David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) was a travelling hawker who opened a business in Liebig Street, Warrnambool in 1924. In 1931 he opened The Man's Shop at the corner of Liebig Street and Koroit Street. He sold suits and overcoats tailored in the work rooms upstairs. In 1948 his factory known as Pleasant Hill was opened in Flaxman Street in Warrnambool, the site of an old quarry. In 1951 the company Fletcher Jones and Staff was formed with the staff owning 51% of the shares, By the 1970s Fletcher Jones and Staff had become one of the largest clothing companies in Australia with 55 shops and 3000 employees. In 1992 the Warrnambool City Council bought the factory and gardens with the site now a tourist attraction. Although the name is retained today for trading purposes the original Fletcher Jones company has been dissolved. The screen is a representation of the Fletcher Jones factory post 1967. It a wool tapestry by Martin Prider who was a painter and caretaker what the Fletcher Jones factory. He lived in one of the Fletcher Jones cottages on site. (Robin Boyd Age Small Homes Scheme, today Heritage listed.)This is an interesting memento of the Fletcher Jones company and the factory. It was done by a local resident and features the famous Fletcher Jones gardensTapestry fire screen in a rectangular light timber frame depicting the Fletcher Jones Factory Gardens. The screen has two timber feet, non relective glass and appears to be a wool tapestry. The image of the gardens is after 1967 as the silver ball is included and that was erected in 1967. Nilfletcher jones company and warrnambool factory, pleasant hill warrnambool, martin prider, fletcher jones, tapestry of fletcher jones factory

These trousers have been made by Fletcher Jones and Staff. This business was established by David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) in 1924 when he leased three shops in Liebig Street, Warrnambool. In 1928 he moved his business to the main retailing area near the Liebig Street/Koroit Street intersection. In 1931 a shop built to Fletcher Jones’ requirements was erected and by 1938 he had a staff of 40. By 1945 FJ trousers were sold in 123 stores in Victoria and in 1948 the Fletcher Jones factory was established in Flaxman Street Warrnambool, officially named Pleasant Hill. In 1951 the company became Fletcher Jones and Staff and by the mid 1970s the staff had 75% ownership. By this time FJ and Staff had become one of the largest clothing manufacturers in Australia with 55 shops and almost 3000 employees. The range of clothing was enlarged to include both men’s and women’s wear. In the 1980s, after the death of Fletcher Jones, the abolition of import tariffs and the availability of cheap imported clothing caused the Fletcher Jones Company to decline and to be sold to a Geelong company. By 2011 all Fletcher Jones shops had closed. These trousers are of great interest as they are a product of a Warrnambool business that was nationally and internationally known in the 20th century for its quality men’s wear, especially the Coverdine brand trousers. The Fletcher Jones business remains one of the most important businesses, (if not the most important), that ever existed in Warrnambool. It employed a great number of local people in the second half of the 20th century, and is remembered with great fondness by many people in the city and surrounds today. The Fletcher Jones Gardens at the Factory site are still maintained today and are a tourist attraction in the city. These are a pair of brown Fletcher Jones trousers made of Coverdine material (87.5% wool with nylon). There is some lining around the waist area and the legs are turned up at the end with some leather binding inside the bottom legs. The waist band is stiffened and is fastened with a metal clip and two buttons. The waist band has two adjustable areas using tabs and two buttons each side. The back pockets also have buttons.fletcher jones and staff, coverdine fletcher jones trousers, history of warrnambool, david fletcher jones

Fletcher Jones Clothing Factory was a key industry in Warrnambool from 1948 to its closure in 2005. The business was founded by David Fletcher Jones (1897-1977), a clothing manufacturer and retailer who worked as a hawker in the Western District following service with the A.I.F. in World War One. In 1924 Fletcher Jones opened three shops in Liebig Street selling men’s wear, hosiery and linen and operating a small tailoring business. He moved his shop to another location in Liebig Street and began to concentrate on men’s trousers production. In 1946 he opened a shop in Collins Street in Melbourne and eventually had stores and factories all over Australia. In Warrnambool he opened his factory at Pleasant Hill in Flaxman Street in 1948 and became a major Warrnambool employer, with over 1000 employees at one time. He transformed his business into a co-operative, with the name, ‘Fletcher Jones and Staff’ registered in 1947. The business diversified into other ranges of clothing for men and women but failed to compete with cheaper overseas clothing imports and the factory and shops were closed in the early 21st century. 001143.1 Project Book. This project book tells the story of the establishment and development of the Fletcher Jones company across the various stores which were established in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Geelong and Hobart. It explores the philosophy behind the business and milestones achieved and the factory gardens. The book itself provides an example of schoolwork completed in the mid 20th century. 001143.2 Booklet: Plusites: This is a staff booklet which has items of interest relating to staff such as births deaths and marriages. It tells of renovations and happenings in regard to the various shops around the country as well as trading figures. It tells of the royal visit of 1954 and other social events and items of interest around the various shops. 001143.3 Flyer :The text on this flyer also tells the story of the development of the Fletcher Jones brand to the point where there in the year2000 retail expansion was still happening but the Warrnambool workforce had shrunk from over 1000 at the peak to approximately 200. The company had commenced importing a range of clothing by this time These three items present different views of a company which was an important part of industry in Warrnambool for over 60 years in the latter part of the 20th century. The founder was one of Warrnambool’s most well respected people and many district people had connections to the firm. 001143.1 Project Book. Brown mottled card cover with cream insert for personal details. Back cover plain cream. It contains a student’s project work on the Fletcher Jones company. Some is handwritten and also contains a number of black and white photographs throughout the book. A coloured map of Australia is in the middle pages. 001143.2 Booklet: Plusites. White light card cover with dark blue text and diagram. Bottom left of page has a map of the coastline of Victoria. 20 pages. 001143.3 Flyer. Advertising Flyer re factory direct sales at Warrnambool. Black text with maroon border and Fletcher jones logo at the bottom and 4 photographs at the top. 001143.1 Project Book. T Cronin 4B WHS 001143.2 Booklet: Plusites. Vol 1 No 1 June 1954. 001143.3 Flyer fletcher jones, warrnambool history, fletcher jones and staff pty ltd

The article gives an overview of the development of the landscaping of factory gardens in the early part of the 20th century. The Fletcher Jones Gardens feature strongly and a brief history is given of the establishment of the Fletcher Jones factory. Fletcher Jones Factory held a significant place in the economic development of the city. The Fletcher Jones Gardens remain a significant landmark in the cityArticle titled “Fletcher Jones Gardens Warrnambool,” printed with blue background. Three coloured photographs showing different vistas of the gardens.warrnambool, fletcher jones, pleasant hill, fletcher jones gardens

David Fletcher Jones commenced his tailoring and hawking business in the 1920’s. The business expanded through the decades to become the main manufacturing employer in the city of Warrnambool. The business moved from Liebig Street around 1947 to a site in East Warrnambool which was once an old quarry. The factory which was built at “Pleasant Hill” manufactured quality clothing, initially men’s trousers, suits which expanded in later times to include ladies’ wear. A network of stores was opened throughout Australia to sell the garments. A common item linked to a significant business and personality of Warrnambool.Fletcher Jones Factory held a significant place in the economic development of the city. The Fletcher Jones Gardens remain a significant landmark in the cityBlack plastic coat hanger with metal hook. Fletcher Jones in gold lettering below the hook.warrnambool, fletcher jones, pleasant hill, fletcher jones gardens, coathanger

