The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interest. This Issue celebrates the 50th Anniversary of CMHS Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS and this month Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of CMHS.Issue 18 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in October 2010. . Notice of AGM October 30th and Celebration of 50th Anniversary of CMHS. The Founding Members of CMHS are thanked and praised for their foresight, generosity of time and energy and for organising the collection of historical artefacts that created ‘Box Cottage Museum” as it is today. Mrs Dorothy Booth, FoMRGS, has donated her mother’s wedding dress to Box Cottage Museum, and John O’Callaghan, Glen Eira Historical Society, will donate a rebuilt computer. We are now commencing a Catalogue of our Library Books. The Story of the Elster Creek is attached.CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / OCTOBER 2010 NEWSLETTERcity of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, booth dorothy, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, elster creek, moorabbin shire, box cottage museum, state library of victoria, vicnet, city of moorabbin, box william, clothing, wedding dress, friends of mentone railway gardens, glen eira historical society, o’callaghan john

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interest Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS The issue of Chinese migration was very inflamed and caused much distress to local market gardeners c1900. Issue 18 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in August 2010. Notice re meeting august 29th. Items of Interest explain that volunteer Ronnie has completed The CMHS site on Vicnet, Dennis Maynard has built display benches for the Barn and repaired school desks, Mr Neil Follett has donated a photograph of the Tuck family and ‘Baydon Hill’ c1800, Trish Smythe, manager Kingston Library, has displayed Posters and Flyers about Box Cottage Museum, and 3 bridal gowns are now on display at Box Cottage. Robina Naughton has researched a photograph , 1906, of His Excellency Hwang Hon Cheng, Chinese Commissioner, donated by Frank and Lorna Thatcher. A copy of this photograph has been sent to Sophie Couchman, Curator of Museum Of Chinese History. Helen has compiled a 3 page history of Hwang Hon Cheng and the Chinese in Victoria 1840- 1906.CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER city of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, mckinnon, kingston, clothing, bridal gowns, weddings, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, box cottage museum, city of moorabbin, box william, glen eira historical society, vicnet, brighton historical society, museum of chinese history, hwang hon cheng, follett neil, thatcher frank, thatcher lorna, smythe trish, city of kingston library, the grange, baydon hill, tuck family

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interestHelen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS and this month Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of CMHS. The puzzle around the naming of the suburb McKinnon tells the story of Daniel, Donald and Laughlin MacKinnon. 5 x A4 paper printed on 1 side Issue 20 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in February 2011. Notice for meeting February 27th and the Subscription $5 is due. Despite the recent heavy rain the Cottage and grounds were unaffected, however an possum / rat appears to have entered the Cottage via the Chimney and caused the breakage of 2 glass kerosene lamps that were on the mantelpiece and lots of droppings before escaping. Teresa Murphy, editor of ‘The Moorabbin Leader’ Newspaper, visited Box Cottage and discussed a proposed regular feature ‘Down Memory Lane’. Volunteers are requested for Open Days, and are reminded of the Visitors’ Book, Children’s Treasure Hunt Cards and the Volunteer Hours Record. Accompanying it is the Story of Daniel MacKinnon b Glasgow arrived Port Phillip 1839 died 1889, his son Donald MacKinnon b 1859 Terang, Victoria – 1932 and Laughlan MacKinnon b1817 Isle of Skye -1888 no relation to eitherCITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / FEBRUARY 2011 NEWSLETTER city of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, mackinnon daniel, mackinnon donald, mackinnon laughlin, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, mckinnon, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, box cottage museum, city of moorabbin, box william, glen eira historical society, the moorabbin leader newspaper, murphy teresa, the argus newspaper

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interestHelen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS The Brewer family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire.3 x A4 paper printed on 1 side Issue 21 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in April 2011. Notice that the next meeting will be May 29th because April 24th is Easter Sunday and reminders about subscriptions, the Volunteer Hours Record Book, and the South Metro History Group April meeting . Joan Moore, attended a Training Day on March 28th, organised by Peta Knott, Museums Australia Victoria, for small museums to record their artefacts, photos, documents, clothing etc. on the MAV Website. The first item entered on ‘Box Cottage Museum’ site is The Keys Trophy Cup 1881. Cat No. MAV 00001. Helen has compiled a brief history of John and Ann Brewer market gardeners c1841, with photograph CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / APRIL 2011 NEWSLETTERcity of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, mckinnon, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, box cottage museum, city of moorabbin, box william, glen eira historical society, museums australia victoria, knott peta, south metro history group, brewer john, brewer ann, jasper road, point nepean road, brewer’s road

Celluloids are a class of compounds created from nitrocellulose and camphor, with added dyes and other agents. Generally considered the first thermoplastic, it was first created as Parkesine in 1856 and as Xylonite in 1869, before being registered as Celluloid in 1870. Celluloid is easily moulded and shaped, and it was first widely used as an ivory replacement. The main use was in movie and photography film industries, which used only celluloid films prior to acetate films that were introduced in the 1950s. Celluloid is highly flammable, difficult and expensive to produce and no longer widely used, although its most common uses today are in table tennis balls, musical instruments and guitar picks. Celluloid was useful for creating cheaper jewellery, jewellery boxes, hair accessories and many items that would earlier have been manufactured from ivory, horn or other expensive animal products. It was often referred to as "Ivorine" or "French Ivory". It was also used for dressing table sets, dolls, picture frames, charms, hat pins, buttons, buckles, stringed instrument parts, accordions, fountain pens, cutlery handles and kitchen items. The main disadvantage the material had was that it was flammable. Items made in celluloid are collectible today and increasingly rare in good condition. It was soon overtaken by Bakelite and Catalin.. A miniature, square, Ivorine hand mirror with bird engraved on back. An accoutrement for use in a lady's Evening bag c 19thCbird engraved on back of mirrormoorabbin, cheltenham, brighton, market gardeners, pioneers early settlers, mirrors, ivorine, celluloids, bakelite, plastics,

The Kennedy and Hume families were pioneer market gardeners and dairy farmers from the 1850's in the Parish of Moorabbin in the Shire of Bourke and later Shire of Moorabbin.A photocopied photograph of Mary Kennedy nee Hume in a clear plastic framekennedy mary, hume mary, market gardeners, dairy farmers, vegetables, milk products, moorabbin, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, brighton, dendy henry, pioneers, early settlers, photography

The pioneer farmers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire had to be self sufficient and made their own tools and clothing and grew their own food. Some had been farmers in England and brought with them tools that would help them establish homes in the new countryAn example of the typical tools used by pioneers in Moorabbin Shire as they built homes and established farms. c1880 This spokeshave, is a wooden hand - plane that has a very short flat metal sole, used for smoothing curved surfaces.moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, market gardeners, pioneers, farmers, tools, planes wood

The Blacksmith used these tongs to make repairs at his forge. He could mend wheel bands, tools, farm equipment and also fine tune generic sized horseshoes on site. He needed tongs to work on any heated metal as required at his forge A Blacksmith was an essential person for the maintenance and making of farm and household equipment, and shoeing horses, in the pioneer settlements of Brighton, Moorabbin, Cheltenham c1900 A pair of forged steel blacksmith tongsmarket gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, blacksmith, tools, metalwork, forges, ploughs, horse-drawn carts

This baby’s hand crocheted silk bib is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A hand crocheted cream silk baby's bibclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, craftwork, crochetwork, market gardeners, early settlers,

These baby’s hand crocheted silk bootees are an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Hand crocheted cream silk baby's booteesclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, craftwork, crochetwork, market gardeners, early settlers,

Pocket Watches became popular in the late19th C. Gentlemen put their 'Fob' watch in their waistcoat pocket attached to a chain that had a bar that slipped through a button hole. Ladies attached their Watches by a chain to their chatelaine. Nurses usually used a bar with a pin to attach the pocket watch to their uniform. All Train Conductors had a Fob Watch to keep check of the Train Timetable.This small silver plated pocket watch with a hinged case has a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, a seconds dial at 6 and black metal hands.unreadable on back of Casebrighton, moorabbin, pioneers, watchmaking, jewellers, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, watches, clocks

This calico baby’s bootee is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A calico infants bootee with lacesclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, calico, cotton, linen

A clamp is a fastening device to hold or secure objects tightly together to prevent movement or separation through the application of inward pressure. The tool is for temporary use for positioning components during construction and wood working. There are many types of clamps available for many different purposes. Some are temporary, as used to position components while fixing them together, others are intended to be permanent. A C-clamp or G-clamp is a type of clamp device typically used to hold a wood or metal work piece, and often used in carpentry and welding. C-clamps or G-clamps are typically made of steel or cast iron, though smaller clamps may be made of pot metal. At the top of the "C" is usually a small flat edge. At the bottom is a threaded hole through which a large threaded screw protrudes. One end of this screw contains a flat edge of similar size to the one at the top of the frame, and the other end usually a small metal bar, perpendicular to the screw itself, which is used to gain leverage when tightening the clamp. When the clamp is completely closed, the flat end of the screw is in contact with the flat end on the frame. When the clamp is actually used, it is very rare that this occurs. Generally some other object or objects will be contained between the top and bottom flat edges. A steel ‘C’ or ‘G’ Clamp used to hold a wood or metal work piece, used in carpentry and welding.L.W.BANKtools, woodwork, metalwork, welding, carpentry, pioneers, market gardeners, early settlers, bank w.l., moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, ormond

A hacksaw is a fine-toothed saw, originally and principally for cutting metal. They can also cut various other materials, such as plastic and wood; for example, plumbers and electricians often cut plastic pipe and plastic conduit with them. On hacksaws, as with most frame saws, the blade can be mounted with the teeth facing toward or away from the handle, resulting in cutting action on either the push or pull stroke. In normal use, cutting vertically downwards with work held in a bench vice, hacksaw blades should be set to be facing forwards. Joseph Marples & Son Pty Ltd Traditional Craftsmans Hand Tools made in Sheffield. The finest quality hand made tools, backed by over 170 years of manufacturing heritage. .In the 1840’s Joseph Marples was one of several ‘Marples’ (most of which were related) in Sheffield manufacturing joiners tools, such as brass inlaid rosewood & ebony braces, boxwood spokeshaves, beech planes, gauges and squares. The business has remained within the family to this date, and has been based in Sheffield since those early days. Although modern technology has been used in some instances, many of the traditions of manufacturing fine hand tools has remained the same using selected materials and hand finishing, indeed the same threads are used in the gauges as were used over 100 years ago. A steel hacksaw. 'Marples' with bladeMARPLEStools, woodwork, metalwork, carpentry, pioneers, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, ormond, joseph marples & son pty ltd, sheffield , england,

A blowtorch or blowlamp is a fuel-burning tool used for applying flame and heat to various applications, usually metalworking. Early blowlamps used liquid fuel, carried in a refillable reservoir attached to the lamp. Modern blowtorches are mostly gas-fuelled. The blowlamp is of ancient origin and was used as a tool by gold and silversmiths. They began literally as a "blown lamp", a wick oil lamp with a mouth-blown tube alongside the flame. This type of lamp, with spirit fuel, continued to be in use for such small tasks into the late 20th century. In 1882, a new vaporizing technique was developed by Carl Richard Nyberg in Sweden, and the year after, the production of the Nyberg blow lamp started. It was quickly copied or licensed by many other manufacturers. Carl Richard Nyberg (May 28, 1858, – 1939) was the founder of Max Sievert’s Lödlampfabrik, then one of the largest industries in Sundbyberg, Sweden. After school he started working for a jeweller and later he moved to Stockholm and worked with various metalworks. 1882 and set up a workshop at Luntmakargatan in Stockholm making blowtorches. However the business didn't work well because it took too long to both manufacture and sell them. In 1886 he met Max Sievert (1849 - 1913) at a country fair and Sievert became interested in Nyberg's blowtorch and started selling it. In 1922 the company was sold to Max Sievert who continued to own it until 1964 when it was bought by Esso. The blowtorch is commonly used where a diffuse high temperature naked flame heat is required but not so hot as to cause combustion or welding: soldering, brazing, softening paint for removal, melting roof tar, or pre-heating large castings before welding such as for repairing. It is also common for use in weed control by controlled burn methods, melting snow and ice from pavements and driveways in cold climate areas, road repair crews may use a blowtorch to heat asphalt or bitumen for repairing cracks in preventive maintenance. It is also used in cooking; one common use is for the creation of the layer of hard caramelised sugar in a crème brûlée. A brass blowtorch, 'Sievert' with a wooden handleSIEVERTtools, blow torches, blow lamps, welding, brazing, jewellery, cookery, soldering, nyberg carl, sievert max, stockholm, sweden, spirit fuel, kerosene, gas fuel, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, plumbing, carpenters,

Traditionally, a bow saw is a woodworking tool used for straight or curved cuts. A bow saw is a type of frame saw. Its thin blade is held in tension by a frame. In English and American vocabulary it denotes a toothed blade suspended between two long narrow handles called "cheeks" that are supported and separated by a thin stretcher in the centre of the handles, making a wide H shape (the cheeks form the uprights of the H, the stretcher the crossbar of the H). The blade is kept in tension with a turnbuckle or a twisted cord that runs parallel to the blade between the two cheeks but on the opposite side of the stretcher. If a cord is used, the cord is twisted with a toggle attached to one loop of the cord, adding tension. The toggle hits the stretcher, which keeps the cord from untwisting. A finer version of the saw uses a narrow blade (1/4" or less) with handles that allow the user to hold the saw and turn the blade. In this context it is also known as a turning saw[2] which is larger than a coping saw.Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothes, tools and equipment as they established their market gardens and farms. A wooden Bow saw with tensioning string, toggle and bladetools, woodwork, metalwork, carpentry, pioneers, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, ormond

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

Alonzo Box, who lived in Oakleigh, was the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box, a pioneer settler of Dendy's Special Survey 1841 who purchased 'Box Cottage ' in 1865 and lived there until 1914. Alonzo Box married Mary Kloster/ Closter in 1918. On the Marriage Certificate Mary Box has spelt "Closter" with a "C" and not the "K" of her German heritage. This marriage was taking place during World War 1. Many immigrants would have altered their name at that time. The Box family were early pioneers of the district and raised their family in reconstructed 'Box Cottage'. They established a market garden and sold produce to the Melbourne markets for the colony's increasing population.A large, glass covered, wooden-framed, wedding photograph of Alonzo and Mary Box (nee Kloster/ Closter),married June 12th 1918 is displayed in the reconstructed 'Box Cottage' Museum, Joyce Park, Ormond, Victoria. At front base of mounting of photograph 'Muntz Malvern' is stamped. On back of photograph is written, unsigned, 'Mr & Mrs Alonzo Box/ June 12th 1918/ (Mary Kloster )/photographs, brighton, moorabbin, malvern, box william, box elizabeth, box alonzo, box mary, oakleigh, muntz

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

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

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

This medium sized metal, horse-drawn, road-working scoop, with timber shafts is an example of those used in Moorabbin Shire in the late 1800s, and up until the 1940s for road-works, building dams, market-gardening work and other similar earthworks in the shire. The Box Cottage museum example would have been drawn by one horse, with the worker walking and steering the horse and scoop from behind using the timber shafts. There were even bigger metal scoops that required two or more horses to drag the scoop through the soil.Following the Dendy Special Survey 1841 allotments were sold to pioneer settlers who established market gardens in the Moorabbin area. Roads and roadside dams were needed as they transported both their stock and garden produce to markets in St Kilda and Melbourne By1880 the Shire of Moorabbin was using horse-drawn, road-working shovels on the main thoroughfares of the district.A medium sized metal, horse-drawn, road-working scoop, with timber shafts. Used by Moorabbin Shire in the late 1800s, and early 1900s for road-works, and other similar work in the shiremelbourne, shovel, brighton, moorabbin, metal, gardens, roads, markets, mckinnon, cheltenham, horse drawn, scoop, dendy henry, st kilda

Members of the Marriott family arrived in Port Phillip in 1857. However it was John and Jane Marriott who in 1876, (after toiling hard since their arrival in1871, for very little gain), first leased, then purchased in 1882, 30 acres with a four-roomed house in East Boundary Road, in the area then called East Brighton. (Now known as East Bentleigh). The land they purchased had previously been a part of the 1841 Dendy Survey. Over the following years, John and his four sons with hard work and determination became prosperous vegetable growers and purchased further land in the area. Following John's retirement and subsequent death in 1903, the land was passed to his sons, and then onto the Marriott grandchildren. The family continued to remain very prosperous and successful vegetable growers. This lovely photo of Geoff Marriott bears testament to just one of the many families steeped in the tradition of vegetable growing which significantly contributed to the prosperity of the Shire, and its subsequent development into the City of Moorabbin. The photograph of Geoff Marriott of the Marriott family represents a typical example of the MANY early market gardening families, some names less prominent, but who with their labours contributed to the prosperity and the development of the community of the Shire of Moorabbin. This group of early pioneers, over many years, were a singularly important group responsible for the growth of schools, churches, the Mechanic's Hall, and were active in local government. Large coloured photograph, taken in 1969, showing Mr Geoff Marriott with his horse-drawn plough pulled by "Duke" the Clydesdale horse, and accompanied by "Smoky", his dog, working in his market garden, Brady Road, East Bentleighhorse, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, settlers, fruit, markets, vegetables, plough, mayors, moorabbin shire, moorabbin roads board, marriott geoff, marriott john, marriott jane, market gardens, horse drawn plough, city of moorabbin

This baby's crocheted outfit is an example of the clothing made for their children by the families who had settled in the Moorabbin Shire c1900. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireThis baby's crocheted cape and dress aesethetically significant as an example of the skill of the women of the families who were pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire who made their own clothing for their families. It was made by a member of the early settler Blackburn family and passed down through the generations. This is a white cotton baby's two piece, cape and dress outfit, with extensive hand-crotchet lace trim.clothing, moorabbin, crochet, bentleigh, pioneer settlers, baby outfit

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

This white, cotton half petticoat with hand crochet work on the hem is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in the Moorabbin ShireThe pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This petticoat is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these familiesA lady's white cotton half petticoat, with deep hand- crochet border at the hem. brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dress, bentleigh, early settlers, garments

These white cotton underpants were made for Mr Geoff Maggs by his mother in 1907 as his first underwear at age 2 years old. The Maggs family were early settlers in the Moorabbin ShireThe pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. White, cotton underwear for a 2 year old boy. Made at home on a sewing machine with hand feather stitching and factory-made guipure lace on leg-bands. Buttons at waist, and a tuck pleat to let down as child grows.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, dressmakers, market gardners, early settlers, maggs geoff