Object of the Week - Dictograph from Power's Brewery, Dungarvan, c.1950

Dictograph from Power's Brewery, Dungarvan, c.1950.

Wooden body with bakelite (early type of plastic) hand set.  Stamped 'Dictograph' Made in England with the company logo.

The Dictograph was first manufactured by the General Acoustics Company in the U.S. and the brand name was registered in 1907.  They were later manufactured in England by Dictograph Telephones Ltd.

Friday 28th July 2017 - Reception for William Fraher

On Friday 28th July 2017 we had a reception in the Museum organised by the Museum Committee and Museum staff for William Fraher who has left his post as CE Supervisor after many years of dedicated service.  Our thanks to Willie for all his hard work and dedication over the years.

William Fraher (sixth from left) Surrounded by Museum Members, Staff, and Friends 

Object of the Week - Ink Wells

Ink was first used in ancient Egypt and China.  In the 19th century ink wells were manufactured using an amazing variety of shapes - umbrella, boat, tent, barrel, cottage, pyramid etc.  They were made of glass or stoneware pottery.  The containers were sealed with a cork or sealing wax.

These are some examples from the Museum collection, which are not stamped but probably made in England.

The invention of the ball point pen in the 1930s signalled the decline of ink wells.

Object of the Week - 19th Century Monstrance Made of Wood and Brass

Monstrance Which Belonged to Fr. Kiely

This monstrance was made for the Rev. J.M. Kiely of Brooklyn, New York.  The Rev. John Kiely was born in Dungarvan in 1847.

He was a graduate of Mount Melleray.  He was the youngest priest ever ordained for the diocese of Brooklyn at 22.   He was ordained on 24th June 1869 at All Hallows.  Soon after he was placed in charge of St. Mary's Church, Brooklyn.

In 1881 he took over the parish of The Transfiguration in the eastern district, where he oversaw the construction of a new church in 1892.

He had four brothers, Rev. Joseph of Chicago, Philip based in Australia, Maurice of Dungarvan and Edmund of Waterbury Conn.

Rev. Kiely died in August 1899.

Fr. J.M. Kiely

Video of Artwork by Artist Anthony Hayes of the Gallows Hill Archaeological Project June 2017

Our thanks to the popular and talented local artist Anthony Hayes for these lovely drawings of the archaeological dig at Gallows Hill in June 2017 titled 'Place & Practice Drawing Documentary Project'.

Summer 2017 - New Museum Display Presentation

We are currently reorganising our entire museum layout.  A series of new display walls will enable us to present our collection in an improved manner and also allow us to display material from our reserve collection which has not been on display previously.

Please be patient with us if you are visiting the museum, we feel it will be worthwhile when completed and will result in a more satisfying visitor experience.

Object of the Week - A Superior Eight Day Clock Made By New Haven Clock Company, Anglo American Clock, Late 19th Century

Chauncey Jerome (1793-1868) was an American clockmaker.  In 1850 he joined with Benedict & Burnham and in 1853 they traded under a new name: New Haven Clock Co.

In 1855 he became bankrupt losing his fortune.  He died penniless in 1868.  The New Haven Clock Co. finally closed in 1960.