The, horse drawn metal scoop ,guided by a man, was used to clear earth for road making. Well before the introduction of motorised, mechanical graders and trucks the painstaking, labour-intensive work was undertaken by large teams of sturdy men using strong horses such as the draught horse. Roads were needed by the market gardeners to transport their produce to market. Later as the heavy wagon loads continually caused ruts and general degradation of the roadways a Plateway system was installed so that the wagon wheels could roll along the rails thus protecting the roadways. August 31st 2021 Ron Nash, from WA, informs us "The men and horses pulling earth scoops in the photo are not moving earth for road making - they are excavating an "earth tank", or dam, as described in common nomenclature today. This skill was known as "tank sinking", and tank sinkers were active in many rural and remote areas in the 1800's and early 1900's, establishing sizeable dams for important water reserves for community and farm and railway use. With the advent of mechanised equipment such as bulldozers, the trade of tank sinking was still carried out, but on a faster basis. I am a former tank sinker and earth moving contractor, now long retired." Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to build the roads, plateways, drains, as the settlement of the land, in Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton, spread and market gardeners need to transport their produce to market. Their most valuable possession was the draught horse that was used for ploughing, drawing carts and these scoops.Black & White photograph showing many horses pulling metal scoops guided by men to move earth for road making in Moorabbin Shire c 1900Back Handwritten Informationplateway, roadworks moorabbin shire, draught horses, metal scoops, paviers, box alonzo, smith j l; chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrollment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) The boys wearing round collars are from the Methodist Children's Home Cheltenham 1892-1953 that was situated on land now Southland Shopping Centre 1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne2x Black & White photographs of pupils at Cheltenham State School Charman Rd. c 1910-1920 a) Cheltenham State School No 84 c 1910 b) Cheltenham State School No.84 c 1910-1920 Grade 6a) Handwritten Cheltenham ( Charman Rd ) School / probably about 1910 b) " Charman Road School / taken probably between 1910 & 1920cheltenham primary school, methodist children's home cheltenham 1892-1953, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers, cancel

Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) The boys wearing round collars are from the Methodist Children's Home Cheltenham.1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne.Faded and cracked Black & White photograph showing pupils and teacher in the wood working class at Cheltenham State School No 84 c1910

Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) The boys wearing round collars are from the Methodist Children's Home Cheltenham1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne.Faded, Black & White photograph x 2 of pupils at Cheltenham State School No. 84 1913 1st Group & 2nd GroupFront 1913city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, methodist children's home cheltenham 1892-1953, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers, cancel

Mr Francis Guumes1884-1950, was born in the Cheltenham district and later bought land in Heatherton Rd, Heatherton, where he and his two sons developed a market garden. Mr Guumes , a self taught leather worker, made every piece of this harness. He entered this outfit in the Royal Melbourne Show c1947 and was awarded 1st Prize in his section. ( H. Stanley 2005)Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be resourceful and self sufficient as they developed market gardens and farms. The community learned to make, repair and invent tools and equipment that was needed on their properties. Black & White photograph, enlarged, showing Mr Francis Guumes, with the rig and leather work that he entered and won 1st prize in the Royal Melbourne Show c 1947guumes francis, royal melbourne show 1947, leatherwork, saddles, harness, draught horses, horse drawn carts, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, , chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Early settlers established market gardens, farms and business in the East Brighton ( East Bentleigh) area of Henry Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton. The small communities established Churches and Schools. Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The East Bentleigh settlers built a Methodist Church in Tucker Road and established the Sunday School and Youth group which organised social and sporting events and picnics.Early settlers established market gardens, farms and business in the East Brighton ( East Bentleigh) area of Henry Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton. The small communities established Churches and Schools. Black and White photograph showing the Bentleigh Methodist Youth Group on Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday c1910 in front of R.Smith's shed in Tucker Road East Bentleigh re-digitised by H.Stanley CMHS 2005Back Handwritten Names on Original photograph Front row Irene Pederson, Ella Marriott, Bessie Long, Jessie Box, Lucy Hosking, Middle row Hilda Sheppard, Emma Marriott, Bertha Sheppard, ? , Edna Box, Annie McNeil Back row Rev. George Wong, John Marriott, Arthur Marriott, Vic Pederson, Eddie Long, ? Marriott,, Tom Marriott, Mr Long methodist youth group bentleigh c1910, marriott emma, marriott ella, hosking lucy, marriott john, box jessie, pederson vic, long bessie, wong george, shephard hilda, mcneil annie, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Circa 1918: Various Photos of the Cheltenham Methodist Youth Group. Row 1 and 2: "At Flinders". Row 3: 1st Left, "Holidaying at Cockatoo". in 1852 Stephen Charman, who had arrived in Melbourne 1842 aged 21 years as one of Henry Dendy's emigrants, purchased 160 acres in Spring Grove ( now Cheltenham). Stephen and his family lived in a wattle and daub hut and worked hard to establish a market garden, poultry and pig farm. The first Methodist Church Services were held at their home. In 1855 Stephen gave 1 acre of his land on Balcombe Road to the Methodist Church for a School, Burial ground and a Chapel which was built in 1857.The Methodist Church, Balcombe Road was the 2nd religious building to be erected in Spring Grove now known as Cheltenham c 18577 small black and white photographs of the Cheltenham Methodist Youth Group at Flinders, Cockatoo and unkown locations, c 1918 . First 3 photos are of male cyclists on a trip to Flinders, Victoria. Photo 4 shows 6 ladies and a man on holiday at Cockatoo in the Dandenong Ranges ,Victoria . Photos 5 to 7 show men, women and children in bushland surroundings of unrecorded locations.Photo 1 - 3 on back : Flinders 1918 Photo 4 left on back : Holiday at Cockatoo right on back : Whitehead Photo 5-7 nilcheltenham, cheltenham methodist youth group, 1914, 1918, charman stephen, gettens mary, spring grove, methodist church, charman road, balcombe road, dendy henry, henry dendy's special survey 1841, youth groups, social groups, market gardners, early settlers, pioneers, dairy farmers, poultry farmers, pig farmers,moorabbin, brighton,

