This folder contains photographs, advertisements and a sample of a piece of blanket from the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. This mill was officially opened in South Warrnambool in 1910 following the establishment of a local public company. The first manager was John Bennett from Yorkshire, England. The operations of the mill expanded with new buildings enabling the business to double in size by 1915. In the 1940s the factory was employing 700 people. In 1968 the factory was sold to Dunlop Australia but was sold again in 1982 to Onkaparinga Woollen Company. In 1983 Mcquarie Worsteds took over the factory with the business then known as Warrnambool Textiles. In 2000 the mill closed and most of the buildings were later demolished for a housing estate. This item is an attractive and informative memento of one of Warrnambool’s most important businesses of the past. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill operated for 90 years and employed many local people. The photographs are of particular interest.This is a rectangular-shaped sheet of buff-coloured lightweight cardboard. It has been folded twice to create six pages in a folder. Three pages contain black and white photographs of the woollen mill operations and two pages contain advertising material with black and white images. One page has a cream blanket piece of material attached to the page by two staples and this has the brand name stitched onto the right hand corner This piece of blanket also has a paper guarantee card attached by staples. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill Co. Ltd. South Warrnambool The 100% Wool Warrnambool Super Blanket Made in Australia warrnambool woollen mill, history of warrnambool

The first Warrnambool to Melbourne cycling race was held in October 1895. 24 riders started with only 7 finishing the race. W. Nicol was the winner of the inaugural race. Two months later on 14/12/1895 the race was run in reverse. For the ensuing 43 years it was mainly Melbourne to Warrnambool. Since 1939 it has been run mainly Melbourne to Warrnambool. The prize of this blanket was 2nd prize to E. Ion of Tasmania in October 1949. The prize itself, A Warrnambool Blankets Tartan rug was made at the Warrnambool Woollen Mill in Harris St Warrnambool Early efforts to establish a woollen Mill in Warrnambool commenced with an early mill on the Merri at Woodford in 1874 but the site proved unsuitable and was financially struggling. The decision was made to move plant and and machinery to the old meat preserving factory in South Warrnambool The plant and equipment was sold to Mr Robert Hood of Sherwood on the Hopkins River East Warrnambool who carried on the venture until fire destroyed the building in 1882, The site lay idle until a group of local businessmen raised 40000 pounds to establish the mill in 1910. It continued to trade well through the early and mid 20th century. Dunlop brought the mill in 1968 and there was a slow downturn with numerous owners until it closed in 2000. The site passed into private hands in 2003.Both the Warrnambool Woollen Mill and the Melbourne to Warrnambool Road Race are a significant part of local history. The Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling road race remains one of the premier sporting events in Australia. It commenced in 1895 Maroon and red block check with black and white check lines on front with plain maroon back. Fringed on two sides. Grey cotton label with The Warrnambool Woollen Mill Co Limited in top Left hand side of label, Victory Rug diagonally in blue Guaranteed All WOOL Made in Australia in bottom RH corner of label. Owner M bottom of label. 1949 Mr. Ernie Ion” handwritten in black pen.warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, marcus saltau, w. nicol

In 1869, the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company commenced their business on the site, where it operated until 1875 when it was sold to the directors of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882 it wasn’t until 1910 that the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce was approached by Marcus Saltau and Peter McGennan to invest in a new mill. The original directors were James Dickson, P J McGennan, Robert Swinton, M Saltau, and J W Younger. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries. The Mill site holds significance for Warrnambool as the site was one of the earliest industries established in the town. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill operated for close to 100 years and in that time forged a strong link with the people of Warrnambool. Its product held a significant position in the marketplace.Colour photograph of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill and surrounding area including carparks. The Merri River crosses from lower left to mid right. Aspect is looking easterly. Photo glued to white card mount with text in black underneath. Timber frameWarrnambool Woollen Mill A division of Dunlop Olympic Limited. Manufacturers of Warrnambool/Dreamspun blankets, rugs and fabrics. Registered office South Warrnambool, Victoria. 3280. Australia. P.O. Box 484 Telephone (055)624166. Telex 55820 warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, woollen mill, dunlop olympic, marcus saltau, p j mcgennan, james dickson, robert swinton, j w younger, dreamspun

