The original small, pioneer cottage was built in the late 1840s to early1850s, by an unknown pioneer. It was located on part of a 30 Acre allotment that was originally part of Dendy’s Special Survey granted in 1841. The doors and window sashes, (made of red deal joinery timber), as well as the brass locks and fittings, are from the original cottage, and were imported from England. The fire-place bricks are from the original cottage, and are sun-dried, (not kiln fired), and are hand-made. Convict marks can be seen on two bricks. There is a small display of external cladding shingles from the original pioneer cottage. These shingles were hand-split, and most likely made from locally collected timber The nails included in this display were used to fasten the shingles on the original cottage, and are also hand-made. The cottage was occupied by William Box and family from 1865 until 1914 when it was sold to William Reitman who resided there until 1950. The enamel nameplate, “Colonial”, on the wall of the cottage, was the name chosen for the original pioneer cottage by Mr William Reitman, when he purchased the property in around 1915, for 1200 Pounds approximately. In 1974 Mr Lewis, a timber specialist, found the dilapidated building on property he had recently purchased in Jasper Rd and suggested it be reconstructed and relocated. Moorabbin Council agreed and the cottage was rebuilt just about 250 metres from its original site. The cost of the rebuild was met by 'Victoria's 150th Committee, plus a small grant from the City of Moorabbin, and Mr Laurie Lewis donated much of the timber for the reconstruction. The re-constructed cottage plan has followed faithfully the original dimensions, and plan of the original pioneer cottage, and as many original items from that cottage’s long occupation have been incorporated. The photographs in Album 1 record the progress of the reconstruction from February 1984 to the First Public Open Day November 18th 1984 and this Flag Raising Ceremony February 24th 1985. See MAV 01017 for photographs of this event.These 3 Newspaper clippings refer to the Flag Raising Ceremony to be held on February 24th 1985 at the 'Reconstructed Box Cottage' in McKinnon. The Moorabbin Standard Newspaper was the local paper for the City of Moorabbin during the 20th Century until it was absorbed into The Leader Newspaper Group Ltd. Mrs H. Deam and Mr A. Smith, CMHS members, took kept these reports to record the progress of the ‘Reconstruction’ from February 1984 to November 1984 and this event in 1985. Although 'Box Cottage' is a re-construction, it is an unique museum that, being located in the midst of a modern community in Ormond Victoria, can educate and demonstrate many aspects of the early settler’s way of life in Victoria. As such, it is an invaluable resource for students and all kinds of visitors. 3 x clippings from The Moorabbin Standard Newspaper, Wednesday 20th February 1985, reporting the Flag Raising Ceremony to be held on Sunday 24th February 1985 at Box Cottage Joyce Park, Jasper Road, McKinnon ( now Ormond). a) Paragraph in Mayor's Column by Cr Frank Le Page, Mayor City of Moorabbin, CMHS member ; b) Letters to the Editor Section " Historical Show " by Mrs H Deam, CMHS Secretary ; c) 'What's On Section' paragraph ' Box Cottage '.Written on clippings a) , b) ; Moorabbin Standard / Wed. 20th Feb. 1985brighton, moorabbin, highett, ormond, mckinnon, cottages, pioneers, colonial, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, reitman william, convicts lewis timber co. ltd., deam h, smith arthur, museums, box alonzo, moody & smith builders highett, the moorabbin standard newspaper, the leader newspaper pty ltd., fox max , lewis laurie, moorabbin city council, national trust, connard geoff mlc, lawson geoff mlc,, le page frank mayor city of moorabbin, australian flag, victorian state flag, goldworthy mr;

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Agenda of Monthly Meeting, 15 April 1965, and the Annual Report 1964-65 of the Administrative Council of the Bendigo Technical College. Seven typed pages, six stapled together. Includes a list of Office Bearers 1964-65, winners of scholarships/studentships, and staff members.bendigo, education, mechanics institute school of mines, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. bendigo technical college. school of mines.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Two truncated pages of typed notes. No title or date. Scribblings and crosses with pencil and green pen. Topics include: responsible financial management, and the Bendigo Home and Hospital for the Aged.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. bendigo home and hospital for the aged.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three pages, the first typed on both sides. The third page appears out of sequence and may belong to another date in 1965. Topics include: demise of Bendigo's tomato industry, Alcoholics Anonymous, ABC Symphony Orchestra visit, Bendigo Aerodrome, and finances relating to the Bendigo Cattle Market.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. bendigo aerodrome. bendigo cattle market.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three typed pages titled 'The Mayor Speaks 11 June 1965'. Topics include: painting of the Town Hall, council spending money they do not have, issues relating to the proposed Bendigo Aerodrome, and grants towards the cleaning up of the Bendigo Creek.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver . mayor of bendigo. bendigo aerodrome.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three pages of typed notes titled 'The Mayor Speaks June 5th 1965. Topics include: the Bendigo East Charity Club, the visit of Mr Tan Hoo Fong from Indonesia, and the housing problem in Bendigo and its effect on industrial development,bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. bendigo east charity club.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Two pages, undated and apparently incomplete, of notes. In the same format as his usual report. In a 1965 sequence. Front page/s? missing. Topics include: car parking, Victoria League luncheon at the City Family Hotel, decentralisation incentives from the Federal Govt., skilled workers from Britain, Centenary meeting of the Marong Council, and the recent Bendigo Cup day.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. bendigo cup.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three typed pages titled 'The Mayor Speaks May 21st 1965.' Topics include : issues with amenities in Barkly Ward, responsibility issues regarding surrounding councils and a proposed aerodrome and meat works, plans to establish a youth training centre in the city or surrounds, six new citizens at a naturalisation ceremony (mentioned are Mr and Mrs Stribosch, Mrs Conforti, Mr V. Ravarotto and Mr J. Bergdaver), and the retirement of First Constable 'Bap' O'Sullivan.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. bendigo aerodrome.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three typed pages, undated but in a 1965 sequence. In the same format as 'Mayor Speaks' but untitled. Topics include : poor standard of Council work being done by private contractors, Victorian Promotion Committee and industry problems in Bendigo, discrimination suffered by the Bendigo textile industry, B.L.B. Corporation, tree pollarding, Mr Ross Shelmerdine of the Victorian Churchill Memorial Appeal and the National Heart Foundation, and the spending of monies raised by the Anti Cancer Appeal.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Two typed pages, the second also has typed notes on the reverse. There are two ink splotches on the front page. The document is titled 'The Mayor Speaks' and dated 9/4/65 in blue ink. The top half of the first page is over-typed and difficult to read. Topics include : the Australian Survey Regiment and conferring of medals, problems with council-funded works and financing, Sandhurst Boys Centre, and the Anti Cancer Appeal.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three typed pages titled 'Mayor Speaks: March 27 1965. Topics include : garden party at Government House, Capital Theatre concert in aid of the Masonic Hospital, visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury, painting of the Town Hall ceiling, Commonwealth Youth Sunday, importance of the Ordnance Factory to Bendigo, and the success of the Home Decorator course at the Town Hall.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. ordnance factory (bendigo).

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Two incomplete pages of typed notes, the top section of one has been torn off. Topics include : estimates and council rates, Music for the People with Glenda Raymond and Hector Crawford to be held in Rosalind Park, Bendigo's industrial progress and the Victorian Promotion Committee, annual dinner of the Public Service Association, the 100th birthday of Mrs Clementine Rawlings, Bendigo Jockey Club, and the Catholic Men's Dinner Club.bendigo, council, report, councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three pages of typed notes, untitled but with the date 5 Mar 1965 handwritten in the left margin. Topics include: cemetery issues and management, and the formation of a Civil Emergency organisation.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. cemeteries (bendigo)

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three typed pages headed 'The Mayor Speaks'. Undated but in a 1964-65 sequence. Topics include: Bendigo Technical College becomes a degree conferring institution, opening of the Shepparton Civic Centre, Winston Churchill and Anti-cancer appeals, and Massey Ferguson in Bendigo.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. massey ferguson (bendigo). bendigo technical college.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three pages of typed notes titled 'The Mayor Speaks 13 February 1965'. Topics include : tertiary education, Senator Harrie Wade, and B.L.B. Corporation in Breen St., a Bendigo factory which produces woven fabric, and exports to Italy and other countries.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. b.l.b. corporation (bendigo)

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three pages of typed notes titled Mayor Speaks. The date, 6/2/65, is written in pen across the top. There is some scribbled calculations in blue pen on the first page. Topics include : traffic infringements, classes in life saving for school children, cemetery management, and the Country Swimming Championships.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Five typed pages, with pages 3 and 4, which are the same, crossed in red pen. The notes are titled 'Mayors Notes 23 January 1965'. Topics include: Australia Day, valuations and council rates, and the state of and problems with the livestock market,bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

