centre left and crowd of people on end of pier. 217-02 Photograph taken from the end of the Cowes Pier with Isle of Wight Hotel in the background. 217-03 Photograph of the Killara Ferry leaving Cowes with a crowd of people on board. 217-04 Photograph of waves surging over Bridal Veil rock platform in foreground. 217-05 Photograph of wave breaking over rock platform on the South Coast of Phillip Island. 217-06 Photograph of the Suspension Bridge from San Remo. 217-07 Photograph of a Guesthouse Dining Room. Tables covered with white cloth and fully laid, including floral arrangements. 217-08 Photograph of the War Memorial at Cowes with the pier in background. 217-09 Photograph of seals on Seal Rocks Phillip Island. 217-10 Photograph of a koala on the trunk of a Gum Tree. Handwritten on the back of the photo - "Roberta, a pet koala". 217-11 Photograph of children rolling down dune onto the beach. Children and adults standing at water's edge. 217-12 Photograph of the Killara at San Remo taken from the Suspension Bridge. 217-13 Photograph of a group of school children with teachers, young girl in the foreground, on rocks at Smith's Beach. 217-14 Photograph looking along the Suspension bridge from Newhaven end. Group of people walking toward San Remo. 217-15 Photograph of Suspension bridge from Newhaven beach. 217-16 Photograph of Mrs Melbourne and Mrs Haines sister. 217-17 Photograph of Seal Rocks taken from a boat. 217-18 Photograph of Theni Beddams - Headmistress of Shelford and Ila Tattersall (Mrs Haines) Sybil Robinson's sister together with four sailors.cowes pier phillip island, the killara ferry, ferries, wildlife - seals, wildlife - koala, suspension bridge phillip island, phillip island coastline, smith's beach, lover's walk cowes, lover's walk cowes phillip island, war memorial cowes phillip island, seals on seal rocks phillip island, seal rocks phillip island, mrs haines

This large hat box was owned by Miss Katherine Robertson (now deceased). It was sold by Drews, a leather and travel goods shop in Melbourne, and has been made as good quality, sturdy travel luggage. It has its own leather luggage label buckled to the handle and there are remnants of labels on the base of the hat box, signifying that it has indeed been used as luggage. A hat box such as this one is made to protect, store and transport head wear. Hat boxes became popular in the 19th and early 20th century when hats were a part of the modern fashion. Inside the hat box is a brown paper wrapper with two Great Britain postage stamps attached. Both have the portrait image of Queen Elizabeth II (1) orange 1/2d (2) green ten pence. These stamps belong to the Wildings series and were issued 1952-1954. The wrapper was sent by J McGregor in Glasgow, Scotland to Katherine Robertson in Sale, Victoria. The postmark stamp shows it was sent in 1955. The paper had once been folded around something rectangular in shape, perhaps a book. The hat box was recently found by Archie’s daughter, niece of Katherine, when she was looking for something else in the ceiling of her home. The hat box had been there, with the brown paper wrapper inside, for about 30 years, forgotten by the family. There are no family members remaining now to tell the full story. ABOUT MISS KATHERINE ROBERTSON The Robertson family emigrated from the Isle of Wight and settled in Woorndoo, Western Victoria, Australia. Katherine Robinson was the 10th child of 13 children, born in 1906 and lived until 1995. The youngest child in the family was a boy named Archibald (Archie) who was born in 1911. His daughter is the donor of the hat box. Katherine went to school at Woorndoo and later became a trained teacher. She taught in many places, amongst them were Alexandria, Geelong, Sale, Stawell and Ballarat. People said “She was a school teacher 24 hours a day!” She was insistent on being called Miss Katherine Robinson, and no-one dare call her a shortened name in any way, not Kate, or Katie or even Kathie. She spoke with the authority of a teacher throughout her life, never asking but always giving her requests as orders. Miss Katherine Robinson remained single all her life. She bought items that were the best quality and workmanship, which gives reason for the strong and well-travelled hat box. She enjoyed going on trips and travelled the world twice. While on her journeys Katherine would knit Fair Isle patterned socks using fine 4 ply wool because she “Didn’t believe in wasting time!” Katherine’s niece remembers being in Melbourne at Station Pier, seeing her Aunt off on one of her journeys. She recalls the atmosphere and the colourful streamers in the air that celebrated the special occasion. Katherine travelled on the Oriana and Fair Star lines. ABOUT DREWS Drew’s, Leather Goods Specialists, was located at 70 Swanston St, corner of Queen’s Walk, Melbourne, at the time that this hat box was sold by the company. Queen’s Walk was constructed in 1889. It was a lavish ‘L’ shaped arcade that connected Swanston Street to Collins Street and was home to many specialist stores. In the 1950’s Drews address was advertised as Collins Street. In the late 1960’s Queen’s Walk was purchased by the Melbourne City Council and demolished in the early 1970’s, to be replaced by the Melbourne City Square. This