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RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 1
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Lower Level Richmond Library : 3/415 Church Street, Richmond, Victoria 3121
Open: By appointment only Phone: 03 9427 1800
Email: [email protected] Website: http//home.vicnet.net.au/~rbhs/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RichmondBurnleyHistoricalSociety
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondhs3121/ Reg. No: A 000 719 6b ABN: 55 900 596 374
VOLUME 37-1 AUGUST 2020 NEWSLETTER
Richmond & Burnley Historical Society acknowledges the Wurundjeri-william people
as the traditional custodians of the land. Today, they remain the custodians of the cultural heritage of this land
and we pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.
MAJOR
SPONSOR
AFFILIATED
WITH
From humble beginnings with a 25-bed community hospital in Richmond, to the largest not-for-profit private hospital group in the Victoria, Epworth has become a key part of the state’s health landscape.
https://vimeo.com/394835258 This link to
Vimeo illustrates the construction of the hospital from its early days to the current layout of the main Erin Street buildings.
Established on the original site of Yalcowinna, the stately home of Sir William Highett (originally with 13 rooms) in Erin Street. The Epworth hospital’s growth and expansion dominates Richmond’s western skyline. It’s acquisition of adjoining properties includes the Bethesda Hospital (established 1904 which was previously a twenty room mansion called ‘Millewa’, the country retreat of Robert Hoddle; Leigh House Ladies School where Dame Nellie Melba boarded, which was previously the site of Joseph Bosisto’s earlier home and eucalyptus works. Epworth also expanded to include the property called ‘Elim’ in Erin Street, this was originally called Yooralbyn when the property was built by merchant William Harper. This is now the Rehabilitation Centre with the hydrotherapy pool.
‘Millewa’ Cnr. Erin St & Normanby Pl. Richd.
The mural above is located in the Bridge Road entrance to the Hospital, depicting the history of the hospital through nursing, medical, surgical and pastoral care.
Epworth’s Richmond expansion has developed the state of the art medical, surgical and diagnostic facilities. These include extensive Allied Health Services, Cardiac, Oncology, Orthopaedic, Endocrinology, ENT, Dialysis, Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology, Neurosciences and many more specialised clinics. The 24 hour emergency department has access to extensive diagnostic equipment and experienced doctors and nurses.
Epworth’s property footprint has expanded to many other suburbs, providing access to wider facilities for treatment and rehabilitation. The most recent is the opening of the modern facility in Geelong.
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 2
EPWORTH, from the beginning:
Epworth began from the inspiration of the Reverend William J. Palamountain, a Methodist Minister. He was treated in 1912 at the Salvation Army’s Bethesda Hospital in Erin Street, Richmond. Bethesda was an Intermediate Hospital, bridging the gap between the
P u b l i c an d P r i v a t e Hospitals. Rev. Pa lamountain was convinced t h a t t h e M e t h o d i s t Church should have a similar hospital of its own.
He discussed his ideas and finally three years later, a committee was appointed to consider the creation of a Methodist Hospital. Rev. Palamountain was the convener. The committee included F.J. Cato, Aaron Danks, G. Sweet, T. Lockwood, and Dr Wilkinson. Later in 1915, Mr Danks donated a two-story brick house and land in Hawthorn, however the committee felt that it was not suitable. The church accepted the property and continued to look for other options for their hospital. By 1916, the committee were considering purchasing either a fully equipped hospital in Malvern or a mansion on two and three quarter acres in Kew. Neither of these options were taken up.
The committee were looking for a property closer to the city. In 1918, the property called Yalcowinna on Richmond Hill, consisting of large mansion of twenty-five rooms and on one and a half acres of land was for sale for £6,225. Mr Danks having provided the Hawthorn property, contributed a further £6,000 to purchase the property. The Hawthorn property was sold for £1,050 to provide additional funds for renovations. The Richmond property was eventually purchased for £6,000.
The Methodist Conference established a fund raising committee, where all their churches were able to contribute to the building of their hospital.
The Committee spent time considering the name of the hospital, and came up with ‘Epworth’ and ‘Wesley’. In 1919, it was agreed that the hospital should be ‘Epworth’, the name of the village in Lincolnshire England where John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was born in 1703.
