Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothes and tools as they established homes and farms for their familiesAn example of the tools used by pioneer settlers in Moorabbin Shire c1880c1880 Hand made, wooden mallet with cylindrical head, reinforced at ends with tin bands, and a wooden handlepioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, tools, farming

These tin dippers were used on washing day for carrying water as requiredThis tin dipper is a reminder of wash days when women used coppers, wringers, mangles, large troughs and clothes lines before the introduction of washing machines and clothes dryers.c1930 A tin dipper for water, probably used in the Laundrypioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, laundry

An adjustable metal gauge with a copper plated sleeve and 2 pincers used for measuring areas where the use of a ruler is not practicalpioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, tools, guages

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 Water tap is typical of those used by early settlers in Moorabbin Shire c1900 Water tap, small brassearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools, metal workers, plumbers

A gimlet is a hand tool for drilling small holes, mainly in wood, without splitting. A gimlet is always a small tool made of a piece of steel of a semi-cylindrical form, hollow on one side, having a cross handle at one end and a worm or screw at the other. A similar tool of larger size is called an auger. Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant as they established their farms and built their homes using tools like this gimlet. 2 x small hand tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and cross handle for boring holes early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools, blacksmiths

This baby’s bonnet is an example of the skills and craftwork of the women of the pioneer families in Moorabbin Shire A fine wool baby’s bonnet, hand -knitted with crocheted edges and hand sewn flowers at crown and around face edge. C1900 knitting, crochetwork, craftwork, clothing, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin brighton bentleigh, embroidery

Cream china basket with red roseearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools

Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothes, tools and utensils as they established their farms, market gardens and retail businesses, Bootmakers, farriers and blacksmiths were very important in these communitiesA pair of child's brown leather shoes c1890 with button hole strapsboots, shoes, footwear, bootmakers, leatherworkers, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltemham,

Shoe stretchers can expand the width and the length of shoes. Shoes can shrink, feet can swell and bunions, corns or other foot imperfections can make the shoes hurt.. Shoe stretchers work best for suede, leather, and other natural materials. A pair of lady's wooden shoe stretchers, decorated with pink laceboots, shoes, footwear, bootmakers, leatherworkers, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltemham, shoe stretchers,

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 baby’s bonnet is an example of the lace making and dressmaking skills of the early settler women in the Shire of Moorabbin A hand made lace and net lined baby's bonnetdressmaking, lacework, craftwork, lace, mooabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners

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

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

Melber sewing machines were first sold in Australia in the late 1870s. The 'Box Cottage' Melber Treadle Sewing Machine was owned by Mary Box, nee Kloster / Closter, wife of Alonzo Box , the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who purchased 'Box Cottage' in 1865 from a pioneer settler The machine was bought in 1909, and is a good example of its kind. This type of sewing machine was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm.”, and clothes were mended, or ‘re-made’ into another garment. The cottage has both the Receipt, cat 00004.1 and Guarantee, cat 00004.2, for the sewing machine. This machine was possibly built by Wertheim Pty Ltd Hugo Wertheim (1854 – 1919) arrived in Melbourne in 1875. He became a successful agent for sewing machines manufactured by his father’s cousin Joseph Wertheim in Frankfurt, Germany. Hugo married Joseph’s daughter Sophie Emilie and they settled in Richmond Melbourne Australia. Hugo made many trips back to the main factory in Germany and, with extensive advertising, established a thriving business for sewing machines, bicycles, pianos under various ‘brand names’ - Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin, Hapsburg. It has been said that Dame Nellie Melba preferred a Wertheim piano for her performances. In 1908 Hugo opened a large piano factory in Bendigo St Richmond, Victoria and his son Herbert maintained the business until 1935 The sewing machine was donated in 1985 by, a descendant of the Box family. The machine is complete, and in good condition. William and Elizabeth Box purchased 'Box Cottage' in 1865 from a pioneer settler who had bought part of the land noted in Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton. They raised their family there and established a market garden to supply produce to the population of Melbourne. Their nephew Alonzo married Mary Kloster/ Closter in 1918 and she brought with her this 'Melber' sewing machine that she used to provide clothing for the family. 'Melber'Treadle Sewing Machine that was owned by Mary Box, nee Kloster/ Closter. It was bought in 1909, and it is a good example of its kind. This type of sewing machine was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm.”, and clothes were mended, or ‘re-made’ into another garment. The Box Cottage Museum has both the Receipt, and Guarantee for the sewing machine. 'MELBER' stamped on sewing machine.dendys special survey, treadle sewing machine, box cottage, mary kloster, alonzo box, melber, wertheim hugo, wertheim sewing machine manufacturer, richmond melbourne victoria,

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

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

Alonzo Box, of Oakleigh ,a nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who resided in 'Box Cottage' 1865 - 1914, married Mary Closter (Kloster), of Oakleigh, on June 12th 1918. Alozo's elder sister, Rebecca, sent a bolt of Chinese hand-embroidered silk from which this wedding dress was made. Rebecca Viloudakia, nee Box, was a missionary in China, and married to a Greek Silk Merchant. Alonzo Box, the 9th child of John and Martha Sheldrake Box , enlisted in the Army and landed at Gallipoli 25/4/1918. He was evacuated to Egypt and then sent to the battlefields of France and Flanders before returning home to Melbourne in February 1918. Rebecca Box, the eldest child of John and Martha Sheldrake Box, was in the first party of Methodist Missionaries to leave Australia for the China Inland Mission in 1890. During the Boxer Uprising 1900-1901 her Mission outpost was attacked but she escaped and was taken to Shanghai. She later married one of the rescue party Nicholas Viloudakia a Greek silk merchant .Australian Dress Register ID 573 12/5/2015 Following Henry Dendy's Special Survey 1841 pioneer settlers bought allotments of land in the area of Moorabbin Parish. Alonzo Box was the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who bought the cottage on the 30acre allotment from an unknown pioneer settler in 1868 and resided there until Elizabeth's death in 1914. Alonzo Box served in the Army World War 1 1914- 1918 at Gallipoli, France and Flanders. Rebecca Box -Viloudakia was in the first party of Methodist Missionaries to leave Australia for the China Inland Mission in 1890 and was rescued during the Boxer Rebellion 1900-1901 and taken to Shanghai by her future husband.A cream two piece wedding dress made from a bolt of hand embroidered Chinese silk for the marriage of Mary Closter and Alonzo Box on June 12th, 1918. The bolt of Chinese silk was sent by Alonzo’s older sister, Mrs Rebecca Viloudakia, a missionary in China, who was married to a Greek silk merchant. The machine sewn dress was made by a dressmaker in Dandenong, Victoria. The jacket is blouson, with a front opening and is gathered at the waist by a band enclosing a drawstring. The collar is a sailor style that forms a slight / high V-shape front neckline. Four vertical roses are separated by three bands of lacework. The back of the jacket is plain silk. The right front of the jacket has a panel of embroidered roses, band of lacework and a facing fold that encloses 4 fastening presses. There are crocheted bobbles on the front representing buttons. The left jacket front also has the panel of embroidered roses, lacework and matching fold for the 4 fastening studs. The full length inset sleeves are gathered to a cuff that fastens with silk covered buttons. The sleeves have floral embroidery down the outside centre line. The left sleeve has an extra detachable cuff with embroidery on the flounce that matches the bottom panel of the skirt. It is held in position around the wrist by 4 white metal press studs. The skirt sits above the ankle. It consists of 5 panels slightly gathered at the back waistline with a left side placket 21cm with hooks and eyes and press studs. The waistband is lined with petersham and has 6 whalebone inserts. The front of the skirt has small pleats to fit the 3 decorated panels to the waistline. The front has 3 bands of lacework around the lower part. 3 panels form the centre front each embroidered with a different floral pattern. The back of the skirt is plain with 3 bands of lacework rising from the hem, which is sewn with spoke work stitch. The long waist sash/belt is plain silk with embroidered ends and 3 silk balls with crocheted caps suspended on 3 crocheted silk chains. It has a rose knot with 2 metal press stud fasteners. There are a variety of floral designs embroidered on the material including ‘corner motifs’ on the 2nd inner front panel of skirt. brighton, moorabbin, silk, box william, box elizabeth, box alonzo, box mary, kloster mary, closter mary, oakleigh, dandenong, chinese silk merchant, boxer rebellion 1900-1901, box rebecca, methodist china inland mission, viloudakia nichols, anzac landings, world war 1, gallipoli

The first photograph was taken prior to 1910. The location is at the corner of Centre and Jasper Roads, East Brighton, (now known as Bentleigh). It is an early view of John L. and "Minnie" Smith's Hay and Corn Store, situated on the South West corner of those two roads. The first photo was taken prior to the introduction of electricity in the area. A gas lamp and horse "hitching post" can be seen "in shot". There are several loaded wagons waiting in line to have their hay milled to chaff. Farmers came from places as distant as Carrum to have their loads of hay milled into chaff. John Smith was born in 1860 in Point Nepean Road, Brighton, and Minnie was born in Patterson Road, Moorabbin, in a wattle and daub cottage with earthen floor and butter muslin over the windows. The couple married in 1884, Minnie was a devout Methodist and the family became very involved in the development of the local Methodist church. The couple had four children and during the 1890s Depression their first child died, they lost all their possessions, and John's family struggled to survive. Finally in the late 1890s JL Smith was able to rent a shed from Mr Henry Box on the corner of Centre and Jasper Roads, and he later purchased that property. With the gradual improvement in the economy, and the development of the successful market gardening industry in the Shire of Moorabbin, JL Smith's produce store became quite prosperous. Over some years the little "shed" developed into a thriving Hay and Corn Store. JL Smith went on to become Moorabbin Shire President in 1914. He and his wife were active in assisting soldiers returning injured from the 1st WW, in the local Methodist Church and other early community projects. Smith was a typical example of the majority of the early settlers in the Shire of Moorabbin, being god-fearing and devoted to the idea of service to the community. The photographs demonstrate the primitive conditions and early development of what is now a bustling and well-recognised area of Bentleigh, (known as east Brighton before 1907). The photo shows a gas lamp in use before the introduction of electricity in 1916. The Smith's story is representative of the many early pioneering traders, who elected to "set up shop", who suffered the adversity of the 1890s depression, but who survived and made their living in the largely undeveloped area of East Brighton ( now Bentleigh) district. Two black and white early photographs both of the same location. The photos are of the corner of Centre and Jasper Roads, Bentleigh. (Prior to 1907 this area was known as East Brighton.) Both photos show J.L Smith's General Merchant Produce store. "Steam Chaff Cutting and Corn Crushing Mills" and the surrounding area at differing stages. In the first photo taken prior to 1910, we can see there are several horse-drawn carts loaded with hay waiting to be milled, a gas lamp and a horse "hitching post". The store is just a single unadorned, shed. The later, second photo of the same area, shows improvements and the further development of that site. On the back of the photo "Hay and Corn Store -/ not later than 1910."/"Photographer /Victor C Smith,/ Phone Number XL1472"/hitching post, methodist church, smith minnie, moorabbin shire president, gas lamp, east brighton district, 1890s depression, wattle and daub cottage, centre road, jasper road, box henry, smith john l

Original Marriage Certificate of Alonzo and Mary Box nee Closter (Kloster) June 12th 1918. Alonzo was the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who settled in Moorabbin Parish in 1865 and developed a market garden and raised their family . On the Marriage Certificate Mary Box has spelt her Maiden name "Closter" with a "C" and not the " K" of her German heritage. Albert and Maria Kloster nee Bolch, were German immigrant Gardeners and Mary was born in Mount Waverley ,Victoria 1889. This marriage was taking place during World War 1 when many immigrants would have altered the spelling of their name.Alonzo Box, who lived in Oakleigh, was the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box, pioneer market gardeners who resided in 'Box Cottage' 1865 -1914 His occupation is stated as "Pitcher Setter' i.e one who laid pavers, (Pavior), or blue-stone pitchers. It would have been a specialised work requiring skills much the same as a brick layer. In a developing Shire this would have been a very necessary job used in gutter laying, drainage works etc.. Original Marriage Certificate of Alonzo and Mary Box nee Closter (Kloster) June 12th 1918 enclosed in a glass covered, wooden frame.'In the State of Victoria/ - (Coat of Arms) - In the Commomwealth of Australia/ FOURTH SCHEDULE, ACTS Nos. 2691 and 2720, - FORM B/ CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE/ with date and signatures of participants.brighton, moorabbin, anglican, box william, box elizabeth, box alonzo, box mary, box john, box martha, pitcher setter, pavoir, oakleigh, government victoria, german immigrants

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

This cotton baby's nightgown is and example of the dressmaking skills of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utnesils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families.A long, white cotton baby's nightgown with collar and bodice ties. Lace panel to bodice, and guipure frills and hand embroidery to collar and cuffs.brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, bentleigh, cheltenham, market gardeners, oakleigh, clothing childrens, dressmakers home

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 girl's white cotton dress is typical of the craftsmanship of the home dressmakers among the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shirec 1900The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and the women made most of the clothing for their families.c1900 girl's dress is made of cotton and is all hand-worked, with cutworkclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners who came to the Brighton area after the 1841 Dendy Special Survey had to be self reliant. The women made most of the clothing for their families and many items on display exhibit their skill and craftsmanshipThis is a typical garment made by the women pioneer settlers in the Brighton area after the sale of land in the Dendy Special Survey 1841. By 1900 the area was known as Moorabbin Shire and the successful market gardeners were supplying the population of Melbourne with produce.This is a baby's long white cotton nightgown with a frilled collar and waist ties, typical of that made c 1900 an worn in Moorabbin Shiremelbourne, brighton, moorabbin, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers

This long, white cotton pin-tucked baby's dress is an example of the clothing the women of pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire made for their familiesAfter the 1841 Dendy Special Survey of Brighton, Victoria, allotments of land were rented or sold to pioneer settlers. These settlers had to be self reliant and the women made most of the clothing for their families. This garment is one of the examples of the skills and craftsmanship of these women.A white, cotton, pin-tucked, long Baby's dress c 1900clothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, pioneer settlers, craft working

This white, cotton, baby's pinafore with hand crochet work is and example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The 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.A white cotton infant's pinafore, with hand crochet work around armholes, and lower edge of garment. Feather stitch embroidery, and pin-tucking on bodice. Waist ties.clothing, crochet work, moorabbin, bentleigh, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, dendy special survey, brighton pioneers

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