This pin cushion was in use when home spun "fashion" clothing was manufactured or altered. When this item was used it was in a period when distances from haberdashery stores was too far and mail ordered clothing would take weeks to arrive.The ability to make and alter clothing for families within the Kiewa Valley and its regions was a domestic requirement up until the later period(1960's onwards)This pin cushion, although rarely used in the 21st Century, with the availability of "cheap" throw away clothes, was very important to a well run rural household. The emphasis for girls to be able to sew and repair clothing was generated by mothers and continued at high schools. Part of the role of women(in this time frame) within the family was to manufacture children's clothing and adjust the growing waistline of their men folk. This item is very significant to the rural households in the Kiewa Valley because of the relative isolation of the region and the amount of wear and tear that clothes go through in a typical rural environment.This pin cushion is "home" made, circular and covered in a blue floral material, encircled with a light blue ribbon (glued on) for extra adhesion. The material encloses a padded surface(allows pins to be safely inserted for storage(future use).sewing, pin-cushion, haberdashery

This early 1900's tin which contained loose leaf blended tea was imported into Australia by those tea merchants who wanted to provide the Australian tea drinkers with quality tea. It could well be early Lipton distributors to both city and rural clients and consumers. This was in a period when most rural families were heavy tea drinkers. It was well before the introduction of coffee as a drink (especially instant) for the early morning, after meals and general "drink any time" pick me up beverage.This relatively large tea tin marks a period in time when loose leaf tea was in great demand and large quantities were not only used by families but also restaurants, workers mess halls and remote large rural families. The ability to obtain a quick tea supply in semi remote rural areas such as the Kiewa Valley was not possible due to the factors of all weather road access and the economics of traders going out of their way. Stocking up with important beverages, such as tea, was a "one of those things" that early rural communities had to endure with. Bulk storage tins such as this item were not only a requirement but also offered storage for other household items. This usefulness was not overlooked by the "canny" rural family.This large metal tin container was specifically manufactured for the kitchens requiring a bulk storage "bin" type of loose leaf tea content. When emptied, it could also be used as a general kitchen storage container for other bulk consumables.On the front side and in the background, there are three sketches of Egyptian pyramids(increasing in size from left to right). At the forefront there is a camel "train" loaded with supplies and handlers, making their way over the sandy desert going towards a large sign(in a freehand script) "PYRAMIDS BLEND". The left side "Specially Selected" and underneath "PURE TEAS" below this and within a circle is the figure of a Geisha clad of Asian appearance (with a fan in a raised hand with boxes(of varying sizes) around her. All these are in (off white design and wording on a green background. On the back in green print on off white background "PYRAMIDS BLEND" and underneath "OF SPECIALLY SELECTED PURE TEAS". On either side are columns of similar print. To the left "THESE UNRIVALLED BLENDS ARE GUARANTEED TO CONTAIN ONLY PURE TEAS".To the right "SPECIALLY SELECTED FROM THE CHOICE GROWTHS OF CHINA INDIAN & CEYLON". Below both columns is "for delicacy & fragrance of flavor, combined with great strength, and are confidently recommended to the public as the best values in teas obtainable" On the last side is a sketch of an " Indian encircled, holding a staph with palm trees in the background and four tea containers on his left, with "PYRAMID BLEND" as a subject heading. There are two Oxen pulling a two wheeled cart with a load of six large boxes. On lid and barely readable "FIVE POUNDS NET"loose leaf tea containers, food storage tins, kitchen tidies

This covered glass bowl with lid was made in a period when there was a strict discipline in the use a various dishes and accompaniments with respect to the type of crockery used. This was in the English style, especially in well to do rural family estates. This period was part of the early 1900's, when large rural acreage was family owned and the economical return to rural produce was very high. It was a time when the Australian economy "rode on the back of sheep"This item has relative significance to the Kiewa Valley as part of the rural and mining(gold) era when the strong return from local gold mining and grazing was demonstrated by the "landed gentry" and significant household cutlery, crockery, etiquette and old English mores, influenced by "Mother Britain"This green opalescent covered bowl is similar to the French PV cabbage form. When the lid is on the bowl appears as a small cabage with three sets of half peeled leaves. There are five outer leaves, next row are five inner leaves and finally three core leaves. The main bowl has a lip encircling the inside of the bowl for the lid to rest upon with closed. The glass has been pressed to show the leaves with their web like stalks. The inside area of the bowl and lid are smooth. This is to allow the mashed up contents to be easily scraped into a serving ladle.Barely visible "VALLERYSTHAL"glass bowls, kitchen crockery, serving etiquette, meal presentation

The Trade Mark "Preservene" was registered on 23 June 1914 and traded in that name until 1930 when Cussons Australia Pty Ltd incorporated the name and its products including the Preservene Cloudy Ammonia. The Preservene Company produced a book (19 pages) "The Presevene Method Of Housework" in 1911. This publication was not only a self promotion but also a useful tool for the rural household and commercial enterprises.This bottle is very significant as it details the type of household cleaning methods and products used in the early 1900's up until the mid 1900's, when greater product diversities became available for rural areas. This product was a general cleaning agent that could be used for a variety of household items. It was the one product that "fits all cleaning". This attitude by the manufacturer fits into the mores held by the populous not only in cities but especially in the rural sector. This was an era where the success of a product was measured by the degree of versatility that came with it. The war years, the great depression had a lingering affect upon those who lived through them not to "waste" money on a multitude of products if one product had multiple uses. This was more so in rural areas where semi remote locations (as the case of the Kiewa Valley in the early 1900's) did not have the market place choices of city dwellers.This oblong shaped brown stained bottle has a red,green and faded white label covering 90% of the bottle. The bottle has a screw on lid. The bottle has embossed at the top back "POISON NOT TO BE TAKEN"on front label starting from top down "POISONOUS" IN SMALLER LETTERS "NOT TO BE TAKEN", below in an eclipse red backed sphere "PRESERVENE CLOUDY AMMONIA" below this in smaller print "CONTENTS 15 1/2 ozs", "For Household & Laundry use " below this "Removing stains and clearing Silverware Jewellery Etc". On a slant with green lettering on off white background, "IMPORTANT NOTICE (underlined) NO TOIL PRESERVENE ONLY BOIL(underlined) SOAP". Below within a red dotted boundary "PRODUCED BY Preservene Pty. Ltd. Melbourne Victoria". Below this and in smaller print "This preparation contains not more than 10 percent and not less than 7 percent free ammonia" Both sides of the label detail manufacturers instructions for different applications.laundry cleaners, stain removers, preservene label

This meat mincer was born in a period where hand operated mincing and blending machines were only available for household mincing meats and blending ingredients up to the 1960's. Electrical kitchen based whitegoods were rare in areas where the connection to electricity was intermittent or not at all.This kitchen aid is a very significant item in the Kiewa Valley before suitable electrically operated mincers became available and constant reliable electrical connections were installed. The Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme provide the stable supply of electricity which made most of the hand operated mincing machines obsolete. However large mincers for bulk supplies were still required eg. kitchens for SEC workers during the 50's and 60's.This heavy industrial type meat mincer(cast iron) has a top "rounded feeder cup" with a mincer screw blade at the bottom. A winder handle rotates the screw like mechanism to mince and express solid pieces of meat at the other end. There is a clamp below the main structure which permits the fastening of the hand driven mincer to a table or solid ledge. The hand grip of the handle is made from wood and fashioned like a clothes peg.On the rounded feeder bowl "MAJOR" and on the winder handle "A POPE PRODUCT"hand operated meat mincers, meat grinders, kitchen utensils

This mid 1900's ice "bucket" was used during the first major "American" (fashion invasion) of merchandise for the "new " social set. This was a form of release, coming after the tight money restrictions during the "Great Depression" and from World War II.This item is an example of the change of direction in regards to household cutlery and crockery which the Australian rural environment slowly progressed through. This progression was due to a closer alliance with the USA after World War II and and increase push in marketing by USA manufacturers of their Australian partners and the closer alliance between the two nations. The American service men and women on recreational leave during the "South Pacific war" front brought both nations closer together and the requirement of American industries to find new markets resulted in "cheaper" mass produced silverware onto the Australian scene, which at that time were mainly sourced from the UK and Europe. This silver plated "ice bucket" with lid and handle has "pot belly" shape. A smaller circumference top, bulging center and smaller bottom. The lower inside shape of the "bucket" allows for a "grate" to be placed 40mm from the bottom (this grate would separate the "solid" ice cubes from the melted ice water). There is a "U" shaped "swiveled" handle with "art deco" type leaves(grape) reinforcing the cross section. There are two bands of "grape leaf" motifs, one smaller one at the top rim and a larger one on the bottom at the point of furthest bulge.At the outside base is the manufacturers logo "K" and encircled in small print are "KNICKERBOCKER MFG CO. QUADRUPLE PLATE"silver plated ice "bucket", bottle cooler

This kiln glazed container for liquid's, was the type used in the 1700's to mid 1900's to contain fluids mainly for human consumption which needed to retain liquid that could be affected by sunlight and or required to be maintained at a cooler temperatures. Ginger beer and other "brews" for human consumption were the prime target. The ability to refill these vessels were of the utmost importance to the consumer. Over time these containers were reduced in size and produced for "special" liquids e.g. alcoholic Port. This Demi John stone ware was manufactured in Tamworth (England) and imported into Australia during a period when the majority of "quality" domestic items were sourced from "the Mother Country" and the ties between the still "colonial" outpost were very strong. This bondage remained longer in rural communities than in the cities. The "multi-culturalism of the post World War II era resulted in the lessening of the earlier ties. The growing of nationalism, the Aussie evolution, was brought about by the increased social and business/commercial interactions between Australia and the United States of America, post World War II.This container(jug) is very significant to the Kiewa Valley, a rural region that required these type of liquid storage vessels, especially in the late 1800's to the mid 1900's. These were times when household refrigeration, if available, would be from the "block ice" coolers or "cool" storage nooks and crannies within farmhouse locations.This large "stone ware" glazed Demi John, alias Carboy has a capacity of over 20 litres. It has a conical smooth lipped neck top with a wide, flat(three to four finger) carry and poring handle. The top third portion of the jug is caramel in colour and the bottom a darker cream. It has a manufacturer's seal stamped into the surface before glazing. This item would have been corked and then sealed (air tight) with wax.manufacturer's seal "GEORGE SKEY WILNECOTE TAMWORTH"household liquid jar container, 1800's food storage, kiln fired glazed pottery

This bottle of castor oil was used during the mid to late 1900's when there was a Hospital in the Kiewa Valley, but regarded as only for serious injuries and near death situation. For this reason many households had a "first aid" box full of items such as this bottle of castor oil. Home based remedies for non life threatening injuries and illnesses were a part of life in a semi remote rural region. True and trusted family "health" remedies were passed from generation to generation.This Castor Oil bottle is very significant to the Kiewa Valley as it demonstrates the self reliance of the early farming and grazing pioneer families. Knowledge of "first aid" was uppermost to the survival of families before the late 1900's. Naturopathic remedies such as connected with the castor oil contained in this bottle, although may not be sanctioned by medical research, does not take into account of the positive "self healing" of the human mind (if you think it is doing you good it creates a positive action). Such preservation techniques were handed down through the generations.Medical Reference material was limited to books available and read and not not from "the internet" in the latter part of the 1900's. The availability of General Practitioners increased because of the boost in the population growth (SEC Vic Hydro Electricity Scheme) in the Kiewa Valley from 1940's onward. This small indigo coloured glass bottle has a narrow neck and a screw on lid.It has an embossed manufacturer's name and contents (Castor Oil) on one side and identification marks embossed on the underside base.medicine bottles, home first aid remedies, indigo glass medicine bottles

This box which once contained linen thread manufactured in Scotland and labelled "British" manufacture" was used for the repair/manufacture of clothing by professional seamstresses and those wives required to "do" repair stitching of family clothes. This box was manufactured in a period when the title "United Kingdom" was used (late 1700's early 1900's) to describe the union of Britain and Scotland. The label however can be misleading as the"British Manufacture" thread was manufactured in Scotland. The broad term "British Manufacture" was used for the benefit of those in the "colonies" of Australia and New Zealand, during a period when the "coined" phrase "best of British, or British best" was synonymous to "top quality". After World War II the need for "cheaper products" was more persuasive than the quality of the product. In rural areas this shift to cheaper "non British" goods was at a slower rate than in the cities. Goods such as clothing manufactured or altered by seamstresses were regarded as of a higher standard and therefor the use of linen thread from "Britain" was a sign of quality and reliability.This box which contained linen thread, "British" made, is very significant to the Kiewa Valley because it demonstrates the conditions under which households in the late 1800's and early 1900's evolved from a "domestic repair /replacement" of damaged clothing to a consumer of recycled and shop bought clothing and linen. The ability of semi isolated rural based families to purchase "off the rack" clothing was severely affected by weather, long distance over dirt roads(poorly serviced) to large towns(shops), horse/cart or slower driven cars. The purchasing of clothing was, on the whole, from trading house "mail order" consignment orders.This red paper covered box has a white covered lid (top) with black print detailing the manufacturer and contents. This box contained 150 yds of linen thread 2 cord. A small added note pasted on one side "USUAL TWIST (s)" describing the thread's appearance. Two semicircular "finger" holes on two sides of the lid permit easier removal of the lid from the base.On the top lid: "W.&J. KNOX'S" below this a crest with latin motive "MOVEO ET PROFICIOR" English translation "I proceed and am more prosperous" encircling an open winged falcon. below this "LINEN THREAD", "2 CORD." "WARRANTED" "150 Yds." Made from Flax." British Manufacture". On one side "DRABS SOFT FINISH" within a shield "KNOX'S TWO CORD 150 YARDS 30" next to this a trade mark "W & J KNOX below this "made in KILBIRNIE, SCOTLAND"thread, cord. flax, box container, linen thread, seamstress items, cardboard box

Cast irons were heated on the stove and used to take out creases/wrinkles in cloth. Used before electricity was available. Two irons were often used so that one could be being used while the other heated.Used in the Kiewa Valley prior to electricity being available.Metal cast iron with handle and embossed within a circle the letter S on the top of the iron. The handle has flat metal curved sides which hold a hollow round rod for lifting.Embossed on top of the iron - circle with S inside.antique iron, household item

This type of butter churn was used around the early to mid 20 century by household and small farms of the Kiewa Valley who kept cows for Milk. The buy product of the milk was cream and butter. Once the cows had been milked, often by hand, women would place the milk in shallow dish, and next morning the cream would be separated from the milk. Or a cream separator machine would be used. The cream would then be churned by the paddles in the butter churner until it formed in butter clumps. Butter Pats would be used to take the butter out and press into triangle butter blocksThis butter churner is significant due to its historical value which explains how butter was made by hand before this process became mechanistically made. Many houses or small farms in the Kiewa Valley had these butter churns to make their own butter for their household or to sell. This has very good interpretation significance as it adds to the history of dairy industry in the Kiewa Valley. Wooden box with a metal handle for turning the blades /paddles /slats inside the box.These blades churn the cream when the handle is turned. There is also a wooden handle and a wooden lid.butter, dairy, milk, manual, domestic, item, food, preparation, dairying, technology

This item could have been used by a woman who had reasonably good hand stitching and patchwork skills. The time period would be before the 1950's as post 1950s this item would have been commercially available from any medium populated towns Historically this particular item would have been one before circa 1950s, when haberdashery shops would not have been so readily accessible for those families living in the Kiewa Valley. The protection of side boards indicates that furniture at that time was required to look good and last longer. Pride of the family household furniture was also very highTable or dressing table cover made of calico. Hand stitched into Suffolk puffs, large 12 cm in diameter, small 4.5 cm in diameter. 8 large and 103 small ones. All hand stitched together. Hand madepatchwork, calico, hand stitching, home furnishing, furniture coverings

Historically this item was before electricity lighting was available. There is no protection around the candle to prevent wind or air movement from extinguishing the candle flame therefore this means of night illumination was used within a house environment. It could be easily moved from room to room but would have insignificant "candle power" to lighten more than a few metres around it. This item was before kerosene lamps, gas lighting and electric/battery lamps This candle holder would have been used within the homes of Kiewa residences to illuminate the way from room to room where there were no other forms of lighting available. As it is relatively light in weight and with a finger/s grip it is highly portable and was in time replaced by battery powered torches. It was used in a period where home, or local made candles were a necessity of living. This Item was used before battery powered torches were invented. Although candles are still used in the late 20th and after, their fundamental use has changed and they function more as a mood enhancement item or as a back up for an electrical power failure and the alternative battery powered torch also runs out of power.1. This small basin shaped candle holder is formed of metal and sealed with a pale grey enamel skin. It has a black painted edge and finger holder. It has a raised vertical spout for the securing of the candle. The bottom of the basin is contoured from the candle base to the outer edge to allow for melted candle wax to be safely held within the basin. 2. As above. The handle is rusty but otherwise in good condition. candle-holder, portable light enamel household goods

This item was in use before electricity and was manufactured after the flat stove irons.The weight of the iron base, is heavy, helping in smoothing out crinkly material being ironed. This item permitted ironing of clothes to be separate and away from heating stoves. It permitted greater flexibility for ironing clothes and permitted more control (consistency) of the temperature of the iron.Historically and significantly this item enforces the relative isolation of the Kiewa Valley and period when and where this domestic item was in use(manufactured circa 1950). A rural setting with mining, beef , milk and tobacco production in the early 1900s. Even though the community was in a rural setting, the standards of dress was the same as in the bigger towns and cities. Social and religious mores and values demanded that the personal appearance be clean and crisp no matter where a person was living or working. Heavy laborious work was considered by some religions as virtuous, therefore the heavy and tiring work of ironing during this period had its rewards. Rural areas where the last to be connected to electricity and therefore this item was a domestic necessity far into the 1950's.This iron has a steel base and a metal body coated with green coloured enamel. The wooden hand grip is painted dark green. The kerosene (spirit) container is a chrome metal cylinder with a flat bottom and top. The top has a small filler/air plug is located on the top side. There are two control knobs located next to and under the metal cylinder. The close to the cylinder is a lock which locks the top lid of the iron and the other knob controls the airflow to the heater rodOn the base of the handle "PEERMAN" and below this P/46, C.I. Thomas & Son Pty Ltd household, ironing, domestic kerosene, dry cleaning

Historically this item was used before the spirit and the electrical iron took over 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 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. This particular iron was an improvement on the fixed handled iron because it allowed (by use of its easily detachable handle) to use multiple bases and thereby allowing a constant heat supply to be maintained and not having to waste time for a base to reheat to the required level of application.The significance of this item was that it allowed for a faster method of ironing clothes and linen. It's invention was a progress towards reducing the time it took to undertake a very labour and intensive domestic function. The reduction of time taken for this household duty provided women great flexibility to undertake other activities. These type of improvements to basic domestic tasks liberated housewives not only physically but also mentally from the isolation of the home environment.This flat iron has a removable, clip-on handle. The handle and its release knob are of wood. The base of the handle together with the heavy flat body are made of cast iron. The body of the iron is oval shaped tapered at each end and is 40mm thick.Underneath the handle frame and on the main body, on one side, in raised lettering is "Mrs Potts" and on the other side "Iron". Both are clearly visible when viewed from an aerial position. Under removable handle and on a plate (screwed onto the main body) is "No 2"iron, antique, household, pressing clothes, domestic, laundry

The 1950's saw a revolution in small appliances for use in the average household. This hand held self heating(kerosene) iron was introduced as a time saving and more convenient iron for pressing clothes and other cloth fabrics. It replaced irons needing a separate fire source to heat the ironing plate. These irons continued to be in service, even when electricity was available in cities and larger rural towns (domestic electric steam irons were invented in 1938). This item was used before and during the electricity supplies available from the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. These irons remained in use within regional rural areas that had limited or unreliable electrical reticulation.In the 1950s and later the Kiewa Valley was still a relatively isolated region which was home to rural properties and small settlements. The availability of electricity and or the financial means to afford new types of electric hand irons ensured that older and sometimes less efficient ironing remained for an extended period covering the 1960s to 1970s. Kerosene products, such as this kerosene iron was a cheaper method for farm based domestic and other rural activities requiring a heat source. The use of kerosene as a heat/light source was able to be supplied in bulk and able to be used when floods severed vital roads into this region. The supply of electricity was in summer time subject to interruption from bush fire damaged wooden poles carrying the electrical cables. Self sufficiency by rural populations was the backbone of survival and the ability to store energy sources "on the farm" was a prerequisite of isolated regions, such as the Kiewa Valley, circa 1950s.This Coleman kerosene iron has a solid steel chrome plated(press) base with a painted (blue) wooden handle. The handle is stud fastened onto an oblong shaped rolled steel handle frame and screwed (two screws) onto the base plate. Both the heating plate and the top securing plate are shaped similar to a river boat. The main housing enclosing the heating element is enamel coated(blue in colour) steel and has a half hole for lighting the kerosene at the rear end. Behind the handle and protruding upwards is a stainless steel fully enclosed container (bowl shaped) for the main supply of kerosene to the burner or generator(enclosed within the main body of the iron. The bowl has an air valve and inlet for pressurised air intake (hand pump) On the bottom rear of the fuel bowl there is a screw regulated fuel pump. The fuel heated base plate provides the heat for this advertised "self heating iron(instant lighting). See KVHS 0347B- Instruction sheet; KVHS 0347C- Wrench; and KVHS 0347D Fuel can.Stamped on the base plate of the handle, front region "COLEMAN LAMP & STOVE CO." below this "WICHITA KAN" below this"TORONTO CAN". In the middle of the handle base and in larger print "COLEMAN Instant-Lite" At the rear location in large print "MODEL 4" in smaller print below "MADE IN U.S.A." below this "PAT#1718473"household appliances, alternative non electrical ironing appliances, domestic appliances, kerosene appliances

The 1950's saw a revolution in small appliances for use in the average household. This hand held wrench was provided exclusively for the Coleman self heating kerosene (KVHS 0347A) iron and used for the regular changing the kerosene used in it. The iron was used before and during the electricity supplies available from the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. These irons remained in use within regional rural areas that had limited or unreliable electrical reticulation. Kerosene supplies were cheaper than electricity but also more inconvenient than electric. Electrical appliances become cheaper to buy and maintain in the later part of the 1900's and the now older kerosene iron was faded out.This wrench was required to open the fuel container which stored kerosene in the Coleman hand iron(see KVHS 0347A). This item was part of the maintenance requirement of this particular hand iron. In the 1950s and later the Kiewa Valley was still a relatively isolated region which was home to rural properties and small settlements. The availability of electricity and or the financial means to afford new types of electric hand irons ensured that older and sometimes less efficient ironing remained for an extended period covering the 1960s to 1970s. Kerosene products, such as this kerosene iron was a cheaper method for farm based domestic and other rural activities requiring a heat source. The use of kerosene as a heat/light source was able to be supplied in bulk and able to be used when floods severed vital roads into this region. The supply of electricity was in summer time subject to interruption from bush fire damaged wooden poles carrying the electrical cables. Self sufficiency by rural populations was the backbone of survival(use of this wrench was a part of rural life). The ability to store energy sources "on the farm" was a prerequisite of isolated regions, such as the Kiewa Valley, circa 1950s.This item is a flat cast iron wrench, which has been specifically made for KVHS 0347A (kerosene iron). The wrench has four specific forms cut into the steel which fit firmly around their targeted nut and other fixtures. Also see See KVHS 0347B- Instruction sheet; and KVHS 0347D Fuel can.ironing, iron maintenance tool, domestic appliances, household

The 1950's saw a revolution in small appliances for use in the average household. The hand held self heating(kerosene) iron for which this filling can was provided ,was introduced as a time saving and more convenient iron for pressing clothes and other cloth fabrics. It replaced irons needing an external fire source to heat the ironing plate. These irons continued to be in service, even when electricity was available in cities and larger rural towns. This item was used before and during the electricity supplies available from the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. These irons remained in use within regional rural areas that had limited or unreliable electrical reticulation and the ability to service them from this filling can was an essential part.n the 1950s and later the Kiewa Valley was still a relatively isolated region which was home to rural properties and small settlements. The availability of electricity and or the financial means to afford new types of electric hand irons ensured that older and sometimes less efficient ironing appliances remained for an extended period covering the 1960s to 1970s. Kerosene products, such as the kerosene self heating (KVHS 0347A) iron and this kerosene filling item, was a cheaper method for farm based domestic and other rural activities requiring a heat source. The use of kerosene as a heat/light source was able to be supplied in bulk and able to be used when floods severed vital roads into this region. The supply of electricity was in summer time subject to interruption from bush fire damaged wooden poles carrying the electrical cables. Self sufficiency by rural populations was the backbone of survival and the ability to store energy sources "on the farm" was a prerequisite of isolated regions, such as the Kiewa Valley, circa 1950s.This specially spout fitted can was provided with the Coleman self heating kerosene iron (see KVHS 0347A). On one side of the half enclosed top of the can there is a small spout(for poring the appropriate liquid into the egg shaped fount container) at the rear end of the hand iron. The can is made from tin. See KVHS 0347B- Instruction sheet; KVHS 0347C- Wrench.On one side of the can in black print on yellow background is "FUEL MEASURING CAN" underneath is "For Coleman Instant-Lite Iron" underneath are four numbered paragraphs detailing the use of this can. Below this is the name and places of manufacture. On the other side of the can is printed "BE SURE" with filling and maintenance instructionskerosene can, ironing, domestic appliances, household appliances

This object was used a shield to slide brass button through to enable them to be polished.They were a common object for those who wore military type uniforms with metal buttons The item belonged to John T Sizeland who was a member of the Warrnambool Urban Fire Brigade from 1940 through to 1977.This is an object which was commonly used by those in the military and those who wore uniforms with brass buttons. This item has strong provenance having belonged to John Sizeland who was a member of the Warrnambool Fire Brigade for over 30 years and was donated along with a number of associated fire brigade items. Long horse shoeshaped piece of copper with narrow slice three quarters through with rounded notch at the end.J Sizeland hammered into one end.warrnambool, button cleaner/protector, button cleaning shield, brass button, john t sizeland, brass button cleaning

This object is used to wind yarn ,typically wool from a skein or hank into a ball from which it can be worked into the required garment. The skein is placed around the four pegs on the ends of each arm and wound from this into a ball. The movable arm facilitate easier winding of the yarn. It is thought that this may have come from Fletcher Jones factory where it was probably used more to rewind cotton onto reels. Either use is possible.This item or those similar would have been a well used tool in many households before the time of woollen yarn being purchased in balls. As such it has social and historical significance as well as being useful as an item to create discussion.Square wooden base with bevelled edge and central post from which is screwed two wooden strips of wood. A shorter piece of wood is riveted to each end of these two pieces and these have dowel running upright from each end. The top section is movable and can be extended or contracted as required. Light brown in colour.165 on sticker on bottom.warrnambool, wool winder, skein winder, fletcher jones

Heavy, flat-sided baby’s feeding bowl, the design of which encourages the child to feed himself. A good example of a common household item.Round cream ceramic bowl with flat lip and straight sides which is straight on the inside and indented on the outside. “BABY’S PLATE “ written in brown on rim. Transfer of three young girls with one astride a black and white dog, in garden setting. Gold on rim.Baby’s plate.bowl, ceramic

Matilda Marian Pullan, who wrote under the name of Mrs Pullan, was a prolific and influential writer on needlework. She contributed to many magazines as well as authoring numerous books on needlework. This book was first published in 1855 and co-authored by Eliza Warren who was also a well-known authority on household management related subjects. This book was published before Mrs Pullan moved to America.The 1840s saw the rise of domestic instruction for young women as a new area of publishing in both magazines and books. This item is an example of needlework in the mid 19th to late 19th century.A red fabric covered book, titled "Treasures in Needlework".inside cover - "Lizzie G. Broomde from her affectionate brother, Arthur - 1856"

This item was donated as a display item for the Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre). Quadruple silverplate items were four times as heavily plated with silver as standard items. Quadruple plate hollowware was some of the highest quality made during the latter part of the 19th century.This item clearly has an aesthetic significance as silver cake baskets were a common sight in upper-class households in the 18th and early 19th centuries.A silver plated cake plate on a pedestal with a handle. It has a pattern of flowers and birds etched into the top of the plate.SIMPSON HALL MILLER & Co. Quadruple platesilver-plate cake-stand tableware domestic

Ossie Green was a retired primary school principal living in Marlo. He wrote many historical books including Marlo The Township; The Plains The Cape. Mrs Green was a McKeown from Marlo. McKeowns had large land holdings around Marlo for farming.This item is an example of a commonly used item in the late 19th -early 20th century. It reflects a time when accounts were made of paper and retained as records by households. Black cast iron billfile. Ornate design with large spike.bill-file ornaments-metal green-ossie mckeown

Made as wedding present for Cameron, John (Mrs) in 1880 at Lakes Entrance. John Cameron (1847-1930) selected first land on Snowy River flats. Married Elizabeth Roadknight (1863-1939) who was born in Cunninghame (now Lakes Entrance).This item is associated with the Cameron family who were early Orbost settlers.Large handmade woven Aboriginal basket.basket household basket-woven aboriginal lakes-entrance cameron-john

A razor strop is flexible strip of leather or canvas used to maintain a shaving edge on a thin blade such as a straight razor. Fine powdered jeweler's rouge or other pastes can be added as an abrasive to polish the blade. The strop may be a hanging strip or a hand-held paddle. This one is a hanging strop. Strops were quite commonly found in barber shops and homes before the invention of the safety razor, They are still used for sharpening tool blades. This one was owned and used by Mr Bill Weston, an early Orbost sleeper cutter.This item is an example of the self-reliance shown by rural families when household necessities were not readily available.A brown leather (probably horse hide) razor strop with a double hook at one end. It consists of two strips of leather with padded 'tongue' at bottom. This is a hanging strop which has a metal swivel on top so that the strop can be turned over while hanging from a hook/peg Front top in gold : MALWA Base in gold: 910razor-strop shaving personal-effects

An ink bottle was made of glass or ceramic and typically sat on a desk. The writer would dip the pen (or quill) into the bottle to put more ink on the pen. Because they sat on a desk, ink bottles were often decorative.We have mostly dispensed with ink bottles and quills. This item is an example of early stationery equipment commonly used in schools, households and commercial enterprises.A cylindrical brown glazed ceramic ink bottle with the neck narrowing to a pouring lip.Towards the bottom : WYATT MOTTS LANCELEY

This container is part of a collection of retail packaging, domestic goods, tinplate, made for Bushells, Australia, 1908-1940 In the mid-nineteenth century custom branded tins developed as a tasteful form of advertising. They were often cheap and decorative and found their way into households as gifts, often being kept as ornaments and storage boxes.They have survived well in many homes. This tea caddy is an example of an Australian branded item used in local households. Rectangular metal storage tin printed with scenery of a tea plantation, hills, women carrying baskets and carts. At the top of the front face is the word 'PEEL'. A small cylindrical lid fits on a short neck on the top. Printed around the lid and base is information about Bushells.lid: "Bushells makes 40 more cups to the pound. On bottom: "Net 1lb wt; No.144 - guaranteed under the Pure Food Act; NSW; 1908 by Bushells , Ltd, No.144"

This copy was used by Jean Ralston (nee Cameron) of Orbost. She was married to Jack Ralston. John Gavin Ralston was born 26 July 1914 at Eden, N.S.W. and came to Orbost in the early 1920's, with his parents and siblings. They lived at the corner of Tennyson and Salisbury Streets. Jack was educated at Orbost Higher Elementary School before being apprenticed to William Ross at the Snowy River Mail as a lino-type operator. He married Jean Cameron. After WW11 when he served overseas in the islands) He resumed his trade at the Snowy River Mail until 1949 when began J.G.& J.M. Ralston, Seed & Produce Merchants. Jack Ralston was very involved in the Orbost sporting community, the Presbyterian Church and the Orbost Municipal Band. He also served in the Orbost sub-branch of the R.S.L. He died on April 15 1967. (ref. Margaret Smith O.D.H.S. Newsletter) This item reflects community affiliation with the Presbyterian Church as well as being a popular domestic reference item for many households. A cardboard covered spiral bound recipe book with a colourful cover - photographs of prepared food. Above the photos is the title, "P.W.M.U. Cookery Book" in black print.front cover: Jean Ralston handwritten in blue pen Inside back several recipes have been handwritten.cookery recipes book-cookery p.w.m.u.

This item was used as a portable toilet probably in a bedroom at night. They were commonly used until indoor plumbing was installed.Nowadays commodes have replaced chamber pots and are equally helpful for the sick and disabled persons. However, chamber pots are still used in countries which lack indoor plumbing facilities or during winter. The chamber pot is used in the form of a bedpan in hospitals and homes for very ill patients. The most popular form of the chamber pot is the potties used for children during toilet training. This is an example of an ordinary household item not commonly in use in the 21st century.A white painted enamel bowl-shaped container with a handle. It is blue rimmed with a blue handle.chamber-pot sanitation