Geelong Heritage Centre

Town Clerk Chest

Painted black enamel metal chest, thought to be the original lock box used by William Weire, the first Town Clerk of Geelong. It was used to store important documents such as early leases and agreements.

Registration:
GHC
Date:
c1850
Geelong Heritage Centre

Ceremonial Spade

Engraved and presented to CF Belcher, Mayor of Geelong. Used for turning the first sod of the Geelong and Colac Railway, 23 October 1874.

Registration:
GHC
Date:
1874
Geelong Heritage Centre

Mayorial Hat

Tricorn ornately styled and finished in black velvet with woven details and ostrich feathers. Formal clothing was regular practice by mayor and councillors for many events throughout the municipality. Such formalities continued for over a century.

Registration:
GHC
Date:
c1900
Geelong Heritage Centre

Fern & Lycopods Album

This album was compiled from 1872 to 1896 by John Raddenberry, the second curator of the Geelong Botanic Gardens. This 235-page volume contains an impressive collection of pressed fern (botanical) specimens from across the world. Raddenberry was heavily involved in the emerging horticulture scene in Victoria and the book is symbolic of this new pastime and the fern craze that gripped the State. Photos courtesy of Geelong Heritage Centre.

Registration:
GHC
Date:
c1888
Geelong Heritage Centre

Brass Gorget

Presented to Dan-Dan-Nook, Wadawurrung man by the Comunn Na Feinne Society, 1860 the gorget is inscribed “KING DAN-DAN-NOOK” Best Runner Geelong 1860. Photo used with permission of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

Registration:
GHC
Date:
1860
Geelong Heritage Centre

Geelong Mayorial Robes

These robes are thought to be the original ones purchased by Geelong Town Mayor Robert de Bruce Johnstone as he was preparing to receive Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, during his visit to Geelong in 1867. Formal dress by the mayor was regular practice for nearly a century.

Registration:
GHC
Date:
c1867
Geelong Heritage Centre

Ceremonial Trowel

This trowel was presented to the Corporation of Geelong by Joseph Reed architect and Builders William Allen &William Cakebread on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of Geelong Town Hall on 9 April 1855. It was presented to William Kingston Baylie, Mayor of Geelong.

Registration:
GHC
Date:
1855
Geelong Heritage Centre

Sister City Souvenir

Japanese fan presented to Geelong and Bellarine by sister city Izumiōtsu, Osaka.

Registration:
GHC
Date:
c1990