Geelong Wool Brokers float for the 1938 Gala Day in Geelong. For over 20 years Geelong held a Gala Day to raise money for the Hospital. Many organisations created floats and paraded them in Geelong. In 1938 the day raised more than 10,000 pounds for the Hospital.Sepia photo of the Geelong Wool Brokers float in landscape format. The base of the float is made of flowers, on top is a taxidermy sheep with a large wool bale filled with wool. Three woman are are sat on the bottom third of the float spinning wool.On Float - Grower Manufacturer Geelong Wool Brokers The Link G.W.B.A Super Fleece 1938wool, woollen mills, wool manufacture, federal woollen mills, geelong, gala day

Stanley Couzens of the Wathourong community was commissioned by Geelong Wool Combing Ltd to create a painting of the You Yangs and Corio Bay to be reproduced on a jumper. The jumper itself was designed by Jeni McMahon using Merino wool from her property McMahon Farm Pty Ltd. Jumper and miniature wool bale packaging were presented as a gift at the opening of the Geelong Wool Combing LtdSynthetic miniature wool bale packaging containing jumper. Miniature wool bale features two stenciled design with black ink. First stencil reads "Pure Australian Wool" with Woolmark logo. Second stencil reads "A Gift From Geelong Wool Combing GWC". Small tag on bottom right corner reads "XL". Has two removable staples closing top opening. Woolen Jumper inside contains red, mustard, green and cream colours depicting Indigenous artwork. Features two stenciled design with black ink. First stencil on front reads "A Gift From/ GWC/ Geelong Wool Combing ". Second stencil on back reads "Pure/ Australian/ Wool" with Woolmark logo above. Small tag on bottom right corner reads "XL".

Stanley Couzens of the Wathourong community was commissioned by Geelong Wool Combing Ltd to create a painting of the You Yangs and Corio Bay to be reproduced on a jumper. The jumper itself was designed by Jeni McMahon using Merino wool from her property McMahon Farm Pty Ltd. Jumper was presented as a gift at the opening of the Geelong Wool Combing LtdWoolen Jumper containing red, mustard, green and cream depicting Indigenous artwork. Sold colour cuffs and collar of black. Size XL, label stitched to inside neck with paper swing-tag attached. jumper, indigenous, wool, geelong, 1993, geelong wool combing ltd, stanley couzens, jeni mcmahon, woolmark, you yangs, corio bay, wathourong, snake, fish

Photograph of Geelong Wool Brokers Picnic to Wool Buyers, Barwon Heads, 1908. (Supp. file contains a modern reproduction of this photo which gives the names and companies of all those pictured.)Sepia toned, mounted under glass and framed photograph of Geelong Wool Brokers Picnic to Wool Buyers at Barwon Heads, February 14th 1908. Photo shows a group portrait of buyers, brokers and guests including a small girl.

Product label in tones of red, green, yellow and white showing printed text and a graphic of a woman, lion, ship, wool bale, shield and pitch fork. front: [printed] ALBION MILLS, GEELONG / THE GEELONG / PURE WOOL RUG / MANUFACTURED BY / THE ALBION WOOLLEN MILL CO. / GEELONG, VICTORIA. / No. / WEIGHT / SIZEalbion mills, archives, wool industry, blankets, rugs, products, advertising, geelong, packaging, label, graphic design

One of three posters reproducing sections of a mural painting by Robert Ingpen located in the National Wool Museum, Geelongwool - history textile industry - history, ingpen, mr robert, geelong, victoria, wool - history, textile industry - history

One of three posters reproducing sections of a mural painting by Robert Ingpen located in the National Wool Museum, Geelongwool - history textile industry - history wool sales, ingpen, mr robert, geelong, victoria, wool - history, textile industry - history, wool sales

One of three posters reproducing sections of a mural painting by Robert Ingpen located in the National Wool Museum, Geelongwool - history textile industry - history, spinning, ingpen, mr robert, geelong, victoria, wool - history, textile industry - history

The Denny Lascelles Wool Warehouse was the first building in Victorian planned to facilitate storage, inspection and marketing of wool in one operation, and upon completion was the second largest store in the colony. CJ Denny's was largely responsible for establishment and development of the wool marketing industry in Geelong and is a figure of significance in the history of settlement in Geelong. The wool store, a basalt structure with cement rendered ornamentation, was erected for CJ Denny's and Co, in 1872 to the design of Jacob Pitman, Architect.Wood cut engraving of the Mesrs. C. J. Dennys and Co.'s New Wool Store Geelong, published in The Illustrated Australian News, 1872. The half page full colour illustration shows the newly constructed Wool Store with a bull drawn cart carrying full wool bales situated out the front of the store.Top margin: THE ILLUSTRATED AUSTRALIAN NEWS 201 Below image: Mesrs. C. J. Dennys and Co.'s New Wool Store Geelong Image signed, lower mid edge: WINSTON Image, on building: C.J. Dennys Wool Brokers 1872 C.J. Dennys & Co. Wool & Produce Warehousedenny lascelles wool warehouse, wool, dennys, wool store

"The Australian Eleven", from the display board which hung in the Geelong Wool Exchange, Corio St, Geelong until the building was sold in 1985. Sheep were from the "Wanganella" station in Victoria.Panoramic black and white photograph of eleven merino rams in full fleece, standing in a row in front of a wire fence. The photograph has a dark, tree-lined background and each side has been blackened out. Photograph is glued to cream cardboard. Bands of glue are visible where photograph has been fixed to mounting board. Grey paper pieces glued to the back of the cream board.merino sheep, sheep australian, pastoral industry history, geelong woolbrokers' association geelong wool exchange, western district, victoria, 'wanganella' victoria, sheep - australian, pastoral industry - history

This photograph on an iPhone 4 during the Museums Australia (Vic) Conference at the National Wool Museum, Geelong. Since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agriculture and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world. Geelong is a city synonymous with wool and the wool industry – sheep farming began here in 1835 and the first of many woollen mills opened here in 1868. For many years the city was known as the 'wool centre of the world'. Two hundred years later, in 1988, the National Wool Museum was established as Australia’s only comprehensive museum of wool. (Since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agriculture and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world. Geelong is a city synonymous with wool and the wool industry – sheep farming began here in 1835 and the first of many woollen mills opened here in 1868. For many years the city was known as the 'wool centre of the world'. Two hundred years later, in 1988, the National Wool Museum was established as Australia’s only comprehensive museum of wool. (Since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agriculture and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world. Geelong is a city synonymous with wool and the wool industry – sheep farming began here in 1835 and the first of many woollen mills opened here in 1868. For many years the city was known as the 'wool centre of the world'. Two hundred years later, in 1988, the National Wool Museum was established as Australia’s only comprehensive museum of wool. (http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/nwm/about/article/item/8cbcc313afa77a5.aspx)Photograph of a timber lectern used to auction wool in Geelong. It is found in the auction room on the top floor of Geelong's national wool museum.wool, geelong, auction, auction room, national wool museum

Stanley Couzens, a Gunditjmara man and long-time Geelong resident, painted this story upon commission from the Geelong Wool Combing Company. It depicts hunting in the You Yangs, the distinctive granite peaks that overlook the region. In 1993, Couzens’ painting was translated into a pattern by textile designer Jenifer McMahon. It was then turned into a jumper using wool sourced entirely from the region. It was fully processed, from fleece to fabric, in Geelong. The jumper was given to attendees at the opening of the Geelong Wool Combing company on 10 December 1993. Among the many guests, was the Prime Minister Paul Keating. The painting was acquired with the permission of the Couzens family.Framed acrylic painting on board, showcasing the You Yangs mountain range, people, and local flora and fauna in warm earth tones. The painting is signed 'S. Couzens 93' in the bottom right hand corner. The painting is framed in a dark wooden frame.Bottom right corner - 'S. Couzens 93'you yangs, gunditjmara, aboriginal art, jenifer mcmahon, design, geelong wool combing company, jumper

