Showing 3315 items matching "the market"
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City of Kingston
Photograph - Colour, Paul Tresize, 1998
The name Mordialloc was derived from the name Moody Yallock, which comes from the Bunurong language. The Bunurong Peoples are the Traditional Owners of this area. The name means “high water” or “high creek”. In 1839, colonial authorities declared the mouth of the creek, and an additional 830 odd acres as an Aboriginal Reserve, although this proclamation was never gazetted. The reserved land included part of the Carrum Carrum Swamp which was abundant with wild life and natural resources. Regular encroachments, including land sales which began in 1863, were made on the land until 1878 when the Reserve was declared closed, and the land was opened up to land sales. Market gardening and suburban house lots quickly began to develop, and Mordialloc became a renowned picnic and holiday site. Mordialloc Creek is a popular bay side destination for local and visitors, and is a site for boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming, along with many other activities.Colour photograph of Mordialloc Creek with boats moored on both sides of the street and Pompei's boat yard visible on the right hand side of the creek., Main Street and St Brigid's Catholic Church are visible in backgroundmordialloc, bunurong, traditional owners, suburbs, boats, fishing, waterways, hotel, church -
City of Kingston
Photograph - Colour, Paul Tresize, 1998
The name Mordialloc was derived from the name Moody Yallock, which comes from the Bunurong language. The Bunurong Peoples are the Traditional Owners of this area. The name means “high water” or “high creek”. In 1839, colonial authorities declared the mouth of the creek, and an additional 830 odd acres as an Aboriginal Reserve, although this proclamation was never gazetted. The reserved land included part of the Carrum Carrum Swamp which was abundant with wild life and natural resources. Regular encroachments, including land sales which began in 1863, were made on the land until 1878 when the Reserve was declared closed, and the land was opened up to land sales. Market gardening and suburban house lots quickly began to develop, and Mordialloc became a renowned picnic and holiday site. Mordialloc Creek is a popular bay side destination for local and visitors, and is a site for boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming, along with many other activities.Colour photograph of Mordialloc Creek with boats moored on both sides of the street and Pompei's boat yard visible on the right hand side of the creek., Main Street and St Brigid's Catholic Church are visible in background.mordialloc, bunurong, traditional owners, boats, fishing -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - Abbott Supply Petty Cash Book, 1890s
Joseph Henry Abbott founded the business in 1853 with a store that supplied everyday essential items to those seeking their fortune on the goldfields. The timing and choice of store ensured that he would become a prominent part of the Bendigo business scene. Abbott's next venture was to establish the New Times Boot Market & Factory in Pall Mall, Sandhurst. In 1867, his wife took over running the shop which was located next to the Bendigo Arcade near Williamson Street. In 1876, the leather business of T Baulderstone was purchased, and operations were further expanded later by the acquisition of the Edinburgh Tannery at Sheepwash Creek, and The Edinburgh Leather & Grindery warehouse in Bull Street, Sandhurst. In 1889, Joseph Abbott passed all interests in the business to his son, who shared the same name, in partnership with an adopted son, Richard Hartley Smith Abbott. The business continued trading under the name J H Abbott & Co.Hard covered Ledger Petty Cash Bookhistory, bendigo, abbott collection -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, A Colonial Reformer
Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) ‘Rolf Boldrewood’ is the pen-name used by Thomas Alexander Browne as a writer. Browne was the eldest child of Captain Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell nee Alexander. He was born in London on 6th August 1826 and arrived in Australia with his parents and siblings when he was 5 years old and grew up in Sydney. In the 1860’s Browne added the ‘e’ to his surname. As a 17 year old Browne took up land in the Western District of Victoria between Portland and Port Fairy on a property named “Squattlesea Mere”. He remained there until 1858, enjoying the squatters’ life on his 32,000 acre property, growing potatoes and running cattle and horses. He sold in 1858 and purchased a sheep station on the Murray River near Swan Hill. He later sold this and bought another sheep station near Narrandera until bad seasons and severe droughts eventually caused him to change his career after 25 years as a squatter. Over the next 25 years Browne held the position of Police Magistrate and as a gold commissioner in various locations. His third career as an author lasted approximately 40 years. In 1865 he wrote two articles on pastoral life while he was recovering from a riding accident. In the 1870’s his writing was bringing in the income to support his family, changing his focus to the writing of novels. A series of these was written for the Australian market and published in The Sydney Mail and the Centennial Magazine. His later novels were aimed at the overseas markets. His best known novel “Robbery Under Arms” was written from 1882 