Emu eggs are perfect for decorating, painting or carving. Emu egg shells have multiple layers ranging from an inner white layer through to the dark green outer layer. The contents must be removed through a small hole (either tool drilled or poked with a needle). After the yolk has been blown out (scrambling the yolk first by poking with a needle will make it easier to remove), the egg needs to be washed through and left to drain dry. It can then be painted, carved, etched or decorated. Emu decorating is a traditional Aboriginal art. The carving of emu eggs by Indigenous and non-Indigenous people was popular in the late 19th century but production declined in the 20th century, partly due to the protection of eggs through legislation. This has been overturned in recent years with the development of commercial emu farms. In the period between the two world wars particularly, with the production of other Aboriginal artefacts for an outside market, the carving of emu eggs provided an important source of income for Aboriginal people in many parts of Australia. It was a widespread practice in the south-east and it was not unusual for Aboriginal people to decorate their own homes with carved eggs and other items created by themselves or community members, serving to affirm an Indigenous identity within the domestic environment. (ref National Gallery of Australia)This item is significant for its uniqueness and its aesthetic appeal.An emu egg which has been painted white and decorated with glued on cord/thread to make a pattern of flowers and leaves.emu-egg ornament handcraft

Australian metalware manufacturer, Phoenix Pty Ltd, made this electroplated nickel silverfruit stand as part of its new 'Imperial' range of tableware. The simple, geometric design is representative of the Art Deco style This simple design with the geometric pattern is representative of the Art Deco style that spread through Australia in the inter-war period and was common in both local and imported electroplated wares. A silver plated fruit stand in an art deco design. The bowl has cut out rectangular designs around its edge.On base - letter H inside a circle Imperial EPNS A Phoenix producttableware fruit-stand phoenix epns domestic

A painted ceramic teapot. The body is white with a blue border and it has a blue spout and handle. On the flat surfaces are pictures of hens in a garden with flowers.teapot pottery ceramics beverages

An unpainted clay model of a hut with an outside toilet. It is a rustic style and is similar to the Slab Hut. The colours are natural browns and greys. The hut is 1911.1 and the toilet is 1911.2.model hut clay slab-hut

This plate was used for serving carved meat at the dining table. This serving meat plate/platter dates to the 1914 to 1930's period in time. Generally fine bone china and crockery was imported. Pieces like this tray were often considered to be "good" crockery for use on special occasions.The item is an example of a piece of china used by local families in the early 20th century. It also has aesthetic significance.A large meat carving plate with a floral design around its rim. The plate is white china with pink and blue painted flowers. The edge is scalloped and painted with a gold edging.Underneath - H 4.....?domestic kitchen crockery, serving-plates platters food-preparation

Older gem scone trays were made of cast iron. This more modern one is made of cast aluminium.This domestic kitchen baking tin is typical of the period when when most food was made at home. It would have been before the time of mass food processing factoriesA solid cast aluminium gem scone tin. It has hemisherical indents for baking 12 small cakes.WAYdomestic food-preparation gem-scones baking

Historically, lasts were typically made from cast iron because this material retains its shape, even when in contact with wet materials (like leather) and subjected to the stresses of stretching and shaping shoes on them. This item is an example of the self-reliance shown by rural families when household necessities were not readily available.A cast iron boot last which can be used for three different sized sole placements boots / shoes.boot-last domestic shoes

During the Great Depression from 1929 to 1932, rabbit trapping was a means of survival for many people. Rabbits provided meat and pelts which were sold for making felt hats such as the Akubra. Rabbit populations are controlled in the 21st century by poisoning, destroying or 'ripping' burrows (warrens), biological control with rabbit haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis, and by shooting. Rabbit-proof fences also prevent the spread of rabbits into some areas. (ref. Powerhouse Museum) Steel-jawed rabbit traps were widely used in urban and rural Australia from 1880 to 1980. This trap is symbolic of the battle that Australians have waged against burgeoning rabbit populations for over a century. Rabbits cause enormous damage to Australian soils and biodiversity. The introduction of rabbits to this country was an environmental disaster.Two iron rabbit traps. Each consists of a pair of jaws held closed by spring tension and a triggering mechanism. When the trap is triggered the jaws close over the top of the bridge, plate and tongue mechanism that is designed to trigger the trap. A chain is attached by a hook on the bent end of the trap's spring with a long steel spike looped over the last link of the other end of the chain. The trap is designed so that the metal jaws snap shut against each other when the trap is activated by the application of weight to the pressure plate. In use, traps are set with open jaws, buried lightly just below the surface of the earth. When an animal steps on the pressure plate, the jagged teeth of the jaws snap around the animal's leg, usually breaking bone and sinew. Thus the animal is immobilised.rabbits rural trapping

These shears were possibly used on a small scale.The hand-shears are representative of the era of wool-growing before mechanical shears were commonly adopted.Two pairs of hand-operated blade shears. The metal shears consist of two scissor like blades with hinges at the tops of the handlesCombination T U & S No 14 Sheffieldshears hand-operated wool rural

This item is an example of a home-made item used by a rural family. It is made from readily available materials.A hand-made wire toasting fork. It has four prongs and the handle is twisted with a loop at the top for hanging. It is made of two strands of fencing wire.hand-made toasting-fork food-preparation

An iron scraper or food chopper with an iron handle. It has a single blade.

A large metal spoon which has a hanging hole in the top of the handle.Some indecipherable marks W B V1 or W1utensil spoon food

Daughter of George Temple and Mary McAuslane of Castlemaine, Hilda married James Kerr in 1893 and lived at Lincluden, Raymond Street, Orbost. Her husband was a Scot who had come to Australia as a ship's doctor and practised in NSW before visiting Orbost on a government vaccination programme. He liked Orbost and returned there, its first doctor, until his death in 1928. Hilda was sometimes referred to as 'Mrs Dr Kerr.' She and her sisters Mabel Stewart Temple and Margaret Ferrie Temple were all talented writers and musicians.This booklet is an example of the talent of Hilda Temple Kerr. Hilda Temple Kerr (1874-1956) grew up in Orbost. She was very talented and published several books. It is reflective of the style of poetry in the early 19th century.A small book with a cream coloured cover. It is titled Nell - A Story of the Sea and contains poetry, a libretto written by Hilda E. Temple Kerr for a musical event, a musical cantata by Mr W. R. Furlong.On front cover - donated by Connie Cruickshank.music kerr-hilda

Isaac Watts is most well-known as a Nonconformist hymn-writer. Many of his compositions are still in common use today and his Divine Songs, first published in 1715, is considered the first hymn-book for children. Watts’s non-hymnal writings include catechisms composed for children of various ages: the first set for children under seven years of age and the second set for children from seven to twelve years of age. Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and made it his home for the remainder of his life. Watts died November 25, 1748, and was buried at Bunhill Fields. (Ref: hymnary web-site)This item is an example of an early religious text book for children.A small brown covered paperback book. Text on the cover is black - Improved Edition With Excercises ; The Second Catechism ; With Prayers and Graces for Children. There is also a gold paper bookmark.religious-text watts-isaac catechism

This event - horse racing - was held to raise funds for the Orbost District Hospital and the Trustees of Marlo Reserve funds. It was used by F.E. Richardson of Bete Bolong at the Marlo picnic Races on Boxing Day 1925. It cost one shilling. Frank Richardson was the son of Mark Richardson, son of pioneer, Samuel Richardson.This program is significant in that it is a souvenir of a local event which no longer takes place. A small folded card program for the Marlo Picnic Races on Boxing Day 1925. Text is in black print. This Official Program cost 1s (one shilling)recreation horse-racing marlo-picnic-races

This memorial card follows a style that was commonly used in the 1890s. The size of the card make it useful for presentation and handing out. There was a remarkably large production of memorial and funeral cards in Australia during the latter 19th and early 20th centuries and the style did not change (and many of the styles are still in effect today). Many of the card companies, in this case ‘The Memorial Card Co.,’ located at 143 King St, Sydney, published standardised plates which had areas for customisation. The card has the area for name, photograph, date of death and age. Poetry was often standardised, but could be requested at the behest of the person who commissioned the card Isabella Battley (nee Goad) was born in 1867, in Smythesdale, Victoria, Australia. She was married to James E. Battley when she died aged 45. James E. Battley was a director of the butter Factory in Orbost in 1915. Their son Ernest Albert Battley enlisted in the AIF from Orbost in 1916. His father is listed as Next of Kin and his mother as deceased. James was remarried to Eda May Battley (born Sargent) in 1914. He passed away in 1925, at age 57 Memorial cards are often treasured for a long time, and often become part of family history. The Battley family was an earlyn Orbost family.A black memorial card printed in memory of Isabella Battley. It has gold printed writing, a gold etched border and wreath. There is a photo of Isabella Battley and a memorial poem.memorial battley mourning

