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

Common soap was made from mixing animal fat with potash a form of the potassium based alkali present in plant and wood material. Early settlers, made their own soap from the waste fats and ashes they saved from their daily work. They did not then have to rely on waiting for soap to be shipped from England and waste their goods or money in trade for soap. In making soap the first ingredient required was a liquid solution of potash commonly called lye. Animal fat, when removed from the animals during butchering, must be rendered to remove all meat tissues and cooking residue before soap of any satisfactory quality can be made from it. To render, fats and waste cooking grease were placed in a large kettle with an equal amount of water. Then the kettle was placed over the open fire outdoors, because the smell from rendering the fats was too strong to wish in anyone's house. The mixture of fats and water were boiled until all the fats had melted. After a longer period of boiling to insure completion of melting the fats, the fire was stopped and into the kettle was placed another amount of water about equal to the first amount of water. The solution was allowed to cool down and left over night. By the next day the fats had solidified and floated to the top forming a layer of clean fat. All the impurities being not as light as the fat remained in water underneath the fat. In another large kettle or pot the fat was placed with an amount of lye solution ( known by experience ). This mixture was boiled until the soap was formed - 6-8 hours - a thick frothy mass, and a small amount placed on the tongue caused no noticeable "bite". The next day a brown jelly like slippery substance was in the kettle and this was 'soft soap' . To make hard soap, common salt was thrown in at the end of the boiling and a hard cake of soap formed in a layer at the top of the pot. But as salt was expensive most settlers used 'soft soap',. The soap could be scented with oils such as lavender for personal use. These 3 cakes of home-made soap are examples of the self sufficiency of the early settlers as they had to be self reliant ,growing food and making and mending their own farm equipment, tools and clothes while establishing their market gardens in Moorabbin Shire3 cakes of home-made, white hard household soap. 1 cake of soap eaten by a brush tailed possum when he entered the Cottage via the chimney 27/4/2014soap making, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, brighton, dendy's special survey 1841. kitchen equipment, laundry equipment, bentleigh

Dr Polk was one of the first Doctors to set up a medical practice in Melbourne and attended patients in the Brighton and Moorabbin area c1850. His Grandson Mr C. Bland donated the cabinet to CMHS.This portable cabinet with writing board was used by Dr Polk , one of the first Doctors to practice medicine in Melbourne c1850 .A small, wooden portable cabinet with 3 sections that belonged to Dr Polk GP c1850. Two side cabinets that lock together by grooves on inner sides, and a flat writing board that sits on a shelf at the top of the inner sides. One of the cabinets has 4 drawers, one of which has a lock. The other cabinet has 1 drawer and a cupboard with a door lock No Keys are available, The cabinet is decorated on the outer surfaces by inlaid bamboo squares with metal decorative hinges and handles and at the corners on the door. polk dr, bland c. melbourne, medical practitioners, moorabbin, brighton, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, dairymen, farmers,

The Common School No. 213 East Brighton 1864 - 1878 replaced the original St Stephen's Church of England School in Tucker Road. 1878-1908 the School was known as Education Department State School No. 2083 Brighton East. 1908 - 1936 the School changed it's name to Bentleigh and then from 1936 - 1993 was known as East Bentleigh. 1993 the school was closed due to low enrollments and the building was demolished and land sold . Charles J Coates, the father of Pam Thomas, attended this school.A school photograph of one of the original schools in the Bentleigh area showing a gathering of adults and children who had connection with this school either as teachers, pupils, parents or neighbours in 1925.A Black & White panoramic photograph of a group of adults and children in front of the classrooms of the East Bentleigh SS No. 2083 in 1925on back : handwritten 1925education, st stephens anglican school east brighton, education department state schools, state school number 2083, coates charles j, thomas pam, tucker road bentleigh, henry dendy special survey brighton 1841,market gardeners, dairy farmers, poultry farmers, early settlers, pioneers, tuck family bentleigh, moorabbin shire, moorabbin roads board, city of moorabbin, bent thomas,

The Common School No. 213 East Brighton 1864 - 1878 replaced the original St Stephen's Church of England School in Tucker Road. 1878-1908 the School was known as Education Department State School No. 2083 Brighton East. 1908 - 1936 the School changed it's name to Bentleigh and then from 1936 - 1993 was known as East Bentleigh. 1993 the school was closed due to low enrolments and the building was demolished and land sold. Eric Hutchinson, the uncle of Les Hutchinson attended this school. A school photograph of one of the original schools in the Bentleigh area showing a gathering of adults and children who had connection with this school either as teachers, pupils, parents or neighbours in 1930.A Photograph , black & white panoramic showing group of adults and children in front of Bentleigh State School No. 2083 c1930 (Reprint) moorabbin, bentleigh, education department state schools, st stephens anglican school east brighton, hutchinson les, hutchinson eric, market gardeners, early settlers, pioneers, henry dendyspecial survey brighton 1841, east bentleigh state school no. 2083, coates charles j, bent thomas

