Geelong Bottle & Collectables Club Inc Volume 67 March/April 2009
Pot of gold
Big bucks for unique link to Geelong’s first football superstar
WHO’S WHO President: Dave Smith
Vice-president: Peter Harding 5275 3411 Treasurer: Bob Bauer 5250 1392 Secretary: Tracey Elso Assistant secretary: Noel Dawson Librarian: Craig Finegan Editor: Cam Ward 0430 369 146 Public officer: Kim Johnson State representative: David Smith Catering officer: Pam Bauer Committee members: Tony Parsons Craig Finegan Kim Johnson Noel Dawson and executives
Last year’s state show at Geelong was was a disappointment, despite the standard of exhibitions and the enthusiasm of the club in organising it.
Regrets? I’ve had a few, but too few to dwell on By outgoing club president Kim Johnson
T
hank you to committee members and thank you to all those that have supported me over the years. Another state show has come and gone and one that disappointed me somewhat. I hoped we would have had more people through the door. But when people hear the words “financial meltdown” their purse strings are pulled a little tighter. I just feel we didn’t get a result we were looking for. We made a small profit but not what I hoped it would be. Tonight I would like to leave the seat as President and that someone will put up there hand to fill it. Most of the committee will step down tonight, so someone else can take the wheel. Thank you Cam for putting his hand up to do the newsletter. Doing a fantastic job!. Thank you Bob for doing such a wonderful job as treasurer for all these years. Also to Robyn for being an ardent secretary and to Peter for being a wonderfully supportive vice and to all those that do
all those little jobs that make it such a wonderful club. I look forward to monthly meetings, I like to see who’s picked up what in the latest finds, but I like coming to the meetings I’ve made friends with you all and we think alike (with that wonderful affliction of collecting!) Thank you all.
Cats champion’s legend endures after more than a century
Forever Young A
unique link with Geelong – and the early days of Australian rules – was the highlight of the recent People’s Paraphernalia auction in Melbourne. Conducted by well-respected expert Rick Milne, the auction featured over 500 lots. But among a number of unique pieces, it was an 1892 presentation trophy to Henry “Tracker” Young from Geelong West Football Club that stood out. The silver coffee pot was engraved “Geelong West FC to H. Young for best all round player season 1892”. It is worth noting that Young received the award despite crossing from West to Geelong midway through the season. Young played 167 VFL games with Geelong from 1897-1910, represented Victoria seven times and captained the state in the first carnival in 1908. He is described in The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers as “a tower of strength at Geelong from the time he started with the club”. In addition to his football skills, Young rowed, rode in the Melbourne to Warrnambool, sparred with world boxing champion Bob Fitzsimmons and was renowned for travelling to Portarlington by boat after a football game and then walking 30km home again. His trophy was the big seller at the auction, eventually being knocked down for $3250* after four bids. But there were plenty of other lots that attracted big prices and buyer interest. Two Tally-Ho cigarette cards said to be the first ever seen in brown printing sold for $1800
The inscription on the Geelong West Football Club’s 1892 award for Henry “Tracker” Young.
apiece, a superb Resch’s pub paining fetched $3200, a Hawthorn Football Club 1920 membership card went for $1900 after spirited bidding and an old tram destination
roller was knocked down for $1800. As expected, a selection of 1963 Scanlens VFL cards went for around $1000 apiece; more surprising was
This classic Dunlop golf advertising statue was sold for $300.
the 1963 Scanlens wrapper that fetched $700. But it was some of the advertising pieces that inspired some of the fiercest bidding. And confectionery collectors proved to be the most passionate. A Macrobertson’s marshmallow toasting fork went for $320 after more than 25 bids. Similar interest and high prices were achieved by a Griffiths “The Bing Boys” tin ($900), three dummy Nestles and Cadbury display packs ($380), a collection of five chocolate wrappers ($260), five Macrobertson’s wrappers ($340), and a MacRobertson’s Peppermint Cream box and Heaven Toffee sample showcard ($320).
* All prices do not include an 11 per cent buyer’s premium.
This tram destination roller was important to someone. It sold for $1800 on one bid.
Tackling Tassie in a hurry S
aturday, February 28 at 7am found Craig, Jack and I waiting in line with several hundred assorted vehicles, wondering how we were all going to fit into the hold of the red & white ship waiting at Melbourne. During summer weekends, the Spirit of Tasmania plies Bass Strait with its cargo of tourists, day and night. Ours was an enjoyable trip, Craig and Jack seeming to develop their sea-legs somewhat immediately while I seemed to develop a strange stagger – and it didn’t have anything to do with alcohol (truly!) Gladly, we glided into Devonport and headed to Latrobe Caravan Park where fellow bottle collectors and Gippsland members Trevor & Verna Pilgrim awaited our arrival with a nice cuppa. We set up our tent – affectionately known as the “Dalek” (because it is a dome tent) and settled in with the latest gossip. Sunday Craig and I woke bright and early (Jack not being compliant at 6am) and drove 80 kms to Evandale market. then back to Latrobe where the Van Diemens’ Bottle and Collectable club was holding its bottle show. The Tasmania show featured some wonderful collections, notable were two separate pottery collections – a Campbells and a Remeud – a magnificent lamp collection, and a very well put together collection of northern Tasmanian bottles and bottling equipment. Monday saw us packing up the “Dalek” and convoying to New Norfolk, with a few little stopovers along the way. Trevor picked up a wonderful set of scales featuring ‘Homepride Bakeries’ advertising. New Norfolk is south of Tasmania, quite close to Hobart, and situated on the Derwent
It helps to remember to pack your sea-legs when sailing to Tasmania.
River. It is a fascinating historical town, with a history of hop gardens, orchards and Australia’s first insane asylum. Up went the camps again, a nice barbie was cooked by the ‘boys’ and we decided to do the town’s many antique shops in the morning, as well as a bit of a scout around for bottles and a possible dive in the Derwent in the arvo. Tuesday was cool with a bit of drizzle, but that didn’t stop us visiting all the antique shops on the visitors’ list – except one which wasn’t open! I think I was the big winner there (at least the big spender I should say!) and picked up a few nice pieces of uranium glass. We went to New Norfolk’s oldest hotel – the Bush Inn – and started talking to a local whose family has lived in New Norflok for several generations. He generously gave us his time to show us some wonderful photos, maps and other memorabilia. Verna and I decided to go back to camp and Craig and Trevor took a wander down the river and picked out a few possible sites for future diving, and then went for a scrounge up at the old abandoned asylum.
Wednesday morning saw us de-camp, and we met Phil and Kate Wright in Hobart. Phil took us on a whirlwind tour of his favorite antique shops in Hobart, and a quick tour of old Hobart. We then drove to Primrose Sands – heading towards Port Arthur – to meet up with Peter and Pat. The cold weather had settled in that night, the temperature dropped and the winds howled, and we were quite glad to leave the Dalek in the van for the while. Craig and Peter took off early Thursday morning to go for their pre-arranged dive in the Derwent with Phil and another bottle collecter. Jack and I decided that Port Arthur would certainly be cold and wet and miserable, so we went in search of the elusive Tassie Devil, and the formerly thought extinct Tassie tiger. We found both at the Zoodoo! Well, plenty of Tassie devils and a Burmese tiger (and a couple of lions too!) Jack and I leisurely drove towards Hobart to meet up at the Wrights with the surely frozen divers to inspect the haul. Craig had managed to come aboard with several Tasmania beer bottles, and a WAWAWAWA bottle (so called because of the initials
around the neck of the bottle) Conditions in the water were bloody freezing and Craig was heardmuttering he might invest in a dry suit. Friday morning we leisurely drove up the highway to Launceston, diverting at a few towns we were told had good little antique shops. We found by far my most favorite find in Tassie – a Diana lamp with a green flame glass lamp shade. Craig wouldn’t let me buy a stuffed deer head complete with upturned hoofs for a gun rack. We stayed Friday night in Launceston and bright and early Saturday saw us heading back up the highway to Devonport to catch the Spirit of Tasmania home again. This time, the weather was mild, I found my sea-legs (right were I left them!) and we sat out the long trip home. All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed Tasmania. The historical buildings were amazing and the scenery absolutely superb. The antique shops were quite expensive but the people just so generous with their time and friendliness. We’ll definitely go back again, and next time, we’ll take more than seevn days! – Tracey Elso
Milestone up for local icon C
hances are if you’re feeling warm in the bathroom this winter you’ve got a Geelong firm to thank. Guest speaker at the club’s April meeting was a man with an intimate knowledge of that link – Allan Backwell, who spoke about the 150th anniversary of Backwell-IXL. It was in 1858 that Ebenezer Backwell arrived back in Geelong from Melbourne and started a blacksmith shop, sharpening picks and shovels for miners heading to the goldfields. He then turned his hand to repairing stoves that had been damaged on the trip out from England before making his own. It was in 1870 that the famous IXL wood stove first appeared. From premises in Aberdeen Street (on the site of what is now Irish Murphy’s), Backwell & Sons moved to Gheringhap Street in 1903, buying the land that the Mercure hotel now occupies. It remained there for half a century before shifting to the Wood Street site in South Geelong it’s still located at. The company stopped making wood stoves in 1990 but by then it had already had 12 years making what has turned out to be the “lifeblood” of the company, according to Allan – the IXL Tastic heater. The current global economic
The Backwell stove works in Gheringhap Street in the early 1900s.
crisis has not been unnoticed by Backwell-IXL, but Allan remains confident about the company’s future. On a more positive note, Deakin University has agreed to take over the company’s entire collection of historical documents. “All the stuff we’ve got now will be given a good home in Deakin, except the hardware which we’ll keep ourselves,” Allan said.
The company is still trying to find examples of its Triumph stoves, in either the 24-inch or 30-inch version.
Allan Backwell gives club members a brief history of one of Geelong’s iconic companies.
The Geelong Bottle and Collectables Club Inc.
The club meets on the fourth Monday of each month (excluding December) at the Belmont Park Pavilion, Barrabool Road, under the James Harrison Bridge. Club postal address: Geelong Bottle and Collectables Club Inc. Box 5049 North Geelong LPO 3215
minutes Annual general meeting Meeting opened 8:40 pm
March 23, 2009
Minutes of previous meeting Moved: Ern Taylor Seconded: David Smith Treasurer’s report Approx $5376 Moved: Ern Taylor Seconded: Kim Johnson Elections Kim Johnson stood down as club president and declared all positions open and vacant. PRESIDENT: Dave Smith Nominated by Peter Harding, Seconded by Bruce Colls
EDITOR Cam Ward Nominated by Peter Harding Seconded by Dave Smith
SECRETARY: Tracey Elso Nominated by Peter Harding Seconded by Ernie Taylor
LIBRARIAN Craig Finegan Nominated by Tony Parsons Seconded by Peter Harding
VICE PRESIDENT Peter Harding Nominated by Bob Bauer Seconded by Bruce Colls
STATE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE Dave Smith Nominated by Tony Parsons Seconded by Peter Harding
ASSISTANT SECRETARY Noel Dawson Nominated by Tony Parsons Seconded by Craig Finegan
PUBLIC OFFICER Kim Johnson Nominated by Kim Johnson Seconded by Tracey Elso
TREASURER Bob Bauer Nominated by Tracey Elso Seconded by Kim Johnson
CATERING OFFICER Pam Bauer Nominated by Jenn Sydenham Seconded by Kim Johnson COMMITTEE MEMBERS Tony Parsons Craig Finegan Kim Johnson Noel Dawson and executives
Meeting closed 8:58pm
Club members discuss their day’s haul prior to voting for the inaugural Golden Bunny.
Road warriors’ treasure hunt A
ny collector will tell you that the thrill of the hunt is part of what drives them. Club members had no shortage of that on their March bus trip with no less than four stops in which to add to their collections. The 6.30am start was forgotten as soon as we alighted at our first destination – the iconic Camberwell Market. I’ve been going on and off there for more than 20 years and know that when it’s “on”, it’s on and bargains can be found in every aisle. That was certainly the case for us, and it was soon apparent that we would have to push back the original departure time. Next up was the Cranbourne bottle show; a decidedly smaller and non-competitive cousin to the state show we hosted last year but we were happy to wander among the swap and sell stalls. We also caught up with David Smith and Craig Finegan, who bypassed the bus trip to be wheelers and dealers at Cranbourne.
