We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
Fred Watchorn
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Have a question? Contact Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Fred was an early Cowes resident who was a soldier in WW1.
Historical
Large, oval black and white photo in thin cardboard folder
Fred Watchorn [England] A I F [ Rabaul 1914 . Died at Cowes Vic 1933]
Gliddon's book of this name is not indexed so this is a valuable for research purposes.
Historical
Small spiral bound booklet with photocopied typed pages.
Compiled by Allan Box 1999 Warley Avenue Bookshop
j w gliddon, allan box, index, phillip island in picture and story
Clubs and players unknown. Photo 1100-01 - middle row on left, Jack Cleeland. Front row, 4th left, Keith McIlwraith. [Named by Bev Forrest] 1100-03 is possibly Ventnor as jumpers have V on them.
Historical
4 A4 sepia and black & white photocopies of old photos of football teams. No explanations or writing. Players are wearing 4 different jumpers.
phillip island football team, sport, photograph, cleeland, mcilwraith, forrest, mcfee, ventnor, jack jenner
Historical
Medium framed black & white photo of Cowes football team, premiers 1922. Three rows of players, front row seated, with a trainer at each end. Middle player at front holding a football saying Premiers 1922.
Names of players and trainers. Back says H.A.B. West 1983
cowes football team 1922, pretty, charley craft, les walton, ernie walton, bill mclardy, clarry williams, andy morrison, guy borton, bryant west, frank hatfield, alex mclardy, arnie brown, newton mclardy, reg justice, harold west, bernie smith, ken west, ernie matthews, bert west, black & white photograph
Cowes in the era of guesthouses with large tennis courts and open space.
Historical
Black & white photo mounted on cardboard of Cowes jetty with boats, Thompson Ave, The Esplanade, Isle of Wight, The Continental Guesthouse, Erewhon Guesthouse, Yackatoon Guesthouse.
Cowes 1931
cowes, aerial photos, jetty, isle of wight, continental, yackatoon, guesthouses, bass avenue
Chicory farming was popular on the Island. Chicory was sent to Melbourne to be mixed with coffee, especially during WW2
Historical
2 copies of black & white sketches of chicory kilns drawn by D. Leversha
chicory farming, chicory kilns, f. b. morgan-payler, d. leversha
Historical
Laminated article from The Weekly Times, October 4, 2006 describing settlement of French Island in 1894 by Thompson and Broderick families.Includes 2 sepia photographs.
The First Islanders
thompson family, french island, farming, chicory farming, broderick farming
Detailed information on people buried in cemetery from 1901-1920
Historical
Large soft covered book with text numerous black & white and coloured illustrations
ISBN 978-0-6487351-0-6
phillip island cemetery, rev. alexander robb, richardson, walton, grayden, forrest, leeson, lock, mcfee, george smith, west, cleeland, eliza cochlan, findlay, jenner, mckindlay, jeury, walpole, george cox, pamela rothfield
Stories of the first 73 occupants of the Phillip Island Cemetery describing the lives and history of the early residents of Phillip Island. Written by a Cleeland descendant, Pamela Rothfield.
Historical
Large, soft covered book with large black and white and coloured photos and text.
ISNN 978-0-646-99552-6
phillip island cemetery, genealogy, forrest, jenner, richardson, cleeland, dixon, mcgregor, reid, walton, west, cox, underdown, mcillwraith, woolcock
This cannon was always called the Shenandoah cannon as it was believed to be from the Confederate warship, Shenandoah. However recent research has shown this was not true. In 1981 the American Civil War Round Table of Australia claimed the cannon was not government issue.It was older than the Shenandoah warship.It is possibly a 4 lb that was sent from Sydney in 1826 when Western Port was settled and had been left behind.
Historical
3 small coloured photographs mounted on cardboard of Churchill Island homestead, 2 men standing beside the cannon and the cannon.
Churchill Island homestead, Shenandoah cannon, S.J.McFee, F. Jansson, Shenandoah cannon. 1973
churchill island, churchill island - homestead, cannon, stan mcfee, frank jansson
The Eagle Star left from Stony Point to take in Tankerton on the way to Cowes. It carried about 160 passengers of all ages, many of whom were probably planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve or start their holidays on the Island. The 48-year-old ferry had only recently been bought by a co-operative of French Island residents. Fortunately no one was drowned, and only two people were hurt.
Historical
Broadsheet front page from The Herald Saturday, December 30 1978.Headline is "Ferry sinks."Fleet" plucks 160 from bay" Large black and white photo showing half submerged ferry and three smaller motor boats pulling people from the water. other people are standing on the front of the ferry.
Headline is "Ferry sinks."Fleet" plucks 160 from bay"
ferries, eagle star, transport, cowes yacht club
Harry Bradley was a local Identity. Born in Yorkshire, England, 8/4/1916. Joined the Australian Army 19/5/1941 living in Cowes Phillip Island Victoria.
Historical
491-01: Harry Bradley an Australia Army Portrait - WWII 491-02: Harry Bradley & Ted Walton, very close fishing mates 491-03: Original House of Bradleys, opposite Race Track?? Ford Vehicle. Now Beachcomber Estate 491-04: Harry Bradley working on the 1st Phillip Island Bridge 491-05: Harry Bradley's parents - Father - Edwin and Mother who was killed by a bull 491-06: Harry Bradley - Equal 1st Competition at the Lang Lang Gun Club 491-07: Elsford Guest House - Post Card 491-08: Map of Phillip Island - Post Card Also DVD supplied with 491-01 to 06 on it.
As Above with Harry's details listed on 491-01
harry bradley, ted walton, edwin bradley, lang lang gun club, elsford guest house, phillip island map
Photos from various sources added to an album on the Boy's home
Historical
3 black and white photographs of buildings and interior of chapel
86-15 has Photo Shop Series Chapel st Paul's Newhaven Phillip Island. 86-16 has in handwriting St Paul's Church of England Boy's Home Newhaven Cowes 6/3/47.on back is written -' We were taken over this.Part in photo is chapel, everything in chapel was made by boys. building at right dormatories."
newhaven boy's home phillip island, photographs
Penguin Parade - "Fairy" Penguins Certificate to indicate "A Lifelong Friend of the Penguins"
Historical
Certificate for "Friends of the Penguins"
certificate, friends of the penguins, phillip island
Superintendant - William Henry Baye - accused of cruelty to 10 year old Rex Simpson, student at the Newhaven Seaside Gardens Home for Boys, resulting in his death.
History
1003-01 Copy of Pakenham-Berwick Gazette newspaper article about the death of two boys at Newhaven Seaside Garden Home. 1003-02 A flyer for the screening of the film "The Killings at Newhaven" written & directed by Joe Fairhurst 1003-03 Photo of the Plaque on Rex Ronnie Simpson and his mother Myrtle Ruby Laurel Simpson's grave at Fawkner Memorial Park 1003-04 Photo of the Grave Stone of Rex Simpson and Myrtle Simpson at Fawkner Memorial Park
newhaven seaside gardens home for boys, rex 'ronnie' simpson, william henry baye, 1930's, joe fairhurt journalist
Cherry McFee was secretary of the Historical Society and is standing in front of the Chicory Display in the Museum
Photo of Cherry McFee holding a Wooden Chicory Scoop in front of the Chicory Display in the museum approx year 2015
chicory scoop, chicory display
Early attempts to have a water supply connected to Cowes. It includes figures on tourism, valuations of local properties, local primary produce and what water they require.
Historical
Foolscap size carbon copy of typed letter. 7pages
The Honourable The Minister for Water Supply. Suggested motions to be put to the meeting of ratepayers, 13 May 1936
water supply, shire of phillip island, agriculture, isle of wight, anderson property, valuations, charmadene, bonnie doon guest house, population, tourism, primary produce, d h robb, r a grayden, h v johnston, j thornborrow, e r scott
Anderson and McHaffie were prominent early settlers of Phillip Island. These documents were from the estate of Stan Mcfee snr. Listings of auctions at Gemmell, Tuckett & Co., Collins Street, Melbourne 12 February, 1869
Historical
Copy of map showing allotments for 1869 land sale and hand written note showing allotments, area, prices for purchases of Robert Anderson and notes on McHaffie land.
robert anderson, glen isla, john mchaffie, maps, land sales
Badges issued by the Shire of Phillip Island prior to 1994
Historical
2 Circular Cloth Badges for Shire of Phillip Island - 1 printed and the other embroidered
Shire of Phillip Island. Map of Phillip Island, Penguin, Banksia & Eucalypt leaves.
shire of phillip island
Historical
Tortoise Shell Spectacle Case with oval gold label and push button opening.
This illustrates the early attempts to have a water supply connected to Cowes. Shows figures on local properties and what is required for water supply. Also the history of local guesthouses.
Historical
Foolscap carbon copy of letter to the Minister of Water Supply. Seven pages of typewritten letter.
water supply, shire of phillip island island, agriculture, population, cowes, isle of wight hotel, bonnie doon guest house, d.h.robb, r.a. grayden, h.v. johnston, j. thornborrow, charmandene guesthouse, mrs a. anderson
J D McHaffie, Phillip Island's first leaseholder, relate how McHaffie set up his headquarters (and later built his house) alongside what is now known as McHaffies lagoon. The McHaffie brothers – John David and William – occupied Phillip Island under a license from the Admiralty in 1842 and farmed it as a sheep run.