These are samples of the material used at the Fletcher Jones Factory in Warrnambool to make garments for men (suits, trousers, shorts) and women (suits, slacks, skirts, shorts). Fletcher Jones Clothing Factory was a key industry in Warrnambool from 1948 to its closure in 2005. The business was founded by David Fletcher Jones (1897-1977), a clothing manufacturer and retailer who worked as a hawker in the Western District following service with the A.I.F. in World War One. In 1924 Fletcher Jones opened three shops in Liebig Street selling men’s wear, hosiery and linen and operating a small tailoring business. He moved his shop to another location in Liebig Street and began to concentrate on men’s trousers production. In 1946 he opened a shop in Collins Street in Melbourne and eventually had stores and factories all over Australia. In Warrnambool he opened his factory at Pleasant Hill in Flaxman Street in 1948 and became a major Warrnambool employer, with over 1000 employees at one time. He transformed his business into a co-operative, with the name, ‘Fletcher Jones and Staff’ registered in 1947. The business diversified into other ranges of clothing for men and women but failed to compete with cheaper overseas clothing imports and the factory and shops were closed in the early 21st century. These pieces of material are of some interest as examples of the materials used in one of the most important businesses in Warrnambool and one that was of national significance for many decades. The Fletcher Jones label was well-known throughout Australia and Fletcher Jones himself was a prominent person in Warrnambool’s history, not only for his business interests but also for his philanthropy, his advocacy of business co-operatives and his support for many Warrnambool institutions. The Fletcher Jones Factory Gardens are still today a feature of Warrnambool and a tourist attraction. These two packets contain samples of materials used at the Fletcher Jones factory in Warrnambool. One packet (VC000690.1) contains four pieces of woollen material, one grey striped, one grey weave, one navy and one green, red and white tartan. The other packet (VC000690.2) contains two pieces of woollen grey and navy material and five small woollen samples of dark grey, light grey, navy, beige and blue and grey check material. warrnambool, industry

Thaddeus Fairbanks (1796 –1886) was an American inventor. of heating and cook stoves, cast iron ploughs, and other items. His greatest success was the invention and manufacture of the platform scale, which allowed the weighing of large objects accurately. Fairbanks was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1796, the son of Joseph Fairbanks (1763–1846) and Phebe (Paddock) Fairbanks (1760–1853). His uncle was Ephraim Paddock, the brother of Phebe Paddock. In 1815 he moved to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and set up a wheelwright's shop above his father's gristmill. In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. In 1830 Fairbanks and Erastus became interested in the raising and processing of hemp. Fairbanks went on to patent a hemp and flax dressing machine and became the manager of the St. Johnsbury Hemp Company. He also built a set of scales that would measure large loads of hemp accurately, as there were no reliable scales at the time. Upon the success of building these scales, his brothers recommended that he make and sell these for general use.  Fairbanks' most famous invention then became the platform scale for weighing heavy objects. These are commonly known as the Fairbanks Scales, for which he patented his original design in 1830.  Before this time, accurate weighing of objects required hanging them from a balancing beam as a result, particularly heavy or ungainly objects could not be weighed accurately. A platform scale, if large enough, could weigh an entire wagon. By placing a full wagon on the scale, unloading it, and then placing it on the scale when empty, it became possible to easily and accurately calculate the weight and value of farm produce and other loads. In 1834 Fairbanks and his brother formed "E. and T. Fairbanks and Company" to manufacture and sell these platform scales. These scales were well known in the United States and around the world resulting in the company doubling in volume every three years from 1842 to 1857. There was a temporary slow down during the American Civil War, however, the business took off again after the war. Their partnership was incorporated in 1874 into a firm known as "Fairbanks Scale Company". These platform scales revolutionized weighing methods of large loads and have been in use ever since. Portable platform scales are found in almost every hardware store, physician's office, and manufacturing factory throughout the United States and the world. The first railway track platform scale patent was granted to Fairbanks on January 13, 1857, as Patent No. 16,381. In 1916 the company was purchased by ”Fairbanks, Morse and Company”. Ownership of the company has since changed several times, but Fairbanks Scales continue to be made in St. Johnsbury Vermont to this day. Fairbanks had received 43 patents in his lifetime with the last one at the age of 91. He died on April 12, 1886, and is buried at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. An