to 1883 and has been serialised on radio in Australia and Britain. The novel was filmed in 1907, 1920 and 1957, and in 1985 it was made into a television series. It is now an Australian Classic. He also wrote short stories, several nonfiction graziers’ guides, and an autobiography named “Old Melbourne Memories” in 1884. [This information has been taken from Wikipedia; Australian Authors-Perry Meddlemiss; Australian Dictionary of Biography, Browne, Thomas Alexander (1826-1915)] A Colonial Reformer Author: Rolf Boldrewood Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1891Label on spine cover with typed text RA 823.91 BOL Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library The fly paper has the name "A. H. Stanley" handwritten in pencil. warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, a colonial reformer, rolf boldrewood -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceramic - Teapot, Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd, 1890
Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95), came from an established family of potters and trained with his elder brother. He was in partnership with the leading potter Thomas Whieldon from 1754 until 1759 when a new green ceramic glaze he had developed encouraged him to start a new business on his own. Relatives leased him the Ivy House in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, and his marriage to Sarah Wedgwood, a distant cousin with a sizeable dowry, helped him launch his new venture. After an extensive and systematic program of experiment Wedgwood in 1765 created a new variety of creamware, a fine glazed earthenware, which was the main body used for his table wares thereafter. After he supplied Queen Charlotte with a tea set for twelve the same year, she gave official permission to call it "Queen's Ware" (from 1767). This new form, perfected as white pearlware (from 1780), sold extremely well across Europe, and to America. It had the additional advantage of being relatively light, saving on transport costs and import tariffs in foreign markets. Wedgwood developed several further industrial innovations for his company, notably a way of measuring kiln temperatures accurately, and several new ceramic bodies including the "dry-body" Stoneware, "black basalt" (by 1769), cane ware, and jasperware (the 1770s), all designed to be sold unglazed, like "biscuit porcelain". In the later 19th century the company returned to being a leader in the design and technical innovation, as well as continuing to make many of the older styles. Despite increasing local competition in its export markets, the business continued to flourish in the 19th and early 20th centuries, remaining in the hands of the Wedgwood family, but after World War II it began to contract, along with the rest of the English pottery industry. After buying several other Staffordshire ceramics companies, in 1987 Wedgwood merged with Waterford Crystal to create Waterford Wedgwood plc, an Ireland-based luxury brands group. After a 2009 purchase by KPS Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm. Wedgwood has always been associated with fine china, porcelain, and luxury accessories, the entrepreneur Josiah Wedgwood rapidly became successful and was soon one of the largest manufacturers of Staffordshire pottery. Wedgwood is a significant pottery manufacturer as the company is especially associated with the "dry-bodied" (unglazed) stoneware Jasperware in contrasting colours, and in particular that in "Wedgwood blue" and white that has become a trademark. Teapot and lid, Wedgwood blue Jasperware with white patternImpressed name Wedgewood and date letter "S" = 1890flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, teapot, wedgewood blue, wedgewood teapot, tea pot, kitchen ware, josiah wedgwood, staffordshire potteries -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Old Melbourne Memories 1
Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) ‘Rolf Boldrewood’ is the pen-name used by Thomas Alexander Browne as a writer. Browne was the eldest child of Captain Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell nee Alexander. He was born in London on 6th August 1826 and arrived in Australia with his parents and siblings when he was 5 years old and grew up in Sydney. In the 1860’s Browne added the ‘e’ to his surname. As a 17 year old Browne took up land in the Western District of Victoria between Portland and Port Fairy on a property named “Squattlesea Mere”. He remained there until 1858, enjoying the squatters’ life on his 32,000 acre property, growing potatoes and running cattle and horses. He sold in 1858 and purchased a sheep station on the Murray River near Swan Hill. He later sold this and bought another sheep station near Narrandera until bad seasons and severe droughts eventually caused him to change his career after 25 years as a squatter. Over the next 25 years Browne held the position of Police Magistrate and as a gold commissioner in various locations. His third career as an author lasted approximately 40 years. In 1865 he wrote two articles on pastoral life while he was recovering from a riding accident. In the 1870’s his writing was bringing in the income to support his family, changing his focus to the writing of novels. A series of these was written for the Australian market and published in The Sydney Mail and the Centennial Magazine. His later novels were aimed at the overseas markets. His best known novel “Robbery Under Arms” was written from 1882 to 1883 and has been serialised on radio in Australia and Britain. The novel was filmed in 1907, 1920 and 1957, and in 1985 it was made into a television series. It is now an Australian Classic. He also wrote short stories, several nonfiction graziers’ guides, and an autobiography named “Old Melbourne Memories” in 1884. [This information has been taken from Wikipedia; Australian Authors-Perry Meddlemiss; Australian Dictionary of Biography, Browne, Thomas Alexander (1826-1915)] Old Melbourne Memories 1 Author: Rolf Boldrewood Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1896Label on spine with typed text R.A. 994.5 BOL warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, old melbourne memories 1, rolf boldrewood -
