This tea caddy, an attractive item, was given to Margaret Fletcher (date of presentation unknown). A tea caddy in the 19th century was a valued object as tea was expensive and was bought in small quantities. The two side containers are for green and black tea and the middle one was for blending the tea mixtures. The caddy was lockable so that domestic workers etc could not have easy access to a valuable commodity. The local provenance of this object and the identity of Margaret Fletcher have not yet been established. She may be related to John Fletcher, the Warrnambool cordial maker or James Fletcher, the Warrnambool lawyer. This tea caddy is of great interest as an attractive artefact from the 19th century and as an example of a household item no longer in use. It is also of interest because it was given to Margaret Fletcher, possibly a local Warrnambool person. This is a polished wood container made in a casket style. The wood is believed to be Coramandel. The casket has curved sides and is on a base with four legs. The lid has a brass hinge and a gold lock with the key and the lock mechanism missing. Inside are three compartments, two with hinged lids with leather tops and zinc linings. The middle compartment has a glass container set in a wooden compartment. The inscription is on a brass plate inside the casket. ‘Presented to Margaret Fletcher as a Mark of Respect’. margaret fletcher, history of warrnambool

This little bag of "whitener" additive for the washing of white clothes was manufactured in Hull in the United Kingdom mid and later 1900's. The Manufacturer, Ricketts, was one of the first manufacturers to employ women in equal proportions with males (a rarity before 1914). This product was used to improve the appearance of white fabrics. This ability to use a product that would "whiten" clothes chemically rather than the "hard boiling" of clothes was a time saver and a lot easier on the fabrics. This is a boon to rural families where time was of the essence (boiling took time). The blue coloring was introduced because the white colour perception is enhanced by the blue (fadeable and not permanent). The "washing machine industry" of the late 1900's emphasised "whitening" agents that were not so haphazard in producing blue stains, and allowed a "gentle" washing action. This item is very significant in detailing the early 1900's rural household domestic "chore" of washing white clothes to a "social" standard of cleanliness. White shirts were the mark cleanliness that those outside of the family judged the family unit by. The best clothes were worn to church on Sundays. Hard and mostly rural activities/work in the Kiewa Valley encompassing farming, crop cultivation, cattle/sheep and "field work" to do with the SEC Vic Hydro Scheme involved provided a stain prone environment. As appearances, of clothing, was on the whole not significant it was a different scenario at social and religious scenes. The ability to attain "brilliant" white shirts, dresses and bonnets by a less drastic method to that of "boiling" of clothes in vats, was a boon of that "era". The anti establishment revolt came later in the 1950's onward took longer to migrate from the cities and larger rural townships to eventually sneak into the Kiewa valley.This "blue bag" is a whitening agent wrapped in flannel or muslin, or sold ready bagged (1 ounce).It was used in the final rinse to "whiten white coloured clothes" The string was used to facilitate finger grip onto the "bag" after the wash had finished for easy removal to stop the hand and other surfaces from being stained by the blue colour residue drips.domestic and commercial laundries, starch and whitening additive, washing brightener

This iron is typical of the electric irons used in the 1950s. It didn't have a thermostat like the irons that followed so care had to be taken not to leave it on too long. Women in their domestic role used irons.The Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme commenced in the late 1940s when Mt Beauty township was created. Amongst the shops in the main street was an SEC shop which sold electrical items. "Creda" Electric Iron with plug-in cord. A metal steel base iron with a wooden handle and a thumb rest. The handle is bolted onto the iron with 2 large screws. The cord is coloured maroon except where it is repaired with black tape. The cord socket plugs in behind the handle of the iron. CREDA Cat. No 6; Man. No.; Volt 200; AMPS 2.7 iron, laundry, household, electric, pressing clothes, domestic

This iron was used when electricity became available. It was possibly used for smaller items that didn't require a lot of time. Residents of the Kiewa Valley used irons for pressing the family's clothes and linen - usually by the women as it was considered to be part of their domestic duties.A small electric iron, for heating only. "Hot Point" brand with a steel body and a black plastic (or could be Bakelite) upper body that is chromed. The electric cord is detachable and not with the iron.Hotpoint Cat No. 6266 G7 Watts 575 - Volts 240. Ps 7 Made in Australiairon, laundry, domestic, pressing clothes, household, electric

This bowl was used by the SECV in their mess rooms for workers during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The imprint of the year '1921' was to identify the year that the SECV was formed which relieved the private VHEC (Victorian Hydro-Electric Company). As the scheme was of such a huge scope, isolated and time consuming nature, the feeding of its workers was quite demanding of cutlery and crockery. (See more KVHS 0113)This bowl was used by SECV workers working on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme (1938 - 1961) in camps and mess halls and at the Mt Beauty chalet. (See more KVHS 0113)This item is a white ceramic State Electricity Commission of Victoria bowl. It is made in England and is of strong and durable ceramic. The 5 mm thickness of the ceramic suggests this bowl (cereal / soup) belongs to a commercial kitchen environment and not domestic. The indent bottom of the bowl is 5 mm deep with a side curvature ratio of 2:5. The ceramic is glazed to a commercial standard (workers' mess). See also KVHS 0128 (B - D) for other ceramic crockery.The red printed seal of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria is imprinted on the top outside rim within a curved scroll and a raised fist with electrical "Charges" extending out. Snuggled within the borders of the scroll is a banner with the 5 stars of the Southern Cross. On the underside "Vitrified sold by Cafe & Hotel Supplies Pty Ltd Dunn Bennett & Co. Ltd. Burslem. Made in Englandcrockery; state electricity commission of victoria; dunn bennett pty. ltd.; bowl

This is a food cover, most commonly used in homes in the days before refrigeration and plastic containers. It usually contained food, mainly meat, to protect it from flies, heat or draught while allowing the air to circulate around it and it could be hung in sheds, kitchens, cellars etc. This food cover is retained as a memento of domestic objects used in the past and will be useful for display purposes.This is a food cover made of metal with a circular base and decorative sides, finely pierced to create a mesh pattern. It has a fluted and patterned top with a ring handle. It is rusted.vintage kitchen items, warrnambool & district historical society collection

This tub probably dates from the early to mid 20th century and would have been a common item in households in those times. It could have been used for laundry items or for other washing processes in the kitchen. Wash houses in the early to mid 20th century were usually separate buildings or sheds outside of the house.This item is retained for display and discussion purposesThis is an oval- shaped metal tub wider at the top than at the base. It has a ridged top, a strengthening metal band around the base and two metal handles. It is somewhat rusty.vintage household items, warrnambool & district historical society collection

This jug and bowl set is a household item dating from the early to mid 20th century. They would have held perhaps sugar and milk or cream and used on special occasions for family gatherings or the arrival of visitors for afternoon tea or at an "At Home" occasion.This set has no known provenance but is retained as an attractive example of a household item used when dining on special occasions by the more affluent families in the district..1 A circular clear glass bowl hand-painted around the top area with an engraved band of blue, white and gold decoration, white decoration on the lower section of the bowl and gold bands around the middle section and the rim. .2 A jug of clear glass with hand-painting similar to that on the bowl.jug and bowl set, vintage household item, kitchenware, warrnambool, glass jug and bowl, glass jug, vintage glass jug and bowl, vintage glass, warrnambool history

This salt cellar is typical of those used extensively in households in Australia in the 19th and early 20th centuries at a time when salt was used on a liberal basis to flavour and preserve the food served. While a similar item may be used today in the main it has been superseded by smaller salt and pepper shakers.This item has no known local significance and is retained for display purposes. This is an oval-shaped clear glass container with a ridged incised base and lower sides. The upper side area has a pattern of dome-shaped pieces of glass. The container has an open top with no lid.vintage domestic items, glass salt cellars

This glass dish would have been used for holding sweets or savouries or small cakes or biscuits.This item, highly collectable Carnival -Ware, is kept for display purposes.This is a Dugan marigold Carnival- ware glass bowl. It is made of iridescent pressed glass.It has an pressed image of a horse's head in the centre surrounded by a patterned rim and fluted edges.vintage household item., glass dish, carnival ware

This cup has been produced as a promotional item by the makers of Bovril, a meat extract paste usually used in cooking or stirred in hot water for a hot drink. It was developed in Britain in the 1870s and widely used during the depression of the 1930s and the World Wars when meat was scarce and expensive. Similar products such as Marmite (Britain) and Vegemite (Australia) have a vegetable rather than a meat base. This item is a memento of the times past when hot drinks made from meat or vegetable paste were very popular and it is retained for display purposes.This is a cream-coloured china cup with gold edgings and three gold-coloured Bovril logos (the name 'Bovril' inside a shield outline). The cup is mounted on a china base. Bovril Made in Englandmeat extract products, bovril, vintage china, bovril cup

This salt cellar is typical of the ones used extensively for cooking or for table use at mealtime in households of the 19th and 20th centuries (popular up to about the 1970s). These were the times when salt was used more so than today in households to preserve and to add to the flavour of food. Today an item such as this may still be in a domestic kitchen cupboard but the salt would be used more sparingly.This item is retained as an example of a domestic item used extensively in the past.This is a clear glass salt cellar with a round moulded bowl with fluted edges. The bowl is on a glass stand, also with fluted edges.vintage domestic items, glass salt cellar

The bone from this shoe horn probably comes from the horn of a cow. It has been adapted for use in putting on tight-fitting shoes or boots. Animal horn was the original material used to make such an item – hence the name ‘shoe horn’. Today shoe horns are still used but they are usually made of plastic or metal. This item is retained as an example of a shoe horn made from animal bone, a relic of the past.This is an animal bone horn tapering to an end that has been shaped to a point to form a handle. The horn is brown and cream-coloured. The horn is chipped on the sides and slightly gouged out at the top. household items, shoehorn, shoe horn, shoespooner

This is a simple household labour-saving device. The box was fitted to the end of the table and knife polish was sprinkled on the cloth inside. The knife was then placed in the centre of the box and clamped in tightly. The knife was then pulled backwards and forwards several times (three seconds was the suggested time) and the object was then deemed to be polished. All households had cutlery of some sort and many had good silver pieces that were meant to be kept in a sparkling polished condition. This cleaner would have assisted those in a household assigned to the care of the cutlery. These would have included the women of the household, the children or domestic employees. This item is retained as an interesting example of a household labour-saving device from 100 years ago. This is a circular wooden box with an extra piece at one end of the base and a sliding top lid with a wooden knob. The lid lifts up and the inside of the box and the lid is covered with rough cloth. Some of this cloth has rotted away. The top of the lid has a printed label pasted on. This is torn and soiled. ‘Patent The Magic Knife and Fork Cleaner’ ‘I am handy and useful where’r I am used, To clean knives and forks brightly I never refuse, In mansion or cottage to both I do go, So buy me, and try me, my worth you will know.’ household devices, history of warrnambool

This meat safe has no known local provenance but it would be typical of the safes used in a domestic situation to house fresh meat. Usually the safe was hung in a house corridor or verandah or outside in a cool place where there was a breeze that passed through the mesh and kept the contents cool. The mesh also prevented flies and other insects from getting into the safe. Meat safes were widely used in Australian homes in the 19th century and early to mid 20th century, sometimes in conjunction with ice chests, until they were replaced by refrigerators. This item is retained for display purposes as an example of domestic food preservation in Australia 80 to 100 years ago.This is a metal box with a rectangular-shape base and a semi-circular top. All sides except the top and the bottom are made of fine metal mesh. The front is reinforced with metal strips and has a metal clip. The curved top is ridged and has a metal clip.The safe is somewhat rusted and damaged. Registered under Commonwealth Act Nos. 101-102-103 G.W.Rowleyfood preservation – australia, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

The mustard spoon would have been used in the past in a container or dish for serving a small portion of mustard. A similar item could still be used today. The stud was probably used as an ornament on a scarf or tie.These items have no known provenance and are retained for display purposes..1 A buff-coloured mustard spoon with a curved handle .2 A round stud with a pearl inlay and a metal back with a screw.vintage objects, warrnambool history

