Showing 175 items
matching benefactor
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Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Photograph, Black and white, Cadet tennis party, 1926
The picture was possibly taken during the opening of the court.The 20s was the golden age of tennis around the world and its popularity was growing in Australia as well. It is unclear why it was decided to build a tennis court at the Mission but Reverend Weller, freshly arrived from the UK, probably saw the opportunity to entertain the benefactors and attract a younger generation to visit the Mission. And it was surely popular with the young ladies of the Harbour Light Guild. See pictures 0518 and 0521.Young unidentified tennis players (men and women) posing behind the net of the Mission to Seamen court.tennis court, sports, lhlg, seamen, officers, siddeley street, weller album, cadets, 1926 -
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
Postcard, c.1917, world war one
Commonplace postcard sent by Frank O Brien World War One veteran and former patient of the repat, to his father from France during World Ward One. This item is not of great significance. Its value to the hospital collection is that it is memorabilia of Frank O'Brien a former patient and benefactor of the repat. Other Frank O'Brien items in the hospital collection White cardboard decoratively embossed mountboard surround and cardboard backing. Centre contains an embroidered muslin with the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces Rising Sun Emblem surrounded by the Australian and British flags with leaf decoration. This inscription is on the reverse of the postcard. "To Dad/From your loving soldier son/Frank/With love to all at home/18/11/17" Markings on reverse of postcard: located centrally on the reverse P.R FABRICATION FRANCAISE and on right lower side of postcard Modele deposepostcard, embroidery, rising sun emblem, australian commonwealth military forces, australian flag, british flag, embossed, french, world war one, decorative -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Album - Album page, Grimwade House, Orrong Road, Circa 1972
This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. From Victorian Heritage Database citation HO54 Grimwade House, former Harleston stables, outbuilding, garden, gate and Picconia excelsa tree. https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/35573 as at (28/10/2020) ''Harleston'', now "Grimwade House", is situated at no. 67 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North, at the Orrong Road corner. It was built for Frederick, later Sir Frederick, Grimwade, to the design of architect Thomas Watts in 1875. Today the complex has been incorporated in the Melbourne Grammar Junior School campus. It retains not only the main house but also the stables and mature garden setting with driveway and gates. It is historically, aesthetically and socially significant.From Victorian Heritage Database citation HO54 Grimwade House, former Harleston stables, outbuilding, garden, gate and Picconia excelsa tree. https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/35573 as at (28/10/2020) It is historically significant (Criterion A) as the former home of prominent business man, speculator and benefactor, Sir Frederick Grimwade. Both Grimwade and his house are exemplars of the commercial enterprise of the Boom period and the amassing of personal fortunes with which it is associated. It is aesthetically significant (Criterion E) as an imposing yet stately large house of its time, the classic Italian form with comer verandah terminated by projecting wings being most distinctively seen in this instance. It is enhanced not only by the garden setting but also by the delicate cast iron verandah spandrels, stained glass work and stencilled ceiling in the music room. It is socially significant (Criterion G) on account of the value placed on it by the community associated with the Melbourne Grammar Junior School since its inception on this site in 1911.Page 154 of Photograph Album with five photographs (4 landscape and one portrait) including Grimwade House, gates and a tram shelter.Handwritten: Grimwade House (Melbourne Grammar Prep School) / incorporating "Harleston" Orrong Rd. S.E cnr Balaclava Rd [top right] / 154 [bottom right]trevor hart, verandah, porch, slate roof, garden, grimwade house, grimwade, harleston, sir frederick grimwade, thomas watts, orrong road, balaclava road, melbourne grammar, melbourne grammar junior school, italianate, cast iron verandah spandrels, stained glass, stencilled ceiling, mgs, m.g.s, school, grimwade family, jessie grimwade, gates, palisade style fence, cast iron spears, stone plinths, melbourne grammar prep school, victorian style, cast iron work, caulfield north, gardens, cars, tram services, outbuildings, stables, trees, picconia excelsa tree -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Article - Ormond, Francis
