This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical SocietyThe entrance to Kew cemetery showing the clock tower and horse trams in High Street. The horse tram was at this time the only public transport by which visitors could reach the cemetery. The photograph postdates the construction of the surrounding brick fence which was constructed in 1895-96. "Views Boroondara Cemetery. Land set aside 1859. Photo after brick wall was built."boroondara general cemetery, dorothy rogers

Comparatively few weatherboard houses in Kew survived from the early years of settlement into the second half of the 20th century. One such property was ‘Reno’, which once stood on the east side of St John’s Parade. Its earliest recorded owner was the architect Samuel Cocking who lived there from c.1865 until his death in 1888. The original landholding was bordered by Cotham Road, Glenferrie Road, Wellington Street, and Charles Street. The southern portion of this land included a fine orchard, with many imported trees. The old summer house, at first in the orchard, was later removed to the house garden. The MMBW Detail Plan No.1576 (1904) shows the remaining portion of the original land holding, including a semi-circular pathway at the front, and garden features such as an aviary, a fountain and grotto, and a fernery. None of these are apparent in photographs dating from the 1960s, where the garden, which once included rare plants provided by Baron Von Mueller, surrounds the cottage in a tangled frenzy. Despite a ‘local significance’ classification by the National Trust, the house was demolished in 1977.Brass letter plate, originally from the front door of Reno in St John's Parade, Kew. Donated by Miss McDowell in 1977, in the year the house was demolished.reno, st john's parade, kew

Railway viaduct, Yarra River, linking Kew and Fairfield. Built by John Monash for the Outer Circle Railway. In 1930 converted into the Chandler Highway Bridge for vehicular traffic. Annotations on reverse: "KH-71. Outer Circle Railway Bridge (over Yarra) looking from Kew side to site of Paper Mills, Alphington.outer circle railway, railway viaduct (kew), john monash, chandler highway bridge

The Congregational Church in Walpole Street, Kew (now demolished) was designed by Albert Purchas. The second church was built on the site of an earlier church designed by Charles Vickers.Sepia photograph on board of Sunday School students and teachers from the Congregational Church in Walpole Street. Reverse: "Kew Congregational Church / ? Sunday School. Miss A. Millist" [donor]. circa 1900"churches -- kew (vic), congregational church -- kew (vic), sunday schools -- kew (vic), walpole street -- kew (vic.)

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One of a pair of cream silk parasols, each bordered by overlapping bands of beige lace. The underlying structure and mechanism includes a bent cane handle and black metal expanding spokes. The lace borders are layered to create an overlapping fringe. The high-domed umbrellas may have been created for a bridal party."Coombs Collection"coombs collection, clothing accessories, parasols

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One of a pair of cream silk parasols, each bordered by overlapping bands of beige lace. The underlying structure and mechanism includes a bent cane handle and black metal expanding spokes. The lace borders are layered to create an overlapping fringe. The high-domed umbrellas may have been created for a bridal party. This umbrella cannot be opened due to the silk being shattered."Coombs Collection"coombs collection, clothing accessories, parasols

The Kew Historical Society's Pictures Collection is comprised of photographs, postcards and original works of art. The postcards include original (mainly) images dating from the 1900s to the present. A number of postcards, some of which have numerous variants, were published as parts of series. Others are original images customised as postcards. Many of the postcards in the collection depict places within the suburbs of Kew and Kew East. Others depict locations in Victoria or internationally.View of two women and two children in a canoe at Macauleys' Boat Shed at the end of Molesworth Street, Kew. At the left of the image stands a man and his dog, presumably the manager of the boat shed. On the bak of the seat of one of the canoes is its name - sunbeam. Another item in the collection includes one of these name boards."Lower Molesworth Street, 1900. Home restored still standing 1980."postcards, recreation - yarra river - kew (vic), yarra river - kew (vic), macauley's boat house -- boat shed

The capelet was owned by Bridget Fitzgerald (nee Shannon) who emigrated to Australia from Ireland and subsequently lived in the Victorian country town of Tilden. Bridget died in about 1906 and is buried in the Kyneton cemetery. The capelet was passed on by descent to her granddaughter.Well-provenanced evening cape, worn by Bridget Fitzgerald in the Central Victorian Goldfields district.A black satin shoulder capelet covered with fine silk tulle, embroidered with jet passementerie and black sequins. The capelet which when open is circular is joined at the front by eyelets and hooks. The second photo includes a photo of the donor, Mrs Joan Carr, with the cape at the time of its donation.bridget fitzgerald, bridget shannon, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1890s, capelets, capes

