Hugo Wertheim (1854–1919) arrived in Melbourne in 1875. He became a successful agent for sewing machines manufactured by his father’s cousin Joseph Wertheim in Frankfurt, Germany. Hugo married Joseph’s daughter Sophie Emilie and they settled in Melbourne. Hugo made many trips back to the main factory in Germany and, with extensive advertising, established a thriving business for sewing machines, bicycles, pianos under various ‘brand names’ - Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin, Hapsburg. It has been said that Dame Nellie Melba preferred a Wertheim piano for her performances. In 1908 Hugo opened a large piano factory in Bendigo St Richmond, Victoria. His son Herbert maintained the business until the factory closed in 1935.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This sewing machine was one of many items they used to exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. A sewing machine was a necessary part of each home.A Wertheim hand–crank sewing machine c1880. The hand machine was operated by turning the handle. The hand machine could also be fitted to a stand with table and draws, the machine could then be used by hand or foot. This type of sewing machine was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm”, and clothes were mended, or ‘re-made’ into another garment 'WERTHEIM' across body of machinemelbourne, clothing, brighton, moorabbin, germany, piano, pioneers, richmond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, sewing machines, wertheim hugo, wertheim joseph

Eduard Lehman, Zurich Switzerland patented a metal barrel shaped hand washing machine with a hand crank to operate a metal plunger in 1919. Such hand washing machines were used by settlers in Moorabbin Shire An 83 year old Visitor on site remembers using this type of washing machine. He had to push the agitator for 5 minutes. Prior to his mother buying the washer, all laundry was hand washed in troughs.Such hand washing machines greatly reduced the workload of the women of pioneer familes in Moorabbin ShireThis hand washing machine c1919 consists of a metal barrel, standing on 4 legs, and has a hand crank to operate a cone shaped metal agitator.THE / LEHMAN/ COMPRESSED AIR AND / VACUUM WASHING MACHINE / Pat. No. 50614/30lehman eduard, hand washing machines, laundry equipment, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham

c1880 This tiny tape measure, in Imperial measurements, was part of a Victorian era lady's sewing basket. The case is of polished timber, and the little winder, to retract the tape, is made of brass with a small ivory handleEarly settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant producing their own food and making their farm equipment and clothing. The women of these families were skilful in all craftwork.c1880 this tiny, retractable, tape measure, in Imperial measure, is made of polished timber with a brass winder and ivory handle. Imperial ‘inch’ measurements on tape dressmaking, tape measure, sewing, craftwork, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh cheltenham

Sad-irons or "solid" irons were made by blacksmiths and used to smooth out material by pressing the hot iron over it. A piece of sheet -iron was placed over the kitchen fire and the irons placed on it could be heated whilst remaining clean of ash.. The women used 2 irons - one heating while the other was used. Thick cloth or gloves protected their hands from the hot irons. The handle was removed from the cool iron and using the lifter the cool iron was replaced on the fire or stove to heat again. These irons were cleaned with steel wool to prevent them marking the material. If the iron was too hot the material would scorch. Most homes set aside one day for ironing and some large households had an ironing room with a special stove designed to heat irons. However, most women had to work with a heavy, hot iron close to the fireplace even in summer.These sad irons remind us of the difficult circumstances experienced in their daily routines by the pioneers and early settlers of Moorabbin Shire. The Curtis family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA) This heavy sad iron, made from cast iron, was heated over a fire or on a stove and used for pressing clothing and haberdashery. B) The separate tapered handle was used to lift the hot iron from the fire and when a "Potts" Handle was attached the ironing commenced. sad iron, kitchen equipment, fireplaces, stoves, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, sewing, craftwork, clothing, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh

The early settler women of Moorabbin Shire managed the household while their market gardener husbands cultivated the produce to be sold at the market Normal daily life involved washing clothes, ironing, cooking meals and baking cakes, scones, bread, and pastries. whilst caring for the children and making and mending the family's clothes The early settler women of Moorabbin Shire had to be self sufficient and were skillful cooks providing meals for their familiesAn a assortment of metal pastry, biscuit and scone cutters and tartlet tins with straight and scalloped edges in original condition with no repairs. kitchen equipment, cooking, baking, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham, market gardeners, farmers,

The women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire were accomplished dressmakers, craftworkers and made the clothing for their familiesA typical evening shoulder cape worn by early settler women in Moorabbin Shire c1910 The family of Nance Blackburn were pioneer market gardeners.A lady's evening shoulder cape made of black Guipure lace,satin and voile blackburn nance, pioneers, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham, moorabbin, dressmaking, clothing,

Gertrude Augusta "Gussy" Moran was an American tennis player who was active in the late 1940s and 1950s. Dress designer Ted Tinling created a daring ensemble for the lanky American tennis player. The white dress offered a sculpted bodice, a tight waist and an unusually short skirt. Moran asked him what would happen if the breeze blew her skirt around Tinling then gave her a pair of silk lace underwear. Women around the world were very impressed and made copies of these bloomers commonly known as 'Gorgeous Gussys'A good example of the fashion c1950 when fancy underwear became popular after tennis player Gertrude Moran wore frilly pants under her tennis skirt.A lady's beige satin bloomers with lace and elastic . Known as 'Gorgeous Gussys' clothing ,underwear, dressmaking, early settlers, market gardeners, post world war 2 estates, moorabbin, bentleigh , ormond, moran gertrude, gorgweous gussy, tinling teddy, tennis, reed gladys,

Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire were accomplished with needlework and crochet and made their own clothes and accessories. These Silk Scarf and Shawl are examples of the evening wear women made. Lady's Silk Scarf and Shawl are examples of the skilled needlework and craftwork of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire Lady's cream silk scarf with needle work flowers and loosely plaited fringed and a white voile shawl with lace edging. dressmaking, craftwork, lacework, needlework, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham,moorabbin shire,

3 pair of lady's black nylon gloves of varying length worn c1960 for outdoor and evening occasions. c1960 Gloves were still worn by women for shopping visiting, and evening functions and the length of the glove indicated its time of use. Gloves were colour matched to shoes and handbags and certain occasions required specific colours eg black for funeral, evening wear or business appointment. Gloves were an essential part of a woman's outfit until c1970 when fashion dispensed with this accessory . Gloves are now worn for warmth of to prevent cross infection of disease. Lady's black nylon gloves a) short length with frill on the cuff; b) medium length with diamante decoration ; c) elbow length with rouching clothing, gloves, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire blackburn nance, dairy farms, fruit orchards

A Lady's white, long, cotton nightdress, with lace inserts and small mother of pearl buttons, was made by an early settler woman in Moorabbin Shire c1900. The women of the pioneer families made and repaired their families clothing as they developed the market gardens , dairy farms and fruit orchards This Lady's white long cotton nightdress with lace inserts is an example of the needlework and dressmaking skills of the early settler women in Moorabbin Shire ,Lady's white, long, cotton nightdress with lace inserts, short sleeves and small mother of pearl buttons clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire blackburn nance, dairy farms, fruit orchards

A Lady's white, long, cotton half petticoat with a gathered flounce and lace insert at hem. The petticoat has a placket on the side seam and is fastened with bone buttons, The pioneer families had to be self sufficient making their own tools, clothing, while developing their market gardens, fruit orchards and dairy farms in Moorabbin Shire The pioneer women in Moorabbin Shire had to make and repair the clothes for themselves and their families and were accomplished in dressmaking, needlework , craftwork and knitting A Lady's white, long, cotton half petticoat with a wide flounce lace edging and bone buttons at side seam clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire blackburn nance, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This girl's white long sleeved blouse made from lace,voile and net and was probably made for a special occasion c1900. The delicate needlework flowers on the net insert on front of blouse and the over sleeves exhibit a high standard of skill. The fine pintucks on the front, collar and cuffs are finished by small white beads sewn around the edges. The eyes for the hooks on back opening seam are hand-sewn The women of the early settler families were skilled dressmakers and made the clothes for their families as they established market gardens and farms in Moorabbin Shire This girl's blouse made from lace,voile and net is an example of the high needle work skill of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 A girl's white,long sleeved, tulle blouse,with a high collar stiffened by 4 metal wires. The tulle has pintucks front and back with inserted decorated net panels and sleeves . The long lace outer sleeves have lace edging at the cuffs. The whole blouse is lined with tulle. .The high collar has horizontal pintucks and has small white beading along top and base. The lining tulle has horizontal pintucks and beading and lace edging on the cuffs of the inner sleeves. Hooks and eyes fasten the back of the blouse and ribbon is inserted at waist to produce a flared effect over hips clothing, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, pioneers, dressmaking,lacework, craftwork, tulle, net, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, moorabbin shire , dairy farms, fruit orchards

This Baby's long white Christening gown is made from fine muslin, with short sleeves and cut-work and pin tucked front panels The women of the early settler families were very skilled dressmakers and made the clothes for their families. The early settler families followed the religious rites of their Christian Church and this Baby's Christening gown shows the dressmaking skills of the pioneer women of Moorabbin Shire c1900 , A Baby's Christening gown of fine white muslin with cut-work and needlework on yoke, gathered skirt and short sleeves with a draw string waist and neck . The front panel has 5 sections of pin tucks and cut work . clothing, christening gown, methodist church, church of england, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, lacework, cutwork, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, , moorabbin shire blackburn nance, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These Lady's white voile shirt fronts were made for a small woman or child to wear under a suit jacket . The front has fine vertical pintucks and ribbon waist ties The back seam is fastened with press studs. The high collar has horizontal pintucks and 4 metal wire stays. The early settler women were skilled dressmakers and craft workers. These Lady's voile shirt fronts are examples of the high dressmaking skill of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 2 identical small lady's white voile shirt fronts, with high collar and ribbon waist ties. The front has fine vertical pintucks and the high collar has horizontal pintucks with 4 metal wire stays. Press studs fasten the back seam . clothing, dressmaking, haberdashery, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, mckinnon, ormond, pioneers, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These 2 pillow shams in white voile,lace and with needlework were made by a woman of an early settler family in Moorabbin Shire c1900. Women made and mended clothes, haberdashery and drapery for their families as the market gardens and farms were established in Moorabbin, East Brighton, Cheltenham.These 2 pillow shams in white voile, lace and with needlework are examples of the dressmaking and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 2 Haberdashery, pillow shams in white voile,with lace edging , a) Is an envelope type with bone buttons and has a central needlework floral and butterfly design . b) is single layer with a central needlework ribbon design c1900clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This type of a lady's mop cap in white cotton with lace edging was commonly worn by women in the early settler households of Moorabbin Shire c1910 This Lady's mop cap in white cotton, with lace edging is typical of the head and hair protection worn by women in Moorabbin Shire c1910 A Lady's mop cap in white cotton with lace edging. clothing, hats, hair covers, housewear, housework, dressmaking, knitting, craftwork, wool, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin shire, city of moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, ormond, moorabbin, hunt ailsa,

A small white cotton pillow case for a baby's cot with a border of machined lace and 2 white bone buttons to secure the envelope. The women of the early settler families made and mended the clothes, drapery, and haberdashery while the market gardens and farms were established in Moorabbin Shire c1900 The women of the early settler families made and mended the clothes, drapery, and haberdashery while the market gardens and farms were established in Moorabbin Shire c1900 Baby's white cotton pillow case with lace border and 2 bone buttons haberdashery, cotton, lace, pillow cases, sheets, clothing, dressmaking, needlework, market gardens, dairy farms, lacework, craftwork, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, moorabbin, cheltenham,

This white cotton Antimacassar has a hand crocheted lace pattern of flowers and a fringe of cotton strands tied to form tassels and was made by a woman from an early settler family in Moorabbin Shire c1900 The women of the early settler families made the clothing, haberdashery and napery for their families as the market gardens and farms were established in Moorabbin Shire c1900 A hand crocheted white cotton antimacassar with tassel fringe clothing, haberdashery, crochet brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire , dairy farms, fruit orchards

The women of the early settler families made the clothes, haberdashery and napery as the market gardens and dairy farms were established c1900. The square of linen is edged with hand crochet and a flower in one corner is sewn with coloured silk The women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1910 were skilled dressmakers and craft workers. 2 cream linen serviettes with crocheted edge and a coloured needlework flower clothing,haberdashery, napery, serviettes, linen, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, dairy farms, fruit orchards

The women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 were skilled dressmakers, craft workers and decorated their haberdashery with fine needlework . While the market gardens and farms were established the women made the clothes, haberdashery and napery for their families. The women of the early settler families were skilled dressmakers and craft workers c1900One long and one short white Linen table runners with central hand needlework floral design clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These Tray Covers were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These tray covers are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 5 x Linen Tray Covers with coloured silk needle work and crochet edging a) oval with flowers, b) oval with 2 small baskets of flowers, c) oval with large flowers, d) rectangle with flowers, cup ,saucer , writing, e) oval with 2 large baskets of flowers clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These Tray Covers were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society These tray covers are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 4 oval and 1 rectangular small white linen Doilies with crochet and coloured and white needlework a) oval white with white needlework patterns and crochet edge; b) oval white with coloured flowers and crochet edge; c) oval white with coloured flowers and over-sewn edge; d) oval white with 2 coloured flowers crochet edge; d) rectangular, with coloured flowers and hemmed edgeclothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These dressing table doilies were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their crochet skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These tray covers are examples of the crochet skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 2 x small ecru crocheted dressing table doilies a) oval with flowers and shapes, b) star shaped lacyclothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These cruciform candle holder doilies were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework , and crochet skills . Although living conditions were basic, families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. The cruciform shape suggests they may have been used at Church Services These linen doilies are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 4 x white Linen cruciform candle holder doilies with coloured silk needle work and crochet edging a) crochet, b) central linen with crochet edge c) central linen with crochet edge d) linen with green and white coloured needlework flowers and crochet edge clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These white linen circular doilies were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These linen doilies are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 5 x Linen doilies with coloured silk needle work and crochet edging a) square with coloured flowers and crochet edge , b) round with blue flowers and crochet edge , c) round with coloured flowers and crochet edge, d) round with coloured vase of flowers and crochet edge , e) round with blue flowers and crochet edge clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This pair of white cotton pillow shams were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These pillow shams are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 1 pair of white cotton pillow shams with crochet lace inserts clothing, haberdashery, crochet, bed linen, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These white table cloths were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These table cloths are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 2 small white table cloths a) linen with wide crochet edge b) cotton with coloured needlework flowers and crochet edge clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These Table Runners were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society These table runners are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 2 Table Runners c1900 a) cream fine cotton with bands of cut-work and needlework border b) white linen with crochet squirrels at one end clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These white linen serviettes were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These linen serviettes are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c190012 Linen serviettes with cutwork in one corner and crochet edging clothing, haberdashery, serviettes, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These white damask serviettes were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These white damask serviettes are examples of the needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 5 White damask linen Serviettes. clothing, haberdashery, damask, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards