Showing 328 items matching "early warrnambool business"
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Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Financial record - Ledger Woollen Mill (WWM Co Limited), Circa 1876
... early warrnambool business... ledger warrnambool woollen mill 1875 early warrnambool business ...This ledger relates to the original Woollen Mill which commenced trading in 1875 on the site of the Meat Preserving Company. It shows entries from July 1875 which lists the following men as shareholders: James Alexander, William Armstrong, Robert Hood, Anthony Mackenzie, William Ross, William Rutledge, Francis Tozer, Joseph Ware. It operated until 1882 when it was destroyed by fire. This ledger contains details of one of the earliest industries in Warrnambool. It provides the details of expenses as well as the names of the earliest shareholders. As such it is a significant part of Warrnambool’s history.Large tan, leather bound cover with dark brown scroll pattern around edges. Spine and front cover have maroon labels with gold writing. Paper inside front and back covers id blue and red patterned. Edges of pages are patterned in pink, blue, yellow and green. 754 pages. Apart from suspense account on last page, entries are made up to page 425.Evans Brothers, wholesale and retail Manufacturing stationers, Printers and bookbinders 44 Collins St West, Melbourne & 46 Sturt St Ballarat.warrnambool woollen mill, warrnambool woolen mill, ledger warrnambool woollen mill 1875, early warrnambool business, warrnambool history -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Drill Press, early to mid-20th century
This post drill press has been made by Melbourne business, Dawn Manufacturing Company. It can be operated manually or by a pulley driven flywheel, with the aid of an engine connected to a power supply. In the late 1800s early 1900s a drill press like this would have been driven by steam from a boiler, the main power source for manufacturer’s power at that time. Dawn’s Golden Anniversary 1917-1967 Catalogue describes this model 611 drill as … “Ruggedly constructed with accurately reamed bearings. The coupling between the main spindle and feed screw engages the full circumference of the spindle, and embraces a ball-bearing thrust race. The pillar, as in all “Dawn Drilling Machines” is a solid bright steel bar, in place of the usual light tubing. Adjustable automatic feed.” And “F. & l. Pulleys extra, if required”. DAWN MANUFACTURING CO. The Dawn Manufacturing Co. was founded in Coburg, Melbourne, in 1917 by the four Blake brothers, who were all engineers. After World War I Dawn was supplying drills Australia wide and the company was growing at a healthy rate. During the depression they remained busy, with employees working 60-80 hour weeks. Dawn was contracted to supply vices and clamps to the Australian Defence Department and munitions factory during the World War II. - 1959 the company was taken over by G.N. Raymond Group. - 1967 the Dawn Manufacturing Co. had distributors in Australia and overseas, including USA, Canada, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East. - 1973 the Siddons Ramset Limited acquired Dawn. - December 1991, Dawn became a unit of the United States owned Stanley Works Pty. Ltd. - November 1998 Dawn became 100 per cent Australian owned. The drill is a typical tool of a blacksmith, cart wright, wheelwright and garage business. It is an example of the tools of the blacksmiths’ trade in Victoria in the early to mid-20th century.Post type drill press machine with gear driven flywheel. Drill press is attached to a post and is fitted with a pulley belt and will run at a speed of maxim 200 r.p.m. The machine can also be manually operated. It has an aperture in the centre, a chuck, for the drill bit and has two metal handles at the centre, on the right hand side. Gear ratio 2:1 main drive, 6" diam, 3:1 reduction gear. Made by Dawn of Melbourne, Australia. Model No. 611, Code No. 9157"DAWN MFG COY”, “MELB. AUSTRALIA", " 611"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, blacksmiths, blacksmith’s drill, blacksmith tools, dawn drill model no. 611, dawn drill code no. 9157, dawn manufacturing coy melbourne, dawn manufacturing coy coburg, dawn post drill, drilling machine, drill with gear driven flywheel, forging tool, metal working tool, post drill, steam powered drill, trade tool, warrnambool district 1900s -
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
Tool - Box plane, Stewart Spiers, mid-1900s
This small metal plane was manufactured in 1909 by Spiers-Stewart, Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland. Stewart Spiers began making planes in Ayr in around 1840. The business continued successfully as a small operation until the mid-1930s.This plane is an example of tools made overseas and used in the 1900's. Box plane; hand operated small metal plane with round wooden knob. Plane has separate blade and blade cap. Inscription on blade cap is indecipherable. Originally marked as made by Spiers."SPIERS"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime-museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, tradesman's tool, plane, box plane, tool, spiers-stewart, early 20th century, scotland, hand tool, stewart spiers, spiers, woodworking -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Machine - Diving Compressor, Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd, 1880-1890
This compressor was part of the E.G. Ward Collection. It is connected to the diving suit and boots also in our collection. Siebe Gorman & Company Ltd was a British company that developed diving equipment and breathing equipment and worked on commercial diving and marine salvage projects. The company advertised itself as 'Submarine Engineers'. It was founded by Augustus Siebe, a German-born British engineer chiefly known for his contributions to diving equipment. Siebe Gorman traded as an engineering firm for over 180 years from 1819 to 1999. The early success of the business was due to its founder, the Prussian immigrant Christian 'Augustus' Siebe (1788-1872). For business reasons, he applied for and was granted British citizenship in 1856. He was a gifted engineer who was able to translate theoretical problems into practical, working products. During the industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe' at 145 High Street Holborn London, but in 1828 new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water-pumps, refrigeration equipment and diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe specialised in submarine engineering early on and the company gained a reputation for the manufacture of safe, reliable diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe is best remembered for the development and manufacture of the ‘closed’ Diving Dress based on the ideas of Charles and John Deane, George Edwards and Charles Pasley. Apart from some small modifications to valves and diver communications, the basic 12 bolt ‘closed’ diving dress remained relatively unchanged after the 1870s. Later company successes were also based on innovation, with new products that could be successfully developed and manufactured to high standards. This was largely attributed to the inventive nature, foresight, engineering and entrepreneurial skills of Robert Henry Davis (1870-1965). In 1882, RH Davis joined the company of 'Siebe & Gorman' as a young 11-year-old office boy and he was to remain with the company until he died in 1965. Augustus Siebe retired in 1869 and handed over the company to a new partnership of Henry H. Siebe (1830-1885) and William A. O'Gorman (1834-1904). The new firm traded as 'Siebe & Gorman' (1870-1879) from premises in and around Mason Street, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London. The two partners soon recognised the potential of R.H. Davis and in 1894, aged 24, he became General Manager of Siebe & Gorman. Davis increasingly ran the company until the surviving partner (W.A. Gorman) died in 1904. The firm was disposed of to the Vickers (armaments) family and a new company 'Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd.' (1905-1998) was formed. Under the chairmanship of Albert Vickers, R.H. Davis was kept on as Managing Director, and the company forged ahead. However, after WW1, the Great Depression caused manufacturing output and share prices to slump. In 1924 Robert Davis made a deal with the Vickers Board and acquired control of the company through majority shares. Under his leadership, the Siebe Gorman Company flourished and within time, four of his sons also joined the firm. The company gained a worldwide reputation for the manufacture of diving apparatus, decompression and observation chambers, and safety breathing apparatus of all types for use on the land, in the air and under the sea (including mine rescue, tunneling, aircraft, diving, submarine escape and in other hazardous environments). Close research and development links with the MOD (especially the Admiralty), also provided a lucrative outlet for the company products. In 1932, Robert Davis was knighted by King George V, principally for his invention of the ‘Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus’ (D.S.E.A.). Siebe Gorman essentially remained a family firm from the beginning (under A Siebe) until it became a public company for the first time in 1952. However, following WW2, British manufacturing stagnated through stifled investment and post-war austerity, and there was little innovation. Siebe Gorman fortunes began to decline as an ageing Sir Robert Davis failed to invest, or change the company business and management practices. In 1959, Siebe Gorman was acquired by the “Fairy Group” and the ailing Sir Robert was made Life President. Consequently, nothing changed and the slow decline continued until Sir Robert's death in March 1965. Around 1960, Siebe Gorman acquired the diving apparatus manufacturer C E Heinke, and for a brief period, it manufactured some diving equipment under the combined name of Siebe Heinke. Around 1964, Mr. E. 