This iron was used to press clothes prior to the spirit and electrical irons becoming available circa 1930s - 1950s. The main body of the iron was placed on a flat heated surface of a stove (wood, coal or gas fired). It was mainly used by women in their domestic role, ironing the family's clothes and linen. In the Kiewa Valley the supply of coal or gas was not available or too expensive than the locally cut hard wood trees. Ironing was time consuming as the iron had to be heated, used and then reheated to the required level of application. Kiewa Valley farmers' wives used these irons having heated their stoves with local timber from their farms. This iron is made of cast iron. The handle is a hollow cylinder and is 70 mm above the solid 30 mm base. Presumably the handle was wrapped and/or threaded with cloth to protect the hand from the heat of the iron. The iron would have been heated on the top of a stove.6 Metters KFB Victoriairon, laundry, domestic, antique, pressing clothes, household

This sewing machine was bought by Alex Craig's dad in 1942 for his wife whom he married in 1943. Alex's grandmother used it in 1942. It still works (2013).Historical: Type of sewing machine used by S.E.C.V. wives living in Mt Beauty during the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's. Ladies made the family's clothes and sewed for the Annual Church and School fetes. eg. children's clothes and dolls' clothes. They bought dozens of dolls and made 'fairy' dresses for them using coloured netting.Singer sewing machine - brown wood lid & base. Handle on top of inside of lid as is the wooden bench that clips on to the side of the machine and also the steel knee lever that fits into the front of the machine. Black steel machine with silver fittings. Brown and white electric cord plugged in. "Singer" on front centre of lid. On machine - "Singer" above light. "The Singer manufacturing Co. / Manufactured in Great Britain" top of machine. "Singer" on front side of machine. Front - Gold plate - "The Singer Manfg. Co. / Trade Mark." Decoration on machine base and silver end.singer manufacturing co.. sewing. fetes. clothes. domestic.

This sewing machine was bought by Alex Craig's dad in 1942 for his wife whom he married in 1943. Alex's grandmother used it in 1942 to make button holes.Historical: Type of machine used by S.E.C.V. wives living in Mt Beauty in the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's. Ladies made the family's clothes and sewed for the Annual Church and chook fetes e.g.. children's clothes and dolls clothes. They bought dozens of dolls and made 'fairy' dresses for them using coloured netting.Green & white box containing black & silver metal with 4 parts for attaching to Singer sewing machine for sewing button holes."Singer Buttonhole Attachment" on green 'cloud' top of box. "The Singer manufacturing Company" on green 'cloud' on side of box. "For Light Manufacturing and Home Use" on green 'cloud' on side of box. "Made in Great Britain" on white top half of end of box & teen 'cloud' below end of box is "Singer / Buttonhole Attachment / No. 86662 / For Singer Lock Stitch/ Family Sewing Machines.singer manufacturing co.. clothes. fetes. domestic. sewing.

This sewing machine and its accessories was bought by Alex Craig's dad in 1942 for his wife whom he married in 1943. Alex's mother used it and the accessories in 1942. Historical: Type of machine used by S.E.C.V. wives living in Mt Beauty in the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's. Ladies made the family's clothes and sewed for the Annual Church and School fetes. eg. children's clothes and dolls' clothes. They bought dozens of dolls and made 'fairy' dresses for them using coloured netting.Dark green box with red & white inscription on top. Inside are 7 metal (silver coloured) attachments for Singer Sewing Machine including one for sewing zips, ruffling foot, rolled hemming foot .singer manufacturing co.. clothes. fetes. domestic. sewing.