The first Matron of Epworth was Miss Gray, a member of the Methodist Church, who trained at the Melbourne Hospital, was Matron of Perth Hospital, served with the Amy in France and in England, as Matron of the Harefield Military hospital during the 1914-1918 war. Miss Gray commenced as Matron of Epworth on the 1st June 1920.
Epworth was officially opened on Friday 27th February1920. The hospital did not admit patients until Matron Gray took charge in June. Acting Matron Jones completed much of the preparatory work prior to the admission of patients. There were initially twenty-five beds, a staff of nine, comprising the Matron, five nursing staff, a house maid, a kitchen maid and a cook.
From this point the growth of Epworth commenced, by 1921, the hospital had thirty-four beds, and twelve nursing staff. Later the hospital established a Nurse Training School. Extensions were made to the building, including the Cato Wing which was opened in 1924.
The hospital expansion included purchasing the adjoining Rocke Thompsitt property facing Bridge Road. This was a twelve roomed house on about an acre of land. This was to become the nurses’ quarters.
By 1929, with the need for further expansion, the hospital purchased Leigh House, which stood on land 121 feet by 116 feet adjoining the hospital in Leigh Place for £1,100. The dilapidated house was reconditioned and became nursing accommodation, until the permanent Nurses’ Home was realised.
During 1940, two more adjoining properties were purchased; one was a two storey brick dwelling bought for £2,190 and the other, Bosisto’s factory premises bought for £6,000. The land gave a frontage to Erin Street of about 105 feet and a depth of 160 feet.
The growth of the hospital relied on the donations from the community, the many benefactors, auxiliaries and volunteers. Together, with the nursing, medical, specialists, catering, maintenance and support staff, have continued to expand the capacity and capability of this world class hospital in Richmond.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: David Langdon
History and crisis, the COVID19 has disrupted our lives in many ways. A threat to our health and well-being, the economy and employment, and where life seemed secure, we were not equipped to manage this terrible pandemic.
Our society is still operating behind the scenes, responding to enquiries, book sales, social media, donations of items and updating our computers. The planned events were cancelled in response to lock-downs and compounded by the curfews. The newsletters had articles that would have coincided with the events earlier in the year; hoping that they could have commenced, and are now published in this larger publication. Thanks to those who contributed the articles.
It is great that we welcome our new members and hopefully as things get better, we can meet them at one of our events.
Planning ahead is still doubtful and any gatherings are unlikely as the potential risk for community infection is too great. We have set a date for the AGM, and depending on circumstances, this will more than likely be conducted with Zoom video conferencing. We will update you on the Website and through Facebook, as well as the new communication ‘Tales’ of old Richmond.
Congratulations to Judith Smart who was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia AM, for significant service to education, to social research, and to women.
This year and next year are some significant century celebrations. Our next newsletter, will focus on history and heritage. If you have any ideas or items to contribute let us know and we can include them in our publications. In the meantime, stay safe and well.
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 3
Tales from
Old Richmond:
The mail chimp program has
been set up by Peter Fitton for the society to
provide a more spontaneous communication and
messaging to our members with email
addresses.
Peter has generously offered to manage this
medium and it will help us to connect you with
much more information in a timely manner.
If you wish to communicate any ideas, images,
events or items, send them to Peter so he can
include these in the email distribution. We will
still have the regular newsletter published three
times a year. (except this year due to COVID)
Want to receive Tales with our compliments?
Email [email protected], stating your name and
email address.
We need your help to update our records and to
enable you to receive ‘Tales from Old Richmond’
by email. If you receive the hard copy of the
newsletter, but not an emailed copy, can you let
us know your current email address.
Email your details to:
COVID 19—and
Membership Renewal for 2021 Waived
The COVID pandemic has disrupted just about
every aspect of our lives and the world.
The tragic number of deaths, increased spread of
infection and its impact is unprecedented.
We had at least six events planned from March
and these had to be cancelled.
Our planned volunteers and members afternoons
once a month were unable to commence.
We have continued to respond to an average of
10 enquiries a week and also respond to
receiving many items for the collection.
The Committee of Management are disappointed
that this year has not been as engaging as we
would have liked, and have agreed to extend
your current membership to August 31, 2021.
We appreciate your continued support and
contribution to the society and have waived the
fees for your membership to next year.
Our concern is for the safety and health of our
members. Once we have the all clear to
recommence our events, we will be delighted to
have you join in them once again.
