This item was found in 2018 washed up on the beach at Lady Bay in Warrnambool. It is a religious object and is similar to ones made and sold to be used in the home on a family altar or as an ornament on a shelf. It may originate from Italy. The display of items such as this would have been common in the early to mid 20th century, particularly in the homes of those belonging to the Catholic religion. The owner of this item is not known but it is retained for display purposes.This is a white china object with a statue of a Madonna and Child recessed into a oval-shaped setting. There are three holes at the top of the statue for attaching the item to a wall or shelf. The edge of the item is decorated with a pattern of white shells. At the foot of the statue is the remnant of a decorative piece broken off. warrnambool, religious ornaments

Flagstaff Hill is a maritime museum which draws on the rich maritime history of the region. It is situated overlooking Lady Bay in Warrnambool and is designed to represent the town of Warrnambool in around the 1870-80’s As well as paid staff on site it enjoys a large volunteer group who do various tasks around the village from tours to maintenance and recording of information. This badge recognises the contribution of one such volunteer. An item which recognizes effort in the local community.Round gold edged medal with picture of lighthouse and flagstaff surrounded by red with gold lettering. Number engraved on back.698 engraved on back. Port of Warrnambool Villager 1850. Flagstaff Hillflagstaff hill badge, warrnambool

In 1858 a tramway was constructed to move goods between Warrnambool township and jetty on Lady Bay. It was established on the south side of Merri St in the approximate site of the present railway station. Large stores were also built near where the present rail lines to hold produce. This docket relates to unclaimed goods and range from tent poles, brooms, sugar scythes, lime juice tea, sauce, camp ovens and ale. John Hyland was the manager who was later mayor of Warrnambool. The Warrnambool tramway was an important part of transportation of goods in the 19th century from the port to the township which was over a mile away. White docket with some text printed in black with other sections handwritten in black pen. Dated September 1887. It shows a list of varied items. Signed John Hyland. “Account sales unclaimed goods by J Hyland Sep 1887” is in red pen on the back. warrnambool, warrnambool tramways, john hyland, unclaimed goods,

This photograph was framed and mounted then presented to the South Warrnambool school by the South Warrnambool Centenary Committee in 1977 on the school's centenary year. The school was decommissioned and closed in the 1990s. In the photograph, people unload the coal from the ship beside the Breakwater and load it into the row of tramway carts. The coal would be sold to businesses and householders for the purpose of fuel for warmth, cooking, heating water and running machinery. The image shows the early days at the Port of Warrnambool. The building of the Warrnambool Breakwater had only just been completed. Steamships and sailing ships were frequent visitors to the port. Steam Navigation companies were plentiful, carrying passengers and freighting cargo such as coal, timber, food, livestock, furniture, hardware and haberdashery between Melbourne and the ports along the southwest coast of Victoria, including Warrnambool. The carts would take their loads into the township for distribution. The ship carrying the coal is thought to be the "S.S. Chillagoe" previously named "Speculant". In 1903 the Chillagoe was registered at the Port of Melbourne, and it sailed between Melbourne and Newcastle, New South Wales, where coal was mined and sold in significant quantities. In March 1890 a tragedy occurred when coal was being unloaded at the Warrnambool Breakwater. A local young man, David Ferrier, was working in the hold of the steamship Kurrara as its delivery of coal was being unloaded. A basket of coal fell from a sling onboard and came down upon Ferrier, breaking his back. He was not expected to live. In September 1890 there was a strike of coal workers but the Geelong Advertiser reported that a Warrnambool firm of coal merchants had recently received some large cargoes from Newcastle.The photograph is historically significant as it is connected with the local areas of the Warrnambool Breakwater, Lady Bay, and the South Warrnambool Primary School. The scene shows a moment in time when a steamship was unloading a shipment of coal onto tram carts on the Breakwater, which had only just been completed that year. The photograph was taken about 13 years after the opening of the South Warrnambool School, which was decommissioned around 20 years after it celebrated its centenary.. Photograph, black and white, in a gilded rectangular wooden frame, behind glass. The maritime scene shows figures on ships beside the Warrnambool Breakwater jetty and figures on the jetty, standing next to rail carts containing coal. There is a steamship further out on Lady Bay. A card below the photograph has an inscription and there is a pencil inscription on the back of the frame. The coal ship is thought to be the SS. Chillagoe. The photograph was taken in 1890 and was presented to the South Warrnambool School in its centenary year, 1977, by the South Warrnambool Centenary Committee.Typewritten on card: "UNLOADING COAL AT WARRNAMBOOL BREAKWATER"- 1890 - "Presented to Sough Warrnambool School by the SOUTH WARRNAMBOOL CENTENARY COMMITTEE - 1977 - " Handwritten in pencil on the back:"Speculant" as "SS Chillagoe" at Breakwater"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, warrnambool breakwater, 1890, tramway, steamship, sailing ship, coal, cargo, port of warrnambool, unloading coal, chillagoe, speculant, newcastle, kurrana, david ferrier, coal strike

In 1858 a tramway was constructed to move goods between Warrnambool township and jetty on Lady Bay which was over a mile away The terminus was established on the southern side of Merri Street. and the track went around the edge of Lake Pertobe reserve. Large stores were also built near where the present railway station is situated to hold produce and carriages. These documents relate to contracts between Marion Gauley ,contractor of Warrnambool and the borough of Warrnambool for the operation of horse work with the tramway. John McDermid sadler,and William Stevens farmer of Russell's Creek are acting as surety for the contract.The tramway was an important part of Warrnambool's infrastructure and history and the documents also include names of local people. Of particular interest is the fact that the contract in this case was given to a woman which would have been a little uncommon at that time.001259.1 Pale blue lined paper with red lined outline.Hand written in black pen with names and some other words underlined in red. Two signatures on bottom right with red seal beside each. Witness signature below on left hand side. One page only 001259.2 Pale blue lined paper with red lined outline.Hand written in black pen with names and some other words underlined in red. Two signatures on bottom right with red seal beside each. Witness signature below on left hand side. Of the four pages of the document , only the first page is used. 001259.1 Signed Roady Carew and Moses Daly. Richard Daly is crossed out in the document and Marion Gauley is inserted in greylead. September 1878 001259.2 John McDermid saddler William Stevens, Marion Gauley. Ninth of December 1878. warrnambool, warrnambool tramway, marion gauley, john mcdermid, william stevens

This 1890 document contains the will and probate papers of Benjamin Charles Jewell who died in 1889. English-born Benjamin Jewell was a Warrnambool stonemason who was the licensee of the Steam Packet Hotel (later Lady Bay Hotel) from 1883 to 1889. His executors were Christopher Beattie, a Warrnambool undertaker and James Tallent, manager of the Warrnambool Corporation Yards. Benjamin Jewell left his estate of property, household furniture and cattle to his wife, Ellen Jewell. The solicitor, Ernest Chambers, had his office in Kepler Street with Thomas Goodall, a legal clerk, managing this office. Tait collection: item 9 of 62This document is of interest because of its contents - the will and probate of Benjamin Jewell, a Warrnambool businessman of note in the 19th century - and because of its lawyer, Ernest Chambers, also well-known in Warrnambool at that time. This is a piece of parchment folded in two with a seal of the Supreme Court of the Colony of Victoria attached by a blue ribbon. The writing in handwritten in brown ink. One page is blank. There is some pencil writing at the top left hand corner. Apart from some discolouration the document is in good condition.‘13/9 E.J.W. Chambers, 7241’benjamin jewell, ernest chambers

