The story of 90 years of wool classing between father & son begins in 1936, when a young boy by the name of Stanley James Hucker walked through the doors of the Gordon Technical School in Geelong. Born in 1921, Stanley was 15 years of age when he began his 3-year course in Wool Classing. 30 years later, Stanley’s second son Denis completed the same 3-year wool classing course. Beginning in 1966, Denis attended the same Gordon Technical School and walked the same halls as his father before him. Stanley finished his course in 1938. He went back to the family farm in Lake Bolac for a brief period before enrolling in the Second World War. At the completion of the war, Stanley returned home and married before gaining a soldier settler allotment, north of Willaura. This enabled Stan to use his wool classing knowledge. He ran between 1,500 and 2,000 sheep for many years, while his wool classer stencil also allowed him to go out and class at various sheds around the area. He held his stencil from 1938 until he retired at the age of 60 in 1981. On retirement, his second son Denis was working in the district, managing a local property while also leasing land himself. Upon his father’s retirement, Denis had the opportunity to lease his father’s farm, an opportunity he could not refuse. Denis had finished his wool classing course at the Gordon Technical School in 1968, graduating dux of his class. He began working with a local contractor and started classing wool in his team. Denis gained a great deal of experience working as part of this team in big sheds of up to 8 stands servicing between 10 & 20,000 sheep. It was not all smooth sailing for Denis however, and he soon learnt an important lesson. Class wool the way you’re taught, don’t listen to the owner standing over your shoulder. At a clip of Corriedales near Casterton, Denis was pushing too many fleeces into the line of fine wool. This resulted in a notice from the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) “mixing counts too much, submit three clips for inspection”. Denis was able to submit 3 clips with no further complaints, however, this proved a valuable lesson he would never forget over his long career classing wool. In the early 1980s, when Denis was leasing two properties including his father’s, things were going well until drought struck. February 1983 was the date of the Ash Wednesday bushfires, and saw Melbourne have three days over 40 °C for only the second time on record. This period saw Denis give away farming, turning towards contracting work instead. After the difficult times of the early 1980s, the next two decades were a good time for the sheep industry. 15 micron wool was selling for prices between 4 to 5,000 cents per kilo, double what you’d expect for the same wool in 2022. In 1995 a single bale of wool sold for a million dollars. This was a good time for Denis too. His contracting work saw him employing local shearers and shed staff. His team was involved with the shearing and classing of more than 130,000 sheep. After 20 years of contracting, it was time for Denis to transition into the next phase of his life. He gave up independent contracting, preferring instead to return to being a member of someone else’s team. In 2018, having completed 50 years of wool classing, it was time to call it a day and retire completely. At the annual Gordon Wool School Old Students Association dinner held in 2018, Denis was presented with his 50 years as a registered wool classer stencil awarded by the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX). This is a rare honour achieved by few. As of February 2020, a total of 430 wool classers had achieved this 50-year milestone. For Denis however, his proudest achievement is achieving 90 years of wool classing with his father. The National Wool Museum is proud to share the collection of objects gained from 90 years in the wool classing industry by Stanley and Denis. This ranges from Stanley’s first stencil and Wool Sample book, started when he first attended the Gordon in 1936. The collection concludes 90 years later with Denis’ 50 years of wool classing Stencil. The collection contains many more objects, all telling the story of these 90 years, and the hard work invested by this dedicated father and son duo. This is the fourth in a series of 5 wool classing exercise books. They were written by Stanley Hucker in his time at the Gordon Technical College from 1936-1938. This book begins in a white cover with blue ink illustrations and writing. It has a centrepiece-coloured emblem of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth with flags of the Union Jack & Australia in background. Internally, the book is handwritten on yellowed pages with blue lines for the assistance in clarity of handwriting. The pages are also surrounded by a margin of red pen. The exercise book’s content is about wool studies relating to the health and productivity of wool sheep. It is handwritten. A selection of pages have been photographed to give an impression of the information taught in classes, 90 years ago. This includes information about: - Wool scouring - Shearing - Lamb marking - Breeding - Fellmongering - Comparison between wool and artificial fibres - Characteristics of good wool - Wool selling methods - Established studs in Victoria - Award rates (1937-38)Front Cover. Wording, printed and handwritten. “CORONATION / EXERCISE BOOK / NAME Stanley Hucker / GRADE SUBJECT Wool / SCHOOL Gordon Front Cover. Illustration’s colour, printed. King George VI & Queen Elizabeth with flags of the Union Jack & Australia in background.gordon institute geelong, wool classing, 1930s sheep farming, 90 years wool classing between father & son

Information bulletin on the Scoresby Transport Corridor on exhibition for public comment. It covers major possible transport projects in the area between Ringwood and Frankston including freeways, extensions to the Burwood tram line and the Glen Waverley Rail line.Information bulletin on the Scoresby Transport Corridorfreeways, scoresby transport corridor environment effects statement, ringwood, south eastern freeway, frankston, burwood highway, dandenong, victoria, libraries, transport, land use, springvale road burwood, burwood, tram services

Typescript article containing information from Nunawading Historical Society newsletters on antimony mining at Blackburn Lake, with a photocopy of an extract from 'Mineral Statistics of Victoria', 1878 and of the typescript.Typescript article containing information from Nunawading Historical Society newsletters on antimony mining at Blackburn Lake,antimony mines, blackburn lake sanctuary, nunawading historical society, t. r. b. morton & son, mcclare, thomas, freehold investment and banking company of australia ltd, mcandrew, j. (dr), zerbe (mrs)

Information bulletin giving history map showing features of extension, members of liaison group established for consultation.Information bulletin giving history map showing features of extension,freeways, springvale road, nunawading, mitcham road, mitcham, park road, mullum mullum creek, deep creek road, loughnan road, ringwood, harrison street, acacia court, maroondah highway, city of whitehorse, city of manningham, city of maroondah, melbourne water, victoria. department of natural resources and environment, environment protection authority, victoria, vicroads, eastern freeway

Information brochure on Yarran Dheran Nature Trail and Historic Discovery Trail to Schwerkolt Cottage. Prepared by Allan McKinnon with assistance from the Gould League of Victoria for the City of Nunawading. No date.yarran dheran, schwerkolt cottage, gould league of victoria, parks and reserves, birds, wildlife

Information - J.Bamford: 'In the late 1930's and 40's there were two parts of the Mitcham State School. The Bubs and grades 1 to 3 were in a building on Mitcham Road that was near the laneway behind the shops,and grades 4 to 8 were further down Mitcham Road. There were several houses on Mitcham Road to the left of this photograph, with parkland behind.. The left rear of the school also joined the park. The right side of the school joined Sampson's orchard, which went down as far as Springfield Road. This road was then called the Stock Route because that was what it was back then.' By the number of children present, it appears that both sections of the school got together for this 1924 photograph.field, jean., mitcham state school, no. 2904, mitcham road, mitcham, victoria street mitcham

Information from the notes of Nancy Leach re Emma Elizabeth Weston who sailed for Melbourne on the 'Charlotte Gladstone' on 9/9/1869. She subsequently ran a bakery in Swanston street and later married Thomas Scott, Tinner and Galvanizer. They lived in Victoria street (now rooks Road) and had several children, one daughter being named Emma. Emma married Mr. Ottenbach who jumped ship from the German navy and they had a daughter, Christina who was a member of the Nunawading Historical society. Emma (Junior) worked at the Australian tesselated tile Co. in Mitcham and learnt art in order to design tiles.Information from the notes of Nancy Leach re Emma Elizabeth Weston who sailed for Melbourne on the 'Charlotte Gladstone' on 9/9/1869. weston, emma elizabeth;, scott, thomas, emma elizabeth, otterbach mr, otterbach, christina emma, australian tesselated tile co pty ltd, leach, nancy, pioneers

There is no information on the name of the depositor. Part of a collection of business documents found under the floor of a building in Main Street when it was being renovated. At that time the owner was Don Chambers, and the premises was occupied as the Chambers Riteway Supermarket. The location (134 Main Street) is currently (2022) occupied by Miegel’s Pharmacy Rutherglen. Bank of Victoria, Rutherglen deposit slip printed on both sides, on grey paper, with date and figures in pencilDate: "Oct 31st 1915" Receiving teller initials: "SB"bank of victoria, banking, bank deposit, 134 main street, chambers riteway supermarket

Information about the dating of this photograph was provided by the 'Ask A Librarian' service of the State Library of Victoria. The Scripture Referendum was held on the same day as the Victorian Parliamentary Elections, in which J. Bowser ran against A.K. Buckley for a seat in the legislative assembly in the electoral district of Wangaratta and Rutherglen. The Scripture Referendum had three questions: "1. Are you in favour of the Education Act remaining as at present, strictly secular? 2. Are you in favour of such legislation as shall cause the scheme of Scripture lessons recommended by the Royal Commission on Religious Instruction to be taught in State schools during school hours to children whose parents desire the teaching (such lessons would be given subject to a conscience clause exempting teachers who object)? 3. Are you in favour of the prayers and hymns selected by the Royal Commission being used?" [source of text - Victorian Year-Book 1904. page 29]Black and white postcard sized photograph mounted on light cardboard. Photograph is of a group of men standing in front of shop "C.G. Nevill, Job Printer". Posters in the window are showing the results of "The Referendum", which has been identified as the Scripture Referendum held in Victoria on 1st June 1904. Poster in window at the right of the photo advertises a performance of Maggie Moore in Struck Oil, to be performed in the Town Hall on Saturday, 18th February 1904.On bottom of mount: "A.E. Nevill, Rutherglen" Written on back of mount: "Mr M. Pascoe, Rutherglen, Vic."nevill, printer, referendum, scripture in schools, secular education, victorian state elections, wangaratta rutherglen electoral district, maggie moore, struck oil

Coat of arms of the Royal Burgh of Rutherglen in Scotland - the home of John Wallace, who gave its name to Rutherglen in Victoria. Rutherglen, Scotland made a Royal Burgh by King Robert the Bruce of Scotland in 1323. In 1975 Rutherglen became part of the City of Glasgow.Postcard showing picture of coat of arms of the Royal Burgh of Rutherglen, Scotland with written explanation. Part of a set of information on Rutherglen, ScotlandOn address side of postcard: "© Glasgow Museums and Art Galleries"rutherglen scotland, royal burgh, glasgow, john wallace

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Photocopy of a black and white photograph of eleven first year nurses on the steps of Lister House. Accompanying letter from Eileen Litherland (nee Periera) providing information about her time at the NDSN - PTS 13 beginning in 1952. "I am the seventh from the left - holding my book like a prayer book. This is the day of our first year exam (School 13). Eileen Litherland."ndsn, lister house, pts13

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Group of NDSN staff/tutors outside Lister House. Additional information on 4/3/2019 (by Jay Bourke): Peg Donahue(tutor) 2nd from R Win Stock (tutor) 4th from R. NDSN Lecture Theatre opening NDSN lunch - all staff.ndsn, nursing, uniforms

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Black and white photo of a group of nurses from school 43. Taken at Lister House. 14 in uniform - one person not in uniform On a separate sheet the following information in biro- At Lister House Group of 43 L -R Front 1. Betty Evans 2. Kaye Lewis 3. Marjorie Billings Middle Row 4. Judy Taylor 5. Glenys Morrison 6. 7. 8. 9. Joy Wilson Back Row 10. Louise Murphy 11. Gwen Hinneberg 12.Jan Goss 13. 14. and 15. unable to recognize due to shadows group of nurses from school 43. taken at lister house in 1959

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Black and white photo of a group of nurses from school 43. Taken on steps at entry to Lister House in 1959 7 in uniform. In biro on reverse - At steps outside Lister House On a separate sheet the following information in biro- Outside on steps at Lister House. Bendigo Base Trainees Group L-R Back Row 1. Louise Murphy - did not complete training 2. Betty Evans 3. Joy Williams - deceased Middle Row 1. Anne Dawe 2. Gwen Hinneberg 3. Jan Goss - deceased Front 1. Kaye Lewis group of nurses from school 43. taken at lister house in 1959

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Black and white photo of a group of nurses from school 43. Outside Lister House in 1959 4 in uniform. In biro on reverse - Outside Lister House On a separate sheet the following information in biro- Outside on steps at Lister House. L-R 1. Kaye Lewis 2. Betty Evans 3. Jan Goss 4. Louise Murphy group of nurses from school 43. taken at lister house in 1959

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Black and white photo of two nurses, from school 43, in civilian clothes relaxing outside the Hostel in Wattle Street. The Sacred Heart Cathedral is in the background. In biro on reverse - Weekend photo at Wattle Street Hostel. On a separate sheet the following information in biro- At Wattle St. Hostel. Sacred Heart Cathedral in background. Weekend relaxing. L-R 1. Jan Goss 2. Louise Murphy

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Black and white photo on nurse standing in front of curtainInformation on back of photonursing history, nursing information, nursing uniforms