National Wool Museum
Machine - Shearing Motor, Sunbeam, 1960-69
With more and more woolsheds being connected to power lines, the need for electric shearing gear markedly increased from the 1960s onwards. The greater economy made electric gear an attractive proposition to many graziers. Requiring only an electric shearing motor, for small and medium scale operations, electric shearing motors were a more economical way of shearing a wool clip. The other option for graziers was Overhead shearing gear, which also required an Engine to provide shared power to a row of shearing stations. Still working, this Sunbeam Electric Shearing Motor – Heavy Duty Model, features a slow speed motor totally enclosed for protection against dust and insects. The full bearing down tube is easily removed and stored to be out of the way when not in use (not pictured). Providing 0.5 hp, which is twice the power ever needed for shearing sheep, this buffer allows for fluctuations in voltages that can occur in rural districts. Inventor Frederick Wolseley made the world's first commercially successful power-shearing system in Australia in 1888. US company Cooper, which had been founded in 1843 as a maker of sheep dip, began selling Wolseley equipment in the USA in 1895. The Chicago Flexible Shaft Company successfully entered the power-shearing market a few years later and entered into a joint venture with Cooper. It set up a branch in Sydney and sold shearing sets, and engines to power them, into the Australian market. In 1921 the US parent company, realising it needed to make products whose sales were not as seasonal as those of shearing equipment, made its first household appliances and branded them Sunbeam. In 1933, changes in exchange rates and taxes led the company to manufacture engines and shearing equipment in Australia via subsidiary Cooper Engineering, which changed its name to Sunbeam in 1946. Although most Australians know of this company as a major manufacturer of household appliances, its rural division flourished and retained the Sunbeam name for shearing equipment even after it was taken over by New Zealand company Tru-Test in 2001. This 0.5 horsepower vertical brushed motor air-cooled engine was designed to drive a single shearing plant. From the central cylinder which features a yellow “Sunbeam” sticker, a grey 240v power lead can be found on the left-hand side. A blue capacitor is located next to this power lead. Below, two legs extend and meet to form a foot which is fastened to a wall. On the right-hand side of the engine, a specification plate is located on the central cylinder. A yellow directional arrow sticker is located on the rotating section of the engine below the specification plate (location for photography, this section is designed to rotate and hence this sticker is not fixed in this location). At the rear of the cylinder, a plastic cap with small air cut outs protects the air-cooled engine from contaminants. At the front of the engine, the location for securing the bearing down tube is located. On the right-hand side of the lock for the bearing down tube is the handle, to which a string is often attached for switching the motor on and off by a shearer bent at the waist (not pictured). Sticker. Gold writing. Front of shearing motor “Sunbeam” Plate. Inscribed. Side of shearing motor. “Sunbeam / SHEARING MOTOR / MADE IN AUSTRALIA / 0.5 H.P. / 220/240 V / 1 PHASE A.C. / 4.0 AMPS / 50 C/S. / CONT. RTG. / 1425 R.P.M. / CLASS A INSUL / NO. J244560 / TYPE: NSB5C2/49." sheep sheering, shearing equipment, sunbeam, electric shearing motor -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Formal photo of the Kleinert family of 34 Union Road, Surrey Hills
William was a coach-builder, wheelwright and blacksmith. He moved from Prahran (13 Regent Street) to Surrey Hills to property owned by the family. The house at 34 Union Road was built in 1905 for William and his wife Emily. Their son Ernest worked with him as a coach painter and also worked as a painter undertaking intricate hand painting on early cars. Their other son Martin played for the Surrey Hills Football Club. In return for the support given to the club by Mrs Emily Kleinert, it built a rotunda in South Surrey Park as a memorial to her. Alan Holt research: Lot 6 was sold to Martin Kleinert by Karl Richter in 1860 together with a portion of another adjacent lot. From 1860-1885 Martin worked it as a market garden leasing some land for grazing when it was not required for gardening. He died in 1898. In a formal document, William declared he was the son of Martin "who purchased land in 1860, died in 1898 and the land has been continually occupied by father and family since. It has been cultivated as a market garden; when not being used for gardening it was let for cultivation and grazing." William died in 1939 and the