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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Uniform - Arm Bands, c. 1860s
Members of the Life Saving Rescue Crew would wear scarlet arm bands such as these as part of their uniform, with each member having a different number. The crew would work as a team to haul in the victims of the shipwreck. The leader of the crew would call out one or several member's numbers to give them a break during the rescue, while other members took their place. All members would then be relieved at some time during the rescue. 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 about 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 set of scarlet arm bands 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.Arm bands; three scarlet flannel arm bands with black cotton backing and a metal buckle on one end. White cotton embroidery forms letters and numbers, with each arm band having a different number. Part of the uniform of the Life Saving and Rescue Crew.Embroidered on front "L.S. 1 R.C." "L.S. 8 R.C." "L.S. 13 R.C." flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, tramway jetty, breakwater, 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, arm band, armband, scarlet arm band, l.s.r.c., lsrc, red arm band -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Rocket Key, John Dennett, c. 1860s
This rocket launcher key was used with the Dennett's Rocket Launcher system to remove the end cap of the Dennett's Rocket to expose the propellant to be fused . 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 about 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 rocket launcher key is a necessary part of the equipment for the the rocket launcher, which 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.Key, part of the Rocket Rescue equipment. T shaped metal key, round handle across the top and hexagonal shaped shaft and square end. Used to remove the end cap of the Dennett's Rocket to expose the propellant to be fused . Donation from Ports and Harbour.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, tramway jetty, breakwater, 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, rocket house, rocket shed, rocket machine, rocket head, rocket launcher, rocket line, beach rescue set, rocket set, john dennett, rocket key, rocket launcher key, life saving -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Nibs & box, late 19th to early 20th century
Box of dip pen nibs made by William Mitchell Calligraphy dating back to late 19th or early 20th century when dip pens with steel nibs were the main writing instruments. The pen nibs are shaped to fit into a slot in the base of a wooden or Bakelite pen holder. The hole at the front of the nib is for collecting ink from a well, which is then stored in a reservoir at the back of the nib. The nibs are stamped with their nib size and Pedigree (what type of nib it is) and maker’s details. William Mitchell Calligraphy still makes these nibs today with a slightly difference finish. (ref: Sales and Marketing Director of William Mitchell Calligraphy in 2016). HISTORY of the Ink Pen Quills and ink were common writing tools until the early 19th century when the pen trade began mass producing steel nibs and pens. The steel nibs each have a hole in the middle that acts like a well for the ink. When the nib is dipped into the ink well the writer needs to ensure that it is dipped to only just past that well. India Ink was one of the most popular inks used with the nib pens, notable for its satin-like smooth flow. This ink is composed of a particularly fine carbon mixed with water; it can also be obtained as a dry stick that is then crushed and mixed with water as required. The Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham had the largest concentration of independent jewellers in Europe. Birmingham became the centre of the world’s pen trade for many years -, during the 1800’s over 100 factories, employing 1000s of skilled workers, manufactured the ‘Birmingham Pen’. ABOUT WILLIAM MITCHELL CALLIGRAPHY LTD.* (*The following text is quoted from the William Mitchell Calligraphy website) British based William Mitchell Calligraphy has been designing and manufacturing exceptional pens for almost 200 years. The William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co, another pen manufacturer, to form British Pens, employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell, once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott, who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs, amalgamated with British pens in 1969. William Mitchell and Joseph Gillott established in Birmingham during the early part of the nineteenth century and [their products] are still proudly made here. British Pens were subsequently purchased by its current owner Byron Head, the owner of William Mitchell (Sinkers) in 1982, and was subsequently renamed William Mitchell (calligraphy) Ltd. Established in 1827 Joseph Gillott was one of the pioneers of mass steel pen nib manufacturing. The company was particularly strong in the American market, prompting Elihu Burrit, the American consul, to write “In ten thousand school houses across the American continent between two oceans, a million children are as familiarly acquainted with Joseph Gillott as with Noah Webster” (The compiler of the famous American dictionary). The company consequently received visits from many notable Americans, including president Ulysses S Grant. Email on file, from Mike Chappell, Sales and Marketing Manager, William Mitchell Calligraphy, “20161122 - William Mitchell re pen nibs” How to use a dip pen to create modern calligraphy, https://thepostmansknock.com/how-to-use-a-dip-pen-to-create-modern-calligraphy/ India Ink, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_ink birmingham Pen Trade, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_pen_trade The Pen Museum, http://penmuseum.org.uk/ The early 19th century invention and later mass production of pen nibs such these in our collection had a large impact on education and literacy because the nibs could be produced in great numbers and affordable prices.Box of patent Mitchell nibs containing 48 "Pedigree" nibs. Box depicts picture of William Mitchell on lid, and picture of nib pen on lid and side. Made in Birmingham, England. Nib “0505 Wm MITCHELLS PEDIGREE ENGLAND” Box “PEDIGREE / MAINFOLD SLIP”, “WILLIAM MITCHELL / BIRM - - - - - - LOND” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, william mitchell calligraphy ltd, pen nib, writing implement, writing accessories, dip pen, birmingham manufacturer, communication in writing, mass produced pen nibs -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Soda Syphon, 1900-1930’s
This soda syphon (or siphon) was distributed by John Fletcher of Warrnambool, and made by the British Syphon Mfg. Co. Ltd. of London between the 1900s-1930s. It comprises a multi-sided clear glass bottle, an internal glass tube and a metal release valve and spout on the top. It was used to dispense pressurised, effervescent soda water. It was often used as an alternative to water or added to fruit juices and cordials. The text on this bottle states that it remains the property of the retailer, John Fletcher, and must be returned to him. Customers were asked for a deposit on the bottle, which would be refunded when the bottle was exchanged or continued as the deposit on a fresh bottle. Returned bottles would be cleaned and recharged with the gas and sold again. Soda syphon are bottles, glass or metal, with a release valve and spout on the top. The valve lever on the top of the syphon, when depressed, causes the gas in the syphon to force the water up through the tube and out of the spout. The bottle’s mechanism gives the water an effervescent quality to make bubbly drinks such as sparkling mineral water, soda water and sparkling water. ABOUT JOHN FLETCHER John Fletcher bought the Union Cordial Factory in Koroit Street, Warrnambool that was previously owned by John Davis. Fletcher operated the factory as J Fletcher, John Fletcher and Fletcher’s. He eventually sold his business and stock in 1930 to Ralph Reeves, who may have continued using Fletcher’s supply of drink containers before renewing them with stock showing his own brand. The soda syphon is representative of drink containers used in the later 19th and early 20th century. It also represents the system of returnable, recyclable containers. Soda syphon (or siphon). Glass bottle, clear, multi sided, tapered from a heavy glass base to a narrower shoulder, with glass tube at centre connected to metal pump mechanism at the top. Has elaborate frosted label for J. Fletcher of Warrnambool. Made by the British Syphon Mfg. Co. Ltd. London. Bottle remains the property of John Fletcher, Warrnambool.Metal syphon has impressed "J FLETCHER" and logo "S S" in centre of two concentric circles with text between circles "BRITISH SYPHON MFG. CO. LTD. LONDON". Etched into glass "J. FLETCHER / WARRNAMBOOL", "TRADE "[stylised] F" / MARK", "SODA WATER", "THIS SYPHON IS THE PROPERTY / OF JOHN FLETCHER / WARRNAMBOOL AND CONNOT BE / AND CONNOT BE LEGALLY USED BY OTHERS / BRITISH SYPHON CO. TLD. LONDON / - - - - "flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, john fletcher, fletcher, john fletcher of warrnambool, soda siphon, soda syphon, british syphon mfg co ltd of london, soft drinks, soda drinks -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Screw Driver, A Ridge and Son, 1950s Item is in company catalogue in 1951
Footprint Tools is a hand tool manufacturer based in Sheffield, England. In 2014 most of their hand tools are still made in Sheffield at the Footprint factory. Footprint Tools can trace its manufacturing history as far back as the 1760s when Alfrid Ridge & Sons was established as a manufacturer of wood working tools. Ridge was bought by the current owning family in 1932. The Footprint brand originates from 1875 when Thomas R Ellin, a member of a cutlery manufacturing family, started a tool manufacturing business under the brand “Footprint”. This subsequently became known as Thomas R Ellin (Footprint Works). This company was bought by the current owning family in 1948 and began to manufacture a range of tools under the Footprint, Domino, Climax, John Bull and Clinker brands. During World War 2 the divisions of the business were engaged in manufacturing hand tools for British and Commonwealth forces. After the war Footprint continued to grow, manufacture and expand its range hand tools for the professional tradesman. In 2004, Footprint cooperated with the University of Sheffield in a study of modern manufacturing techniques. In 2008 Footprint moved to a larger factory and invested in new forging equipment, but this process was interrupted by a global recession, and Footprint was unable to generate enough business to cover the cost of the upgrades. In early 2009 the company was forced to liquidate and lay off its staff in order to pay creditors. The Jewitt family retained the brand and intellectual property, and later that year revived the company under the name Footprint Sheffield, and began producing a smaller range of products at first. With the same family of owner managers, now run by the fourth generation, in 2015 Footprint continues to manufacture most products in Sheffield, England and exports worldwide.A tool that was made by a UK company in the 1950s that has a long history of tool manufacture and after many changes in company ownership is still producing tools today in Sheffield England.Screw driver wooden handle turned and steel blade. Made in Sheffield by Alfrid Ridge and Son. London patternNoneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, screw driver, alfrid ridge & son, footprint tools, tools -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Vehicle - Wagon, Early 20th Century
