Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Typewritten letter in black ink on cream paper with green and black letterhead of ‘Commonwealth Serum Laboratories’, marketing influenza vaccines to businesses for their employees.COMMONWEALTH SERUM LABORATORIES 45 POPLAR ROAD, PARKVILLE, N.2. VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS ‘SERUMS’ MELBOURNE / TELEPHONE 38-2101 (5 LINES), 38-5136 (5 LINES) ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO DIRECTOR IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE 63/909 Dear Sir, INFLUENZA VIRUS VACCINE Each year more and more business houses are organising immunisation campaigns against influenza for their staff. This, we feel is a wise precaution as influenza is not selective and absenteeism amongst your work force because of influenza could seriously hinder the operations of your company. To combat epidemic influenza, C.S.L. have produced Influenza Virus Vaccine (Polyvalent) which is effective against the types and strains of influenza virus which are likely to cause the disease this winter. We believe that immunization against influenza should be carried out between February and April (before the onset of winter) and suggest that you discuss the matter with your Medical Officer as soon as possible so that he can advise you on the needs of your organization. Ordering: Having decided on your influenza vaccine requirements, it is then only necessary to place your order, quoting your doctor’s name, by simply contacting the C.S.L. State Sales Branch in your capital city. Yours faithfully, COMMONWEALTH SERUM LABORATORIES. P.S. We have supplies of attractive coloured notice board posters inviting the staff to support the campaign arranged for their benefit. Should you decide on a campaign, these posters are available on request from the C.S.L. State Sales Branch in your capital city, or if you have any difficulty, direct from us at Parkville.business, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, vaccination, flu vaccination, public health, public health history, epidemiology, influenza, vaccination history

Lucinda Goodman Mays, three and a half year old descendant of first person (James Phipps) to be vaccinated against smallpox by Dr. Edward JennerColour photograph of Lucinda Goodman Mays, of Lakes Entrance , three and a half year old descendant of the first person (James Phipps) to be vaccinated against smallpox by Dr. Edward Jennerpublic health, social history, medicine

These photocopied documents were used in the Orbost Secondary College Library. In the latter half of 1913 working bees, concerts, balls, sports carnivals and collections were held to raise funds before The Hospital Movement felt they were ready to ask The Public Health Department for plans for a suitable building (2000 -2500 pounds) for use as a permanent hospital in Orbost. A Hospital Committee was formed and despite several a major setback (the president died in November 2013), continued to hold many public events in order to raise the funds necessary. Orbost Hospital was officially opened in 1930. ( Read Margaret Holland's "Orbost Hospital: History, Personalities and Stories.) These documents are a useful research tool on the history of Orbost Regional Health.A stapled collection of photo-copied minutes from the fund-raising committee for the Orbost Hospital.orbost-hospital health-fund-raising

This book was used by Orbost Cemetery Trust to record letters written especially to provide a running account of the trust's activities. Although the cemetery was officially gazetted in November, 1891, it seemed certain that burials had taken place before that time. The early trusts were diligent in their record keeping and visionary in their planning.The original Trust members approved by the Public Health Department included C. N. Henderson, E. Watt (Ernest), D. Munro (Donald), M. R. Coote (Massy) and James Cameron (recorded at the first meeting of the Trust dated 29th May 1891. The first mention of a Mr. C. Richardson wasn’t until 25th February 1916 whilst the cemetery was under the control of the Orbost Shire Council with select councillors on the committee. Orbost Cemetery is an important part of Orbost's history. Its records are essential in research of local history.A grey covered letter book used by the Orbost Cemetery Trust to record letters written between 1894 and 1907.On spine-Letter Bookorbost-cemetery letter-book

In this photo, taken in around 1875, is depicted the exterior of the Beechworth Mental Asylum buildings, with the administration buildings far right of the photo. A sunken boundary wall in the foreground and some people in view, sitting at the pavillion in the centre of the image. The two-storey buildings, designed in Italianate style, and the three-storey towers at the front, influenced by the asylum at Colney Hatch in England. The architecture of the buildings shares key features with other contemporary institutions, like Aradale at Ararat, and its design is attributed to the Public Works Department architect, J.J. Clark, whose name is connected with the construction of many other important public buildings, such as the Asylums at Kew and Ararat, the front block of the Royal Mint, Melbourne and the Melbourne Customs House. The Mayday Hills Hospital was constructed between 1864 and 1867, with buildings created in a number of periods. It formally opened on 24 October 1867 and, along with the Ovens Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum, made Beechworth a prominent social welfare centre in Victoria. Large masses of granite were excavated for its foundation and around 250 workmen were employed for its construction. The building, divided into six sections, was comprised of dormitories, doctors` rooms and plenty ancillary rooms and facilities, such as laundries, reading rooms, a concert hall and cooking areas. The site was chosen for its panoramic view of the countryside, the hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, all contributing to the cure of patients. The Hospital was originally named the “Ovens Lunatic Asylum” but during the centenary celebrations in 1967 the name was officially changed to “Mayday Hills Hospital”, showing the gradual shift in the perception and understanding of mental health conditions over the last decades. The Hospital lies on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation.This photograph is historically significant as it provides an insight into the location, surroundings and the exterior of the Mayday Hills Hospital at the end of the 19th century. It also contributes to the understanding of the district`s development and its importance to the course of Victoria`s history and is acknowledged as a unique construction, being one of three identified as the largest of their kind.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on board.Reverse: 37/ 3443/ Beechworth Asylum about 1875/ American & Australasian/Photographic Company/Victoria Branch./C.Bayless, Manager./ No./beechworth mental asylum, aradale, public works department, j.j. clark, melbourne customs house, colney hatch, italianate style, mayday hills hospital, royal mint, granite, benevolent asylum, dormitories, ovens lunatic asylum, ancillary rooms, centenary celebrations, three-storey towers, countryside, mental health conditions, kulin nation, concert hall

in the early part of the 20th century, Warrnambool's residents had their share of health problems.according to the Annual report by Dr H I Holmes in 1921. Diphtheria, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, polimyelitis and scarlet fever were common afflictions. The sanitary system or lack thereof was the primary source of much of this illness. The healthcare facilites were much better and the hospital was well run and was further improved by the opening of the baby health centre which was opened in October 1921. The centre was situated in Liebig street at the Town Hall and was open three days a week to offer advice to mothers regarding their babies. and Sister Riley was in charge. Miss Florence Lake who opened the centre was a well known resident of the town and generous benefactor of the Warrnambool base hospital.. Florence along with her sister inherited the Lyndoch estate from George and Annie rolfe in 1920. She was well known around the district for her good nature and humour. As her sister married and moved to Italy, she continued to run Lyndoch as it had always been. She died in November 1946 This plaque has historical and social significance as it notes the time in the history of Warrnambool when health came to the fore of public interest and importance. It also commemorates one of Warrnambool's better known citizens and the beginnings of the maternal health system in the cityThis heavy stone plaque grey in colour, with polished surface, is rectangular, with lettering cut and coloured in gold. all the lettering is in capitals. It is possibly graniteWarrnambool Baby Health Centre. This stone was laid by Miss Florence Lake 1st October 1927. F M Pattison President, C M Merrett Hon Sec.warrnambool, warrnambool baby health centre, sister riley, florence lake

This booklet was published on the recommendation of the Commonwealth government as part of a plan to offer protection to the people in the event of air strikes. Local councils and individuals were called to help to protect themselves in taking precautions,. The booklet itself sets out action to be taken in the event of an air raid happening, lighting restrictions fire prevention, refuge rooms and garden shelters and risks from air raids. It contains the relevant siren signals which denote different types of events and explains in detail various aspects of preparing for possible attack. There was discussion about issues such as evacuation of children should such an event occur with the focus primarily on the larger centres such as Geelong and Melbourne. From 1942 the number of air attacks increased mainly from Japan on the northern and western parts of Australia including over 60 on Darwin. Attacks continued into 1943 and it wasn’t until later in that year that the Prime Minister, John Curtin announced that the threat of invasion had passed.While the link to Warrnambool’s history is tenuous, it was a government publication to all persons in the state of Victoria in 1941.This item relates to a significant period in Australia’s history. All Australians were affected by the war. It has historical and scientific or research interest as it gives a number of diagrams and possible plans and the effectiveness of same. Olive green soft card cover with black text. 36 pages, with 2 extra pages depicting plans for shelters pasted inside back cover. Victorian coat of arms at top of cover.April 1941. H. E. Daw, Government printer. Forward by Sir John Harris KBE MLC Minister of Public Instruction and Public Healthhistory of warrnambool, air raid precautions 1941

Used to record the absences of teachers at Yendon Public School from 1904 to 1983. Instructions for used printed inside the front cover. Gives dates and reason for absence, and countersigned periodically by the District Inspector.It is significant because it lists the school staff for a long period. It is also socially significant because it gives information about staff training, health issues, family details and weather. Small grey paper covered book used at Yendon Public School (no. 719) to record the absences of school teachers, from 1904 to 1983. The spine is bound with blue tape. The pages have torn away from the cover, which is torn and water-marked.'719' written in ink on the front cover in the space available for 'School number'. Some grafitti wirtten upside down.yendon public school, yendon state school yendon, public education, school teachers

Dinner menu printed on cream card . Dinner Tendered by H. A. Sustin, Esq, to the Members and Officers of the Board of Public Health at the Café Francais, Melbourne, 23rd March, 1920. On the inside of the left is a verse and on the right is the menu. On the back are some autographs. Some of the autographs are Austin, Wheeler, E. Robertson. Printed by D. W. Paterson Co. Pty. Ltd, Print, Melbourne.document, dinner menu, a a austin, board of public health, café francais, a wheeler, e robertson

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Sixteen pages of typed notes headed the Mayoral Report 1 August 1951.Topics include : council finances, the Health report, public conveniences, land for the School for Deaf Children, the width of roads, the Charing Cross bridge, and traffic control lights.bendigo, council, speech notes, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. 3bo 'the mayor speaks'. school for deaf children.

[a] Manilla envelope with handwritten caption 'Public Health Dept. re Labels, 22/5/1937 and No 121 [b] Public Health Department stationary dated 22nd May 1937 enclosed. Typed requirements from health department relating to thirty-two labels eg, if preservatives have been added must be stated upon label.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery

40 paged booklet - ''The Ruskin All-about'' (covering the Municipality of Bendigo facilities and activities), printed by The Ruskin Press, 1955. ''assisted by the Municipal Council and its officers and office-bearers of other organizations and associations''. Contents: Abbreviations; Baby Health Centres; Bus services; By-laws and regulations; Churches; Classified advertisers; Community activities; Doctors and surgery hours; Facts on the city; Friendly Societies; Hospitals; Magazine section; Maps; Message from the Mayor; Miscellaneous; Municipal services; The Municipality; Public and semi-public utilities; Schools and kindergartens; Sporting and recreation. Information on the forthcoming Olympic Games.Ruskin Publishing Pty. Ltd., 37 Swanston Street Melbourne.bendigo, tourism, guide

MEMBERSHIP CARD FOR 'BENDIGO AND NORTHERN DISTRICT CONTRIBUTORY FUND FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS. Card cover has contribution details (for member) and 'Rules' on paper stapled insert. Secretary's Office - Base Hospital Grounds, Bendigoorganization, club/society, health

Third Report of the Commission for Public Health 1924 - 1925. 62 pages report to the Minister of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Victoria. Note: pages 37 - 42 : Report by C. P. Rowan , District Health Officer re North-Central area 1924/5.organization, government, health