This is an advertising leaflet issued by the Warrnambool Woollen Mill Co. This mill was established in South Warrnambool in 1910 with John Bennett the first Manager. The mill’s production increased during both World Wars with government contracts and wartime demands. In the 1940s the mill employed over 700 people. In 1968 the mill was sold to the multinational company Dunlop which in turn sold the business in 1982 to Onkaparinga Woollen Mill. In 1983 Onkaparinga was taken over by Macquarie Worsteds and in 1994 this group pulled out of Warrnambool. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill closed in 2000 after 90 years of operation. This leaflet is of interest as an example of the advertising mechanisms produced by the Warrnambool Woollen Mill when it was a locally run large-scale business in the city. The business was a dominant one in Warrnambool for many decades, employing many local people. The factory itself was a well-known landmark in the city. This is a sheet of buff-coloured thick paper folded in two places to make a six-page leaflet. The front page has an aerial black and white photograph of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill, two of the inside pages have 12 black and white photographs showing the processes in making woollen blankets and two other pages have advertisements for Warrnambool blankets and dress suiting material. Inside the folder is a sample piece of pink blanket with a card in red and cream colouring showing the factory’s guarantee. The sample has been glued to the paper. There is evidence of silverfish damage on both the blanket sample and the paper. ‘With the Compliments of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill Co. Ltd.’warrnambool woollen mill

The Warrnambool Woollen Mill was established in 1910 in South Warrnambool by a local company, with the building erected on a site that formerly housed another woollen mill destroyed by fire in 1882. The Warrnambool Woollen Company operated successfully for many years with over 700 employees in the 1940s and a good national reputation for quality goods. It made blankets and other woollen goods and was the first company in Australia to manufacture electric blankets. In the 1960s the mill was sold to the Dunlop Company and for the next thirty years it was bought and sold several times, finally closing in 2000 after 90 years of operation. The woollen Mill was built on a site which was in easy access to the railway line which operated along the original tramway line from the town to the jetty. It is possible that this land would have been used for parking during the period of 1950's to 1970's which was a successful period of manufacturing and trade for the Woollen Mill. A link between an important infrastructure and one of Warrnambool's most important industries.Four page folded document cream in colour . Printed form with diagram of the land in question coloured in pink . Seals of both Victorian railways and Warrnambool Woollen mill are stamped beside signatories on page 3. Dated 30th April 1952. Signed R Naylor for the Warrnambool Woollen Mill and two unreadable signatures for Victorian Railways.warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, warrnambool railways, lease victorian railways and warrnambool woollen mill

In 1869, the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company commenced their business on the site, where it operated until 1875 when it was sold to the directors of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882 it wasn’t until 1910 that the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce was approached by Marcus Saltau and Peter McGennan to invest in a new mill. The original directors were James Dickson, P J McGennan, Robert Swinton, M Saltau, and J W Younger. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries. The Mill site holds significance for Warrnambool as the site was one of the earliest industries established in the town. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill operated for close to 100 years and in that time forged a strong link with the people of Warrnambool. Its product held a significant position in the marketplace.Aerial colour photograph of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill and surrounding area including carparks. The Merri River crosses from lower left to upper right. Playing field, Jetty Flat, in upper right hand corner and Harris Street bridge in lower left. Aspect is looking easterly. Photo glued to white card mount with text in black underneath. Timber frameWarrnambool Woollen Mill A division of Dunlop Olympic Limited. Manufacturers of Warrnambool/Dreamspun blankets, rugs and fabrics. Registered office South Warrnambool, Victoria. 3280. Australia. P.O. Box 484 Telephone (055)624166. Telex 55820warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, woollen mill, dunlop olympic, marcus saltau, p j mcgennan, james dickson, robert swinton, j w younger, dreamspun

This metal plaque has been attached either to a photograph or a display board. It gives the dates of the directorship of Ernest Ladner at the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. This mill in South Warrnambool opened in 1910 and closed in 2000. Ernest Ladner was a director during the times of the mill's most productive years with employees numbering over 700 in World War Two. Ernest Ladner was for many years the manager of Saltau and Sons, a produce business in Kepler Street, WarrnamboolThis small item is of some interest as it is a memento of the directorship of Ernest Ladner at the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. This business was a prominent and highly significant one in Warrnambool for 90 years.This is a small metal plaque or label, rectangular-shaped. It is silver-coloured with an inscription etched onto it. The item is much tarnished. Ernest E. Ladner Director Warrnambool Woollen Mill Co.Ltd. 1927-1957warrnambool woollen mill, ernest ladner of warrnambool

A souvenir or promotional item for the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. Playing cards was a very popular and common pass time in the 20th century with a variety of games being played, some of which survive to this day.A common object which is related to one of Warrnambool's longest running businesses.A green cardboard box containing two packs of playing cards.The sets of cards have the same image of Warrnambool blankets with one set edged in orange and one in blue. With Compliments of The Warrnambool Woollen Mill Co Ltd, on the box. Warrnambool luxury blankets , Warrnambool Paradise on the cards. warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill

In 1869, the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company commenced their business on the site, where it operated until 1875 when it was sold to the directors of the Warrnambool Woolen Mill Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882 it wasn’t until 1910 that the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce was approached by Marcus Saltau and Peter McGennan to invest in a new mill. The original directors were James Dickson, P J McGennan, Robert Swinton, M Saltau, and J W Younger. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries. this calendar is an advertising item associated with the Woollen Mill.A common item associated with a long running Warrnambool business.Large 6 page calendar for 1972 with coloured photographs of vintage cars.with Warrnambool Woollen Mill logo underneath with months [printed in black on yellow at the bottom of each page. Metal strip at top.Printed in New Zealand by tanner Couch Ltdwarrnambool,, warrnambool woollen mill 1972

In 1869, the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company commenced their business on the site, where it operated until 1875 when it was sold to the directors of the Warrnambool Woolen Mill Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882 it wasn’t until 1910 that the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce was approached by Marcus Saltau and Peter McGennan to invest in a new mill. The original directors were James Dickson, P J McGennan, Robert Swinton, M Saltau, and J W Younger. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries. These sheets provide data relating to sales of various different blankets in colours and sizes and where sales occurred . All the capital cities are listed with quantities and customer numbersThe woollen mill was one of the major industries of Warrnambool for nearly100 years. This document is one of many in the collection of the Warrnambool and district historical society which gives an insight into the scale and type of production during the 20th century.Rectangular bundle of loose pages with card on either side and held together with string. Pages are lined and typed with data and also have two small holes and one elongated hole stamped between the smaller ones.Analysis Season 1937-1938 written in red pencil on front card. 'These sheets stocked in 25 patterns by peacock Bros Pty Ltd Melbourne Sydney Adelaide Perth and Brisbane. When ordering this pattern specify No D5' printed on each of the paper sheets.warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, woolen mill, dunlop olympic, marcus saltau p j mcgennan james dickson, robert swinton j w younger, wangaratta, dreamspun

These playing cards were produced for the Warrnambool Woollen Mill in the 1940s for promotional purposes and were probably given to members of a bridal party when one member had bought a Warrnambool blanket (specifically the Warma-Wool Blanket) as a trousseau item or as a gift for the bridal couple. The cards were in the possession of Mr C.F. Kelly of Dwarroon, Cudgee (near Warrnambool) in 1985 and he has taken them to show the manager of the Warrnambool Mill as they were already items of historical interest, being about 40 years old at that time. The letter from the Warrnambool Mill administration office attests to this. The envelope shows that the cards were returned to Mr Kelly by post. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill was established in South Warrnambool in 1910 and closed in the year 2000. It was one of the most important and well-known industries in Warrnambool in the 20th century. These items are of interest as mementoes of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill, a key 20th century industry in Warrnambool that was known Australia-wideThis is a pack of playing cards having the usual playing cards printed numbers and emblems on one side and a colour illustration of a bride and two bridesmaids admiring a blanket on the other side. This side also has printed material. The cards are partly enclosed in a piece of cellophane and the pack is in a rectangular envelope with a stamp and a typed address on the outside. The envelope is open and partly torn at one end. The letter in the envelope has a letterhead and typed material.Envelope: Mr C.F. Kelly R.S.D. 4330 D.Warroen (sic) Cudgee Vic. 3265 Cards: Warrnambool Warma-Wool Blankets warrnambool blankets, warrnambool woollen mill, dwarroon estate cudgee

The Warrnambool Woollen Mill was officially opened on November 14th, 1910. The first manager was John E. Bennett. Goods made were " blankets, flannels, articles of universal use". In 1958 the Mill became the first to manufacture electric blankets in Australia. In 2000 the Mill closed after 90 years of operation. This label is of much importance as the Warrnambool Woollen Mill was a major manufacturing business in Warrnambool for 90 years.White label with blue printing adhered to grey cardboard. There is another label on the same card.WARRNAMBOOL Slumba Safe ELECTRICALLY HEATED BLANKET ABSOLUTELY SAFE ECONOMICAL Versatile & Hygienic NUMBER MANUFACTURED BY; WARRNAMBOOL WOOLLEN MILL CO. LIMITED SOUTH WARRNAMBOOLwoollen mill, warrnambool, gaspar's modern print company, electric blankets, john bennett

In 1869, the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company commenced their business on the site, where it operated until 1875 when it was sold to the directors of the Warrnambool Woolen Mill Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882 it wasn’t until 1910 that the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce was approached by Marcus Saltau and Peter McGennan to invest in a new mill. The original directors were James Dickson, P J McGennan, Robert Swinton, M Saltau, and J W Younger. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries. This report contains the financial reports for the three years from 1951-1953.This report shows records of the Woollen Mill which was one of the most important industries in Warrnambool for nearly 100 years. As such it has links to many local families and organisations.Light brown paper cover with black text underlined in red. Bound in black tape. Accountants’ name along bottom of cover in black.warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, warrnambool woolen mill,

In 1869, the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company commenced their business on the site, where it operated until 1875 when it was sold to the directors of the Warrnambool Woolen Mill Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882 it wasn’t until 1910 that the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce was approached by Marcus Saltau and Peter McGennan to invest in a new mill. The original directors were James Dickson, P J McGennan, Robert Swinton, M Saltau, and J W Younger. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries.This book contains a large number of labels some of which would have been sewn to the corner of the many blankets which were manufactured over the long history of the Woollen Mill.Some are cloth of a satin type. Some state care instructions and some have been made under other name brands such as Myer, Patersons and Nile. There is also a range of types of blankets such as travel and picnic rugs, baby blankets.Some are pure wool, others are a blend of synthetic and wool, mohair. In the latter stages of its operation, under the ownership of the Smith family , recycled woollen product was produced.This is an interesting collection of labels which were produced and collected over a long period of time and therefore provide a valuable insight into different styles and variety of the blankets produced by the Warrnambool Woollen mill which played a large part in the social and employment history of the city for nearly all of the 20th century. The different styles and colours provide a snapshot of design and artistic styles of the period. Large Spirax folder with yellow and white check patterned cover with dark blue writing.A Warrnambool label in gold,black and white is glued to front cover . Back cover is grey heavier card. The white pages have a large number of labels which relate to the Warrnambool Woollen Mill . Some are stapled and others are glued.Genuine drawing cartridge 48 sheets . Made in Indonesia.warrnambool, warrnambool woollenmill,warrnambool blankets warrnambool blankets labels,

This is a book of 603 pages. It has a maroon-coloured cover with gold printing on the front and the spine. The pages contain printed text, black and white illustrations and advertisements.non-fictionTechnical Information on loom tuningloom tuning, warrnambool woollen mill

The Warrnambool Woollen Mill was established in South Warrnambool in 1909 and was officially opened in 1910 with John Bennett as the first manager. In 1968 the mill was sold to the Dunlop company and in 1982 Dunlop sold the mill to Onkaparinga Woollen Company. In 1983 Onkaparinga was taken over by Macquarie Worsteds and traded in Warrnambool as Warrnambool Textiles. This arrangement ceased in 1994. In 2000 the mill closed after 90 years of operations.This is not a very significant item but it is interesting as it is connected to one of the major industries operating in Warrnambool for 90 years (1910-2000). It highlights also one aspect of the mill’s history- the years 1983-1994 when the mill operated as Warrnambool Textiles. This is a plastic shopping bag from the Warrnambool Woollen Mill shop. It has red printing on the front and back.‘Bargains Galore at the Woollen Mill Shop, Located at the Mill, Warrnambool Textiles, Harris Street, South Warrnambool, 3280, Phone: (055) 64 0044’warrnambool woollen mill

