Showing 177 items matching "benefactors"
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Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - John Young McDonald 1837-1917. Sketch of his Life and Passenger Manifest, J.Y. McDonald, Benefactor, Ballarat Botanical Gardens
john garner collection, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat, john young mcdonald, mcdonald, benefactor -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - John Young McDonald, History Presentation, Will and Assets, John Young McDonald, Benefactor to Ballarat, Victoria
john garner collection, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat, john young mcdonald, mcdonald, benefactor -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - John Young McDonald. P.R.O.V. Probate and Administration Records 1841-1925, John Young McDonald: Beneficiaries, Correspondence and Grave
john garner collection, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat, john young mcdonald, mcdonald, benefactor -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - John Young McDonald - Obituaries in the Ballarat Courier and Ballarat Star, 1917, Reporting the Death of a Public Benefactor, John Young McDonald
john garner collection, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat, john young mcdonald, mcdonald, benefactor, obituary, ballarat courier, courier, ballarat star -
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 - Coloured photo of marble statue, Flight From Pompeii
To provide an image of the central marble statue in the Gardens' Statuary Pavilion, '"Flight From Pompeii".Clear image of significant central item in the Statuary Pavilion and Sculptor recorded as Giovanni Maria Benzoni. 1809-1873.Photographed marble statue. Clearly delineated in copy of photograph Heading on Photograph: Giovanni Benzoni, Italian, 1809-1873. Flight From Pompeii, 1873Possibly photocopied on paper already used. Background lettering Art Institute, Chicagojohn garner collection, garner, dr, flight from pompeii, photo, ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat, gardens, benzoni, statuary pavilion, benefactor -
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
Work on paper - Our Ballarat Heritage, James Oddie, Ballarat's founding Father. The News, April 20, 1983, 1983
James Oddie is an archetypal example of the young men of British origin who came to the Ballarat diggings hoping to make their fortune during the Gold Rush and stayed on to establish the foundations of the regional centre that became the modern city of today.James Oddie witnessed the Eureka Stockade and played a significant role in the formative years of Ballarat's development.Part of a single newspaper sheet, folded, yellow with age.Nonechartists, eureka stockade, geelong, buninyong, doctor lang, foundry business, storeman, licences, estate agent, benefactor, ballarat benevolent asylum, rachel riding, female refuge, ballarat bank, mount pleasant observatory, electric light, trams, ballarat botanical gardens, railways, ballarat art gallery, john garner collection, gardens, ballarat -
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
Work on paper - Thomas Stoddart, Stockbroker, Mining Shareholders Index 1857-1886, Not given
Clear evidence is given in this document of Stoddart's business activities.The Mining Shareholders Index indicates how Stoddart became a wealthy benefactor2 pages, 8 columns per page.Nonedoctor john garner, ballarat botanical gardens, thomas stoddart, stockbroker, statues, mining shareholders index, benefactor, stoddart and binnie, mining exchange, occupation, miner, john garner collection, gradens, ballarat -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - The Grave of J.Russell Thomson, Box 67, August 1891, The Request of the Trustees of Mr J.R.Thomson's Estate, 2010
J.Russell Thomson left a bequest which provided for six marble statues and the Pavilion in the Ballarat Botanical GardensJ.R.Thomson was a generous benefactor whose contributions remain a valuable part of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens today.One page and a half of transcription from Council of Ballarat records, Box 67.Comments printed in italics, p.2.doctor john garner, ballarat botanical gardens, j russell thomson, marble statues, statuary pavilion, benefactor, grave, trustees, j.r. thomson's estate., ballarat council -
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 - The Ballarat Star. Three Reports, May 1886, J.R.Thomson, Death, Funeral and Will, May 27, 29, 1886
The Death, Funeral and Will reported in the Ballarat Star indicate the importance and high regard in which J.R. Thomson was held as one of Ballarat's pioneers. J.R. Thomson left a generous bequest for the purchase of Statues in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.Three photocopies of Articles from the Ballarat Star. the first photocopy is a column in length and is headed "Death of Mr J.Russell Thomson.The second contains a paragraph half way down the page about the funeral, without a heading and the third, a paragraph, 2nd half of the page about the Will; no heading.p.1 written vertically down the page in pencil, the Star, May 27 1886, p.3 written in pencil in the 1st column, The Star, p.2, May 29.doctor john garner, j.r. thomson, ballarat botanical gardens, statues, ballarat star, miner, eureka stockade., duncan gillies, ballarat art gallery., ballarat club., benefactor, john garner collection, gardens, ballarat, banquet, 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
Photograph - Photograph of Thomas Stoddart's Grave, Old Ballarat Cemetery, Thomas Stoddart grave, March, 2007
