The paper mainly has war news with some Australian and the usual photos, sports news and adverts.Newspaper dated 13.6.1941, yellowed to light brown with age, all print in black, 12 pages of news.newspapers, the argus, 1941

This item was produced for commercial shops and other traders in a period, 1800 to the 1950s. They were used because they were extremely cost effective, speedy, easy to learn and simple to use. It was also at a time before pocket calculators and electric cash tills were produced. The reckoners were a fast and accurate accounting book for a ever increasing bulk purchasing industry. These reckoners were at the start of a business principle "time is money" The reckoner was also looked upon as a way of reducing staff errors in the calculation field. This reckoner was highly valued to a rural industry in the Kiewa Valley because of the bulk produce being bought and sold here. Produce such as milk, tobacco, cattle, timber and fruits relied on weights and quantities calculation for cost pricing. Electrical machines were not of use in "the field or paddock" where important price negotiations took place. For a successful business to keep going accuracy was upper most to producers. It was still a time where honest transactions built reputations and tardiness ruined them. It was a time when a producer's word was his bond and a gentleman's handshake was as good as a contract. This attitude lasted a lot longer in rural regions than in the city. A producer's reputation was based on face to face negotiations and honesty.This hard cover book (blue in colour) contains 210 pages of black numbers and headings on light yellow pages (aged). The numbers refer to calculations of per unit price of goods and percentages.Top of front cover "Inglis Reckoners" underneath "The 'Express' Ready Reckoner", underneath "with All the Pence up to 1(pound symbol), Interest, Wages, Discount, Tables Etc." The spine: The Express Ready Reckoner with all the pence up to 1 (pound symbol) Interest Wages Discount Tables &c." underneath " The Express Series Vol 1" at the bottom of spine "Gall & Inglis"inlis, ready reckoner, imperial calculations

See also Cat No's 2531.14 & 2590Black hard cover with illustrated grey dust jacket, black & white image of light horse over the ages. 850 pages."SGT A F BUFFHAM A Squadron 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment 24 Oct 48 - 12 May 53"books-military-history, light horse

Handkerchief Shamrock Hotel fundraising Menu for the 'Guiding Light Appeal for The Aged Blind inaugural Dinner'. Dated April 30th 1968.bendigo, institutions, mirridong home for aged

John Killen No 1323 enlisted in the AIF on 19.7.1915 in 10th reinforcements 4th Light Horse Regiment age 21years 6 months. Embarked for Egypt 9.9.1915, hospitalised 4.1.1916 with Mumps, embarked for France 25.3.1916, transferred to 1st Anzac Cyclist Battalion 12.5.1916, hospitalised 24.1.1917 with Bronchitis, promoted to Corporal 27.7.9118, discharged from the AIF 27.8.1919. Refer 2825.3.Medals, court mounted, set of (3) re J Killeen. 1. 1914-15 Star. 2. War Medal 1914-1918 3. Victory Medal 1914 - 1919“1323 Cpl J.Killeen 4 L.H.R A.I.F”medals, military, history, passchendaele barracks trust

Along with the wrecks of the Light of the Age (1868 - American-built wooden clipper ship) and Sussex (1871 - Blackwall frigate) nearby these vessels represent the three major design classes, and span the evolution of commercial and immigrant sailing ships used by the British in the colonial Australian trade in the last half of the nineteenth century. Taken as a group, it can be seen that the Great Ocean Road area wrecks constitute an extremely rich resource of historical and archaeological information.The Victoria Tower is archaeologically significant as the wreck of an international inward-bound passenger and cargo vessel. It is educationally and recreationally significant as a coherently intact example of a British built iron clipper Brass tap with key (handle)shipwrecks, victoria tower, tap with key

There are only seven shipwrecks in Victoria that have had more than 100 objects recovered from them reported as a result of the Commonwealth Amnesty held in 1993-94. These are the Loch Ard (1878), Schomberg (1855) and Fiji (1891) - all situated along the western district 'Shipwreck Coast' - and the George Roper (1883), Light of the Age (1868), Joseph H. Scammell (1891) and Victoria Tower - all situated along the short section of the 'Surf Coast' between Point Lonsdale and Torquay.The Victoria Tower is archaeologically significant as the wreck of an international inward-bound passenger and cargo vessel. It is educationally and recreationally significant as a coherently intact example of a British built iron clipper ie: representative of a class or type. Along with the wrecks of the Light of the Age (1868 - American-built wooden clipper ship) and Sussex (1871 - Blackwall frigate) nearby these vessels represent the three major design classes, and span the evolution of commercial and immigrant sailing ships used by the British in the colonial Australian trade in the last half of the nineteenth century.2 Doors from the 'Victoria Tower' made from teak and mahoganydoors, salvage, shipwreck, torquay, victoria tower

Horace Eli Hambly No 794 enlisted on 7.12.14 in 3rd reinforcements 4th Light Horse Regt age 20 years 10 months. Embarks for Eygpt 3.2.15, hospital Gallipoli 10.9.15 classed "Enteric", returns to Australia on 20.10.15. He goes AWOL on 24.3.16, classed as a deserter on 17.4.16. He re enlists in NSW on 16.7.17 as David Edward Miles No 7856 3rd Aust Tunneling Coy, he then confesses and embarks for England on 21.11.17, hospital with PUO on 27.6.18, discharged from the AIF on 17.7.19. .1) Medals, court mounted, set of (3) re H.E Hambly. 1. 1914-15 Star. 2. War Medal 1914-18 3. Victory Medal 1914 - 1919 .2) "Returned from Active Service Badge". Metal, gold colour, round with crown at top, centre has Rising Sun with AIF under..1) "794 Cpl H.E.Hambly 4 L.H.R A.I.F" .2) "201258"medals, badges, military

This object was purchased in Murchison under the hotel veranda in 1944 by the donors father for him. There were also others for sale.Wooden WW2 type plane painted light grey (aged silver frost). 2 engine - propellers turn. Wheels turn. Sold to donors father in 1944 by Camp guard in Murchison. Some decoration added by donor as a boy. Plane made by POW.No 86 Transport Wing RAAF A65-86models, planes, camp 13, internees, camp guard