This file contains six items Hand written information regarding naming of Ormond Station, and details on Francis Ormond, taken from Dictionary of Australasian Biography by Mennell and other sources; four pages. Four pages of printed and hand written, unsigned and undated research on Francis Ormond with references. Copy of article on Hon. Francis Ormond, M.L.C taken from Australasian Biography Dictionary by Serle. Reprinted article on Hon Francis Ormond, M.L.C achievements in his public and pastoral pursuits. Printed page on Francis Ormond taken from Sand Swamp and Heath. Printed page from Wikipedia on Francis Ormond, History and Today, date of print 25/08/2002.ormond francis, ormond railway station, ormond francis jnr, judges, point ormond, ormond, graziers, public benefactor, warrein railway station, murray road, north road south railway station, leila road, tucker road, koornang road, thomas street, blackshaw street -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
George Coppin, Benefactor / Philanthropist
Photocoppin, benefactor, philanthropist -
Buninyong & District Historical Society
Photograph - B/W photograph, Eyre Cottage, former home of Robert Allen, c 1855, on S/W cnr. of Eyre and Winter Streets, side view from N/W, 1994
Original Building dates from around 1855, strong connection with Robert Allen, prominent citizen in early goldrush, links through him to Allen Store and Old Library.Built by prominent citizen and benefactor, early gold-rush dwellingEyre Cottage, former home of Robert Allen, c 1855, on S/W cnr. of Eyre and Winter Streets, side view from N/W.buninyong, eyre st, winter st, robert allen, streetscape, building -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Association for the Blind Baringa Centre benefactors, sponsors and supporters
To recognise the funds donated to help set up the Baringa Centre in Shepparton, this donor board was displayed in the foyer. It contains names of major donors.Wooden board with vinyl letteringbaringa (shepparton), fundraising -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, William John Locke, The belovéd vagabond, 1906
To Paragot I owe everything. He is at once my benefactor, my venerated master, my beloved friend, my creator." Thus begins the story of one of the greatest characters of English Literature - Paragot the lovable Bohemian and celebrated Bon Vivant. A young urchin from the London slums is adopted by the hero and given an adventurous education traveling through Europe, tambourine player in a group of ragamuffin musicians...p.303.fictionTo Paragot I owe everything. He is at once my benefactor, my venerated master, my beloved friend, my creator." Thus begins the story of one of the greatest characters of English Literature - Paragot the lovable Bohemian and celebrated Bon Vivant. A young urchin from the London slums is adopted by the hero and given an adventurous education traveling through Europe, tambourine player in a group of ragamuffin musicians... england - fiction, homeless persons -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Edward Morey - Benefactor, The Morey Gates, Ballarat Botanical Gardens
john garner collection, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat, morey, gates -
Melbourne Legacy
Document, President's Address - 'At Home Function', 2007
A copy of speech given by President Bill Rogers to the 'At Home' function on 18 October 2007. The function was Melbourne Legacy's way of saying thank you to the many valued friends who do so much in assisting Legacy in many different ways throughout the year. Two generous cheques were presented to Legacy, by Simon Kinch of the Blackburn RSL and Jim Stevens and Ray Skals from the Watsonia RSL. Watsonia RSL had donated over $188,000 in the preceding 10 years. Document was from a folder of documents donated to the archive by Legatee Bill Rogers that related to his time as President (March 2006 - March 2008).A record of the appreciation shown by Legacy to it's benefactors.Print out x 2 pages of a speech given by President Bill Rogers to legatees in 2007.fundraising, rsl, donations -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - SCULPTURES, ART WORK IN BALLARAT, 1997
On one side of the page a list of all the statues in Ballarat from 1863 to 1940. On the other side, there is a thumbnail biography of Richard Armstrong Crouch who gifted statues of Prime Ministers of Australia in the BBG.Comprehensive list of all statues around Ballarat including names of "artwork", sculptor, date and description and benefactor of the Prime Minister's AvenuePhotocopied page, printed on both sides'Ballarat Botanical Gardens' Information, page 28 - 5/06/97 friends/statues.docjohn garner collection, garner, dr, art, sculptures, statues, sculptors, ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat, gardens -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Stoddart and Thomson, Ballarat's Statuary
