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Falls Creek Historical Society
Mixed media - Steve Lee participation in the Sydney Olympics Torch Relay 2000
Steve Lee grew up in Falls Creek and had skis on his feet when he was just two years old. He later became a member of the Falls Creek Race Club and at the age of 14 won State and National Junior titles. After repeated success, Steve was selected to race overseas in the Australian Junior team. He won the Australian Open Championship at the age of 17. For 10 years, Steve never missed a race in the World Cup Circuit. Overall, he claimed 20 top 15 finishes in Downhill, Super-G and combined events. Towards the end of his career Lee swapped the World Cup circuit for the World Pro Tour in the USA, winning the Pro Downhill Tour ‘King of the Mountain’ title. He was also running a photography business in Falls Creek and was also involved in sports commentating on Australian television. This included commentating Alpine Freestyle events at four Winter Olympics and several World Championships. When the Summer Olympics were held in Sydney in 2000, Steven participated in the Torch Relay. The Torch departed from Athens on the 10th May 2000 and arrived in Sydney on 15th September 2000. The journey totalled 129 days, including 100 days travelling through every State and Territory of Australia. After 67 days in Australia, on 13 August 2000, the Olympic Torch reached the 'high point' in its 100-day journey. At 1,861 metres above sea level, the flame burned bright against a darkening sky as three-time Winter Olympian Steve Lee skied with it down the summit ridge of Mount Hotham towards a crowd of 5,000 in the mountain village. The certificate acknowledges Steve Lee's participation in the event.This image and certificate are significant because they capture an important event in Australian sporting history.Two colour photos of Steven Lee lighting the cauldron at the Hotham Village for the overnight stay of the Olympic Torch in 2000. Also included is a certificate in recognition of his contribution to the Sydney 2000 Olympics.On Certificate:- CITIUS ALTIUS FORTIUS STEVE LEE IN RECOGNITION OF AND APPRECIATION FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUCCESS OF THE GAMES OF THE XXVII OLYMPIAD EN RECONNAISSANCE DE VOTRE CONTRIBUTION AU SUCCES DES JEUX DE LA XXVII OLYMPIADEsteve lee, sydney torch relay 2000, australian olympians -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Certificate - Steve Lee participation at Salt Lake Winter Olympics 2002
Steve Lee grew up in Falls Creek and had skis on his feet when he was just two years old. He later became a member of the Falls Creek Race Club and at the age of 14 won State and National Junior titles. After repeated success, Steve was selected to race overseas in the Australian Junior team. He won the Australian Open Championship at the age of 17. For 10 years, Steve never missed a race in the World Cup Circuit. Overall, he claimed 20 top 15 finishes in Downhill, Super-G and combined events. Towards the end of his career Lee swapped the World Cup circuit for the World Pro Tour in the USA, winning the Pro Downhill Tour ‘King of the Mountain’ title. He was also running a photography business in Falls Creek and was also involved in sports commentating on Australian television. This included commentating Alpine Freestyle events at four Winter Olympics and several World Championships. One of these events was the Winter Olympics at Salt Lake City in 2002 for which this certificate was awarded.A certificate featuring the Olympic Rings and text on a dark blue background.SALT LAKE 2002 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES JEUX OLYMPIQUES D'HIVER Steven Lee Thank you for your participation in and contributions to the success of the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games 8 to 24 February 2002 Salt Lake City, Utahsteve lee, australian olympians, sport commentator -
Victorian Bands' League
Programme, Souvenir...Mortlake Citizens' Band : Massed Bands Recital. Mortlake, April 18, 1948, 1948
This programme dates from 1948 when the Mortlake Citizens' Band held a Massed Bands Recital in Mortlake. A number of bands from the South-West region of Victoria participated with the event comprising of a March and various massed bands items. The programme is extremely detailed as to times bands were playing and also includes an amount of advertisements for local Mortlake businesses.This small programme is significant as it shows how a country town held a massed bands festival and hosted regional brass bands. It is also significant as it shows the amount of local businesses who advertised in the programme, and what kinds of businesses they were. This was obviously a major event for the town and the local band, and it appears that it was a success.Programme printed on paper with a card cover.There are some inscriptions and corrections in the programme primarily on the brief history of the Mortlake Citizens' Band.hamilton, terang, warrnabool, colac, camperdown, port fairy, mortlake, victorian bands' league -