very sturdy and good quality hat box is an example of travel luggage available to and used by the Victorian population of Australia in the early to mid-20th century. The retailer of this hat box, Drews, operated from premises on the corner of Swanston St and Queen’s Walk in Melbourne where many other specialist shops were located. Queen’s Walk was only in existence for around 70 years, 1889-late 1960, before it was demolished to make way for Melbourne’s City Square. Hat box, large, deep round shape with a straight section where lid is joined on at the back. Dated early to mid-1900’s. Brown coloured, textured heavy weight card box with folding metal carry handle, three clip closures for lid, metal hinge on back of lid. Purple maker’s label inside lid - DREWS, Leather Goods Specialists, Melbourne. Leather luggage tag has two rectangular cut-outs on front, attached with buckle strap. Underside of lid has two supporting leather straps attached to base. Base has inner cardboard liner around most of circumference. Contained inside are two leather straps with metal buckles. Label remnants, red, attached under base. Hat box was owned by Miss Katherine Robertson. Also inside is brown paper wrapper with three hand written addresses, in blue nib pen, and two attached Great Britain postage stamps, Queen Elizabeth II (1) Orange stamp, QE II, ½d (2) Green stamp, QE II, ten pence. It is postmarked [19] 55. Purple label has printing "70 SWANSTON STREET / Cr. QUEEN'S WALK / DREWS / LEATHER GOODS / SPECIALISTS / MELBOURNE". Wrapper inside has two hand written addresses (1J) Mrs. K. F. Robertson / 33 Mcalister Street / Sale / Victoria / Australia” (2) “from / J Mc Gregor / 15 Napier’s Hall St / Glasgow N W / Scotland” Postmark “ - -em 55” & “CLAS-“ OR “GLAS-“ [GLASGOW] flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, luggage, hat box, hatbox, hat storage box, hat travel case, hat case, bandbox, drews melbourne, drew’s melbourne, drew’s handbags, travel goods, travel luggage, hat box suitcase, hat box luggage, 1952-1954 gb postage stamps 1/2d orange queen elizabeth ii, katherine robertson, archibald (archie) robertson of woorndoo, j mcgregor

Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace, London, on 24 May 1819. She was the only daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent, the fourth son of George III. Her father died shortly after her birth and she became heir to the throne because the three uncles who were ahead of her in the succession - George IV, Frederick Duke of York, and William IV - had no legitimate children who survived. Warmhearted and lively, Victoria had a gift for drawing and painting; educated by a governess at home, she was a natural diarist and kept a regular journal throughout her life. On William IV's death in 1837, she became Queen at the age of 18. Queen Victoria is associated with Britain's great age of industrial expansion, economic progress and, especially, empire. At her death, it was said, Britain had a worldwide empire on which the sun never set. In the early part of her reign, she was influenced by two men: her first Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne, and then her husband, Prince Albert, whom she married in 1840. Both men taught her much about how to be a ruler in a 'constitutional monarchy, in which the monarch had very few powers but could use much influence. Albert took an active interest in the arts, science, trade and industry; the project for which he is best remembered was the Great Exhibition of 1851, the profits from which helped to establish the South Kensington museums complex in London. Her marriage to Prince Albert produced nine children between 1840 and 1857. Most of her children married into other Royal families in Europe. Edward VII (born 1841), married Alexandra, daughter of Christian IX of Denmark. Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (born 1844) married Marie of Russia. Arthur, Duke of Connaught (born 1850) married Louise Margaret of Prussia. Leopold, Duke of Albany (born 1853) married Helen of Waldeck-Pyrmont. Victoria, Princess Royal (born 1840) married Friedrich III, German Emperor. Alice (born 1843) married Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine. Helena (born 1846) married Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. Louise (born 1848) married John Campbell, 9th Duke of Argyll. Beatrice (born 1857) married Henry of Battenberg. Victoria bought Osborne House (later presented to the nation by Edward VII) on the Isle of Wight as a family home in 1845, and Albert bought Balmoral in 1852. Victoria was deeply attached to her husband and she sank into depression after he died, aged 42, in 1861. She had lost a devoted husband and her principal trusted adviser in affairs of state. For the rest of her reign she wore black. Until the late 1860s she rarely appeared in public; although she never neglected her official Correspondence, and continued to give audiences to her ministers and official visitors, she was reluctant to resume a full public life. She was persuaded to open Parliament in person in 1866 and 1867, but she was widely criticised for living in seclusion and quite a strong republican movement developed. Seven attempts were made on Victoria's life, between 1840 and 1882 - her