In 1858 a tramway was constructed to move goods between Warrnambool township and jetty on Lady Bay which was over a mile away The terminus was established on the southern side of Merri Street. and the track went around the edge of Lake Pertobe reserve. Large stores were also built near where the present railway station is situated to hold produce and carriages.This document is is a surety between John McDermit a saddler of Liebig Street Warrnambool along with Henry Phillips hay and corn dealer of Liebig Street Warrnambool, acting as surety in the amount of fifty pounds to William Bell a contractor to perform horse work for the Warrnambool tramways. for a period of one year, 1881-1882. This contract has a strong historical link to one of Warrnambool's earliest infrastructure projects . It contains the names of local people and provides an insight into the links between people and the types of work they undertook Pale blue lined paper with red lined outline.Hand written in black pen with names and some other words underlined in red. Two signatures on bottom right with red seal beside each. Witness signature below on left hand side. Of the four pages of the document , only the first page is used.Signed John McDermid, Henry Phillips. 1st October 1881.warrnambool,, warrnambool history, warrnambool tramways, william bell contract,, john mcdermid, henry phillips

The photograph shows a cottage, Harbourmaster’s quarters that still stands on the east of the Lady Bay Lighthouse and Historic Precinct at Flagstaff Hill in Warrnambool. The name was changed to the Lighthouse Lodge, and today guests can stay at the property. This photograph, a print, is one of a set of five that show the site of Flagstaff Hill. It is presumed to have been taken by John Lindsay, Founding Director of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. One of the photographs in the set has the pencil inscription "Photo J Lindsay". It was taken in the early 1970s during the initial stages of the development of Flagstaff Hill as a Museum and Maritime Village. The photographs belonged to the donor's grandparents, who lived in the Warrnambool district of Allansford/Naringal. The photograph is a record of the site and surrounds of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village before its development and opening in 1975. It shows the cottage on the east of the Lighthouse Complex,. The building is now known as Lighthouse Lodge. The photograph is significant for recording the location and condition of the residence on the Hill.Coloured photograph, glassy print, one of a set of five. Photograph shows the cream timber cottage, Harbourmaster’s quarters to the east of the lighthouse complex at Flagstaff Hill, Warrnambool. On the left of the red roofed residence are iron buildings used, at the time, by the Lands Department. The photograph's paper has the printer's watermark on the back. The early 1970s photograph is presumed to have been by John Lindsay, Warrnambool.Label on the back: "WOODEN RESIDENCE TO THE EAST OF THE PROPERTY / The gun emplacements are immediately behind, and the iron huts to the left rear of the residence are used by the Lands Department who plan to vacate, for other premises."flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, 1970s, photograph, flagstaff hill site, john lindsay, cannon emplacement, residence, wooden residence, timber residence, iron huts, lands department

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photographic collection dating from the nineteenth century. This series shows more contemporary photographs taken from around Churchill Island.Photograph of a souvenir plate with a monochromatic painted scene of Lieutenant Grant on the Lady Nelson naming Portland Bay. catalogue number written on reverse in pencilphotograph, churchill island, grant, lady nelson, souvenir

In 1858 a tramway was constructed to move goods between Warrnambool township and jetty on Lady Bay which was over a mile away The terminus was established on the southern side of Merri Street. and the track went around the edge of Lake Pertobe reserve. Large stores were also built near where the present railway station is situated to hold produce and carriages. These documents relate to the contract to perform the horse work for the tramway for a period of one year. The horse work involved the transporting of goods by horse drawn tram trucks, all repairs to the tracks , shunting and delivery duties. The tramway operated from 7 am to 6 pm six days a week and a team of six horses was required to perform the work.The tramway was an important part of Warrnambool's infrastructure and history and the documents also include names of local people.001261.1 Pale blue lined paper with red lined outline.Hand written in black pen with names and some other words underlined in red. Two signatures on bottom right with red seal beside each. Witness signature below on left hand side. Of the four pages of the document , only the first page is used. 001261.2 Cream paper lined in blue with heavy black ink writing. A red seal attached beside the tenderer's mark and name. on right side of page. Witness's signature at bottom centre of page.001261.1 James Roberts hay and corn dealer ,Fairy Street Warrnambool, Martin Callaghanfarmer and contractor Raglan Parade Warrnambool. Daniel Gallagher, contractor of Warrnambool. September 1881. 001261.1 Daniel Gallagher .James Roberts Martin Callaghan September 12, 1881.warrnambool, warrnambool history, daniel gallagher, james roberts

This is a traffic report of the Warrnambool Tramway in 1880. The Warrnambool Tramway ran from the south end of Fairy Street near the present day railway sheds past the site of the old Woollen Mill, then extended towards the Warrnambool Bay on the easterly side of the site today of the Lady Bay Apartments and on to the Tramway Jetty. The Tramway was completed in 1858 and was horse-drawn. It was leased to private individuals until 1864 when the Warrnambool Council took over the management. The Tramway closed in 1890 when the Breakwater was opened and it had its own spurline from the railway station to the end of the Breakwater. The 1880 report shows that contractors were paid over £300 and that 26, 409 tons of potatoes and 9167 bales of wool were carried by the Tramway in that year. This report is of interest as it shows the operations of the Warrnambool Tramway in 1880. The Tramway was significant in the maritime history of Warrnambool.This is a single foolscap-size sheet with handwritten material concerning a report of the Warrnambool Tramway operations in 1880. The writing is in black ink. The page has a large red-lined margin on the left side. The sheet is a little stained where it has been folded.history of warrnambool, warrnambool tramway

In 1858 a tramway was constructed to move goods between Warrnambool township and jetty on Lady Bay which was over a mile away The terminus was established on the southern side of Merri Street. and the track went around the edge of Lake Pertobe reserve. Large stores were also built near where the present railway station is situated to hold produce and carriages. According to these documents , the horses were required for many different tasks in the operation of the tramways including the moving of freight, removal of sand from the area, shunting of trucks and ballasting and repairing lines when necessary.The contractors had a list of conditions imposed including the provision of six horses of strong working ability and sufficient finances. The contract period was for 1 year and payment was monthly in arrears and hours of operation were from 7 am to 6 pm. These handwritten documents provide an insight into the type of work done in the early days of Warrnambool and the working conditions at the time. Five folded grey paper with red lines around edges. Written in black ink. Only front page of each piece has writing on it. 001262.1 Borough of Warrnambool Tramway Department Specification of Duties Contractor for Horse Work Signed William Bell 28/09/1881 001262.2 Borough of Warrnambool Tramway Department Conditions of contract for Horse Work. Signed Daniel Gallagher 20/09/1881 001262.3 Borough of Warrnambool Tramway Department Specification of Duties Contractor for Horse Work Signed Daniel Gallagher 20/09/1881. 001262.4 Borough of Warrnambool Tramway Department Specification of Duties Contractor for Horse Work Signed Michl Daly 5th September 1878 crossed out 001262.5 Borough of Warrnambool Tramway Department Conditions of contract for Horse Work Signed William Bell 28/09/1881warrnambool, warrnambool tramway, horse work, tramway contract

This chart shows a possible site for the fabled wreck called the 'Mahogany Ship'. Flagstaff Hill’s collection includes other objects that some say could be relics from this Ancient Wreck, (also called the Gold Ship, or the Ancient Vessel). The chart shows the coordinates for the Summits of Griffith Island and of Middle Island. It also has the depths of the sea at various intervals and shows the shore and sand dunes, lighthouses and other reference points. The mystery of the Mahogany Ship began in 1836 when two shipwrecked sealers discovered the remains of an “ancient vessel” in the sand dunes about four miles west of Warrnambool. Since the last recorded sightings in the 1880’s the true origin of the Mahogany Ship has remained one of Australia’s most famous historical mysteries or fables. One of the more recent theories is that the vessel was one of the Portuguese ships exploring the Australian coast in 1522. For over one hundred years searchers have attempted to locate and identify the wreck. The search continues for the tangible evidence which will once and for all establish the Mahogany Ship’s place in Australia’s History.The chart represents the worldwide interest in locating the wreck of the Mahogany Ship. Locating the actual wreck or proving the existence of a Portuguese ship's wreck could change the history of the discovery of Australia. A Mahogany Ship committee was formed to gather and research information about the discovery of the wrecked ship. A large amount of money was offered as a prize for finding the wreck or parts of it. People have written books, painted images, made videos and told tales of the ship but it continues to remain a mystery or even a fable. The chart is significant for its possible link to one of Victoria’s and Australia’s maritime mysteries, the Mahogany Ship (also known as the Ancient Wreck). It is one of very few known relics that could give evidence of the existence and history of the vessel. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register S438 as it is one of Victoria’s oldest recorded shipwrecks. The identity of the vessel has the potential to change Australia’s history.A chart in a wooden frame, behind glass. The chart shows the approximate position of the mystery Ancient Wreck, later called the "Mahogany Ship". The chart is a copy and is based on the Admiralty Chart by Lieut. Stanley, dated 1872. Lower left: "THE MAHOGANY SHIP" "LOCALITY PLAN, ENLARGED FROM LIEUT. STANLEY'S ADMIRALTY CHART 1872" "APPROXIMATE POSITION OF WRECK MARKED [symbol of a Portuguese cross]" Other labels on chart: "BELFAST" "PORT FIARY" "GRIFFITHS I" "RIVER MOYNE" "RIVER MERRI" "ARMSTRONG BAY" " GORMANS LANE" "TOWER HILL" "KOROIT" "HELEN ROCK" "WARRNAMBOOL" "LADY BAY" "MIDDLE I" "LIGHT HO." Lower right: "G 410 B" Label on the back; "This chart presented to the Mahogany Ship Committee and Flagstaff Hill by Avis Quarrell, April 2007"warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, mahogany ship, ancient vessel, ancient wreck, portuguese ship, coastal reserve, fabled wreck, gold ship, griffiths island, belfast (now port fairy), koroit, location plan, leuit. stanley, admiralty chart 1872, tower hill, merri river, moyne river, middle island, helen rock, armstrong bay, griffiths land

The Cutty Sark sailing ship was a popular model-making ship. It was a British clipper ship built originally for the China- England tea trade and was one of the last and fastest tea clippers. From 1883 to 1895 it was used to carry wool from Australia to England and held many records for speed during that time. Since 1954 the ship has been on display at Greenwich, England. The model has an etched inscription indicating that it was made by Herman Richter and so it is presumed that he was the maker of this model. A model of the Cutty Sark was made by his father, Edward Richter using wood from the Enterprise wrecked in Lady Bay and that model was in the old Warrnambool Museum. This information was in a newspaper article at the time of Edward Richter’s death. This Herman Richter model may be a copy of his father’s model. The Richters have been prominent in Warrnambool’s history, beginning with Henry Richter who came to Warrambool in the 1850s and worked in the Western Brewery and was licensee of the Royal Archer Hotel. His son Edward who died in 1937 was a prominent Warrnambool resident for 78 years. Herman, the son of Susan and Edward Richter was well-known as a model boat maker and maker of model boats in bottles.This model boat is of great interest because the ‘Cutty Sark’ was a well-known sailing ship and was important in Australia’s maritime history as a carrier to London of Australian wool in the 1880s and 90s. It is also of interest as it was made by a member of the Richter family, a prominent one in Warrnambool’s history with both Edward and his son Herman Richter producing many artefacts connected to Warrnambool’s history – model ships, violin-making, maritime paintings etc. This is the model of a three-masted ship with a hull painted in green and black with gold bands. The ship is mounted on a wooden stand and enclosed in a wooden box with a glass front. The box is varnished and has ornamental patterns in gold and blue on the top and sides. The inside of the box is painted blue and white to represent the sea and the sky.‘Cutty Sark 963Tons by H Richter 1964’richter family, warrnambool, model boat building

The donor (a local resident.) of this coin found this penny token coin in the sand dunes of Lady Bay, Warrnambool, in 2023. The coin could have come from a local shipwreck, passengers, or members of the community. Trade was carried out along the southwest coast of Victoria between Melbourne and Portland, with the Port of Warrnambool receiving passengers and goods by coastal traders, the steamboat that set off from ports every few days. One such vessel was the steamship SS Edina that made her first voyage from Melbourne to Portland in 1863. For around a decade or so in the Gold Rush period in Australia there was a shortage of official government currency. It was acceptable during this time to use token coins minted by local businesses to be used within their store, much like the loyalty and rewards cards that businesses give their customers in modern times. The tokens were also a good way to advertise their wares and details. The first token was introduced in Melbourne in 1848 and were used until 1868, when they became illegal in New South Wales. They were minted in Australia and overseas. The token was issued by Robert Hyde & Co. who traded in second-hand goods such as old clothes, sheets, metal items and glass, which they resold to be re-manufactured, or "recycled".A token such as this one identifies businesses existing in the post-Gold Rush period in Australia. Round copper coin. Penny token coin bearing the Australian Coat of Arms and motto. The coin also has the company's name, location, nature of business and motto. The coin has grooves around the edge. It was made in 1861.OBVERSE: Logo: (Australian Coat of Arms), Motto: "PEACE & PLENTY", Date: 1861 REVERSE: "ROBERT HYDE & CO MELBOURNE", "GENERAL MARINE STORE, SHIPPERS OF RAGS GLASS METALS &.C"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, merchant token, melbourne, token, australian token, trade token, coins, merchants, medal, colonisation, gold rush, robert hyde & co., general marine store, shippers of rags glass metals etc., numismatics, second-hand scrap, scrap goods

These net floats are handmade from lightweight cork wood and are used for suspending fishing nets in the water. Newspaper articles dated from 1848 to 1916 mention net fishing in Warrnambool's Hopkins and Merri rivers and Lady Bay. The Melbourne Argus dated January 11, 1848, published a quote from Captain Theobald of the vessels ELLEN and ELIZABETH, made on his first visit to Warrnambool "“…Fish are very plentiful here; on Christmas day a net was thrown into the Hopkins, and, after two or three draws, a boat load of beautiful fish was obtained…” The Argus, Melbourne, Sat. 29 May 1858, forwarded from The Examiner newspaper; "Extraordinary Fish. We have been presented with a very singular fish, caught by Mr. Meek in the Hopkins [Hopkins River, Warrnambool] last week. It is about three inches long, with a slate-coloured body, and a beautiful wing on each side. It was caught with other fish at night, in a net, and its eyes shone as bright as diamonds." A method for making cork net floats mentioned, in a 15th-century book, advised cutting the corks and then burning a hole through the centre of each one with a hot iron. The prepared corks were then joined together with a horsehair line. The cork's size and the line's thickness depended on the net's weight.The net floats are an example of fishing equipment used for many centuries and still in use today. In Warrnambool net fishing was a common practice from 1848 and became a livelihood for many fishermen. Net floats; cylindrical blocks of 16 corks threaded onto string with a hook-holding device at the end. warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, net floats, cork net floats, fishing, fisheries, fishing equipment, handmade, net fishing, fisheries act, andrew ferrier, william flett, warrnambool breakwater, merri river, hopkins river, captain theobald, ellen, elizabeth

These net floats are handmade from lightweight cork wood and are used for suspending fishing nets in the water. Newspaper articles dated from 1848 to 1916 mention net fishing in Warrnambool's Hopkins and Merri rivers and Lady Bay. The Melbourne Argus dated January 11, 1848, published a quote from Captain Theobald of the vessels ELLEN and ELIZABETH, made on his first visit to Warrnambool "“…Fish are very plentiful here; on Christmas day a net was thrown into the Hopkins, and, after two or three draws, a boat load of beautiful fish was obtained…” The Argus, Melbourne, Sat. 29 May 1858, forwarded from The Examiner newspaper; "Extraordinary Fish. We have been presented with a very singular fish, caught by Mr. Meek in the Hopkins [Hopkins River, Warrnambool] last week. It is about three inches long, with a slate-coloured body, and a beautiful wing on each side. It was caught with other fish at night, in a net, and its eyes shone as bright as diamonds." A method for making cork net floats mentioned, in a 15th-century book, advised cutting the corks and then burning a hole through the centre of each one with a hot iron. The prepared corks were then joined together with a horsehair line. The cork's size and the line's thickness depended on the net's weight.The net floats are an example of fishing equipment used for many centuries and still in use today. In Warrnambool net fishing was a common practice from 1848 and became a livelihood for many fishermen.Net floats; cylindrical blocks of 18 corks of various sizes threaded onto string.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, net floats, cork net floats, fishing, fisheries, fishing equipment, handmade, net fishing, fisheries act, andrew ferrier, william flett, warrnambool breakwater, merri river, hopkins river, captain theobald, ellen, elizabeth

These net floats are handmade from lightweight cork wood and are used for suspending fishing nets in the water. Newspaper articles dated from 1848 to 1916 mention net fishing in Warrnambool's Hopkins and Merri rivers and Lady Bay. The Melbourne Argus dated January 11, 1848, published a quote from Captain Theobald of the vessels ELLEN and ELIZABETH, made on his first visit to Warrnambool "“…Fish are very plentiful here; on Christmas day a net was thrown into the Hopkins, and, after two or three draws, a boat load of beautiful fish was obtained…” The Argus, Melbourne, Sat. 29 May 1858, forwarded from The Examiner newspaper; "Extraordinary Fish. We have been presented with a very singular fish, caught by Mr. Meek in the Hopkins [Hopkins River, Warrnambool] last week. It is about three inches long, with a slate-coloured body, and a beautiful wing on each side. It was caught with other fish at night, in a net, and its eyes shone as bright as diamonds." A method for making cork net floats mentioned, in a 15th-century book, advised cutting the corks and then burning a hole through the centre of each one with a hot iron. The prepared corks were then joined together with a horsehair line. The cork's size and the line's thickness depended on the net's weight.The net floats are an example of fishing equipment used for many centuries and still in use today. In Warrnambool net fishing was a common practice from 1848 and became a livelihood for many fishermen.Cork net floats; lengths of 15 various sized cylindrical blocks of cork threaded onto string. warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, net floats, cork net floats, fishing, fisheries, fishing equipment, handmade, net fishing, fisheries act, andrew ferrier, william flett, warrnambool breakwater, merri river, hopkins river, captain theobald, ellen, elizabeth

These net floats are handmade from lightweight cork wood and are used for suspending fishing nets in the water. Newspaper articles dated from 1848 to 1916 mention net fishing in Warrnambool's Hopkins and Merri rivers and Lady Bay. The Melbourne Argus dated January 11, 1848, published a quote from Captain Theobald of the vessels ELLEN and ELIZABETH, made on his first visit to Warrnambool "“…Fish are very plentiful here; on Christmas day a net was thrown into the Hopkins, and, after two or three draws, a boat load of beautiful fish was obtained…” The Argus, Melbourne, Sat. 29 May 1858, forwarded from The Examiner newspaper; "Extraordinary Fish. We have been presented with a very singular fish, caught by Mr. Meek in the Hopkins [Hopkins River, Warrnambool] last week. It is about three inches long, with a slate-coloured body, and a beautiful wing on each side. It was caught with other fish at night, in a net, and its eyes shone as bright as diamonds." A method for making cork net floats mentioned, in a 15th-century book, advised cutting the corks and then burning a hole through the centre of each one with a hot iron. The prepared corks were then joined together with a horsehair line. The cork's size and the line's thickness depended on the net's weight.The net floats are an example of fishing equipment used for many centuries and still in use today. In Warrnambool net fishing was a common practice from 1848 and became a livelihood for many fishermen.Cork net floats; a set of two cylindrical blocks of varying sizes threaded onto strings.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, net floats, cork net floats, fishing, fisheries, fishing equipment, handmade, net fishing, fisheries act, andrew ferrier, william flett, warrnambool breakwater, merri river, hopkins river, captain theobald, ellen, elizabeth