'Barry' Stephens was appointed as the new Managing Director to modernise Siebe Gorman. Changes were made, including a move to a new factory in Wales in 1975. The new company concentrated on fire fighting breathing apparatus and escape equipment, and the move coincided with the loss of many of the older, traditional craft skills. Between 1985 and 1998, Siebe expanded through acquisitions, and several other companies were acquired. The Siebe Gorman (diving apparatus) company has therefore traded as A. Siebe (1819-1870); Siebe & Gorman (1870-1879); Siebe Gorman & Co (1880-1904); Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd (1905-1998).The compressor is a very significant item as it gives a snapshot into marine history and the development of diving equipment generally especially that used for salvage operations before and during WW2. Siebe & Gorman the company that made the equipment was a leading inventor, developer and innovator of marine equipment with its early helmets and other items eagerly sought after today for collections around the world. The items in the Flagstaff Hill collection give us an insight as to how divers operated and the dangers they faced doing a very necessary and dangerous job during the early days of marine exploration.A single cylinder divers' pump by Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd, London, eccentric hand cranked in brass mounted mahogany case with instructions to the underside of the lid, brass covered pressure gauge and air outlet, brass makers plaque to the front, water inlet and outlet to the rear, green painted lifting rings. Machinery has some blue painted areas on the metal.Plate on the back 'WATER SUPPLY" "WATER OVERFLOW" "WATER DRAIN-IN" Pressure gauge dial "BOURDON'S PRESSURE GAUGE" STEBE GORMAN & CO. LONDON", "LBS PRESSURE" "FEET OF SALT WATER" Plate on the front " PATENT, Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd Submarine Engineers" below emblem (Lion, Crown, Horse)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, maritime-museum, diving compressor, london, siebe gorman & co ltd, marine technology, life saving, deep sea diving, maritime museum, maritime village, manine history -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Leg Vice, c. early 1900s
This leg (post) vice once belonged to Goodall and Sons, who were blacksmiths in Terang. The leg vice is a common tool of the ‘smithies’ (blacksmiths). It is also an engineer's tool but in the early 1900s the smith was often the nearest approach to an engineer’s services for many miles around. The smith was called upon to do a variety of work. The leg vice is used to hold hot iron while the metal is pounded, heated and beaten again and again until it is the required shape. Henry Goodall (1870-1936) Henry Goodall was the proprietor of garages as H. Goodall & Sons Pty. Ltd., at both Terang (McKinnon and High Streets) and Mortlake (Dunlop Street). His business was in operation in at least in 1916 and perhaps well before, considering the date of the tyre bender and its use for wagons with wooden wheels. It was still in operation in 1953, chasing up debtors in Mount Gambier Court. Amongst the employees of H. Goodall & Sons Pty. Ltd. was Ernie Entwistle, a blacksmith (a soldier who died in 1916 ) and Alfred Hodgetts, radio expert (killed in a fatal accident in 1943, when he was in his early 30s ). Henry Goodall was involved in the community as a Justice of Peace, a deputy coroner, President of the Mortlake Hospital, trustee of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, and as a prominent Freemason. He and his wife had two sons (Charles and John) and one daughter (Mrs. Chas. Newton, of Skipton). The leg vice is locally significant as it was used by a local company in Terang and Mortlake in their blacksmith, wheelwright and garage business. It is an example of the tools of the blacksmiths’ trade in Victoria in the early to mid-1900s.Leg vice, also called a post vice. The large iron vice stands on a post on the floor and post brackets attach it firmly to a solid object such as a workbench. The sliding metal handle winds the screw spindle in and out to change the grip of the jaws that hold the workpiece. This leg vice once belonged to Harry Goodall & Sons, blacksmiths of Terang.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, h. goodall & sons of terang, terang blacksmith, h. goodall & sons pty ltd, mortlake, ernie entwistle blacksmith, alfred hodgetts radio expert, charles goodall, john goodall, mrs. chas. newton nee goodall, trade tools, blacksmith tools, leg vice, leg vise, pose vice, post vise, terang 1900s, warrnambool district 1900s -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Anvil, early to mid-1900s
This anvil once belonged to Goodall and Sons, who were blacksmiths in Terang. The smith was called upon to do a variety of work. In the early 1900s he was often the nearest person to be able to perform an engineer’s services for many miles around. An anvil is used by blacksmiths to forge and shape his work pieces. The conical horn is used for hammering curved work pieces. The anvil is a common tool of the blacksmiths (‘smithies’) and other metalworkers. There has been very little change in the basic design of the anvil since Greek and Roman times. Henry Goodall (1870-1936) Henry Goodall was proprietor of garages as H. Goodall & Sons Pty. Ltd., at both Terang (McKinnon and High Streets) and Mortlake (Dunlop Street). His business was in operation in at least in 1916 and perhaps well before, considering the date of the tyre bender and its use for wagons with wooden wheels. It was still in operation in 1953, chasing up debtors in Mount Gambier Court. Amongst the employees of H. Goodall & Sons Pty. Ltd. was Ernie Entwistle, a blacksmith (a soldier who died in 1916 ) and Alfred Hodgetts, radio expert (killed in a fatal accident in 1943, when he was in his early 30s ). Henry Goodall was involved in the community as a Justice of Peace, a deputy coroner, President of the Mortlake Hospital, trustee of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, and as a prominent Freemason. He and his wife had two sons (Charles and John) and one daughter (Mrs. Chas. Newton, of Skipton). The anvil is locally significant as it was used by a local company in Terang and Mortlake in their blacksmith, wheelwright and garage business. It is an example of the tools of the blacksmiths’ trade in Victoria in the early to mid-1900s. Anvil, single horn, used as a tool by blacksmiths and metalworkers. Large block of metal with a flat top face, a conical horn on one side and a ‘v’ shape on the other. The anvil’s base has a squat stand and sides that are a variety of shapes. This anvil once belonged to Harry Goodall & Sons, blacksmiths of Terang. C. early to mid-1900s.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, h. goodall & sons of terang, terang blacksmith, h. goodall & sons pty ltd, mortlake, ernie entwistle blacksmith, alfred hodgetts radio expert, charles goodall, john goodall, mrs. chas. newton nee goodall, trade tools, blacksmith tools, metalworking tool, forging tool, terang 1900s, warrnambool district 1900s, anvil, blacksmith’s anvil, single horn anvil -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Drill Press, 1920s-1950s
This drill once belonged to Goodall and Sons, who were blacksmiths in Terang. The smith was called upon to do a variety of work. In the early 1900s he was often the nearest person to be able to perform an engineer’s services for many miles around. The Dawn Ball-bearing Post Drill no. 611 is described in McPherson’s Catalogue as a “drilling machine with adjustable automatic feed, with improved Dawn coupler and ball-bearing thrust’. The heavy design of the flywheel enables it to maintain momentum” and is “fitted with pulleys for belt drive if desired” The hand crank drives an automatic feed to work off a cam-follow system opposite a large wheel. Made by Dawn Manufacturing Co. Australia 1920-1950. DAWN MANUFACTURING CO. Dawn Manufacturing Co. was founded in Coburg, Melbourne, in 1917 by the four Blake brothers, who were all engineers. After World War I Dawn was supplying drills Australia wide and the company was growing at a healthy rate. During the depression they remained busy, with employees working 60-80 hour weeks. Dawn was contracted to supply vices and clamps to the Australian Defence Department and munitions factory during the World War II. In 1959 the company was taken over by G.N. Raymond Group, then in 1973 the Siddons Ramset Limited acquired Dawn. In December 1991, Dawn became a unit of the United States owned Stanley Works Pty. Ltd. In November 1998 Dawn became 100 per cent Australian owned. HENRY GOODALL & SONS Henry Goodall (1870-1936) was proprietor of garages as H. Goodall & Sons Pty. Ltd., at both Terang (McKinnon and High Streets) and Mortlake (Dunlop Street). His business was in operation in at least in 1916 and perhaps well before, considering the date of the tyre bender and its use for wagons with wooden wheels. It was still in operation in 1953, chasing up debtors in Mount Gambier Court. Amongst the employees of H. Goodall & Sons Pty. Ltd. was Ernie Entwistle, a blacksmith (a soldier who died in 1916 ) and Alfred Hodgetts, radio expert (killed in a fatal accident in 1943, when he was in his early 30s ). Henry Goodall was involved in the community as a Justice of Peace, a deputy coroner, President of the Mortlake Hospital, trustee of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, and as a prominent Freemason. He and his wife had two sons (Charles and John) and one daughter (Mrs. Chas. Newton, of Skipton). The drill is locally significant as it was used by a local company in Terang and Mortlake in their blacksmith, wheelwright and garage business. It is an example of the tools of the blacksmiths’ trade in Victoria in the 1920s-1950s.Dawn Ball-bearing Post Drill no. 611, made by Dawn of Melbourne, model no 611. Hand operated drill press. Self-feeding blacksmiths’ drill-press. This drill once belonged to Harry Goodall & Sons, blacksmiths of Terang. Dated 1920s-1950s. Gear ratio 2:1 main drive, 6" diam, 3:1 reduction gear. "Dawn", "Melbourne"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, h. goodall & sons of terang, terang blacksmith, h. goodall & sons pty ltd, mortlake, ernie entwistle blacksmith, alfred hodgetts radio expert, charles goodall, john goodall, mrs. chas. newton nee goodall, terang 1900s, warrnambool district 1900s, post drill, blacksmith’s drill, dawn post drill, dawn ball-bearing post drill no. 611, blacksmiths, dawn of melbourne -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Drawer Cabinet, 1920-1950