"National Wool Centre- Geelong" Visitor's Book, 1987-1995"National Wool Centre" Visitor's Bookwool industry textile industry, wool industry, textile industry

Wedding dress originally made for Farmvision '96 from wool slivers produced by Geelong Wool Combing Ltd. Designed and made by Ann Wisby and Wendy Waugh of Gordon TAFE with the assistance of their students from Creative Studies Department. This dress has been modelled, professionally photographed and displayed at Farmvision '96 and National Wool Week '96 and '97. The dress was then given back to GWC and then donated to the Wool Museum.Wedding dress, made from wool top slivers. Halter neck, embroidered and appliqued bodice, long skirt. Also includes head dress and bouquet.fashion, geelong wool combing ltd, wool tops, waugh, ms wendy - gordon institute of tafe wisby, ms ann - gordon institute of tafe

Scouring is the process that removes wool wax and other unwanted products from wool. Wool is washed in a hot detergent solution. It moves through a series of scouring bowls and is then rinsed and dried. Careful handling and washing preserves the strength and softness of wool. If the wool contains lots of seeds and other vegetable matter, it must be cabonized. This means it is treated with a solution of sulpheric acid and then baked at high temperature to remove impurities. The disused scouring water left-over from this process was often let drain into rivers and watercourses causing pollution. Many of Geelong's wool scours along the Barwon River were closed due to environmental damage. The race system on this bowl is not the original it has been modified with a variation of the harrow system. Used at E.P. Robinson South Geelong from c.1890-1970.Scouring bowl.J. Dyson & Sons Pty Ltd, Geelongsouring bowl, j dyson & sons, geelong, wool processing, e. p. robinson, textile industry, factory, mill

Photo depicts a Dennys Lascelles auction on 27 Nov. 1946 in Geelong, where 8371 bales of wool were sold at an average price per bale of 36-15-2. The auctioneer was Mr P.F. White. This photo hung for a number of years in the Dennys Lascelles office in Cobden.Dennys Lascelles Ltd (Geelong) wool auction in progress, 27-11-1946.DENNYS LASCELLES LIMITED / GEELONG. / SALE BY AUCTION 27th NOVEMBER 1946. / 8371 BALES - AVERAGE PRICE PER BALE 36-15-2 / AVERAGE PRICE PER LB. 29.66d. / Auctioneer Mr. P.F. WHITE. SILENCEwool sales, dennys, lascelles limited

Presumably created in 1907 to highlight achievements in the previous 50 years of selling wool in Geelong. Booklet features images of wool sales, wool stores, wool shipping and train transport within Geelong CBD, as well as meat sales and shipping.Booklet with red paper cover set to a landscape orientation. Gold text on the front cover with a swirling design surrounding the heading and encircling a sketch of the Geelong waterfront. Small box on bottom left corner describes authors of the book. Booklet is 36 pages, all white pages, several with images and text, but many with just images or just text. Booklet is stapled together on spine on left side.national wool museum,, geelong, wool sales, transport, wool store

HM Queen Elizabeth 11 and Mr C K Atkins,/ Chairman Geelong Regional Commission,/ National Wool Centre, April 1988royal visits, geelong regional commission, hrh queen elizabeth 11 atkins, mr colin k. - geelong regional commission

Previously on display at the National Wool Museum on level 1 in Gallery 2 foyer.Framed illustration showing the external view of the Dennys Lascelles Austin & Co. wool and grain warehouse, including the Bow Truss Building. A car, horse drawn cart, people and a steam engine are shown on the street in the foreground.Front: DENNYS LASCELLES AUSTIN & CO. / WOOL & GRAIN BROKERS, GEELONG. / WOOL & GRAIN WAREHOUSES GEELONG. Back: NORMAN BURN / (LATE OF CHARITY'S) / Art Picture Framer / And / Repairer of Pianos & Organs / NOTE ADDRESS: / 15, JAMES STREET, GEELONG / (Opposite Davies Furntiture Warehouse).dennys lascelles wool store, austin, bow truss building, wool, geelong

