Geelong Bottle and Collectables Club - inc

30/05/2026

Pardys are a well known and long lived chemist in Geelong Here is a very rare bottle, two rare measuring glasses one of which is mauve and a very rare tin from the company W. E. PARDEY.
William E. Pardey was one of Geelong’s longest serving Pharmaceutical Chemists having set up his business in Moorabool Street in 1848.in the 1860’s he also had a store in Colac. The Pardey name remained in business until recently with descendants of W.E. Pardey still operating Pharmacies in Geelong City, Belmont, Highton and Queenscliff. Pardey’s original Pharmacy was at 170 Moorabool Street and another Pharmacy operated for many years on the Southwest corner of Moorabool & Little Malop Streets. The Queenscliff Pharmacy was opened in 1862. Upon his death in 1911 he was living at “Corra Lynn” in Little Myers Street near the corner of Moorabool St. NHis son Norman M Pardey took over the running of the business in 1911 still under the name of W E Pardey and Co.
W.E. Pardey & Co supplied medicines in several different sized bottles and containers some of which are featured below.

26/05/2026

What a wonderful evening at our May GB&CC gathering last night.

The room was filled not only with remarkable bottles, collectables and curiosities, but with the rich stories and memories that accompany them. One of the great pleasures of our club is hearing members recount the historical and cultural significance behind their treasured pieces — each item offering a small glimpse into another time, place or way of life.
As always, there was plenty of laughter, good-natured banter and shared enthusiasm, making for a lively and thoroughly enjoyable night. Thank you to everyone who brought along something special and helped make the evening such a memorable celebration of history, collecting and friendship.Our next gathering is at Lismore (Vic) on Sunday 21 st June to see the amazing collection of Max Kerr and to hear Max's explanation of how items were used in early colonial life Visitors welcome contact secretary Paul through this site See attached images of some of the items on display last night

22/05/2026

Geelong club member David Smith has just acquired this local buggy plate that we had not seen before -Great find David!!----A little research turned up the following---
George Hudson — Coachbuilder & Transport Pioneer, South Geelong
George Hudson was one of Geelong's most adaptable tradesmen of the early twentieth century, a man who moved with the times from horse-drawn vehicles to motorised transport across a career spanning at least the 1910s to the mid-1920s.
Hudson established himself as a coachbuilder and blacksmith at South Geelong, where he built and sold a wide range of horse-drawn vehicles. By June 1914, he was advertising in the Geelong Advertiser as "Geo. Hudson, Coach Builder, South Geelong," offering vehicles including a Strong Express Waggon, Spring Dray, and Rustic Cart. Three years later, in September 1917, his sale listings had grown considerably, encompassing a Double Lorry, Jinker, Heavy Spring Wagon, Light Hooded Express, Gig, Express Wagon, two Double Buggies, Milk Cart, Tip Dray, Floating Rail Cart, and four pairs of Spring Cart Wheels — suggesting a substantial and busy workshop catering to Geelong's farming and commercial trades.
As the motor age arrived, Hudson proved willing to reinvent himself entirely. By June 1925, now operating from 179 Ryrie Street, Geelong, he announced the launch of a Geelong-to-Melbourne bus service, commencing Saturday 13 June. He had secured a Federal Fast Express Chassis from the Luke Motor Company in Geelong and had a new passenger body built by the well-known Geelong firm Everett and Sons. His ambition was clear — he intended to run a reliable timetabled service and compete for a share of the growing inter-city passenger market.
Hudson's foray into bus operation was not without its difficulties. He was prosecuted as a motor-bus proprietor at the Geelong Court of Petty Sessions, being fined £2 with £2/2/- costs for a breach of local bus regulations. This reflected the turbulent early regulatory environment for private bus operators across Victoria in the mid-1920s, when new legislation was actively being shaped around the emerging and sometimes chaotic motor car industry
Hudson's story captures the transition that many colonial-era tradesmen faced---adapting from the workshop to the road — from crafting wheels and axles to driving the very vehicles that made them obsolete. We would be very interested in learning more about Geo Hudson

16/05/2026

J. J. Trait & Co. – Geelong’s Celebrated Cordial and Aerated Water Manufacturer
John Joseph Trait was born in Geelong on 29 August 1859. He was the son of Kyram Trait, a native of Kilkenny, who migrated to Victoria in 1855. John received his commercial education at St Mary's Parish School and, from an early age, displayed a strong aptitude for business.
Before establishing his own enterprise, Trait was appointed manager of P. Mathews & Co., wine and spirit merchants located at 135–139 Malop Street, Geelong, during the late 1880s. In 1891 he became proprietor of the business and, in 1894, formally purchased it outright.
Trading as J. J. Trait – Wine and Spirit Merchant, and Manufacturer of Cordials and Aerated Waters, he developed one of Geelong’s most successful beverage businesses. His bonded stocks of imported rum and whisky were stored at the bond store of Chas. E. Cole.
Shortly before acquiring the Geelong business, Trait opened a branch in Ripon Street, Ballarat. This branch operated under his own name until 1897, when it was sold to W. J. Hare, J. Evans and A. Clark.
The business flourished, and Trait’s famous ### Hop Beer, a non-alcoholic temperance beverage, became especially popular. His extensive range of drinks included Lemonade, Orana Sparkling Ale, Vigo, Sarsaparilla, Hot Punch, Bitter Ale, Supper Beer, Lemon Squash, Ginger Beer, A1 Lager, Cream Strawberry, Cherry Cheer, Cream Ginger, Lithia Water and Ginger Ale, among many others.
John Joseph Trait died on 2 November 1906 at the age of 47. Following his death, it is believed that two of his brothers continued operating the company until it finally closed in 1915.
Beyond his business achievements, Trait was widely admired for his contribution to sport and community life. A keen amateur sportsman, he became one of the most respected umpires in the Victorian Football Association, earning the distinguished nickname “Prince of Umpires.”

He also served on numerous local committees and organisations, including the Geelong and Western District St Patrick's Society, Geelong Hospital, Australian Natives' Association, and the Geelong Agricultural Society.

A 1906 directory records his residence as 10 Bourke Crescent, Geelong.

09/05/2026

Band of Hope Union One of our club members Daryl Suter brought this money tin to a club meeting---it was not one we had seen before and got us doing a bit of research ---- in the Museum Victoria collection we came across the badge and certificate --But what was the Band of Hope? Before youth clubs, sport and social media, many Geelong children belonged to the Band of Hope.

The Band of Hope was a children’s temperance movement that began in Leeds in 1847 and spread to Australia by about 1860. Its aim was simple: to encourage young people to pledge never to drink alcohol.
Geelong had its own Band of Hope groups by at least the early 1870s.in the early 1900's there were 18 groups amalgamated into a Band of Hope Union--- Children, often through churches and Sunday schools, attended meetings featuring songs, prayers, speeches, recitations, music, outings and tea parties. They received badges, certificates and educational booklets to reinforce the temperance message.
The movement reflected the belief that teaching children self-discipline and good habits would help them grow into healthy, respectable adults.
A fascinating part of Geelong’s social history — and a reminder of how strongly communities once believed in shaping character from an early age. Paul B

28/04/2026

What a night at our GB&CC monthly gathering last night!
We were blown away by the quality and variety of pieces brought in for show‑and‑tell — and the stories behind them were even better. Plenty of gentle ribbing, lots of laughs, and that easy good humour that makes our club such a great place to be.
A fun, lively night all round. Thanks to everyone who came along and shared something special.Equal winners of Show and tell were Chuck Kizis trench art --with a very personal story and Alan Snowden Vic Roards Geelong Ring Road information cube with Ken McDougall Black and white whisky item and Daryl Suter Radams Microbe Killer Bottle equal second and Cam Ward -clay pipes third Cam Ward won the mystery object which was a minature camera Our next gathering in May will be a Members Day out to see the amazing collection of Max Kerr near Lismore Vic. More details later, Paul B Secretary

24/04/2026

Our next gathering of our Geelong Collectors club is Monday 27th April 7.30 for 8 pm at our clubrooms at the Belmont pavilion Bring along your latest finds or treasures and enjoy the fellowship Visitors welcome

05/04/2026

Our Easter Market was a tremendous success, drawing a steady and enthusiastic crowd and creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day. From the moment the doors opened, the hall was buzzing with visitors eager to explore the wonderful range of crafts, collectables and displays on offer.

A special thank you goes to our club members, whose outstanding support made the event possible. From setting up and packing up the hall to running stalls and welcoming visitors, it was truly a whole-of-club effort. The teamwork and goodwill on display were a real credit to our club and showed what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.

We were also delighted to once again have the Drysdale Seniors assisting by manning the entrance and providing catering. Their contribution added greatly to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere and was appreciated by all who attended.

Public attendance was excellent, confirming the growing reputation of our market as a popular community event. While it was noticeable that some visitors were a little more careful with their spending — perhaps reflecting the current economic climate — there was no shortage of interest, conversation and enjoyment throughout the day.

Overall, the Easter Market was a fantastic community occasion filled with enthusiasm, cooperation and club pride. A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed their time and energy to make the day such a memorable success — we look forward to doing it all again next time! Just a few images from the day are attached Paul Bruce Secretary GB&CC

03/04/2026

Something Special is Happening in Drysdale Tomorrow! 🎉

Come along to the Drysdale Crafts & Collectables Market this Saturday 4th April, from 9:00am – 2:30pm at the Drysdale Community Hub (right next to the police station).

Discover a treasure trove of stalls filled with crafts, curios, and collectables — you never know what hidden gem you might find!

✨ Free Appraisals Available!
Bring along your coins, old bottles, or pottery pieces and have them expertly appraised at no cost.

🏺 Special Feature Display — “Treasures of the Bellarine”
Explore a fascinating showcase of rare and unique local collectables celebrating the rich history of our region.

Whether you’re a serious collector, a curious browser, or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something here for everyone. Come for the treasures, stay for the stories!

See you there!

02/04/2026

This Saturday

Looking for a fun morning out, hidden treasures, or a chance to learn more about your collectables? Come along to our Crafts & Collectables Market on Saturday 4 April 2026!

📍 25 Eversley Street, Drysdale
(Next door to the Drysdale Police Station)

Browse a wonderful mix of crafts, curios, antiques, and collectables — you never know what you might discover!

✨ NEW — Free Appraisals Available!
Bring along your treasures and have them assessed by knowledgeable enthusiasts:
• Coins
• Old bottles
• Pottery & stoneware items

☕ Onsite catering means you can relax, enjoy a coffee, and make a morning of it while you explore the stalls and chat with fellow collectors.

Whether you’re a serious collector, a curious browser, or just looking for a friendly local event, there’s something for everyone.

👉 Bring a friend, bring your treasures, and join the fun