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Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Box
The grey painted heavy wooden, homemade box has a freehand inscription in black on outside, which reads ‘LEVINGS To MAAT IS’. The writing refers to Alan and Marlene Levings, who began their twenty-two year career in lightkeeping with a posting to Tasman Island, off Port Arthur, in the 1960s. After four years they moved to Maatsukyer Island off south-west Tasmania, Australia’s southern-most lightstation, followed by postings to South Bruny, Eddystone Point and Wilsons Promontory. The robust box journeyed with the Levings through their postings to five lightstations and came to rest at Wilsons Promontory when Alan retired. It is not known whether the box was used in an office or domestic context. The movement of people and objects is a significant and unique theme that runs through the history of Australia’s lightstations. This historical process relates Victoria to the much bigger story of Australia’s network of lightstations. Alan Levings has been described as an extremely interesting character and artist. When Levings was a lightkeeper at Wilson’s Promontory, delivery of goods was by boat, then off the boat by a winch and onto the back of a truck. For this reason, packing boxes in earlier years had to be extremely robust. Today, anything that is not carried into Wilson’s Promontory Lightstation by foot, comes by helicopter, eradicating the need for heavy packing boxes such as Levings’. This humble box has first level contributory significance for its reliable provenance which traces its journey through five lightstations; for its association with a former lightkeeping family; and for contributing to an understanding of the pattern of lightstation life.Wooden box, light blue/grey painted. Made of horizontal pieces of timber with some tin reinforcment on the sides. Writing in black on side of box.On side of box in freehand,"LEVINGS To MAAT IS" -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory LightstationThe two wooden oars were formerly painted white. They were used on lightstation boats and are now displayed on the wall of Room 2 which is located next to the light tower. Numerous images of the lightstation show rowing boats either on stand‐by on land or in the sea performing duties in the surrounding sea and at the East Landing. The wooden boat rudder with brass and other metal fittings was also formerly painted white and is possibly from the same boat that used the oars. Meets second level threshold.Two long wooden oars, Residue of white paint. Possibly made of Australian hardwood. They were used on lightstation boats.
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Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Part, machine
The rusted metal machine part has an inscription discernible on an attached plate. It is part of the hydraulic system used in the East landing crane between 1971 and 1978.Meets second level threshold.Rusted metal machine part with plate with inscription. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Power board
The power board, which was the main power board for the lightstation between 1975 and 2007, retains a number of ceramic fuse parts and a wooden reel with fuse wire. The grey metal door has a plastic switch and a small metal plate is inscribed with ‘Custom styles by Thomson and Mackenzie’. Power board with ceramic fuse parts. Also wooden reel with fuse wire. ‘Custom styles by Thomson and Mackenzie’. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Pulley wheels
The three metal pulley wheels, two larger one smaller, were possibly used in the mechanism associated with the operation of the clockwork weights that helped to turn the light in the lantern room between 1913 and 1975. If this information is confirmed, the wheels have first level contributory significance for the insights they provide into the technology and operations of a late nineteenth/early twentieth century lighthouse.Three pulley wheels, two larger one smaller. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Bag of tools
They include various iron spanners of different size which were used on vehicle maintenance at the lightstation, (landrover and Toyota) Different sizes of different spanners in a bag with a zip. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Wheel
Part of secondary water pump from a Southern Cross engine which was in the pump shed north of the lightstation. Fly wheel iron, hole in the middle. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Ladle
The metal ladle was made by a lightkeeper in the 1980s for melting lead to make sinkers.Handmade metal ladel. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Hook
The iron hook dates to the 1860s and was used for attaching a load to a horse harness.Meets second level threshold.Iron hook -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Nautical chart
