The Museum at The Tasmanian Wool Centre in Ross, Tasmania | History Museum

The Museum at The Tasmanian Wool Centre

Locality: Ross, Tasmania

Phone: +61 3 6381 5466

Address: 48 Church Street 7209 Ross, TAS, Australia

Website: http://www.taswoolcentre.com.au

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25.01.2022 Lambing is one of the most demanding times of the year for many farmers. A Tasmanian vet and farmer describes her experiences with a new technique rearing orphaned or abandoned lambs... https://www.abc.net.au//lamb-survival-practices-b/12623922

24.01.2022 We believe our visitors quickly lose themselves in the deep history that Ross has to offer. Did you find this happened to you when you visited our museum? *Repost Renzo Piano*

23.01.2022 Call-out for Ross Primary School Photographs... Thanks to the generosity of the Ross community, we now have photographs of the school children of Ross from about 1900 to the 1980s - a virtual album of school portraits for every decade of the 20th century with many of the children named. All but the 1990s. Does anyone have a school portrait of the Ross Primary School from the 1990s that we could scan and return?

23.01.2022 Compare these two photos taken forty years apart. Then you realise they were both taken in historically dire drought conditions. A thought-provoking story about changing land and flock practices in Australia.

22.01.2022 The Last Days of Kelsal and Kemp Woolen Mill, Launceston... The Kelsal and Kemp Wool Mill operated out of Invermay from 1923. These photographs show a staff farewell party the month that the mill closed down in June 1977 - brave faces and smiles, but it must have been a tough time. If you'd like to find out more about the wool textiles industry in Tasmania, you might enjoy this article: https://www.julianburgess.com.au//The-rise-and-fall-of-Lau

22.01.2022 Do you happen to have an old wool basket lying around in your shearing shed that is no longer in use? We would love to take it off your hands to happily live out its days in our wool museum here at the Tasmanian Wool Centre. It can be donated or loaned to the museum, depending on which you would prefer. Do not panic, it does not need to be in pristine condition. We would simply love to have it help us tell the story of the Tasmanian wool industry to our extended range of visitors.

22.01.2022 In the 1920s, Ross school teacher Mr Stewart was keen to promote the work of his students. He sent examples of Haidee Goss' handwriting to all the agricultural shows in Tasmania - and she received prize after prize, from Kingborough to St Mary's. Haidee is on sixth on the right in the back row of the school photograph.

21.01.2022 Do you know in history when Recreation Day was proclaimed a public holiday in Northern Tasmania? Comment your guesses and answers below! The Tasmanian Wool Centre Museum will remain open for the long weekend for visitors from 10am-3pm daily. Wishing everyone a wonderful long weekend from all team members at the Tasmanian Wool Centre Museum.

20.01.2022 Over the next twelve months we will be looking at both traditional and contemporary flock and land management practices in the Tasmanian wool growing industry. This article is a thought provoking start to the conversation. What do you think? https://www.stockjournal.com.au//are-sheep-getting-too-b/

20.01.2022 Who were ‘the shepherds of Mona Vale’? A letter to the manager Richard Pitt gives their names and signatures. Join us as we piece together the stories of their lives, with the help of the Tasmanian Archives and Trove. Francis John Tucker was born in Campbell Town in 1835 to Thomas and Sarah Tucker. Thomas was a bricklayer. Of all our ‘shepherds of Mona Vale’ he is the only one who we have photographs of. He married Sarah Anne Sophia Herbert, the daughter of stonemason Daniel... Herbert, in 1863. He was 28. Francis Tucker worked for Mona Vale, but seems to have mostly lived between Tunbridge and Dog’s Head, Lake Sorrell. He and his wife Sarah had a large family, and where the births were registered give us an idea of where and how they lived over 20 years. Being a shepherd’s wife, Sarah Tucker seems to have given birth to at least half her children in the Highlands with little assistance. Eliza Tucker was born in 1864. Her father’s occupation was listed as ‘shepherd’ and her birth registered in Campbell Town. An un-named girl baby died at or just after birth in 1866 in Ross. Her death was reported by her grandmother Mary Herbert, and Francis was described as ‘shoemaker’. Francis Elizabeth was born in 1870. Her birth was reported by letter to Dr Valentine, suggesting the family were remote. Francis’ occupation was listed as shepherd. A son named Francis John Tucker registered in Campbell Town in 1872. Francis was described as a ‘laborer’. In 1874 Francis described himself as ‘shepherd to Mr R Kermode esq., of the Blackman Run’ in a newspaper article regarding a strayed horse. Elsie Mary was born in 1874 in Tunbridge her father reported her birth to Dr Valentine by letter. Alfred Tucker was born 1877. His father listed his occupation ‘shepherd’, and reported his birth from ‘Dog’s Head’ run near Lake Sorrell. William George was born in 1879. His birth was reported at Dog’s head, Lake Sorrell, so remote again. Herbert Sorrell Tucker, 1881, Dog’s Head Lake Sorrell. Ada Lucy 1883 Dog’s Head. The same year, Francis Tucker is reported as having shot an Australian grebe at Lake Sorrell which was presented via Mr Richards to the Royal Society Hobart in 1883. Francis Tucker died c 1905. See more