This is size one of three sizes (Mrs Potts) irons available in the late 1800s and early 1900s which were used for (press) ironing clothes etc. using wood or coal based heaters. The majority of these irons would have been placed on top of wood or coal fuelled stoves. They survived longer in isolated outback regions where electricity had not been connected. The weight of these irons was intentionally heavy so as to press the clothes etc. neatly. These irons were used in an era where stiff collars and creases in particular types of clothing was essentially a social requirementHistorically these irons fulfilled a particular function that was the norm in isolated or semi isolated country locations. Cities and larger towns had professional laundry and pressing shops. In smaller towns and homesteads, wives and relatives would use these heavy irons and required strong arms. In middle and higher levels of society these irons would be used by maids or nannies. Their use was a necessity to conform to the social requirements of acceptable appearances that all clothing worn had been "pressed" clean. In the Kiewa Valley the majority of these irons would have been used by mothers or relatives. Men would hardly have used these irons as society labelled this type of activity as "women's work"This double pointed, heavy and solid cast iron, is a Mrs Potts No. 1 type. It does not have a handle. It was used to iron clothes. Open cavity on top for handle (not included) see KVHS 0369 for No. 3 ironMrs Potts No. 1house hold, ironing, domestic, pressing, clothes appliance

This is size one of three sizes (Mrs Potts) irons available in the late 1800s and early 1900s which were used for (press) ironing clothes etc. using wood or coal based heaters. The majority of these irons would have been placed on top of wood or coal fuelled stoves. They survived longer in isolated outback regions where electricity had not been connected. The weight of these irons was intentionally heavy so as to press the clothes etc. neatly. These irons were used in an era where stiff collars and creases in particular types of clothing was essentially a social requirementHistorically these irons fulfilled a particular function that was the norm in isolated or semi isolated country locations i.e., ironed clothes and linen.The iron was heated by using locally acquired wood in a cast iron stove or "pot Belly". It would be placed on top of the stove but not directly in the flames. Cities and larger towns had professional laundry and pressing shops. In smaller towns and homesteads, wives and relatives would use these heavy irons which required strong arms. In middle and higher levels of society these irons would be used by maids or nannies. Their use was a necessity, to conform to the social requirements of acceptable appearances in that all clothing worn had been "pressed" clean. In the Kiewa Valley the majority of these irons would have been used by mothers or relatives. Men would hardly have used these irons as society labelled this type of activity as "women's work"This double pointed, heavy and solid cast iron, is a Mrs Potts No.3 type. It does not have a handle. It was used to iron clothes. Open cavity on top for handle (not included) Note: one end is pointed up to allow the natural weight of the iron to increase the pressure at any of the "hard to press" spots or emphasizing required creases. see KVHS 0368 for No. 1 ironMrs Potts No. 3house hold, ironing, domestic, pressing, clothes appliance

A colourful sampler worked in Scotland about 1820 by Ursula Blair, who was only 12 years old. Donated from the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. The Blair connection is from the Munro family -maternal side.This item shows the needlework skills which were being taught to young girls in preparation for their duties as wives.A colourful sampler showing numbers and letters, a house and garden in plain gold/brown frame. Sampler is in a wooden frame with glass front.sampler handcrafts needlework

The photograph is of members of the Governing Council of Greek Women in Melbourne in 1917. A number of the women were from Ithaca. The organisation was created to offer social interaction for Greek women who had settled in Australia in the early years of the twentieth century and was part of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria. Back row L-R: Mrs. A Raftopoulou, Miss Sigala, Mrs. E. Peppa. Middle row L-R: Miss E. Nomikou, Mrs. K. Kyriazopoulou, (President), Mrs. K Mavrokefalou (Vice-president), Mrs. N. Mari. Front: Mrs. B. Zografou. A black and white portrait style photograph of eight young women. The translated caption is printed below the photograph in Greek: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF GREEK WOMEN, MELBOURNE 1917 gocv, committee, auxilliary

This photograph was taken of the debutantes and their partners presented at the annual debutante ball.This photograph is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Laminated black and white photographic print (copy print) on card. Front of card, top centre: 'Young Chinese League debutante set 1938'. Front of card, bottom centre. 'Back row: Claude WONG HEE, Jack GOON, Arthur WHEE, Gordon NAM, Gordon LOUEY, Owen YOUNG, Stanley AH MOUY, Harold KONG, Dennis QUON, G TYE DIN, Harold MEW. Next Row: Linda YOUNG, Doris WHEE, Rose YIN, Phyllis POON, Violet TOW, Thelma WING JAN, Kim SHEE, Violet LOUEY, Eunice CHIN, Edna KONG, Betty WHEE, Jean LIM, Norma YOUNG'. Back of card, top right hand corner. Number '1938' has been written in blue pen. Sticker text 'P735 (another version = P587) 93.2.1'.young chinese league, debutante balls, melbourne

