A copy of an early oil painting of Fernshaw in Victoria.A copy of an early oil painting of Fernshaw in Victoria by Isaac Whitehead. Isaac Whitehead (1819–1881) was an Irish-Australian artist who worked in watercolour and pastel. He was also a picture framer and art promoter. It is believed that Isaaz Whitehead emigrated to Australia with his family in either 1853 or 1858. Isaac Whitehead died at his home 50 Punt Road, Prahran, Melbourne, on 21 April 1881. Isaac Whitehead had established himself as the foremost picture framer in Melbourne by 1860, known for his highly ornate frames with floral decorations. Among the clients of his framing business were Louis Buvelot, Nicholas Chevalier, and Eugene von Guérard. In his own paintings, he painted a number of scenes of the forests of Gippsland, Victoria. His work focused on the rich landscapes with trees and ferns, with a high degree of botanical detail. His work won him two medals and his work was posthumously exhibited at 1884 Victorian Jubilee Exhibition, the 1886 London Colonial and Indian Exhibition, and the 1888 Melbourne Centennial Intercolonial Exhibition. Fernshaw was a rural township 63 km northeast of Melbourne and 10 km northeast of Healesville. Situated on the Watts River, near where a log had fallen making a convenient crossing, Fernshaw was settled in the 1860s. It provided good country for orchards and berry growing. The location was at the foot of Blacks Spur, with Mounts Juliet and Mondah rising on either side, providing spectacular scenery. There were nearby fern gullies giving rise to the name – ‘shaw’ is old English for thicket or wood. By 1875 Fernshaw had a post office (1865), two hotels, a school (1871), and stores. It was famed for its beauty, attracting tourists. In 1886 the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works began work on the Watts River water catchment scheme – later to become Maroondah – and the Board obtained approval for the catchment country to be reserved and kept free of settlement. This required the removal of the Fernshaw township, which was completed by about 1890.isaac whitehead, fernshaw, victoria, louis buvelot, nicholas chevalier, eugene von guerard, gippsland, victorian jubilee exhibition, london colonial and indian exhibition, melbourne centennial intercolonial exhibition, watts river, healesville, blacks spur, mount juliet, mount mondah

A copy of a black and white photograph on the Watts River near Fernshaw in Victoria.A copy of a black and white photograph on the Watts River near Fernshaw in Victoria taken by Fred Kruger. Fred Kruger (born Johan Friedrich Carl Kruger, 18 April 1831 – 15 February 1888) was a German-born photographer noted for his early photography of landscape and indigenous peoples in Victoria, Australia. Fernshaw was a rural township 63 km northeast of Melbourne and 10 km northeast of Healesville. Situated on the Watts River, near where a log had fallen making a convenient crossing, Fernshaw was settled in the 1860s. It provided good country for orchards and berry growing. The location was at the foot of Blacks Spur, with Mounts Juliet and Mondah rising on either side, providing spectacular scenery. There were nearby fern gullies giving rise to the name – ‘shaw’ is old English for thicket or wood. By 1875 Fernshaw had a post office (1865), two hotels, a school (1871), and stores. It was famed for its beauty, attracting tourists. In 1886 the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works began work on the Watts River water catchment scheme – later to become Maroondah – and the Board obtained approval for the catchment country to be reserved and kept free of settlement. This required the removal of the Fernshaw township, which was completed by about 1890.fernshaw, watts river, victoria, fred kruger, photograph

Grace Mitchell, a talented artist in later life and baker managed a pastry shop business near the corner of Mt Pleasant and Main Roads Eltham in the 1950’s. Shortly after her marriage to Arthur Mitchell in 1948 he had an accident that caused a head injury and was unable to work. Grace realised she needed to be home to care for her husband as well as earn an income. She managed the bureaucracy of council permits, made modifications to her home with savings to get the business off the ground without having to borrow money. Grace and Arthur were avid gardeners and would grow, wash and mince vegetables for pasties while Grace hand made and rolled the pastry. They cooked and minced their own meat for the pies and the fruit for the sweet pies came from their orchard at the rear of the property. She also baked scones and cakes. Grace operated her pastry shop for over 16 years. She supported the Shillinglaw Cottage Preservation Campaign to preserve the cottage through its Flavour of Eltham community cookbook published in 1964 and hosted cooking classes in the new Living and Learning Centre. Grace Mitchell passed away aged 95 years in 2011.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 strips and associated colour print 10 x 15 cmFuji 100classes, eltham, living and learning centre, pottery class, eltham living and learning centre, grace mitchell, ursula dors, teaching, learning

This lady’s white cotton combination petticoat , commonly called a 'teddy', 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 lady's white cotton combination underwear with a buttoned crotch and hand worked decoration on bodice clothing, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This chemise is an example of the dressmaking and needlework 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 c1900 and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families This lady’s white cotton chemise has short sleeves, and drawstring waist . The neckline has cut work and needlework flowers and the cuffs have lace edging. is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C clothing, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This lady’s hand sewn cotton 1/2 petticoat with cut work is an example of the dressmaking and needlework 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 c1900 and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families Lady's white cotton 1/2 slip with cutwork front, hand sewn scalloped hem.clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, marshall d, dairy farms, fruit orchards

20th C and probably earlier families could make this simple 'knitting machine' by using a piece of round, hollow wood and knocking 4 nails into one end of the cylinder leaving a protrusion of 2cm. An empty cotton reel was commonly used with left over knitting wool. Children were taught to wind the wool around the nails in loops, figure of 8 and other patterns so that a chain was made which gradually protruded through the base of the cylinder as a knitted chain. The chains could be made to any length and then sewn together to make a usable object eg face washer.Gladys Reed was a member of the Ormond Choral Society c 1950. who performed plays and musicals the City of Moorabbin and she was skilled in hand knitting, crochet and dressmakingGladys Reed was a member of the Ormond Choral Society c 1950. who performed plays and musicals in the City of Moorabbin and this Doll was made and used by her family.c1950A small piece of painted, carved wood with central hollow and 4 nails on top used for making/ knitting a woollen chain.Painted doll featuresknitting, clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, reed gladys, dairy farms, fruit orchards

Harry Hale 1861-1937, a silk spinner, builder, migrated from England c1890 and built his house using 2nd hand material from the old Mentone Baths, old Co-op Stores, and some windows from the old St Matthew's Church Cheltenham .Harry with wife Frances raised 9 children. Following an accident Harry lost his leg and dissatisfied with the artificial limb he found a 'peg- leg ' more comfortable. Harry built many houses in Cheltenham unhindered by his 'peg-leg' . Harry also worked as an Insurance Agent. \ The house was demolished 1962. ( T. Sheehy, Moorabbin News 1962 H. Stanley )Harry Hale was a typical resourceful early settler who courageously worked with disability as he established his family in Cheltenham c1900a) Black & White photograph of the Harry Hale's House c 1930 North Cheltenham b) Sepia photograph c1906 of Harry Hale 1861 - 1937, Builder, Insurance Agent Cheltenham a) Handwritten information b) Mount ; TALMA, PARIS PANEL , 119 Swanston Street Melbourne and at Sydney hale harry, st matthews church of england cheltenham, talma photographers melbourne, photography, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Mr Francis Guumes1884-1950, was born in the Cheltenham district and later bought land in Heatherton Rd, Heatherton, where he and his two sons developed a market garden. Mr Guumes , a self taught leather worker, made every piece of this harness. He entered this outfit in the Royal Melbourne Show c1947 and was awarded 1st Prize in his section. ( H. Stanley 2005)Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be resourceful and self sufficient as they developed market gardens and farms. The community learned to make, repair and invent tools and equipment that was needed on their properties. Black & White photograph, enlarged, showing Mr Francis Guumes, with the rig and leather work that he entered and won 1st prize in the Royal Melbourne Show c 1947guumes francis, royal melbourne show 1947, leatherwork, saddles, harness, draught horses, horse drawn carts, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, , chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Nurse A. Watt was a registered Nurse who owned the Cheltenham Nursing Home, located up on the hill, at 200 Charman Road Cheltenham c1900. With Dr. Fleming Joyce, she brought many local identities into the world. Len Allnutt recalls that his brother, Ray, was born there in 1924. Nurse Watt had an excellent reputation for her care and ability in the local area. One recorded event was when in November 1910 Constable Edwards was shot by his son David, at his police house, after an episode of domestic violence involving Constable Edwards long suffering wife - the mother of David. Const. Edwards was first taken to the Police Station, but later taken by Shire ambulance to Nurse Watt's Cheltenham Nursing Home. At 8pm, Edwards was operated on by Dr. Joyce and Dr. Weigall. Despite the surgery, Edwards died the next day of haemorrhage and shock. David was convicted of manslaughter. Dr A Fleming Joyce was the Shire Medical Officer c1914 - 1930. Nurse Watt bequeathed her Estate to the Methodist Church. ( H. Stanley CMHS)c1900 Nurse A Watt had an excellent reputation for her care and ability in the Cheltenham area where Medical, Surgical and Midwifery Cases were received at her Nursing Home in Charman Road. She also accommodated convalescent cases. She worked with Dr A.Fleming Joyce and Dr Weigall.a) Advertisement / Leaflet for Nurse A.Watt c1900 b) Black & White photograph of the Cheltenham Nursing Home, 200 Charman Road Cheltenham c1900watts nurse a, joyce dr. a f., cheltenham nursing home c1910, charman road cheltenham, nursing, medicine, midwifery, victoria police force, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen,, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Chinese market-gardener’s watering-cans on a wooden yoke. This item was authenticated by the Bendigo Historical Society, and is said to be quite rare. It consists of two large galvanized watering-cans each with a pouring spout, suspended by chains from a well-used wooden yoke. The cans would each have been filled with water, then carried a distance into the market garden and used to water crops. The cans and yoke alone are very heavy, one can only imagine how heavy they were when filled with water.As profits from the gold-fields petered out the Chinese immigrants, (nearly all single men), were forced to seek other occupations. Many moved into furniture building in the East Melbourne area, whilst others went into market gardening . A significant number of Chinese men, realising the potential of the sandy, fertile soil, with a good supply of water, in the Shire of Moorabbin, leased tracts of land in that area to establish a market garden and grow produce for the increasing population of MelbourneAfter the Dendy Special Survey in1841in Brighton, Victoria, the first sale of Crown Land, taking in the whole Shire of Moorabbin, occurred in 1852. These allotments of land were eagerly bought up - some by speculators - although many were either worked by the owner, or leased out as market gardens and "fruit gardens", (orchards). Chinese market-gardener’s watering-cans suspended by chains on a wooden yoke. This item was authenticated by the Bendigo Historical Society, and is said to be quite rare. It consists of two large galvanized watering-cans each with a pouring spout, suspended by chains from a well-used wooden yokebrighton, gardeners, bentleigh, orchards, vegetables, dendy henry, market gardens, chinese settlers, pioneers moorabbin, water wells, creeks

This girl's white long sleeved blouse made from lace,voile and net and was probably made for a special occasion c1900. The delicate needlework flowers on the net insert on front of blouse and the over sleeves exhibit a high standard of skill. The fine pintucks on the front, collar and cuffs are finished by small white beads sewn around the edges. The eyes for the hooks on back opening seam are hand-sewn The women of the early settler families were skilled dressmakers and made the clothes for their families as they established market gardens and farms in Moorabbin Shire This girl's blouse made from lace,voile and net is an example of the high needle work skill of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 A girl's white,long sleeved, tulle blouse,with a high collar stiffened by 4 metal wires. The tulle has pintucks front and back with inserted decorated net panels and sleeves . The long lace outer sleeves have lace edging at the cuffs. The whole blouse is lined with tulle. .The high collar has horizontal pintucks and has small white beading along top and base. The lining tulle has horizontal pintucks and beading and lace edging on the cuffs of the inner sleeves. Hooks and eyes fasten the back of the blouse and ribbon is inserted at waist to produce a flared effect over hips clothing, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, pioneers, dressmaking,lacework, craftwork, tulle, net, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, moorabbin shire , dairy farms, fruit orchards

This Baby's long white Christening gown is made from fine muslin, with short sleeves and cut-work and pin tucked front panels The women of the early settler families were very skilled dressmakers and made the clothes for their families. The early settler families followed the religious rites of their Christian Church and this Baby's Christening gown shows the dressmaking skills of the pioneer women of Moorabbin Shire c1900 , A Baby's Christening gown of fine white muslin with cut-work and needlework on yoke, gathered skirt and short sleeves with a draw string waist and neck . The front panel has 5 sections of pin tucks and cut work . clothing, christening gown, methodist church, church of england, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, lacework, cutwork, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, , moorabbin shire blackburn nance, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These Tray Covers were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These tray covers are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 5 x Linen Tray Covers with coloured silk needle work and crochet edging a) oval with flowers, b) oval with 2 small baskets of flowers, c) oval with large flowers, d) rectangle with flowers, cup ,saucer , writing, e) oval with 2 large baskets of flowers clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These cruciform candle holder doilies were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework , and crochet skills . Although living conditions were basic, families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. The cruciform shape suggests they may have been used at Church Services These linen doilies are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 4 x white Linen cruciform candle holder doilies with coloured silk needle work and crochet edging a) crochet, b) central linen with crochet edge c) central linen with crochet edge d) linen with green and white coloured needlework flowers and crochet edge clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These white linen circular doilies were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These linen doilies are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 5 x Linen doilies with coloured silk needle work and crochet edging a) square with coloured flowers and crochet edge , b) round with blue flowers and crochet edge , c) round with coloured flowers and crochet edge, d) round with coloured vase of flowers and crochet edge , e) round with blue flowers and crochet edge clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These Table Runners were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society These table runners are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 2 Table Runners c1900 a) cream fine cotton with bands of cut-work and needlework border b) white linen with crochet squirrels at one end clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This cotton 1/2 slip with large lace flounce was made by a woman of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and shows the needlework and lace work skills . The Cotton 1/2 petticoat is an example of the dressmaking, and lace work skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Lady's white cotton 1/2 Petticoat cotton lace flounce, elastic waist and 2 bone buttons at side seam clothing, petticoats, underwear, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, dairy farms, fruit orchards

A hammer is a tool consisting of a weighted "head" fixed to a long handle that is swung to deliver an impact to a small area of an object. This is a small sledgehammer whose relatively light weight and short handle allow single-handed use. It is useful for light demolition work, driving masonry nails, and for use with a steel chisel when cutting stone or metal. Among the early settlers in Moorabbin Shire were blacksmiths who made tools for the other settlers who were establishing the homes, market gardens, farms, orchards and various businesses. Early settlers were self reliant and repaired their own equipment for kitchen,dairy, farm, horses, carts using various tools . This hammer is typical of the type used by early settlers in Moorabbin Shire c1900This is a small sledge hammer with a wood handle and double sided round metal headearly settlers, market gardeners, blacksmiths, tools, building equipment, hammers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, highett, cheltenham,mcewan james pty ltd, melbourne, bunnings pty ltd,

Myrtle Grayson (nee McKay) was the Grand Daughter of John and Sarah Orchard (two of Cockatoo's first settlers) and worked for James and Caroline McBride in 1911 at the age of 14Handwritten letter by Mrs Myrtle Grayson on foolscap paper. Letter written in 1984Blue pen on foolscap paperletter, history of cockatoo, myrtle grayson, cockatoo creek,

C Rankins Almond Orchard & Cocks Pioneer Pond, 1930s. Cocks Pioneer Electric Gold & Tin Mine Company was formed in 1899. The company's first power station, located at the eastern end of the valley began operating with its 340 Kilowatt steam-powered generator. By 1909, from 2 500 000 cubic yards worked, reported recovery was 17 284 ounces of gold and 224 tons of tin ore. By 1909, Cocks Pioneer’s power plant had become inadequate and uneconomical. The barge was floated downstream about a mile, but lost time caused the operations to cease. Following testing, a new mine was established by diverting Reid's Creek at a cost of £25 000. Settling dams were built, one of which held 1 935 900 cubic feet. Sold earth banks, built against a wall of stringy bark saplings constructed and laced with vertical props, were built. In 1914, the company was reformed as Cock’s Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines NL, another power station was constructed at the western end of the township, near the junction of Clear and Reid's Creeks. From 6,800,000 cubic yards of material processed, the returns were 64 397 ounces of gold and 855 ton of tin. Cocks Pioneer mine then moved the barge downs stream and continued sluicing. In 1929 Cocks Pioneer Electric Gold and Tin Mining Company ceased operations due to a drop in values. Cock’s Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines NL carried on large-scale hydraulic sluicing operations until 1941. mines, mining, farms, farming, almonds, sluicing, rankins, cocks pioneer, el dorado, eldorado

Note by T.H. Kneen 26 February 1992, "?Pre WW2-note dress-jodhpurs-but could be a Land Army Girl during the War years." Further consideration by Eric Littlejohn suggests that the student at work is Jane Lorimer 1941 graduation. (Also see B91.141, B91.143-146)Black and white photograph. Female student using 3-pronged cultivator between rows of vegetables.On reverse, "Athol Shmith Studio Illustrative Photograhy 125 Collins Street, Melbourne, C.1. Cent. 27. No.10383 Position G."female students, 3-pronged cultivator, vegetables, athol shmith studio, jodhpurs, land army girl, jane lorimer, student working outside, orchard

Photographs taken by A.P. Winzenried to be considered as a possible illustration in, "Green Grows Our Garden."2 copies black and white photographs. Copy of photographs in, "The Argus." Top 1., 15-4-36, "Orchard Workers - A merry group in one of the orchards at the Burnley Horticultural School, where the girl students share the hard work with the men." 4 female students and a male instructor in the Orchard, carrying tools and wheeling a wooden wheelbarrow. Bottom 2. -4-36, "Tall and Short - Brook Gipps (left) aged 19 years, height 6ft 1 ⅟₂in., and Graham Grant, aged 17 years, height 4ft., in the orchard at the Burnley Horticultural School." 2 male students holding spades in the Orchard.a.p. winzenried, green grows our garden, female students, brook gipps, graham grant, orchard, students working outside, tools, wheelbarrow, male students

Photograph probably 1937, taken by A.P. Winzenried as a possible illustration for,"Green Grows Our Garden." Colour photograph. Copy of a newspaper article in, "The Argus," probably 1937, taken by A.P. Winzenried. Caption reads," Land Girls Find Work Pleasant at Burnley. Farm work appears to be a pleasant task for these girls photographed yesterday at Burnley Horticultural College. The plough horse is being returned to the stable after a day's work in the orchard." 2 girls leading Don, the draughthorse.Handwritten underneath, "M. Atkins, Don, J. Wakeford."a.p. winzenried, green grows our garden, female students, orchard, m. atkins, don, j. wakeford, donald, horse, land girls, students working outside, draughthorse, newspaper cutting

Photograph made by A.P. Winzenried for, "Green Grows Our Garden," p73.Colour photograph. Copy made by A.P. Winzenried. Photograph appeared in the "Sun News Pictorial," July 10, 1934. The caption reads, "Things are never down on the farm at Burnley Horticultural School while Don, the old dray horse, is on the job carting his load of happy students back to the lecture room after a session of practical work. Most of the 30 pupils now at the school are engaged in the study of pruning." See B94.-902. A large group of male and female students seated on a cart darwn by a draught horse.a.p. winzenried, green grows our garden, don, dray horse, students working outside, draught horse, students, orchard, newspaper cutting

Photograph made by A.P. Winzenried for, "Green Grows Our Garden," p73Colour photograph. Copy of a patchwork of 5 photographs of female students which appeared as newspaper illustrations c.1933, made by A.P. Winzenried. The caption reads, "Girl Harvesters at Work. Girl farming students at Burnley Horticultural Gardens are busy this week. They undergo two years practical and theoretical training in many... farming work. Pictures show: 1. Hay forking by the "weaker" sex. 2. Miss Joy...Miss Freda Poynter, typical students, enjoying billy tea. 3. A happy group on the...a crop of oats. 4. A reaping mower going round the crop. 5. Miss Thelma (Johnson?) drives old Don and the mower." See B99.1057.female students, a.p. winzenried, green grows our garden, burnley horticultural gardens, freda poynter, thelma johnson, don, donald, horse, srtudents working outside, west orchard, horse drawn mower, hay, recreation, oats, farming, reaping mower, newspaper cutting

This flag was used by Rosbercon Girls Grammar School, which operated in Brighton from 1906 until 1941. The school was established in 1906 by the Tisdall family. The Tisdalls were a family of educators: Irish-born Henry Thomas Normanton Tisdall and his wife Lucy taught for many years at the Walhalla State School in Gippsland, along with Lucy's sisters Alice and Clara Weekes. Three of the Tisdall daughters, Ethel, Constance and Theodosia (Theo) followed their mother and aunts into the teaching profession. Constance in particular considered education her true calling and harboured a dream of one day being principal of her own school. After Henry's death in 1905, faced with financial uncertainty and several unmarried daughters to support, Lucy Tisdall decided to take a risk. She sold the family's Toorak home and, together with her sister Alice, leased 'Ashburnham', a large Victorian villa at 106 North Road, Brighton. The plan was to open a private school, with Ethel and Constance as co-principals and Lucy, Alice and Theo teaching and managing the household affairs. This came as a "joyful surprise" to Constance, who was only informed of the plan after it had been finalised. The school was named Rosbercon after Henry's home village in County Wexford, Ireland. The crest, designed by son Bert Tisdall around 1910, featured a crowned letter 'A' above the motto "amor vincit omnia" ("love conquers all"), both inspired by a verse in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Prioress's Tale": "about her arm she bore/A paire of bedes gauded all in grene,/And theron heng a broche of gold full shene,/On which there was first writ a crowned 'A',/And after, Amor Vincit Omnia." It was a motto Constance held close to her heart, embodying her values as a teacher. Reflecting in 1961, she wrote, "In a school without punishments, a school with love and understanding between teacher and pupil - with a love of teaching on one side, and a desire to learn on the other, love would indeed conquer all." The school's opening day in 1906 proved less than auspicious, with no pupils arriving at all. The women persisted and by the end of the first week, five students had been enrolled. From here, the school grew steadily in size. A new schoolroom designed by architect Harold Desbrowe-Annear was built in the house's orchard to accommodate the increasing numbers, but by 1911 the Tisdalls began looking for larger premises. They leased the nearby property 'Hazeldean' at 124 North Road and, during the 1912 school holidays, the Desbrowe-Annear schoolroom was raised onto a lorry drawn by sixteen horses and moved down the road to what would become Rosbercon's new home. In 1923, Constance instituted a modified version of the Dalton Plan, an education model based on individualised learning. Girls in senior years were encouraged to work more independently, making regular use of the reference library and working to a monthly assignment schedule. The school performed well academically and in competitive sport, but over time was eclipsed by the nearby Firbank Church of England Girls' Grammar School (established 1909), whose institutional backing provided it with access to wider resources and facilities than those of the small family-run Rosbercon. At the end of 1933, Ethel and Theo retired and Constance became principal of St Anne's Church of England Girls' Grammar School (now Gippsland Grammar) in Sale. Rosbercon was sold to Miss Iris Hay, who served as principal from 1934 until the school's closure in 1941. Following her own retirement in 1947, Constance Tisdall settled in Erica Avenue, East Malvern, in a house named 'Rosbercon' after her former school. She continued teaching English literature, mostly to migrants, and enjoyed regular visits from former students. Well into the late 1960s, old Rosbercon girls continued a tradition of coming together for an annual reunion on the first Saturday in November, on which day Constance would fly the school flag at her home.Large navy blue flag with horizontal maroon stripe at top and bottom, and school crest in centre. Stylised maroon "A" topped with yellow crown. Yellow scroll below with motto in navy blue letters: "AMOR.VINCIT.OMNIA".flag, school flag, rosbercon girls grammar school