[Melbourne, 1961] 44 p. illus. 22 cm. non-fictionHistory of "Fairyland" Cottage. A personalised, signed copy of the History of Fairyland Cottage wrapped as a birthday gift. lovely old homes of kew, dorothy rogers

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 Society.A 19-page booklet published in 1936 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Kew Baptist Church in Highbury Grove. The booklet lists the names of office bearers and the names and addresses of all members of the congregation.kew baptist church, churches -- kew (vic.) -- histories

Bobs for Jobs was a State-run program to support local fundraising. Each Scout was expected to knock on doors seeking jobs, with the money raised going to the local Group, perhaps to buy equipment or pay for camps. The award of pennants was used as an incentive.‘Busy Bee’ pennant awarded to the 1st Kew Kookaburra Patrol for raising “£5.16.6” during Bobs for Jobs. The pennant includes names of the patrol members on the reverse. Front: "1st Kew Kookaburra Patrol / £5.16.6"1st kew scouts, memorabilia - pennants, scout bobs for jobs

This uniform belonged to Jane Reid when she was a member of the 4th Kew Scout Troop. Jane joined Scouts in 1990 and was one of the first two girls to join Scouts in Kew. Prior to this, the Scout Section was restricted to boys only but was progressively opened to girls. Now girls are members in every section. The khaki shirt bears the Kew District badge on the right and the Scout Membership badge on the left. On the left sleeve is the patrol badge and target badges. The black and green scarf is excludove to 4th Kew and the woggle was Jane's choice.Short-sleeved, collarless fabric shirt of khaki color, with embroidered badges. Also fabric neck scard, with braid and vinyl holdfast (woggle). Various Scout badges.scout uniform, scouts - 4th kew, costumes, jane reid

The Kew Historical Society's postcard collection includes views of Kew, Melbourne and Greater Melbourne as well as those including overseas scenes sent or received from Europe or the Middle East. They date from the 1890s to the 2000s.Modern postcard produced by the Tramway Museum Society of Victoria. The photo is of a replica tram in Victoria's Tramway Museum, and was presumably purchased for display purposes for an exhibition relating to transport in Kew, and in particular to the Kew horse-tram which operated from the Victoria Street Bridge to the Boroondara General Cemetery in Kew.This replica tram, constructed by members Alan Antcliff and Newton Williams in Mildura represents the open car used between Sydney Road and the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gradens until 1923. The open "toast rack" type was use extensively on other horse and early electric tram systems. Photo by William F Scott. Produced by The Tramway Museum of Victoria Ltd Box 4916, Mail Exchange, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001. Operator of Victoria's Tramway Museum, Union Lane, Bylands (55 km from Melbourne off the Northern Highway) Open Sundays 11a.m - 5p.m. CS2036kilmore horse tram, tramway museum society of victoria, tramways - victoria, postcards

The Kew Historical Society's postcard collection includes views of Kew, Melbourne and Greater Melbourne as well as those including overseas scenes sent or received from Europe or the Middle East. They date from the 1890s to the 2000s.Modern postcard produced by the Tramway Museum Society of Victoria. The photo is of a replica tram in Victoria's Tramway Museum, and was presumably purchased for display purposes for an exhibition relating to transport in Kew, and in particular to the Kew horse-tram which operated from the Victoria Street Bridge to the Boroondara General Cemetery in Kew.This replica tram, constructed by members Alan Antcliff and Newton Williams in Mildura represents the open car used between Sydney Road and the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gradens until 1923. The open "toast rack" type was use extensively on other horse and early electric tram systems. Photo by William F Scott. Produced by The Tramway Museum of Victoria Ltd Box 4916, Mail Exchange, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001. Operator of Victoria's Tramway Museum, Union Lane, Bylands (55 km from Melbourne off the Northern Highway) Open Sundays 11a.m - 5p.m. CS2036 kilmore horse tram, tramway museum society of victoria, tramways - victoria, postcards

Collection of thirty-nine postcards donated by Jillian Rigby which had been owned by her grandparents, George and Edith Weir, who from c.1917 lived at 84 Princess Street, Kew. The mostly 'mint' postcards were purchased in Victoria and while travelling overseas. The sole dated postcard is dated from 1929. The postcards are numbered sequentially from 2017.0058.01-39. The remainder of the collection donated by Jill Rigby which was once owned by the Weirs of Broken Hill and Kew consist of costumes, costume accessories, photographs, and documents.The postcards in the Weir collection, especially those purchased on a trip or trips to the mother country, i.e. United Kingdom, represent a representative sample of sites that were considered significant to those Australians undertaking a reverse grand tour by member of the erstwhile colonies. Those postcards which are early views of Melbourne must have been produced commercially for some decades from the early part of the 20th century.Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, looking north. Coloured postcard. Weir collection."Kew Historical Society Inc"postcards, george and edith weir, elizabeth street - melbourne, weir collection

The Rockingham Red Cross Centre in Kew provided convalescence and rehabilitation for war veterans suffering nervous conditions resulting from the Second World War. The building had been given to the Australian Red Cross by the owner of the house, Mrs Syme in 1940. In the early days of the centre, patients performed plays for fellow patients and staff members. This small box of theatrical makeup, or greasepaint, would have been used at the Centre on one or more of these occasions. The donor, Rosemary Lade, worked at the Centre as an occupational therapist, 1971-2 and 1974-7. During these years, play readings were held, but performances were not staged. The Rockingham Red Cross Centre closed in 1977, and following its closure, the donor retrieved the box of greasepaints from the Occupational Therapy Department. A box of greasepaint from the Rockingham Red Cross Centre, Kew. Square wooden box, containing sticks of greasepaint used for theatrical makeup. The used sticks of greasepaint are wrapped in foiled paper, printed with information about the colour and the maker/retailer: L. Leichner (London) Ltd. Leichner House, 30/32 Acre Lane, / London, S.W.2. theatrical makeup, greasepaint, rockingham, rockingham red cross centre, syme family, rosemary lade, occupational therapy - theatre

The donor, Rosemary Lade, was a member of the Q Theatre Guild for a short period in the 1970s when this photo of a performance of The Bartered Bride was taken. The Q Theatre Guild had previously evolved out of the Kew Light Opera Company that had been formed in 1953. The first performances of the Guild occurred in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street. From 1960, the Guild performed at the new Kew Civic (later City) Hall. During the 1970s, the donor participated in performances of The Bartered Bride by Bedřich Smetana, The Gypsy Baron by Johan Strauss II, and Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.One of a set of four photographs of a performance of Smetana's Bartered Bride in the Kew City Hall in the 1970s. The performance was given by the "Q" Theatre Guild."The Bartered Bride" Smetana. Q Theatre Guild 1970s."q" theatre guild, the bartered bride, kew city hall, performing arts -- kew (vic.)

The donor, Rosemary Lade, was a member of the Q Theatre Guild for a short period in the 1970s when this photo of a performance of The Bartered Bride was taken. The Q Theatre Guild had previously evolved out of the Kew Light Opera Company that had been formed in 1953. The first performances of the Guild occurred in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street. From 1960, the Guild performed at the new Kew Civic (later City) Hall. During the 1970s, the donor participated in performances of The Bartered Bride by Bedřich Smetana, The Gypsy Baron by Johan Strauss II, and Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.Photograph of a performance of Smetana's Bartered Bride in the Kew City Hall in the 1970s. The performance was given by the "Q" Theatre Guild."The Bartered Bride" Smetana. Q Theatre Guild 1970s.Left Rear - Molly Stillwell (seated) Rosemary Lademolly stilwell, rosemary lade, "q" theatre guild, kew civic hall, performing arts -- kew (vic.), smetana -- the bartered bride

The donor, Rosemary Lade, was a member of the Q Theatre Guild for a short period in the 1970s when this photo of a performance of The Bartered Bride was taken. The Q Theatre Guild had previously evolved out of the Kew Light Opera Company that had been formed in 1953. The first performances of the Guild occurred in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street. From 1960, the Guild performed at the new Kew Civic (later City) Hall. During the 1970s, the donor participated in performances of The Bartered Bride by Bedřich Smetana, The Gypsy Baron by Johan Strauss II, and Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.Photograph of a performance of Smetana's Bartered Bride in the Kew City Hall in the 1970s. The performance was given by the "Q" Theatre Guild."The Bartered Bride" Smetana. Q Theatre Guild 1970s."q" theatre guild, smetana -- the bartered bride, performing arts -- kew (vic.), kew civic hall

The donor, Rosemary Lade, was a member of the Q Theatre Guild for a short period in the 1970s when this photo of a performance of The Bartered Bride was taken. The Q Theatre Guild had previously evolved out of the Kew Light Opera Company that had been formed in 1953. The first performances of the Guild occurred in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street. From 1960, the Guild performed at the new Kew Civic (later City) Hall. During the 1970s, the donor participated in performances of The Bartered Bride by Bedřich Smetana, The Gypsy Baron by Johan Strauss II, and Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.Photograph of a performance of Smetana's Bartered Bride in the Kew City Hall in the 1970s. The performance was given by the Q Theatre Guild."The Bartered Bride" Smetana. Q Theatre Guild 1970s. Rosemary Lade (far right)"q" theatre guild, rosemary lade, kew civic hall, smetana -- the bartered bride, performing arts -- kew (vic.)

The Kew Historical Society's Fashion & Design collection includes a small and representative collection of reticules, purses and handbags, purchased, inherited or collected by members of the Society. These items date from the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, and conform to fashions and styles popular during the period of their use. Some of the items are handmade, while others are mass-produced commercial products. Beaded purse with butterscotch bakelite frame and chain.The purse contains an internal mirrorcostume accessories, purses, handbags, reticules

The Kew Historical Society's Fashion & Design collection includes a small and representative collection of reticules, purses and handbags, purchased, inherited or collected by members of the Society. These items date from the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, and conform to fashions and styles popular during the period of their use. Some of the items are handmade, while others are mass-produced commercial products.Beaded purse with metal frame and beaded chain.handbags, bags, fashion accessories, women's clothing, purses, evening bags

Supporting documentary letter outlining the literary activities of a group of residents in Kew and its environs, which operated from 1897 to c.1912. 2-page letter from J. F. Richardson, outlining the donor's connection to The Pickwick Club of Kew which operated in Kew in the final decade of the 19th Century and the first two decades of the 20th Century. The transcript of the letter is recorded in the Inscriptions field.22 Kalimna St., Balwyn VIC 3103 16th November, 1967 Mrs E. West, Secretary, Kew Historical Society, 24 Marshall Ave., Kew VIC 3101 Dear Mrs West, In 1897 some residents of Kew formed a literary group which they called “The Pickwick Club”. My mother and father (the late Judge J.A. Richardson) were members of the group. The Pickwick Club produced two issues of its “Proceedings”, issued under the title of “The Pickwick Portfolio”. The first issue was dated 1st October 1904, and the second was dated 1st January, 1912. I have no knowledge of any later issues. I have one copy of each of the publications referred to above and I should be pleased to present them to the historical Society, if they were felt to be suitable material. The issue of 1/1/1912 contains a list of members of the Club and this may be of interest to the older members of your Society. Yours Sincerely J.F. Richardsonpickwick club -- kew (vic.)

London : Proprietors of the Illustrated London News, [1897] 54 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 41 cm. non-fictionPart of rare book collection.victoria queen of great britain 1819-1901, great britain -- history -- victoria 1837-1901.

The Kew Historical Society's Fashion & Design collection includes a small and representative collection of reticules, purses and handbags, purchased, inherited or collected by members of the Society. These items date from the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, and conform to fashions and styles popular during the period of their use. Some of the items are handmade, while others are mass-produced commercial products. The handbag was owned by, used and donated by Dione McIntyre.The McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1990s. Black Oroton handbag with brass and black enamel frame and handle. The inside label includes the company name - “OROTON” - and maker details - “Made in West Germany”.costume accessories, handbags, oroton, costume accessories, handbags, purses, oroton, mcintyre collection

The Kew Historical Society's Fashion & Design collection includes a small and representative collection of reticules, purses and handbags, purchased, inherited or collected by members of the Society. These items date from the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, and conform to fashions and styles popular during the period of their use. Some of the items are handmade, while others are mass-produced commercial products. The handbag was owned by Dione McIntyreThe McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1990s. White, Oroton style handbag with brass and white enamel frame and handle.handbags, costume accessories, oroton, mcintyre collection

The Kew Historical Society's Fashion & Design collection includes a small and representative collection of reticules, purses and handbags, purchased, inherited or collected by members of the Society. These items date from the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, and conform to fashions and styles popular during the period of their use. Some of the items are handmade, while others are mass-produced commercial products. This handbag was donated by Dione McIntyre.The McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1990s. Evening purse of gilded mesh with brass frame and chain handle. The base of the bag features a mesh fringe. The clasp includes a faceted red glass gem.purses, fashion accessories, lilian cohen, mcintyre collection, evening wear

The hat was owned, worn and donated by by Jill O'Brien, member of the Kew Historical Society and a former mayor of Kew. The rose is a later addition.The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Soft pink coloured woman’s hat; the high crown swathed in fine pink silk, while the brim is covered with white chiffon. Two large floppy silk roses are used to decorate the hat.Nilmilliners, hats, women's clothing, australian fashion, jill o'brien

In the KHS Minutes of June 1999, it is recorded that Marion Blatchley (a member) had restored the brown bridal hat. This is the only possible candidate. The minutes do not record the date of the hat's origin.The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. Most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women. There are however a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Open weave straw woman’s hat featuring a low domed crown and a wide brim. The dark brown hat has a pale green ribbon surrounding the base of the crown. Unclear handwritten marking: Sylvie Walsh (sic). Wynne Saish (sic)women's clothing -- hats, sun hats, raffia hats

The Fashion & Textiles collections of Kew Historical Society include a number of textiles, as well as women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Textiles include items manufactured or created in the United Kingdom as well as in Australia. As other cultures opened to Australian travellers in the 20th century, members began collecting and donating textiles produced in a number of other countries. Fashion (or clothing/costumes) in the collection was essentially produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, This cocktail dress is one of a number of items donated to the Fashion Collection by Rosemary-Vaughan Smith.Medium length silver satin evening dress. The weave of the silk fabric includes small pink flowers. The bodice is gathered to give the impression of a bow. The dress has strapped shoulders.women's clothing, cocktail dresses, evening wear, rosemary vaughan-smith, australian fashion - 1950s

Evening dress owned and donated by Kew architect, and Life Member of the Kew Historical Society, Dione McIntyre. The dress was created by the Sydney company Simona Couture, founded 1963 by Inge Fonagy. Inge Fonagy trained in Switzerland and migrated to Australia in 1950. The chief designer of the company from the late 1960s was her son, John Recek. The fashion house won a number of awards including: David Jones' Supreme Award for Fashion Excellence (1972); David Jones Award for High Grade Fashion (1972); and David Jones Award for Pret-a-porter (1973),The McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1990s. Cream coloured long sleeve evening gown with cross-grain same colour trim and belt. The skirt features heat-treated sunray pleats.Label: Simona Couturemcintyre collection, evening wear, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1970s, simona couture

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories. This black velvet jacket with diamanté clasp was collected by Teresa Mayer, KHS member, and donated to our collection in 1988.Black silk velvet evening jacket with ornamental diamanté clip at front.women's clothing, fashion -- melbourne -- 1930s, capes

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. Two-piece royal blue heavy silk dress comprised of a tightly waisted top that extends below the waist at the front and the back, and a floor-length skirt. The full skirt and the sculpted fabric that is part of the top are designed to cover a bustle. The elaborately styled bodice is joined with fabric-covered buttons at centre front. The bodice is distinctively styled with the use silk velvet banding and tassles that extend the woven silk webbing. The outfit is in excellent condition apart from some wear on the velvet and the buttons.women's clothing, australian fashion, dresses, costumes, fashion & design, outerware

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-piece, floor length blue silk day dress with a bell skirt that is slightly longer at the back. The dress is joined, centre-front with hooks and eyes. It is probable that the 19th century cream-coloured lace on the bodice and cuffs is a later addition. The lace extends in a long loop at the font of the skirt. The bodice has a high round neck, later modified to a V-shape. The dress must at one stage have been reconfigured or strengthened at the join of the bodice and skirt, as there is evidence of the use of new machine stitching. The dress is fully lined with a stiffened cotton lining fabric. Apart from minor staining, the dress is in excellent condition. The dress is the earliest complete costume in the collection. Measurements - 145.0 cm (centre back) 25.0 cm (waist, flat)Nilcoombs collection, fashion - 1860s, women's clothing, costumes, daywear

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. Blue silk, floor length day dress comprised of a tightly fitted, long, waisted jacket joined by hooks and eyes at centre front. The bodice features large ornamental buttons from neck to waist, covered in a figured silk fabric of the same colour as the dress. The gown has extensive pin tucking on the sleeves, on the flounce of the skirt, and on the long train. The line of the outfit is emphasised by the flattened front, which is typical of the period. Its cut and lack of adornment emphasises the tailored effect.australian fashion, fashion & design, costumes, dresses, women's clothing, fashion - 1860s, fashion - 1870s

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. Single-piece, floor length, gold silk taffeta evening dress featuring the use of a very long fishtail train to which is attached a silk cord to allow the wearer to hold it above the floor. The dress includes a number of decorative features including the extensive use of box pleats on the sleeves and on the hem of the skirt; contrasting gold and cream braiding and tassles; and the extensive use of ruching on the bodice at the front. Due to the age and fine quality of the silk taffeta used, there is evidence of the degradation of the fabric on one shoulder and a tear in the rear of the skirt. Otherwise the dress is in excellent condition.fashion - 1870s, australian fashion, wedding dresses, costumes, women's clothing, coombs collection