These cruciform candle holder doilies were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework , and crochet skills . Although living conditions were basic, families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. The cruciform shape suggests they may have been used at Church Services These linen doilies are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 4 x white Linen cruciform candle holder doilies with coloured silk needle work and crochet edging a) crochet, b) central linen with crochet edge c) central linen with crochet edge d) linen with green and white coloured needlework flowers and crochet edge clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These white linen circular doilies were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These linen doilies are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 5 x Linen doilies with coloured silk needle work and crochet edging a) square with coloured flowers and crochet edge , b) round with blue flowers and crochet edge , c) round with coloured flowers and crochet edge, d) round with coloured vase of flowers and crochet edge , e) round with blue flowers and crochet edge clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This pair of white cotton pillow shams were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These pillow shams are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 1 pair of white cotton pillow shams with crochet lace inserts clothing, haberdashery, crochet, bed linen, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These white table cloths were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These table cloths are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 2 small white table cloths a) linen with wide crochet edge b) cotton with coloured needlework flowers and crochet edge clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These Table Runners were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society These table runners are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 2 Table Runners c1900 a) cream fine cotton with bands of cut-work and needlework border b) white linen with crochet squirrels at one end clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These white linen serviettes were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These linen serviettes are examples of the dressmaking, crochet and needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c190012 Linen serviettes with cutwork in one corner and crochet edging clothing, haberdashery, serviettes, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

These white damask serviettes were made by women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and show their needlework skills . Although living conditions were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. These white damask serviettes are examples of the needlework skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 5 White damask linen Serviettes. clothing, haberdashery, damask, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

Lady's silk short nighties with shoulder straps, button crutch, crochet edging and needlework flowers is typical of the fashion c1930 and is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C These lady’s silk nighties are an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C 2x Lady's silk short nighties,with shoulder straps, 2 mother of pearl buttons at crutch, crochet edging,and needlework flowers clothing, , crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, needlework, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This painted wood Doiley Holder was used to store and protect the linen, cotton and net doilies, hand sewn with needlework, crochet and beads that were used by households c1900 This Doiley holder is an examples of the craftwork skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Two circular varnished wooden discs each with 2 holes through which ribbon was threaded to hold them together. The top disc is painted with flowers, kookaburra and the word Doyleys ."DOYLEYS' clothing, haberdashery, crochet brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire , dairy farms, fruit orchards

This cotton 1/2 slip with large lace flounce was made by a woman of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and shows the needlework and lace work skills . The Cotton 1/2 petticoat is an example of the dressmaking, and lace work skills of the women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Lady's white cotton 1/2 Petticoat cotton lace flounce, elastic waist and 2 bone buttons at side seam clothing, petticoats, underwear, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, dairy farms, fruit orchards

A nylon wool mixture sleeveless singlet with drawstring at neck that was possibly worn by George Reed when a patient at Heatherton Sanitarium c1950 "1909 'Consumption' or Tuberculosis was an infectious, debilitating disease. The main treatment of this ailment was a long period of rest, fresh air, sunshine and good food, so what better place to build a ‘Sanatorium’ than in the rural area they called Heatherton and affiliate it with the Melbourne Benevolent Asylum. After World War II c1947, the Commonwealth Government Health Department took over the Heatherton Hospital to deal with tuberculosis when it became a major problem in Australia. This was during the time when the Government conducted X-Ray surveys on a state by state basis. It was compulsory at that time for everyone to have a chest X-Ray. " ( KCC History Website 2020 , A.Bennett) Heatherton Sanitarium, situated in the City of Moorabbin, was the main rehabilitation hospital in Melbourne for patients suffering from 'Consumption' or Tuberculosis in 1909-1978 A wool / nylon mixture sleeveless Singlet with drawstring at neck that was used by George Reed at Heatherton Sanitarium c1950, Back neck ; ( ? Ward bed) 108Bclothing, singlets, underwear, heatherton sanitarium 1950, consumption, tuberculosis, rehabiltation, tb vaccine c1960, chest x-rays 1950, melbourne benevelont asylum cheltenham, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire reed george, dairy farms, fruit orchards

Victorian and Edwardian ladies adorned their hats with various bird feathers. Although living conditions in Moorabbin Shire c1910, were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. Gladys Reed was a member of the Ormond Choral Society c 1950. who performed plays and musicals the City of Moorabbin and she was skilled in craftwork, hand knitting, crochet and dressmaking. Her garments were used by her family and the Ormond Choral Society C1910 Women in Moorabbin Shire followed the fashion from Europe and made their own clothes and accessories using their dressmaking, craftwork and design skills 8 x feathers of various sizes and colours for adorning a Lady's hat c 1910 a) Blue & b) White Ostrich, c) Black Cockerel, d) Black Emu Feathers. e) Brown stripped Coque Diamond Tail f) Pink dyed ostrich, g) Black duck, h) black fur clothing, millinery, hat feathers, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire,reed gladys, clark judy, dairy farms, fruit orchards, footwear, shoes, buckles, clothing, silver, pewter, brass, victorian fashion, edwardian fashion, mckinnon, moorabbin, cheltenham, wedding dresses, evening wear,

Made in Australia by Middy's Used by a pioneer family in Moorabbin. Manufactured by Middy's: Arriving in Australia at age 19 by ship at Port Melbourne, Dutch immigrant Petrus Cornelis Nicolaas Middendorp (1891-1963) settled in Melbourne to apply his trade as a cigar maker for the British American Tobacco Co. Retiring from the cigar industry and following his work as an honorary orderly tending WW1 Australian casualties in Paris and Melbourne, Petrus began selling Dutch manufactured light globes, vacuum cleaners and other electrical products imported from Holland and England. Warehousing and sales of the goods were undertaken from 1928 by the ‘Middendorp Goods Supply Company’ initially located in Flinders Lane in Melbourne’s CBD, then moving to McKillop Street, followed by a basement store at 148 Queen Street. During the 1940s a manufacturing plant known as ‘Middendorp and Sons’ was established in the Melbourne suburb of Preston, where Petrus’ three teenage sons Peter, Nick and Hugh joined him. Peter and Hugh worked with a small team of staff to produce rubber plug tops, extension sockets, double adaptors and a small range of bakelite accessories, whilst Nick became the first sales rep calling on customers and construction sites. The products were sold under the brand name of ‘Middy’. A name change of the distribution business took place in the late 40s and Middendorp Electric Company Pty Ltd was officially registered in 1948. The manufacturing operation ceased during the late 50s due to the introduction and acceptance of plastic and injection moulding. However, the Middendorp family had positioned itself to further establish its electrical wholesale business with the first branch and Head Office opening in 1956, located at 520 Latrobe Street, Melbourne. By 1962 there were five trading branches, growing to 25 in 1986 and 101 by 2018 Australia wide. Middendorp Electric, more commonly known as Middy’s and readily identified by its trademark colour of Middy’s pink, has developed into the largest privately owned Electrical Wholesaler in Australia. In 2015 Middy’s acquired Mekolec lifts fire and electrical adding presence and sector expertise in Melbourne’s inner south. In Sep 2018 Middy's acquired Salmon Brothers Electrical, with 5 Branches in Sydney's Metro region and in 2019 they acquired Goulburn Electrical Wholesalers greatly adding to Middy's location coverage in NSW and providing Middy’s the ability to better service NSW contractors. Bakerlite electrical fittingMiddy - Made in Australiamiddy's, moorabbin pioneers, electrical, bakerlite

Oval iron boiler with lid and handle, capacity four gallons (15 litres). Made by T. & C. Clark & Co., Wolverhampton, England. T. & C. Clark & Company Limited was founded in 1795 by Thomas and Charles Clark. Based at Shakespeare Foundry, Wolverhampton, it became one of the largest foundries in the area.These cooking pots were used by the local pioneers to cook their meals over an open fire. The flames from the fire turned the pots black.Oval iron boilers with lid and handle of various capacity : 2½ gallon, 3 gallon, 5 gallon and 6 gallon. Made by T. & C. Clark & Co., Wolverhampton, England. T. & C. Clark & Company Limited was founded in 1795 by Thomas and Charles Clark. Based at Shakespeare Foundry, Wolverhampton, it became one of the largest foundries in the area.T. and C. Clark with their makers markcooking, iron pots, moorabbin pioneers, cast iron, t & c clark & company

The cooking pots were used by Pioneer's of the City of Moorabbin.Black cast iron cooking boiler pots with lidsA. Kenrick & Sons/9 Galls / West Bromwichcooking, moorabbin, pioneers, cast iron pots

Kettle used by a pioneer family in the City of Moorabbin.Made by T & C Clarke & Sons.Cast iron kettle T & C Kelly & Sons - Englandcooking, cast iron pot, moorabbin, pioneers

46p. : illus., ports.,; indexnon-fictionThe story of Moorabbin as seen by its people.moorabbin, pioneers, early settlers

46p. : illus., ports., folded map; indexnon-fictionThe story of Moorabbin as seen by its people.moorabbin, pioneers, early settlers

The wooden egg has a tiny metal latch hook inserted in the middle (same design as rug making tools). There is a groove down one side. A stocking or knitted fabric is stretched around the egg with the "ladder" in line with the groove. The latch hook is used to pick up the loops in knitted fabric to repair the fault. D.R.G.M., is not a German patent but was instead a way for inventors to register a product’s design or function in all states within Germany. From 1891 to 1952, products manufactured in Germany might have been stamped with this D.R.G.M. designation. This Quic Pic was used by the family of Ailsa Hunt in mid 20thCThe women of the post World War 11 estates made clothes and furnishings as their families settled in Bentleigh, McKinnon, Moorabbin ,Ormond in City of Moorabbin c1950s A wooden egg shaped tool with enclosed steel hook for darning stockings c1950'PIC - QUIC' DRGM 989116clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

William Box1834-1902 and Elizabeth Avis Box 1835-1913 came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Cripps-Box and siblings in 1856. Caroline Box, the eldest daughter of George and Mary Cripps-Box, remained in England working as a cook until she joined the family in Australia in 1863. William Box with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box at first leased market garden allotments in Brighton that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841. In 1868 and 1869 they purchased 2 blocks with a pioneer’s cottage in Jasper Road East Brighton ( now Ormond / McKinnon ) where they established a market garden, built a 2nd house and raised 13 children. In 1908 Elizabeth sold most of the land retaining 1 acre with the dwellings in which she resided with her two daughters until her death 1913. The original pioneer cottage was reconstructed in 1984 and is known as Box Cottage Museum William & Elizabeth Avis- Box settled in the pioneer Cottage in Jasper Road East Brighton 1868 and established a market garden whilst raising their 13 children. This Cottage was reconstructed in Joyce Park, Ormond 1984 and is the home of City of Moorabbin Historical Society. In 1960 many local residents responded to a call for the donation of historical artefacts and the Box Cottage Museum now preserves this eclectic collection for the community. A certified true copy of the Death Certificate of William Box 1834 -1902 in a wooden picture frame, obtained from The Births, Deaths and Marriages Office Melbourne Victoria 1985 THIRD SCHEDULE / DEATHS in the District of East Brighton in the State of Victoria Registered by W. Ward Certified ‘true copy of an entry in a register’……… Signed by Paul Kenny Registration Officer 1985 box william, box elizabeth, brighton, moorabbin, cottages, pioneers, ormond, colonial, mckinnon, dendy henry, museums, box alonzo, market gardeners, box cottage museum