The poster advertises these Swimming Baths as “the most complete in the Southern Hemisphere”. In February 1877 a Baths Company (1050 shares) was formed in the town of Warrnambool for the establishment of the baths at the south end of Gillies Street. The baths were filled with sea water from Lady Bay, originally pumped by a windmill situated near the current Surf Lifesaving Club and carried by iron pipes to the Public Baths; later the water was pumped by a gas motor. Hot and cold fresh water baths were advertised. The gentlemen’s bath was 100 feet long and 50 feet wide, of graduating depth. A second bath, solely for ladies, was 60 feet long by 30 feet wide. Hot Sea water Baths were also part of the institution, and were sought after for their ‘wonderful curative powers’, and ‘incomparable’ as a ‘tonic for the feeble’. In June 1881 the Hot Sea Baths were opened, and both hot and cold water baths were supplied at reasonable charges. Patrons came from near and far to receive the benefits. The manager of the Baths was J. Kirkpatrick. The Baths Company struggled for several years without success, so in 1883 the baths were sold to the Borough Council for 1250 pounds. The original shareholders received nothing for their outlay; the overdraught was over the sale price. In May 1884 the Council announced that an estimated they has spent 1000 pounds in improving the baths since purchasing them and were now returning an income of 11 per cent. Historically significant to Warrnambool and the recreational facilities available in the 1880s to 1900s. The remains of the baths are still visible to the public today.Poster on heavy cream paper, landscape orientation, with coloured print. The poster advertises the Warrnambool Swimming Baths. It has several drawings such as Middle Island and the Merri River Mouth with vessels in the water, The inside of the Baths facility, the men's baths with the adjacent bathing rooms and figures in and out of the water, a cottage with figures in the garden, and fenced buildings with a windmill and aqueduct or pipes. The text describes the location and advantages, the opening times and various costs. It was printed in Ballarat by F.W. Niven & Co. Lithos."TOWN OF WARRNAMBOOL" "SWIMMING BATHS" "HOT SALT-WATER BATHS FOR LADIES AND GENTLEMEN" "HOURS FOR BATHING fROM 7 a.m. to 9 p. m. Closed on Sundays at 10 a.m." Single Bath 1s [1 shilling]; or 10s per Dozen Tickets" "HOURS FOR SWIMMING BATHS: Ladies and Gentlemen, from 6 a.m. to Sunset, Sundays 6 a.m. to 10 a.m." "Every information can be obtained from the Manager, J. Kirkpatrick" "HOT SEA-WATER BATHS ... strongly recommended by the Medical Faculty" "Hot and Cold Fresh Water Baths" "Showers etc." "LIST OF CHARGES ... Single Season Ticket, Single Monthly Ticket, Single Bath without towel ... with towel.. Tickets per dozen without towel, with towel..." "The Baths are situated at the end of Gillies Street, in the rear of the Post Office, and are of salt water pumped by gas motor continuously from the sea. The Swimming Bath is 100 feet long by 50 feet wide, of graduating depth; and a second bath for ladies' use solely, 60 feet long by 30 feet wide. The hot Sea-water Baths in connection with this institution have been extolled far and wide for their wonderfully curative powers in cases of rheumatism, sciatica, and nervous afflictions generally. As a tonic to an enfeebled system, they are incomparable, These Baths, the most complete in the Southern Hemisphere, have been recently re-erected and fitted with marble plunges, and everything provided for the comfort and convenience of invalids and visitors." "F.W. NIVEN & Co, LITHOS, BALLARAT"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, warrnambool swimming baths, hot sea water baths warrnambool, warrnambool baths company, f.w. niven & co, warrnambool therapudic baths, town of warrnambool, swimming baths, hot sea water baths, salt water baths, ladies' baths, gentlemen's baths, warrnambool town baths, j kirkpatrick

Breakwater navigation lights are placed at the end of the breakwaters to warn incoming vessels of the end of the structure, as a marine safety measure. The subject item was such a light believed to have been placed at the end of Warrnambool's breakwater around 1915 when it was extended. The light had remained in place for many years until it was probably removed when the structure was undergoing rock armouring repairs to the end of the breakwater in 1975. The light had been placed in a council storage shed probably from the time when the structure was undergoing these repairs in 1975. In 2014 the light was removed from the storage shed and donated to Flagstaff Hill museum. History: Warrnambool breakwater plans were drawn up by 1874 and approval was given for preliminary construction work to start but when the money ran out, the works stopped. With a number of quick changes of government the “Warrnambool” breakwater project was kicked from one Victorian state government to another. Then finally in 1879, the eminent British harbour engineer Sir John Coode was asked to design a breakwater. His first design was for a 1800 feet long structure but that was scaled back to 900 feet and construction finally began in 1884. This structure was attributed in causing major siltation of Lady bay, as a consequence the breakwater was again extended in 1915. In 1975, the rock armouring at the end of the breakwater was added but by 1979 another impact study was calling for the breakwater to be removed altogether. The Heritage Council Victoria, regard the Warrnambool breakwater is of historical significance to the state as one of the most important maritime engineering projects that was undertaken in Victoria during the late nineteenth century. The light is also as part of this structure regarded as a significant item of historical interest.Marker light or navigation light. Round light stand with conical top piece (2 separate pieces). Metal base painted red, clear glass middle section enclosed by metal frame, metal cone shaped top section painted silver. Electrical wiring can be seen inside centre section. Pole that light would have been on to elevate it is missing.Has metal plate screwed onto side of base engraved "23". flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, great ocean road, warrnambool breakwater, marker light, naviagtion light, breakwater navigation light

This rocket launcher has fittings to mount it onto a lifeboat or similar vessel. Once mounted, a it would be fitted with a line-throwing rocket that would be launched from the vessel and aimed over the shipwreck. The line would be fixed to the ship in distress. A heavier line would then be sent out to the wrecked vessel and survivors would be hauled to safety. Its design suggests that it dates to the First World War ear of the 1910s. The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. This item is significant for its connection with maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed coastal Victoria, including Warrnambool, in its very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised.Rocket launcher, lifesaving equipment, attaches to rail on vessel. Schermuly's Patent, Grey metal, L shaped pipe with large clamp on one end and small, hooked U shaped fitting on the other. Connects to half-cylinder sleeve with gimbal fitting, ball joint and adjusting fittings; painted grey and red. "SCHERMULY'S PATENT" cast into clamp.Cast into metal "SCHERMULY'S PATENT" flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, rocket launcher, rocket apparatus, rocket firing equipment, lifesaving equipment, wwi, world war i, 1210s, schermuly’s patent, schermuly launcher, sea rescue, lifesaving, shipwreck, life-saving, rescue crew, rocket rescue, rocket crew, line rescue, maritime activities, marine technology, volunteer crew, boat to ship rescue, william schermuly,

The poster includes a cartoon by Arthur Jordan, with a conversation between an ailing man and a good man after baths visits. There are several reviews dating from 1906 to 1908 extolling the healing powers of the baths' waters. In February 1877 a Baths Company (1050 shares) was formed in the town of Warrnambool for the establishment of the baths at the south end of Gillies Street. The baths were filled with sea water from Lady Bay, originally pumped by a windmill situated near the current Surf Lifesaving Club and carried by iron pipes to the Public Baths; later the water was pumped by gas motor. Hot and cold fresh water baths were advertised. The gentlemen’s bath was 100 feet long and 50 feet wide, of graduating depth. A second bath, solely for ladies, was 60 feet long by 30 feet wide. Hot Sea-water Baths were also part of the institution, and were sought after for their ‘wonderful curative powers’, and ‘incomparable’ as a ‘tonic for the feeble’. In June 1881 the Hot Sea Baths were opened, and both hot and cold water baths were supplied at reasonable charges. Patrons came from near and far to receive the benefits. The manager of the Baths was J. Kirkpatrick. The Baths Company struggled for several years without success so in 1883 the baths were sold to the Borough Council for 1250 pounds. The original shareholders received nothing for their outlay; the overdraught was over the sale price. In May 1884 the Council announced that an estimated they has spent 1000 pounds in improving the baths since purchasing them and were now returning an income of 11 per cent. The poster promotes the healing powers of the hot sea water baths that were in use in Warrnambool in the late 19th century through to the early 20th century. The baths were a place for fitness, health and social activity, an example of the recreational activities during this period.Poster, black and white, mounted on card. It shows advertising Warrnambool Sea-water Baths and Hot Sea-water Baths. There are several references promoting the health benefits of baths, dating from 1906-1908. The cartoon was sketched by Arthur Jordan. The poster was printed by The Thompson Printing Co. Warrnambool. Handwritten inscription on the lower edge.Handwritten "10,000 mailed by post through Victoria"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, warrnambool salt baths, warrnambool therapudic baths, arthur jordan, baths company, sea water baths, hot sea water, swimming, healing powers, warrnambool baths, advertisement, thompson printing co. warrnambool

