White embroidered nylon. Tiny yoke topped with a Peter Pan collar, edged with gathered fine lace. Puff sleeves - pleated at shoulder, and gathered into a 1.75cm band, edged with fine, gathered lace. Gathered lace and two white ribbon( .5cm wide) bows define the yoke.Skirt 40 cm long, edged with embroidery and scalloped hemline. Two pearl buttons fasten the back of the yoke. Dress has been made to take advantage of the embroidered fabric of the train of Merle's own wedding gown.Merle Houlden made this gown for her first child, Bronwyn, using fabric from the lower tier of the train of her own wedding gown. Bri-nylon sleeveless, and embroidered nylon skirt, edged with fine lace (on the frill of the skirt). Skirt has an 8 cm frill, attached with an embroidered band of ribbon insertion. The ribbon insert is finished with two small .5cm ribbon bows. Both dress and petticoat have been made to take advantage of the embroidered fabric of Merle's own wedding dress train.costume, children's, christening dress

BHS CollectionFull length royal blue silk embroidered fabric dress with bodice and long sleeves, fully lined with ivory cotton fabric. Hand made. Front of bodice has round neck and dips to a deep V at waistline. Twelve decorative fabric covered buttons from neckline to lower V that taper to stitched down pleats at waistline. Fabric bow at centre front of neckline lined with blue satin. Long sleeves have short capped layer over a flared layer underneath. Top section edged with one row of royal blue cotton fringeing. Lower flared section edged with two rows of royal blue cotton fringeing. Large royal blue fabric bow attached at each elbow. Back of bodice made of six panels to waistline. Centre panel on each side is edged with cotton fringeing. Centre back opening to waist with nineteen hooks and eyes, only one eye remaining. Piping around waistline. Full skirt knife pleats at front below waist. Hemline edged with blue ribbed cotton ribbon. Card inside box with ''Wedding Gown Circa 1850's".costume, female, royal blue silk dress

This amber satin evening outfit was worn by Mrs. Isabella Mitchell (nee Russell, 1840 – 1929) at the wedding of her brother Alexander (c.1846–1938) and Eliza (nee Moore c.1854–1939). The jacket and skirt attach to each other at the waist by joining the metal rings that are around the base of the jacket and to the metal hooks that are on the waistband of the skirt. The outfit was donated with its own mannequin and fits it perfectly. In the colonial days, outer clothing was rarely, if ever, washed, due to the expense of fabrics and difficulty in careful laundering. Clever methods were employed to reduce the occurrence of soiling. The mannequin included with the donation would also help keep the outfit in good shape as well as being used for ensuring a flattering fit. FAMILIES’ HISTORY The families connected with this wedding for which this outfit was worn are from Warrnambool’s colonial days. Isabella and Alexander’s parents, Robert Russell and Elizabeth (nee Mitchell) were both born in 1808 and married about 1830. They were from farming families in Northern Ireland where they raised their seven children there before migrating to Australia in the early colonial days, around 1857. Their graves are in the Tower Hill cemetery. Alexander’s wife Eliza (nee Moore, born in 1854) was also from Northern Ireland and migrated to Australia in 1858 with her parents, Thomas and Nancy Moore, in the last voyage of the sailing ship “Chance”. Isabella (Bella) talked with her grand-daughter Ruby Akers about her memories of Alexander and Eliza’s wedding and other events in her life. Ruby recorded these memories in a letter. She says “They were married in the Warrnambool Congregational Church by a pioneer minister, the Reverend Uriah Coombs. The bride wore a pale blue silk wedding gown which was made by herself. Bella was Matron of Honora and Ian McCasker was best man. In those days the transport to the church was usually a carriage – similar to a cab – and a pair of white ponies. They would have the reception at home and then go for a drive afterwards and at night there would be a dance. They did all the catering themselves … Eliza carried on farming in the Dennington, Yarpturk and Purnim districts until they moved to Camperdown around 1905…” Ruby’s letter later mentions “[Isabella] could recall seeing a blackfellows’ corroboree being performed near where the Dennington Bridge now stands. It was rather a terrifying experience, they seemed in a warlike mood and one never knew what they would do next. One lubra came running to granny crying, Hide me, bad man kill me. She was bleeding from a wound in the head. Probably the result of a blow from a waddy. My mother [Margaret Jane McLaughlan nee Mitchell], coming home from school, often met blackfellows walking ahead with spears and boomerang, the two lubras – he usually had two – following in the rear, carrying the children or any burdens they had.“ Margaret would probably have been in primary school in the 1800s when she saw these things. Alexander and Eliza had ten children. One of their daughters, Margaret Jane, was born in Warrnambool in 1879. She married William McCullagh and they had eleven children. Margaret made headlines in the Warrnambool newspapers for celebrating her 100th birthday. She had lived in the district for 60 years before moving to Melbourne. Alexander passed away at the age of 92, and Eliza passed away six months later aged 85. Their graves are in the Colac cemetery. Isabella married Ralph Mitchell and their daughter Margaret Jane married John McLauchlan in 1891. Margaret and John’s daughter, Ruby Elizabeth, Jane married Fredrick Akers in 1938. Fredrick was born in England and was a Boer War veteran and served in the British Army. He migrated to Queensland, Australia, in 1913 and he joined the Australian Army to fight in World War I. In 1935 he moved to Warrnambool where he served in the Volunteer Defence Corps 1938-1945. Both Ruby and Fredrick are buried in the Tower Hill Cemetery.Together, the evening outfit and the mannequin are examples of female fashion of the mid to late 1900s. They are also significant for their association with the colonial pioneer families of Australia, Victoria and Warrnambool. The outfit and mannequin are significant for their connection with a wedding uniting two colonial families from Northern Ireland who immigrated to Australia in the mid-1850s. The families had a significant role in the history of Warrnambool and district. The evening outfit and its mannequin are significant for its connection with colonial families and their contact with the indigenous culture of the district and the contact between the native and European people. This ladies’ evening outfit is made from amber coloured satin fabric. It comprises a short-waisted, long-sleeved jacket and long skirt and it has its own neck-to-floor wooden mannequin on a pedestal. The outfit was worn by Mrs. Isabella Mitchell (nee Russell) as the Matron of Honour at the wedding of her brother Alexander Russell and his fiancé Eliza Moore in Warrnambool, 29th April 1874. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, evening outfit, wedding outfit, bridesmaid’ outfit, matron of honour outfit, clothing female, clothing late 19th century, clothing wedding late 19th century, clothing bridesmaid late 19th century, clothing antique, clothing ladies, women’s clothing, women’s fashion, alexander russell, eliza russell, eliza moore, isabella mitchell, bella mitchell, bella russell, isabella russell, ralph russell, ian mccusker, ruby akers, fredrick william akers, ruby mclauchlan, margaret jane mclaughlan nee mitchell, margaret jane mclaughlan centenarian, william mclaughlan, robert russell, elizabeth russell nee mitchell, irish immigrants, warrnambool volunteer defence corps 1938-1945, antique satin outfit, warrnambool wedding 1874, congregational church warrnambool, reverend uriah coombs, dennington farmer, yarpturk farmer, purnim district farmer, camperdown resident 1905, dennington bridge, indigenous corroboree in dennington, corroboree in warrnambool, 1880s corroboree in warrnambool, lubra and baby, indigenous corroboree in warrnambool

This dress was worn by Beatrice Coulson on her marriage to Archie Henry Robinson on 17.3.1945 at the Methodist church in Orbost.The wedding gown is provenanced and in good original condition and is of historic significance as an object directly related to the Robinson and Coulson families.A hand-made long magnolia slipper satin wedding frock with a high draped neck and full flared skirt. It has a train at the back. It has long sleeves , covered buttons on the back, shirring on the front and a decoration of white flower shapes on the front.coulson-beatrice robinson-archie wedding-dress costume

Elaine Donnellon, the donor of the photograph is the daughter of Shelia's sister Matilda. Thomas Coughlan and Shelia Whelan were married 03-09-1947. Not highly significant but typical of a mid 20th century portrait taken in a photographer's studio. The style of the wedding finery is representitive of the fashion of the period.Studio Portrait on original mount. Thomas Coughlan bridegroom, dark double-breasted suit,orange-blossom buttonhole. Shelia Whelan bride, embossed satin bridal gown with train and leg-o-mutton sleeves,a lace insert at the neckline, finished with a dainty locket. An embroidered full lengh veil and ruched head-dress with orange-blossom is complimented by a floral trailer-bouquet and horseshoes. Portrait backdrop, curtain and chair. Bottom right-hand corner, hand written, "Mendilnohy/Melb."studio portrait, 1947, thomas coughlan, shelia whelan, orange blossom, embossed satin, wedding gown, double breasted suit, veil, trailer, bouquet