Notice Paper for Special Meeting of the Bendigo City Council to be held in the Old Chamber, Town Hall, Bendigo on Monday, 26th November, 1984 at 7.30 p.m. To Commemorate Victoria's 150th Anniversary. City of bendigo (picture of City Emblem) Cr. Joseph Patrick Pearce, J.P. Mayor 1984-85. Council Summons You are hereby summoned to attend a Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Bendigo, to be held in the Old Council Chamber, Town Hall, Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo, on Monday the 26th day of November, 1884, at 7.30pm., for the transaction of the business specified in the Notice Paper. R. J. Burton Acting Town Clerk and Chief Executive Officer. Members of the Council Barkly Ward: Peter David Mansell, J.P., Edna Mary Hall, Richard Anthony Clarke. Darling Ward: Anthony Vincent Duble, Joseph Patrick Pearce, J.P., Norman Francis Quin. Sutton Ward: Michael Anthony Currie, Robert Terrance Cox, Rodney James Fyffe. Acting Town Clerk and Chief Executive Officer: Raymond J. Burton, A.A.S.A., A.A.I.M., A.I.M.M. City Engineer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer: Colin C. Campbell, L.G.E., Dip. C.E., M.I.E. Aust. Deputy City Engineer: Geoffrey N Maguire, L.G.E., Dip. C.E., M.I.E. Aust. Assistant Town Clerk: Martin A. Sheean, A.A.I.V., Dip. Management. Business 1. 2. 3. Declarations under Section 181 of Local Government Act 1958. 4. Notice of Motion - His Worship the Mayor, Cr. J. P. Pearce. 5. Reports: Acting Town Clerk and Chief Executive Officer. (a) Bendigo Regional Photographic Library - Status Report. (b) 150th Anniversary Project - Landscaping Lake Weeroona. (c) Refurbishment of the Bendigo City Hall. (d) 150th Anniversary Year activities in Bendigo. 6. Naturalisation Ceremony. 7. Presentation of 150th Anniversary Flag to representative of the Mall Management Committee. 8. Bendigo's Heritage - Council to meet with Mr. Andrew Ward, Advisor to the Bendigo Heritage Committee. 9. Presentation of Council donation to representatives of the Bendigo Youth Choir and the Bendigo Youth Symphonic Band. 10. Invitation extended to visitors to view displays in the Committee Room: - historic photographs exhibited by the Bendigo Regional Photographic Library. - 150th Anniversary display material. - documents from the City of Bendigo Archives. At the conclusion of the Council Meeting, guests are invited to assemble in the Main Hall of the Town Hall to hear a performance by the Bendigo Youth Choir & the Bendigo Youth Symphonic Band. Notice of Motion At the special meeting of the Bendigo City Council to be held in the Old Council Chamber, of the Town Hall 7.30p.m. 26th November, 1984, I propose to move: re Victoria's 150th Anniversary ''That the Bendigo City Council forward a letter under seal to the Premier, The Hon. John Cain, M.P., advising that the City of Bendigo rejoices Victoria's 150th birthday, that the City congratulates the State Government on the manner in which it has sponsored and co-ordinated the activities. . . Bendigo's Calendar of Events at a Glance 1984 November, December. 1985 January through to and including November. Markings: signature of Mayor Joseph Patrick Pearce.event, official, 150 yrs of victoria, special meeting of the bendigo city council old chamber, town hall, 26th november, 1984 commemorate victoria's 150th anniversary. city of bendigo city emblem cr. joseph patrick pearce, j.p. mayor 1984-85. council summons lyttleton terrace business specified in the notice paper. r. j. burton acting town clerk and chief executive officer. members of the council barkly ward: peter david mansell, j.p., edna mary hall, richard anthony clarke. darling ward: anthony vincent duble, joseph patrick pearce, j.p., norman francis quin. sutton ward: michael anthony currie, robert terrance cox, rodney james fyffe. acting town clerk and chief executive officer: raymond j. burton, a.a.s.a., a.a.i.m., a.i.m.m. city engineer and deputy chief executive officer: colin c. campbell, l.g.e., dip. c.e., m.i.e. aust. deputy city engineer: geoffrey n maguire, l.g.e., dip. c.e., m.i.e. aust. assistant town clerk: martin a. sheean, a.a.i.v., dip. management. business declarations under section 181 of local government act 1958. notice of motion - his worship the mayor, cr. j. p. pearce. reports: acting town clerk and chief executive officer. (a) bendigo regional photographic library - status report. (b) 150th anniversary project - landscaping lake weeroona. (c) refurbishment of the bendigo city hall. (d) 150th anniversary year activities in bendigo. naturalisation ceremony. presentation of 150th anniversary flag to mall management committee. bendigo's heritage - council mr. andrew ward, advisor to the bendigo heritage committee. presentation of council donation to representatives of the bendigo youth choir bendigo youth symphonic band. invitation visitors view displays: - historic photographs by bendigo regional photographic library. - 150th anniversary display material. - documents city of bendigo archives, performance by the bendigo youth choir & the bendigo youth symphonic band. notice of motion at the special meeting of the bendigo city council to be held in the old council chamber, of the town hall. 26th november, 1984, i propose to move: re victoria's 150th anniversary ''that the bendigo city council forward a letter under seal to the premier, the hon. john cain, m.p., city of bendigo rejoices victoria's 150th birthday, city congratulates state government which it has sponsored and co-ordinated the activities. . . bendigo's calendar of events at a glance november1984, to november 1985. markings: signature of mayor joseph patrick pearce.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71.Three typed sides of two pages, undated, but in sequence labelled 1964. Reference to being written in the first week of 1965. Titled 'The Mayor Speaks'. Topics include: visit to the Scout Jamboree, meeting with 'Bendigo boy' Air Marshall Sir George Jones, and a book of poems by Selina Deravin.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71.Three typed pages, undated, but in sequence labelled 1964. Page 1 headed 'The Mayor Speaks'. Reference to Christmas having passed. Topics include: cooperation required from organisations and citizens to improve Bendigo, problems with floats for the Easter Fair and Moomba, holiday road toll, and the funeral of Sir Gilbert Dyett,bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. sir gilbert dyett.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71.Three typed sides of two pages, undated, but in sequence labelled 1964. Previous pages? Appear to be missing. Calculations in pen on reverse of the second page. Topics include: visit from Mr Keddie of the Social Welfare Dept., the Music Lovers Club, and a reception for the Freemasons.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71.Three typed pages, with Dec 18 1964 written in pencil on the left margin, and in sequence labelled 1964. Topics include: Christmas functions at the McDonald Oral School, Catholic Men's Dinner Club, the Ordnance factory and T.P.I., and the Golden Square High School Speech Night.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three typed pages, with Dec 11th written in red ink across the top, but in sequence labelled 1964. Topics include: various Christmas functions, Easter Fair Society and financial problems, and the success and economic importance of the Bendigo livestock market.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Two typed pages, Dec 5/ or 51? Written in red ink, but in sequence labelled 1964. Topics include: Victorian Promotion Council.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. victorian promotion council.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three typed pages, Nov 28 written in red ink across the top, and in sequence labelled 1964. Topics include: Easter Fair Committee, Post Office careers school, Survey Regiment Fair at Fortuna, 6th Battalion reunion, Victorian Master Bakers banquet, and Marong Centenary and the historic home of Mr Ron Andrews in Maiden Gully.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. marong centenary.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three typed pages, undated, but in sequence labelled 1964. Report suggests November. Topics include: rate rises, Cancer Appeal, naturalisation, opening of the Dobell Exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery, and the naturalisation ceremony.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. anti cancer council.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Two typed pages, with Nov 14 written in red ink across the top, but in sequence labelled 1964. Topics include: visit of U.S Consul, availability of labour for proposed meat industry developments, possibilities surrounding the future demand for office equipment, result of City Council estimates meeting, the need for replacement of mechanised equipment, and Lake Weeroona improvements.bendigo, council, report, councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Two typed pages, undated but in sequence labelled 1964.Topics include: upcoming City Council estimates meeting and rate issues, address by the Chairman of the Anti Cancer Council 1965 Appeal, visit of Dawn Fraser, and the urgent need for accommodation to attract 200 meat workers to Bendigo.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Five typed pages, undated, but in sequence labelled 1964. Topics include: visit of Mr Douglas Anderson, director of the Victorian Promotional Committee, visit of Mr Duncan of Swifts meat works at Newport, CEBS (Church of England Boys Society) sports day, Ladies Carpet Bowls concert, the Combined High Schools sports day, problems with Oak St railway crossing, and an invitation to citizens to attend the annual meeting of the Industrial Expansion Committee on October 30th.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. victorian promotional committee. swifts meat works (newport). church of england boys society (c.e.b.s.). industrial expansion committee. bendigo ladies carpet bowls.

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Five typed pages, undated, but in sequence labelled 1964. Corrections in pencil. Recent event and date mentioned is September 25th. Topics include: visitors from the National Trust, opening of Bendigo Bowling Club, visit of a Japanese trade mission to Bendigo (associated with the meat industry), Save the Children Fund activities, Bendigo Home and Hospital for the Aged Committee Annual Meeting and mention of present projects, death of Mr Que O Hoy and mention of James Denton, death of Mr Albert Bush, and the fluoridation of the water supply.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. bendigo bowling club. national trust of victoria. que o hoy. albert bush. james denton.