.1) H.N.Cummin. Harold Nesbit Cummin had prior Military service (unclear) to joining the AIF. No 1239 he enlisted on 17.8.1915 in the 6th reinforcements to the 11th Light Horse Regt age 20 years. Embark for Egypt 27.10.1915, hospital 3.1.1916 with Bronvhitis, rejoin unit 15.1.1916, over some 7 months from 4.4.1916 he transfers 4 times until 2.11.1916 and listed as 4th Australian Camel Regt, by 16.2.1917 he is classed as being with 11th Coy 3rd Anzac Batt 1st Camel Brigade, WIA 1.12.1917 GSW’s, DOW’s at 2nd L.H.Brigade Field Ambulance 1.12.1917 in Jaffa. Refer 2535P re his brother Alexander Norman. The photo obviously refers to his previous service as the photo is dated “Oct 1914”. The Germans are possibly people interned after outbreak of the war. .1) Photo of 4 armed Australian Soldiers with 6 civilians, verso postcard has hand written description. .2) Generic postcard from Egypt to a brother, verso letter from Harold to Norman. .3) Photo of 2 WWI German Servicemen with no headgear, verso addressed to a German lady - see Inscriptions & Markings. .1) SGT LOCK (Tamworth), CPL H N CUMMIN & PTES CHAPMAN & YOUNG (Tenterfield) in charge of German prisoners, Infantry Camp, Newcastle, NSW, October 1914. Address: To Norman with best wishes from his loving brother Harold. .2) Dated 5.10.1917 Dear Norman, .... 17 lines .... Your loving brother Harold. .3) To Frau A Muxfeldt Niendorf (Kr Tinneberg) Gaustedterueg No 19, Gesebrieben d 18 Juli 1918. Absender Hugu Muxfeldt No 252 15 Prisoner of War Coy France C/o GPO London Englandpostcards, photographs, 38th

Regimental 543 Trooper Geoff Gilbert of Northcote Victoria enlisted in the 13th Light Horse Regiment AIF aged 21. He served at Gallipoli and Egypt before the regiment moved to the Western Front in March 1916 as Corps cavalry. Steel helmets and gas masks became regular equipment as the regiment engaged in all the major actions involving the Australians. Gilbert brought his helmet home after the war as a souvenir.Rare souvenir of headwear worn by an Australian light horseman of World War 1 (1914-18). Steel helmet worn on the Western Front by Lance Corporal Geoff Gilbert 13th Australian Light Horse during World War 1 (1914-1918).helmet, 13th light horse, wwi, world war one, the great war, first world war, gallipoli, australian imperial forces, aif

Document. Light brown manilla folder containing Golden Age Gold N/L Bank Reconciliation drafts Dec 1957 - Nov 1964. Premium adjustment stat. slips. Minutes of meetings.McColl, Rankin & Stanistreetorganization, business, golden age gold n/l, mccoll, rankin & stanistreet, red white & blue extended, golden age gold n/l, gold mining, bank drafts, minutes premium adj. stat. slips

Roger Herbert Mitchell attended Ballarat College 1951-1956. Recipient of a Council Scholarship, HV McKay Scholarship for 6 years and Boarding Scholarship. Sport and co-curricular activities included: 2nd Crew 1956, Minervan & Library Committee 1955, House Prefect, and school drama productions. Roger was a Cadet Cpl 1954, Sgt 1955 and Under Officer 1956. Provides significant detail regarding the size and role of Cadet program within the school. Typewritten letter on buff-coloured, fine paper; light brown DL envelope; printed invitation on white heavy card; small refreshment card, printed on mid-yellow light card; small dress card printed on stone-coloured light card. All paper slightly aged. handwritten on invitation: Cadet Under Officer Mitchell. R. H. cadets, ballarat college, roger mitchell, 1950s, sir dallas brooks, government house

George Henry FULLERTON No5072 enlisted in 10th Light Horse in Bendigo on 18.9.14 aged 20 years 10 months. Served at Gallipoli and Middle East Campaigns. Discharged from AIF 12.10.1919. Re-enlisted as V17275 on 29.12.1943. Refer also Cat 1892. .1) Certificate of Discharge, VB/No.67758 No 226054 re G.H. FULLERTON, light brown parchment paper with name - rank - no, enlistment, discharge dates, unit and physical description. .2) Certificate of Discharge No.17905, yellow parchment paper re G.H. Fullerton with name, rank, No, enlistment, discharge dates, unit and physical description.certificate, discharge, 10th lh, cmf

Thes two documents deal with the purchase and sale of land near Warrnambool by Thomas Simpson. The first document, called a Grant by Purchase, is dated 1852 and shows that Thomas Simpson purchased from the Crown, Allotment 146 (22 acres two roods) adjoining the property of Wollaston on the Merri River and the Mortlake Road, north of Warrnambool. The cost was 90 pounds. The second document is dated 1853 and shows that Thomas Simpson sold this Merri River allotment of 22 acres to Eliza Bromfield, in conjunction with her husband, John Davenport Bromfield, for the sum of 110 pounds. The property of Wollaston was owned by the Manifold family and in the 1850s was leased to William Simpson, the brother of Thomas who had an adjoining property called Wooramoota. John Davenport Bromfield was a Colac farmer who played a prominent part in the early history of that town. His brother James Astley Bromfield, an early chemist in Warrnambool is important in Warrnambool's history.These two items are of considerable significance because they are amongst the earliest legal documents we have connected to Warrnambool's history and because they concern three early pioneers of the district. They also have a connection to Wollaston, an important early property in the Warrnambool district..1 A piece of light parchment paper, stained with age and folded in three places. It contains printed and handwritten material, a copy of a signature and a white seal. .2 A piece of parchment paper folded in half and then folded again in two places. It contains ruled red lines, handwritten material in black ink and the remains of a red seal. The top of the first page has a cut-out fluted pattern.wollaston, john davenport bromfield, thomas simpson, eliza bromfield, george barber solicitor