courageous attitude towards these attacks greatly strengthened her popularity. With time, the private urgings of her family and the flattering attention of Benjamin Disraeli, Prime Minister in 1868 and from 1874 to 1880, the Queen gradually resumed her public duties. In foreign policy, the Queen's influence during the middle years of her reign was generally used to support peace and reconciliation. In 1864, Victoria pressed her ministers not to intervene in the Prussia-Denmark war, and her letter to the German Emperor (whose son had married her daughter) in 1875 helped to avert a second Franco-German war. On the Eastern Question in the 1870s - the issue of Britain's policy towards the declining Turkish Empire in Europe - Victoria (unlike Gladstone) believed that Britain, while pressing for necessary reforms, ought to uphold Turkish hegemony as a bulwark of stability against Russia, and maintain bi-partisanship at a time when Britain could be involved in war. Victoria's popularity grew with the increasing imperial sentiment from the 1870s onwards. After the Indian Mutiny of 1857, the government of India was transferred from the East India Company to the Crown, with the position of Governor-General upgraded to Viceroy, and in 1877 Victoria became Empress of India under the Royal Titles Act passed by Disraeli's government. During Victoria's long reign, direct political power moved away from the sovereign. A series of Acts broadened the social and economic base of the electorate. These acts included the Second Reform Act of 1867; the introduction of the secret ballot in 1872, which made it impossible to pressurise voters by bribery or intimidation; and the Representation of the Peoples Act of 1884 - all householders and lodgers in accommodation worth at least £10 a year, and occupiers of land worth £10 a year, were entitled to vote. Despite this decline in the Sovereign's power, Victoria showed that a monarch who had a high level of prestige and who was prepared to master the details of political life could exert an important influence. This was demonstrated by her mediation between the Commons and the Lords, during the acrimonious passing of the Irish Church Disestablishment Act of 1869 and the 1884 Reform Act. It was during Victoria's reign that the modern idea of the constitutional monarch, whose role was to remain above political parties, began to evolve. But Victoria herself was not always non-partisan and she took the opportunity to give her opinions, sometimes very forcefully, in private. After the Second Reform Act of 1867, and the growth of the two-party (Liberal and Conservative) system, the Queen's room for manoeuvre decreased. Her freedom to choose which individual should occupy the premiership was increasingly restricted. In 1880, she tried, unsuccessfully, to stop William Gladstone - whom she disliked as much as she admired Disraeli and whose policies she distrusted - from becoming Prime Minister. She much preferred the Marquess of Hartington, another statesman from the Liberal party which had just won the general election. She did not get her way. She was a very strong supporter of the Empire, which brought her closer both to Disraeli and to the Marquess of Salisbury, her last Prime Minister. Although conservative in some respects - like many at the time she opposed giving women the vote - on social issues, she tended to favour measures to improve the lot of the poor, such as the Royal Commission on housing. She also supported many charities involved in education, hospitals and other areas. Victoria and her family travelled and were seen on an unprecedented scale, thanks to transport improvements and other technical changes such as the spread of newspapers and the invention of photography. Victoria was the first reigning monarch to use trains - she made her first train journey in 1842. In her later years, she became the symbol of the British Empire. Both the Golden (1887) and the Diamond (1897) Jubilees, held to celebrate the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the Queen's accession, were marked with great displays and public ceremonies. On both occasions, Colonial Conferences attended by the Prime Ministers of the self-governing colonies were held. Despite her advanced age, Victoria continued her duties to the end - including an official visit to Dublin in 1900. The Boer War in South Africa overshadowed the end of her reign. As in the Crimean War nearly half a century earlier, Victoria reviewed her troops and visited hospitals; she remained undaunted by British reverses during the campaign: 'We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat; they do not exist.' Victoria died at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, on 22 January 1901 after a reign which lasted almost 64 years, then the longest in British history. Her son, Edward VII succeeded her. She was buried at Windsor beside Prince Albert, in the Frogmore Royal Mausoleum, which she had built for their final resting place. Above the Mausoleum door are inscribed Victoria's words: "Farewell best beloved, here, at last, I shall rest with thee, with thee in Christ I shall rise again." Source: https://www.royal.uk/queen-victoria This picture captures Queen Victoria in her later years. It may well have been