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Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society
Book, The Tales of Swaggy Joe
Poems and ballads inspired by the author's memories of his childhood in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Self-published by the author Kg (Ken) Lyle through Book Venture publishing, 2018. BMDHS Location: AR/R5/S5A printed book published in paperback edition. 61 pages. 220 mm x 280 mm. BMDHS Location: AR/R5/S5 Poems and ballads inspired by the author's memories of his childhood in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Self-published by the author Kg (Ken) Lyle through Book Venture publishing, 2018. BMDHS Location: AR/R5/S5poetry, bacchus marsh writers -
Box Hill Historical Society
Book, Robert L. Hayes, Ad altiora certamus : a collective memoir of the Box Hill High School 1950-55 Cohort and the Foundation Matriculation Class, 2015
The reminiscences of 190 of the foundation matriculation class of Box Hill High School are collected to provide a history and memory of the school and the students. Stories of school life as well as life after Box Hill High School were contributed. A list of the members of the cohort as well as names of those who provided personal accounts are included.214 pages : illustrations (some colour}, facsimiles (some colour}, portraits (some colour}; 3 appendicesnon-fictionThe reminiscences of 190 of the foundation matriculation class of Box Hill High School are collected to provide a history and memory of the school and the students. Stories of school life as well as life after Box Hill High School were contributed. A list of the members of the cohort as well as names of those who provided personal accounts are included.schools, box hill high school, reminiscences, memoirs, agnew> malcolm, aitken> michael, baker> jeff, barber> rance, barclay> robin, blackwell> john, chandler> geoff, dahan> paul, dobbin> graeme, filshie> barry, francis> arthur, friday> robin, gannaway> alex, hancy> tom, hayes> bob, hewitt> neil, hiscock> peter, hobday> garth, lee> bryan, mckirdy> lindsay, olsen> ken, roffey> stuart, schaeche> marshall, smart> leslie, smit> kees, smith> graeme, swales> david, tucker> murray, wade> mark, webster> john, wilshier> eric, wilson> geoff -
Canterbury History Group
Book, Feehan, Anne, 100 Years of Vibrant Faith and Generous Hospitality
The story and memories of the Highfield Road Uniting Church 1912-2012Includes many sepia and coloured photographs.non-fictionThe story and memories of the Highfield Road Uniting Church 1912-2012canterbury, highfield road, shops, churches, highfield road uniting church, mapperson> norm (rev), malseed> clive, whyte> peter gador (rev), floyd> a. e. (dr), concerts, mont calm, organs, cricket, football -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Pyle, Richard and Faas, Horst, Lost Over Laos: A True Story of Tragedy, Mystery and Friendship, 2003
A poignant story of four combat photographers who died in Indochina - and the two journalists who kept their memory alive.A poignant story of four combat photographers who died in Indochina - and the two journalists who kept their memory alive.vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- press coverage, war photographers -- death., saigon, ho chi minh trail, operation lam son 719, larry burrows, henri huet, kent potter, keisaburro shimamoto, mia - united states, indochina, richard pyle, horst faas -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book - Healesville: history in the hills, 1982
The history of Healesville is as rich and diverse as the people who, over the course of more then a century, have called it home. Each has its story. One cannot hope to tell them all. And so the author's aim has been to bring out the flavour of each passing era; to draw together the threads which have woven the fabric of the past and display them in their true colours as far as is ever possible in the variable light a human memory.A 24 cm H, 151p; Bibliography. Includes Index.non-fictionThe history of Healesville is as rich and diverse as the people who, over the course of more then a century, have called it home. Each has its story. One cannot hope to tell them all. And so the author's aim has been to bring out the flavour of each passing era; to draw together the threads which have woven the fabric of the past and display them in their true colours as far as is ever possible in the variable light a human memory.healesville, victoria -- history -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Newspaper, The Courier Ballarat, "Tourist Trams hold key to memories", 6/01/1990 12:00:00 AM
Full size page item on the BTPS in the Saturday Magazine portion of the Ballarat Courier dated Sat. 6/1/1990. Features four photos, history of the Ballarat Tramways, the BTPS, and its operations. Photos of timetable boards at the depot, 14 in Wendouree Parade, Gavin Young at the controls of 14 and Dave Macartney stepping onto Horse Tram No. within the depot. Also has other pages of the Courier attached. 823.1 - 2nd copy added, in better condition, added 25 June 1999.trams, tramways, btps, ballarat tramways, volunteers, btm -
Canterbury History Group
Document - Canterbury Grammar School - a Pupils Memories
Typed notes of recollections of Canterbury Grammar School, prepared by Mr. R.G.Demaine, a pupil at the school from 1905 -1908.canterbury, canterbury grammar school, canterbury road, alexandra avenue, monomeath estate, canterbury fire brigade, tucker> ethel, turner> mary, richardson> aubrey, wingrove> jennie, francke> otto, whitehead> major, balwyn state school corps, canterbury recreation ground, cricket, football, athletics, tucker> robert o. -
Canterbury History Group
Booklet, Strathcona Baptist Girls' Grammar School, Tay Creggan - 100 Years of memories, 1993
Compilation of oral interviews on the history of Tay Creggan and Strathcona32 pages, A4, B & W photosCompilation of oral interviews on the history of Tay Creggan and Strathconastrathcona baptist girls grammar school, tay creggan, schools, reminiscences -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Personal Papers, Ray Roberts, "Melbourne Tram Memories - Book II", c2010
Ray Roberts commenced with the MMTB in 1961 at South Melbourne depot. Born at Reefton NZ. Worked as a connie for 33 years. This volume has many personal notes on his work, his colleagues and events that affected the tramways. Includes many photocopies of newspaper articles. See also items 639 and 6719 for other volumes.Yields information about Ray Roberts and his tramway memories. Black comb bound volume, approx 70 pages, clear plastic cover, black rear cover.tramcars, tramways, melbourne, ray roberts, unions, ptc, mmtb, memoirs, conductors -
Canterbury History Group
Article, Gwen McWilliam, Frognall - A Short History: Personal Memories, 1/02/1987 12:00:00 AM
Two articles on history of Frognall includes photographs of the house of Clarence and Duance Hicks. Also includes sketch of the house and floor plans3 pagesTwo articles on history of Frognall includes photographs of the house of Clarence and Duance Hicks. Also includes sketch of the house and floor planscanterbury, allen> joseph, allen> daniel, crofts> richard, hicks> clarence, hicks> duance, gall> james, mont albert road, gamblin. robert, menzies family, laycock> burkett, taylor> george, robertson> margaret, robertson> james, mont albert road, frognall -
Canterbury History Group
Letter - "Shrublands" memories of 'hidden children', Cadd, Graham, 21/07/2003
Letter to the Progress Leader (21 July 2003) from a former resident of the St. John's Boys Home on life at the homecanterbury, balwyn road, st john's boys home, "shrublands", cadd> graham -
Healesville Sanctuary Heritage Centre
Newspaper - Newspaper Cutting, Article, Eadie, Robert R, Healesville memories, 30 Mar 1946
History concerning Healesville - Sanctuary not mentioned.photocopyHistory concerning Healesville - Sanctuary not mentioned.1940s -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, South Warrnambool School, framed
The South Warrnambool Primary school No 1902 was opened in 1877 by the mayor at the time Cr J Cramond. The first teacher was Mrs Eliza Clarke. It catered for the children of the strong and closely knit community of South Warrnambool. The Mc Donald family was one of these families. A clear photograph of a school with which many past students would have fond memories. A contribution over 25 years to a primary school in this case by W D McDonald is a story of personal endeavour. It therefore has historical and social significance.Coloured photograph of the South Warrnambool State School framed with inscription written in black ink at bottom of coffee coloured mount.Presented to Mr W D McDonald by the residents of South Warrnambool as a token of appreciation for services rendered as a member of the School Committee (1912-1937) A Wilkins Photo. Stuart Mc Donald and Shirley written on back of frame mounting board.south warrnambool primary school, school number 1902, warrnambool history -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Book, McGuinness, C, Gippsland Memories Reminiscences of Early Days around Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale and Sale, 1948
A booklet recording some historical events in the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, Australia area, particularly Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale and Sale. These articles first appeared in 'Moe Star' between October and December, 1948.settlers, transport, agriculture, ships and shipping -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Mixed media - Framed Photograph and Medals, Private Percy Albert TIPPETT 483
Memorial plaque or death penny, medals and photograph of Private Percy Albert TIPPETT 483 who served with the 6th Battalion AIF and was wounded on the 25/4/15 during the initial landing at Gallipoli and died on 28/4/1915.Percy, aged 19, was one of the first young men from Wangaratta to enlist in the First AIF, Service No. 483. He was posted to the 6th Infantry Battalion on 19th October 1914 and sailed from Melbourne on HMAT Hororata. On 25th April 1915, Percy was in the initial landings at Gallipoli when he was seriously wounded. He was retrieved and taken to a transport ship for medical attention but unfortunately did not respond to treatment and died from his wounds on 28th April 1915. The Tippet family has a long and direct association with the land where the memory of Percy is commemorated and now known as 'Percy Tippet Reserve`.Timber frame with photograph of solider, four medals with ribbons and death pennyMedals include: The Victory Medal, The British War Medal, The Memorial Plaque and the 1914/15 Starpercy tippett, ww1, wangaratta, gallipoli, 6th battalion -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Literary work, The Wattles, 2020
This account of "The Wattles" during the 1950's and 1960's has been based on memories of the 3 Stevens girls, Jennifer, Glenda and Dianne14 pages and 19.5 x 7 notenon-fictionThis account of "The Wattles" during the 1950's and 1960's has been based on memories of the 3 Stevens girls, Jennifer, Glenda and Dianneblue moon fruit cooperative ltd, mount pleasant methodist church, schwerkolt cottage & museum complex, stevens family -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Whitcombe's Progressive English Course, Mid 20th century
This primary school text book contains English exercises for students in grade 3. Among the exercises are lessons in how to use particular tenses of words,punctuation, parts of speech, poetry, writing sentences as well as sounds and spelling. A common text book from the mid 20th century of which many people would have memories.Pale green soft card cover with dark blue text. 104 pages of English exercises with some black and white illustrations. Picture of girl and boy sitting on ledge with country scene in background.Donald Welsford written in blue pen on front cover. 1/3 in top right hand corner.warrnambool, whitcombe's progressive english, donald welsford -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Book, Collected by LERHS, Vera Harbeck Memories, 1990c
A soft folder containing letters from Vera Harbeck nee Wilson written from Lochiel House Orbost contains reminiscence of family information in early Lakes Entrance Victoriaschools, settlers, correspondence -
Camberwell Historical Society
Audio - Compact disk, Bill Mackie, My Memories - Bill Mackie Oral History, 2014
Compact disk featuring interview with Bill Mackie sharing his family's history. Narrated by Bill including photographs and maps.camberwell, oral history -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Book, Gibson, Tim, Monumental Bairnsdale Cemetery Memories, 1996
A guide to Bairnsdale Cemetery, Victoria, including a plan of the layout, a short history of its development, and genealogical notes of some of the remarkable people buried since commencement.cemeteries, social history, land settlement, memorials -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Digital photographs, L.J. Gervasoni, Henty Memorial in Boroondara General Cemetery, c2005-2015
The Boroondara General Cemetery is registered by Heritage Victoria. The Henty's were some of the earliest settlers in Victoria.From Heritage Victoria Statement of Significance Last updated on - December 15, 2005 What is significant? Boroondara Cemetery, established in 1858, is within an unusual triangular reserve bounded by High Street, Park Hill Road and Victoria Park, Kew. The caretaker's lodge and administrative office (1860 designed by Charles Vickers, additions, 1866-1899 by Albert Purchas) form a picturesque two-storey brick structure with a slate roof and clock tower. A rotunda or shelter (1890, Albert Purchas) is located in the centre of the cemetery: this has an octagonal hipped roof with fish scale slates and a decorative brick base with a tessellated floor and timber seating. The cemetery is surrounded by a 2.7 metre high ornamental red brick wall (1895-96, Albert Purchas) with some sections of vertical iron palisades between brick pillars. Albert Purchas was a prominent Melbourne architect who was the Secretary of the Melbourne General Cemetery from 1852 to 1907 and Chairman of the Boroondara Cemetery Board of Trustees from 1867 to 1909. He made a significant contribution to the design of the Boroondara Cemetery Boroondara Cemetery is an outstanding example of the Victorian Garden Cemetery movement in Victoria, retaining key elements of the style, despite overdevelopment which has obscured some of the paths and driveways. Elements of the style represented at Boroondara include an ornamental boundary fence, a system of curving paths which are kerbed and follow the site's natural contours, defined views, recreational facilities such as the rotunda, a landscaped park like setting, sectarian divisions for burials, impressive monuments, wrought and cast iron grave surrounds and exotic symbolic plantings. In the 1850s cemeteries were located on the periphery of populated areas because of concerns about diseases like cholera. They were designed to be attractive places for mourners and visitors to walk and contemplate. Typically cemeteries were arranged to keep religions separated and this tended to maintain links to places of origin, reflecting a migrant society. Other developments included cast iron entrance gates, built in 1889 to a design by Albert Purchas; a cemetery shelter or rotunda, built in 1890, which is a replica of one constructed in the Melbourne General Cemetery in the same year; an ornamental brick fence erected in 1896-99(?); the construction and operation of a terminus for a horse tram at the cemetery gates during 1887-1915; and the Springthorpe Memorial built between 1897 and 1907. A brick cremation wall and a memorial rose garden were constructed near the entrance in the mid- twentieth century(c.1955-57) and a mausoleum completed in 2001.The maintenance shed/depot close to High Street was constructed in 1987. The original entrance was altered in 2000 and the original cast iron gates moved to the eastern entrance of the Mausoleum. The Springthorpe Memorial (VHR 522) set at the entrance to the burial ground commemorates Annie Springthorpe, and was erected between 1897 and 1907 by her husband Dr John Springthorpe. It was the work of the sculptor Bertram Mackennal, architect Harold Desbrowe Annear, landscape designer and Director of the Melbourne Bortanic Gardens, W.R. Guilfoyle, with considerable input from Dr Springthorpe The memorial is in the form of a small temple in a primitive Doric style. It was designed by Harold Desbrowe Annear and includes Bertram Mackennal sculptures in Carrara marble. Twelve columns of deep green granite from Scotland support a Harcourt granite superstructure. The roof by Brooks Robinson is a coloured glass dome, which sits within the rectangular form and behind the pediments. The sculptural group raised on a dais, consists of the deceased woman lying on a sarcophagus with an attending angel and mourner. The figure of Grief crouches at the foot of the bier and an angel places a wreath over Annie's head, symbolising the triumph of immortal life over death. The body of the deceased was placed in a vault below. The bronze work is by Marriots of Melbourne. Professor Tucker of the University of Melbourne composed appropriate inscriptions in English and archaic Greek lettering.. The floor is a geometric mosaic and the glass dome roof is of Tiffany style lead lighting in hues of reds and pinks in a radiating pattern. The memorial originally stood in a landscape triangular garden of about one acre near the entrance to the cemetery. However, after Dr Springthorpe's death in 1933 it was found that transactions for the land had not been fully completed so most of it was regained by the cemetery. A sundial and seat remain. The building is almost completely intact. The only alteration has been the removal of a glass canopy over the statuary and missing chains between posts. The Argus (26 March 1933) considered the memorial to be the most beautiful work of its kind in Australia. No comparable buildings are known. The Syme Memorial (1908) is a memorial to David Syme, political economist and publisher of the Melbourne Age newspaper. The Egyptian memorial designed by architect Arthur Peck is one of the most finely designed and