Biographies of Stoddart and Thomson.Excellent thumbnail sketches of the 2 men.2 copies of a photocopy None and no date or reference.2 notable ballarat benefactors, ballarat's statuary, john garner collection, garner, dr, statues, stoddart, thomson, ballarat, gardens, ballarat botanical gardens -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Newspaper - Three Accounts of the Unveiling of Russell Thomson Statuary in the Botanical Gardens, The Ceremony of Unveiling the Russell-Thomson Statuary
Firsthand accounts of the unveiling of the Russell-Thomson Statuary in the GardensImportant in the History of Ballarat and in the adornment of the Botanical Gardens in the nineteenth century. The first newspaper article, p.2 from the Ballarat Star, 3/8/1888. The second article, 2 pages from the Ballarat Star, 4/8/1888. The third article, three pages from the Ballarat Courier, 4/8/18881st Article, 1st line underlined in green marker pen and bottom of page in biro and in green marker pen, 3/8/88. p.2. The 2nd Article, date and 1st line of the article underlined in green marker, no page number. the second page, 4/8/88. p.2 Star is written in biro and underlined in green vertically, left hand side of page with the 1st line of the article underlined. 3rd article, no markings. james russell thomson, statuary, unveiling ceremony, bequests, john garner collection, garner, dr, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat, friends of the botanical gardens, nineteenth century, benefactors -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Tablet, A Committee to Select the Statuary
Three Ballarat notables were appointed by Mr Thomson to select the Statuary for the Botanical Gardens after his death.The tablet is significant in recording the benefactor and those responsible for the selection of the statuary. Also, the tablet testifies to the high esteem in which Mr Thomson was held.Brass tablet. Coloured photograph photocopied.Nonemr w.d. thomson, j. noble wilson, horatio arthur nevett, thomas stoddart, committee to select the statuary, statuary in the ballarat botanical gardens, benefactors, tablet., john garner collection, garner, dr, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Curators and Benefactors, Visit to Ballarat Old Cemetery, September 2007, September, 2007
A number of Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens investigated the graves of 8 notable Ballarat citizens in 2007 and found Thomas Stoddart's grave to be in a deplorable state. Plans were made by John Garner and Jenny Burrell for the restoration of Thomas Stoddart's grave and the addition of a plaque noting his significant donation of 12 Carrera marble statues to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.Two pages of typing. p.2 (2 copies). Page 1 and last paragraph of p.2 scanned as one page, to avoid repetition.None.ballarat botanical gardens, doctor john garner, jenny burrell, friends of the ballarat botanical gardens, graves, thomas stoddart, george longley, john lingham, thomas rooney, david ham, j.russell thomson, edward morey, ballarat old cemetery, benefactors, curators, plaque, restoration., 12 carrera marble statues., john garner collection, gardens, ballarat, courier -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Thomas Stoddart 1828-1905, A Short Biography by Jennifer Burrell, 22/3/2010
A reasonably detailed account of Thomas Stoddart's life as of March, 2010.Thomas Stoddart was a generous benefactor who played a major role in "aesthetically enhancing [Ballarat's] colonial society."5 pages with black and white photos on pp.1,2,4 and photograph of new Stoddart plaque, p.5.None.doctor john garner, ballarat botanical gardens, thomas stoddart, stockbroker, miner, t.m.antcliffe, mining exchange, stoddart and binnie, ballarat art gallery, sporting clubs, ballarat philharmonic society, statues, james russell thomson, grave restoration, jennifer burrell -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Letter - Letter to the Mayor, Ballarat City Council from Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, The Upkeep of James Russell Thomson's Grave, 9/7/2009 Letter drafted by the History Group, FBBG
The FBBG History Group found in their research at the Public Records Office of Victoria that the Trustees of Thomson's Estate arranged for the City of Ballarat to undertake the care of Thomson's grave following the transfer of 10 pounds. However, the grave needs restoration and it was found that the Council still bears responsibility for its upkeep.James Russell Thomson had been a generous benefactor to the City but as a bachelor, he had no descendants to care for his grave, which had fallen into disrepair. It was found that the Ballarat City Council still had responsibility for the upkeep of this grave.A one page letter to the Mayor, Councillor Verlin, Ballarat City Council from FBBG and 2 pages of black and white photographs of Thomson's grave and headstone and a coloured photograph of the Thomson tablet at the Town Hall plus a quotation for work needed on the grave.3 corrections in biro to the letter, 2nd and 2nd last line.doctor john garner, ballarat botanical gardens, friends of the ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat city council, james russell thomson, noble wilson, public record office of victoria, benefactors of the gardens and their graves, old ballarat cemetery, john garner collection, gradens, ballarat, thomson -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - James Russell Thomson 1818-1886, A Short Biography by John Garner, 2/2010
J.R.Thomson was one of Ballarat's notable pioneers.J.R. Thomson left a generous bequest for the purchase of statues for the Botanical Gardens2 sheets of white paper with 1 &1/4 pages of printingIn italics, p.2 "Jg 2/10john garner, doctor, ballarat botanical gardens, statues, miner, ballarat art gallery, eureka rising, benefactor., john garner collection, gardens, ballarat, thomson -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Richard Armstrong Crouch. 1868-1949, War Service Records, 3/1915 - 4/1916
R.A.Crouch is remembered in Ballarat for his Ballarat Fine Art Gallery bequests and initiating the Avenue of Sculptures of Australian Prime Ministers in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.Richard Armstrong Crouch is a significant figure in Ballarat's history having started the Prime Minister's Avenue in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens which has become a famous landmark in the city.6 pages of photocopies, grey in colour, with ring folder holes, left hand side of each page.P.5 4 lines of notes in blue biro written by John Garner concerning dates of Crouch's War Records. john garner, doctor, ballarat botanical gardens, prime ministers' avenue, bequests, ballarat fine art gallery, war service, barrister and solicitor, protectionist, labor party, philanthropist, benefactor., politics, central gardens, john garner collection, crouch, gradens, ballarat -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - The Planting of Two New Caledonia Pine Trees and Stoddart Statues Greeting Cards, Ballarat Botanical Gardens 150th Anniversary, Courier 27/9/2007, 27/9/2007
Both articles were written to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Ballarat Botanical GardensThe Ballarat Botanical Gardens provide "a microcosm of the world's flora" according to the Professor de Kretser, Governor of Victoria, whereas the Stoddart statues are testament to the generous benefactors who saw to the adornment of the Gardens. A newspaper clipping with a coloured picture on each side, print on the right and left side of pages 1&2 respectively.Written in blue biro at top of p.1 Courier 27/9/2007john garner, doctor, john garner collection, ballarat botanical gardens, friends of ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat courier newspaper, 150th anninversary of the ballarat botanical gardens, governor of victoria, new caledonia pine tree, stoddart statues greeting cards, professor david de kretser, gardens, ballarat -
Melbourne Legacy
Badge, Torch Society Badge, 2023
An example of a badge issued by Legacy in 2023 exclusively for the Torch Society members. The Torch Society are people that have made substantial donations to Melbourne Legacy and/or have left a bequest to Legacy in their Will. The badge of Legacy is the Torch and Wreath of Laurel. The Torch signifies the undying flame of service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for their country. The Wreath of Laurel is the symbol of our remembrance of them. Example of a badge given in thanks to a small number of benefactors. Badge released in 2023 for the Torch Society of Melbourne Legacy. It is made of gold coloured metal with a separate butterfly clutch.torch society, benefactors, bequests -
Melbourne Legacy
Badge, Torch Society Badge
An example of a badges issued by Legacy exclusively for the Torch Society members. The Torch Society are people that have made substantial donations to Melbourne Legacy and/or have left a bequest to Legacy in their Will. The badge of Legacy is the Torch and Wreath of Laurel. The Torch signifies the undying flame of service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for their country. The Wreath of Laurel is the symbol of our remembrance of them. Example of a rare badge given in thanks to a small number of benefactors. Torch shaped Legacy badge, it is made of gold coloured metal with red enamel flame and around the word Legacy. Badge has a post and a separate butterfly clutch.torch society, bequest, benefactors -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Dymocks Book Arcade, Great expectations, 1949