According to an article on page 13 of The Melbourne Argus on Wednesday 15 June 1921, Ethyl May Lynn was a successful candidate at the examinations held by The Royal Victorian Trained Nurses' Association held in May 1921.The Lynn family is well-known in the Orbost area. Ethel Lynn is believed to have been working at Bairnsdale in 1924. Ethyl Lynn was the onlychild of Samuel James Lynn and Elizabeth Jane Lynn ( nee Warren). Samuel Lynn (1865-1949) was a farmer and grazier at Jarrahmond and bred Clydesdales.A certicate on a board. The certificate is from the Bairnsdale District Hosptal - the Training School for Nurses. It is inscribed to Ethel May Lynn. There is a badge associated with this -544.2

This story is based on a well-known story about the christianisation of a poor servant-maid by a Scottish preacher named Hector McPhail.This book is an example of religious literature in the mid 19th century.A small paper back book. It has a blue paper cover with string binding. The 12 inside pages are white. The author is Rev. T. McKenzie Fraserreligious-book fraser-mckenzie

This item is associated with the tradition of sending holiday greeting cards. Traditionally sending or giving themed cards to friends and relatives was a personal and affordable means of communication.A small rectangular folded card. It is cream coloured with gold print and is tied with string. Inside is a greeting with a space for the sender's name. There is also a poem, "Every Happiness", by T. Robey.greeting-card-new-year

After World War I was announced to be over, Australia as a nation was eager to leave the hardships of war behind them and people were coming up with new and exciting ways to keep themselves entertained. Smaller towns were self-reliant and made their own entertainment.After World War I was announced to be over, Australia as a nation was eager to leave the hardships of war behind them and people were coming up with new and exciting ways to keep themselves entertained. Smaller towns were self-reliant and made their own entertainment.This program is an example of that locally produced entertainment.A small green folded card program with black print. It is titled "Pierrots Reunion Revue".program pierrots musical-revue entertainment

A very small book with a black leather cover. It contains Methodist hymns. The book was authored by Rev. John Wesley.In front - indecipherable - date only - 1858

The Bicentenary of James Cook in Australia was commemorated in Australia in 1970. The British explorer Lieutenant (later Captain) James Cook sailed and charted the East Coast of Australia in 1770, and claimed the eastern seaboard of the Continent for the British Crown. This was not considered the official bicentenary of Australia, but rather the mapping of the Eastern coastline.This item reflects the commemoration of a significant event in Australian history.An envelope with a first day issue stamp of the bicentenary of the voyages of James Cook. On the envelope is a large orange map of Australia - "Nouvelle Hollande".addressed to "R.H. Chapman- esq"first-day-cover bicentennial-james-cook philately

Alexander Butters enlisted on 12 November 1914 as a gunner. He was awarded a Meritorious Service medal for his "determination and courage .....setting a splendid example to his men..." on the SOMME. 'Aussie' (1918- circa 1929) was a commercial magazine of opinion, review and entertainment. It was edited by Phillip Harris and published in France 1918 - 1919 on a small printing press that Harris brought with him to France. Initially the print run was only 10,000 copies, but soon it reached 60,000 and later 100,000. The magazine celebrated a distinctive 'Aussie' identity through language, humour and imagery. It distributed news, provided light-hearted ways of seeing the war experience and gave soldiers an outlet to express dissent or dissatisfaction. It also provided a voice for Australian authors such as Banjo Paterson, C.J. Dennis and Bernard O'Dowd. (Ref Museum Victoria)This magazine provides an Australian soldiers' view of the political and world climate during World War I, and also represents the bond between Australian soldiers. The magazine celebrated a distinctive ?Aussie? identity, through language, humour and their assertion of what it meant to be an Australian. It allowed news to be distributed, gave the soldiers an outlet to express any dissent or dissatisfaction, thus preventing any greater form of rebellion and promoted Australian authors like Banjo Paterson, C.J. Dennis and Bernard O'Dowd. (Ref. Museum Victoria)A thin black and white paper magazine called "Aussie". This is Volume 3. The magazine contains stories, illustrations, songs and poetry from the First World War. On the front cover the title is printed across the centre, with a drawing of a soldier in uniform standing sideways, and holding a gun. Four drawings within circles are positioned in each corner, joined by a wreath and ribbons bearing the names of the war fields. His head is in the shape of the map of Australia. On front cover - From Alexandy Butters with best wishesmagazine ww1 aussie military