Used as display in AMSA workshop foyer, Moorabbin, Vic. Nautical charts x 2 , The framed and glazed chart identifies strategic points in the notorious Bass Strait passage, which in the nineteenth century was known as the ‘Eye of the Needle’. It covers the whole of Tasmania, Bass Strait and the islands, and the lower part of Victoria with its coastline between Cape Otway and Gabo Island. The chart has an electric cord connecting it to a wall switch which enables a series of small lights to flash on strategic geographical locations.. While it is not known if it is original to Wilsons Promontory, it certainly elates to its location. A similar chart at Cape Otway shows less of Tasmania and is not electrified. Gabo Island Lightstation has two large framed charts; one is the same as the Wilsons Promontory example but without the lights and the other is entirely different, focussing on the east coast between Point Hicks and Montague Island. The Wilsons Promontory chart is unique as an illuminated version of the other charts and has first level significance if its provenance to the lightstation can be confirmed.The framed and glazed chart has an electric cord connecting it to a wall switch which enables a series of small lights to flash on strategic geographical locations.Yes -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Door, oven
The collection includes a small number of cast iron kitchen range components which appear to originate from more than one fuel-burning cooker. They are possibly relics from the two nineteenth century kitchens destroyed in the 1951 bushfire or bits from abandoned obsolete cookers. There are two oven doors, both with different types of hinges and handles discernible despite their badly corroded condition. One door is rectangular with a raised edging and a handle in the shape of a fist gripping a rod; the other door has a slightly curved top and is also framed and retains its strap hinges and central lock/handle. Door from a fuel burning domestic oven. It has a slightly curved top, is framed and retains its strap hinges and central lock/handle -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Radio telephone
This Phillips FM 880 radio telephone was used by lightkeepers between 1973 and 2005 for communication with the meteorological bureau. This relatively large device is in a white enamel metal cabinet and has a number of dials and switches and instructions. It has six chrome handles. There are 'decommissioned' labels on the face."Phillips FM 880 ..." -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Paper packet and contents
Used by PMG in telephone transmission. Printed information on the front of the paper packet identifies both it and the contents as the property of the PMG. The contents comprise black carbon rods that were used by the PMG for telephone transmissions.Carbon rods, paper packet with PMG identification & carbon rods, Yes -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Radio
Type used by RAAF Radar station at Wilsons Promontory Lightstation (RS 14) for backup communications 1942 - 1946. This is an AT5 MF/HF 50 watts radio transmitter with black face and multiple dials and switches; There is also an AR8 radio receiver with a brown face and various dials and switches; and an AT5 radio aerial coupling unit with black face and dials and switches in the WP collection. They functioned as a set and were manufactured in 1938 at the Ashfield, Sydney workshop of AWA (Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Ltd, later AWA Ltd), Australia’s largest electronics manufacturer and broadcaster. They are rare outside Australia as they were seldom exported to other air forces, and remained in service until the late 1950s. An AT5 transmitter and AT5 coupling unit are held in Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.The three units in the Wilsons Promontory Museum were deployed by the RAAF in WWII and represent the types of communications equipment used at the 14 Radar Station, Wilsons Promontory. It is not known, however if these particular examples were used at the lightstation and are part of the same set. They have interpretive relevance to the collection, but their significance to the lightstation is dependent on whether they have a direct historical association with the radar station that operated there. The units will have first level contributory significance if it is confirmed they were used at the Wilsons Promontory Radar Station.Radio receiver, grey metal face with multiple dials & switches -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Radio
Type used by RAAF Radar station Wilsons Prom (RS 14) for backup communications 1942 - 1946. This is an AR8 radio receiver with a brown face and various dials and switches; They functioned as a set and were manufactured in 1938 at the Ashfield, Sydney workshop of AWA (Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Ltd, later AWA Ltd), Australia’s largest electronics manufacturer and broadcaster. They are rare outside Australia as they were seldom exported to other air forces, and remained in service until the late 1950s.202 An AT5 transmitter and AT5 coupling unit are held in Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.203 The three units in the Wilsons Promontory Museum were deployed by the RAAF in WWII and represent the types of communications equipment used at the 14 Radar Station, Wilsons Promontory. It is not known, however if these particular examples were used at the lightstation and are part of the same set. They have interpretive relevance to the collection, but their significance to the lightstation is dependent on whether they have a direct historical association with the radar station that operated there. The units will have first level contributory significance if it is confirmed they were used at the Wilsons Promontory Radar Station.The units will have first level contributory significance if it is confirmed they were used at the Wilsons Promontory Radar Station.Radio tuning unit, brown metal face with multiple dials & switches.Yes -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Radio
