This Cot was used by the family of William 1834-1902 and Elizabeth Box 1835- 1912 who in 1868 purchased 2 Lots of 10acres of the land that was part of the 'Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841' They established a market garden and raised 12 children while living in Box Cottage. William and Elizabeth Box established a flower garden on 2 lots of the 'Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841' and raised their family living in Box Cottage . A wrought iron cot with spaced vertical bars and with clamps on one side to secure when lowering and raising. The steel mesh base can be removed and wheels are attached to the base of the 4 postswilliam box, box cottage, moorabbin

Gladys Reed created this script for a One Act Play by Ormond Choral Society c 1950. Judy Clark, her daughter, donated this typed script and some clothing props used in the play when performed by the Society.Drama, Musical and Choral Societies were founded by local residents in the City of Moorabbin to provide social, artistic and musical entertainment and development in their communities. 2x Note paper sheets with typed script for a One Act Play - ;' Playing a Waiting Game 'Typed script x 2 pages signed G.Reedearly settlers, moorabbin shire, mechanics institute cheltenham, ormond choral society, postworld war 11 settlers, housing estates moorabbin 1950, bentleigh, ormond, moorabbin, cheltenham, drama societies, musical society cheltenham, clark judy, reed gladys, reed george

Craftwork, Crochet, Knitting and Sewing were all popular in post World War 11 Moorabbin as the new settlers established their homes on the previous market garden estates. Gladys Reed was and accomplished dressmaker and was involved in local community activities like the Ormond Choral Society Craftwork, Crochet, Knitting and Sewing were all popular in post World War 11 Moorabbin as the new settlers established their homes on the previous market garden estates.A ball of silk thread and 2 steel crochet hooks, 1 completed cotton handkerchief, 2 squares of fine cotton and a small length of lacework 2 Crochet Hooks ; a) Made in England / 4 / CROSS FOX b) ARGOBY / 6 / ; packet MILWARD Silk Cotton ; J & P COATES / MERCER CROCHET / 80

Thomas Charman came to Australia with his brother Stephen and went to Sydney. Thomas came to Melbourne c 1853 with a large dray and bullock team and with his son took supplies to the Victorian Gold digging sites. Quite profitably. Stephen Charman, aged 21years, arrived in Melbourne in 1842 as one of Henry Dendy's Emigrants. 1852 he purchased 160 acres for £328 bounded by Charman Rd and Balcome Rd. 'The Spring' was an important water source for the local Aboriginal people and then for the early settlers. Charman's first wife Harriet and their infant child died and in 1850 he married a widow with 5 children, Mary Gettens. Their first home was made of wattle and daub and they had 7 more children. Later a weatherboard cottage was built c 1855 Together they developed a market garden and specialized in marigolds which were sold for medicinal purposes to the Melbourne Chemists - Martin & Pleasance Thomas Charman arrived in Australia 1842 with his brother Stephen and moved to Sydney where he obtained a large dray and bullock team. He delivered supplies to the Goldfields and realized this was more secure than chancing to find gold by digging. Thomas returned to Melbourne when the Victorian Mines became more numerous than NSW and profitably delivered to the Victorian gold fields .Letter, handwritten from Thomas Charman to his brother Michael in UK 1878 x 3 pagesHandwritten

" A Classified Catalogue, giving particulars of upwards of 1000 volumes published by Messrs Cassell & Company ranging in price from 3 pence to 25 guineas will be sent on request post free to any address by Cassell & Company Ltd: La Belle Sauvage, Ludgate Hill, London; Rue Bleu 10 Paris; 739-741 Broadway New York; 2 Russell St Melbourne " Early settlers could obtain literary works for their enjoyment and educational pursuits.This catalogue of books available from Cassell's & Co. Ltd allowed early settlers to purchase literary works for their enjoyment and educational benefitA pocket sized brochure with price list of Cassell's Red LibraryPrinted brochurecassell & co ltd; publishers, printers, london, paris, new york, library books, stevenson r.l., dickens c, austen j; mechanics institute cheltenham, market gardeners, pioneers, cheltenham, moorabbin, bentleigh, bent thomas, charman stephen,

