Historical information

This box once contained cigarettes supplied or sold by the Warrnambool Club. This club was formed in 1873 as a social club for men of the more affluent and professional classes in Warrnambool and district. The club rooms were originally in the Warrnambool Club Hotel established by John Amon Smith in Kepler Street between Timor and Koroit Streets. By 1876 Warrnambool Club membership had grown to 70 and the premises at the hotel were considered too small. A new Warrnambool Club building was opened in 1877 in Kepler Street and this building and the club still exist today. Nothing is known of Samuel Dempster except that he was Irish-born and served in World War Two.

Significance

This box is of minor interest as a memento of the Warrnambool Club in the mid 20th century and of Samuel Dempster whose connections to Warrnambool are not at this time known.

Physical description

This is a rectangular-shaped cardboard box with a hinged lid pasted at the centre. The box is buff-coloured with gold printing and handwriting in black ink on the top of the lid. The lid has originally been gilt-edged but most of this has been rubbed off.

Inscriptions & markings

Warrnambool Club Special Virginia Cigarettes (Plain)
Mr Samuel Dempster C/O Mr K. J. Brumby Koonji Ballangeich