Talking Book Machines were used by clients for audio books sent out by libraries for the blind and visually impaired. In this undated photograph, the machine appears to be either a cassette or cartridge player, and the top and cardigan worn by the lady, indicates that this image may have be taken in the 1980-1990s. Talking Book Machines had more features than a regular cassette player, combined with the various speeds used and tone indexing, allowed readers to skip through the book or slow it down.audio equipment, talking books, royal victorian institute for the blind

A cream paperback reader or textbook with black and red lettering on the front cover at the top for the title, Whitcombe's Vivid History Reader Grade V. A red, black and white illustration in a square, shows a soldier from ancient times peering through bushes at enemy soldiers around a campfire. Throughout are black and white maps, diagrams, photographs and illustrations. Inside the front and back covers are further Whitcombe and Tombs titles as well as on the outside of the back cover. Pp. 208.non-fictionA Vivid History Reader for Grade V - The British People in the Making, was specially written to meet the requirements of the Social Studies (History) Course in Victorian Elementary Schools. It is a series of vivid and realistic history readers attractively produced and illustrated for the enjoyment of girls and boys in their approach to history of their own land and of the wonderful countries overseas. children's books, handbooks, textbooks, history books

Clothbound, beige cover, stained. 179 pp. Fair condition.fictionSchool Reader, short stories & poetry. One of a series of eight readers produced 1927-30 for school children in Victoria. Used (with revisions and contents changes) until the 1950's.reading, spelling, children, knight, textbook

Red cloth-bound, mildew staining and fading on front & rear covers. Binding largely intact but is separating at title page. Staining & discolouration on end papers. Back endpaper torn at corner. 242pp. Fair - good condition.fictionSchool reading book, Form 1 levelreading, text, children

Set of eight in cardboard display box. Display box stained and worn at extremities, books generally in vg condition.fictionSet of eight readers published by the Victorian Ministry of Education for use in Victorian primary schools. Originally published 1928 and in use through to c1960. This edition a 1986 reprint.reading, textbook, children

Blue cloth-bound cover stained & faded. Minor wear to extremities. Pages yellowed.244pp. Good condition.fictionSixth of a series of eight readers produced 1927-30 for school children in Victoria and used (with revisions & content changes) until the 1950'sreading, children, textbook, knight

Blue cloth-bound cover, faded, staining, worn at extremities. Pages discoloured, dislocation of rear hinge. 215pp. Poor condition.fictionVictorian school reader, Fifth Book.reading, textbook, children

A grey paperback textbook, Whitcombe's New federal Mathematics Grade VIII printed in black lettering at the top of the front cover with a scroll surrounding it. Specially written to meet the requirements of the Revised Course of Study in Victorian Schools is written below in a box with the publisher Whitcombe and Tombs Limited with the cities listed below. 1/9 price is in the bottom right hand corner. Inside the front cover is an advertisement for the New Federal Arithmetics in seven books, The inside back cover has Whitcombe's Vivid History Readers listed and on the ouside, Whitcombe's Human Geography Readers. Lance Sebire Wandin Yallock State School 1033 Mont De Lancey is written in blue ink on the front and in grey pencil on the title page. At the back on the inside cover at the right top is written in blue ink - How I spent my holidays. Exrecises, diagrams Equations and other Mathematical studies is seen throughout. Foxing, stains, dog eared pages and ink is seen on various pages. 176p.non-fictionA non fiction textbook about Mathematics specially written to meet the requirements of the Revised Victorian Course of Study in Elementary Schools.mathematics, victorian school curriculum

A badly damaged grey softcover textbook with the title, Whitcombe's New Federal Arithmetic Grade VI printed on a black lined scroll design with Specially written to meet the requirements of the Revised Victorian Course of Study in Elementary School in a box at the bottom along with the publisher symbol. Whitcombe & Tombs Limited Melbourne & Sydney and other cities is printed beneath. The price 1/3 is written in the right hand bottom corner. Inside are exercises, short problems, diagrams and lists of examples of work set out for the students. There are pencil and ink markings inside. On the back inside and outside the cover are advertisements for Whitcombe's Vivid History and Geography Readers. 132p. non-fictionAn arithmetic book for Grade VI elementary students with exercises, problems, diagrams and revision for young students in Australia.arithmetic, school curriculum, australian schools

A faded green paperback reader or textbook with black lettering on the front cover at the top for the title Whitcombe's Human Geography Reader. Grade III. A cost of 1/- is printed in the lower right hand corner. On the front cover is a black lined illustration inside a round shape of children in traditional costumes from different lands with many lined drawings of animals from around the world. The title page has the title and publisher details as well as a black and white photograph of two children sitting in a Dog-Cart in Summer. Throughout are black and white charts, maps, diagrams, photographs and illustrations. On the inside of the front cover is a Contents page and the back cover lists further Whitcombe's titles as well as on the outside of the back cover. Pp. 52.non-fictionWhitcombe's Human Geography Reader Grade III - Animals and Children of Many Lands is specially written to meet the requirements of the Social Studies (Geography) Course of Study in Victorian Elementary Schools. It is intended for the personal use of the pupil and has been written for juveniles. It aims to encourage world friendship with descriptions and pictures of the children from many lands. Many of the animals and birds of the world are illustrated and described. The topics are written in story form. Dramatization is encouraged as well as outdoor activities and the making of a pupil's geography picture book.handbooks, textbooks, geography, children's books

Book used in Primary schools for readingHard cardboard and linen green coloured cover with black printing. 216 pages.school reader, primary school readers, victorian school readers

Booklet: Grey cover 80 page illustrated booklet, in 2 parts, titled 'First Book'. Issued by the Victorian Education Dept. A school reader to help pupils read and understand sounds. Handwritten in red pencil on front cover 'J.Mane' (?). Price 4d crossed out and 2d written above it. Printed by H.J.Green, Governmetnt PrinterVictorian Education Dept.government, state, education, victorian education dept., school reader, j.mane

"Specially written to meet the requirements of the social studies (Geography) course in Victorian elementary schools."Paperback book with light cardboard cover.whitcombe's human geography reader grade v

The Victorian Reading Book, Class 11, one shilling. Fawn coloured linen binding, reinforced brown binding on back spine. Inscription in front of Reader. S.S. 1271 Talbotville.S.S. 1271 Talbotvillebooks, school/educational

Mary Halls "Minnie" Crabb (1885-1974) was the niece of the first librarian (May Harrison) for the Victorian Association of Braille Writers. After her aunt's death in 1912, Miss Crabb took on the role of librarian for the constantly expanding collection. In 1934, the Victorian Association of Braille Writers annual report advised that it had acquired a Crabb-Hulme Braille Printing Press. Two years in development, the Press was designed by Miss Crabb and built to her specifications by Mr Hulme. Invented to produce ephemeral material quickly, such as programs, catalogues and newsletters, it provided more opportunities for information to be quickly sent out to Braille readers. The daughter of James Hall Crabb, who ran the Prahran Telegraph from1882 until his death and the niece of J.M. Yelland who took over the paper until he sold it in 1895, Minnie would have seen printing presses in her youth and recognised the usefulness when producing large numbers of ephemeral materials. In March 1944, Miss Crabb retired from the library, in 1956 she married Charles Foster and she lived until in the St Kilda area until her passing in 1974, aged 89. This iconic image of Miss Crabb using the press has appeared in many reports since.High quality image of Minnie Crabbvictorian association of braille writers, minnie crabb

In 1934, the Victorian Association of Braille Writers annual report advised that it had acquired a Crabb-Hulme Braille Printing Press. Two years in development, the Press was designed by Miss Minnie Crabb (the librarian) and built to her specifications by Mr Hulme. Invented to produce ephemeral material quickly, such as programs, catalogues and newsletters, and provided more opportunities for information to be quickly sent out to Braille readers.Steel and cast iron printing press with two wheels on left hand side and two foot levers to operate a wheel on the right hand side.victorian association of braille writers, braille equipment, minnie crabb

An older girl sits on a garden bench surrounded by younger girls, as she reads from a Braille book. Believed to be Tilly Aston, this image demonstrates the power of story, regardless of it's medium, as well as the work of the RVIB School in educating children, and was often reproduced.High quality image of Braille reader in gardenroyal victorian institute for the blind, tilly aston

A small grey paperback reader or textbook with black lettering on the front cover at the top for the title Whitcombe's Human Geography Reader Grade VIII. A cost of 1/9 is printed in the lower right hand corner. A black and white illustration inside a square shape is of a city near a river and wharf activities. Throughout are black and white charts, maps, diagrams, photographs and illustrations. Inside the front and back covers are further Whitcombe and Tombs titles as well as on the outside of the back cover. Blue ink writing on the front of Lance Sebire. Some ink stains inside with a damaged worn cover and stains. 208p.non-fictionA Human Geography Reader for Grade VIII. Regional Geography of Asia and Australasia specially written to meet the requirements of the Social Studies (Geography) Course of Study in Victorian Schools. It stresses the necessity to win the interest of pupils and the important part geography has played in the history of the world. There is an emphasis on the regional study of Australasia.children's books, handbooks, textbooks, geography

Sephia-toned photograph of May D. Harrison from the shoulders upwards. Nameplate at base of photograph reads 'May D. Harrison / First / Hon. Secretary & Librarian / 1894-1912'. Mrs Harrison looks to the right of the frame, and is wearing a dress with gathered bodice, puffed sleeves and lace neckline. Her small drop earrings are visible, as her hair is swept up, with two brooches on the bodice and neckline. A length of chain is worn around her neck, although its base remains out of shot. May Harrison was one of the first Braille transcribers trained by Tilly Aston and undertook the position of Honorary Secretary at the formation of the Victorian Association of Braille Writers (VABW) in 1894. Offering use of a room in her home in St Kilda for the storage of Braille books, she became the first librarian for the VABW. Mrs Harrison also taught Braille to other participants and her house became a meeting point for readers and transcribers alike. Her death in 1912 was greatly mourned, and a Memorial Fund set up in her honour, as well as a grave marker and tablet at the Braille library. Her niece Minnie Crabb, who assisted her work, assumed the role of librarian after Mrs Harrison's death. Inscribed in the lower right 'J O'S & Co, Melbourne'.Photograph in frame of woman in 19th century dressvictorian association of braille writers, may harrison

A black and white map of Victoria showing the railway lines where mail is transported and the individual towns listed next to the dot that provides location of such. Underneath is written "Map of Victoria showing the localities beyond the suburbs of Melbourne to which library books are sent to blind members. Books are carried over the railways FREE there is no charge to the readers." Through the work of Tilly Aston, braille postage was provided free by the Victorian Railways which greatly assisted the Braille Library in reaching members who resided outside of Melbourne. This map was produced to show the extent of the work by the Victorian Association of Braille Writers and the need for reading materials across the state.Paper of Victorian railway lines mounted in framevictorian association of braille writers, marketing

A faded green paperback reader or textbook with faded black lettering on the front cover at the top for the title Whitcombe's Human Geography Reader. Grade III. A cost of 1/1 is printed in the lower right hand corner. On the front cover is a black lined illustration inside a round shape of children in traditional costumes from different lands with many lined drawings of animals from around the world. The title page has the title and publisher details as well as a black and white photograph of two children sitting in a Dog-Cart in Summer. Throughout are black and white charts, maps, diagrams, photographs and illustrations. On the inside of the front cover is a Contents page and the back cover lists further Whitcombe's titles as well as on the outside of the back cover. Pp. 52.non-fictionWhitcombe's Human Geography Reader Grade III - Animals and Children of Many Lands is specially written to meet the requirements of the Social Studies (Geography) Course of Study in Victorian Elementary Schools. It is intended for the personal use of the pupil and has been written for juveniles. It aims to encourage world friendship with descriptions and pictures of the children from many lands. Many of the animals and birds of the world are illustrated and described. The topics are written in story form. Dramatization is encouraged as well as outdoor activities and the making of a pupil's geography picture book.children's books, handbooks, textbooks, geography, schools

Jim (James Bernard) Williams, who was the owner of this manual, was a long-time resident of Warrnambool having the opportunity to work at two notable historical businesses of the town. The first, Cramond & Dickson a drapier store established around 1852-1855 and which remained a store that traded under the same name for the longest in Victoria, before it closed its doors in 1974. The second business was Fletcher Jones a highly successful textile and clothing Australian business. Some of Jim’s spare time was devoted to the model ship making which would conjure up many fascinating stories of maritime history. In addition to Jim witnessing the tail end of ships at port in Warrnambool, his "father was as sea captain and operated his vessel in Bass Strait coastal trade between Tasmania and Victoria". The intricately detailed model made by Jim is full of precise detail. The manual and the blueprints held by Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village also reflect the intricate process and devotion to the task completed by Jim. The history of the shipwreck and maritime stories of the Victorian Southwest coast surrounding Warrnambool would have continued to inspire his passion. Three photos of the model and Jim, like the photo of Harold T. Bodkin in the manual, attest to the enthusiasm and enjoyment that was gained by him through this hobby. The manual opens to a photo of “Mr. Harold T. Bodkin adding finishing touches to model of the “Sovereign of the Seas”. The “Forward to Reader” which is on the next page is written by “E. R. HAAN, Technical Editor, Popular Mechanics Magazine. The forward explains the methodology used to achieve the fine detail that is part of the body of the model, by “applying imitation carvings”, and is cited as “a museum type of model”. The following page “Blueprints and Craftmats on the ‘Sovereign of the Seas’” discusses the availability of a set of blueprints to purchase separately. Followed by a description of the moulding process for the “miniature carvings”. “Historical Notes of Interest on the “Sovereign of the Seas (1637)” follow on the next page. The manual is divided into the following parts from pages 8 to 71: “Part I – Shaping the Hull/Part II – The Rudder, Quarter Galleries and Gunports/Part III Wales, Gunport Covers and Initial Ornamentation/Part V – Beakhead Decoration, Bulkhead and Rails, Etc./Part VI Carvings, Lanterns, Knights, Bitts and Painting/Part VII – Details of Mast Construction/Part VIII – Standing Rigging/Part IX – Running Rigging and Final Details. All of these instructions include photographs and detailed graphs. Then instructions on “How to Read and Use Ship-Model Drawings”, “The Shop-Model Maker’s Tools”, and “Simplified Ship-in-a-Bottle”. This is finished off with “Helpful Hints….” And numerous pages of advertising. Some adverts include aids for completing the “Sovereign of the Seas” model. Part I uses blue and black ink to illustrate a dramatic picture of the “Sovereign”, otherwise all print is in black ink on buff paper. This book in significant to the collection as it was donated along with other tools and blueprints which have been used by the donor of the "Sovereign of the Seas" model ship. It also connects with the wider community in that it is related to historical maritime interest and the donor, Jim Williams is also connected to other significant retail and manufacturing businesses of the past in Warrnambool. This manual has been covered with brown paper, including an extra strip for the spine. The front has a watermark at the top middle, some pencilled compass circles segmented into eight parts across the area and a small amount of script writing. The back also has the same type of compass circles and some other small shapes. There are also grease marks. The cover has a patina adding to variations of colour to the paper indicative of the book being handled often. The title page reads “Sovereign of the Seas” in an Old English font. This is followed by a lithograph print around 1 inch square of a ship at full sale. By HAROLD T. BODKIN/Charter President of the Ship Model Club of Chicago/Copyright, 1933, By Popular Mechanics Company/POPULAR MECHANICS PRESS/CHICAGO/Printed in the U.S.A. By HAROLD T. BODKIN/Charter President of the Ship Model Club of Chicago/Copyright, 1933, By Popular Mechanics Company/POPULAR MECHANICS PRESS/CHICAGO/Printed in the U.S.A.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, model ship, vessel sovereign of the seas, jim williams, james bernard williams, the forth tasmania, freda williams, heather williams, phyllis bowditch, fletcher jones staff 1936, 17th century sailing ship, cramond and dickson, sovereign of the seas, royal sovereign, sovereign, charles 1, fletcher jones, warrnambool breakwater

The arrival of the railway from Melbourne to Wodonga was celebrated on 21st November 1873. The railway line between Melbourne and Wodonga was constructed in three sections. The first section from Essendon to Seymour was fifty-six miles. It was constructed by Messrs. O'Grady, Leggatt and Noonan at a cost of £305,558. The second section from Seymour to Benalla was sixty miles under contract to Messrs. Styles, Murray and Co. for £314,994. The final section of sixty six miles to Wodonga was constructed by Messrs. Cain, Dalrymple and Holton for £350,100. The Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers 4 December 1873 reported extensively on the event. The Victorian Government was determined to celebrate the event with a banquet, to which twelve hundred guests were invited. Four special trains had departed Melbourne to bring dignitaries to Wodonga. The Governor Sir George Bowen, Lady Bowen and, two Misses Bowen, were among the guests. Sir George Bowen proposed a toast to the “Prosperity to the North-eastern railway”. The banquet was held in marquees erected for the event, although the facilities struggled to cater adequately for the more than 5,000 people who arrived to celebrate. The estimated population of Wodonga was 500 only people. That evening a ball was held in the goods' shed, which was handsomely decorated with flags, evergreens and flowers. About five hundred guests were present. It would be another decade before New South Wales completed the line from Sydney to Albury and a connecting rail bridge was built over the Murray River.This item is significant because it documents the festivities celebrating the arrival of the railway line in Wodonga.A colourised version of a newspaper article documenting the celebrations for the arrival of the North Eastern Railway to Wodonga. It depicts crowds of people congregated near the railway line area. Large tents have been erected to house visitors and special activities. The railway goods shed can be seen in the background and a steam locomotive is on the track. The image was accompanied by a lengthy article which detailed the development of the railway line.northeast railway line, wodonga transport