School children were taught to print and write with lead pencil using this type of copy book. When proficient they were permitted to begin using dipping pen and ink. Rossiter Whelan was an early settler's child who attended Cheltenham State School c 1907This is a typical Copy Book used by school children learning to print and write with lead pencil and dipping pens and ink c 1907'Copy Book' for learning to write for 1st class Cheltenham State School 1907Rossiter Whelan / AUSTRALIAN COPY BOOK / LOWER FIRST CLASS / FOR TRACING WITH LEAD PENCIL OR PEN / INTRODUCTORY BOOK, PRICE ONE PENNY /MELBOURNE PUBLISHED FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BY ROBT. S, BAIN, GOVERNMENT PRINTER

Mary Beatrice Josephine Maggs (1892-1960) came to Australia in 1914 and was a governess for Mr Alfred Rutter Clarke at his mansion "Merriwa" on Orrong Road, Toorak. Mary returned to England in 1919 and furthered her studies in nursing. When she returned to Australia in 1924 she was head nurse at a number of Hospitals, Private Hospital in Loch, Tatura Bush Nursing Home, Mooroopna. Certificate of General Nursing 1919 of Mary B MaggsThe Royal Victorian Trained Nurses Association / CERTIFICATE FOR GENERAL NURSING / Signed by President, Member of Council, Secretarymaggs mary, medicine, nursing, thompson jean, hospitals, early settlers, pioneers, melbourne hospital

Five Examination papers each with 5 questions, for the Victorian Medical and Surgical Nursing Examinations 1925 Nurse Mary Maggs used these when training her staff at the Mooroopna Hospital.5 x printed sheets with questions for Surgical & Medical Nursing 1924 and 1925 Victoria Printed by Government Printer nursing examinations, nursing, hospital, nurse mary maggs, nurses registration act

Mrs J.L.Smith and Ada Smith in the backyard of the house Law Muir Den 510 Centre Rd Bentleigh c 1910. . The early settler women usually devoted a whole day to washing as it was very labourious. A fire was lit in a stone pit and a large tub of water boiled. Soap that had been made, usually in the previous Autumn, from fat drippings and caustic soda, was flaked into the tub to form suds. The clothes were moved around in the tub with a long wooden paddle that was also used to lift the clothes out of the tub into another tub of cold rinsing water..Stains were removed by scrubbing soap on the cloth against a scrubbing board. Clothes were wrung by hand or a mechanical wringer and hung on the clothes line to dry. Mary Ann Smith was married John Logan Smith 1860-1932 who at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Photograph, Black & White, showing 2 women washing clothes in a large tub, set over a fire in a stone pit, in the back yard. Clothes are hanging from a rope line strung between 2 trees and held up with a wooden 'prop'

John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 JL Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Black & white photograph of the Hay & Grain Store of John Logan Smith 1860-1932 on the corner of Jasper Rd and Centre Rd Bentleigh ( East Brighton) c1910. A Horse drawn cart loaded with hay and another outside the first building used by J L Smith

Originally, May Day was a holiday of ancient tradition in England to celebrate the arrival of Spring. It was celebrated with joyous dancing around a garlanded pole , called a Maypole, from which streamers/ ribbons hung. Each dancer held the end of a streamer, and as they danced, the ribbons became entwined creating one of the several traditional and colourful patterns. In Australia, 19thC & early 20thC, Maypole dancing was incorporated in some School's curriculum. as it was deemed to be 'lady like' exercise for girls.The Maypole dance was spectacular when performed for special occasions. It required precision 'drilling' with many rehearsals to prevent any mistakes in the routine. ( H. Stanley 2007 CMHS )Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire enjoyed coming together to celebrate various events by organising a Maypole dancing display and this reminded them of their homeland customs.Black & White photograph of community Maypole dance c1890

In October 1872, State School 1111 Box Rise opened on the corner of Worthing Road and Dane Road. In order for this school to open, School No 442, a Wesleyan School, on the corner of Wickham Road and Chapel Lane, had to agree to close to meet pupil number requirements. Charles Sadgrove was head teacher of the new State School when it opened on October 1st 1872 and he remained until 1878. The school was renamed South Brighton in 1887 to accord with the nearby railway station which opened around that time. The main part of the present building dates from 1890. By the early 1900s the school had been extended to the north. . The school contains a plaque for Harry G Hawker, one of the pioneers of aviation, who attended the school in the closing years of the nineteenth century. The school was renamed Moorabbin in 1909.During the 1940s and 1950s population in the area surged and school enrolments peaked to over 800 under head teacher CS Lansell. Enrollments decreased to 470 in 1969. By the 1990s however, enrollments began to increase again. ( G Whitehead KCC Historian) Since 1890 Moorabbin Primary School No.1111 has been socially significant at a local level providing education for the families of the early settlers in Moorabbin ( South Brighton) Black & White photographs x 4 of pupils at Moorabbin State School Maypole Dancing c1922keys robert, marriott charles, gregg barriecity of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, methodist church wickham road, box rise state school no.1111, methodist chapel cheltenham, education, early settlers

Stefanie and William Rietman were the children of August and Frieda Rietmann. Stefanie became a school teacher and designed and made resin jewellery, Later she established a Native grass garden in Joyce park, Ormond, William joined August's business and after his death continued the development of Rietman's Landscaping and pottery firm . His son Ray also continued the family business in Bay Road Highett and the Carrum. August Rietman 1877-1951 and his wife Frieda 1878-1942 leased the Cottage in 1917 and raised 2 children Stefanie 1918-2006, and William 1920– 1997. August was a Monumental Mason / Potter / Sculptor and he was employed at Corbens Ltd Clifton Hill, to make the War Memorials for many towns post WW1. August purchased the property 1935,and established a pressed concrete business using the cottage as a workshop and storeroom After August died in 1951, William, his son, continued to work in the business from the site until the land was sold to Lewis Co. Ltd Timber Merchants in 1970. Rietman's Landscaping Ltd moved to Bay Road Highett 1953 and later to Carrum. The Rietman family is an example of the diverse nationalities that lived and worked productively in Moorabbin Shire 1871–1933 , the City of Moorabbin 1934-1994 and continues today in the Cities of Glen Eira, Kingston, Bayside, and Monash. August, a sculptor and stone mason, was employed by Corben Pty Ltd Clifton Hill to carve WW1 Memorials before establishing his own successful masonry business in the Box Cottage during the latter 1920s. After becoming interested in pressed cement casting, he took on apprentices (1930s Depression) and among his products were garden furniture, pots and also street lamp standards, some of which were installed in St Kilda Road. After August’s death in 1951, his family continued the business ‘Rietman’s Landscaping Ltd.’, at Highett and Carrum.Photographs x 2 Black & White, of Stefanie Amilie Rietman, and William Henry Rietman c 1920 at Ormond AustraliaHand written namesrietmann august, rietman august, rietmann frieda, rietman frieda, stonnington city town hall, war memorials, world war 1 1914-1918, rietman stefanie, rennick stefanie, francis stefanie, rietman william, rietman ray, mountford paul, malvern city town hall, box cottage museum ormond, box william, box elizabeth, joyce park ormond, rietman's landscaping pty ltd, bay road highett, macrobertson pty ltd, coleraine soldier memorial 1921, resin jewellery, australian native grasses, schools, education, craftwork, pottery, ceramics, ormond state school

These charming hand made Greeting Cards were sent by members of Mr John Herron's family c1890Hand made greeting cards used by the family of James Jones a pioneer in Moorabbin Shire c1900 4 hand made Greeting Cards from members of the Herron family c1890early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, craftwork, greeting cards, postcards, market gardeners

