Egg and nest collecting was considered a hobby for the 19thC Victorian gentlemen and the handwritten notes that often accompany the eggs can be as valuable to curators as the eggs themselves. Details have helped scientists understand the changes in bird nesting behavior in the past century and some of these historical eggs have also played a role in major scientific discoveries. Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire were fascinated by the new flora and fauna they found in the local and wider countryside.This is a typical collection of natural objects of an early settler in Moorabbin Shire 19thC when Charles Darwin inspired a general interest in the evolution of speciesA collection of bird eggs, nests and a seahorse in a wooden display box with a glass lid .bird's eggs c1900, bird's nests c1900, victorian era collectors, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham, natural sciences, ornithology, darwin charles,

The sections of this wardrobe can be lifted apart so that it can be transported easily and when assembled provides suitable hanging and storage space for the clothes and bed covers of an early settler family This wardrobe is of a type commonly used by early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Wooden Wardrobe with 3 sections- top, hanging space with a central oval glass window, a shallow central drawer and 2 doors with key locks, and drawer section with 2 deep drawers early settlers, market gardeners, poultry farmers, mechanics institutes, furniture, kitchen equipment, clothing, drapery, haberdashery, green pederson carol, 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, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis,

As the population of Melbourne grew, and market gardens flourished, profits from food production enabled early settler families to enjoy nicer crockery and furnishingsTypical crockery used by residents of City of Moorabbin during 20thCA floral china eggcup holder with 4 four eggcupsmoorabbin shire, city of moorabbin, early settlers, kitchenware, china plates, egg cups, market gardeners, poultry farms, pottery,

Early settler market gardeners had a good source of nourishing food and casseroles and stews were common meals for the families in Moorabbin Shire. Typical of the crockery used in early 20thC homes to cook casseroles and stews for early settler families in Moorabbin ShireA green crockery casserole dish with a lidkitchen equipment, cooking, crockery, casserole, stewed meat, vegetables, early settlers , market gardeners, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenhsm,

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,

Teaspoons of Loose Leaf Tea are placed in the china or earrthenware teapot then boiling water is added with the lid replaced an infusion occurs. Holding the handle the hot drink is poured from the spout through a strainer into a cup, mug or pannekin and milk, sugar or lemon may be added This drink was very popular with early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The Temperance Society built a Tea Palace in Mentone - now Kilbreda College. The tea leaf was imported from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and stored in tall silos in Melbourne where it was packaged and delivered to grocery stores.The early settlers in Moorabbin Shire enjoyed a well brewed pot of tea several times during the day.An opaque white china teapottea leaf, teapot, china crockery, earthenware, tea palaces, mentone, bentleigh, moorabbin shire, cheltenham, ceylon, temperance society, billy tea,

Market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire had many successful seasons and bought luxury items with their profitsAs market gardeners and other early settlers achieved prosperity they purchased luxury items.A silver embossed serving bowl with 4 curved legs and a lid with finial and embossed rim silverware, serving bowls, dinnerware, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, moorabbin shire, cheltenham, market gardeners,

Braille is a system of touch reading and writing for blind persons in which raised dots represent the letters of the alphabet Braille is read by moving the hand or hands from left to right along each line. Residents of Moorabbin Shire used these cards at social gatherings. In the early 1800s Charles Barbier, who served in Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army, developed a unique system known as “night writing” so soldiers could communicate safely - without lamps- during the night. Louis Braille, born Coupvray, France 1809 lost his sight at a very young age, 1819 he was enrolled at the National Institute of the Blind in Paris.and began to modify Charles Barbier’s “night writing” code in an effort to create an efficient written communication system for fellow blind individuals. . He spent the better part of the next nine years developing and refining the system of raised dots that has come to be known by his name, Braille. The code was now based on cells with only 6-dots instead of 12 ..Braille died in 1852 but his code spread around the world France 1854, USA 1860 , and blind individuals from all over the world benefit from Braille’s work daily. Today, braille code is transcribed in many different languages worldwide.Blind individuals from all over the world benefit from Braille’s work daily and these cards were used by residents of Moorabbin ShireCardboard pack of ordinary playing cards with braille imprints left top of each card. Pack is incompleteFront: PLAYING / CARDS / for the BLIND / To be obtained from the / NATIONAL INSTITUTE / FOR THE BLIND / Great Portland Street / LONDON W1. Hand written : O'Dean Lounge braille louis, barbier charles, visually impaired, braille playing cards, braille, library, braille sheet music, braille ketboards

This dressing table with swing mirror was used by the early settler families of Moorabbin Shire c1900. Accompanied by a wash stand , basin and water jug people cleansed, shaved and tidied their hair and themselves between their weekly bath. This Dressing table mirror was owned by a pioneer family of Moorabbin Shire c1900 c1900 Mahogany Toilet / Swing Dressing table mirror A shaped mirror, domed top with thick frame, turned side supports finished with small finials and a solid base on 4 round supportseraly settlers, pioneers, furniture , mirrors, dressing tables, mahogany wood, carpenters, cabinet makers, market gardeners, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham

Ansonia Clocks were made by a clock manufacturing business which started in Ansonia, Connecticut, in 1851 and which moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1878. An enormously successful business, it turned out thousands of clocks in a large number of styles.This Ansonia clock was owned by the pioneer family in Moorabbin Shire c1900This Ansonia clock was owned by the pioneer family in Moorabbin Shire c1900A large ANSONIA clock. c1900 with a winding key and pendulum and a hinged front glass door with clip lock ANSONIAansonia clock company, connecticut, america, phelps anson, terry theodore, andrews franklin, brighton, moorabbin, furniture, pioneers, clocks, market gardeners, early settlers

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,

The women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire were skilled dressmakers, craftworkers and made the clothing for their families These satin full length half petticoats were worn under evening dressesThe family of Nance Blackburn were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire c19002 x Lady's Black sateen 1/2 Petticoats, with Drawstring waist and deep Frill around hem blackburn nance, early settlers, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh clothing, dressmaking, moorabbin shire

This is a plain black full length woollen skirt that women wore during winter in Moorabbin Shire when working around the house c1910. The early settler women were skilled dressmakers and made the clothing for their familiesA typical day skirt worn whilst doing housework by early settler women c1910. The family of Nance Blackburn were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireClothing, Lady's black long woollen skirt with a drawstring waist and a side inserted pocket blackburn nance, early settlers, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh clothing, dressmaking, moorabbin shire

A typical long black crepe skirt worn by women in Moorabbin Shire c1910 whilst doing housework during spring and summer. The early settler women were skilled dressmakers and made the clothing for their familiesTypical day wear skirt worn by women in the early settler families of Moorabbin Shire c1910 The family of Nance Blackburn were early settlers. Lady's black long crepe skirt with drawstring waist and inserted side pockets blackburn nance, early settlers, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh clothing, dressmaking, moorabbin shire

These starched winged collars were part of the Formal Suit worn by men in Melbourne c1960 when attending special occasions , events and ceremonies The collars were fastened to the shirt with metal studs at front and napeThese starched winged collars were typical of the Formal outfit worn by men in City of Moorabbin c 1960 White starched winged Collars detachable x2 worn by men as part of the formal wear for special occasions, ceremonies and civic functions all cotton/ made in England; a) Welmar 161/2 ;b) Kent151/2 clothing, craftwork, early settlers, moorabbin shire, cheltenham, postworld war 11 settlers, housing estates moorabbin 1950, bentleigh, ormond, moorabbin, maynard dennis, collars winged, collars detachable, dress shirts, dinner suits, tailcoats, formal wear,

Typical Baby clothes consisting of hand knitted wool coat, hat, singlet and 2 dresses worn in the City of Moorabbin c 1960 Women in City of Moorabbin were accomplished knitters, dressmakers and craft workers as they cared for their families while settling in to the new housing estates in post World War11 Ormond , Bentleigh and Moorabbin Baby Clothes consisting of cream woollen hand knitted, coat, hat, singlet and 2 dresses clothing, manufactured lace, dressmaking, blousknitting, craftwork, early settlers, moorabbin shire, mechanics institute cheltenham, postworld war 11 settlers, housing estates moorabbin 1950, bentleigh, ormond, moorabbin, cheltenham, sharp valma,

As supply of electricity became available in the Moorabbin Shire c 1920 homes gradually changed from Gas lighting to Electrical lighting and bakelite was used for fittings. Bakelite was a safe non-conductor of the electric current. Housewives, who had ironed clothes with flat irons heated on the hearth of open fires, were delighted to be able to stand on a chair and remove the light globe and plug in their new clean and efficient electric iron. The supply of electricity to homes in the City of Moorabbin in the early 20th Century brought many welcome changes to domestic and commercial life 3 Electrical, fittings c 1931 a) a bakelite plug and socket Made in Australia b) a bakelite bayonet fitting Made in England ;c) Bakelite screw type with no markings d) A large brass and porcelain screw type with no markings L8 a) Australian Made / PIMI b) British Made in England c) No marks d) no marks electricity, electric lights, electric irons, bakelite, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, mechanics institute cheltenham, postworld war 11 settlers, housing estates moorabbin 1950, bentleigh, ormond, moorabbin, cheltenham, clark judy, reed gladys, reed george

Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire used large cast iron pots, pans and kettles, that were suspended over the open fire in the kitchen, for cooking meals. They had to be frugal and self-sufficient and so repaired the equipment to prolong its useful lifetime. Blacksmiths also made and repaired household equipment. James McEwan & Co 1852 - 1993 once dominated the the hardware retailing scene in Victoria. Established in 1852 to service the booming gold rush in Victoria the company went on to become one of the longest established retailers in Australia. Over it’s 140 year history the company went through many booms and busts. The McEwans name finally left the Australian retail scene with little fanfare when the last store was re-badged Bunnings in 1993Early settlers were frugal and self sufficient so they repaired their kitchen equipment when possible . McEwans Pty Ltd. was an established hardware company in Melbourne 1852-1993. Bunnings Pty Ltd is currently a successful hardware retailer for trade and public customers.Two metal discs with screw and nut for mending holes in cast iron pots, pans and kettles c1930 packing strip; THE edmay POTMENDER / Price tag ; McEWANS 77 - 11early settlers, market gardeners, cooking utensils, kitchenware, castiron cooking pots, blacksmiths, slow cooking, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, highett, cheltenham,mcewan james pty ltd, melbourne, bunnings pty ltd,

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,

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 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 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