Grey Butcherbirds live in wooded habitats, including suburban areas, from the north of Western Australia, across different parts of the top of the country, through to mid-eastern Queensland, and then south along the eastern side of the country all the way down to Tasmania. They have a 'lovely, lilting song', and are fiercely protective of their nests and chicks, swooping at presumed attackers with enough strength to sometimes draw blood. Adult Grey Butcher Birds are typically a light grey colour with dark heads and white underparts. The brown colouring on this animal suggests that it is a young bird, with its grey adult feathers coming in. This bird appears thinner than most Grey Butcher Birds, but it is unclear if this is because of its age or because of inaccurate taxidermy. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is particularly special in the Burke Museum Collection as it is part of a male/female pair (see Relationships). Many birds in the collection were originally donated in male/female pairs, but at least one specimen has been lost, leaving these as one of the few surviving sets.This Grey Butcher Bird (likely female, based on size) has a light grey and brown bill with a sharp hook. The majority of the feathers on its back and tail are an olive-brown colour. The feathers of its underparts, the patches on either side of its bill, and two stripes coming up either side of its neck are a yellow-white colour. There are some light grey feathers coming through in small patches, particularly across the back, the top of the underparts, and along the upper half of the legs. The eyes are brown. The bird stands on a brown, wooden perch with a circular bar, curved stand, and circular base. It has an identification tag tied around its right leg.18a. / Collared Crow. Shrike / See Catalogue; Page 10. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, australian birds, butcher bird, butcherbird, grey butcher bird, collared crow-shrike, australian butcherbird, tasmanian butcherbird, tasmania, bird pair

This picture shows an angle of Beechworth Primary School (State School number 1560) which is also pictured in the building's entry in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR record 1718). The school began as a national school in 1858 as an alternative to Wesleyan and Anglican schools already operating in the area. Its name was changed to Common School number 36 in 1862 and the Beechworth Academy prior to being taken over by the Education department in 1873. The new premises were built in 1875 utilising the skills of architect Henry Bastow though the original design may be attributable to the firm Wharton and Vickers. The design was used with modifications for other schools in Victoria, including the Competition School in Errol Street, North Melbourne. The school moved to the building pictured from its original premises in Loch Street, designed by Thomas Dalziel, which later became the office of the Ovens Advertiser. The school was opened on 2 July 1875 by former Beechworth resident G.B. Kerferd, who was then the Premier of Victoria. The image shows approximately ninety older students at the school in approximately 1900. There are approximately equal numbers of boys and girls pictured, with most of the individuals pictured appearing to be between the ages of twelve and fifteen. Although the school had more than 1000 students enrolled at its height, enrolments had declined to 304 in 1890. Also visible is a fringe of sequoia pines which were planted by the school children as a project lasting through to the late 1930s. Lantern slides, sometimes called 'magic lantern' slides, are glass plates on which an image has been secured for the purpose of projection. Glass slides were etched or hand-painted for this purpose from the Eighteenth Century but the process became more popular and accessible to the public with the development of photographic-emulsion slides used with a 'Magic Lantern' device in the mid-Nineteenth Century. Photographic lantern slides comprise a double-negative emulsion layer (forming a positive image) between thin glass plates that are bound together. A number of processes existed to form and bind the emulsion layer to the base plate, including the albumen, wet plate collodion, gelatine dry plate and woodburytype techniques. Lantern slides and magic lantern technologies are seen as foundational precursors to the development of modern photography and film-making techniques.The image is significant because it sheds light on the educational infrastructure present in Beechworth in the early part of the Twentieth Century, including the prevalence of education for students after current-day primary-school age and the education of girls. It also provides insight into the building and design practices used by Government departments at the time. Thin translucent sheet of glass with a circular image printed on the front and framed in a black backing. It is held together by metals strips to secure the edges of the slide.Obverse: L / burke museum, beechworth, lantern slide, slide, glass slide, plate, burke museum collection, photograph, monochrome, schools, education, high school, primary school, common school, state school, state school 1560, common school 36, beechworth academy, g.b. kerferd, thomas dalziel, henry bastow, victorian heritage register, beechworth primary school, girls education, boys education, public schools, education department, pines, trees, sequoias, competition school

This is the second edition of "Personalities and Stories of Early Orbost which was collected and compiled by Mary Isabelle Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.This is a useful research tool on the history of Orbost.Two copies of a 141 pp soft covered book titled "Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District". It has a light brown cover and is stapled. On the front cover below the title is a sketch of the Orbost Bean Factory in dark brown print. It contains personal reminiscences of early Orbost. There are also some b/w photographs and sketches.2267.1 - "Len and Mary Best Wishes Mary Gilbert" hand-written in blue pen. 2267.2 - in pencil on front cover "Ron Cameron".history-orbost gilbert-mary book-personalities-and-stories-of-early-orbost

This is Certificate No. 5293 and certifies that Maurice Clifford has been educated up to the standard of education required by "The Education Act 1890." It is dated at Briagolong on 26th November, 1894. Briagolong Primary School was established in 1875 when the town of Briagolong came into being. Maurice William Clifford was a farmer in Briagolong. He was killed in action at Ypres, Belgium on 4 October, 1917. Having served in the 10th Australian Light Horse, Citizen Military Forces, he enlisted on 22 February 1916 as a private in 37th Battalion D Company.The 1890 Act called for all children in Victoria between the ages of 6 and 13 to attend school forty days in each quarter of a year. Section 13 of the Act states that “Two hours before noon on any two days or two hours after noon on any two days” is deemed to be equal to one day's attendance. One of the reasons for exemption from compulsory attendance was if the child lived more than two miles from a school (or two and a half miles if aged 9 or over). If a student had reached a sufficient level of education an exemption could be granted.A white paper certificate with black print. It is issued by the Victorian Education Department for the exemption from compulsory attendance for Maurice Clifford. The certificate is printed with hand-written details.education clifford-maurice-william

These medallions were issued after the First World war to the next-of-kin of all British and Commonwealth(Empire) service personnel who were killed as a result of the war. The plaques were made of bronze aand hence popularly known as the "Dead Man's Penny". James Pullar Cameron was killed at Lone Pine during WW1. James Pullar Cameron (Service No 605) enlisted in the 8th Light Horse at Orbost on September 11, 1914 aged 23 years 5 months. His medical was done by Dr James Kerr. He was 6 ft 1 in tall, 11 st 6 lbs, of dark complexion with dark eyes and hair and a chest measurement of 34 ½ / 38 inches. After training, he embarked the Armadale on February 12, 1915. He was shot in the chest at the Dardanelles on May 29, 1915 and taken aboard the HT Neuralia for transfer to Malta. He was admitted to the military hospital ‘Cootenara’ and after 10 days treatment, he re-embarked for Gallipoli aboard the HMT Southland on June 14, 1915. He returned to duty at Gallipoli on June 20, 1915. On August 7, 1915 he was killed in action. His body was not recovered. His name is on the memorial at Lone Pine. His memorial plaque has a wide H and a number behind the back paw of the lion, indicating that this plaque was made at the Acton Factory, one of the later ones cast there.James Pullar Cameron was the son of Robert Cameron one of the earliest settlers on the Orbost flats. He was a trooper in the 8 Light Horse Regiment and died at Gallipoli on 7 August 1915.A bronze commemorative medallion in a wooden frame. The token has an image of Britannia holding trident and standing with a lion. The designer's initials E.Cr.P appear above the front paw. In her left outstretched hand she holds an oak wreath with the name James Pullar Cameron in a rectangle. His memorial plaque has a wide H and a number behind the back paw of the lion, indicating that this plaque was made at the Acton Factory, one of the later ones cast there.Around the picture- He died for freedom and honour.ww1 gallipoli cameron medallion military