The Common School No. 213 East Brighton 1864 - 1878 replaced the original St Stephen's Church of England School in Tucker Road. 1878-1908 the School was known as Education Department State School No. 2083 Brighton East. 1908 - 1936 the School changed it's name to Bentleigh and then from 1936 - 1993 was known as East Bentleigh. 1993 the school was closed due to low enrollments and the building was demolished and land sold. Eric Hutchinson, the uncle of Les Hutchinson, attended this school. Eric is second row far left ' behind the boy with the white handkerchief '. The 1920 gathering may be for the unveiling of a World War 1 Honour Roll - for past students killed or injured - as can be seen at the back of the group A flag pole may be the central wood post as all the boys and men have removed their hats and caps. A school photograph of one of the original schools in the Bentleigh area showing a gathering of adults and children who had connection with this school either as teachers, pupils, parents or neighbours in 1920.A black & White photograph showing a group of adults and children in front of Education Department State School Bentleigh no. 2083 in 1920 (Reprint)education, st stephens anglican school east brighton, education department state schools, state school number 2083, coates charles j, hutchinson eric, hutchinson les, tucker road bentleigh, henry dendy special survey brighton 1841, market gardeners, dairy farmers, poultry farmers, early settlers, pioneers, tuck family bentleigh, moorabbin shire, moorabbin roads board, city of moorabbin, bent thomas

Typical wooden school desks used c 1950 in Victoria Typical of school desks used by pupils in schools in Victoria c 19502 (two) wooden school desks with ink wells and lift up writing lids for 2 children A) Is on an iron frame with a bench seat b) is on an iron frame with 2 separate seats education, schools, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, 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, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards, state schools victoria, marriott c, whelan k, cochrane a, east bentleigh state school 2083,

World War 1 1914-18 affected most families in Moorabbin Shire with large numbers of young men enlisting in the Australian Infantry Force. Alonzo Sheldrake Box , a pavier of Oakleigh, Victoria served at Gallipoli, France and Somme . When he returned home Oakleigh, like many Australian Towns, celebrated his safety and courage by presenting him with this Gold Medal. Each town also mourned the loss of so many soldiers and collected money from the residents to build War Memorials on which were engraved the names of the deceased soldiers. Alonzo Sheldrake Box (1851 - 1958) was the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who lived in Box Cottage , East Brighton - now Ormond -. He married Mary Louisa Closter on June 12th 1918 at Holy Trinity, Church of England, Oakleigh.Alonzo Box was the son of John Box, who migrated from Sussex, England with his brother William Box c1855 , and established a market garden in East Brighton that was part of the Henry Dendy ' Special Survey Brighton 1841'A gold metal medal with top crest , 2 attachment rings, engraved on both sides presented to Alonzo Sheldrake Box 'For God King and Country. Aus. 1914 'Front ; outer circle - FOR GOD KING AND COUNTRY AUS. 1914 inner circle - tableau of a woman, rising sun and fighting soldiers Back : outer circle - PRESENTED BY THE CITIZENS OF OAKLEIGH centre - IN / RECOGNITION OF / SERVICE RENDd./ A.S.BOX / AIF / laurel wreathworld war 1914-18, moorabbin shire, early settlers, pioneers, box alonzo, box william, australian military medals, anzac, gallipoli, sheldrake martha, box elizabeth, box mary louisa, closter mary, war memorials, wedding dress, box john, viloudakia - box rebecca,

The sections of this wardrobe can be lifted apart so that it can be transported easily and when assembled provides suitable hanging and storage space for the clothes and bed covers of an early settler family This wardrobe is of a type commonly used by early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Wooden Wardrobe with 3 sections- top, hanging space with a central oval glass window, a shallow central drawer and 2 doors with key locks, and drawer section with 2 deep drawers early settlers, market gardeners, poultry farmers, mechanics institutes, furniture, kitchen equipment, clothing, drapery, haberdashery, green pederson carol, city 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, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis,

A white china cup with 2 saucers c1950 commonly used by post World War 2 residents of the City of MoorabbinAfter World War 2 more market gardens were sold in allotments to the returning soldiers and the population of the City of Moorabbin increased dramatically. White china cup and 2 two saucers c1950Japankitchen equipment, crockery, post war settlers, city of moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, highett, tea sets,