This blacksmith’s drawer cabinet once belonged to Goodall and Sons, who were blacksmiths in Terang. The drilled holes in the drawers may have once had knotted rope handles. Some of the drawer fronts have been split, on broken, in the area of the holes, indicating that they drawers have had heavy use. The stencilled numbers could have been used for sorting different blacksmith items such as tools, scraps of materials, fasteners and horse shoes. The smith was called upon to do a variety of work. In the early 1900s he was often the nearest person to be able to perform an engineer’s services for many miles around. HENRY GOODALL & SONS Henry Goodall (1870-1936) was proprietor of garages as H. Goodall & Sons Pty. Ltd., at both Terang (McKinnon and High Streets) and Mortlake (Dunlop Street). His business was in operation in at least in 1916 and perhaps well before, considering the date of the tyre bender and its use for wagons with wooden wheels. It was still in operation in 1953, chasing up debtors in Mount Gambier Court. Amongst the employees of H. Goodall & Sons Pty. Ltd. was Ernie Entwistle, a blacksmith (a soldier who died in 1916 ) and Alfred Hodgetts, radio expert (killed in a fatal accident in 1943, when he was in his early 30s ). Henry Goodall was involved in the community as a Justice of Peace, a deputy coroner, President of the Mortlake Hospital, trustee of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, and as a prominent Freemason. He and his wife had two sons (Charles and John) and one daughter (Mrs. Chas. Newton, of Skipton). The drawer cabinet is locally significant as it was used by a local company in Terang and Mortlake in their blacksmith, wheelwright and garage business. It is an example of the furniture of the blacksmiths’ trade in Victoria in the early to mid-1900sBlacksmith's drawer cabinet with 8 compartments and 7 drawers (the 8th drawer is missing). The drawers each have two drilled holes. Both top and base of the cupboard extend past the sides, the base further than the top to give it stability. The cupboard once belonged to Harry Goodall & Sons, blacksmiths of Terang. Dated early to mid-1900s.Stencil or hand painted on drawers “5” “3” “12” “11” “4” “4P”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, h. goodall & sons of terang, terang blacksmith, h. goodall & sons pty ltd, mortlake, ernie entwistle blacksmith, alfred hodgetts radio expert, charles goodall, john goodall, mrs. chas. newton nee goodall, terang 1900s, warrnambool district 1900s, box cupboard, drawer cabinet, drawer storage unit, blacksmith’s furniture -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Food Safe, Willow Ware Pty Ltd, 1920-1950
Willow started business in 1887 as a metal working company based in Melbourne Australia, making tinned biscuit and tea canisters. The outbreak of the First World War saw their manufacturing change to making armaments and essential packaging for the war effort. In the early 1920’s, the Willow brand was established. Making tin plated canisters and baking pans with the well-known Willow pattern, imprinted on them. Some other items in production at this time include billies, boilers, basins and Coolgardie safes. In the late 1950’s, the company ventured into plastics production. Stepping away from its very successful tin plating industry of more than 50 years. In 1965, the company name changed to Willow Ware Pty Ltd, to be more closely linked to its Willow brand. Willow Ware is still in business today. A food safe known as a “Coolgardie” meat storage made by an emerging Australian company no longer in bushiness. This item gives a snapshot into early Australian manufacturing specifically aimed at the Australian market. Safe metal kitchen safe with two shelves, a hinged door and latch and a small swivel wire handle at the top. cream colour . "Made in Australia" "Willow" warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, willow ware, domestic item, coolgardie meat safe, meat safe, food safe, food preservation -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Biscuit Tin, Swallow and Ariell Pty Ltd, Mid-19th to mid-20th century
This tin was made in Melbourne and contained Swallows and Ariells biscuits. The label was written in four languages. The biscuits may have been made for export or perhaps for immigrants now living in Australia. Australia's first biscuit company was founded in 1854 by Thomas Swallow. Within five years he had taken in a partner, T.H. Ariell. After Ariell died in 1875, F.T. Derham was appointed partner and managing director in 1877, a position held by several generations of his descendants. By the early 1880s the Port Melbourne factory extended to 3 acres (1.2 ha), and the company owned flourmills and sugar plantations in the Goulburn Valley and Northern Queensland. With no equal outside Great Britain, Swallow & Ariell was the fifth largest biscuit company in the world, manufacturing over 100 varieties, including the common ship biscuit (an original product) and meat biscuits (apparently taken by Burke and Wills on their ill-fated expedition). The company also boasted popular sideline products, including cakes, plum puddings, ice-cream and dried fruit. Renowned for its patriotic fundraising campaigns during both world wars, it diverted most of its biscuits and plum puddings to the Australian and US services in World War II. Company employees were filmed leaving work in 1905 in the Salvation Army film unit's first sponsored industrial documentary film. The surviving opening sequences are held by ScreenSound Australia. The company was delisted on 5 August 1964 following acquisition of more than 95% of its capital by the Australian Biscuit Co. The factory was later registered by the National Trust and converted into units. https://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM01456b.htmThis biscuit tin is representative of local Melbourne and Victorian produce. The label was in four languages, perhaps for export or for local immigrants. The firm Swallow and Ariells Pty Ltd was a very early manufacture and was in business for over 100 years.Rectangular tin container with attached lid. Label advertises Swallow and Ariells biscuits. Made in Melbourne. The label is written in four languages. The trademark, a swallow, is on the tin. The tin is very badly corroded.'Swallow and Ariells Superior Melbourne Biscuits' Trademark: image [swallow]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, metal craft, tin ware, biscuit box, biscuit tin, food container, melbourne biscuit maker, swallow, thomas swallow, thomas ariell, ariell -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Ships, South Warrnambool Primary School Centenary Committee, Unloading coal at Warrnambool Breakwater, 1977
This photograph was framed and mounted then presented to the South Warrnambool school by the South Warrnambool Centenary Committee in 1977 on the school's centenary year. The school was decommissioned and closed in the 1990s. In the photograph, people unload the coal from the ship beside the Breakwater and load it into the row of tramway carts. The coal would be sold to businesses and householders for the purpose of fuel for warmth, cooking, heating water and running machinery. The image shows the early days at the Port of Warrnambool. The building of the Warrnambool Breakwater had only just been completed. Steamships and sailing ships were frequent visitors to the port. Steam Navigation companies were plentiful, carrying passengers and freighting cargo such as coal, timber, food, livestock, furniture, hardware and haberdashery between Melbourne and the ports along the southwest coast of Victoria, including Warrnambool. The carts would take their loads into the township for distribution. The ship carrying the coal is thought to be the "S.S. Chillagoe" previously named "Speculant". In 1903 the Chillagoe was registered at the Port of Melbourne, and it sailed between Melbourne and Newcastle, New South Wales, where coal was mined and sold in significant quantities. In March 1890 a tragedy occurred when coal was being unloaded at the Warrnambool Breakwater. A local young man, David Ferrier, was working in the hold of the steamship Kurrara as its delivery of coal was being unloaded. A basket of coal fell from a sling onboard and came down upon Ferrier, breaking his back. He was not expected to live. In September 1890 there was a strike of coal workers but the Geelong Advertiser reported that a Warrnambool firm of coal merchants had recently received some large cargoes from Newcastle.The photograph is historically significant as it is connected with the local areas of the Warrnambool Breakwater, Lady Bay, and the South Warrnambool Primary School. The scene shows a moment in time when a steamship was unloading a shipment of coal onto tram carts on the Breakwater, which had only just been completed that year. The photograph was taken about 13 years after the opening of the South Warrnambool School, which was decommissioned around 20 years after it celebrated its centenary.. Photograph, black and white, in a gilded rectangular wooden frame, behind glass. The maritime scene shows figures on ships beside the Warrnambool Breakwater jetty and figures on the jetty, standing next to rail carts containing coal. There is a steamship further out on Lady Bay. A card below the photograph has an inscription and there is a pencil inscription on the back of the frame. The coal ship is thought to be the SS. Chillagoe. The photograph was taken in 1890 and was presented to the South Warrnambool School in its centenary year, 1977, by the South Warrnambool Centenary Committee.Typewritten on card: "UNLOADING COAL AT WARRNAMBOOL BREAKWATER"- 1890 - "Presented to Sough Warrnambool School by the SOUTH WARRNAMBOOL CENTENARY COMMITTEE - 1977 - " Handwritten in pencil on the back:"Speculant" as "SS Chillagoe" at Breakwater"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, warrnambool breakwater, 1890, tramway, steamship, sailing ship, coal, cargo, port of warrnambool, unloading coal, chillagoe, speculant, newcastle, kurrana, david ferrier, coal strike -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Postcard - Coastal Scene, Joseph Jordan Photographic Studio, Breakwater, Warrnambool, circa 1907
The Port of Warrnambool - In the early years the Port of Warrnambool was a busy port. Steamships and sailing ships were frequent visitors to the port. Steam navigation companies were plentiful, carrying passengers and freighting cargo such as coal, timber, food, livestock, furniture, hardware and haberdashery between Melbourne and the ports along the southwest coast of Victoria, including Warrnambool. The carts would take their loads into the township for distribution. The Breakwater was built (using 32 ton blocks of concrete) between 1874 and 1890 to provide ships with greater protection from the Southern Ocean. The Lifeboat and Rocket House - The coastline of South West Victoria has had over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built to house it, followed in 1864 by a rocket house to safely store the Rocket Rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater area, and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost one hundred years the lifeboat and rocket crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to maintain and improve their skills, summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. Some became local heroes but all served an important role. By the end of the 1950s the lifeboat and rescue equipment had become obsolete. Joseph Jordan - Joseph Jordan was born in 1841 in Leicester England. When he was 16 he joined the 7th Queen's Own Hussars and was sent to India at the outbreak of the mutiny. He took part in the relief of Lucknow and remained in India for eleven years. It was during this time, he became interested in photography. He was posted to New Zealand and later came to Victoria, becoming a sergeant major of the Mounted Rifles. In the mid 1880s he came to the Western district where he was responsible for establishing units of the Mounted Rifles in various country towns such as Dunkeld, Mortlake, Panmure, Bushfield, Koroit etc. He resigned from the army in 1889 and set up a professional photography studio in Liebig Street, Warrnambool. He became very well known in the Western District for family photographs, official photographs of local councillors and groups as well as views of local scenery. In 1891 he photographed the wrecked barque "Fiji" at "Wrecks Beach" near Princetown. His business was taken over by his son Arthur around 1917. Joseph was a keen rifle shot and in 1924 he donated the "Jordan Shield" as a prize to the Victorian Rifle Association. He was made a "Life Honorary Member" of the Warrnambool Returned Soldiers League and in 1933 he was recognised as being the oldest living soldier in Victoria. Joseph died in 1935 aged 95. Valentine Publishing Company Pty. Ltd. Valentine and Sons was a printing and photography business based in Dundee, Scotland and Canada. In the early 1900's, at the height of the postcard craze, they published large numbers of postcards in the U.K., Canada, U.S., Australia and South Africa. Valentine postcards have a 6 digit serial number on the view side with the initials "J. V." in a circle adjacent to the number. The 300,000's related to views of Australia. From around 1900 (or earlier) the firm bought many images for their postcards from local and national photographers who sold publishing rights to Valentines.This postcard is significant for its association with the Port of Warrnambool and the Warrnambool Breakwater as it shows a point in time when shipping activities were an important part of Warrnambool's commerce and social development. It is also a record of the Warrnambool Lifeboat and Rocket house which was important in aiding ordinary citizens, harbour employees and the volunteer boat and rescue crew in saving the lives of sailors and passengers due to the high number of shipwrecks that occurred along the coastline. Joseph Jordan is a significant figure in Warrnambool history as he helped to establish early units of the Mounted Rifles (G Company) in local towns during the late 1880's and later, photographed local scenes, groups and citizens of early Warrnambool. It is also a culturally significant example of the type of postcards that were very popular in the early part of the 20th century.Photograph of breakwater from beachFront of card - Breakwater, Warrnambool / 300,025 J.V [in a circle] Back of card - POSTCARD / VALENTINE'S SERIES / - This space may be used for communication / The address only to be written here - Miss Alice Griffen / Howard St / Warrnambool - How are you enjoying your holiday we are grand. / from / Dodo, Dodo, Dodo with love - Leura? / Marjory Craig? / BL006 / R99A / REG NO 2169flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, photograph, warrnambool breakwater, breakwater, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, warrnambool harbour, postcard, joseph jordan, valentine and sons, valentine publishing company, lady bay, life boat house, rocket house, steam ship, barque, jordan photography -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Scale and weights, 1860-1900
The subject item was made in England by W&T Avery a British manufacturer of weights and weighing machines. The company was founded in the early 18th century and took the name W & T Avery in 1818. The undocumented origin of the company goes back to 1730 when James Ford established the business in the town of Digbeth. On Joseph Balden, the then company’s owner’s death in 1813 William and Thomas Avery took over his scale making business and in 1818 renamed it W & T Avery. The business rapidly expanded and in 1885 they owned three factories: the Atlas Works in West Bromwich, the Mill Lane Works in Birmingham and the Moat Lane Works in Digbeth. In 1891 the business became a limited company with a board of directors and in 1894 the shares were quoted on the London Stock Exchange. In 1895 the company bought the legendary Soho Foundry in Smethwick, a former steam engine factory owned by James Watt & Co. In 1897 the move was complete and the steam engine business was gradually converted to pure manufacture of weighing machines. The turn of the century was marked by managing director William Hipkins who was determined to broaden the renown of the Avery brand and transform the business into specialist manufacture of weighing machines. By 1914 the company occupied an area of 32,000m² and had some 3000 employees. In the inter-war period, the growth continued with the addition of specialized shops for cast parts, enamel paints and weighbridge assembly and the product range diversified into counting machines, testing machines, automatic packing machines and petrol pumps. During the second world war, the company also produced various types of heavy guns. At that time the site underwent severe damage from parachute mines and incendiary bombs. Then from 1931 to 1973, the company occupied the 18th-century Middlesex Sessions House in Clerkenwell as its headquarters. Changes in weighing machine technology after World War II led to the closure of the foundry, the introduction of electronic weighing with the simultaneous gradual disappearance of purely mechanical devices. The continued expansion was partly achieved through a series of acquisitions of other companies. After almost a century of national and international expansion, the company was taken over by GEC in 1979. Keith Hodgkinson, managing director at the time, completed the turn-around from mechanical to electronic weighing with a complete overhaul of the product range of retail sales of industrial platform scales. In 1993 GEC took over the Dutch-based company Berkel and the Avery-Berkel name was introduced. In 2000 the business was in turn acquired by the US-American company Weigh-Tronix, who already owned Salter, and is today operating as Avery Weigh-Tronix.An item used by grocers and merchants throughout the then British colonies of England to weigh store-bought goods around the mid to late 19th century. This item gives an insight into the daily lives of early colonial settlers and is a significant part of the era’s social history of the time.Balance scale and weights with removable dish, two round weights glued to tray 4oz and 8oz. Scales 'to weigh up to 28lb. Printed in gold on black labels each side "W & T AVERY LTD", "BIRMINGHAM" warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, scale and weights, food preparation equipment, w t avery ltd, balance scale, grocers scales, james ford, william & thomas avery, birmingham uk -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Navigational Sextant, 1882-1890
