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City of Ballarat
Artwork, other - Public Artwork, Perseus by J. Cranari, Circa 1880s
This depiction of Perseus in marble, was Presented by James Chapman in 1885 to the National Gallery of Victoria. It was de-accessioned and transferred to Ballarat in 1943 where it joined other Victorian-era statues acquired in the 1880s and later. It was located outside the first Ballarat Library in Camp Street and moved to an indoor location at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens in 2013 due to ongoing vandalism.The artwork is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of BallaratWhite marble statue, standing naked male with small wings on helmet.Perseusperseus -
City of Ballarat
Artwork, other - Public Artwork, Rebekah by Charles Summers, Circa 1885
Rebekah was designed and carved by Charles Francis Summers, one of five white marble statues housed in the Statuary Pavilion, Ballarat Botanical Gardens.The Pavilion and its statues were unveiled in 1888 by Premier Duncan Gillies, a former colleague of James Russell Thompson whose bequest to the City enabled the purchase, in Italy, of the statues. The Flight from Pompeii and the four accompanying statues are housed in the Statuary Pavilion in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. The Flight from Pompeii, in the centre, was designed by Professor Carlo Benzoni and carved by Charles Francis Summers while the four accompanying statues were all designed and carved by Charles Francis Summers. The octagonal Pavilion was specially designed by T.E. Molloy in 1887 to house the statuary. The five statues and Pavilion are believed to be unique in Australia. The Flight from Pompeii, Modesty, Rebekah, Ruth and Susannah are aesthetically significant as they are a group of statues, which are a fine example of the design of Professor G.M. Benzoni [Flight from Pompeii] and the design and carving of Charles Francis Summers. The carving of the Flight from Pompeii is both sensitive and finely done and both the design and carving of Modesty, Rebekah, Ruth and Susannah is sensitive and delicate with great attention to detail. The group is historically important as it epitomises the 'beautification' of the city in the 1880s by men who made their money from gold and who wished to give to the city money for projects such the statuary Pavilion and its contents. The Flight from Pompeii group is located in the Botanical Gardens, which were then also being developed in the Victorian style. This also illustrates the social feeling of the time in which the wealthy had made their money and were wanting to develop in a most substantial way, as well as to 'beautify' the city in which they lived. The Pavilion, designed by the major Ballarat architect T.E. Molloy, is unusual for its top-lit central lantern and curved roofs. The statues are seen to their best advantage because of the provision of all-round and top natural lighting. Classified: 03/03/2003 Victorian Heritage Database. White marble statue of a woman standing with left arm raised to her head and draped in cloth to form a robe tied at the front.Rebekah -
City of Ballarat
Artwork, other - Public Artwork, Peter Lalor by Thomas Nelson McLean, 1883
The Peter Lalor statue by Thomas Nelson McLean is said to be a striking likeness of Lalor who is remembered as the leader of the Eureka Rebellion. The artist has depicted Lalor’s missing arm which he lost in the Rebellion efforts on of 3rd December 1854 and 4 bronze relief panels depict major events in Lalor`s life including his involvement at Eureka and in Parliament, where he served as the Speaker of the House. The cast bronze statue stands at a grand scale of 3 meters high and is mounted on a pedestal of polished Aberdeen granite. The statue was gifted to the citizens of Ballarat by James Oddie, who founded a number of Ballarat institutions and was the first chairman of the municipality. It was unveiled by then Premier of Victoria Duncan Gillies on 26 January 1883 to a cheering crowd reported to be in the thousands. The commission cost £2,200. The sculpture was unveiled by then Premier of Victoria Duncan Gillies on 26 January 1983 to a cheering crowd reported to be in the thousands, such was the popularity of Lalor and the appreciation of Eureka rebellion efforts. The statue is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of BallaratThe cast bronze statue of Peter Lalor stands 3 meters high and is mounted on a pedestal of polished Aberdeen graniteNames of rebellion dead. Artist signature on bronze base.peter lalor, eureka rebellion, eureka, ballarat -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Peace 1919 Medal, Medal Peace 1919, 1919
Awarded to: School Children of the Commonwealth of Australia Other Details: Of the commemorative medals issued to mark the end of the First World War, the most common was the so-called 'Peace' or 'Victory' medal issued to every child in Australia aged 0-14 years (and aged up to 16 if parents were in the armed forces). The medal was designed by Charles Douglas Richardson, better known for his work as a sculptor. Time constraints as well as pressure from the production of other victory medals meant that no single manufacturer could make the 1,670,000 medals. Six were therefore selected: Amor, Stokes, Schlank, Parkes, Angus & Coote (who later withdrew) and Platers. The medals were silvered bronze, with silver issues for special presentations. The Defence Department supplied a red, white and blue striped ribbon and pin. Distribution began in March 1919. Victorian school children received their medals on Friday 18 July and on 'Peace Day' on Saturday 19 July.To commemorate the end of World War 1.Round white metal medals issued to mark the end of WW1. On the front "PEACE 1919", and on the reverse, "VICTORY", middle of the medal "THE TRIUMPH OF LIBERTY AND JUSTICE". on the bottom "THE PEACE OF 1919". With a plain edge.Peace with two flying doves on pedestal inscribed, PEACE / 1919 below AUSTRALIA; figure in chains on left and another entangled in bush to right (obverse) Australian sailor and soldier support wreath; above, VICTORY; within, THE / TRIUMPH / OF / LIBERTY / AND / JUSTICE; below on plaque, THE PEACE OF 1919(reverse)world war 1, peace, victory medal australia -
Clayton RSL Sub Branch
Medal, Peace Medal, 1919
Awarded to: School Children of the Commonwealth of Australia Other Details: Of the commemorative medals issued to mark the end of the First World War, the most common was the so-called 'Peace' or 'Victory' medal issued to every child in Australia aged 0-14 years (and aged up to 16 if parents were in the armed forces). The medal was designed by Charles Douglas Richardson, better known for his work as a sculptor. Time constraints as well as pressure from the production of other victory medals meant that no single manufacturer could make the 1,670,000 medals. Six were therefore selected: Amor, Stokes, Schlank, Parkes, Angus & Coote (who later withdrew) and Platers. The medals were silvered bronze, with silver issues for special presentations. The Defence Department supplied a red, white and blue striped ribbon and pin. Distribution began in March 1919. Victorian school children received their medals on Friday 18 July and on 'Peace Day' on Saturday 19 July.To commemorate the end of World War 1Round white metal medals issued to mark the end of WW1. On the front "PEACE 1919", and on the reverse, "VICTORY", middle of the medal "THE TRIUMPH OF LIBERTY AND JUSTICE". on the bottom "THE PEACE OF 1919". With a plain edge.Peace with two flying doves on pedestal inscribed, PEACE / 1919 below AUSTRALIA; figure in chains on left and another entangled in bush to right (obverse) Australian sailor and soldier support wreath; above, VICTORY; within, THE / TRIUMPH / OF / LIBERTY / AND / JUSTICE; below on plaque, THE PEACE OF 1919(reverse) -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Memorandum, City of Melbourne, "Air Training Corps March", Oct. 1943
... City of Melbourne ...Details the arrangements for a "Air Training Corps March" on Saturday 23/10/1943 in connection with the fourth liberty loan. Published by the City of Melbourne. details tramway arrangements.Demonstrates a document by the City of Melbourne detailing the arrangements for a Parade through city streets.Memorandum - 4 foolscap sheets, duplicatedNotations written in pencil on memo pinned in top left hand corner.trams, tramways, events, parades, liberty loan -
Greensborough Historical Society
Booklet, Natural Environmental Protection Panel of the Shire of Diamond Valley, Looking after your environment, 1994_09
... Natural Environmental Protection Panel of the Shire of...Shire of Diamond Valley, Victoria, Australia ...This booklet outlines the advantages of using native plants in the garden and lists environmental groups and council services in the Shire of Diamond Valley.12 p. green text and line drawings on white paper.shire of diamond valley, native plants -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Booklet, Re-establishment Benefits for National Servicemen, 1/11/1969 12:00:00 AM
... Department of Labour and National Service, Commonwealth of...Commonwealth of Australia ...Booklet with 22 pages and olive green soft-cover outlining benefits paid to National Servicemen for such matters as reinstatement in civilian employment, post-discharge vocational training, retirement, housing, and protection of financial commitments.national service - australia, re-establishment, repatriation, payments, swainston collection -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Colour, The Hon. John Cain MP, Premier of Victoria 1982-1990, 21/02/2016
... The Hon. John Cain MP, Premier of Victoria 1982-1990 ...John Cain (26 April 1931-December 2019), Australian Labor Party politician and 41st Premier of Victoria, holding office from 1982 to 1990. During his time as Premier, changes were enforced to the practices of various institutions in Melbourne which discriminated against women, while other reforms were introduced such as libearlized shop trading hours and liquor laws, equal opportunity initiatives, and occupational health and safety legislation.Statue of John Cain Junior by Peter Corlett.john cain, john cain junior, treasury gardens -
Kilmore Historical Society
Corset, 1950's?
Cotton corset, cream colour. Metal hook fastenings and rivets."Liberty" -
City of Ballarat
Public Artwork, Eternal Flame by Peter Blizzard, 1995
Eternal Flame was created by Ballarat sculptor Peter Blizzard as a marker of the end of WWII in the Pacific. Engraved into the bluestone shaped tile across the base of the statue is details about conflict areas where Australian Troops were active. The metal structure mimics a moving flame with it's polished golden hue, a feature included in many war memorials around the world. Peter Blizzard also designed the Prisoner of War Memorial in the South Gardens, Ballarat Botanic Gardens. The metal structure mimics the moving flame of polished golden hue that is present in war memorials around the world. Eternal flame is aesthetically and historically significant to the people of BallaratMetal construction on bluestone tile baseConflict areas for Australian Troops are engraved into bluestone shaped tile across the base of the statue. eternal flame, world war ii, conflict, peter blizzard, australian sculpture -
Seaworks Maritime Museum
Certificate
Certificate from the Delaware Port Authority featuring large gold image of the Liberty Bell, Short description of the bell and the seal of the organisation. Sits in a gold frame. Philadelphia/ Bicentennial/ 1776-1976/ The Liberty Bell/ originally ordered to commemorate/ the 50th year of Pennsylvania under Penn's/ charter of 1701, the bell was cast by/ Thomas Lister of London, arriving here in/ 1752/ It was hung in the tower of the/ Pennsylvania State House. Cracked during/ testing, the bell was melted and recast by/ two Philadelphia foundrymen, Pass and/ Stow./ On July 4, 1776 the newly written/ Declaration of Independence was read to / The continental Congress in the State House./ Four days later the bell was rung to alert/ the people to the public reading of the / declaration./ As a result, the Pennsylvania State / House has become known as Independence / Hall and the revered symbol of the occasion / became our Liberty Bell./ it was cracked on July 8, 1835 while/ tolling for the funeral of Chief Justice/ John Marshall./ Presented by/ Delaware River Port Authority/ World Trade Division/ to/ Melbourne Harbor Trust Commissioners/ September 21, 1976." verso: PMA 0288 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Poster - POSTER, ANZAC DAY, FRAMED, Australian Government, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Office of Australian War Graves, 2014
... Australian Government, Department of Veterans' Affairs ...Poster - paper, black and white print with foreground silhouette of a statue of a soldier with background muted colour photograph of a group of soldiers. Frame - moulded black plastic with glass front and MDF Board backing; with metal clips.Lettering on poster "ANZAC/ DAY/ 2014/ HONOURING/ REMEMBERING/ THANKING/ RENEWING"framed accessories, poster, anzac day -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Pamphlet, The story of the White Horse - the symbol of a city, 1/01/1996 12:00:00 AM
... The story of the White Horse - the symbol of a city ...Brochure telling the history of the Whitehorse Hotel 1853-1921 and of the statue. Rev ed.Brochure telling the history of the Whitehorse Hotel 1853-1921 and of the statue. Rev ed.Brochure telling the history of the Whitehorse Hotel 1853-1921 and of the statue. Rev ed.white horse hotel, city of whitehorse -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Sculptor, Responsible for the Reconstruction and Renovation of BBG Statues, INTERVIEW WITH MS JUDE SCHAHINGER, 5 December, 2006
FBBG Oral History Project. Important contributors to the Ballarat Botanic Gardens. Ms Jude Schahinger was responsible for the reconstruction and renovation statues within the Gardens.Statues are a significant part of the BBG heritage and Ms Jude Schahinger was important in preserving that heritage.6 pages of verbatim interview edited by John Garner, in bold, font 14. Page 7 Half of the page gives the history of the damage and repair of the Stoddart Statues.At the bottom of each page, "20061205 Schahinger Jude-INTERVIEW, fbbg oral history project, reconstruction and renovation of bbg statues. sculptor. restorer, vandalism of statues, interview by john garner. ms jude schahinger, condition of statues, methods of restoration of statues., doctor john garner, oral history, historical account of stoddart statues., john garner collection, garner, dr, schahinger, sculptor, restoration, ballarat, gardens, ballarat botanical gardens -
City of Ballarat
Artwork, other - Public Artwork, Andor Mészáros, Shakespeare by Andor Mészáros, 1960
The well known sculpture of English playwright William Shakespeare takes an elaborate bow before the Civic Hall, a performance and community center for Ballarat. The unique abstract and elongated mannerist style used in this cast bronze sculpture hints at the art deco style of the Hall behind. The sculptor, Andor Mészáros, was from Budapest but created much of his work in Melbourne. He also created works for Canterbury Cathedral in the UK and several carved stone sculptures for Sydney Hospital. The artwork was commissioned in 1959 through a widely publicised competition and installed in 1960. In addition to making sculptures, Mészáros was also renown as a creator of medallions. In 1951 he received 'the highest award' at the International Medallion Exhibition, Madrid and in 1964 he won the 'purchase prize' at the International Medallion Competition, Arezzo, Italy. From 1970 Mészáros worked with his younger son Michael, also a sculptor. In 2002, the City of Ballarat granted permission for Michael Mészáros to make a cast of the Ballarat Shakespeare artwork to create replica installed in Budapest. The Budapest installation commemorates Shakespeare's connection to the City and the achievements of Andor Mészáros. The artwork was unveiled by Mayor Arthur W. Nicholson. The statue was presented by L.F. North, general Manager of the Fidelity Trustee Company Limited, representing the late H.P. Stevens as one of the benefactors whose generosity enabled the Statue to be erected.The artwork is of aesthetic significance to the people of BallaratLarge bronze statue of William Shakespeare mounted on a stone plinthWilliam Shakespeare 1564-1616. Erected by benefactions from Harry Pearson Stevens who settled here 1855 and other Citizens unveiled by Arthur W. Nicholson J.P. Mayor.17.11.1960shakespeare, andor mészáros, civic hall, ballarat -
Nillumbik Historical Society Incorporated
Book - Hardcover book, Hardie Grant Books, Remember Them A Guide to Victoria's Wartime Heritage, 2009
... State Government of Victoria ...Hardcover book with red board cover and dust cover with photo of AIF statue of two soldiers and black back - 308 pages including indexnon-fictionwar history, war memorials -
Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Award - Statue, 2007 S.L.S.A. & D.H.L. Australian Surf Club of the Year
... 2007 S.L.S.A. & D.H.L. Australian Surf Club of the Year ...Metal Statue of Lifesaver on Wooden Base. With Award inscription on base -
Linton and District Historical Society Inc
Textbook, Vera Scantlebury Brown and Kate Campbell, A guide to the care of the young child : infant and pre-school ages : fourth edition, 1958
... A guide to the care of the young child : infant and pre...Department of Health ...Vera Scantlebury Brown was born in Linton in 1889, a daughter of Dr George Scantlebury and his wife Catherine, née Baynes. Vera undertook medical training at Melbourne University between 1907 and 1913. After serving in the British Army Medical Unit during World War I, she worked in various positions in Melbourne hospitals and then studied in the US and Canada. In 1926 she was appointed Director of Infant Welfare by the recently established Victorian Department of Health, and became responsible for the development of maternal, infant and pre-school services in Victoria. In 2023 a statue of Vera Scantlebury was erected in Linton's Avenue of Honour in Denison Street. This copy of the book appears to have been owned/used by Barbara Safstrom of Linton.Textbook for nursing students and other health professionals. First compiled by Dr Vera Scantlebury Brown, and published as a "Guide to Infant Feeding". Book revised (with Kate Campbell) in 1941, 1951 and 1958. Pages 346 p. : index, tablesInscribed top right of front endpaper: 'Barbara Saftstrom / FF8269'.vera scantlebury, kate campbell, 'a guide to the care of the young child' [textbook] -
Melbourne Legacy
Document, Lest YOU forget. Legacy cares for Australia's biggest family, 1990
This is an example of Melbourne Legacy promotional material. It was used in newspaper advertising and also printed on milk cartons. The slogan "Lest YOU forget" was used with an image of the statue of Simpson and his donkey rather than a personality. The newspaper advertising varied slightly, from 'Buy a badge on Friday 7th September' to 'Legacy Says Thank You' when it was published on 14 September. It was in a folder with marketing material from the 1990s also see item 01250. The slogan "Lest YOU forget" was used with an image of the statue of Simpson and his donkey rather than a personality. The main time of year for fundraising is September when Legacy holds 'Badge Week'. Often there is a celebrity who gives his or her time as 'Personality of the Year'. Examples are Sir Weary Dunlop (1992), Clive James (1993), the Scott family (1994), The Emmanuel brothers (1995), Daryl Somers (1996 and 1997), and Patsy Adam Smith (1994?). Was in a folder with marketing material from the 1990s to 2009, see items 01240 to 01258. The collection shows the types of marketing materials that were produced and the celebrities that were helping Legacy.An example of promotional material from the 1990s. Marketing material and photos were compiled and released to newspapers, also printed as brochures and sometimes as stickers and collection tin wrappers. Examples of the use of a promotional image for Legacy Week in 1990, featuring the statue of Simpson and his donkey.legacy promotion, badge appeal, legacy week -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Saga of the Whitehorse, 11/01/1995 12:00:00 AM
... Saga of the Whitehorse ...Article on the history of the Whitehorse hotel and statue, 'The Age'(?) 11 January 1995.Article on the history of the Whitehorse hotel and statue, 'The Age'(?) 11 January 1995.Article on the history of the Whitehorse hotel and statue, 'The Age'(?) 11 January 1995.white horse hotel, white horse (statue) -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Colour, Clare Gervasoni, The Life of Queen Victoria, 21/07.2017
... The Life of Queen Victoria ...Photagraphs of relief images from the base of the Queen Victoria Statue in Ballarat.queen victoria, statue -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Committee of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, Memoirs of the life of the Rev. Thomas Halyburton, Professor of Divinity in the University of St Andrews, with an appendix embracing An account of the Church of Scotland during the times of Halyburton
... Memoirs of the life of the Rev. Thomas Halyburton...Committee of the General Assembly of the Free Church of ... -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Mathers, Helen (pen-name of Ellen Buckingham Mathews), A Man of To-day by Helen Mathers, [n.d.] [First published 1894, date of this edition not known.]
... A Man of To-day by Helen Mathers...Mathers, Helen (pen-name of Ellen Buckingham Mathews)...[n.d.] [First published 1894, date of this edition not ...Romance novel.Hardcover book, 318 pages, frontispiece illustration. Book has a red cover. Inscribed in ink on front end paper: 'Donated by W. Hale'.fictionRomance novel.helen mathers, romance, fiction, ellen buckingham mathews -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Ballarat School of Mines, Ballarat School of Mines Annual Reports 1895-1902, 1902 (estimated); Bound copies of reports from 1895-1902
... Ballarat School of Mines Annual Reports 1895-1902...Ballarat School of Mines...1902 (estimated); Bound copies of reports from 1895-1902 ...The Ballarat School of Mines was established in 1970 and was the first school of Mines in Australia.A number of Ballarat School of Mines Annual General reports bounds in a dark blue hardcover with black leather spine. Includes some illustrations such as the Ballarat School of Mines Senior Staff.mining, mining alumni, geometry, steam, botany, ballarat school of mines, alfred mica smith, j f usher, andrew anderson, chemistry, metallurgy, a e c kerr, henry j hall, veterinary science, robert e weir, assaying, mineralogy, petrography, algebra, trigonometry, applied, mechancis, land surveying, mine surveying, dynamics and heat, sound and light, magnetism and electricity, carpentry and joinery, architecture, photography, john warrington rogers, james bickett, thomas wanliss, henry cuthbert, museum, william huey, steele, and, gas, engines, mine managers certificate, john m sutherland, charles e campbell, cyanide plant, mining laboratory, samuel thornton, daniel walker, percy osborne, robert allan, hubert murphy, charles deane, ernest trend, thomas evans, alfred johnston, boer war, richard maddern, underground, ferdinand krause -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Joint Commemorative Meeting of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Centenary Commemoration Ceremony, nation united - 9 May 2001 : a joint commemorative meeting of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Centenary Commemoration Ceremony, 2001
... of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia and the...Joint Commemorative Meeting of the Parliament of the ...australia parliament, centennial celebrations, centenary of federation, australia -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Eastern Meadowlark, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
... Trustees of the Australian Museum ...Trustees of the Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW, Australia ...Eastern Meadowlarks live throughout the grasslands and farms in eastern North America. On the ground, their brown-and-black dappled upperparts camouflage the birds among dirt clods and dry grasses. When in flight or perching, they reveal bright-yellow breasts and bellies, and a striking black chevron across the chest. The Eastern Meadowlark has a diet which consists of mainly insects and seeds. These birds forage by walking on the ground and taking insects and seeds from the ground and from low plants. In winter, these birds may choose to forage in flocks. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century. This Eastern Meadowlark has a yellow breast and throat with black plumage in the shape of a 'V' on it's throat. This particular specimen has a long pointed bill which is in the shape of a spear. The crown of the bird is a dark brown and it also has lighter brown/yellow stripes on the brow. The back, wings, and tail are light brown with dark brown mottling. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg. The legs are long and the specimen has been styalised in an upright position.Label: [illegible] Ant-Eating Thrush / Catalogue, Page 66. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, american birds, eastern meadowlark, meadowlark -
Federation University Historical Collection
Chart, Chart Showing Oxidation-Reduction Half-Reactions in Aqueous Solution, 1962
... University of California...California, United States of America ...Chart Showing Oxidation-Reduction Half-Reactions in Aqueous Solutionhalf-reactions, chart -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Technical Manual, United States Government Printing Office, STOVE, COOKING, GASOLINE, M-1950 ONE BURNER, 10/1951
... Department of the Army...United States of America ...Used with single burner petrol stoves issued to vehicle crews from 1960'sUser manual. Department of the Army Technical Manual TM 10-708cooking, stove, field equipment, user manual -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Rocket Launcher, John Dennett, 1860s
... Government of Victoria...Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight, UK ...This rocket launching machine is used in conjunction with the Dennett Rocket Set. Both are part of the rocket rescue equipment that launches the line-throwing rescue rockets. A light line is threaded through the carved holes in the 8 foot long shaft and attached to the scribed channel at the base of the shaft. The rocket head is fitted to the shaft and inserted into the machine. The machine is set at an angle determined by the person in charge of the rescue crew, and the legs and base of the machine are adjusted accordingly with the use of the quadrant, or protractor, and plumb-bob on the side of the machine. The rocket is then ignited and fired across the vessel in distress. John Dennett - John Dennett was from Carisbrooke, in the Ilse of Wight, UK. In 1826 he invented, patented and demonstrated an improved method of rocket powered, line firing rescue equipment for saving lives. The rockets had a longer range than the mortars being used, they were lighter, needed less preparation time, only needed one line for repeated shots, and fewer people were needed to move the equipment. Very favourable reports of Dennett’s rockets were received by those in charge of His Majesty’s Naval and Military services. In 1832, Dennett’s rocket-thrown line was sent out to the wreck of the ‘Bainbridge’, and was responsible for nineteen survivors coming ashore in two boatloads, along the fired line. Dennett’s rocket received national fame, and a one-year contract to supply rockets to the Coastguards. He became known as ‘Rocket Man’ and his rockets were used in rescues at least until 1890, when his son Horatio was running the business. A rocket weighing 23 lb would have a range of about 250 yards (228 metres), on average. 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. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built to house it. In 1858 the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for lifeboat stations in Victoria, and in 1864 a rocket house was built to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater area, and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifeboat and rocket crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. Some became local heroes but all served an important role. By the end of the 1950s the lifeboat and rescue equipment had become obsolete. Rocket Rescue Method - 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 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 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 tally board was then sent out to the ship with instructions in four languages. The ship’s crew would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line, then secure the attached whip block to the mast or other sturdy part the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the ship’s crew fixed above the whip block. The hawser was then tightened using the block on the shore end of the whip. The breeches buoy and endless whip are then attached to the traveller block on the hawser, allowing the shore crew to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. This rocket launcher machine 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.Rocket launcher, named a Rocket Machine, and storage box. Launcher has a long open metal channel with a spike at the base, and narrow, rectangular device, which is the line-firing rocket machine, at the top, all painted blue. Two hinged wooden legs are attached where the channel and machine meet. The side of the machine has an oval cut-out window and an attached quadrant, or protractor, with a plumb-bob on it. The quadrant has angles marked in degrees. The long protective box has white stencilled letters along the side. Its lid has three hinges and is fastened with two metal latches.On box “ROCKET MACHINE” On quadrant “10” “20” “30” “40”flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket crew, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, rocket apparatus, beach apparatus, petticoat breeches, breeches buoy, rocket house, rocket shed, lifeboat men, rocket equipment, rocket machine, rocket head, rocket launcher, rocket line, marine technology, william schermuly, line-firing pistol, line throwing gun, schermuly pistol, pistol rocket apparatus, beach rescue set, traveller, block, running block, pulley, hawser, faking, faking box, faked line, rescue boat, lifeboat, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, tramway jetty, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, breakwater, lifeboat warrnambool, rocket rescue method, rocket rescue apparatus, captain manby, mortar, henry trengrouse, sky rocket, john dennett, shore to ship, colonel boxer, two-stage rocket, italian hemp, quadrant, protractor, schermuly, line-throwing pistol, line throwing cartridge, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, tally board, light line, whip line, endless whip, petticoat buoy, traveller chair, traveller block, her majesty’s coast guard, harbour board, line thrower, line throwing, beach cart, hand barrow, sand anchor, hawser cutter, life jacket, faking board, welsh hand barrow, rocket set