This dressing table with swing mirror was used by the early settler families of Moorabbin Shire c1900. Accompanied by a wash stand , basin and water jug people cleansed, shaved and tidied their hair and themselves between their weekly bath. This Dressing table mirror was owned by a pioneer family of Moorabbin Shire c1900 c1900 Mahogany Toilet / Swing Dressing table mirror A shaped mirror, domed top with thick frame, turned side supports finished with small finials and a solid base on 4 round supportseraly settlers, pioneers, furniture , mirrors, dressing tables, mahogany wood, carpenters, cabinet makers, market gardeners, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham

Ansonia Clocks were made by a clock manufacturing business which started in Ansonia, Connecticut, in 1851 and which moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1878. An enormously successful business, it turned out thousands of clocks in a large number of styles.This Ansonia clock was owned by the pioneer family in Moorabbin Shire c1900This Ansonia clock was owned by the pioneer family in Moorabbin Shire c1900A large ANSONIA clock. c1900 with a winding key and pendulum and a hinged front glass door with clip lock ANSONIAansonia clock company, connecticut, america, phelps anson, terry theodore, andrews franklin, brighton, moorabbin, furniture, pioneers, clocks, market gardeners, early settlers

The women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire were accomplished dressmakers, craftworkers and made the clothing for their familiesA typical evening shoulder cape worn by early settler women in Moorabbin Shire c1910 The family of Nance Blackburn were pioneer market gardeners.A lady's evening shoulder cape made of black Guipure lace,satin and voile blackburn nance, pioneers, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham, moorabbin, dressmaking, clothing,

Gertrude Augusta "Gussy" Moran was an American tennis player who was active in the late 1940s and 1950s. Dress designer Ted Tinling created a daring ensemble for the lanky American tennis player. The white dress offered a sculpted bodice, a tight waist and an unusually short skirt. Moran asked him what would happen if the breeze blew her skirt around Tinling then gave her a pair of silk lace underwear. Women around the world were very impressed and made copies of these bloomers commonly known as 'Gorgeous Gussys'A good example of the fashion c1950 when fancy underwear became popular after tennis player Gertrude Moran wore frilly pants under her tennis skirt.A lady's beige satin bloomers with lace and elastic . Known as 'Gorgeous Gussys' clothing ,underwear, dressmaking, early settlers, market gardeners, post world war 2 estates, moorabbin, bentleigh , ormond, moran gertrude, gorgweous gussy, tinling teddy, tennis, reed gladys,

This white tailored dress shirt was worn by Mr Dennis Maynard CMHS member and Cheltenham resident c 1960 as part of his Formal Wear for Masonic Lodge , Civil Services and Special occasions. The small black plastic buttons were sewn onto a strip of cotton so that they could be easily inserted to fasten the shirt front and then kept together with the shirt for future use This dress shirt is typical of the formal wear used by men in City of Moorabbin c 1960A white cotton long sleeved tailored man's dress shirt with 2 cotton strips with small black plastic dress buttons "Henry Buck PtyLtd Melb. HB Actual Makers clothing, formal wear, dress shirt, tuxedo, maynard dennis, city of moorabbin, freemasons lodge, city of moorabbin historical society, early settlers, market gardeners, bentleigh, cheltenham, moorabbin,

This false waistcoat was part of the formal wear worn by men c 1960 . The two breast plates extend to the shoulder with wide lapels, a small pocket and 3 buttons for fastening at the front.The Breastplates are fastened at the nape of the neck by buttons on a thin strip of cotton. This false waistcoat is typical of the type of outfit that men used c 1960 for attending formal occasions in Melbourne Man's White false waistcoat for formal wear consists of two starched breast plates with wide lapels attached by 3 buttons on a thin band that passes under shirt collar . The breastplates are fastened at the front by 3 buttons ENGLISH MADE / FOR / THE WEST END SHOP / MYER / EMPORIUMclothing, formal wear, dress shirt, tuxedo, waistcoat, maynard dennis, city of moorabbin, freemasons lodge, city of moorabbin historical society, early settlers, market gardeners, bentleigh, cheltenham, moorabbin,

This Man's White 'Silk' Dress Scarf, with a black and white silk fringe, was worn with a dress suit as part of the formal wear for men in City of Moorabbin c 1960 for special occasions, events and ceremonies This Man's White 'Silk' Dress Scarf was worn with a dress suit as part of the formal wear for men in City of Moorabbin c 1960 for special occasions, events and ceremonies Man's White 'Silk' Dress Scarf with a black and white silk fringe . Tootal Scarf / Wash as Silk / Men's Wear Centre / Smythes / 115 Glenhuntly Rd E'wick clothing, evening wear, dinner suits, formal wear, scarves, collars winged, tailcoats, bow ties, cheltenham, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, maynard dennis, post world war 2 estates ,