painted to commemorate her Golden Anniversary in 1887, or her Diamond Anniversary in 1897.Picture, print, reproduction of a drawing or photograph of Queen Victoria. She is wearing a dark-coloured dress, white headdress and a diamond necklace and earrings. On her left shoulder is the Royal Order of Victoria and Albert, awarded to female members of the British Royal Family and female courtiers. There are four grades or classes of this Royal Order as well as the Sovereign's Badge, which is exclusive to her. Also across her left shoulder, is a blue riband representing the Order of the Garter. The picture is in a medium-coloured timber frame with a white string across the width at the rear. The label says it was framed by Hoy Art, Warrnambool. The signature of the Queen is on the picture but is not obvious since the picture has been re-framed."HOY ART / PICTURE FRAMING / 48 Kepler St, Warrnambool 3280 / Phone (055) 62 8022" Signature (hidden by new framing) "Victoria H.R.S."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, picture of queen victoria, queen victoria, the royal order of victoria and albert, the order of the garter, hoy art

The rocket line faking box with lid has a frame inside with a specifically designed perimeter of faking pegs. The rocket shot line has been faked, or skilful wound, around these pegs to prevent it from tangling. The line is stored in the box, ready for attaching to the line throwing rocket. Some line faking boxes have a false base that is removed before firing the line-throwing pistol, leaving the line to feed out from the box when the rocket is fired. After the line is attached to the rocket the box tilted slightly and faced towards the wreck to allow it to be freely dispatched. The equipment often includes more that one faking box to make allowance for possible errors, broken lines or the need for a heavier line. 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. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built to house it. In 1858 the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for lifeboat stations in Victoria, and in 1864 a rocket house was built to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater area, and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifeboat and rocket crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. Some became local heroes but all served an important role. By the end of the 1950s the lifeboat and rescue equipment had become obsolete. Rocket Rescue Method - 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 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 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 tally board was then sent out to the ship with instructions in four languages. The ship’s crew would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line, then secure the attached whip block to the mast or other sturdy part the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the ship’s crew fixed above the whip block. The hawser was then tightened using the block on the shore end of the whip. The breeches buoy and endless whip are then attached to the traveller block on the hawser, allowing the shore crew to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. This rocket line faking box 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.Rocket line faking box with loose fitting lid, painted blue on the outside. Rectangular box has two rope handles within wooden rope holders fixed onto each long side and one at each end. The box has a hook and ring at the base each end for releasing the top from the inserted faking frame. The line faking frame is inside the box. It has seventeen wooden pegs along each long side of the frame and three pegs along each short side. A continuous length of rocket line has been faked around the pegs in a specific pattern.flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, maritime accidents, rocket crew, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, rocket apparatus, beach apparatus, petticoat breeches, breeches buoy, rocket house, rocket shed, lifeboat men, rocket equipment, rocket machine, rocket head, rocket launcher, rocket line, marine technology, line-firing pistol, line throwing gun, beach rescue set, traveller, hawser, faking, faking box, faked line, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, breakwater, lifeboat warrnambool, rocket rescue method, rocket rescue apparatus, shore to ship, italian hemp, line-throwing pistol, line throwing cartridge, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, tally board, light line, whip line, endless whip, petticoat buoy, traveller chair, traveller block, her majesty’s coast guard, harbour board, line thrower, line throwing, beach cart, hand barrow, sand anchor, hawser cutter, life jacket, faking board, welsh hand barrow, rocket set, rocket line faking box, faking frame

The rocket line faking box has a frame inside with a specifically designed perimeter of faking pegs. The rocket shot line has been faked, or skilful wound, around these pegs to prevent it from tangling. The line is stored in the box, ready for attaching to the line throwing rocket. Some line faking boxes have a false base that is removed before firing the line-throwing pistol, leaving the line to feed out from the box when the rocket is fired. After the line is attached to the rocket the box tilted slightly and faced towards the wreck to allow it to be freely dispatched. The equipment often includes more that one faking box to make allowance for possible errors, broken lines or the need for a heavier line. 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. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built to house it. In 1858 the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for lifeboat stations in Victoria, and in 1864 a rocket house was built to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater area, and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifeboat and rocket crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. Some became local heroes but all served an important role. By the end of the 1950s the lifeboat and rescue equipment had become obsolete. Rocket Rescue Method - 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 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 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 tally board was then sent out to the ship with instructions in four languages. The ship’s crew would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line, then secure the attached whip block to the mast or other sturdy part the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the ship’s crew fixed above the whip block. The hawser was then tightened using the block on the shore end of the whip. The breeches buoy and endless whip are then attached to the traveller block on the hawser, allowing the shore crew to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. This rocket line faking box 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.Rocket line faking box with loose fitting lid, painted black on the outside. Rectangular box has two rope handles within wooden rope holders fixed onto each long side and one at each end. The box has a hook and ring at the base each end for releasing the top from the inserted faking frame. The line faking frame is inside the box. It has seventeen wooden pegs along each long side of the frame and three pegs along each short side. A continuous length of rocket line has been faked around the pegs in a specific pattern.flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, maritime accidents, rocket crew, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, rocket apparatus, beach apparatus, petticoat breeches, breeches buoy, rocket house, rocket shed, lifeboat men, rocket equipment, rocket machine, rocket head, rocket launcher, rocket line, marine technology, line-firing pistol, line throwing gun, beach rescue set, traveller, hawser, faking, faking box, faked line, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, breakwater, lifeboat warrnambool, rocket rescue method, rocket rescue apparatus, shore to ship, italian hemp, line-throwing pistol, line throwing cartridge, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, tally board, light line, whip line, endless whip, petticoat buoy, traveller chair, traveller block, her majesty’s coast guard, harbour board, line thrower, line throwing, beach cart, hand barrow, sand anchor, hawser cutter, life jacket, faking board, welsh hand barrow, rocket set, rocket line faking box, faking frame

The rocket rescue crews used a sand anchor at a beach rescue site to weigh down the rescue apparatus. The crew would connect the steel cables to the connecting cable and then join heavy ropes or chains to the connecting cable. They would then bury the anchor in a trench about three-quarters of a metre deep, keeping the connecting cable’s end free. The length of heavy rope or chain was attached to a pulley block onto the heavy hawser line. The block and a crotch pole were used to keep the hawser line high and taught, keeping the survivors above the sea as they were hauled to shore on a line or in a breeches buoy. 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. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built to house it. In 1858 the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for lifeboat stations in Victoria, and in 1864 a rocket house was built to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater area, and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifeboat and rocket crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. Some became local heroes but all served an important role. By the end of the 1950s, the lifeboat and rescue equipment had become obsolete. Rocket Rescue Method - 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 a 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 apparatus was in use. The apparatus 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 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 measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a lightweight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A tally board was then sent out to the ship with instructions in four languages. The ship’s crew would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line, then secure the attached whip block to the mast or other sturdy part of the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the ship’s crew fixed above the whip block. The hawser was then tightened using the block on