Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothes and equipment as they established their farms and market gardensA man's hard leather 'coin purse' with 1 compartment and a leather strap with eyelet to fit over a metal stud.leatherwork, purses, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh brighton, cheltenham, craftwork,

This lady’s cotton nightdress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's white fine cotton long nightdress with fine lace around neckline and short sleeve cuffs. There are pin-tuck gathers on each side at waistline.cotton, lawn, lace, dressmaking, craftwork, earlysettlers, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, clothing

This lady’s cotton nightdress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's long white cotton nightdress with lace yoke back and front and lace cuffs on the short sleeves. Possibly maternity wear.dressmaking, craftwork, clothing, cotton, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners

The early settlers were self reliant and made their own clothes. This detachable collar shows the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women A lady's silk chemise with short sleeves and an open V-line neck. The hem, neckline and cuffs are scalloped and over-sewn by hand .clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This calico baby’s bootee is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A calico infants bootee with lacesclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, calico, cotton, linen

This lady’s cotton camisole is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady’s white cotton camisole with machine embroidery clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This lady’s long, white cotton nightdress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesA long, white cotton, lady’s nightgown with pin-tucking clothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This girl's white pinafore with inset lace is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A girl’s white, cotton pinafore with inset lace clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This pair of white decorative pillow-shams is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesA pair of white, decorative pillow-shams with beautiful embroidery and the initials A&G. Possibly made for a ‘Glory Box’A & G embroidered on centre of each piecebrighton, moorabbin, linen, pioneers, haberdashery, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work

This lady’s cotton apron, is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C. A lady's white cotton half apron with long ties and 2 diagonal pockets The apron is machine sewn but the lace on the hem and pockets is hand sewnclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

Early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire continued to make their own clothing throughout the 20th Century exhibiting their skills and craft work.A young girl's white dress with red trim and a drop-waist c 1920clothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, mckinnon, craft work, early settlers

These 3 hand-embroidered cotton napkins are an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire early 20thC Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families 3 hand-embroidered cotton dinner napkinsclothing, brighton, moorabbin, linen, pioneers, haberdashery, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work

Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothes and tools. Knitting was a necessary task for the women of the families of these pioneers.Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the these families A pair of long wooden knitting needlesearly settlers, craftwork, knitting, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, ormond, cheltenham, market gardeners

This baby's cream silk jacket / cape with lace trim is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesA baby’s cream, silk, jacket / cape with lace trimclothing, craftwork, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, early settlers

This baby's white cotton long nightgown, is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C.A baby's white cotton long nightgown with a band of smocking on yoke and lace around neck and cuffs clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh

This baby’s hand crocheted silk bib is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A hand crocheted cream silk baby's bibclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, craftwork, crochetwork, market gardeners, early settlers,

These baby’s hand crocheted silk bootees are an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Hand crocheted cream silk baby's booteesclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, craftwork, crochetwork, market gardeners, early settlers,

Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothes and equipment as they established their farms and market gardens. This leather purse is an example of the Craftwork.A man's soft leather 'coin purse' with 4 compartments and metal press studleatherwork, craftwork, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, menswear

This lady’s cotton 1/2 apron completely handsewn is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C A lady's cotton hand sewn half apron with 1 pocket and long ties. The cotton material has an alternating pattern of crosses and spotsunsigned Note attached " Every stitch by hand"clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh

This lady’s cotton bib apron, completely handsewn with lacework and embroidery is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C. A lady's fine white cotton, full length hostess Apron with a bib and long ties. The hem border is cut-work 10cm and the whole apron is decorated by hand embroidered floral designs. unsigned Note attached " Every stitch by handclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of the many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesThis white cotton lady's half slip is an example of the dressmaking skills and craft-work of the women of the pioneer families of Moorabbin ShireA lady's white, fine cotton,half-slip with lace and pink ribbon insertclothing, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, dressmaking, early settlers, craftwork

August Rietmann 1877-1951 and his wife Frieda 1878-1942 leased the Box Cottage in 1917 and raised 2 children Stefanie 1918-2006, and William 1920– 1997. August was a Monumental Mason / Potter / Sculptor and he was employed at Corbens Ltd Clifton Hill, to make the War Memorials for many towns post WW1. August purchased the property 1935,and established a pressed concrete business using the cottage as a workshop and storeroom After August died in 1951, William, his son, continued to work in the business from the site until the land was sold to Lewis Co. Ltd Timber Merchants in 1970. Rietman's Landscaping Ltd , managed by William's family, moved to Bay Road Highett 1953 and later to Carrum. The original small, pioneer cottage was built in the late 1840s to early1850s, by an unknown pioneer. It was located on part of a 30 Acre allotment that was originally part of Dendy’s Special Survey granted in 1841. The doors and window sashes, (made of red deal joinery timber), as well as the brass locks and fittings, are from the original cottage, and were imported from England. The fire-place bricks are from the original cottage, and are sun-dried, (not kiln fired), and are hand-made. Convict marks can be seen on two bricks. There is a small display of external cladding shingles from the original pioneer cottage. These shingles were hand-split, and most likely made from locally collected timber The nails included in this display were used to fasten the shingles on the original cottage, and are also hand-made. The cottage was occupied by William Box and family from 1865 until 1914 when it was sold to August Rietman . The enamel nameplate, “Colonial”, on the wall of the cottage, was the name chosen for the original pioneer cottage by Mr August Rietman, when he purchased the property in around 1915, for 1200 Pounds approximately. In 1974 Mr Lewis, a timber specialist, found the dilapidated building on property he had recently purchased in Jasper Rd and suggested it be reconstructed and relocated. Moorabbin Council agreed and the cottage was rebuilt just about 250 metres from its original site. The cost of the rebuild was met by 'Victoria's 150th Committee, plus a small grant from the City of Moorabbin, and Mr Laurie Lewis donated much of the timber for the reconstruction. The re-constructed cottage plan has followed faithfully the original dimensions, and plan of the original pioneer cottage, and as many original items from that cottage’s long occupation have been incorporated. The photographs in Album 1 record the progress of the reconstruction from February 1984 to the First Public Open Day November 18th 1984After the death of Elisa Box in 1914 the house was leased to August Rietmann, a potter / sculptor who with his wife Fieda raised their family there 1917 - 1951. Stefanie Rennick nee Rietman lived at the house until she left to study teaching 1937. August's son, William Rietman and family managed Rietman's Landscaping Ltd after moving to Bay Road Highett 1953 and later to Carrum. The Lewis Timber Company Ltd purchased the land with The Cottage c1970. i) A laminated, black and white, photograph of August Rietmann and Family c1918 at Box Cottage, Ormond, Molly the house cow is in foreground ii) Colour photograph of Rietman's Landscaping Ltd. Bay Road Highett c 1990brighton, moorabbin, cottages, pioneers, ormond, colonial, mckinnon, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, reitman august, convicts lewis timber co. ltd., deam h, museums, box alonzo, smith a, rietmann august, rietman august, rietmann frieda, rietman frieda, stonnington city town hall, war memorials, world war 1 1914-1918, rietman stefanie, rennick stefanie, francis stefanie, rietman william, rietman ray, mountford paul, malvern city town hall, box cottage museum ormond, joyce park ormond, rietman's landscaping pty ltd, bay road highett, macrobertson pty ltd, coleraine soldier memorial 1921, dendy, rietman agust, convicts, macrobertson, war memorial

Baby's cream silk short sleeved top with V neck and hand sewn scalloped neckline, cuffs and hem is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shirec1900 and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families Baby's cream silk short sleeved top with V neck and hand sewn scalloped neckline, cuffs and hemclothing,needlework, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This small child’s cream, ‘Viyella’ coat is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900. The material is very soft and easy to sew, wash and iron and was therefore very popular for all ages. Viyella material The original owner of the Mill, Wm. Hollins also ran the mill in Pleasley, U.K. on a rather unusually named road ‘Via Gellia’ now the A5012 near Matlock, about 20miles away. Via-Gellia later gave its name to the famous soft fabric ‘Viyella’ which Hollins & Co patented in 1893. Later Viyella was also to become the company name in 1961 after a merger. Viyella has faded into obscurity now, and in 2009 went into administration, finally being bought out by Austin Reed.A cream 'Viyella' small child's long sleeved coat, buttoned front and smocked frontclothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, textiles, viyella

