This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. In 2006, as Di prepared for a trip to New York City, fellow BHS volunteer Liz Gay gifted her a copy of the book “Alligators, Old Mink and New Money” by vintage clothing dealer and former fashion model Alison Houtte. Between 1995 and 2015, ran the vintage and second hand clothing store Hooti Couture at 321 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, and after reading the book Di was inspired to seek out the shop. During her visit she met Alison, who autographed her book, and purchased this kimono jacket from the store.Pure silk black kimono with red silk lining. The kimono features floral and leaf motif machine embroidery in pale pink and green."Made in Japan"hooti couture, alligators, old mink and new money, kimono, alison houtte, vintage clothing, di reidie, 1960s

This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Di purchased this in 2012 at an auction of vintage clothing from the private collection of prominent Sydney fashion designer Lisa Ho, part of a wider sale of assets after Ho's business fell into deep debt. Ho began collecting vintage clothing and fabrics at the age of fifteen and her collection featured significant clothing items collected from around the world. For many years she drew on it as a source of design inspiration, particularly for print, in her highly successful fashion business. Di later wished she had purchased more at the auction!A full length slim fitting gown of gold metal thread and black thread self wave design fabric. The dress features a shawl collar, vertical pleat bodice, three panel, peaked front skirt. The dress secures with press studs at the centre front for modesty with a full left side opening secured by press studs. The sleeve features a front and back seam creating a squared shoulder head with fullness that is pleated in centre on the arm. the sleeve length is above the elbow. lisa ho, lisa ho collection, di reidie, vintage clothing, 1930s

Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Black one-piece swimsuit with deep v-neck and low-cut back and high-cut legs. Halter neck. Ruched sides. Label in side: "ada / 16"swimwear, ada of california, ada productions, melbourne designers, ada murkies, toni murkies

Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Blue backless one-piece swimsuit with ruching up sides and front. Halter neck. Straps loop down over hooks at the back.Label in side: "ada / 12"swimwear, ada of california, ada productions, melbourne designers, ada murkies, toni murkies

This striking pool party ensemble from Australian swimwear company Watersun was designed by Carmela DiBernado, nee Savino, for the opening of the Sydney Opera House in 1973. Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Pool party ensemble consisting of a swimsuit (.1) and robe dress (.2), both black with silver trim. Dress has a crossover front, fastening at side waist, with v-neck at front and plunging back. Swimsuit has a v-neck, with silver trim extending forming an X-shape across the body.Label (identical in both items), blue text on white: “Watersun / SIZE 10 / BUST 32 / Made in Australia”swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers, 1970s, carmela savino, carmela dibernardo, sydney opera house

Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Pink short-sleeved one-piece swimsuit with silver lamé embellishment. Sweetheart neckline and low-cut back with metal zip. A black and gold swing tag is attached to one sleeve.Label in bra: “Ada OF CALIFORNIA / MIRACULOUS s-t-r-e-t-c-h BRI-NYLON / 34” Swing tag, front: black with gold text and palm tree logo. “Ada / OF CALIFORNIA / ‘Limited Edition’”. Back: gold with black text. “‘Limited Edition’”. Interior: “Congratulations on your choice of ADA OF CALIFORNIA ‘Limited Edition” Swimsuit contoured for your discriminating taste. / Style 546 / Size 34 / Price £11.9.6”. Care instructions also included.swimwear, ada productions, ada of california, ada murkies, toni murkies, melbourne designers