Melton City Libraries
Photograph, Schutt and Barrie Pty Ltd Chaff Cutting Mills, Unknown
Mary nee Barrie Robinson (1907 –1999) writes c1980 about her father Charles Ernest Barrie of Darlingsford Melton (1871 – 1931) Extract copied from her handwritten story - My father was born in Ballarat in 1871. … commenced his working life with a team of bullocks and a chaffcutter in the St Arnaud district, a work the he became most success at and would continue in to the end of his life. He eventually became the owner of a chaff mill at Melton station with an access line to the railway. [1900] The Schutt & Barrie partnership Dad later became involved in a Chaff mill at West Footscray run by John Ralph Schutt who when he met Dad was a very sick man and had begged Dad to come into the business and help him. That began a very happy association, the business was put on its feet. An empty quarry across Geelong Road opposite the mill was purchased, the chaffcutters were set up in the quarry and that was the start of a very busy and prosperous period. A branch line was run into the mill. Dad spent some afternoons at the mill going by train, and spending some hours there at night, at the same time running the farm with full time help. Two full 8 horse teams were used to work the land, which meant early rising for the horses to be fed and harnessed ready for the men to commence the days work. Charlie Lowe and Murdock Davey were two of the men who worked for Dad in those years. The firm purchased a mill at Parwan and Dad spent a lot of time and energy getting it running to their satisfaction. Monday was the day he spent time there also round the district of Parwan and Balliang. He came to know many of the their names were well known in our household for many years. [1920] Later a flour mill was built beside the Chaff mill at West Footscray but it never thrived like the mill. The chaff mill had many loyal and good men employed there and there was never any trouble between men and management. Willie Walters and Miss Renyolds were some I remember, other names me, Joyce would be able to name them. [Sister of Mary born 1920] Schutt and Barrie Pty Ltd Chaff Cutting Mills Melton South sitelocal architecture, local identities, agriculture -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Souvenir - Souvenir Plate - Union Bridge, Albury, Hancock and Sons, c1930s
This item is from a collection donated by descendants of John Francis Turner of Wodonga. It is one of many souvenirs produced to represent landmarks in the Albury-Wodonga district. The first punt across the Murray River at Albury was established by Robert Brown in 1843. In 1861 the first Union Bridge was built. It was demolished to make way for the second Union Bridge which opened in 1898. This second bridge closed and was eventually demolished after the third and existing bridge was opened in 1961. Hancock and Sons, Stoke on Trent - Sampson Hancock, a prominent Wesleyan Methodist, started potting in 1857. In 1891 he established the business of Sampson Hancock & Sons. Sampson died in 1900 and the business was continued by his three sons - Jabez, Harry and Arthur. In 1935 the business was in financial difficulty and was made bankrupt. It was restarted as S Hancock & Sons (Potters) Ltd. and moved to the Gordon Works, Hanley - which was renamed the Corona Works. The restarted company was not a success and it finally closed in 1937, having been put into receivership on 23rd March. This information helps to establish provenance of this plate.This item comes from a collection used by a prominent citizen of Wodonga. It is representative of a items produced to represent historic landmarks or features of the district.Fine China round plate with gilt edge and image of the Union Bridge, AlburyBeneath image: " THE BRIDGE OVER THE MURRAY AT ALBURY, NSWALESalbury souvenirs, union bridge albury, albury-wodonga border, murray river bridges -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Domestic object - Ironstone China Wash bowl and jug, 1900 - 1930