Date unknown: Mrs Caroll and children. In 'Moorabbin A Pictorial History 1862 - 1994 ' by John Cribbin, The Carroll family migrated from Ireland and purchased land in the East Brighton ( now Bentleigh ) area of Henry Dendy's Special Survey 1841. Edward, J.W. & Daniel are shown in the Rate Book 1862 as owner occupiers and owner of property in Tuckers Road, Bryants Road and Centre Road.Photograph is black and white. There are three women in this photograph, a mother and her two children. The mother is sitting down on a chair to the left and her daughter sitting next to her, on the right (they are both holding hands), and her other daughter (child) right in between her mother and sister, with he arm around the mother's shoulder. All three of them are wearing their best dresses that have lace collars. As the clothes are similar to MAV Cat No. 00519 the photo may have been taken c 1910Front of Mount : Yeoman Co 287 Chapel St. Prahran, Victoria.children, chapel st, 287, prahran, carroll edward, carroll, j.w., carroll daniel, ireland, brighton, henry dendy's special survey 1841, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, dairy farmers, poultry farmers, bentleigh, mckinnon, ormond, prahran, yeoman photographers co.

Both the Light switch and Door knob were used in Box Cottage during the late 19thC and early 20thC by the Box and Rietman families. William and Elizabeth Box purchased the two ten acre Lots of land with the Cottage in 1868 where they raised their family of 12 children and developed a flower garden producing seedlings. August and Frieda Rietman rented the Cottage 1917 with 1 acre of land and purchased it in 1935 where they raised 2 children while August established Rietman's Landscaping Pty Ltd making pressed concrete garden furniture. Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating materials, generally including kaolin, in a kiln to temperatures between 1,200 and 1,400 °C The toughness, strength and translucence of porcelain, relative to other types of pottery, arises mainly from vitrification and the formation of the mineral mullite within the body at these high temperatures. Porcelain and other ceramic materials have many applications in engineering, especially ceramic engineering. Porcelain is an excellent insulator for use at high voltage, especially in outdoor applications, see Insulator (electricity)#Material. Examples include: terminals for high voltage cables, bushings of power transformers, insulation of high frequency antennas and many other components. Both the Light switch and Door knob were used in Box Cottage during the late 19thC and early 20thC by the Box and Rietman families. William and Elizabeth Box purchased the land with Cottage in 1868 and raised their familya) An electric light switch that would be attached to a wall. An Ivory Porcelain Base Single Light Switch with antique Brass top b) A porcelain door knob Both items used in Box Cottage early 20th Ca) On base BRITISH MADE / ENGLAND / 4 / 6959 lights, porcelain, electricity, early settlers, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, box william, box elizabeth, rietman august, rietman frieda, market gardeners, flower gardens, seedling nurseries, world war 1 1914-18, war memorials, sculpture, pottery, pressed concrete, door handles, door knobs

