In 1873, English grocer James Griffiths migrated to Melbourne with his wife and cousin in order to start a tea business. By 1875 Griffiths Brothers Teas had become a sensation, providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate all over Australia. The Sydney outlet of the Melbourne-based company was built in 1915. In a memorable advertising campaign, a series of Griffiths signs were situated at varying intervals along the rail lines on fences and building, designed to allow travellers to count down the miles until they could drink up. In 1925, James Griffiths was killed by a train and the tea company was sold to Robur Tea, which itself lasted until 1974. Griffiths’ death meant downsizing within the company with the Sydney building being transferred to the Sydney City Council, who then leased it back to Griffiths Teas. The tea craze was over by 1965, and Griffiths relinquished control of the building to a variety of tenants. Griffiths tea became an intrical part of Australian life, during the late 19th to mid 20th century. The company became a household name through the clever use of outdoor advertising with their blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” signs. These were visible Australia wide on railway fences, stations and other buildings. Griffiths signs let the rail travelers know the distance to where their tea could be enjoyed, with distances being shown as “miles to Griffiths Tea”, These signs were well known along the eastern states railway lines. Tea container tin Griffiths blue tin with round lid, not hinged. 7lbs net Choice Tea Griffith Bros 7lb net in white on a blue labelflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, griffiths bros, tea container, tin tea container

This biscuit/tea caddy was probably targeting the "theatre going" family or those who liked looking at the colourful shakespearian scenes. This item however demonstrates that the rural (Kiewa Valley) appreciation of classic English plays was, in this time period (early 1900's), just as strong as in the larger towns and cities. This item also presents the period in which the "olde" Elizabethian phrases and words were taught in regional high schools. Although this speech pattern and phraseology was of a specific time period and going out of fashion when Australia was first settled it was an inherited form of communication(higher social/economical level). In the context of the rural Australia "scene" and in this time frame of the elite "boarding school" generation this item was a visual reinforcement of the education level and position of the family who owned this tin.This item is highly significant because it not only presents the social aspects of early life in the Kiewa Valley but also the variety of educational levels and economical variations of the rural population within the Kiewa Valley. The egalitarian perception of the inhabitants of the Kiewa Valley was still at the infancy of early Australian social interactions. This biscuit /tea container was however a leveling of the socio-economic playing field of the time.This biscuit or tea tin, has besides having an outer lid (hinged), it also has an internal lid(with a circular finger grip). Although the shape is rectangular it has a slight concave bulge at each side of the centre of each of its main frame. It is made of pressed light steel and has a raised floor. The corners are bevelled and the outer lid has a bevelled slope ridge in parallel to the extremities of the main tin frame. There are painted scenes from the following Shakespearian plays on each side of the tin; "As you like it", "Hamlet" and on each of the bevelled corners are the portraits of Shakespeare(in the middle), the caricature mask faces of "the theatre" above and on the bottom section the "Director's chair"food storage, kitchen table container, domestic educational storage, shakespeare illustrations

This Kandy Koola Tea tin dates to the early 20th century and was made and sold in Melbourne, Victoria. It once belonged to the Giles family. About Kandy Koola Kandy Koola ran an advertisement in the West Gippsland Gazette on 2 May 1911 promoting its tea as perfect for a picnic. The text reads “Picnicing. All as hungry as hunters – made a fire of small twigs – put on our billy of fresh spring water – and waited. Soon bubble, bubble, bubble and the billy boiled. In goes the pure Kandy-Koola Tea. Tea! Tea is not the word – it tasted like nectar! One cup, two cups, three cups – then had to make a fresh billy full. Lazed away the rest of the day sipping our Kandy Koola and chatting. How good indeed! “All grocers sell Kandy Koola Tea. It is pure leaf, selected and blended with the greatest care and skill. Ask your grocer for Kandy Koola. Sold in three grades, i.e. red, blue and green packets” About the Giles Family There are many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with the Giles Family and are known as the “Giles Collection”. These items mostly came from the simple home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton), whose photos are in the parlour. They married in 1880. Henry Giles was born at Tower Hill in 1858. He was a labourer on the construction of the Breakwater before leaving in 1895 to build bridges in N.S.W. for about seven years. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook. She attended Mailor’s Flat State School where she was also a student teacher before, as family legend has it, she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family of six, some of whom were born at Mailor’s Flat and later children at Wangoom, lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940. The Giles family collection has social significance at a local level, because it illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill when the Museum was established. The tin and the tea that was in the container are significant for their association with the Australian and Victorian food industry, being blended and packed by John Connell and Co, Proprietary Limited Melbourne.Container; tin, for Kandy Koola Tea, part of the Giles Collection. Round tin, green background, gold band on top and bottom, printed on gold background. Ceylon flavoured tea. Also five gold flowers of various sizes with scalloped band, large golden inscription “Kandy Koola Tea” and “Ceylon Flavoured” and “Blended and packed by John Connell & Co Pty Ltd Melbourne” “Kandy Koola Tea” and “Ceylon Flavoured”and and “Blended and packed by John Connell & Co Pty Ltd Melbourne”. Printed on lower band “MADE AND PRINTED BY WILSON BROS. NORTH MELB.” “1LBS NETT”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, giles family, 19th century domestic items, tea, tea merchant, tea tin, food and beverages, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century household goods, metalcraft, tinware, kandy koola tea