In 1869, the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company commenced their business on the site, where it operated until 1875 when it was sold to the directors of the Warrnambool Woolen Mill Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882 it wasn’t until 1910 that the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce was approached by Marcus Saltau and Peter McGennan to invest in a new mill. The original directors were James Dickson, P J McGennan, Robert Swinton, M Saltau, and J W Younger. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries. This ledger relates to the operations of the mill in the period 1941-1943. It record items such as quantities and hours of wool being spun, combed, woven, carded. it also records the amount of waste from the processes and the quantities held in the warehouse of blankets, bales of wool, rugs. An item which has a strong connection to one of Warrnambool's longest running businesses and one of its largest. Thousands of local people over the years have been employed there and have an attachment to the woollen mill.It gives an insight into the daily runnings of the business.Black card covered exercise book which is divided into various sections. Pages are lined and it has approximately 150 pages.

Postcard was given to David Phillips (Donor) by a friend who was involved in the wool industry through employment at CSRIO.Postcard with black and white image on front. Image is of two men standing in front of a carding machine inside of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. Image is printed onto postcard despite the non-straight lines suggesting the image may have been cut and pasted. Reverse of the postcard has handwritten message detailing image on the front of the postcard.Handwriting, black ink: Warrnambool Woollen Mill 1910 / First carding Machine bins / Erected b W. (Bill) + (?) / Pontefract warrnambool woollen mill, carding machine

This is a document showing the state of the accounts in 1944-5 of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill, a significant commercial business in Warrnambool for several decades that was well-known nationally, particularly during World War Two. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill operated in South Warrnambool off McDonald Street from 1910 to 2001 and produced mainly woollen blankets and flannels. Some of the old Woollen Mill buildings today are heritage-listed. The item shows that there was a reduced turnover in 1944-5 because of fewer Government contracts but the company was still making a profit. The Federal Government was a major buyer of Warrnambool Woollen Mill products with the factory supplying blankets for the Armed Forces in World War Two.This is an important document which forms part of a larger collection of Warrnambool Woollen Mill material in the archives of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill was a major industry in Warrnambool , employing at its peak several hundred people and it was a significant building in the city, with the social and economic ramifications connected to a major business in a regional centre. The document shows the state of the business during World War Two.This is a document of 14 pages produced for the Warrnambool Woollen Mill Company Limited by Edward V. Nixon & Partners, Chartered Accountants, Melbourne, a Report and Comparative Accounts for the years ended 30th September 1944 and 30th September 1945. The cover is grey-coloured light cardboard bound with a paper adhesive. The report covers five pages and the financial statements nine pages. The material is typed.The report is signed Edwin V. Nixon & Partners and the financial reports are initialled E.V.N. & P. warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, warrnambool woollen mill report 1944-45

Collector says: Cream and blue panel blankets were the first style of domestic blankets I started collecting and both of these ones were found in Geelong op shops. Pairs of blankets were regularly advertised as ideal wedding gifts and 'The Bride' label is one of my favourite labels of all time. This is the only one I've ever seen but hopefully there are lots more out there being handed down the generations.Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Double sized cream blanket with blue stripesWarrnambool/The Bride/All Wool ---Deluxe/Made in Australiawool, blanket, blanket fever, warrnambool, bride

Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." "Most admired of the Bride's presents" (bride and bridesmaids with blanket)"Most admired of the Bride's presents" /Warrnambool Blankets and Rugs/Warmer Wool from Warrnamboolblankets, blanket fever, wool, advertisement, warrnambool, australian women's weekly

Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Let it rain, let it blow... (lady in bed)Let it Rain, Let it Blow…/Warrnambool Blankets and Rugs/Warmer Wool from Warrnambool blanket, blanket fever, wool, warrnambool, advertisement, australian women's weekly

These items are from the Warrnambool Woollen Mill and relate to the fire protection services operating at the factory in the late 20th century. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill was commenced as a local public company and opened in 1910 in South Warrnambool with the first manager, John Bennett. During World War Two there were 700 employees at the mill due to wartime demand. In 1958 the factory became the first in Australia to manufacture electric blankets. In 1968 the mill was purchased by the Dunlop company and in 1982 Dunlop sold out to Onkaparinga Woollen Company which was taken over by Macquarie Worsteds and became known as Warrnambool Textiles. When Macquarie Worsteds ceased operations in Warrnambool the Smith Family managed the factory on behalf of the owners, the Warrnambool City Council. In 2000 the Woollen Mill closed and the site has been sold and developed as a housing estate.These items are of minor interest as mementoes of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill and will be added to the Woollen Mill collection in the Historical Society archives. .1 A sheet of white paper showing a sketch plan in black of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill with three areas coloured pink, yellow and blue .2 the same as .1 except that there are no shaded areas. .3 A sheet of lightweight card with black and yellow printing and a diagram of a machine Fire Plan For Insurance Purposes Atlas Automatic Fire Services Pty Ltd warrnambool woollen mill, history of warrnambool, onkaparinga woollen company, dunlop company

These documents concern a legal case involving the Town Of Warrnambool, Elizabeth Granter and James Harris. The lawyer in the case was William Ardlie. The son of John and Mary Ardlie, pioneer settlers in Warrnambool, William Ardlie was a prominent lawyer in Warrnambool from the late 1860s to the early 1930s and was active in community affairs. Elizabeth Granter, involved in the financial side of the legal case, was the wife of James Granter, another prominent Warrnambool identity of the 19th century. Granter was a quarryman and a road contractor and he and other members of his family seem to have been involved in other legal battles with James Harris, an employee of the Warrnambool Tramway, also involved in the financial aspects of the legal case. These three documents are of minor interest as an example of the legal cases undertaken by the well-known Warrnambool lawyer, William Ardlie. These are three 1888/1889 documents related to the legal practice of William Ardlie. Item One is a document listing the details of a court case involving Elizabeth Granter, James Harris and the Town Council of Warrnambool and is a sheet of paper with the details of the case written on both sides of the paper in black ink. The back page has a green stamp to the value of one penny. Item Two is a letter from Charles Hider, the bookseller, in regard to an item received by H.A.C. Macdonald, the Town Clerk of the Town of Warrnambool. The handwriting is in black ink. Item Three is a letter from the Warrnambool Tramway Department to Mr Ardlie regarding the request of James Harris for a small sum of money. This letter is a sheet of paper folded in two and written in black ink on one of the four sides. The first page has the stamp of the Town of Warrnambool.james harris, history of warrnambool, elizabeth granter, william ardlie, town of warrnambool

The minutes book of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill are an important record of the beginnings of one of Warrnambool's major industries for close to one hundred years. They record the struggle in the early days of 1909 and 1910 to raise the capital. Also mentioned is the support which had been given by local people of small means who were prepared to back the enterprise while those with financial means had been rather more reserved. Apart from a Mr Vidler all the initial directors were initially working in an honorary capacity. They lamented the fact that local banks held half a million pounds on fixed interest so there was no shortage of money. The first directors were appointed in March 1909 : Jas. Worland, W H Philpott, G S Mackay, E H Price, S McDonald, J C Beeching, W Rogers ,J Marfell, J Deany, Jas Duirs, Jas. Ponting, H Jessen, S Nettleton, J Blain, J Gooden, Drs. Holmes, Henderson and Powell. Mr J E Bennett was secured as first manager of the mill in 1910 Over the ten year period of this book there is much discussion on possible returns and share prices as well as decisions relating to the operation of and production from the mill. Within four years they were using more yarn than they were producing. Electricity was connected around 1914 and by 1915 shareholders were receiving eight percent return on their investment and were also contributing to the first world War effort by supplying blankets. Assets continued to accumulate and building was also continued with sandstone being quarried from the site and rain water tanks and asphalt floors installed, all contributing to savings. By 1917 The Warrnambool Woollen Mill was considered to be one of the states best investments and it continued to prosper through the years. The second minutes book likewise records similar events and circumstances for the period 1933-1945. This like wise is an interesting period, covering the period of the second World War. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries. These minutes books hold an important information regarding the establishment and early operation of one of Warrnambool's major industries. The mill itself has strong connection to the Warrnambool community and many of the names mentioned as directors and shareholders have held positions within the community as businessmen and city officials. These minutes add another dimension to their contribution to Warrnambool..1Navy blue hard card cover with cloth spine. White label glued to front cover.186 pages.There are handwritten entries in black ink which are interspersed with reports from newspaper. .2 Pale grey cloth cover on early Kalamazoo filing system 612 pages of typed minutes . .1There are dates from 1910 through to 1923. Minutes have been signed by chairman of directors, M Saltau.label on front cover has blue stamp, The Warrnambool Woollen Mill Company. hand written above in black ink "opened 24th March 1909." .2 dated from May 1933 to September 1945. Signatures include M Saltau, James Disckson and Fletcher Jones.warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, first minutes book warrnambool woollen mill, minutes book, warrnambool woollen mill 1909, minutes book warrnambool woollen mill 1945

This is an exercise book, probably purchased from a local stationers, which was used at the Warrnambool Woollen Mill in the 1930s to record weekly operations in each of the Mill’s departments. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill was established in 1910 in South Warrnambool by a local company, with the building erected on a site that formerly housed another woollen mill destroyed by fire in 1882. The Warrnambool Woollen Company operated successfully for many years with over 700 employees in the 1940s and a good national reputation for quality goods. It made blankets and other woollen goods and was the first company in Australia to manufacture electric blankets. In the 1960s the mill was sold to the Dunlop Company and for the next thirty years it was bought and sold several times, finally closing in 2000 after 90 years of operation. This exercise book is of some importance as it belonged to the Warrnambool Woollen Mill, a dominant and important industry in Warrnambool for most of the 20th century. Many present and past residents of Warrnambool and district were employed at the Mill. It is one of many items in our collection that outlines the mill’s day-to-day operations and contains information that may be useful to researchers. This is an exercise book which belonged to the Warrnambool Woollen Mill and appears to be two exercise books joined together as there is a black cover in the middle of the pages. The original black covers at the front and back are missing. The pages are lined in blue and most used pages have ruled red lines. The entries are in black ink and include the date and other information on the processes of the spinning, carding, scouring etc. The page edges on the right have been serrated in an oval shape to make tabs for the various departments in the Mill – Engineers, Scouring. Dyeing, Warehouse etc. and the book contains weekly entries regarding Mill operations from 1930 to 1936.Edge of book: ‘Records’warrnambool woollen mill, history of warrnambool

Don Jenkins was the Managing Director of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill from 1971 to 1989. He was first employed at the Woollen Mill in 1935. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill in South Warrnambool was established in 1910 with the first manager, J.E. Bennett. By 1915 there were 160 employees and in 1969 there were 380 employees. In 1980 acrylic blankets and fabrics were made on the site and in 1982 there was a name change to Warrnambool Textiles. In 1995 the Smith Family took over the factory, following its ownership by several other Australian firms. It closed in 2000. This is an important photograph as the Warrnambool Woollen Mill was a prominent business in Warrnambool for 90 years. Don Jenkins was the Managing Director for 19 years and this is a good photograph of him and is very useful for display and research purposes. This is a colour photograph of Don Jenkins in a wooden and gilt edged frame with a linen insert. On back of photograph handwritten in biro – ‘Don Jenkins, Managing Director, 1970-1988?’ (Note that Mr Jenkins was the Managing Director from 1971 to 1989)warrnambool, woollen mill, don jenkins, manager warrnambool woollen mill

These cards, presumably part of a pack of cards (or two packs) are an advertising tool for Warrnambool rugs made by the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. The Warrnambool Woollen Mill in South Warrnambool was opened in 1910 with John Bennett the first manager. It produced woollen blankets and rugs and woollen products during the war years for military purposes. It closed in 2000.These cards are of interest as an advertising tool for the Warrnambool Woollen Mill which was a major industry in Warrnambool for 90 years. It shows the advertising techniques used by businesses in the 20th century.These are two regulation-size playing cards, both showing the five of clubs, with a colour advertisement for Warrnambool Rugs on the back. The advertisement features an assortment of Warrnambool woollen rugs. On back of cards – ‘Warrnambool Rugs, pure wool’warrnambool woollen mill, cards

Letter, from the manager, Warrnambool Woollen Mill, 5th February, 1946 to W R Lang regarding testing of wool samples.wool - research wool - testing, gordon institute of technology warrnambool woollen mill, lang, dr w. roy, wool - research, wool - testing