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. Jasper Hale , transported for theft, earned his ‘Ticket of Leave, and purchased land in Dendy’s Special Survey of 1841 later known as East Bentleigh. 2 x A4 paper printed on 3 sides Issue 12 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in June 2009. Notices of the meeting June 28th , an article in ‘The Leader’ newspaper about the Robert Keys ‘Best Fruit Garden 1881 - 82’ Trophy Cup , a large vinyl banner purchased with Grant money, and while acknowledging the Cottage garden volunteer a request for more helpers at Open Days is made. Jan Rigby, CMHS member, has provided research information about Jasper Hale b 1805 in Gloucester, England, transported to NSW 1830, ‘freed man ‘ 1839, purchased land in Dendy’s Special Survey 1844, sold this land 1846 and died 1884 in Parkes NSW. On arrival as a convict in 1830 his occupation is bricklayer and he can ‘ read and write’. CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / JUNE 2009 NEWSLETTERcity of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, rigby jan, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, box cottage museum, jasper road ormond, dendy’s special survey 1851, north road brighton, county of bourke, box h., box william, parish of moorabbin, were jonathan, hales jasper, port jackson penal colony, burgess s. william, kemble wiltshire england, stonemason, bricklayer, ‘york’ sailing ship, brummell mary, st. mary’s catholic church sydney, nelson mary ann, ‘george hibbert’ sailing ship, hale james, hale eliza, parkes new south wales gold rush, ballarat gold rush, clunes gold rush, forbes nsw gold rush, parkes historical society

Robert Keys,1818-87 b.Ireland, arrived Australia 1841 and joined parents on a farm in Brighton.Victoria. 1870 he commenced his own 15 acre 'fruit garden' in Keys Rd Moorabbin and in 1881-82 was awarded the 'Leader Cup', by the Leader Newspaper, as the Winner of the Brighton Horticultural Society 'Best Fruit Garden' competition. Robert Keys, early settler 1841, was a talented orchardist , Brighton Councillor 1860 and Moorabbin City Coucillor until his death 1887. Item donated by Keys Family c1985 The 1879 Schedule of Prizes booklet of the Brighton Historical Society ( MAV 00022),describes in detail this trophy, prize moneys and rules and regulations of the competition. The booklet, cat. no. 00022, is on display with this trophyThis item is significant because of its connection with the Keys Family who were early settlers in District of Brighton/ Moorabbin and were greatly involved in community activities. After the 1841 Dendy Special Survey allotments of land were sold or rented to pioneer settlers who developed market gardens, fruit farms ( orchards), vineyards, poultry farms in the area now known as Bentleigh, Cheltenham, Oakleigh. They were very proud of their fine produce and hence enthusiastically entered these 'Annual Exhibitions' by the Brighton Horticultural Society.The Sterling Silver goblet shaped Trophy. Base has engraved beaded rim with chevron type motif. Embossed ring midway up stem and fern leaves engraved on bowl of goblet engraved on bowl of goblet " Brighton Horticultural Society/ 1881-82/ Leader Cup/ Awarded To/ Robert Keys/ For Best Fruit Garden/ Brighton District." Hallmarked 'GU', Birmingham, UK. George Unite circa 1880keys robert, trophy, 1881, leader newspaper, leader cup, brighton, horticultural, silver cup, silver, moorabbin, brighton horticultural society

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 Henry 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 enamel nameplate, “Colonial”, on the wall of the cottage, was the name chosen for the original pioneer cottage when a later owner, Mr August Rietman and wife Frieda leased the property in around 1917. August purchased the property 1935 for 1200 Pounds approximately and resided there until 1953. 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. Although 'Box Cottage' is a re-construction, it is an unique museum that, being located in the midst of a modern community in Ormond Victoria, can educate and demonstrate many aspects of the early settler’s way of life in Victoria. As such, it is an invaluable resource for students and all kinds of visitors. The original small, pioneer cottage was built in the late 1840s to1850s, 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 re-constructed pioneer cottage, named ‘Box Cottage’, is located only a matter of metres from the original pioneer cottage site, in Joyce Park, Jasper Road, Ormond, Victoria. The museum has copies of interesting Land Titles associated with the surrounding land, including the site of the original pioneer cottage, from Dendy’s time, and into the 1900s. ‘Box Cottage’ is named after the pioneers, William and Elizabeth Box, who resided in the original cottage from approximately 1865, until Elizabeth’s death in 1914.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. Convict marks on sun -dried, fire-place chimney bricks. Enamel nameplate 'Colonial' circa1915brighton, moorabbin, cottages, pioneers, ormond, colonial, mckinnon, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, convicts, rietman august, rietman frieda, rietman stefanie

Circa late 1800s. Wooden domestic butter-churn. This is a paddle churn, a barrel that contains a paddle, which is operated by a handle. The paddle churned the butter inside the container when the handle was turned. Early settlers had to be self sufficient, growing their own vegetables, making tools and clothing and usually had a house cow to produce their milk supply. An unsigned note states it was used by a Chinese market-gardener’s family. From the mid 1800s into the1900s, there were numbers of Chinese market gardeners working in Bentleigh, Moorabbin, Mc Kinnon, and Cheltenham in the Shire of Moorabbin. After the sale of land following 'Dendy's Special Survey' 1841 many Chinese settlers rented allotments and established market gardens in the area and sold their produce to the increasing population of Melbourne at the markets in St Kilda and Melbourne.Circa late 1800s. Wooden domestic butter-churn consisting of a wooden barrel with a lid and a crank that manually turned a paddle inside to separate the butter fat from the butter milk 'BUTTER CHURN' written in chalk undated, unsignedchinese, melbourne, brighton, moorabbin, butter, cows, milk, pioneers, dairy, settlers, fruit, bentleigh, markets, mckinnon, cheltenham, vegetables, dendy henry