This washing machine is an early model hand machine which came from Allansford, near Warrnambool.This item is an interesting example of an early washing machine with its primitive and simple parts.This is a cylindrical galvanised metal tub mounted on a metal stand. It has a metal ring around the top of the tub and a wooden handle serving as the washing mechanism. The name of the manufacturer is stencilled on the side of the tub.QUEENS HEAD AUSTRALIAvintage household items, washing machine, mechanical washing machine, warrnambool history

These items were used to send food parcels to troops overseasCircular metal tin with lid. Wattle style pattern on side; willow in relief on lid.Manufacturers stamp on base: Willow/made in Australiadomestic items, containers, foodstuffs

Memento from club rooms of Rats of Tobruk Association, Bendigo Branch..1) Cup- white china with maroon line around top rim. .2) Saucer - white china with maroon line around edge. .3) Plate - white china with maroon line around edge.On all 3 items - Rats of Tobruk logo badge in maroon.momentos, ceramics, domestic items - crockery

Galvanised metal folding stove with numerous ventilation holes. One side folds outwards 90 degrees to form the stove. Hexamine tablets used to fuel.military equipment - army, domestic items - cooking, hexamine, stoves

Items are classed as WW 2 trench art..1) Perspex brooch, half round in shape, green colour. Inlaid is a rising sun lapel badge with is gold coloured. the writing on the badge "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces" has been coated in red. 2 pins have been attached. .2) Perspex brooch, oval shape, clear from the rear a crown and wings has been pressed into to giving a clear shape from the front. trench art, brooches

.1) & .2) Utensils from 1 man 24 hr ration pack, comprising metal can opener one end & spoon the other end. .3) - .5) Utensil kit comprising knife, fork & spoon made of metal. .6) Clear cellophane packet containing scouring pads..3) - .5) Stamped into back of metal handle: "Grosvenor 1070"domestic items-cutlery, military equipment, passchendaele barracks trust, kfs

.1) Leather Writing Satchel, dark brown with leather thong sewn around edges. On the front is embossed a crown, wings & scroll denoting RAAF. Inside are 5 compartments for writing material made from soft leather. .2) Wallet, black leather, folds in 3 with a metal, silver clip to close the wallet. .3) Set of wings, fabric, blue & white, crown over wings with letters RAAF. Item was inside .2).containers, trades-leatherworking, domestic items-writing equipment, uniforms - badges - air force

Trivet - on which hot items could be placed. Brought back to Australia by an AIF officerSquare trivet featuring swastika. Made from green and purple beads joined with brown cord. Swastika is in purple beading.domestic items - cooking, metal craft?

Cheese & butter knife, brass, rimmed .303 cartridge with curved blade attached to the projectile end."1941. H A, M H"domestic items- cutlery, arms-ammunition, cheese and butter

Items belonged to Arthur C Clarke VX79039, 2nd AIF. Refer 532 for main details..1) Cheese and butter knife, silver/chrome plated. .303 cartridges with curved knife blade attached to the projectile. .2) Same as .1).2) "1941, HA, MH"domestic items-cutlery, cheese & butter, trench art

Items brought home from Vietnam by Geoff Hopper in 1970. Refer 596.3..1 & .2 Black lacquered wood with mother of pearl inlay of scenery and domestic chores. Metal tabs on back for hanging.souvenirs, vietnam, pearl

.1) Metal spoon, silver, enamelled design at top, surmounted by a crown. The motif has a light blue life buoy surrounding a square signal flag. The flag is divided 2 ways diagonally with colours of dark blue, white, red, & yellow. Dark blue banner at the bottom of the motif with encryption. .2) Same as above except the inscription on the banner. .3) Silver metal tea spoon, silver & enamel badge on top. The motif has a small shield in center with a tree on the shield. The shield is supported with a fish on each side, blue enamel worded banner at the bottom..1) “PMS MOOLTAN” .2) “RMS MONGOLIA” .3) “LET GLASGOW FLOURISH”domestic items-cutlery, military history - souvenirs