This photograph on an iPhone 4 during the Museums Australia (Vic) Conference at the National Wool Museum, Geelong. Since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agriculture and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world. Geelong is a city synonymous with wool and the wool industry – sheep farming began here in 1835 and the first of many woollen mills opened here in 1868. For many years the city was known as the 'wool centre of the world'. Two hundred years later, in 1988, the National Wool Museum was established as Australia’s only comprehensive museum of wool. (Since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agriculture and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world. Geelong is a city synonymous with wool and the wool industry – sheep farming began here in 1835 and the first of many woollen mills opened here in 1868. For many years the city was known as the 'wool centre of the world'. Two hundred years later, in 1988, the National Wool Museum was established as Australia’s only comprehensive museum of wool. (Since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agriculture and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world. Geelong is a city synonymous with wool and the wool industry – sheep farming began here in 1835 and the first of many woollen mills opened here in 1868. For many years the city was known as the 'wool centre of the world'. Two hundred years later, in 1988, the National Wool Museum was established as Australia’s only comprehensive museum of wool. (http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/nwm/about/article/item/8cbcc313afa77a5.aspx)display of wool ales at the National Wool Museum. Steel girders holding up the roof were made by Dorman Long & Co. Middlesborough, England. In the foreground is a timber counter with brass kick rail and upper edge. Names on wool bales include Austop, Arcadian Wool, Buln Gherin, Mt Hesse, Melrose, Avondale Hills, Kerrsville, Kooringa, Merryville Yass, Sherra Park, Wurrock, Hazeldean, Buanogor Parkwool, geelong, wool bail, auction room, national wool museum

"Western Wool Warehouse, Geelong, 12 July 1881." This advertising circular was produced by George Hague and Co., stock and station agents. It promotes their services and gives an account of the state of the wool and agriculture industry. The 'Western Wool Warehouse' is pictured on the front cover; it stood formerly on Western Beach but is now demolished.Front page (page 1) of George Hague and Co.s pamphlet depicting the Western Wool Warehouse and outlining their operations and services, 12-7-1881. Page 2 of George Hague and Co.s pamphlet depicting the Western Wool Warehouse and outlining their operations and services, 12-7-1881. Page 3 of George Hague and Co.s pamphlet depicting the Western Wool Warehouse and outlining their operations and services, 12-7-1881.WESTERN WOOL WAREHOUSE, / GEELONG, 12th July, 1881. / To Wool Growers and Others interested. / GENTLEMEN, / [multiple inscriptions follow]wool brokering wool sales sheep stations wool stores, george hague and co. pty ltd, western wool warehouse, geelong, victoria, wool brokering, wool sales, sheep stations, wool stores

Example of a shuttle used for a loom in the weaving process. This shuttle was probably used as an advertising piece for Waddington's company as it is constructed differently to other examples of working shuttles in the museum collection. This shuttle is a a unique item in the collection as a shuttle made for advertising purposes instead of being made for use on a loom. Wooden loom with metal tips on either end. Loom is rectangular. One side has a green sticker. Metal pieces inside loom are not present.WADDINGTON'S/ FOR/ SHUTTLES OF QUALITY/ Phone Bradford 27668waddingston's, weaving, shuttle, loom, advertising, geelong, wool

The Collin's Union Mill was built in 1874 making it one of the first Woollen Mills in Geelong. The building was upgraded in 1910 and 1940. The two photos are of the same location within the mill at different years, showcasing the upgrade to the mill.The first photo is a black and white image alleyway in the Union Mill in landscape format. A pile of bricks are stacked on the right hand wall. The second photo is a sepia image of the same alleyway, showcasing the second floor upgrade to the left building.8064.1 - on rear - Union Mill 1932wool, woollen mills, geelong, wool manufacture, union mills, collins