the shore end of the whip. The breeches buoy and endless whip are then attached to the traveller block on the hawser, allowing the shore crew to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. This sand anchor is part of the rocket rescue equipment and 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.The sand anchor comprises a plank with steel cables and a connecting cable. The rectangular wooden bevelled-edged plank with two pairs of square metal plates bolted through it. Each metal plate has an eyelet and the two steel cable lengths are permanently attached by their eyelets to the plates. The eyelets at each end of the cable lengths are reinforced with rope work and one length also has a ‘U’ bolt shackle connection. The steel connecting cable also has reinforced eyelets at both ends. The plank has a black stencilled inscription on the upper surface. Stencilled in black paint "ANCHOR" "BACKER"flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket crew, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, rocket apparatus, beach apparatus, breeches buoy, rocket house, rocket equipment, rocket launcher, rocket line, marine technology, beach rescue set, traveller, block, running block, pulley, hawser, faked line, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, breakwater, rocket rescue method, rocket rescue apparatus, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, whip line, endless whip, harbour board, sand anchor, rocket set, anchor backer, rescue anchor, beach anchor, backer, anchor, steel cable, wire cable, connecting cable

This set of Victorian era wooden sand pegs was part of the equipment used by the Rocket Rescue Crew when attending a shipwreck. The broad pegs were designed to give a strong grip on soft sand and soil. The pegs could be used with the sand anchor as well as to give a stronger hold on the tripod holding the hawser. The same design is still available today and is used by the Army and by campers. The rocket rescue crews used a sand anchor at a beach rescue site to weigh down the rescue apparatus. The crew would connect the shackle to the other cable on the anchor and to the loose steel cable to form a triangle with the cable lengths. They would then bury the anchor in about a 0.75-meter trench, keeping the free end of the cable above the surface. This end of the cable was then connected to a block that was attached to the heavy hawser line. The block and a crotch pole were used to keep the hawser line high and taught as the survivors were hauled to shore on a line or in a breeches buoy. 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. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built to house it. In 1858 the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for lifeboat stations in Victoria, and in 1864 a rocket house was built to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater area, and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifeboat and rocket crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. Some became local heroes but all served an important role. By the end of the 1950s, the lifeboat and rescue equipment had become obsolete. Rocket Rescue Method - 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 a 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 apparatus was in use. The apparatus 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 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 measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a lightweight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A tally board was then sent out to the ship with instructions in four languages. The ship’s crew would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line, then secure the attached whip block to the mast or other sturdy part of the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the ship’s crew fixed above the whip block. The hawser was then tightened using the block on the shore end of the whip. The breeches buoy and endless whip are then attached to the traveller block on the hawser, allowing the shore crew to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. This set of sand pegs would have been used with sand anchor that is part of the rocket rescue equipment . It 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.Peg or spike; set of twelve wooden pegs, painted red. Pages have a long, thick square shank with bevelled side edges, flat top with broad hook on one side of the top and a point at the other end. A small hole goes from one side to the other side near the centre of the shank, on the face without the hook. flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket crew, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, rocket apparatus, beach apparatus, breeches buoy, rocket house, rocket equipment, rocket launcher, rocket line, marine technology, beach rescue set, traveller, block, running block, pulley, hawser, faked line, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, breakwater, rocket rescue method, rocket rescue apparatus, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, whip line, endless whip, harbour board, sand anchor, rocket set, anchor backer, beach anchor, backer, steel cable, wire cable, sand peg, wooden tent peg, army peg, military peg