This wagon is linked to Mr Stanley James Bell via his father Mr John Bell, who owned "Warrumyea" at Wangoom. It is believed that Stanley grew up and worked for his father at this property, eventuality inheriting his father's death in 1920. This wagon was likely used at Mr Stanley Bell's property “Warrumyea” at Wangoom around 1920-1940. The wagon was donated in 1984, at which time it was noted as having a brass plate inscribed "Jas", which name Stanley was known by. Also, a painted on the wage was “S J Bell Wangoom”. Remnants of the original paint colours of blue and yellow show on the photograph, which was taken at the time of cataloguing. Mr John Bell Snr from Plymouth, England, arrived in Portland, Victoria, around 1860. He had served in the British navy as a lad for a number of years. On arriving in Australia he travelled to the Wangoom district where he lived for many years. Mr J Bell worked for 20 years as herd manager at “Wangoom Park”., for Mr F Tozer (1843-1954), one of the original pioneers of the western district. He went on to pursue dairying and general farming at his property “Warrumyea” Wangoom. Bell’s son Stanley James Bell went to the Wangoom School. His first reader from this school, published in 1909, has his name inscribed in the flyleaf “Stanley J. Bell, Warrumyea, Wangoom” and is now in the collection of the Warrnambool & District Historical Society. Stanley went on working the property “Warrumyea” and eventually purchased “Wangoom Park” in 1956, where his father had been employed years before. Mr S J Bell died in 1968.The wagon is significant for its association with the farming history of Wangoom and the Warrnambool area in general. Also, the wage is significant for its association with one of the early families that settled in the Warrnambool area and their contribution to the dairying and general farming industries that sprang from their efforts. The wagon has a good provenance linking it to Mr Stanley James Bell and is also a good example of how goods were transported using horse-drawn vehicles at the beginning of the 20th century.Four-wheeled wagon or cart,12 spokes in each wheel, wooden axle with rear hub brake. Hinged and chained tailboard. Wheels have metal rims. Metal frame and wooden superstructure. Wagon has two pairs of staves. Wooden shelves, one missing with turntable. Small toolbox in front. Made by Kelly and Preston of Ballarat. Metal nameplate of the owner attached, "Jas" (S J Bell of Wangoom).. Original inscription, now obscured, was painted “Kelly and Preston Builders Ballarat”. Metal plate inscribed "Jas", and "S J Bell Wangoom". flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, wagon, sj bell, stanley james bell, wangoom park, warrumyea, first reader, john bell 1830-1920, stanley james bell 1904-1968, warrnambool pioneers, f tozer, western district, kelly and preston of ballarat -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Animal specimen - Whale bone, Undetermined
Prior to carrying out a detailed condition report of the cetacean skeletons, it is useful to have an understanding of the materials we are likely to encounter, in terms of structure and chemistry. This entry invites you to join in learning about the composition of whale bone and oil. Whale bone (Cetacean) bone is comprised of a composite structure of both an inorganic matrix of mainly hydroxylapatite (a calcium phosphate mineral), providing strength and rigidity, as well as an organic protein ‘scaffolding’ of mainly collagen, facilitating growth and repair (O’Connor 2008, CCI 2010). Collagen is also the structural protein component in cartilage between the whale vertebrae and attached to the fins of both the Killer Whale and the Dolphin. Relative proportions in the bone composition (affecting density), are linked with the feeding habits and mechanical stresses typically endured by bones of particular whale types. A Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758) skeleton (toothed) thus has a higher mineral value (~67%) than a Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus Linnaeus, 1758) (baleen) (~60%) (Turner Walker 2012). The internal structure of bone can be divided into compact and cancellous bone. In whales, load-bearing structures such as mandibles and upper limb bones (e.g. humerus, sternum) are largely composed of compact bone (Turner Walker 2012). This consists of lamella concentrically deposited around the longitudinal axis and is permeated by fluid carrying channels (O’Connor 2008). Cancellous (spongy) bone, with a highly porous angular network of trabeculae, is less stiff and thus found in whale ribs and vertebrae (Turner Walker 2012). Whale oil Whales not only carry a thick layer of fat (blubber) in the soft tissue of their body for heat insulation and as a food store while they are alive, but also hold large oil (lipid) reserves in their porous bones. Following maceration of the whale skeleton after death to remove the soft tissue, the bones retain a high lipid content (Higgs et. al 2010). Particularly bones with a spongy (porous) structure have a high capacity to hold oil-rich marrow. Comparative data of various whale species suggests the skull, particularly the cranium and mandible bones are particularly oil rich. Along the vertebral column, the lipid content is reduced, particularly in the thoracic vertebrae (~10-25%), yet greatly increases from the lumbar to the caudal vertebrae (~40-55%). The chest area (scapula, sternum and ribs) show a mid-range lipid content (~15-30%), with vertically orientated ribs being more heavily soaked lower down (Turner Walker 2012, Higgs et. al 2010). Whale oil is largely composed of triglycerides (molecules of fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule). In Arctic whales a higher proportion of unsaturated, versus saturated fatty acids make up the lipid. Unsaturated fatty acids (with double or triple carbon bonds causing chain kinks, preventing close packing (solidifying) of molecules), are more likely to be liquid (oil), versus solid (fat) at room temperature (Smith and March 2007). Objects Made From the Whaling Industry We all know that men set forth in sailing ships and risked their lives to harpoon whales on the open seas throughout the 1800s. And while Moby Dick and other tales have made whaling stories immortal, people today generally don't appreciate that the whalers were part of a well-organized industry. The ships that set out from ports in New England roamed as far as the Pacific in hunt of specific species of whales. Adventure may have been the draw for some whalers, but for the captains who owned whaling ships, and the investors which financed voyages, there was a considerable monetary payoff. The gigantic carcasses of whales were chopped and boiled down and turned into products such as the fine oil needed to lubricate increasing advanced machine tools. And beyond the oil derived from whales, even their bones, in an era before the invention of plastic, was used to make a wide variety of consumer goods. In short, whales were a valuable natural resource the same as wood, minerals, or petroleum we now pump from the ground. Oil From Whale’s Blubber Oil was the main product sought from whales, and it was used to lubricate machinery and to provide illumination by burning it in lamps. When a whale was killed, it was towed to the ship and its blubber, the thick insulating fat under its skin, would be peeled and cut from its carcass in a process known as “flensing.” The blubber was minced into chunks and boiled in large vats on board the whaling ship, producing oil. The oil taken from whale blubber was packaged in casks and transported back to the whaling ship’s home port (such as New Bedford, Massachusetts, the busiest American whaling port in the mid-1800s). From the ports it would be sold and transported across the country and would find its way into a huge variety of products. Whale oil, in addition to be used for lubrication and illumination, was also used to manufacture soaps, paint, and varnish. Whale oil was also utilized in some processes used to manufacture textiles and rope. Spermaceti, a Highly Regarded Oil A peculiar oil found in the head of the sperm whale, spermaceti, was highly prized. The oil was waxy, and was commonly used in making candles. In fact, candles made of spermaceti were considered the best in the world, producing a bright clear flame without an excess of smoke. Spermaceti was also used, distilled in liquid form, as an oil to fuel lamps. The main American whaling port, New Bedford, Massachusetts, was thus known as "The City That Lit the World." When John Adams was the ambassador to Great Britain before serving as president he recorded in his diary a conversation about spermaceti he had with the British Prime Minister William Pitt. Adams, keen to promote the New England whaling industry, was trying to convince the British to import spermaceti sold by American whalers, which the British could use to fuel street lamps. The British were not interested. In his diary, Adams wrote that he told Pitt, “the fat of the spermaceti whale gives the clearest and most beautiful flame of any substance that is known in nature, and we are surprised you prefer darkness, and consequent robberies, burglaries, and murders in your streets to receiving as a remittance our spermaceti oil.” Despite the failed sales pitch John Adams made in the late 1700s, the American whaling industry boomed in the early to mid-1800s. And spermaceti was a major component of that success. Spermaceti could be refined into a lubricant that was ideal for precision machinery. The machine tools that made the growth of industry possible in the United States were lubricated, and essentially made possible, by oil derived from spermaceti. Baleen, or "Whalebone" The bones and teeth of various species of whales were used in a number of products, many of them common implements in a 19th century household. Whales are said to have produced “the plastic of the 1800s.” The "bone" of the whale which was most commonly used wasn’t technically a bone, it was baleen, a hard material arrayed in large plates, like gigantic combs, in the mouths of some species of whales. The purpose of the baleen is to act as a sieve, catching tiny organisms in sea water, which the whale consumes as food. As baleen was tough yet flexible, it could be used in a number of practical applications. And it became commonly known as "whalebone." Perhaps the most common use of whalebone was in the manufacture of corsets, which fashionable ladies in the 1800s wore to compress their waistlines. One typical corset advertisement from the 1800s proudly proclaims, “Real Whalebone Only Used.” Whalebone was also used for collar stays, buggy whips, and toys. Its remarkable flexibility even caused it to be used as the springs in early typewriters. The comparison to plastic is apt. Think of common items which today might be made of plastic, and it's likely that similar items in the 1800s would have been made of whalebone. Baleen whales do not have teeth. But the teeth of other whales, such as the sperm whale, would be used as ivory in such products as chess pieces, piano keys, or the handles of walking sticks. Pieces of scrimshaw, or carved whale's teeth, would probably be the best remembered use of whale's teeth. However, the carved teeth were created to pass the time on whaling voyages and were never a mass production item. Their relative rarity, of course, is why genuine pieces of 19th century scrimshaw are considered to be valuable collectibles today. Reference: McNamara, Robert. "Objects Made From the Whaling Industry." ThoughtCo, Jul. 31, 2021, thoughtco.com/products-produced-from-whales-1774070.Whale bone was an important commodity, used in corsets, collar stays, buggy whips, and toys.Whale bone piece. Advanced stage of calcification as indicated by deep pitting. Off white to grey.None.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, whales, whale bone, corsets, toys, whips -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Animal specimen - Whale bone, Undetermined