This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Of all the items Di donated to the Society, this four-piece Easton Pearson outfit was her favourite. When she bought it around 1997-98, it was the first time she had spent a large amount of money on clothing, and she thought it only fitting to throw a suitably elegant party at which to wear it. James Cameron's hit movie 'Titanic' had just been released, and upon discovering the recipe book 'Last Dinner On the Titanic: Menus and Recipes from the Great Liner', Di was inspired to host a Titanic-themed party for her friends. Held at her home in Brighton in 1998, the event included a string quartet, an eleven-course meal prepared entirely by Di, and a life boat in the backyard swimming pool.A four piece outfit consisting of a blouse/cardigan, camisole, skirt and wrap. Double-layered silk wrap with an outer layer of silk chiffon. Both ends feature and embroidered band of brown and black cotton, copper wire, and copper glass beads. Camisole of black and copper shot polyester rayon with wide shoulder straps and small shoulder pads. Blouse of brown silk chiffon, with a v-neck and eleven silk-covered buttons and loops at centre front. Patch pockets over front hip and full length sleeves. The neckline and sleeve edges are trimmed with copper-coloured glass beads. Full-length double-layered straight skirt with black and copper shot polyester rayon lining and silk chiffon overskirt. The skirt secures centre back with a nylon zip and botton closure. The skirt features a centre front embroidered panel of brown and black cotton leaf and flower motifs, with copper wire and copper glass beads. manufacturer's label: "Oh! Easton Pearson", "Pure Silk", "Polyester Rayon", Care label, "M"costume party, titanic, easton pearson, pamela easton, lydia pearson, australian fashion, di reidie, 1990s

This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. This jacket originally belonged to Australian singer, actress and philanthropist Olivia Newton-John, who autographed it and donated it to be auctioned at a Leather and Lace Ball for the Austin Health Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre Appeal on 15 May 2004. Newton-John has long been an advocate for cancer research and awareness, having undergone multiple treatments for cancer, a disease Di also battled for many years. Di's husband David purchased the jacket at the auction for around $1,000, and it has since been much worn by Di and her daughter Kathryn. The nature of the jacket - which is faux-leather, with glued-on diamantés, suggests that it was likely part of a stage costume rather than an item from Olivia Newton-John's personal wardrobe.Black polyester leather look jacket with black polyester lining. The jacket features a centre front opening secured by six black press studs, two bust height flap pockets with press studs, and collar. Full length sleeves with band and black press stud closure. The jacket features diamanté decorative finish along the collar and shoulder placket. "IMMAGINE, Made in Italy" "40" "Made in Italy, Fabrique en Italie, 100% Polyiestere, Polyestere, Polyester, Polyester" Personal signature of Olivia Newton John in fine silver pen, "Love Olivia Newton John, 04".olivia newton john, stage costume, olivia newton john cancer centre, austin health, di reidie, immagine, 1990s

This dress belonged to Ethel Nina Blundell (1876-1949), having been first made for her mother Jane Blundell (nee Burkitt, 1845-1878). Born in Dublin, Jane married James John Blundell Jr at the Black Street Congregational Church in Brighton on 16 March 1874. The Blundells were a socially prominent Brighton family who played an important role in the development of the area. James' father, publisher and bookseller James John Blundell Sr, served as a Brighton Borough Councillor between 1862 and 1867 when the local government was still in its formative years, including holding the position of Mayor in 1864. He was involved in the foundation of the Brighton Volunteer Rifle Corps and was also a strong supporter of the Brighton Ladies Benevolent Society. The Blundell family were active members of the Brighton Congregational Church and supported the construction of the Black Street church, where James Jr served as a deacon for sixty years, in addition to his work in the Crown Land and Survey Department. The dress is believed to have been made for Jane in 1875 or 1876 during her early pregnancy, likely by a local dressmaker. Jane died in 1878 when Ethel was very young, and Ethel was then raised by her father and paternal grandmother. As she never married, Ethel remained living in the family home of 'Eumana', 164 Church Street, and as an adult she assumed the role of hostess whenever she or her father had guests. On these occasions, she reportedly wore her mother's dress. The family home was sold on James Jr’s death in 1924 and Ethel was living at 52 Black Street Brighton when she died in 1949. In the 1930s, Ethel gifted the dress to a close family friend, Dr Jean Kelly. She told Jean that the garment held precious memories, perhaps due to the connection it provided to the mother she had never known. Jean donated the dress to the Merimbula Old School Museum in NSW in 1987, where it was on display for many years. The Museum donated the dress to Brighton Historical Society in 2023.This is a good example of a late nineteenth century day dress, made from two different patterns of russet brown silk brocade and featuring a lobster tail style bustle. The lack of boning combined with waist and hip measurements indicates it may have been made as a maternity dress. It is lined with beige leaf pattern cotton fabric. The princess line fitted bodice of herringbone pattern brocade has a high round neck with small 'mandarin' style collar and buttons down the front to below the waist where it forms an overskirt which is bordered with a band of coffee bean patterned brocade. The overskirt drops down to hem length at the back but from the centre front it is draped up to the back to a point below the waist level. Here it is sewn to the edge of the lobster tail style bustle which is also bordered by the coffee bean fabric. There is a concealed pocket with the opening under the right edge of the bustle. The buttons on the front of the dress have a decorative circlet of small blue flowers around a russet silk covered dome. The long sleeves are set in and slightly full with a contrasting three pleat band of coffee bean fabric with an ornamental turn back from the pleats sewn just above the wrist. The skirt section of the dress is in four 20 cm bands of alternate fabric patterns with the top and third band of coffee bean pattern slightly gathered and the second and fourth bands of herringbone forming pleated ruffles.1870s, ethel nina blundell, jane blundell, jane burkitt, eumana