Thomas Stoddart was greatly respected and remembered by Ballarat people as can be seen in the commissioning of a bust and marble tablet in his memory.Thomas Stoddart was the first great benefactor of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.1 coloured photographLabel on back, printed in blue biro, "Thomas Stoddart, Grave BOC, March 2007."john garner, doctor, thomas stoddart's grave, old ballarat cemetery, ballarat botanical gardens, benefactor, stoddart collection of classical statues, john garner collection, gardene, ballarat, stoddart -
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 - Richard Armstrong Crouch. 1868-1949, Notes on his life by John Garner
Richard Armstrong Crouch initiated the Avenue of Sculptures of Australian Prime Ministers in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. R.A.Crouch is mainly remembered for initiating the Prime Ministers' Avenue in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. 1 white sheet of paper; half a page of print. (3 copies)Nonejohn garner, doctor, ballarat botanical gardens, avenue of australian prime ministers, benefactor, ballarat fine art gallery bequest, politician, labor party, barrister and solicitor, protectionist, war record., lt colonel, richard armstrong crouch, crouch, john garner collection, gardens, ballarat -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Crouch, Richard Armstrong (1868-1949), Benefactor, Soldier and Politician
Richard Armstrong Crouch is remembered for initiating the Avenue of Prime Ministers' busts in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and as a politician.R.A. Crouch was known for his gifts to Ballarat institutions and sporting clubs and as a politician.2 pages with a photograph of R.A.Crouch top right hand corner.Australian National University Logo and Melbourne University Press Logo at end of article.john garner, doctor, ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat fine art gallery, benefactor, prime ministers' avenue, war service, politician, barrister and solicitor, protectionist, writer., crouch, john garner collection, gardens, ballarat -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Richard Armstrong Crouch. 1868-1949. Historical Society, 14/12/1971 by McCallum, R.A, Colonel the Honorable R.A. Crouch, solicitor, parliamentarian, soldier and public benefactor, 14 December, 1971
This article gives an analysis of R.A. Crouch the person as well as an account of his achievements.R.A. Crouch is often remembered for beginning the Prime Ministers' in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.6 pages of typing on grey photocopy. (draft copy?)p.1 at the top of the page, "Historical Society by R.A. Mc Callum 14 Dec. 1971". Bottom of page 1, See also, Deed Box 150. Col.R.A.Crouch.john garner, doctor, richard armstrong crouch, politician, solicitor, soldier, benefactor, ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat fine art gallery, prime ministers' avenue, prime ministers' busts -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Richard Armstrong Crouch. 1868-1949. Last Will and Testament, Benefactor - Prime Ministers' Avenue, Ballarat Botanical Gardens, 30/10/1948 and 8/12/1949
R.A.Crouch made this Will the year before he died.R.A. Crouch became famous especially for his endowment to the Prime Ministers' Avenue.3 typed pages; copy grey at the bottom of each page. p.1 bottom of page, dated 30/10/1948. pp.2&3 Inventory of Assets.Signed R.A.Crouch and in longhand below, Jean, Elva, Honey and then an illegible signature. pp 2&3, Heading "In the Supreme Court dated 8/12/1949 and witnessed.john garner, doctor, richard alexander crouch, ballarat botanical gardens, prime ministers' avenue, prime ministers' busts, ballarat art gallery, solicitor, soldier, politician, benefactor., crouch, john garner collection, gardens, 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 -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, Botanist, SMB Examiner & Benefactor 1880-1888, 2010
von Mueller worked closely with the first Curator of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, George Longley in the establishing the Gardens and in examining students at the School of Mines. von Mueller inspired and contributed to the founding of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and in preparing and training a new generation of Botanists in Ballarat.2 pages. p1. has a blue heading, tan subheading and a green portrait of von Mueller printed on the righthand top half of the page. On the lefthand bottom half of the page is an example of von Mueller's handwritten examination paper for 1882. On p.2." University of Ballarat Honour Roll" is printed in blue down the lefthand side of the page. There is a coloured print of a plaque commemorating the centenary of von Mueller's contributions in Ballarat.Nonebaron ferdinand von mueller, botanist, smb examiner, benefactor, school of mines ballarat, ballarat botanical gardens, university of ballarat art and historical collections, federation university, di campbell, clare gervasoni, john garner, doctor, john garner collection, smb botanical gardens, plaque, gardens, ballarat -
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 - 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 -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Heater - Electric, C1940s
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.Large electric heater with two radiator bars and a protective grille at the top and false coals at the bottom.Replacements for this fire - Elements No. F314 - Illuminators No. 3P. Berry's Electric Ltd - Volts 230 - 240 -Watts 2000 V/AD/Cat No. 454 . Made in Australia by Hecla Electrics Pty Ltd Melbournedomestic items, heating -
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