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners who came to the Brighton area after the 1841 Dendy Special Survey had to be self reliant. The women made most of the clothing for their families and many items on display exhibit their skill and craftsmanshipA cream ,wool, baby's shawl with decorative borderclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, knitting

This beret style silk hat was made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and shows their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. This silk beret style hat is an example of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900A lady's, black silk beret style hat with plumeclothing, millinery, dressmakers, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, hats, feathers

Group photo of pioneer settlers of Olinda. Jack Dodd is shown RHS holding the rein of his packhorse 'Darkie". The descriptive text on the reverse of this photograph was hand written by John Lundy-Clarke.Pioneer settlers of Olinda. Jack Dodd with the packhorse.jack dodd, dodd, packhorse, olinda, horse, settlers

Common soap was made from mixing animal fat with potash a form of the potassium based alkali present in plant and wood material. Early settlers, made their own soap from the waste fats and ashes they saved from their daily work. They did not then have to rely on waiting for soap to be shipped from England and waste their goods or money in trade for soap. In making soap the first ingredient required was a liquid solution of potash commonly called lye. Animal fat, when removed from the animals during butchering, must be rendered to remove all meat tissues and cooking residue before soap of any satisfactory quality can be made from it. To render, fats and waste cooking grease were placed in a large kettle with an equal amount of water. Then the kettle was placed over the open fire outdoors, because the smell from rendering the fats was too strong to wish in anyone's house. The mixture of fats and water were boiled until all the fats had melted. After a longer period of boiling to insure completion of melting the fats, the fire was stopped and into the kettle was placed another amount of water about equal to the first amount of water. The solution was allowed to cool down and left over night. By the next day the fats had solidified and floated to the top forming a layer of clean fat. All the impurities being not as light as the fat remained in water underneath the fat. In another large kettle or pot the fat was placed with an amount of lye solution ( known by experience ). This mixture was boiled until the soap was formed - 6-8 hours - a thick frothy mass, and a small amount placed on the tongue caused no noticeable "bite". The next day a brown jelly like slippery substance was in the kettle and this was 'soft soap' . To make hard soap, common salt was thrown in at the end of the boiling and a hard cake of soap formed in a layer at the top of the pot. But as salt was expensive most settlers used 'soft soap',. The soap could be scented with oils such as lavender for personal use. These 3 cakes of home-made soap are examples of the self sufficiency of the early settlers as they had to be self reliant ,growing food and making and mending their own farm equipment, tools and clothes while establishing their market gardens in Moorabbin Shire3 cakes of home-made, white hard household soap. 1 cake of soap eaten by a brush tailed possum when he entered the Cottage via the chimney 27/4/2014soap making, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, brighton, dendy's special survey 1841. kitchen equipment, laundry equipment, bentleigh

A billycan, is a lightweight cooking pot which is used on a campfire or a camping stove, particularly associated with Australian usage, but is also used in the UK and Ireland. It is widely accepted that the term "billycan" is derived from the large cans used for transporting bouilli or bully beef on Australia-bound ships or during exploration of the outback, which after use were modified for boiling water over a fire. However there is a suggestion that the word may be associated with the Aboriginal billa (meaning water; cf. Billabong In Australia. The billy has come to symbolise the spirit of exploration of the outback. To boil the billy most often means to make tea. "Billy Tea" is the name of a popular brand of tea long sold in Australian grocers and supermarkets. Billies feature in many of Henry Lawson's stories and poems. Banjo Paterson's most famous of many references to the billy is surely in the first verse and chorus of Waltzing Matilda: "And he sang as he looked at the old billy boiling", which was later changed by the Billy Tea Company to "And he sang as he watched and waited 'til his billy boiled”. Early settlers , market gardeners and blacksmiths would use this portable iron stake to hold their Billies at meal times when out working their fields, travelling for work or pleasure.c1880 A molded, iron tripod stake that would hold a 'Billy can' of water over a camp or kitchen fireearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools, blacksmiths

Photograph shows early settlers' graves at Sorrento.Part of the John Ramsdale collection of slides and audio visual material.Colour photograph scanned from slide.No maker's marks. Caption on slide "1st settlers' graves Sorrento"graves, sorrento