Prior to carrying out a detailed condition report of the cetacean skeletons, it is useful to have an understanding of the materials we are likely to encounter, in terms of structure and chemistry. This entry invites you to join in learning about the composition of whale bone and oil. Whale bone (Cetacean) bone is comprised of a composite structure of both an inorganic matrix of mainly hydroxylapatite (a calcium phosphate mineral), providing strength and rigidity, as well as an organic protein ‘scaffolding’ of mainly collagen, facilitating growth and repair (O’Connor 2008, CCI 2010). Collagen is also the structural protein component in cartilage between the whale vertebrae and attached to the fins of both the Killer Whale and the Dolphin. Relative proportions in the bone composition (affecting density), are linked with the feeding habits and mechanical stresses typically endured by bones of particular whale types. A Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758) skeleton (toothed) thus has a higher mineral value (~67%) than a Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus Linnaeus, 1758) (baleen) (~60%) (Turner Walker 2012). The internal structure of bone can be divided into compact and cancellous bone. In whales, load-bearing structures such as mandibles and upper limb bones (e.g. humerus, sternum) are largely composed of compact bone (Turner Walker 2012). This consists of lamella concentrically deposited around the longitudinal axis and is permeated by fluid carrying channels (O’Connor 2008). Cancellous (spongy) bone, with a highly porous angular network of trabeculae, is less stiff and thus found in whale ribs and vertebrae (Turner Walker 2012). Whale oil Whales not only carry a thick layer of fat (blubber) in the soft tissue of their body for heat insulation and as a food store while they are alive, but also hold large oil (lipid) reserves in their porous bones. Following maceration of the whale skeleton after death to remove the soft tissue, the bones retain a high lipid content (Higgs et. al 2010). Particularly bones with a spongy (porous) structure have a high capacity to hold oil-rich marrow. Comparative data of various whale species suggests the skull, particularly the cranium and mandible bones are particularly oil rich. Along the vertebral column, the lipid content is reduced, particularly in the thoracic vertebrae (~10-25%), yet greatly increases from the lumbar to the caudal vertebrae (~40-55%). The chest area (scapula, sternum and ribs) show a mid-range lipid content (~15-30%), with vertically orientated ribs being more heavily soaked lower down (Turner Walker 2012, Higgs et. al 2010). Whale oil is largely composed of triglycerides (molecules of fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule). In Arctic whales a higher proportion of unsaturated, versus saturated fatty acids make up the lipid. Unsaturated fatty acids (with double or triple carbon bonds causing chain kinks, preventing close packing (solidifying) of molecules), are more likely to be liquid (oil), versus solid (fat) at room temperature (Smith and March 2007). Objects Made From the Whaling Industry We all know that men set forth in sailing ships and risked their lives to harpoon whales on the open seas throughout the 1800s. And while Moby Dick and other tales have made whaling stories immortal, people today generally don't appreciate that the whalers were part of a well-organized industry. The ships that set out from ports in New England roamed as far as the Pacific in hunt of specific species of whales. Adventure may have been the draw for some whalers, but for the captains who owned whaling ships, and the investors which financed voyages, there was a considerable monetary payoff. The gigantic carcasses of whales were chopped and boiled down and turned into products such as the fine oil needed to lubricate increasing advanced machine tools. And beyond the oil derived from whales, even their bones, in an era before the invention of plastic, was used to make a wide variety of consumer goods. In short, whales were a valuable natural resource the same as wood, minerals, or petroleum we now pump from the ground. Oil From Whale’s Blubber Oil was the main product sought from whales, and it was used to lubricate machinery and to provide illumination by burning it in lamps. When a whale was killed, it was towed to the ship and its blubber, the thick insulating fat under its skin, would be peeled and cut from its carcass in a process known as “flensing.” The blubber was minced into chunks and boiled in large vats on board the whaling ship, producing oil. The oil taken from whale blubber was packaged in casks and transported back to the whaling ship’s home port (such as New Bedford, Massachusetts, the busiest American whaling port in the mid-1800s). From the ports it would be sold and transported across the country and would find its way into a huge variety of products. Whale oil, in addition to be used for lubrication and illumination, was also used to manufacture soaps, paint, and varnish. Whale oil was also utilized in some processes used to manufacture textiles and rope. Spermaceti, a Highly Regarded Oil A peculiar oil found in the head of the sperm whale, spermaceti, was highly prized. The oil was waxy, and was commonly used in making candles. In fact, candles made of spermaceti were considered the best in the world, producing a bright clear flame without an excess of smoke. Spermaceti was also used, distilled in liquid form, as an oil to fuel lamps. The main American whaling port, New Bedford, Massachusetts, was thus known as "The City That Lit the World." When John Adams was the ambassador to Great Britain before serving as president he recorded in his diary a conversation about spermaceti he had with the British Prime Minister William Pitt. Adams, keen to promote the New England whaling industry, was trying to convince the British to import spermaceti sold by American whalers, which the British could use to fuel street lamps. The British were not interested. In his diary, Adams wrote that he told Pitt, “the fat of the spermaceti whale gives the clearest and most beautiful flame of any substance that is known in nature, and we are surprised you prefer darkness, and consequent robberies, burglaries, and murders in your streets to receiving as a remittance our spermaceti oil.” Despite the failed sales pitch John Adams made in the late 1700s, the American whaling industry boomed in the early to mid-1800s. And spermaceti was a major component of that success. Spermaceti could be refined into a lubricant that was ideal for precision machinery. The machine tools that made the growth of industry possible in the United States were lubricated, and essentially made possible, by oil derived from spermaceti. Baleen, or "Whalebone" The bones and teeth of various species of whales were used in a number of products, many of them common implements in a 19th century household. Whales are said to have produced “the plastic of the 1800s.” The "bone" of the whale which was most commonly used wasn’t technically a bone, it was baleen, a hard material arrayed in large plates, like gigantic combs, in the mouths of some species of whales. The purpose of the baleen is to act as a sieve, catching tiny organisms in sea water, which the whale consumes as food. As baleen was tough yet flexible, it could be used in a number of practical applications. And it became commonly known as "whalebone." Perhaps the most common use of whalebone was in the manufacture of corsets, which fashionable ladies in the 1800s wore to compress their waistlines. One typical corset advertisement from the 1800s proudly proclaims, “Real Whalebone Only Used.” Whalebone was also used for collar stays, buggy whips, and toys. Its remarkable flexibility even caused it to be used as the springs in early typewriters. The comparison to plastic is apt. Think of common items which today might be made of plastic, and it's likely that similar items in the 1800s would have been made of whalebone. Baleen whales do not have teeth. But the teeth of other whales, such as the sperm whale, would be used as ivory in such products as chess pieces, piano keys, or the handles of walking sticks. Pieces of scrimshaw, or carved whale's teeth, would probably be the best remembered use of whale's teeth. However, the carved teeth were created to pass the time on whaling voyages and were never a mass production item. Their relative rarity, of course, is why genuine pieces of 19th century scrimshaw are considered to be valuable collectibles today. Reference: McNamara, Robert. "Objects Made From the Whaling Industry." ThoughtCo, Jul. 31, 2021, thoughtco.com/products-produced-from-whales-1774070. Whale bone was an important commodity, used in corsets, collar stays, buggy whips, and toys.Whale bone vertebrae. Advanced stage of calcification as indicated by deep pitting. Off white to grey.None.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, whales, whale bone, corsets, toys, whips -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Tilley Heater, John Tilley, 1930s
The Tilley lamp & heaters derives from John Tilley’s invention of the hydro-pneumatic blowpipe in 1813 in England. W. H. Tilley were manufacturing pressure lamps at their works in Stoke Newington in 1818, and Shoreditch, in the 1830s. The company moved to Brent Street in Hendon in 1915 during World War I, and started to work with paraffin (kerosene) as a fuel for the lamps. During World War I Tilley lamps were used by the British armed forces, and became so popular that Tilley became used as a generic name for a kerosene lamp in many parts of the world, in much the same way as Hoover is used for vacuum cleaners. During the 1920s the company had diversified into domestic lamps, and had expanded rapidly after orders from railway companies. After World War II fears about the poisonous effect of paraffin fumes, and widely available electricity, reduced demand for domestic use. The company moved from Hendon to Ireland in the early 1960s, finally settling in Belfast. It moved back to England in 2000.Item is significant as it was an early form of portable heating used in a domestic situation or any small room that required to be heated. This item fell out of use when electricity and electric heater became more available and affordable. Tilley kerosene pressure heater with large reflector dish. Fuel tank painted cream and wooden handle.Tilleyflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, kerosene heater, tilley lamps, john tilley, pressure heater, domestic use -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Clock, 1950
Westclox had a highly successful factory in Scotland situated in the Vale of Leven Industrial Estate, in Dumbarton, around twenty miles from the City of Glasgow. Westclox had originally planned to start production in Scotland in 1939 but the War intervened and it was not until 1948 that they were able to fully commission their factory in Dumbarton. Westclox Scotland produced its first clock on the 21st September 1948; a spring wound alarm with a 4 inch dial. The Westclox factory in Scotland was a full manufacturing plant with all their clocks assembled from start to finish with only the basic raw materials being brought in by outside suppliers. 95% of the staff were local people and the firm trained their employees from scratch to a high level of skill and had an annual apprenticeship for toolmakers and classes in horology. By 1949 Westclox Scotland were making 10,000 clocks a week, and by 1950, 1,000,000 clocks had been produced since its opening. No home in the Dunbartonshire Vale was without at least one Westclox clock, nor any raffle complete without a clock as one of the prizes! Many of these clocks are still around today. So successful was the Dumbarton factory that in the mid 1950’s Westclox had to expand into adjoining buildings. The factory then added watches to what they made as well as timing devices for other sectors. By the mid 1960’s, employment levels at the Scottish plant were around 1100. Over a third of the clocks manufactured in Scotland were exported to some 110 countries across the globe. Difficult times came in 1967/68 when 400 workers were laid off and the future of the plant was in doubt primarily due to cheap clocks from the then communist countries. However, strong petitions to the UK Government produced the passing of an anti-dumping law allowed production from the factory to pick up. In 1968 General Time was bought out by Talley Industries, which was best known as a manufacturer of timing equipment, such as factory time clocks to various industries. Westclox in Scotland enjoyed several boom years under the then Managing Director, John Santos. Westclox Scotland in October 1974 hosted a Space Seminar for the Astronaut, Neil Armstrong and British Astronomer, Sir Patrick Moore. Both visited the Scottish factory to promote the introduction of Quartz time-keeping. In 1976 the Westclox plant in Dumbarton became the Headquarters of General Time (International Operations) Ltd. John Santos retired from General Time and Westclox in the early 1980s and by 1988 the future of Westclox in Scotland was almost over. The advent of Quartz clock technology, developed largely by General Time for use in the Apollo 11 Command Module, resulted in the reduction of mechanical clock production and sales, and the factory fully closed in 1988.The Westclox factory building in Dumbarton has been converted and is now home to many thriving small businesses. The item marks a time when clock production in the United Kingdom was at it’s peak producing clocks for sale in over a 110 countries, they were keenly priced and available to all. The company had many innervation's during it’s life regards clock and later wrist watch making. In 25 years the factory had produced over 50 million clocks, yet it was perhaps inevitable with the advent of Quartz technology that was ironically evolved, largely by General Time for use in the Apollo 11 Command space Module, that would ultimately herald the end of the mechanical clock.Wooden bedroom alarm clock small painted brown with a criss cross pattern in gold and a white enamel face roman numerals & a glass front, clock case is of a fancy design. Inscribed on face "Made by Westclox Ltd Scotland" .flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, clock mantle, clock, mantle clock, westclox ltd, horology, clock industries -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Tally Board, 1860s
The boards each have instructions adhered to each side, printed in four languages (English, French, Dutch and German). At the beginning of a shore-to-ship rescue the instructions are sent to the distressed vessel after the first rocket line was received by them. The stranded people on the vessel follow the instructions to assist the life saving rescue crew in saving their lives. 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 themThis pair of tally board 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.Tally boards, two, rectangular wooden boards, both with a hole drilled into one short end. Instructions are glued onto the boards. They were printed in light letters onto dark canvas in four languages (English, French, Dutch and German). Text (English) "MAKE THIS HAWSER FAST ABOUT 2 FEET ABOVE THE TAIL BLOCK. CAST OFF WHIP FROM HAWSER. SEE ALL CLEAR AND THAT THE ROPE IN THE BLOCK RUNS FREE, AND SHOW SIGNAL TO THE SHORE."flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, tramway jetty, breakwater, 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, rocket machine, rocket head, rocket launcher, rocket line, beach rescue set, rocket set, tally board, rescue instructions -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Craft - Ship Model, Arethusa, 1894
Original Ships History: Aréthuse was a French frigate, launched in 1757 during the Seven Years War between England and France. She was captured by the Royal Navy in 1759 and became the fifth-rate HMS Arethusa. She remained in Royal Navy service for twenty years until she was wrecked after being badly damaged in battle. The ship was constructed at Le Havre for privateer warfare as ”Pélerine” and soon after her launch, she was purchased by King Louis XV (1710-1774) and commissioned as Aréthuse on 21 January 1758. In June, under captain Vauquelin, she sailed through the British blockade of Louisbourg helping to defend the site before departing, again forcing the blockade. On 18 May 1759, she was in transit from Rochefort to Brest, under the command of Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, Marquis of Vaudreuil, when she was intercepted near Audierne Bay (Baie d'Audierne) by three Royal Navy ships the Thames, Venus and Chatham. She attempted to escape but after two hours, lost her topmasts and was overtaken by her pursuers. Thames and Venus engaged her with heavy fire, causing 60 casualties before the vessel surrendered. She entered service with the Royal Navy for the rest of the war, and was in service in British home waters and became responsible for the capture of several French privateer cutters. In 1777, a Scotsman James Aitken, widely known as John the Painter, was hanged from her mizzenmast for burning the Rope House at Portsmouth Royal Dockyard on 7 December 1776, to aid the struggle of American independence. The mast was struck from the ship and re-erected at the dockyard entrance so as many people as possible could watch the execution. On 17 June 1778, she fought a famous duel against the French 36-gun frigate, Belle Poule. Belle Poule was on a reconnaissance mission, along with the 26-gun Licorne, the corvette Hirondelle and the smaller Coureur when she encountered a large British squadron that included Arethusa at a point 37 km south of The Lizard. Admiral Keppel, commanding the British fleet ordered that the French ships be pursued. The captain of Belle Poule refused the order to sail back to the British fleet. The British fired a warning shot across his ship's bow, to which he responded with a full broadside. This action began a furious, two-hour battle between the two ships that resulted in the deaths of the French second captain and 30 of the crew. However, Arethusa was crippled by the loss of a mast and withdrew, allowing Belle Poule to escape. This battle was the first between British and French naval forces during the American Revolutionary War and took place around three weeks before France had made a formal declaration of war. The battle was widely celebrated in France as a victory, even inspiring a hair-style in court circles that included a model of Belle Poule. It was also viewed as a victory in Britain and became the subject of a traditional Sea shanty, The Saucy Arethusa. On 18 March 1779, under captain Charles Holmes Everitt, Arethusa engaged the French Aigrette, under Lieutenant Mortemart, sustaining considerable damage in the fight. Arethusa was wrecked the next day off Ushant, It was the fame of this Arethusa which induced the Royal Navy, during the following two centuries, to bestow the name on a further seven consecutive individual ships and two consecutive classes of cruisers. (See Provenance Sec this document for information on the makers of this model). Model ship of the 3 masted frigate the “Arethusa”, model is painted black and white with varnished deck and masts. A British flag is flown at the stern. The ship is displayed in a glass case with timber frame and 4 legged stand.Label at bottom of glass case, printed in black script on a gold strip “Model of the “Arethusa" "A famous frigate, taken from the French by the British, on the 18th of May 1759 and lost on the French coast in 1779. – Made and presented by G. Lance & P. Diggins, October 1894” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, arethusa ship model, george lance, peter diggins, len asling, warrnambool art gallery, warrnambool exhibition, message in a bottle -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Award - Medal, Stokes, c 1882
This medal was presented by the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners' Royal Benevolent Society and was posthumously awarded to Captain John Coffey’s family for his efforts at saving life at sea, in 1882. Captain Coffey lost his life in this attempt. The shipwreck occurred between Australia and England. The included letter was written by the donor, who is the grandson of John Coffey. It is interesting that the medal and note were packaged in a small tin whose original purpose was to present a wedding cake gift to guests. The container is decorated with wedding bells pressed into the lid. Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Royal Benevolent Society: - The Shipwrecked Mariners (Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Royal Benevolent Society) is a national charity established in 1839. It is run by a network of volunteers in the UK and Ireland. The organisation assists former mariners, their dependants and their families. John Rye and his servant Charles-Gee Jones, of Bath, UK, encouraged its formation after a severe storm caused the loss of life from the ‘Clovelly’ fishing fleet in November 1838. The Society was incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1850. The Society’s flag is the St George’s Cross, a red cross on a white background and a gold crown in the centre, with the letters S F M S displayed, one in each quadrant. Nominations are made by members each year of those who have performed outstanding acts of bravery in helping those in peril in the sea. The inscription on the reverse "PRESENTED FOR HEROIC EXERTIONS IN SAVING LIFE FROM DROWNING / JOB XXIX 13" refers to a verse in the Bible, which in the King James version reads "The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me; and I caused the widow's eart to sing for joy."This is the only medal in our collection awarded from the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners' Royal Benevolent Society. Medal, silver with blue ribbon. The obverse of the medal has images of the British flag, a crown flag with "S.F.", a portrait of a man, a shipwreck, a cannon and anchor, a man with a telescope, and two people attending a body on the shore. The reverse of the medal has text. The medal clasp depicts a fleur de lies between two fish. The medal maker is Stokes. The metal was donated in a tin container and included a letter. The medal was presented posthumously to the family of Captain John Coffey for his efforts at saving life at sea, in 1882. It has an accompanying letter and container.On rim "CAPTAIN JOHN COFFEY - 1882" Obverse "SHIPWRECKED FISHERMEN AND MARINERS ROYAL BENEVOLENT SOCIETY" and "ESTAB AD 1839 INCOd BY ACT OF PARLt 1850" Reverse "PRESENTED FOR HEROIC EXERTIONS IN SAVING LIFE FROM DROWNING / JOB XXIX 13" and "ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY" The tin box has "MEDAL" handwritten in black.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, medal, captain john coffey, john coffey, numismatics, hero, saving lives, shipwrecked fishermen and mariners’ royal benevolent society, sfms, shipwrecked mariners' society -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Machine - Dioptric Apparatus, mid 19th century
Before the introduction of electricity, lighthouses had a clockwork mechanism that caused the lens to rotate with a light source inside that was either powered by Kerosene or Colza oil. The mechanism consisted of a large weight attached by a cable through the centre of the lighthouse to the top where the cable wrapped around a barrel, drum or wheels that controlled the speed of the lights rotation by a clockwork mechanism. The keeper would crank the clockwork mechanism, which would lift the weight ready for the next cycle similar to an old grandfather clock mechanism. Once the weight lifted to its apex at the bottom of the first landing, the keeper would let it fall, which would pull on the cable, which would, in turn, operate a series of gears activating the rotation of the Fresnel optical lens, which would then rotate to create the lighthouse’s unique light speed of rotation characteristic. Creating a specific characteristic required a way to regulate the speed of the rotation, and was important as sailors could identify a particular light by its speed and time between flashes. The weight had to fall at a certain rate to create the proper rotation speed of the lens and a regulator within the mechanism accomplished this. History: From 1851, Chance Brothers became a major lighthouse engineering company, producing optical components, machinery, and other equipment for lighthouses around the world. James Timmins Chance pioneered placing lighthouse lamps inside a cage surrounded by Fresnel lenses to increase the available light output these cages, are known as optics and they revolutionised lighthouse design. Another important innovation from Chance Brothers was the introduction of rotating optics, allowing adjacent lighthouses to be distinguished from each other by the number of times per revolution the light flashes. The noted English physicist and engineer, John Hopkins invented this system while employed at Chance Brothers. Chance Brothers and Company was a glass works and originally based in Spon Lane, Smethwick, West Midlands England. The company became a leading glass manufacturer and a pioneer of British glass making technology. The Chance family originated in Bromsgrove as farmers and craftsmen before setting up a business in Smethwick near Birmingham in 1824. They took advantage of the skilled workers, canals and many other industrial advances taking place in the West Midlands at the time. Robert Lucas Chance (1782–1865), known as 'Lucas', bought the British Crown Glass Company's works in Spon Lane in 1824. The company specialised in making crown window glass, the company ran into difficulty and its survival was guaranteed in 1832 by investment from Chance's brother, William (1788 – 1856). William owned an iron factoring business in Great Charles Street, Birmingham. After a previous partnership that Lucas had dissolved in 1836, Lucas and William Chance became partners in the business which was renamed, Chance Brothers and Company. Chance Brothers invented many innovative processes and became known as the greatest glass manufacturer in Britain. In 1848 under the supervision of Georges Bontemps, a French glass maker from Choosy-le-Roi, a new plant was set up to manufacture crown and flint glass for lighthouse optics, telescopes and cameras. Bontemps agreed to share his processes that up to then had been secret with the Chance Brothers and stayed in England to collaborate with them for six years. In 1900 a baronetcy was created for James Timmins Chance (1814–1902), a grandson of William Chance, who had started the family business in 1771 with his brother Robert. Roberts grandson, James became head of Chance Brothers until his retirement in 1889 when the company became a public company and its name changed to Chance Brothers & Co. Ltd. Additional information: Lighthouses are equipped with unique light characteristic or flashing pattern that sailors can use to identify specific lighthouses during the night. Lighthouses can achieve distinctive light characteristics in a few different ways. A lighthouse can flash, which is when brief periods of light interrupt longer moments of darkness. The light can occult, which is when brief periods of darkness interrupt longer moments of light. The light can be fixed, which is when the light never goes dark. A lighthouse can use a combination of flashing, oscillating, or being fixed in a variety of combinations and intervals to create individual light characteristics. It is a common misconception that a lighthouse's light source changes the intensity to create a light characteristic. The light source remains constant and the rotating Fresnel lens creates the various changes in appearance. Some Fresnel lenses have "bulls-eye" panels create beams of light that, when rotated between the light and the observer, make the light appear to flash. Conversely, some lenses have metal panels that, when rotated between the light and the observer, make the light appear to go dark. This Dioptric clockwork apparatus used to turn a lighthouse optical lens is very significant as it is integral to a lighthouses operation, we can also look at the social aspect of lighthouses as being traditionally rich with symbolism and conceptual meanings. Lighthouses illustrate social concepts such as danger, risk, adversity, challenge and vigilance but they also offers guidance, salvation and safety. The glowing lamp reminds sailors that security and home are well within reach, they also symbolize the way forward and help in navigating our way through rough waters not just on the oceans of the world but in our personal lives be it financial, personal, business or spiritual in nature. Nothing else speaks of safety and security in the face of adversity and challenge quite the way a lighthouse does. Revolving dioptric clockwork apparatus used to turn a Fresnel optical lighthouse lens. A cylindrical cast metal pillar and cabinet painted green with 3 glass doors enclosing the top section. Inside the pillar/cabinet is a large clockwork mechanism used to turn and regulate a lighthouse light by means of weights and a chain attached to same. One door has the name "Adams Mare" in metallic dots similar to "Braille" to the inside edge of door frame.shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, flagstaff hill, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, revolving dioptric mechanism, dioptric mechanism for lighthouse, lighthouse clockwork timing mechanism, acetylene lighthouse light mechanism, 19th century lighthouse mechanism, kerosene light, fresnel lenses, colza oil, chance brothers -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Colonel Robert George Kekewich - South Africa
Kekewich commanded the 1st Battalion of the Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) in the Second Boer War. He commanded the garrison in Kimberley during the siege and successful defence of the town. At this time he came into conflict with Cecil Rhodes who persuaded John French, commanding the relief force, to replace Kekewich with another officer as commander of the garrison. Kekewich was promoted to colonel for his services. In 1901 he was wounded in an attack by General de la Rey near Moedwil but soon recuperated. Kekewich was in charge during the British victory at the Battle of Rooiwai, the last major battle during the war. He stayed in South Africa until peace had been signed and then returned to England. For his services he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath and on retirement was appointed to the Honorary position of Colonel of the Buffs.Individual image taken from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.kekewich, 1st battalion, loyal regiment, second boer, kimberley, cecil rhodes, john french, garrison, de la rey, moedwil, rooiwai, companion of the order of the bath -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Field-Marshall Lord Roberts, Commander-in-Chief - South Africa
Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts was a British Soldier who served in India, Abyssinia and Afghanistan before leading the British Forces to success in the Second Boer War. He became the last Commander-in-Chief of the Forces before the post was abolished in 1904. While in South Africa he was at the Siege of Kimberley, the Battle of Paardeberg, the Battle of Poplar Grove, the Battle of Diamond Hill and the Battle of Bergendal. Roberts received many awards: Victoria Cross (1858-India); Companion of the Order of the Bath (1872-Afghanistan); Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (1878-Afghanistan);Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (1880-Afghanistan) and Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire in the same year. He was Commander-in Chief, India in 1885 was advanced to Knight Commander of the Order of India (1887) and then Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire later that year. He became Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India. The same year he relinquished his Indian command and became Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in 1895 made a Knight of the Order of St Patrick. In 1899 he returned to South Africa to take overall command of British Forces in the Second Boer War. December 1900 Roberts handed over command to Lord Kitchener and returned to England where more honours were awarded. He was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter; created Earl Roberts of Kandahar, Pretoria and Waterford and Viscount St Pierre. He became a Knight of Grace of the Order of St John (1901) and then Knight of Justice of the Order of St John. The Kaiser awarded him the German Order of the Black Eagle and was among the original recipients of the Order of Merit in the 1902 Coronation Honours. Roberts died in 1914. He was given and State Funeral and buried in St Paul's Cathedral.Individual image taken from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.frederick sleigh roberts, earl roberts, india, abyssinia, afghanistan, british forces, second boer war, commander-in-chief, south africa, siege of kimberley, battle of paardeberg, battle of poplar grove, battle of diamond hill, battle of bergendal, victoria cross, companion of the order of the bath, knight commander of the order of the bath, knight grand cross of the order of the bath, companion of the order of the indian empire, knight commander of the order of india, knight grand commander of the order of the indian empire, knight grand commander of the order of the star of india, knight of the order of st patrick, knight of the order of the garter, viscount st pierre, knight of grace of the order of st john, knight of justice of the order of st john, order of the black eagle, order of merit, st paul's cathedral, london -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert Charles Onslow Plumer - South Africa
His military career led him to become appointed as assistant military secretary to the General Officer Commanding Cape Colony in 1895. He went to Southern Rhodesia in 1896 to disarm the local police force following the Jameson Raid and then later to command the Matabele Relief Force during the Second Matabele War. In 1899 he returned to Southern Rhodesia as Lieutenant-Colonel where he led the Siege of Mafeking during the Second Boer War. Plumer returned to the United kingdom in 1904 and received an audience with King Edward VI. Lord Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief in South Africa stated "invariable displayed military qualifications of a very high order.Few officers have rendered better service." Plumer received many honours - British and foreign. Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (1918; Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (1916); Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (1917); Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (1924); Knight of Grace of the Venerable Order Of St John (1925); Legion of Honour (France-!917); Croix de Guerre (Belgium-1918); Croix de Guerre with Palm ( France-1919); Distinguished Service Medal (United States-1919); Grand Cordon, Order of the Rising Sun (1921) Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.cape colony, southern rhodesia, jameson raid, matabele rrelief force, second matabele war, siege of mafeking, second boer war, lord kitchener, knight grand cross of the order of st michael and st george, knight grand cross of the order of the bath, knight grand crossof the royal victorian order, knight grand cross of the order of the british empire, knight of grace of the venerable order of st john, legion of honour, croix de guerra, croix de guerra with palm, distinguished service medal, grand cordon, order of the rising sun -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Right Honorable Cecil John Rhodes - South Africa
Cecil Rhodes was a British businessman, mining magnate and politician in South Africa. He was Prime Minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896. He believed in British Imperialism and he and his British South Africa Company formed the territory of Rhodesia in the early 1890s. He was forced to resign as Prime Minister in 1896 after the disastrous Jameson Raid, an unauthorised attack on Paul Kruger's South African Republic (Transvaal), which sent his brother to prison convicted of high treason and nearly sentenced to death. This event contributed to the outbreak of the Second Boer War. Rhodes went to Kimberley in a political move. During the war the military felt he was more of a liability than an asset and found him intolerable. The officer commanding the garrison of Kimberley, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kekewich, experienced serious personal difficulties with Rhodes because of the latter's inability to co-operate. However, he still remained a leading figure in the politics of southern Africa. Rhodes was dogged by ill health his whole life. He died in 1902, aged 48, at his seaside cottage in Muizenberg. He was cared for by Leander Starr Jameson during his illness, becoming a trustee of his estate and residuary beneficiary of his will, which allowed him to continue living in Rhode's mansion after his death. His final will left a large area of land on the slopes of Table Mountain. Part of the estate became the upper campus of the University of Cape Town, another part became the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The rest was spared development and is now an important conservation area. His will also provided for the establishment of the Rhodes Scholarship. Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.cecil rhodes, mining magnate south africa, politician south africa, prime minister cape colony, british south africa company, rhodesia, jameson raid, paul kruger, south africa republic, transvaal, second boer war, kimberley, robert kekewich, leander starr jameson, muizenberg, table mountain, university of cape town, kirstenbosch national garden -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), General Sir Charles Warren - South Africa
General Sir Charles Warren was an officer in the British Royal Engineers. He was one of the earliest European archaeologists ofthe Holy Land. Much of his military service was spene in British South Africa. Previously he was police chief, the Head of the London Metropolitan Police during the Jack the Ripper murders. In 1876, the Colonial Office appointed him special commissioner to survey the boundary between Griqualand West and the Orange Free State. For this work he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1877. He was appointed special commissioner to investigate "native questions" in Bechuanaland and commanded the Northern Border Expedition troops in quelling the rebellion there. In 1879 he became Administrator of Griqualand West. The town Warranton in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa is named after him. In 1882 the Admiralty sent him to Sinai to discover what had happened to Professor Edward Palmer's archaeological expedition. He discovered the members had been robbed and murdered, located their remains and brought their killers to justice. For this he was created a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1883 , also Knight of Justice of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and in 1884 elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. In 1884 Warren was sent as HM Special Commissioner to command a military expedition to Bechuanaland, to assert British sovereignty in the face of encroachments from Germany and the Transvaal and to suppress the Boer freebooter states of Stellaland and Goshen, which were backed by the Transvaal and were stealing land and cattle from the local Tswana tribes. This became known as the Warren Expedition and achieved its aims without bloodshed. Warren was recalled and in 1885 was made Knight Grand Cross ofthe Order of St Michael and St George. In 1885 Warren stood for election for Parliament but lost the vote. In 1886 he was appointed Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis following Sir Edmund Henderson's resignation. Criticised continually for his decisions and actions he resigned in November 1888. Prior to this time he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, January 1888. On the outbreak of the Boer War in 1899 he returned to service and commanded the 5th Division of the South African Field Force. In January 1990, Warren bungled the second attempted relief of Ladysmith at Tugela River. At the Battle of Spion Kop, January 1990 he had operational command and his failure of judgement, delay and indecision despite his superior forces culminated in the disaster. It has been said that Warren was "perhaps the worst" of the British generals in the Boer War and certainly the most "preposterous". Redvers Buller in a letter to his wife described him as "a duffer", responsible for him losing him "a great chance". Warren was recalled to Britain in August 1900 and never again commanded troops in the field. Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.holy land, sir charles warren, british royal engineers, archaeologist, british south africa, london metropolitan police, jack the ripper, colonial office, commissioner, griqualand west, orange free state, companion of the order of st michael and st george, bechuanaland, northern border expedition, warrenton, sinai, professor edward palmer, knight commander of the order of st michael and st george, knight of justice of the order of st johnof jerusalem, fellow of the royal society, knight grand cross of the order of st michael and st george, boer war, redvers buller, knight commander of the order of the bath -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Skeat, William Oswald, Manual Of British Water Engineering Practice Volume 1 Organization and Management, 1969, 1969
This copy of the Planning and Environment Act was used by Creswick Engineer Brian SchreenanGreen soft covered book. A first edition Victorian Planning and Environment Act.brian schreenan, william oswarl skeat, bernard john dangerfield, engineering, water engineering -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Edward Lhuyd, Archaeologia Britannica, 1707, 1707
Printed at the Theater for the author, MDCCVII . And sold by Mr . Bateman in Pater -Noster-Row, London: and Jeremiah Pepyat bookseller at Dublin. Lhuyd [Lhwyd; formerly Lloyd], Edward (1659/60?-1709), was a naturalist and philologist and the Keeper of the Ashmolean Museum. Lhuyd was a pioneering linguist. In the late 17th century, Lhuyd was contacted by a group of scholars, led by John Keigwin of Mousehole, who were trying to preserve and further the Cornish language and he accepted the invitation to travel to Cornwall to study the language. Early Modern Cornish was the subject of a study published by Lhuyd in 1702; it differs from the medieval language in having a considerably simpler structure and grammar. In 1707, having been assisted in his research by fellow Welsh scholar Moses Williams, he published the first volume of Archaeologia Britannica: an Account of the Languages, Histories and Customs of Great Britain, from Travels through Wales, Cornwall, Bas-Bretagne, Ireland and Scotland. This book is an important source for its linguistic description of Cornish, but even more so for its understanding of historical linguistics. Some of the ideas commonly attributed to linguists of the nineteenth century have their roots in this work by Lhuyd, who was "considerably more sophisticated in his methods and perceptions than [Sir William] Jones’’. Lhuyd noted the similarity between the two Celtic language families: Brythonic or P–Celtic (Breton, Cornish and Welsh); and Goidelic or Q–Celtic (Irish, Manx and Scottish Gaelic). He argued that the Brythonic languages originated in Gaul (France), and that the Goidelic languages originated in the Iberian Peninsula. Lhuyd concluded that as the languages had been of Celtic origin, the people who spoke those languages were Celts. From the 18th century, the peoples of Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales were known increasingly as Celts, and are regarded as the modern Celtic nations today. (Wikipedia)Oversize book. Includes the original languages of England and Ireland, Amoric Grammar, Amoric-English Vocabulary, Welsh words ommitted from Dr Davies' dictionary, Cornish Grammar, Ancient Scottish language, Irish-English Dictionary. Four page index which includes the errata, has the list of subscribers, mainly 3 columns per page. Includes a Cornish Grammar and dictionary of the Irish language, Archaeologia Britannica, Giving Some Account Additional to What Has Been Hitherto Published, of The Languages, Histories and Customs of the Original Inhabitants of Great Britain: From Collections and Observations in Travels Through Wales, Cornwal, Bas-Bretagne, Ireland and Scotland. Chapters on: The comparative Etymology, The comparative Vocabulary, The Armoric Grammar and Vocabulary, Dr Davies's Dictionary, Cornish Grammar, Catalogue of British Manuscripts in Welsh and Latin, Essay towards a British Etymologicon, The Introduction to the Irish, Irish Dictionary etc. language, gaelic, irish, scottish, edward lhuyd, welsh, latin, greek, etymologicon, celtic -
Federation University Historical Collection
Correspondence, Letters to and from Nina Steane - 1973, 1973
Nina Steane was the daughter of Sydney Carroll. He was the son of John Whiteman and Alice Cornwall, born in Melbourne in 1877. After a short marriage his parents separated and he chose to live with his father. Alice resumed her maiden name and became successful in the Mining Industry in Ballarat. She owned the Midas Mine on the Dowling Forest Estate, Victoria. She was known as Madame Midas. Returning to London her business thrived and her company the 'British Australasian Mining Investment Company' was floated in London in July 1889. It is said she became a millionaire at 30. Sydney Carroll was born George Frederick Carl Whiteman (1877-1958). Sydney was heavily involved with the theatre and was manager of a number of London theatres. He founded the Open Air Theatre in 1933. A new complex was been built on the site in 1975. He was part-author of several plays, published a book on dramatic criticism as well as being a drama critic. Nina Steane (Carroll) was born in 1932 and studied Art at the Cheltenham School of Art. She then went to Oxford University where she studied Literature. After Oxford she married John M Steane and they had three children. They lived in Southport, Kettering where she exhibited her art until the mid 1970s. In 1976 John became Oxfordshire's County Archaeologist and so moved to live in the area. Here Nina showed her art as well as in London and other parts of the country as well as abroad Nina died in 1990, aged 57. .1 Type written letter on white paper. Addressed "Dear Sir" and signed "Nina Steane" (copy) .2 Type written letter on white paper. Addressed "Mrs Steane" and signed by "E J Barker" Principal of Ballarat School of Mines and later Director of Ballarat College of Advanced Education. (copy) .3 Type written letter on white paper. Addressed "Dear Mr Barker" and signed "Nina Steane" (copy) .4a Copy of hand written information on The Midas Mine .4b continuation of information.1 Signature of Nina Steane. Dated July 6th 1973 .2 Signature "EJB". Dated 20th July 1973 .3 Signature of Nina Steane. Dated July 26th 1973midas mine, nina steane, sydney carroll, alice cornwall, john whiteman, melbourne, madame midas, british australasian mining investment company, millionaire, london, drama, open air theatre, cheltenham school of art, oxford university, literature, john m steane, oxfordshire county, archaeologist, exhibition -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Logbooks of The Lady Nelson, 1915