property passed to his sons Martin and Ernest. The Kleinert land extended from Union Road to Essex Road. They ran horses, ducks and fowls and Emily Kleinert grew flowers. The Kleinert property later became the South Surrey Park. The family sold the land to the Camberwell Council in the 1950s. Ernest and Ida Kleinert lived on the corner of Scotsdale and Warrigal Roads. The donor of the photo Nada Harris, nee Kleinert, was Ernest and Ida's daughter. Ida lived to a good age (> 93 years) and in later life lived in Burwood. Many of the family are buried in Box Hill Cemetery. Friedrich Johann Wilhelm (William) Kleinert (1870-1949) married (1872-1937) in 1893. Their children were: Ernest Henry John (1892-1971) married Ida Grace Vassie. Ivy Louise (1898-1952) Martin William (1903-1964) Henriette Rose (Hetta Rose) 1896-1958.Black and white photo of William and Emily Kleinert and family. The children are L to R: Martin, Rose, Ernest and Ivy.surrey hills football club, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, coachbuilders, south surrey park, rotunda, friedrich johann wilhelm kleinert, william kleinert, emily florence radford, emily florence kleinert, ernest henry john kleinert, ida grace vassie, ida grace kleinert, ivy louise kleinert, martin william kleinert, henriette rose kleinert, hetta rose kleinert, rose kleinert, nada harris, nada kleinert -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - HAMILTON COLLECTION: THEATRE FLYER, Early 1900s
Document. Two page advertising flyer for the Comic Opera Company, Masonic Hall, Bendigo. On the back page, ''Printed at the Bendigo Independant Office, Williamson St., Bendigo''. Advertisers: W.Parkinson and Co - Copper Plate Cleaners and gold refiners. Walter E.Ellis - Tobacconist. W.Bartle - Jeweller and Watchmaker. Mrs Newman's - Coffee Palace. Jas. Burston - Watchmaker, Jeweller and Optician. Lazarus Telegraph Hotel. H.Lorenz - Tailor. Mrs A. Keast - Dining Rooms. P. Drescher - Watchmaker and Jeweller. W A Parker - Hairdresser and Tobacconist. O'Hagan's Sandhurst Hotel. Leslie's Blacksmith. Mrs Leonard - Tobacconist. J Dunne - Market Hotel. Bright's - Fish and Fruit. E J Delaney - Harp and Shamrock Hotel. Banfield and Co - Goldbrokers. Swift and Rothberg - Tailors and Drapery. Hans Irvine - Wine Sales. T Sayer - Undertaker. Terminus Hotel. Jack Francis Cafe. A Frigerio - Wire Worker. Barnett's Jewellers. B Sluyterman - Electrical Engineer. T R Jones - Chemist. Jack E Coates - Scenery for Hire. Krast and Co - Gold Brokers. Sydney P Ewing - Dentist. H Nickson - Furniture Hire. Geo Jackman - S P Bookmaker.performing arts, elocution, theatre flyer -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ARTICLES FOR ROYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY (BENDIGO BRANCH) NEWSLETTER APRIL 1973
Articles for Royal Historical Society (Bendigo Branch) Newsletter - April 1973. 1. From Bendigo Advertiser 15/10/1950 re Bendigo's first unofficial postman, Mr Collier, White Hills. 2.''Inaugurating the New Lock Up'' from Bendigo Advertiser 20/9/1861; mention of Detective Thompson and first inhabitant of Market Square lockup (man named Diamond). 3. Chinese Testimonial (Bendigo Advertiser 27/11/1856) re ring presented to Mr Lysaght as their ''first lawyer''. 4. Bendigo City Coat of Arms - description of this in detail and the representations of the Coat of Arms that are incorrect (eg on three sides of the City Hall) Suggestion - '' see the old Council Chambers'' for ''portraits'' of the (full and correct?) Bendigo Coat of Arms.5. Article from Bendigo Advertiser 4th Jan 1864 re storm of 31/1/1864 (sic) December? Mention of Axe Creek Bridge Hotel of Mr Costelloe. A note from 1973 from author that this hotel might later have been renamed 'The Perseverance' hotel; details of severed storm and flash flood of the day. [Two copies].document, names of bendigo pioneers, bendigo -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Archive (Item) - Box WP7 Prowse Collection See details under Description Section
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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - DIAMOND HILL RESIDENTS 1955 AND 1920'S
BHS CollectionTyped 2 page document detailing the residents who lived at Diamond Hill in late 1920's, 1955 and 1981. Names include: Bush, James, market gardener Busyh, Mrs Elizabeth Day, Mrs Ellen Guild, Mrs Dorothy Holiday, James, Hocking, Mrs Rebecca Richards, David H Riley, James, Rower, Miss Sopghie Rushmeyer, Mrs Gertrude Weseloh, Mrs Augusta, Post Mistress Residents in 1920's Ändrews, Mary 9grandmother of Mrs Crawford, McIvor Road, Tweo sisters and their brother are Bill Rowe and ophy Rower. Le Clare, Miss Deason, Zephyr Mulqueen,Mrs Peter, Deason, Leaflet, Mulqueen, Mrs Ruityh Mrs and Miss Mabel Budgte Bidstrip Teasedale, Brookfield, Schrunck Andy Brookfield lived in the tent on the new road. Brookfield lived in the big storehouse on the east side of the road Dempster Bush Herbel, Miss Rose ( Mrs Luke Murphy) Dean, Herman Erwin, Andy Holidays ( 3 families) Wescloh, ( partly indecipherable) Augusta ( post mistress) Mrs Day Schilling, Roy Rushmeyer. (Ruschmeyer) 1981: Bush Rushmeyerbendigo, mining, diamond hill -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Camera, Box Brownie Camera, c.1930
The Box Brownie camera was developed by Frank Brownell in the late 19th century. It was marketed by Eastman Kodak of U.S.A. and was a camera with a simple lens. It provided snapshots at a low cost and was the most widely-used camera by families in the first half of the 20th century. This item was the No. 2 model which was sold from 1901 to 1935. This item was given to Olive O’Donnell when she was ten years old. The donor was Miss Florence Lake of ‘Lyndoch’ in Warrnambool. She was noted for giving presents, usually at Christmas time, to the children of her employees and other children in the Warrnambool area. Olive O’Donnell’s father worked for Miss Lake for 45 years. The property of ‘Lyndoch’ near the mouth of the Hopkins River in Warrnambool was established by a Melbourne businessman, George Rolfe, late in the 19th century and Miss Lake was one of the two stepdaughters of George Rolfe who inherited the property. Miss Florence Lake built a house at Lyndoch which today forms part of the aged care facility established when the property was sold. This camera is of interest for two reasons: 1. It is an example of the Box Brownie camera which was a very popular camera owned by many Australians in the first half of the 20th century. 2. It is an example of the type of present given to children by the Warrnambool philanthropist, Florence Lake. She resided at ‘Lyndoch’ and was well-known in the Warrnambool community in the 20th century. This is a rectangular-shaped black metal box. A metal clip acts as an opening and closing device for inserting a film. A yellow and black film is enclosed at one end of the box. A handle is on the top of the box and is attached by metal clips. There are several viewing panels on the box and a metal mechanism for winding the film. The box is scuffed and stained. ‘Brownie’ ‘No 2 Brownie Model F Patented in U.S.A. Patents Pending.’ photography, household items, lyndoch, warrnambool, florence lake, warrnambool, olive o’donnell, warrnambool -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Document,photocopy plan 'Two Acre Village 'c1852, c1960
In the 1852 Josiah Holloway, a developer, purchased 625 acres from the squatters Richard and John King and sectioned '2 acre allotments' south of Henry Dendy's Brighton Survey along the Arthur's Seat Road ( later Nepean Highway) for sale @ £10 It became known as The Two Acre Village as settlers took up the allotments and established market gardens, general stores, butchers, blacksmiths, post office and 2 hotels. Charles Whorral opened The Cheltenham Inn and it became so popular as a meeting place that the area was called Cheltenham. The early settlers, who were predominantly English and Scottish immigrants initially leased their allotments and, because the sandy soil was so fertile, they were soon able to purchase the land and increase their acreage. Cheltenham became a very important part of the large Moorabbin Shire1871 and City of Moorabbin 1934 In the 1994 Amalgamation of Councils, when the large City of Moorabbin was divided between the newly formed Glen Eira, Kingston and Bayside Councils, the Cheltenham area was assigned to the City of Kingston A photocopy of the Plan for the 2 Acre Village in Moorabbin Parish c1852. A3 laminatedmoorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, , king. john, holloway josiah, whorral charles, arthur’s seat road, nepean highway , cheltenham inn hotel, henry dendy special survey 1841 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Book, Melbourne University Press, Heidelberg: The Land and its People 1838-1900 by Donald S. Garden, 1972
Although Heidelberg was one of the first parts of the Port Phillip District to be settled, and became important and prestigious in the early years of the colony, its history has been largely neglected. The beauty and fertility of the land and its proximity to Melbourne quickly resulted in the establishment in the 1830s and 40s of large estates by wealthy gentlemen. A romantic spot, Heidelberg became popular with picnickers and later attracted an artists' colony. The character of the area then gradually changed as a distinct village community emerged, and market gardens began to flourish. Unlike some of the suburbs closer to Melbourne, Heidelberg eventually wilted under economic pressures from which it did not fully recover until the turn of the century. This book allows us within the larger contect of the colony's fortunes and misfortunes, the struggle of Heidelberg the suburb to be born " - flyleaf. Contents: First land sales and subdivisions, gentlemen of Heidelberg and their estates and activities, infant rural community. golden fifties, decline and backwater, railway and land boom, a maturing community , the depression of the nineties. This book was the first to focus on the area of Heidelberg and its context within the Port Phillip District and remains significant as a key secondary source for describing the history of the area. It is relevant to the contextual history of its neighbour the former Shire of Eltham and Shire of Nillumbik.Hardback. Includes illustrations and index, 219 p.ISBN 0522840191port phillip district, ivanhoe, heidelberg, charles wingrove -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Office Equipment, propelling pencil Eversharp, c1941
George Reed was a draftsman who lived in Bentleigh , City of Moorabbin in mid 20th C and used this pencil for his work. Eversharp is an American brand of writing implements founded by Charles Rood Keeran in 1913 and marketed by Keeran & Co., based in Chicago. Keeran commercialised Eversharp mechanical pencils (manufactured by two companies, Heath and Wahl) then expanding to fountain pens when the company was acquired by the Wahl Adding Machine Co. in 1916 and it was named "Wahl-Eversharp". In 1941 the company renamed itself, this time as Eversharp. The company continued until 1957 when it was acquired by Parker Pen, which continued to use the Eversharp brand for a time. In 1993 Parker was purchased by the Gillette Company, which already owned the 'Paper Mate' brand - the best-selling disposable ballpoint pen. In 2000 Gillette sold its writing instruments division to the company Newell Rubbermaid, USA, and In 2011 the Parker factory at Newhaven, East Sussex, England, was closed, and its production transferred to Nantes, France.An 'Eversharp' propelling pencil manufactured prior to to the development of the ball point penA gold plated propelling pencil c1941engraved : G. . Reed Made in Eversharpwriting implements, pencils, pens , propelling pencil, fountain pen, biro, ballpoint pen, keeran & company chicago, parker pen pty ltd, gillette pty ltd, eversharp, paper mate, bic pty ltd, -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph, Black & White West Beaumaris (Cheltenham) State School Grade 3 1908, 1908
Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrolments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrolment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) 1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in MelbourneBlack & White photograph of Class 3 pupils at West Beaumaris (Cheltenham )State School 1908Front Handwritten - B.Wooff ---- T.Moodie,- R.Whelan - / 1908 Back Handwritten - Beaumaris, / Mrs White / Mrs Taylorcity of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers, cancel -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photography, Camera Kodak Flash 11 with leather case c1940, c1940
Kodak was founded by George Eastman and Henry A. Strong on September 4, 1888 in New York USA. During most of the 20th century, Kodak held a dominant position in photographic film. Kodak began to struggle financially in the late 1990s, as a result of the decline in sales of photographic film and its slowness in transitioning to digital photography, despite developing the first self-contained digital camera. The first model of the Kodak camera appeared in 1888. It took round pictures 6.4 cm (2.5 in) in diameter, was of the fixed focus type, and carried a roll of film enough for 100 exposures. Its invention practically marked the advent of amateur photography, as before that time both apparatus and processes were too burdensome to classify photography as recreation. The first films had to be loaded into the camera and unloaded in the dark room, but the film cartridge system with its protecting strip of opaque paper made it possible to load and unload the camera in ordinary light. The Brownie camera was introduced in 1900, creating a new mass market for photography. This Kodak Brownie Box Camera is typical of the cameras used by amateur photographers c 1940A metal Kodak Brownie Box camera with a leather case, and an empty folder for negatives and prints Front ; KODAK / 'KODET' LENS / Brownie Flash 11 / CAMERA / MADE IN ENGLAND BY KODAK LTD LONDON Folder The Pleasures of PHOTOGRAPHY / Make Photography Your Hobby kodak ltd, eastman george, strong henry, photography. brownie box camera, digital photography, -
Dutch Australian Heritage Centre Victoria
Cigar Box
The Schimmelpenninck factory stood in Wageningen until it finally closed in 2000. The Schimmelpenninck brand started in 1924 when two brothers and an uncle merged their cigar factories into one company. It was called after Rutger Jan Schimmelpenninck, raadspensionaris (kind of a prime minister) of the Batavian Republic in 1805-1806. The tobacco industry has a long history in this town; in the 17th century one fifth of all arable land around the town was used for tobacco. Originally used in pipes and as snuff, the popularity of cigars in the 19th century led to a large expansion of the Dutch tobacco industry. The Schimmelpenninck factory was at its largest just before World war II, 700 employees produced 32 million cigars. Wageningen was heavily damaged during operation Market Garden in 1944, the whole population was evacuated and most of the machines of the Schimmelpenninck factory were stolen or destroyed. After the war, consumption of cigars was much reduced and the firm slowly merged with others. Eventually they became part of Rothmans.This box and the brand name Schimmelpenninck represent several periods of Dutch history between the time of the Republic and the post WWII years. Cigar smoking was very popular in the Netherlands pre-war but less so in the second half of the 20th century partly due to a growing awareness of tobacco's carciogenic properties.Large flat wooden box designed to hold 78 cigars. The lid is attached with brass hinges and two brass clasps enable it to be closed. A large red label with silver script and illustrations is attached to both the outside and the inside of the lid.Schimmelpenninck. Hollands Finest Cigars -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Ceramic, Blue Vessel by Bill Longley, c1980s
Bill LONGLEY (03.12.1933 – 20.5.2020) Arrived Australia 1981 Bill Longley started an apprenticeship with “Kingwood Rural Industries” Surrey in 1948. In 1956 is changed name to “Greyshott Pottery" After serving in the Royal Air Force from 1954 to 1977 he undertook and later, teacher training, then bought the “Penderleath Pottery”, St Ives, Cornwall in 1977 from Anthony Richards and renamed it the “Cripplesease Pottery.” Bill made a wide range of domestic stoneware. He built up the pottery into a successful business, eventually selling in 1981 and migrating to Australia with his wife Sue. In Melbourne, Bill Longley made and sold pottery at weekend markets, as well as helping Robert Gordon (June Dyson’s son) set up his Pakenham pottery, which Gordon started in 1979. Bill Longley worked as an advisor and thrower with Robert Gorndon for some time." Bill retired in the late 1980s to Daylesford Works may be marked with an impressed 'Bill Longley, Australia'.Blue Vessel by Bill Longleyaustralian studio ceramics, bill longley, pottery, ceramics -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Ceramic, Ramikin Cup by Mudwood Studio, c1980s
Bill LONGLEY (03.12.1933 – 20.5.2020) Arrived Australia 1981 Bill Longley started an apprenticeship with “Kingwood Rural Industries” Surrey in 1948. In 1956 is changed name to “Greyshott Pottery" After serving in the Royal Air Force from 1954 to 1977 he undertook and later, teacher training, then bought the “Penderleath Pottery”, St Ives, Cornwall in 1977 from Anthony Richards and renamed it the “Cripplesease Pottery.” Bill made a wide range of domestic stoneware. He built up the pottery into a successful business, eventually selling in 1981 and migrating to Australia with his wife Sue. In Melbourne, Bill Longley made and sold pottery at weekend markets, as well as helping Robert Gordon (June Dyson’s son) set up his Pakenham pottery, which Gordon started in 1979. Bill Longley worked as an advisor and thrower with Robert Gorndon for some time." Bill retired in the late 1980s to Daylesford Works may be marked with an impressed 'Bill Longley, Australia'.Blue Vessel by Bill Longleyaustralian studio ceramics, bill longley, pottery, ceramics -
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. -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Cordial / Soft drink Bottles - Belvoir, c1950 - 1966
Belvoir drinks were marketed by Stephens Bros. They established their business in Wodonga c1938, having taken over the aerated water and drinks business previously operated by Messrs. E. Bartel and E. Clark. Bartel and Clark had purchased S. Mason Cordial Company from Samuel Mason Jr. in 1920. Samuel Mason Sr. began a bakery and aerated water company c1857. Stephens Brothers was operated by Lindsay, Donald and William Stephens. In 1947 they manufactured their own cement bricks to build a new factory in High Street, Wodonga. Over time they operated under various names including the Wodonga Cordial Company and Belvoir Wodonga Cordial Company. In 1938 their output of aerated waters was 100 dozen bottles a day but by 1948 that had doubled. In 1949 they also established a wood yard at their High Street premises to provide additional income during the slower winter months. In 1966 the company was purchased by the Tarax Ale Brewing Co. with Lindsay Stephens staying on as Company Manager.These artefacts has local significance as they are representative of a well-known Wodonga manufacturing business.2 different sized bottles for Belvoir soft drink. Both bottles feature the blue brand on one side and information related to manufacture and contents in white print on the opposite side. The larger bottle holds 26 fluid ounces and the smaller one holds 13 fluid ounces.On front: An oval shaped name "BELVOIR" surrounded by leaf design with white text "The seal of quality" above the oval and "A Flavour for every taste" beneath the name. On opposite side in white text: "MANUFACTURED BY/ WODONGA CORDIAL CO./ WODONGA/ PRESERVATIVE ADDED / ARTIFICIALLY COLOURED/ NET CONTENTS 19 FL OZ / PHONE WODONGA -39.wodonga manufacturing, stephens bros wodonga, wodonga cordial company, belvoir drinks wodonga -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Book - Cable tram records - book 2 of 4, Alf Twentyman, c1940
Second of four documents compiled by Alf Twentyman about the history of Melbourne cable trams. The first seven pages list each cable car or trailer (1 to 601) and its depot, including some notes on their individual disposal. Page 15 lists additions to the fleet of cars - 1-7-1916 to 3-6-2024 including numbers and notes. Pages 16 to 37 provide cable and track diagrams and notes on St Kilda Junction, Collins and Market St, City Road & Clarendon St, Elizabeth St, Spring-Albert and Brunswick Sts, Swanston St, (Princes Bridge to Lonsdale St) and Lonsdale St to Russell St, Spencer St and Flinders St including the Bourke St terminus, Clifton Hill terminus, Nicholson and Gertrude, Spring and Nicholson, Lygon Elgin and Rathdowne Sts, various terminal arrangements and car shed access, Queensberry and Abbotsford, St Kilda Road, Chapel and Wellington, Ackland St and other notes on the last pages.Demonstrates the recording and drawing work of Alf Twentyman and his notes.Exercise book - printed for Scotch College, ruled in an accounting ledger format - 40 pages with red card covers.On cover in ink "A E Twentyman, Inter Maths B Ledger"tramways, cable trams, alf twentyman, history, track plans, records -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Document, Clare Gervasoni, Williams Cottage Property Report - 3 Charles Anderson 2021, 2021
The Old Colonists' Association Ballarat Inc. (OCA) is a not-for-profit charitable organisation providing accommodation for those older Australians who are in financial need and risk, with no ingoing payment required and at a low rental. It manages a 42 Home retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove Ballarat. The village comprises single and double independent living units. Accommodation is offered at significantly below market rates. It has been providing low-cost accommodation to the elderly since the 1920s. The Association Council overseas the running of this facility on a voluntary basis. One of the first objectives of the Association was "to provide the shelter of a house for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years." The first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925. Before that time the Association provided relief for needy pioneers. Relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas boxes of groceries to deserving pensioners, and in some cases payment of burial costs. A written report into the history of the Williams Cottage at 3 Charles Anderson 20213 charles anderson grove, charles anderson grove, williams cottage, property report, fred williams, matilda williams, philanthropy -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Leisure object - Tobacco Pipe, Early 20th century
People in ancient civilisations smoked pipes during various healing and religious ceremonies. By the end of the 15th century, after tobacco was discovered in America, smoking had become a common pastime for everyday people. From that time, tobacco pipes were fashioned from many materials ranging from gold and silver to corn cobs and clay. A popular material was meerschaum, an expensive, soft, white stone from Turkey. In the 1820s, French craftsmen carved pipes out of the wood from the growth on the root of a Mediterranean White Heath. This material became increasingly popular due to its durable, heat-resistant qualities. The growth was called ‘bruyere’, now anglicised to ‘briar’ wood. Bakelite was the first plastic made from synthetic components. It was developed by Leo Baekeland of New York in 1907. The material was heat-resistant and could be moulded into any shape and hardened to keep its shape. This invention greatly impacted the industrial world and the products available to the domestic market, making more objects available at reduced cost.This smoker's tobacco pipe symbolises one of the leisure activities of the early 20th century that has continued into modern times. The shape and materials of the pipe represent a point in time in the evolution of tobacco pipes, including the revolutionary impact that the 1900s invention of Bakelite had on objects available in the domestic and industrial markets.Smoker's tobacco pipe; a round brown wooden pipe bowl joined to a dark brown mouthpiece. The French pipe's bowl is made from briar wood, and its mouthpiece is Bakelite. There is an inscription on the pipe."French Briar Pipe"warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, smoker's pipe, tobacco pipe, briar wood pipe, wooden pipe, smoking, french pipe, bakelite, smoker's equipment -
Melbourne Legacy
Postcard, Postcards of Egypt
Postcards were a common form of souvenirs for soldiers who were travelling either during World War 1, or just after, or while returning to Australia. These postcard scenes include the Sphinx, the Pyramids, Cairo, Alexandria, and Suez including mosques and marketplaces. The Suez Canal was used by troop ships, so this was often the first time soldiers from Australia saw Egyptians. Many troops in World War 1 were stationed first in Egypt (including near Cairo) to train before heading to Gallipoli, Turkey or on to the Western Front. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. There was a large collection of postcards so he may have been collecting them as souvenirs (none of these have been written on or posted). He also had a vesta (match) case from Belfast, so it is likely he visited there. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. His full war record is available from AWM. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving Portsea in 1920.Postcards were a very common form of communication in the first World War. Postcards as souvenirs or as correspondence would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1. These places in Egypt could have been visited by the first Legatees when they were soldiers in World War 1.Postcards x 16 with images from Cairo, Alexandria and Suez in Egypt and a purple card holder that once contained 12 views of Suez (only 3 here).01137.1 Cairo - Sphinx and Pyramids 01137.2 Cairo - Arab Village near the Pyramids 01137.3 Cairo - The Citadel 01137.4 Cairo - General View of the Citadel 01137.5 Cairo - Sebil of Abbassia 01137.6 Cairo - Barrage Bridge 01137.7 Cairo - Native Woman 01137.8 Suez - Market Street 01137.9 Alexandria - San Stefano Casino 01137.10 Alexandria - Native Bazaar new Napoleon's Fort 01137.11 Alexandria - Mohamed Aly Place 01137.12 Alexandria - The Light House 01137.13 Alexandria - Column of Menasce 01137.14 Alexandria - Ramleh Boulevard 01137.15 Suez - The Port -Twefik Quay 01137.16 Suez - Railway Station Each one has the word POST CARD on the reverse with room for an address and an area for Correspondence. Different makers.souvenir, world war one -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Len Parker's Bedford truck at the Tosch home in Panton Hill, c.1952
Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker, panton hill, tosch property -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Len Parker's Bedford truck, c.1962
Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. The little girl is Grace de Visser's sister. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Len Parker with his restored Bedford truck, 1999
Len's Bedford truk is featured in one of the Montmorency Were Street shopping precinct mosaics. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker