These marble stopper bottles came from the Warrnambool aerated waters factory of Joseph Lescai. A marble stopper bottle was one which was filled upside down so that as soon as the filling stopped the stopper was forced down to seal the bottle against the rubber ring. Pressure inside the bottle would keep the marble pressed against the top of the bottle. To open the bottle the marble was pressed down where it would fall into the neck chamber below. The marble would stay inside the neck chamber when the bottle was tilted up for drinking. Joseph Lescai and his brother, James had fruit shops in Warrnambool and in the 1920s Joseph Lescai began to produce cordial and soft drinks at his Fairy Street shop. The cordial manufacturing was then re-located to a site in Fairy Street close to Raglan Parade and the business, known as Warrnambool Cordials Pty Ltd, was operated then by a group of Warrnambool businessmen and later by Thomas Hill in the 1930s. In the 1940s the business was purchased by the Flett brothers, Frederick and Charles, and in the 1960s the business was sold to Thomas McKenzie and retailed under the name of McKenzie’s Cordials. The business was still operating in the 1970s. These bottles are significant because they come from the Warrnambool aerated water factory of Joseph Lescai, probably in the late 1920s. The business commenced by Joseph Lescai became Warrnambool Cordials Pty Ltd and this was a prominent business in Warrnambool for 50 years or more. Cordial manufacturing was an important industry in Warrnambool for over 100 years. These three bottles are marble-stopper green glass bottles. They have a rounded base and body with a deep indentation in the glass at the top of the body to form a narrow neck chamber. The necks have small round indentations in the glass. The tops of the bottles have moulded glass and an opening. Details on the aerated waters manufacturer are impressed into the glass on the side of the bottles. A round green marble is loose in the neck chamber. Rubber rings in the necks of the bottles are missing. One of the bottles has a wooden stopper but this may not have been an original. Inscriptions and Markings: Serial numbers, signatures, engravings, dedications in books, manufacturing details or personal markings ‘J. Lescai J.L. Warrnambool’ ‘This bottle is the property of Lescai Warrnambool and cannot be legally used by others’ These three bottles are marble-stopper green glass bottles. They have a rounded base and body with a deep indentation in the glass at the top of the body to form a narrow neck chamber. The necks have small round indentations in the glass. The tops of the bottles have moulded glass and an opening. Details on the aerated waters manufacturer are impressed into the glass on the side of the bottles. A round green marble is loose in the neck chamber. Rubber rings in the necks of the bottles are missing. One of the bottles has a wooden stopper but this may not have been an original. Inscriptions and Markings: Serial numbers, signatures, engravings, dedications in books, manufacturing details or personal markings ‘J. Lescai J.L. Warrnambool’ ‘This bottle is the property of Lescai Warrnambool and cannot be legally used by others’ These three bottles are marble-stopper green glass bottles. They have a rounded base and body with a deep indentation in the glass at the top of the body to form a narrow neck chamber. The necks have small round indentations in the glass. The tops of the bottles have moulded glass and an opening. Details on the aerated waters manufacturer are impressed into the glass on the side of the bottles. A round green marble is loose in the neck chamber. Rubber rings in the necks of the bottles are missing. One of the bottles has a wooden stopper but this may not have been an original. Inscriptions and Markings: Serial numbers, signatures, engravings, dedications in books, manufacturing details or personal markings ‘J. Lescai J.L. Warrnambool’ ‘This bottle is the property of Lescai Warrnambool and cannot be legally used by others’ These three bottles are marble-stopper green glass bottles. They have a rounded base and body with a deep indentation in the glass at the top of the body to form a narrow neck chamber. The necks have small round indentations in the glass. The tops of the bottles have moulded glass and an opening. Details on the aerated waters manufacturer are impressed into the glass on the side of the bottles. A round green marble is loose in the neck chamber. Rubber rings in the necks of the bottles are missing. One of the bottles has a wooden stopper but this may not have been an original. J. Lescai J.L. Warrnambool’ ‘This bottle is the property of Lescai Warrnambool and cannot be legally used by others’ lescal cordials, cordial bottles, 1920's bottles, warrnambool cordial manufacurers

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle reflecs the type of glassware that was in circulation in the 1920's.A heavy, thick, clear glass round bottle with a short neck which has a moulded rim for a cork stopper. It is very solid. There are some bubbles in the glass.Mbottle container

Bottled Phenyle cleaner was used throughout the 1900's in domestic kitchens, toilets and other "clean, germ free" environments. Some of these environments would encompass dairying milk handling rooms and hospital kitchens and ablution areas. It is a product which has resulted in the poisoning of some unwitting users (newspaper accounts of a woman in 1928 who drank some phenyle mistakenly for wine and died). The reliance of effective poisonous cleaning products in kitchens, especially in the 1900's was and is still a very hazardous element that the "most pivotal place in a house" contains. In the era when this particular bottle was used (1920's) the main means where consumed around the kitchen table, and this was especially so in rural areas. Keeping this area "germ" free was a mandatory requirement.This bottle is significant to the Kiewa Valley because this area was mostly rural with "out houses" and milk collection areas that required that "extra attention" of sanitation. Rural areas also where more prone to have the kitchen area as a general meeting place for the family before dinner and other meals. Sanitation was of greater importance in rural areas, due to the greater distances to hospitals and doctors if contamination occurred. City homes at this time frame had lounge rooms for the daily get together of the family unit. This was an era before the television and computer age fragmented and isolated family members from one another. This was a time that family members grouped together in the kitchen to find out "the latest news".This amber glass, diamond shaped bottle with cork stopper once contained Phenyle. Phenyle is a highly poisonous liquid. The amber opaque glass was used and not a clear glass to highlight it's content. It has a cork stopper at the top of a slender neck. All the glass embossed writing is highlighted by a string of crosses. The cross was used to enforce a visual danger sign.On one side "THIS BOTTLE IS THE PROPERTY OF" and in large print underneath "KITCHEN'S" and below this and underlined "POISONOUS". On the next side "NOT TO BE TAKEN" and next side in very large print and surrounded by a border "PHENYLE" with crosses enclosing it. On the bottom of a "blank side is "REGd. No. 2140" On the base is M 959 and Mkitchen cleaners, food preparation area, ablutions

Newsletter No. 116, September, 1997 846-848 MAIN ROAD ELTHAM Nillumbik Shire Council has granted a permit for a funeral parlour on land which includes this site at the corner of Main Road and York Street. The site contains an architect's office in a building which was formerly a shop and dwelling dating from the 1920's. The proposal requires demolition of this building which is one of the few remaining old shops which formed the rather spread out "town centre" of Eltham. Prior to making its decision the Council obtained a report from Graeme Butler and Associates, the heritage consultants who carried out Stage 1 of the Nillumbik Heritage Study. The report summarized the historical significance as follows:- "This brick comer shop with associated residence has potential local historical significance as a late 1920's grocer's shop, now much altered and one of only a few shops of that era left in Eltham's Main Road. This significance is qualified by the many changes. The other examples are better preserved and still function as shops." With this type of expert advice it is difficult to make a strong case for preservation of the building although, of course, it is a shame to see it demolished. The report includes details of the site itself and its history based on research carried out by Carlotta Kellaway. The building dates from the late 1920's when it was owned by C.R. Nicholls. From the early 1930's it was Charles Cockroft's grocery shop and he also ran a grain store there. According to his daughter, Edna Brown, he delivered groceries around the district taking his truck as far as Kangaroo Ground. In 1950 he shifted to Traralgon. Since then several different businesses have operated from the site including a bottle merchant and produce store. Conversion to the present office use involved alterations to the shop front and rebuilding the galvanized iron store at the rear. Newsletter 119 March 1998 In our Newsletter No. 116 it was reported that the former shop on the comer of Main Road and York Street, Eltham was to be demolished as part of a funeral parlour development. If you have passed the site recently you will have noticed that it has now been demolished - another part of the old Eltham township has disappeared.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 strips Also photographic prints 10 x 15 cmKodak Gold 200-6a.r. warren, eltham feed store, le pine funeral home, main road, york street, c.r. nicholls, charles cockcroft, grocery store

Newsletter No. 116, September, 1997 846-848 MAIN ROAD ELTHAM Nillumbik Shire Council has granted a permit for a funeral parlour on land which includes this site at the corner of Main Road and York Street. The site contains an architect's office in a building which was formerly a shop and dwelling dating from the 1920's. The proposal requires demolition of this building which is one of the few remaining old shops which formed the rather spread out "town centre" of Eltham. Prior to making its decision the Council obtained a report from Graeme Butler and Associates, the heritage consultants who carried out Stage 1 of the Nillumbik Heritage Study. The report summarized the historical significance as follows:- "This brick comer shop with associated residence has potential local historical significance as a late 1920's grocer's shop, now much altered and one of only a few shops of that era left in Eltham's Main Road. This significance is qualified by the many changes. The other examples are better preserved and still function as shops." With this type of expert advice it is difficult to make a strong case for preservation of the building although, of course, it is a shame to see it demolished. The report includes details of the site itself and its history based on research carried out by Carlotta Kellaway. The building dates from the late 1920's when it was owned by C.R. Nicholls. From the early 1930's it was Charles Cockroft's grocery shop and he also ran a grain store there. According to his daughter, Edna Brown, he delivered groceries around the district taking his truck as far as Kangaroo Ground. In 1950 he shifted to Traralgon. Since then several different businesses have operated from the site including a bottle merchant and produce store. Conversion to the present office use involved alterations to the shop front and rebuilding the galvanized iron store at the rear. Newsletter 119 March 1998 In our Newsletter No. 116 it was reported that the former shop on the comer of Main Road and York Street, Eltham was to be demolished as part of a funeral parlour development. If you have passed the site recently you will have noticed that it has now been demolished - another part of the old Eltham township has disappeared.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 strips Also photographic prints 10 x 15 cmKodak Gold 200-6a.r. warren, eltham feed store, le pine funeral home, main road, york street, c.r. nicholls, charles cockcroft, grocery store

Newsletter No. 116, September, 1997 846-848 MAIN ROAD ELTHAM Nillumbik Shire Council has granted a permit for a funeral parlour on land which includes this site at the corner of Main Road and York Street. The site contains an architect's office in a building which was formerly a shop and dwelling dating from the 1920's. The proposal requires demolition of this building which is one of the few remaining old shops which formed the rather spread out "town centre" of Eltham. Prior to making its decision the Council obtained a report from Graeme Butler and Associates, the heritage consultants who carried out Stage 1 of the Nillumbik Heritage Study. The report summarized the historical significance as follows:- "This brick comer shop with associated residence has potential local historical significance as a late 1920's grocer's shop, now much altered and one of only a few shops of that era left in Eltham's Main Road. This significance is qualified by the many changes. The other examples are better preserved and still function as shops." With this type of expert advice it is difficult to make a strong case for preservation of the building although, of course, it is a shame to see it demolished. The report includes details of the site itself and its history based on research carried out by Carlotta Kellaway. The building dates from the late 1920's when it was owned by C.R. Nicholls. From the early 1930's it was Charles Cockroft's grocery shop and he also ran a grain store there. According to his daughter, Edna Brown, he delivered groceries around the district taking his truck as far as Kangaroo Ground. In 1950 he shifted to Traralgon. Since then several different businesses have operated from the site including a bottle merchant and produce store. Conversion to the present office use involved alterations to the shop front and rebuilding the galvanized iron store at the rear. Newsletter 119 March 1998 In our Newsletter No. 116 it was reported that the former shop on the comer of Main Road and York Street, Eltham was to be demolished as part of a funeral parlour development. If you have passed the site recently you will have noticed that it has now been demolished - another part of the old Eltham township has disappeared.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 strips Also photographic prints 10 x 15 cmKodak Gold 200-6a.r. warren, eltham feed store, le pine funeral home, main road, york street, c.r. nicholls, charles cockcroft, grocery store

Warrnambool Cordials was started by James and Joseph Lescai in the 1920’s which was later taken over by a group of businessmen. Charles and Frederick Flett owned and operated Warrnambool Cordials for some time. It was later operated by Mr Thomas McKenzie before finally closing down.A common object associated with a well known local business business. Three clear glass bottles with neck with raised lettering. Fletts Warrnambool, horizontally on front centre, This bottle is the property of Warrnambool Cordials, Pty Ltd Warrnambool. Vertically on other side Warrnambool Cordials Pty Ltd Warrnambool. warrnambool, warrnambool cordials, flett’s cordials, flett.