executed pieces of monumental design in Melbourne. It has a temple like form with each column having a different capital detail. These support a cornice that curves both inwards and outwards. The tomb also has balustradings set between granite piers which create porch spaces leading to the entrance ways. Two variegated Port Jackson Figs are planted at either end. The Cussen Memorial (VHR 2036) was constructed in 1912-13 by Sir Leo Cussen in memory of his young son Hubert. Sir Leo Finn Bernard Cussen (1859-1933), judge and member of the Victorian Supreme Court in 1906. was buried here. The family memorial is one of the larger and more impressive memorials in the cemetery and is an interesting example of the 1930s Gothic Revival style architecture. It takes the form of a small chapel with carvings, diamond shaped roof tiles and decorated ridge embellishing the exterior. By the 1890s, the Boroondara Cemetery was a popular destination for visitors and locals admiring the beauty of the grounds and the splendid monuments. The edge of suburban settlement had reached the cemetery in the previous decade. Its Victorian garden design with sweeping curved drives, hill top views and high maintenance made it attractive. In its Victorian Garden Cemetery design, Boroondara was following an international trend. The picturesque Romanticism of the Pere la Chaise garden cemetery established in Paris in 1804 provided a prototype for great metropolitan cemeteries such as Kensal Green (1883) and Highgate (1839) in London and the Glasgow Necropolis (1831). Boroondara Cemetery was important in establishing this trend in Australia. The cemetery's beauty peaked with the progressive completion of the spectacular Springthorpe Memorial between 1899 and 1907. From about the turn of the century, the trustees encroached on the original design, having repeatedly failed in attempts to gain more land. The wide plantations around road boundaries, grassy verges around clusters of graves in each denomination, and most of the landscaped surround to the Springthorpe memorial are now gone. Some of the original road and path space were resumed for burial purposes. The post war period saw an increased use of the Cemetery by newer migrant groups. The mid- to late- twentieth century monuments were often placed on the grassed edges of the various sections and encroached on the roadways as the cemetery had reached the potential foreseen by its design. These were well tended in comparison with Victorian monuments which have generally been left to fall into a state of neglect. The Boroondara Cemetery features many plants, mostly conifers and shrubs of funerary symbolism, which line the boundaries, road and pathways, and frame the cemetery monuments or are planted on graves. The major plantings include an impressive row of Bhutan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa), interplanted with Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum), and a few Pittosporum crassifolium, along the High Street and Parkhill Street, where the planting is dominated by Sweet Pittosporum. Planting within the cemetery includes rows and specimen trees of Bhutan Cypress and Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), including a row with alternate plantings of both species. The planting includes an unusual "squat" form of an Italian Cypress. More of these trees probably lined the cemetery roads and paths. Also dominating the cemetery landscape near the Rotunda is a stand of 3 Canary Island Pines (Pinus canariensis), a Bunya Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii) and a Weeping Elm (Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii') Amongst the planting are the following notable conifers: a towering Bunya Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii), a Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), a rare Golden Funeral Cypress (Chamaecyparis funebris 'Aurea'), two large Funeral Cypress (Chamaecyparis funebris), and the only known Queensland Kauri (Agathis robusta) in a cemetery in Victoria. The Cemetery records, including historical plans of the cemetery from 1859, are held by the administration and their retention enhances the historical significance of the Cemetery. How is it significant? Boroondara Cemetery is of aesthetic, architectural, scientific (botanical) and historical significance to the State of Victoria. Why is it significant? The Boroondara Cemetery is of historical and aesthetic significance as an outstanding example of a Victorian garden cemetery. The Boroondara Cemetery is of historical significance as a record of Victorian life from the 1850s, and the early settlement of Kew. It is also significant for its ability to demonstrate, through the design and location of the cemetery, attitudes towards burial, health concerns and the importance placed on religion, at the time of its establishment. The Boroondara Cemetery is of architectural significance for the design of the gatehouse or sexton's lodge and cemetery office (built in stages from 1860 to 1899), the ornamental brick perimeter fence and elegant cemetery shelter to the design of prominent Melbourne architects, Charles Vickers (for the original 1860 cottage) and Albert Purchas, cemetery architect and secretary from 1864 to his death in 1907. The Boroondara Cemetery has considerable aesthetic significance which is principally derived from its tranquil, picturesque setting; its impressive memorials and monuments; its landmark features such as the prominent clocktower of the sexton's lodge and office, the mature exotic plantings, the decorative brick fence and the entrance gates; its defined views; and its curving paths. The Springthorpe Memorial (VHR 522), the Syme Memorial and the Cussen Memorial (VHR 2036), all contained within the Boroondara Cemetery, are of aesthetic and architectural significance for their creative and artistic achievement. The Boroondara Cemetery is of scientific (botanical) significance for its collection of rare mature exotic plantings. The Golden Funeral Cypress, (Chamaecyparis funebris 'Aurea') is the only known example in Victoria. The Boroondara Cemetery is of historical significance for the graves, monuments and epitaphs of a number of individuals whose activities have played a major part in Australia's history. They include the Henty family, artists Louis Buvelot and Charles Nuttall, businessmen John Halfey and publisher David Syme, artist and diarist Georgiana McCrae, actress Nellie Stewart and architect and designer of the Boroondara and Melbourne General Cemeteries, Albert Purchas.Digital imagescemetery, boroondara, kew, gatehouse, clock, tower, clocktower, heritage, memorial, henty, james henty -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Thylacine, Reynell Eveleigh Johns, 1860-1880
The Thylacine or Tasmanian Tiger, was a large nocturnal carnivorous marsupial now believed to be extinct that was native to both Australia and New Guinea. The Thylacine is believed to have first appeared over two million years ago with documentation of the species appearing on rock-art that have been dated as far back as 1,000BC. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. The Burke Museum Thylacine is of great historic, scientific and cultural significance as Australia's most notable example of a species made extinct within living memory. Poignant images of the last known thylacine linger in national consciousness and remain an evocative symbol of the impact of humankind on the natural environment. The Burke Museum thylacine has immense social significance not only for its ability to tell a story to present and future generations, but also for embodying the mythic tiger that lives on elusively, we hope, in the Tasmanian wilderness. Attempts to clone the thylacine from material held in museums attest to the passion that this iconic animal evokes in the scientific as well as mainstream community. Medium sized lean female thylacine with four stocky legs and a stiff tail. The fur is short and coarse and in a light brown-yellow colour with 15 dark brown stripes across the width of the body. The head is long and narrow with two small pointy ears and a large jaw with up to 30 visible teeth.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, thylacine, tasmanian tiger, rare -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Electric Foot Warmer
Used by Colin Sach during his employment as Manager of the Chemistry Dept. at the University of Melbourne over a period of forty years.Manufacturing History Museum Victoria Commentary: Australian manufacturing history Philip Wollen Many years ago, when I was an ambition young man, I took over a company called Hecla.|This business was formed in 1872, long before Federation was even contemplated. The company established a rich tradition in the Australian manufacturing industry. The prodigious product range included kettles, mixers, toasters, hairdryers, urns, pie warmers, bain maries, and electric blankets for the domestic and commercial market. During the war it even manufactured parts for aircraft. It was one of Melbourne's largest employers.|Hecla was one of the pioneers in TV advertising, led by icons like Bert Newton, Bobby Limb, Evie Hayes and Graham Kennedy who ad Jibbed his way through irreverent and unscripted naughtiness about Hecla electric blankets and foot warmers. The slogan was 'By Hecla, its good1'. One can imagine the fun Bert and Graham had with their double entendres.|In the 60's Hecla entered into a partnership with General Electric and expanded rapidly. The massive factory, on the corner of Alexandra Parade and Chapel Street overlooking the Yarra River was a Melbourne landmark.|The business was formed by one of the scions of Melbourne industry. Mr Marriott was a metal worker of some repute, building the lights in front of Melbourne's Parliament House, the first steam car, the sideboard at the RACY Club, and the first factory to run on electricity.|By the time I acquired the company it was a shadow of its former self, incapable of competing with cheap Chinese imports. Wandering around the warehouse late one night I discovered a large, boarded up storeroom which appeared not to have been opened in decades.|Over several months I combed through the room, unearthing a treasure trove of products from a bygone era. Dusty files, engineering drawings, wooden prototypes, patent records, and correspondence from distributors on every continent.|I decided to track down an old man, Ray, long retired after 50 years with Hecla. He was not well off financially and welcomed the paid work. It turned out that he had done his apprenticeship with the company and there wasn't much he didn't know about it. He had been personally involved in the manufacture of almost every type of product on the Hecla smorgasbord's of products.|So for over 2 years he methodically assembled a mini museum of Hecla products, painstakingly polishing them and ensuring they were in working order. He attached the original brochure of each product and their respective warranty cards. For him it was ,a labour of love. For me it was a fascinating, if vicarious journey, into Australia's manufacturing past.|My colleagues complained that I was wasting money on his salary, our time and factory space on stuff that should have been dumped years ago. I tried to explain that I was merely a steward of the Hecla tradition, not merely an owner. Besides, the look on Ray's face convinced me that there was another dynamic at work. One I could see, but didn't really understand.|After he Passed away I faced a dilemma. What to do with this 'museum' of Hecla history. Nobody was interested.|So I kept the 'stuff' in private storage, hoping that same day someone would be interested in it. And the years passed.|Finally, I had a brainwave. Perhaps the Melbourne Museum would be interested. It was a long shot but I made the call. I had a nagging suspicion that they would think I was simply trying to get them to relieve me of paying for this huge collection to be taken to the tip.|To my surprise they said they would be willing to take a look, I secretly hoped that they would take the whole collection and not leave me with an incomplete jumble of appliances that I would indeed have to take to the tip.|On the appointed day, four serious looking young people showed up. Armed with digital cameras, note books and poker faces they spent four hours analysing the goods and the supporting materials. I asked them if they had any interest and their response was decidedly non-committal. It depends on the acquisitions committee, I was told. I was disheartened and packed up the exhibits to go back into storage.|Imagine my surprise when months later they telephoned to say that they had researched the history of the company, and yes, they would like to take the whole collection. And a truck with 'handlers' would arrive the following day to pick it up. Two years ago all Hecla's archives left me forever and went to the Museum's warehouse.|Well, to my delight I received a call yesterday inviting me to a private viewing of the exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. These young historians had meticulously assembled an impressive display of Melbourne's industry and technology going back to the 1800's. They thanked me like a significant benefactor when it is I who should have thanked them.|I saw the excitement in the eyes of these young people who had somehow managed to dig out and assemble memories from Australia's past. If this is the standard of care that the curators of the Melbourne Museum show all their exhibits, our history is in safe hands.|Their meticulous work took me back to those years long ago when I saw an old man lovingly assembling and cataloging a lifetime of his work.|It took me back to the day when Australians actually made things. Long before we became a nation of quarrymen. Before we became animal-factory 'farmers'. Of a time when products didn't break down, or dumped and replaced before the warranty expired. When men like Mr Marriott cared deeply about what their hands produced.|It reminded me of the call I received from an elderly lady in Tasmania asking for the electrical element for a Hecla K7 kettle. I searched the archives and called her back. The K7 was produced decades earlier and we no longer carried that spare part. She was quite disheartened and told me her kettle had finally 'given up the ghost' and she couldn't bear to part with it. It was a present from her husband on their wedding day 45 years ago. Her final words were 'they don't make them like that, do they? By Hecla they were good1'|I'm glad I followed my instinct and put Ray back on the payroll all those years ago..|I like to think Mr Marriott would have been pleased.Square metal box with electrical elements inside. Used to stand on or to put feet on when sitting. Elaborate pattern in centre with inscription.Hecla Foot Warmerdomestic items, heating -
Narre Warren and District Family History Group
Book, DJ Mickle, More Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup, 1987
Chronicles of a prosperous District once known as the Great Swamp 1928 - 1940 in the Kooweerup District Pictures of sports teams, businesses, and people192 p.; 27 cmnon-fictionChronicles of a prosperous District once known as the Great Swamp 1928 - 1940 in the Kooweerup District Pictures of sports teams, businesses, and peoplecaldermeade, yannathan and yallock village schools, kooweerup football club 1931 -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Book, Loney Jack, Wreck 1891 and other Maritime Memories, 1992
Full descriptions of the wrecks of the 'W B Godfrey', 'Joseph H Scammell', 'Craiburn', 'Gambier' and 'Fiji' on the Victorian coast in 1891. Also many other maritime stories and mysteries from the author's research collection. Indexed. Illustrated with photographs.ships and shipping, shipwrecks -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Memorabilia, Warrant Officer Class 11 Kevin 'Dasher' Arthur Wheatley
Dark timber framed, burgundy, matt board box display of VC winner WO 11 Kevin 'Dasher' Arthur Wheatley. Displays Warrant Officers' peaked cap, L & R sleeves with insignia & cloth badges of AATTV, AMF, rank, photograph & citation. eleven (replica) medals, four badges & a brass plaque.Brass plaque "WO 11 Kevin 'Dasher' Arthur Wheatley, VC 29890. Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Royal Australian Infantry.medals, vietnam., victoria cross, aattv, wo ka wheatley -
Returned Nurses RSL Sub-branch
Newspaper - Newspaper clipping, Alison Barclay, Race to capture the horrific memories of our women at war, [9 August 1989]
Article calls attention to the experience of Wilma Jones [Oram Young] as a Japanese POW on Sumatra Island during WWII in relation to the Council of Ex-Servicewomen's Associations who were trying to gather funds to make a documentary of stories and experiences such as this before they are lost.Newspaper clipping with four columns of text, headed by a large black and white photograph of an elderly woman sitting at a table looking at documents'THE HERALD / 9 AUG 1989' [Blue ink inbetween lines of headline]japan, sumatra island, wilma jones [oram young], council of ex-servicewomen's associations, elizabeth lucas, catie hewins, returned nurses' association, wwii, world war two, wwll, ww2 -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Book, JJB Publishing, There's The Mill Whistle - The Boyhood Memories of George Little, May 1998
The history of the Stratford area as told by George Little from his boyhood memoriesSmall book with photographs of workers on cover, 40 pagesnon-fictionThe history of the Stratford area as told by George Little from his boyhood memorieslocal history, genealogy, townships -
Victorian Railway History Library
Book, Wilson, Robert, Bygone Australian Transport - A Personal Journey of Nostalgic Memories 1959-1985, 2010
A pictorial nostalgic reminiscence from Bob Wilson of his interest in railways, ferries & planes from 1959-1985ill, p.64.non-fictionA pictorial nostalgic reminiscence from Bob Wilson of his interest in railways, ferries & planes from 1959-1985transport - reminiscence - australia, australian transport reminiscence - autobiographical - bob wilson -
Narre Warren and District Family History Group
Book, Hilda Gell-Phayer, Pioneer Child: Gippsland memories of a bush childhood
...non-fiction...