Showing 418 items
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Greensborough Historical Society
Newspaper clipping [copy], Greensborough farm 8500 [pounds], 23/12/1947
Corrabert Park was owned by Francis Flintoff, sold c. 1924 to Mr. E. Fullwood, who sold the property in December 1947 to Mr. W. M. Bamford for 8500 pounds. The land had frontage to the Plenty River and water from the MMBW aqueduct which passed through the property. There was a residence and two small rented cottages on the property. The area is currently known as Apollo Parkways.Copy of news clipping.Corrabert Park sold - newspapers.comcorrabert park, apollo parkways -
Melbourne Water
Souvenir confectionery bowl, 1930s-40s
Melbourne Water inherited many of its water assets, such as reservoirs from its predecessor the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW). They have served the organisation well and have long been celebrated for both their natural beauty and engineering ingenuity. In the nineteenth century Victoria’s fundamental need for water infrastructure went beyond merely functional solutions and reflected the English ideal of the romance and beauty that was embodied in expanses of water. The MMBW further enhanced this notion by incorporating beauty and function in to the Classical and Italianate designs of its infrastructure such as pumping houses and reservoir outlet towers. The reservoir gardens and picnic areas were landscaped with ornamental stonework, exotic trees, decorative flower beds, fern glades pools and rose gardens. All features of the water supply system became widely celebrated as beauty spots that continue to be very popular to this day with tourists and locals alike. This souvenir is a product of that flourishing tourist trade. These water supply sites continue to enhance Melbourne’s charm and liveability and are now recognised as places of cultural and historic significance. This souvenir item has been curated by Melbourne Water as it represents an important historical aspect of the organisation by demonstrating the popularity of its water asset sites as recreational places and tourist attractions, and although these sites are functional parts of the water supply system, they were also designed to be enjoyed by the public both aesthetically and recreationally. Clear glass flower shaped 'depression ware' confectionery bowl, with photographic image of Maroondah Reservoir outlet tower on basemelbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, maroondah reservoir, melbourne water, scenic view, souvenir, glass bowl -
Melbourne Water
Souvenir lapel pin/brooch Maroondah Dam, 1960s/70s
Melbourne Water inherited many of its water assets, such as reservoirs from its predecessor the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW). They have served the organisation well and have long been celebrated for both their natural beauty and engineering ingenuity. In the nineteenth century Victoria’s fundamental need for water infrastructure went beyond merely functional solutions and reflected the English ideal of the romance and beauty that was embodied in expanses of water. The MMBW further enhanced this notion by incorporating beauty and function in to the Classical and Italianate designs of its infrastructure such as pumping houses and reservoir outlet towers. The reservoir gardens and picnic areas were landscaped with ornamental stonework, exotic trees, decorative flower beds, fern glads pools and rose gardens. All features of the water supply system became widely celebrated as beauty spots that continue to be very popular to this day with tourists and locals alike. This souvenir is a product of that flourishing tourist trade. These water supply sites continue to enhance Melbourne’s charm and liveability and are now recognised as places of cultural and historic significance. This souvenir item has been curated by Melbourne Water as it represents an important historical aspect of the organisation by demonstrating the popularity of its water asset sites as recreational places and tourist attractions, and although these sites are functional parts of the water supply system, they were also designed to be enjoyed by the public both aesthetically and recreationally. Blue enamel and metal lapel pin/brooch depicting Maroondah Reservoir and outlet tower. Oval shaped with words 'Maroondah Dam' at the top and a ribbon banner containing 'Healesville' at the bottom. Maroondah Dam. Healesvillemelbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, maroondah reservoir, melbourne water, scenic view, souvenir, lapel pin, brooch -
Melbourne Water
Souvenir tea caddy spoon "Tea Time", Early 1960s
Melbourne Water inherited many of its water assets, such as reservoirs from its predecessor the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW). They have served the organisation well and have long been celebrated for both their natural beauty and engineering ingenuity. In the nineteenth century Victoria’s fundamental need for water infrastructure went beyond merely functional solutions and reflected the English ideal of the romance and beauty that was embodied in expanses of water. The MMBW further enhanced this notion by incorporating beauty and function in to the Classical and Italianate designs of its infrastructure such as pumping houses and reservoir outlet towers. The reservoir gardens and picnic areas were landscaped with ornamental stonework, exotic trees, decorative flower beds, fern glads pools and rose gardens. All features of the water supply system became widely celebrated as beauty spots that continue to be very popular to this day with tourists and locals alike. This souvenir is a product of that flourishing tourist trade. These water supply sites continue to enhance Melbourne’s charm and liveability and are now recognised as places of cultural and historic significance This souvenir item has been curated by Melbourne Water as it represents an important historical aspect of the organisation by demonstrating the popularity of its water asset sites as recreational places and tourist attractions, and although these sites are functional parts of the water supply system, they were also designed to be enjoyed by the public both aesthetically and recreationally. Tea caddy spoon with clock face engraved showing 4pm on round spoon, tea pot shaped handle with enamel scenic view badge saying 'Healesville' ( depicting Maroondah Reservoir outlet tower). Tea caddy spoon box labelled 'Fine Silverware by Stokes'Stokes and Sons Stokes & Sons logo (Star with S and boomerang) EG. No. 15733melbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, maroondah reservoir, melbourne water, scenic view, souvenir, tea caddy spoon -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Plan, Royal Horticultural Society's Garden
Changed boundaries of the site burnley gardens, survey paddock, flood, lynch design, richmond park, yarra river -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Archive - Alan Mathews and family, 7 Jul 1964
The Mathews family have been in continuous ownership of 395 Howe Parade (was 8 Howe Parade until 1964 when addresses re-assigned), Port Melbourne from 1938 to the present (Sept 2019)Six folders of assorted documents relating to the life of Alan Mathews and his family. Documents relating to the purchase of residence on Howe Parade. Building and contents Insurance from Scottish Union and National insurance Co for 395 Howe parade. (Note the changed address.)built environment - domestic, banking, utilities - water, alan mathews, j e mathews, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, mmbw -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Document, Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, 31 Oct 1935
Documentation of drainage works in 1935 for 141 Bridge St.Plan of drainage 31/10/1935. Details the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works drainage plan for part of Port Melbourne. 141 Bridge St, Port MelbourneHand written details around blueprint of area. Notes made on right hand side and 3 signatures at the bottom.built environment - civic, built environment - domestic, engineering - board of works, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, mmbw, m h grover, r f bentley -
Melbourne Water
I'm not a Wally with Water badge, 1980s
Following the 1983 Victorian drought The Board of Works (MMBW) ran a television, radio and print campaign to encourage water conservation called ‘Don’t Be a Wally with Water’. The campaign followed Wally, a bumbling, habitual water waster, and is an early example of educating the public on water sustainability both environmentally and financially. Wally was both a cartoon character and played on television by the comedian Peter Moon. The campaign ran for several years and was designed to change attitudes towards water wastage. This MMBW branded item is associated with ‘Don’t Be a Wally with Water’ campaign, and demonstrates an early water sustainability education program. These badges would have been given out as promotional merchandise and at public events. Round metal badge with printed cartoon image and text. -
Melbourne Water
I'm not a Wally with Water badge, 1980s
Following the 1983 Victorian drought The Board of Works (MMBW) ran a television, radio and print campaign to encourage water conservation called "Don't Be a Wally with Water". The campaign followed Wally, a bumbling, habitual water waster, and is an early example of educating the public on water sustainability both environmentally and financially. Wally was both a cartoon character and played on television by the comedian Peter Moon. The campaign ran for several years and was designed to change attitudes towards water wastage.This MMBW branded item is associated with "Don't Be a Wally with Water" campaign, and demonstrates an early water sustainability education program. These badges would have been given out as promotional merchandise and at public events.Round metal badge with printed cartoon image and text. -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Report, Commerce News, "The Future Planning of Melbourne - A summary of Reports - Minister for Local Government", 1967