Late 1800s-early 1900s A horse-drawn furrow plough is an example of the type of farm implement widely used by pioneer market gardeners in the Moorabbin Shire following 'Dendy's Special Survey' of 1841 and the Crown Land Sale in 1852. Land allotments were bought by pioneer settlers who established or rented allotments for market gardens in the area. They supplied produce to the markets in St Kilda and Melbourne. During the gold-rush of the 1850s the rapidly increasing population of Melbourne saw a huge demand and a rise in prices for all foodstuffs, including the vegetables and fruit grown in the Shire of Moorabbin. This heralded a time of prosperity for market gardeners, and an equally rapid expansion of the numbers of vegetable and produce growers in the area. The 'knock-on effect" resulted in an increased interest and development of the community in the Shire of Moorabbin.Following 'Dendy's Special Survey' of 1841 and the Crown Land Sale in 1852, land allotments were bought by pioneer settlers who established or rented allotments for market gardens in the area and they supplied produce to the markets in St Kilda and Melbourne. During the gold-rush of the 1850s the rapidly increasing population of Melbourne saw a huge demand and a rise in prices for all foodstuffs, including the vegetables and fruit grown in the Shire of Moorabbin. Circa late 1800's to early 1900s. A horse-drawn furrow plough was the most common type of agricultural implement used by the pioneers of the 1800s and continued on into the 1940s when motorised tractors came into use. This plough is an example of a two furrow, mullboard plough which would most likely have been pulled by two horses. The long handle was used to lower the silver plates, (mullboards), to the chosen depth of soil. Painted yellow. Although this Box Cottage museum plough is unbranded, the most widely used plough in the Shire of Moorabbin was made by Oliver. This plough appears to be identical to that brand. brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, fruit, bentleigh, vineyards, vegetables, plough, market gardens, plow

Circa late 1800s early 1900s a horse-drawn plough, potato digger, is one example of the implements that were widely used by early market gardeners in the Shire of Moorabbin. The flat plate, seen to the right of the photo, dug down into the ground below the potatoes and "scooped" them up. Behind the plate, two driving chains on cogs, (these chains are missing from our exhibit), then "rocked' the dug potatoes to loosen the soil from the "spuds". The potatoes were then harvested by hand. Very large tracts of land in the Shire of Moorabbin were planted with potatoes. Harvesting commenced in October, into November and on into December. Potatoes were a necessary food staple. The market gardeners were always in a rush to be first to get their potatoes to market, and hence the best price. Some market gardeners were so keen to be the first to market, (and get the most money), that they dug their potatoes "green" (or new). The only downside of this practice was that these early potatoes had to be handled with extreme care as their skins were very loose, and came off easily - so decreasing their profits.As well as taking their produce to the Melbourne and St Kilda markets, they also sent produce off to Sydney markets. It is interesting to note that a group of Chinese market gardeners were the first to access the Sydney market. .Following the 'Dendy's Special Survey' 1841 and the Crown Land Sale of 1852, land allotments were sold to pioneer settlers who established market gardens in the area of Moorabbin Shire. During the 1850s gold-rush population boom the number of market gardeners increased significantly spreading throughout the Moorabbin Shire. Potatoes were considered a staple foodstuff, so crops were regularly sown throughout the whole Moorabbin area. Circa late 1800s early 1900s. A horse-drawn plough potato digger is an example of the machines used by early market gardeners in Moorabbin Shiremelbourne, sydney, markets, vegetables, potato, dendy henry, st kilda, market gardeners, gold rush, moorabin, chinese gardeners, ploughs

This child's green, silk, party dress was worn by Sylvia Marriott in 1927. The Marriott family were early settlers in the Moorabbin ShireMembers of the Marriott family arrived in Port Phillip in 1857. However it was John and Jane Marriott who in 1876, (after toiling hard since their arrival in1871, for very little gain), first leased, then purchased in 1882, 30 acres with a four-roomed house in East Boundary Road, in the area then called East Brighton. (Now known as East Bentleigh). The land they purchased had previously been a part of the 1841 Dendy Special Survey. Over the following years, John and his four sons with hard work and determination became prosperous vegetable growers and purchased further land in the area. Following John's retirement and subsequent death in 1903, the land was passed to his sons, and then onto the Marriott grandchildren. The family continued to remain very prosperous and successful vegetable growers and are one of many families steeped in the tradition of vegetable growing which significantly contributed to the prosperity of the Moorabbin ShireA home-sewn pale green silk party dress, worn to a wedding by four year old, Sylvia Marriott c 1927. The skirt of the dress has layers of ruffles. It has short cap sleeves. Decorative ribbons are attached at the shoulder continueing to the waist, then hang loosely over the skirt of the dress. Small pink and white ribbon rose buds have been applied at the neckline, waist and the edges of the sleeves .brighton, moorabbin, marriott, clothing, market gardeners, home, dressmaker, needlework, dendys special survey

A typical, white ,cotton, nightgown worn by girls c1900.. it was probably made by her mother who usually made all the clothes for the family. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners in the Moorabbin Shire had to be very self reliant and make their own clothes and utensils. Many early settlers came to rent and eventually buy land after the 1841 Dendy Special Survey in Brighton Victoria. These settlers developed market gardens and supplied the growing Melbourne population with produce . They had to make their own clothing and this is an example of their dressmaking craftsmanship.A white, cotton, girl's nightgown is typical of those worn c 1900clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, box elizabeth, market gardeners

This heavy, detachable lace collar is an example of the dressmaking and needle work skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c 1880 The Maggs family settled in the Brighton district in the late 1800,s. After the Dendy's Special Survey of the Brighton area in 1841 land allotments were rented or sold to pioneers who established market gardens, dairy farms, fruit gardens and vineyards. 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 many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these familiesThis heavy, lace collar is detachable and consists of hand crochet work.clothing, crochetwork, pioneers, early settlers, dendy henry, maggs geoff, brighton, bentleigh, moorabbin, market gardeners, craft working, dressmakers

Early settlers could only obtain clean water by sinking a well on their land. A pump was built to draw water for use by the family and this tin dipper would have been used for drinking water. The Lachlan Mackinnon family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireEarly settlers had to sink wells on their land and build water pumps in order to obtain water. This tin dipper would have been used for drinking at the water pump . In 1846 Lachlan and Charles Mackinnon bought 117 acres of land in the 'Dendy's Special Survey' from J.B.Were This area is now known as the suburb of 'McKinnon' and may have been named after them.A tin water-dipper for obtaining drinking water from water pumpmoorabbin, wells, water supply, pioneers, ormond, bentleigh, mckinnon, market gardeners, early settlers, kitchen equipment, water pumps, mackinnon jessie, mackinnon donald, mackinnon lachlan, mackinnon charles, mackinnon daniel

A Bible used by Mr James Jones, an early settler in Moorabbin Shire, from 1880 - 1940James Jones was the son of Philip Jones, a Chairmaker, and Ann Jones who settled in East Brighton after the sale of land c1852 in the area of the Henry Dendy Special Survey of 1841. Mary Ann Moore was the daughter of Thomas Moore, a Gardener, and Sarah Harris who also settled in Brighton c1852. James and Mary Ann Jones settled and raised their family in East Brighton now Bentleigh. Mr John Herron resided at 4 Vickery St Bentleigh until 1989.A Bible of Mr James Jones 1874Front cover THE HOLY BIBLE inside page THE/ HOLY BIBLE/ CONTAINING THE / OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS/ APPOINTED TO BE READ IN CHURCHES/ herron john, jones james. early settlers, pioneers, collins william, printers, publishers, bibles, church of england, prayer books, moorabbin, brighton, melbourne, glasgow, scotland

Mrs Martha Closter ( Kloster), of Oakleigh purchased the Melber Sewing Machine in 1909 and gave it to her daughter Mary when she and Alonzo Box married in 1918 and settled in Moorabbin Shire. This document was donated by a descendant of the Box family in 1985.William and Elizabeth Box purchased 'Box Cottage' in 1865 from a pioneer settler who had bought part of the land noted in Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton. They raised their family there and established a market garden to supply produce to the population of Melbourne. Their nephew Alonzo married Mary Kloster/ Closter in 1918 and she brought with her the 'Melber' sewing machine that she used to provide clothing for the familyThe original paper Receipt of the Melber Company Sewing Machine, 154 Chapel Street Prahran on July 15th 1909. Mrs Closter purchased a ‘Melber Rotary Hook Sewing Machine , 4 drawers and attachment. No. 17469 costing 9 pounds, less due 7 shillings and 6 pence leaving the sum of 8 pounds 12 shillings and 6 pence Paid by Cash to Powell & Candy per ……… on 15/7/09 ( hand written ) MELBER SEWING MACHINES / 154 CHAPEL STREET, / Prahran / Mrs Closter July 15th 1909 ( handwritten) / Dr. to POWELL & CANDY, / IMPORTERS / New and Secondhand Machines for Cash and Easy Terms. / Repairs promptly executed Locks repaired. Keys fitted. Needles and Parts for all Machines. A stamp 25mm x 30mm is on left corner of document ‘ VICTORIA STAMP DUTY ‘ -at top and base - ‘1d ‘ - centrally victoria, melbourne, clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, sewing, box elizabeth, box alonzo, closter mary, kentucky, early settlers, america, craftwork, sewing machines, melber company, u s a, prahran, kloster martha

