This biscuit/tea caddy was probably targeting the "theatre going" family or those who liked looking at the colourful shakespearian scenes. This item however demonstrates that the rural (Kiewa Valley) appreciation of classic English plays was, in this time period (early 1900's), just as strong as in the larger towns and cities. This item also presents the period in which the "olde" Elizabethian phrases and words were taught in regional high schools. Although this speech pattern and phraseology was of a specific time period and going out of fashion when Australia was first settled it was an inherited form of communication(higher social/economical level). In the context of the rural Australia "scene" and in this time frame of the elite "boarding school" generation this item was a visual reinforcement of the education level and position of the family who owned this tin.This item is highly significant because it not only presents the social aspects of early life in the Kiewa Valley but also the variety of educational levels and economical variations of the rural population within the Kiewa Valley. The egalitarian perception of the inhabitants of the Kiewa Valley was still at the infancy of early Australian social interactions. This biscuit /tea container was however a leveling of the socio-economic playing field of the time.This biscuit or tea tin, has besides having an outer lid (hinged), it also has an internal lid(with a circular finger grip). Although the shape is rectangular it has a slight concave bulge at each side of the centre of each of its main frame. It is made of pressed light steel and has a raised floor. The corners are bevelled and the outer lid has a bevelled slope ridge in parallel to the extremities of the main tin frame. There are painted scenes from the following Shakespearian plays on each side of the tin; "As you like it", "Hamlet" and on each of the bevelled corners are the portraits of Shakespeare(in the middle), the caricature mask faces of "the theatre" above and on the bottom section the "Director's chair"food storage, kitchen table container, domestic educational storage, shakespeare illustrations

This box of matches was up until the 1980's the major source of lighting "small" fires, mainly for cigarettes, pipes (smoking), BBQs, gas/ kerosene heaters and "clearing" rural shrub by small fires. It was not until flint based battery and lighter fluid (hand held lighters) were introduced did the need for "matches" (a more dangerous application of instant fire starters) become relegated to a lower level "demand" item. The limited quality supplied in a box could also not compete with hand held gas and "lighter fluid" lighters. Box of matches belonged to the "yesteryear" fashion accessory's most important list. Matches had become obsolete for the major stream of users as cheaper, easier to use and longer lasting "cigarette" lighters were produced.This match box of Australian make and vintage in origin, was originally manufactured by a British Match Box Company (Bryant and May in Bow London), which expanded to the Australian "Colonies". The Australian subsidiary was at Cremorne, Melbourne. It was typical of goods, which had their "founding fathers" based in "the Mother Country" (England). The early settlers in the Kiewa Valley found these matches an important necessity for not only rural life but also for the recreational "smoko".This small box of "safety" matches has an inner "drawer" which can be slid open to reveal the "match" sticks. The small bowl shaped phosphorous at one end of a "match" is the fire starter(phosphorus) which when lit would "flare" up and provide a small flame. This typical box of matches held an average of sixty matches. The top of the match box has a "glued on" signage with manufacturer's details. In brown script and on a blue background "BRYANT & MAY'S and below this "CROWN" below this and on a red background with faded and worn letters "SAFETY MATCHES" On either side of the top side and in smaller print "MADE IN AUSTRALIA" and opposite "AVERAGE CONTENTS SIXTY"fire starters, cigarette lighters, bbq lighters, domestic fire starters

This "ladies" pocket knife was used up to the late 1900's by influential and "well off" ladies, not only as a fashion statement but as a practical tool when away from the kitchen/home to peel fruit and provide a cutting instrument for small items. It was a method to show the growing independence of women to skillfully process food away from the home and kitchen. The use of such a small compact knife could also have been used by male cigar smokers (docking the end of the cigar)This "lady's "purse" knife was a demonstration of the growing independence of women in Australia and especially in rural areas up to the 1940's. The two World Wars provided the opportunity for women to take over what was traditionally "men's work". This evolution of women's equality in society brought changes to what the traditional role of rural women had been entrenched from first colonisation of Australia. The use of such a small compact knife could also have been used by male cigar smokers (docking the end of the cigar). This method of preparation of a good cigar would have been used by wealthy property owners or men of "class"This small one blade knife (lady's) has an "ivory" body containing one small blade. Horizontal lines in "off white" appearance run from one end to the other. One end has a "U" fitting(to provide an anchorage for a chain). This small knife could also have been used by male cigar smokers.ladies pocket knife, small knives, traveller's cutting implements

This item has historical value as it shows part of the importance of fashionable money containers specific to a more affluent rural family. The period when sheep properties producing high grade wool were providing Australia with the high yield capital return to sustain an ever growing population. This was an era where most of the manufactured goods were imported from England and the European continent.This has relevant significant value as it portrays the earlier reliance that the growing Australian population had from the rural sector. The wealth capital was from the rural sector and the elaborate fashion accessories, such as this money purse, shows how that wealth was utilised. The Kiewa Valley was part of the "rich" farm regions of Victoria and besides gold mines and tobacco plantations, dairy and cattle properties provided for not only the needs of the Victorian region but also the rest of Australia. This gold plated filigree money purse has a clasp on top for fastening purposes and has on either side inside a small extension frame which would have contained a felt/silk padding buffer. The buffer would have highlighted the intricate pattern of the filigree metalwork.hand purse, money purse, filigree women's accessories

This mid 1900's ice "bucket" was used during the first major "American" (fashion invasion) of merchandise for the "new " social set. This was a form of release, coming after the tight money restrictions during the "Great Depression" and from World War II.This item is an example of the change of direction in regards to household cutlery and crockery which the Australian rural environment slowly progressed through. This progression was due to a closer alliance with the USA after World War II and and increase push in marketing by USA manufacturers of their Australian partners and the closer alliance between the two nations. The American service men and women on recreational leave during the "South Pacific war" front brought both nations closer together and the requirement of American industries to find new markets resulted in "cheaper" mass produced silverware onto the Australian scene, which at that time were mainly sourced from the UK and Europe. This silver plated "ice bucket" with lid and handle has "pot belly" shape. A smaller circumference top, bulging center and smaller bottom. The lower inside shape of the "bucket" allows for a "grate" to be placed 40mm from the bottom (this grate would separate the "solid" ice cubes from the melted ice water). There is a "U" shaped "swiveled" handle with "art deco" type leaves(grape) reinforcing the cross section. There are two bands of "grape leaf" motifs, one smaller one at the top rim and a larger one on the bottom at the point of furthest bulge.At the outside base is the manufacturers logo "K" and encircled in small print are "KNICKERBOCKER MFG CO. QUADRUPLE PLATE"silver plated ice "bucket", bottle cooler

This bonnet could have been part of a Christening outfit which matches the same style of "KVHS 0235" The quality of the garment and the fashion style it represents is both historical, and is of the fashion in that era. It has Christian religious implications and values of the time frame of regional life in the early 1900s. It is hand made possibly by the mother of the child being christened. The bonnet was probably worn at a christening in one of the Kiewa Valley churches (denomination unknown). The importance of the event to family and friends is shown by the quality of the garment. These style Christening items were often worn buy several children of the one family , both boys and girls. Other items that match this outfit are KVHS 0235. White crocheted baby's bonnet threaded with white ribbon. (Possibly for christening.) infant. baby. bonnet. crochet. christening.

Due to relative long distance to haberdashery stores majority of children's garments were hand made by a local talented seamstress or mother/relative. This bonnet is very similar is style and fashion to other children's clothing in KVHS collection which indicates this was made during the early 1900's. This has good historical significance because it shows the fashions during the early 1900's which baby bonnets were made by women of the Kiewa Valley. This item also has good interpretive capacity as it adds to the other babies clothing in the KVHS collection and therefore increases the interpretive capacity for the children's clothesCream muslin with 1 cm wide lace around the face and neck. Pin tucks threaded with fine string and 2 tape ties 13 cm long. Also string used to gather the neck edge.baby. bonnet. christening. clothing. infant.

This dress is hand made possibly by a mother for her daughters. It is hand and machine stitched. This style of dress would have been worn for special occasions, eg going to church or special outings.This item is very significant for the following reasons. Historic and social - it shows what little girls wore during the early 1900's of the Kiewa Valley. It also shows fashion of the times and how these styles of dresses were made. All of which is valuable for research on these topics. There are only two of these dresses in the collection of the KVSH, and therefore would be very rare. The condition is good enough to display, therefore it has good interpretive capacity.Brown Cotton Dress. Top and sleeves are lined in calico. Home made, with manual machine stitches and some hand sewing. The dress has a high round neck and long sleeves. There is a band around the waist to which a gathered skirt it attached with hand stitching. Two different shades of brown are used on this dress. Back opens with 8 hooks. Water stains on dresschild, homemade, dress, girl, kiewa-valley

This item is hand made possible by a mother for her daughters. It is hand and machine stitched. This style of aprons / pinafore is attached to the two brown dresses that are also in the collection. This item is very significant for the following reasons. Historic and social - it shows what little girls wore during the early 1900's of the Kiewa Valley. It also shows fashion of the times and how these styles of aprons were made. All which is valuable for research on these topics. There are only a few of these aprons in the collection of the KVSH, and therefore would be very rare. The condition is good enough to display, therefore it has good interpretive capacity.Girls apron or pinafore. White linen with crocheted lace around the edge which is continuous around the skirt, sleeve and neck. The shoulders flaps appears that they should be pinned to the dress beneath, and pinned together at the back of the waist. The apron is manual machine stitchedclothing, girls, children, pinafore, apron, kiewa-valley, alpine-shire