This hardcover book, The logbooks of the 'Lady Nelson' : with the journal of her first commander, Lieutenant James Grant, R.N., by Ida Lee (Mrs Charles Bruce Marriott) was published over 100 years after the Lady Nelson arrived in Australia to navigate and survey this ‘new colony’. Included in the book are sixteen charts and illustrations from the originals in the Admiralty Library, showing the surveyed land and water. The transcribed Contents, below, summarise the trips of the Lady Nelson during this time. Book’s Content PLUS text of the Chart of ‘Part of Bass Strait’ - Chapter 1: The Lady Nelson built with centreboards. Her voyage to Sydney under James Grant. The first ship to pass through Bass Strait. - Chapter 2: Returns to explore the Strait. Her visits to Jervis Bay and to Western Port in 1801 - Chapter 3: Colonel Paterson and Lieutenant Grant survey Hunter River - Chapter 4: Murray appointed commander of the Lady Nelson. His voyage to Norfolk Island. - Chapter 5: Murray’s exploration of Bass Strait. - Chapter 6: Discovery of Port Phillip. - Chapter 7: The Lady Nelson in company with HMS Investigator examines the North-Eastern shores of Australia. - Chapter 8: The French ships in Bass Strait. The founding of Hobart. - Chapter 9: Symons succeeds Curtoys as commander of the Lady Nelson. His voyages to Tasmania, Port Phillip and New Zealand. - Chapter 10: The Lady Nelson in Tasmania. The founding of Port Dalrymple. - Chapter 11: The Estramina is brought to Sydney. The Lady Nelson visits Norfolk Island and Port Dalrymple. - Chapter 12: Tippahee and his four sons are conveyed to New Zealand in the Lady Nelson. - Chapter 13: The Lady Nelson accompanies HMS Tamar to Melville Island. - Chapter 14: The loss of the Lady Nelson Text included with the ‘Chart of Bass Strait’ … “Part of Bass Strait, including the discoveries made by Acting Lieut. J. Murray, commander of His Majesty’s armed surveying vessel Lady Nelson, between November 1801 and March 1802. By command of His Excellency Governor King.” “This chart, which bears Murray’s autograph, shows his explorations of Western Port, Port Phillip and King Island. It should be noted that Flinders Island is named Grand Capuchin. This is one of the charts referred to as "unfortunately missing” in the Historical Records of N.S. Wales, vol. iv. P. 764” The story of the Lady Nelson In 1798 the British Admiralty ordered a cutter of 60 tons to be built along the design of the armed cutter Trial that was developed by Captain John Schanck, with three sliding keels or centreboards that could be individually raised and lowered, for use on the River Thames. The new cutter was to be named Lady Nelson. Philip Gidley King, prior to taking up his appointment as third Governor of the colony of New South Wales, was in England at the time of the Lady Nelson’s fit-out and was aware of the need for such a ship for survey work in the colony in New South Wales. He convinced Captain Schanck, the Commissioner of Transport in England, to construct and rig the Lady Nelson as a brig rather than a cutter, keeping the feature of the three sliding keels, which would be very useful for mapping in shallow waters. The new Lady Nelson was launched at Deptford, England on the River Thames in November 1798, with the official commission to discover and survey the unknown parts of the coast of New Holland (Australia) and establish British sovereignty over the continent. The Lady Nelson sailed from Portsmouth, England on March 1800 under the command of Lieutenant James Grant. She carried an armament of two original and four extra brass carronade carriage guns and set sail as part of a convoy heading to Port Jackson, in New South Wales, New Holland. After a while she continued to sail on her own. Her journey was troubled with problems at times; damaged and broken keels, troublesome crew and leaking topsides between the waterline and the deck due to poor seals. She arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in July and waited for the winter to pass to avoid the strong winds of the ‘Roaring Forties’. While at the Cape, Grant received a despatch to travel to Port Jackson via the newly discovered Bass Strait, rather than the usual route via the tip of Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania). This also gave him the opportunity to survey the strait on the way. He departed the Cape in October and in December he made his first sighting of New Holland near Mount Gambier in what is now South Australia. A report by Ecclestone in 2012, ‘The Early Charting of Victoria’s Coastline’, mentions that Grant charted and named Capes Banks and Northumberland, and sighted inland hills that he named Mt Gambier and Mt Schanck, the latter after the designer of his ship. Grant then reached the south-western shores of what is now Victoria on 3-4 December 1800, and from Cape Bridgewater he examined the coast eastward to Cape Patton. Although he had not continuously sighted the coast in the vicinity of Port Fairy and Warrnambool, the western part of Victoria became known as Grant’s Land. The Lady Nelson continued eastward and passed through Bass Strait, becoming the first vessel to reach the east coast of New Holland from the west, and arrived at her destination of Port Jackson later in December 1800. Grant, in the Lady Nelson, then left Port Jackson and began survey work. He discovered Port Phillip on Victoria’s coast and explored King Island, he helped establish the first European settlement in Tasmania on the Derwent River, and Port Dalrymple, Newcastle and Port Macquarie. He made several trips from Norfolk Island to Hobart Town. Governor Macquarie sailed on with him to Van Diemen’s Land for a tour of inspection in 1811. Grant helped establish the first settlement on Melville Island in Northern Australia. The Lady Nelson was used to transport cargo, civilians and convicts and to source pigs from Timor. In February 1825 the Lady Nelson sailed again for Timor and never returned. One report said that “Every soul on board, we regret to state, was cruelly massacred, and the hull of the vessel was seen some time after with the name painted on her stern.” The hull was sighted on the island of Babar, which is almost 200 kilometres east of Timor. This particular copy of the book ... This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969 This book about the logbooks of the Lady Nelson is locally significant for its association with the brig Lady Nelson, in which Lt. James Grant made the first documented European discovery of the area later known as Warrnambool in December 1800. This book is also nationally significant for its association with Grant in the Lady Nelson being the first to sail from west to east through Bass Strait, opening up a shorter, faster route to the colony of Port Jackson rather than going all the way south around Van Diemen’s Land. The book is nationally significant for its contents of the logbooks of the journeys of the Lady Nelson under various commanders and the copies of the charts created from the surveyed information and the new land of Australia was discovered. This book is also significant for its association with the full-size non-sailing replica of the Lady Nelson from Mount Gambier’s visitor centre, which was restored by Flagstaff Hill’s Master Boat Builder in Warrnambool in 2012, and with a ship mode of the Lady Nelson in our Collection The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Logbooks of The Lady Nelson Author: Ida Lee ( Mrs Charles Bruce Marriott) Publisher: Grafton & Co Date: 1915Label on spine with typed text RA 910.994 LEE Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the logbooks of the lady nelson, ida lee, mrs charles bruce marriott, captain john schanck, sliding keels or centreboards, lady nelson, british brig hms lady nelson, lieutennant james grant, bass strait discovery, surveying king island and port phillip bay, philip gidley king, survey map -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Kerosene Searchlight, Circa 1935
The Tilley lamp derives from John Tilley’s invention of the hydro-pneumatic blowpipe in 1813 in England. W. H. Tilley were manufacturing pressure lamps at their works in Stoke Newington in 1818, and Shoreditch, in the 1830s. The company moved to Brent Street in Hendon in 1915 during World War I, and started to work with paraffin (kerosene) as a fuel for the lamps. During World War I Tilley lamps were used by the British armed forces, and became so popular that Tilley became used as a generic name for a kerosene lamp in many parts of the world, in much the same way as Hoover is used for vacuum cleaners. During the 1920s the company had diversified into domestic lamps, and had expanded rapidly after orders from railway companies. After World War II fears about the poisonous effect of paraffin fumes, and widely available electricity, reduced demand for domestic use. The company moved from Hendon to Ireland in the early 1960s, finally settling in Belfast. The company moved back to England in 2000.A significant item demonstrating the early use of kerosene under pressure as a lighting medium. These types of lamps were made by a company whose products became synonymous with oil lamps generally. Lamps that were used commercially, domestically and by the armed forces of many countries during the first and second world wars.Tilley Searchlight Projector, or search lamp, made in Hendon, England 1935. Metal kerosene pressure search lamp, glass front, fixed mirror at back, wooden carry handles. Mounted on fuel tank with pressure pump. Lamp has 8 airflow holes in the bottom and a covered outlet on the top. Glass is in 3 pieces, fitting together to make flat circle there is a maker’s plate on the pressure tank. “TILLEY / SEARCHLIGHT PROJECTOR / MADE AT / HENDON, ENGLAND”, “256” handwritten in red on one wooden handle, “9” or “6” hand painted in white on top on light flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, tilley kerosene pressure searchlight, lighting, john tilley, pressure lamps -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book - Scrapbook, Ballarat School of Mines Scrapbook, 1936-1948, 1936-1948
The Ballarat School of Mines was the first school of mines in Australia.Exercise books of newspaper clippings relating to the Ballarat School of Mines. Clippings include: 12 Feb 1936 - State Scholarships 12 March 1936 - Dr J.R. Pound 19 March 1936 - MacRobertson Scholarship 23 March 1936 - gift to the museum - Wardle and Jermyn donate timber specimens 11 May 1935 - A.W. Steane 13 June 1936 - Frederick Longhurst appointed art instructor 27 July 1936 - Ballarat Junior Technical School Reunion 11 Sept 1936 - Wiltshire Poster Competition 30 Oct 1936 - Dressmaking classes 20 NOv 1936 - Nornie Gude NOvember 1936 - Ballarat School of Mines Reunion 16 March 1937 - Oval for Ballarat Junior Technical School - White Flat 11 Nov 1937 - Poster competition - Betty Brown and Albino Paganetti 08 Feb 1938 - Frederick J. Martell obituary 07 July 1938 - Henry Kum-Yuen 14 July 1938 - Red Cross Competition for Women 06 Aug 1938 - School Pine Plantation at Vale Park 19 Aug 1938 - Memorial trees planted at Ballarat Junior Technical School to the memory of Cliff Ellis and Ken Butler 06 March 1939 - Ballarat School of Mines Reunion 16 May 1939 - Ballarat School of Mines Battery 19 April 1940 - Progress of Technical Education - New Engineering workshop opended by Sir John Harris 03 June 1940 - W.H. Middleton obituary 16 July 1940 - Training munition workers 30 May 1941 - Lady Tracers 19 Oct 1942 - War Poster competition 24 February 1944 - Ballarat School of MInes Record Enrolments Feb 1944 - D.F.C. for Ballarat Airman H.J. Trevenen 11 Feb 1945 - Harold Herbert Obituary 14 Oct 1945 - Technical Schools in Wartime 23 Feb 1946 - Molasses and Chaff for SMB Initiates 06 June 1946 - Plans for Victory Ball 13 Sept 1946 - Ken Walker sculpts Prime Minister Chifey's bust 23 Aug 1946 - Edgar McConnon obituary 24 Oct 1946 0 Retirement of A.F. Heseltine 25 Nov 1946 - Army huts for classrooms 12 Dec 1946 - Proposed New Theatre for Ballarat by Geoff Richards 16 Dec 1946 - Ballarat Junior Technical School Old Boys who served in armed forces during World War Two 28 July 1947 - Pottery section at Ballarat School of Mines 31 July 1947 - Red Cross Hut removed to the Ballarat School of Mines 10 March 1948 - Guncotton Factory buildings to become nurses quarters 18 March 1948 - Samuel Mayo Obituary ballarat school of mines, ballarat techncial art school, swimming shield, ballarat school of mines museum, ballarat war museum, sydney pern, t.m. pescott, c.w. brazenor, victory ball, w. rowe, joan walker, graeme dowling, ken walker, prime ministers' avenue, ben chifley, amalie feild, amalie colquhoun, h.h. smith, portrait, girls' preparatory classes, world war two, w. williams, raaf, w.s. williams, william william, william williams, new workshops, herbert j. trevenen, harold herbert death, les crouch, swimming, ballarat city baths, heather scott, clunes hospital nurses' quarters, ballarat ladies' art association scholarships, samuel henry mayo, samuel mayo death, girls preparatory classes, w. william, pilot, killed in action, education reform, ballarat schoool of mines museum, h.j. trevenen, world war ii, world war 2, ballarat junior technical school war service, nurses quarters, guncotton factory building, s. mayo death, initiation, ballarat school of mines scrapbook, newsclippings, j.r. pound, macrobertson scholarship, a.w. steane, ballarat junior technical school, wiltshire's poster competition, ballarat junior technical school old boys' association, ballarat junior technical school old boys' reunion, nornie gude, a. nye, albino paganettu, betty brown, dorothy woolcock, jean coates, jack hewitt, hazel robinson, gilda gude, white flat oval, gauge tower demolition, a.f. hesiltine, darwin, victor greenhalgh, frederick martell, memorial trees, cliff ellis, valda king, pharmacy, reunion, engineering workshops, thomas k. sim, daylesford, battery, h.h. smith reunion, ballarat technical art school reunion, w.h. middleton obituary, munition makers, plumbers, pottery industry, girls education, munition trainees, lady tracers, waterloo prize money, war museum, art as vocation, art education, nine-inch telescope, returned soldiers' league, repatriation classes, pinkertson scholarship, amel robert gordon, projector, pethard cup, ballarat food appeal for britain, queen mary, ballarat swimming pool, ballarat school of mines initiation, swimming carneval, prime ministers avenue, edgar mcconnon, community theatre project, world war two service, john l. burt, hockey, pottery, ceramics, ballarat school of mines coat of arms, coat of arms, k. bremner, red cross hut, s.m.b. follies, ken palmer, s. mayo, chinese, albert steane, university women, a.f. heseltine, student activity, swimming sports, albino pagnetti, w.h. middleton death -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Tools, 'Carter' wood plane, c1900
Richard Carter Ltd is still making edge tools in Honley, near Huddersfield. Established in 1740 by Jeremiah Carter in High Burton: the 1834 Piggots directory list three edge tool CARTER - makers at Kirk Burton: Henry Carter, John Carter and Robert Carter. By 1870 the company was known by its current name. The Stanley Rule and Level Company was founded in 1857 by Henry Stanley in New Britain, Connecticut. In 1920, this company merged with the separate but related Stanley Works, founded by Henry Stanley's cousin Frederick Trent Stanley, and continued operating as its hand tools division.. 2010 merger of The Stanley Works with Black & Decker Subsequent reports by visitors to Vic. Collections are noted Geoff Thomas 2019, Mitchell 2019 , Bob Burgess 2022 The early settlers were resourceful and self sufficient so they made and repaired their tools as required.Early settlers were self sufficient and resourceful making and mending their tools, farm and household equipment.c1900 A 'Carter' hand wood plane, made of metal with an adjustable screw for blade thickness.early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Badge - Centenary of Melbourne, c. 1935-35
White metal medal issued to commemorate Melbourne’s centenary 1934-35. This medal was given out to Victorian school children; 325,600 white metal medals were struck. The medal references Portland, the location of Victoria’s first settlement. The Henty brothers, entrepreneur farmers and whalers, established the state’s first permanent European settlement in Portland in 1834. Melbourne was established the following year by a party of settlers led by John Batman. In 1934, as Melbourne planned to celebrate the centenary of European settlement, it seemed to some that there was little to celebrate. The financial strains of the depression, unemployment and the scandal of the city’s slums all undercut claims of unbridled progress. Perhaps because of such troubles, the organisers of the centenary celebrations tried doubly hard to be positive. The themes of the celebrations were conservative, reflecting the desire of some Melburnians for security in troubled times. The widely promoted image of the ‘Garden City’ and ‘Queen City of the South’ emphasised the idea of Melbourne as a very British city. White metal badgeCentenary of Melbournemelbourne centenary, victorian school children -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Badge - Jubilee of the Wesleyan Methodist Church Medal, 1886
In 1886 the Wesleyan Methodist Church celebrated the fiftieth jubilee of the establishment of the Wesleyan Methodist Association in Britain. The Association was one of several off-shoots of the Methodist Church, which had been established by John Wesley from the 1730s. Methodism stressed evangelism and a closer association with God. The focus on fiftieth anniversaries by the church originated in Leviticus 25:10: ‘And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you...’. In 1902 the various off-shoots of Methodism in Australia united to form the Methodist Church of Australasia. In 1977 the church became part of the Uniting Church. The Wesleyan Methodist Church which exists in Australia today is actually a branch of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of America, introduced to Australia during World War II. In 2003 it had almost 100 churches in Australia.Many of the early pioneers in the City of Moorabbin were Methodists.Silver Medal Side one: legend within trefoil; JUBILEE / OF THE / WESLEYAN / METHODIST / CHURCH / IN / VICTORIA / 1886 small floral decorations at each point of trefoil. Side two: Bust of John Wesleycity of moorabbin, wesleyan methodist church, religion, jubilee -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceramic - Stoneware Bottle, Dundas Pottery, Late 1800s to early 1900s
This bottle was made in Scotland and recovered decades later from a shipwreck along the coast of Victoria. It may have been amongst the ship's cargo, its provisions or amongst a passenger's personal luggage. It is now part of the John Chance collection. Stoneware bottles similar to this one were in common use during the mid-to-late 19th century. They were used to store and transport. The bottles were handmade using either a potter's wheel or in moulds such as a plaster mould, which gave the bottles uniformity in size and shape. The bottle would then be fired and glazed in a hot kiln. Makers often identified their bottles with the impression of a small symbol or adding a colour to the mouth. The manufacturer usually stamped their bottles with their name and logo, and sometimes a message that the bottle remained their property and should be returned to them. The bottles could then be cleaned and refilled. DUNDAS POTTERY WORKS - The Dundas Pottery works were established in 1828 by William Johnstone in partnership with John Forsyth and John Mc Coll. Located where the Forth and Clyde Canal joined the Monkland Canal, North of Glasgow. Johnstone sold the pottery in 1835 to Robert Cochran and James Couper. Mc Coll was retained as manager until 1837when in 1839 Cochran & Couper sold the pottery and purchased the St Rollex Glass Works. George Duncan took over briefly but died in 1841, with the pottery possibly being run by his widow Helen and a potter named Alexander Paul. James Miller was the manager at the time and he bought the pottery in 1856, in partnership with John Moody. Miller's long and careful stewardship of the pottery saw success from the export market which allowed him to purchase the North British pottery in 1867 until 1874 when it was sold. In 1875, Miller, in partnership with John Young, leased part of Caledonian Pottery, naming it Crown Pottery, however, it burned down in 1879. In the early 1880s, Young extended the pottery and named it Milton Pottery. Miller’s son, James W., became a partner in Milton pottery in 1905. James Miller Snr died in 1905 and the company continued as a limited liability company, being sold to the Borax Consolidation Ltd in 1929, but it was unsuccessful and Possil pottery purchased some of the company's equipment before it finally closed in 1932. From 1828 until the James Miller period of circa 1856, the pottery produced salt-glazed stoneware for the local industrial trade; mainly bottles and drain pipes. James Miller produced various bottles, whisky and acid jars, casks, butter crocks, jam jars and domestic wares in Bristol glaze. He streamlined the water filter manufacturing, which had become a specialty of the pottery, and a dedicated section of the pottery was created solely for their production, which was exported worldwide. This stoneware bottle is historically significant for its manufacture and use in the late 19th to the early 20th century. This bottle is historically significant for its connection with the well-known stoneware manufacturers, Dundas Pottery of Glasgow, Scotland. The bottle is also significant as it was recovered by John Chance, a diver, from a wreck on the coast of Victoria in the 1960s-70s. Items that come from several wrecks along Victoria's coast have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. Bottle, salt glazed stoneware, beige, sealed with wax, discolouration above base. Inscriptions stamped near base. Stamp: [symbol of concentric ovals], text within the symbol "PORT DUNDAS POTTERY COY." and "GLASGOW". Stamp:[Symbol - square with short vertical line in centre of base line] flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, stoneware, ironstone, pottery, bottle, port dundas pottery, glasgow, john chance, antique bottle, william johnstone -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceramic - Stoneware Bottle, Dundas Pottery, 1856-1910
This bottle is part of the John Chance Collection of shipwreck artefacts. The Dundas Pottery works were established in 1828 by William Johnstone in partnership with John Forsyth and John Mc Coll. Located where the Forth and Clyde Canal joined the Monkland Canal, North of Glasgow. Johnstone sold the pottery in 1835 to Robert Cochran and James Couper. Mc Coll was retained as manager until 1837when in 1839 Cochran & Couper sold the pottery and purchased the St Rollex Glass Works. George Duncan took over briefly but died in 1841, with the pottery possibly being run by his widow Helen and a potter named Alexander Paul. James Miller was the manager at the time and he bought the pottery in 1856, in partnership with John Moody. Miller's long and careful stewardship of the pottery saw success from the export market which allowed him to purchase the North British pottery in 1867 until 1874 when it was sold. In 1875, Miller, in partnership with John Young, leased part of Caledonian Pottery, naming it Crown Pottery, however, it burned down in 1879. In the early 1880s, Young extended the pottery and named it Milton Pottery. Miller’s son, James W., became a partner in Milton pottery in 1905. James Miller Snr died in 1905 and the company continued as a limited liability company, being sold to the Borax Consolidation Ltd in 1929, but it was unsuccessful and Possil pottery purchased some of the company's equipment before it finally closed in 1932. From 1828 until the James Miller period of circa 1856, the pottery produced salt-glazed stoneware for the local industrial trade; mainly bottles and drain pipes. James Miller produced various bottles, whisky and acid jars, casks, butter crocks, jam jars and domestic wares in Bristol glaze. He streamlined the water filter manufacturing, which had become a speciality of the pottery, and a dedicated section of the pottery was created solely for their production, which was exported worldwide. A significant item of salt-glazed ceramic stoneware made by the Dundas potteries in Scotland who were renowned for making quality ironstone pottery. The bottle that was in common use throughout the British colonies and America for the containment of ale The bottle is also significant as it was recovered by John Chance, a diver, from a wreck on the coast of Victoria in the 1960s-70s. Items that come from several wrecks along Victoria's coast have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime museum collection by his family Illustrating the level of historical value the subject item has.Beige salt glazed stoneware, bottle with discolorations above base. Manufacturer's oval Inscription lozenge stamped near base. Stamp: [symbol of concentric ovals], text within the symbol "PORT DUNDAS POTTERY COY." and "GLASGOW". Stamp:[Symbol - square with short vertical line in centre of base line]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, john chance, stoneware bottle, pottery, port dundas pottery, william johnstone, bottles, shipwreck artefact, stoneware, ironstone, bottle, glasgow, antique bottle