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Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Swintons certificate of Employment as an Improver, Mid 20th C
... years, it is amongst the oldest family businesses in Australia ...This certificate would have been used in the Warrnambool business of Swintons Pty Ltd. in the 20th century. It is a certificate that, when filled in, would have been given to anyone who had worked for some time as an unapprenticed tradesman’s assistant. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool district, erecting many buildings, including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a store in Timor Street, Warrnambool, selling groceries, china, glassware and hardware. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Wangoom, Cudgee, Nullawarre, South Warrnambool and West Warrnambool. After William Swinton’s death his son Robert became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split, with George Swinton and Sons selling clothing, furnishings and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling hardware, seeds and produce. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding store in Timor Street. This certificate is of minor interest as an example of a form used by businesses such as Swintons Pty Ltd to give to employees leaving the business. The current Swinton business in Timor Street, Warrnambool is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the name Swinton associated with Timor Street businesses for 152 years, it is amongst the oldest family businesses in Australia.This is a sheet of buff-coloured paper with printed black lines and printed headings. The sheet is unused and slightly bent. ‘Certificate of Employment as an Improver’ swinton, history of warrnambool, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Documents, Swintons Paper att 18/53 Merri St. Contract. Map. Notes, 1959
... the oldest family businesses in Australia. swinton family ...These documents relate to the sale of land in Merri Street Warrnambool in 1959 by Swintons Pty Ltd of Warrnambool. The buyer of the land was George O’Grady, a Warrnambool baker. The land sold for £4000 and there was a shed on the land (called the ‘Office’) which George O’Grady indicated he wished to be included in the sale. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool area, erecting many buildings, including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a store in Timor Street Warrnambool, selling groceries, hardware, china and glassware. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Wangoom, Cudgee, Nullawarre, South Warrnambool and West Warrnambool. After William Swinton died his son Robert became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split with George Swinton and Sons selling clothing, furnishings and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling seeds, produce and hardware. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding shop in Timor St Warrnambool.These items are of some interest as being connected to the Warrnambool business of Swintons Pty Ltd. They will be of interest to researchers. The current Swinton business in Timor Street is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the name Swinton associated with businesses in Timor Street Warrnambool for 152 years it is amongst the oldest family businesses in Australia.The items here relate to the sale of land by Swintons Pty Ltd., Warrnambool. .1 These are three pages of white paper with typed material, a lawyer’s signature in blue ink, one green stamp and a sketch of the land location. .2 This is a sheet of thick paper containing a plan of the land sold. The paper has printed material and a sketch of the land with part of it coloured in pink. .3 This is a small piece of paper torn at the bottom right edge. It has handwritten material (a letter) in blue ink..2 ‘Plan of Survey of Part of Crown Allotment 18 Section 3 Township of .2 ‘Plan of Survey of Part of Crown Allotment 18 Section 3 Township of Warrnambool Parish of Wangoom County of Villiers’ .3 ‘Tuesday Dear Mr Swinton I am writing to say that I would like to have the ‘Office’ Thanking You George O’Grady’swinton family,, warrnambool -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Souvenir Postcard Folder – Falls Creek Ski Village
Falls Creek Ski Resort developed during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme built by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. The first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the scheme. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Falls Creek Post Office opened in 1958. Tourism was growing and being encouraged by local businesses.The souvenir postcard was produced by Mr S. K. Pearce a Mt Beauty businessman. It was a memento for skiers and visitors to the Falls Creek and Mt Beauty area to send to family and friends as a reminder of their visit to the region or to keep as a personal souvenir. It presented an excellent promotional opportunity for enterprising local businessmen to promote the area to skiers and tourists near and far. It also presents an excellent pictorial history of the Falls Creek area around the late 1950's and 1960's.Colour postcard folder (unused) containing 12 labelled colored photos of the Falls Creek ski area and surrounds with a blank 'page' entitled 'Correspondence' and another for the address.falls creek, skiing, snow sports, s. k. pearce, tourism, secv -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Typewriter Case Olivetti, Circa 1950
This typewriter case allowed the Olivetti typewriter to be securely and free from contaminants to be totally mobile. The Olivetti typewriter company was founded in Italy in 1908 and became a leader in portable dependable typewriters.This particular typewriter contained is a Olivetti Lettera 22, oblique front stroke and portable manufactured after 1950. During the 1950s and 1960s was a time when British and European manufactured goods were still purchased by many Australian consumers. After the 1970s however, there was a shift, mainly in the cities, to Japanese made goods. The invasion of Japanese manufactured goods was relatively slower, especially in rural areas. The demand for long lasting and dependable merchandise was in the rural area still the most important criteria. The ease of setting up this typewriter and its compact mobility was its major benefit to trades people and travelling professionals, e.g. rural doctors, other medical professionals, accountants, lawyers and educators. This item(carrying case) facilitated the growing numbers of professional nomads requiring a relatively light office stationery package e.g. travelling novelist, writer, businessman and academics. This typewriter needed no electrical or battery power to operate it therefore the inside compartment did not require additional storage pockets . Outback Australia, where at this point in time, good available electrical power reticulation and battery power, was a scarce and therefore could not be totally measured as a highly efficient office environment. The protective carrying bag provided the only mobile way to operate in some business and home locations.Although this typewriter cover and its typewriter was purchased from a business in Penrith, Sydney, N.S.W., it is significant that it travelled easily to the Kiewa Valley, demonstrating the mobility of certain sections of the community. This typewriter cover protected the expensive typewriter it contained which was designed by an Italian industrial designer, Marcello Nizzoli, in line with the art deco style of the 1930s and the colour and flexibility of the vibrant 1950s. The underlying theme of manufacturing in the 1950s was to produce equipment that was more efficient than what was inherited from the earlier period of 20th century. Improvements were made to this Olivetti typewriter by Giuseppe Beccio by reducing the number of parts made from 3,000 to 2,000. Protection of such a typewriter was of an utmost necessity. The need for mobile expensive typewriters waned as less expensive typewriters became available. This was the major principle of the Japanese manufacturing juggernauts of the post World War II. Efficiency and low cost material was becoming prime factors in the success of rural industries from the 1960s. Competition from overseas producers was starting to affect rural industries and the removal of the large range of tariff protection, especially rural products, required not only a shift of farm management but a more efficient cost savings modus operandi.This is a semi hard cover (cloth over cardboard on inside, plastic over cardboard on outside), camel coloured outside and tartan cloth covered pattern inside the typewriter case. the case can be opened up by "unzipping" the top from the bottom halves of the case. For carrying purposes the case has two plastic covering metal handles with brass fittings. There are two stitched on brown reinforcement straps encompassing both sides of the case. The two reinforcing straps are brown in colour and a securing strap with a press button at one end to allow an extra securing tongue to keep the cover secure. The top inside of the case has a three quarters long paper compartment (flap style). See KVHS 0455 for Olivetti Lettera typewriter.commercial, protective carry bags/cases for mobile office equipment, mechanical typewriter -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Case Leather for Reading Spectacles
This small, slim case was manufactured to contain reading spectacles in a secure but yet "manageable pocket or purse" environment. It was manufactured to contain reading glasses that would not exceed 12mm in thickness. The product was targeting the "professional" reader ie. accountant, lawyer, business and property managers. Because it was made for a "eyesight" specialist to contain "prescription" reading spectacles the quality had to be of a higher level than cheaper "off the shelf" ones. This case was made and used in the late 1800's and early 1900's.This case, for spectacles, holds a significant position in that it points to a time in history when rural Australian families required to travel long distances to obtain professional "eyesight" treatment which, on the whole, were only available in the capital cities (in this case Melbourne). In the pre 1960's, the greater the distance from capital cities for Australian rural folk to seek professional medical, dental, nose ,eye and throat specialists the greater the time involved resulting in the greater expense. This "isolation" brought about increased costs not experienced by city residences. The quality and durability of this case was a pre-requisite for the Kiewa Valley based resident.This slim spring lid spectacle case has a body of light steel over layered by a fine skin dyed(dark brown) leather coating. The inside, of the case, has a 1mm lip opposite the hinged end (to secure the reading spectacles within the case). The inside is fully covered by a "royal" purple felt (to provide the spectacles with a scratch free enclosure).At the outside base in gold lettering "H.B. BISSELL" underneath "EYESIGHT" underneath "SPECIALIST" underneath "BARKLY st", underneath "FOOTSCRAY"personal effects, spectacles, eye fashion, reading glasses -
Christ Church Anglican Parish of Warrnambool
Memorial window: William RUTLEDGE, "BY THY CROSS AND PASSION GOOD LORD DELIVER US""
William Rutledge [born 1806, Ireland] was a self-made, larger-than-life man who involved himself prominently in business, municipal, political, community and social aspects of life. Eldest son of James and Martha [nee Forster], William arrived in Australia from Ireland in 1829 and within six years had sufficiently established himself to purchase land in New South Wales. He married Eliza Kirk in Sydney in august 1840. They had two sons and five daughters. In 1843 he began his association and life in Port Fairy and soon became prominent and influential in almost all aspects of that developing town. His interests encompassed mercantile, civic, pastoral, shipping, importing, exporting, immigration, politics and social aspects with in the district and colony. He was a major contributor to the building of St John’s Anglican Church, Port Fairy. He acquired three special surveys with historical importance in Victoria. In south west Victoria that interest being especially the Farnham Survey of 5120 acres between Dennington and Tower Hill/Killarney. This was farmed by immigrant tenant and lessee farmers, some of whom were brought to the Australia at William Rutledge’s own expense and by whom he was considered a kind and considerate landlord. His endeavours were not without failures and in 1862 his Port Fairy Company failed with debts of over £170,000. This debt was redeemed in full within a year. According to reported accounts, William Rutledge had a tempestuous manner with an “explosive” temper, although he did not hold grudges. This is countered by accounts of his kindness, generosity, honesty and practical, progressive outlook in all his undertakings. After the failure and closure of his Company, William Rutledge moved to his property at Farnham Park near Warrnambool where he concentrated his interest in breeding sheep and horses. Throughout his life his home was reputed to be convivial and hospitable. William Rutledge died at Farnham Park on June 1st, 1876. William Rutledge's place in the history of settlement in south west Victoria gives importance to this memorial.Stained glass window, south wall, main nave, depicting Jesus bearing the Cross. The background is quite floral. A medallion shape holds the title as printed on a ribbon: "By thy cross and passion good Lord deliver us".In Latin: In Memoriam Gulielmi Rutledge qui A.D. MDCCCVI underimo ante Kal: Feb: natus vitam posuit/ Kal: Jun: MDCCCLXXVI Filae amantissimae hanc fenestram pietatis indirio posueruntrutledge, william rutledge, farnham survey, port fairy, christ church warrnambool -
Christ Church Anglican Parish of Warrnambool
Memorial Windows: William & Sarah BATEMAN, 1869
William Bateman Snr was born to parents Daniel Bateman and Patience Wilkinson in Bradford, Yorkshire, England in approx. 1794. He married Sarah Smith on 20th November 1815 in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. They had four children – Patience (Born abt 1817), Daniel (born abt 1819) William (born abt 1831) & James (born abt 1837)all born in England. William Snr and Sarah Bateman and two sons – William and James - arrived in Australia in approx 1853. They brought with them considerable capital/stock and bought into a business in Warrnambool in William Jnr’s name. Bateman & Co rapidly became the largst mercantile business in the area and did rather extensive business with the Banks of Victoria and Australiasia. It is thought that William Snr assisted in the business to some extent, expecially financially. His other son Daniel (who remained in England) is also thought to have had a financial interest in the business as a dormant partner. The business was so prominent, Bateman & Co issued round copper tokens as a Trade Token - value one penny. These were inscribed with the Business name and were limited in their use to the business. In Sept 1856 the business was transferred to a Mr. Thos W. Sellars (nephew of William Bateman Jnr) and shortly afterwards the store closed with an order for the sequestration of the insolvents estate, but was not made absolute until December 1856 when the Insolvency court ruled for the “compulsory sequestration” of the business due to fraudulent activities within the business. But in the meantime in early November fire completely destroyed the business which left only the insurance payouts. Both William Bateman Snr and William Bateman Jnr are listed on the Pioneers’ Honour Board in the foyer of the Warrnambool Library. It is reported William Bateman Jnr was a trustee of Christ Church, was a City Councillor, and was involved in many other community organisations. He also subscribed towards the cost of building a permanent Church which was opened in 1856. William Bateman Snr died in Warrnambool on 30/03/1868 and his wife Sarah died in August 1868. William Bateman Jnr presented to Christ Church, stained glass windows in memory of his parents William & Sarah Bateman. William Bateman Jnr died in June 1913. Four stained glass windows, three lancet and one circular. The theme of the lancet windows depicts the three occasions when the apostles Peter, James and John were Jesus' sole attendants: The raising of Jairus' daughter. On the Mount of Transfiguration. In the Garden of Gethsemane. The circular window in the gable of the wall represents "The Enthroned Christ". -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medallion, Trophy Environmental achievement, 2000
This is a medallion awarded in 2000 by Powercor Warrnambool to Elmac Hydroponics. Powercor Australia, founded in 1994, is an electrical distribution company operating in the Western District of Victoria and the western suburbs of Melbourne. Powercor Warrnambool, like other Powercor organizations, is involved in giving Business Excellence Awards annually to businesses in its area of supply. In 2014 there were 15 awards for Business Excellence. Elmac Hydroponics was a business growing and supplying organically-produced tomatoes from 1997 to 2004. It was situated at Mount Pleasant, Princes Highway, Allansford, Victoria. The business was operated by Graeme and Barbara McLeod and Keith and Leonie Ellerton. Hydroponics is a system of growing plants without soil, using a nutrient solution. Elmac Hydroponics had a 2,000 square metre greenhouse with 10,000 growing points. This is a significant medallion, showing the award given to a small business in the Warrnambool area and indicating its achievements in the environmental area. Elmac was an industry leader in in implementing an ‘Autopot’ hydroponic system which is aimed at reducing nutrient and waste water to zero. Elmac was also a finalist in the Ericsson 2002 Innovation Awards.This is a gilt metal medallion, oval-shaped, with an ornamental edging and a shield-shaped design on one side and a circular design on the other. The top has two metal rings for attachment to a chain or wall hook. On one side: ‘Environmental Achievement, Elmac Hydroponics’ On obverse side: ‘Powercor Warrnambool Region Business Achievement Awards, 2000’ elmac hydroponics, powercor business awards, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Coat Hanger, Cramond & Dickson Coat Hangers
John Glass Cramond 1829 and James Dickson 1831-1910 were founders of a large drapery store. Both were Scots and both came separately to Australia in 1852. Cramond initially came for gold but soon opened a store in St Kilda with a post Office attached and he was the first post master there. Dickson was a farmer’s son but became a draper and while he was unsuccessful on the Bendigo diggings and then returned to Melbourne where he met Cramond and soon after they opened a store on Lonsdale Street. They opened their business in Warrnambool in 1855 as a general store with groceries, drapery and ironmongery. Both partners were involved with the community and James Dickson was an original director of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill 1909 and the Warrnambool Cheese and butter factory. He also served on the committee of management of Warrnambool Base Hospital. These coathangers were an everyday item from their store. A common item which provides a link to one of Warrnambool’s largest and longest running businesses.Wooden hangers with rounded corners and metal hooks, one plastic coated. Printed names engraved and painted in black with business name.Cramond & Dickson Tailors & Outfitters Warrnambool. 2 made on America and 3 made in Germany. 1 unmarkedcramond and dickson store, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Coat Hanger, Cramond & Dickson Folding
John Glass Cramond 1829 and James Dickson 1831-1910 were founders of a large drapery store. Both were Scots and both came separately to Australia in 1852. Cramond initially came for gold but soon opened a store in St Kilda with a post Office attached and he was the first post master there. Dickson was a farmer’s son but became a draper and while he was unsuccessful on the Bendigo diggings and then returned to Melbourne where he met Cramond and soon after they opened a store on Lonsdale Street. They opened their business in Warrnambool in 1855 as a general store with groceries, drapery and ironmongery. Both partners were involved with the community and James Dickson was an original director of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill 1909 and the Warrnambool Cheese and butter factory. He also served on the committee of management of Warrnambool Base Hospital. This coathanger would have been used in their store. An everyday item linked to one of Warrnambool’s earliest and longest running businesses.Folding coathanger with metal frame covered in brown paper with black cotton tape. Cramond & Dickson Warrnambool stamped on the cotton tape.cramond and dickson, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Label, Name labels Cramond & Dickson
John Glass Cramond 1829 and James Dickson 1831-1910 were founders of a large drapery store. Both were Scots and both came separately to Australia in 1852. Cramond initially came for gold but soon opened a store in St Kilda with a post Office attached and he was the first post master there. Dickson was a farmer’s son but became a draper and while he was unsuccessful on the Bendigo diggings and then returned to Melbourne where he met Cramond and soon after they opened a store on Lonsdale Street. They opened their business in Warrnambool in 1855 as a general store with groceries, drapery and ironmongery. Both partners were involved with the community and James Dickson was an original director of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill 1909 and the Warrnambool Cheese and butter factory. He also served on the committee of management of Warrnambool Base Hospital. These labels would have been used to sew to garments sold by Cramond & Dickson. A common item for many decades with which many people would identify.Eleven cloth name tag labels. White cotton fabric. Some are embroidered in navy blue and others in red.Those embroidered in red state Cramond & Dickson Warrnambool and the ones embroidered in navy blue state Cramond & Dickson Warrnambool & London.cramond & dickson, john glass cramond, warrnambool, james dickson -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Token x 3, Tokens: Armstrong shoes, Circa 1968 -1987
These tokens are customer reward tokens which can be redeemed for a discount when making a later purchase. The practice of using tokens was prevalent in the early settlement of Australia when shop owners issued tokens as a form of currency. These are three of a number of tokens issued by Armstrong shoes which was established by Max Armstrong who once lived in Warrnambool and helped to run the family shoe business here. He was an excellent rower and on his arrival in Warrnambool worked towards reviving the Warrnambool Rowing Club.Interesting items with social and historical significance.001047.1 Round white metal token with penny farthing enclosed in circle on one side and lady’s button up boot. Surrounded by text. Edge plain. 001047.2 Round yellow metal with diagram of astronaut on front surrounded by text. Back has text in centre surrounded by larger text. 001047.3Round yellow metal. Emu and kangaroo with text above and date below. The back image of man surrounded by text. 001047.1 Armstrong shoe mart old fashion value on front with maker’s name Stokes below penny-farthing. On reverse Armstrong boot and shoe warehouse estab. Four generations Stokes Melb. 001047.2Armstrong’s shoes first on the moon. Armstrong shoe mart Frankston. On the reverse text in centre reads “This $1 token gains $1 each year from 1987 till year 2000 AD when worth $14 off next pair of shoes at Armstrong shoe mart 70 Wells St Frankston. Around rim,” Armstrong inflation proof dollar. Edition limited to 5000. 001047.3 On front Advance Australia 1987. On back Armstrong shoe mart shoex 70 Wells St Frankston Look at you shoes others do. Ian M L Armstrong 1984 armstrong shoe token, dollar token, warrnambool, frankston shoe mart, -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Bridge and how to play it, 1901
This book belonged to the Warrnambool solicitor, Con O’Mahony (1863-1920). In 1883, he won the University of Melbourne Bowen Prize for his essay on the Federation of the Australian colonies. His prize, ten volumes of the ‘Lives of the Chancellors’, is today in the possession of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society. O’Mahony had a legal practice in Warrnambool in the Royal Chambers in Kepler Street at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. He was initially in a partnership with Messrs E.W. Klingender and Murray, then ,when this partnership was dissolved, he continued the business under the name of O’Mahony and later O’Mahony and Murray. He was actively involved in the management of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute and was a member of the Warrnambool Hospital committee. The item here described shows O’Mahony’s interest in bridge-playing, a popular pastime at that time. This book is of some significance as it belonged to Con O’Mahony, a well-known lawyer in Warrnambool in the early 1900s. It also shows the interest in bridge-playing as a pastime during that period. This is a small hard cover book of 112 pages. It was published in 1901(eighth edition) and contains seven chapters on how to play bridge, a scoring table and an index. The last three pages are advertisements for other books on bridge. The cover is yellow with the title of the book, the author’s name and the publisher on the front cover contained within a scroll pattern with four coloured images of the four kings from a pack of cards. The back cover has a list of the British Chess Handbooks published by George Routledge & Sons Ltd. The pages have been annotated (presumably by Con O’Mahony, the Warrnambool solicitor) and some sentences and headings have been underlined.Four stamps – one of ‘May 24 1902’ and three of ‘C.O’Mahony, Solicitor, Warrnambool’.bridge-playing, con o’mahony, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Container - Kraft cheese box used for storing bulbs, Mid 20th century
This is a box for packaging Kraft Cheese in Victoria. A Melbourne man, Fred Walker, negotiated with the American company the Kraft processing of cheese and established the Kraft Walker Cheese Company in 1934 and leased the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory premises in Allansford in 1935. Until 1993 this factory produced Cheddar Cheese, Swiss Cheese, Cracker Barrel and Tasty Cheddar Cheese and other varieties and won many Australian awards. A microbiological laboratory was established and from 1939 Ls O’Callaghan, a noted Warrnambool historian, worked in this laboratory, establishing the basis of the dairy industry guidelines for effective and scientific processing of milk. He worked there for 45 years. The Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory is still today a major industry in the Warrnambool area. This box is of key importance as an item that held Kraft Walker Cheese Company cheese. This company and its factory in Allansford was a key business in the dairying industry in the Warrnambool area for nearly 60 years. The box may have been used locally in the Allansford factory. This is a wooden oblong box with no lid. It has been nailed together with 12 nail heads visible and three nails protruding from the top edges. It has been used to package five pounds of Kraft Cheese. There is handwritten material in pencil on three sides (some crossed out) and the Kraft Cheese information with the ‘K’ logo is stamped on the bottom. ‘The World Renowned Kraft Cheese (K), Patented July 26 1916, 5 lbs net, Kraft Walker Cheese Co. Pty. Ltd., Melbourne, Australia’kraft walker cheese company (allansford), fred walker, warrnambool cheese and butter factory, warrnambool, history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document - Palais de Dance Warrnambool, 1954
Warrnambool’s first Palais was established in the Hotel Mansions on the corner of Koroit and Kepler Streets and destroyed by fire in 1929. The second Palais was established at the Liberty Theatre in Lava Street. The third Palais was established in the Oddfellows Hall building in Koroit Street in 1939. Dances were held weekly and sometimes more often and attracted musical talent from the Warrnambool district and even from Melbourne with band leaders such as Tommy Davidson and Vin Mills. In 1974 the Warrnambool City Council bought the building and it was used only intermittently for entertainment purposes. Today the building is in private hands and is used for commercial and business purposes. This advertisement is of considerable significance as it comes from the Palais de Danse dance theatre which was important as a social institution in Warrnambool for over 30 years. The advertisement also reminds us of the era (1940s, 50s, 60s) when beauty pageants and Belle of the Ball competitions were popular all over Australia. This is a document in a brown plastic frame with a gold-coloured metal inside edging. The frame has a glass front. The document is a 1954 advertisement for the Palais de Danse dance floor in the Oddfellows Hall in Koroit Street, Warrnambool. The advertisement has black and red printing on a buff-coloured background. The advertisement has an ornamental edge around the printing and a red-coloured photograph of the dance floor. ‘Palais de Danse, Warrnambool, proclaims The Belle of the Western District, The Largest Provincial Competition, Biggest Prizes Ever Offered, The Most Beautiful Girls in the Western District’ etc etcpalais de danse, warrnambool, beauty pageants, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Artefact, Wood-Necktie shaper, Mid 20th century
David Fletcher Jones was born in Bendigo in 1895. He served in World War 1 and returned in 1917 and with a war repatriation loan bought a hawkers wagon and commenced working a circuit around the Western District. In 1924 he bought a business in Warrnambool and after an initial shaky start he started to build his business. He was well regarded and involved in the town and the 1960-70’s saw the Fletcher Jones brand and factory expand to become one of the largest employers in the town. Ownership was based on a co-operative model with employees owning shares in the company. As well as manufacturing he had a number of retail stores across Australia. This item is likely to be a prop from one such store. A minor item which is linked to an important part of Warrnambool’s past.Piece of wood shaped like a necktie with advertising slogan and small diagram in black text.Fletcher Jones says “Gentlemen prefer Blends” You will never wear a colour that hurts your eyes_ When you accept the help of “The Man’s Shop”sir fletcher jones, david fletcher jones, fletcher jones warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Box, Bouquet of Roses Toilet Soap, Mid 20th century
The business of Kitchen and Sons began in 1856 when John Kitchen began to make tallow candles in their backyard in Emerald Hill but had to move two years later due to it being an offensive trade. Bad luck plagued them again after two years when fire destroyed their premises. However after rebuilding , the expanded and moved to Footscray ten years later. Over the next 30years the business expanded further employing upwards of 300 people and became one of the leading manufacturers of soaps, candles and associated products in Australia and New Zealand. They were makers of long standing brands such as Velvet soap and Solvol and by the mid 1920's were employing about 1400 people. It was around this time that they merged with the Lever Co of Sydney and after absorption of other soap companies over the next 40 years , the company became known as Lever & Kitchen in 1962. This box contained gift soaps and probably belongs to the period prior to 1924. Miss C M Trigg of Wangoom was the owner. A common item with links to a district family.White card box with overlapping lid which is covered in white paper with green and red text. A red banner across right bottom corner. Light grey floral pattern as background.Miss C M Trigg Wangoom written in black ink on left corner. Made by J Kitchen & Sons Pty Ltd.warrnambool, warrnambool history, wangoom, c m trigg wangoom -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Battarbee & Namatjira, 2014
This book gives details on the lives of the artists Rex Battarbee and Albert Namatjira. It is written by Martin Edmonds. The book explores the relationship between the two artists and the effect on each other of artistic philosophies and techniques, described as each being ‘a catalyst and a primer for the other, each shimmering alongside the other’. This book is of considerable interest as Rex Battarbee was born and reared in Warrnambool and his older sister Florinda was his first art teacher and an important influence in his artistic development. She was also a talented artist and a well-known art teacher in Warrnambool and many of her works survive. The Warrnambool Art Gallery holds works by both Rex and Florinda Battarbee, with the works of the latter belonging to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society. The Battarbee family members were prominent in Warrnambool business and artistic circles at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Rex’s father was a shopkeeper and had a bacon and ham curing business and the family lived in East Warrnambool at ‘Skiddaw’. This is a soft cover book of 342 pages. It tells the stories of the artists Rex Battarbee and Albert Namatjira. It contains a Contents page, an Introduction, ten chapters, a Note on Sources and Acknowledgements. The front cover has a black and white photograph of Battarbee and Namatjira. The text includes several black and white photographs. rex battarbee, albert namatjira, florinda battarbee, history of australian art, history of warrnambool, warrnambool art gallery -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklets Fletcher Jones, 001143.1 Project Book 001143.2 Booklet:Plusites 001143.3 Flyer, Mid 20th century
Fletcher Jones Clothing Factory was a key industry in Warrnambool from 1948 to its closure in 2005. The business was founded by David Fletcher Jones (1897-1977), a clothing manufacturer and retailer who worked as a hawker in the Western District following service with the A.I.F. in World War One. In 1924 Fletcher Jones opened three shops in Liebig Street selling men’s wear, hosiery and linen and operating a small tailoring business. He moved his shop to another location in Liebig Street and began to concentrate on men’s trousers production. In 1946 he opened a shop in Collins Street in Melbourne and eventually had stores and factories all over Australia. In Warrnambool he opened his factory at Pleasant Hill in Flaxman Street in 1948 and became a major Warrnambool employer, with over 1000 employees at one time. He transformed his business into a co-operative, with the name, ‘Fletcher Jones and Staff’ registered in 1947. The business diversified into other ranges of clothing for men and women but failed to compete with cheaper overseas clothing imports and the factory and shops were closed in the early 21st century. 001143.1 Project Book. This project book tells the story of the establishment and development of the Fletcher Jones company across the various stores which were established in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Geelong and Hobart. It explores the philosophy behind the business and milestones achieved and the factory gardens. The book itself provides an example of schoolwork completed in the mid 20th century. 001143.2 Booklet: Plusites: This is a staff booklet which has items of interest relating to staff such as births deaths and marriages. It tells of renovations and happenings in regard to the various shops around the country as well as trading figures. It tells of the royal visit of 1954 and other social events and items of interest around the various shops. 001143.3 Flyer :The text on this flyer also tells the story of the development of the Fletcher Jones brand to the point where there in the year2000 retail expansion was still happening but the Warrnambool workforce had shrunk from over 1000 at the peak to approximately 200. The company had commenced importing a range of clothing by this time These three items present different views of a company which was an important part of industry in Warrnambool for over 60 years in the latter part of the 20th century. The founder was one of Warrnambool’s most well respected people and many district people had connections to the firm. 001143.1 Project Book. Brown mottled card cover with cream insert for personal details. Back cover plain cream. It contains a student’s project work on the Fletcher Jones company. Some is handwritten and also contains a number of black and white photographs throughout the book. A coloured map of Australia is in the middle pages. 001143.2 Booklet: Plusites. White light card cover with dark blue text and diagram. Bottom left of page has a map of the coastline of Victoria. 20 pages. 001143.3 Flyer. Advertising Flyer re factory direct sales at Warrnambool. Black text with maroon border and Fletcher jones logo at the bottom and 4 photographs at the top. 001143.1 Project Book. T Cronin 4B WHS 001143.2 Booklet: Plusites. Vol 1 No 1 June 1954. 001143.3 Flyer fletcher jones, warrnambool history, fletcher jones and staff pty ltd -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book - Book of photographs, John Stoddard, Portfolio of Photographs of Famous Scenes, Cities and Paintings, c.1900
A book with a collection of world wide photographs owned by a member of the Swinton familyThis is a book containing printed text and black and white photographs. There are several loose pages at the back. The book has lost its cover and has been inserted into a folder not relevant to the contents.non-fictionA book with a collection of world wide photographs owned by a member of the Swinton family world travel, swinton family of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet - Printer's Advertising Booklets, Thomas Smith, Printer, Koroit St. Warrnambool, Thos. Smith Gas Printing Works Koroit St. Warrnambool, c. 1900
A booklet advertising the work of Warrnambool printer Thomas SmithThese are two copies of a advertising booklet.The cover is multi-coloured and includes an ornamental border, a crest, scroll work, images of flowers and fronds and printed headings. One copy is missing its cover and the cover of the other copy is detached The booklets contain black and white photographs and drawings, reproductions of the printer's work and a sketch map of the Warrnambool C.B.D. The booklets are bound with cotton thread.non-fictionA booklet advertising the work of Warrnambool printer Thomas Smith 19th century warrnambool businesses, thomas smith printer, lithographer warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, J. W. Hutchinson, Bradford, England, The Art of Loom Tuning, 1946
Technical Information on loom tuningThis is a book of 603 pages. It has a maroon-coloured cover with gold printing on the front and the spine. The pages contain printed text, black and white illustrations and advertisements.non-fictionTechnical Information on loom tuningloom tuning, warrnambool woollen mill -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Vernon Bartlett and W Gordon Williams, The War of 1939 ( 7 volumes), 1940
These seven volumes contain of the history of the Second World War from the English point of view. The inscription shows that the books belonged to James Low. Scottish born James Low came to Australia and worked in the Swintons' shoe store in Warrnambool. He served in World War One and in the 1930s he opened his own shoe business. He died in 1976. These books are of antiquarian interest and have local provenance.These books have blue hard covers with an embossed image of Caxton on the front. There is gold printing on the spines. The pages contain printed text, black and white photographs and maps.J.S.Lowworld war two., james low of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Walter Scott, Australia, Cost Accounting, 1944
This accounting text book is from the collection of items relating to Warrnambool Woollen Mill.This is a book of 787 pages. It contains printed text, diagrams, charts and sample accounting sheets. The cover is brown with gold printing on the spine. There are two loose sheets of typed material.non-fictionThis accounting text book is from the collection of items relating to Warrnambool Woollen Mill.warrnambool woollen mill, antiquarian text books, cost accounting -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book - educational encyclopaedia, Charles Beale & M. Gately, Gately's Universal Educator, 1886
An encyclopaedia and business guide (late 19th century)This book has a brown leather cover which is heavily embossed with brown and gold patterns and gold lettering, The spine is torn at the top and the cover is worn at the edges.The pages are gilt-edged and contain printed text and black and white sketches, illustrations, maps and diagrams. non-fictionAn encyclopaedia and business guide (late 19th century)19th century australia, 19th century encyclopaedia, 19th century business guide -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Wrapping Paper (2 sheets), Fletcher Jones and Staff, Warrnambool, c. 1970
These sheets of wrapping paper come from the clothing company of Fletcher Jones (Warrnambool). One sheet has been produced for the After Sales Department. David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) served in World War One and in the 1920s set up as a travelling hawker selling drapery in Western Victoria. In 1924 he leased three shops in Liebig Street, Warrnambool and in 1928 he moved to the Koroit/Liebig Streets intersection with his Man's Shop. He manufactured men's clothing on site. In 1931 he moved into a new set of two-storeyed buildings on the site. In 1946 he opened a men's store in Melbourne and in 1948 he opened a factory in Warrnambool with a new company called Fletcher Jones and Staff (1951). This company extended to other parts of Australia and became well-known throughout Australia for the production of men's trousers and later men's and women's clothing. By 2011 the Warrnambool factory was sold and the company dissolved.These wrapping papers are of interest as a memento of the Fletcher Jones Clothing Company, a major industry in Warrnambool and Australia for many years.These are two sheets of wrapping paper from the Fletcher Jones clothing company. .1 A sheet of grey paper over-printed with a blue logo (shield and needle and thread) and blue printing .2 A sheet of buff-coloured paper (tissue quality) over-printed with a blue logo (shield and needle and thread) and red printing.1 Fletcher Jones Says Compare .2 Fletcher Jones, After Sales Service, F.J. Plus 8, Dry Cleaning, Lock Pressing, Form Setting, Adjustments and Repairsfletcher jones warrnambool, warrnambool businesses -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - Woman's kilt, Fletcher Jones and Staff, Warrnambool, 1980s
This is a woman's kilt (skirt, shawl and pin). Two of the objects were made by the Fletcher Jones clothing company. The Tartan is the Australian tartan which was designed by John Reid, a Melbourne architect, when he entered a competition run by the Scottish Australian Heritage Council. He chose the colours of the Outback as the basis of his tartan. The tartan is design registered in Australia (No. 97439). (Source: District Tartans, P. Smith and G Teall, 1992). This outfit was possibly made around 1990. David Fletcher Jones who served in World War One had a itinerant drapery business in the Western District before opening a tailoring business in Warrnambool in 1924.He began to specialise in men's clothing and in 1946 opened a shop in Melbourne. In 1948 he opened a clothing factory in Warrnambool and formed a new company Fletcher Jones and Staff. The company expanded to all states of Australia and included the manufacture of both men's and women's clothing making it one of the best known clothing companies in Australia. The company dissolved in 2011 This is a fine example of a Fletcher Jones clothing product and comes from a firm which was a dominant industry in Warrnambool and known Australia wide. It has further cultural significance being in The Australian Tartan..1 An orange/tan checked woollen kilt with a pleated skirt and straight panel at the front with a side fringe and a metal buckle It has an adjustable waist with buttons and metal clips. .2 A triangular shaped shawl in the same material as .1 .3 A metal pin or brooch in the shape of a sword and a circular piece with a swan image and a motto ENDURE FORT..1 Fletcher Jones AUSTRALIA'S FINEST CLOTHING PURE NEW WOOL .2 FLETCHER JONES AUTRALIA'S FINEST CLOTHING MADE IN AUSTRALIA .3 ENDURE FORT fletcher jones clothing company, warrnambool industries, australian tartan, tartan, australian tartan kilt, fletcher jones kilt -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Administrative record - Sales Docket Book, Cramond & Dickson Store, Warrnambool, 1960s
This docket book has been used to enter sales from the Cramond and Dickson department store in Warrnambool and to provide the customer with a copy of the invoice. It dates from about the 1960s. John Cramond and James Dickson, two pioneer settlers in Warrnambool, established the Carmond and Dickson store in Warrnambool in 1855, initially selling groceries, drapery and ironmongery but later, at the corner of Liebig and Timor Streets, this department store sold mainly clothing and drapery. In the 1860s a Cramond and Dickson store was opened in London. The Cramond and Dickson store, a most important business in Warrnambool, operated until 1973. The docket book was printed by Lamson Paragon, a British firm that was established in Australia in 1897 and specialized in printing sales docket books with a carbon paper insert.This docket book is of interest as a memento of the Cramond and Dickson Store, one of the most significant businesses ever to have operated in WarrnamboolThis is a docket book containing 46 pages of white printed sheets bound with green tape and enclosed in a green patterned paper cover on the front and a piece of cardboard on the back. The pages have ruled black lines, red and black print and an image in red of a building. Some of the pages have been used and removed. At the front of the pages are two sheets of carbon paper and tissue paper for copying purposes.Cramond & Dickson General Drapers and Importers Warrnambool 3280 Lamson Paragoncramond & dickson warrnambool, john cramond warrnambool, james dickson warrnambool, warrnambool businesses, lamson paragon printing firm -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Dressmaker's model, Wolf Form and Co. (New York), 1971
This dressmaker's model has been made by a New York firm (1971 model) and comes from the Fletcher Jones Factory in Warrnambool. It would have been used for making and displaying ladies' clothing made at the factory. David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) served in World War One and in the 1920s set up as a travelling hawker selling drapery in Western Victoria. In 1924 he opened a men's wear shop in Warrnambool and manufactured in sute. In 1946 a Fletcher Jones shop opened in melbourne and in 1948 a factory was established in Warrnambool with a new company, Fletcher Jones and Staff begun in 1951. The company initially specialized in men's trousers but later expanded into both men's and women's clothing. It became an Australia-wide company known throughout the country until it ceased in 2011 and the Warrnambool factory buildings were sold.This dressmaker's model is of considerable interest as a memento of the Fletcher Jones and Staff Company, founded in Warrnambool, employing many local people for a great number of years and known throughout Australia for its quality products and pioneering business model as a founder and staff co-operative.This is a dressmaker's model with the body section (bust and torso) having a fabric cover over a wooden core. The top section is bronze-coloured with a silver rim. Beneath the body section is a wire frame and a metal base on castors. The castors are rusty and the fabric is broken in places. Collapsible model 1971 22 WOLF FORM Registered perfect model forms N Y 140 5th Avefletcher jones and staff, fletcher jones factory warrnambool, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Thread Spools, mid 20th century
These thread spools come from the Fletcher Jones Factory in Warrnambool. They would have been used in the sewing and manufacture of the men's and ladies' garments made at the factory. The Fletcher Jones factory was established by David Fletcher Jones in 1948. David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) set up as a travelling hawker selling drapery in the Western District in the 1920s. In the same decade he opened a shop in Warrnambool manufacturing men's clothing, specialising in the production of men's trousers. In 1946 a Fletcher Jones shop was opened in Melbourne and a company, Fletcher Jones and Staff, was established in 1951. The company expanded to manufacturing both men's and women's clothing, opening outlets in all States and becoming well-known Australia-wide. The company was dissolved in 2011 and the Warrnambool factory was sold.These items are of interest as a memento of the Fletcher Jones Factory and the Fletcher Jones company, one of the most important businesses ever established in Warrnambool and certainly one of the most cherished by the local Warrnambool community..1 A wooden stand with upright spikes holding 11 spools containing coloured thread (various colours). The threads are on blue and black plastic reels. .2 A wooden stand with upright spikes holding 16 spools containing coloured thread (various colours). The threads are on blue and black plastic reels.fletcher jones and staff pty ltd, fletcher jones factory warrnambool