Father of the donor, Mervyn Graham, worked for Denny Lascelles for many years as a wool classer in Geelong and later as a representative in Hamilton. The Denny Lascelles Wool Warehouse was the first building in Victorian planned to facilitate storage, inspection and marketing of wool in one operation, and upon completion was the second largest store in the colony. CJ Denny's was largely responsible for establishment and development of the wool marketing industry in Geelong and is a figure of significance in the history of settlement in Geelong.Black and white photos showcase different rooms of the Denny Lascelles building and the process of classing the wool within the store, from classing the wool to packaging and transportation.8080.7 - On wool press - Made by Johns & Waygood LTD. Melbourne Australia 8080.10 - On truck - Blackiston & Co PTY. LTD. Road transporters. Geelong & Melb.denny lascelles, geelong, wool, wool class, transportation

John Griffin’s wool classing exercise books from 1941-1943 when he was a student at the Gordon Institute in Geelong. John and his father John Henry Griffin owned a farm in Dunkeld and bred fine merino wool. One year they topped the wool sales figures for the area, in the late 1940s. There are four books in total. One book is on the topic of Veterinary Science and is from 1941. It contains information on topics such as birth and early lamb life, bone structure and other internal organisms of a sheep, such as the heart. Another book is on Wool Classing with topics such as wool scouring, dipping, shearing and micron counts. The third book is on general shearing shed knowledge. This includes a diagram for rolling a fleece, correct method for stamping a wool bale and branding abbreviations. The final book is on the History the Merino Sheep. It is a long form essay answer booklet. The Gordon institute and wool are synonymous with one another, the first class in wool sorting was offered at the Gordon in 1891. With much of the wool clip sent directly to England at this time, The Gordon's focus soon shifted to wool classing and marketing. By the 1930s, The Gordon's wool school was renowned as the state's wool industry training centre. Early specialist short courses were offered around Victoria to assist wool growers in preparing their clip for market, with modules on sheep breeding and pasture development included in the programs. Anne Griffin’s, John’s daughter, donated the exercise books to the National Wool Museum in 2021. Book 1 is predominately blue circular cover with cream background. Middle of book has pink highlighter mark. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. It also has four black ink markings Book 2 is predominately blue circular cover with cream background. Book has red tape across the spine. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. Book 3 is predominately blue plaid cover with cream background. Middle of book has pink highlighter handwriting which has been crossed with the same colour, leaving the text unreadable. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. Book 4 is predominately blue diagonal striped book with cream background. Middle of book has small picture of Australia. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. Book 1. Front cover: “All Schools” / EXERCISE BOOK / NAME Jack Griffin Grade Gordon Institute School of Technology(?) / Approved by the / Education Department Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) Book 2. Front cover: 2nd & 3rd / “All Schools” / EXERCISE BOOK / Name Jack Griffin / Grade 2 / School the Gordon / Approved by the / Education Department Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) Book 3. Front cover: Embassy / EXERCUSE BOOK / Name John Griffin / Grade 1 / School (?) / APPROVED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) Book 4. Front cover: EXERCISE / APPROVED BY EDUCATION DEPT. / BOOK / NAME Jack Griffin / GRADE 3 / SCHOOL Gordon Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) gordon institute geelong, wool classing, 1940s sheep farming, note book, study, student