In the meantime, keep safe and well.
ACQUISITIONS
Thank you for your kind donation of item
to include in the society’s collection
Noman Faifer -Table Top hotplate and oven
manufactured in Richmond.
Bill Graham -Bryant & May commemorative
match boxes and marketing information.
Lorraine Bates—Teachers Stamp Set
Noma Tullo Jacket, cases & various other items
Sue Thompson -School satchel, books, puzzles,
family history and other items
Alana Fenning—Images and maps
Ken and Lym Fraser-Richmond Bridge Road
Traders records, books and photos
Suzi Zada -Thesis and research materials, and
aerial photos of Richmond
Alan Green—St Stephens Harriers early
magazines and family records
Helena Kidd— copy of her book ‘When the Past
Awakens.’
Robyn Whitely— Venture and Balls shopping
bags and books.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW
MEMBERS
The Committee of Management have approved
and welcome our new members to the society.
We look forward to your participation in our
events and activities. (Post COVID)
Joseph Battanta Susan Hart
Jenny McNally Helena Kidd
Jessica Hardwick Cathie Wheelahan
Leon McDonald Alan Scott
Katerina Kotsonis Isabella Parker
Electric
oven and
hotplate
made by
Lindberg
Foster of
Richmond.
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 4
100 Years since the election of the first
woman councillor in Victoria.
MARY ROGERS
Mary Catherine Rogers
was born in Melbourne in
1868. She was the
daughter of John and
Margaret Skeahans of
Ballynavin, Ireland.
Her father had a Hay and
Corn store in King Street,
Melbourne. The family
lived here until they
moved to Waterloo Place
in Richmond.
Here John Skeahans ran a dairy, while grazing
his cows on the Survey Paddock. He later
moved his family to a house in Somerset
Street. Mary attended St. James School, which
was then on the corner of Bridge Road and
Coppin Street.
Mary married Patrick John Rogers at
St.Ignatius Church. They bought a house at 11
Murphy Street and named it 'Manressa', after a
place of importance in the life of Saint Ignatius
of Loyola.
Patrick Rogers, who was an upholsterer, was a
keen Labour Party man and active in his union.
It was due to him that Mary Rogers became
interested in the Labour movement.
When Patrick died of pneumonia, Mary was left
with four young children, the youngest being
four years old. She was helped by having the
support of a close-knit family, however, money
was scarce and she scrubbed floors for almost
10 years for a living. With the help of Frank
Tudor MP, she managed to get a job with the
GPO.
Mary Rogers' Council, career began in 1920,
following the resignation of Mr Gordon Webber.
She was elected as the Central Ward
representative to the Richmond Council on
December 8. Then, aged 52, she was the first
woman Councillor in Victoria. She served for
five years and in August 1925, she lost her
seat on council.
Her friends in the labour movement soon
arranged for her to work at the Trades Hall,
where she became an organiser. She joined a
small group of women who operated an
Organising Committee from room 20 off the
courtyard at the Trades Hall. Her job as
secretary of the group involved travelling all
over Victoria, arranging meetings and
speakers. She was widely known and
respected in the Labour movement.
Among her many friends was James Scullin,
whom she helped in his campaign for the seat
of Yarra. Her committee work included sitting
as a Special Magistrate of the Children's Court,
and a member of the Boards of the Heatherton
Sanatorium, Central Unemployment Relief
Committee, State Royal Commission on
Children’s Welfare, President of the Richmond
Baby Health Centre, and member of the newly
formed Richmond Technical School Council.
She was also secretary of the North Richmond
branch of the Labour Party, and the first
woman Justice of the Peace JP, in Victoria.
Mary Rogers is remembered by her family as a
bright cheerful woman who had a keen sense
of humour. A diabetic, all of her life, she died
in September 1932, aged 64, nursed by her
daughter Sheila, at her home 'Manressa' in
Murphy Street Richmond.
Mary’s daughter Sheila Clancy of Kilmore and
other family members commemorated Mary
with the City of Yarra naming of ‘Mary Roger’s
Square’, on the corner of Bridge Road and
Church Street.
Clues to have you seen: Rusty the Rhino on
top of the building near the corner of Coppin
and Swan St.,Cast Iron Gas Lamp base on Cnr
of Gipps and Docker St. Original Richmond
Lock Up, near the Town Hall. ‘Silent Cop’,
emerging from the ground on the cnr. Swan
and Coppin St., used as a guide for vehicles
making right hand turns.
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 5
MAURICE JOYCE MAYOR OF RICHMOND
A CENTURY AGO This year sees a hundred years since Maurice (Maurie) Joyce was elected Mayor of the City of Richmond.
He was born in Tullig, a small town in County Kerry, Ireland in 1868 and migrated to Australia around 1890 with two brothers, Daniel and Thomas.
He travelled around Australia, including a stint in the opal fields at White Cliffs, NSW, before settling in Melbourne.
For a period he was a hotel keeper at the Bay View Hotel in Nelson Place, Williamstown. In 1900 he
married Elizabeth Slattery, who was born and grew up in the gardener’s cottage in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, still open to visitors as the Plant and Craft Cottage. He subsequently was employed as driver for the brewery.
Maurie had strong political views. As a socialist advocating state control of many industries, he was a frequent speaker at the Yarra Bank Speakers’ Corner along Batman Avenue that will be well remembered by many of the older readers. He became organizer of the Carters and Drivers Union, the forerunner of the Transport Workers Union. He was then appointed Chairman of the Victorian Trades Hall Council and the Trades Hall Disputes Committee. He was elected as a councilor for the South Ward, Richmond in 1916 and served two terms as Mayor in 1920 and 1921. He is described in Janet McCalman’s ‘Struggletown’1 as ‘an ornament to the Catholic community and to the Labor movement’.
‘Struggletown’ describes how the 1920s were a tumultuous period in Richmond politics. The conscription referenda during World War I had divided the community largely along sectarian lines. The Labor Party, heavily influenced by a substantial Irish Catholic membership in the branches, largely opposed conscription, whereas better off more established residents were largely in favour of conscription. The Council had representatives on both sides and this divide and more ongoing disputes continued through the early years of the 1920s.
The Labor Party became increasingly radicalized with the Richmond Branch passing a resolution in 1919 calling for “the ownership and control of industry by the workers for the workers” (an ambition still entertained in some sections of the party). Such sentiments were not taken lightly by the more conservative side of politics, supported by the Protestant Churches, who were vocal in their opposition to such views.
As the 1920s progressed, the disputes increasingly moved from a sectarian base to internal Labor Party disputes. The dynamics of the Council changed with the arrival of Cornelius ‘Con’ Loughnan, a larger than life character, described in ‘Struggletown’ as as ‘chronically disputatious, impulsive and capable of sudden sadistic violence.’ Con, with an ally, Geoff O’Connell, decided to get rid of the ‘old guard’ of the Council. Con and Maurie clearly did not see eye to eye to the extent that Maurie went before the ALP Executive to warn that the Party in Richmond was ‘seething with corruption’.
The 1925 Council election saw extensive ‘dirty tricks’, (not an unknown occurrence before or since) including intimidation and accusations of branch stacking. Joyce, together with his ally, Mary Rogers, the first woman to be elected to Municipal Office in Victoria in 1920 and whose picture hangs in the Historical Society’s Rooms, were defeated.
Perhaps some form of justice was seen when the Victorian Central Executive of the ALP ‘severely censured’ and suspended Con for using defamatory leaflets in the 1925 South Ward preselection. In any event he made a quick comeback and had a long career in the Union Movement and the Labor Party in Richmond.
When he left the Council in December, 1925, Maurie was given a large sendoff and an illuminated address with many dignitaries assembled. For many years he managed the Library situated in Church Street very close to the present site of the Historical Society.
1.Janet McCalman, ‘Struggletown, Portrait of an Australian Working Class Community, 1900-1965, Penguin Books, 1984
By Maurie Joyce, grandson of Cr Maurice Joyce
Maurice and Elizabeth Joyce circa 1950 outside their Wall St Richmond home.
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 6
IRWIN & MCLAREN
BOOKBINDERS 64 Cubitt Street, Richmond 1903 to 2019
One of the last bookbinders in Richmond finally
closes its doors.
Operating for almost 120
years this family business
has seen significant changes
in the demographics of the
area, changes in technology
and a highly competitive
global industry.
1871 James McLaren (Snr) is apprenticed as a
bookbinder and paper-ruler to William Newland, a
manufacturing stationer of Castlemaine.
1903 Jim McLaren (eldest son of James), formally
a salesman for Sands and McDougall, which
operated a large printing plant at the top end of
Spencer Street, Melbourne, establishes James
McLaren Pty Ltd, a bookbinding and paper-ruling
business operating in a three storey building in
Little Bourke Street. At this time the family was
living in Richmond. It was a true family business,
Jim employing his father James, his son James
(Jnr), his brother George, as company secretary,
and later his youngest brother Robert Clarence.
Other siblings were employed in the bindery as
well as some cousins from his father's family,
including Robin Lathlean McLaren, as office
manager. In the early days of the business,
Robert Clarence, still at school, carried buckets of
homemade paste by tram to the city (the tradition
of making our own flour paste continues). When
work finished at 1:00 pm every Saturday, the
family headed off to the races.
1908 Robert Clarence McLaren was apprenticed
to his father James McLaren (Snr).
1933 James McLaren (Jnr) died in his sleep after
losing much in the depression. His only son,
James took over.
1938 James McLaren (Snr) died and his son and
nephew, Robert Clarence and Robin Lathlean
McLaren, joined Gordon Irwin, sole proprietor of a
small manufacturing stationary business in Kirks
Lane off Little Bourke Street, and Irwin and
McLaren was formed. Six weeks after the joint
venture began, Irwin sold his shares and joined
his brother-in-law in real estate.
1939 Phillip Clarence, son of Robert Clarence
McLaren and Mary Young of Maldon, joined
the company, later bought shares from
both his father and Robert Lathlean. Robin
Lathlean left the business and ran
Malmsbury General Store to accommodate
an asthmatic son.
1951 A fire caused by an unattended iron
left on by an upstairs neighbour destroys
almost half of the factory. After the fire a
36-inch diamond guillotine was retrieved
from its resting place in mid-air on two
charred rafters and was repaired. It ran for
another 10 years.
1961 After Irwin and McLaren's trading
premises in the city was sold by Ezywalking
shoes, Phillip Clarence McLaren and his wife
Beth, bought a site at 64 Cubic St,
Richmond. The rundown Victorian cottage
on the premises was demolished and the
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 7
present factory was built in record time, becoming
occupied before the city lease expired.
1962 Beth McLaren, whose father was also
connected with printing and bookbinding (he was a
gold finisher and gilder and ran a library binding
service with her family during the war), purchased
Robert C. McLaren's holdings in Irwin and McLaren
when Robert Clarence (father of Beth's husband
Phillip McLaren) retired.
1965 James McLaren (Jnr) bought back minority
shareholdings held by the family and then sold his
business, James McLaren Pty Ltd, to the Herald
Gravure. He remained with the Herald Gravure and
supervised the book publishing department until his
retirement.
1973 Robert James McLaren, son of Phillip and
Beth, re-joined the company and took an interest in
paper making and the private press.
1980 The adjoining property 62 Cubit Street was
purchased, and the site is cleared for car parking.
1989 Phillip and Beth retired, leaving Robert as the
last remaining McLaren in the book binding
business.
2002 to 2018 Beth and Phillip McLaren still took an interest in the business, binding books for friends and family. 2018 – 2019 The demand for local book binding diminishes, the costs of manufacturing and overheads, pushes Robert to consider his options. He decided that the business is unsustainable and closes the doors on one of Richmond’s last book binders. Robert has donated much of the business records to the Richmond and Burnley Historical Society.
Discovering new items
and those from the past:
Just like the ghost signs, when you walk
around Richmond, you will see remnants of
the past as well as icons of the present.
The neon signs of Skipping Girl Vinegar,
PELACO, the Nylex Clock or Slades
Knitwear, are the signs and symbols which
connect us to the past, and become a
talking point and reflection about what was
here before.
Have you enjoyed the hot jam doughnuts
from the Queen Victoria Market (QVM).
Cooked on the spot, sprinkled with sugar
and hot jam pumped inside. The large line
of tourists and locals are eager to try this
tasty delight.
This year the American Doughnut Kitchen is
celebrating 70 years of business. Operating
from an
American
designed
aluminium
Airstream Style
Van which is an
icon in itself.
The original
attraction was
to try these
American style
doughnuts,
along with
seeing the
iconic sleek van. Once you tried them, you
were hooked on this delight.
The van is now permanently located at the
market, with its iconic looks and heritage
features, it is a tourist attraction and a
strong connection with the past.
Its beginnings were established in
Richmond. The owner of the innovative
business parked the van in their custom
built garage at the rear of their property on
the corner of Baker and McKay Streets.
Prior to becoming a permanent attraction
at the QVM, the van was located here.
Our next issue of the newsletter will focus
on Heritage and those things I remember.
Do you have items that you want to share?
Send them to Peter Fitton for inclusion in
the newsletter or ‘Tales’ of Old Richmond.
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 8
Annual General Meeting
November 15th, 2020, commencing at
2.30pm. The location and format of the
meeting will be dependant on the
COVID restrictions. The meeting may
be held by Zoom Conferencing.
The AGM is the formal meeting of recounting the
society’s activities and business through out the
2019/20 year. As a volunteer run society, the
amount of time and effort contributed by our
many volunteers has enabled us to provide
access to our collection, respond to the many
enquiries and conduct various walks and talks.
Each year nominations are called for the
Committee of Management. As per our Model
rules of Association, all committee positions are
open to nominations from the membership.
Members can nominate themselves, or nominate
others (with their approval) to stand for the
Executive Positions on the Committee.
These positions are:
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Ordinary members of the committee can be co-
opted onto the committee to fulfil specific roles.
Nominations are to be provided to the Secretary
in writing prior to the AGM.
Where there is only one nomination, then the
person nominated will be appointed to that
position. Where more than one person is
nominated, they will be required to present their
claims to the position and then the membership
will vote for their preferred candidate by secret
ballot.
Any agenda items to be sent to the Secretary
prior to the AGM.
AGENDA:
Welcome
Apologies
Minutes from the previous Meeting
Business Arising from the previous meeting
Presidents Report
Treasurer’s Report
NOMINATIONS FOR
THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT
I ……………………………………………………..
Being a current and financial member
of the Richmond and Burnley Historical
Society,
Nominate ……………………………………….
For the position/s of
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
On the Committee of Management for
the year 2020/21.
Signed: …………………………………………..
Nominator:
………………………………………………………….
Nominee:
Date:
SOME OF THE ENQUIRIES RECEIVED:
E Hughes—Yarra Primary School
G Hewitt—Burnley Football Club
Jedd O - Family history and Spice Factory
A Green—Glass Factory
H Laffin—McCaffrey—Butcher
C Barnett—House history
J Alexander - Family history
L Tulk—Family history
A Cochrane—Street names
W Townsend—Family history
P Lynch—Lord Ragland Hotel
D Miller—Glass manufacturers
Browyn O—Station Hotel
K Caulfield—Family history
M Lukic— Family history and Pelaco
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 9
AN INCONSPICUOUS JAR
Addendum to “Victoria’s
Earliest Potteries”
Gregory Hill
My first outing after the corona virus
lockdown has come up trumps! The item – a
simple, salt glazed bung jar with no markings
commonly made in Australia from 1860 to
1890. I had stood in front of it, deliberating
over whether there was enough reason to buy
another brown pot. This example has slight
differences to those usually found in Victoria,
made by the Bendigo Pottery, Cornwell’s
Pottery or the Dahlke Filter and Pottery Works.
These differences could prove to be identifying
features of another maker, something I am
always on the lookout for. They are notably the
recess below the rolled lip, used to keep string
or some other tied restrictive material around a
cloth-muslin covering which seals the jar, and
the sharpish point where the shoulder starts to
curve away from the straight sided body.
I have just published a book on “Victoria’s
Earliest Potteries,” which is mainly concerned
with identifying this type of pottery, so I am
keenly aware of it. Often these differences in
manufacture come down to pottery made
interstate or overseas and do not indicate a
new local manufacturer. However, my interest
was sustained by a paper label, which probably
identifies the production of the article as post
1930 because of the vulnerability of time
induced wear and tear. If this is the case it
would place the jar outside the period I was
hoping for.
The general condition of the label was
almost too good, another cause for
apprehension as reproduction of old Australian
labels have been made over the last twenty
years, giving enough time for some wear to
appear. My suspicions abated as I read what I
could of the label; ‘Sutherland / S&S /----- /
SANDWICH PICKLE / MANUFACTURED BY /
CREMORNE ST. RICHMOND VICTORIA.’
The pickle reference rang true as bung
jars were often used for pickling but the
important part was the address. This was one
street away from Dover St. in Richmond which
was where William Marshall’s Richmond Pottery
(1855-1893) was located. If a pickle company
needed pottery jars, where else would you buy
them but from the pottery works behind your
factory. The ducks were lining up, enough for
me to buy the jar and its label, a genuine 135
year old survivor.
Once home I dived into the research and
found that Sutherland and Sons had been
making vinegar from 1885 to the late 1970s.
However, pickles had been a major part of
their business. Their first address had been
Cremorne St. before expanding to new
premises in Wellington St. in 1889 which are
now heritage listed. The new research also
presented some problems such as the
Richmond Pottery relocating in 1872 but this
was only 800 metres further away and hardly
changed my reasoning. It also means that the
jar was probably made between 1885 and
1889 as the second address is not mentioned
on the label.
I also closely inspected the jar and
found some other anomalies. The rim of the
jar has been slightly distorted during firing
which is not uncommon but rare to appear in
the wares from Bendigo, Cornwell or Dahlke.
This reinforced my original ideas about a
different provenance. There is an angled
bottom corner to the jar of 15 mm, which is
quite large. Usually these are smaller or even
rounded, giving a better shape and are used
as a purchase point when drawing a piece of
wire between the jar and the throwing wheel
in order to separate them.
The jars are usually salt glazed inside
and out but our example has a cream
coloured Bristol glaze on the inside. Bendigo
did this on their larger items such as water
filters but it is yet another unusual feature.
There are four circular marks on the rim and
three under the base which are the remains of
clay pads that separate the items from one
another in the kiln. This was to stop the jar
glazing itself to the shelf, on which it sat, or
to any objects sitting on it. This method was
typically used when salt glazing but such
factors as number, size, shape of the blobs
and their positioning are all characteristics
which could point to future Richmond Pottery
attributions.
After years of researching the Richmond
Pottery and putting together a considered
account of its workings and history in
“Victoria’s Earliest Potteries,” I was unable to
find a single piece of pottery made there. I
think, I now can but it mightn’t be long before
irrefutable evidence may appear. At least one
of the houses that stands on the Richmond
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 10
Pottery site is being sold and evidence
suggests this often leads to demolition and
new building which creates an opportunity to
search the site. I will be very surprised if we
didn’t find shards identical to my pickle jar and
it would clearly justify the decision to buy
another inconspicuous jar.
Information and sales of “Victoria’s
Earliest Potteries” can be obtained from
Pic 765 - Salt glazed bung jar, 1885-1889, 260
x 175. Attributed to the Richmond Pottery,
Note the four clay pad marks to the rim and
the interior Bristol glaze.
Pic 717 – Base, note three clay pad marks and
angled edge.
Pic 767 – Paper label, “Sutherland, Sandwich
Pickle”.
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 11
Patrick John Guinane
31 January 1939 — 8 December 2019, Aged 80
Loved and loving Husband of Glenda for 46
years. Dearly loved by Simon. Adored Son of
Molly and Danny (both dec). Cherished Brother of
Maureen, John (dec), Jenny, Bill and Donna.
Patrick “Paddy” Guinane, was about as Richmond
as they made them. Growing up in Coppin
Street, Paddy went to St James primary school in
Kent Street, then attended St Ignatius, and
finally Parade College.
He was born a Tiger given his father Danny
played 103 games with the Tigers between 1934-
43. All-up, Paddy Guinane played 146 games and
kicked 216 goals for Richmond in a fine, decade-
long career from 1958-68.
He started his career at Tigerland as a ruckman
and defender, but developed into an imposing
key forward, winning the Club’s leading
goalkicker award twice – in 1966 with 50 goals
and 1968 with 41 goals.
Paddy was Richmond’s oldest living premiership
player having been a key member and vice-
captain of the Tigers’ team that defeated Geelong
in the ‘67 Grand Final, breaking a 24-year, Yellow
and Black flag drought.
He finished runner-up in the Tigers’ Best and
Fairest award in 1962, was third in 1965, and
received life membership of the Club in 1967.
Paddy trained as a secondary school science
teacher and commenced teaching with fellow
Richmond footballer, Don Davenport at the
Richmond Technical School in 1967. He later
became Vice-Principal.
Paddy retired early due to a chronic back
ailment, and acquired a 25–acre property and
dwelling at Little River. As a hobby horse
breeder, he waited more than 20 years to name
a thoroughbred ‘Captain Blood’ after club legend
Jack Dyer.
He attended the St. Ignatius Old Boys’ reunion
on the 29th November 2019 and sadly passed
away just over a week later.
Vale - Farewell
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 12
Jessie Proctor: 28 April 2020, aged 101
Born Jessie May Sharples in Stawell on 8th
December 1918. Jessie came to Melbourne
with her father and worked at Yarra Falls
Knitting Mills. There she met Bernie Proctor
and at aged 21, she married Bernie Proctor
on the 5th October 1941 at the Richmond
Presbyterian Church.
Together they lived at 16 Stanley St
Richmond for over 74 years. She recently
moved to the Eva Tilley home in Balwyn.
Jessie and Bernie were actively involved in
the community, with cricket, churches and
the Richmond Foodbank, where they served
for more than 25 years.
Jessie was a keen cook, making cakes, jams
and preserves for fund raising and
community groups.
Both were keen Richmond Football Club
supporters. The generosity of both Jessie and
Bernie was seen as their spirit of giving and
always welcoming people to their home.
Bernie and now Jessie will be sadly missed,
as together they brought a wonderful
community spirit to Richmond, touching
many people’s lives through their friendship
and kindness.
Did You Know ?
The London Tavern will be celebrating it’s 100th
Birthday next year.
Are you aware of any other celebrations that
will occur in the next couple of years?
RICHMOND LIBRARY—makeover
The Richmond Library was opened in the 31st
July 1977, and was originally called ‘Carringbush
Library’, as part of the joint regional library
service with Collingwood Council. The building
was established on the site of the Globe Theatre
and the South Richmond Library complex.
The building provided extensive resources,
programs, migrant programs, maternal health
centre and a theatrette to seat up to 300 people.
The library services excelled with community
programs and had more than 40 staff employed
on this site. The Senior’s Tombola’s Group
produced many shows and travelled to other
locations entertaining the crowds. The external
makeover is now a focal point for community
engagement. The bright signage and images
promotes the library and the groups such as
ourselves, Maternal Health, Carringbush Adult
Education Centre and the Women's’ Art Register.
118 Swan Street—Near the railway gates
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 13
Have you heard of
Ardency Kennedy
Place? It’s Lendlease’s new premium over 55s retirement development in Richmond, situated on the GTV9 site in Bendigo Street, Richmond. Work is commencing on stage one of this development. The design of the complex is around community connections and luxury amenities.
The residential complex has all the modern features and facilities, catering for the residents needs. As part of the development along side in Stawell Street, will be a community aged care nursing home and also an area for low cost housing and accommodation for women and children.
Lendlease are always looking at ways to connect with the local community and ensuring that their development adds to the life of the community as well.
The society has conducted over ten sessions on the history and heritage of the area, and focused on the history of the Channel 9 site. Lendlease has conducted many other sessions of interest and these are open to public.
If you are interested in seeing what is being offered and attending a session, contact Tracy Prowse on 03 8610 4889.
Remember When A collection of stories from retirees across the nation to inspire us all. We believe everyone has a story to tell and that memories and stories of our most lived generations should be shared.
And under every cloud is a silver lining. While we all find ourselves navigating a new world at this time, we want to draw upon the times gone by, where we’ve been through tough times or beautiful time and Remember When…. During June and July retirees from across the country were called upon to chare their story which will be published in an e-book of Silver Linings—capturing memories of times gone by.
The production is now underway to curate one of the largest online e-book collections of stores by Australian Retirees.
To register for a copy of this e-book from Lendlease
Click on this link
Or go the Lendlease website
RICHMOND & BURNLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST 2020 PAGE 14
COMMITTEE: President: David Langdon Phone: 0425 765 342 03 9427 1800
Email: [email protected]
Vice President: Robert Ousley Email: [email protected]
Secretary: Pamela Damokas Email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Robert Gray Email: [email protected]
If undeliverable return to:
The Richmond & Burnley Historical Society
Lower Level Richmond Library
Unit 3/415 Church Street Richmond 3121
Have you seen these items around Richmond? - what are they?
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