The subject of this photograph is the S.S.Rowilla, a passenger steam ferry built in Hobart for use in Tasmania's rivers, the Derwent and the Tamar. The photograph shows her docked at the Charles Street Wharf in Launceston. The S.S. Rowitta was built by Purdon & Featherstone, at Battery Point, Hobart (Tasmania) in 1909 from Huon Pine and Kauri planking. Her final configuration included three masts and a ship rig. S.S. Rowitta took its first voyage from Hobart to Launceston in 1909 and operated for 30 years as a passenger ferry on the Tamar and Derwent Rivers. She also served as a freighter, an army supply ship, a luxury charter ferry and a floating restaurant as well as a prawn boat at Lakes Entrance. (She has also been named “Sorrento” and “Tarkarri”.). In the very early days of Flagstaff Hill ‘Rowitta’ was purchased from Lakes Entrance by Warrnambool City Council and the Victorian State Government for $20,000. The Rowitta had a hull configuration very similar to a local boat named the SPECULANT, which played a key role in the Port of Warrnambool in the early 1900s. The Speculant was the largest ship ever registered with Warrnambool as her home port. Local owner and trader P J McGennan & Co, (Peter McGennan) used her as a freight carrier to Melbourne and timber trader between New Zealand and Victoria. She sunk at Cape Otway in 1911 on a voyage to Melbourne. In 1974 Rowitta was delivered to Port Fairy and then later sailed to Warrnambool’s Breakwater where she was lifted out of Lady Bay and loaded onto the back of a long transport truck and slowly and carefully driven along Pertobe Road, through the Surfside Caravan Park and over the railway line, into Flagstaff Hill’s Maritime Village. Transfer arrangements were coordinated by Jack Morse, of Morse Engineering, a member of the Flagstaff Hill Planning Board, and Ken Goyen, a local crane operator. The ‘Rowitta’ was originally acquired to be rebuilt to match the original SPECULANT. When finances became tight in 1976 a review of all plans ended in the decision to restore the “Rowitta” to her original configuration. She was then restored, renamed the original name of “Rowitta” and installed in the Village’s Harbour Lake to become one of the popular vessels on display for visitors to enjoy. It was the decision of the Advisory Committee to Flagstaff Hill to have Rowitta demolished in April 2015 due to extensive deterioration. Items associated with the Rowitta continue to be held in Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s Collection.The photograph of the passenger ferry S.S. Rowitta.is significant for its association with Tasmanian history from the early to mid-1900s. It is also connected to the history of the Rowitta, which was a large exhibit on display at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village from the museum’s early beginnings until the vessel’s end of life 40 years later. The Rowitta represents the importance of coastal traders to transport, trade and communication along the coast of Victoria, between states, and in Australia before rail and motor vehicles. The vessel was an example of a ferry built in the early 20th century that served many different roles over its lifetime of over 100 years. Black and white photograph of the steamship S.S. Rowitta at Charles Street Wharf, Launceston. It shows the vessel docked at the Charles Street Wharf in Launceston. Smoke is coming from its funnel and there are people on board. There is a handwritten inscription on the top edge of the photograph. The vessel was built in 1909 by Purdon & Featherstone, Hobart. Blue-green handwriting on top left margin "ROWITTA AT LAUNCESTON"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, photograph, s.s. rowitta, charles street wharf,, launceston., purdon & featherstone, rowitta, tarkarri, speculant, purdon & featherstone of hobart, passenger ferry 1909, sorrento

The lines plan was drawn for the building of the steamship S.S. Rowitta, a passenger steam ferry built in Hobart for use in Tasmania's rivers, the Derwent and the Tamar. It is a copy of the original lines plan. The S.S. Rowitta was built by Purdon & Featherstone, at Battery Point, Hobart (Tasmania) in 1909 from Huon Pine and Kauri planking. Her final configuration included three masts and a ship rig. S.S. Rowitta took its first voyage from Hobart to Launceston in 1909 and operated for 30 years as a passenger ferry on the Tamar and Derwent Rivers. She also served as a freighter, an army supply ship, a luxury charter ferry and a floating restaurant as well as a prawn boat at Lakes Entrance. (She has also been named “Sorrento” and “Tarkarri”.). In the very early days of Flagstaff Hill ‘Rowitta’ was purchased from Lakes Entrance by Warrnambool City Council and the Victorian State Government for $20,000. The Rowitta had a hull configuration very similar to a local boat named the SPECULANT, which played a key role in the Port of Warrnambool in the early 1900s. The Speculant was the largest ship ever registered with Warrnambool as her home port. Local owner and trader P J McGennan & Co, (Peter McGennan) used her as a freight carrier to Melbourne and timber trader between New Zealand and Victoria. She sunk at Cape Otway in 1911 on a voyage to Melbourne. In 1974 Rowitta was delivered to Port Fairy and then later sailed to Warrnambool’s Breakwater where she was lifted out of Lady Bay and loaded onto the back of a long transport truck and slowly and carefully driven along Pertobe Road, through the Surfside Caravan Park and over the railway line, into Flagstaff Hill’s Maritime Village. Transfer arrangements were coordinated by Jack Morse, of Morse Engineering, a member of the Flagstaff Hill Planning Board, and Ken Goyen, a local crane operator. The ‘Rowitta’ was originally acquired to be rebuilt to match the original SPECULANT. When finances became tight in 1976 a review of all plans ended in the decision to restore the “Rowitta” to her original configuration. She was then restored, renamed the original name of “Rowitta” and installed in the Village’s Harbour Lake to become one of the popular vessels on display for visitors to enjoy. It was the decision of the Advisory Committee to Flagstaff Hill to have Rowitta demolished in April 2015 due to extensive deterioration. Items associated with the Rowitta continue to be held in Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s Collection.The lines plan of the passenger ferry S.S. Rowitta.is significant for its association with Tasmanian history from the early to mid-1900s. It is also connected to the history of the Rowitta, which was a large exhibit on display at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village from the museum’s early beginnings until the vessel’s end of life 40 years later. The Rowitta represents the importance of coastal traders to transport, trade and communication along the coast of Victoria, between states, and in Australia before rail and motor vehicles. The vessel was an example of a ferry built in the early 20th century that served many different roles over its lifetime of over 100 years. Lines Plan, copy, of the steamship S.S. Rowitta. Rectangular drawing paper with copy of the hand drawn lines plan showing several profiles of the vessel. The vessel was built in 1909 by Purdon & Featherstone, Hobart. On the revers is handwritten inscription, and a white label with a handwritten number.Printed on the plan: "S.S. ROWITTA / LINES PLAN / SCALE 1/4" TO 12" " Blue ink writing on the back: "Rowitta" Blue ink on label: "56"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, photograph, s.s. rowitta, charles street wharf,, launceston., purdon & featherstone, rowitta, tarkarri, speculant, purdon & featherstone of hobart, passenger ferry 1909, sorrento, lines drawing, ship's plan, lines plan, line plan, shipbuilding, ferry

