Our Treasures: Whangārei Museum s wooden Dolly Mare reminds of rocking horse era
19 Apr, 2021 05:00 PM
4 minutes to read
The rocking horse in the new toy display at Whangārei Museum.
OUR TREASURES
Just in time for the school holidays there is a display in the main gallery of the museum of toys that were in vogue before iPhones, iPads and Mr Google came along. Among these classic items is a beautiful wooden rocking horse, donated by ED Kaye, known to the family who owned it in 1937 as Dolly Mare.
The history of rocking horses can be traced back to the Middle Ages, to the popular toy of the day, the hobby horse. A horse s head made from felted wool or similar materials was attached to a long stick. Children could pretend to ride these make-believe horses.
Our Treasures: Triang scooter in Whangārei Museum archives stirs memories
15 Mar, 2021 04:00 PM
4 minutes to read
The Triang scooter in Whangārei Museum. The red, two-wheeled scooter complete with braking mechanism, was made by Triang N Limited, a subsidiary of Lines Brothers, England. (2003/11/77).
The Triang scooter in Whangārei Museum. The red, two-wheeled scooter complete with braking mechanism, was made by Triang N Limited, a subsidiary of Lines Brothers, England. (2003/11/77).
OUR TREASURES
Humans have always liked to be able to get about faster than their feet would permit. The number of vehicles on the road every day now is testament to this.
Our Treasures: Whangārei Museum s walking stick probably made by whaling ship seaman
15 Feb, 2021 04:00 PM
5 minutes to read
Where the body meets the knob, a Turks head knot, on the whalebone walking stick at Whangārei Museum.
Where the body meets the knob, a Turks head knot, on the whalebone walking stick at Whangārei Museum.
OUR TREASURES
Walking sticks or canes have been around as long as civilisation, not only for practical purposes such as walking or hiking but also for ceremonial use, to show status or authority. A nice hefty stick was a protection for early shepherds or travellers, to fend off robbers or animals.
Our Treasures: Floral centrepiece (epergne) in Whangārei Museum has strong local connection
1 Feb, 2021 04:00 PM
3 minutes to read
This epergne was a prize in the Whangārei Agricultural and Pastoral Show of 1927 and was won by D J Fraser for her flowers.
OUR TREASURES
Many Victorian dinner tables, particularly on special occasions, featured a large centrepiece ornament, usually containing ornate floral arrangements or sometimes food, sweets or bon bons as they were known. These ornaments were called epergnes (pronounced apern ), often made of silver, though could be made of glass, pottery or plate.
Generally, an epergne had a large central bowl or basket sitting on three to five feet, though there were many variations in style.