Studio portrait of Ted and Mary Molloy nee Cody. They were married at the Catholic Church Ballarat East, Victoria on the 06-09-1922. They honey-mooned in Tasmania.Studio Portrait. Ted Molloy bride-groom, dark single-breasted suit, orange-blossom buttonhole, waistcoat, white bow-tie-gloves, watch-chain. Mary Cody bride, Ankle-length gown with fine-lace overlay. Muslin veil attached with orange-blossom medium-heeled satin-shoes. A large bouquet of fresh daffodils, daisies, freesias, asparagus-fern and a trailer of ribbons. Backdrop: curtain and chair. studio portrait, orange blossom, wedding gown, veil, bouquet, single breasted suit, bride, bride groom

As a wedding photograph, this photograph shows the fashions of the time, which can be traced back to the 1930s, based on the length and style of the dress. This photograph shows one of the many uses of the Mission.This photograph shows one of many weddings held at the Mission to Seafarers. The image is relevant to the Mission and the services of the affiliated Anglican Church.This is a copy of a black and white photograph of wedding party in the courtyard at Mission to Seafarers. The bride is wearing an ankle length gown with peep toe shoes and a floral headpiece with veil. The groom is in full naval uniform.Pin hole through the top centre of the photograph.hat, coat, uniform, veil, wedding, dress, suit, courtyard, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, wedding dress, flinders street, melbourne

The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This photograph is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Edward Herbert Uebergang and Alma Gertrude Schurmann were married on 1 March 1912. . Edward, born in 1883 at Cudgee, was the son of Friedrich Johann Uebergang and Pauline Johanna Hillbrick. Alma Gertrude was born in 1882 at Natimuk.They lived in Horsham where Edward, known as Bert, developed a chaff-cutting business servicing the Wimmera and Riverina areas. Their story is recorded in the Uebergang family history pp.200-208. Source: The Uebergang Families in Australia 1848-1985 Edward was a cousin of Percy Uebergang.Sepia photograph of the Uebergang-Schurmann wedding. The bride is standing. She is wearing a lace shawl overlay gown with elbow length lace sleeves and long white gloves. A three tiered floor length veil falls from a circlet of flowers. The groom is seated and is wearing a three piece suit, a high collared shirt and boots.allansford, cudgee, natimuk, horsham, uebergang, edward, schurmann, alma, marriages

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interest Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS The issue of Chinese migration was very inflamed and caused much distress to local market gardeners c1900. Issue 18 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in August 2010. Notice re meeting august 29th. Items of Interest explain that volunteer Ronnie has completed The CMHS site on Vicnet, Dennis Maynard has built display benches for the Barn and repaired school desks, Mr Neil Follett has donated a photograph of the Tuck family and ‘Baydon Hill’ c1800, Trish Smythe, manager Kingston Library, has displayed Posters and Flyers about Box Cottage Museum, and 3 bridal gowns are now on display at Box Cottage. Robina Naughton has researched a photograph , 1906, of His Excellency Hwang Hon Cheng, Chinese Commissioner, donated by Frank and Lorna Thatcher. A copy of this photograph has been sent to Sophie Couchman, Curator of Museum Of Chinese History. Helen has compiled a 3 page history of Hwang Hon Cheng and the Chinese in Victoria 1840- 1906.CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER city of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, mckinnon, kingston, clothing, bridal gowns, weddings, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, box cottage museum, city of moorabbin, box william, glen eira historical society, vicnet, brighton historical society, museum of chinese history, hwang hon cheng, follett neil, thatcher frank, thatcher lorna, smythe trish, city of kingston library, the grange, baydon hill, tuck family