Ephemera from Original Box 313; This is not a catalogued description of the contents but a broad-brush overall description. a. Book with 'Ledger' on cover; has newspaper cuttings re stage and screen on 8 of 94 pages (remaining, mostly blank); b. Gordon & Gotch - Sample Calendar No. 3 1935.( 61 cm x 50 cm) x2; c. Gordon & Gotch - Sample Calendar No. 2 (61 cm x 50 cm) x 2; d. Victorian Act of Parliament No 3041 (amending the Law relating to Public Health, 1919, 176 pages; e. Victorian Act of Parliament -(amending the Sewerage District Acts No 3437, 1925, 5 pages ; f. Scrapbook with cuttings from papers relating to Australia's history, scenery, flora and fauna, Farming, Industry, Rodeo, Horse Racing, Rural, Surf Life Saving, Religion, Federation, Explorers, Gold, Birds, - some loose cuttings in back; g. Land Tax Act, Schedule L 1910 (blank sheet); h. Commission of Public Health - three day tour of Western District (Warrnambool, port Fairy, Colac) from Melbourne; i. Collection of cuttings, envelopes; j. Newspapers - Argus, Advertiser pages late 1930s; (not scanned) k. Collection of newspaper cuttings; l. Collection of Public Health Regulations, 7 parts; m. Act of Parliament, Victoria No. 2632 - Law relating to Amendment of the Constitution; n. Folder containing issues of The Bendigo Church News, 25 parts 1930s-1950s; o. Collection of book lists/catalogues; p. AA (Automobile Association) Members Handbook 1963; q. Collection of varied sheets and pamphlets; r. Articles of Association - Ocean Salt Company; s.. Sydney Symphony Orchestra program 1953; t. Queen Mary's Message to the people, Jan 1936; u. various notices for display of historical items (BHS Collection)ephemera, mementoes

Photograph - black and white. Sitting - Mrs Doyle (Treas.), Mrs Johanson (Sec.), Sister Nicholas, Mrs Sayers (Pres.), Mrs Perry, Mrs Jones. Standing - Mrs Medwell, Mrs Williams, Mrs Swatton.Herald & Weekly Times Ltd. Melbourne.organization, public utility, health centre auxilary., health centre auxilary. bendigo.

Dinner tendered by the Members and Executive Officers of the Board of Public Health to Mr. H. Treganowan Esq. on his retirement from the Board. 17th December, 1918. At the top of the menu is a drawing of open cabin part of an aeroplane with a lady and a gentleman in it. He is wearing a brown suit and shoes with a grey cap and holding the controls of the aircraft. The lady is wearing an ankle length grey & white check suit with black collar and cuffs and a brown hat. She is holding a bottle in one hand and is holding a glass up to the man and giving him a drink from it. The menu is under this drawing. There are some autographs beside the menu. Some of the readable names are E Robertson and Treganowan.event, social, retirement, menu, retirement dinner for h treganowan, board of public health, e robertson

Dated 1923 ten page red covered booklet titled Venereal Disease, Department of Public Health Victoria, outlining regulation requirements of those in Medical profession, pharmaceutical chemists and general public.medical

Receipt, 11816 The Public Health Department Dated 2/12/4 for two pounds being Renewal for licence subject to the Poisons Acts and any Regulations made thereunder. Signed D Smith per RK.person, receipts, j w swatton, j w swatton collection, public health department, d smith, poisons acts

As the Yarra became unsuitable as a source of water, several attempts were made to find alternative sources for the growing population of Melbourne. It was not until 1891 that the efforts to sewer Melbourne came to fruition with the setting up of the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW), now known as Melbourne Water. From 1891 until 1992, it was the responsibility of the MMBW to safeguard public health by providing a sewerage system and a safe water supply system. In 1992, The MMBW merged with a number of smaller urban water authorities to form Melbourne Water. Born on the 5th of August,1926, Margaret Gwen Hardy was the very first Commissioner of the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) and was appointed in 1975, a major victory for women at the time. This was the first time in the 84 year history of the organisation. Hardy had also been a Lilydale Councillor and went on to become the first female Shire President. Along with her work commitments as part of the Board, Hardy was the wife of Dr. Bill and had three children, two sons and a daughter. Next door to her home in Mt Evelyn was her husband’s surgery, where Hardy also worked part-time as a Manager. Hardy was also involved with the Lilydale High School Mother’s Club, she was the President of the Mt. Evelyn Environment Protection and Progress Association, on the Advisory Council of Monbulk High School and was the Secretary of the Lilydale Citizens Advisory Service at the time. This staff newsletter highlights the historically significant achievement of Cr. Gwen Hardy becoming the first female commissioner to work at the Board in 84 years. This captured achievement highlights women's career advancement at the MMBW and within the Victorian public service, whilst having historic and social associations with the many women's rights movements in the 1970s.comissioner, melbourne water, mmbw, melbourne metropolitan board of works, woman, staff, newsletter

As the Yarra became unsuitable as a source of water, several attempts were made to find alternative sources for the growing population of Melbourne. It was not until 1891 that the efforts to sewer Melbourne came to fruition with the setting up of the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW), now known as Melbourne Water. From 1891 until 1992, it was the responsibility of the MMBW to safeguard public health by providing a sewerage system and a safe water supply system. In 1992, The MMBW merged with a number of smaller urban water authorities to form Melbourne Water. Denine Moloney made history at the MMBW as the Board’s first female apprentice gardener, at the young age of 16. Denine was part of a team that cultivated and distributed up to 140,000 plants a year from the nursery complex that was housed on Warrigal Road, in Moorabbin. The large trees, shrubs and various other plants were all used in Board beautification projects. At the time, Denine lived with her parents and rode her bicycle to and from work each day while she attended Oakleigh Technical College one day a week as part of her apprenticeship. Denine’s ambition was to become a professional landscape gardener after her apprenticeship was completed, and four years later was in fact appointed as head gardener at Jells Park in 1983. Denine was not the last woman to work as a gardener at the Board, bringing with her two female assistants at Jells Park in caring, maintaining and distributing the Board’s horticulture. This staff newsletter highlights the significant achievement of Denine Moloney, becoming the first female gardener to work at the Board. This captured achievement highlights women's career advancement at the MMBW and within the Victorian public service, whilst having historic and social associations with the many women's rights movements of the 1970s.gardener, woman, melbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, staff, newsletter, 1970s

The 19th of May marks the anniversary of the turning of the first sod of the outfall sewer. In 1888, a Royal Commission into Melbourne’s public health led to an ambitious plan to construct a sewerage system of underground pipes, sewers and drains to carry sewage from homes and factories to a sewage treatment farm. The commission also supported the establishment of the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW), the authority that would build the sewerage system and manage Melbourne’s water supply. This photograph is from The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Water Supply, Sewerage, and etc Photographic Views, 1908This photograph is in excellent condition and provides a detailed insight into Board personnel of the MMBW. It is of historical importance to the history of Melbourne in the turning of the very first sod.Black and white photographphotograph, mmbw, melbourne metropolitan board of works, melbourne water, historic, turniing of the first sod, book, sewerage, water

Five copies of typed notes on Bendigo Post Offices. The first Post Office opened on the 1/7/1852. Also mentions descriptions of Post Offices, the postal rates to send a letter/parcel. There are also some facts, the number of bells, size of the clock face, hands and numerals. Also changing the name of Sandhurst to Bendigo.bendigo, buildings, post office, bendigo post offices, mr len bennett, city family hotel, pyke (pike), baby health centre, sandhurst post office, government survey office, queen elizabeth oval, sandhurst trustees coy, the annals of bendigo, messrs snowball and co, sandhurst public offices, mr percy everett, 'tall sooreys', sir henry brougham lock k. c. b., hon john nimmo m. l. a., j w harwood castlemaine, w lowden

This book and a number of others like it were owned by the mother and aunts of the donor, Mrs Dorothy Boyle. They were prolific producers of hand knitted and hand made items of clothing and also knitted and sewed for the armed forces during the Second World War. This book was produced by the magazine "Womans World" and contains patterns for baby clothes.BABY'S wardrobe / EVERYTHING THE NEW BABY NEEDS / 6D. / LAYETTE / Approved by / Infant Welfare Dept. / (see page 4) / 33 / KNITTEDS / LAYETTES / SHAWLS / PRAM COVERS / FROCKS, Etc. / PUBLISHED / BY / WOMAN'S WORLDknitting handicrafts - history, victoria; department of public health (infant welfare department) woman's world, knitting, handicrafts - history