A sextant is an astronomical instrument used to determine latitude and longitude at sea by measuring angular distances, especially the altitudes of the sun, moon, and stars. It is a doubly reflecting navigation instrument and used mainly by sailors to measure the angular distance between two visible objects. The name comes from the Latin sextans, or “sixth part of a unit,” because the sextant’s arc can be 60° or 120° of a circle depending on the model used. The primary use was to measure the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon for the purposes of celestial navigation. The estimation of this angle is known as sighting or shooting the object, or taking a sight. This angle and the time when it was measured is used in order to determine Greenwich Mean Time and hence longitude. Sighting the height of a landmark on land can also give a measure of distance from that object. History: The development of the sextant was as an improvement over the octant, an instrument designed to measure one's latitude. The octant was first implemented around 1731-present but can only measure angles up to 45°. As larger angles were needed to allow the measurement of lunar objects - moon, stars and the sun - at higher angles, the octant was superseded by the sextant. The sextant is a similar instrument but better made and allows larger angles from 60° to 120°. This improvement allows distances to be accurately calculated thereby giving longitude when used with a chronometer. The sextant was derived from the octant in 1757, eventually making all previous instruments used for navigational positioning obsolete. The sextant had been attributed to by John Hadley (1682–1744) and Thomas Godfrey (1704–1749), but reference to the sextant was also found later in the unpublished writings of Isaac Newton (1643–1727). Earlier links can be found to Bartholomew Gosnold (1571–1607) indicating that the use of a sextant for nautical navigation predates Hadley's implementation. In 1922, the sextant was modified for aeronautical navigation by Portuguese navigator and naval officer Gago Coutinho. It should be noted that the octant and quadrant are in the same family as they were, and all are, regarded as sextants. The sextant is representative of it's type and although not fully complete it demonstrates how 18th,19th and 20th century mariners determined their latitude and longitudinal to determine their position on a chart, allowing them to navigate there way across the world's oceans. It also demonstrates the skill and workmanship of the early instrument makers that operated scientific instrument businesses from London and other areas of England to provide most of the navigational instrumentation used by commercial and military navies of the time.Sextant with square, fitted box of polished wood, "Hezzanith" brand. Box contains many parts for the sextants use. On certificate "Heath & Co, London. Sextant Number Y 822". Catch on lid "DEFIANT LEVER" and "PATENT NUMBER 187.10". Maker's certificate is attached to the inside of the box.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sextant box, sextant, hezzanith, heath & co, navigational instrument, george wilson heath, astronomical instrument, instrument manufacturers, scientific instrument, navigation, celestial navigation, octant, quadrant, lunar navigation -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Wood moulding Plane, Edward Preston & Sons, Early 20th century
By the end of the nineteenth century, the firm of Edward Preston & Sons was founded in 1825, becoming one of England's leading makers of hand tools and in many ways a British counterpart to America's "Stanley" for its wide range of quality utilitarian tools at affordable prices. Edward Preston Sr. (1798–1883) was first listed as a plane-maker at 77 Lichfield Street in the Birmingham Directory of 1833, but later listings and advertisements assert that the business was started in 1825. Preston is likewise recorded as a plane-maker living with his family in Lichfield Street in the 1841 census, at which time his younger son Edward was 6 years old. Around 1850, his son Edward left school to join his father's business and is recorded in the 1851 census as a plane-maker at his father's address. He appears to have been quite a talented and resourceful young man, as he had later been able to start up his own "wood and brass spirit level manufacturing business at 97½ Lichfield Street by 1864. By 1866, Edward Jnr had added planes, routers, joiners, coach, gun, cabinet, and carpenters tools to his line, and the following year he moved his shop from his father's address and relocated to 26 Newton Street, before moving again to much larger premises at 22–24 Whittall Street. This location became known as the Whittall Works and later was the office and factory of Edward Preston & Sons, Ltd. In 1889 Edward Preston Jnr and his three sons were brought into the firm and the name was changed to Edward Preston & Sons, becoming Edward Preston & Sons Ltd on incorporation in 1898. Part of the firm's output was a healthy line of malleable and gun-metal planes and patent adjustable iron smoothers, shoulder planes, bull-nose, and block planes - a range that was expanded in later years. The 1901 catalog shows several styles of planes that were unique to the Preston brand, along with the usual styles which had already been set by other makers. The death of Edward Preston Jnr was reported in the Lichfield Mercury of 26 September 1913. "Mr. Preston was decided of an innovative turn of mind," the newspaper wrote, "as many of the machines in use at his works, as well as of the tools produced were the invention of himself and his three sons, who now manage the business." The report noted that at the time of his death, the business was carried on at Whittall Works, Cheston Street, Aston, Birmingham. Falling on hard times, the firm of Edward Preston & Sons was sold to the Birmingham firm of John Rabone & Sons in 1932, and shortly thereafter manufacturing rights to some of the Preston range of planes were sold to the Sheffield firm of C. & J. Hampton, who would later merge with the Record Tool Company. Some of the Preston planes were directly added to the Record line by the Hampton firm, while others were modified or discontinued altogether. Generally, all Preston wooden planes are stamped on the front of the plane, the shape, size, and character type of the stamp indicating the age of the plane. On some metal planes, all the parts were stamped with a number or symbol during manufacture. This number was used to re-assemble the parts following a batch process. Not all Preston tools are trade-marked clearly. Early shoulder, rebate, chariot planes, and chamfer rebates commonly appear without trademarks but may have assembly numbers. The "E P" trade-mark was already in use by 1882. The trade-mark "Preston" also appears on some later tools that were manufactured in Sheffield, England. These are generally smoothing planes and appear modern and very similar in construction to other modern manufacturers' planes.The item gives a snapshot of one of England's premier tool manufacturing companies at a time when significant industrial changes were occurring in manufacturing and business structures in the World that were beginning to affect social changes.Ogee moulding Plane Maker E Preston & Sons sticker with date 1904 -1931flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Moulding wood Plane, John Manners, 1792-1822
A moulding plane is a specialised plane used for making the complex shapes found in wooden mouldings that are used to decorate furniture or other wooden objects. Traditionally, moulding planes were blocks of wear-resistant hardwood, often beech or maple, which were worked to the shape of the intended moulding. The blade or iron was likewise formed to the intended moulding profile and secured in the body of the plane with a wooden wedge. A traditional cabinetmakers shop might have many, perhaps hundreds, of moulding planes for the full range of work to be performed. Large crown mouldings required planes of six or more inches in width, which demanded great strength to push and often had additional peg handles on the sides, allowing the craftsman's apprentice or other workers to pull the plane ahead of the master who guided it. Company History: We know little of John Manners other than his firm was acquired by Alexander Mathieson & Sons in 1822, Mathieson were one of the leading makers of hand tools in Scotland at this time. 1792 was deemed by Mathieson & Sons to be that of its foundation and it was in all likelihood the year in which John Manners had also set up his plane-making workshop on Saracen Lane off the Gallowgate in the heart of Glasgow, not far from the Saracen's Head Inn. Alexander Mathieson (1797–1851) is recorded in 1822 as a plane-maker at 25 Gallowgate, but in the following year at 14 Saracen's Lane, it is presumed having taken over the premises of John Manners. The 1841 national census described Alexander Mathieson as a master plane-maker at 38 Saracen Lane with his son Thomas Adam working as a journeyman plane-maker, from 1822 we hear nothing regards what happened to John Manners.A vintage tool made by a known maker John Manners the item is a significant wood working tool from the late 18th century that today is quite rare. As this maker sold his business to Alexander Mathieson another collectable tool maker in the early 19th century. This item would be sought after by wood working tool collectors and it gives us a snapshot of how cabinet makers went about creating furniture during this time period. Wood Moulding plane Side Bead - Single Box type Stamped Manners (Maker) (also inside stamped GN, & W, M. Nicol also F W. probably owners of item over the years.)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, 1813