We were too late for the Cranbourne swap meet but that was forgotten when we stopped off at the Tyabb Packing Shed, a grander version of the Mill Markets (in both scale and prices!) at which you could find everything from Aboriginal art to Zac Ephron posters. Season club members warned novice visitors (like this writer) of the temptations that lay waiting through the packing sheds’
front doors. It would have been the ultimate destination if not for the prices, an issue that was not a problem down the road at the final destination, best described as the packing sheds’ country cousin. It had its own share of pricey goods, but among the dusty shelves were plenty of treasures. On the trip home club members voted for the inaugural “Golden Bunny” award, given
to the find of the day. In the end it went to Jenny’s Donaghy rope display which got the nod (a verdict backed up in April’s meeting) ahead of Kim’s tin and Jan’s cut glass Corio Whiskey water jug. Again thanks have to go to Captain Ross at the wheel of our bus for our 12-hour odyssey. Here’s hoping it won’t be that long before it goes round and round again.– Cam Ward
Kim and David discuss bargains from opposing side’s of the swap and sell tables.
minutes March meeting Meeting opened at 8.03pm
March 23, 2009
Apologies Robyn Harding Ann & Darrel Phillips Moved: Peter Harding; seconded: Craig Finegan Minutes of previous meeting Moved: Joe Votava; seconded: Peter Harding Business arising from minutes Photocopying of monthly newsletter: Jan still looking into pricing. Possible front & back to be in colour? Ross & Christine Roycroft – Update on Bushfire tragedy June Dunn – has a letter of sympathy been sent? Moved: Noel Dawson; seconded: Jan Pocock Correspondence Mornington Peninsula Antique Bottle & Collectables Club Inc Newsletter Gippsland Antique Bottle & Collectables Club Inc Newsletter Notice for Morwell Swap & Sell day Australian Milk & Cream Bottle Book now Available for Clubs Victorian Bottle & Collectables Club Inc reminder notice for insurance Moved: Ern Taylor; seconded: Dave Smith Treasurer’s report Subs are due! Term Deposit $2498 Cash Tin $ Tea Tin $812 Swap & Sell Tin $ Expenditure Club Insurance $216 Stamps $20 Printing $45 Moved: Jen Sydenham; seconded: Peter Harding General Business AGM to follow meeting. Bus trip – Heads counted for bus trip to Cranbourne Bottle Show Sunday, March 29. Total 11 members; club decided to go ahead with rental of mini bus and proceed with club day trip. Pick ups: 6:30am club rooms then Bell Post Hill Shopping Centre Antique Trails Pamphlet Kim & Craig to drop off at antique shops Dave Smith reported on Bendigo Bottle Show Latest Finds: Tony Parsons suggested a change in format – perhaps a talk about items before voting Australian Milk & Cream bottles book – Dave suggested two be bought for the club – one for the library the other for a gift for the future. Suggestion accepted. Shepparton Antique & Collectables Fair – Tracey Elso reported on Beechworth Bottle Show & Bendigo Antiques & Collectables Fair on in Easter Photos taken by Bruce were made available for members to view Dave Smith discussed proposed details for National Show 2011. Asked if Geelong club would be willing to take on joint national show (to be shared with other Victorian clubs) with backing from the state committee. Peter Harding requested a standard schuedule to be presented Guest Speaker – April – Allan Backwell to talk on 150 years of Backwells Passing away of Scotty Clarke last month. Best acquired 2008/2009 winners 1st: Tony ‘Beany’ Parsons 2nd: Dave Smith Meeting Closed at: 8:40pm
March winners 1st Barry Sydenham – Geelong Gas Company seal 2nd Elsie and Bruce Colls – Singer 20 miniature sewing machine =3rd Alan Snowden – Black & Wite whiskey advertising statue =3rd Alan Snowden – Beswick dog
minutes April meeting April 27, 2009
Meeting opened at 8.10pm Apologies Noel Dawson Ron & Jan Bruce Anne & Daryl Phillips Minutes of previous meeting Moved – Kim Johnson; seconded – Peter Hardingr
Business arising from minutes General meeting summarised minutes. Dave spoke about state committee meeting Craig spoke about printer available – Peter to check it out Order of milk collection books Correspondence Only junk mail Treasurer’s report Term deposit $2498.73 Cash Tin $0 Tea Tin $122 Swap & Sell Tin $28.50 Moved – Kim Johnson; seconded – Tracey Elso General Business Allan Bakwell – Gave talk about IXL and donated book for raffle or library State Bottle Club Meeting – Bendigo to hold national bottle show 2010 Antiques Trail Booklet: Do we keep printing? Cost is $23/250 copies Discussed cost of current printing costs compared to a secondhand printer Collectorama – last copy this month Scotty Clarke Collection Auction: To be held Sunday, May 31 by Nobellus Auctions, Canterbury Road Surrey Hills. Possible bus trip for club members to attend the auction State/national bottle show and antique fair calender – possibility to get printed into club newsletter. Meeting closed at 9pm. Best Aquired: 1st: Jennifer Sydenham 2nd: Alan Snowden 3rd: Jack Elso-Ledgerd
Donaghy’s Rope Display Large MacRobertsons Lolly Jar Extensive knife collection
HAPPY JACK: Jack Elso-Ledgerd took third place with an extensive pocketknife collection.
latest finds March Elsie and Bruce
Singer 20 Miniature sewing machine Singer book of matches
Dot and Joe
3 egg cups Green vase Mickey Mouse memorabilia book Deniliquin memorabilia book Olympic history collection book Wreck of Joseph Scammell ship
Alan
Coles 1956 Olympics swap cards Coles 1954 royal visit swap cards Black & White whisky advertising statue Old key Beswick dog
David
Price’s Jam Geelong label Jules Hubart and Wilson’s jams jars (rolled lip)
Craig
Saggy base tall black (1840s?) Stowers Pickles castle trademark 1850s cabin pickle 13oz JR Gracey Nathalia codd Dicey & Co ink bottle
Bob
Petrol blowtorch, Otto USA Petrol blowtorch, Clayton USA
Peter
Norman Coles book (1500 printed) $1 training money
Ron and Jan
Geelong book A Tale of a City Hero Smallgoods thermometer Old tea towels Grand prix flag
Barry
Geelong Gas Company seal
Tony
Mahon & Headley crown seal Mahon & Headley codd Headley Wagga ginger beer
Tracey
Geelong souvenir bottle
Kim
Write On jelly crystals packet Bisto gravy maker
SECOND
=THIRD =THIRD
FIRST
Barry’s imposing Geelong Gas Company seal was an obvious winner.
latest finds April Joe & Dot
Kosta Furniture ashtray Toy Beetle Grenadier tobacco tin Lactogen tin 1941 Ceramic milk saver Do You Remember? Book Bile Beans tin
Tony
Donald soda syphon 2 7oz codds 4 jars/chemist bottles
Tracey Craig
Suncrush sign Rolling pin and Wembley mugs Uranium glass float bowl
Jack
Collection of pocket knives
THIRD
Jennifer
Donaghy rope display M. Donaghy & Sons sign
FIRST
Alan
Police “dossier” on 1936 murder Large Macrobertson’s jar Gerry Gee Tarax Club badge Ben Lawers Whiskey vesta Peter Dawsons aluminium water jug
Pratt jar Locally branded hotel ware Large Barnes honey jar
SECOND
A great example of uranium glass displayed by Tracey. It’s even more spectacular under “black light”.
CLASSIFIEDS Notices
Wanted to buy
Need to e-mail a photo? Like to post a photo on the internet to sell an item? Have a lend of the club’s digital camera. ASK PETER FOR DETAILS
Milk glass Vegemite/Marmite jars. Also screw top metal lids, any size. Phone Bruce on 0408 527 741.
Wanted to buy
Pre-1956 telephone directories. Geelong & District or Melbourne Phone Cam on 0430 369 146.
Anything to do with Jim Beam, Coca Cola, ceramic Garfields and Ned Kelly. Collectables collector. Phone Len Ellmer on 5224 1469.
Any old newspapers and documents. Prefer Geelong and areas but will consider anything. Phone Peter on 5275 3411.
Royal Doulton Whisky flasks/Kingsware Old electric jugs Please call JIM HUNTER on 5127 6420. Member of the Gippsland club.
Victa logo plate For original model Phone Alan on 5255 4773 or 0403 160 336.
SINGER SEWING MACHINES Anything to do with Singer. Phone Bruce or Elsie on 5275 5450. Matchboxes, labels, vesta boxes, match grips and Meakin china. Phone 5276 1267. Any old newspapers and documents. Prefer Geelong and areas but will consider anything. Phone Peter on 5275 3411. Geelong street guides and business directories. Phone 5266 1126.
Embassy branded items. The old GJ Coles home brand. Will BUY anything. Phone Peter on 5275 3411. Any Scouting memorabilia. Phone Shane on 5229 6469.
For sale Photographic record of 2008 State Bottle and Collectables Show. All category winners and selected individual bottles on one CD. Suitable for enlargements. $10 per copy. Phone Cam on 0430 369 146.