Dorrie with horses - Dorrie, with Two Horses, outisde stone or mud-brick building, c.early 20C

Untitled

From the Collection of Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum 48 Queen Street Ararat Victoria

Description: Black-and-white photo mounted on stiff green cardboard. Inscription on back in longhand in ink.
Size: 21cm*26cm
Object Registration: 1627.6
Keywords: education, school, teacher, art, class, photographer, norman, collage, norman-bail, bail, educator, pupil, pathfinder-school, curriculum, grade, progressive-education, artist, painter, artwork
Historical information: Photo shows Dorrie (assumed from the inscription on the back), holding a horse on each side of her, beside a fence outside a stone or mud-brick building, c.early 20C
When Made: c. early20C
Made By: SJ McLean, Thistle Studio (photographer)
Significance: Norman-Bail, Norman, Bail, education, educator, pupil, teacher, school, class, grade, Pathfinder-School, curriculum, progressive-education, art, artist, photographer, painter, collage, artwork
Inscriptions & Markings: Inscription: "To dear Miss Norman / With fondest love from / Dorrie".
Last updated: 3 Mar 2017 at 10:10AM

Barkly Street, Ararat, ca1950s

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

This is a relatively modern photo, perhaps a copy of an older photo. Some of the details are very clear, and there are no obvious tears or spots.

Historical information

The motor cars in this photo enable a fairly accurate dating: perhaps to the 1950s. The clothes in the somewhat blurry figures in the background also suggest the 1950s, and also suggest the winter season. The photo is taken from a vantage point used by a succession of photographers, and the growth of Ararat can be ascertained from this succession of photos.

Significance

Langi Morgala museum holds a succession of photos taken from this same vantage point, which allows a comparison of the main street of Ararat over 100 to 150 years. The growth and decline of businesses and perhaps government buildings can also be ascertained. Because of this comparison value, this photo is of regional significance.

Inscriptions & Markings

No inscriptions

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Barkly Street, Ararat, ca early20C - Barkly Street, Ararat, perhaps early20C

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

This is in postcard format, probably a copy of a hand-coloured original. It is not in very good condition, but some important details are discernable.

Historical information

This photo is taken from a standpoint used by other photographers, so a comparison can be made of successive photos to illustrate the growth of Ararat over the years. It shows businesses and public buildings.

Significance

This early20C or thereabouts photo of Barkly Street Ararat can be compared to several others in the Langi Morgala collection to formulate a picture of Ararat over the decades. It is not a particularly clear photo, but it is clear enough to enable such comparisons, and so is of regional significance.

Inscriptions & Markings

On front: "Barkly Street Ararat". On back: museum stamp and photo numbers.

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Barkly Street, Ararat, perhaps 1870s

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

This cardboard-mounted large photograph is not in very good condition, but some parts of the image are still clear. There are permanent inscriptions on both front and back, not done in sympathy with the age and importance of the item.

Historical information

This is one of a dozen or so pictures of very early Ararat held by Langi Morgala Museum, and can be compared to a succession of later photographs to illustrate the growth of the town of Ararat. The date suggested by the inscription on the front is probably a reference to some other occurrence, since the street seems far to built-up for 1856-1860. The date is more likely the 1870s, or even the 1880s

Significance

This photograph, though not in good condition, is one of the few in the possession of Langi Morgala Museum that shows very early Ararat. It is of regional significance, which would be enhanced if a firmer date could be established.

Inscriptions & Markings

On front: "Note hitching posts and the old Turf Hotel, Barkly Street cont[illegible] / 1856-60". On back: museum stamp and photo numbers.

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Four Boer War Soldiers, ca1899 - Four Boer War Soldiers, including Henry RP Mitchell, ca1899

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

This photo is dated to early in the Boer War (duration 1899 to 1902), and therefore to 1899, because the hat-brims are turned up on the right. Later in the Boer War they were changed to turn up on the left, in which position they have remained. Henry RP Mitchell is kneeling on the left of the photo; none of the other subjects has yet been identified.

Historical information

The Boer War of 1899 to 1902 was the first big conflict to which Australia sent troops. Service was entirely voluntary, and it was often based on existing contingents of mounted rifles, or 'Rangers'. The museum would like to find out more about the people in this photograph. One at least seems to come from the local Ararat district.

Significance

Langi Morgala Museum holds six photos (to date) which have been provenanced to the Boer War: some of these are of bandsmen rather than soldiers (although bandsmen saw active duty). All or most of these photos relate to the Ararat district, which makes them significant to the region, and also significant on a statewide basis. The condition of the photos is fair: there are some spots and tears and erasures, but the photos are mostly in very high-definition, and the faces and other details are usually very clear.

Inscriptions & Markings

"Kneeling left - Henry RP Mitchell"

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List of Images of Ararat Councillors - Listing of Ararat local government members and the images held by the Ararat and District Historical Society

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Word document containing the names of all or most of the members of the Ararat and District local government (e.g. Councillors and Mayors), cross-referenced to the images of them held by Langi Morgala Museum. This listing is continually under review, as more images are digitised.

Historical information

This Word document, with cross-referenced images, is available on email request.

Inscriptions & Markings

N.A.

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Willaura Weighbridge, ca late19C

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Sepia photograph of the Willaura Weighbridge, ca late19C. The photograph is in poor condition, but some important details can be ascertained.

Historical information

This photograph shows a Willaura which no longer exists. The weighbridge was part of a transportation system that included horses, wagons, silos, and trains. When this photograph was taken by the unknown photographer, the weighbridge was crowded with people and wagons. It is a part of the tradition of combining (often personal) photographs with the postcard format.

Significance

Langi Morgala Museum does not have many photographs of nearby Willaura, so this could be one of a few early photographs of the town not in private hands. This postcard, unlike many of its genre, has not been posted and does not contain a personal communication.

Inscriptions & Markings

no relevant inscriptions

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Mary Norman-Bail, 1908 - Mary Norman-Bail, educator and artist, in 1908

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

A lovely, clear portrait of the young Mary Norman (later Mary Norman-Bail) taken in January 1908. It is signed by the subject, and further details have been added on the back of the photo, in the same or similar hand. Although the cardboard backing is spotted and damaged by adhesive, the photo itself relatively undamaged, and the features and details are clear.

Historical information

This is a portrait of the young, clear-eyed Mary Norman (later Mary Norman-Bail) in 1908. Her glasses and costume put her directly in that early 20C era. She was an educator and artist, in Ararat and Warrnambool.

Significance

This is one of a collection of several hundred photos, books, documents and teaching aids donated to Langi Morgala Museum by Jessica Norman-Bail (or by her estate). Almost all the collection relates to Jessica's mother, the photographer, artist and educator Mary Norman-Bail, and to Mary Norman-Bail's Pathfinder School, which was located in Ararat for several years in the first half of the twentieth century. In total, the Norman-Bail collection provides an illuminating picture of the unique Pathfinder school, though much of the collection is yet to be analysed. The Langi Morgala Norman-Bail collection is of local signficance; but further research into the collection, and into Norman-Bail's work and ideas, may enhance the significance further.

Inscriptions & Markings

Inscription: in longhand on the front: "Yours Truly / Mary Norman"; in longhand on the back: "MP Norman when at / Echuca taken in January / 1908"

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Mary Norman-Bail Pupils, ca1920 - Mary Norman-Bail's Pathfinder School Pupils ca1920s

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Unmounted black-and-white photo. Inscription on the back in longhand in ink (may be fairly recent addition).

Historical information

Photo taken c.1920s. The names written on the back include Mary Norman-Bail's daughter.

Significance

Inscriptions & Markings

Inscription: on back: "Tennis Court St Andrews / Presbyterian Church / Elaine Gilchrist Teddy Robinson / J Norman Bail / Don Blackie / Colin Laidlaw / ? / ? .

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Display of Work, Mary Norman-Bail - Mary Norman-Bail and Pathfinder School Display of Work, ca mid-20C

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Postcard, with letter to an unknown recipient from Mary Norman-Bail on the back in longhand in ink.

Historical information

This photo-postcard displays the books, collages and artwork of the children of Mary Norman-Bail's Pathfinder School. Unfortunately the photo is not very clear, so individual items cannot be closely assessed, but Langi Morgala Museum holds other photos and items which are similar to the items in this photo.

Significance

Inscriptions & Markings

There is a full-page letter to the recipient of the postcard on the back: "This is some of the / work that brought / credit and honour to the school / through the Australian / Boradcasting Commission. / You cannot see the books very well / but they are beautifully / illustrated and are / at present being / sent round the schools in Japan. / M.Norman-Bail [illegible, but probably the school's initials] / Ararat Vic."

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Wedding Portrait, Tom and Daisy, ca1920 - Wedding Portrait of Tom and Daisy, ca11 Feb 1920

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Black-and-white photo mounted on cardboard. There is an Inscription on the back from the subjects to their Uncle.

Historical information

This is a c.11 Feb 1920 wedding photo of Tom and Daisy, given to an Uncle Jim. The last name of the subjects is not known, but may be a relative of Mary Norman-Bail.

