Mankind has been bothered by flies ever since time began. This has led to the invention of a number of different fly traps or fly catchers.Glass fly traps were popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The flies, being attracted by some sweet liquid or other bait in the bottom, were unable to find their way out. This trap has small glass legs enabling it to be used standing on a flat surface such as a table. Most were suspended by wire handles. This is an example of a common domestic item no longer commonly used today.Moulded clear glass fly catcher on small glass legs. Glass stopper. A piece of bait is suspended in the centre and the top opening is covered up with a piece of cloth and a fluid such as kerosene or similar is put in the gutter below the outer part of the dome. The flying insect is drawn inside by entering the underside opening and then, when trying to leave, flies against the glass and then drops into the catching fluid below.fly-catcher pest-control glassware

This item is an example of domestic tableware commonly used in the first half of the 20th century.A small clear glass salt cellar. Oval shape. Bottom of cellar is grooved.salt-cellar glassware tableware

This item is an example of domestic tableware commonly used in the early 20th century.This small clear glass horse-shoe shaped butter dish has a thistle design engraved into the base.butter-dish domestic tableware glassware

Made by Mrs McKeown (nee Ford) and used in her house.This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the early to mid 20th century. Embroidery was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value to domestic linen and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes,A small pillow sham, square shaped, made from a coarse weave cream fabric front and a backing of bright yellow fabric. Four sprays of pink & yellow flowers with green leaves are embroidered onto the front. Around the edge is a border of drawn thread work which allows the bright yellow backing to show through.table-linen home-manchester hand-embroidery

This item was hand-carved by Mark Richardson in 1899 at Tabbara. He operated the Richardson saw mill on the Brodribb at Tabbara and was a farmer at Bete Bolong.A hand-carved wooden rolling pin made from local blackwood."by Mark Richardson 1899"rolling-pin domestic food-preparation richardson-mark

From the estate of Elsie Cook, daughter of early Brodribb settler John Cook. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert) These items are an example hand-made wooden items of the late 19th centuryTwo small hand-turned wooden egg cups decorated with rings around centre.egg-cups carving handcrafts domestic food

Following the use of flat irons the base of the iron was made into a container to put glowing coals inside it and keep it hot a bit longer. This was called a charcoal iron. It had a hinged lid and air holes to allow the charcoal to keep smouldering. They are sometimes called ironing boxes, or charcoal box irons, and may come with their own stand.This item is an example of a domestic appliance in common usage before the advent of electricity.This is a charcoal iron which was heated by burning charcoal inside it. It is made of iron and has wooden handles, one on top for lifting it and one on the catch at the front that keeps the iron closed. Both of these handles were needed to load the iron with charcoal easily. As wood does not conduct heat well, these handles made the task of filling the iron much easier. The holes around the base of the iron are for letting the fumes out.Top- "M.G."iron-charcoal domestic

Charcoal irons followed the use of flat irons when the base was made into a box in which to put charcoal which would keep the iron hotter for a longer time.This item is an example of a domestic appliance in common usage before the advent of electricity.Large black ornate charcoal iron with a chimney on the top. It has an ornate metal hand protector. It has a hollow base into which charcoal is placed. The small hole at the back has a sliding cover that was used to regulate the temperature of the iron. ir0n-charcoal domestic

Charcoal irons followed flat irons when the base was made into a hinged box into which charcoal could be placed, This would keep the iron hotter for a longer time.This item is an example of a domestic appliance in common usage before the advent of electricity.A large charcoal iron with chimney. It has a carved wooden handle.charcoal-iron domestic

Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. The detachable insulated handle was designed to be always cool for ironing. The handle was detachable, so that several irons could be on the stove at one time and the handle swapped between several bodies. This handle appears to belong to a Mrs Potts' sad iron - Reg. No. 1885. This item is an example of an invention that was universally adopted because it meant that users could keep several irons on the stove at one time and the handle swapped when needed. The original Mrs Potts irons had handles made of wood (walnut) and this enabled the user to us the iron without sustaining burns. The item reminds us of the difficult circumstances experienced in their daily routines by the early families in Orbost A wooden handle which has been painted green. The base is made of cast aluminium and is attached to the handle by two screws ( not original). In the base is a hinged piece for attaching to the iron, held to the base plate by a spring and operated by a wooden knob for quick release. A hook holds the handle to the iron.On the base is an indecipherable number.handle sad-iron flat-iron mrs-potts domestic laundry

This item is an example of a domestic woodworking tool commonly used before the widespread use of power tools.A hand drill with three wooden handles. The main gear is painted red.On right handle - Made in China with some Chinese lettering.tool hand-drill

This item is an example of a domestic woodworking tool commonly used before the widespread use of power tools.A wooden rebate plane with a brass adjusting knob. It has a cutting edge, such as a sharpened metal plate attached to a wooden body,woodworking-tool hand-rebate-plane

A grooving plane was traditionally used for drawer bottoms or for flooring or lining boards.This item is an example of a domestic woodworking tool commonly used before the widespread use of power tools.A wooden grooving plane - no blade.tool woodwork plane-grooving

The invention of a hand drill is credited to Arthur James Arnot and William Blanch Brain of Melbourne, Australia who patented the electric drill in 1889. In 1895, the first portable handheld drill was created by brothers Wilhem & Carl Fein of Stuttgart, Germany. Hand-powered devices have been used for millennia. However, during the last quarter of the 19th century a radically improved generation of tools appeared. These tools took advantage of modern mass production machinery and processes (like interchangeable parts) and an increased availability in superior material (metal instead of wood). One of the outcomes included an array of new drilling machines. These human-powered tools were a vast improvement over earlier tools.This item is an example of a commonly used domestic tool - pre power tools.A Stanley hand drill with two wooden handles. The red wheel is painted metal. On red wheel - STANLEY ENGLANDwoodwork tool hand-drill

The main purpose of carpenter's pincers is to pull out nails from wood without damaging the surface. These carpenter's pincers would have been used in Orbost in the construction of new buildings or on a rural property for maintenance.This item is an example of a domestic carpentry tool in common use before the widespread use of power tools.Pincers with long, rounded, pivoted metal handles ending in a pair of jaws for gripping and extracting nails or holding or gripping small objects.woodworking tool pincers carpentry

Starting in the 18th century, glassworks in English port towns like Bristol, London, Sunderland, and Newcastle began producing hollow glass rolling pins. They were originally produced for sailors to give to loved ones, particularly young women they were hoping to woo for marriage. Plain, clear glass rolling pins became a common kitchen item in the first half of the 20th century as they were seen to be more easily cleaned that wooden ones.This item is an example of a once commonly used kitchen item.A moulded clear glass cylinder rolling pin with glass handles at each end. It is hollow and can be filled with cold or warm water to better roll a preferred food. There is no stopper at one end. It is marked with M at one end (probably indicating size).one one end - Mdomestic kitchen glass rolling-pin,

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 wooden box was possibly a plain brown box which has been hand decorated with shells and pieces of glass. It might have been stored on a mantelpiece or dressing table and was used to store "bits and pieces". The Australian Natives' Association (ANA), a mutual society was founded in Melbourne, Australia in April 1871 as the Victorian Natives' Association. In 1872 it voted to extend membership to men born in the other Australian colonies and changed its name at the same time. The Association played a leading role in the movement for Australian federation in the last 20 years of the 19th century. In 1900 it had a membership of 17,000, mainly in Victoria. The ANA provided sickness, medical and funeral cover. Membership in the ANA was restricted to men born in Australia.The ANA consisted mainly of energetic middle-class men aged under 50. In 1880 the ANA committed itself to the federation of the Australian colonies, and provided much of the organisational and financial support for the Federation Leagues which led the campaign, particularly in Victoria. (ref Wikipedia)This item is an example of a small hand decorated container used to store domestic items. It might have been stored on a mantelpiece or dressing table.A wooden box with a hinged lid. The outside lid is decorated with shells and glass. There is a keyhole at the front. Inside the box is padded and lined with cream/gold decorated paper. It contains photographs, cards a 1906 calendar, postcards, postage stamps and a membership card for A.N.A. - Orbost Branch No.267container handcraft a.n.a.

This item is an example of an item of domestic tableware commonly used in the first half of the 20th century.A white porcelain gravy boat with a pouring lip. It has a raised pattern. The handle is ear-shaped.On bottom -Ridgeways ENGLAND Royal Semi-Porcelain Guaranteed

The veterinary items would have been used in a domestic situation for the care of family pets.These items are examples of domestic veterinary items used in the early 20th century.An old Pascall tin containing six items - Goddards Mercurial Plate Powder; Krect Condition Powders; Krect Worm Tablets; Forbes Phosferrine Tonic for the nerves; Tibbs Cat Powders; Piperazine citrate for tapeworms. The tin has boating scenes on the sides and top.Pascall Claremont TASMANIAveterinary pascall

A pillow sham is a decorative pillow case. This is a handmade pillow sham especially crafted for a household in early Orbost.This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the early to mid 20th century. Embroidery was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value to domestic linen and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes,A rectangular lace pillow sham. the centre rectangle is white and made of pulled thread lace. The edging is pale pink and blue lace,handcraft pillow-sham needlework

This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the early to mid 20th century. Embroidery was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value to domestic linen and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes,A white / cream coloured linen tablecloth, edged with crochet. It has scalloped edges and is embroidered with orange stylised water lilies which have green leaves.needlework table-linen handcrafts

This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the early to mid 20th century. Embroidery was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value to domestic linen and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes, A hand made rectangular shaped white table cloth made of fine linen. it has lace insertions which are flower shaped. The flower stems and leaves are embroidered.table-linen handcraft needlework

This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the early to mid 20th century. Embroidery was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value to domestic linen and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes, A cream linen circular doily with scalloped edges. It is hand embroidered with a kookaburra and wattle design. It has some lace edging. doily needlework handcraft table-linen

Without refrigeration, storage of meat was difficult. Flies were a problem, and it was important to keep meat cool and out of the way of pests. One way of doing this was to use a meat safe: a kind of cupboard designed to store meat and keep it fresh enough to eat. Meat safes are ventilated. They were sometimes made with sides of wire mesh or perforated metal, so that air could circulate around the meat while keeping flies and other animals out.The Coolgardie safe was invented in the late 1890s by Arthur Patrick McCormick, who used the same principle as explorers and travelers in the Outback used to cool their canvas water bags Originally they were handmade using materials to hand. In the early 20th century, Coolgardie Safes were manufactured commercially across Australia, and found their way into homes in both rural and urban areas. These safes incorporated shelving and a door, had metal or wooden frames and Hessian bodies. The feet of the safe were usually placed in a tray of water to keep ants away. (refs ABC-Home; Museum Victoria)The Coolgardie safe was an Australian invention used especially in country areas from the 1890s until the mid 20th century. It began to be replaced by ice chests from the turn of the twentieth century in cities and country towns which had ice works. This item is an example of a domestic appliance commonly used before electricity was widely available for domestic use.A cube-shaped metal Coolgardie safe painted blue. It has a triangular hook on the top for hanging or lifting. There are small feet at bottom . The sides are perforated in a Above the door; Inside a rhomboid shape "WILLOW"food-storage coolgardie-safe domestic

Without refrigeration, storage of meat was difficult. Flies were a problem, and it was important to keep meat cool and out of the way of pests. One way of doing this was to use a meat safe: a kind of cupboard designed to store meat and keep it fresh enough to eat. Meat safes are ventilated. They were sometimes made with sides of wire mesh or perforated metal, so that air could circulate around the meat while keeping flies and other animals out.The Coolgardie safe was invented in the late 1890's by Arthur Patrick McCormick, who used the same principle as explorers and travelers in the Outback used to cool their canvas water bags Originally they were handmade using materials to hand. In the early 20th century, Coolgardie Safes were manufactured commercially across Australia, and found their way into homes in both rural and urban areas. These safes incorporated shelving and a door, had metal or wooden frames and Hessian bodies. The feet of the safe were usually placed in a tray of water to keep ants away. (refs ABC-Home; Museum Victoria)This item is an example of a common domestic appliance used before the widespread connection of electricity to homes and refrigeration. The Coolgardie meat safe is an Australian invention used widely in rural areas from the 1890's until the mid 20th century.A metal meat safe, painted white. It has a shelf inside. The door has two perforated rectangular sections metal framed in solid metal. The base is flat.storage domestic coolgardie-safe

This item is an example of a lighting device commonly used before electricity was widely available for domestic use.A hurricane lamp with a rounded tank and small carry handle (a larger handle is possibly missing). It has a lever to open the glass tank. It has a metal base which is filled with kerosene. On top is a metal hood with vents.Around base : Chinese characters. On top : "Made in China KWANG HWA"lighting lantern kerosene-lamp hurricane -lamp

This lantern could have been used for railway lighting. Railway lighting illuminated not only stations but also yards, engines, rolling stock, signals, signal-boxes and crossings. There were a number of different types of lamps used for a variety of railway purposes. This is a hand-held light.Railway lamps of this kind were significant railway items in their period of use as essential tools to the safe-working operations of the railway. Used domestically these lanterns were common in the period before the widespread connection of electricity. A painted red metal "hurricane" lamp which has a glass shade. This is a portable oil lantern which has an oil tank on the bottom that forms the base of the lamp. The tank has a door for filling and it also houses the wick and knob that increases or decreases the length of the wick.On base : No. 707 Globe Brand (globe of world) World Light MFY LTDlantern lighting hurricane-lamp

This item was used by Helena Warren (nee McKeown), a well known photographer and local press correspondent. She lived at Newmerella. The meat mincer was a particularly popular kitchen gadget. By means of the mincer left overs and off cuts could be transformed into shepherd's pie or mince steak. Gadgets like this Universal food chopper are typical of domestic inventions designed to reinforce the principles of thrift and labour-saving. Many of these gadgets were imported from the United States. A cast iron metal hand mincer with a long metal body with an opening at one end, inside which is a circular spiral blade and a screw clamp attachment at the other end. On one side of the mincer is a curved metal handle held in place by a metal nut and a wooden bulb shaped knob at the end. There is a metal circular webbed blade held in place by a metal nut and bolt."Universal No. 2 brand; L.F. & C., New Britain, Conn., U.S.A."mincer chopper food-preparation