This swimsuit belonged to Brighton local Joyce Fuller, nee Harries (1920-2018), who wore it at Dendy Beach in the 1950s. Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. Visiting Brighton Historical Society in 2019, Ada recalled this particular swimsuit style to be a popular one, particularly with older women, as the cinched waist and pleated modesty skirt suited many body types. This was important to her, as she wanted women of all ages and sizes to look and feel good in her swimwear, and she devoted much time and attention to the fit and finish of the garments. When the company began introducing padded bras, such as the one in this swimsuit, Ada insisted on using lacy floral lining and a small ribbon rosette in the centre gore, to give women a sense of quality, femininity and care in construction.Blue one-piece swimsuit with waist tie and short finely pleated overskirt. Sleeveless with thin elasticised straps. Inbuilt padded underwire bra with label and pale pink ribbon rosette on centre gore. Fastens with back zip.Label: "Ada / OF CALIFORNIA / 38"swimwear, brighton, dendy street beach, ada of california, ada murkies, toni murkies, joyce fuller, joyce harries

This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Di purchased these 1890s shoes around 1990 and recalled wearing them to approximately three events before she donated them to BHS in 2019. Di enjoyed the novelty and conversation they would inspire due to their unusual appearance by modern standards. The shoes are indicative of Di's playful approach to clothing and life. The decorative preserved mink pelt with head featured on the vamps of these shoes is typical of Victorian era interest in and prevalent use of preserved animals for decorative purposes in clothing, millinery and household adornment. This fashion reflected social positioning of oneself as being affluent, educated and worldly. Following the death of Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert in 1861, the Queen's approach to mourning his death influenced social conventions for the public, with the wearing of black becoming a significant aspect of Victorian fashions. The shoes were made by Kendal Milne & Co, a large department store on Deansgate, Manchester. It has traded under various names and owners since it opened in 1832; it traded as Kendal Milne & Co from 1862-1919, and continued to be known by this name for many years after. The store is currently owned by the House of Fraser department store chain and is known as House of Fraser Manchester.Black silk linear quilted uppers of single piece construction with feature centre front vamp seam. Horsehair wadding can be seen along the side of the forefoot where the upper is coming away from the leather soles. Approx 4.5 cm plain black silk covered heel with leather top piece missing from right shoe. Both shoes feature the head of a small preserved mink with glass eyes. The toppling of the vamp features a decorative strip of mink fur. Inside of both shoes is a gold printed manufacturers label on the black silk insole.Manufacturers label - Made expressly for Kendall Milne and Co, Manchester.victoriana, mink pelt, taxidermy, 1890s, fur, di reidie, vintage clothing

The donor and family of this gown were long-term Brighton residents, and the gowns were held by them as family heirlooms prior to donation to Brighton Historical Society. Originally owned by Elizabeth Emma Adams and Cecilia Elizabeth Adams, it is believed that the dress was brought to Australia by either a half brother, James Smith Adams, or a younger sister, Sophia Charlotte Louisa Adams (later known as Mother Rose Columba Adams). Elizabeth and Cecilia were the daughters of James Smith Adams (a squire, 1780-1860) and Elizabeth Emma McTaggart (1793-1843) of Tower House, Woodchester in Gloucester, a property which Elizabeth later inherited. Originally a monastery, Tower House had been converted into a stately home after the Reformation. According to information originally provided by the donor, the skirt portion of this dress (along with the bodice T0004.3) was made for either Elizabeth or Cecilia to be worn at the young Queen Victoria’s first 'drawing room ball' following the end of court mourning in 1838 for her uncle William IV who died in 1837. In 1838 Cecilia would have been twelve years old and Elizabeth would have been ten years old. It is possible that this dress was worn by one of the girls to this event as it is of appropriate dimensions for a child of that age, although its design is very formal and adult. Elizabeth was born on 30 June 1828 at Tower House and died on 1 May 1909. She created a scandal when she eloped with her first husband, Thomas Charles Gardiner at the age of 18. The validity of the marriage was later formally investigate and, while it was confirmed as valid, a second church wedding was subsequently held. Thomas died in 1878. Elizabeth subsequently remarried Reverend R. E. Blackwell, but was widowed again by 1889. Cecilia was born on 17 December 1826 and died in 1902 a spinster recluse in England. At the inquest into Cecelia's death in 1904 it was revealed that she had clearly come from a family of means as her home was filled to the brim with highly valuable goods, many in boxes. She was buried in the family vault at Woodchester. Elizabeth and Cecilia's sister Sophia converted to Roman Catholicism in 1851 and became a nun, taking the religious name 'Rose Columba'. In 1883 Mother Rose Columba led a group of eight to Australia, answering a call for Dominican sisters to nurse the sick in Adelaide. Upon arrival, she founded St. Dominic's Priory and the Church of Perpetual Adoration in North Adelaide, using her inheritance to build the chapel. Elizabeth's second son, George Henry Somerset, who inherited the Adams family estate dropped the 'i' in Gardiner and added the maiden name of his grandmother. Therefore, the family name has now become Gardner McTaggart. These Adams family entries have been updated with information provided by Dr Herbert Gardner McTaggart, great-grandson of George Henry Somerset in April 2016. Mr McTaggart contacted the society after finding our entries online.A hand and machine sewn cream, pale blue, orange and gold embroidered satin formal dress, the bodice dates from circa 1890. This dress shares a skirt with T0004.3, which dates from circa 1840. The bodice features a high scoop neckline with gathers at the base of the scoop and directly below where the bodice finishes creating fullness over the bust. The bodice front encloses the bust with a right panel over the top of a left panel and securing with two hook and eye closures over the left shoulder. The panels are secured together with 15 hook and eye closures. The sleeves are set neatly on the true shoulder and are elongated full puffs to just above the elbow. The fullness is created by nine pleats from the top of the shoulder over the back of the shoulder. At the base of the sleeve the fullness is gathered just above the elbow. At the centre back of the bodice are four inward facing pleats running from the centre neck to the waist. The bodice is secured around the waist with a tape and four hook and eye closures. The bodice is boned around the sides and back of the torso with eight bones. This bodice is finished at the waist with a pleated cummerbund of the dress fabric that is designed to appear to be a sash with two decorative bows. One front left of centre and one back right of centre. The skirt secures at the waist with an opening to the left of centre at the back. The skirt gathers tightly at the centre back with a dart on either side. The skirt has a front central panel and the skirt falls to floor length. At the back, the skirt is also floor length. The back of the skirt may have been modified at some time and may have originally finished in a train. It would be more appropriate to the period of the bodice, and the believed use of the dress with a train.cecilia elizabeth adams, elizabeth emma adams, queen victoria, tower house, woodchester, james smith adams, elizabeth emma mctaggart, sophia charlotte louisa adams, 1890s fashion