Ironstone china pieces were common domestic items during the 19th to mid 20th century in many Australian households. This kind of china is not porcelain but porous earthenware, made of clay mixed with feldspar. Patented in 1813 by Charles James Mason in Staffordshire, England, it was an immediate success and became widely produced by a range of Staffordshire potters. J & G Meakin Pottery dates back to 1845 when James Meakin started a pottery business at Lane End in Staffordshire.nIn 1848 he moved the business to Hanley in Staffordshire, before retiring in 1852 and handing the business over to his two sons James and George, who carried on with the pottery, trading as J & G Meakin. The "SOL" and sun face trademarks were registered in 1912. The firm was taken over by the Wedgwood Group in 1970. In 2000, production under the Meakin name ceased. W. H. Grindley was founded at the Newfield Pottery in 1880 by William Harry Grindley (principal partner). Mr Turner and Mr Alfred Meakin were also involved. Early advertisements stated that they produced Earthenware and Ironstone China - particularly for the Canadian, United States, South American and Australian markets. The mark on this jug was used from c1891 until 1925. W. H. Grindley China was manufactured until 1991, making it one of the last Stoke on Trent potteries.These items are representative of a common domestic item used by households in the Wodonga district and throughout Australia, many manufactured specifically for the Australian market.A white ironstone jug and bowl. The jug features a leaf design embossed on the surface. The bowl has a small circle pattern around the rim. They are not as set as the jug bears the mark W. H. Grindley and the bowl was made by J & G Meakin.Underneath Bowl: above and below image of the sun: "IRONSTONE CHINA/ REGD. SOL 391413/ J & G MEAKIN/ENGLAND Underneath jug: above and below the royal insignia: ROYAL IRONSTONE CHINA / W.H. GRINDLEY & CO. / ENGLAND"ironstone, domestic items, staffordshire pottery -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - G. Awburn Caterer Wodonga Plate, c1930
Mr George Awburn Jr. arrived in Wodonga West with his parents by bullock dray when he was aged six years old. As a young man he went to Melbourne where he worked with the Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Company. He drove the first through tram from Abbotsford to Balaclava. On he return to Wodonga, Mr. Awburn opened a bakery and grocery business in Sydney St., Wodonga which he conducted up till the time of his death in 1946. He was active in community affairs in roles including being a foundation member of the Library Committee, a committeeman of the Town Band and football club, a member of the Hibernian Lodge and an ardent worker for the Roman Catholic Church. Johnson Bros. was founded by two brothers named Alfred and Frederick who purchased a pottery factory in Hanley, England, in 1883. They were grandsons of a renowned English potter, Alfred Meakin. They were later joined in the business by their brothers Henry and Robert. Their business grew rapidly, as they were one of the world's largest pottery factories by the turn of the 20th century. By 1970, Johnson Bros. obtained the Royal Charter to become the official provider of china for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. More than 1,300 patterns have been created throughout Johnson Brothers' history. Due to their growing success, manufacturing plants were established overseas including the establishment of a tableware factory, Johnson Brothers Australia in 1957 in Croydon, Victoria operated through a company known as Sovereign Pottery Ltd. Due to rising competition, Johnson Brothers became part of the Wedgewood Group in 1968. In 2015, following the acquisition of Wedgewood by Finnish company Fiskars, the Johnson Brothers branding was discontinued. The trademark on this bowl was used by Johnson Brothers between 1913 and 1942.This item originates from a well-known and respected Wodonga business.A round china plate imprinted with business name of G. Awburn Wodonga and Johnson Brothers on the back of the plate.On front: G. Awburn Caterer Wodonga On back: Hotelware / Johnson Bros/ Englandawburn family, wodonga businesses -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Domestic object - Shallow Vegetable Serving bowl, Johnson Brothers England, 1913 - 1942
Johnson Bros. was founded by two brothers named Alfred and Frederick who purchased a pottery factory in Hanley, England, in 1883. They were grandsons of a renowned English potter, Alfred Meakin. They were later joined in the business by their brothers Henry and Robert. Their business grew rapidly, as they were one of the world's largest pottery factories by the turn of the 20th century. By 1970, Johnson Bros. obtained the Royal Charter to become the official provider of china for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. More than 1,300 patterns have been created throughout Johnson Brothers' history. Due to their growing success, manufacturing plants were established overseas including the establishment of a tableware factory, Johnson Brothers Australia in 1957 in Croydon, Victoria operated through a company known as Sovereign Pottery Ltd. Due to rising competition, Johnson Brothers became part of the Wedgewood Group in 1968. In 2015, following the acquisition of Wedgewood by Finnish company Fiskars, the Johnson Brothers branding was discontinued. The trademark on this bowl was used by Johnson Brothers between 1913 and 1942. An item which reflects the changing market for tableware that was reasonably priced and serviceable. Their innovation of the pottery line called semi-porcelain changed the industry. This development allowed potteries to produce fashionable pottery items that were affordable to all social classes of the time. Their use became widespread in Australia, especially following their establishment of a tableware factory in Melbourne, Victoria. A shallow white bowl with gold trim, probably used for serving vegetables at the table. The underside of the bowl bears the mark of Johnson Bros England. The mark is composed of a green crown above the words "Johnson Bros England" also in green.On under side of bowl, beneath a green crown "Johnson Bros/England"johnson brothers ceramics, domestic utensils, kitchenware -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - Border night patrol : Albury-Wodonga's first private security service, Reg Morley, 2014
This book tells the stories and encounters of Reg Morley who ran Albury-Wodonga's first private security service for 12 years from 1958. Sworn in by Albury Police Inspector Jack Burke as a Special Constable, Mr. Morley started out his business with barely enough clients to make a living. Eventually it became a great success, and he sold the business in 1970 to Metropolitan Security Services. The stories are accompanied by Border Morning Mail clippings of events.non-fictionThis book tells the stories and encounters of Reg Morley who ran Albury-Wodonga's first private security service for 12 years from 1958. Sworn in by Albury Police Inspector Jack Burke as a Special Constable, Mr. Morley started out his business with barely enough clients to make a living. Eventually it became a great success, and he sold the business in 1970 to Metropolitan Security Services. The stories are accompanied by Border Morning Mail clippings of events.border security albury-wodonga, crime albury wodonga, border patrol, reg morley -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - Arnold Albury - A Family Fruit & Vegetable Success Story, Louise Arnold et al, 2009
A history of Arnolds Fruit Market established by J.G Arnold in 1892.non-fictionA history of Arnolds Fruit Market established by J.G Arnold in 1892.j.g. arnold, arnolds wodonga, arnolds albury, businesses wodonga -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Equipment - Artefact, Lamson's Rapid Wire Cash Carrier, Youngers, C Early 20th century
Lamson was established in Australia in 1898 with the idea for a store security money handling system being patented in the latter part of the 19th century.The practise of taking money from the counter and customer to the cashier was time consuming and cumbersome.Some bright ideas were employed including tying the money and dockets in a hankerchief and throwing it to the cashier. The first attempt to improve this was the ball system where a ball containing the cash was rolled to the cashier on an elevated track. The rapid wire system superseded this in the early 1900's and for the next 50 years it became a popular part of money handling in stores around Australia. This particular Lamson's cash carrier was installed in Youngers department store which was situated in Liebig Street. The success of Youngers store was partly responsible for the shift to Liebig St as the main commercial district. The Warrnambool Standard reported in 1901 that Younger and Co would operate on a wholly cash basis replacing incidental trades of goods such as potatoes and other farm produce.This item has strong social and historical significance. Apart from having strong links to one of Warrnambool's largest and longest running businesses, the object itself is of considerable interest with thousands of the original ball systems and Rapid Wire cash carriers being in use around the world. Cylindrical brass top with central circular part with section either side which have two small pulleys. A wooden cylindrical section slots in below with a wire clip attached at the bottom.Lamson is cast into the brass on either side of therim of the top circular section. . AUS is on the side of this same section. warrnambool,, youngers, youngers warrnambool, lamson, lamson rapid wire cash carrier, wire cash carrier -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - AUSTIN COLLECTION: 'BRYANT'S RANGES' WORDS OF SONG