19.01.2022 Baby, it's cold outside... but is it as cold as it was on this day in 1914?

19.01.2022 Remembrance Day - Ross 2020 There will be a Remembrance Day Service commencing at 10:50am on Wednesday 11th November. The Ross RSL Sub-Branch ask that you assemble on the grass behind the War Memorial. This photo was taken in the late 1920's- early 1930's of the Ross War Memorial. The memorial dates back to when the Boer War Memorial to Trooper A E Fitzallen was publicly unveiled on 16 December 1903. That memorial was later moved to it's present position where it now stands b...eside the BL 15 Pounder Mark 1 No. 788 Anglo-Boer War Field Gun and the World War One Soldier's Memorial which was dedicated on 15 March 1925. The Ross War Memorial remains a significant part of the Ross community today.

18.01.2022 William Archer's diary entries across 5 months in 1847 detail the advanced stages of the construction of new kitchen wing. On the 20th July of that year, Willi...am made a drawing of a crane for the kitchen fireplace and later the plate of the stewing stoves, hot plates and fire dogs. This must have been a very busy time for William Archer of Woolmers as he was also working on the plans for the Hutchins School and designing a new wool press for Woolmers. #woolmersestate #williamarcher #firsttasmanianbornarchitect #botanist #australianconvictsite #servantskitchen

18.01.2022 An army training camp just north of Ross, c 1900. Training for the Boer War? I wonder... [Reproduced courtesy of Libraries Tasmania]

17.01.2022 Who were the shepherds of Mona Vale? Join us again as we explore the lives of the men responsible for Richard Kermode's flocks at Mona Vale through the State Library archives and Trove. Shepherd George Constable's story shows us how precarious life could be for working men and women and their children in Van Diemen's Land. A George Constable was transported to Van Diemen’s Land for assault and robbery of two women in 1845. He was 21, his hair was brown and his previous occupa...tion was ‘farm labourer’. His conduct on board the ship was ‘good’. George Constable served his probation on the Salt Water River gang. His final assignment was to James McLanachan of 'Ballochyle', Tunbridge in 1848. In 1856 he married former convict Mary Sharkett in Bothwell in 1856. Neither could write they could only make their mark. In 1857 they had a son William in Bothwell district George’s occupation was recorded as ‘shepherd’. In 1858 they recorded the birth of a daughter Ellen in Bothwell. Again, George Constable’s occupation was given as ‘shepherd’. By 1860 Mary Constable had died (probably giving birth to her son George Philip), and George was shepherding at ‘Big Lakes’ (Great Lake) in the Highlands. He applied for the nearly 2 year old Ellen to be sent to the Kings Orphanage in new Town. In 1861 Sarah Herbert (Daniel and Mary Herbert’s daughter) in Ross registered the death of George Phillip Constable aged 2 of diphtheria. Sarah described him as a ‘shepherd’s child’. It seems likely that at Mary’s death, George sent the children to live with other families in the district until he married again or could care for them himself. He remarried Elizabeth Harris (aged 38 and a widow) in Oatlands in 1865. There is no further record of Mary and George’s children, so we don’t know whether the remaining family reunited with George’s new marriage. See more

17.01.2022 Who were ‘the shepherds of Mona Vale’? A letter to the manager Richard Pitt gives their names and signatures. Join us as we piece together the stories of their lives, with the help of the Tasmanian Archives and Trove. Edward Plunkett Two men called Edward Plunkett arrived in Van Diemen’s Land as convicts. The most likely man to be one of the shepherds of Mona Vale was transported in 1852 on the ‘Fairlie’ for ‘uttering bad coin’ (attempting to pay with forged currency). He was... 31, single and his occupation was laborer and groom. He had black hair and blue eyes and had a mermaid tattooed on his arm. He married Sarah Simson, They were living in Campbell Town when they had a baby daughter in 1867, who died too early to be named but was seen by Dr Valentine. Edward’s occupation was given as shepherd. Two further daughters, both named Ellen, were registered in 1868 and 1871. The first was registered as born in ‘the Lake District’ and the second was registered in Bothwell. Both were registered by the local constables, suggesting that Sarah bore her babies in remote shepherd’s huts with little assistance. Edward’s occupation was listed as ‘shepherd’. An Edward Plunkett of about the right age was admitted into the Pauper’s Asylum in Hobart in 1896, and he died in Hobart Hospital in 1897 of heart failure. See more

14.01.2022 Campbell Town Show Exhibition Hall -1951- The standard of exhibits at the Campbell Town Show Tasmania in 1951 were high and proudly remain this level today. The Exhibition Hall theme for 2020 is 'Campbell Town Show Does Christmas!'. This fresh and creative theme reminds us that the Campbell Town Show is about community and family. You can enter your creations here http://www.campbelltownshow.com.au/entries/exhibition-hall/ for Saturday 5th December 2020. Image taken from The Examiner, Wed June 13, 1951.

12.01.2022 Did you ever wonder what work museum curators do 'behind the scenes'? This article shows one intern's experience working with the Museums Victoria rural photograph collection. (Pro tip: Sometimes it's all about noticing what's right in front of you, and putting that information into your catalogue so people can find it later. :) ) https://invisiblefarmer.net.au//uncovering-photographic-im

11.01.2022 Can you guess what this is? While it looks like something from a steam-punk movie now, when it was used, it would have been top-of-the line and the latest technology of its kind. Have a guess in the comments... :)

11.01.2022 A new acquisition for the Wool Centre Museum... In summer 1881, Ross School principal William Barnett awarded first prize for mathematics in 4th class to Louisa C Smith, and gave her this book. Just like speech and prize nights at Ross School within living memory, Louisa would have received her book prize as part of a special ceremony before the Christmas break-up party. Imagine how proud she must have felt! If you know anything more about Louisa Smith's life, we'd love to hear from you. We believe Louisa was probably born to James and Sarah Smith (nee Matthews) in 1872 at Horton. The book 'Jubilee Hall: or There's No Place Like Home' was written by a popular author of children's books the Honourable Mrs Louisa Greene from Ireland.

10.01.2022 Do any locals still remember getting pegs and other things from itinerant sellers in Tasmania? This willow peg is one believed to have been made by Mrs Brown, sometimes known as 'Mrs One-Eye' or 'Mrs Tinny' Brown. Mrs Brown is known to have travelled across Tasmania, as stories of her and her pegs can be found in the Clarence City Council area, here in the Midlands and up in the North West at Ulverstone History Museum. Here is another example of a story about here in a link: https://paulineconolly.com/2017/dolly-pegs-by-the-derwent/

10.01.2022 Can you guess what this object is Here are a few hints ... It lives on the wall at the back of our history museum... It is connected to the property 'Somercoates, Ross' It was in operation from 1874 to 1888 It was created to promote excellence It was designed and manufactured by Bennell Brothers, Launceston The numbers and honorary names listed are in gilded lettering Comment below if you can guess what this object is!

10.01.2022 'Shearing in full swing at Mount Morrison Estate' This insightful article was posted in the Tasmanian Mail on December 20, 1934. It captures 'shearing activity [is] at peak', with pictures showing machine shearing, fleece skirting, classing in the wool room, bales of wool ready for the selling floor, and sheep before and after shearing. Our Superfine Merino Ram 'Rambo' who lives out his days in the Tasmanian Wool Centre Museum, originated from Mount Morrison Ross and was kin...dly donated by Fuji Corporation Ross. Although 'Rambo' is a little wethered (pardon the pun), he is what growers and consumers see as a fine example of a Superfine Merino Ram.

09.01.2022 Departures and Arrivals: 900 babies christening bonnets Artist: Christina Henri - Roses from the Heart In April of 2004, Christina Henri opened her commemorative project 'Departures and Arrivals' at the Ross Female Factory Site.... There were 12,000 convict women transported to Tasmania until 1853. These women were often sexually exploited in domestic service and then punished for becoming pregnant. Between 1829 and 1877, 1200 babies were born at the Cascade Female Factory Site in Hobart. The prisoners would be sentenced to six months hard labour within the Female Factory system after weaning their child. Approximately 900 of the 1200 babies died. The number of babies that died at the Ross and Launceston Female Factory sites remain unknown to this day. "The deaths were officially recorded as anonymous - there was no specific identity of mother or child," Ms Henri said. The bonnets were contributed from around TAS, NSW, VIC and the ACT. The installation of embroidered bonnets were housed at the Tasmanian Wool Centre Museum for a few weeks following. You can view more information on this moving installation at the Ross Female Factory Site, or at the Tasmanian Wool Centre Museum, which remains open daily to visitors. Information gathered from - The Examiner "Convict babies recognised" and Redeeming Memories: A Visual Investigation into the Lives of Convict Women by Christina Janette Henri, BFA (Hons), Tasmanian School of Art, University of Tasmania.

06.01.2022 A little laugh for your Friday! We agree little ones - museum's can be so fascinating and insightful!

06.01.2022 This ABC article from May highlights the challenges faced by the Tasmanian Wool industry amidst the coronavirus pandemic. "The market price for wool has dropped as factories in China and other countries closed and retail customers stopped buying new clothes. Some wool growers are stockpiling fleeces until prices rise again while others are still selling at the reduced price" the article reads. "The coronavirus work restrictions also coincided with the breaking of a years' lon...g drought in key sheep farming. That's typical of agriculture, we're a resilient bunch, we take a knock and we get back up and keep going." Farmer Will Bignell states. How do you see the Tasmanian shearing and wool industry holding up against this pandemic? Do you support it where possible? How does this affect you? Are you involved in the industry and seen the changes first hand? Let us know your thoughts below in the comments. https://www.abc.net.au//shearing-rules-for-corona/12276958

06.01.2022 For those interested, this link is to a blog by local Northern Midlands historian and author, Ivan Badcock.

04.01.2022 Australia's Longest Wool Staple Competition - 1994 - In our wool museum, we are fortunate enough to have the framed 'longest wool staples from 1994'. Some of these staples have come from the Tasmanian Midlands! Come and see for yourself the lengths, properties and owners listed on this amazing piece of history!

04.01.2022 Being able to afford to have your photograph taken in the 1800s was a sign that you'd 'arrived'. These photographs are believed to be of children from the Kermode and Riggall families. Look closely, and you might see something interesting about how these little people are dressed compared to how children are dressed now...

04.01.2022 At the intersection of Bridge Street and Church Street, you will be greeted by the the Ross 15 Pound Field Gun. The Ross Canon as it is locally known, is significant not only as an object, but in its contribution to the sense of place and aesthetic quality of the town. A short walk from the Ross Canon you will discover our current museum exhibition 'Our Grateful Thanks and Loving Remembrance'. The current exhibition is a moving and deeply personal exhibition remembering the soldiers whose names are immortalised on the Ross War Memorial. You can uncover Ross's military history here at our museum daily from 10am-3pm. We look beyond the soliders war experiences, and share insight into their lives once they came home.

04.01.2022 We are pleased to advise our visitors that the Ross Female Factory is open daily from 10am - 4pm, after a short closure due to COVID-19. We ask that visitors please be mindful of COVID-19 safe regulations, remain distanced, be considerate of other visitors, use sanitiser where appropriate but most of all, enjoy exploring the interesting history that the Ross Female Factory has to offer. You can find more information here at the Tasmanian Wool Centre Museum, open daily from 10am-3pm.

03.01.2022 Each fortnight a group called the Knitters and Natters gather at the Tasmanian Wool Centre Museum to knit and natter, and sometimes we arrange for guest to join them to add to the woolly conversation. Last week Josianne Eve from Tasmania Moorit came along to give a spinning demonstration. Josianne is an alpaca and sheep farmer in Tasmania's Coal River Valley. She breeds rare coloured sheep, Tasmanian Moorits. Thank you Josianne and friends for your wonderful lesson on spinning Tasmanian wool and reviving an old past time.

02.01.2022 Who were the shepherds of Mona Vale? Join us as we continue to explore the lives of the men who were responsible for Robert Kermode's sheep from the Mona Vale property in the 1860s-70s. James Stark is surprisingly difficult to track down, probably because his name and the name of his wife are so easily mis-spelled. A likely James Stark married Margaret McGaugharn in the Free Church manse on the 10th July 1866. He was a fencer, aged 31 and she a servant, aged 21. They had... two children: James William in 1867 in Brisbane St., and Harriet Eliza 1873 in Murray St., Hobart. Margaret reported both births herself and listed her husband’s occupation as ‘labourer’. This suggests that not all shepherds remained shepherds all their lives, and not all remained in the district - but rather worked in a variety of labouring jobs wherever they could find work. See more

01.01.2022 On his last day of primary school c 1968 Douglas Wickham went around Ross School with a camera and took photographs of the grounds, his school mates and his teacher Mr Norman Doddridge.