early example circa 1900 of the first type of platform scales used in a grocery store. This design for accurately measuring goods that were sold over the counter revolutionised the weighing of goods throughout the world. Platform scale metal black with removable tray & pan. Has horizontal brass arm with a brass slide weight black removable weight hook and 2 x 2 lb. weights. Fairbanksflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This machine was made in Baden, Germany, for the Ward Brothers of Melbourne, who imported machines from various manufacturers and had them branded with their Ward Brothers decals. This machine is most likely dated before 1911, when the Ward Brothers became two separate businesses, as one of the decals appears to have been deliberately removed. The case is made in an attractive design and the machine itself has decorations that are pleasant to the eye. Even the metal cover of the folding handle has a swirling design on it. The machine has the added bonus of a ruler along the front base. Many sewing machine manufacturers in Germany produced their machines specifically for export. A company could mass-produce its machines and give the same product several different brand names, according to their overseas buyers. There was a huge market for domestic machines as it enabled tailored clothing to be made in households at a fraction of the retail prices. Ward Brothers began in Australia in the late 1890s and early sewing machines sold by them had the three brothers on their decals. In 1911 the brothers divided into two separate firms, one operating on his own, the other two remaining together, and all still operating in Melbourne and at first still using the name Ward Brothers.This sewing machine is one of two hand-operated Ward Brothers machines in our collection that were made in Baden, Germany, and the only one that has had the three Ward Brothers on its decal, and that has front and rear slide plates. This machine represents the early domestic market for sewing machines, making it possible for the everyday homemaker to produce fashionable garments and linen ware that was affordable. The owner of this machine could work at more than one location as it was portable and did not require a large space to set up. The machine is associated with the well-known Ward Brothers of Melbourne, who sold imported sewing machines that were branded with their own name. Sewing machine, hand operated, in wooden case. The machine is painted black with gold decals, and front and rear slide plates. The wooden base of the machine has an inlaid ruler. The case has curved sides and shaped ends, decorative woodwork on corners, an inlaid diamond pattern on top, and a folding metal handle. Accessories are included. The decals include doves, inscriptions and swirls, and there is a map of Australia with two portraits of men. The machine was made in Baden, Germany, for Ward Brothers, Melbourne. Images: Map of Australia with States marked, and with portraits of two men. [A portrait-sized area on the left of the men has had the image removed.] Text in printed script: "Specially / Made in Baden" "WARD BROTHERS / MELBOURNE" " with a Logo is a map of Australia,flagstaff hill, warrnambool, great ocean road, sewing machine, hand operated, pre-1911, domestic sewing, homemade clothing, fashion, ward brothers, made in germany, baden, front and rear slide plates, crank handle, hand crank sewing machine

Thaddeus Fairbanks (1796 –1886) was an American inventor. of heating and cook stoves, cast iron ploughs, and other items. His greatest success was the invention and manufacture of the platform scale, which allowed the weighing of large objects accurately. Fairbanks was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1796, the son of Joseph Fairbanks (1763–1846) and Phebe (Paddock) Fairbanks (1760–1853). His uncle was Ephraim Paddock, the brother of Phebe Paddock. In 1815 he moved to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and set up a wheelwright's shop above his father's gristmill. In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. In 1830 Fairbanks and Erastus became interested in the raising and processing of hemp. Fairbanks went on to patent a hemp and flax dressing machine and became the manager of the St. Johnsbury Hemp Company. He also built a set of scales that would measure large loads of hemp accurately, as there were no reliable scales at the time. Upon the success of building these scales, his brothers recommended that he make and sell these for general use.  Fairbanks' most famous invention then became the platform scale for weighing heavy objects. These are commonly known as the Fairbanks Scales, for which he patented his original design in 1830.  Before this time, accurate weighing of objects required hanging them from a balancing beam as a result, particularly heavy or ungainly objects could not be weighed accurately. A platform scale, if large enough, could weigh an entire wagon. By placing a full wagon on the scale, unloading it, and then placing it on the scale when empty, it became possible to easily and accurately calculate the weight and value of farm produce and other loads. In 1834 Fairbanks and his brother formed "E. and T. Fairbanks and Company" to manufacture and sell these platform scales. These scales were well known in the United States and around the world resulting in the company doubling in volume every three years from 1842 to 1857. There was a temporary slow down during the American Civil War, however, the business took off again after the war. Their partnership was incorporated in 1874 into a firm known as "Fairbanks Scale Company". These platform scales revolutionized weighing methods of large loads and have been in use ever since. Portable platform scales are found in almost every hardware store, physician's office, and manufacturing factory throughout the United States and the world. The first railway track platform scale patent was granted to Fairbanks on January 13, 1857, as Patent No. 16,381. In 1916 the company was purchased by ”Fairbanks, Morse and Company”. Ownership of the company has since changed several times, but Fairbanks Scales continue to be made in St. Johnsbury Vermont to this day. Fairbanks had received 43 patents in his lifetime with the last one at the age of 91. He died on April 12, 1886, and is buried at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. An early example of the first type of platform scale that revolutionised the weighing of goods throughout the world made in the USA around the turn of the 19th century. Commercially built platform scale on wheels. Cast iron base supports iron weighing platform with wooden floor. At back, square hollow wooden post supports a hooded rod which bears the weight of the platform and which hooks onto a brass balancing arm, marked in pounds up to 50. There is a cylindrical sliding weight and on the end a loop for a metal weight holder. The holder is designed for three circular pieces of metal with a slit to the centre. The weights used are 50, 100 and 200 lbs.Embossed to base Fairbanks Patent No 11 1/2, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, platform scales

This booklet has been produced as a handbook for the employees of the Warrnambool-based clothing business of Fletcher Jones and Staff. Sir David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) was born in Bendigo and served with the A.I.F. in World War One. He and an ex-war mate began trading in the Western District as itinerant hawkers of manchester and later Fletcher Jones continued on his own, gradually expanding the business until, in 1922, he opened a menswear and tailoring business in Warrnambool. By 1941 he was making nothing but men’s trousers, supplying retailers in over 100 outlets. In the late 1940s he turned his business into a Co-Operative and later expanded the business to include both men’s and women’s clothing. He opened a factory in Warrnambool, which, with it beautiful gardens, became a tourist attraction. The factory site was called Pleasant Hill. When he died in 1977 his business was one of the largest clothing manufacturers in Australia and possibly the world but, with the competition from imported clothing, the enterprise did not survive into the 21st century. It is presumed that Doug Ferguson was an employee of Fletcher Jones and that the gold label award was for his work or that of his department. This staff handbook for employees of the clothing business of Fletcher Jones & Staff is of major interest as this business, known nationally, was one of the most significant businesses ever to operate in Warrnambool. The handbook is of interest in itself as it has the Fletcher Jones logo, interesting material about the business philosophy of the business and Fletcher Jones himself, an autographed photograph of him and some significant photographs of the business, including indoor photographs of the factory.This is a soft cover booklet of 14 pages. It has a blue cover with the red and gold badge of Fletcher Jones on the front cover. The first page has handwritten material in black ink and a photograph of Fletcher Jones. There is also a gold label stuck on to the first page. There are many black and white photographs scattered throughout the text. ‘Presentation Copy. This copy is the property of Doug Ferguson, Pleasant Hill, With Best Wishes Fletcher Jones, Dec. 20 1951.’ Gold stamp: ‘Highest Award Cut, Make & Trim’ fletcher jones and staff, doug ferguson, history of warrnambool