William Tonge and family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The photo frame is an example of the craftwork of early settler women. A black and white photograph of William Tonge, Hannah Tonge and children Thomas and Ann in a leather and metal frame moorabbin, brighton, early settlers, pioneers, cheltenham, tonge william, tonge hannah, tong thomas, tong ann

Nylon is a thermoplastic, silky material, first used commercially in a nylon-bristled toothbrush (1938), followed more famously by women's stockings ("nylons"; 1940) after being introduced as a fabric at the 1939 New York World's Fair. Nylon was intended to be a synthetic replacement for silk and substituted for it in many different products after silk became scarce during World War II. It replaced silk in military applications such as parachutes and flak vests, and was used in many types of vehicle tyres. Nylon is clear and colourless, or milky, but is easily dyed. Multi-stranded nylon cord and rope is slippery and tends to unravel. The ends can be melted and fused with a heat source such as a flame or electrode to prevent this.A wooden reel of ' BLONDAL' Nylon sewing thread 100ydsBLONDAL 100ydsmoorabbin, brighton, early settlers, pioneers, cheltenham, dressmaking, craftwork, nylon thread, blondal pty ltd

A scythe is an agricultural hand tool for mowing grass or reaping crops. It was largely replaced by horse-drawn and then tractor machinery. A scythe consists of a wooden shaft and a long, curved blade is mounted at the lower end, perpendicular. Scythes always have the blade projecting from the left side when in use. Mowing is done by holding the handle , with the arms straight, the blade parallel to the ground and very close to it, and the body twisted to the right. The body is then twisted steadily to the left, moving the scythe blade along its length in a long arc from right to left, ending in front of the mower, thus depositing the cut grass to the left. Mowing proceeds with a steady rhythm, stopping at frequent intervals to sharpen the blade. The correct technique has a slicing action on the grass, cutting a narrow strip with each stroke Mowing grass is easier when it is damp, and so hay-making traditionally began at dawn and often stopped early, the heat of the day being spent raking and carting the hay cut on previous daysEarly settlers and market gardeners used these scythes as they established their farms in Moorabbin Shire c1880A large metal scythe with a wooden handle x 2early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools, blacksmiths

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

Circa late 1800's to early 1900s. A horse-drawn furrow plough was the most common type of agricultural implement used by the pioneer market gardeners, in Moorabbin Shire, of the 1800s and continued on into the 1940s when motorised tractors came into use. This plough is an example of a single-mullboard plough which would have been pulled by horse. The long handle was used to lower the silver plate, (mullboard), to the chosen depth of soil. Following 'Dendy's Special Survey' of 1841 and the Crown Land Sale in 1852, land allotments were bought by pioneer settlers who established or rented allotments for market gardens in the area and they supplied produce to the markets in St Kilda and Melbourne. During the gold-rush of the 1850s the rapidly increasing population of Melbourne saw a huge demand and a rise in prices for all foodstuffs, including the vegetables and fruit grown in the Shire of Moorabbin. An "Oliver" single mull-board plough in good condition with faded manufactures markings on shaftsPainted on shaft "MANF'D BY/OLIVER CHILLED PLOW WORKS/Southend Ind. USA/" Engraved on blade " 13 OLIVER"brighton, moorabbin, plough, dendy henry, east bentleigh, market gardens, horse drawn plough, plow, mullboard

This child's green, silk, party dress was worn by Sylvia Marriott in 1927. The Marriott family were early settlers in the Moorabbin ShireMembers of the Marriott family arrived in Port Phillip in 1857. However it was John and Jane Marriott who in 1876, (after toiling hard since their arrival in1871, for very little gain), first leased, then purchased in 1882, 30 acres with a four-roomed house in East Boundary Road, in the area then called East Brighton. (Now known as East Bentleigh). The land they purchased had previously been a part of the 1841 Dendy Special Survey. Over the following years, John and his four sons with hard work and determination became prosperous vegetable growers and purchased further land in the area. Following John's retirement and subsequent death in 1903, the land was passed to his sons, and then onto the Marriott grandchildren. The family continued to remain very prosperous and successful vegetable growers and are one of many families steeped in the tradition of vegetable growing which significantly contributed to the prosperity of the Moorabbin ShireA home-sewn pale green silk party dress, worn to a wedding by four year old, Sylvia Marriott c 1927. The skirt of the dress has layers of ruffles. It has short cap sleeves. Decorative ribbons are attached at the shoulder continueing to the waist, then hang loosely over the skirt of the dress. Small pink and white ribbon rose buds have been applied at the neckline, waist and the edges of the sleeves .brighton, moorabbin, marriott, clothing, market gardeners, home, dressmaker, needlework, dendys special survey

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

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

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

This white fine lawn girls pinafore is an example of the dressmaking skills of the wives of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire 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, fine lawn girl's sleeveless pinafore. Guipure lace frill around armholes, neck and hem. Guipure lace insert to bodice and feather-stitch embroidery to skirt. Waist ties.moorabbin, brighton, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, home, dressmaker, garments, craftwork

This white cotton lady's slip bodice is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire. The Blackburn family were early settlers in 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. Fine white cotton lady's slip bodice. Front opening with five buttons. Hand embroidered satin stitch scalloped edges to both the sleeves and neckline. Good condition.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, blackburn nance

This lady's jacket would have been worn for special occasions by an early settler of the Moorabbin Shire c1900. Bombasine material was usually black and worn during the mourning time. It has a dull, twilled surface with a silk warp and worsted wool weftA lady's shiny black Bombasine dress jacket with embroidery at buttonsclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, sewing, dendy henry, early settlers, craftwork, jackets

This infant's, hand-knitted singlet petticoat is an example of the dressmaking and craft skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The 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 An infant's petticoat , hand-knitted 2ply woollen fancy stitch with crocheted edges and satin ribbon insert around neck and inserts for ribbon around waist c1900clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This cream, creme-de-chine, toddlers dress with hand-smocking is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The 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 cream, crepe-de-chine, toddler's dress with hand-smocking.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This cream, voile, heavily embroidered, small girl's dress is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The 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 small girl's, cream voile, heavily embroidered dressclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, early settlers, craftwork, market gardenners

This very small baby's cotton gown with decoration and collar is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900 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 very small, baby's cotton gown with decoration and collar.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

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 the many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families This heavy, black, Cable silk jacket is and example of the dressmaking skills and craftwork of the women of the pioneer families. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. A lady’s, heavy, black, long sleeved , Cable silk jacket .clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, blackburn nance, craftwork

Candles were the only source of light for pioneers after sunset and this enamel candlestick holder appears well used.A white enamelled, candlestick holder, with dark blue enamelled handle. A candle is in situ.No makers markbrighton, moorabbin, lights, pioneers, market gardeners, furnishings, candles, earlysettlers, metalwork

This ankle length black dress with pleated skirt , buttoned bodice, self belt and long sleeves is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1910The Blackburn family were early settlers in 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 familiesA lady’s ankle length, black dress with a pleated skirt, buttoned bodice, a self belt and long sleevesclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, craft work, blackburn nance

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 the many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families This very long, baby’s christening gown with cut-work, is an example of the dressmaking skills and craftwork of the women of the pioneer families. The Marshall family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. A very long, baby’s christening gown with hand cut-work c 1880clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, mrs marshall

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 the many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shirea) A white cotton baby's under-singlet, with hand-crocheting around neckline. b) The singlet is topped by a separate, heavily machine-embroidered, white cotton dress-collar .clothing, craftwork, dressmaking, crochetwork, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, brighton, peck family

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 the many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families This voile, lady's camisole with lace is an example of the dressmaking skills and craftwork of the women of the pioneer families. The Walker family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire.A lady's voile camisole with laceclothing, craftwork, dressmaking, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, brighton, market gardeners, walker alice

This child’s cream silk dress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire A child’s cream silk frockclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, blackburn nance, craftwork

This Child’s cream silk dress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire A baby's, long, muslin, day gownclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, blackburn nance, craftwork

This stole was used for special occasions.As market gardeners and settlers in Moorabbin Shire became more prosperous their women were able to purchase fashionable items of clothing for special occasions.A long, cream silk stole with fringeclothing, brighton, moorabbin, s, pioneers, market gardener, dressmakers, early settlers, silk

This baby’s vest style bib is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA vest-style baby’s cotton bib with tiesclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, mr peck

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

This baby’s lawn, singlet over-jacket is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA baby’s, white lawn, singlet over-jacketclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, mr peck

This baby’s pram layette is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in early 20thCEarly 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 pram layette in pale gold satin-type material, with ruching and hand embroideryclothing, brighton, moorabbin, linen, pioneers, haberdashery, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work