The story of 90 years of wool classing between father & son begins in 1936, when a young boy by the name of Stanley James Hucker walked through the doors of the Gordon Technical School in Geelong. Born in 1921, Stanley was 15 years of age when he began his 3-year course in Wool Classing. 30 years later, Stanley’s second son Denis completed the same 3-year wool classing course. Beginning in 1966, Denis attended the same Gordon Technical School and walked the same halls as his father before him. Stanley finished his course in 1938. He went back to the family farm in Lake Bolac for a brief period before enrolling in the Second World War. At the completion of the war, Stanley returned home and married before gaining a soldier settler allotment, north of Willaura. This enabled Stan to use his wool classing knowledge. He ran between 1,500 and 2,000 sheep for many years, while his wool classer stencil also allowed him to go out and class at various sheds around the area. He held his stencil from 1938 until he retired at the age of 60 in 1981. On retirement, his second son Denis was working in the district, managing a local property while also leasing land himself. Upon his father’s retirement, Denis had the opportunity to lease his father’s farm, an opportunity he could not refuse. Denis had finished his wool classing course at the Gordon Technical School in 1968, graduating dux of his class. He began working with a local contractor and started classing wool in his team. Denis gained a great deal of experience working as part of this team in big sheds of up to 8 stands servicing between 10 & 20,000 sheep. It was not all smooth sailing for Denis however, and he soon learnt an important lesson. Class wool the way you’re taught, don’t listen to the owner standing over your shoulder. At a clip of Corriedales near Casterton, Denis was pushing too many fleeces into the line of fine wool. This resulted in a notice from the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) “mixing counts too much, submit three clips for inspection”. Denis was able to submit 3 clips with no further complaints, however, this proved a valuable lesson he would never forget over his long career classing wool. In the early 1980s, when Denis was leasing two properties including his father’s, things were going well until drought struck. February 1983 was the date of the Ash Wednesday bushfires, and saw Melbourne have three days over 40 °C for only the second time on record. This period saw Denis give away farming, turning towards contracting work instead. After the difficult times of the early 1980s, the next two decades were a good time for the sheep industry. 15 micron wool was selling for prices between 4 to 5,000 cents per kilo, double what you’d expect for the same wool in 2022. In 1995 a single bale of wool sold for a million dollars. This was a good time for Denis too. His contracting work saw him employing local shearers and shed staff. His team was involved with the shearing and classing of more than 130,000 sheep. After 20 years of contracting, it was time for Denis to transition into the next phase of his life. He gave up independent contracting, preferring instead to return to being a member of someone else’s team. In 2018, having completed 50 years of wool classing, it was time to call it a day and retire completely. At the annual Gordon Wool School Old Students Association dinner held in 2018, Denis was presented with his 50 years as a registered wool classer stencil awarded by the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX). This is a rare honour achieved by few. As of February 2020, a total of 430 wool classers had achieved this 50-year milestone. For Denis however, his proudest achievement is achieving 90 years of wool classing with his father. The National Wool Museum is proud to share the collection of objects gained from 90 years in the wool classing industry by Stanley and Denis. This ranges from Stanley’s first stencil and Wool Sample book, started when he first attended the Gordon in 1936. The collection concludes 90 years later with Denis’ 50 years of wool classing Stencil. The collection contains many more objects, all telling the story of these 90 years, and the hard work invested by this dedicated father and son duo. This is the first in a series of 5 wool classing exercise books. They were written by Stanley Hucker in his time at the Gordon Technical College from 1936-1938. This book begins in a cover of black vinyl with a strip of red tape on the spine to give added support. Some of the vinyl has been removed on the cover, revealing blue card beneath. A sticker label is also found on the front cover. It has been damaged. Part of the sticker has been removed, while blue ink can also be found obscuring the text below. Internally, the book is handwritten on yellowed pages with blue lines for the assistance in clarity of handwriting. The pages are also surrounded by a margin of red pen. The exercise book’s content is about veterinary studies relating to the diseases, injuries, and treatment of sheep. It is handwritten and accompanied by an occasional hand drawn diagram. A selection of pages have been photographed to give an impression of the information taught in classes, 90 years ago. This includes information about a sheep’s heart, hind limbs, and reproduction system in ewes. Front Cover. Wording, printed and handwritten “SERVICE / EXERCISE BOOK / NAME Stanley Hucker / GRADE wool classing / SCHOOL Gordon Technical / SUBJECT Veterinary”gordon institute geelong, wool classing, 1930s sheep farming, 90 years wool classing between father & son

