Object of the Week - 'Torpedo Bottle' stamped 'Cantrell & Cochrane', Late 19th Century

The company was founded by Thomas Joseph Cantrell (1827-1909) who was born in Dublin.  He moved to Belfast were he worked at a chemists.  He established his own business with James Dyas manufacturing mineral waters, ginger ale, lemonade etc.

In 1868 he merged with Henry Cochrane (1836-1904) and founded Cantrell & Cochrane.  By the 1880s they were described as the largest soft drinks manufacturer in the world.

The round bottomed bottles were made from 1869 until the early 1900s.  Because the bottle lay on its side the cork stayed moist and didn't dry out.

Ginger ale, seltzer water, and medicated aerated water were sold in this type of bottle.

Object of the Week - Wooden Grain Shovel from Moloney's Stores, Dungarvan, Early 20th Century

Abigail Moloney & Sons were based on Main Street and at Davitt's Quay.  The shop and bakery were situated where Dan McCarthy is now based.  The grain and coal store was on the site of the library.  Edmond Keohan described the business in 1924:

'Messrs Moloney, corn mills, turn out a lot of material. The mill premises adjoin the quay are provided with excellent and up-to-date machinery.  A large number of hands are constantly employed.  The firm are owners of the steamer 'Lady Belle', which during the strike was kept busily going to and from different parts...the firm also conducts large bakery business, and sends vans and motor lorries far into the country districts'.

Sunday 16th July – Curraghmore Events

Sunday 16^th July marks the three hundredth wedding anniversary of Katherine de la Poer of Curraghmore and Marcus Beresford.  As part of the Comeraghs Wild Festival, the family is holding a series of talks in the upper hall and using the dining room for morning coffee and afternoon tea between talks.

The first lecture will be at 11am ‘The Powers of Curraghmore’ by Mr Kenneth W. Nicholls, one of the most widely respected Irish historians of the twentieth century, followed by morning coffee in the dining room.  Next will be ‘16^th July 1717 the marriage that changed Irish history’ by Julian Walton.  Julian has delighted radio listeners with historical anecdotes about things that happened in and around Waterford.

The lecture at 2pm will be ‘a most magnificent place, the evolution of the gardens and demesne at Curraghmore’ by William Fraher, Curator of Waterford County Museum, who has a particular interest in the history of Waterford country houses and gardens, followed by afternoon tea in the dining room.  Then there will be a walk through the gardens with the head gardener Michael Murphy and William Fraher.  This will be a great opportunity to ask questions and get an insight into managing the gardens and plans for the future.

For tickets and further details of these events please visit the website www.comeraghswild.com or phone 086 7777515.

Dungarvan Agricultural Show New Book ‘The Show Story 1913-2017’ for Sale in the Museum

We always have a selection of books with local connections for sale in the Museum with a wide range of topics from local history to guide books to poetry and photographs.  

We now have the new book about the Dungarvan Agricultural Show ‘The Show Story 1913-2017’ for sale at €10 celebrating the one hundredth show.  This is a beautiful book packed with lovely photos and details of the history of the show and at a very reasonable price.  

Our congratulations to the Dungarvan Show Committee on their one hundredth show.  A percentage of all of our book sales goes towards the running costs of the Museum.  Please do consider calling into us in Friary Street to view our selection of books.     

Dungarvan in the Twenty Most Charming Towns in Ireland on TravelMag.com

TravelMag.com recently asked three hundred writers, photographers and selected travel professionals to name the three towns in Ireland they consider to be the most charming, and Dungarvan is in the top twenty.  

The article has a lovely photo looking from the Quay towards Abbeyside, along with a brief description of the town, including a mention of Waterford County Museum.

Object of the Week - Angel from St. Mary's Parish Church, Dungarvan

This angel was at the top of the centre piece of the high altar above the tabernacle in St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Church, Dungarvan.

It is great to see all the work which has been completed in St. Mary’s recently to bring it back towards its former glory, with the restoration of the beautiful stained glass windows, along with the new roof and work on the fabric of the building, and more work to follow.  

Sunday 9th July - Guided Tour of Ardo House, Ardmore

There will be a guided tour of Ardo House in Ardmore by Liam Suipéal on Sunday 9^th July. Meet at the museum on Friary Street at 2.30pm sharp. 

Shared private cars to be used if you intend on going. Please contact the museum in advance at 058-45960. Cost free.