This photograph depicts a soldier, credited on the reverse as Fred Foster. The young man is dressed in military attire and is standing tall with a gun beside him. He is located in the Australian bush and the date of the photograph is unknown. Frederick “Fred” Arthur Foster was nephew to famous Bushranger Edward “Ned” Kelly. He was born on the 15th of March 1889 in Forbes, New South Wales. He was the eldest son of Catherine “Kate” Kelly and William Henry “Bricky” Foster. After the death of his mother in October of 1898 from apparent drowning, Foster (then aged 9) was raised by his grandmother Ellen Kelly (née Quinn) at Eleven Mile Creek in Victoria. On the 29th of June 1915, 26 year old Foster travelled to Melbourne, Victoria and enlisted in the Australian Army. He was a Private in the 17th Infantry Battalion (originally C.Company, 47th battalion). He previously was attached to the 55th Battalion but transferred in 1916. Prior to enlisting in the army, Foster worked as a Bee Keeper and served in the 16th Light Horse regiment at Benalla. Foster had blue eyes, brown hair and was of Presbyterian faith. On the 28th of February 1917, Foster travelled to France aboard SS “Golden Eagle”. He was killed in action in Lagnicourt, France on the 15th of April 1917 at 28 years old. The Battle in Lagnicourt France, on the Western Front, occurred from the 1st of March to the 30th of April of 1917 and was the location of fierce fighting between Germany and the British Empire. Germany became aware of a weakness they had along the Hindenburg Line, one of these weaknesses was located in Lagnicourt which is a small village in Northern France. Therefore, the Germans decided to launch a counter-attack in this area on the 15th of April at dawn. During this fight, German forces captured several batteries of the 1st Australian Division’s artillery but the Australians led a strong counter-attack by four of their battalions and recaptured the village and most of the guns from the German forces. German forces were forced into a premature withdrawal. This battle was not undertaken in typical WW1 “trench” style warfare. Instead, the battle was up on the ground in what was described as “old open style warfare”. In this battle, slightly more than 1000 casualties were Australian, with 300 of these prisoners of war. German forces suffered a loss of over 2300 casualties with 360 taken captive. Foster was one of 43 in his regiment who died, 87 were wounded and 51 reported missing. Foster was buried at location in Lagnicourt and whilst the grave was initially marked, it is now unknown. Foster’s service, alongside those who fell at Lagnicourt, is commemorated at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, France along with other national Australian memorial sites.Photography played an important part in World War 1. Photographs of men in their military uniforms served as propaganda during the Great War to reassure civilians back at home of the military prowess of their nation and the bravery of their men. It did this while hiding the true horrors which faced the men in battle. These photographs, which includes those taken at home prior to embarking overseas like Fred Foster’s, act as censored memory for those who have lost a loved one at war. It enables families to remember their relatives in their youth and standing proudly rather than having to face the actual danger and horror which faced these men at the front line. The battle of Lagnicourt France was a victory for the European Empire and therefore, men who lost their lives protecting their countries became heroes and were awarded posthumous medals for their service. Photos of soldiers in their uniforms, were undertaken by men like Foster, so their families would be able to retain their memories and likeness before they embarked for war. Many men were killed or horribly wounded so these images were important for reminding families about their sons/ husbands/ brothers/ cousins and friends. This photo is a part of the Burke Museum Kelly album which includes numerous photographs relating to the Kelly Gang. As the son of Kate Kelly and William “Bricky” Foster, Fred Foster is an important part of the Kelly story after the execution of Edward “Ned” Kelly which has information it can impart relating to the history of the family after 1880. Whilst an important element of the Kelly Album, Foster’s photograph is also historically important in its own right for its connection to the Great War and the experiences of a soldier at the Western Front.Original sepia rectangular photograph developed on matte photographic paper, unmounted.Reverse: (Top right corner of reverse:) FRED FOSTER/ (Top centre of reverse:) Kate Kelly's son.kelly album, fred foster, kate kelly, photograph, australian soldier, the kelly gang, australian bush, burke museum, sepia photo, gum trees, family of the kelly gang, world war i, langnicourt, france, great war, 1917, ned kelly, frederick foster, william "bricky" foster, ellen kelly, military history, australian military

This photograph of the 10 crew of the SPECULANT would have been taken prior to Feb 10th 1911, when the ship was wrecked on the south coast of Victoria at a place called Cape Patton. The barquentine SPECULANT was a steel, three-masted sailing ship built in 1895 in Inverkeithing, Scotland, registered in Warrnambool, Victoria and wrecked at Cape Paton, Victoria, 10th February 1911. The SPECULANT had been involved in the timber trade between the United Kingdom and Russia, until sold to its Warrnambool owners and timber merchants Messrs. P.J. McGennan & Co. (Peter John McGennan) in 1902 for 3000 pounds and had her sailed to Warrnambool as her new port. Peter John McGennan was born in 1844 and worked as a builder and cooper in Holyhead, Anglesea, Wales. He immigrated to Australia in 1869 as a free settler and arrived in Warrnambool in 1871 and undertook management of a property in Grassmere for Mr. Palmer. Peter met his wife Emily in South Melbourne and they married in 1873. They had ten children including Harry who lived to 1965, and Andrew who lived until 1958. (The other children were their four brothers - John who was killed in the Dardenalles aged 35, Frederick who died aged 8, Peter who died aged 28, Frank who died aged 5 weeks - and four sisters - Beatrice who died age 89, Edith who died aged 49, Blanche who died aged 89 and Eveline who died aged 48.) In 1874 Peter starting a boating establishment on the Hopkins River. In 1875 he opened up a Coopers business in Kepler Street next to what was Bateman, Smith and Co., moving to Liebig Street, next to the Victoria Hotel, in 1877. In 1882 he then moved to Lava Street (which in later years was the site of Chandlers Hardware Store). He was associated with the establishment of the Butter Factory at Allansford. He started making Butter Boxes to his own design and cheese batts for the Butter Factory. In 1896 established a Box Factory in Davis Street Merrivale, employing 24 people at its peak, (it was burnt down in 1923); and in Pertobe Road from 1912 (now the Army Barracks building). Peter was a Borough Councillor for Albert Ward from 1885 to 1891, he commenced the Foreshore Trust (including the camping grounds along Pertobe Road), and he was an inaugural Director of the Woollen Mill in Harris Street, buying an extensive share-holding in 1908 from the share trader Edward Vidler. They lobbied the Town Hall to have a formal ‘Cutting’ for the waters of the Merri River to be redirected from its natural opening south of Dennington, to its existing opening near Viaduct Road, in order to have the scourings from the wool at the Woollen Mill discharged into the sea. He sold Butter Boxes around the state, and had to ship them to Melbourne by rail. Peter’s purchase of the SPECULANT in 1902 enabled him to back-load white pine from Kaipara, New Zealand to Warrnambool to make his butter boxes then, to gain profitability, buy and ship potatoes and other primary produce bound to Melbourne. (McGennan & Co. had also owned the LA BELLA, which had traded in timber as well, until she was tragically wrecked with the loss of seven lives, after missing the entrance channel to Warrnambool harbour in 1905. It appears that the SPECULANT was bought to replace the LA BELLA.) In 1911 the SPECULANT had been attempting to depart Warrnambool for almost the entire month of January to undergo docking and overhaul in Melbourne. A month of east and south-easterly winds had forced her to remain sheltered in Lady Bay, Warrnambool apart from one morning of northerlies, when an attempt was made to round Cape Otway; she had to return to shelter in Portland after failing to make any headway. With only 140 tons of sand ballast aboard, the ship would not have been easy to handle. Captain Jacobsen and his crew of nine, mainly Swedes, decided to make for Melbourne, leaving Portland Harbour on 5th February 1911. By the 9th they had reached Cape Otway, where they encountered a moonless night, constant heavy rain, and a heavy sea with a south-easterly wind blowing. After safely rounding Cape Otway the course was changed to east, then north-east to take the vessel to a point six miles off Cape Patton, following the orders of Captain Jacobsen, who told the crew to be very careful with the steering, as the wind and sea was running to leeward. The patent log (used to measure speed) had been out of order for the last four months as no-one in Warrnambool was able to fix it: it was intended to have it repaired in Melbourne. In the meantime the crew measured the vessel's speed by looking over the side and estimating wind strength. This compounded the difficulties of imprecise positioning, as the strong cross wind and sea were acting on the lightly laden vessel to steadily drive it towards the shore. At 3.30am on Friday 10 February 1911 Captain Jacobsen and the first mate were looking over the side of the vessel when they heard the sound of breakers and suddenly struck the rocks. The crew immediately knew they had no chance of getting the SPECULANT off, and attempted to rescue themselves by launching the lifeboat, which was instantly smashed to pieces. One of the crew then volunteered to take a line ashore, and the rest of the crew were all able to drag themselves to shore, some suffering hand lacerations from the rocks. Once ashore they began to walk along the coast towards Lorne, believing it was the nearest settlement. Realising their mistake as dawn broke they returned westwards to Cape Patton, and found a farm belonging to Mr C. Ramsden, who took them in and gave them a change of clothes and food. After resting for a day and returning to the wreck to salvage some of their personal possessions, at 10am on Saturday they set out for Apollo Bay, a voyage that took six hours, sometimes wading through flooded creeks up to their necks. The Age described the wreck as "listed to starboard. All the cabin is gutted and the ballast gone. There is a big rock right through the bottom of her, and there is not the slightest hope of getting her off". A Board of Marine inquiry found that Captain Jacobson was guilty of careless navigation by not taking steps to accurately verify the position of the vessel with respect to Cape Otway when the light was visible and by not setting a safe and proper course with respect to the wind and sea. It suspended his certificate for 6 months and ordered him to pay costs. The location of the wreck site was marked for a long time by two anchors on the shoreline, until in 1970 the larger of the two anchors was recovered by the Underwater Explorers' Club and mounted on the foreshore at Apollo Bay. The bell from the wreck was also donated to the Apollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club but is recorded to have been stolen. Rusting remains of the wreck can still be found on the shoreline on the southern side of, and directly below Cape Patton. Parts of the SPECULANT site have been buried by rubble from construction and maintenance works to the Great Ocean Road, as well as by naturally occurring landslides. Peter J McGennan passed away in 1920. The Gates in the western wall of the Anglican Church in Henna Street/Koroit St are dedicated to him for his time of community work, which is matched with other prominent Warrnambool citizens; Fletcher Jones, John Younger, J.D.E (Tag) Walter, and Edward Vidler. After Peter J McGennan's death Harry, Andrew and Edith continued to operate the family business until July 11th 1923 when the company was wound up. (Andrew lived in Ryot Street Warrnambool, near Lava Street.) Harry McGennan (Peter and Emily’s son) owned the Criterion Hotel in Kepler Street Warrnambool (now demolished). His son Sid and wife Dot lived in 28 Howard Street (corner of Nelson Street) and Sid managed the Criterion until it was decided by the family to sell, and for he remained Manager for the new owners until he retired. Harry commenced the Foreshore Trust in Warrnambool around 1950. The McGennan Carpark in Pertobe Road is named after Harry and there are Memorial-Stone Gates in his memory. (The Gates were once the original entrance to the carpark but are now the exit.). Peter’s great-grandson, also called Andrew, is a Security Officer in Warrnambool. The Patent Log (also called a Taffrail log) from the SPECULANT, mentioned above, and a number of photographs, are now part of the Collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The SPECULANT is historically significant as the largest ship to have been registered in Warrnambool, and is believed to have been the largest barquentine to visit Melbourne. It is evidence of the final days of large commercial sailing vessels involved in the Victorian and New Zealand timber trade. The SPECULANT is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S626Photograph, black and white. of the 10 crew of the SPECULANT on board the ship holding two 'Speculant Warrnambool' lifebuoys. Taken early 1900's flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, warrnambool historical photograph, la bella, speculant, cumming and ellis, international timber trade, p. j. mcgennan and co. warrnambool, peter mcgennan, capt. james jacobsen, warrnambool maritime history, h. pengilley apollo bay

This photograph of the SPECULANT was taken while she was in dock at the Warrnambool, Victoria, Breakwater in the early 1900's. Crew seem busy on her decks and others are watching from the breakwater. There are also 2 steamships in the photograph. The barquentine SPECULANT was a steel, three-masted sailing ship built in 1895 in Inverkeithing, Scotland, registered in Warrnambool, Victoria and wrecked at Cape Paton, Victoria, 10th February 1911. The SPECULANT had been involved in the timber trade between the United Kingdom and Russia, until sold to its Warrnambool owners and timber merchants Messrs. P.J. McGennan & Co. (Peter John McGennan) in 1902 for 3000 pounds and had her sailed to Warrnambool as her new port. Peter John McGennan was born in 1844 and worked as a builder and cooper in Holyhead, Anglesea, Wales. He immigrated to Australia in 1869 as a free settler and arrived in Warrnambool in 1871 and undertook management of a property in Grassmere for Mr. Palmer. Peter met his wife Emily in South Melbourne and they married in 1873. They had ten children including Harry who lived to 1965, and Andrew who lived until 1958. (The other children were their four brothers - John who was killed in the Dardenalles aged 35, Frederick who died aged 8, Peter who died aged 28, Frank who died aged 5 weeks - and four sisters - Beatrice who died age 89, Edith who died aged 49, Blanche who died aged 89 and Eveline who died aged 48.) In 1874 Peter starting a boating establishment on the Hopkins River. In 1875 he opened up a Coopers business in Kepler Street next to what was Bateman, Smith and Co., moving to Liebig Street, next to the Victoria Hotel, in 1877. In 1882 he then moved to Lava Street (which in later years was the site of Chandlers Hardware Store). He was associated with the establishment of the Butter Factory at Allansford. He started making Butter Boxes to his own design and cheese batts for the Butter Factory. In 1896 established a Box Factory in Davis Street Merrivale, employing 24 people at its peak, (it was burnt down in 1923); and in Pertobe Road from 1912 (now the Army Barracks building). Peter was a Borough Councillor for Albert Ward from 1885 to 1891, he commenced the Foreshore Trust (including the camping grounds along Pertobe Road), and he was an inaugural Director of the Woollen Mill in Harris Street, buying an extensive share-holding in 1908 from the share trader Edward Vidler. They lobbied the Town Hall to have a formal ‘Cutting’ for the waters of the Merri River to be redirected from its natural opening south of Dennington, to its existing opening near Viaduct Road, in order to have the scourings from the wool at the Woollen Mill discharged into the sea. He sold Butter Boxes around the state, and had to ship them to Melbourne by rail. Peter’s purchase of the SPECULANT in 1902 enabled him to back-load white pine from Kaipara, New Zealand to Warrnambool to make his butter boxes then, to gain profitability, buy and ship potatoes and other primary produce bound to Melbourne. (McGennan & Co. had also owned the LA BELLA, which had traded in timber as well, until she was tragically wrecked with the loss of seven lives, after missing the entrance channel to Warrnambool harbour in 1905. It appears that the SPECULANT was bought to replace the LA BELLA.) In 1911 the SPECULANT had been attempting to depart Warrnambool for almost the entire month of January to undergo docking and overhaul in Melbourne. A month of east and south-easterly winds had forced her to remain sheltered in Lady Bay, Warrnambool apart from one morning of northerlies, when an attempt was made to round Cape Otway; she had to return to shelter in Portland after failing to make any headway. With only 140 tons of sand ballast aboard, the ship would not have been easy to handle. Captain Jacobsen and his crew of nine, mainly Swedes, decided to make for Melbourne, leaving Portland Harbour on 5th February 1911. By the 9th they had reached Cape Otway, where they encountered a moonless night, constant heavy rain, and a heavy sea with a south-easterly wind blowing. After safely rounding Cape Otway the course was changed to east, then north-east to take the vessel to a point six miles off Cape Patton, following the orders of Captain Jacobsen, who told the crew to be very careful with the steering, as the wind and sea was running to leeward. The patent log (used to measure speed) had been out of order for the last four months as no-one in Warrnambool was able to fix it: it was intended to have it repaired in Melbourne. In the meantime the crew measured the vessel's speed by looking over the side and estimating wind strength. This compounded the difficulties of imprecise positioning, as the strong cross wind and sea were acting on the lightly laden vessel to steadily drive it towards the shore. At 3.30am on Friday 10 February 1911 Captain Jacobsen and the first mate were looking over the side of the vessel when they heard the sound of breakers and suddenly struck the rocks. The crew immediately knew they had no chance of getting the SPECULANT off, and attempted to rescue themselves by launching the lifeboat, which was instantly smashed to pieces. One of the crew then volunteered to take a line ashore, and the rest of the crew were all able to drag themselves to shore, some suffering hand lacerations from the rocks. Once ashore they began to walk along the coast towards Lorne, believing it was the nearest settlement. Realising their mistake as dawn broke they returned westwards to Cape Patton, and found a farm belonging to Mr C. Ramsden, who took them in and gave them a change of clothes and food. After resting for a day and returning to the wreck to salvage some of their personal possessions, at 10am on Saturday they set out for Apollo Bay, a voyage that took six hours, sometimes wading through flooded creeks up to their necks. The Age described the wreck as "listed to starboard. All the cabin is gutted and the ballast gone. There is a big rock right through the bottom of her, and there is not the slightest hope of getting her off". A Board of Marine inquiry found that Captain Jacobson was guilty of careless navigation by not taking steps to accurately verify the position of the vessel with respect to Cape Otway when the light was visible and by not setting a safe and proper course with respect to the wind and sea. It suspended his certificate for 6 months and ordered him to pay costs. The location of the wreck site was marked for a long time by two anchors on the shoreline, until in 1970 the larger of the two anchors was recovered by the Underwater Explorers' Club and mounted on the foreshore at Apollo Bay. The bell from the wreck was also donated to the Apollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club but is recorded to have been stolen. Rusting remains of the wreck can still be found on the shoreline on the southern side of, and directly below Cape Patton. Parts of the SPECULANT site have been buried by rubble from construction and maintenance works to the Great Ocean Road, as well as by naturally occurring landslides. Peter J McGennan passed away in 1920. The Gates in the western wall of the Anglican Church in Henna Street/Koroit St are dedicated to him for his time of community work, which is matched with other prominent Warrnambool citizens; Fletcher Jones, John Younger, J.D.E (Tag) Walter, and Edward Vidler. After Peter J McGennan's death Harry, Andrew and Edith continued to operate the family business until July 11th 1923 when the company was wound up. (Andrew lived in Ryot Street Warrnambool, near Lava Street.) Harry McGennan (Peter and Emily’s son) owned the Criterion Hotel in Kepler Street Warrnambool (now demolished). His son Sid and wife Dot lived in 28 Howard Street (corner of Nelson Street) and Sid managed the Criterion until it was decided by the family to sell, and for he remained Manager for the new owners until he retired. Harry commenced the Foreshore Trust in Warrnambool around 1950. The McGennan Carpark in Pertobe Road is named after Harry and there are Memorial-Stone Gates in his memory. (The Gates were once the original entrance to the carpark but are now the exit.). Peter’s great-grandson, also called Andrew, is a Security Officer in Warrnambool. The Patent Log (also called a Taffrail log) from the SPECULANT, mentioned above, and a number of photographs, are now part of the Collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The SPECULANT is historically significant as the largest ship to have been registered in Warrnambool, and is believed to have been the largest barquentine to visit Melbourne. It is evidence of the final days of large commercial sailing vessels involved in the Victorian and New Zealand timber trade. The SPECULANT is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S626Photograph. black and white, of the three-masted barque SPECULANT in dock at the Warrnambool Breakwater in the early 1900's. A steam ship is docked behind her and another steamship is in Lady Bay on her left. There are people on the SPECULANT and others walking nearby. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, la bella, speculant, cumming and ellis, international timber trade, p. j. mcgennan and co. warrnambool, peter mcgennan, capt. james jacobsen, warrnambool maritime history, h. pengilley apollo bay

