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

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

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

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

This white fine lawn girls pinafore is an example of the dressmaking skills of the wives of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire 1900. 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, fine lawn girl's sleeveless pinafore. Guipure lace frill around armholes, neck and hem. Guipure lace insert to bodice and feather-stitch embroidery to skirt. Waist ties.moorabbin, brighton, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, home, dressmaker, garments, craftwork

This heavy, detachable lace collar is an example of the dressmaking and needle work skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c 1880 The Maggs family settled in the Brighton district in the late 1800,s. After the Dendy's Special Survey of the Brighton area in 1841 land allotments were rented or sold to pioneers who established market gardens, dairy farms, fruit gardens and vineyards. 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 familiesThis heavy, lace collar is detachable and consists of hand crochet work.clothing, crochetwork, pioneers, early settlers, dendy henry, maggs geoff, brighton, bentleigh, moorabbin, market gardeners, craft working, dressmakers

This cotton, boy's blouse is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The Maggs family were early settlers in 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 familiesThis is a 2 year old boy's long-sleeved blouse. White cotton with blue pinstripes. Breast pockets and banded waist. C 1910. Some fraying to collar and cuffs. Small tear to body.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, bentleigh, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, early settlers, maggs geoff, garments, craftwork

This white, girl's blouse with ribbon inserts is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The Maggs family were early settlers in 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 , girl's blouse , decorative with ribbon insert.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, maggs geoff

This white cotton lady's slip bodice is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin ShireThe Blackburn family were early settlers in 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. Fitted, fine white cotton lady's short sleeved slip bodice. Five front buttons. Hand embroidered satin stitch scallops on both sleeves and at neckline.brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, craft work, blackburn nance

This white cotton lady's slip bodice is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire. The Blackburn family were early settlers in 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. Undergarment. Front opening soft, white cotton lady's slip bodice with short sleeves. Hand embroidered satin stitch scallops to both the sleeves and neckline. Five button opening - one button is missing. clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, dressmakers, market gardners, craft work, early settlers, blackburn nance

This white cotton lady's slip bodice is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire. The Blackburn family were early settlers in 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. Fine white cotton lady's slip bodice. Front opening with five buttons. Hand embroidered satin stitch scalloped edges to both the sleeves and neckline. Good condition.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, blackburn nance

This lady's jacket would have been worn for special occasions by an early settler of the Moorabbin Shire c1900. Bombasine material was usually black and worn during the mourning time. It has a dull, twilled surface with a silk warp and worsted wool weftA lady's shiny black Bombasine dress jacket with embroidery at buttonsclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, sewing, dendy henry, early settlers, craftwork, jackets

This cotton baby's nightgown is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The Maggs family were early settlers in 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 long white cotton infant's Christening or 'walking-out' dress. The neckline and short sleeves have broderie anglais trim. Bodice has extensive cut-work and hand embroidered feather-stitching. There is further hand-embroidered feather-stitching around the waist band. The skirt of the garment has pin-tucking and lower borders of further cut-work The garment is in good condition.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, baptism, dressmakers, craft work, maggs nance

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire were very committed to their religious observances. The meetings and celebrations of religious rites gave them companionship and support during the difficult times of establishing their market gardens. The craftsmanship and skills of the families is shown in the clothing they made. The skill and craftsmanship shown in this christening - baptism - gown is and example of the clothing made by the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire. The Maggs family were early settlers of this areaBaby's long, white cotton christening gown, with hand-embroidered feather stitch and very fancy extensive cut-work to the bodice and skirt. Short sleeves with scalloped edges. c1900. Good condition.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, bentleigh, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, maggs geoff, craftwork, christening gown

This calico, waist-cich with suspenders is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c 1900The Maggs family were early settlers in 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. This is a lady's calico, waist - cinch with broderie anglais decoration at the top. It has enclosed "stays" in four places to shape and minimise the wearer's waist. There are laces to allow the garment to be pulled to maximum tightness at the back, and a front opening of strong metal hooks and eyes. There are two suspenders hanging at the front of the cinch with metal fastenings to attach to, and hold up, the wearer's stockings. clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, maggs geoff, craftwork, maggs nancy, flagg sarah, early settlers

Fox fur stoles were a fashionable item of clothing at important occasions for women in the 20th century As the prosperity of the early settler market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire improved the women were able to afford fashionable clothing.A complete, lined, lady's red-fox fur stole with clasp. Glass eyes. Missing one front paw and one ear.melbourne, clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, markets, market gardneners, furrier, fox, fox hunting, vermin

This long, hand-sewn, cotton, baby's nightdress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The Risstrom family were early settlers . 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 familiesA long, hand-sewn, baby's cotton nightdress with hand-crochet on neck and hem and a draw-string ribbon around neck.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers

This infant's, hand-knitted singlet petticoat is an example of the dressmaking and craft skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The 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 An infant's petticoat , hand-knitted 2ply woollen fancy stitch with crocheted edges and satin ribbon insert around neck and inserts for ribbon around waist c1900clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This cream, creme-de-chine, toddlers dress with hand-smocking is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The 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 cream, crepe-de-chine, toddler's dress with hand-smocking.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This cream, voile, heavily embroidered, small girl's dress is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The 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 small girl's, cream voile, heavily embroidered dressclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, early settlers, craftwork, market gardenners

This fancy, pink, hand-knitted baby's hooded cape is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900 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 baby's fancy, pink, hand-knitted, hooded capeclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This very small baby's cotton gown with decoration and collar is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900 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 very small, baby's cotton gown with decoration and collar.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This is a long, heavy cotton, man's nightshirt, typical of those worn c1920. Mr Edward Harrad's family lived in Moorabbin Shire.Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire . Unfortunately few articles of male clothing survive because the men were working in hard, dirty conditions that caused great wear. Usually the worn out clothing was used as rags for cleaning etc.A long, heavy cotton, man’s nightshirtLabel ' Foy & Gibson / Shirtmakers / MELBOURNE'clothing, moorabbin, pioneers, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, cheltenham, early settlers, harrad edward