The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 by brothers Frank L. Fenton and John W. Fenton in an old glass factory in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Originally, they painted glass blanks from other glass makers, but started making their own glass when they became able to buy the materials they needed. They moved across the Ohio river to Williamstown, West Virginia, and built a factory in 1906. The first year for glass production was 1907. Frank Fenton was the designer and decorator. Jacob Rosenthal, a famous glass chemist is known for developing chocolate and golden agate glass. Perfume bottles for the Wrisley Company in 1938 were made in French opalescent glass with the hobnail pattern In 1939, Fenton started selling Hobnail items in milk glass. During the Great Depression and World War II, Fenton produced practical items such as mixing bowls and tableware. Fenton ceased "traditional" glassmaking at the Williamstown, West Virginia factory in July of 2011. However, the factory remains open as a jewellery making operation, producing handcrafted glass beads and Teardrop earrings.Late early to mid 20th century Jack-in the- Pulpet style Fenton vase. Hand-blown outer aqua blue glass over base of white milk glass. Heavily ruffled and crimped rim, with clear glass edging. The narrow neck joins to larger circular base. The body of the vase is also decorated with swirling ridges. Clear glass handle. Pont mark on base, but no Makers Mark. Fenton's glassware bore no Makers Mark until the 1950s.glassware, lights, fenton art glass company, ohio, west virginia, usa, fenton frank l., fenton john w., rosenthal jacob, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, ormond, cheltenham

The Cambridge Glass Company was chartered in 1873 by a group of Cambridge, Ohio businessmen. But it was not until 1899, when the site was purchased by the newly formed National Glass Company, that funds became available to start the construction of this new glass factory. n 1901, The Cambridge Glass Company was organized by the owners of the National Glass Company of Pennsylvania Arthur J. Bennett, a native of England, was hired to manage this new factory. Having experience in the china and glass trades. Many of the patterns were of Mr. Bennett's own design. Sometime around 1903-1904 the company's first trademark came into being, the words "Near Cut" pressed into the glass. Cambridge Glass soon became known worldwide for quality in both "crystal and colours, pressed and blown’. 1984. The National Cambridge Collectors purchased many of the moulds, all of the etching/decorating plates and other assets of Cambridge Glass from Imperial. The Cambridge Glass factory building was demolished in 1989A shallow factory made, frosted green glass vase. The central "frog" is a figurine in the shape of a draped lady, with ten holes at her base to hold flowers. The lady's shape is poorly moulded, indistinct and would have been cheaply made. No Makers Mark. Appears to be similar to vases made by Cambridge Glass Co, Ohio, America, (1901 - 1958), during the Depression. glassware, cambridge glass company, ohio, bennett arthur j., orme wilber l., national glass company, pennsylvania, imperial glass company, bellaire, pioneers, early settlers, herron john, bentleigh, market gardeners, moorabbin, cheltenham

Earthenware is lightly fired, readily absorbs water if not glazed, and does not allow light to pass through it. Coarse earthenware is made from clay and grog (ground up fired pot). There are two main types of glazed earthenware: One is covered with a transparent lead glaze; when the earthenware body to which this glaze is applied has a cream colour, the product is called creamware. The second type, covered with an opaque white .in glaze, is variously called tin-enamelled, or tin-glazed, earthenware, majolica, faience, or delft. G&S marking could be Grove & Stark, Longton, England (1871-1884). In the 19th century, J. & G. Meakin ,1851 based in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, was known for the vast quantities of cheap ironstone china it produced for the domestic English market and for export to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Grove & Stark were taken over by Meakin early 20thC The Mark could also be Gibson & Sons (Ltd), were notably manufacturers of earthenware Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. Founded around 1885 and traded until the mid 1970's. They were previously Gibson, Sudlow & Co. Manufactured between 1885 to 1905. Small earthen-ware, black-glazed tea-pot. 8 sided. The body of the tea-pot is decorated with hand-painted gold flowers and raised cream flowers. The lid is also hand -painted with green leaves and flowers. This floral pattern is named "Garland" The lid is not of the same pattern as the base. The spout was broken when brush tailed possum entered Cottage via chimney 27/4/2014. Can be repairedOn the base of the tea-pot. Makers Mark is G & S. "Garland". (Pattern), Rg. No. 175153. Also 'Made in England'. Under glaze there is the word: England.crockery, earthenwarre, gibson & son ltd, grove & stark ltd, pioneers, early settlers, bentleigh, market gardeners, moorabbin, cheltenham, pottery, stoke- on - trent, england, longton, burslem, wedgwood

This crumb tray with brush was used to clear crumbs spilt during meal times from the tableSmall timber poker-work crumb tray and brush. Both also have hand-painted decoration, and wording. There is a colourful painted scene of a couple seated in front of a fire-place, with the words "Darby and Joan".At the back of the tray base the words " Crumb Tray" are painted. The words "Darby and Joan" are painted on the tray. At the rear of the tray there is the price 1/6 in lead pencil.pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, craftwork

Circa 19th century. A pair of child's mid-brown leather leggings that extended over the child's knee. The leggings are lined with a soft napped fabric. They button-up down the outside of each leg, with leather covered buttons. An elastic strip is attached to the bottom of each legging and this passes under the child's boot and is buckled up to keep the legging in place.Circa 19th century. A pair of child's mid-brown leather leggings. The leggings extended over the child's knee. The leggings are line with a soft napped fabric. They button up down the outside of each leg, with leather covered buttons. An elastic strip is attached to the bottom of each legging and this passes under the child's boot and is buckled up to keep the legging in place. A metal button-hook trade marked Ezy Walking is also displayed.No maker's markearly settlers, market gardeners, bootmakers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, clothing

Spills and tapers were used by early settlers in Moorabbin Shire to light fires, candles and gas lamps. . Late 19 century. A light-wieght black enamelled tin for holding spills and wax tapers. Spills and tapers were used to light fires and gas lamps. The tin is decorated with gold scrolls, and green and blue flowers. The paint work is damaged. No makers mark.kitchen equipment, lights, candles, fireplaces, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, market gardeners

Wax tapers were used by early settlers in Moorabbin Shire to light fires, candles and gas lamps. A narrow and shallow, cardboard box with blue and white label on the top. "Price's Dropless White tapers" " Medium" 2ounces "for lighting candles and gas fires". Makers mark is a sailing ship, set in an oval with the words "Ship Brand". Around the circumference of the oval are the words " London, Liverpool, Price's Candle Company Limited.kitchen equipment, lights, candles, fireplaces, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, market gardeners

Whilst each town's blacksmiths played an essential part in the colony of Victoria, the early settlers frequently had their own small forge and a few blacksmith's tools to attend to smaller day to day repairs. A long-handled pair of blacksmith tongs were essential for handling red-hot metal that was being repaired.As only a handful of settlers were present in the Moorabbin district from the 1840s. These early colonists were required to use their ingenuity and skill to undertake the "running repairs", including some basic blacksmithing, required around their property or leasehold.Circa 19th century. Large pair of forge-made blacksmith's tongs. Nilblacksmiths, forges, metalwork, craftwork, fireplaces, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, market gardeners colonists, 1840s

Circa early 1900s. Flour was a staple ingredient of bread, as well as being used for general cooking. This 7lb bag of flour would have been purchased for domestic use by a housewife living in the Moorabbin district. Used bags were often made into shade blinds, underwear, sleepwear, aprons by the industrious early settlers who could not afford to waste any material.This flour bag is typical of the type that would have been found in every housewives' kitchen in the Moorabbin district. It recalls the fact that flour was being made in Melbourne. Unbleached, cotton bag., with faded black lettering. Bag held 7lbs of flour.A.F.BROCKOFFS / 7 LBS / coat of arms – spread eagle with flags - /Trade mark / SELF FLOURS/ RAISING/ FACTORIES / MELBOURNE / SYDNEY AND FREMANTLE flour, cooking, kitchen, moorabbin, housewife, housewives.

The Royal Winton brand has always been synonymous with quality and design and has roots in Stoke-on-Trent, England that go back over one hundred years. Originally known as Grimwade Brothers it was founded by Leonard Lumsden Grimwade. Leonard had shown a natural talent for modelling pottery and it was in this field that his infant business began, in 1885. He was soon joined in the business by his older brother, Sidney Richard, another potter. The family of Daphne Sturt were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireCirca 1890 to 1900. A Grimwade's floral and black-patterned ceramic vase with detachable "frog" for holding flowers in place. The rim of the vase is trimmed with gold. On the bottom of the vase there is a Backstamp: Grimwade, Winton, Stoke-on-Trent, England. Made in England. The Grimwade's makers -mark is also present.grimwade leonard, ceramics, pottery, stoke-on-trent, early settlers, craftwork, moorabbin, brighton, ormond, sturt lesley, sturt daphne, bentleigh

Willcox and Gibbs: Serial No. 158679. The Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine Company was founded in 1857 by James E. A. Gibbs and James Willcox and opened its London Office in 1859 at 135 Regent Street . By 1871 the Company's Chief Office for Europe was at 150 Cheapside, London, this office was later moved (post 1885) to 94 - 96 Wigmore Street, then 37 & 39 Moorgate Street (by 1891 to post 1907) and later 20 Fore Street, London . Right from the initial production the manufacturing of the Company's single thread, chain stitch machine was undertaken by Brown & Sharpe, Rhode Island and this continued up until 1948. A special hand crank mechanism was produced in England for the European market, but the general design of the Willcox & Gibbs remained essentially the same throughout its production. The only major improvement was in 1875 when the glass tension discs were replaced with an automatic tension device which ensured the machine could not get out of adjustment. In addition to the domestic hand and treadle machines the company produced a wide range of industrial models. The Company finally closed in 1973. This Willcox & Gibbs came complete with its wooden carry case. The machine was made in America in the late 1860's but it has the ornate hand crank produced at Coalbrookdale near Telford, England which was, in Victorian times, renown for producing high quality ornate iron castings. This machine has the glass tension discs which were used on domestic models until 1875. The Willcox & Gibbs badge is located on the rear of the base casting and it also has a deep wooden base. The cloth plate has various American patent dates, four dating between 1857 & 1860 relating to J. E. A. Gibbs, three dating between 1860 & 1864 relating to Chas H. Willcox (son of James Willcox), the machine was also licensed under five other patents including the infamous Elias Howe patent of 1846. There are only two English patents one for J. E. A Gibbs and the other for James Willcox. In 1887 a W & G Sewing Machine sold in England for 6 pounds , with its box and bits, at a time when the average wage was less than 10/- shillings per week. The early settlers of Moorabbin Shire had to be self sufficient making their own clothes, tableware, bed coverings, furnishings and equipment. The women were skilled dressmakers and craft workers.Willcox and Gibbs: Serial No. 158679. A single thread, chain stitch Sewing Machine with a special hand crank mechanism produced in England for the European market, and the glass tension discs which were used on domestic models until 1875. This Willcox & Gibbs came complete with its wooden carry case. The machine was made in America c1870 but it has the ornate hand crank produced at Coalbrookdale near Telford, England which was, in Victorian times, renown for producing high quality ornate iron castings. This machine has the glass tension discs which were used on domestic models until 1875. The Willcox & Gibbs badge is located on the rear of the base casting and it also has a deep wooden base. The Willcox & Gibbs badge is located on the rear of the base castingsewing machines, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, brighton, gibbs james, willcox james, willcox henry, new york, america, dressmaking, mateial, machine makers, wrought iron work, telford england

Darning 'mushrooms' were used to repair any woollen garment, such as socks, jumpers and ladies cotton or Lyle stockings. This darning tool was an essential item in pioneer household as the early settlers had to make and repair all their clothing.A timber 'mushroom' shaped darning tool sewing, dressmaking, craftwork, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, brighton

Prior to the installation of gas and electric light pioneers used candles for lighting after sunset.6 candles, in original box, made by 'Electrine' Co. 2 candles broken when brush tailed possum entered Cottage via chimney 27/4/2014kitchen equipment, lights, candles, fireplaces, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, market gardeners

A large paperback book with laminated black and white covers. It has a montage of people and events on both front and back covers.age, newspaper, best, journalism,

These stockings were very popular with women c1920 -- 30A pair of Beau Monde, size 8 1/2, unworn ladies grey cotton lisle stockings. Back seam, with fully fashioned heel and toe. (Stockings were held up by a garter belt.)BEAU MONDE / Size 8 1/2 clothing, lingerie, hosiery, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, beau monde pty ltd, market gardeners, early settlers, maggs nancy