The donor and family of this gown were long-term Brighton residents, and the gowns were held by them as family heirlooms prior to donation to Brighton Historical Society. Originally owned by Elizabeth Emma Adams and Cecilia Elizabeth Adams, it is believed that the dress was brought to Australia by either a half brother, James Smith Adams, or a younger sister, Sophia Charlotte Louisa Adams (later known as Mother Rose Columba Adams). Elizabeth and Cecilia were the daughters of James Smith Adams (a squire, 1780-1860) and Elizabeth Emma McTaggart (1793-1843) of Tower House, Woodchester in Gloucester, a property which Elizabeth later inherited. Originally a monastery, Tower House had been converted into a stately home after the Reformation. According to information originally provided by the donor, both this dress and the dress T0004.1 were made for Elizabeth and Cecilia, to be worn at the young Queen Victoria’s first 'drawing room ball' following the end of court mourning in 1838 for her uncle William IV who died in 1837. In 1838 Cecilia would have been twelve years old and Elizabeth would have been ten years old. It is possible that this dress was worn by one of the girls to this event as it is of appropriate dimensions for a child of that age, although its design is very formal and adult. Elizabeth was born on 30 June 1828 at Tower House and died on 1 May 1909. She created a scandal when she eloped with her first husband, Thomas Charles Gardiner at the age of 18. The validity of the marriage was later formally investigate and, while it was confirmed as valid, a second church wedding was subsequently held. Thomas died in 1878. Elizabeth subsequently remarried Reverend R. E. Blackwell, but was widowed again by 1889. Cecilia was born on 17 December 1826 and died in 1902 a spinster recluse in England. At the inquest into Cecelia's death in 1904 it was revealed that she had clearly come from a family of means as her home was filled to the brim with highly valuable goods, many in boxes. She was buried in the family vault at Woodchester. Elizabeth and Cecilia's sister Sophia converted to Roman Catholicism in 1851 and became a nun, taking the religious name 'Rose Columba'. In 1883 Mother Rose Columba led a group of eight to Australia, answering a call for Dominican sisters to nurse the sick in Adelaide. Upon arrival, she founded St. Dominic's Priory and the Church of Perpetual Adoration in North Adelaide, using her inheritance to build the chapel. Elizabeth's second son, George Henry Somerset, who inherited the Adams family estate dropped the 'i' in Gardiner and added the maiden name of his grandmother. Therefore, the family name has now become Gardner McTaggart. These Adams family entries have been updated with information provided by Dr Herbert Gardner McTaggart, great-grandson of George Henry Somerset in April 2016. Mr McTaggart contacted the society after finding our entries online.A hand sewn cream, pale blue, orange and gold embroidered satin formal dress, the bodice dates from circa 1840. This dress shares a skirt with T0004.2, which dates from a different period (circa 1890). The bodice features a wide shallow neckline finished with a beige coloured cord in two decorative lines. The sleeve is set on the true shoulder and is a short fitted sleeve with decorative gathering and two lines of corded detail. The bodice is shaped to the body with 2 sets of six fine knife pleats diagonally positioned narrower over the waist and spreading out over the bust. These pleats are secured with six double lines of stitching. The bodice finishes high on the waistline at either side and points down to a point over the centre front. The base of the bodice is finished with a piped edge and beige decorative cording. The bodice encloses the body at the centre back where it has holes that presumably would have held lacing. The back features four diagonal knife pleats finishing at the centre back and splaying out over the shoulders. The waistline at the back features only a very gentle point.cecilia elizabeth adams, elizabeth emma adams, james smith adams, elizabeth emma mctaggart, sophia charlotte louisa adams, queen victoria, drawing room ball, 1840s fashion, tower house, woodchester