Type used by RAAF Radar station (RS 14) for backup communications 1942 - 1946. This one is an AT5 radio aerial coupling unit with black face and dials and switches. They functioned as a set and were manufactured in 1938 at the Ashfield, Sydney workshop of AWA (Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Ltd, later AWA Ltd), Australia’s largest electronics manufacturer and broadcaster. They are rare outside Australia as they were seldom exported to other air forces, and remained in service until the late 1950s.202 An AT5 transmitter and AT5 coupling unit are held in Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.203 The three units in the Wilsons Promontory Museum were deployed by the RAAF in WWII and represent the types of communications equipment used at the 14 Radar Station, Wilsons Promontory. It is not known, however if these particular examples were used at the lightstation and are part of the same set. They have interpretive relevance to the collection, but their significance to the lightstation is dependent on whether they have a direct historical association with the radar station that operated there. The units will have first level contributory significance if it is confirmed they were used at the Wilsons Promontory Radar Station.radio aerial coupling unit grey metal face with multiple dials & switches -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Insulator
Used on radio aerial installation during the period that the RAAF were based at the Lightstation. 1942 - 1946This technical item has second level significance because it's use is likely to be directly linked to WWII communications activity at the lightstation: Small brown glazed ceramic insulator. The shape is similar to a door knob. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Part, electrical
Used as a junction box for metal conduit in RAAF power house.This technical item has second level significance because their use is likely to be directly linked to WWII communications activity at the lightstation:Round metal piece with protrusions and with "12 VOLT / CHARGING" stamped on a metal plate on the front."12 VOLT / CHARGING" -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Buttons
Used on military uniforms 1942 - 1946. Two small metal buttons. One is larger. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Spoon and knife
Used by RAAF personell in accommodation quarters 1942 -1946. WWII wartime objects – living in the RAAF camp . They provide evidence of the contents of the RAAF barracks and recreation hut erected in 1942 and occupied until 1945. Some of the items such as cutlery, a wood heater/stove, domestic radio (remnants) were used in daily life by servicemen. Spoons x 3 (WPLS 0101.3; likely provenance); spoon and knife (0148.2 likely provenance)The two metal small spoons, two large spoons and knife without its handle are known to have been used by WWII RAAF or navy personnel in their accommodation quarters 1942-1945. The items, if original to the site, have second level contributory significance for the evidence they provide of the WWII buildings and their use between 1942 and 1945. Metal spoon and a serrated edged knife without a handle. Both items have some corrosion. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Fragments
Used by lightkeeping families. The twenty shards of crockery represent tableware from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The pieces were recovered from a rubbish dump in the grounds used by previous lightstation residents. They include blue and white transfer-printed tableware in the ubiquitous ‘Willow’ pattern as well as floral designs with distinctively British flowers, both of which remained in constant production by all the major Staffordshire companies and were hugely popular with the Australian market. Other pieces in the collection include part of a plate with a distinctive red and yellow border, a small Chinoiserie jug probably dating from the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, and fragments of heavier, more utilitarian white ceramic ware. A few of the shards are printed with trademarks or other insignia, and closer examination of these marks as well as the patterns should be able to yield information on their date and manufacturer. Most if not all the fragments are from affordable, everyday wares that were common in lower income homes. Numerous ceramic fragments are also held in the Cape Otway Lightstation collection.Domestic crockery fragments x 20. Some have been burnt. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Fragments
The fragments appear to be associated with three stoneware vessels, with two at least dating from the nineteenth century. One of the vessels is a late-nineteenth century stoneware ale or stout bottle which survives largely intact except for the base which is broken into three pieces and held together by a band wrapped around the bottle. The upper part of the bottle has a light brown glaze, and interestingly the pale stoneware body is discoloured by ash. The other items in this sub-set; two ceramic fragments from another unidentified vessel and a brown glazed short neck from a third (perhaps an ink bottle), are also fire damaged. -Ceramic Bottle & fragments, ceramic, fire damaged. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Bottles
The catalogue includes twenty-one diverse types of bottles ranging from beer, soft drink and chutney bottles to bottles designed to hold perfume, medicines and poisons. They appear to range in date from the nineteenth to c.mid-twentieth centuries and represent various types of mass-produced consumer goods that were commonly available at the time. The five different types of bottles included in 0156.5 are made of clear glass with tapered necks and narrow openings to facilitate pouring. One can be positively identified as an imported mineral soda water/soft drink bottle because of the marble stopper in the neck and thickness of the glass. The globe-stopper bottle, also known as a ‘Codd’ bottle, was invented by English engineer, Hiram Codd in 1873 for holding gaseous soft drinks. The thick glass could withstand the pressure of the contents as well as repeated bottling by manufacturers. The bottles were probably used by former lightkeeper households. and tapered, narrow necks. The older ‘porter’ has a slightly bulbous neck. The bottles were probably used by former lightkeeper residents. Five glass bottles. Four are clear glass and one has coloured to green. -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Objects, office
The items include a wooden ruler, masonite and metal clipboard, metal stapler and desk calendar holder made of metal, date from the 1970s. Three clear glass ink bottles and a black Bakelite fountain pen with screw on top are a little earlier in date, and all appear to have a reliable provenance to the lightstation. They have second level significance as small items of office equipment used in the day-to-day running of the lightstation. Maintaining the lightstation – equipment (themes 2, 3, 5) This sub-collection of workplace objects under the main theme of ‘Running the Lightstation’, includes the equipment used for and maintaining the lightstation. All have second level contributory significance for the insights they provide into the types of appliances needed to keep the lightstation running and functioning as a navigation aid.Metal clipboard, wooden ruler, metal stapler metal calendar /date holder. -
Parks Victoria - Cape Nelson Lightstation
Functional object - Flag set, navigational
The flags were used for communicating messages to passing ships. Knowledge of visual signaling was mandatory for all lightkeepers and all stations maintained a set of these flags. Although used for centuries, visual flag signaling formally developed in the nineteenth century and was published internationally as a system in 1857. By the early twentieth century it had developed into an effective means of conveying all kinds of short range visual messages.The Cape Nelson Lightstation is architecturally and scientifically (technologically) important as the most intact complex of lightstation buildings in Victoria. The octagonal signal station is a unique feature which is all the more important for its complete set of signal flags’. Cape Nelson Lightstation’s complete set of 41 alphabetic and numeric visual signaling flags (including substitute and answering pennants) are made of bunting, a coarse fabric of worsted (open yarn wool) in various colour combinations, and some of the fabric is hand sewn and bears inscriptions. Attachments include handmade wooden toggles, brass clips and hemp rope. -
Parks Victoria - Cape Nelson Lightstation
Instrument - Watch, stop
The date of manufacture and age are unknown. It is believed to be original to the lightstation. Of six Victorian lightstation collections surveyed, Cape Nelson is the only one with a stop‐watch. The watch is significant as an intact and relatively uncommon object remaining at a Victorian lightstation and has first level contributory importance for its historical values.The circular, top‐winding metal stop‐watch has an associated blue velvet‐lined, square case. The watch bears an inscription but the date of manufacture and age are unknown. It is believed to be original to the lightstation. The watch bears an inscription etched into the back." C. of A. / C.L.S. /^ / No 101" and on a sticker "C of A / D.O.T. ....." -
Parks Victoria - Cape Nelson Lightstation
Instrument - Morse Code Key Set
The battery powered set, which dates from the second half of the twentieth century, comprises two main components, the electronic keyer with a single lever for tapping, and a transmitter (?), both connected by a keying cable. Morse code was invented in the 1830s by American, Samuel Finely Breese by using electrical signals to quickly transmit information over a long range. In the early 1890s Italian inventor, Guglielmo Marconi improved the technology to the point where it became an essential device used for commercial and government purposes. The first practical applications were demonstrated with maritime messaging, where this simple mode of communication was seen as a timely replacement for the historic practice of signaling by flags, lights and foghorns. Cape Schanck has an earlier Morse code key, which is original to the lightstation (CSLS 0035), and Cape Otway has another early example although its provenance to the lightstation has not been formally verified (COLS 0074). The Morse code set has first level contributory significance for its historical value as an earlier communications device that has since been made redundant by more sophisticated technologies.Morse code key set. Comprised of the tapping component and a metal box part with a white electrical cord.Yes -
Parks Victoria - Cape Nelson Lightstation
Functional object - Flags, semaphore
The two semaphore flags were used as a pair for visual signaling by hand. The semaphore system is an alphabet signaling system based on the waving of a pair of handheld flags in a particular pattern to compose words to be communicated to passing ships. The system was introduced by the Royal Navy in 1880 and was later adopted in Australia, with the first School of Signaling opening in Williamstown in 1890. The system was superseded in the 1970s by more sophisticated methods of communication. Information on the Cape Nelson flags indicates that they were made by Evan Evans P/L, Flag makers, 690 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Evan Evans (d.1927) started a tent‐making business in 1877 and by 1920 Evan Evans P/L maker of canvas goods, was located at 680 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. In 1924 it acquired land at 632 Bourke Street and built a new factory. His son Ivor continued the business after 1927 and in 1938 opened a bulk store in Carlton.271 In 2016 the firm was located at 673 Spencer Street, Melbourne. Another pair of white semaphore flags made by Evan & Evans is held at Gabo Island, and Wilsons Promontory also has a pair. Cape Nelson’s white semaphore flags have second level contributory significance. They have historical importance as flags formerly used at the lightstation for visual signaling, a system that is now rarely used in navigation, and contribute to the importance of the lightstation’s large collection of flags.A pair of white flags made of white canvas/heavy cotton, the square flags are attached to dowel poles with staples. -
Parks Victoria - Cape Nelson Lightstation
Furniture - Cabinet
The two‐door cabinet with a bench top is a simply made nineteenth century utilitarian cupboard. It is similar in style to cupboards that were built into spaces either side of fireplaces in keepers’ quarters. All have two doors simply framed around recessed central panels, which are sometimes bevelled. They are opened with a key, or by a basic knob made of metal or turned wood. Most also are made from a light‐coloured wood, which in this case is possibly Huon pine. Some are painted, others show evidence of paint which has since been removed in an effort to restore the surface, and a few retain their original wood finish. This cabinet, which has plain recessed unbevelled panels, has one internal shelf and stands on the floor without a plinth base. The bench top has basic squared edges, and a low backing with curved ends extends around one side. These features suggest the cabinet was fixed and originally built into a corner. The Cape Nelson CMP identified a similar but slightly different cabinet in one of the assistant keepers’ quarters which is shown with shelves added to the top. Other similar two‐door, benchtop cupboards that were probably built‐in include those at Cape Otway and Cape Schanck , which have since been moved out of the residences. Built‐in cabinets were standard fittings in lightkeeper quarters as illustrated by the Point Hicks Lightstation CMP, which shows a built cupboard beside a fireplace. The Cape Nelson cabinet, an original domestic furnishing provided by the Public Works Department, has first level contributory significance for its historic values and provenance to the lightstation.Two‐door cabinet with a bench top. The doors are simply framed around recessed central panels.Light coloured wood. -
Parks Victoria - Cape Nelson Lightstation
Furniture - Chair, Douglas
The chair’s turned legs and bowed, spindle back are typical characteristics of the popular ‘Douglas’ chair, which descends from the long evolutionary line of ‘Windsor’ style cottage chairs. Also known as ‘Captains’ chairs, they were made on a large scale in England, America and Australia from around the 1860s in various timbers, with seats ranging from heavy pine to cane and in later models, plywood. Australiana expert, Peter Cuffley writes that they were just as much a part of Australia’s frontier experience as they were America’s; Holtermans’ 1872 photographs of the New South Wales gold towns show Douglas chairs, and they appear in illustrations of the exploits of the Kelly gang drawn in the late 1870s. Many Australians now are more likely to associate them with public offices and governments departments’. The chairs met the need for a degree of comfort and tough resilience under rough handling on hard floors. The Cape Nelson chair is known to have been used as a visitor’s chair, presumably in the head keeper’s office. No other examples of nineteenth century style chairs survive among the reliably provenanced furnishings in the five other lightstation collections. The chair complements the lightstation’s nineteenth century office desk and small number of other nineteenth century furnishings in the wider Parks Victoria lightstation collection, the majority of which are domestic items. The Douglas chair has first level contributory significance for its historical value and relative rarity as a lightstation office furnishing.The chair has turned legs and bowed, spindle back .