Mrs Martha Closter ( Kloster), of Oakleigh purchased the Melber Sewing Machine in 1909 and gave it to her daughter Mary when she and Alonzo Box married in 1918 and settled in Moorabbin Shire. This document was donated by a descendant of the Box family in 1985.William and Elizabeth Box purchased 'Box Cottage' in 1865 from a pioneer settler who had bought part of the land noted in Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton. They raised their family there and established a market garden to supply produce to the population of Melbourne. Their nephew Alonzo married Mary Kloster/ Closter in 1918 and she brought with her this 'Melber' sewing machine that she used to provide clothing for the family The original, hand written, Guarantee for the Melber Sewing Machine purchased by Mrs Martha Closter of Oakleigh in July 15th 1909 at Powell & Candy, Importers of Chapel Street, Prahran, Melbourne. MEMORANDUM / From / Powell & Candy/ IMPORTERS / ‘ July 19th 1909 ‘ ( hand written) / To M / The Melbourne Sewing Machine / Exchange, / 154 CHAPEL STREET, PRAHRAN / Guarantee ( hand written) / “ We hereby guarantee the Melber Rotary Hook / Drop Head Sewing Machine Sold by us to / Mrs Closter of Oakleigh, to be free from defects / in regard to material & workmanship & will / make good any defects not caused “be” / accident, rough usage or neglect at any time / within Five (5) years of date of purchase . viz. / July 15th 1909. / All parts to be submitted to us at our place / of business for inspection before any claim / is allowed. / Powell & Candy / per ……..” ( all hand written ) victoria, melbourne, clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, sewing, box elizabeth, box alonzo, closter mary, oakleigh, kentucky, early settlers, america, craftwork, sewing machines, melber company, u s a, prahran, kloster martha

James Jones was the son of Philip Jones, a Chairmaker, and Ann Jones who settled in East Brighton after the sale of land c1852 in the area of the Henry Dendy Special Survey of 1841. Mary Ann Moore was the daughter of Thomas Moore, a Gardener, and Sarah Harris who also settled in Brighton c1852. James and Mary Ann Jones settled and raised their family in East Brighton now Bentleigh. They sadly lost Martha Jones born 1888 died in 1890 ,and. Baby Ethel May died 1893 and a stillborn baby was buried in 1900. However, their daughter Elizabeth Ann Jones born 1885 married John Patrick Kennedy born 1885, a the son of Thomas Kennedy , Dairyman deceased, and Jane Donovan early settlers in the Brighton area, at South Melbourne in January 1917 . James Jones and Mary Ann Moore were born in Brighton c1857 and c 1859 into pioneer market gardener families in the area of the Dendy Special Survey of 1841. They married in 1883 and raised their family in East Brighton, now Bentleigh. Sadly infectious diseases took the lives of many infants throughout the Colony of Victoria due to the poor state of water supply and sewerage disposal and locally the swamps of the Elster Creek were a constant breeding ground. Martha Jones born 1888 died 1890 and was interred in the Brighton General Cemetery. In 1893 another daughter Ethel May died and stillborn baby in May1900. Mary Ann Jones died, at age 43years, in January 1903 and in November 1940 Mr James Jones was buried in the family grave. Their daughter Elizabeth Ann Jones , born 1885, married John Patrick Kennedy, born 1885, the son of Thomas Kennedy, a dairyman and Jane Donovan also early settlers in Brighton area at St Luke’s Anglican Church in South Melbourne in January 1917 Original Certificate of Marriage of Elizabeth Ann Jones, the daughter of James and Mary Ann Jones, to John Patrick Kennedy at St Luke's Anglican Church in South Melbourne on January 1st 1917In the State of Victoria/ crest/ In the Commonwealth of Australia/FOURTH SCHEDULE ACTSNOS. 2691 and 2720 -FORM B/ CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE B/ Year 1917Parish or Church District South Melbourne Denomination Church of England/ signed by Patrick Kennedy and Elizabeth Jones, witnesses Ada Hewton and Alice Steedman and Vicar David Ross Hewton dated this first day of January 1917anglican church, st luke's south melbourne, jones elizabeth ann, kennedy john patrick, kennedy thomas, donovan jane, dairyman, dairy farms, brighton general cemetery, vaccination, pioneers, early settlers, typhoid, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, market gardeners, jones james, jones mary ann, jones martha, dendy henry, dendys special survey 1841, infectious diseases, water supply, elster creek, melbourne, jones ethel may, reverend hewton david ross

This is a Certificate of Title for an acre of land in 'Tucker's Road' purchased by Jabez Gurr in 1881, in the area that was part of the Crown Block known as Henry Dendy's Special Survey 1841, in the Parish of Moorabbin, County of Bourke, Victoria. Following the 'Transfer of Land Statute' allotments in the area of Henry Dendy's Special Survey of 1841 were sold to early settlers. This Certificate of Title shows the passage of history in Moorabbin Shire . Jabez Gurr, a wheelwright, of East Brighton, now Bentleigh East, purchased an acre of land in 'Tucker's Road' , near Centre Road, in 1881. In 1889 he sold to a produce merchant, Robert Smith, and in April 1916 this block was purchased by William Henry George Box, a market gardener and relative of William and Elizabeth Box, who owned the land until 1926. The land was then purchased by Charles John Greenlaw Coates and remained with this family until 1971. All these Family names appear on Councils and Community Boards during the foundation and development of City of Moorabbin3 photocopied pages of the Certificate of Title for approximately 1 acre of land near the corner of Centre Road and Tucker Road, Parish of Moorabbin, County of Bourke, Victoria that was part of the 5,120 acre Henry Dendy Special Survey in Brighton in 1841 and purchased in 1881 by Jabez Gurr. It records subsequent proprietors up to 1971Stamped CANCELLED 12 OCT 1994 (top Right) / Entered in the Register Book / Vol.1245 Fol. 248877/ signed Henry Crowe / Assistant Registrar of Titles / Coat of Arms / VICTORIA / Certificate of Title / UNDER THE ' TRANSFER OF AND STATUTE' /dated ' eleventh day of April one thousand eight / hundred and eighty one' / signed 'Henry Crowe' / Assistant Registrar of Titles/ ENCUMBRANCES REFERRED TO / circular Stamp 'OFFICE OF TITLES VICTORIA' / Drawn and shaded on the left side is the area of land in "Tucker's" Road 3331/3 links fro Centre Road, 150 links x 6662/3 links / The measurements are in linksdendy henry, dendy's special survey 1841, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, market gardeners, early settlers, pioneers, wheelwrights, merchants, fruit gardens, markets, smith robert, box william henry george, gurr jabez, county of bourke, victoria, melbourne, land statutes, tucker road, centre road, box william, box elizabeth, box cottage museum

This gold miner's pick from the Ballarat Goldfields c 1920 was donated by Mr David Hopcraft, a dealer at the Arkuna Market Berwick, Victoria in December 2010. When Gold was discovered in Victoria c1853 most of the labourers and some landowners left the market gardens and farms to try their luck on the goldfields. Local Blacksmiths made picks similar to this one for them. There was a great shortage of labour in Melbourne and at the same time, due to the huge influx of people lured by the Gold, there was an increased demand for food. The market gardeners were getting very good prices for their produce and many increased their wealth considerably and many of these tenant farmers were able to purchase their blocks of land and live a profitable life. There was such a shortage of labour that J.B.Were applied for Irish immigrants to work the farms. This pick is an example of the hand made tools many pioneers took with them when they abandoned their farms and market gardens in the District of Brighton to try their luck at prospecting when gold was discovered in Ballarat and Bendigo c1853. Some were successful , most were not and retuned again to the hard life of farming. A forged steel pick with a wooden handle. The steel pick-head was hand-forged by a blacksmith. This miner's pick was used on the Ballarat gold-fields c1920gold mining, ballarat, bendigo, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, mining equipment, gold rush, immigrants, blacksmiths, forges, tools

Mr John Herron and his wife Isa Mary Herron purchased the house at 4 Vickery Street Bentleigh in 1950 from Miss M Marriott. He was a descendant of John James an early settler dairyman in Moorabbin Shire and Miss M Marriott was a descendant of the early settler market gardeners Marriott family. Mr Herron lived there until 1989 and the house was then demolished and turned into a carpark for the busy Shopping precinct of Centre Road, Bentleigh.The Marriott family were early settler market gardeners from 1878 in the area of Dendy’s 1841 Special Survey and John Herron was a descendant of Philip Jones , a chair-maker, who settled in the area of East Brighton, now Bentleigh, in 1852 An original, paper, Statement of Adjustments attached to previous item 00053.3 for purchase of the house at 4 Vickery Street, Bentleigh by Mr John Herron from Miss M Marriott in 1950 Heading - HERRON & ANOR. From MARRIOTT / Adjustment of Rates, Taxes, etc., as at 12th May 1950 / list of costs/ typed in left hand bottom corner – E. & O.E, / Melbourne, / 10th May 1950 pioneers, early settlers, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, market gardeners, dairyman, dairy farmer, jones james, jones mary ann, jones martha, jones elizabeth ann, dendy henry, dendys special survey 1841, elster creek, melbourne, jones ethel may, herron isa mary, herron john, tram conductor, marriott m, boothby b b, boothby n b, solicitors, land sales, house sales 1950, real estate

The Common School No. 213 East Brighton 1864 - 1878 replaced the original St Stephen's Church of England School in Tucker Road. 1878-1908 the School was known as Education Department State School No. 2083 Brighton East. 1908 - 1936 the School changed it's name to Bentleigh and then from 1936 - 1993 was known as East Bentleigh. 1993 the school was closed due to low enrollments and the building was demolished and land sold . Charles J Coates, the father of Pam Thomas, attended this school.A school photograph of one of the original schools in the Bentleigh area showing a gathering of adults and children who had connection with this school either as teachers, pupils, parents or neighbours in 1925.A Black & White panoramic photograph of a group of adults and children in front of the classrooms of the East Bentleigh SS No. 2083 in 1925on back : handwritten 1925education, st stephens anglican school east brighton, education department state schools, state school number 2083, coates charles j, thomas pam, tucker road bentleigh, henry dendy special survey brighton 1841,market gardeners, dairy farmers, poultry farmers, early settlers, pioneers, tuck family bentleigh, moorabbin shire, moorabbin roads board, city of moorabbin, bent thomas,

The Common School No. 213 East Brighton 1864 - 1878 replaced the original St Stephen's Church of England School in Tucker Road. 1878-1908 the School was known as Education Department State School No. 2083 Brighton East. 1908 - 1936 the School changed it's name to Bentleigh and then from 1936 - 1993 was known as East Bentleigh. 1993 the school was closed due to low enrolments and the building was demolished and land sold. Eric Hutchinson, the uncle of Les Hutchinson attended this school. A school photograph of one of the original schools in the Bentleigh area showing a gathering of adults and children who had connection with this school either as teachers, pupils, parents or neighbours in 1930.A Photograph , black & white panoramic showing group of adults and children in front of Bentleigh State School No. 2083 c1930 (Reprint) moorabbin, bentleigh, education department state schools, st stephens anglican school east brighton, hutchinson les, hutchinson eric, market gardeners, early settlers, pioneers, henry dendyspecial survey brighton 1841, east bentleigh state school no. 2083, coates charles j, bent thomas

JAMES JOSEPH HIGGINS, was born in Dublin in 1821 and, at age twenty, emigrated via Liverpool in 1841 with his wife Ellen and baby daughter Margarete, on board the 'Intrinsic'. They lived in Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, for some years, where their son James John Clarke Higgins was born in 1850. JAMES JOHN CLARKE HIGGINS moved to Brighton East when he married Ruth Simmonds in 1873. The couple lived on Jasper Rd near the corner of Centre Rd for the rest of their lives, and produced eight children HERBERT JOHN HIGGINS was the sixth child born in 1886, to James John Clarke Higgins and Ruth Simmonds, and grew up in Centre Rd, Brighton East, now Bentleigh. He was renting and working a property on Jasper Rd from the time he was married in 1913 to Victoria Matilda Long, daughter of Charles John Long and Annie Matilda Allnutt. Herbert John bought his property on Jasper Rd in 1921. [Metropolitan Board of works plan 3220, Municipality of Moorabbin, shows that in 1928, Higgins Rd was planned (and probably built soon after). Herbert was a dairyman and market gardener. He bred and milked cows and sold milk, cream, butter and eggs to the locals. He supplied hay/corn to be made into chaff to J L Smith’s produce store. He also leased land from other farmers in the area and helped work their land. c1950 he sold the property in lots, some privately, others to the Municipality. Some lots became part of Hodgson Reserve, Higgins Road, Bentleigh, and another lot, the Bentleigh Bowling Club. Herbert and Victoria, known as Queenie, had five children between 1914 and 1928. The youngest Dorothy, who remembered sitting in this pram and later using it to carry papers, wood, vegetable etc., lived on the property in Jasper Road until her passing in 2016. ( Ronald Alexander Higgins, descendant , Helen Stanley CMHS 2017) The family of Dorothy Higgins 1928-2016, were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire establishing a dairy farm c 1873 in East Brighton ( now Bentleigh)Wicker Perambulator, baby carriage, c. 1914, with a lined, painted wicker body, iron spring scrolled frame with leather straps and 4 steel wheels with rubber tyres. The push handle is broken and hood is missing. dairy farms, higgins james joseph, simmonds ruth, higgins dorothy, poultry farms, jasper road bentleigh, city of moorabbin historical society 1961, sheehy t.a., newsletters, ashley r, neville f, blackman n, moorabbin city council, moorabbin roads board toll gates, pioneers moorabin cheltenham, bentleigh, highett

This anvil is typical of the type used by Blacksmiths in Moorabbin Shire c1850 - 20thC Blacksmith were needed to make machinery, tools, farm and household equipment, wheels and wagons, horseshoes and saddle irons.This anvil is an example of the type used by blacksmiths in Moorabbin Shire 1840- 20thC as early settlers developed the land. built homes, shops and schoolsSolid steel single horn shaped block used by a Blacksmith to make tools, horseshoes, kitchenware, farm equipment, wagon wheelsmarket gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, dendy special survey 1841, bentleigh, moorabbin, cheltenham, tools, anvils, steel, horses, wagons, washing pots, cooking pots, blacksmiths, county of bourke