This photograph shows the crew of the first HMAS Warrnambool (J202) marching east along Timor Street in Warrnambool, just opposite the Post Office on the corner of Gillies Street. People are watching the parade from the footpath and two boys, dressed in their ‘best’ clothes, are marching alongside the crew. The HMAS Warrnambool was one of 60 Bathurst class corvette vessels built during World War II for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as armed minesweepers. The namesake of the City of Warrnambool, Victoria, was launched in Sydney in 1941. The HMAS Warrnambool began service with patrols off Bass Strait in 1941. In December the ship docked in the Warrnambool harbour at Lady Bay. The crew came ashore and performed a march for the city. The Mayor, Cr. John R Astbury presented them with a plaque of the City of Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms and the Warrnambool Patriotic Fund gave them a gift of 110 books for the crew’s library. The Warrnambool served in Darwin during the time it was bombed, it was involved in several rescues and carried troops to New Guinea, it carried out escort and patrol duties on Australia's east coast, then at Fremantle and back to Darwin. The ship was at Timor when the Japanese surrendered in 1945. It performed mine clearance work around the Solomon Islands and New Guinea after the war. In 1947 the HMAS Warrnambool was at the Great Barrier Reef, off the Queensland coast, to clear the defensive British mines previously laid to protect Australia’s boarders. The ship hit a mine near Cockburn Reef, exploded and sank shortly afterwards. One of the 70 or so men on board was killed and three died later. The rescued men were transferred by boats to the nearby HMAS Swan II, which took the survivors to Cairns. The four deceased were Victorian seamen. In May 1948 the Royal Australian Navy divers recovered a number of items from the wreck, including the ship’s bell and the City of Warrnambool plaque. In 1949 the RAN returned the plaque to the Warrnambool City Council, and donated the ship’s bell to the Australian War Memorial. Further objects were recovered in 1972-75 by Southern Cross Diving and Salvage. A memorial plaque was erected in Warrnambool on September 13, 1995 in honour of all who served on HMAS Warrnambool. NOTE: (1)- HMAS Warrnambool II (FCPB204 was built in 1980 in Cairns, with a compliment of 22 personnel. It was decommissioned in 2005. (2)- SS Warrnambool, a steam and sail ship, was built in 1892 in London and broken up in 1926. [A more detailed history can be found in our Collection Record 3477.]This photograph is significant for its association with the lifesaving rescue of the crew and the sinking Royal Australian Navy vessel, HMAS Warrnambool (J202). The HMAS Warrnambool played a nationally significant role in overturning Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (colloquially known as the White Australia policy). The ship rescued, and brought to Australia, Samuel and Annie Jacob and their family after they evacuated Dutch East India. The family was threatened with deportation and made the first successful appeal to High Court regarding that Act. The HMAS Warrnambool has - Local significance for being the namesake of the City of Warrnambool - Local significance, having docked in Warrnambool Harbour - Local significance, the crew having paraded in Timor Street, Warrnambool - State significance for its first patrol being in Bass Strait. - National significance, being present in Timor at the Japanese surrender - National significance, shown by the significance of the ship’s bell being curated as Military Heritage and Technology at the Australian War Memorial. - National significance as part of Australia’s defence force history, being one of only four Bathurst class corvettes lost while in Australian service, the only Bathurst class corvette lost after World War II, the only RAN vessel to be sunk by a mine, and associated with the last four Navy deaths of WWIIPhotograph of the crew of HMAS Warrnambool J202. This black and white image shows the crew marching east along Timor Street in Warrnambool. People are watching from the footpath and two formally dressed boys are marching alongside the sailors. Inscription on the reverse.(PRIVATE details - See Notes)flagstaff hill, maritime village, maritime museum, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, mort's dock & engineering co ltd, h.m.a.s. warrnambool, hmas warrnambool, hmas warrnambool i, hmas warrnambool j202, hmas swan ii, j202, world war ii, bathurst class corvette, royal australian navy, ran, sydney built ship, bass strait patrol, sea mine patrol, mine sweeper, mine clearance, navy divers, great barrier reef, cockburn reef, southern cross diving and salvage, warrnambool city council, cr j r astbury, mayor j r astbury, warrnambool patriotic fund, seal, coat of arms, dedicatory plaque, hmas warrnambool 1941, shipwreck by sea mine 1947, sinking ship, sunk ship, marching, parade, timor street warrnambool, minesweeper

This beautifully made ship model is a side relief of the steam ship “S.S. Nelson”, which was launched in 1877. The model’s case stands out because of its ornately carved internal frame. Relief models of ships, sometimes called half models, were often built by the shipbuilders as an exact scale model of the finished ship. The shipbuilders would use the model to ensure that the design was balanced. They would use the model as a point of reference during building. Also, ship models were used to demonstrate the designs to prospective buyers. It is not known whether this model of the “S.S. Nelson” was made for these purposes. HISTORY of the “S.S. Nelson” During the period 1840-1890 shipping was the cheapest and most practical means of carrying produce and goods to and from coastal towns such as Warrnambool. In the 1850s regular domestic steamer services began and by 1870 the passenger trade was booming. Passengers were taken to the ship’s side in small boats called lighters, which took it to ships at anchorage in Lady Bay, then climbed aboard up ladders or gangways. Their fare covered accommodation Saloon/Cabin section (higher class and more expensive) or the Steerage section (lower class and less expensive, below deck level). Produce included livestock such as pigs and fowls, and dairy products, bales of wool, and potatoes. The goods were loaded from the Warrnambool Jetty into the lighters. The S.S. Nelson was built by Messrs Blackwood and Gordon of Port Glasgow for a cost £25,000 in 1877. She was an iron screw steamer with an overall length of 200 feet, beam 25.5 feet and a depth of hold of 19.4 feet, which gave her a gross measurement of 649 tons. Her engines gave her a best speed of 13 knots and a maintainable speed of 12 knots. She was described as a handsome, star decked, efficient steamship, fitted with accommodating for 75 first class passengers in a saloon, and 40 second class passengers in a cabin. The S.S. Nelson arrived in the colony of Victoria on March 9th, 1877. She was first registered in Warrnambool by the Warrnambool Steam Packet Company under the management of Mr William Evans, and employed in the coastal trade of south west Victoria. She was very popular in 1878, registered under the new ownership of the Western Steamship Navigation Company, trading between Melbourne, Warrnambool and Portland. Captained John Nicholson commanded the S.S. Nelson after the previous captain, Thomas Smith, was suspended in 1882 for six months by the Victorian Steam Navigation Board following the collision between the S.S. Nelson and the S.S. Julia Percy. Other Captains include S Drewet and John Thompson. The S.S. Nelson was sold to Messrs. Huddart, Parker and Co. and re-registered in Melbourne on June 23rd, 1890. The new owners intended to use her for their Bass Strait crossing between Melbourne, Victoria and Launceston, Tasmania. On the night of Friday, June 27th 1890, under the command of Captain Carrington, she was on her way to Launceston on her first crossing for her new owners. She had no passengers and very little cargo and was to return to Melbourne with passengers the following morning. She was only 21 hours out of the dock when she struck Porpoise Rock in the Tamar River. All crew of 25 were saved but the bulkheads gave way and she rapidly filled before keeling over and disappearing in approximately 130 feet of water. The new owners had fully insured the almost 14-year-old S.S. Nelson with the Australian Alliance Insurance Company and she had only been in their possession for four days. This ship model of the S.S. Nelson is significant for its connection with the steam screw ship S.S. Nelson, one of a fleet of vessels owned by the Warrnambool Steam Packet Company. The S.S. Nelson was specifically built and purchased for the Victorian coastal trade business of the late 19th century, when shipping was the cheapest and most practical means of transporting goods and passengers between Victoria’s coastal towns and the major port at Melbourne. Once the railway came to Warrnambool in 1889, the steam shipping industry began to decline.Ship model; relief of the S.S. Nelson, showing deck superstructure, ventilators and single funnel. Ship's name is painted on the bow "NELSON". Wood model, varnished finish over natural wood and black painted areas. Timber case with ornate edging and glass front and sides."NELSON" painted on bowflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, s.s. nelson steam ship 1877, screw steamer, 1877 vessel, ship model s.s. nelson, blackwood and gordon port glasgow, warrnambool steam packet company, western steam navigation company, south west coast trader, sea transport melbourne to portland, victorian steam navigation board, s.s. julia percey, captain john nicholson, captain thomas smith, captain s drewet, captain john thompson, captain carrington, huddart, parker and co, bass strait crossing 1890, sea transport melbourne to launceston, porpoise rock tamar river, australian alliance insurance company, ship model making, vessels, victorian coastal trader

The life saving breeches buoy was attached to a traveller block such as this one. The assembly was sent from shore to ship and back to transport the stranded people and goods safely to shore. Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. Rocket Rescue Method - Rocket rescue became the preferred lifesaving method of the rescue crews, being much safer that using a lifeboat in rough seas and poor conditions. The Government of Victoria adopted lifesaving methods based on Her Majesty’s Coast Guard in Great Britain. It authorised the first line-throwing rescue system in 1858. Captain Manby’s mortar powered a projectile connected to rope, invented in 1808. The equipment was updated to John Dennett’s 8-foot shaft and rocket method that had a longer range of about 250 yards. From the 1860s the breeches buoy and traveller block rocket rescue apparatus was in use. It was suspended on a hawser line and manually pulled to and from the distressed vessel carrying passengers and items. In the early 1870s Colonel Boxer’s rocket rescue method became the standard in Victoria. His two-stage rockets, charged by a gunpowder composition, could fire the line up to 500-600 yards, although 1000 yards range was possible. Boxer’s rocket carried the light line, which was faked, or coiled, in a particular way between pegs in a faking box to prevent twists and tangles when fired. The angle of firing the rocket to the vessel in distress was measured by a quadrant-type instrument on the side of the rocket machine. Decades later, in 1920, Schermuly invented the line-throwing pistol that used a small cartridge to fire the rocket. . The British Board of Trade regularly published instructions for both the beach rescue crew and ship’s crew. It involved setting up the rocket launcher on shore at a particular angle, determined by the Head of the crew and measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a light-weight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A continuous whip line was then sent out to the ship’s crew, who hauled it in then followed the instructions – in four languages - on the attached tally board. The survivors would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line with a tail block connected to it. They then secured the block to the mast or other strong part the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the survivors fixed above the whip’s tail block. The hawser was then tightened by the crew pulling on it, or by using the hooked block on the shore end of the whip and attaching it to a sand anchor. The breeches buoy was attached to the traveller block on the hawser, and the shore crew then used the whip line to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. The rescue crew wore scarlet, numbered armbands and worked on a numerical rotation system, swapping members out to rest them.This traveller block is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost. Wood and brass pulley block or 'traveller', used in conjunction with the Breeches Buoy. The block has double brass inline sheaves and brass rollers on each cheek of the pulley. Each shell is scored for the strop. The thimble on the strop has a wooden slat attached for quick release of the Breeches Buoy. A portion of rope is connected.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, lifeboat men, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, marine technology, rescue boat, lifeboat, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket apparatus, rocket rescue method, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, line throwing mortar, mortar, rocket rescue apparatus, line thrower, line throwing, lifeboat warrnambool, beach apparatus, breeches buoy, petticoat breeches, petticoat buoy, traveller chair, life jacket, traveller, traveller block, running block, block, pulley, hawser, faking, faking box, faked line, faking board, italian hemp, quadrant, protractor, tally board, light line, whip line, endless whip, beach cart, hand barrow, sand anchor, welsh hand barrow, her majesty’s coast guard, harbour board, government of victoria, harbour master, l.s.r.c., lsrc

This small case is lined with a metal insert and shows remnants of a carry strap. It could have been used for storing and carrying fuses or cartridges for the life saving Rocket Launcher machine. The protective metal insert would help keep the contents dry or cool and protect from flame. It is part of the collection of rescue equipment in the Rocket House used by the life saving rescue crew. Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. Rocket Rescue Method - Rocket rescue became the preferred lifesaving method of the rescue crews, being much safer that using a lifeboat in rough seas and poor conditions. The Government of Victoria adopted lifesaving methods based on Her Majesty’s Coast Guard in Great Britain. It authorised the first line-throwing rescue system in 1858. Captain Manby’s mortar powered a projectile connected to rope, invented in 1808. The equipment was updated to John Dennett’s 8-foot shaft and rocket method that had a longer range of about 250 yards. From the 1860s the breeches buoy and traveller block rocket rescue apparatus was in use. It was suspended on a hawser line and manually pulled to and from the distressed vessel carrying passengers and items. In the early 1870s Colonel Boxer’s rocket rescue method became the standard in Victoria. His two-stage rockets, charged by a gunpowder composition, could fire the line up to 500-600 yards, although 1000 yards range was possible. Boxer’s rocket carried the light line, which was faked, or coiled, in a particular way between pegs in a faking box to prevent twists and tangles when fired. The angle of firing the rocket to the vessel in distress was measured by a quadrant-type instrument on the side of the rocket machine. Decades later, in 1920, Schermuly invented the line-throwing pistol that used a small cartridge to fire the rocket. . The British Board of Trade regularly published instructions for both the beach rescue crew and ship’s crew. It involved setting up the rocket launcher on shore at a particular angle, determined by the Head of the crew and measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a light-weight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A continuous whip line was then sent out to the ship’s crew, who hauled it in then followed the instructions – in four languages - on the attached tally board. The survivors would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line with a tail block connected to it. They then secured the block to the mast or other strong part the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the survivors fixed above the whip’s tail block. The hawser was then tightened by the crew pulling on it, or by using the hooked block on the shore end of the whip and attaching it to a sand anchor. The breeches buoy was attached to the traveller block on the hawser, and the shore crew then used the whip line to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. The rescue crew wore scarlet, numbered armbands and worked on a numerical rotation system, swapping members out to rest them. This small leather carrying case is significant for its connection with the rocket rescue equipment, local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Leather case, brown with contrasting stitching, protective metal insert divided into two compartments. Rectangular shape. Roller buckle on front with remnants of the matching strap. Also remnants of a leather strap on the side, possibly a shoulder strap.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, lifeboat men, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, marine technology, rescue boat, lifeboat, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket apparatus, rocket rescue method, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, line throwing mortar, mortar, rocket rescue apparatus, line thrower, line throwing, line-firing pistol, line throwing gun, schermuly pistol, pistol rocket apparatus, line throwing cartridge, l.s.r.c., lsrc, leather case, cartridge case, fuse case, ammunition case