Photograph. Wedding photograph of Mrs James Mitchell nee Ella Nicholls (Bendigo). Brown cardboard surround. Photograph - black and white 18.5cmX13.5cms. A .5cm wide dark brown border surrounds the photograph, and the edge of the mount. Bride wears a beautiful silk and lace gown, a floral head-dress holds a floor - length veil, and she wears fingerless gloves and carries a large round bouquet.Photo, Eden Studios Melbourne P697. On back of photograph: hand written - About 1912. Mrs James Mitchell nee Ella Nicholls (Bendigo).photograph, person, wedding photo of mrs james mitchell, refer research notes included in clothing box 136

Clothing. Long pointed sleeves, fastened with one press-stud at the wrist. Full circular skirt, lined with cream, synthetic lace type fabric. Fabric of the gown is a small floral type design,in a corded style, on a fine net backing. Sleeves are not lined. Back upper bodice has a lining in a double thread net. The sweetheart neckline is edged with a fine tulle frill. Bustline panels gathered top and bottom, and joins a peaked midriff panel, 15.5 cm deep at the centre bustline. Skirt is highly gathered to this panel, at the waistline, is a full circle and extends into a small train at the back. A small 23 cm zip on the left side seam.A KEAM Creation, Regd. Melbourne.costume, female ceremonial, ivory corded lace wedding gown

Photograph. 12.5 cms x 17.5 cms, in a plain silver frame. In black and white, this photograph shows bride Aileen Beryl Ervin of McKenzie Creek, via Horsham, in her wedding attire, for her marriage to Leslie John Ellison, of McKenzie Creek via Horsham. This ceremony was officiated by Rev. Francis Fielding, on September 24th 1949, in the Horsham Methodist Church. The bride wore a beautiful gown, with a short and a long veil. Her flowers trail beautifully and she appears to be holding some horseshoes over her left arm.photograph, person, photograph of bride.

Full length, sepia photograph of the marriage of Rev. H. J. Williams and his bride. He is wearing a suit and his clerical collar and she is in a full length lace bridal gown with a veil and train and silver shoes.On the back front in white ink: "237 Collins St Frances Young Melb". On the back hadnwritten in ink: "H J Williams Wedding 1929 Appointment to New Britain"h j williams

Skirt of wedding dress worn by Jesse de Frayne Talbese at her marriage to Herbert Bishop on 14th April 1903 at Box Hill. Jesse was born August 1876 in East Melbourne and died 23/04/1955 in Box Hill.Full length cream silk skirt. Panel of tucks down each side of front with lace and tucks around bottom third of skirt. Waistband has a hook & eye.costume, female ceremonial

Gown was worn by Janice Purcell nee Ralston who lived in Mitcham until her marriage to Dr Michael Purcell. She trained as a Nurse at St Vincents Hospital. She attended St Johns Primary School and the Loreto Convent.The style and colour was worn during the 1980's, usually at special occasions such as balls, weddings and formal dances.c 1980 Long claret coloured evening gown. Bodice is heart shaped cross over, rouching forming cap and sleeves. Skirt is gathered at waist and falls to very full folds.Victorian Fantasy Melbournecostume, female

Dress worn by Mary (Molly) Sprunt on marriage to John (Jack) Leith on 12 March 1938 at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Rushworth. Veil was handmade by mother Madge Brydon in 1912 for her wedding. Dress and veil donated by Molly's daughter. Dress also worn by sister - Lyndsay (Lyn) Sprunt for her marriage to George Hendrie on 10 November 1945 at St John's Church Elsternwick. Gown made by Molly and Lyn's aunt Edith Brydon. Veil (NA3495) worn was made by mother Madge Brydon. Donated by Molly's daughter.Cream damask 1938 satin dress. Long sleeves, cross over neckline to a diamond front panel. Skirt cut on the cross, with front pleat. Back skirt has long train. Self-covered buttons at centre back.|See also NA3495 - Veil. Also worn for 1945 wedding with veil. NA3496 - Shawl.costume, female ceremonial

'Going Away' jacket and skirt worn by Catherine Grant - nee Marden after her wedding at Holy Trinity St Kilda on 22 June 1873. Catherine Jane Marden was born in Bacchus Marsh in May 1849 and died in June 1925. William Fraser Grant was born in Aberdeen on October 17, 1845 and died in April 1916. See Love letter ND3737 and Marriage Certificate ND1667Going Away Dress. Faded grey skirt and jacket. Material- shot silk . Lace trim on neckline. Cuffed jacket sleeves with 3 buttons. 13 covered material button trim, with hook and eye fastening. Bustle effect skirt. Same material on long train.costume, female

Dress made by Ludmilla Jenkins at her shop in North Road, Ormond. The dress was made for Rosalie Schwerkolt for her marriage to Marvin Bruce Whalen at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Gardiner, Victoria on Wednesday 1st June, 1966 and afterwards at Butleigh Wootton, 867 Glenferrie Road, Kew. Rosalie was married from 33 Straughton Road, Glen Iris.Rosalie is the great granddaughter of Johann August Schwerkolt, pioneer of Mitcham.1966 wedding dress of silk, velvet in Winter White colour lined in silk voile. The dress is a princess line with round crew neck. Sleeves are narrow and taper to a point using a dart and with a zipper fastening on seam. The arm seam also features three pleats at the inside of the elbow crease. The back has a zipper closing and princess line seams. The gown is full length at the front and at the back extends to a point for a 40cm train using an insert gore in the princess seam. Approximate measurement bust 31 inches or 79 cm waist 24.5 inches or 62 cm Hip 36 inches or 94 cm See also items NA5076 - Garter NA5077 - Good luck Charm NA5078 - Bible NA5090 - Stocking NA5091 - Veil Nonecostume, female ceremonial

A bridesmaid's frock worn by Mrs. Dorrie Brown 0f Frances Street Vermont for her sister's wedding. Donated by her niece.1945 Pale green satin brocade bridesmaid's frock. Puff sleeves, heart shaped neck line, long waisted with gathered skirt. Long length.costume, female ceremonial, costume, female

The dress and accessories worn by Mrs Margaret Scully for her wedding. Following their engagement in 1956, her husband built their home of 67 years in Box Hill South.'Juliet' style stiffened headpiece and hatpin. Hair piece is covered in same material as used in the bridal gown. Hat pin has top covered in the same material.Lille Couturier Block Court 288 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Sepia toned photograph taken at the marriage of Vi Coate and Ray Symmons showing the wedding party in a garden setting. Bride in shin length gown with train, bridesmaids in knee length frocks with layered frills on skirt and gossamer capes, flower girl in simple frock with short skirt.genealogy

Black and white photograph mounted on heavy card of the female members of wedding party after the marriage of Belle Coate to Lawrence. Bride's gown has handkerchief point hemline, three bridesmaids and flower girl in short sleeved full length frocks and gauzy hats.genealogy

Wedding dress of Isabella Margaret Fitzgerald (nee Colliver) married 11 April 1934 to Robert Frederick Fitzgerald. Reception held at Young's Café, Hogan Street, Tatura.Satin & Lace gown, cream colour, Round neckline with lace bodice and sleeves with satin insert. Floor lengthwedding dress, isabella margaret fitzgerald, robert frederick fitzgerald, isabella margaret colliver, young's cafe tatura, tatura weddings

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Full-length bridal gown, circa 1947, covered entirely with cream coloured lace. The gown has a cream silk lining. The dress is in poor condition due to the lace which is extensively torn/rotted on the bodice. There are a few tears in the lace of the skirt.costumes, wedding dresses, lace, fashion -- 1940s, fashion design

This wedding photograph is an illustration of the intermarriage of notable Victorian (and Kew) families. The parents of the groom were the Hon. James Balfour MP., and his wife, Frances Charlotte (Henty) [the eldest daughter of James Henty] who married at Hawthorn in 1859. The Balfour lived at 'Windella' in Studley Park Road. Henry Rairey (Harry) Balfour was the youngest son of Mr & Mrs Balfour who married Katie Harrison of 'Horley' in Molesworth Street, Kew. Miss Harrison's father was the T.S. Harrison (merchant and importer, b. Banbury, Oxon, 1829, d. Melb 1901). Portrait of the wedding party in the garden of Horley in Molesworth Street, following the marriage of Elizabeth Kate (Katie) Harrison to Henry Rairey (Harry) Balfour at the Kew Presbyterian Church in 1905. The outfits worn by the women were reported in Punch, on 9 February 1905]. The bride wore a frock of ivory white satin, with bertha of duchesse lace and a yoke of ruched chiffon. The bridesmaids … wore white muslin dresses, inserted with Valenciennes, made in early Victorian style. The white straw hats were trimmed with lace and blue hydrangea, and their flowers were blue hydrangea, delphiniums and cornflowers. … The bride’s mother [right] wore a well-cut dress of black silk. The bridegroom’s mother [left] wore a gown of black silk voile, and smart black bonnet grouped with roses. L. to R. Christian Balfour, Jean Mackintosh, Mrs James Balfour (nee Henty), Bridegroom, Bride, Dr. Lewis Balfour, Genevieve Harrison, Hon. James Balfour, Henry Harvey, Marion Harrison (nee Borodin) [Married by Mr Alec Scholes at Kew Presbyterian Church] .Individuals identified in ink on reverse plus donor name and date.balfour, henty, harrison, horley, molesworth street, kew