The story of 90 years of wool classing between father & son begins in 1936, when a young boy by the name of Stanley James Hucker walked through the doors of the Gordon Technical School in Geelong. Born in 1921, Stanley was 15 years of age when he began his 3-year course in Wool Classing. 30 years later, Stanley’s second son Denis completed the same 3-year wool classing course. Beginning in 1966, Denis attended the same Gordon Technical School and walked the same halls as his father before him. Stanley finished his course in 1938. He went back to the family farm in Lake Bolac for a brief period before enrolling in the Second World War. At the completion of the war, Stanley returned home and married before gaining a soldier settler allotment, north of Willaura. This enabled Stan to use his wool classing knowledge. He ran between 1,500 and 2,000 sheep for many years, while his wool classer stencil also allowed him to go out and class at various sheds around the area. He held his stencil from 1938 until he retired at the age of 60 in 1981. On retirement, his second son Denis was working in the district, managing a local property while also leasing land himself. Upon his father’s retirement, Denis had the opportunity to lease his father’s farm, an opportunity he could not refuse. Denis had finished his wool classing course at the Gordon Technical School in 1968, graduating dux of his class. He began working with a local contractor and started classing wool in his team. Denis gained a great deal of experience working as part of this team in big sheds of up to 8 stands servicing between 10 & 20,000 sheep. It was not all smooth sailing for Denis however, and he soon learnt an important lesson. Class wool the way you’re taught, don’t listen to the owner standing over your shoulder. At a clip of Corriedales near Casterton, Denis was pushing too many fleeces into the line of fine wool. This resulted in a notice from the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) “mixing counts too much, submit three clips for inspection”. Denis was able to submit 3 clips with no further complaints, however, this proved a valuable lesson he would never forget over his long career classing wool. In the early 1980s, when Denis was leasing two properties including his father’s, things were going well until drought struck. February 1983 was the date of the Ash Wednesday bushfires, and saw Melbourne have three days over 40 °C for only the second time on record. This period saw Denis give away farming, turning towards contracting work instead. After the difficult times of the early 1980s, the next two decades were a good time for the sheep industry. 15 micron wool was selling for prices between 4 to 5,000 cents per kilo, double what you’d expect for the same wool in 2022. In 1995 a single bale of wool sold for a million dollars. This was a good time for Denis too. His contracting work saw him employing local shearers and shed staff. His team was involved with the shearing and classing of more than 130,000 sheep. After 20 years of contracting, it was time for Denis to transition into the next phase of his life. He gave up independent contracting, preferring instead to return to being a member of someone else’s team. In 2018, having completed 50 years of wool classing, it was time to call it a day and retire completely. At the annual Gordon Wool School Old Students Association dinner held in 2018, Denis was presented with his 50 years as a registered wool classer stencil awarded by the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX). This is a rare honour achieved by few. As of February 2020, a total of 430 wool classers had achieved this 50-year milestone. For Denis however, his proudest achievement is achieving 90 years of wool classing with his father. The National Wool Museum is proud to share the collection of objects gained from 90 years in the wool classing industry by Stanley and Denis. This ranges from Stanley’s first stencil and Wool Sample book, started when he first attended the Gordon in 1936. The collection concludes 90 years later with Denis’ 50 years of wool classing Stencil. The collection contains many more objects, all telling the story of these 90 years, and the hard work invested by this dedicated father and son duo. This is the second in a series of 5 wool classing exercise books. They were written by Stanley Hucker in his time at the Gordon Technical College from 1936-1938. This book begins in a cover of black vinyl with a strip of red tape on the spine. A sticker label is also found on the front cover. It has been damaged with part of the sticker removed. Internally, the book is handwritten on yellowed pages with blue lines for the assistance in clarity of handwriting. The pages are also surrounded by a margin of red pen. The exercise book’s content is about the wool industry. It is handwritten and accompanied by an occasional hand drawn table. A selection of pages have been photographed to give an impression of the information taught in classes, 90 years ago. This includes information about: - Matching wool terminologies in different countries i.e. England, USA, France, and Germany - Charges deducted in the selling of wool i.e. insurance & commission - The duties of a Wool Classer - The history of Merino Sheep - Wool Selling figures from 1925-1932 - Statistics on the breed of sheep in Australia (as of 31st December 1929) - Australia’s portion of the global wool clip in 1934 gordon institute geelong, wool classing, 1930s sheep farming, 90 years wool classing between father & son