This 1813 cannon is classified as a carronade, having been made by the Carron Ironworks foundry in Stirling, Scotland in 1813. It is a large calibre, short range, gun mainly used on ships. The carronade model of cannon was first used when introduced into the British Royal Navy in the American War of the Revolution (1775-1883). This cannon was originally a 28pdr, 48cwt, 8ft gun. The date ‘1837’ on the barrel probably indicates the date that the Board of Ordinance accepted the change in size to a 32pdr. It may originally have been a naval gun and the conversion undertaken when it was brought ashore. It is very probably one of the 15 guns that are known to have constituted the defences of Victoria in 1860. This group of 32pdrs was the shorter model of the 4800width and 8ft length cannon and as such are different from the 32pdrs found in NSW. It was originally located on Cannon Hill in Warrnambool when it was the site of the Warrnambool Battery Western Artillery, formed in 1866. It was obsolete by the time of the 1887 fortifications, and was moved from the Warrnambool Fortifications to the Botanic Gardens in 1910, when the Fortifications were declared obsolete. HISTORIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE CANNON IN THE WARRNAMBOOL AREA In the years following the Crimean War (1854-1857J) there was a great concern in the Colony that Imperial Russia would attempt an invasion. Coastal defences in the colony of Victoria were greatly strengthened by the Government as a result. Warrnambool was originally protected by cannons at Cannon Hill, approximately 1 kilometer west of the Flagstaff Hill Fortifications. The cannons included two 1866 guns, both 80 Pound Rifled Muzzle Loaders (RML) purchased by Victoria’s Colonial Government. They were part of a shipment of 26 such guns sent from England in December 1866. They are registered as No. 23 (80cwt-2qr-0lbs) - Gun 1, and No.13 (81cwt-1qr-12lbs) - Gun 2. They were cast at the Royal Gun Factory, Woolwich Arsenal, in 1866 and have a 6.3 inch bore. Both barrels carry the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria, Insignia of the Royal Engineers, within the Garter and Motto surmounted by the Crown, with the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria within the Garter (letters in centre “VR”, motto “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”, "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it."). The guns were originally supplied with wooden carriages. (The Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, England, was established eleven years after the Restoration of King Charles II. It was the principal supplier of armaments to the British and Empire Governments. At the height of its operations during World War One the factory covered 1300 acres and employed very nearly 80,000 workers. Woolwich was the Headquarters of the Royal Artillery since the raising of that Regiment in 1716. The Arsenal was closed in the late 1960’s.) The two 80pdr cannons were transferred to the Warrnambool Garrison Artillery Battery Fortifications erected at Flagstaff Hill in 1887 as part of Victoria’s Coastal Defences. The original wooden carriages were subsequently replaced with the present iron garrison carriages in 1888. They are a “C” pivot. The ‘racers’ or curved track set into the floor of the gun emplacement (which enabled the guns to be traversed more quickly) are as specified for guns up to 10 inch, being of wrought iron 2.78 inches wide. A temporary third gun, now no longer on Flagstaff Hill’s site, was a 5 inch Rifled Breech Loading (BL) Armstrong gun mounted on an Elswick hydro pneumatic disappearing carriage It was faster to load and fire than the 80 pound RMLs and its arrival spelt the end of the older 80 pound guns’ useful life, apart from being used for practice sessions. The 5 inch BL gun was the main defensive weapon of the Warrnambool Battery until the Battery was downgraded in importance and the gun was recalled to Melbourne in 1910. The gun emplacement still remains in place set between the 2 80pdr cannon. The State of Victoria took over the ownership of the guns at the time of Australian Federation in 1901. In about 1901/1902 the Garrison Battery was converted to the Warrnambool Battery of the Australian Field Artillery (No 4 Field Battery). It was equipped with 4.7 inch naval guns mounted on field carriages. They were now a mobile unit but continued to use the Warrnambool Garrison area at Flagstaff Hill for practice. When the Fortifications were declared obsolete the two 80 Pounder RML were relocated to Cannon Hill in 1910. On the outbreak of World War 1 the 4.7 inch guns were recalled to Melbourne, and the Battery was disbanded. Most of the personnel probably re-enlisted in the local 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment. The two 80 Pounder RML were moved back to the Fortifications in 1973. They were both fully restored by Army First Year Apprentices at the Ordinance Factory in Bendigo in time for the centenary year of the fortifications in 1987. The guns are capable of firing 80 pound (32.3kg) armour piercing exploding shells 3.65kms out to sea. They were original manned by volunteers before a paid Garrison was established. Now the Guns are again fired by volunteers on Special Event days. Since restoration the Gun Number 1 had been fired on a regular basis but Gun Number 2 hadn’t been fired since the mid 1990’s. In April 2015 Gun Number 2 was serviced in preparation for the firing of both cannons on the ANZAC Centenary commemorations on April 25th 2015. Other guns from the original Cannon Hill location were obsolete by the time the 1887 Warrnambool Garrison Artillery Battery was built. These guns are (1) a 32 Pounder Muzzle Loading Smooth Bore (SB) cast in 1813 at the famous Carron Foundry, number 80837 and now located in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens. It is now mounted on a replica carriage due to the original carriage being in a fragile condition (the original carriage stored under cover at Flagstaff Hill). (2) a 68 Pounder Muzzle Loading Smooth Bore cast in 1861 at the equally august Low Moor Foundry, number 10310 and now located on the lawn area at the entrance to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. It is still mounted on its original wooden garrison carriage. Its wooden slide compressor mechanism is fragile and now kept in Flagstaff Hill’s storage. There are only seven 32 Pounder SB made by Carron and fifteen 68 Pounder SB made at Low Moor known to exist in the State of Victoria Plaque attached to the carriage “This replica carriage was constructed by the Warrnambool Tritan Woodworkers club in conjunction with the generosity of local businesses and the Warrnambool community. The original carriage (circa 1860) was removed for restoration and is now located at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The timber used for the replica carriage is Monterey Cypress, which was an early planting in the gardens. 2010 marked the centenary of the cannon’s relocation in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens.” (Reference; Victorian Guns and Cannons, South Western Victoria Assessment, May 2008, item W/B/01; Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village datasheets and archives). There are only seven 32 Pounder SB made by Carron known to exist in the State of Victoria and this is one of them. On a world level, this cannon represents a high level of rarity. Further, as it has been modified (bored up) it is representative of the historical process of amending artillery in order to ensure a longer usefulness of each piece despite rapidly advancing artillery technology. The number of surviving carriages with traversing slides in this group in South Western Victoria is unique in Australia and probably in the World. Out of 10 such platforms surviving in Australia, the South Western Victorian group has half. Several survive around the world but probably not in such a large group. The wooden sliding compressor mechanism belonging to this cannon is extremely rare, and the only one in this South Western Victorian group of Guns and Cannons. As a whole, this cannon has undergone very little restoration or modification, giving it a high level of integrity. The City of Warrnambool is one of several custodians of a collection of artillery pieces of heritage significance at a state, national and international level. These pieces are directly related to the defence of south-west Victoria in the 19th century. The care and preservation come under the Heritage Act 1995. (Reference; Victorian Guns and Cannons, South Western Victoria Assessment, May 2008).Cannon, or carronade, 32pdr with wheels. Muzzle loading smooth bore (SB) cannon. Cannon has original wooden Burmese Teak carriage and slide with wrought iron fittings and iron wheels. Manufactured by Carron in Scotland, in 1813. It has been converted from a 28pdr. There is a loop for a rope on the cascabel, which was part of the original casting. Re-bored in 1837. Marks include Serial Number, Royal Cypher of King George III, broad arrow of proofing, and numbers to represent the weight. NOTE: The cannon is displayed in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens and is mounted on a replica wooden carriage; the original wooden carriage is now stored under cover at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. This carriage has 4 wheels on swivel attachments and a central gear that allows the wheels to turn on rails. Pressed into left trunnion “80837 / CARRON / 1813”, cast on barrel“symbol (Royal Cypher of King George III”, “symbol (broad arrow of proofing)” and numbers “45-3-24 / 1837” . Cascable “CV” and marks with gradations from nought to three in quarters on each side, On the carriage the end of one of the main slide members carries the mark “W symbol (broad arrow) D” incised into the timber. Plaque attached to the carriage by the Warrnambool Tritan Woodworkers club, 2010, marking the centenary of the cannon’s relocation in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens and the addition of the replica carriage. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, victoria’s coastal defences, warrnambool fortification, warrnambool garrison battery, ordinance, armaments, cannon hill fortifications, victorian colonial government, carron ironwroks foundary, 32pdr smooth bore cannon, 28pdr smooth bore cannon, 1813 cannon, carronade -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Machine - Typewriter, 1930's
This "Remington Portable Model 5, Remington Business Service" typewriter is in very good working order and was donated in its case complete with its Operating Instructions and a Touch Method typing instruction book. The typewriter was owned by William Sack, owner of the business Sacks Jewellers at 115 Liebig Street, Warrnambool. He commenced trading in the early 1900’s; and used this typewriter in the business from its purchase date, around 1931, through until about 1996. William and his wife June had three children, Eric, Audrey and David. The children were owners/partners of Sack’s Jewellers after William’s passing in 1976. Eric and David were ‘owners of the business’, with Audrey carrying out much of the clerical work. Eric died in about 1984 and David sold the practise in 1996. During the 65 years of business the typewriter was used for all the normal applications of a jeweller’s; preparing invoices, guarantees, taxation records. But in addition the four members of the Sack family were very involved in Church activities, particularly in lay administration and lay preaching in the Baptist Church, and the typewriter gained a lot of after-hours use. The family actively supported overseas Missions in India, SE Asia, and Africa. After the sale of the business in 1996, Audrey took the typewriter home for her community activities (David got a computer). In the 1980’s David volunteered as the Clock Repairer at Flagstaff Hill for the historical instruments. In the early days this took some long hours to get the clocks working, but in recent years he has just been ‘on call’ if needed. He is an alert 85 year old and just in the last 12 months has given up a busy schedule of Sunday Lay Preaching around the district. (2015)The typewriter is of local significance, being previously owned and used by Sacks Jewellers, a local business that had been in operation for about 100 years.Typewriter, Remington, "Remington Portable Model 5, Remington Business Service". Typewriter is in black, textured hard case with lock and key. Case has leather carry handle. Company has USA, copyright 1931.Includes Operating Instructions for the Remington Portable Models 5 and 5T. Remington Typewriter Company. "Remington Portable Model 5, Remington Business Service". flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, typewriter, remington business services, office equipment, business equipment, office communication, sack’s jewellers warrnambool, warrnambool business, remington typewriter company, touch typing, william sack, david sack, warrnambool baptist church -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Touch Method Instructor for Remington Typewriters, c. 1931
The instruction book was donated together with a typewriter and manual by David Sack, previous owner of Sack's Jewellers, Liebig St in Warrnambool. The typewriter and books were owned by William Sack, owner of the business Sacks Jewellers at 115 Liebig Street, Warrnambool. He commenced trading in the early 1900’s; and used this typewriter in the business from its purchase date, around 1931, through until about 1996. William and his wife June had three children, Eric, Audrey and David. The children were owners/partners of Sack’s Jewellers after William’s passing in 1976. Eric and David were ‘owners of the business’, with Audrey carrying out much of the clerical work. Eric died in about 1984 and David sold the practise in 1996. During the 65 years of business the typewriter was used for all the normal applications of a jeweller’s; preparing invoices, guarantees, taxation records. But in addition the four members of the Sack family were very involved in Church activities, particularly in lay administration and lay preaching in the Baptist Church, and the typewriter gained a lot of after-hours use. The family actively supported overseas Missions in India, SE Asia, and Africa. After the sale of the business in 1996, Audrey took the typewriter home for her community activities (David got a computer). In the 1980’s David volunteered as the Clock Repairer at Flagstaff Hill for the historical instruments. In the early days this took some long hours to get the clocks working, but in recent years he has just been ‘on call’ if needed. He is an alert 85 year old and just in the last 12 months has given up a busy schedule of Sunday Lay Preaching around the district. (2015) The typewriter and instruction books are of local significance, being previously owned and used in a local business for about 100 years.Book, Touch Method Instructor for Remington Typewriters. Published by Remington Typewriter Company, printed in U.S.A. Copyright 1931. Soft cover, cream with black and blue panels, drawing of a hand with fingers above typewriter keys. Lesson book for teaching touch typing.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, typing instructor, typing lesson book, sack’s jewellers warrnambool, remington typewriter company, william sack, david sack, warrnambool baptist church, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document - J E Brennan & Thomas Goodall Assignment of Interest 1912, 1912
Tait collection: item 62 of 62 This 1912 document is an agreement made between John Brennan, a farmer from Laang and Thomas Goodall, a law clerk from Warrnambool. The document shows that Thomas Goodall has given John Brennan £5 and Brennan has agreed to pass over to Goodall a 218 acre property in Laang. Brennan also agreed to pay a debt of £10-19-4 to Thomas Goodall by monthly instalments. Thomas Goodall was the law clerk for several lawyers in Warrnambool at the beginning of the 20th century and he was also the manager of the Warrnambool office of the lawyer, Ernest Chambers who had legal offices in Koroit and Port Fairy at the same time (end of 19th century and beginning of the 20th century). This document was in the possession of Ernest Chambers and it has been passed down to successive lawyers occupying the legal premises in Kepler Street where it was located in 2014 (former premises of the law firm of Mackay Taylor). This document is of some interest as it gives details of a business transaction between Thomas Goodall and John Brennan, both residing in the Warrnambool area early in the 20th century. This is a piece of buff-coloured paper folded in two to make four pages. There is typed and handwritten material on two sides of the paper. This is a 1912 document called an Assignment of Interest Under Contract with John Brennan agreeing to pay his financial debts to Thomas Goodall. The document contains the signatures of John Brennan and Thomas Goodall. Part of one page of the writing is in pencil. There is also a separate receipt sheet which is a receipt for £5 paid by Thomas Goodall to John Brennan. A yellow duty stamp is attached to this receipt. Dated 16 Jany 1912 Mr J E Brennan with Mr Thomas Goodall Assignment of Interest under Contractjohn brennan, thomas goodall, ernest chambers, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Poster - Jordan Studios, 1906
This is a 1906 advertising poster for the photographic business, Jordan Studios, Liebig Street, Warrnambool. This business was established in 1890 by Joseph Jordan, an Englishman who had been in the British Army in India. He erected the Jordan Studios building (94 Liebig Street) in 1901. Joseph’s son, Arthur, was also a photographer and artist. He photographed and sketched Wilmot (Abraham) several times and used one of these sketches as a basis for this advertising poster. It was well-known at the time that Wilmot was always willing to pose for photographs or drawings. Wilmot (Corwhorong), called ‘the last of his tribe’, was a member of the Tooram group associated with the Kirrae tribe. He spent the early part of his life at the Allan ‘Tooram’ property and was later at the Murray Warrnambool home, ‘Waikato’. He died in 1916 and is buried in the Warrnambool CemeteryThis advertising poster is of considerable importance as it is an interesting example of advertising by a photographer at the beginning of the 20th century. It is also important because it advertises Jordan Studios, one of the most significant photographic businesses in Warrnambool’s history. It also is an example of Arthur Jordan’s artistic abilityThis is large advertising sheet of paper featuring a black and white sketch of the aborigine, Wilmot and Arthur Jordan, the artist/photographer. Jordan is seated and is sketching Wilmot who is sitting cross-legged. The sketch includes a mug, a billy can, a fire and a humorous caption. The edges of the sheet are somewhat tattered. ‘Notice. Visitors to Warrnambool, go to Jordan’s Studio, Liebig St, next Bank of Victoria, for your Portraits, Groups, Views and Postcards’ ‘Hurry up, old feller, I want to go to Jordan’s before I go to the races. A lady wants my photo very pertickler’ ‘Jordan ‘06’ jordan studios, arthur jordan, wilmot, warrnambool, corwhorong, advertising, liebig street -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Poster - Armstrong and Fraser timetable, Late 19th Century
This poster is a time table for the coaches operated by Armstrong and Fraser.Their stables were in Liebig Street, Warrnambool next to the Commercial Hotel (The Whalers Hotel today) Armstrong and Fraser commenced business in 1882 and were prominent in Warrnambool at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The kept as many as 70 horses in their stables and operated a daily timetable for tourists especially those going to the mouth of the Hopkins River and to the breakwater. This poster is of considerable interest as the time table indicates the extensive business of an early coach service in Warrnambool over 100 years ago. The poster comes possibly from the old Warrnambool Museum.This is a sheet of paper containing black printing and handwriting in black ink. It is encased in a black wooden frame with a white cardboard surround and a black border. It has glass protection. There is string and wire at the back for hanging the item . ARMSTRONG* AND * FRASER Special line of buses Running to HOPKINS AND BREAKWATER TIME TABLE (Also other detail re fares, Proudfoot's boating establishment and horses and conveyances) ( Handwriting 87,90, 91 January to March July to Sept. April to June Jany to March) warrnambool, bus timetable, armstrong and fraser -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Household, Demijohn Small, Early 20th century
No specific information is available on this item. Demijohns were used for holding spirits and wicker coverings (usually woven osier or willow) were commonly used from the 1700s to the early 20th century. This item is of interest as an example of the containers used to store wine and spirits 100 years ago. Breweries and wine and spirits stores have been important businesses in Warrnambool in the past.This is a ceramic demijohn with a ceramic lid and a stopper (made of a rubber composite?) and a wicker covering. It has one handle. The ceramic lid is chipped. The woven material is slightly broken in partsdemijohn with wicker covering, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book - Facsimile: John Mackersey 1826-1892, Stock Book 1857-1870, 2014
This ledger relates to the property Kenilworth which is situated near Cavendish, 16 miles from Hamilton on the Wannon River. It was taken up by Thomas Norris in 1839 and originally carried 800 cattle and 20000 sheep on 63000 acres. By 1858 it was in the hands of John Mackersey and Thomas Bostock. In 1859 it belonged outright to John Mackersey who was there until 1870. He was considered a worthy son of a Presbyterian minister and was well regarded in the district for his contributions in church, sport and sheep breeding... However he did not do well and lost the property before going to New Zealand in 1870. These journals provide a yearly record of flock, harvest and yields along with income details. It also provides details relating to rentals, selections and purchases during the era from squatting to freehold land. This journal provides a detailed view of matters relating to the business of sheep farming. It records purchases and stock sold, wool clips, lambs, sheep losses and different breeds. Kenilworth was a significant property in the Western District of Victoria and it dates from a period of early settlement in Victoria.Dark green hard cover with gold lettering. Both covers have in gold lettering: John Mackersey1826-1892 Stock Book 1857-1870. One cover has Horses and cattle and the other, sheep. It is a facsimile copy. The two sections are divided by a green sheet of paper. Acknowledgements to The State Government of Victoria, State Library of Victoria, Hamilton History Centre, Dr G Handbury AO, Margaret Gardiner, Godfrey and Margaret Mackersey, L Alan Brumley, M P Heuval. john mackersey, thomas bostock, thomas norris, kenilworth, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Minute book
This book is a diary (1926 and 1927) which appears to contain summaries of letters written to clients of the Warrnambool legal firm, Mackay and Taylor. The summaries give the name of the recipient(s) and the content of the letter. The numbers next to the summaries may refer to the number of the client or the number in the letter book. George Mackay who died in 1926 set up the original legal firm in Warrnambool in 1891 and merged with James Fletcher in 1893 to form the Fletcher and Mackay business. In the early 1920s J. Taylor joined the business then known as Mackay and Taylor. This business with other partners survived in Kepler Street until the 1990s. This book has some significance as it contains the names of many residents of Warrnambool and district during the 1920s and gives some indication of their dealings with their lawyers. It also shows the system used at the time to record the transactions of law firmsThis is a ledger with a black cover and red binding (foolscap size). There are 190 pages, each one ruled with blue lines and a red margin line. The entries are handwritten in black ink. Front cover: ‘Minute Book’ (actually a diary) Spine: ‘Diary’ (in black ink) mackay and taylor -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Letter book, Early 20th century
This letter book (1910-1922) was found in the old Mackay Taylor building in Kepler Street. The Secretary of the Presbytery of Mortlake in the early 1900s was George Mackay who established his legal business in 1891 and merged with the business of James Fletcher in 1893 to form Fletcher and Mackay. In the 1920s J. Taylor joined the business which was known from then on as Mackay and Taylor and this firm existed until the 1990s. George Mackay was prominent in Warrnambool civic and community affairs and was Secretary of St. John’s Presbyterian Church for many years. The Presbytery of Mortlake was an administrative district committee established in 1862 and included the Presbyterian churches of Port Fairy, Tower Hill, Wangoom, Allansford, Warrnambool, Woodford, Hexham, Caramut, Mortlake and Terang. The committee consisted of the local ministers, some elders and other church representatives and met monthly or quarterly to discuss church business that affected the region.This letter book is of some significance as it indicates the type of business carried out by a district church council – properties, missions, individual church problems etc. It also shows the community work of George Mackay, a prominent Warrnambool resident at the time, and the book contains his signature many times over. The book will be of interest to researchers. This is a ledger with dark blue binding and binding reinforcements on the spine and corners. The inside covers are lined with thick paper in a mottled blue, black and white coloured pattern. There are 249 pages of copies of letters written, some typed, some handwritten. Front cover: Label with typed title ‘Presbytery of Mortlake’ Spine:’ Letter Book’, ‘Mortlake Presby’. presbytery of mortlake, george mackay, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Box, Tin Box McGennan
Peter McGennan (1839-1920) arrived in Warrnambool in the 1870s and established a cooperage in Kepler Street and a boating business on the Hopkins River. He rebuilt the boating establishment after a fire in 1876. In 1896 McGennan established a Box and Case Factory in Davis Street (Merrivale Drive), importing timber from New Zealand, using chartered vessels and his own ships which included the ‘Speculant’. The box factory was a successful venture employing over 30 men until it was destroyed by fire in 1923. Peter McGennan was involved in the establishment of the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory at Allansford and the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. He was a Director of the latter company until his death. Members of the McGennan family were also important business people in Warrnambool, being involved in the hotel business and civic affairs for many years. The tin box may have been used to house family papers or business documents during Peter McGennan’s life and it was used to house his estate papers after his death. Many of these documents are in the collection of the Warrnambool &District Historical Society.This box is of some importance as it belonged to a prominent Warrnambool businessman and his family. It has social significance as an example of the type of storage items used early in the 20th century to hold documents etc.This is a rectangular tin box with the black paint on the outside peeling and yellow paint inside. There is a metal lock which has no key. There is a small handle on the top added to the tin surface. The name ‘P.J.McGennan’ is painted on the front side in yellow paint.‘P.J.McGennan’ A typed label on faded yellow adhesive tape ‘Estate P.J.McGennan’ peter mcgennan, p j mcgennan, peter mcgennan metal box, mcgennan box factory, mcgennan warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Personal item, Glasses case, Early 20th century
The spectacles case comes from G.H. Morton, an optician at 192 Liebig Street, Warrnambool in the 1930s and 40s. He advertised as being ‘near Bloore’s Corner’. The two pair of spectacles may not have been from Morton’s business but may have been stored in the case separately. These glasses and the case are of some interest, firstly because the case comes from the business of G.H.Morton, a Warrnambool optician for a number of years. They also have a social significance as representing the type of eyewear used early in the 20th century. This is a blue leather spectacles case with a wooden insert to hold the glasses. There are two pair of spectacles – one with rimless glass and a gold nose piece (there is a small chip at the edge of one piece of glass) and one with gold rimmed glass and gold handles. The latter has a small piece of metal attached to the side of the glass. On spectacles case: ‘G.H.Morton, FSMC, FBOA, FIO, by exam, London, Qualified Optician, Warrnambool’g.h.morton, optician, optician, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Textile, Fletcher Jones, late 20th century
These are samples of the material used at the Fletcher Jones Factory in Warrnambool to make garments for men (suits, trousers, shorts) and women (suits, slacks, skirts, shorts). Fletcher Jones Clothing Factory was a key industry in Warrnambool from 1948 to its closure in 2005. The business was founded by David Fletcher Jones (1897-1977), a clothing manufacturer and retailer who worked as a hawker in the Western District following service with the A.I.F. in World War One. In 1924 Fletcher Jones opened three shops in Liebig Street selling men’s wear, hosiery and linen and operating a small tailoring business. He moved his shop to another location in Liebig Street and began to concentrate on men’s trousers production. In 1946 he opened a shop in Collins Street in Melbourne and eventually had stores and factories all over Australia. In Warrnambool he opened his factory at Pleasant Hill in Flaxman Street in 1948 and became a major Warrnambool employer, with over 1000 employees at one time. He transformed his business into a co-operative, with the name, ‘Fletcher Jones and Staff’ registered in 1947. The business diversified into other ranges of clothing for men and women but failed to compete with cheaper overseas clothing imports and the factory and shops were closed in the early 21st century. These pieces of material are of some interest as examples of the materials used in one of the most important businesses in Warrnambool and one that was of national significance for many decades. The Fletcher Jones label was well-known throughout Australia and Fletcher Jones himself was a prominent person in Warrnambool’s history, not only for his business interests but also for his philanthropy, his advocacy of business co-operatives and his support for many Warrnambool institutions. The Fletcher Jones Factory Gardens are still today a feature of Warrnambool and a tourist attraction. These two packets contain samples of materials used at the Fletcher Jones factory in Warrnambool. One packet (VC000690.1) contains four pieces of woollen material, one grey striped, one grey weave, one navy and one green, red and white tartan. The other packet (VC000690.2) contains two pieces of woollen grey and navy material and five small woollen samples of dark grey, light grey, navy, beige and blue and grey check material. warrnambool, industry