Items in the collection re "Jack Mitchell". It is not sure if .1) was taken before the Mission. As per .2) The target was Berlin on 21.1.1944. There was 769 Aircraft on the mission which included 264 Halifax's of which 22 were lost. The Crew; Roger John Evans No 410202, Flt/Sgt, enlisted 5.12.1941 age 31 years. (refer Cat No 7467) John Henry Maunder No 412562, Flt/Sgt, (refer Cat No 7467) Jack Mitchell, Flt/Sgt, (refer Cat No 7467) F. Greenwood Sgt British RAF. Sidney Robert McDonald No 413239, P/O, enlisted16.8.1941 age 19 years 3 months. Keith Mossman Tranent No 426402, Flt/Sgt, enlisted 20.6.1942 age 19 years 2 months. (refer Cat No 7467) Patrick John Bourke No 426822, Flt/Sgt, enlisted 11.8.1942 age 21 years. (Later KIA on 11.4.1944, craft No HX274) Black & white photographs laminated. .1) Day light photo shows 7 Aircrew standing beside a Halifax Bomber before take off. .2) Night time photo showing 7 Aircrew standing beside a Halifax Bomber on return from a mission..1) "Jack Evans Flt/Sgt DFC, Jack Maunder Flt/Sgt KIA, Jack Mitchell Flt/Sgt POW, Frank Greenwood Sgt RAF, Bob McDonald Flt/Sgt, Keith Tranent Flt/Sgt POW, Pat Bourke Flt/Sgt KIA". .2) "Back from a raid on Berlin 21.1.1944. Same names but in a different order"photographs, 466, raaf, berlin

Postcards from “Patrick Joesph Frawley”. Enlisted No 563 on 6.4.1915 age 21 years in 13th Light Horse B Sqd, embarked for Eygpt 28.5.1915, record is unclear as states again embarked 5.9.1915 and then disembark Eygpt from Mudros early 1916, does not clearly state going to Gallipoli. Hospital 27.4.1916 (unclear) rejoin unit 28.4.1916, embark for France 2.6.1916, taken on strength of 1st Anzac Army Corps LH Regt 7.7.1916, hospital 4.10.1917 with “Boils, Debility”, from here he is diagnosed with Chronic Bronchitis and returns to Australia 21.4.1918, discharged Medically unfit 17.7.1918.1. White postcard. French writing and address on back. Front has silk embroidered material attached with a small card in pocket. Embroidered image of woman in dress with UK/Belgium/French flags on it. 2. Small card with picture of child holding presents, playing in the snow and message "A Loving Kiss" and message on back., 3. White postcard. On back a short message. On front silk embroidered pocket. Embroidered flags of UK, France, Belgium, Italy and one other. 4. Small folded card with French flag on front & 1916, and message inside.1. Address on back "Mrs. A.D. Norman, 52 Laity St, Richmond, Vict". 2. Message on back "From where I am Lila, Best Love xxxx". 3. Written on card, No, Division and short message. 4. Written on card "Greetings from France" and "P.J. Frawley - to my Love". postcards, france