Historical
3 A4 photocopies showing application for lease in 1850, size and description of the land and instructions for the application.
w.j.mchaffie, land grant, farming, saltwater creek, crown land
The annual Christmas dinner for the Society was held in the Anglican church hall.
Historical
Large coloured photo of members of the Phillip Island and District Historical Society at St Philip's Church of England Hall, Cowes.
Names of those attending are on a seperate media item
pidhs, phillip island historical society, cherry mcfee, john jansson, christine grayden, gaye cleeland, meg & alec davis, una lyons, julie box, judy gittus, jan andrews, patsy hunt, maurice schinkel, alice robinson, kevin findlay, marion wood, bruce proctor, graeme clausen, pam rothfield, ray jansson, judy lawrence, beverley forrest, neil robinson, maggie robinson, elaine findlay, peter brookes, cheryl overton, bill overton, john eddy, pat taylor
Flag waved by school children at opening of Phillip Island Bridge
Historical
Red cloth flag with Union jack in left corner and southern cross. On thin wooden stick
Phillip Island bridge 1940
flag, opening of phillip island bridge 1940
Tropicana motel, Osborne Ave, Cowes.
Historical
Large black and white photograph of group of men and women, front row seated.
Historical Society at the Tropicana
phillip island historical society, cherry mcfee, stan harris, audrey mcfee, audrey nicol, ivy cleeland, mrs helen jansson
Describes life on the Island in the 1930s, including farming, schooling , ww2, bridge, picture theatre, guesthouses and shops.
Historical
5 A4 typed sheets of notes on speech given by Bob Grayden to PIDHS in 1998
Growing up on Phillip Island
bob grayden, farming, chicory, motor car racing, cowes state school, hector goodall, first phillip island bridge to san remo, picture theatre, davidson family, shops at cowes phillip island, thompson avenue cowes, the esplanade cowes, guesthouses, roadmaking, john grayden & sons, w f evans quarries ventnor
Eric Juckert He worked as a potter and painter from around 1949 to 1992 in Victoria. His pottery was also sold by the department stores Myer and David Jones under the trade name “Jacqueline”.He then set up a studio at Point Road, Grossard Point, Ventnor on Phillip Island, in 1959 where he continued working there until 1992. Henning Alfred Rathjen (1903–1968) was one of the Australian-born artists who established a new pottery studio to cater for local demand and post-war innovations in art pottery. Rathjen established his pottery studio in Melbourne in 1948, producing quality slip-cast wares over the next 20 years.
Historical
Cream, rough surfaced vase with oval pinched top and daisies in relief around top by Eric Juckert. Small, cream rough surfaced vase with top that flares outward with leaves and cutout sections by Henning Rathjen.
Eric Juckert, Rathjen,
pottery, vases, eric juckert, henning rathjen
Lucy was Kevin Wagner's paternal grandmother. Trip was from Cowes to Seal Rocks.
Historical
Black & white photo of elderly lady sitting on boat at pier with a man in hat nearby. Sails furled and sea in distance. Also an A4 photocopy of the photo.
Hollydene Billy Kennon [ owner boat] 47-48. Lucy Constance Wagner, Kevie's mother
hollydene ferry, lucy wagner, ferries
Historical
Two typed letters on cream writing paper and copy paper. One from Superintendent of Postal Services to K.Ewert, M.P. and one from Shire Secretary to P M G Department re urgent need for a new post office. Also envelope with letter.
post office, postal services
Previous post office was in Thompson Ave on corner of The Esplanade, where the Isola Di Capri now stands.
Historical
Quarto size page folded in half with blue typing. Outlines procedures of opening, history of the Cowes Post Office and figures on postal articles and services eg wireless licences and pensions. Cover has signatures of dignitaries eg R. Lindsay M.P., H. Quinn
Official Opening of the New Post Office, Cowes by R.W. Lindsay, Esq., M.P..
post office cowes phillip island, mr h.quinn postmaster
Broadbent's was the official guide of the Government Tourist Bureau. Mr Roy Bain owned a secondhand shop on corner of Thompson Ave and Chapel Street, Cowes, currently a Japanese restaurant.
Historical
Small orange, black and red booklet with black type containing maps and information of accommodation, businesses and tourist venues.
Broadbent's Official Road Guide Phillip Island and Gippsland South and Central. Broadbent's Year of Issue 45.
guesthouses, broadbent's guides, hislop newsagency, underdown strawberry farm, osterlund fishing trips, parry's butcher, athenia cafe, roy bain, broadway bakery, cowes camping ground, cowes main garage, beach park camp
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