This photograph was taken of the debutantes and their partners presented at the annual debutante ball held at St Kilda Town Hall. This photograph is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Black and white photograph (vintage) with cream frame under glass. Has a cream card mount which provides details of the ball and names the people in the photograph.Front of card title top centre: 'The Young Chinese League Annual Ball at St Kilda Town Hall, 1947'. Bottom centre: DEBUTANTES Back Row: Alex Chun Tie, Vernon Ah Mouy, Maurice Lee, Robert Kwong. Third Row: Harold Chin, Alan Lim Joon, Lennie Quon, Eric Moy, Edward Chin. Second Row: June Lee Gow, Evelyn Law, Annamae Young, Mrs L.M.Wang, June O'Hoy, Rose lee, Audrey Lau. Front Row: Jean Wing Dann, Marjorie Kwong, Connie Ham.'young chinese league, debutante balls, st kilda, melbourne

This vest was probably used in both China and Australia during the 1940s as a procession garment. It is linked to the Young Chinese League.This vest is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Cream sleeveless jacket with broad navy border along armhold, body and hem. A thin navy borader with thin red piping inside of it encircles the collar. A circular panel is appliqued on the front and back. The panel contains bright blue and red piping. The Chinese character, 勇, in the centre of the panel means 'brave' or 'strong' and is usually associated with soldiers.young chinese league, processions, melbourne, victoria, china

This photograph was taken of the football team representing the Young Chinese League in 1947.This photograph is significant for its links to the Chinese Young Chinese. The Young Chinese League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Black and white photograph (vintage) with cream frame under glass. Has a cream card mount which provides details of the names the people in the photograph.Front of card title top centre: 'The Young Chinese League Football Team 1947'. Front of card bottom centre: 'Back Row: A.Anguey, T.Gooey, N. Chong, G.Chong, P.Geechoun, R.Yee, H.Chin, O.Kwong, Centre Row: J. Chong, N.Quon, F.A.Chinn, D.Quon, C.Quon, D.Tyshing-F.Gooey, Front Row: L.Quon, T.Wing Young, L.Moy. C.Wing, G.Dan, A.Young, A.Kim.'young chinese league, football team, melbourne

This mask was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions.This mask is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.A costume mask of a female character. She has a headdress of pink flowers, green and silver decorations. She also has a high bun. She has painted eye brows, eye liner, rosy cheeks and lips that are painted red. The eyes has been cut out for the wearer to see out of. There is a strap that runs behinds the mask.young chinese league, costume, mask, melbourne

This vest was probably used in both China and Australia during the 1940s as a procession garment. It is linked to the Young Chinese League.This vest is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Sleeveless jacket in cream and red silk with red circular panel in centre, containing black, velvet Chinese characters that read 'brave' or 'strong'. A red border runs around the sides with a curled design running underneath the circular panel. Three buttonholes at back of garment bear the same design. There is water damage (red staining) around the sleeve and at the bottom right hand corner.The Chinese character, 勇, in the centre of the panel means 'brave' or 'strong' and is usually associated with soldiers.young chinese league, processions, melbourne, victoria, china

This hat was probably used in both China and Australia during the 1940s as a procession garment. It is linked to the Young Chinese League.This hat is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.A red, purple and blue silk, six paneled hat embroidered with gold braid and adorned with mirrors. Tip of hat has red, silk bobble sewn into place. Each panel is embroidered with gold and orange thread. Among the threads are eight circles of metal around one central, circle. There is a blue band around the bottom and a ribbon tie attached to one panel and it is lined with pale blue cotton fabric.There is a black stamp of a Chinese character on the inside of the hat.young chinese league, processions, melbourne, victoria, china

This mask was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions.This mask is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.A costume mask of a male character. He has a silver headdress with pink, green and yellow decorations. He has black horns, a black face with pink cheeks, red lips and markings on his forehead, nose and chin. The eyes has been cut out for the wearer to see out of. There is a strap that runs behinds the mask.young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, masks