This bottle was found in the pine plantation in Orbost. Comstock’s Morses Indian Root Pills were first manufactured by the American firm in the mid-1850’s but their popularity peaked in Australia in the 1920’s. Indian root is likely Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus), a common herb in Native American medicine used as a laxative. One of the most popular patent medicines, Dr. Morse’s Indian Root Pills was almost identical to the hundreds of other cure-alls, or at least claimed to cure the most common ailments of the day. It was advertised as a specific cure for most blood, stomach and liver diseases. The manufacturers claimed that the pills would "absolutely remove all dyspepsia, giddiness, headache, and are most useful in female disorders." (ref. Hagley Museum)This item is an example of a commonly used 'over-the-counter" medicine.A rectangular, brown glass bottle with neck for cork sealing.Morses Indian Root Pills Dose 2 to 4. W. H. Comstockmorses -indian-root-pills bottle medicine health

These bottles were common in the late 1800's and 1900's. Bottle Nos 1 and 2 were made by Angus & Co, a Sydney company producing ink and gums (glue and clag) from about 1880 to 1920. Their products were sold in stoneware and glass containers in varying sizes. 1. Small pottery bottle referred to as a "Penny Ink" bottle, made by Angus & Co. The small bottle got its name because of the price of 1d. = 1 penny. This bottle is missing. Nos. 3 and 4 The two tall thin Erven Lucas bottles with handles at the top were usually referred to as "Dutch Gins". In fact they actually contained "'Seltzer Spa water' or a form of Quinine Tonic, both supposed to be health drinks. These types of bottles first arrived in Australia with the Gold-seekers from Europe. Early samples are somewhat crudely made. The potter would have formed the bottle with a young apprentice applying the handle, name stamp and the glaze prior to being fired in the kiln. There is evidence of fingerprints from these processes on both samples.A collection of five handmade rare stoneware bottles with a salt glaze: 1. Small pottery bottle referred to as a "Penny Ink" bottle, made by Angus & Co. The small bottle got its name because of the price of 1d. = 1 penny. This is missing. 2. Medium glazed brown pottery bottle with a pouring spout (Angus & Co Ink Commercial). 3. Medium glazed brown pottery bottle with a pouring spout (Bourne Denby). 4. Large glazed brown pottery bottle with a pouring spout (Bourne Denby). Sample is from England probably sold for 2/- or 2/6d. Two shillings or two shillings & sixpence. 5. and 6. Two tall thin brown pottery bottles, one with a broken cork stopper and one without a stopper with Erven Lucas Bols - Het Lootsje Amsterdam stamped at the top of both. They were usually referred to as "Dutch Gins". 6. Green/black bottle is a traditional Dutch Gin with tapering sides, which made it easy to remove from the mold after being blown by hand and the cork top was applied by an apprentice. This sample dates from approximately 1900. Earlier samples are very crude with later samples being machine made with embossing.(This bottle is missing, 13.10.2022). 2. 'Angus & Co Ink Commercial' 3 and 4. 'Bourne Denby' stamped inside an oval lined shape. 5. and 6.Erven Lucas Bols - Het Lootsje Amsterdambeverage bottles, bottles, storage containers, stoneware bottles

This bottle was used as a form of advertising for the Wodonga Business of Samuel Mason. Samuel Mason was born at Bethnal Green, a suburb of London in 1824. He came to Australia via California, landing in Sydney in 1847. After a return to the California goldfields Samuel returned to Australia, arriving in Albury, NSW in 1855. He opened a bakery in Albury, and also commenced the manufacture of ginger beer for which he gained a reputation across Australia. Mr Mason continued in business in Albury for some time, but he established himself in Wodonga c1857, continuing a branch business in Albury. Twice a month in the early days Mr Mason walked to Beechworth for the purpose of transacting business. Occasionally he was summoned to attend the Beechworth courts as a juror. In 1901 Mr Mason retired from business, handing over the reins to his only son, Mr Samuel Mason Jr. who continued the aerated water business for some years. In about 1920 the business changed hands, being take over by E. Bartel. Samuel Mason Sr. died on 6 April 1908 and is buried in Wodonga. Mr. Mason Jr. was a prominent townsman. For some years he was a councillor of the Town Riding of the Wodonga Shire Council. He was also the first chairman of the Wodonga Water Trust in 1908. Samuel Mason Jr. moved to Melbourne in March 1920, primarily due to failing health. He died on 6 February 1929 and was interred in Melbourne.This bottle has strong local significance as it is representative of one of the earliest businesses established in Wodonga in the 1850s which operated until c1920. The business continued after 1920 under different ownership and names.2 earthenware pottery bottles manufactured by Bendigo Pottery and imprinted with the business brand of S. Mason, Wodonga. One bottle still contains a marble as part of the Codd sealing system to prevent gas from the ginger beer seeping out and the drink going flat. The bottles Within two elliptical circles are painted (in freehand) "S. MASON" in the top half and "WODONGA" in the bottom half. These are separated by an asterisk on both sides. A large "S" overlaid by a similarly large "M" is within the inner circle. 2nd bottle also includes "BREWED GINGER BEER" above the brand. At bottom of bottle 1 "PINNACLE BRAND" At bottom of bottle 2 in an oval shape: "THE BENDIGO POTTERY CO./ EPSOM/BENDIGO"s. mason wodonga, aerated drinks, bendigo pottery

Belvoir drinks were marketed by Stephens Bros. They established their business in Wodonga c1938, having taken over the aerated water and drinks business previously operated by Messrs. E. Bartel and E. Clark. Bartel and Clark had purchased S. Mason Cordial Company from Samuel Mason Jr. in 1920. Samuel Mason Sr. began a bakery and aerated water company c1857. Stephens Brothers was operated by Lindsay, Donald and William Stephens. In 1947 they manufactured their own cement bricks to build a new factory in High Street, Wodonga. Over time they operated under various names including the Wodonga Cordial Company and Belvoir Wodonga Cordial Company. In 1938 their output of aerated waters was 100 dozen bottles a day but by 1948 that had doubled. In 1949 they also established a wood yard at their High Street premises to provide additional income during the slower winter months. In 1966 the company was purchased by the Tarax Ale Brewing Co. with Lindsay Stephens staying on as Company Manager.These artefacts has local significance as they are representative of a well-known Wodonga manufacturing business.2 different sized bottles for Belvoir soft drink. Both bottles feature the blue brand on one side and information related to manufacture and contents in white print on the opposite side. The larger bottle holds 26 fluid ounces and the smaller one holds 13 fluid ounces.On front: An oval shaped name "BELVOIR" surrounded by leaf design with white text "The seal of quality" above the oval and "A Flavour for every taste" beneath the name. On opposite side in white text: "MANUFACTURED BY/ WODONGA CORDIAL CO./ WODONGA/ PRESERVATIVE ADDED / ARTIFICIALLY COLOURED/ NET CONTENTS 19 FL OZ / PHONE WODONGA -39.wodonga manufacturing, stephens bros wodonga, wodonga cordial company, belvoir drinks wodonga

Stephens Bros. of Wodonga were established c1938, having taken over the aerated water and drinks business previously operated by Messrs. E. Bartel and E. Clark. Bartel and Clark had purchased S. Mason Cordial Company from Samuel Mason Jr. in 1920. Samuel Mason Sr. began a bakery and aerated water company c1857. Stephens Brothers was operated by Lindsay, Donald and William Stephens. In 1947 they manufactured their own cement bricks to build a new factory in High Street, Wodonga. Over time they operated under various names including the Wodonga Cordial Company and Belvoir Wodonga Cordial Company. In 1938 their output of aerated waters was 100 dozen bottles a day but by 1948 that had doubled. In 1949 they also established a wood yard at their High Street premises to provide additional income during the slower winter months. In 1966 the company was purchased by the Tarax Ale Brewing Co. with Lindsay Stephens staying on as Company Manager.These artefacts has local significance as they are representative of a well-known Wodonga manufacturing business.2 bottles for beverages produced by Stephens Bros., Wodonga. One is a taller brown bottle bearing the label of Stephen Bros Old Style Hop Beer. The second clear glass bottle is smaller and has the brand name embossed into the bottle.Label on brown bottle : "STEPHENS BROS/ WODONGA :: PHONE 39 /OLD STYLE / HOP BEER/ PRESERVATIVE ADDED" Embossed on clear glass bottle : On side: STEPHENS BROS WODONGA Around base of clear bottle: "THIS BOTTLE ALWAYS REMAINS THE PROPERTY OF STEPHENS BROS. WODONGA"stephens bros wodonga, wodonga cordial company, cordial companies wodonga, belvoir drinks wodonga, aerated drinks, hop beer