The donor and family of this gown were long-term Brighton residents, and the gowns were held by them as family heirlooms prior to donation to Brighton Historical Society. Originally owned by Elizabeth Emma Adams and Cecilia Elizabeth Adams, it is believed that the dress was brought to Australia by either a half brother, James Smith Adams, or a younger sister, Sophia Charlotte Louisa Adams (later known as Mother Rose Columba Adams). Elizabeth and Cecilia were the daughters of James Smith Adams (a squire, 1780-1860) and Elizabeth Emma McTaggart (1793-1843) of Tower House, Woodchester in Gloucester, a property which Elizabeth later inherited. Originally a monastery, Tower House had been converted into a stately home after the Reformation. According to information originally provided by the donor, both this dress and the dress T0004.3 were made for Elizabeth and Cecilia, to be worn at the young Queen Victoria’s first 'drawing room ball' following the end of court mourning in 1838 for her uncle William IV who died in 1837. In 1838 Cecilia would have been twelve years old and Elizabeth would have been ten years old. It is possible that the dress T0004.3 was worn by one of the girls to this event as it is of appropriate dimensions for a child of that age, although its design is very formal and adult. However, it is unlikely that either of the girls wore this dress at the ball due to the size and styling of the dress. It is likely that the dress belonged to one of the girls, but was worn at a later date. Elizabeth was born on 30 June 1828 at Tower House and died on 1 May 1909. She created a scandal when she eloped with her first husband, Thomas Charles Gardiner at the age of 18. The validity of the marriage was later formally investigate and, while it was confirmed as valid, a second church wedding was subsequently held. Thomas died in 1878. Elizabeth subsequently remarried Reverend R. E. Blackwell, but was widowed again by 1889. Cecilia was born on 17 December 1826 and died in 1902 a spinster recluse in England. At the inquest into Cecelia's death in 1904 it was revealed that she had clearly come from a family of means as her home was filled to the brim with highly valuable goods, many in boxes. She was buried in the family vault at Woodchester. Elizabeth and Cecilia's sister Sophia converted to Roman Catholicism in 1851 and became a nun, taking the religious name 'Rose Columba'. In 1883 Mother Rose Columba led a group of eight to Australia, answering a call for Dominican sisters to nurse the sick in Adelaide. Upon arrival, she founded St. Dominic's Priory and the Church of Perpetual Adoration in North Adelaide, using her inheritance to build the chapel. Elizabeth's second son, George Henry Somerset, who inherited the Adams family estate dropped the 'i' in Gardiner and added the maiden name of his grandmother. Therefore, the family name has now become Gardner McTaggart. These Adams family entries have been updated with information provided by Dr Herbert Gardner McTaggart, great-grandson of George Henry Somerset in April 2016. Mr McTaggart contacted the society after finding our entries online.A hand sewn white purple, pink, green, blue and yellow floral silk chiffon dress from circa 1870. The dress consists of two pieces worn together as a dress. This dress has received a great deal of mending and alteration and so it is difficult to be sure of what constitutes its original state. The following description is of its current state. The bodice has a high neck with a simple shallow band collar, an olive braid and a press stud closure. The bodice fastens down the centre front with ten hook and eyes closures and two sets of ribbon ties . The bodice has three darts providing shaping into the waistline. The bodice finishes at the waist and gently tapers towards the front creating a 'V' line. Down the centre front from the neck to the waist concealing the bodice opening is a pressed pleated ruffle of the dress fabric and a line of olive braid. The dress features pagoda sleeves finished at the hem with pressed pleated ruffle of the dress fabric, a line of olive braid and a silk fringe of 4 cm pale pink and white. The skirt part of the bodice section attaches to the front of the dress with two hooks and eyes on the left hand side of the waist. The fabric drops down to approximately the knees at the front, curving up and splitting on either side over the hip. The edge of this piece is also trimmed with a pressed pleated ruffle of the dress fabric and a line of olive braid. Just below the hip on either side is a large bow of pink, cream, purple and green taffeta. The bodice at the back is shaped with four panels into the waistline. Where it joins the bodice skirt the skirt is pleated, creating fullness. The skirt of the dress ensemble secures at the waist on the left hand side. At the front it has two pleats (that may have been repositioned during repair), and is fully gathered at the back. At the front the dress falls to the floor whilst at the back it is longer to accommodate the bustle and possibly a small train.cecilia elizabeth adams, elizabeth emma adams, 1870s fashion, tower house, woodchester, james smith adams, elizabeth emma mctaggart, mary rose columba adams, sophia charlotte louisa adams

Captain Reid served as a Councillor of the Phillip Island and Woolamai Shire in 1875. He was the first Trustee and President, as well as being instrumental in establishing a school at Rhyll on block 13 about 1870. He died in 1891 at the age of 75. He was an early resident of Rhyll and 1st President of the Phillip Island Cemetery Trust HistoricalGlass negative with brown felt backing in wooden frame and gold border of man seated and two children on either side of him.Captain David Reid Retired sea captain New Street Brighton 1865 [ photo courtesy Miss S. Serpell ]captain david reid, rhyll, photograph, glass negative

This school text book was written by John James Burston. He was the son of David and Sarah Burston of Warrnambool. Both his father and his brother Benjamin taught in schools in the Warrnambool area. John Burston was at Mepunga and Woodford schools before leaving in 1871 to be the Master of the Anglican School at Creswick. He then became the head teacher at schools in Ballarat and Bendigo before going to the Brighton Road State School in St. Kilda. He spent 16½ years there before retiring in 1911. Burston was a well-known writer of school text books, including The State School Arithmetic, The State School Grammar and Exercises in Practice and Proportion. He died in 1915.This book is of great interest because it was written by John James Burston, a one-time resident in the Warrnambool area and a teacher with a distinguished record in education – he taught in schools in Victoria for 44½ years and wrote several texts for State Schools.This is a hard cover book of 243 pages. There are several blank pages in the middle of the book and at the end for teachers’ notes. The cover is dark red with gold lettering on the front cover and on the spine. There are some illustrations scattered throughout the text.john james burston, physics and general lessons for victorian state schools, warrnambool

The only information available on this plate is what is written on the base. No other information has been found on Mrs Playford or Thomas and Mary Annerley. Perhaps the plate came to into the collection of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society via the old Warrnambool Museum. The plate has no known local provenance and is kept because of its age and interesting monogram. This is a circular-shaped china plate (probably a dinner plate) with a fluted edge. The edging of the plate has red and gold ornamentation with garlands of flowers in green, pink, mauve and orange. There are four posies of flowers around the bowl of the plate in the same colouring with the addition of blue. In the centre of the plate is a large gold monogram – ‘T.M.A.’ On the base of the plate is a piece of paper partly torn off giving some details of the history of the plate in handwriting. This paper is pasted on to the base of the plate obscuring any maker’s mark that there may be. The plate has been broken into four pieces and stuck together again using five metal clips. There are some chips around the edge of the plate. Monogram: ‘T.M.A.’ ) (Thomas and Mary Annerley) Note on base: ‘… … the property of Mrs Playford of … St. Brighton (and formerly belonged to her great grandmother). Mrs Playford died in her 91st year and left it with some other pieces of the service to William Rodgers of Wellington St., St. Kilda. Monogram, T.M.A, Thomas & Mary Annerley. Copy of signed statement, 1909’ mrs playford, thomas and mary annerley

These labels were used in the business of E.B.Phillips, firstly when he as in partnership with Thomson in the late 1890s and later when he was the sole proprietor. Ernest Brighton Phillips (1875-1924) was a furniture maker and seller with a business at the corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets. At the beginning of the 20th century it was the largest furniture warehouse and factory in Victoria outside of Melbourne. Samples of his furniture making are still in use in various parts of Australia. Philips built his home, ‘Heatherlie’, diagonally opposite his business and this site today is occupied by ‘Heatherlie’ flats for the elderly.These labels are of interest as mementoes of the Warrnambool furniture shop and factory of E.B.Phillips, a prominent businessman in Warrnambool a hundred or more years ago. .1 A sheet of cream-coloured paper with cream printing on an orange background and a space for an address. The sheet has two ragged edges. .2 A circular label or sticker pasted on to an irregular-shaped sheet of brown paper (part of the original wrapping). The label has an image in brown and white tonings of a woman with an easel, some stylized decoration and blue and white printing. The edges of the label are worn away. .1 Late with J.J.O’Mullane From Phillips, Thomson and Co. General House Furnishers Corner Liebig & Koroit Sts. Warrnambool .2 Framed by E.B.Phillips The Artistic House Furnisher and Picture Framer Warrnambool ernest brighton phillips, history of warrnambool, labels, heatherlie

William Bravery Andrew was a native of Surrey, England. He came out to Australia in 1842 and lived in Brighton, Victoria for 14 years. He revisited England for a year, departing July 1856 and returning to Victoria in July 1857. William moved to Eltham around 1859 where he met and married a widow, Ellen Harper (nee Clarke) in 1867 whose husband John, a carpenter, had died in Melbourne the previous November leaving her with four surviving children: Edith Harper (1856 Eltham), Newell Harper (1858 Eltham), Ida Ellen Harper (1862 Eltham) and Lilian Harper (1862 Eltham). Ellen and John had suffered the loss of two children: John (1860-1864 Eltham) and Percy (1865-1866). William and Ellen had three more children of their own: Mabel Andrew (1868 Eltham), William Bravery Andrew (1870 Eltham) and Ernest James Andrew (1873 Eltham) By 1867 William was the registered newsagent for Eltham with a produce store, W.B Andrew Corn Store, on "Policeman's Hill", at the corner of Maria Street (now Main Road) and Franklin Street. He also took a lively interest in the public affairs of the town and district, and with his wife Ellen, continued to run the store for some fifty years. Ellen pre-deceased William on February 9, 1906, after a long and painful illness of some 11 years. William died October 8, 1907 and is buried with Ellen in Eltham Cemetery. Their youngest son, Ernest James took over running the business and became a prominent member of the community and Eltham Shire Councillor for 30 years. The grave of Ernest James and his wife Ellen rests beside William and Ellen. Sacred to The memory of Ellen Wife of William Bravery Andrew Died 9th Feb. 1906 Aged 77 years Also the above W.B. Andrew Died 8th Oct. 1907 Aged 85.Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, ellen andrew, william bravery andrew, ellen harper andrew (nee clarke), ernest james andrew

This file contains 5 items. A limited edition of a book "A History of the Bentleigh East Primary School No. 2083 formerly Bentleigh formerly East Brighton 1878-1978" published to mark the centenary of the Bentleigh East Primary School celebrated from 1 – 5th August 1978. The book was compiled by the Principal Peter Morris and is a collection of incidents, reminiscences and anecdotes arranged in chronological order to capture the character of the differing periods through which the school passed. It provides an insight to the development of the area and of the school and includes a list of school principals from 1878 – 1978, an honor roll for WW1 students etc. Notes on the Camm family who donated the School Centenary Book A newspaper article on the centenary celebrations. The article is undated and the source is not known. It includes 2 photographs of the celebrations. A name badge for Duchie Laven issued for the centenary. The badge is on pink cardboard. A Black + White school photograph taken in 1948. Josephine and Wilma Newman are identified in the photograph.malane thomas market gardener, atkinson william – head teacher 1878 – 1883, initial school staff, jack margaret, stevens eliza (pupil teacher), water supply, mills henry (prominent head teacher), craig robert district inspector, centre road, primitive methodist church 22/07/1884, tram lines, taylor mr., head teacher list, shelter sheds., joyce colin dr., thiele mr. (head teacher), north road state school, ormond state school no 3074, east bentleigh state school, east brighton state school no. 2083, bentleigh state school no 2083, bentleigh east primary school no 2083, school 213 brighton east, bentleigh elementary school no 2083, bentleigh west state school no 4318, coatesville primary school, tucker road moorabbin primary school, bent thomas sir, honor lists, honour book, awards, snowball o.r. mla gilbert mr. head teacher, brighton gas lighting, sloyd classes, gilbert mr. (head teacher), cross bob (pupil), school strap, henderson w. (district inspector), school rooms, school work books, schools, school concerts, school committees, caretaker’s residence, fencing, higgins a., higgins stan, bentleigh public hall, marriott william (chairman school committee), bentleigh theatre, old scholars, trenches 1937 (slit), donald j.r. (head teacher), war savings certificates, shelter pavilions, bristol units – classrooms, redmond mr (head teacher), school pedestrian crossings, sound systems, school canteen, world war 1914 – 1918, electricity supply, salmagundi, tamrakis socrates, school libraries, railway stations, education, school rolls, market gardens, cattle – nuisance, bushrangers, toll gates, chinese school, chinese community, school curriculum – historical, flora, aborigines, snakes, migrant teachers, japanese language, rats, caretaker’s residences, fencing, cattle, horse racing, caulfield military hospital, advertising, street lighting, anglican school st stephens, chinese christian church arthur’s seat road (now nepean hwy), st john’s anglican church bentleigh, hit & miss hotel, live & let live hotel, plough & harrow hotel, moorabbin district roads board, army huts, higgins stan mr, . marriott william mr, cremean mr. mla, arnett kevin, vanderlaven vanderlaven adrian, vanderlaven josephine, laven fredericha willamena, laven adrian, laven duchie, newman wilma, newman josephine, camm josephine, marshall gladys, neville gladys, holis ivy, monroe victor, duckmanton keith, tram lines - mordialloc sandringham, school paper, public works dept., springthorpe j.w. dr., vosey joseph, camm terry, camm josie, barrenger elsie, bentleigh oval, race course east bentleigh 1899, keys's hotel, unveiling of honor book and cabinet 25/08/1922