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.This evening gown is one of a number of items donated to the Collection by Rosemary-Vaughan Smith.Full length ivory satin evening gown, possibly used previously as a wedding dress. Inset figured brocade panel on front of skirt and bodice, with flared plain satin panels at sides. Bodice has a wide rounded neck decorated with bands of pleated satin, and broad satin shoulder straps. evening dresses, women's clothing, vaughan-smith collection, evening wear, australian fashion - 1950s

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Blue silk, floor length day dress comprised of a tightly fitted, long, waisted jacket joined by hooks and eyes at centre front. The bodice features large ornamental buttons from neck to waist, covered in a figured silk fabric of the same colour as the dress. The gown has extensive pin tucking on the sleeves, on the flounce of the skirt, and on the long train. The line of the outfit is emphasised by the flattened front, which is typical of the period. Its cut and lack of adornment emphasises the tailored effect.australian fashion, fashion & design, costumes, dresses, women's clothing, fashion - 1860s, fashion - 1870s

The photograph was donated by Rosemary Vaughan-Smith, a member of the Society. It is believed to be a photograph of the donor's mother.Oval studio photograph, artfully mounted on a rectangular board, of a woman in a bridal gown, surrounded by flowers. The bride is dressed in a layered tulle gown with an white overjacket. c. 1910.wedding photographs, rosemary vaughan-smith

From its beginnings in 1958, the Society has mounted exhibitions and/or displays, in early days in shop window and in community spaces located in the Kew City Hall (later Kew Library), and since 2010 at the Kew Court House. Exhibitions typically coincided with the annual Kew Community Festival in March, but after 2013 evolved into three new exhibitions yearly at the Kew Court House. Smaller displays continue to be mounted in the Kew Library.Very faded photographic colour positive of a christening gown and four Victorian-era dresses displayed at the 1976 Festival of Kew exhibition mounted by the Kew Historical Society. This picture is one of the earliest showing items from the Coombs Collection on display. The collection had been donated to the Society in 1961. Dresses displayed: L-R blue silk 2-piece fitted day day dress with long train; cream satin parasol; gold taffeta wedding dress with long train; blue silk 2-piece day dress with applied later lace at neck and waist; duck egg blue quilted afternoon dress with buttons at front. Inscribed verso: Kew Historical exhibition 1976festival of kew 1976, kew historical society -- exhibitions, coombs collection

From its beginnings in 1958, the Society has mounted exhibitions and/or displays, in early days in shop window and in community spaces located in the Kew City Hall (later Kew Library), and since 2010 at the Kew Court House. Exhibitions typically coincided with the annual Kew Community Festival in March, but after 2013 evolved into three new exhibitions yearly at the Kew Court House. Smaller displays continue to be mounted in the Kew Library.This photograph confirms that the purple ballgown is/was part of the Coombs family donation of Victorian era costumes made to the Society in 1961. Therefore it is important for establishing the item's provenance. Display of costumes from the collection of the Kew Historical Society, exhibited during the Festival of Kew in 1979. Recognisable items include from left the 1890s purple ball gown, the 1860s white satin wedding dress and the blue two-piece 1880s outfit. All items are clearly from the Coombs donation of 1961, there being no other record of costumes occurring before 1979. Inscribed verso: "Taken during Festival of Kew 1979 / Kew Hist contribution / Exhibition of Family Treasures / Donated by Janet McDermott 1979"kew historical society -- exhibitions, festival of kew -- 1979