John Gibson was a tea merchant in Warrnambool in the 1930's and later went on to run a clothing business in Fairy Street Warrnambool which also involved travelling to areas outside of Warrnambool and district farms with a range of clothing. His wife Mary was associated with the Nella Maris cafe in Liebig St where John Gibson was seriously wounded in a stabbing attack. He and his wife Mary were killed in a road accident in May 1965. It was not uncommon for items such as tea and other basic commodities to be purchased in large amounts. In an article on A common item from the early and mid 20th century with a link to a Warrnambool person and family businessRectangular metal tin with attached hinged lid.The front of the tin has a dark blue background with a white teapot and palm trees and buildings also in white. Text is in red.The tea of taste Renown Tea. J Gibson Warrnambool. Nett weight 12lbs.warrnambool, john alexander gibson, renown tea, j gibson warrnambool

Tin, "Choicest Nectar Tea" is an example of retail packaging, for domestic goods, the tin was made by J Marsh and Sons, Melbourne, for John Connell & Co Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1900-1940Item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown, item assessed as a collection asset.Container; tea caddy for "Nectar Tea" brand, 1 lb. Packed by John Connell and Co Ltd, Melbourne. Blue and white vertical stripe decoration. On label "The Nectar Tea Caddy" and "Nectar, the finest tea the world produces, is a blend of the Choicest Pure Leafed Teas from the Gardens of Ceylon, India, Java"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, tea canister, tea caddy, tea tin, container, kitchen storage, food storage, food, nectar tea, john connell, melbourne, j march & sons, john connell & co ltd

Henry Berry was a British-born merchant who came to Melbourne in 1856 and established a successful business in salt and general goods. He later expanded into tea, flour, sugar and other commodities. He founded Henry Berry and Company (Australasia) Ltd1 which became one of the largest importers and distributors in Australia.Round tin container with purple and sliver coloured background, and purple writing. has round pull-off lidGlen Valley Tea glen valley, tea, tin container, henry berry

This early 1900's tin which contained loose leaf blended tea was imported into Australia by those tea merchants who wanted to provide the Australian tea drinkers with quality tea. It could well be early Lipton distributors to both city and rural clients and consumers. This was in a period when most rural families were heavy tea drinkers. It was well before the introduction of coffee as a drink (especially instant) for the early morning, after meals and general "drink any time" pick me up beverage.This relatively large tea tin marks a period in time when loose leaf tea was in great demand and large quantities were not only used by families but also restaurants, workers mess halls and remote large rural families. The ability to obtain a quick tea supply in semi remote rural areas such as the Kiewa Valley was not possible due to the factors of all weather road access and the economics of traders going out of their way. Stocking up with important beverages, such as tea, was a "one of those things" that early rural communities had to endure with. Bulk storage tins such as this item were not only a requirement but also offered storage for other household items. This usefulness was not overlooked by the "canny" rural family.This large metal tin container was specifically manufactured for the kitchens requiring a bulk storage "bin" type of loose leaf tea content. When emptied, it could also be used as a general kitchen storage container for other bulk consumables.On the front side and in the background, there are three sketches of Egyptian pyramids(increasing in size from left to right). At the forefront there is a camel "train" loaded with supplies and handlers, making their way over the sandy desert going towards a large sign(in a freehand script) "PYRAMIDS BLEND". The left side "Specially Selected" and underneath "PURE TEAS" below this and within a circle is the figure of a Geisha clad of Asian appearance (with a fan in a raised hand with boxes(of varying sizes) around her. All these are in (off white design and wording on a green background. On the back in green print on off white background "PYRAMIDS BLEND" and underneath "OF SPECIALLY SELECTED PURE TEAS". On either side are columns of similar print. To the left "THESE UNRIVALLED BLENDS ARE GUARANTEED TO CONTAIN ONLY PURE TEAS".To the right "SPECIALLY SELECTED FROM THE CHOICE GROWTHS OF CHINA INDIAN & CEYLON". Below both columns is "for delicacy & fragrance of flavor, combined with great strength, and are confidently recommended to the public as the best values in teas obtainable" On the last side is a sketch of an " Indian encircled, holding a staph with palm trees in the background and four tea containers on his left, with "PYRAMID BLEND" as a subject heading. There are two Oxen pulling a two wheeled cart with a load of six large boxes. On lid and barely readable "FIVE POUNDS NET"loose leaf tea containers, food storage tins, kitchen tidies

