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City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Lights, Victorian kerosene banquet lamp, c1900
The kerosene lamp is a type of lighting device that uses kerosene as a fuel. Kerosene lamps have a wick or mantle as light source, protected by a glass chimney or globe; lamps may be used on a table, or hand-held lanterns may used for portable lighting. There are three types of kerosene lamp: traditional flat wick, central draught (tubular round wick), and mantle lamp. The screws on the side adjust the flame and hence the strength of the flame produced. Prior to the introduction of gas and electricity these lamps provided lighting in all householdsPioneers and early settlers in Moorabbin Shire relied on kerosene lamps for lighting their homes after sunset.This kerosene, flat wick, banquet lamp has a clear glass shade chimney with a frilled rim, a reservoir of plain yellow glass and a metal engraved base . 1 side screw to adjust the flamelights, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, cheltenham. lamps, kerosene, paraffin, oil -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Lights, kerosene chamber lamp, 19thC
The kerosene lamp is a type of lighting device that uses kerosene as a fuel. Kerosene lamps have a wick or mantle as light source, protected by a glass chimney or globe; lamps may be used on a table, or hand-held lanterns may used for portable lighting. There are three types of kerosene lamp: traditional flat wick, central draught (tubular round wick), and mantle lamp. The side screws adjust the length of the wick and hence the strength of the flame/light produced. Prior to the introduction of gas and electricity these lamps were used for lighting in all households after sunsetPioneers and early settlers relied on kerosene lamps for lighting their homes after sunset.A 19th Century kerosene chamber lamp, with clear, plain glass shade and reservoir, circular metal base and 1 side screw for adjusting the flameearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, ormond, cheltenham, candles, lights, lamps, kerosene, paraffin, oil -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Tools, Spokeshave, hand plane, c1880
The pioneer farmers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire had to be self sufficient and made their own tools and clothing and grew their own food. Some had been farmers in England and brought with them tools that would help them establish homes in the new countryAn example of the typical tools used by pioneers in Moorabbin Shire as they built homes and established farms. c1880 This spokeshave, is a wooden hand - plane that has a very short flat metal sole, used for smoothing curved surfaces.moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, market gardeners, pioneers, farmers, tools, planes wood -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Tools, mallet wooden square, c1880
Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothes and tools as they established homes and farms for their families. An example of the tools used by pioneer settlers in Moorabbin Shire c1880c1880 A well used, hand made, square, wooden mallet with wooden handlepioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, tools, farming -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Tools, mallet, wooden cylindrical, c1880
Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothes and tools as they established homes and farms for their familiesAn example of the tools used by pioneer settlers in Moorabbin Shire c1880c1880 Hand made, wooden mallet with cylindrical head, reinforced at ends with tin bands, and a wooden handlepioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, tools, farming -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Tools, 2x Gimlet, boring screw, c1900
A gimlet is a hand tool for drilling small holes, mainly in wood, without splitting. A gimlet is always a small tool made of a piece of steel of a semi-cylindrical form, hollow on one side, having a cross handle at one end and a worm or screw at the other. A similar tool of larger size is called an auger. Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant as they established their farms and built their homes using tools like this gimlet. 2 x small hand tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and cross handle for boring holes early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools, blacksmiths -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Tools, marker wooden gauge, c1900
A marking gauge, also known as a scratch gauge, is used in woodworking and metal working to mark out lines for cutting or other operations. The purpose of the gauge is to scribe a line parallel to a reference edge or surface. It is used in joinery and sheet metal operations.The gauge consists of a beam, a headstock, and a scribing or marking implement, typically a pin, knife, pen or wheel. The headstock slides along the beam, and is locked in place by various means: a locking screw, cam lever, or a wedge. The marking implement is fixed to one end of the beam.Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothes and tools as they established homes and farms for their familiesc1900 A hand made wooden marker gaugeearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Tools, hand made wood plane, c1880
A hand plane is a tool for shaping wood Hand planes are generally the combination of a cutting edge, such as a sharpened metal plate, attached to a firm body, that when moved over a wood surface, take up relatively uniform shavings, by nature of the body riding on the 'high spots' in the wood, and also by providing a relatively constant angle to the cutting edge, render the planed surface very smooth. A cutter which extends below the bottom surface, or sole, of the plane slices off shavings of wood. A large, flat sole on a plane guides the cutter to remove only the highest parts of an imperfect surface, until, after several passes, the surface is flat and smooth.The family of Mr Lamb were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and had to be self reliant and made their own clothes and tools as they established homes and farms for their families.c1880 A hand made wood planeearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Functional object - Sewing Machine, Melber, Early 20th Century
Melber sewing machines were first sold in Australia in the late 1870s. The 'Box Cottage' Melber Treadle Sewing Machine was owned by Mary Box, nee Kloster / Closter, wife of Alonzo Box , the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who purchased 'Box Cottage' in 1865 from a pioneer settler The machine was bought in 1909, and is a good example of its kind. This type of sewing machine was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm.”, and clothes were mended, or ‘re-made’ into another garment. The cottage has both the Receipt, cat 00004.1 and Guarantee, cat 00004.2, for the sewing machine. This machine was possibly built by Wertheim Pty Ltd Hugo Wertheim (1854 – 1919) arrived in Melbourne in 1875. He became a successful agent for sewing machines manufactured by his father’s cousin Joseph Wertheim in Frankfurt, Germany. Hugo married Joseph’s daughter Sophie Emilie and they settled in Richmond Melbourne Australia. Hugo made many trips back to the main factory in Germany and, with extensive advertising, established a thriving business for sewing machines, bicycles, pianos under various ‘brand names’ - Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin, Hapsburg. It has been said that Dame Nellie Melba preferred a Wertheim piano for her performances. In 1908 Hugo opened a large piano factory in Bendigo St Richmond, Victoria and his son Herbert maintained the business until 1935 The sewing machine was donated in 1985 by, a descendant of the Box family. The machine is complete, and in good condition. William and Elizabeth Box purchased 'Box Cottage' in 1865 from a pioneer settler who had bought part of the land noted in Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton. They raised their family there and established a market garden to supply produce to the population of Melbourne. Their nephew Alonzo married Mary Kloster/ Closter in 1918 and she brought with her this 'Melber' sewing machine that she used to provide clothing for the family. 'Melber'Treadle Sewing Machine that was owned by Mary Box, nee Kloster/ Closter. It was bought in 1909, and it is a good example of its kind. This type of sewing machine was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm.”, and clothes were mended, or ‘re-made’ into another garment. The Box Cottage Museum has both the Receipt, and Guarantee for the sewing machine. 'MELBER' stamped on sewing machine.dendys special survey, treadle sewing machine, box cottage, mary kloster, alonzo box, melber, wertheim hugo, wertheim sewing machine manufacturer, richmond melbourne victoria, -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, baby outfit c 1900, c1900
This baby's crocheted outfit is an example of the clothing made for their children by the families who had settled in the Moorabbin Shire c1900. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireThis baby's crocheted cape and dress aesethetically significant as an example of the skill of the women of the families who were pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire who made their own clothing for their families. It was made by a member of the early settler Blackburn family and passed down through the generations. This is a white cotton baby's two piece, cape and dress outfit, with extensive hand-crotchet lace trim.clothing, moorabbin, crochet, bentleigh, pioneer settlers, baby outfit -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, christening gown c1900, c1900
The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire were very committed to their religious observances. The meetings and celebrations of religious rites gave them companionship and support during the difficult times of establishing their market gardens. The craftsmanship and skills of the families is shown in the clothing they made. The skill and craftsmanship shown in this christening - baptism - gown is and example of the clothing made by the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin ShireA long, white, cotton, baby's christening gown with lace and inserts and pin-tucking.brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, bentleigh, market gardeners, baptism, clothing childrens, religious rites, dressmakers -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, baby's nightgown, c1900
This cotton baby's nightgown is and example of the dressmaking skills of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utnesils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families.A long, white cotton baby's nightgown with collar and bodice ties. Lace panel to bodice, and guipure frills and hand embroidery to collar and cuffs.brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, bentleigh, cheltenham, market gardeners, oakleigh, clothing childrens, dressmakers home -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, girl's nightgown, c1900
A typical, white ,cotton, nightgown worn by girls c1900.. it was probably made by her mother who usually made all the clothes for the family. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners in the Moorabbin Shire had to be very self reliant and make their own clothes and utensils. Many early settlers came to rent and eventually buy land after the 1841 Dendy Special Survey in Brighton Victoria. These settlers developed market gardens and supplied the growing Melbourne population with produce . They had to make their own clothing and this is an example of their dressmaking craftsmanship.A white, cotton, girl's nightgown is typical of those worn c 1900clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, box elizabeth, market gardeners -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, girl's dress, c1900
This girl's white cotton dress is typical of the craftsmanship of the home dressmakers among the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shirec 1900The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and the women made most of the clothing for their families.c1900 girl's dress is made of cotton and is all hand-worked, with cutworkclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, baby's nightgown, c1900
The pioneer settlers and market gardeners who came to the Brighton area after the 1841 Dendy Special Survey had to be self reliant. The women made most of the clothing for their families and many items on display exhibit their skill and craftsmanshipThis is a typical garment made by the women pioneer settlers in the Brighton area after the sale of land in the Dendy Special Survey 1841. By 1900 the area was known as Moorabbin Shire and the successful market gardeners were supplying the population of Melbourne with produce.This is a baby's long white cotton nightgown with a frilled collar and waist ties, typical of that made c 1900 an worn in Moorabbin Shiremelbourne, brighton, moorabbin, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, baby's long dress pin-tucked, c1900
This long, white cotton pin-tucked baby's dress is an example of the clothing the women of pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire made for their familiesAfter the 1841 Dendy Special Survey of Brighton, Victoria, allotments of land were rented or sold to pioneer settlers. These settlers had to be self reliant and the women made most of the clothing for their families. This garment is one of the examples of the skills and craftsmanship of these women.A white, cotton, pin-tucked, long Baby's dress c 1900clothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, pioneer settlers, craft working -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, pinafore crochet work, c1900
This white, cotton, baby's pinafore with hand crochet work is and example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families.A white cotton infant's pinafore, with hand crochet work around armholes, and lower edge of garment. Feather stitch embroidery, and pin-tucking on bodice. Waist ties.clothing, crochet work, moorabbin, bentleigh, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, dendy special survey, brighton pioneers -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, lady's half petticoat, c1900
This white, cotton half petticoat with hand crochet work on the hem is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in the Moorabbin ShireThe pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This petticoat is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these familiesA lady's white cotton half petticoat, with deep hand- crochet border at the hem. brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dress, bentleigh, early settlers, garments -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, boy's first underpants, 1907
These white cotton underpants were made for Mr Geoff Maggs by his mother in 1907 as his first underwear at age 2 years old. The Maggs family were early settlers in the Moorabbin ShireThe pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. White, cotton underwear for a 2 year old boy. Made at home on a sewing machine with hand feather stitching and factory-made guipure lace on leg-bands. Buttons at waist, and a tuck pleat to let down as child grows.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, dressmakers, market gardners, early settlers, maggs geoff -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, blouse short sleeve, c1900
This white, cotton, short-sleeved blouse with eyelet work for a young woman is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c 1900.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. A white, cotton, short-sleeved blouse, with eyelet work for a young woman .brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, maggs geoff -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Functional object - Medical Equipment, china bed-pan, c1910-1940
A bedpan is a receptacle used for the toileting of a bedridden patient in the home or in a hospital and are usually made of a metal, glass, or plastic . A bed pan can be used for both urinary and faecal discharge. This porcelain 'New Slipper' bed pan was used early 20thC.A white china bed-pan with handle at centre back 'The New Slipper'Inside back 'The New Slipper bed pan should be passed under the patient in front between the legs. If a flannel cap is made for the blade, fastened by string to the handle, considerable comfort will be affected." on base 'F Large"toilets, invalids, cummerford family, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, early settlers, market gardeners -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Domestic object - Haberdashery, pillowslips, c1900
Early settler women used their dressmaking and craft skills to make clothing and homewares for their homes and familiesA pair of white cotton pillowslips with pin-tucking and broderie frillclothing, brighton, moorabbin, linen, pioneers, haberdashery, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, risstrom lorna -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, baby's dress, Mid 19th Century
This baby's dress is an example of the clothing made for their children by the families who had settled in the Moorabbin Shire in mid 19th CThe skill and craftsmanship shown in this baby's dress is an example of the clothing made by the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire who had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils.Home-made, infant's short, long-sleeved, cream silk dress. With inset machine-made lace panels and ribbon inserts on bodice and on the sleeve cuffs. Small buttons down the back. .clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, crochet, bentleigh, early settlers, craftwork -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Headwear - Clothing, girl's cotton sun-hat, Early 20th century
This girl's white cotton sun-hat has been made at home by a mother determined to get the maximum usage from the garment. The hat has been simply made with a plain crown for the child's day-to-day use. However, the mother has also made a second, very decorative crown, that can be buttoned on and is suitable to be worn on more "dressy" occassions - such as attending Sunday School or on special outings.Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesGirl's home-made plain white cotton sun-hat with wide brim. There have been three rows of fine cord sewn at intervals around the circumference of the hat brim to stiffen it. There is also hand crochet decorating the edge of the hat brim. A very decorative "second" hat crown has also been made. This hat crown has hand crocheted lace, and criss-cross seams, and is designed to be buttoned on over the original plain crown to provide a more decorative hat for special occasions, such as when attending Sunday School.clothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, baby’s romper-suit, early 20thC
This baby’s flannelette romper-suit is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th CEarly 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 baby’s home-made flannelette, romper-suit. Most likely night-wear.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, lady’s half petticoat, c1970
Laura and Bernard Ashley began printing fabric in their London kitchen in 1953. Commencing with head scarves and place-mats they gradually developed table-ware and bed sheets. In 1960 they entered the Fashion world with blouses and smocks . The ‘swinging sixties’ saw them in great demand for the feminine florals and flounces of the ‘maxi’ fashions and they opened in smart South Kensington, London. In 1970 they opened franchises in Australia, Canada, Japan, San Francisco that sold their range of fabrics, dresses and accessories. In 1980 home furnishings were added to the range. Laura died in an accident 1985, Bernard retired in1993 and the company is now Public Listed on Stock Exchange.‘Laura Ashley’ clothing, fabric and accessories were very popular in Melbourne in 1970’s.A lady’s white cotton half petticoat with crocheted flounce, Laura Ashley Pty Ltdclothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, textiles, laura ashley -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Domestic object - Kitchen equipment, sad iron, c1880
Sad-irons or "solid" irons were made by blacksmiths and used to smooth out material by pressing the hot iron over it. A piece of sheet -iron was placed over the kitchen fire and the irons placed on it could be heated whilst remaining clean of ash.. The women used 2 irons - one heating while the other was used. Thick cloth or gloves protected their hands from the hot irons. The handle was removed from the cool iron and re- attached to remove the hot iron from the fire. The cool iron was replaced on the fire or stove to heat again. These irons were cleaned with steel wool to prevent them marking the material. If the iron was too hot the material would scorch. Most homes set aside one day for ironing and some large households had an ironing room with a special stove designed to heat irons. However, most women had to work with a heavy, hot iron close to the fireplace even in summer.These sad irons remind us of the difficult circumstances experienced in their daily routines by the pioneers and early settlers of Moorabbin Shire. The family of Miss M Curtis were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. Sad-iron, domestic, flat, cast iron, Silvester's Patent, No 6, Salter, England, c. 1890-1900s A sad iron made from cast iron was heated over a fire or on a stove and used for pressing clothing and table wareSILVESTER'S/ PATENT/ SALTERS / No 6 with the pretzel & a arrow going through the centresad iron, kitchen equipment, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, sewing, craftwork, clothing, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, fireplaces, stoves -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Domestic object - Kitchen Equipment, flat iron with trivet stand, c1880
Sad-irons or "solid" irons were made by blacksmiths and used to smooth out material by pressing the hot iron over it. A piece of sheet -iron was placed over the kitchen fire and the irons placed on it could be heated whilst remaining clean of ash.. The women used 2 irons - one heating while the other was used. Thick cloth or gloves protected their hands from the hot irons. The handle was removed from the cool iron and re- attached to remove the hot iron from the fire. The cool iron was replaced on the fire or stove to heat again. These irons were cleaned with steel wool to prevent them marking the material. If the iron was too hot the material would scorch. Most homes set aside one day for ironing and some large households had an ironing room with a special stove designed to heat irons. However, most women had to work with a heavy, hot iron close to the fireplace even in summer. These sad irons remind us of the difficult circumstances experienced in their daily routines by the pioneers and early settlers of Moorabbin Shire The family of Miss M Curtis were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. A) A heavy cast iron, flat iron with B) horseshoe shaped trivet stand c1880 The trivet can be attached to a table by an adjustable clamp.A) 5 on tip of ironsad iron, kitchen equipment, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, sewing, craftwork, clothing, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, fireplaces, stoves -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Functional object - Wertheim Sewing Machine, c1880
Hugo Wertheim (1854–1919) arrived in Melbourne in 1875. He became a successful agent for sewing machines manufactured by his father’s cousin Joseph Wertheim in Frankfurt, Germany. Hugo married Joseph’s daughter Sophie Emilie and they settled in Melbourne. Hugo made many trips back to the main factory in Germany and, with extensive advertising, established a thriving business for sewing machines, bicycles, pianos under various ‘brand names’ - Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin, Hapsburg. It has been said that Dame Nellie Melba preferred a Wertheim piano for her performances. In 1908 Hugo opened a large piano factory in Bendigo St Richmond, Victoria. His son Herbert maintained the business until the factory closed in 1935.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This sewing machine was one of many items they used to exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. A sewing machine was a necessary part of each home.A Wertheim hand–crank sewing machine c1880. The hand machine was operated by turning the handle. The hand machine could also be fitted to a stand with table and draws, the machine could then be used by hand or foot. This type of sewing machine was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm”, and clothes were mended, or ‘re-made’ into another garment 'WERTHEIM' across body of machinemelbourne, clothing, brighton, moorabbin, germany, piano, pioneers, richmond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, sewing machines, wertheim hugo, wertheim joseph -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Domestic object - Kitchen Equipment, sad iron with lifter, c1900
Sad-irons or "solid" irons were made by blacksmiths and used to smooth out material by pressing the hot iron over it. A piece of sheet -iron was placed over the kitchen fire and the irons placed on it could be heated whilst remaining clean of ash.. The women used 2 irons - one heating while the other was used. Thick cloth or gloves protected their hands from the hot irons. The handle was removed from the cool iron and using the lifter the cool iron was replaced on the fire or stove to heat again. These irons were cleaned with steel wool to prevent them marking the material. If the iron was too hot the material would scorch. Most homes set aside one day for ironing and some large households had an ironing room with a special stove designed to heat irons. However, most women had to work with a heavy, hot iron close to the fireplace even in summer.These sad irons remind us of the difficult circumstances experienced in their daily routines by the pioneers and early settlers of Moorabbin Shire. The Curtis family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA) This heavy sad iron, made from cast iron, was heated over a fire or on a stove and used for pressing clothing and haberdashery. B) The separate tapered handle was used to lift the hot iron from the fire and when a "Potts" Handle was attached the ironing commenced. sad iron, kitchen equipment, fireplaces, stoves, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, sewing, craftwork, clothing, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh