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Orbost & District Historical Society
information sheet, Welcome to the Shire of Orbost, 1992
This was possibly produced for an open day in the centenary year. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. On 2 December 1994, the Shire was abolished, and merged with City and Shire of Bairnsdale, Shire of Tambo, most of the Shire of Omeo and the Boole Boole Peninsula from Shire of Rosedale into the Shire of East Gippsland. This is a useful reference tool.Two stapled pages of printed information. On the front page is the logo of Orbost Shire Council. There is information on the role of the Shire Councillors for 1992/93. It has a map of the council building.orbost-shire-council -
Orbost & District Historical Society
program, 1931
The official opening of the Obost Theatre was held on 20th August, 1931, opened by Hon. T. Paterson M.H.R. Thomas Paterson was Minister for Markets and Migration from June 1926 to January 1928. He was elected as the Country Party Member for Gippsland in 1922 and held the seat until he retired in 1943. In January 1928 his portfolio was changed to Minister for Markets and in December of that year it was again changed to Minister for Markets and Transport. Nance Gilbert was the sister of Mary Gilbert, Orbost teacher and historian. Nance Jenning was a professional golfer, daughter of Jonathon Gilbert and Annie Cameron.This item is reflective of local community events in the first half of the 20th century.A white, rectangular paper program with blak ink. It is for the official opening of the "Orbost Theatre".On front - "Nance Gilbert - Aged 6 years"orbost-theatre-program paterson-thomas -
Orbost & District Historical Society
magazine, Edgar H. Baillie, The Weekly Times Annual, October 1934
The first Weekly Times Annual was published on November 4, 1911 and was produced until the Depression forced its demise in 1934. It was reintroduced in 2009.This magazine was the final edition published before a long gap of more than 70 years. The publication was an annual snapshot of Victoria - both rural and metropolitan.A magazine with full page colouedr photographs - Weekly Times Annual 24th Year.magazine weekly-times-annual media news -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, The Second Catechism, ? early 19th century
Isaac Watts is most well-known as a Nonconformist hymn-writer. Many of his compositions are still in common use today and his Divine Songs, first published in 1715, is considered the first hymn-book for children. Watts’s non-hymnal writings include catechisms composed for children of various ages: the first set for children under seven years of age and the second set for children from seven to twelve years of age. Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and made it his home for the remainder of his life. Watts died November 25, 1748, and was buried at Bunhill Fields. (Ref: hymnary web-site)This item is an example of an early religious text book for children.A small brown covered paperback book. Text on the cover is black - Improved Edition With Excercises ; The Second Catechism ; With Prayers and Graces for Children. There is also a gold paper bookmark.religious-text watts-isaac catechism -
Orbost & District Historical Society
programs, 1967-1970
The Victorian Rifle Association governs the operation of rifle ranges and target shooting clubs throughout Victoria. The Association was formed in 1860 and held its first individual competition at the end of that year. These programs were used by C. Curtis of the Orbost Rifle Club.The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's. It had a substantial membership.Four programs for the Victorian Rifle association Annual Prize Meeting. 2090.1 has a pink cover -1967. 2090.2 has a pale green cover -1968. 2090.3 has a yellow cover -1969. 2090.4 has a pale green cover-1970. Inside 2090.4 is a newspaper cutting.orbost-rifle-club shooting victorian-rifle-association -
Orbost & District Historical Society
calendar, 1988 200 YEAR CALENDAR, 1988
The bicentenary of Australia was celebrated in 1988. It marked 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet of British convict ships at Sydney in 1788. The event triggered debate on Australian national identity, Aboriginal rights, historical interpretation and multiculturalism. The calendar was one of many types of souvenirs created to celebrate the occasion.The bicentenary of Australia was celebrated in 1988. It marked 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet of British convict ships at Sydney in 1788. The calendar was one of many types of souvenirs created to celebrate the occasion.1988 200 YEAR CALENDAR. It has a cream and red cover with a large photo of an old painting of a coach and bushranger. Inside are photos of events and paintings.1988 200 YEAR CALENDARcalendar bicentenary 1988 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, C1900
The first settler to occupy the Marlo township area was James Stirling around the year 1875. He built a bark hut on the bluff that had two rooms, bark walls, earthen floors and a shingle roof. By 1884, this structure had expanded to a 9 roomed accommodation house and in 1886 became the Marlo Hotel when a liquor license was granted. The Governor-in-Council declared Marlo to be a township on 18 February 1889. During May 1889, the government surveyor, E.L. Bruce set out 19 sections of the new township, with the first sales of subdivided land occurring the following May. At this time, Stirling's Marlo Hotel was the unofficial hub for the community. It was a general store, accommodation house and the unofficial post office, with settlers taking turns in bringing the mail from Orbost or Cunningham. This continued until Aug 1942, and in 1969 was located in a house adjacent to the Marlo Hotel, before being transferred to the Marlo General Store in this year. The official Post Office List states the Marlo Post Office opened around 1902. in 1925, the "Marlo House" (a nine room accommodation guest house) was granted a liquor licence. The "Marlo House" became "The Marlo Hotel". The Marlo Hotel was popular with many Orbost and district settlers, who travelled to Marlo by horseback or buggy. The Marlo Hotel, perched on the hill overlooking the estuaries and the entrance is a significat building in Marlo. Established in 1886, it has been operating for over 120 yearsA black / white photograph of the Marlo Hotel. Patrons are standing on the verandah and lawns. A horse-drawn carriage is on the left. The photograph is on a green buff card with a rough edge on R H side.on back - " Old Marlo Hotel"marlo-house marlo-hotel stirling-james -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, late 19th century / early 20th century
The first settler to occupy the Marlo township area was James Stirling around the year 1875. He built a bark hut on the bluff that had two rooms, bark walls, earthen floors and a shingle roof. By 1884, this structure had expanded to a 9 roomed accommodation house and in 1886 became the Marlo Hotel when a liquor license was granted. The Governor-in-Council declared Marlo to be a township on 18 February 1889. During May 1889, the government surveyor, E.L. Bruce set out 19 sections of the new township, with the first sales of subdivided land occurring the following May. At this time, Stirling's Marlo Hotel was the unofficial hub for the community. It was a general store, accommodation house and the unofficial post office, with settlers taking turns in bringing the mail from Orbost or Cunningham. This continued until Aug 1942, and in 1969 was located in a house adjacent to the Marlo Hotel, before being transferred to the Marlo General Store in this year. The official Post Office List states the Marlo Post Office opened around 1902. in 1925, the "Marlo House" (a nine room accommodation guest house) was granted a liquor licence. The "Marlo House" became "The Marlo Hotel". The Marlo Hotel was popular with many Orbost and district settlers, who travelled to Marlo by horseback or buggy. In the early 20th century the hotel advertised itself as " Under Vice-Regal Patronage. Situated on High Cliff, fronting Ocean, Lakes and Snowy River. Those in search of Health, Rest and Sport should visit Marlo. Boating, Fishing, Shooting, Bathing, Golf. Comfort and Convenience at Marlo Hotel, near Orbost, East Gippsland. Nixon's Cars would meet the train at at Orbost. Fare---6s single, 12s return. Telephone No. 1, Marlo. S, P, STEWART, Proprietor." The Marlo Hotel, perched on the hill overlooking the estuaries and the entrance is a significant building in Marlo. Established in 1886, it has been operating for over 120 yearsAn original black / white photograph and a black / white copy of a party being held under trees on the lawn of the Marlo Hotel. It is a postcard with advertising of Marlo on the back.on back - "Where to spend your holiday - Marlo" on front - "Vice Regal Party at Hotel, Marlo"marlo-hotel -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, C 1900
The first settler to occupy the Marlo township area was James Stirling around the year 1875. He built a bark hut on the bluff that had two rooms, bark walls, earthen floors and a shingle roof. By 1884, this structure had expanded to a 9 roomed accommodation house and in 1886 became the Marlo Hotel when a liquor license was granted. The Governor-in-Council declared Marlo to be a township on 18 February 1889] During May 1889, the government surveyor, E.L. Bruce set out 19 sections of the new township, with the first sales of subdivided land occurring the following May. At this time, Stirling's Marlo Hotel was the unofficial hub for the community. It was a general store, accommodation house and the unofficial post office, with settlers taking turns in bringing the mail from Orbost or Cunningham. This continued until Aug 1942, and in 1969 was located in a house adjacent to the Marlo Hotel, before being transferred to the Marlo General Store in this year. The official Post Office List states the Marlo Post Office opened around 1902. in 1925, the "Marlo House" (a nine room accommodation guest house) was granted a liquor licence. The "Marlo House" became "The Marlo Hotel". The Marlo Hotel was popular with many Orbost and district settlers, who travelled to Marlo by horseback Perched on the hill overlooking the estuaries and the entrance, the Marlo Hotel is a significant building in Marlo. It was established in 1886 and has been operating for over 120 years,A black / white photograph of Marlo House with staff and patrons standing and sitting on the verandah.on front - "H.S. Marlo House"marlo-house marlo-hotel -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1900 1910
A second copy was donated by Gil and Heather Richardson as part of the Mary Gilbert collection. The Commonwealth Hotel opened New Year's Day 1901. Mr Jasper Drew held the first licence. He owned it from 1901 until 1919. Thomas Marshall was the owner from 1919 - 1972. After 1972 it became Marshall's Hotel Pty Ltd . From 1981 there have been various owners. (ref In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall ; Orbost Historical Society Newsletter, November 2003)The Commonwealth Hotel opened New Year's Day 1901. Mr Jasper Drew held the first licence. It still stands today.A creased black / white photograph of a bullock team and workman outside the Commonwealth Hotel, Orbost. There are people watching the bullock team. The photgraph is on a white buff card. There is a sign "DIXON< COMMONWEALTH HOTEL" .on back - " Mary Gilbert, Orbost Mary ???????- Commonwealth Ivill" on front - "a well-known bullock later sold for £20 - an enormous price bottom front - Tommy Reeves on horse Archie Rodwell with black dogorbost-commonwealth-hotel -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, early 20th century - 1910?
From L-R : Nathan Spielvogel, Hector Young, Percy Watt and George Holden. . Taken on the front porch at Illfracombe in 1908 after the four men had enjoyed a weekend fishing There appears to be a photo hanging on the wall in the background which looks like it could be of a young Marion Watt and the family's dog, a golden retriever In "The Gum Sucker at Home: Bound for Croajingolong 1908" by Nathan Spielvogel, published in Mary Gilbert's Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District, 3rd edition, p. 107-116, Spielvogel talks of his trip to Orbost, and fishing with Watt, Bruce and Young aboard Percy Watt's boat, the Maris Stella. Spielvogel's story says Young was the secretary at James & Birds auctioneers and "was one of the builders of the first foot bridge over the Backwater". It says George Holden was a Bank Manager at the Bank of Victoria. (info. from Campbell Watt) This photograph shows Mr Nathan Spielvogel on the left. He was a school teacher at the Orbost State School following Mr Rowe. Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874-1956), teacher, writer and historian, was born on 10 May 1874 at Ballarat, Victoria, son of Newman Frederick Spielvogel, pawnbroker, and his wife Hannah, née Cohen. As well as his stories he published a number of books about the history of Ballarat. Spielvogel taught at Orbost for at least a year Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874–1956) was a teacher, writer and historian. As a country schoolteacher, he traveled widely in the eastern Australian outback and also made a journey to London. Spielvogel gained distinction as one of the only Australian Jewish writers of his time. Many of his early books were best-sellers. He has an association with the history of Orbost having spent a year as a teacher at Orbost. The Watt family were early Marlo settlers.A black / white photograph / postcard of four men sitting around a small table playing cards. Two of the men have pillows behind their heads. Three are smoking pipes.on back - "On R - N. Spielvogel"spielvogel-nathan-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
camera, 1907-1915
The ensignette was a vest pocket camera. The Ensignette was one of the very characteristic camera types of Houghtons Ltd., London. This strut folding roll film camera of Houghton's "Ensign – British made" brand was an ingenious construction, a real vest pocket item when folded. One of the round framed impressions on its front plate says that it was based on patent 28464 of the year 1907. The Swedish engineer Magnus Neill had designed this first British all-metal camera of which ten of thousands were made. The camera was launched before Christmas 1909. It was ordered by distributors all over the world, for example by G. Gennert. (Ref: camerapedia) The Ensignette was very popular because it was one of the first practical, compact cameras at an affordable price to the average man. A miniature bellows, roll film, camera - Ensignette No. 2. It is black metal with folding bellows. On the front is an aperture control knob. There is a window at the back for the film number.Flag with Union Jack Ensignphotography ensignette camera -
Orbost & District Historical Society
preserving jar, 1915 - 1975
This preserving jar was used in the first half of the 20th century to preserve cooked food - pickles. Preserving home produce in bottles is a method that applies heat to food in a closed glass home canning jar to stop the natural spoilage that would otherwise take place. It removes air from the jar to create a seal. he bottling process forms an air tight seal between the bottle and the lid. Residents of Orbost have long been self sufficient growing their own fruit and vegetables with earlier market gardeners They preserved their produce for use all year. Fowlers Vacola preserving kits were common in most kitchens.A brown glass Fowler's Vacola preserving jar filled with pickles. It is a No. 27 bottle with a size 3 metal clip. It has an 850ml capacity. The lid has metal tension clips which are secured during the canning process and are removed once a vacuum seal has formed. The lid is tin-plated with a lacquer coating, double-coated on the underside.On lid Fowlers Vacola Size 3 Top of jar- embossed with the words Fowlers Vacola food-preservation fowlers-vacola container-glass -
Orbost & District Historical Society
cuff links, 1992
This pair of cuff links was produced in 1992 as a memento/souvenir to commemorate the centenary of the formation of the Shire of Orbost - 1892-1992. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council.A pair of gold-plated and enamel cuff links embossed with the Shire of Orbost Coat of Arms and the year of inauguration.Shire of August 1892cuff-links souvenir memento orbost-shire-council -
Orbost & District Historical Society
tooth
This was dug up at the old station at Lochend owned by the Stirling family and abandoned in the early 1870's. James Stirling's son Thomas Telfer Stirling took up the Corringle Run stretching from Lake Tyers along the coast. The home was at the Old Station. When he moved to Bruthen, James Stirling took over the Corringle Station. He is buried in the Marlo cemetery. He built a bark hut on the bluff that had two rooms, bark walls, earthen floors and a shingle roof. By 1884, this structure had expanded to a 9 roomed accommodation house and in 1886 became the Marlo Hotel when a liquor license was granted. info. from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert. The first settler to occupy the Marlo township area was James Stirling around the year 1875.An old horse tooth. Probably from before 1920. It is a molar.tooth stirling molar equine -
Orbost & District Historical Society
beer glasses, first half 20th century
Glasses are from Dixon's Hotel, now the Commonwealth Hotel in Orbost. Laura Dixon held the hotel licence from 04/04/10 until 05/02/17.The Commonwealth Hotel opened New Year's Day 1901. Mr Jasper Drew held the first licence. It still stands today.Three beer glasses - assorted shapes and sizes.Two glasses - Dixons Hotel One - ULVA New South Wales Glass regulation 5commonwealth-hotel dixon-laura glassware beer-glasses -
Orbost & District Historical Society
ornament, 1893
Top of wedding cake for Hilda Temple and Dr James Kerr on 10th November, 1893.Dr James Kerr visited Orbost on a government vaccinating job and settled there the next year. He married Hilda Temple in 1893. He was Orbost's first resident doctor. Glass and wood display case containing a floral arrangement from the top of a wedding cake .Arrangement is handmade.ornament dr-james-kerr handcraft -
Orbost & District Historical Society
wallet, H.E. Daw, Government Printer, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1945, W.W. 11
Food, clothing and other products were in short supply in Australia during World War II. The first controls over the production and distribution of products were introduced in 1940, partly due to disruption of shipping. In 1942, after Japan entered the War, comprehensive rationing was introduced to manage shortages and control civilian consumption. The first product to be rationed was clothing on 12 June 1942. Each adult was allowed 112 clothing coupons per year. Tea rationing was introduced the following month, followed by sugar, butter and then meat. After the War, rationing was gradually phased out. Clothing rationing was abolished on 24 June1948. The last rationed product was tea, which ended in July 1950.A soft green/brown rectangular leather wallet with metal clasp. Wallet contains W.W.11 ration books and identity cards. Ration cards are for clothing, meat, tea and butter, motor spiritsIdentity cards - Annie Penuel Richardson Bete Bolong; John Gilbert Richardson Bete Bolong Meat Ration card - J.G. Richardson, Scotch College; Annie P. Richardson ; Frank E. Richardson Bete Bolongwallet rationing w w 11 personal-effects money -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard, 1918
It is believed that the photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken in 1918. Depicted are ten Australian male soldiers. Their names are transcribed in pencil on the reverse side of the postcard. Each soldier is dressed in a formal military uniform. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniforms of nine of ten men. The placement of this insignia on the sleeves of their right arms suggests that they were either Warrant Officers or Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, nine men have three - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The men pictured on this postcard are also wearing 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are the rectangular colour patches worn by all men on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the upper arms of a soldier’s tunic. The black and white nature of the record means that we cannot establish which battalion these soldiers were part of. However, one of the handwritten signatures on the reverse side of the postcard reads "W.A. Griggs". This was the signature of Sergeant William Archibald Griggs. Further research shows that Griggs was part of the 5th Australian Division Signals Company. Therefore, it is believed these soldiers were part of the ANZAC Signal Companies. The main role of the Signal Companies during World War I was the laying and maintenance of telephone cables and switchboards, used to connect various units in their area. Furthermore, the man standing in the back row, third from the left side, has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the black and white nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: Oh 'Serg!' / Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / 6537 / Correspondance / Adresse / w.a. Grigg / J. Fain / Ruckling / R.J Farrar / (?) / Clarke / L (?) / GFFisher / R. M. Forrest / With Compliments / Sgt's Mess / November 1918 /military album, army, aif, uniform, military, wwi, world war i, rising sun badge, william archibald griggs, anzac, signal companies, postcard, patches, chevron -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
The photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken some time between 1914-1918. Depicted are five unidentified Australian soldiers. They are all dressed in military uniforms. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are rectangular colour patches. One is visible on the soldier in the front row, first from the left on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the right arms of a soldier’s tunic. The sepia nature of the record means that we cannot determine the colour, and therefore cannot establish which battalion this soldier was part of. Furthermore, the man seated in the middle of the front row has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the sepia nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / hyossest (?) / 6538 /military album, army, aif, australian imperial force, postcard, wwi, world war i, portrait, soldiers -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Book - 1875 Catalogue, William Detmold, RULES / CATALOGUE OF BOOKS / INVENTORY OF PICTURES, DRAWINGS, / MAPS, CHARTS, FURNITURE, SPECIMENS / OF THE / PUBLIC LIBRARY AND BURKE MUSEUM / BEECHWORTH, 1875
This large, leather bound journal was made for the Public Library and Burke Museum in Beechworth by book manufacturer, William Detmold in 1875. It was commissioned by the President of the Library and Burke Museum committee, Dr Antoine Mousse, for the purpose of cataloguing all the items in the collection. The cataloguer was the curator at that time, William Morton, whose hand-writing appears in the journal today. When William Morton first started recording in this journal in 1875, there were already a number of existing items in the institution. The Public Library and Burke Museum in Beechworth had actually been operating since the 1850s; first as a Young Men’s Association in 1856, then as Beechworth Athenaeum in 1858, then as the Beechworth Public Library in 1860. Then in 1861 when news of the death of Beechworth’s former police superintended, Robert O’Hara Burke, reached the town, it was agreed that the Public Library would also become a museum to tribute his legacy, renaming it as the ‘Public Library and Robert O’Hara Burke Memorial Museum, Beechworth’. Many of the items from the early institutions would have been used to form the nucleus of this new organisation. Plus, the additional items that were either collected or donated to develop it into a museum. The catalogue is extensive. There are exactly 461 pages of recorded items, each page detailing the various collections the museum acquired in the late 19th century. Collections recorded in this catalogue include a large collection of geological specimens, that were given to the museum in 1868 by the Geological Survey Department of Victoria. A large collection of taxidermy mounts, that were given to the museum as skins by the Museum of Australia in 1865. An extensive collection of Aboriginal artefacts that were purchased from amateur anthropologist R. E . Johns in 1868. As well as artworks, charts, photographs, machinery, maps etc., all of which have been held in the museum since. This catalogue also details the governance and management of the organisation. There were originally 30 rules that governed the actions for the management committee and, while anyone could read in the free library, only subscribers could borrow two books and one periodical. At first, subscriptions rates were 7/6 a quarter. This was later changed to £1 per annum, paid quarterly in advance. This was a considerable amount; 7/6 per quarter meant that the annual fee was £1.10. This was equivalent to about £650.00 or about $1,182.00AUD today, while the reduced subscription fee of £1 a year was the equivalent to £450.00 or about $818.00AUD today. Membership of the athenaeum would have been the reserve of the town's notable citizens. The vale of the catalogue lies not only in its historical connect with the establishment of the Athenaeum and the current museum, but also in its record of the names and positions of all members of the institution's committees of management from 1875-1876. This is a unique object that contains important records for a notable country town. Large brown leather bound book made in 1875 for the Beechworth library and museum by William Detmond. Inside is a comprehensive and detailed itemised listing of the paintings, drawings, charts, photographs, specimens and books that entered the institution from 1850 -1882. non-fictionCover: RULES / CATALOGUE OF BOOKS / INVENTORY OF PICTURES, DRAWINGS, / MAPS, CHARTS, FURNITURE, SPECIMENS / OF THE / PUBLIC LIBRARY AND BURKE MUSEUM / BEECHWORTHburke museum, beechworth, catalogue, museum catalogue, 1875, william morton, william detmold, exposition universelle, ferdinand von mueller, public library, collection, book, leather bound, restored, digitised, robert o'hara burke, hand-written -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Carte de Visite
In July of 1880, Ann Jones' successful hotel in Glenrowan burnt to the ground during the Kelly siege. She had opened her business in the year prior having been unsuccessful in her attempt to run a tea-room business in Wangaratta. The first building on this particular site was the home Ann Jones had built for herself and her family. Two years later she converted the home and added the hotel to the rear of the structure. One year later it was burnt to the ground. This image depicts the streetscape of Glenrowan in 1883, three years after the siege. Importantly, it reveals the appearance of several buildings which can reveal information for how Glenrowan (as a small town) might have stood during the siege. These buildings are of typical Australian colonial "miner's cottage" style. On what would have been the site of Ann Jones' hotel, to the far left of the photograph, a police station stands. This police station was built before April 1883. This image was captured by an unknown photographer. This Carte-de-viste (CdV) previously belonged to the donor's grandfather, Daniel Mullins who was a Police Officer stationed at Glenrowan soon after the Kelly gang siege. Today, the siege has become an important part of Australian culture and Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang (comprising of Ned Kelly, Dan Kelly, Steve Hart and Joe Byrne) has become ingrained in Australian history and mythology. A CdV is a sepia toned photograph mounted on card and is generally of a small size. This particular style was first patented by Andre Adolphe Eugene Disdéri (1819-1889) in 1854. In 1857, the CdV was introduced to England and after photographs of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their family were taken using CdV in 1860 the popularity of this method reached a peak.This photograph is part of the Burke Museum "Kelly album" which includes a significant collection of photographs and artefacts connected to Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang. Ned Kelly and his gang have become ingrained in Australian popular culture and thus many museums, art galleries and private collections house material connected to the Kelly story which allows the events and people to be researched and interpreted. Artefacts and photographs pertaining to the Kelly gang are particularly valuable for Australian museums. This particular photograph is significant for its connection to the Glenrowan Siege and Ann Jones' Hotel which burnt down during the siege in June 1880. Taken in 1883, this photograph (taken by an unidentified photographer) has the opportunity to provide information about the townscape of Glenrowan shortly after the siege. It also provides important insight into the architecture and layout of the town. To the far right of the image, the photograph depicts the police station which was built on the site of Ann Jones' Hotel which can provide important information for the Kelly story and how the town evolved following 1880. It is also interesting to emphasise that the police station was built on the site of Ned Kelly and the Kelly gang's last stand.This photograph is a sepia image of the Glenrowan streetscape depicting several buildings. The newly built police station (in 1883) stands on the far right of the image on the site of the former Ann Jones Hotel. On the left are several buildings built in typical 'miner's cottage' Australian colonial style. This includes the gable roof with the skillion at rear. An unidentifiable individual stands next to the chimney of the front left building. Numerous paddocks appear in the image, particularly in the front right and the rear of the houses contain many trees. To the rear of the image, there is a mountain. A street runs through the centre of the photograph.Glenrowan / taken 1.4.83 ... / BMM 8086kelly album, ned kelly, glenrowan, police history, police, australian architecture, streetscape, glenrowan 1883, 1883, dan kelly, steve hart, joe byrne, carte-de-viste, james bray, daniel mullins, william e barnes, colonial australia, police station, photograph -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Carte de Visite, William E Barnes
In July of 1880, Ann Jones' successful hotel in Glenrowan burnt to the ground during the Kelly siege. She had opened her business in the year prior having been unsuccessful in her attempt to run a tea-room business in Wangaratta. The first building on this particular site was the home Ann Jones had built for herself and her family. Two years later she converted the home and added the hotel to the rear of the structure. One year later it was burnt to the ground. This image depicts the streetscape of Glenrowan in 1883, three years after the siege. Importantly, it reveals the appearance of several buildings which can reveal information for how Glenrowan (as a small town) might have stood during the siege. These buildings are of typical Australian colonial "miner's cottage" style. On what would have been the site of Ann Jones' hotel, to the far left of the photograph, a police station stands. This police station was built before April 1883. This Carte-de-viste (CdV) taken by renowned Wangaratta based photographer William Edward Barnes previously belonged to the donor's grandfather, Daniel Mullins who was a Police Officer stationed at Glenrowan soon after the Kelly gang siege. Today, the siege has become an important part of Australian culture and Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang (comprising of Ned Kelly, Dan Kelly, Steve Hart and Joe Byrne) has become ingrained in Australian history and mythology. A CdV is a sepia toned photograph mounted on card and is generally of a small size. This particular style was first patented by Andre Adolphe Eugene Disdéri (1819-1889) in 1854. In 1857, the CdV was introduced to England and after photographs of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their family were taken using CdV in 1860 the popularity of this method reached a peak.This photograph is part of the Burke Museum "Kelly album" which includes a significant collection of photographs and artefacts connected to Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang. Ned Kelly and his gang have become ingrained in Australian popular culture and thus many museums, art galleries and private collections house material connected to the Kelly story which allows the events and people to be researched and interpreted. Artefacts and photographs pertaining to the Kelly gang are particularly valuable for Australian museums. This particular photograph is significant for its connection to Wangaratta based photographer William Edward Barnes and to the Glenrowan Siege and Ann Jones' Hotel which burnt down during the siege in June 1880. Taken in 1883, this photograph has the opportunity to provide information about the townscape of Glenrowan shortly after the siege. It also provides important insight into the architecture and layout of the town. To the far right of the image, the photograph depicts the police station which was built on the site of Ann Jones' Hotel which can provide important information for the Kelly story and how the town evolved following 1880. It is also interesting to emphasise that the police station was built on the site of Ned Kelly and the Kelly gang's last stand.This photograph is a sepia image mounted on yellow card which depicts the newly built police station (in 1882) which stands on the far right of the image on the site of the former Ann Jones Hotel. A fence appears through the lower front of the image and an open paddock is to the left. In the rear centre of the image, there is a mountain. In front of the mountain are many trees, most of them gum. The police station is a one storey structure with a veranda and there are three doorways visible in the image. The image depicts four windows on the front of the station.W.E.Barnes / photographer / Wangaratta / ...1882 / BMM8087kelly album, william barnes, wangaratta photographer, carte-de-viste, glenrowan, 1882, police station, ann jones inn, ann jones hotel, kelly siege, glenrowan siege, colonial australia -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Carte de Visite, William E Barnes
In July of 1880, Ann Jones' successful hotel in Glenrowan burnt to the ground during the Kelly siege. She had opened her business in the year prior having been unsuccessful in her attempt to run a tea-room business in Wangaratta. The first building on this particular site was the home Ann Jones had built for herself and her family. Two years later she converted the home and added the hotel to the rear of the structure. One year later it was burnt to the ground. This image depicts the police station in 1882 on what would have been the site of Ann Jones' hotel. This Carte-de-viste (CdV) taken by renowned Wangaratta based photographer William Edward Barnes previously belonged to the donor's grandfather, Daniel Mullins who was a Police Officer stationed at Glenrowan soon after the Kelly gang siege. Today, the siege has become an important part of Australian culture and Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang (comprising of Ned Kelly, Dan Kelly, Steve Hart and Joe Byrne) has become ingrained in Australian history and mythology. A CdV is a sepia toned photograph mounted on card and is generally of a small size. This particular style was first patented by Andre Adolphe Eugene Disdéri (1819-1889) in 1854. In 1857, the CdV was introduced to England and after photographs of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their family were taken using CdV in 1860 the popularity of this method reached a peak.This photograph is part of the Burke Museum "Kelly album" which includes a significant collection of photographs and artefacts connected to Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang. Ned Kelly and his gang have become ingrained in Australian popular culture and thus many museums, art galleries and private collections house material connected to the Kelly story which allows the events and people to be researched and interpreted. Artefacts and photographs pertaining to the Kelly gang are particularly valuable for Australian museums. This particular photograph is significant for its connection to Wangaratta based photographer William Edward Barnes and to the Glenrowan Siege and Ann Jones' Hotel which burnt down during the siege in June 1880. Taken in 1882, this photograph has the opportunity to provide information about the townscape of Glenrowan shortly after the siege. It also provides important insight into the architecture and layout of the town. To the far right of the image, the photograph depicts the police station which was built on the site of Ann Jones' Hotel which can provide important information for the Kelly story and how the town evolved following 1880. It is also interesting to emphasise that the police station was built on the site of Ned Kelly and the Kelly gang's last stand.Sepia coloured photograph with a faded appearance. Image depicts four policemen with three standing and one sitting on a chair outside the Glenrowan police station. The station takes up the majority of the image and is placed in the centre of the photo. The four men are positioned on the left side of the station. The station is a large building with a gabled roof and extensions built into the veranda on either side. In between these extensions, the property has a white picket fence which runs from the extensions directly beneath the veranda enclosing the front of the structure. The letters 1, 2, 3, 4 are written on the yellow paper on which the image is situated and relate to the images in the photo. The reverse of the photo provides the names of each policeman and reveals the image as being from the collection of William E Barnes a Wangaratta based photographer.Obverse: 1. 2. 3. 4. Reverse: No. 1. is Mullins, D. G. / 2. Lord, Edward. / 3. Millar, Allex. / 4. Hedberg, O. G. / All Comrades / Glenrowan Police Station / 1 August 1882 / W. E. Barnes / Photographer / Wangaratta /kelly album, william barnes, wangaratta photographer, carte-de-viste, glenrowan, 1882, police station, ann jones inn, ann jones hotel, kelly siege, glenrowan siege, colonial australia, ned kelly, steve hart, joe byrne, william e barnes -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1950s
Photograph of 2 teams with hoses and reels in a race as part of a CFA competition. Fire brigade competitions have been running for almost 150 years with the first State Championship held in Melbourne in 1874. State Championships have continued every year since 1873. The event goes on regardless of weather conditions or natural disasters. The only cancellations being due to WWI and WWII. In the 1950s, the Rural State Championships were developed to reflect the unique skills of rural brigades. The competitions started out as 'Demonstrations' with the introduction of hose reels into the fire service in the mid 1800s. This was to assist in getting hose and other necessary equipment to the scene of a fire faster. Brigades soon find that competing with other brigades improved their training and efficiency. The State Championship became the peak of the season's competitions conducted by districts and associations across the state. Black and white rectangular photo reproduction printed on matte photographic paperemergency services, beechworth, fire brigade, firemen, photograph, competition, black and white, fire -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
It is believed this photograph was taken in the early 1900s during World War I. Depicted is a 19 year old male soldier named Thomas "Tom" Lacey, who was a resident of Beechworth, Victoria. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform and posing inside a photographic portrait studio.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 9 November 1914, the Royal Australian Navy made a major contribution when HMAS Sydney destroyed the German raider SMS Emden. On 25 April 1915, members of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This began a campaign that ended with an evacuation of allied troops beginning in December 1915. The next year, Australian forces fought campaigns on the Western Front and in the Middle East. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on paper.Reverse: 3417.1 /military album, wwi, world war i, thomas lacey, tom lacey, soldier, australian army, war -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier kneeling beside a grave in a cemetery. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. The cemetery pictured is the Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol, United Kingdom. There are multiple crosses marking graves in this photograph, all marked in memory of different soldiers who fought with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) during World War I. It is believed that the soldier who is kneeling was also part of the Australian Imperial Force. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Another signifier of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are the three inverted chevron stripes positioned on the lower part of the left sleeve, near the wrist. These are called Good Conduct Stripes and were worn by Warrant Officers and NCOs. This patch consisted of a single chevron stripe for each year of military service meeting certain requirements of good conduct. Additionally, the man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Furthermore, the grave that this unidentified soldier is kneeling next to is the resting place of Private John James (J. J.) Simpson. He was born in Stanley, Victoria in 1883. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in Melbourne, Victoria on 12 July, 1915, with the service number 4909. John James Simpson was then posted to the 60th Company Depot at Seymour for military recruit training. John James Simpson was reported wounded in action in France on 19 July, 1916. He was admitted to 13th General Hospital, France with gunshot wounds to his legs. From Boulogne, France, he traveled to the United Kingdom aboard the Hospital Ship 'St. Denis' for medical care. Upon arrival, he was admitted to 2nd Southern General Hospital, Bristol, England on 27 July, 1916. John James Simpson passed away from his wounds on 1 August, 1916. He was 33 years old.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on card.Obverse: A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA / 441, PTE.T. / T (?) / 26B (?) / 6.1.17 / (?) / LANGTON RD. / ST. ANNES PK. / BRISTOL / A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA. / 708, GNR B.L.CRAWFORD. / FR / 5 D.A.C. / 13.2.17 / A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA. / 4481, P (?) D.MORRIS. / (?) / 31.12.(?) / A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA. / 4909, PTE J.J.SIMPSON. / 608(?) / 1.8.16 / Winchester / LANGTON RD. / ST. ANNES PK / BRISTOL / Reverse: 2641 /military album, military, war, world war i, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, j. j. simpson, uniform, cemetery -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Hand Adze, A Mathieson and Son, First quarter of the 20th Century
An adze is an ancient and versatile cutting tool similar to an axe but with the cutting edge perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel. Adzes are used for smoothing or carving wood in hand woodworking, and as a hoe for agriculture and horticulture. Two basic forms of an adze are the hand adze (short hoe) a short handled tool swung with one hand and the foot adze (hoe) a long handled tool capable of powerful swings using both hands, the cutting edge usually striking at foot or shin level. Mathieson & Sons Maker: In 1792 John Manners had set up a workshop making woodworking planes at 14 Saracens Lane Glasgow. He also had employed an apprentice Alexander Mathieson (1773-1851). But in the following year at Saracen's Lane, the 1841 census describes Alexander Mathieson as a master plane-maker now at 38 Saracen Lane with his son Thomas Adam working with him as a journeyman plane-maker. Presumably, Alexander must have taken over the premises and business of John Manners. Now that the business had Thomas Adam Mathieson working with his father it gradually grew and became more diversified, and it is recorded at the time by the Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory that by 1847-1848 Alexander Mathieson was a “plane, brace, bit, auger & edge tool maker” In 1849 the firm of James & William Stewart at 65 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh was taken over and Thomas was put in charge of the business, trading under the name Thomas A. Mathieson & Co. as plane and edge-tool makers. Thomas's company went on to acquire the Edinburgh edge-tool makers “Charles & Hugh McPherson” and took over their premises in Gilmore Street. In the Edinburgh directory of 1856/7, the business is recorded as being Alexander Mathieson & Son, plane and edge-tool makers at 48 Nicolson Street and Paul's Work, Gilmore Street Edinburgh. The 1851 census Alexander is recorded as working as a tool and plane-maker employing eight men. Later that year Alexander died and his son Thomas took over the business. Under the heading of an edge-tool maker in the 1852/3 Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory the firm is now listed as Alexander Mathieson & Son, with further entries as "turning-lathe and vice manufacturers". By the early 1850s, the business had moved to 24 Saracen Lane. The directory for 1857/8 records that the firm had moved again only a few years later to East Campbell Street, off the Gallowgate area, and that through further diversification was also manufacturing coopers' and tinmen's tools. The ten-yearly censuses report the firm's growth in 1861 stating that Thomas was a tool manufacturer employing 95 men and 30 boys; in 1871 he had 200 men working for him and in 1881 300 men. By 1899 the firm had been incorporated as Alexander Mathieson & Sons Ltd, even though only Alexander's son Thomas appears ever to have joined the firm so the company was still in his fathers' name. In September 1868 Thomas Mathieson put a notice in the newspapers of the Sheffield & Rotherham Independent and the Sheffield Daily Telegraph stating that his firm had used the trade-mark of a crescent and star "for some time" and that "using or imitating the Mark would be proceeded against for infringement". The firm had acquired its interest in the crescent-and-star mark from the heirs of Charles Pickslay, the Sheffield cutler who had registered it with the Cutlers' Company in 1833 and had died in 1852. The year 1868 seems also to be the one in which the name Saracen Tool Works was first adopted; not only does it figure at the foot of the notice in the Sheffield press, it also makes its first appearance in the firm's entry in the Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory in the 1868/9 edition. As Thomas Mathieson's business grew, so too did his involvement in local public life and philanthropy. One of the representatives of the third ward on the town council of Glasgow, he became a river bailie in 1868, a magistrate in 1870 and a preceptor of Hutcheson's Hospital in 1878. He had a passion for books and was an "ardent Ruskinian". He served on the committee handling the bequest for the setting up of the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. When he died at Coulter Maynes near Biggar in 1899, he left an estate worth £142,764. The firm of Alexander Mathieson & Sons was one of the leading makers of hand tools in Scotland. Its success went hand in hand with the growth of the shipbuilding industries on the Firth of Clyde in the nineteenth century and the emergence of Glasgow as the "second city of the Empire". It also reflected the firm's skill in responding to an unprecedented demand for quality tools by shipyards, cooperages and other industries, both locally and far and wide.Hand Adze or Cooper's adze No 4 A Mathieson & Sons Glasgowflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, adze mathieson & sons, cooperage tools, woodworking, barrel making, working timber, joiners tools, carpenters tools -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Mortice Machine, Mathieson and Son, 1910-1940
In 1792 John Manners had set up a workshop making woodworking planes at 14 Saracens Lane Glasgow. He also had employed an apprentice Alexander Mathieson (1773-1851). But in the following year at Saracen's Lane, the 1841 census describes Alexander Mathieson as a master plane-maker now at 38 Saracen Lane with his son Thomas Adam working with him as a journeyman plane-maker. Presumably, Alexander must have taken over the premises and business of John Manners. Now that the business had Thomas Adam Mathieson working with his father it gradually grew and became more diversified, and it is recorded at the time by the Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory that by 1847-1848 Alexander Mathieson was a “plane, brace, bit, auger & edge tool maker” In 1849 the firm of James & William Stewart at 65 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh was taken over and Thomas was put in charge of the business, trading under the name Thomas A. Mathieson & Co. as plane and edge-tool makers. Thomas's company went on to acquire the Edinburgh edge-tool makers “Charles & Hugh McPherson” and took over their premises in Gilmore Street. In the Edinburgh directory of 1856/7, the business is recorded as being Alexander Mathieson & Son, plane and edge-tool makers at 48 Nicolson Street and Paul's Work, Gilmore Street Edinburgh. In the 1851 census, Alexander is recorded as working as a tool and plane-maker employing eight men. Later that year Alexander died and his son Thomas took over the business. Under the heading of an edge-tool maker in the 1852/3 Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory the firm is now listed as Alexander Mathieson & Son, with further entries as "turning-lathe and vice manufacturers". By the early 1850s, the business had moved to 24 Saracen Lane. The directory for 1857/8 records that the firm had moved again only a few years later to East Campbell Street, off the Gallowgate area, and that through further diversification was also manufacturing coopers' and tinmen's tools. The ten-yearly censuses report the firm's growth in 1861 stating that Thomas was a tool manufacturer employing 95 men and 30 boys; in 1871 he had 200 men working for him and in 1881 300 men. By 1899 the firm had been incorporated as Alexander Mathieson & Sons Ltd, even though only Alexander's son Thomas appears ever to have joined the firm so the company was still in his fathers' name. In September 1868 Thomas Mathieson put a notice in the newspapers of the Sheffield & Rotherham Independent and the Sheffield Daily Telegraph stating that his firm had used the trade-mark of a crescent and star "for some time" and that "using or imitating the Mark would be proceeded against for infringement". The firm had acquired its interest in the crescent-and-star mark from the heirs of Charles Pickslay, the Sheffield cutler who had registered it with the Cutlers' Company in 1833 and had died in 1852. The year 1868 seems also to be the one in which the name Saracen Tool Works was first adopted; not only does it figure at the foot of the notice in the Sheffield press, it also makes its first appearance in the firm's entry in the Post-Office Glasgow Annual Directory in the 1868/9 edition. As Thomas Mathieson's business grew, so too did his involvement in local public life and philanthropy. One of the representatives of the third ward on the town council of Glasgow, he became a river bailie in 1868, a magistrate in 1870, and a preceptor of Hutcheson's Hospital in 1878. He had a passion for books and was an "ardent Ruskinian". He served on the committee handling the bequest for the setting up of the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. When he died at Coulter Maynes near Biggar in 1899, he left an estate worth £142,764. Company's later years: Both Thomas's sons, James Harper and Thomas Ogilvie were involved in the continuing life of the firm. James followed in his father's footsteps in becoming a local public figure. He was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the County of the City of Glasgow and was made a deacon of the Incorporation of the Hammermen of Glasgow in 1919. His brother Thomas Ogilvie was recorded as a tool manufacturer and employer in the 1911 census. Thomas Ogilvie's son Thomas Alastair Sutherland Ogilvie Mathieson was born in 1908 took a rather different approach to engineering, however, by becoming a racing driver. In 1947 he wed the French film actress Mila Parély. The firm had won many awards at world fairs for their goods. At the Great Exhibition, London, 1851. Prize medal for joiners' tools in the class of Cutlery & Edge Tools, Great London Exposition, 1862. Prize medal honoris causa. International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1880. Gold medal International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art, Edinburgh, 1886 Prize medal. See note section for Thomas McPherson Australian Retailer information: The firm of Alexander Mathieson & Sons was one of the leading makers of hand tools and later woodworking machines in Scotland. Its success went hand in hand with the growth of the shipbuilding industries on the Firth of Clyde in the nineteenth century and the emergence of Glasgow regarded as the "second city of the Empire". It also reflected the firm's skill in responding to an unprecedented demand for quality tools by shipyards, cooperages, and other industries, both locally and throughout the world. McPherson's started as an Australian retailer of hardware products in Melbourne going on to become a company that supplied machinery and other items for the establishment of major infrastructure projects in Australia during the early days of the colony that assisted in linking the various states and territories which became a precursor of Federation. From a humble beginning McPherson's became one of Australia's leading retail, and later manufacturing businesses that is still in existence today.Mortice machine metal with long metal lever handle with counter weight & 3 adjustment wheels & metal crank with wood end. Has 4 feet that can be bolted to floor & vertical moving piece that a cutting bit would fit into.Imprinted Alex Mathieson & Son Trademark Saracen Tool works Glasgow' also a brass plate "Thomas McPherson & Son Machinery Importer Melbourne"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Weapon - Cannon, Alexander Hall and Son, c. 1855
The Schomberg Cannon was recovered from the 1855 wreck of the SCHOMBERG in 1974 by Flagstaff Hill divers Peter Ronald, Colin Goodall and Gary Hayden. The wreck site was discovered in August 1973 by Stan McPhee and John Laidlaw. ABOUT THE SCHOMBERG When SCHOMBERG was launched in 1855, she was considered the “Noblest ship that ever floated on water.” SCHOMBERG’s owners, the Black Ball Line, commissioned the ship for their fleet of passenger liners. The ship was built by Alexander Hall of Aberdeen at a cost of £43,103. It was constructed with three skins: one planked fore and aft and two diagonally planked, fastened together with screw-threaded trunnels (wooden rails). Its first-class accommodation was simply luxurious; velvet pile carpets, large mirrors, rosewood, birds-eye maple, mahogany, soft furnishings of satin damask; an oak-lined library and a piano. Overall she had accommodation for 1000 passengers. At the launch, the SCHOMBERG’s 34-year-old master, Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes, had promised Melbourne in 60 days, "with or without the help of God." James Nicol Forbes was born in Aberdeen in 1821 and rose to fame with his record-breaking voyages on the famous Black Ball Line ships; MARCO POLO and LIGHTNING. In 1852 in the MARCO POLO he made the record passage from London to Melbourne in 68 days. There were 53 deaths on the voyage but the great news was of the record passage by the master. In 1954 Captain Forbes took the clipper LIGHTNING to Melbourne in 76 days and back in 63 days, this was never beaten by a sailing ship. He often drove his crew and ship to breaking point to beat his own records. He cared little for the comfort of the passengers. On this, the SCHOMBERG’s maiden voyage, he was going to break records. SCHOMBERG departed Liverpool on her maiden voyage on 6 October 1855 flying the sign “Sixty Days to Melbourne”. The ship departed with 430 passengers and 3000 tons of cargo including iron rails and equipment intended to build the Melbourne to Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. She also carried a cow for fresh milk, pens for fowls and pigs, and 90,000 gallons of water for washing and drinking. It also carried 17,000 letters and 31,800 newspapers. The ship and the cargo was insured for $300,000, a fortune in those times. The winds were poor as she sailed across the equator, slowing SCHOMBERG’s journey considerably. Land was first sighted on Christmas Day, at Cape Bridgewater near Portland, and Captain Forbes followed the coastline towards Melbourne. Forbes was said to be playing cards when called by the Third Mate Henry Keen, who reported land about 3 miles off, Due in large part to the captain's regarding a card game as more important than his ship, it eventually ran aground on a sand spit near Curdie's Inlet (about 56 km west of Cape Otway) on 26 December 1855, 78 days after leaving Liverpool. The sand spit and the currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. Overnight, the crew launched a lifeboat to find a safe place to land the ship’s passengers. The scouting party returned to SCHOMBERG and advised Forbes that it was best to wait until morning because the rough seas could easily overturn the small lifeboats. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted SS QUEEN at dawn and signalled the steamer. The master of the SS QUEEN approached the stranded vessel and all of SCHOMBERG’s passengers and crew were able to disembark safely. The SCHOMBERG was lost and with her, Forbes’ reputation. The Black Ball Line’s Melbourne agent sent a steamer to retrieve the passengers’ baggage from the SCHOMBERG. Other steamers helped unload her cargo until the weather changed and prevented the salvage teams from accessing the ship. Later one plunderer found a case of Wellington boots, but alas, all were for the left foot! Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and cargo, but did not attempt to salvage the cargo still on board the ship. They eventually sold it on to a Melbourne businessman and two seafarers. In 1864 after two of the men drowned when they tried to reach SCHOMBERG, salvage efforts were abandoned. Parts of the SCHOMBERG were washed ashore on the south island of New Zealand in 1870, nearly 15 years after the wreck. The wreck now lies in 825 metres of water. Although the woodwork is mostly disintegrated the shape of the ship can still be seen due to the remaining railway irons, girders and the ship’s frame. A variety of goods and materials can be seen scattered about nearby. Flagstaff Hill holds many items salvaged from the SCHOMBERG including a ciborium (in which a diamond ring was concealed), communion set, ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets and a photograph from the SCHOMBERG. One of the SCHOMBERG bells was in the old Warrnambool Library. The Schomberg cannon is currently on loan to the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre.The SCHOMBERG collection is of historical and archaeological significance at a State level, listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S612. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the SCHOMBERG is significant for its association with the Victorian Heritage Registered shipwreck. The collection is primarily significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the SCHOMBERG. The SCHOMBERG collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of an international passenger ship. The shipwreck collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the shipwreck and the ship, which was designed to be the fastest and most luxurious of its day. The SCHOMBERG collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history.Cannon; 6-POUNDER (6pdr) smooth bore cannon, mounted on a wooden frame. The cannon has a metal lug on each side. It is commonly known as the Schomberg cannon. It was recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg in 1974.warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, schomberg, shipwrecked-artefact, clipper ship, black ball line, 1855 shipwreck, aberdeen clipper ship, captain forbes, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, cannon, the schomberg cannon, schomberg cannon, peterborough, 1855, sailing ship