Object of the Week - Dead Man's Penny Issued to Family of William Lewis of Dungarvan

This week's object is commonly known as the 'Dead Man's Penny'.  It is a memorial plaque which was issued after World War I to the next of kin of all those killed, in this case the family of William Lewis.  It is made of bronze and is about five inches in diameter which gave it a resemblance to the penny coin, hence the name.

William Lewis was born in Dungarvan to John and Mary Lewis, and was the husband of Mary Lewis of Davis Street, Dungarvan.  He was a private in the Royal Irish Regiment, 2nd Battalion, service number 7288.  He was previously with the Irish Guards.  He enlisted in Dungarvan and was killed in action aged 26 on 24th August 1914.  He is buried in St. Symphorien Military Cemetery in Belgium, grave or memorial reference II.B.13.

The plaque was designed by sculptor and medallist Edward Carter Preston (1885-1965).  The design depicts Britannia holding a trident beside a lion.  The designer's initials are above the front paw.  Britannia holds an olive wreath above a rectangular tablet which bears the name of the deceased.  No rank is given as it was agreed that no distinction should be made between those who died.

Two dolphins are depicted which symbolise Britain's sea power.  At the base a lion is tearing apart the German eagle.  Around the edge there is an inscription: 'He died for freedom and honour'.  On plaques issued to the six hundred women who were killed it was changed to 'She died...'

The plaques were cast at the Memorial Plaque Factory in Acton, London from 1919.  The plaques continued to be produced into the 1930's.  Along with the plaque the next of kin received a commemorative scroll from the King, and a letter.

Object of the Week - Merrick & Ruddell Souvenir Plaque

This is an example of souvenir ware made by W.H. Goss of Stoke-on-Trent.  The company was established by William Henry Goss and produced crested souvenirs in pottery from 1858 to 1939. Their pottery was popular and it was said that by the beginning of the 20th century almost 90% of homes in Britain had a piece of Goss china.

The example illustrated here is hand coloured and contains the Dungarvan Coat of Arms and a verse written by Adolphus Goss.  It also has an inscription: With Merrick & Ruddell's Compliments.  Goss mark on reverse shows it was made between 1888-1914.

Merrick & Ruddell was based on the site of the present Shaws department store in Main Street. Merrick & Ruddell opened their china and drapery shop in 1879.

Museum A.G.M.

The Museum A.G.M. was held recently and the following were elected -

New Committee:

Chairman -   Willie Fraher

Vice Chair -  Eddie Cantwell

Secretary -    Christina Flynn

Treasurer -    Mary Giblin

Committee Members:

Martin Whelan, Jim Shine, Tony Fitzgerald, Chrissy Knight, Dennis Barron, Tom Broderick, Paula Houlihan.

Reminder:

Membership fee €15 is now due.

Christmas Party:

Members Christmas Party is being arranged at present and members will be notified shortly.

Spooky Halloween Event 2016

Children and parents enjoyed the Halloween Trail in the Museum.

Object of the Week - Plaster Bust of Charles Stuart Parnell made by S. Watson, Dublin, in 1887

The bust along with another of William O'Brien M.P. was ordered for the Council Chamber in June 1889.

When Parnell's affair with Katherine O'Shea became public it caused a huge scandal.  The Dungarvan Town Commissioners were not pleased and in early July 1891 the Borough Surveyor, Michael Beary proposed that the street name plate bearing Parnell's name be taken down.  On 17th July 1891 Thomas Power proposed that this bust of Parnell be removed from the Council Chamber.

The bust was put away and re-discovered in 1991 and put on display in the Museum.

On the centenary of Parnell's death in 1991 the Dungarvan Town Council erected a new street name sign with Parnell's name at Lower Main Street.

Object of the Week - Edmond Keohan's Camera

Edmond Keohan is one of the best known of the old Dungarvan Photographers.  He was from Tramore.  The first mention of him in Dungarvan appears in Slater's Directory of 1879 where he is listed as a confectioner of Main Street.

According to an advert in his 'History of Dungarvan' the business was established in 1875 at 17 Main Street. He probably started doing photography in the 1880's as a part time activity.  He advertised his photographic studio 'now open' in the Munster Express on 1st February 1896. His main business at the end of the 19th century consisted of a news agency, stationers and auctioneers. Much of his work was in portraiture but in his spare time he photographed Dungarvan's streets and buildings and set off on his bike to photograph the surrounding countryside.  He also did documentary work recording events as they happened.

He published a number of books including an album of views of Dungarvan and district, a booklet on Abbeyside Castle 'Abbeyside Castle (Historical & Descriptive Sketch)' 1916, printed by the Waterford News.

He had a great interest in local history and wrote the first history of Dungarvan in 1924: 'Illustrated History of Dungarvan', Waterford News, 1924.  An original first copy of the book is on display in the museum at present. It has much useful information especially on the 'Troubles' and many interesting photos.  He also produced a number of postcards of local views and events.

Wednesday 23rd November 2016 - Illustrated Lecture St. James's Church Stradbally and its Environs, with Cian Flaherty

We are delighted that Cian Flaherty has agreed to visit us and speak on the medieval parish church of Stradbally.  This will be the third lecture in our winter season.

Visitors to Stradbally cannot but be impressed with the 'post-card' little village, and indeed the unique St. James's Church which certainly holds some fascination for the visitor.

At the core of Cian's talk will be a discussion of the medieval parish of Stradbally; the present Church of Ireland church and the graveyard which surrounds both. There will be some intriguing stories, including the life and death of the 'White Vicar', as well as the fascinating link between the Ark of the Covenant and a former rector of Stradbally.

Cian Flaherty is from Stradbally and is a third year student at Trinity College Dublin.  His research focuses on the history and culture of mid Waterford.  He is currently writing a book on the Church of Ireland Parish Stradbally.

This talk will be delivered with Cian's great passion, enthusiasm, and humour.  You will be carried along on a journey of historical discovery with this most entertaining young Stradbally gentleman.

Not to be missed!  All are very welcome.

Venue:          Green Room, Town Hall Theatre, Friary Street, Dungarvan

Date:             Wednesday 23rd November 2016

Time:            8pm

Admission:  €5