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

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

The Sunnyside Woollen Mill (or Ballarat Woollen Mill) was designed by Henry Richards Caselli.Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. It includes two remnant elm trees from the Ballarat Woollen Mills Avenue of Honour.ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney, ballarat woollen mills avenue of honour

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

The architect of the Ballarat Woollen Mill was Henry Richards Caselli.Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney, henry richards caselli

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 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 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

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

Colour photograph of a red brick woollen mill at Ballarat, known as the Sunnyside Woollen Mill, or the Ballarat Woollen Mill. ballarat woollen mill, sunnyside woollen mill, mount pleasant, chimney

This book, written by Graeme Bennett, gives information on the Bennett family history and the history of the Stawell Woollen Mills. The Bennett family was associated with the textile industry for more than 200 years. The book gives information on John Edward Bennett (1862-1928) who, in 1909 became the first manager of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. This mill opened in 1910 and closed in 2000 and was a dominant business, known throughout Australia for its woollen blankets. John Bennett was a highly-successful manager at the Warrnambool Woollen Mill from 1909 until his death in 1928. His son, who was the assistant manager at the mill, left in 1926 to take over the Stawell Woollen Mill.This book is of considerable interest as it contains valuable information on the author’s grandfather, John Edward Bennett, important in Warrnambool’s history as the first manager of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill, a prominent business in Warrnambool for 90 years.This is a soft cover book of 384 pages. The front cover has a mottled cream and black background with black lettering and a colour photograph of a painting of the Stawell Woollen Mill. The back cover and spine have the same mottled pattern with black lettering. The book has 22 chapters and several colour and black and white photographs. john e bennett, warrnambool woollen mill, stawell woollen mill