This vest was probably used in both China and Australia during the 1940s as a procession garment. It is linked to the Young Chinese League.This vest is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Child's apricot coloured tunic with blue, floral embroidered border. Circular panel with red Chinese characters adorn the front and back and the tunic itself buttons up on right-hand side. Garment has a square neck and is lined with red striped panel.Chinese characters in the centre circle read: '軍' and above this in smaller characters '御林'. The large character means 'soldier'. The smaller characters may refer to the rank of the soldiersyoung chinese league, processions, melbourne, victoria, china

This helmet was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. This is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.This helmet is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Black and gold papier mache helmet with knob on top and black satin rectangle attached behind.young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, helmets

This upper garment was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. This is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.This upper garment is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Upper garment with fish scale decoration in gold with blue trim and a smallstainless steel/chrome half spheres attached to the chest. The sleeves have decorated cuffs and small shoulder 'wings'.young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costumes

This decorative overskirt was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. This is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.This decorative overskirt is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Decorative overskirt in three leaf-shaped panels decorated in gold scales with blue trim.young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costume

This costume tail was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. This is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.This costume tail is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.'Fish' tail that is attached around the waist decorated with gold scales with a blue trim.young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costumes

These trousers were obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. These are part of a 'fish warrior' costume.These trousers are significant for their links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Pale blue satin/silk trousers with elastic waist and ankles.young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, helmets

This boot was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. It is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.This boot is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Black boots with white, platform/wedge styrofoam sole, lined with starched interfacing and cardboardyoung chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costumes, boots

This headscarf was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. It is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.This headscarf is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Light blue satin headscarf or kerchief.young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costumes

This belt was obtained by Charles Quon, probably from Hong Kong, and used by the Young Chinese League in their processions. It is part of a 'fish warrior' costume.This belt is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Blue and gold belt with eleven studs running along the centre line.young chinese league, melbourne, victoria, australia, processions, costumes, belts

Alma Quon played the drums/piano in the all-girl band the Joy Belles and was its major instigator and leader. It is believed that the band played contemporary western popular music, possibly a jazz/swing style. It was basically a dance band and they played at many Young Chinese League functions. This drum is believed to have been used during the 1950s.This drum is significant for its links to the all-girl band 'Alma Quon & the Joy Belle', a girl band during the 1950s and the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Drum with mother of pearl laminex shell, stainless steel fittings and skin membrane.Painted on one side "Alma Quon & The Joy Belles" and on the other "Alma Quon".young chinese league, alma quon, girl bands, drums, music

According to Les Youie (the editor) this is an example of one of the first newsletters produced by the Young Chinese League for its members.This newsletter is significant for its links to the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.One page mimeograph copy of newsletter for members of the Young Chinese League. The newsletter covers both sides of the sheet.Handwritten in blue on the top middle is: 'SAMPLE' and in black: 'Dec 1955'.young chinese league, melbourne, newsletters, community organisations, chinese community organisations, les youie

This is a photograph of eight of the nine first elected Councillors of Carrum 1920/21From the Collection of Chelsea and District Historical Society IncBlack and white photograph of men, women and children c1920. The men are eight of nine first elected councillors of Carrum. Original framed.chelsea, local government

6th May 2009 A large earthenware figure of a spaniel made in the 19th century in Staffordshire and used as a fireside ornament. Also referred to as Staffordshire dogs. They were purchased by errant husbands to comfort irate wives.|Stoke, Burslem, Hanley, Longton and Tunstall were known as the “Five Towns” of the Staffordshire potteries. In the 19th century there were more than 1000 firms working at various times, amongst them Wedgwood, Spode and Ridgway. Largely because of Josiah Wedgwood and the canal system, and later the railways English ceramics spread far and wide. A vast export trade to the Americas and India was from the port of Liverpool. Staffordshire became the pottery supplier of the World. Most factories made figures and tea and dinner sets.|The Comforter Dogs were copied and made by more than one pottery.Staffordshire dog - no makers mark. Right foot cracked. Repair on ear. Some cracks on body.ceramics, porcelain, ornaments