Significance

Inscriptions & Markings

Inscription on back, which is a greeting written in ink in longhand: "To Uncle Jim with best wishes / from Tom and Daisy / 11 2 20" / 1627 [cat.nbr]

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Mary Norman-Bail and Pupils, ca1950s - Mary Norman-Bail and Pathfinder School Pupils, ca1950s

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Unmounted black-and-white photo, No inscriptions, but original and new accession number of photo are written on the back.

Historical information

Black-and-white photo of Mary Norman-Bail, other staff members, and pupils of her Pathfinder School. Date is not known, but ca1950s.

Significance

Inscriptions & Markings

Inscription the back of the photo [cat.nbrs]: "1641 / EC 1641.1"

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Von Guerard's Yalla-Y-Poora (print) - Print of Von Guerard's Yalla-Y-Poora painting

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Laminated print, dating from the year 2000 or so, taken of a Von Guerard Painting found in, or part of, a Diary.

Historical information

This modern photo of a 19C Eugene Von Guerard painting of the Ararat-district homestead of Yalla-Y-Poora, was created ca2009. But the accession information is not clear about the date of accession, or the format of the Von Guerard painting (print, photo, etc.?), or the place where the original painting is held.

Significance

The photo is not significant in its own right. But despite the lack of detail in the accession information, it does point to a source of information about an important local homestead, Yalla-Y-Poora: i.e. the Von Guerard painting, which merits further investigation.

Inscriptions & Markings

Text on the back of the laminate [probably written at the time of acquisition] describes how the photo was created: "Painting by Eugene von Guerard / Yalla-Y-Poora / Copied from a diary loaned / by Judy Armstrong".

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First Train to Portland Freezing Works, 1895

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Black-and-white photo mounted on cardboard. There is an inscription on the photo in white, and also text on the front and back of the photo.

Historical information

This photo of the First Train from Ararat to the Portland Freezing Works in 1895 is one of several similar, or identical, photos in the possession of Langi Morgala Museum. This photo shows two men standing on the footplate.

Significance

The series of photos relating to the First Train from Ararat to the Portland Freezing Works is of local significance, to both Ararat and the Portland district. The photos are not in very good condition, but the information relating to the photo gives it a context, and some of the detail scales up quite well.

Inscriptions & Markings

The white-ink inscription on the front of the photo says: "First Train / Portland Freezing Works / from Ararat. The 2nd inscription on the front, which is inked on to the cardboard backing, and the inscription on the back, give identical information to each other. Inscription in longhand on the back: "1st train ["loading" is struck out] / 1st train of frozen meat / run by Ararat Loco men / Siding at Portland Factory / 1895".

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Warrak Cricket Club ca early20C - Warrak Cricket Club, ca early20C

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Black-and-white photo, with information written on a cardboard label attached to the photo.

Historical information

Early photo of the Warrak Cricket Club (probably early 20C)

Significance

This photo was donated by a regular donor to the Langi Morgala Museum.Unfortunately its date of manufacture is not yet known, but local Warrak knowledge may yet supply this date. It is of local significance to Warrak because of its rarity and presumed early date. This significance is ameliorated because the date of manufacture is so far only assumed; but if the Warrak Cricket Club is still in existence, the provenance and date of the photo may be more firmly established by talking to current members. Further research is warranted: local history, published or unpublished, may give further information.

Inscriptions & Markings

Inscription: on a cardboard label attached to front of the photo: "Warrak Cricket Club / Four photos donated by Mr J.Foster 1979"

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Picnic at Langi Ghiran 1904 - Large group of People at a Picnic at Langi Ghiran, near Ararat, 1904

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Black-and-white photo mounted on cardboard. The photograph is torn away in several places, but most of the details of the large group of people is still very clear.

Historical information

This is a photo of a very large group of people at the Langi Ghiran Picnic Grounds in 1904. The photo, which scales up quite well, provides information about leisure wear and leisure activities in the Ararat area at this time. Unfortunately names are not available for any of the participants. There is little or no information in the photo about the picnic grounds themselves.

Significance

This photo is of local signficance (Langi Ghiran and the Ararat disctrict). Although the photo is physically damaged, the detail in most of the photo is still very clear, and scales-up well, giving information on clothing and leisure activities. The fact that the date and the donor are known adds to its significance; but the lack of names of the participants detracts from it somewhat.

Inscriptions & Markings

The subject of the photo is inked on to the back: "Picnic Grounds / Langi Cheryn[sic: should be Langi Ghiran] 1904".

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Church of England School, Ararat 1920s - Pupils and Staff of the Church of England School, Ararat, 1920s

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Black-and-white photo, mounted on cardboard

Historical information

This appears to be a photo of all or most of the Pupils and Staff of Ararat Church of England School, ca1920s. The names of all or most are written on the back of the photo.

Significance

This is an early photo of the Ararat Church of England School. The date, and the names attached to or written on the back of the photo add to the signficance of the photo, making it of local significance.

Inscriptions & Markings

Inscription: on back, both written in ink, and repeated on an affixed cardboard label. Most of this information is a listing of the names of the students and teachers.

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Early Ararat ca1870s - Barkly Street, Ararat, ca1870s

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Original, large-format photograph of early Ararat, taken ca1876. Langi Morgala also has a copy of this photo, laminated and in black-and-white (cat.9270.2). The current photo appears to have been hand-coloured, and is affixed to a cardboard backing. In addition to information written in ink directly on the back, two labels with information have been stuck to the back of the photo: one is ink on cardboard; the other is dynotape.

Historical information

This is a long view of the main street of Ararat, looking westward towards Copes Hill, taken in the 1870s or thereabouts. It provides information on the businesses, the hotels, and public buildings in Ararat at this early time.

Significance

The donor, and the date of acquisition are as yet unknown. However, the rarity of the photo, together with its early date (ca1870s), make it signficant to the local Langi Morgala Collection.

Inscriptions & Markings

Inscription on front: "Barkly Street Ararat, Looking Westward". Inscriptions on back: Text no.1, on cardboard, apparently written in 1974: "Barkly Street, Ararat, looking Westward. Now vicinity, (1974), of J.Hughan, R.Blizzard, T.A.B., / Cannon's, (Mrs RJ Boyles), L.Ford, H.Watts, T.d,Oliveyra / Photo: 1876 [the second figure-8 has been overwritten with a 7, making the date 1876]" Right Side: Police Station Court House and original Medical / Dispensary building still stands on corner of Barkly and Ligar Streets (R&B Depot). Text no.2, on dynotape: "Right Mining.Wardens.Office" Text no.3: [written in ink: is identical to the information on the cardboard label].

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Local Government Act 1874 - Local Government Act 1874, and Amendments to Dec 1884

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Brown cover with label in centre. Official Copy of "Local Government Act 1874" Interleaved with Amending Acts to December, 1884. 148 pages. Also Local Government Act 1874 Amended No 786. In back of book, pages 8,9 & 10.

Historical information

Local Government Act 1874 No 506 interleaved with amending acts to December, 1884. The pages given in the second column are those of the "Local Government Act 1874" When the referred to Acts are interleaved, first column gives the section of the Amending Acts. Letters P.A. refer to the latter Act.

Significance

Unfortunately the donor of this official publication is not yet known. Further research needs to be undertaken on the purpose, history and usage of this Local Government Act 1874 (Victoria), with amendments to Dec 1884 (its date of publication). If it can be traced back to a local Ararat councillor or personality, then this would enhance its significance (although the Geelong address on the flyleaf would suggest a Geelong origin). If the publication is now a rare item, this too would enhance its significance, which would apply Victoria-wide.

Inscriptions & Markings

Hand written on front cover lable "official copy", inside back cover hand written W. Sommers / Hotel / Geelong .7/-

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James Tuson, Mayor of Ararat ca late19C - Portrait of James Tuson, Mayor of Ararat, ca late19C

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Oval-shaped black-and-white or sepia photograph mounted on a rectangular cardboard backing with the maker's marks on it.

Historical information

This portrait is one of several photographs which Langi Morgala Museum has of James Tuson, who was an Ararat pioneer, city councillor and one-time mayor.

Significance

Because of its provenance and its discernible date-range, and because of the good provenance for the maker, and the 'With Compliments' note on the back, this photo is of undisputed local significance. The donor or their relatives may well have been given this photo by Tuson or another.

Inscriptions & Markings

Inscription: on front: "E.C.Waddington & Co. / Elizabeth Street Melbourne" [the maker]. Inscription: on back, handwrittien and overwriting the maker's markings: "James Tuson / Mayor / 1882 / with Compt [Compliments] / 977P".

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Tea Cosy - Patchwork Tea Cosy

Ararat & District Historical Society operating the Langi Morgala Museum, Ararat

Cotton handstitched half circle tea cosy, hexagon patchwork in multi-patterned cotton. Padded, pink lining with mauve flowered frill over the top of joining seam. Loop sewn to inside.

Historical information

This tea cosy was made in 1930 by Miss Beatrice Symons of Creswick and Ararat. The templates for the hexagonal shaped patches were made of metal. The lining is of newspaper enclosed in cotton. Every part is handstitched including the joining of the hexagonal patches.

Significance

The donor of this item has not yet been established. Given the details found on an old label (see Historical Information above), this may yet be established, and the maker verified. At present the significance of the tea cosy is measured in its beauty, and in its artistic worth.

Inscriptions & Markings

None

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Dorrie with horses - Dorrie, with Two Horses, outisde stone or mud-brick building, c.early 20C

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