Description A writing pad showing, on the cover, the helmet of a suit of armour crowned with a laurel wreath and a shield containing the words 'Our Allies' Arms.' In a banner below are the words 'IN FREEDOM'S CAUSE'. Inside the cover is an attached sheet of blotting paper. Each sheet of notepaper in the pad has faintly ruled lines. Across the top and down the left margin, beneath a blue banner containing the words 'IN FREEDOM'S CAUSE', appear coloured representations of the coats of arms of Great Britain, France, Russia, Belgium, Italy, Japan, Servia, Roumania, Portugal and U.S. America. In pencil on cover - Alan Richardson Orbost

This postcard was hand-embroidered in France and sent to Australia during World War I. A large piece of silk would be hand-embroidered by French women with the same pattern 20 times or so, then the large completed piece would be sent to a factory to be cut up and the individual pieces mounted on card. They had varying themes and patterns, greetings such as happy birthday or thinking of you, featuring butterflies, flowers and sometimes patriotic flags of allied countries involved in the war. They were marketed to troops to send home to female members of the family and girlfriends. It was estimated 10 million silk postcards were produced in Europe between 1915 and 1919. During World War 1 postcards were a welcome means of personal communication for many people. Most information came from newspapers or broadcasts.A small Christmas postcard of fabric with embroidery of flowers around the British flag and "Happy Christmas" sewn along the bottom."I am still going well & strong Love to all Maurie"ww1-correspondence ww1 postcard

Early in World War I local women's groups in Australia began working to provide provide tobacco, cakes, puddings, condensed milk, sugar, biscuits, newspapers and other 'luxury' items to supplement the Australian soldier's army rations. These fund-raising bodies were amalgamated in 1916 to form a national body, The Australian Comforts Fund (ACF), which undertook to provide 'comforts' to all Australians abroad. Sales of this book raised funds for The Australian Comforts Fund.A thin book with a brown fabric cover. On the cover is a black line drawing of a koala in a tree. It contains a summary of the work done by the Australian Comforts Funds at the front, Anzac and Mudros, at the camps in Egypt with a summary of gifts and statement of accounts.The book sold for 3/- or 15 P.T. in aid of the A.C.F. It was edited by William Beit.

The proceeds of the raffle assisted in the War Relief collection fund. These tickets were purchased by Hilda Margaret Kerr. She was the daughter iof Dr and Mrs Kerr. The prize of an Australian flag was donated by H.James. Henry James (1860-1932) was a well-known identity in the Orbost district.He was a stock agent and auctioneer who helped to establish the seed bean industry in Orbost. He was the second secretary of the Snowy River Shipping Co. as well as a shire councillor and prominent member of MUIOOF. These raffle tickets are a reminder of the efforts made by the families and friends of those who served in the WW1 conflict.Four raffle tickets. They are in black print on white paper. The tickets are for a War Relief Raffle of the Australian flag which was a gift of H. James Esq. The tickets were purchased by Miss Hida Margaret Kerr and each cost 1/- (one shilling).On ticket nos. 337 and 338 - in handwriting H.M. Kerrraffle-tickets war-relief ww1 kerr family james-h

A small Christmas card with a celluloid motor car and fabric lowers on the front.There is some outlining in string. Thegold coloured edges are scalloped. Inside are Christmas greetings and a poem, It has string binding.At the bottom on the front - handwritten - Xmas card E. Reynoldschristmas-card greeting-card stationery tuck-raphael

A folded New Year's greeting card. It is decorated on all four sides. It has floral illustrations and greetings. The card is fringed with a fine burgundy coloured cotton thread and has a small purple tassel attached to the front page.Inside - "To Father from Maggie and Don -31-12-90"new-year-card greeting-card stationery

The Juvenile Missionary Magazine was a 19th century publication of the London Missionary Society. The Juvenile Missionary Magazine began in 1844, and ran until 1887. Two small paper magazines. On the front covers are black and white illustrations of a preacher holding a sermon among young children. 608.1 is Vol 1 No. 2 July 1844. 608.2 is Vol. 1 No.7 December 1844.magazine religion religious-text