The dress was probably worn at a christening in one of the Kiewa Valley churches (denomination unknown). The importance of the event to family and friends is shown by the quality of the garment. These style Christening dresses were often worn buy several children of the one family , both boys and girls. Other items such as hand made bonnet may have been part of this out fit. "KVHS 0123" The quality of the garment and the fashion style it represents is both historical, not only the time of its manufacture but also of the fashion in that era. It has christian religious implications and values of the time frame of regional life in the early1900s. Girl's white dress (christening event), fine cotton with lace border "broderie anglaise" with a row of lace flowers mid skirt "battenberg".This lace is also inserted in centre front panel and sleeves. Scolloped cotton is also on sleeves, neck and front. Pin tucked skirt. Opening back with drawstring fastening at neck and waist. Short sleeves and machine stitched children clothing, lace-battenberg and broderie anglaise, female clothing, dress, cotton, christening, dressmaking

Lack of label suggest that this garment was produced in the Kiewa Valley Circa 1900 to 1940s. It would appear to be from a local seemstressThe time period indicates that the distances to the main centres of fashion was far too long for families to go to purchase such items from a retailer. Settlements in the Kiewa Valley would have more than one local seemstress. The relative rarity of the garment and the "Ric Rack" is unique.Garment has sleeveless top attached to pantaloons at waist and open crotch and going down inner leg seam to 8cm from bottom. Bottom section of each leg adorned with crotcheted lace and two pin tucks around bottom of legs. Top back of garmenthas three "Mother of Pearl" buttons and narrow 8mm wide shouldenilcross reference to KVHS 0249 and KVHS 0240 straps. Machine stitched cream in colour vest, undergarment, underwear, lingerie

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsHat Pin with a forest green opaque ball headclothing, millinery, hat accessories, 1920 fashion

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis pin has a black plastic tear-drop ball at its head (earth shaped). It has diamond like chiseled profile from a centre band to the apex of both ends. The centre region has a herring bone pattern. Identical to Item KVHS 0356millinery, hat pin, female head wear, hat accessory

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis pin has a black plastic tear-drop ball at its head (earth shaped). It has diamond like chiseled profile from a centre band to the apex of both ends. The centre region has a herring bone pattern. Identical to Item KVHS 0287hat pin, female head apparel, clothing accessories

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsBrass Pin, two 3.5cm cones, gold coloured tapered down to imitation half peal centre piece Cones stamped with small flower petalsmillinery, hat pin, female head wear, hat accessory

Historically this item could be a valuable antique worn originally by a wealthy upper class woman. The fine hand painted pictures with gold boarders and porcelain body suggests the item was bought either in Europe or Britain and brought into Australia in the late 19 th to early 20 th century by a wealthy landed gentryThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1800s to mid 1900s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsHead of pin is six sided, domed top made of porcelain. Two sides have hand painted pictures of grapes, two sides with flower arrangement , two sides detailing cypress tree tips of branch, top has flowers and leaves with hidden small birdshat pin, porcelain hat accessory, millinery clothing

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsHead of pin is ball shaped covered blue/silver reflective fastened sequin. Each sequin is attached by a seed bead of dark blue colourmillinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsPin head consists of one eight petaled flower, two seed pods half open and one long leaf connecting leaf with seed pods. pin head and shaft are gold coloured. see KVHS 0352 for same pin except details are highlighted with darkened outlines(may be dirt)clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsPin head consists of one eight petaled flower, two seed pods half open and one long leaf connecting leaf with seed pods. pin head and shaft are gold coloured. see KVHS 0351 for a cleaner itemmillinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsElongated pearl on silver coloured pin shaftmillinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoors This item is similar as the one worn by the "Queen Mother" in the film "The Kings' Speech"Silver coloured pin with a thistle shaped head also in silver/chrome colour. Sleek in appearancemillinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsGold coloured pin adorned with two curls. One with fourteen small glass/diamond stones one red/ruby type stone three empty stone clasps gold coloured pin shaftmillinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin has a turquoise glass ball head with a long needle. It is in the same style as items KVHS 0358 and KVHS 0359.millinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin has a yellow/amber glass ball head. It in is the same style to KVHS 0357 and KVHS 0359clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsA long hat pin with a royal blue glass head. It is in the same style to items KVHS 0357 and KVHS 0358clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis long hat pin is adorned with a flat, oval-shaped, piece of black plastic. A raised pattern of small distinctively dome shaped molded plastic infill together with three larger shaped domes. Identical to KVHS 0361costume, female head wear, accessories hat pin

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis long hat pin is adorned with a flat, oval-shaped, piece of black plastic. A raised pattern of small distinctively dome shaped molded plastic infill together with three larger shaped domes. Identical to KVHS 0360costume, female head wear, accessories hat pin

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin has a shiny black ball head, probably plasticcostume female head ware accessories, hat pin

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin has the letter "J" as its head.costume female head ware accessories, hat pin

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin is adorned with a flat metal circular head. There are two circles of narrow patterns around the outer edge. The centre is decorated with three shiny black faceted shapes producing a spoke like appearancecostume female head ware accessories, hat pin