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Subiaco Museum > Records

GAME: MARBLES

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c. 1900

Subcollections

Overview

Collections of marbles - Three Tom Bowlers and 73 assorted size and colour. (The marbles were displayed with "John Bull" oats bag which is unnumbered.) Note: It is thought that the marbles were donated in the Rolled Oats bag (1987.131.2). Rolled Oats were made into porridge, a popular breakfast food.

Historical information

The game of marbles was very popular with children, being played in school grounds; roads - anywhere there was a level surface. Played with and owned by the Donor's grandfather.

John Bull Oats. During the gold rush in Victoria, brothers Zac and Josh Brennan left England and began manufacturing John Bull Oats in Melbourne. In 1861 they established Parsons Bros. which later became Uncle Toby's. Rolled oats were considered a commodity during the era and were mentioned in the financial columns of newspapers.

Details

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-43-1987.131.1

Item type

Keywords

Recreation - Games

Year

Statement of significance

Recreation. The game of marbles was very popular with children, being played in school grounds; roads - anywhere there was a level surface.

Representativeness:
Social:

Primary significance criteria

Social or spiritual significance

Comparative significance criteria

Rare or representative

Last modified

Wednesday, 10 December, 2025

Completeness

94

Subiaco Museum

Subiaco Museum

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