This box was used to transport goods on the rail that were packed by the Colombo company for Goldsworthy & Coles Co. situated in Nhill & Diapurwooden box. Unpainted wooden crate made of slats of wood nailed together with wording stenciled on 2 sides & holes in the bottom. It has no lid is an open box. Unfinished plain Packed by COLOMBO expressly for Goldsworthy Coles & Co. North Western Stores. Nhill and Diapur.goldsworthy & co., wooden crate, western stores, goods transport crate, nhill to dipaur, colombo packers

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

David Fletcher Jones was born in Bendigo in 1895. He served in World War 1 and returned in 1917 and with a war repatriation loan bought a hawkers wagon and commenced working a circuit around the Western District. In 1924 he bought a business in Warrnambool and after an initial shaky start he started to build his business. He was well regarded and involved in the town and the 1960-70’s saw the Fletcher Jones brand and factory expand to become one of the largest employers in the town. Ownership was based on a co-operative model with employees owning shares in the company. As well as manufacturing he had a number of retail stores across Australia. This item is likely to be a prop from one such store. A minor item which is linked to an important part of Warrnambool’s past.Piece of wood shaped like a necktie with advertising slogan and small diagram in black text.Fletcher Jones says “Gentlemen prefer Blends” You will never wear a colour that hurts your eyes_ When you accept the help of “The Man’s Shop”sir fletcher jones, david fletcher jones, fletcher jones warrnambool

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

This paper records local, national and International news with events such as elections news, sports news, and 807 entries for the Warrnambool May Races.Other local articles relate to curriculum at Warrnambool High School,Port Fairy Sea Scouts as well as football results for many local teams of all levels. There are also photographs of Junior tennis A grade champions. Likewise there are many advertisements for local businesses such as Swintons Rock A bye Cradle shop and Stephens Stores. The film The graduate was playing at the Capitol Theatre and still drawing large crowds The Warrnambool Standard was established in 1872 and had remained locally owned until taken over by the Melbourne Age in 1980. Both were subsequently taken over by Fairfax media in 1983As the only daily local newspaper in the Western District,The Warrnambool Standard contains much that is of interest socially and historically. Black text with photograph of young boy on horseback ,jumping fence. back page has articles about sport with photograph of three footballers contesting for the ball. 12 PagesThe Warrnambool Standard Monday April 21 1969.warrnambool, warrnambool standard, standard 1969,

This MEZON brand button accordion was made specifically for Lyons, Musical Instrument Importer, 207 Bourke Street Melbourne, as can be seen on the embossed lettering on the top of the accordion. The hand inscribed nameplate indicates that the owner was T H Betts. On August 19th, 1903, Michael Edward Lyons applied to the Trade Mark’s Office of Sydney for registration of “The Invented word “MEZON” to be applied to musical instruments. In 1908 he was advertising himself as sole agents for MEZON accordions. He had been at that address for 15 years (since 1893) and was moving to larger premises at 256 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Still at this address in 1925, Lyons advertises MEZON accordions as “The ideal Xmas present, Maker your friends happy, This Xmas let the Present be a MEZON”. There was a choice of three styles: The Organ, The Wonder and The Grand Organ. They came with a Fibre Case with Lock and Key and a Leather Handle. The promise was “They Give Satisfaction”. They were obtainable at all stores or from Sole Distributors in Australia. In 1927 the MEZON was sold by Albert & Sons in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland as well as by Lyons in Melbourne. The favoured German accordion brands were Monarch and Sterling, which were made by the International Accordion Company in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany. The company was founded in 1871 by Ernest Deines and made a variety of musical instruments. The company closed business in 1834. The International Accordion Company’s accordion range made the International brand and others such as MEZON, Globe, and Dienst. Australia imported the MEZON brand. American companies imported a range of the popular German branded accordions until World War II, when they were no longer available. In general, accordions produced after the war were not as high a quality and not loud enough to be heard over the electronic guitars and the drum kit of the bands. This accordion represents the type of musical instruments used in the late 19h and early 20th century, locally and Australia wide. In colonial Australia musical instruments like this one were imported from Germany as well as other countries. At that time, German made instruments represented good quality. This accordion is significant for being especially imported into Australia by a Melbourne retailer. Music was a part of family and social life, associated with dances, song and general fun.Button accordion with case. Accordion with steel reeds, three bass valves and ten treble valves. It is coloured black with very dark green trim, decorative silver metal reinforcing on main corners, gold reinforcing on corners of the bellows and delicate printed, gold printed patterned trims. Hand support for buttons is made of fabric. Folds of the bellows are light coloured with fine dark pattern. It has a nameplate on the front. Black wooden case has red lining, two brass hinges, two brass hook and eye catches and a swivel brass lock. The base of the case has a loose brass fitting. The top has a thin metal handle. Inscription on hand inscribed name on front, label inside case lid, silver reinforcing, leather on bellows top, and frame of accordion. Manufactured with the brand MEZON in Saxony, Germany, for Lyons of Melbourne. Once the property of T H Betts.Printed on label “MEZON ACCORDEONS.” Impressed in metal corners and reinforcing “MEZON” with logo [circle enclosing entwined capital D and E] “MADE IN SAXONY” Embossed in gold on frame “Made in Saxony”, “MEZON Accordion/ manufactured for LYONS / MELBOURNE, Bourke Street” Name inscribed by hand “T H Betts”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, mezon accordion, lyons, made in saxony, t h betts, betts, mezon, squeeze box, musical instrument, button accordion, germany, michael lyons, international accordion company, ernest deines, circle enclosing d e, d e, e d, german accordion

In 1908 the Geelong Harbor Trust commissioners were George Frederick Holden, Edward Harewood Lascelles and James Hill. The officers were Walter S. Crowle (Secretary), A.C. McKenzie (Engineer), Captain G.A. Molland (Harbor Master), E.R. Hitch, (Assistant Harbor Master, Portarlington.)Red soft covered foolscap report of 101 pages. Includes two photographic reproductions of teh New Cargo Shed on Yarra Pier, and Twin S.S. "G.F. Holden" (formerly the 'Pelican' (built in 1898 by Fleming & Ferguson, Paisley, England, for the Western Australian Government).Seal of the Geelong Harbour Trust Commissionersgeelong, harbour trust, commissioners, report, finance, properties, dredging, portarlington, barwon heads, ocean grove, shipping, engineer's report, assets, liabilities, harbor trust, geelong harbor trust, grain shipping berthage, corio quay, cool stores, dock accomodation, floating plant, hopetoun channel, moorabool pier shed, sparrovale irrigation farm, thomas gibson-carmichael, yarra pier cargo

Oliver Gilpin (1874-1942), chain store proprietor, was born on 8 July 1874 at Seven Creeks near Euroa, Victoria, fourth child and second son of William Gilpin, farmer, and his wife Dinah, née Barton, both from Tyrone, Ireland. He was educated at local state schools and became a draper's assistant at Euroa. A testimonial as 'an energetic, pushing salesman, a careful stock-keeper … honest and industrious' gained him city experience with Ball & Welch Ltd, drapers, in their Carlton store. He used an inheritance to open a drapery store at Korumburra, south Gippsland, in 1895, moving to Rutherglen in the upper Murray valley in 1899. Frustrated by irregular stock deliveries, he moved to Fitzroy, Melbourne, in 1902, seeking a warehouse and the benefits of combined supplies for effective development of country trading. By 1905 he was producing many stock items at Northcote and had established retail outlets at Bendigo and Warracknabeal. Branches at Echuca, Numurkah and Yarrawonga followed in 1906, with ten more in 1907. He moved his city establishment to East Malvern in 1911, and had opened forty shops by 1920 and seventy-four by 1928. All were managed by women, on a strictly cash basis. Drapery remained the main line, supplemented by ironmongery, crockery, school requisites and toys. Gilpin saw the Depression years as a challenge. Between 1928 and 1931 he established eighteen new branches, including two in Tasmania, at Devonport and Ulverstone. The chain included South Australian branches at Mount Gambier, Millicent and Renmark, twenty-five stores in southern and western New South Wales, and ten in suburban Melbourne. Gilpin's Chain Store News was issued monthly. In 1944 Foy & Gibson acquired a controlling interest in Gilpin's business and in 1951 the chain was bought by G. J. Coles & Co. Ltd for £1,250,000. Three wooden blocks used to display hats. 9042.1 Slightly head shaped on top 9042.2 Light timber, flat on top, a wedge at back. 9042.3 Dark timber, flat on top.hat blocks, millinery, haberdashery, gilpin, korumburra

Bale hooks patented by Peter Roger Hughes. Peter Hughes was a storeman in the Dalgety Wool Store on Western Beach. His company made wool stackers until his death in 1935. These hooks were donated by his son, Harry Hughes.wool stores, hughes patents pty ltd, wool bale clips, hughes, mr peter roger - hughes patents pty ltd