Safety razors had been developed in the mid-19th century, but still used a forged blade that dulled and rusted. In the 1870s, the Kampfe Brothers ( Germany) introduced a type of safety razor. Gillette improved these earlier safety-razor designs, and introduced the high-profit-margin stamped razor blade steel blade. Gillette's innovation was the thin, inexpensive, disposable blade of stamped steel. King Camp Gillette observed in 1902 that as existing, relatively expensive, razor blades dulled quickly and needed continuous sharpening, a razor whose blade could be thrown away when it dulled would meet a real need and likely be profitable. In 1918, when the U.S. entered World War I, the Gillette company provided all American soldiers with a field razor set, paid for by the government, and as they were allowed to take them at discharge they continued their use of this product thus ensuring future sales. An unused, wrapped, man's razor blade in a box. 7 O'clock brand '7 O'CLOCK / REGD. TRADE MARK / BLADES / DOUBLE EDGED shaving equipment. razorblades, safety razors, cheltenham, moorabbin, bentleigh, pioneers, early settlers

The women of the pioneer families were very skilled at dressmaking , needlework and lace making. The early settlers had to be self reliant and made and repaired their own clothes, haberdashery , furnishings, tools and equipment. Lacework was a common pastime for 19thC women. , A set of tiny lace making crochet hooks.craftwork, crochetwork, needlework, moorabbin, cheltenham, pioneers, early settlers, clothing, brighton, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, tools, lacework,

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 These 3 photographs show the 'Box Cottage' dismantled in the Lewis Timber Co Ltd property at the commencement of the 'Reconstruction in February 1984. Mrs H Deam and Mr A. Smith, CMHS members, photographed the progress of the 'Reconstruction' from February 1984 to November 1984. 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 Colour photographs of the 'Box Cottage' dismantled in sections, lying on the floor of the storage building of the Lewis Timber Co Ltd Jasper Road Ormond c 1984nilbrighton, moorabbin, cottages, pioneers, ormond, colonial, mckinnon, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, reitman william, convicts lewis timber co. ltd., deam h, museums, box alonzo,, smith a

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 1984These 2 photographs show the Builders Mr Moody & Mr Smith preparing the site in Joyce Park at the commencement of the 'Reconstruction in February 1984. Mrs H. Deam and Mr A. Smith, CMHS members, took these photographs to record the progress of the 'Reconstruction' from February 1984 to November 1984. 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. The Business card of the Builders is now 30years old2 x colour photographs of work beginning on the reconstruction of Box Cottage in Joyce Park February 1984 and 1 business card of the Builders, Moody & SmithPhotographs Back : a) 1-2-84 / Box Cottage / Mr Moody & Mr Smith ; b) 1st Day 1st Feb 1984 / Box Cottage Card Front : Centre ; Moody & Smith / BUILDERS / Left ; 8 Worthing Rd / HIGHETT 3190 / MELBOURNE / TEL 95-1463 / BUS. & PRIVATE Right ; 7 North Ct. / HIGHETT 3190 / MELBOURNE / TEL 95-5310 / BUS. & PRIVATEbrighton, moorabbin, cottages, pioneers, ormond, colonial, mckinnon, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, reitman william, convicts lewis timber co. ltd., deam h, museums, box alonzo

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 This photograph shows the 'Box Cottage' in the Lewis Timber Co Ltd property in 1977 where it is being used as a storage room for timber. Mrs H Deam and Mr A. Smith, CMHS members, photographed the progress of the 'Reconstruction' from February 1984 to November 1984. 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.A colour photograph of the ‘Cottage’ in the yard of the Lewis Timber Co P/L Jasper Road, Ormond, in 1977 where it is being used as a storage area for timber.brighton, moorabbin, cottages, pioneers, ormond, colonial, mckinnon, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, reitman william, convicts lewis timber co. ltd., deam h, museums, box alonzo, smith a,

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 1984Mrs H Deam and Mr A. Smith, CMHS members, photographed the progress of the 'Reconstruction' from February 1984 to November 1984. 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. A laminated , photocopy of the ‘Plan of Box Cottage c 1865 ‘ Hand drawn layout of 2 houses with shrubs, trees, plants, wells, gardens on the Box Cottage site c1930 as recalled by Stefanie Rietman Rennick. brighton, moorabbin, cottages, pioneers, ormond, colonial, mckinnon, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, reitman william, convicts lewis timber co. ltd., deam h, museums, box alonzo, smith a,