Container for tea rectangular with hinged lid. Yellow and blue label printed onto the tin face advertising Edwards "Ensign" Tea. Package contained 2lbs of tea when originally solid.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Large rectangular shaped tea tin with round lid inset. Kassa Tea . Painted pictures are in Indian style.Bottom left - Union is Strength Printed - Wilson Bros North Melbournetin wilson-bros kassa-tea james-service

This canister which contained a blend of Rasawatte tea was produced in the early 1900's and for the most of those who acquired it for its contents it was useful (because it was made from solid pressed steel) as a tea caddy or container for other kitchen utensils or loose grains etc. It was also a good advertising item for a general agent W.M. Peterson & Co. in Melbourne. This company along with neighbouring tea importers offices were burnt down in a horrific building fire in Melbourne.This item was used in a period of time when the tea beveridge was the main hot beveridge to accompany meals, and "high tea" was a special treat to enjoy quality teas and "finger" food. In the rural sector of the Kiewa Valley, the favourite hot drink at "smoko" or other rest times was a freshly "brewed" pot or "billy" of tea. The hot drink tea was later in time challenged by the hot cup of coffee. This change occured at a later time in the rural sector than in cities or larger towns. The rural sector in this time frame was a lot more "traditional" in a lot of their day to day learned mores. Life style changes took longer to evolve mainly due to lack of media bombardment (mainly from city based advertisers) within the family home . "The latest jadgets" took longer to permeate into "isolated or semi isolated rural regions" such as the Kiewa valleyThis cylindrical tin container, which originally contained fine Ceylon tea is totally constructed from pressed light steel. It is embossed with content details and the name of the general tea agent. The main body has been fastened by pressed, not soldered connections.Embossed with the following "Ceylon Flavoured" and in bold large letters "RASAWATTE TEA" and below this in smaller print "ONE POUND NETT" This is encapsulated by Tea plant petals and vines. On the opposite side and in script writing "3M" below this in an unfolded banner presentation "BLENDED & PACKED BY" below this "Peterson & co Melbourne" This is also encapsulated by Tea plant petals and vines.kitchen storage, tin container, cannister/caddy, kichen advertising

Made for Robur to store their TeaAn embossed plated metal tea caddy which has been painted cream with a blue lid. "It will keep its colour and last a lifetime". Plain rectangle tin painted cream with a blue lid.Robour Tea No 2 Grade net weighttea, caddy, tin

In 1873, English grocer James Griffiths migrated to Melbourne with his wife and cousin in order to start a tea business. By 1875 Griffiths Brothers Teas had become a sensation, providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate all over Australia. The Sydney outlet of the Melbourne-based company was built in 1915. In a memorable advertising campaign, a series of Griffiths signs were situated at varying intervals along the rail lines on fences and building, designed to allow travellers to count down the miles until they could drink up. In 1925, James Griffiths was killed by a train and the tea company was sold to Robur Tea, which itself lasted until 1974. Griffiths’ death meant downsizing within the company with the Sydney building being transferred to the Sydney City Council, who then leased it back to Griffiths Teas. The tea craze was over by 1965, and Griffiths relinquished control of the building to a variety of tenants. Griffiths tea became an intrical part of Australian life, during the late 19th to mid 20th century. The company became a household name through the clever use of outdoor advertising with their blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” signs. These were visible Australia wide on railway fences, stations and other buildings. Griffiths signs let the rail travelers know the distance to where their tea could be enjoyed, with distances being shown as “miles to Griffiths Tea”, These signs were well known along the eastern states railway lines. Tea container tin Griffiths blue tin with round lid, not hinged. 7lbs net Choice Tea Griffith Bros 7lb net in white on a blue labelflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

storage of teaA metal tin tea caddy with a painted kookaburra on the face.Background is blue On the lid is the name BushellsBushells Pinted Kookaburra

Two plates and one saucer of a child's tea set. Made of tin with a red riding hood and the wolf painted on surface.toys, general

Made for Elfrieda Kaltenbach by her Father and decorated by Frau Rippert at Camp 3Child's tea set , handmade. Tin. 6 articles decorated. 1 Coffee pot, milk jug, 2 cups and saucers, 2 bowls. Painted exteriors blue with simple floral decoration. teaset, child, faig e, camp 3, tinware, elfrieda kaltenbach, frau rippert

Container metal with lid labelled "Robur Cross Stitch Caddy" from the Robur Tea Co Ltd, printed in crosses and circles, painted yellow. Lid corroded and "R" imprinted in centre. Cross-stich scene of shepard and sheep. On bottom of tin embossed regarding the 1908 pure tea act. Tin has sago inside.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This tin belonged to Doug Burleigh and was used by his family as a tea caddy. The Burleigh family were early settlers in the Nullawarre area. James Burleigh was a director of Warrnambool Cheese and Butter and undertook an overseas farm study tour to the United Kingdom in the late 1930s.These Australiana tea caddies are significant as an item with aesthetic and interpretive capacity. It was common in many households on the mantelpiece for ready access. It was also a means for Bushells to advertise their product. An octagonal tin tea caddy decorated with embossed Australian animals in full colour on each side -kangaroo, emu, koala and kookaburra; light blue background and top and a circular lid with the brand name imprinted. A red-edged adhesive label is on the side with the kangaroo.TEA [side] Bushells/Tea of Flavor [lid] Bushells/Tea of Flavor/FIRST GRADE/1 LB NET [base]warrnambool cheese and butter factory company, burleigh, nullawarre, allansford, tea caddies, tins, bushells tea

The tin was made for Glen Valley Tea, importers of the finest tea growing countries in the world, Ceylon, India and Java. Henry James was a well known Australian importer. The tins when emptied became useful storage containers.A large square rusty metallic silver surface green coloured Glen Valley Tea storage tin with a lift off lid. It has gold font with a green line border. Both sides of the tin have Fresh Fragrant in large letters with Five Pounds Net Weight printed inside an inner circle. The back of the tin has a lot of information about the Glen Valley tea and where it is imported from - Ceylon, India and Java and how it is carefully selected and blended.The tin has much information as noted above. ' Henry Berry & Co. Pty Ltd. Collins St., Melbourne. 5lbs. Net. Glen Valley Tea'food containers, tea, tea caddies, tins, containers

Metal tin, dark green, gold writing. On side of tin 'Mutual Tea, the house stands behind the packet. Mutual Tea, pure economical delightful flavor' Mutual Tea was a Melbourne Company. See research tab.

For generations, Bushells Coffee has been a part of everyday Australian life. It is an iconic household brand name that generations of families have grown up enjoying. These tea and coffee tins or caddies were commonly purchased from suppliers selling the well-known products of Bushels or Robur. The empty tins would have been used for storing other foods, household or farming items.A badly damaged square, Bushells Ltd 'Barley' tea canister or tea caddy with a rusted on lid and faded mountain scenes depicted around the four sides of the tin. There is indecipherable print at the bottom of each side, however, some details can be read - No. 144 (of a series) Net 1lb. Weight and other words not clearly read. The lid has a picture of the Bushells man with a long beard. This canister is from c.1920's and is very rare. There is indecipherable print at the bottom of each side, however, some details can be read - No. 144 (of a series) Net 1lb. Weight and other words not clearly read. The lid has a picture of the Bushells man with a long beard. The pictures on each side are very worn, but are of a female tea picker in traditional clothing working on a mountainside, standing near a shed with a cow and another one of her standing near an ox driven cart. metal, tea caddies, tea accessories, containers, food containers