The Edina was one of the longest serving steam vessels anywhere in the world. Built on the Clyde by Barclay, Curle & Co. she was an iron hull single screw steamer of 322 tons with three masts. In 1855 Edina was requisitioned by the Admiralty from her owners the Leith, Hull & Hamburg Steam Packet Co. to carry stores and horses to the Black Sea during the Crimean War. After return to her owners Edina traded around the UK and Mediterranean before being purchased and used as a blockade runner during the American Civil War carrying cotton from the Confederate states in 1861. Edina arrived in Melbourne under sail in March 1863 and was purchased by Stephen Henty for use from ports in western Victoria and later carried gold prospectors across the Tasman to New Zealand. After a refit in 1870 she was used in the coastal trade along the Queensland coast for Howard Smith until returning to Victoria and the Melbourne-Geelong trade as a cargo-passenger vessel. The Edina had two narrow escapes from destruction in 1898 and 1899 when she collided with other steamers, both being sunk. A further refit in 1917 altered her appearance with a new mast, funnel, bridge and promenade deck. By 1924 Edina had made over 12,000 Melbourne-Geelong passages and carried over one million people on the service. A further collision in July 1931 which sank the tug Hovell forced Edina onto a mudbank on Port Phillip Bay. She was taken out of service in 1938 but was later renamed Dinah and used as a lighter until 1958 when she was broken up and her remains used as land-fill.Model of a Coastal Trader & Passenger Ship with hull painted red and black. Red flag and black flag with S attached to flag pole. On forward of ship - Edinageelong, transport, ship model, water transport

Note from collector: I love the generous size and thickness of Albany blankets and know someone who collects from this Mill only. The colour shades and combinations Albany used are still so gorgeous. From Western Australia. 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. " Checked blanket, pink, lemon and violetAlbany Woollen Mill/Blanket/All Pure Wool/Emblem: A, Albany blanket, blanket fever, wool, albany, albany woollen mills

Collector says "I love the generous size and thickness of Albany blankets and know someone who collects from this Mill only. The colour shades and combinations Albany used are still so gorgeous. From Western Australia. 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. Please refer to the following worksheet for a full breakdown of the collection." Checked blanket, pink, blue and creamAlbany Woollen Mill/Blanket/All Pure Wool/Emblem: A, Albany blanket, blanket fever, wool, albany, albany woollen mills

"Western Wool Warehouse, Geelong, 12 July 1881." This advertising circular was produced by George Hague and Co., stock and station agents. It promotes their services and gives an account of the state of the wool and agriculture industry. The 'Western Wool Warehouse' is pictured on the front cover; it stood formerly on Western Beach but is now demolished.Front page (page 1) of George Hague and Co.s pamphlet depicting the Western Wool Warehouse and outlining their operations and services, 12-7-1881. Page 2 of George Hague and Co.s pamphlet depicting the Western Wool Warehouse and outlining their operations and services, 12-7-1881. Page 3 of George Hague and Co.s pamphlet depicting the Western Wool Warehouse and outlining their operations and services, 12-7-1881.WESTERN WOOL WAREHOUSE, / GEELONG, 12th July, 1881. / To Wool Growers and Others interested. / GENTLEMEN, / [multiple inscriptions follow]wool brokering wool sales sheep stations wool stores, george hague and co. pty ltd, western wool warehouse, geelong, victoria, wool brokering, wool sales, sheep stations, wool stores

Depicts the George Hague & Co. Western Wool Warehouse, originally located on western beach. Of the two horse-drawn wagons loaded with wool bales standing in front of store, one wagon is owned by Joseph Kerley of Geelong and is loaded with bales of scoured wool from the "Wimmera Co."GEO. HAGUE & CO. / WESTERN WOOL WAREHOUSE / GEO. HAGUE & CO. WOOL WAREHOUSE Bluestone base under existing store (Elder Smith) / Western Beachwool stores wool transportation, george hague and co. pty ltd, western wool warehouse, geelong, victoria, wool stores, wool - transportation

Photo depicts the George Hague and Co. wool store, western beach, Geelong.GEO. HAGUE & CO. / PTY. LTD. / WOOL BROKERSwool stores, george hague and co. pty ltd, western wool warehouse, geelong, victoria

Hof Pottery was established in 1971 in Fremantle, Western Australia by German born Helmut Hof and Australian born Elizabeth Hof. They set up a commercial pottery business in a small converted house in Naval Base, south of Fremantle. They later built a factory on the site and employed a team of people to make a wide range of slip cast wares. These were sold through retail garden centres and large department stores. The business name was deregistered in 2003. Work may be marked with an incised 'Hof' and/or have a paper label reading 'Hof Pottery made in Australia'.Ceramic vessel with cork lid incised 'Hof'ceramics, hoff, australian studio pottery

Two red covered ( one with cloth tape on the spine and edges) auction catalogues for a sale at the Big Bell Gold Mine, Big Bell, Western Australia, held on the 22nd to 27th August 1955 and 29th to 31st August and 1st to 3rd September, 1955. Sale consisted of Mining Machinery, Engines, Electrical Equipment, Pumps, Stores, Housing, Rolling Stock and Costly Equipment by Order of Big Bell Mines Ltd. J. H. Curnow & Son Pty. Ltd. Were the auctioneers. One catalogue has Mr. Curnow written on the front.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - big bell gold mine, big bell mines ltd, j h curnow & son pty ltd, prahran telegraph printing co pty ltd

Title: The romance of the "Edina" : the world's oldest screw-steamship : with chapters on the auxiliary steamship :Great Britain", and the Port Phillip Bay steamers past and present / by C. Dickson Gregory Author: Gregory, C. Dickson (Charles Dickson) Publication Information: Melbourne : Robertson & Mullens, 1935 Physical Description: xii, 84 p., [24] p. of plates : ill. ; 23 cm Series Link: Queenscliffe Maritime Museum General Note: Item no. Corporate Subject: Edina (Ship) Great Britain (Ship) Subject Term: Shipping -- Victoria Geographic Term: Port Phillip Bay Region (Vic.) -- History Format: Books Holds: 0 Copies: 2This iron hull single screw steamer had a long and distinguished carrier operating between 1853 and 1938. She served in the Crimean war carrying stores and horses to the Black Sea and later trading in the Mediterranean, and carrying cotton for the Confederate States in the American Civil War. Edina arrived in Melbourne under sail in March 1863 and was purchased by Stephen Henty for use from ports in western Victoria and later carried gold prospectors across the Tasman to New Zealand. After a refit in 1870 she was used in the coastal trade along the Queensland coast for Howard Smith until returning to Victoria and the Melbourne-Geelong trade as a cargo-passenger vessel. The Edina had two narrow escapes from destruction in 1898 and 1899 when she collided with other steamers, both being sunk. A further refit in 1917 altered her appearance with a new mast, funnel, bridge and promenade deck. By 1924 Edina had made over 12,000 Melbourne-Geelong passages and carried over one million people on the service. A further collision in July 1931 which sank the tug Hovell forced Edina onto a mudbank on Port Phillip Bay. She was taken out of service in 1938 but was later renamed Dinah and used as a lighter until 1958 when she was broken up and her remains used as land-fill.Extract from the book 'The Romance of the Edina' showing signatures of her last voyage crew in 1938.'The Romance of the Edina'ss edina, port phillip, steam ships

Note from collector: I love the generous size and thickness of Albany blankets and know someone who collects from this Mill only. The colour shades and combinations Albany used are still so gorgeous. From Western Australia. 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. " Checked blanket, blues and creamAlbany Woollen Mill/Blanket/All Pure Wool/Emblem: A, Albany blanket, blanket fever, wool, albany, albany woollen mills

The Australian Service Canteen Organisation operated from 1959 - 1979 and served troops throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam by providing services such as canteens, bulk stores, snack bars, news agencies and bank agencies. ASCO became the Army Air Force Canteen Service [AAFCANS] in 1979. This included provision of services in Army bases such as the barracks at Bandiana, Victoria outside of Wodonga. Noritake is a well-known producer of a wide range of merchandise including high quality, western-style dinnerware for export. On January 1, 1904 the Nippon Toki Kaisha Ltd - the forerunner to the present Noritake Company - was formed in a small town near Nagoya, Japan. The maker's mark "Noritake N Japan" mark has been used since 1968.A china dinner plate bearing the logo of Australian Organization Services Canteens in gold paint. The maker's mark of Noritake Japan is printed underneath the plate.Logo - Australian Organization Services Canteens Maker's Mark - Noritake ® JAPANnoritake, australian services canteens, chinaware

This image of the Ralph Falkiner’s Mueller Petrol-Electric Road Train was taken in Wodonga in February 1914. Imported from Germany by Mr Ralph S Falkiner in late 1913, the train’s inventor, Major W A Mueller with two assistants, came to Melbourne to assemble then commission the train. The train cost Mr Falkiner about £13,000 plus £4,591 import duties. The Falkiner family were sheep breeders in the Western Riverina and he hoped to use the road train primarily to convey wool to the railways for despatch to Sydney. The train was 216 feet long, weighed 43.5 tons with a top speed loaded of 6-8m/h and petrol consumption up to two gallons per mile. Its first Australian journey was to haul 50 tons of cargo to Edmondson & Co at Wagga Wagga, 277 miles away. The journey from Melbourne was plagued with problems including broken cylinders and crank shaft and overheating as it was not designed for Australian climatic conditions. Three months after leaving Melbourne it arrived in Wodonga. A series of problems between Springhurst and Wodonga, including broken cylinders and valves caused an eight day delay. Some of the cargo was off-loaded in Albury, then after repairs the train continued on to Wagga where it arrived in May 1914. After unloading there, the road train was taken to Mr Falkiner's Groongal Station, near Hay and subsequently made several long trips into drought-stricken areas or the Western Riverina. Eventually the dream collapsed when the engines gave out after the train bogged in the sticky black soil of the Hay plain with 251 bales of wool on board. The train was finally railed back to Melbourne and stored but destroyed when the warehouse burnt down. In this photo, the road train is drawn up outside the Wodonga Stores and Bakery owned and operated by George Leighton. Mr Leighton began his business opposite the Terminus Hotel in Sydney Street, Wodonga in 1885. His business included a general store, stocking groceries, ironmongery, drapery, crockeryware, boots and shoes as well as a bakery. He was very actively involved in the community and served on the Wodonga Council for 18 years including three terms as Wodonga Shire President in 1901 – 02, 1910-11 and 1913-14. He was also Chairman of the Wodonga Waterworks Trust for several terms. Mr. Leighton also took a prominent part in the movement to establish a Public Library in Wodonga. His other involvements including being a Founder of the Wodonga Lodge of Freemasons, Honorary Treasurer of the Wodonga Bulldogs Football Club and Secretary of the Wodonga Racing Club. Mr Leighton passed away in Wodonga in 1916.This image is significant because it records a rare event in Wodonga and an experiment in Australian road transport.Black and white images of the Falkiner Road Train in Wodonga and on its first journey from Melbourne to Wagga, NSW It is taken in front of the Wodonga Stores and Bakery operated by George Leighton in Sydney Street, Wodonga.falkiner electric train, early road transport, high street wodonga, george leighton

A photo of a mural in Libya painted by a South Australian Sapper of a bottle of Victorian Bitter Ale being poured into the Melbourne Cup trophy and horses racing. The photo, and two others, were sent to Melbourne Legacy in 1979 by Legatee Syd Wilson of Yamba NSW. He thought Melbourne Legacy might be able to use them to generate money by selling them for advertising or publicity. He said they were enlargements of snapshots he had found in his old army trunk. The text says 'A good thing for the Cup but better for the tonsils'. Legatee Wilson's letter says the murals were: 'painted on three walls of a white concrete Italian block house (Police Check post I think), some 18/20 miles west of Tobruk, between Tobruk and Derna, and near a captured Italian airfield, somewhere about February 1941. Obviously they were painted by a Victorian Sapper. They were very well done, by a competent Sign-writer/artist, in correct and excellent colours (captured Itie paint no doubt - there was plenty in their Naval Stores at Tobruk).' (NB Itie was slang for Italian). 'The photos were there when we were coming back from Western Libya sometime in March 1941, prior to the 6th Division going to Greece.' From the AWM website the signs were painted by South Australian painter, SZ538 Sapper Leslie John “Doc” Dawes, 2/3rd Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers. There are several photos on the AWM site including the building the three murals were on.Photos taken by a Legatee when on active service in Libya in World War 2. They were donated to Legacy when it was thought they could be used for fundraising, which shows that Legatees were conscious of the way Legacy needs to generate funds to continue its work.Black and white enlargement of a photo taken in Libya of Victorian Bitter Ale for the Melbourne Cup mural.tobruk, beer, victorian bitter ale, ale, horse racing, murals, world war 2

This sports coat was made at a Fletcher Jones factory about the 1970s. David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) served in World War One and in the 1920s set up as a travelling hawker selling drapery in Western Victoria. In 1924 he leased three shops in Liebig Street, Warrnambool and in 1928 opened his Man's Shop at the intersection of Koroit/Liebig Streets. He manufactured men's clothing on site in a new building erected in 1931. In 1946 a Fletcher Jones shop was opened in Melbourne and in 1948 a factory was established in Warrnambool with a new company Fletcher Jones and Staff established in 1951.This company then operated in other States and known Australia-wide firstly for its production of men's trousers and later for men's and women's clothing. By 2011 the Warrnambool factory was closed and the company dissolved. This coat was bought by Lew Officer, a member of a family with pastoral interests in the Western District.This item is of considerable historical interest as an example of the high quality work produced by the Fletcher Jones and Staff Clothing Stores. This company was a key industry in Warrnambool in the 20th centuryThis is a man's sports coat made of Harris tweed hand woven in the Outer Hebrides made from Scottish-grown wool. The checked material is in brown tonings. The coat has a brown material lining and there are two brown buttons down the front and two on each sleeve. The collar has a grey felt lining.fletcher jones clothing stores, warrnambool, harris tweed jacket, lew officer

Earliest known photo of the stores. Johnson's Bridge store built 1873. Procter's c. 1876. Western end, left hand side of High Street, Charlton. Earliest known photo of the storesPhotograph of Peter Johnson's Bridge Store High St Charlton. Titled Wylie's Buildings 1877. Group of people on footpath. Peter Johnson's store, Reed Chemist shop, Procter's Butcher shop, Bank of New South WalesWylie's Buildings 1977peter johnson a.d. 1877 general storekeeper, peter johnson, draper, iron monger, timber merchant, general produce, jas reed, druggist, butcher, r procter & son, business, industry

This skirt was made by the Fletcher Jones company as part of the uniform of the Penleigh Grammar School, Essendon, Melbourne. David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) setup as a travelling hawker in the 1920s selling drapery in Western Victoria. In 1924 he opened a store in Warrnambool, moving into a two-storeyed building in Liebig Street in 1931. He manufactured and sold men's clothing at this site, opening a store in Melbourne in 1946 and a factory in Warrnambool in 1948. The company of Fletcher Jones and Staff, established in 1951, opened more stores and factories and operated Australia-wide and became well-known firstly for its production of men's trousers and later men's and women's clothing. By 2011 the Warrnambool factory was sold and the company dissolved. This skirt is of interest as a fine example of the quality clothing made by the Fletcher Jones clothing company. This business commenced in Warrnambool and was a dominant one in Warrnambool (and Australia) during the 20th century.This is a woman's tartan skirt in green and navy tonings. The skirt is pleated at the back and sides and has a silver-coloured metal buckle at the left side. It has metal clips and buttons that adjust the waistline size and a green cloth folder designed as a wallet with a press stud closer inside the front waist.College Apparel by Fletcher Jones Australiafletcher jones clothing stores, penleigh grammar uniform, penleigh grammar skirt, tartan skirt

This dispenser was most likely used for holding and dispensing string. It was used in the Cramond and Dickson store, which operated in Warrnambool from 1855 + 1974. John Glass Cramond and James Dickson migrated from Scotland to Melbourne where they opened a Cramond and Dickson store in St Kilda. They were inspired by the growth in Warrnambool after a visit and opened a second store there in 1855. The Cramond and Dickson store, grocers – drapery – ironmongery - chemist, was located on the corner of Liebig and Timor Streets, Warrnambool (now the site of a Mexican restaurant). Both Cramond and Dickson were involved in the business and social aspects of Warrnambool’s community. Cramond and Dickson closed in 1974. An advertisement placed by Cramond and Dickson in The Camperdown Chronicle, Saturday 6th April 1895, states them “showing the latest novelties for the coming winter season” … “import directly from English and Continental manufacturers” … “representatives in London … always in touch with the Newest Continental Fashions” ... “having been established for so many years we know the requirements of the Western District”… “allow 5 percent discount on goods paid for at the time of purchase”.The string dispenser is significant for being used at the local historical Cramond and Dickson department store in Warrnambool It is also of significance as it is an example of office equipment used in many stores for the wrapping and securing of parcels.Dispenser for string; spindle, reel or spool with cylindrical axle in centre, a wooden disc at each end. A length of wire is attached to each end and bend into a 'U' shape, with three loops formed across the base of the 'U'. Item came from Cramond and Dickson store in Warrnambool and was possibly used for dispensing string, with the wire being used as a handle or for mounting.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, warrnambool, cramond and dickson, warrnambool business, department store, commerce, timor street, liebig street, sales, retail equipment, office equipment, string dispenser, string reel, packaging, parcelling