This is a set of 10 photographs of Cartographic Squadron technicians undertaking map production tasks in at the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo circa 1968 to 1975. Production was undertaken on the top floor of Fortuna Villa. The Fotosetter type setting machine shown in photos .1P and .2P. replaced the letterpress method of type production in 1956. CPL Arty Lane specialised in the operation of the Fotosetter type setting machine for many years. For more information on the Fotosetter, see page 71 of Valerie Lovejoy’s book 'Mapmakers of Fortuna – A history of the Army Survey Regiment’ ISBN: 0-646-42120-4. The computer based Editwriter Model 7500 typesetting system shown in photos .3P and .4P. was introduced in 1975 as a replacement to the aging Fotosetter. It was operated by a specialised technician, who generated a large variety of map type styles and sizes quickly and reliably, as well as text panels. Output on Copy proof adhesive backed stripping type film replaced messy wax and spray adhesives in 1978. The Editwriter capability supported all RASvy units and its contractor type setting requirements. The Aristo Co-ordinatorgraph shown in photos .5P to .7P was introduced in 1962. It was a large heavy steel framed light table with a scribing head that moved in a XY direction using a vernier calibrated measuring scale to 0.001 of an inch. Whilst hand operated it was much quicker and accurate than manual grid and graticule calculation, plotting and scribing. The history of co-ordinatorgraphs is covered in more detail with additional historic photographs, in pages 50 to 51 and page 88 of Valerie Lovejoy’s book 'Mapmakers of Fortuna – A history of the Army Survey Regiment’ ISBN: 0-646-42120-4. The scribing process as shown in photos .8P to .9P was the cartographic process of drafting features such as drainage, relief, vegetation, roads and culture on specially coated map reproduction material. The cartographic technician scribed out the map feature such as a contour to a specified line width on the map sheet, using a tool affixed with a sapphire tipped cutter. The quality control edit (Proving) stage of map production shown in photo .10P was the first opportunity to independently and systematically inspect a proof of the map.This is a set of 10 photographs of cartographic Squadron technicians undertaking map production tasks at the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo, c1968 to c1975. The photographs were on 35mm colour slides and scanned at 96 dpi. They are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. .1) to .2) - Photo, colour, c1968, Fotosetter type setting machine, CPL Arty Lane. .3) to .4) - Photo, colour, c1975, Typesetting machine, ‘Editwriter’ Model 7500. .5) - Photo, colour, c1960s, PTE Desi Asaris and CPL Kalen Sargent operating Aristo Co-ordinatorgraph equipment. .6) - Photo, colour, c1970s, L to R: CPL Desi Asaris, CPL John Bennett, operating Aristo Co-ordinatorgraph equipment. .7) - Photo, colour, c1970s, L to R: CPL John Bennett, CPL Desi Asaris operating Aristo Co-ordinatorgraph equipment. .8) - Photo, colour, c1970s, L to R: CPL Desi Asaris scribing drainage, CPL John Bennett. .9) - Photo, colour, c1970s, CPL Desi Asaris scribing drainage. .10) - Photo, colour, c1970s, L to R: CPL Desi Asaris, CPL John Bennett and their supervisor WO2 Roger Rix inspecting features on an aeronautical chart proof. .1P to .10P There are no annotations stored with the 35mm slides.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr, carto

This money box is believed to be an antique Prattware piece modelled on a n English Methodist Chapel. It was a gift to a young girl, Sarah Ann Esam born in 1850 in Lincoln, England. Her parents John and Ann Esam emigrated to Australia in 1865 with six children one of whom was Sarah. John Esam became well known in Warrnambool as an engineer and windmill maker. His best known windmill is the one he made for "Lyndoch". Sarah Ann Esam died in Henna Street, Warrnambool in April 1915 on Easter Monday. This money box is of considerable significance because of its age, its artistic attractiveness and its connection to the Esam family who were prominent in Warrnambool in the 19th century. This glazed piece of pottery is a child's money box modelled on an English Methodist Chapel. It has a blue tiled roof with yellow edges, a slot for coins at the back.and two chimneys at each end of the building. The primary colour of the cottage is white It has two storeys, the upper one has six lead light windows framed with yellow and the ground storey has two brown doors with lead light fan windows. There is a pink colored figure standing in one corner of the base. The base is green representing grass. The edges of the base feature blue crosses interspersed with yellow dots. The black inscription on the front is artistically written. One chimney is damaged.as are the four base corners. S. ANN. ESAM. Born August 8th LINCOLN 1850esam, money box, prattware

The bridge is not definitively identified, but is of similar construction style to other bridges built in rural areas around this time. Circa 1930”s and may be Ryders Bridge (Old Tawonga Bridge) which crosses the Kiewa River on Mountain Creek Rd Tawonga The first Tawonga bridge was built in 1884- destroyed by floods in 1916. New bridge constructed 1923 and destroyed in 1953. Present concrete bridge constructed in 1986 and named Ryders Bridge These wooden bridges were the only method for transporting stock and produce to market, transporting timber to the mills, sending and receiving mail and for local people to cross the many rivers in the area to go about their daily business. 1- Black and white photograph is glued onto heavy cardboard, which is yellowing with age. Top right hand corner has a tear in the cardboard. Photograph depicts a wooden bridge on wooden piles with 2 white wooden railings along the length of both sides. 2- Original photo has been digitally enlarged to show a gentleman in a light coloured suite and wearing riding boots leaning on the rails of the bridge. The bridge is not definitively identified, but is of similar construction style to other bridges built in rural areas around this time. Circa 1930”s may be Ryders Bridge (Old Tawonga Bridge) which crosses the Kiewa River on Mountain Creek Rd Tawonga bridge; tawonga bridge; kiewa valley

These reading glasses plus the two additional replacement lenses were highly fashionable in the late 1800's and early 1900's due to their light frames ie. wire. They are of light material and are not as obtrusive, or heavy, as horn rimmed reading glasses.This minimisation of the eye wear was to allow the facial features to be presented without any obstructing eye wear, "au naturel". The "light weight" wire connections to nose and ears was to minimise weight upon those physical areas. It was an eye piece preferred by accountants and all forms of "book worms". This was a period when the "written word" was at its peak. This was well before the light enhanced computer screen and at an age where the "written word" was in the majority as compared to the typed word. These reading glasses are very significant to the Kiewa Valley as they provide additional material which supports the "isolational factors" which were prevalent in the 1800's and early 1900's. Poor lighting and lack of available optical technicians in rural areas, required those suffering with eye troubles in these rural areas to go to Melbourne. An advertisement placed by H B Bissel "eyesight specialist" in the "Independent" Newspaper in 1915 on page 3 " Every person's eyes are liable to be affected by some little weakness or other and these weaknesses, if not corrected at once, are apt to assume a most serious aspect as time goes on". This type of advertisement is putting "the fear of God" on those with slight eyesight problems. It also does not factor the poor lighting used by most in rural areas at this point in time. By the mid to late 1950's, electricity in the Kiewa Valley was available to all households and improved lighting helped nighttime readers. These reading glasses, made in Melbourne, highlight the fact that the Kiewa Valley and its region were still reliant on Melbourne based "specialists" and travel to and from these highly professional health practitioners not only involved a long, and time consuming journey, but also an expensive one.The frames of this oval wire reading glasses is made from gold plated copper wire. There are three nose bridges each with a slightly different angle and shape, each has a different magnification. This may suggest that they were in use at different developmental periods during the wearers ages. Each of the three lenses were fixed onto the frame by a screw and fastened directly onto the glass. Two of the glasses have nose "guides/rests" and one without.. The fine wire ear "loops" has a small "ball" feature at its end (to stop the glasses from slipping off the face).personal effects, spectacles, eye fashion, reading glasses