While a later inscription suggests that the photo dates from 1908, by that stage, according to the Sands & McDougall Directories, the forge on the corner of Cotham and Mont Victor Roads had been taken over by H. Wright. F.G.A. Barnard in his Jubilee History of Kew (1910) records that the well known Sandhill Nursery, had been established by William Holt early in the 1850s. Presumably this was an earlier business as by 1888 it is recorded that the business had become a forge. The forge stood on what is now part of the grounds of Genazzano Convent. A rare photograph of a pioneering industrial business in Kew on the site now occupied by Genazzano Convent.The photo shows W. Holt, Wheelwright, Veterinary and General - Blacksmith, Cotham Road, Kew. Inscription front: "Uncle Will Holt, Cotham Road, Kew, opp Normanby Av [sic] 1908 [sic]"; Reverse: "KHS February 1990. Gift of Mr Panther - Manager Westpac Bank, Kew. Given to Kew Historical Soc."sandhill forge, genazzano convent (kew), cotham road (kew), william holt

The Melbourne Tramways and Omnibus Company (MTOC) operated a horse tram from the Victoria Bridge cable tram terminus to Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery from 28 December 1887. The Kew City Council purchased the line in 1914. It was replaced with an electric tramway in 1915. Photographic print. Kew Horse Tram outside the Kew Post Office and Court House. Inscription reverse: "Gift of Di (sic) Stewart. Horse Tram which ran from Victoria Bridge to Boroondara Cemetery gates. It began 28-12-1887".kew horse tram, transport - horse trams

freemasons, rituals, grand lodge

A collection of stories about early Canterbury and Balwyn (Boroondara) compiled by Crosbie Morrison.A collection of stories about early Canterbury and Balwyn (Boroondara) compiled by Crosbie Morrison.Title page: top of page; "1Please return to/Jocelyn Hall/for Alec Martin" in Jocelyn's writing in lead pencil butchers, boot makers, railways, empire day, festivals and celebrations, pong quong, outer circle railway, cycle shop, crosbie morrison, natale b cerini, george robinson, walter gathercole, mr armstrong, alice camm, ethel pascoe, david staig, mr wahanel, mr cook, will tanners, james snedden, john morris, j w terry, j d mclean, j w lowe, c r swan, cr a d renton, a n hendy, t r b morton, morton & coghill, jack kenneally, albert nelson, j rasmussan, tom keating

Purchased, 1999Watercolour and gouache on papergippsland, artwork, permanent collection

Donated from the estate of John Leslie OBE, 2017Oil on canvasgippsland, artwork, permanent collection

A collection of stories about early Canterbury and Balwyn (Boroondara) compiled by Crosbie Morrison.A collection of stories about early Canterbury and Balwyn (Boroondara) compiled by Crosbie Morrison.butchers, boot makers, railways, empire day, festivals and celebrations, pong quong, outer circle railway, cycle shop, crosbie morrison, natale b cerini, george robinson, walter gathercole, mr armstrong, alice camm, ethel pascoe, david staig, mr wahanel, mr cook, will tanners, james snedden, john morris, j w terry, j d mclean, j w lowe, c r swan, cr a d renton, a n hendy, t r b morton, morton & coghill, jack kenneally, albert nelson, j rasmussan, tom keating

The donor, Mrs Verona Cresswell, was given the parasol in 1941 by a friend, Mrs Teppa, who had purchased it many years earlier in Paris. It was part as an outfit worn to the Melbourne Cup in the 1940s.Coral pink silk parasol with black lace overlay. A lace design is painted in black on the end of the polished wooden handle. parasol, melbourne cup, 1940s, verona cresswell

The "Health" Feeding BottleBaby's feeding bottle, marked for tablespoons and with a breathing hole. clear glass ovoid in shapeThe health feeding bottle moulded in the glassdomestic items, infant feeding, baby bottle, feeding bottle, glass bottle, infant bottle, milk feeding bottle

This is a photograph depicting the Merrijig InnMounted in folder with gold border surroundlocal history, photography, photographs, slides, film, merrijig inn, hotel

not recordedA lovely example of a fine cotton nightdressFull length Scooped neckline short sleeves front bodice made in fine lace nightdresscostume, female, nightdress

Used in the Port Fairy Masonic Lodge of the MUIOOF during rituals.White satin Grand Master's Lodge apron with metallic thread embroidery and black fabric backingMUIOOF symbol embroidered on frontlocal history, societies, muioof, masonic lodge

A card sent to Miss R. Atkinson of West Warrnambool to add to her collection of postcardsHand coloured Photograph of the Moyne river road bridge, a domestic windmill in foreground and in the background large sheds made for use as a postcard with reverse side stamped Front:- Moyne bridge & river, port Fairy. Reverse:- aug.13/8/08- i hope this will be a welcome addition to your collection yours Sincerly, L Murphy - To Miss R Atkinson, West Warrnambool moyne bridge, moyne river, windmill

Naval Cadets, possibly local men. Captain W. Robertson appears in the top right hand corner second from the end. Photographer was E.McPherson from Port Fairy Black and White Photograph of group of naval personnel posedE.McPherson Port Fairydefence, naval, cadets, w.robertson

2 copies, not originals. 3 people working in the garden in the foreground. T.H. Kneen suggested early 1900's as ponds not yet constructed.On reverse, "Photograph by Information Branch Victorian Department of Agriculture Ref. No.1981(889-3). Earlier copy, handwritten on reverse, "Exhibition Building later to become the Lecture Theatre."luffmann ponds, students working outside

This is a photograph taken from the painting by McCubbin of Lady Janet Clarke, a prominent Melbourne philanthropist who worked for social welfare issues and was a driving force in the early days of the Melbourne District Nursing Society. At the end of 1885 for her work with MDNS she was given a Testimonial Dinner where she was presented with a letter signed by 429 people expressing their thanks for her visits, kindness, sympathy and charity shown toward the sick poor. In 1887, at her home, she held the first function to raise money for the Society. Lady Janet Clarke was a generous and hospitable prominent socialite of Melbourne; a kind and sympathetic philanthropist who worked tirelessly for social welfare issues. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded on the 17th of February 1885 and on the 9th of April a Special General Meeting was held to elect the committee for the following twelve months. Lady Clarke was elected a Vice-president; a position she held until being appointed President, when Mrs. Simon resigned on the 7th of June 1887, a role Lady Clarke held until she became ill in 1908; except during her trips overseas, when the role was held by another until her return. Her management and organizational skills enabled MDNS to flourish in its earliest days. She was actively involved taking her turn on the Superintendent sub-committee where she accompanied a Trained nurse when she visited patients; checking that high quality nursing care was maintained, as well as observing the patient's social condition; even giving a personal donation to a special case in need. The patients of the Society were so grateful for her sympathy, kindness and love that when she and her husband, Sir William Clarke, were going overseas at the end of 1885, a Testimonial was given for her at Scots Church District-hall where 200 attended to show their appreciation of her work carried out with MDNS. She was presented with a Bible from them, and their letter signed by 429 working persons expressing their thanks. In a time of great financial need of the Society, Lady Clarke offered the ballroom at her home, 'Cliveden', for a monster Cake, Flower, and Dairy produce Fair which raised a substantial amount saving the Society from closure. She promoted the Society and led it in further fund-raising events, such as the annual Ball, and Fairs where she often manned cake stalls. Near Christmas each year she made a special appeal to the public for 'comfort and good cheer' which could be given to poor families visited by the Society. During the depression of 1890 she had thick soup prepared in the Cliveden kitchens and this was distributed, with bread, from her home, and from a school room, to hundreds of the poor. In 1892 Lady Clarke agreed to represent the Society during her visit to England. During her years of leadership MDNS expanded; Nurses uniforms were introduced; lectures - for example, on hygiene and on the prevention of sickness and the treatment of children, were given by doctors for the patients; further Trained nursing staff were employed; Midwifery was introduced to the poor, the Society extended beyond the city centre and bicycles were introduced for transport; a system for regular annual subscriptions was introduced and sufficient funds were raised for the Society to rent its own premises, with Lady Clarke paying for a subscription to Mullen's bookstore each year for the use of the Nurses in the Nurses Home. As well as her work for MDNS she held roles in many other organizations . She donated a substantial amount of money to build a Hostel for Women University Students attending Trinity College, later named the Janet Clarke Hall. Lady Janet Marion Clarke died at Cliveden, aged 57 years, on the 28th of April 1909; a lady held in high esteem and affection by all she knew.This is a black and white photograph of a painting of Lady Janet Clarke. She is looking forward and has a serious visage; she is wearing her long dark hair drawn up and back and in her left ear a small dropped ear ring can be seen. She is wearing a light coloured, long sleeved, floral frock with a material short cape section seen over the top of her left sleeve. Her left arm is crooked with her hand resting just under a flower brooch fastened in the centre of her frock. She has a choker around her neck with a brooch in the centre..Janet Lady Clarke, president 1889-1908.From the painting by McCubbin.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service, lady janet clarke