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

A marking gauge, also known as a scratch gauge, is used in woodworking and metal working to mark out lines for cutting or other operations. The purpose of the gauge is to scribe a line parallel to a reference edge or surface. It is used in joinery and sheet metal operations.The gauge consists of a beam, a headstock, and a scribing or marking implement, typically a pin, knife, pen or wheel. The headstock slides along the beam, and is locked in place by various means: a locking screw, cam lever, or a wedge. The marking implement is fixed to one end of the beam.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 familiesc1900 A hand made wooden marker gaugeearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools

Richard Carter Ltd is still making edge tools in Honley, near Huddersfield. Established in 1740 by Jeremiah Carter in High Burton: the 1834 Piggots directory list three edge tool CARTER - makers at Kirk Burton: Henry Carter, John Carter and Robert Carter. By 1870 the company was known by its current name. The Stanley Rule and Level Company was founded in 1857 by Henry Stanley in New Britain, Connecticut. In 1920, this company merged with the separate but related Stanley Works, founded by Henry Stanley's cousin Frederick Trent Stanley, and continued operating as its hand tools division.. 2010 merger of The Stanley Works with Black & Decker Subsequent reports by visitors to Vic. Collections are noted Geoff Thomas 2019, Mitchell 2019 , Bob Burgess 2022 The early settlers were resourceful and self sufficient so they made and repaired their tools as required.Early settlers were self sufficient and resourceful making and mending their tools, farm and household equipment.c1900 A 'Carter' hand wood plane, made of metal with an adjustable screw for blade thickness.early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools

A hand plane is a tool for shaping wood Hand planes are generally the combination of a cutting edge, such as a sharpened metal plate, attached to a firm body, that when moved over a wood surface, take up relatively uniform shavings, by nature of the body riding on the 'high spots' in the wood, and also by providing a relatively constant angle to the cutting edge, render the planed surface very smooth. A cutter which extends below the bottom surface, or sole, of the plane slices off shavings of wood. A large, flat sole on a plane guides the cutter to remove only the highest parts of an imperfect surface, until, after several passes, the surface is flat and smooth.The family of Mr Lamb were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and had to be self reliant and made their own clothes and tools as they established homes and farms for their families.c1880 A hand made wood planeearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools

Early settlers had to be self sufficient, growing their own vegetables, making tools and clothing and usually had a house cow to produce their milk supply. .All the buttermilk separated from the butterfat had to be rinsed out. This would improve texture and flavour, and also help the butter keep well, since milk turns rancid more quickly than fat alone. Salt was usually mixed in at this stage - for flavour and preservation. The rinsing could be done simply by washing in water, followed by draining, salting and working or "kneading" the butter with a pair of wooden butter pats, or with bare hands. c1880 2 wooden butter patsearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, dairy farmers, dairy cows, milk, butter

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,

‘Seraph Shoes’ possibly manufactured by the Badorf Shoe Company Inc. Pensylvania USA Badorf Shoe Company, Inc. has been producing and distributing the finest children’s footwear brands since 1928. Badorf Shoe Company, Inc. was started in Lititz, PA, by brothers Norman and Paul Badorf. The company was owned and operated by the Badorf family for nearly 40 years until its purchase by Ura Gingerich in 1967. Forty six years later, the family tradition has continued and the company is now operated by Ura’s son Duane Gingerich and grandsons, Justin and Brandon Gingerich. A pair of child's cream leather shoes.SERAPH SHOES / J.E. ROBERTSON / APPROVAL No. 2047boots, 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

A spokeshave is a tool used to shape and smooth wooden rods and shafts - often for use as wheel spokes, chair legs . Spokeshaves can be made from flat-bottom, concave, or convex soles, depending on the type of job to be performed. Spokeshaves can include one or more sharpened notches along which the wooden shaft is pulled in order to shave it down to the proper diameter. Historically, spokeshave blades were made of metal, whilst the body and handles were wood. An early design consisted of a metal blade with a pair of tangs to which the wooden handles were attached. Like a plane, spokeshaves typically have a sole plate that fixes the angle of the blade relative to the surface being worked. By the twentieth century metal handles and detachable blades had become the most common. Preston Tools was an English tool making company also known as E.P. Tools and Edward Preston Tools. Edward Preston Sr. (1805-1883) was first listed as a plane maker at 77 Lichfield Street in the 1833 Birmingham Directory but it is believed he may have started business there as early as 1825. Around 1850 his son, Edward Preston Jr. (1835-1908) left school to join his father's business and he later started up his own "wood and brass spirit level manufactory" at 97-1/2 Lichfield Street by 1864. By 1866 Edward Jr. had added planes, routers, joiners, coach, gun, cabinet and carpenters tools to his line, and the following year he moved his shop from his father's address and relocated to 26 Newton Street, before moving again to a much larger premises at 22-24 Whittall Street. This later became the office and factory of Edward Preston and Sons, who were forced to liquidate in 1934, due mainly to the Great Depression and mismanagement of the company. The plane making concern was sold to the Sheffield firm of C. & J. Hampton, who had subsequently merged in 1932 with Record Ridgeway Ltd.An ornate steel spokeshave wood plane with an adjustable screw.PRESTONS PATENTwoodwork, tools, spokeshave, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, woodplanes, craftwork, bicycle wheels, furniture, cabinetmaking, cartwheels, wagons, drays, preston edward, preston tools ltd

A C-clamp or G- clamp is a type of clamp device typically used to hold a wood or metal work-piece, and often used in, but are not limited to, carpentry and welding. These clamps are called "C" clamps because of their C shaped frame, but are otherwise often called G-clamps or G-cramps because including the screw part they are shaped like an uppercase letter G. The fixed end is not adjustable so size is not variable. G-clamps are typically made of steel or cast iron, though smaller clamps may be made of pot metal. At the top of the "G" is usually a small flat edge. At the bottom is a threaded hole through which a large threaded screw protrudes. One end of this screw contains a flat edge of similar size to the one at the top of the frame, and the other end usually a small metal bar, perpendicular to the screw itself, which is used to gain leverage when tightening the clamp. When the clamp is completely closed, the flat end of the screw is in contact with the flat end on the frame When used some other object or objects will be contained between the top and bottom flat edges. A steel 'G' Clamp tools, g clamp, screws, steel, clamps, metalwork, woodwork, carpentry, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabin, bentleigh, cheltenham

A coping saw is a type of hand saw used to cut intricate external shapes and interior cutouts in woodworking or carpentry. It is widely used to cut mouldings to create coped rather than miter joints. It is occasionally used to create fretwork though it is not able to match a fretsaw in intricacy of cut, particularly in thin materials. Coping saw blades are always thicker and much coarser cutting than typical fretsaw blades. A coping saw consists of a thin, hardened steel blade, stretched between the ends of a square, c-shaped, springy-iron frame to which a handle is attached. The blade is easily removed from the frame so that the blade can be passed through a drilled hole in the middle of a piece of wood. The frame is then re-attached to the blade and the cut starts from the middle of the piece. Long cuts perpendicular to the edge of the material are possible but the shallow depth of the frame rather limits how far from the edge one may cut. The much deeper frame of the fretsaw is more useful for cutting well away from the edge but conversely cannot manage the thicker materials commonly cut by the coping saws. The coping saw blade is installed with the teeth pointing towards the handle. Unlike a hacksaw, which has the teeth pointed away from the handle, the coping saw cuts on the pull stroke. The coping saw blade is removable by partially unscrewing the handle. The blade is prevented from rotating by means of the short, steady bar provided where the blade is attached. Loosening the handle also allows the blade to be rotated relative to the frame as desired. Carefully aligning the finger steady bars at the top and bottom of the blade ensures that the thin blade is straight and not twisted along its length. Re-tightening the handle tensions the blade and locks it at the desired angle relative to the frame. The short steady bar nearest the handle is held securely between finger and thumb while the handle is tightened to ensure the blade remains at the desired angle. Unlike the fretsaw the coping saw blade has holding pins which lock securely into the angled slots of the rotatable blade holders. Gentle curves are achieved by slowly turning the whole frame by means of the handle while continuing to cut steadily. A coping saw with wooden handle but no bladetools, saws, steel , clamps, metalwork, woodwork, carpentry, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, fretsaw, coping saw, bowsaw, blacksmiths,

Perak or State of Perak one of the 13 states of Malaysia, is the second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. It borders Kedah and the Thai Yala Province to the north; Penang to the northwest; Kelantan and Pahang to the east; Selangor to the south, and the Straits of Malacca to the west. The state's administrative capital of Ipoh was known historically for tin-mining activities until the price of the metal dropped, severely affecting the state's economy. A vice is a tool with 2 jaws between which an object is gripped, usually by tightening a screw, so as to leave the hands free for working upon it. The vice is usually firmly attached to a bench . A steel vice THE PERAK TIN MINING COMPANYtools, vice, steel , clamps, metalwork, woodwork, carpentry, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, blacksmiths, perak tin mining co.

Archimedes drills, incorporate a bobbin sliding up and down a spiral shaft to bore a hole. Spiral-bit augers were precursors to modern drills, whose bits cleared the hole of chips as the user drilled. Some of the most beautiful Archimedean drills appear in English tool auctions replete with brass, rosewood and even ivory. A steel hand drill with fine bit and sliding bobbin'HOBBIES' on top of handletools, , metalwork, woodwork, carpentry, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, blacksmiths, bobbins, augers, hand drills, marples william,

Robert Keys,1818-87 b.Ireland, arrived Australia 1841 and joined parents on a farm in Brighton.Victoria. 1870 he commenced his own 15 acre 'fruit garden' in Keys Rd Moorabbin and in 1881-82 was awarded the 'Leader Cup', by the Leader Newspaper, as the Winner of the Brighton Horticultural Society 'Best Fruit Garden' competition. Robert Keys, early settler 1841, was a talented orchardist , Brighton Councillor 1860 and Moorabbin City Coucillor until his death 1887. Item donated by Keys Family c1985 The 1879 Schedule of Prizes booklet of the Brighton Historical Society ( MAV 00022),describes in detail this trophy, prize moneys and rules and regulations of the competition. The booklet, cat. no. 00022, is on display with this trophyThis item is significant because of its connection with the Keys Family who were early settlers in District of Brighton/ Moorabbin and were greatly involved in community activities. After the 1841 Dendy Special Survey allotments of land were sold or rented to pioneer settlers who developed market gardens, fruit farms ( orchards), vineyards, poultry farms in the area now known as Bentleigh, Cheltenham, Oakleigh. They were very proud of their fine produce and hence enthusiastically entered these 'Annual Exhibitions' by the Brighton Horticultural Society.The Sterling Silver goblet shaped Trophy. Base has engraved beaded rim with chevron type motif. Embossed ring midway up stem and fern leaves engraved on bowl of goblet engraved on bowl of goblet " Brighton Horticultural Society/ 1881-82/ Leader Cup/ Awarded To/ Robert Keys/ For Best Fruit Garden/ Brighton District." Hallmarked 'GU', Birmingham, UK. George Unite circa 1880keys robert, trophy, 1881, leader newspaper, leader cup, brighton, horticultural, silver cup, silver, moorabbin, brighton horticultural society

The original small, pioneer cottage was built in the late 1840s to early1850s, by an unknown pioneer. It was located on part of a 30 Acre allotment that was originally part of Henry Dendy’s Special Survey granted in 1841. The doors and window sashes, (made of red deal joinery timber), as well as the brass locks and fittings, are from the original cottage, and were imported from England.The fire-place bricks are from the original cottage, and are sun-dried, (not kiln fired), and are hand-made. Convict marks can be seen on two bricks.There is a small display of external cladding shingles from the original pioneer cottage. These shingles were hand-split, and most likely made from locally collected timber The nails included in this display were used to fasten the shingles on the original cottage, and are also hand-made. The enamel nameplate, “Colonial”, on the wall of the cottage, was the name chosen for the original pioneer cottage when a later owner, Mr August Rietman and wife Frieda leased the property in around 1917. August purchased the property 1935 for 1200 Pounds approximately and resided there until 1953. In 1974 Mr Lewis, a timber specialist, found the dilapidated building on property he had recently purchased in Jasper Rd and suggested it be reconstructed and relocated. Moorabbin Council agreed and the Cottage was rebuilt just about 250 metres from its original site. The cost of the rebuild was met by 'Victoria's 150th Committee, plus a small grant from the City of Moorabbin, and Mr Laurie Lewis donated much of the timber for the reconstruction. Although 'Box Cottage' is a re-construction, it is an unique museum that, being located in the midst of a modern community in Ormond Victoria, can educate and demonstrate many aspects of the early settler’s way of life in Victoria. As such, it is an invaluable resource for students and all kinds of visitors. The original small, pioneer cottage was built in the late 1840s to1850s, by an unknown pioneer. It was located on part of a 30 Acre allotment that was originally part of Dendy’s Special Survey granted in 1841. The re-constructed pioneer cottage, named ‘Box Cottage’, is located only a matter of metres from the original pioneer cottage site, in Joyce Park, Jasper Road, Ormond, Victoria. The museum has copies of interesting Land Titles associated with the surrounding land, including the site of the original pioneer cottage, from Dendy’s time, and into the 1900s. ‘Box Cottage’ is named after the pioneers, William and Elizabeth Box, who resided in the original cottage from approximately 1865, until Elizabeth’s death in 1914.The re-constructed cottage plan has followed faithfully the original dimensions, and plan of the original pioneer cottage, and as many original items from that cottage’s long occupation have been incorporated. Convict marks on sun -dried, fire-place chimney bricks. Enamel nameplate 'Colonial' circa1915brighton, moorabbin, cottages, pioneers, ormond, colonial, mckinnon, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, convicts, rietman august, rietman frieda, rietman stefanie

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

Circa late 1800's to early 1900s. A horse-drawn furrow plough was the most common type of agricultural implement used by the pioneer market gardeners, in Moorabbin Shire, of the 1800s and continued on into the 1940s when motorised tractors came into use. This plough is an example of a single-mullboard plough which would have been pulled by horse. The long handle was used to lower the silver plate, (mullboard), to the chosen depth of soil. 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. An "Oliver" single mull-board plough in good condition with faded manufactures markings on shaftsPainted on shaft "MANF'D BY/OLIVER CHILLED PLOW WORKS/Southend Ind. USA/" Engraved on blade " 13 OLIVER"brighton, moorabbin, plough, dendy henry, east bentleigh, market gardens, horse drawn plough, plow, mullboard

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