Black portable writing desk with writing pad, ink wells and other compartmentsportable writing desk, domestic item

This was presented to Mr A.D. Munro by the residents of Orbost on his retirement as postmaster in 1888. In 1883 the mail terminus was at Newmerella. In July 1883 it was extended to the north side of the river and Archie Munroe became Acting Post Master. He was Post Master until 1885 when the telegraph line came to Orbost.Archie Munro was a well-known Orbost identity who first operated a boot shop in Cameron's barn. He was also active in the promotion of the first brass band in Orbost. He was the son of Hector Munro.A large brown leather portable writing desk. It has a brass handle on the top. Inside are copies of some Munro family documents in a document folder.On a brass plate-Presented to Mr A.B. Munro by the RESIDENTS OF ORBOST on his retirement as Post Master. A.D. 1888munro-archie writing-desk post-office

Portable writing desk. Made of wood with reinforced brass corners, brass hinges, two lift-up compartments, two compartments for ink wells, tooled leather writing surface and pen rest.domestic items, writing equipment

Item/s n collection re B.J. Ruler VX40780 refer Cat No. 5790 for his service details.Small sepia photograph of a soldier writing at a portable writing desk, tin drawer in front with hessian bags in the background, also a water bottle. Soldier is shirtless, in short and has dog tags around his neck. Photo has a white border.On the back “W. Gray” in blue ink. Stamped in black ink “K” also in black lead are numbers.photograph, middle east

This box was presented to Miss Clark in recognition of her services as Organist at the Wesleyan Church Sebastopol, Victoria. It was presented in September 1885. Wm Williams . MinisterHistorical & Personal significance both to the Wesleyan Church, Sebastopol Victoria & the Clark family.Portable Writing Box. A wooden box with a hinged lid which opens to form a sloping writing desk, with inset purple velvet writing surface decorated in gold with an inscription. Writing surface is hinged & opens to 2 large storage compartments. Exterior veneered in dark figured hardwood. Circular lock at frontwith missing circular escutcheon. Top includes inlaid brass circular medallion. surface:Interior, inscription written in gold on purple velvet writing surface. "Presented to Miss Clark,by the Trustees of the Wesleyan Church, Sebastopol,in grateful recognition of her faithful and efficient services as Organist. Wm. Williams, Minister. September 1885.williams, writing box, miss lizzie clark, wesleyan church sebastopol wm, minister

In the words of the donor, Betty Stone, "This fitted writing slope box belonged to Ellis Dale of “Latrigg”, Wangoom, Warrnambool, and has an inscription “E. Dale”, hand written by Ellis on a small brass plaque featured on the lid. Ellis Dale, born 21 November 1860, was the second son of William and Elizabeth Dale, of Dale Bluestone Quarries Wangoom. He worked with his father at the quarries, and continued, after his father's death, to operate the family business with his son lvor until he died, aged 79 years, on 2 August 1940. Although the tradition was that the writing box was originally owned by Ellis's father, William Dale, there is some doubt that he brought it with him from England when he migrated in 1852 - however, we do know that it is at least one hundred years old. (Note: For additional information please refer to my book “Pioneers and Places - A History of three Warrnambool Pioneering Families” ie. Chamberlain, Dale and Lees Families)This item is associated with the Warrnambool pioneer families of Chamberlain, Dale and Lees. These families are listed in the Pioneers' Register for Warrnambool Township and Shire, 1835-1900, published by A.I.G.S. Warrnambool Branch. The item is significant for its association with a ‘glory box’ or hope chest’, a tradition of single ladies making and collecting a range of linen and other domestic items in preparation for their future marriage.Polished wooden Writing Slope or Travellers Desk. Owned by Ellis Dale. Box opens to be a sloped writing desk, with a leather writing surface decorated with a gold leaf border, and several compartments; one has a slightly concaved cover that pivots to open. Leather-covered boards hinge at the centre, and both sides lift, revealing further storage. Brass protectors on top corners, inlaid brass strengthening supports on two corners. Brass slide-releasing catches secure writing base as desk closes. The brass shield centre of the lid is engraved. Part of the 'Chamberlain Dale Lees Collection.Engraved shield on lid "E.Dale / Wangoom"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, chamberlain, dale, lees, stone, betty stone, warrnambool pioneers, writing slope, writing box, traveller's desk, portable desk, lap desk, ellis dale