Historical information

The owner of this card case was Dr Horace Holmes who was a doctor in Warrnambool for over 40 years. Dr Holmes (1877-1959) was born in Tasmania and completed a medical course at Melbourne University. He came to Warrnambool in 1905, taking over the practice of Dr Fleetwood at ‘Ierne’, at the corner of Spence and Kepler Streets. In 1906 he built a new home at the corner of Liebig Street and Raglan Parade and moved his practice there in 1912 (today this building is the Warrnambool Medical Clinic). Dr Holmes was an honorary Medical Officer at the Warrnambool Hospital. He retired in 1939 selling his practice to Dr Berryman but came out of retirement and practised as a locum until 1944. His interests included rowing golf, bowls and fishing. In the 1950s he lived at ‘Leprena’ in Canterbury Road. He was a foundation member of the Warrnambool Rotary Club.

Significance

This is a most significant item as it belonged to a prominent local doctor, Dr Horace Holmes. It also has considerable social significance as it is an example of the practice of past times of carrying calling cards and the silver case is a sign of the affluence of the owner.

Physical description

This is a silver card case, heavily embossed, with a slightly curved shape and a hinged lid. It has the initials ‘HIH’ engraved in a shield on the front of the case. It contains nine calling cards (Dr Horace Holmes, Warrnambool). These are made of light card with printing in black on a white background. The cards are somewhat marked and discoloured.

Inscriptions & markings

Case: ‘HIH’
Cards: ‘Dr. Horace I. Holmes, Leprena, Warrnambool’