A terrifying encounter with an escaped convict in a graveyard on the wild Kent marshes; a summons to meet the bitter, decaying Miss Havisham and her beautiful, cold-hearted ward Estella; the sudden generosity of a mysterious benefactor 7F 13 these form a series of events that change the orphaned Pip's life forever, and he eagerly abandons his humble origins to begin a new life as a gentleman. Dickens's haunting late novel depicts Pip's education and development through adversity as he discovers the true nature of his 'great expectationsIll, p.444.fictionA terrifying encounter with an escaped convict in a graveyard on the wild Kent marshes; a summons to meet the bitter, decaying Miss Havisham and her beautiful, cold-hearted ward Estella; the sudden generosity of a mysterious benefactor 7F 13 these form a series of events that change the orphaned Pip's life forever, and he eagerly abandons his humble origins to begin a new life as a gentleman. Dickens's haunting late novel depicts Pip's education and development through adversity as he discovers the true nature of his 'great expectationsengland - fiction, charles dickens 1812-1870 -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Electric Foot Warmer
Used by Colin Sach during his employment as Manager of the Chemistry Dept. at the University of Melbourne over a period of forty years.Manufacturing History Museum Victoria Commentary: Australian manufacturing history Philip Wollen Many years ago, when I was an ambition young man, I took over a company called Hecla.|This business was formed in 1872, long before Federation was even contemplated. The company established a rich tradition in the Australian manufacturing industry. The prodigious product range included kettles, mixers, toasters, hairdryers, urns, pie warmers, bain maries, and electric blankets for the domestic and commercial market. During the war it even manufactured parts for aircraft. It was one of Melbourne's largest employers.|Hecla was one of the pioneers in TV advertising, led by icons like Bert Newton, Bobby Limb, Evie Hayes and Graham Kennedy who ad Jibbed his way through irreverent and unscripted naughtiness about Hecla electric blankets and foot warmers. The slogan was 'By Hecla, its good1'. One can imagine the fun Bert and Graham had with their double entendres.|In the 60's Hecla entered into a partnership with General Electric and expanded rapidly. The massive factory, on the corner of Alexandra Parade and Chapel Street overlooking the Yarra River was a Melbourne landmark.|The business was formed by one of the scions of Melbourne industry. Mr Marriott was a metal worker of some repute, building the lights in front of Melbourne's Parliament House, the first steam car, the sideboard at the RACY Club, and the first factory to run on electricity.|By the time I acquired the company it was a shadow of its former self, incapable of competing with cheap Chinese imports. Wandering around the warehouse late one night I discovered a large, boarded up storeroom which appeared not to have been opened in decades.|Over several months I combed through the room, unearthing a treasure trove of products from a bygone era. Dusty files, engineering drawings, wooden prototypes, patent records, and correspondence from distributors on every continent.|I decided to track down an old man, Ray, long retired after 50 years with Hecla. He was not well off financially and welcomed the paid work. It turned out that he had done his apprenticeship with the company and there wasn't much he didn't know about it. He had been personally involved in the manufacture of almost every type of product on the Hecla smorgasbord's of products.|So for over 2 years he methodically assembled a mini museum of Hecla products, painstakingly polishing them and ensuring they were in working order. He attached the original brochure of each product and their respective warranty cards. For him it was ,a labour of love. For me it was a fascinating, if vicarious journey, into Australia's manufacturing past.|My colleagues complained that I was wasting money on his salary, our time and factory space on stuff that should have been dumped years ago. I tried to explain that I was merely a steward of the Hecla tradition, not merely an owner. Besides, the look on Ray's face convinced me that there was another dynamic at work. One I could see, but didn't really understand.|After he Passed away I faced a dilemma. What to do with this 'museum' of Hecla history. Nobody was interested.|So I kept the 'stuff' in private storage, hoping that same day someone would be interested in it. And the years passed.|Finally, I had a brainwave. Perhaps the Melbourne Museum would be interested. It was a long shot but I made the call. I had a nagging suspicion that they would think I was simply trying to get them to relieve me of paying for this huge collection to be taken to the tip.