Cufflinks were worn to fasten the sleeves of dress shirts worn as part of the formal suit for men in City of Moorabbin c 1960. These cufflinks are typical of the fashion c1960 and are stored in a brown velvet spring lock hinged box These Cufflinks are typical of the fashion worn with formal wear by men in City of Moorabbin c1960 2 pair of Cufflinks in a brown velvet spring loaded hinged box. a) pewter b) silver gold with glass a) Jorge Jenson / Danish Pewter clothing, formal wear, dress shirt, tuxedo, waistcoat, drees scarf, cufflinks, bow ties maynard dennis, city of moorabbin, freemasons lodge, city of moorabbin historical society, early settlers, market gardeners, bentleigh, cheltenham, moorabbin,

Very formal fashion for men in the City of Moorabbin c 1960 was a tailor made formal 'white tie' tails dinner suit with cut away jacket and pleated trousers that have a satin stripe down the outer seams There are 3 large black plastic buttons on each side of silk lined jacket and 4 small black plastic buttons on each sleeve. Special occasions, events and ceremonies were when men wore this outfit. The full outfit comprised of a white dress shirt, white starched collar, white bow tie, white waistcoat, gold pocket watch, mother of pearl or white studs and cufflinks with black leather shoes. A white flower may have been worn of jacket.This formal 'white tie', dinner suit with tails, cut away jacket and pleated trousers was typical of that worn by men c 1960 in City of Moorabbin for very formal occasions.A tailor made formal 'white tie' tails dinner suit with cut away jacket and pleated trousers that have a satin stripe down the outer seams There are 3 large black plastic buttons on each side of silk lined jacket and 4 small black plastic buttons on each sleeve.professional tailor 4 buttons on sleevesclothing, formal wear, dress shirt, tails, dinner suit, tailors, bowtie white, bowtie black, tuxedo, waistcoat, cufflinks, maynard dennis, city of moorabbin, freemasons lodge, city of moorabbin historical society, early settlers, market gardeners, bentleigh, cheltenham, moorabbin,

As supply of electricity became available in the Moorabbin Shire c 1920 homes gradually changed from Gas lighting to Electrical lighting and bakelite was used for fittings. Bakelite was a safe non-conductor of the electric current. Housewives, who had ironed clothes with flat irons heated on the hearth of open fires, were delighted to be able to stand on a chair and remove the light globe and plug in their new clean and efficient electric iron. The supply of electricity to homes in the City of Moorabbin in the early 20th Century brought many welcome changes to domestic and commercial life 3 Electrical, fittings c 1931 a) a bakelite plug and socket Made in Australia b) a bakelite bayonet fitting Made in England ;c) Bakelite screw type with no markings d) A large brass and porcelain screw type with no markings L8 a) Australian Made / PIMI b) British Made in England c) No marks d) no marks electricity, electric lights, electric irons, bakelite, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, mechanics institute cheltenham, postworld war 11 settlers, housing estates moorabbin 1950, bentleigh, ormond, moorabbin, cheltenham, clark judy, reed gladys, reed george

Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire used large cast iron pots, pans and kettles, that were suspended over the open fire in the kitchen, for cooking meals. They had to be frugal and self-sufficient and so repaired the equipment to prolong its useful lifetime. Blacksmiths also made and repaired household equipment. James McEwan & Co 1852 - 1993 once dominated the the hardware retailing scene in Victoria. Established in 1852 to service the booming gold rush in Victoria the company went on to become one of the longest established retailers in Australia. Over it’s 140 year history the company went through many booms and busts. The McEwans name finally left the Australian retail scene with little fanfare when the last store was re-badged Bunnings in 1993Early settlers were frugal and self sufficient so they repaired their kitchen equipment when possible . McEwans Pty Ltd. was an established hardware company in Melbourne 1852-1993. Bunnings Pty Ltd is currently a successful hardware retailer for trade and public customers.Two metal discs with screw and nut for mending holes in cast iron pots, pans and kettles c1930 packing strip; THE edmay POTMENDER / Price tag ; McEWANS 77 - 11early settlers, market gardeners, cooking utensils, kitchenware, castiron cooking pots, blacksmiths, slow cooking, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, highett, cheltenham,mcewan james pty ltd, melbourne, bunnings pty ltd,

Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire were accomplished with needlework and crochet and made their own clothes and accessories. These Silk Scarf and Shawl are examples of the evening wear women made. Lady's Silk Scarf and Shawl are examples of the skilled needlework and craftwork of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire Lady's cream silk scarf with needle work flowers and loosely plaited fringed and a white voile shawl with lace edging. dressmaking, craftwork, lacework, needlework, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham,moorabbin shire,

3 pair of lady's black nylon gloves of varying length worn c1960 for outdoor and evening occasions. c1960 Gloves were still worn by women for shopping visiting, and evening functions and the length of the glove indicated its time of use. Gloves were colour matched to shoes and handbags and certain occasions required specific colours eg black for funeral, evening wear or business appointment. Gloves were an essential part of a woman's outfit until c1970 when fashion dispensed with this accessory . Gloves are now worn for warmth of to prevent cross infection of disease. Lady's black nylon gloves a) short length with frill on the cuff; b) medium length with diamante decoration ; c) elbow length with rouching clothing, gloves, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire blackburn nance, dairy farms, fruit orchards

A traditional Baby's long white calico Christening gown with cut-work and pintucks on the front yoke and fastened at back by a mother of pearl button and draw string at neck with long waist ties. The women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire were skilled dressmakers and craft workers and made the clothes for their families. There were times when prices for produce were not good and families struggled to support their families until prosperity returned. However they still made simple materials special by their dressmaking and craft work skills The early settler families followed the religious traditions of their Churches. This Baby's long white calico Christening gown is an example of the simple dressmaking skill of a woman making a special garment with inexpensive material and her cut- work decoration. A Baby's long, white calico Christening gown with pintucks,cut-work, lace, long sleeves, long waist ties and a draw string neck. clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, lace work, cut work, christening gowns, methodist church, religious services, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, moorabbin shire blackburn nance, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This Baby's long white Christening gown is made from fine muslin, with short sleeves and cut-work and pin tucked front panels The women of the early settler families were very skilled dressmakers and made the clothes for their families. The early settler families followed the religious rites of their Christian Church and this Baby's Christening gown shows the dressmaking skills of the pioneer women of Moorabbin Shire c1900 , A Baby's Christening gown of fine white muslin with cut-work and needlework on yoke, gathered skirt and short sleeves with a draw string waist and neck . The front panel has 5 sections of pin tucks and cut work . clothing, christening gown, methodist church, church of england, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, lacework, cutwork, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, , moorabbin shire blackburn nance, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These Lady's white voile shirt fronts were made for a small woman or child to wear under a suit jacket . The front has fine vertical pintucks and ribbon waist ties The back seam is fastened with press studs. The high collar has horizontal pintucks and 4 metal wire stays. The early settler women were skilled dressmakers and craft workers. These Lady's voile shirt fronts are examples of the high dressmaking skill of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 2 identical small lady's white voile shirt fronts, with high collar and ribbon waist ties. The front has fine vertical pintucks and the high collar has horizontal pintucks with 4 metal wire stays. Press studs fasten the back seam . clothing, dressmaking, haberdashery, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, mckinnon, ormond, pioneers, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This type of a lady's mop cap in white cotton with lace edging was commonly worn by women in the early settler households of Moorabbin Shire c1910 This Lady's mop cap in white cotton, with lace edging is typical of the head and hair protection worn by women in Moorabbin Shire c1910 A Lady's mop cap in white cotton with lace edging. clothing, hats, hair covers, housewear, housework, dressmaking, knitting, craftwork, wool, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin shire, city of moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, ormond, moorabbin, hunt ailsa,

This white cotton Antimacassar has a hand crocheted lace pattern of flowers and a fringe of cotton strands tied to form tassels and was made by a woman from an early settler family in Moorabbin Shire c1900 The women of the early settler families made the clothing, haberdashery and napery for their families as the market gardens and farms were established in Moorabbin Shire c1900 A hand crocheted white cotton antimacassar with tassel fringe clothing, haberdashery, crochet brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire , dairy farms, fruit orchards

These Tray Covers were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These tray covers are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 5 x Linen Tray Covers with coloured silk needle work and crochet edging a) oval with flowers, b) oval with 2 small baskets of flowers, c) oval with large flowers, d) rectangle with flowers, cup ,saucer , writing, e) oval with 2 large baskets of flowers clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These Tray Covers were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society These tray covers are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 4 oval and 1 rectangular small white linen Doilies with crochet and coloured and white needlework a) oval white with white needlework patterns and crochet edge; b) oval white with coloured flowers and crochet edge; c) oval white with coloured flowers and over-sewn edge; d) oval white with 2 coloured flowers crochet edge; d) rectangular, with coloured flowers and hemmed edgeclothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards