Sunday 7th May 2017, History Day at Dromana House, Cappoquin - 'The Arts and High Politics: Winston Churchill-Ireland'

On Sunday 7th May 2017, there will be a history day at Dromana House, Cappoquin, with talks by guest speakers Aurelia Young - 'Churchill's Favourite Sculptor: The unconventional life of Oscar Nemon; husband of Patricia Villiers-Stuart and friend of Winston Churchill', Mark Leslie - 'The Prime Minister's Speech', Peter Murray - 'Whatever is to be is written: The life and art of Clare Sheridan', and Dr. Martin Mansergh - 'Dev and Churchill: Conflicting perspectives on Ireland's place in British-Irish relations'.

For further details visit dromanahouse.com/events/, email info@dromanahouse.com, booking is essential.

Object of the Week - 'Patent Agate Balance' Beam Scales by W & T Avery, Birmingham, 19th Century

These scales were used in Walsh's Tobacconists, Main Street, Dungarvan.  The Walsh family took over from the Carbery's in the production and selling of tobacco in Dungarvan.

Slater's Directory of 1879 lists John Walsh, Main Street, as a tobacco manufacturer.  Egan's Guide 1894 noted that the business was run by Mary Walsh who also made snuff.

The shop and living quarters were on the site of the present Garvey's Supermarket.  Thom's Directory 1909 notes Matthew Walsh as a 'Grocer & Spirit Merchant, Tobacco & Snuff Manufacturer'.

By 1924 they had opened a shop at the corner of Mary Street and Grattan Square.

Railway Heritage Photographic Exhibition at Kilmacthomas Library

This exhibition, curated by Andy Kelly in conjunction with Waterford County Museum, will continue during normal opening hours at Kilmacthomas Library.  Museum staff members Bridge O'Sullivan, Michael Fitzgerald and Brian O'Donnell assisted in the gathering of photographic items and organisation of this exhibition.

Object of the Week - Souvenir Ware c. 1920's

This Dungarvan souvenir cup and saucer is stamped SS which probably indicates that it was made by Sampson Smith Ltd., of Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England, who were in business from 1846 to 1963.

These souvenir items were sold in shops such as Merrick & Ruddell in Main Street, Dungarvan.

Waterford Greenway Official Opening

The official opening of the Waterford Greenway will take place on Saturday 25th March 2017 between 12 noon and 4 pm.

Waterford County Museum in conjunction with Andy Kelly will have a photographic exhibition at Kilmacthomas Library.

A small selection of railway memorabilia is on display in Waterford County Museum daily.

March Lecture

Dr. Christina Henri with William Fraher & Eddie Cantwell of Waterford County Museum. 

Waterford County Museum's March lecture last Wednesday 15th March 2017 given by Dr. Christina Henri from Australia, 'Roses from the Heart' an Irish/Australian Story, was a great success.

Our thanks to Dr. Christina Henri and to all who helped to arrange the lecture.

Object of the Week - Wooden Cylindrical Butter Churn c. Early 20th Century

This c. early 20th century butter churn from Mount Melleray is marked 'New Style White Cedar Cylinder Churn'.

Milk would be poured in through the opening in the top of the churn, the top would then be closed and the milk beaten by a wooden frame inside by turning the crank handle until the butter was made.

After churning, when the butter was thick and ready for moulding, it was washed, sometimes salted, and then shaped with butter pats.

April 23rd to 26th 2017 Museum Members' Annual Trip

The Museum Members' trip this year is to the 4 star Glenview Hotel in the Glen of the Downs in Co. Wicklow.  The trip includes B & B, 3 evening meals, leisure centre, bus for 4 days, entrance fee to all visits, including Russborough House, Avoca, Glendalough, Wicklow Gaol, and Avondale which includes the home of Charles Stewart Parnell.

Leaving Dungarvan Sunday 23rd April at 3pm (bus collection point to be confirmed), arriving back in Dungarvan early Wednesday evening 26th April.

The price is €290 double/twin per person sharing, €380 single (single supplement of €30 per night).

Object of the Week - Butter Carton from Knockmeal Co-operative Creamery Ltd., Ballinamult

Knockmeal Co-op was originally called Ballinamult Co-op which was established in 1895.  It was the second co-op to open in County Waterford.  In 1850 it was the site of the Finisk Flour Mill run by Denis Keily.  In the 1890's it was used as a corn mill.


On 1st March 1954 electricity was introduced to the area.  The Creamery was the one hundred thousandth customer and the switch-on was performed by Seán Lemass, Minister for Industry and Commerce.  'With the co-operation of Pye (Ireland) Ltd., the complete proceedings were televised, with receivers placed to show the ceremony to overflow crowds both inside and outside'.  The Parish Priest, Father Walsh also spoke at the event. (See www.esbarchives.ie)

Object of the Week - Weighing Scales from the Maternity Ward, St. Joseph's Hospital, Dungarvan

These scales were used to weigh babies in the Maternity Ward at St. Joseph's Hospital in Dungarvan.

Stamped on the scales is: Norman Cook & Sons, Dublin, Made in England, C.W. Brecknell Ltd., "Sensitive", Ombersley Road, Birmingham.

C.W. Brecknell Ltd. was founded in Birmingham in 1913, and these scales were probably used in Dungarvan in the early to mid 20th century.