Charles Robert Thatcher (1831-1878) trained in England as a flautist before travelling to the Bendigo goldfields in 1853. He was unsuited and unsuccessful as a miner so decided to rely on his music to make his fortune. He was considered a 'comic vocalist' who wrote many songs about the observations he made on the goldfields. These songs were often satirical and were published in newspapers as poems. He travelled extensively around the Victorian goldfields and also toured New Zealand. In 1861 he married widowed singer Anna Vitellie who performed with him, singing sentimental ballads. In 1870 the family returned to England where Charles became an importer of curios, following in his father's footsteps. He travelled to China, Japan and India sourcing stock for his business and on one such trip he contracted cholera and died in Shanghai. His wife returned to Australia and taught singing in Moonee Ponds.Copy of song written by Charles Thatcher, 'Bryant's Ranges' 'New original song, written and sung by Mr Thatcher at the Bendigo Theatre, tune Bow-wow-wow. Song mentions Bendigo reefs and the gold seekers success or otherwise, then they were off to 'Bryant's Ranges'.bendigo, mining, song by charles thatcher -
Buda Historic Home & Garden Castlemaine
Photograph, Ernest Leviny 1866, 1866
Ernest Leviny (1818-1905) was born in Georgenberg (Szepes-Szombat) Hungary. He went to Budapest as a youth to become an apprenticed silversmith, then travelled as a 'journeyman' across Europe living and working in Vienna and Paris between 1843-1846. He then set up business in London for six years before embarking on journey to the Australian goldfields arriving in 1853. With a lack of success mining for gold, Leviny established business as a jeweller and watchmaker in Castlemaine and between 1854 and 1862 found time to create major decorative works in gold and silver for which he is best remembered. After retiring from business in 1863 he purchased the house, Delhi Villa, married Bertha Hudson (English-born Tasmanian) in December 1864 and together they had ten children, later renaming the family home Buda (after Budapest). He died in 1905 purported to be the wealthiest gentleman in Castlemaine at that time. Two works made by Leviny are held in the collection at the National Gallery of Victoria: the Silver Standing Cup with Cover c1859 (or Saint Cup), and a Gold Bracelet with inset garnet and diamonds c1860.Albumen, sepia toned 'carte-de-visite' photograph of Ernest Leviny in 1866. Black and white, full length, studio portrait of a gentleman wearing a dark jacket with light coloured pants,with a moustache and mutton chop side burns, standing with his right hand on the back of a chair.Verso, photographer's details printed in the centre "Batchelder & O'Neill, 41 Collins Street, East. Melbourne" Handwritten in pencil: "Ernest Leviny 1866"ernest leviny, silversmith, castlemaine, buda historic home, 1866, portrait, photograph, batchelder & o'neill -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Photograph - Image, Edward Grose
"DEATH Of MR EDWARD GROSE. General and sincere regret will be felt at the announcement of the death of Mr Edward Grose, formerly one of the proprietors of The Ballarat Star. The sad event took place at the late gentleman's residence, Raglan street north, at 2 p.m. yesterday, in the presence of the members of the family, who were hastily summoned to his bedside on the previous night. Mr Grose had been in indifferent health for several years past, but he was always able to attend to business, and up till a fortnight ago, when he took to his bed, suffering from a severe affection of the kidneys and bronchitis, it was generally considered by those who knew him that he had many years of life before him. Notwithstanding, however, the unremitting attention of Dr Hardy and of Drs Woinsraki and Hudson, who were called in in consultation, be gradually became worse, until a few days ago his case was considered almost hopeless. Mr Grose was highly esteemed amongst a large circle of friends in Ballarat and district for his integrity of character and urbanity of manner, and the news of his death will come as a surprise to the many who knew him and were acquainted with his active and energetic temperament. In 1847 Mr Grose’s parents left Plymouth, England, for Australia, and on the voyage Mr Grose was born. His father, Mr. Thos. Bolitho Grose, who lived to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his wedding, and died only recently, landed at Adelaide, and was connected for some time with the famous Burra Burra copper mines in South Australia. In 1851, when the Victorian goldfields were discovered, he came to the colony and engaged in mining in Ballarat and Creswick, and at the Mount Alexander, now Castlemaine, field with varying success. Ultimately he brought his wife and two sons to Ballarat, and in 1857 returned to Creswick. In 1862 Mr Edward Grose was apprenticed to the late Mr John Francis to learn printing at the Creswick Advertiser office. The late Mr F. N. Martin then purchased the paper, and on the 1st January, 1871, Mr Grose was admitted into partnership. In July, 1884, Messrs Martin and Grose purchased The Ballarat Star, which they conjointly conducted until a few months ago, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr Martin retired from business. Shortly afterwards Mr Grose also retired, having re-sold his interest to the present proprietors. While resident at Creswick Mr Grose identified himself with all local matters, and was at different times president of the hospital committee, a vice-president and member of the council of the School of Mines, chairman of the local Cemetery Trust, and a prominent member of the Creswick Horticultural Society, while he took an active interest in all charitable institutions. In March, 1873, Mr Grose was married by the late Rev. Robert Kennedy to Miss Robina Orr, the third daughter of the late Mr Archibald Fulton Orr, formerly of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland, brother of the well-known and popular sportsman, Mr Robert Orr, of this city. Our Creswick correspondent writes:— Much regret was expressed here this evening concerning the lamentable death of Mr Edward Grose. The late Mr Grose had lived the best part of his life in Creswick, where he took an active part in almost every institution in the town, and was greatly respected by all. With the late Mr F. N. Martin, he brought the Advertiser to a high standard, and the fact of the two gentlemen who played such an important part in local history dying within two months of each other has been a subject of considerable and regretful comment. The relatives of the late gentlemen may derive some comfort from the knowledge that they have the entire sympathy of the people of Creswick in their very sad trouble.” The funeral of the deceased will take place on Sunday, leaving his late residence, Raglan street north, at 1 o’clock, for the place of interment, the Creswick Cemetery." {Ballarat Star, 02 July 1897}Photographic portrait of Edward Grose, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. He was manager of the Ballarat Star. In March 1873 he married Robina Orr, daughter of Archibald Fulton Orr, at Mount Bolton.edward grose, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Flyer - Koki Lodge publicity, 1968
George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it is connected to an iconic business established in Falls Creek, VictoriaA flyer produced to promote Koki Alpine Lodge for the Winter Season 1968, including tariffs and activities available. It is printed in black, sepia tones and small touches of blue and brown. Part of the text includes the quotation from Paul Gauguin featured on other Koki advertising:- "For I too am beginning to feel an immense need to become a savage and create a new world." PAUL GAUGUIN, 1887koki lodge, george shirling, phil nowell, "baldy" blackwell, sigi doerr -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Decorative object - Antlers from Koki Lodge
George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it has clear links to an iconic business established in Falls Creek, VictoriaThese antlers were on display on the wall above the balcony at Koki Lodge.koki lodge, george shirling, falls creek businesses, sigi doerr -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Decorative object - Glass fairy lantern
Item believed to be from Empire Day celebrations held in Surrey Hills. The Empire Day movement was instituted in England in 1904 and a meeting of Surrey Hills residents on 24th May 1906, pledged to do all in their power to make the day a success. Founding members included Arthur 'Empire' Brooks, James 'Rule Britannia' Sneddon and Harry 'Mafeking' Garrett, whose nicknames stemmed from their activities. Empire Day celebrations from 1906-11 attracted tremendous enthusiasm as reported at the time with 40,000 people attending the procession. The procession included horse drawn floats from local businesses, a torchlight parade headed by mounted troopers and local school bands. Rows of lamps and paper Chinese lanterns strung across the streets and lit at night by candles, while every dwelling had it's own decorations. The Progress Association revived the celebrations between 1933 and 1938 and while the route of the procession varied between these years, it would end with a 'monster bonfire' at Beckett Park.Cobalt blue glass fairy lantern with diamond quilt or pineapple pattern. Wire handle with twisted join. Remnants of candle/tealight in bottom.empire day, empire day celebrations, surrey hills progress association, mr james sneddon, mr arthur brooks, mr harry garrett, chinese lanterns, kitchen brothers, john bull, beckett park, canterbury road, union road, surrey gardens, fairy lantern