|To my surprise they said they would be willing to take a look, I secretly hoped that they would take the whole collection and not leave me with an incomplete jumble of appliances that I would indeed have to take to the tip.|On the appointed day, four serious looking young people showed up. Armed with digital cameras, note books and poker faces they spent four hours analysing the goods and the supporting materials. I asked them if they had any interest and their response was decidedly non-committal. It depends on the acquisitions committee, I was told. I was disheartened and packed up the exhibits to go back into storage.|Imagine my surprise when months later they telephoned to say that they had researched the history of the company, and yes, they would like to take the whole collection. And a truck with 'handlers' would arrive the following day to pick it up. Two years ago all Hecla's archives left me forever and went to the Museum's warehouse.|Well, to my delight I received a call yesterday inviting me to a private viewing of the exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. These young historians had meticulously assembled an impressive display of Melbourne's industry and technology going back to the 1800's. They thanked me like a significant benefactor when it is I who should have thanked them.|I saw the excitement in the eyes of these young people who had somehow managed to dig out and assemble memories from Australia's past. If this is the standard of care that the curators of the Melbourne Museum show all their exhibits, our history is in safe hands.|Their meticulous work took me back to those years long ago when I saw an old man lovingly assembling and cataloging a lifetime of his work.|It took me back to the day when Australians actually made things. Long before we became a nation of quarrymen. Before we became animal-factory 'farmers'. Of a time when products didn't break down, or dumped and replaced before the warranty expired. When men like Mr Marriott cared deeply about what their hands produced.|It reminded me of the call I received from an elderly lady in Tasmania asking for the electrical element for a Hecla K7 kettle. I searched the archives and called her back. The K7 was produced decades earlier and we no longer carried that spare part. She was quite disheartened and told me her kettle had finally 'given up the ghost' and she couldn't bear to part with it. It was a present from her husband on their wedding day 45 years ago. Her final words were 'they don't make them like that, do they? By Hecla they were good1'|I'm glad I followed my instinct and put Ray back on the payroll all those years ago..|I like to think Mr Marriott would have been pleased.Square metal box with electrical elements inside. Used to stand on or to put feet on when sitting. Elaborate pattern in centre with inscription.Hecla Foot Warmerdomestic items, heating -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Radiator
Early form of home heating and because of the copper dish was considered one of the better models|Manufacturing History Museum Victoria|Commentary: Australian manufacturing history Philip Wollen|Many years ago, when I was an ambition young man, I took over a company called Hecla.|This business was formed in 1872, long before Federation was even contemplated. The company established a rich tradition in the Australian manufacturing industry. The prodigious product range included kettles, mixers, toasters, hairdryers, urns, pie warmers, bain maries, and electric blankets for the domestic and commercial market. During the war it even manufactured parts for aircraft. It was one of Melbourne's largest employers.|Hecla was one of the pioneers in TV advertising, led by icons like Bert Newton, Bobby Limb, Evie Hayes and Graham Kennedy who ad Jibbed his way through irreverent and unscripted naughtiness about Hecla electric blankets and foot warmers. The slogan was 'By Hecla, its good.'. One can imagine the fun Bert and Graham had with their double entendres.|In the 60's Hecla entered into a partnership with General Electric and expanded rapidly. The massive factory, on the corner of Alexandra Parade and Chapel Street overlooking the Yarra River was a Melbourne landmark.|The business was formed by one of the scions of Melbourne industry. Mr Marriott was a metal worker of some repute, building the lights in front of Melbourne's Parliament House, the first steam car, the sideboard at the RACY Club, and the first factory to run on electricity.|By the time I acquired the company it was a shadow of its former self, incapable of competing with cheap Chinese imports. Wandering around the warehouse late one night I discovered a large, boarded up storeroom which appeared not to have been opened in decades.|Over several months I combed through the room, unearthing a treasure trove of products from a bygone era. Dusty files, engineering drawings, wooden prototypes, patent records, and correspondence from distributors on every continent.|I decided to track down an old man, Ray, long retired after 50 years with Hecla. He was not well off financially and welcomed the paid work. It turned out that he had done his apprenticeship with the company and there wasn't much he didn't know about it. He had been personally involved in the manufacture of almost every type of product on the Hecla smorgasbord's of products.|So for over 2 years he methodically assembled a mini museum of Hecla products, painstakingly polishing them and ensuring they were in working order. He attached the original brochure of each product and their respective warranty cards. For him it was ,a labour of love. For me it was a fascinating, if vicarious journey, into Australia's manufacturing past.|My colleagues complained that I was wasting money on his salary, our time and factory space on stuff that should have been dumped years ago. I tried to explain that I was merely a steward of the Hecla tradition, not merely an owner. Besides, the look on Ray's face convinced me that there was another dynamic at work. One I could see, but didn't really understand.|After he Passed away I faced a dilemma. What to do with this 'museum' of Hecla history. Nobody was interested.|So I kept the 'stuff' in private storage, hoping that same day someone would be interested in it. And the years passed.|Finally, I had a brainwave. Perhaps the Melbourne Museum would be interested. It was a long shot but I made the call. I had a nagging suspicion that they would think I was simply trying to get them to relieve me of paying for this huge collection to be taken to the tip.|To my surprise they said they would be willing to take a look, I secretly hoped that they would take the whole collection and not leave me with an incomplete jumble of appliances that I would indeed have to take to the tip.|On the appointed day, four serious looking young people showed up. Armed with digital cameras, note books and poker faces they spent four hours analysing the goods and the supporting materials. I asked them if they had any interest and their response was decidedly non-committal. It depends on the acquisitions committee, I was told. I was disheartened and packed up the exhibits to go back into storage.|Imagine my surprise when months later they telephoned to say that they had researched the history of the company, and yes, they would like to take the whole collection. And a truck with 'handlers' would arrive the following day to pick it up. Two years ago all Hecla's archives left me forever and went to the Museum's warehouse.|Well, to my delight I received a call yesterday inviting me to a private viewing of the exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. These young historians had meticulously assembled an impressive display of Melbourne's industry and technology going back to the 1800's. They thanked me like a significant benefactor when it is I who should have thanked them.|I saw the excitement in the eyes of these young people who had somehow managed to dig out and assemble memories from Australia's past. If this is the standard of care that the curators of the Melbourne Museum show all their exhibits, our history is in safe hands.|Their meticulous work took me back to those years long ago when I saw an old man lovingly assembling and cataloging a lifetime of his work.|It took me back to the day when Australians actually made things. Long before we became a nation of quarrymen. Before we became animal-factory 'farmers'. Of a time when products didn't break down, or dumped and replaced before the warranty expired. When men like Mr Marriott cared deeply about what their hands produced.|It reminded me of the call I received from an elderly lady in Tasmania asking for the electrical element for a Hecla K7 kettle. I searched the archives and called her back. The K7 was produced decades earlier and we no longer carried that spare part. She was quite disheartened and told me her kettle had finally 'given up the ghost' and she couldn't bear to part with it. It was a present from her husband on their wedding day 45 years ago. Her final words were 'they don't make them like that, do they? By Hecla they were good.'|I'm glad I followed my instinct and put Ray back on the payroll all those years ago..|I like to think Mr Marriott would have been pleased.Pedestal radiator. Base is cast iron with three feet with rose design on each. Pedestal supports a copper spherical reflector plate which has an electrical connection box at its base. The connection box is joined to the pedestal by a screw and nut to enable the reflector to be tilted. The element is cone shaped and is in the centre of the plate. The element is protected by a wire guard.Hecla Firedomestic items, heating