The story of 90 years of wool classing between father & son begins in 1936, when a young boy by the name of Stanley James Hucker walked through the doors of the Gordon Technical School in Geelong. Born in 1921, Stanley was 15 years of age when he began his 3-year course in Wool Classing. 30 years later, Stanley’s second son Denis completed the same 3-year wool classing course. Beginning in 1966, Denis attended the same Gordon Technical School and walked the same halls as his father before him. Stanley finished his course in 1938. He went back to the family farm in Lake Bolac for a brief period before enrolling in the Second World War. At the completion of the war, Stanley returned home and married before gaining a soldier settler allotment, north of Willaura. This enabled Stan to use his wool classing knowledge. He ran between 1,500 and 2,000 sheep for many years, while his wool classer stencil also allowed him to go out and class at various sheds around the area. He held his stencil from 1938 until he retired at the age of 60 in 1981. On retirement, his second son Denis was working in the district, managing a local property while also leasing land himself. Upon his father’s retirement, Denis had the opportunity to lease his father’s farm, an opportunity he could not refuse. Denis had finished his wool classing course at the Gordon Technical School in 1968, graduating dux of his class. He began working with a local contractor and started classing wool in his team. Denis gained a great deal of experience working as part of this team in big sheds of up to 8 stands servicing between 10 & 20,000 sheep. It was not all smooth sailing for Denis however, and he soon learnt an important lesson. Class wool the way you’re taught, don’t listen to the owner standing over your shoulder. At a clip of Corriedales near Casterton, Denis was pushing too many fleeces into the line of fine wool. This resulted in a notice from the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) “mixing counts too much, submit three clips for inspection”. Denis was able to submit 3 clips with no further complaints, however, this proved a valuable lesson he would never forget over his long career classing wool. In the early 1980s, when Denis was leasing two properties including his father’s, things were going well until drought struck. February 1983 was the date of the Ash Wednesday bushfires, and saw Melbourne have three days over 40 °C for only the second time on record. This period saw Denis give away farming, turning towards contracting work instead. After the difficult times of the early 1980s, the next two decades were a good time for the sheep industry. 15 micron wool was selling for prices between 4 to 5,000 cents per kilo, double what you’d expect for the same wool in 2022. In 1995 a single bale of wool sold for a million dollars. This was a good time for Denis too. His contracting work saw him employing local shearers and shed staff. His team was involved with the shearing and classing of more than 130,000 sheep. After 20 years of contracting, it was time for Denis to transition into the next phase of his life. He gave up independent contracting, preferring instead to return to being a member of someone else’s team. In 2018, having completed 50 years of wool classing, it was time to call it a day and retire completely. At the annual Gordon Wool School Old Students Association dinner held in 2018, Denis was presented with his 50 years as a registered wool classer stencil awarded by the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX). This is a rare honour achieved by few. As of February 2020, a total of 430 wool classers had achieved this 50-year milestone. For Denis however, his proudest achievement is achieving 90 years of wool classing with his father. The National Wool Museum is proud to share the collection of objects gained from 90 years in the wool classing industry by Stanley and Denis. This ranges from Stanley’s first stencil and Wool Sample book, started when he first attended the Gordon in 1936. The collection concludes 90 years later with Denis’ 50 years of wool classing Stencil. The collection contains many more objects, all telling the story of these 90 years, and the hard work invested by this dedicated father and son duo. This is the third in a series of 5 wool classing exercise books. They were written by Stanley Hucker in his time at the Gordon Technical College from 1936-1938. This book begins in a white cover with black ink illustrations and writing. These illustrations have been added to with Pink ink. Internally, the book is handwritten on yellowed pages with blue lines for the assistance in clarity of handwriting. The pages are also surrounded by a margin of red pen. The exercise book’s content is about veterinary studies relating to the diseases, injuries, and treatment of sheep. It is handwritten. A selection of pages have been photographed to give an impression of the information taught in classes, 90 years ago. This includes information about blow fly and bacterial diseases.Front Cover. Wording, printed and handwritten “THE / AUSTRALIAN / EXERCISE / BOOK / Veterinary / NAME Stanley J Hucker / GRADE III / School “Gordon” Geelong” Front Cover. Illustrations, printed. Kangaroo, kookaburra / Map of Australia with state names / Emu, Koalagordon institute geelong, wool classing, 1930s sheep farming, 90 years wool classing between father & son