The story of 90 years of wool classing between father & son begins in 1936, when a young boy by the name of Stanley James Hucker walked through the doors of the Gordon Technical School in Geelong. Born in 1921, Stanley was 15 years of age when he began his 3-year course in Wool Classing. 30 years later, Stanley’s second son Denis completed the same 3-year wool classing course. Beginning in 1966, Denis attended the same Gordon Technical School and walked the same halls as his father before him. Stanley finished his course in 1938. He went back to the family farm in Lake Bolac for a brief period before enrolling in the Second World War. At the completion of the war, Stanley returned home and married before gaining a soldier settler allotment, north of Willaura. This enabled Stan to use his wool classing knowledge. He ran between 1,500 and 2,000 sheep for many years, while his wool classer stencil also allowed him to go out and class at various sheds around the area. He held his stencil from 1938 until he retired at the age of 60 in 1981. On retirement, his second son Denis was working in the district, managing a local property while also leasing land himself. Upon his father’s retirement, Denis had the opportunity to lease his father’s farm, an opportunity he could not refuse. Denis had finished his wool classing course at the Gordon Technical School in 1968, graduating dux of his class. He began working with a local contractor and started classing wool in his team. Denis gained a great deal of experience working as part of this team in big sheds of up to 8 stands servicing between 10 & 20,000 sheep. It was not all smooth sailing for Denis however, and he soon learnt an important lesson. Class wool the way you’re taught, don’t listen to the owner standing over your shoulder. At a clip of Corriedales near Casterton, Denis was pushing too many fleeces into the line of fine wool. This resulted in a notice from the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) “mixing counts too much, submit three clips for inspection”. Denis was able to submit 3 clips with no further complaints, however, this proved a valuable lesson he would never forget over his long career classing wool. In the early 1980s, when Denis was leasing two properties including his father’s, things were going well until drought struck. February 1983 was the date of the Ash Wednesday bushfires, and saw Melbourne have three days over 40 °C for only the second time on record. This period saw Denis give away farming, turning towards contracting work instead. After the difficult times of the early 1980s, the next two decades were a good time for the sheep industry. 15 micron wool was selling for prices between 4 to 5,000 cents per kilo, double what you’d expect for the same wool in 2022. In 1995 a single bale of wool sold for a million dollars. This was a good time for Denis too. His contracting work saw him employing local shearers and shed staff. His team was involved with the shearing and classing of more than 130,000 sheep. After 20 years of contracting, it was time for Denis to transition into the next phase of his life. He gave up independent contracting, preferring instead to return to being a member of someone else’s team. In 2018, having completed 50 years of wool classing, it was time to call it a day and retire completely. At the annual Gordon Wool School Old Students Association dinner held in 2018, Denis was presented with his 50 years as a registered wool classer stencil awarded by the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX). This is a rare honour achieved by few. As of February 2020, a total of 430 wool classers had achieved this 50-year milestone. For Denis however, his proudest achievement is achieving 90 years of wool classing with his father. The National Wool Museum is proud to share the collection of objects gained from 90 years in the wool classing industry by Stanley and Denis. This ranges from Stanley’s first stencil and Wool Sample book, started when he first attended the Gordon in 1936. The collection concludes 90 years later with Denis’ 50 years of wool classing Stencil. The collection contains many more objects, all telling the story of these 90 years, and the hard work invested by this dedicated father and son duo. This is the fifth in a series of 5 wool classing exercise books. They were written by Stanley Hucker in his time at the Gordon Technical College from 1936-1938. This book begins in a white cover with blue ink swirls covering its entirety. It has a central sticker label. Internally, the book is handwritten on yellowed pages with blue lines for the assistance in clarity of handwriting. The pages are also surrounded by a margin of red pen. The exercise book’s content is about recording and tracking the financial transactions of Sheep Stations and Wool Classers. It is handwritten. A selection of pages have been photographed to give an impression of the information taught in classes, 90 years ago. This includes information about: - General bookkeeping terms and definitions - Practise invoices - Larger multiple page definition of bookkeeping - Assets liabilities - Practise bale bookFront Cover. Wording, printed and handwritten. “The “Gordon Geelong / CASH BOOK / Stanley Hucker / Station + Farm / Bookkeeping / Bookkeeping / Terms 1.2.3 for 1936. 1937. 1938”gordon institute geelong, wool classing, 1930s sheep farming, 90 years wool classing between father & son

Blanket label from the RSS Mill, Geelong.Rug label from an RSS Mill rug.THE / Lamonttextile mills, returned soldiers and sailors mill, label, 1918: australians in france - exhibition (19/02/2000 - 30/04/2000)

Blanket label from the RSS Mill, Geelong.Rug label from an RSS mill rug.THE / Douglastextile mills, returned soldiers and sailors mill, label, 1918: australians in france - exhibition (19/02/2000 - 30/04/2000)

Blanket label from the RSS Mill, Geelong.Rug label from an RSS Mill rug.THE / Cunninghamtextile mills, returned soldiers and sailors mill, label, 1918: australians in france - exhibition (19/02/2000 - 30/04/2000)

Blanket label from the RSS Mill, Geelong.Rug label from an RSS Mill rug.THE / Colquhountextile mills, returned soldiers and sailors mill, label, 1918: australians in france - exhibition (19/02/2000 - 30/04/2000)

Ian F. COOK Studio potter in Geelong.A ceramic float bowl with leaf and gum blossom design. ian cook, ceramics, studio pottery, ian f. cook, australian studio ceramics, gum blossom

Used at the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Mill, Geelong.R.S. & S

Geelong Tramway Inspector in winter long coat.Black and white print on paper.11/7 and GS 710/11/1/7 written in pencil on the reverse. No. 2 in a circle written in ink on the reverse.tramways inspector, geelong tramways, geelong tramways uniform, tramways uniform coat

Ian F. COOK Studio potter in Geelong.A ceramic plate with leaf and gum blossom design. ian cook, ceramics, studio pottery, ian f. cook, australian studio ceramics, gum blossom

The photograph shows Geelong tram No. 22 at the Geelong Railway station . Photo by Roy Field 6/49. Roy provides notes on the rear of the photo about the tram's two trolley poles, radial truck and that it was built by Pengelley. Yields information about tram 22 and the railway station terminus.Black and white photograph with details on rear.See rear image a C Roy Field stamptramways, trams, geelong, geelong railway station, tram 22

Set of 15 typed sheets listing: 1 - Geelong tramways truck fittings and spare parts - 4 sheets 2 - Geelong track rail dimensions - 2 sheets 3 - Geelong track construction layout drawings - 6 sheets 4 - Bendigo - drawings of track sections - 1 sheet 5 - Bendigo - track plans - 1 sheet 6 - Bendogo - truck equipment and parts - 1 sheet Yields information about the drawings prepared by the SEC for Geelong and Bendigo - whether these still exist is questionable.Set of 15 typed quarto sheets within a manila card folder.tramcars, lists, geelong, bendigo, track work, plans, rails, parts, trucks, equipment

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the 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 areas 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 from 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. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. 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. Plinys Letters Author: Alfred Church & W. J. Brodribb Publisher: William Blackwood & Sons Date: 1872 Further Information: Alfred Church, Headmaster of the Royal Grammar School, Henley-On-Thames. Rev W. J. Brodribb, Late fellow of St. John's College, CambridgeThe label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 876 PLI Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library. Front loose end paper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service.flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, plinys letters, alfred church & w. j. brodribb, alfred church, w. j. brodribb

Notice - Announcement by Mr C R Bowman of re-opening of Grammar School for Boys, Napier St, Eaglehawk. Undertgakes to prepare pupils for Matriculation, Civil Service and other Examinations. Details of subjects to be taught; references from: (names given) and details of fees for day and night school.organization, education, private schools (bendigo)

Ludwig HIRSCHFELD-MACK (1893-1965) Born 11 July 1893, Frankfurt am Main, Germany In 1940 Hirschfeld-Mack was deported to Australia from England as an enemy alien in the Dunera. He was interned at Hay and Orange, New South Wales, and at Tatura, Victoria. There he made a number of woodcuts that illustrated life under detention. Released in 1942 through the sponsorship of (Sir) James Darling, headmaster of Geelong Church of England Grammar School, Hirschfeld-Mack was appointed its art master. He promoted his pupils' self-knowledge, introduced them to avant-garde painting techniques, and encouraged wood-carving, weaving, musical instrument-making, leatherwork and other crafts. (http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hirschfeld-mack-ludwig-10510, accessed 29 June 2016) He died on 7 January 1965 at Allambie Heights, Sydney Framed abstract paintingSigned in pencil lower left hand side 'L.H.Mack 1959'art, artists, mack, hirschfeld-mack, ludwig hirschfeld-mack, ludwig hirshfeld-mack, printmaking, monoprint, bauhaus

This photograph is reproduced on page 19 of the 1941 Ballarat School of Mines Students' Magazine. The 1941 Cricket team had a successful season, but owing to the weather and conflicting arrangements only three matches were played. Scores: Ballarat School of Mines 130 defeated Ballarat High School 114 Ballarat School of Mines 53 defeated Ballarat Church of England Grammar School 34 Ballarat School of Mines 102 defeated Ballarat Church of England Grammar School 101 Eric William Goon was the son of Chinese Herbalist F.S. Goon of Peel Street, Ballarat Black and white photograph of 11 young men dressed in white. The photo depicts the Ballarat School of Mines Cricket team, 1941. Back Row: Eric Goon, D. Eltringham, K. Richard, L. Evans, I. McLachlan, Philip Kempe. Front Row: M. Laurence, J. Elliott, J. Gibbs (capt), Gordon Hale (vice-captain). W. RoweOn back in pencil "1941"eric goon, d. eltringham, k. richard, l. evans, i. mclachlan, philip kempe., m. laurence, j. elliott, j. gibbs, gordon hale, w. rowe, ballarat school of mines, cricket

The badge attaches to a silk sash to be worn by the Championship winner.Best rider for 1946 is acknowledged appropriately.Silver Sash Badge. The badge is a rectangular shape and has a pin on the back to attach it to a sash. It has inscriptions of the winner, time and the type of cycling race engraved on it. It also has a wheel with wings engraved in the background. "Geelong West Cycling Club/10 Mile Senior Championship Won by D Martin 1946 Time 26min52secs" "Wheel with Wings'sash badge; geelong west cycling club; 10 mile senior championship; d martin; 1946;

Amateur pennant- Russell Mockridge was a magnet for the Club and just after he had ridden in 1948 Olympic Games, good riders were attracted to the Club.How does a Club grow? We note the effect if a very good rider in Russell Mockridge to inspire others.Two felt pennant flags in blue with white trims."VACU Premiership/Snr Country Road/Won by Geelong/1949" "VACU Premiership: Runners Up/Senior Country Road/ 1951"vacu; premiership; senior country road; won by geelong; 1949;, vacu; premiership; runners up; senior country road; 1951;

Sladen House was built by Sir Charles Sladen in 1850 and it served as the amenities section of the R S & R Mill after World War 2.Geelong R S & S Woollen & Worsted Co-operative Manufacturing Coy lLimited Robert Pockley Studios/ photographers... Copy by/woollen mills - history textile mills - staff textile mills, returned soldiers and sailors mill, kidman, mr g. l., sladen house, geelong, woollen mills - history, textile mills - staff, textile mills

UnknownA silver decorative medal in the shape of a ring buoy with an eyelet at the top for hanging. Engraved on front and back and stamped by maker "Hammerton". "Geelong Regatta 1920" engraved on front. "Cutter Race/ Cadet J. Kroger" engraved on back. Medal stamped "HAMMERTON" on back.geelong regatta 1920, j. kroger, hammerton medal, cutter race geelong regatta

Depicts the yarn store from one of the Godfrey Hirst mills in 1966. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd

Depicts an eastern view of the Victorian Woollen Mill. This was the first woollen mill in Victoria and was producing cloth by 1868. It became defunct and was purchased by Godfrey Hirst and his partners in 1899, who renamed it Excelsior Mill No. 2. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096textile mills, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, victorian woollen mill, excelsior mill no. 2

Depicts an eastern view of the Victorian Woollen Mill. This was the first woollen mill in Victoria and was producing cloth by 1868. It became defunct and was purchased by Godfrey Hirst and his partners in 1899, who renamed it Excelsior Mill No. 2. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096textile mills, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, victorian woollen mill, excelsior mill no. 2

Depicts the dyehouse from one of the Godfrey Hirst mills in 1966. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, dyeing

Exterior view of the engine room and boiler house of the Barwon Mill (built 1874; taken over by Godfrey Hirst and renamed Excelsior One in 1890) in 1966. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096textile mills, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, barwon woollen mill, excelsior one mill

Exterior view of the main office of Godfrey Hirst and Co. Pty Ltd mills. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096textile mills, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd

Exterior view of the dining hall (looking west) of the Godfrey Hirst and Co. Pty Ltd mills. Dining hall opened in December 1922. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd

Exterior view of the dining hall (looking west) of the Godfrey Hirst and Co. Pty Ltd mills. Dining hall opened in December 1922. In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd

Exterior view of the gardens of Godfrey Hirst and Co. Pty Ltd mills (looking east). In 1966 McKendrick Consolidated Industries Ltd purchased Godfrey Hirst Ltd to operate a carpet manufacturing concern and this photo was taken at the time of the takeover.Proof IAN HAWTHORNE / PHOTOGRAPHER / Commercial, Portrait, Wedding, Colour Processor / Upstairs, 140 Moorabool St., Geelong Ph. 98096godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd