The Geelong branch committee was established in 1976 to manage the Geelong Centre then based in Pakington Street, Newtown. One early decision was to call the Centre "Illawarra", meaning 'high place above or overlooking the sea'. The branch committee disbanded in 1993. The auxiliary was established in 1963 to increase services for blind and vision impaired local people by raising funds for Vision Australia Foundation, then known as the Association for the Blind. Over the next 39 years, until is disbanded in February 2002, the Illawarra Auxiliary (renamed in 1976) raised many thousands of dollars to achieve this aim. Branch Chairman: 1976-79 Mrs L.W.M. Heath, 1980-82 Mr R. Averay, 1982-85 Mr L.W.M. Heath, 1985-88 Mr P.P. Larcey, 1988-91 Dr. B.J. Landsell, 1991-93 Mr F. Francesevic Auxiliary President: 1964-66 Mrs K.S. Nall, 1967-69 Mrs G.S. Gray, 1970-72 Mrs L.M.W. Heath, 1973 Mrs E. Currell, 1974-75 Mrs L.W.M. Heath, 1975-78 Mrs E. Snibson, 1979-84 Mrs I.E. Backwell, 1984-86 Mrs D.P. Smith, 1986-89 Mrs E.E.A. Donaldson, 1989-93 Mrs B. McKane, 1993-99 Mrs J. Backwell, 1999- Mrs B. McKane This photograph was taken of the honour board that previously hung in the Geelong Centre.Image of honour board with names of the people who were Geelong Branch chairmen or Auxiliary Presidents association for the blind, illawarra (geelong)

This book was compiled by Thomas Gartlan with the aim of providing a written history of the National Servicemen's Association of Australia Victorian Branch (Inc) Geelong and District Sub-Branch 1988-2008.This is an original book, there is a Heritage Page and the signatures of past President's, State and Sub Branch Patrons.An oblong book, thick yellow cardboard cover, 90 white pages.The book was printed by Deakin University, Logistics Division Print Services, 2008nsaa, geelong & district sub branch, thomas gartlan

Invitation from the Mayor of Geelong to the President of the Geelong Branch of the RSSILA, to lunch after the laying of the foundation stone for the Geelong RSS Mill on Wednesday 15th February 1922 at 1.30pm.Invitation to the President of the Geelong Branch of the RSSILA to lunch, following the foundation stone laying ceremony at the RSS Mill, 15-2-1922.textile mills, returned soldiers and sailors mill, 1918: australians in france - exhibition (19/02/2000 - 30/04/2000)

This item contributes to an understanding of the impact that the involvement in the war in Vietnam (1962 - 1972) had on Australian servicemen.A wooden plaque with a blue metal insert. Etched on the blue metal insert is a map of Australia with crossed swords, an eagle and anchor depicting National Servicemen's Association.National/Servicemen's/Association/51- 72/Navy. Army. Airforce/Geelong & District/ Sub Branchgeelong & district sub branch, vietnam

Acquired when "Classewave Industries" closed down.Moisture damage to last pages Moisture damage to last pagestextile industry textile industry - history, textile society of australia, geelong branch, lang, dr w. roy harrison, mr p. w., textile industry, textile industry - history

Acquired when "Classewave Industries" closed down.textile industry textile industry - history, textile society of australia, geelong branch, lang, dr w. roy harrison, mr p. w., textile industry, textile industry - history

Agenda for Regional Branch Day 8 October 1996, Regional Reports from Ballarat, Central Gippsland, Geelong Branch, Murray Valley and Bendigo Branch. Also a Regional Branch Day Report.organisation, women, national council of women, national council of women of victoria bendigo branch collection, national council of women of victoria bendigo branch regional branch day, mavis carne, gwen harvey, may price

The item contributes to an understanding of the impact that involvement in the war in Vietnam (1962-1972) had on Australian servicemen.US military payment certificates and numerous vietnam, currency, coin, geelong sub-branch

Folding blue card. Membership card RSSILA -Geelong Sub Branch. Inside left panel has details of 1944 Geelong sub branch committee. The member's number 1269. Date stamp 1944. Inside right panel has meeting dates for 1944. Front has "Geelong Rssila" and the RSL baded motif.membership, rsl, geelong

Provides a set of 60 questions with answers, generally Yes or No, about tramway operations, behaviour and general knowledge. Has in the top right-hand corner (part loose) to Engineer and Manager from the Manager Geelong branch a label with a date of 29/9/1947. Yield information and demonstrates a SEC training document.Document - 6 foolscap carbon copy sheets, partly glued in top left hand corner.On top right hand corner a label - part torn off.secv, trams, tramways, sec, training, drivers, conductors, behaviour

Yields information about Geelong Tramways and demonstrates letters between the SEC and Wal Jack.Letter, typed, from the State Electricity Commission, Geelong office to Wal Jack dated 1/9/1943 signed by T. L. Gurr, Office Manager about the length of the North Geelong line, the tramcar decorated for the Centenary. Written on SEC letterhead, Geelong Branch. Satisfag Bond paper used for the letter. Contained originally within Reg Item 5623 at the front of this note book. For items see btm5623 loose items list.pdf.trams, tramways, geelong, north

List or document titled "Tramway Drawings held at Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong branches and works division Richmond." Lists each drawing with a description, generally the title, drawing number and where held. Includes MMTB drawings, MTT Ex Adelaide, and some other sources.Yields information about the tram drawings held by the SEC.Duplicated list - 32 pages stapled within a folder and secured with masking tape.tramcars, ballarat, equipment, lists, data, drawings, geelong, bendigo

Yields information about disposal of the Geelong trams, including trams for Ballarat and Bendigo.Letter with attachment, from SEC Geelong Branch to Wal Jack, dated 13/4/1956, signed by T. A. Farr, Manager, regarding the disposal of trams including sending bogie trams to Ballarat and Bendigo and selling the rest by tender. There is a possibility that there could have been a sheet (1) of the attachment. Typed on SEC Geelong letterhead, giving addresses and telephone number. Contained originally within Reg Item 5507 at the back of the binder. For items see btm5507 loose items list.pdftrams, tramways, closure, disposal, geelong, sec, bogie trams

Drawing details brake rigging and dimensions for a Brill 22E truck. Dated 4/8/1947, prepared by the SEC Geelong branch, signed by H N Hornabrook 6/8/47 showing the layout and loads on each part of the brake system, drawing No. T1647. See item 9025 and 9857 for other versions.Yields information about the brake rigging for Brill 22E trams and demonstrates the activities of the SEC Geelong office.Drawing - blueprint, titled "Brake rigging dropped centre double bogie tram Brill maximum traction truck 22E, Trams Nos. 31,""D1775" in ink on top sheet right hand corner.brill 22e, drawings, brake rigging, geelong

The Geelong Rest located at 3 Moorabool Street was created in 1895. The building depicted in the photograph ( taken from the Western Beach Road) is known as the King Edward VII Sailors' Rest building; it was designed by architect Percy Everett and replaced the older building in 1912. In 1901, it became the Geelong branch of the Mission to Seamen. The building is still standing on the waterfront in Geelong and has a commercial use.Medium b & w photograph depicting the front facade of the Sailors' Rest in Geelong.geelong, sailors' rest, seafarer, king edward vii sailors' rest building, 1912, percy everett, kombi

This brass slouch hat was hand made in France by 2203 LLB of the Australian Army Service Corps.The brass slouch hat is original and was presented by Geelong RSL to Alderman O C Hearne. A brass slouch hat, hand made.On the brim - made by 2203 LLB AASC AIF France May 12th 1918. 1914 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18. Underneath the fold of the hat - VSM, 80/44 Mk 11 A. On the hat - to Alderman O C Hearne, from Geelong Branch RS&SILA, the friend of the digger because he was the Diggers friendbrass, slouch hat, alderman o c hearne

Report, or Memorandum on SECV internal paper, from the Acting Engineer Manager to the Commerical Manager, dated 18/2/1955, titled "Tramways - Provincial City Operations". Looks at various ways of cutting the loss on tramway operations in all the three Provincial cities. Includes discussions on Fares and the income, headways, one-man operation, route abandonments, including parallel bus operations, Geelong branch lines, payloads, feeder buses in Geelong, Rosters in particular broken time or broken shifts, light traffic economics. Signed by K L Murray.Yields information about the internal discussions and considerations of the SECV to cut the tramway losses in all three Provincial cities,Document or report, 5 foolscap sheets, carbon copy, stapled in top left hand corner. Draft copy (7 pages) also held.tramways, state electricity commission of victoria, geelong, tramcars, secv, operations, passenger services, ballarat, bendigo, rosters, closure, buses

The document is titled "Local instructions issued in conjunction with Commission Rules governing employees" and is dated March 1939. It has a label on the top left-hand corner - dated 29/9/1947, in a memo from the Manager, Geelong branch. Comprises: 1 - Local instructions - 8 sheets -including notes on the automatic signaling and the indicator at the West terminus. 2 - Tramcar Emergency Braking - 6 sheets 3 - Automatic air brake equipment - "Dead Man Control" - dated 1/7/1947 - 2 sheets 4 - Two quarto sheets - signature forms for receipt of Rule book and General Instructions 5 - General instructions for employees engaged in repair and maintenance of trams - 4 sheets 6 - First Aid Treatment - 3 sheets 7 - signature form regarding health and understanding of electrical equipment 8 - signature form regarding SECV tools and equipment See item 9874 for a Ballarat version and 9978 for the 1950 version. 2nd copy has pencil notes.Yields information about the local instructions applicable to the Geelong depot and other matters.Document - 27 duplicated foolscap sheets, pinned in the top left hand corner. Two copies held.tramways, geelong, rules, braking, first aid, forms, geelong depot, tramcar maintenance, instructions, air brake, emergencies

Yields information about industrial issues in Geelong over one man trams and rosters, and that Ballarat was keep advised of the situation. Also a travellers view of Ballarat trams.Set of three (two copies of each except the First Aid one), newspaper clippings from the Geelong Advertiser, 28/10/1952 cut out and pasted onto blue paper, with the Newspaper Name and date type on each piece. Items were pinned together with a typed memo on top - from the Manager of the Geelong Branch to Engineer and Manger Ballarat, dated 28/10/1952, sending the cuttings for information. Has SEC date stamp of 29 Oct. 1952 - see inscriptions. News items were: "Tramway Talks on Thursday" - noting tramway union to meet with SEC Geelong Manager Mr. T.A Farr on Thursday to submit alternative proposals, mainly in regards to new roster affect East Geelong, Geelong West, Eastern Park and Chilwell routes. New roster schedule to come in on 1 November. "Transport Services" - letter to the editor, signed "Reasonable Service" about the writers trip to Ballarat on one of the new diesel rail motor, poor track and the higher measure of patronage on Ballarat's tram and that one of the seats have been removed for prams. "First Aid Team in Final" - about the success of the SEC Geelong team in the Safety Branch Shield competition. Gives names of participants.Memo - has "DTS" on top right hand corner and the cutting regarding the first aid team has in ink "Copy sent to W/M" (Works Manager).one man trams, geelong, unions, rosters, ballarat, prams, vr, first aid

Yields information about industrial issues in Geelong over one man trams and rosters, and that Ballarat was keep advised of the situation.Set of three (two copies of each), newspaper clippings from the Geelong Advertiser, 27/10/1952 cut out and pasted onto blue paper, with the Newspaper Name and date type on each piece. News items were: "One Man Trams" - quoting Mr. T. A. Farr, Manager SEC Geelong re the proposed introduction of one-man trams. alterations to through routing and effects of this. "Tram-men's Protest" - resolution passed against proposed new roster, one-man trams, quotes union Secretary Mr. C. McDonald, and details of the resolution. "Road Operators' Meeting", about a proposed meeting of road operators to form a Geelong Sub-branch of the Road Transport Development Association of Victoria on 28 October. Over 250 invitations sent out. Quotes the president Mr. S. V. Leslie.one man trams, geelong, unions, rosters, road transport

The diorama of mounted specimens of seaweed was framed by Richard Foster Norton for Thomas Watson and is dated 1860. Watson was the Warrnambool District Surveyor at the time (1860). The inscription on the back of the frame links the artwork to the Pigeon Hill property, which was located on Allansford Road (corner of Staffords Road – north side of the Princes Highway-A1). In the 1860s, the property known as Pigeon Hill was owned by William Wall who was a publican who ran several hotels in Warrnambool and district. In 1860 Wall, was running a hotel in Wangoom, near Pigeon Hill. Further research is required to determine the exact location, but Pigeon Hill could also have been the name for that area and may have had other people living there. Thomas Watson was a member of the local horticultural society. Another possible creator of the artwork is Samuel Hannaford, a biologist with a particular interest in collecting marine flora. Hannaford left Warrnambool in 1857 and went to Geelong, so it is possible he collected the specimens had them framed in Geelong, and then arranged for their return to Watson. The other known seaweed collector was Henry Watts, who lived in Warrnambool in the mid-19th century. The seaweed collection in this box was possibly one of Watts' and could have been prepared for the Victorian Exhibition of 1861, Richard Foster Norton, also known as R.F Norton, was one of only a handful of picture framers in 1850s Melbourne. Norton was born on the 24th of July 1822 in Yelvertoft, Northamptonshire and prior to his arrival in Australia, Norton is listed in England as having the occupation of a painter. It appears that he established his business in Melbourne in 1854 or 1855. Between 1855 and 1865 he operated from 87, then 83, and later 80 Collins Street. In the Argus newspaper, Norton advertised his business as a Print seller, Carver, Gilder and Picture Frame manufacturer, supplying the growing demand for artworks and decorative furnishings in the colony during the Gold Rush. Norton also had a Geelong branch in Market Square, where this work was produced. This framed work is highly significant. Previous research has found that only six frames are in existence that can be attributed to be made Norton, dating from the late 1850’s to the mid 1860’s. Moreover, Thomas Watson the owner of the artwork, is one of the government surveyors of the region during the mid-19th century.Diorama in deep wooden frame, behind glass. Seaweed specimens have been mounted within the frame. The back of the frame has handwritten inscriptions including the framer's label (portions missing). The diorama was framed by Richard Fraser Norton. Printed label; "RICHARD FOS --- Picture Framer and -- MANUF -- CARVER, GILDER, ---- PAINTINGS CLEANED, LINED AND --- GLASSES RESILVERED, FRAMES --- Architectual Decorations created to any design in Paper Mache, Carlton Pierre, or Composition, Country Orders promptly attended to, The Order Suppl ---, BRANCH ESTABLISHMENT, MARKET SQUARE, GEELONG" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, richard foster norton, r.f norton, picture framers, melbourne, geelong, artwork and decorative furnishings, gold rush, seaweed, botanical specimens, 1860, pigeon hill, district surveyor, thomas watson, william wall, wangoom, samuel hannaford, henry watts, victorian exhibition, 1861, yelvertoft, northamptonshire, market square

Framed AwardNational Trust, City of Greater Geelong, Geelong and Regional Branch National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and City of Greater Geelong, Heritage Award, This award is presented in recognition of the contribution this place has made to conservation of heritage in the Geelong region, Former Drysdale Free Library and Hall 18-20 High Street Drysdale, External and internal repairs and construction of a disabled entry ramp, May 2016m Funding body Working Heritage, Committee of Management Chair Helen Weston, Planning Construction Consultant Tim Hubbard, Executive Officer Ross Turnbull, Wendy Jacobs Architect, Chris Mantello Mantec Projects builder

There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. Between 1899 and 1902, around 16,500 Australians served in South Africa during the Boer War. This was the largest international deployment of troops from the Australian Colonies before Australian Federation. Of the 16,500 men who served in South Africa, 606 were killed in action or died of diseases. The Australian War Memorial records that the fighting conditions in South Africa extremely hard on men and horses. Australians fighting in South Africa were doing so as part of Colony based Regiments such as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, New South Wales Lancers, Queensland Mounted Infantry as well as units from the other states. Australians were awarded six Victoria Crosses during the campaign along with many other decorations. In May of 1902 the treaty of Vereeniging was signed officially ending the Boer War. The Boer War is commemorated in many Towns and Cities around Australia. The Lara RSL Sub Branch holds some memorabilia from the Boer War. There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. He was a resident of Lara and was a member of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles. It was reported that he carried this flag into battle. The Lara RSL also holds the flag staff of the China, South African and Old Veterans Association. Both these items are of national significance. Both the flag and flag staff were used in marches in Geelong each year until 1916 when Anzac Day commenced. The flag and flag staff were donated to the Lara RSL sub Branch when he joined in 1928. Fredrick James Smith was born at Lara in 1879, the son of Mr/Mrs Smith from Lara. He was a farm hand from Horton Vale, Anakie when he joined F Company of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles at the beginning of February 1901. Two weeks later, he left for South Africa on the 15th February. Before leaving, he purchased the flag from W. Libby & Son Geelong. Frederick Left for South Africa on the 15 February 1901 on the Orient. He saw service between March 1901 - March 1902 in east Transvaal and Natal frontier under the British Major General S. Beatson then Pulteney, including the defeat at Wilmansrust where 18 soldiers were killed and 42 wounded (12th June 1901 - heaviest casualties of any Australian contingent,); and the successful intervention at Onverwacht on the 4th January 1902. The 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles suffered: 36 killed or died of wounds, 13 died of disease of a contingent of 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks and 1099 horses. They returned to Australia on the 26th April 1902 on the Custodian after sailing from Point Natal in South Africa on the 5th April. On his return, Tropper Smith (Saddler Private) joined the South African Soldiers Association of Victoria – Geelong Branch, and after 1928, he joined the Lara RSL. He was buried in Western Cemetery on the 19th June 1968 at the age of 89. Enrolled February 1901 Departed for South Africa on 15 February 1901 Establishment: 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks with 1099 horses Mobilised at Pretoria: 24 March -- 4 April 1901 Typical company: 1 Captain, 4 Lieutenants, 1 company sergeant-major, 1 company quartermaster-sergeant, 1 sergeant-farrier, 1 sergeant-saddler, 5 sergeants, 6 corporals, 3 shoeing-smiths, 3 saddlers, 1 bugler, 99 privates. Total in company: 126 with 131 horses. Engagements: Rhenoster Kop, Klippan, Kornfontein, Drivelfontein, Wilmansrust, Kambuladraai, H'Lobane, Luchiel's Nek, Loch's Kraal, Vryheid, Onverwacht, Johnston Hoek Killed in action (or died): six Officers, 48 Other Ranks VC Winner: Lieut. L. C. Maygar News article Leader (Melbourne) Saturday 31st May 1902, page 42 - Dear Cinderella. — This is the second time I have written to you. I was very sorry at not seeing my first letter in "The Leader". But I hope to say, that this one will be in. The last time I wrote to you I told you that my brother (Fredrick Smith) went to the Boer War in South Africa, and that he was supposed to be killed in the Wilmansrust disaster. But this time I am going to tell you about his return, and the grand welcome he got from the residents of Lara. Mother, Father, and my Brother, went down to Melbourne, to meet the boat. You can just imagine how rejoiced we all were to see him back again. The railway station was decorated some thing beautiful with flags of all description all the colours you could think of. He has bought a lot of Boer curios home and some Kaffir bracelets. They are such funny looking things. The residents of Lara, also gave my brother a grand social and ball there were over four hundred people present, They presented him with a hand some gold chain, and locket suitably inscribed, and a pair of gold sleeve links, they were magnificent. The ball was very nice. . I had a few dances. I enjoyed myself grand. I think this is all I can tell you this time. I must conclude with love. I remain yours sincerely - BESSIE SMITH. Age 14-years. This flag is of national significance as it was used in the Boer War by Private Fredrick James Smith (SN:1229) of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles, F Company in their deployment to South Africa between 1901 and 1902. The flag was taken into the Wilmansrust engagement in which 19 soldiers died and 41 were wounded. On return to Australia, the flag was used in marches by the South Africa, China Old Veterans Association - Geelong. This flag represents a unique part of Australian history from which the movie, Breaker Morant was taken. It is of spiritual significance as the Boer War was where the first Australian received the Imperial Victoria Cross, and the spirit of Anzac was conceived, giving birth in World War 1. The Flag represents the spirit of Australians who fought and died in South Africa.Cotton Union Jack flag approx 221cm wide by 109cm tall with small repair patches and center section cotton deteriorated.Has the word "Lara" inscribed in black on bottom part of the flag heading. Has the flag makers name "W.Libby & Son" on the top part of the flag heading.boer war, union jack flag, south africa, wilmansrust, 5th victorian mounted rifles, f coy, private fredrick james smith, service number 1229, february 1901, april 1902, south africa china old veterans association

Owen 'Doc' Matthews is remembered for his spectacular Grand Prix dressage exhibitions with his horse Aintree Boy, performed to music under spotlights at Melbourne Royal Show from 1965-1975. He also performed at smaller country shows. Doc Matthews was born in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy in 1923, during the Great Depression. He and his brother Paddy were placed in a foster home and then in a Geelong orphanage before being put to work at a dairy farm. Doc was given an elderly piebald mare to ride, which ignited his passion for horses. When he was 16, he enlisted in World War 2 but captured by the Japanese and ended up working on the Burma Railway, spending years as a prisoner of war in the notorious Changi Prison. Doc joined Victoria Police in 1952 and by 1962 was chief horse master and riding instructor in the mounted branch. He drilled teams to perform musical rides and horses and riders were always turned out to perfection. Doc and Aintree Boy became a partnership after the horse had been used in the mounted branch for four years. Doc decided to try his hand at dressage and as there were few instructors, trained Aintree Boy with nothing to go by but a couple of books and film of a single dressage competition. Owen 'Doc' Matthews was truly a pioneer of Grand Prix dressage in Australia. ( ref. TOPHORSE )Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.A square shaped ticket for Orbost Show - Monday, March 10th 1975. It is on white card with blue print.Orbost Wonder Horse "Aintree Boy". Monday, March 10th 1975aintree-boy dressage equestrian matthews-owen

B&W photographof the winning team from Ballarat brigade for the "hose practice for 8 men" event which was held as part of the fire brigades demonstration, Geelong Jubilee, 1904. Pictured are the eight man team and the brigade Captain with various hoses, hydrants, branches and the trophys for the event (2 shield & 8 individual trophys). Photo is mounted on olive coloured card.BALLARAT FIRE BRIGADE / PRESENTED TO THE BALLARAT FIRE BRIGADES CLUB / R.CORNISH, G.FORD, J.CROUGEY, J.C.HEIL / A.DUNSTAN, O.C.REIGELHUTH, CAPTAIN W.TRAHAR, W.ROBERTS, G.VAWDREY / By the Winners of Hose Practice for Eight Men / FIRE BRIGADES DEMONSTRATION, GEELONG JUBILEE, 1904

Trophy was won at the Geelong Fire Brigade Jubilee in 1904. This would have been a demonstartion to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Geelong brigade which formed in 1854Silver shield mounted on a wooden backing board. Trophy was won by Ballarat Fire Brigade at the Geelong Fire Brigade Jubilee in 1904. Trophy was donated by Merrywetather & sons Lim. Trophy has a Lion at the top centre, angels on both the left and right sides. In the centre is a horse drawn fire appliance (assumed a Merryweather steam pumper) drawn by 2 horses through what appears to be a town square. There are 3 fireman standing on the front of the appliance and 1 on the rear. There are various other branches, leaves etc. that make up the remainder of the decorations on the sheild. Item is very similar to item 020.1904 / GEELONG FIRE BRIGADE JUBILEE / COMPETITION / PRESENTED / BY / Merryweather & Sons Lim1904, geelong fire brigade, geelong fire brigade jubilee, merrywether and sons lim, elkington and co

This bottle was made in Epsom, Bendigo at the Bendigo Pottery Works. The bottle contained ginger beer manufactured at the cordials factory of J.S. Rowley at the corner of Timor and Banyan Streets, Warrnambool. John Searle Rowley (1837-1893) opened a branch of the Geelong Corio Brewery in Timor Street and in 1868 established a cordial manufacturing plant on the site. The brewery section closed and the cordial manufacturing section, called the Warrnambool Steam Aerated Waters works, was expanded, By the 1880s there were 13 employees and 20 varieties of soft drinks were being produced. After Rowley died in 1893 the business continued under the same name with Ralph Reeves managing the plant from 1900 until he moved to Koroit Street and operated a cordial factory under his own name. This bottle is of interest as an example of the soft drinks manufactured by J.S.Rowley of Banyan Street Warrnambool. This business was an important one in Warrnambool in the second half of the 19th century and early in the 20th century. This is a ceramic bottle in brown and buff colouring. The top has two chips. There is no stopper. ‘J.S. Rowley Hamilton and Warrnambool Ginger Beer’ ‘The Bendigo Pottery Epsom Bendigo’ j.s. rowley cordial manufacturer, cordial manufacturers in warrnambool, history of warrnambool

This bottle was known as a torpedo bottle. As the bottle had to lie on its side the soda was kept in contact with the cork and stopped the cork from shrinking and causing loss of pressure. This bottle comes from the Warrnambool aerated waters factory of John Searle Rowley (1837-1893). John Rowley, born in England, came to Australia in 1856 and in 1865 he opened a branch of the Geelong Corio Brewery at the corner of Timor and Banyan Streets in Warrnambool, bottling the beer, not brewing it. In 1870 this business was closed and Rowley developed his soft drinks business which he had established in 1868. In 1872 the business was called the Warrnambool Steam Aerated Works when a steam engine was purchased from Melbourne. In 1872 the factory was turning out 600 dozen bottles a day. By the 1880s the factory was occupying half an acre of land, was employing 13 people and manufacturing 20 varieties of drinks. Rowley died in 1893. He had been active in community affairs, serving four years on the Warrnambool Council and on the committees of the Warrnambool Hospital and the Mechanics Institute. This bottle is of great interest as it comes from the factory of the prominent 19th century Warrnambool aerated waters manufacturer, John Rowley. Few of his bottles have survived today. Cordial and soft drinks manufacturing was an important industry in Warrnambool for over 100 years and John Rowley was a key figure in this industry.This is a glass bottle, tinted green. The body of the bottle has an oval shape tapering to a point at the end and is known as a torpedo bottle. It can only be stored lying on its side. The neck of the bottle ends with a moulded glass top. There is no stopper. The bottle is slightly discoloured inside. The information on the maker is embossed into the body of the bottle.‘J.S. Rowley’s Aerated Waters Timor Street Warrnambool’john searle rowley, cordial manufacturers in warrnambool, history of warrnambool