Printed report or paper, 16 pages on gloss paper, centre stapled titled "The Future Planning of Melbourne - A summary of Reports presented to the Minister for Local Government" looking at the growth of Melbourne, water supply, metropolitan boundaries, 1966-67. Includes submissions from Town and Country Planning Association, MMBW, Regional planning, decentralisation, finance, commuter services. Process created by Rupert Hamer, the Local Government Minister at the time. Published as a supplement to "January Commerce News.""4E1" in ink on front cover, AETA stamp, the date "(1967)" and peoples initials on the front cover.trams, tramways, melbourne, victoria, development -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Newspaper, "Sydney Tram on the Rocks", 1942
Newspaper Clipping titled "Sydney Tram on the Rocks" about tram No. 1875 running away on the Athol Wharf line in 1942. Photo shows tram on cliff edge. Date of Clipping not shown. On rear of cutting are Melbourne cricket team results and a loan advertisement for MMBW - paper is probably the Monday following the accident in a Melbourne paper. Record revised and image updated 20/9/2013. See Tramways of NSW, I. MacCowan, p70. R1890 did the same in 1952."1875" in ink on bottom right hand corner.trams, tramways, sydney trams, accidents -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Archive (Sub-series) - Subject File, Kew Historical Society, Household Lists & Accounts [Kew et al], 1958
Various partiesReference, Research, InformationSecondary Values (KHS Imposed Order)Two miscellaneous sets of documents. One is an auction catalogue of the contents of Lauriston, 7 Laura Street, Moonee Ponds, by Graham & Harper (1923). The second includes items relating to 60 Normanby Road, owned by Mr Walter Joseph Martin (amongst others), and includes a copy of a Certificate of Title (including owners between 1923-80), insurance papers (1926, 1935-6), MMBW rates (1933, 1934) Council Rate Notices (1933, 1935), and mortgage payments (1928, 1929, 1933).lauriston - 7 laura street moonee ponds, 60 normanby road - kew (vic), george frederick frieberg, george william wray bennett, maxwell howard martin, bessie may martin, walter joseph martin, gertrude daisy martinlauriston - 7 laura street moonee ponds, 60 normanby road - kew (vic), george frederick frieberg, george william wray bennett, maxwell howard martin, bessie may martin, walter joseph martin, gertrude daisy martin -
Williamstown Botanic Gardens- Hobsons Bay City Council
Postcard – Williamstown Botanic Gardens, c1900-1920
The original postcards in this series (2013.002 to 2013.018) were generously loaned to Williamstown Botanic Gardens by a private collector for copying. The postcards are evidence of the interest the gardens held as a subject for postcard publishers. The text and images provide a snapshot into fashions, social interests and concerns of the time. The professionally produced images provide a pictorial history of Gardens including changing planting styles, various structures and features of the Gardens eg the aviary, cannons, the fountain, the second Curator’s Lodge and gates. The images offer an opportunity to compare garden vistas with the present day. This card is a rare image of the original aviary built in the Gardens in 1892. The card also demonstrates how postcards were used as a method of contact in contrast to the contemporary use as souvenirs. The writer of the card, Polly, is anxious to receive a return postcard from Lila, writing that a reply should be sent that night. A black and white scene of a curving path with a square looking building at the centre. The 1894 MMBW plan shows that the building was triangular. The building is solid at ground level with the appearance of long vertical columns. The roof is light coloured and hip shaped with a finial at the apex. There is a garden set in the lawn on the left side of the image, shrubs and a palm at the left front corner of the building and tall trees in the background. The building is an aviary, which was built in north east section of the Gardens during 1892. The date of its removal is unknown. Front: ‘GARDENS, WILLIAMSTOWN’. Reverse: Centre top: ‘Post Card’; Vertical on left side: ‘P. & W. Series’; Right side ‘Address Only’. The card is addressed to Lila of ‘Ferguson St, N Williamstown’ from Polly. In pencil ‘1908 or later’ (believed to be inserted by the vendor of the card).postcard, gardens, post-card, williamstown-botanic-gardens, hobsons-bay-city-council, garden-path, aviary, 1908 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Book, Along The Length: an account of living and working on the Maroondah Aqueduct, by Fred Sadlier, 2003c
Memoir of living and working on the Maroondah Aqueduct by former Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Caretaker of Yarra Glen Lower length. The book is presented in three parts, firstly a brief explanation is given of the development of Melbourne's water supply system. Secondly the author tells in his own words his family connection with the Yarra Glen District and his work with the MBBW ca 1944-1979. The third part of the book is a tour from the Yarra Glen Lower length as it was in 2002 noting changes since Fred began working for the MMBW.iii, 34 leaves : col. ill., maps (some col.) ; 30 cm. Edited (with introduction and additional notes) by Leigh Ahern ; photographs by Gwen Sadlier and Leigh Ahern.maroondah aqueduct, water supply, yarra glen, reminscences, melbourne metropolitan board of works -
Melbourne Water
Photograph - Steel Pipeline, 1952
The Upper Yarra Reservoir supplies the Silvan Reservoir, which distributes water throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area. The dam was completed in 1957 and is a rolled earthfill and rockfill embankment. This photograph shows a 68" diameter steel pipeline that was to convey the water from the Upper Yarra Reservoir to the Silvan Reservoir.This photograph is significant as it provides a detailed insight into the Boards activity and construction of one of Melbourne's most important water supply systems. Furthermore, it is of historical importance to the history of Melbourne while it is representative of shaping Melbourne's environments, transforming and managing land and natural resources, and providing urban infrastructure and services. The photograph itself is aesthetically pleasing, through its depth of field and use of shape with an interesting composition. Black and white photographmmbw, melbourne metropolitan board of works, melbourne water, upper yarra reservoir, silvan reservoir, water, waterway, dam -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - digital images, L.J. Gervasoni, Cocoroc township - Werribee farm, 2011
Colour digital images images showing the former township of Cocoroc, Werribee farmcocoroc, town, shed, werribee farm, mmbw, melbourne metropolitan board of works, settlement, farm -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Plan, "State Bank of Victoria - Proposed dwelling Fishermans Bend"
Plans were brought to us for copying 19.05.2011 by CBA employee Steve Tserkezidis, who has access to old State Bank records. Borrowed for scanning by Gavin Rowson who put them on CD and returned 07.06.2011From series of State Bankhouse plans and elevations of types 1 - 8. A1 copies (.01) 1937 (stamp). (.02) 1928. (.03) 1937. (.04) 1937. (.05) no date. (.06) 1928. (.07) 1937. (.08) 1938. From plans accompanying bank House plans .01 to .08; (.09) MMBW plan showing bank properties (.10) Bank house plan: sections through walls. (.11) "Fishermans bend group" plan of properties (.12) Bank House plan of Pier Foundationgarden city, built environment - domestic, state savings bank of victoria, bank houses -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MERLE BUSH COLLECTION: VARIOUS DOCS
Various docs (possibly from Bush Collection?) a. Public issue of State Electricity Commission securities - letter to Stockholders; Power Loans ; Cash and Conversion Loans 1954/55; b. Board of Works Cash Loan Prospectus 1956; c. Card with information re the MMBW Metropolitan Farm; d. two B&W interior photos of St. Davids church, Hobart; e. J C Williamson Magazine programme 1934; f. Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board -map of proposals for General Scheme 1923.ephemera, mementoes, general interest -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Pamphlet, Geo M Hume, "Auction - Outstanding Industrial development site - Port Melbourne", May. 1982
Draft of a pamphlet - folded A3 sheet for the sale in June 1982 of the former Port Melbourne Bus Depot, near the corner of Bay St and Beach St. Consists of two sheets of 150gsm ? paper bound together with an adhesive tape. A loose sheet showing the layout of the various titles included as well. Note the correction to the owners name from the MMBW to the MMTB. Includes an aerial photo of the site, photos of the buildings, addresses of the block, a site plan, title particular, terms of sale and the Vendors Agent, Geo M Hume.trams, tramways, mmtb, buses, sale of land, port melbourne depot -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Article, Legatee Chas Wilks, President 1989
A cutting from from a Melbourne Legacy President's report showing a photo of Legatee Chas Wilks (President of Melbourne Legacy in 1989). It was collected to be a record of a photo of past presidents. During World War 2 Chas Wilks saw active service in the Royal Australian Engineers in New Guinea and Borneo. He had a career in civil engineering with MMBW. He joined Melbourne Legacy in 1973. The article was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of Legatee Chas Wilks a past president of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.An article with a black and white photo of Legatee Chas WIlks - President 1988.past presidents, chas wilks -
Melbourne Water
Photograph - Tunnel at the O'Shannasy Dam, 9th April 1921
The O'Shannassy Reservoir supplies water to the Silvan Reservoir, which distributes it to most parts of Melbourne. The dam was completed in 1928 and is an earthfill embankment with a reinforced concrete core wall.This photograph is significant as it provides a detailed insight into the Boards activity and construction of one of Melbourne's most important water supply systems. Furthermore, it is of historical importance to the history of Melbourne while it is representative of shaping Melbourne's environments, transforming and managing land and natural resources, and providing urban infrastructure and services. This photograph also covers the theme of Safety, depicting the safety standards of the time particularly with clothing. Black and white photographmmbw, melbourne metropolitan board of works, melbourne water, silvan reservoir, o'shannassy reservoir, construction, work, men, infrastructure -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Plan - CD-ROM, "State Bank of Victoria - Proposed dwelling Fishermans Bend"
Plans were brought to us by CBA employee Steve Tserkezidis CD with items below. From series of State Bankhouse plans and elevations of types 1 - 8. A1 copies (.01) 1937 (stamp). (.02) 1928. (.03) 1937. (.04) 1937. (.05) no date. (.06) 1928. (.07) 1937. (.08) 1938. From plans accompanying bank House plans .01 to .08; (.09) MMBW plan showing bank properties (.10) Bank house plan: sections through walls. (.11) "Fishermans bend group" plan of properties (.12) Bank House plan of Pier Foundationgarden city, built environment - domestic, state savings bank of victoria, bank houses -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Magazine, City Development Association, "This week in Melbourne", 1961
Set of 24 magazines - each a folded foolscap sheet printed on semi gloss paper with a red printed heading, titled "This week in Melbourne", published by the City Development Association - 1961. Looks at issues that affect the Melbourne CBD, traffic, planning, MMBW, open space, population, parking, overseas practices, City of Melbourne, water supply, freight terminal. Published on a fortnightly basis. All contained loosely within a brown card folder with the title written on the front and issue numbers. 1961 issues are: 2-8, 10, 12-15, 18-21, 28-31, 33-36.Has AETA stamp on front cover with the letters "3CT with a running number alongside."trams, tramways, melbourne, city of melbourne, public transport, road transport, traffic control -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Book, Robert La Nauze, Engineer to marvellous Melbourne - The Life and Times of William Thwaites, 2011
Engineer to marvellous melbourne - The Life and Times of William Thwaites Second edition by Robert D LA NAUZE (signed). Paperback produced by Melbourne Water to tell the story of the extraordinary young engineer who oversaw the sewering of Melbourne in the 1880s and 90s. Chrome yellow with sepia photo of aquaduct project 1890sSigned by author on title page. Archival PMHPS Stamp 1st page, also donor name in inkengineering - board of works, built environment - civic, william thwaites, george thwaites snr, elizabeth thwaites, george thwaites jnr, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, mmbw, all england eleven hotel, robert d la nauze -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Photograph - Black and White - demolishing cable tram track Smith and Gertrude Streets 1954/55
The photograph shows the demolition or removal of the cable tram track at the intersection of Smith Street and Gertrude St Fitzroy, 1954/55. Photo shows the workmen excavating and demolishing parts of the massive infrastructure needed at this curve to enable cable trams to pass around the sharp curve, still one of the sharpest on today's Melbourne tram system. The outside cable tram track remains in position. The MMBW plan shows a large cable sheave pit on the outside of the curve. The 1955 Annual Report notes that work commenced following the completion of the Queen's visit in March 1954 and that all work was done by day-labour. The track was opened to service in late June 1955. Photographer is possibly Keith Kings.Yields information about the extent of work need to convert the former Northcote Cable tram route to Electric trams, the people, the extent of the original construction and the methods used to undertake the work.Photograph - Black and White - demolishing cable tram track Smith and Gertrude Streets 1954/55trams, tramways, cable trams, workmen, mmtb, demolition, track work, conversion, smith street, gertrude street, fitzroy -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Cluny Convent (formerly 'Fairview'), 34 Wrixon Street, 1988
Frederick J. Robinson, a manufacturer, was the owner and occupier of a nine-roomed brick house by at least 1934. At that date the N.A.V. for the property was £270 while in the following year the N.A.V. increased to £350 with a note of 'additions' being made, recorded in the Rate Books. By December 1936 Robinson's house was being described as having twelve rooms and an N.A.V. of £295. The works were undertaken for Robinson by the leadng architect, Harold Desbrowe Annear, and appear to have been a comprehensive remodelling of the Victorian house on the site, the outline of which was clearly depicted in the MMBW plan of 1903. 'Fairview' is of significance as a comprehensive remodelling of a Vietorian house undertaken in the 1930s by the leading architect of the time, Harold Desbrowe Annear. The 1930s are integral to the significance of the whole. (Kew Conservation Study, 1988)Colour photographic positive of Cluny Convent (formerly 'Fairview') remodelled by the architect Harold Desbrowe Annear in the mid 1930s. cluny convent -- kew (vic.), fairview -- 34 wrixon street -- kew (vic.), harold desbrowe annear -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Cluny Convent (formerly 'Fairview'), 34 Wrixon Street, 1988
Frederick J. Robinson, a manufacturer, was the owner and occupier of a nine-roomed brick house by at least 1934. At that date the N.A.V. for the property was £270 while in the following year the N.A.V. increased to £350 with a note of 'additions' being made, recorded in the Rate Books. By December 1936 Robinson's house was being described as having twelve rooms and an N.A.V. of £295. The works were undertaken for Robinson by the leadng architect, Harold Desbrowe Annear, and appear to have been a comprehensive remodelling of the Victorian house on the site, the outline of which was clearly depicted in the MMBW plan of 1903. 'Fairview' is of significance as a comprehensive remodelling of a Vietorian house undertaken in the 1930s by the leading architect of the time, Harold Desbrowe Annear. The 1930s are integral to the significance of the whole. (Kew Conservation Study, 1988)Colour photographic positive of Cluny Convent (formerly 'Fairview') remodelled by the architect Harold Desbrowe Annear in the mid 1930s. cluny convent -- kew (vic.), fairview -- 34 wrixon street -- kew (vic.), harold desbrowe annear -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Plan - Ingles Street, Port Melbourne, 12 Jan 1866
Plans for Ingles Street showing both ground plan and longitudinal and traverse sections at Station Place, Heath, Nott and Bay Streets.Signed by surveyor Chas. Clay and James Bibby plus Thomas (Reek) Warren as witness to latter sig. Also a no: 355/H1 added later.engineering - roads streets lanes and footpaths, charles clay, thomas (reek) warren, james bibby -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Research Notes, H. S. McComb, electric tramways in Essendon, c1956
Set of papers, handwritten concerning the history of the electric tramways in Essendon, some in response to a query from a Mr. H. W, Bryne of Buckley St Essendon, dated 21/5/1956. Prepared largely by H. S. McComb, with notes on the extract of Act 2333, notes to the Chief Engineer, letter from H. Bryne, track layout sketches, meeting notes etc. Dated 1956 - draft of letter to go from the Secretary. Items 2027 to 2030 and 1309 copy 2 contained within box 72.3 in a brown folder marked "Historical Data regarding Essendon Tramways and their services to the City"trams, tramways, essendon, saltwater river, keilor rd, reports, essendon depot, nmetl, moonee ponds, mmbw, opening -
Melbourne Water
Souvenir Manicure Set, ELOSI, Maroondah Dam, Healesville Souvenir, c.1940
The Maroondah System was first and foremost developed as a functional component of Melbourne's Water Supply System. In addition to functionality, the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) envisioned the Maroondah Reserve to be enjoyed aesthetically and recreationally by the public. This souvenir illustrates the realisation of the Maroondah System as a local recreational and tourist attraction in the early 20th century. The Maroondah Reserve gardens were landscaped with English-style ornamental stonework, exotic trees, flower beds and rose gardens. All features of the water supply system became widely celebrated as beauty spots that continue to be very popular to this day with tourists and locals alike. This souvenir is a product of that flourishing tourist trade. These water supply sites continue to enhance Melbourne’s charm and liveability and are now recognised as places of cultural and historic significance.This souvenir item has been curated by Melbourne Water as it represents an important historical aspect of the organisation by demonstrating the popularity of its water asset sites as recreational places and tourist attractions, and although these sites are functional parts of the water supply system, they were also designed to be enjoyed by the public both aesthetically and recreationally. This rare pocket grooming kit features a scene of the Maroondah Outlet and Dam. The handle is manufactured from mother-of-pearl, encasing four steel utensils. The utensils contained inside the kit were used for filing and manicuring.Engraved on the back of the last utensil is the manufacturer’s mark “ELOSI”. ELOSI is the acronym from Ernest Lohr and Otto Stiehl of Solingen, Germany. In 1935, this company was the first to manufacture thin plastic covers for low cost (5-25 cents). This is one of the most successful and profitable inventions in the history of cutlery and utensils.melbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, maroondah, dam, healesville, melbourne water, scenic view, souvenir, manicureset, historic, germany, rare