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', were 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 white silk wedding dress comprised of a short tailored bodice and a bell shaped skirt. The most prominent feature of the bodice is the wide pagoda sleeves, with false undersleeves of muslin. The edge of the sleeves includes small posies of orange blossom. Separate panels of lace, dropping from the waist are the only form of decoration on the skirt. The round high neckline was later converted to v-line in the 19th century.coombs collection, women's clothing, australian fashion, fashion & design collection, costumes, wedding dresses

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

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

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 1969, Coombs had already purchased 10 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 10 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. Periwinkle blue afternoon dress made of finely woven wool with silk quilting to the yoke and cuffs. The one-piece outfit is fastened at front with large mother of pearl buttons. The dress includes a very long train. At one stage, the buttoning at the waist has been modified, presumably due to changes in the owner's waistline. women's clothing, australian fashion, costumes, dresses

The MUIOOF Lodge was located in Union Street, Kew. The Lodge was established in 1863. It was demolished in the early 1990s.The Lodge Board lists the names of representatives of many of Kew's pioneering families. The Board was donated to the Society when the Hall was demolished. MUIOOF Lodge Board - Yarra Yarra District, Loyal Kew Lodge No. 5093 Port Phillip District till 1888 / Yarra Yarra District from 1888 Past Grands [listed] W.Woolard 1864 to A.E. Martin 1990 Maker marks - [Painted on back panel] "Lodge Board - Written by Bro. J. Kleiner, Signwriter 432 Burwood Rd. Glenferrie March 1930".[Engraved on pediment] "G.E. Gosbell, Woodcarver 1955". muioof (kew), yarra yarra district, port phillip district, j. kleiner, manchester unity independent order of oddfellows, w. woollard, d. gray, g. taylor, d. dannock, e.g. backwell, s. conder, j.h. joyce, r. summers, r. clulow, w. morris, f. fanhauser, j. waters, w. butson, a. dalton, t.g. jellis, j. watson, w. howieson, a.h. alexander, w.h. perry, a.r. studd, t. greenhill, w.a. hunt, w. maslen, t. eakins, h. ellis, a. geoffrey, j. priestman, t.e. morrisjamieson, c.h. bryan, g. hinchcliffe, t. foley, a.j. conder, s. clapham, a. cornish, f.j. fauvel, e.m. bond, h. co, j.g m. moller, e. hillier, w. finucane, w.e. bristow, v. geoffrey, a. hill, j.t. studd, h. de c. kellett, a.j whittaker, e. foley, e.f. fordred, p.j. ridgeway, j. barnard, h.a. ingham, h. woollard, j.w. fuller, e. mclean, p.g. pearce, f. walsh, h. fryar, h. salisbury, h. woolard, h.c. cox, a.j. watson, w. holt, f.t. james, e.c. parry, g. lees, h.o. ada,s, g.c. barclay, g.h. mockridge, g. philpott, j. corser, a. lilburn, w.p. wheeler, t.e. morri, r.r. clarke, h.d. sisson, w.r. harle, w.g. gray, j.d. newman, c.w. laidler, e.a. rae, a.a. homes, a. mcconachie, h.f. woollard, p.g. gallop, h.c. nelson, l.n. graebe, e.w. firth, n. rae, r.j. kelly, j. donaldson, f.t. jmes, c. till, t.j. doyle, s.m.f wills, w.l. smith, h. mcallan, h.a. morgan, a. kinns, w.r. adams, c.h. jones, g.h. carter, m. prout, a.w. bishop, k.c. hemmings, e.k. sparls, l.m. harle, j.m. prout, l.e. watts, d.b. adams, f.u. woolard, a. macrae, n.l. gration, d.h. vickers, m.h.m. alister, t.a. till, r.w. bent, j.w. woolard, a.e. woolard, r.h. harle, jean harle, l.o. adams, d.h. lloyd, k.w. harle, d.g. mclean, p.s. pearse, v.l. profitt, f.c. marks, m.h. mcalister, j. newman, e.m. savory, a.f gration, c.g. teasdale, e.k. sparkes, a.j. scott, w.h. savory, t.r. holland, g.t. smith, d. adams, s. rowe, t. bentley, l.e. fegan, m.j. fiander, g.n. bentley, j.l. oakley, h. brierley, b. oakley, m. j. fiander, w. humphries, a. weingardt, c. nunn, d.a. adams, s.p. clark, s. evans, g.n.bentley, s. clugston, d.c. mitchell, a.e. martin, g.n bentley, l.b. murrell, t.b. will, d. murrell

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

A picture of the original Gordon Lodge lodge-room of 1886 - room currently in use by the Lodge's artist-in-residence. Below is a newspaper article from the North Melbourne Advertiser (Vic: 1873 - 1894) for Friday 22 April 1887 that describes the architecture of the building at the time of its completion. From some of the details included in the article it is obvious that the journalist who wrote the article was a Freemason. THE MASONIC HALL ASCOT VALE North Melbourne Advertiser (Vic. : 1873 - 1894) Friday 22 April 1887 THE MASONIC HALL ASCOT VALE The now Masonic Hall, Ascot Vale, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Worshipful Master of the Gordon Lodge (Bro, W. F. Lamonby) in October last has just been completed, and will be formally opened: with grand Masonic ball on the 13th prox. The hall stands on a fine block of land having a frontage of 50ft to the Maribyrnong road by a depth of 130 ft., and is built of brick and cement on a most substantial foundation of bluestone. The Tuscan style of architecture has been adopted with the most successful result, and the front design which is especially handsome, includes four massive pilasters with frieze architrave and enriched cornice, forming the entablature of the order,- and giving a most imposing appearance. The front door, over which are the masonic emblems, is seven feet wide, and two escape doors made to open outwards in compliance with the Central Board of Health regulations are also provided, in case of emergency. In the vestibule is a very fine elliptic arch with keystone enriched with fruit, and the whole floor, 9ft. 6in. wide, is laid with Cawkwell's encaustic tyles. On the right, of tile vestibule is a commodious committee room 22ft. by 12ft 6in with side entrance for members, so that in case the main hall is engaged no inconvenience need be caused. On the left is the Secretary's room, and off this again is a staircase cellar. The vestibule is well lighted with two exceedingly pretty chandeliers, which have a very pleasing effect and give it a nice bright appearance ascending a handsome staircase leading from the vestibule the upper storey is reached, and here everything is splendidly arranged, especially 'the Lodge Room, which is a model of neatness and of comfort. The dimensions are 28ft. x 22ft 6in. with an elevation of 17ft. 6in. to the beautiful cove ceiling, which is quite a work of art. At the east end of the room on a raised dais is the master's chair with the masonic emblems, and neat forms of polished kauri are placed at the sides for members, about 150 of whom can be accommodated. The lighting and ventilation have both been well attended to and all is very complete. The main hall is 75ft. by 35 ft. with a stage 15ft. deep, leaving the auditorium 60ft. x 35ft. with a seating capacity about 600. Round the walls up to 6ft 6in. is a handsome dado in Portland cement and above it are panelled Tuscan pilasters to the entablature, architrave enriched frieze and medallion cornice forming the main cornice to the hall. Immediately inside the cornice is a sunken panel all-round the ceiling relieved with ornamental outlet ventilators. There are twelve large windows, six on each aide, and the sashes, skirting boards, and doors throughout the building are beautifully painted in imitation of grained cedar. Two enormous gas reflectors, each for 50 lights are suspended from the ceiling and besides these, four elegant hanging chandeliers for lighting up the proscenium, and back of the stage, under which is a storeroom for seats, &c, when the hall is required for a ball. The floor is made of kauri, secretly nailed, and is beautifully finished off. At the back of the stage are two lavatories and ladies and gentlemen's dressing rooms, between which are a connecting passage for a call boy. Outside is a capital asphalted yard, and the other usual conveniences on an improved plan. There is a right-of-way asphalted on each side of the building, and a large lamp is to be placed opposite the main entrance to light up the front. Everything that forethought and ability could suggest to make the hall comfortable and popular has been done, and it now only remains for the public to avail themselves of the advantages offered them by the enterprising Company. The cost of the building and furniture, including a magnificent piano, was £2,500, and the land £300. Mr J. C. M. Cowan, of Ascot Vale, is the architect, and Messrs Parker and Pater, of South Melbourne, the contractors. The plastering was done by Mr I Nicholas, of Murray Street, Moonee Ponds, who is also entitled to great praise for his splendid workmanship. Mr Cowan has been most assiduous and particular in seeing that his instructions were carried out to his satisfaction, and the result must be exceedingly gratifying to him and to the directors. The Masonic hall is only one of the many buildings erected by Mr Cowan in this district, among the others being the well known residences of Meessrs. J. Levy, Mooneo Street; W. Murphy, Eglington street; G. Groube, Maribyrnong street; C. A. Arvier, Moonee Ponds ; and F. Paul, Mount Alexander road. It may also be mentioned that Mr Cowan generously presented the plans for the now local fire brigade tower which is acknowledged to be one of the strongest and most graceful around Melbourne, The new Masonic Hall does infinite credit to the borough, and in accommodation, design, and comfort it is not surpassed by any similar building of the kind outside the city.

Offset Printed bi-fold card with lodge meetings in Bendigo Districtgolden & corinthian, mount alexander, mount franklin - st. george, mackenzie, st. george, southern cross, zetland, heathcote, aurora, zenith, eaglehawk, st. johns, rochester, trentham, kyneton, sadhurst, corona, wedderburn, gisborne, campaspe, carisbrook, harcourt, bendigo city

Offset printing with ink on paper.Bro. N Stewart, Duke Street, Castlemaine. Dear Sir, Mr Leslie George Lobb, Garage Prop. Castlemaine has been proposed as a Member of the Mount Alexander lodge of Freemason's and has given your name as a referee from whom inquiries may be made. I would be glad to receive at your earliest convenience your report as to his character, history, standing and ideals. Any communication will be treated in strictest confidence. I am, Yeours Faithfully, L.G. Lloyd, Secretarymount alexander lodge

Mount Alexander Shire Australia Remembers 1945-11995 Committee Presents a concert

Watercolour

Watercolour

Author: Alan Judge Holt amassed a significant collection of historical material related to the Surrey Hills area. Born in Moonee Ponds in 1912 to Edmund Holt and Ellen Ruby Sutton, he married Edna Jean Pallot in 1937. They lived at 62 Broughton Road, Surrey hills, had 3 sons and were strongly associated with the Surrey Hills Methodist Church. Alan was Secretary of the Victorian Lands Department and in his spare time recorded the occupancy of every property in Surrey Hills and Mont Albert at the beginning of each decade from 1890 to 1980. His collection of files and individual cards covers people, places, churches, clubs, businesses and other organisations in the area. Alan used this information to give talks and tours of the area and gifted his material to the local history collection through Jocelyn Hall.Unpublished manuscript / notes written by Alan Holt about settlers in and around Surrey Hills bound in-house. It is supported by maps showing landowners over various years from about 1840-1885(mr) henry jamieson, (mr) ken hall, (ms) edna holt, (mr) frank bamford, (mr) harrison buchanan, scouts, grange hill, wattle park, round hill, bona vista, mount albert, barton street, (mr) john raeburn, (mr) edmund holt, (mr) james dunn, butter merchant, mont albert road, elgar road, view hill, new street, surry mont, delany's hill, reservoir hill, riversdale road, middlesex road, surrey hills, (mr) aldo massora, aborigines, damper creek, back creek, west creek, kooyongkoot creek, (mr) john gardiner, (mr) chas mullins, (mr) henry elgar, (mr) robert campbell, (mr) alexander dyce, (mr) robert brooks, t budds payne, (mr) hugh glass, (mr) patrick trainer, w virtue, (mr) t fulton, (mr) john crimp, (mr) w dempsey, (mr) w e stanbridge, (mr) james atkinson, j porter, j collings, w edde, (mr) orlando fenwick, (dr)(mr) l l smith, (mr) j h knipe, (mr) george cockcroft, (sr) (mr) john martin kleinert, w morton, d delaney, a moeller, (mr) william smith, (mr) e.p.s.sturt, (mr) thomas blood, (mr) patrick mornane, (mr) henry de carle, w craig, j hill, w oliver, j keogh, a laing, vineyards, toll gates, (mr) david staig, (mr) phillip kleeper, (mr) goyder usher, (mr) james lawler, (mr) w.e. stanbridge, (mr) gideon rutherford, c a f mater, j gadsby, w h wrixon, e h lamont, i ainger, (mr) james henty, (mr) henry henty, w freemantle, w palmer, beckett park, maranoa gardens

‘Dalriada’” at 77 Union Road, on the corner Bona Vista Avenue has been demolished. It was the home of Mr Charles Henri Dillon Steele, a dentist of Collins Street, his wife Sarah (nee Russell) and daughters Harriette Vevers (Hattie) and Margaret Dillon (Nancy). They are pictured with grandmother Mrs Sarah Ann Vevers Russell (nee Lasslett), who with her husband Alexander lived at 'Clifton', Union Road, Surrey Hills from prior to 1903. He died in 1903 at Clifton. She was still living there in 1919. A black and white photograph of a group of people in their garden, enjoying the sun. The man is standing, two older ladies are sitting on deck chairs and the two younger girls are sitting on the grass playing with a kitten.(mr) charles steele, dalriada, house names, surrey hills, bona vista avenue, (mrs) sarah steele, clothing and dress, union road, (miss) harriette vevers steele, (miss) hattie steele, (miss) nancy steele, (miss) margaret dillon steele, (mrs) sarah ann vevers russell

The parade was held in celebration of King Edward VII's birthday on 4 July 1902. This was the first public appearance of the German Band formed on 30 May 1902. The leading horseman is Mr Rowland Coe. He is followed by Mr George Robinson, a butcher of Canterbury Road. The man in the white hat is Mr Sam Kellett, businessman of Erasmus Street. Behind him on foot and partly obscured is Mr Alexander McNeill of the Surrey Family Hotel. Band master is Harry Pollard, painter and paper-hanger, and next to him is Constable Hill. The small boy in the sailor suit is Perc Venman of Essex Road and in the buggy near the footpath is Mr and Mrs William Maling. Information came from David Staig senior. Further research: William Saunders Maling, a son of John Butler Maling, was a builder who lived at 17 Balwyn Road, Canterbury. Rowland Coe, a butcher and son of James and Elizabeth Coe of Sunbury Crescent enlisted in AIF in WW1. He later lived at 233 Elgar Road, Box Hill. William Percival Reginald (Perc) Venman was born in Surrey Hills in 1894; he died in Surrey Hills in 1951 and lived at 27 Essex Street for much of his life. He and his wife are buried in Box Hill Cemetery. The identity of Sam Kellett of Erasmus Street is questioned. Edward Kellett built 'Yielma' in Erasmus Street but was deceased by 1902. He had 3 sons: Edward Allan (1854-1932); George Henry (1858-1921) and William John (1865-1945).Black and white photo of a number of men on horses leading a parade down Station Street (Windsor Crescent) to Union Road. Street trees on the RHS are mature whilst the ones on the LHS look to be newly planted. They have wooden guards around them. The area to the left is blurry but would be the railway line and station surrounds. Roads are well formed with bluestone channels.parades and processions, bands, german band, windsor crescent, william saunders maling, mrs hannah maling, miss hannah miller, constable hill, perc venman, george robinson, sam kellett, alexander mcneill, rowland coe, harry pollard, william percival reginald venman

This booklet gives a brief description of the local settlement in Canterbury giving the landholders names and name of the house (before street numbering was introduced) and street it was located in.This booklet gives a brief description of the local settlement in Canterbury giving the landholders names and name of the house (before street numbering was introduced) and street it was located in.canterbury, (ms) jane f portingale, postmistress, (mr) arundel wrighte, wood brothers, koonung creek, (mr) thomas power, (mr) oliver russell, (mr) frederick griffin, (mr) thomas payne, shrublands, w creek, (mr) john gardiner, (mr) james shanley, (mr)robert hoddle, (mr) michael logan, (mr) patrick moloney, (mr) hugh glass, r. larkins, t. hassett, e. sturt, d.s. campbell, (mr) joseph camm, riversdale road, w. logan, rochester road, 1843, trees, mont albert road, a. sikes, (mr) william smith, 1853, (mr) ernest carter, dentist, elgar's surrey, hindson family, (mr) george granville mercy, (mr) alfred golding, (mr)alexander patterson, (mr) thomas boanas, (mr) thomas hyde, builders, (mr) richard terrill, architects, (mr) thomas miles, drapers

Worn by Edna Emily Seehusen (1916-2005) when she married William Alexander McQuilten (1911-2010) in September 1947 at Brighton Congregational Church, Black Street, Brighton.Ivory satin dress with train overlaid with machine made lace. High, gathered neckline, leg-of-mutton sleeves, In-built padded hip rolls. Front of dress is decorated with wax flowers. Label, woven pink on cream silk, centre back neck: A / Dorothy Draper / Original / EXCLUSIVE TO / BALL & WELCH LTD. / MELBOURNEwedding dress, lace, ball and welch, edna emily seehusen, william alexander mcquilten, brighton congregational church, brighton

This wedding dress belonged to Barbara Stewart, nee Bellamy, who married Alexander Stewart at St Andrews Church in Brighton on 15 June 1968. The dress was made by 'Madam', a dress shop in Church Street. At the time of donation, Barbara had been a Brighton resident for 80 years.Cream mini-dress of net and wool lace with textured floral pattern. High round neck and long sleeves, with small frill at collar, cuffs and hem. Satin lined, with a zip at the back.barbara bellamy, barbara stewart, alexander stewart, st andrew's church brighton, 1960s, wedding dress

Alexander Lau established his business in 1950 in the Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne. He designed textiles and commissioned many of his textiles to be spun and woven in Geelong mills. He had a long association with the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Mill and with Mr Schofield, the manager. In 2000, he retired and closed the business.Glossy paper clothing tag with rainbow coloured logo and black printed text.front: CRESTKNIT KNITWEAR & / ALEXANDER LAU FABRICS / TOGHETHER IN / CO-ORDINATING FASHION / (SEE OVER) back: This ticket is your / SYMBOL GUIDE / to help you to / co-ordinate this garment with / a color-matched CRESKNIT lambswool / pullover or cardigan. / Look for the matching ticket on / CRESKNIT LAMBSWOOL KNITWEAR / and you'll find colors created to / give you sophisticated / CO-ORDINATION.

Anlaby’s sheep are born, bred and shorn at their farm located in South Australia. The wool is then scoured at Michels in Adelaide, combed and turned into Tops at Cashmere Connections in Bacchus Marsh, and then Spun and Woven at a historic mill in Scotland named Johnstons of Elgin. Sewing is completed by artisan seamstresses and packaging is from a local Adelaide family business. Established in 1839 just North of the Barossa Valley in South Australia, Anlaby is the oldest continuing merino sheep stud on mainland Australia. Fredrick Dutton employed Alexander Buchannan to bring sheep to the buoyant market in Adelaide from Goulburn NSW. Several others speculated on possible successes, including Buchannan and a flock of 18,000 sheep were walked overland. The trek took nine months. During this time the Adelaide market prices had collapsed. Having found land with a spring of sweet water, Dutton decided to keep his flock of 5,000 stud sheep and purchased a small parcel of land that is now called Anlaby. The property prospered and Buchannan was employed as manager for the next 25 years. At its height Anlaby covered 250sq miles – 160,000 acres and employed 70 men. The first bale of wool from South Australia to be auctioned in London came from Anlaby. The Anlaby stud also provided the foundation ewes for the well-known Bungaree merino stud in 1841. With prosperity came a large house and gardens for Buchannan in 1861. Anlaby was inherited by Henry Dutton from his uncle in 1895. Squire Dutton, as he was known, continued to grow the family’s fortunes and spent his money expanding the grand home and creating a magnificent 10-acre garden. Today the Anlaby merino stud continues and both the house and garden are undergoing significant restorations. Wool continues to be one of the most important elements at Anlaby. It was the source of great wealth in the past and is now directly tied into Anlaby’s future. Anlaby makes beautiful woollen scarves, lady’s wraps, exquisite throws and small range of baby blankets. From the moment a lamb is conceived and through its entire lifecycle Anlaby look after nutrition and quality of life. Twice a year the sheep are shorn and the wool using minimal treatment is washed, combed, spun and woven into the Anlaby product range. This attention to detail results in the buttery softness distinctive of the exclusive woollen range.Throw came with packaging and information card which reads ANLABY in large capital lettering at the top and bottom of either side of card. Throw is white with green edging of 15cm on two edges. Within this edging is the sewing of a tree in white.Wording: ANLABY Pure Anlaby Merino Wool Oldest merino stud on mainland Australia Made in Australia Card. Wording: ANLABY Certificate of Authentication THIS CERTIFICATE AUTHENTICATES THE PRODUCT TO BE 100% AUSTRALIAN AND MADE FROM PURE MERINO WOOL PRODUCED EXCLUSIVELY AT THE ANLABY MERINO STUD IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA THE ANLABY FLOCK (REGISTERED NUMBER 102) IS THE OLDEST CONTINUOSLY OPERATING MERINO STUD IN MAINLAND AUSTRALIA. THE MERINO FLOCK AT ANLABY MAINTAINS A GENETIC LINE STARTED IN 1839 THIS PRODUCT IS PART OF THE LIMMITED EDITION RANGE PRODUCED AT ANLABY. IN 2014 WE CELEBRATED ANLABY’S 175TH ANNIVERSAY ANLABY Reverse. Wording: ANLABY PURE NATURAL WOOL THE SHEEP GRAZE AMONGST THE GUM TREES ON THE ROLLING HILLS OF ANLABY. ANLABY SHEEP ARE CHARACTERISTICALLY BIG BODDIED AND BRED TO FLOURISH IN THE WARM AUSTRALIAN CLIMATE. OUR WOOL IS MINIMALLY TREATED AND THE PRODUCTS ARE MADE IN SMALL RUNS UNDER THE PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF THE OWNERS. WE BELIEVE IN SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FARMING AND MILLING PRACTICES. THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL RESULTS IN THE BUTTERY SOFTNESS DISTINCTIVE OF THIS EXCLUSIVE WOOLLEN PRODUCT. WITH CARE THIS IS A TREASURED ITEM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. ANLABY www.anlaby.com.auwool, merino sheep, south australia, wool processing, wool processing textile finishing

This stencil was used as a sheep station identification stamp for the transportation of wool bales. Coliban Park is a homestead located in Elphinstone, Mount Alexander Shire, Victoria. The wool bale marked COLIBAN PARK Z would have been produced at Coliban Park.Wool bale export stencil - COLIBAN PARK ZCOLIBAN PARK Zwool - transportation, wool sales

Chapman, AlexanderBlack and white Portrait of gentleman clean shaven with neat bow tie pioneer, settler, portrait, people, family

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Alexander George Hill Mayor 1944 1945 1962 1970 His home and boot shop was in Sackville Street - first shop from the old Post office corner. Alex was very involved in the Port Fairy Football Club.Black & white portrait of Alexander Hill wearing mayoral robes and jabotmayor, government, shire, council, municipal, portrait, local government, football club