Showing 1861 items
matching domestic items
-
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Slicer Bean, early 1900's
This large bean slicer was first manufactured in the late 1800's in England and exported to Australia. Due to the transportation costs it was not used in many Domestic kitchens. This slicer would have been in a kitchen of a higher socio/economic family within the Kiewa Valley. In the 1930's the manufacturer traded this slicer as "domestic labour-saving slicers". This was the beginning of new generation of the kitchen "gadget". The introduction of the Asian "gadget" manufacturer from the late 1950's saw English export diminish by the cheaper Asian products.This item has great significance because it demonstrates that even "remote rural" locations, such as the Kiewa Valley in the early 1900s still were able to optain "state of the art" labour saving "kitchen" appliances. It was these English and European goods that were made "to last" which brought the mind set "British is best" This mindset was only altered by periods of Australian economic down turns and the cheap Asian product availabilityThis bean slicer is made from cast iron with a round body housing three rotating blades screwed into a riveted spinning base plate. The whole body of this slicer is green with a "natural coloured" handle. A "G" clamp is part of the main frame to fasten the slicer onto a table/counter top (when in use). On the side of the handle and along the top plate "SPONG & Co Ltd" and opposite "BEAN SLICER" below this "No 633"domestic kitchen time savers, food processors, bean slicers -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Cushion Pin, unknown, circa mid to late 1900's
This pin cushion was in use when home spun "fashion" clothing was manufactured or altered. When this item was used it was in a period when distances from haberdashery stores was too far and mail ordered clothing would take weeks to arrive.The ability to make and alter clothing for families within the Kiewa Valley and its regions was a domestic requirement up until the later period(1960's onwards)This pin cushion, although rarely used in the 21st Century, with the availability of "cheap" throw away clothes, was very important to a well run rural household. The emphasis for girls to be able to sew and repair clothing was generated by mothers and continued at high schools. Part of the role of women(in this time frame) within the family was to manufacture children's clothing and adjust the growing waistline of their men folk. This item is very significant to the rural households in the Kiewa Valley because of the relative isolation of the region and the amount of wear and tear that clothes go through in a typical rural environment.This pin cushion is "home" made, circular and covered in a blue floral material, encircled with a light blue ribbon (glued on) for extra adhesion. The material encloses a padded surface(allows pins to be safely inserted for storage(future use).sewing, pin-cushion, haberdashery -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Box Cuticle Soap, mid to late 1900's
The mid 1900's provided the start of "the body beautiful" revolution. The cosmetic industry, with the help of quasi scientific selling advertising slant targeted those "customers" that needed the "extra care" factor that only their product could offer. At this period in time their advertising power was based on in store, radio and newspaper media channels with saturation levels relatively low. In the later years of the 1900's saturation levels and a wider range of products and increased competition further increased the product saturation levels available to the buying residents. With the introduction of television the advertisements become more elaborate and "catchy" words, phrases and comedy type situations helped boost the advertising "pitch" and subliminal undertones to effective levels required for a highly competitive health related market place. 'sellingThis subliminally,"medically" endorsed product was one of many during the great "spin" revolution of product marketing and selling. This item is significant in that it demonstrates that greater infusion of product awareness throughout rural areas was highly successful through a greater variety of advertising media. It also demonstrates that in a highly competitive marketplace there are no physical boundaries that impinge upon the distribution of products and services. The rural sector is a highly lucrative region for any product that helps protect the body from all the "nasty's" that become more noticeable in a rural environment. This rectangular box which had contained cuticle soap is constructed from cardboard and reinforced by a black nylon impregnated sheeting. This impregnation was required to keep the box from soaking up any water from the user's hands. The top section of the box(lid) has and in large print "KELSEY'S" top line followed by "CUTICLE" off to the right and underneath and to the right "SOAP". Below this and in smaller print is "MEDICINALLY..." below this and in smaller print "EMOLLIENT AND REFRESHING, REDOLENT, CLEANSES, CURES, PRESERVES, PURIFIES." and last line underneath "SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TENDER SKIN" On each of the sides of the top lid are, side 1 "INVALUABLE FOR THE NURSERY." underneath in smaller print "JOHN M. KELSEY CO." to the left of this and on a green backed highlighter "No. 1744 - Guaranteed under Pure Food Act, 1908, N.S.W. by John M. Kelsey Co. - No. 1744. Melbourne, Victoria." On the right side and in large print "KELSEY'S CUTICLE SOAP" on the next side and also a similar sign on the opposite side "SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TENDER SKIN." below this "JOHN M. KELSEY CO." "Registered" and on the other long side in large print "SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TENDER SKIN" underneath in smaller print JOHN M. KELSEY CO. Registered"specialised soap, toilet requisites, nursery health., bathroom, domestic -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Tin Biscuit/Tea, Early to mid 1900s
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 -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Jug Glazed, 1930s to 1950s
This item was used in conjunction with the Suddeth (Sudden Death) Carbon Bi-siilphide fumigator during many rabbit plagues that invaded Victoria and NSW before CSIRO introduced the myxomatosis virus in 1950.The contents of this jug was very important pre 1950 for all rural areas which suffered under the annual mice plagues, especially the wheat producing regions. Milk producers suffered from the mice by products contaminating their fresh milk containers and storage facilities. Rabbit warrens causing farm machinery instabilities and also horseback activities eg mustering herds.This glazed pottery jug has a screw on lid and a cream coloured body with a caramel brown neck. The remnance of a handle, which has been broken off is located at the top just below the the rim of the lid.On one side below the neck and within a black boundary mark "SUDDETH" and below "SMOKE MIXTURE No. 2" and sandwiched between two black lines "POISON". Below this and in five lines "PATENTED APRIL 6th '08 No. 11205(AUST.)" "PATENTED APRIL 6th '08 No. 24711 (N.Z.)" "THIS MIXTURE GOES IN BOTTLE FURTHEST FROM MACHINE" "DO NOT SPILL ON YOUR HANDS OR CLOTHING" "F, GREER, PATENTEE SYDNEY"ceramic bowls, contamination of farm produce, domestic farm hygiene, vermin extermination poisons -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Bowl Ceramic, circa mid to late 1900's
This bowl was used by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in their mess rooms for their workers during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The imprint of the year "1921" was to identify the year that the SECV was formed which relieved the private VHEC (Victorian Hydro-Electric Company). As the scheme was of such a huge scope, isolated and time consuming nature, the feeding of its workers was quite demanding of cutlery and crockery. The use of sturdy English cups and saucers was essential. The period of construction and the isolation of the Kiewa Valley area placed heavy demand for "solid" crockery that could wear abusive handling. This period in time was one when crockery, whether for domestic or commercial use, was imported from "mother" England. This scenario was more so for governmental bodies such as rail, jails and electricity providers than domestic users. The influx of cheaper Asian crockery had not yet begun.This type of crockery item was used by the thousands of SEC Victorian staff and construction workers involved in the building of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme, over the extensive period (1938 to 1961). This was a period when Government bodies and other semi- government organisations were still tied to the "establishments" of "mother" England. It was a period in Australia's development when the Asian influence was very weak and the established ties to England and Europe was still very strong. The majority of heavy equipment and machinery was either made in England or Europe. Local/European expertise in dam construction and water management in alpine terrain came from migrants and specialist recruited from England and Europe. The quality of workmanship from big steel manufacturing plants in England and Europe could not be matched from anywhere else in the developed world.This item is a white ceramic State Electricity Commission of Victoria bowl. It is made in England and is of strong and durable ceramic. The 5mm thickness of the ceramic suggests this bowl (cereal/soup) belongs to a commercial kitchen environment and not domestic. The indent bottom of the bowl is 5mm deep with a side curvature ratio of 2:5. The ceramic is glazed to a commercial standard (worker's mess). See also KVHS 0128 (B to D) for other ceramic crockery. The seal of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria is imprinted on the top outside rim within a curved scroll and a raised fist with electrical "charges" extending out.. Snuggled within the borders of the scroll is a banner with the five stars of the Southern Cross . On the underside "Vitrified sold by Cafe & Hotel Supplies Pty Ltd Dunn Bennett & Co. Ltd. Burslem Made in England"ceramic crockery, plate, secv, state electricity commission of victoria, crockery, mt beauty chalet, bogong mess hall -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Decanter Glass, circa mid to late 1900's
... property owners could spend lavishly on trendy domestic items ...This "art deco" style of containers were very popular by the "art and trendy" socialites, be they in the city or in rural towns and properties. This style was very popular in the 1940's to 1950's. The octagonal shape provided the stability of the decanter with its "expensive" contents. Because of its style it blended in well with any lavish meal and socio economic "upper" class environment. It was a part of social atmosphere of elegance and wealth be it in the city or on a rural property. This is very significant to the Kiewa Valley rural "society" environment. At the time of its use the wealth of Australia was "riding on the sheep's back", that is rural income(primary producers), on the whole, was well above that in the cities (industrial). It was in a period where large wealthy property owners could spend lavishly on trendy domestic items.This octagonal glass decanter with its egg shaped stopper is made in an "art deco" style and reflects the 1950's style of bold design. The decanter "stopper" has been cut in a "diamond" cut to reflect the sunlight as does a diamond ring. The stopper is tapered down to permit easy placement and removal. The Stability of the decanter is increased by the broad base and octagonal (8) sides tapering going up the sides.decanter, glass, art deco glass ware, spirits container -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Box Linen Thread, early to mid 1900's
This box which once contained linen thread manufactured in Scotland and labelled "British" manufacture" was used for the repair/manufacture of clothing by professional seamstresses and those wives required to "do" repair stitching of family clothes. This box was manufactured in a period when the title "United Kingdom" was used (late 1700's early 1900's) to describe the union of Britain and Scotland. The label however can be misleading as the"British Manufacture" thread was manufactured in Scotland. The broad term "British Manufacture" was used for the benefit of those in the "colonies" of Australia and New Zealand, during a period when the "coined" phrase "best of British, or British best" was synonymous to "top quality". After World War II the need for "cheaper products" was more persuasive than the quality of the product. In rural areas this shift to cheaper "non British" goods was at a slower rate than in the cities. Goods such as clothing manufactured or altered by seamstresses were regarded as of a higher standard and therefor the use of linen thread from "Britain" was a sign of quality and reliability.This box which contained linen thread, "British" made, is very significant to the Kiewa Valley because it demonstrates the conditions under which households in the late 1800's and early 1900's evolved from a "domestic repair /replacement" of damaged clothing to a consumer of recycled and shop bought clothing and linen. The ability of semi isolated rural based families to purchase "off the rack" clothing was severely affected by weather, long distance over dirt roads(poorly serviced) to large towns(shops), horse/cart or slower driven cars. The purchasing of clothing was, on the whole, from trading house "mail order" consignment orders.This red paper covered box has a white covered lid (top) with black print detailing the manufacturer and contents. This box contained 150 yds of linen thread 2 cord. A small added note pasted on one side "USUAL TWIST (s)" describing the thread's appearance. Two semicircular "finger" holes on two sides of the lid permit easier removal of the lid from the base.On the top lid: "W.&J. KNOX'S" below this a crest with latin motive "MOVEO ET PROFICIOR" English translation "I proceed and am more prosperous" encircling an open winged falcon. below this "LINEN THREAD", "2 CORD." "WARRANTED" "150 Yds." Made from Flax." British Manufacture". On one side "DRABS SOFT FINISH" within a shield "KNOX'S TWO CORD 150 YARDS 30" next to this a trade mark "W & J KNOX below this "made in KILBIRNIE, SCOTLAND"thread, cord. flax, box container, linen thread, seamstress items, cardboard box -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Food Cover
... domestic storage handmade item Metal pale yellow enamel food cover ...Food covers were used to cover food from insects.Metal pale yellow enamel food cover with black handle on top. Oval shape is slightly higher in the middle. The edges are a metal 'netting'. The top has a join line. The edge has a join line at each end. The base is curved with a metal piece around the edge to make it smooth (for safety).food, kitchen, domestic, storage, handmade item -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Sewing Machine - Singer
Singer began to market its machines internationally in 1855. They began mass-producing domestic electric machines in 1910. Treadle machines were powered mechanically by a foot pedal that is pushed back and forth by the operator's foot. There were also machines belt powered, hand powered and eventually electric powered. Treadle machines were made into the 1950s but they were most common during the late Victorian years (up to 1901). This machine is c1894.This machine was owned and used by a resident of the Kiewa Valley. It was used for domestic sewing such as for making clothes for the family, making toys for eg. a fete and making useful items eg. a bag for school readersSinger Fiddle Base treadle sewing machine with decoration of flowers. Straight stitch. No stand. A little rusty.Top: 'the Singer Manufacturing'. Front: 'Singer' and the Metal Plaque 'The Singer MFC Cony'singer manufacturing co., clothes, sewing, domestic -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Churn Butter - Wooden
... manual domestic item food preparation dairying technology Wooden ...This type of butter churn was used around the early to mid 20 century by household and small farms of the Kiewa Valley who kept cows for Milk. The buy product of the milk was cream and butter. Once the cows had been milked, often by hand, women would place the milk in shallow dish, and next morning the cream would be separated from the milk. Or a cream separator machine would be used. The cream would then be churned by the paddles in the butter churner until it formed in butter clumps. Butter Pats would be used to take the butter out and press into triangle butter blocksThis butter churner is significant due to its historical value which explains how butter was made by hand before this process became mechanistically made. Many houses or small farms in the Kiewa Valley had these butter churns to make their own butter for their household or to sell. This has very good interpretation significance as it adds to the history of dairy industry in the Kiewa Valley. Wooden box with a metal handle for turning the blades /paddles /slats inside the box.These blades churn the cream when the handle is turned. There is also a wooden handle and a wooden lid.butter, dairy, milk, manual, domestic, item, food, preparation, dairying, technology -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Dispenser Mustard, 1860's
... rare item. This has social and historical significance ...This item would have been used as a salt container and would have been part of a dinner set. This would have been used for special occasions . It is in good condition and is a good example of this type salt storage jar. As this has a brown willow pattern instead of the usual blue it makes this make this salt despenser rare item.This has social and historical significance as it shows what items families used for special dinner occasions. It is the only one our collection and therefore will have good interpretation value for exhibitions . Small Ceramic jar with brown willow Chinese pattern. Copper hinged lid with recess for spoon. The spoon is required to dispense the mustard.ceramic, copper, chinese, table items, kitchen, domestic, mustard, willow pattern -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Iron Hand Kerosene, circa 1948
... Valley and period when and where this domestic item was in use ...This item was in use before electricity and was manufactured after the flat stove irons.The weight of the iron base, is heavy, helping in smoothing out crinkly material being ironed. This item permitted ironing of clothes to be separate and away from heating stoves. It permitted greater flexibility for ironing clothes and permitted more control (consistency) of the temperature of the iron.Historically and significantly this item enforces the relative isolation of the Kiewa Valley and period when and where this domestic item was in use(manufactured circa 1950). A rural setting with mining, beef , milk and tobacco production in the early 1900s. Even though the community was in a rural setting, the standards of dress was the same as in the bigger towns and cities. Social and religious mores and values demanded that the personal appearance be clean and crisp no matter where a person was living or working. Heavy laborious work was considered by some religions as virtuous, therefore the heavy and tiring work of ironing during this period had its rewards. Rural areas where the last to be connected to electricity and therefore this item was a domestic necessity far into the 1950's.This iron has a steel base and a metal body coated with green coloured enamel. The wooden hand grip is painted dark green. The kerosene (spirit) container is a chrome metal cylinder with a flat bottom and top. The top has a small filler/air plug is located on the top side. There are two control knobs located next to and under the metal cylinder. The close to the cylinder is a lock which locks the top lid of the iron and the other knob controls the airflow to the heater rodOn the base of the handle "PEERMAN" and below this P/46, C.I. Thomas & Son Pty Ltd household, ironing, domestic kerosene, dry cleaning -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Iron - Flat, Circa early 1900s
Historically this item was used before the spirit and the electrical iron took over Circa 1930s -1950s. The main body of the iron was placed on a flat heated surface of a stove (wood, coal or gas fired). It was mainly used by women in their domestic role, ironing the family clothes and linen. In the Kiewa Valley the supply of coal or gas was not available or too expensive than the locally cut hard wood trees. This particular iron was an improvement on the fixed handled iron because it allowed (by use of its easily detachable handle) to use multiple bases and thereby allowing a constant heat supply to be maintained and not having to waste time for a base to reheat to the required level of application.The significance of this item was that it allowed for a faster method of ironing clothes and linen. It's invention was a progress towards reducing the time it took to undertake a very labour and intensive domestic function. The reduction of time taken for this household duty provided women great flexibility to undertake other activities. These type of improvements to basic domestic tasks liberated housewives not only physically but also mentally from the isolation of the home environment.This flat iron has a removable, clip-on handle. The handle and its release knob are of wood. The base of the handle together with the heavy flat body are made of cast iron. The body of the iron is oval shaped tapered at each end and is 40mm thick.Underneath the handle frame and on the main body, on one side, in raised lettering is "Mrs Potts" and on the other side "Iron". Both are clearly visible when viewed from an aerial position. Under removable handle and on a plate (screwed onto the main body) is "No 2"iron, antique, household, pressing clothes, domestic, laundry -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Razor Personal Vintage, circa 1940s to 1950s
This item(razor) was used by men, only before fashion dictated that women should shave their legs and underarms. There is information that this razor was first used circa 1922 and it lasted up until circa 1958. It permitted the user to have a compact shaving apparatus at hand in any environment. It provided a safe and easy way of sharpening the more permanent blade. This type of razor replaced the straight, open, or cut-throat razors. The mobility of this item was further enhanced by Gillette with their double bladed disposable razor. Time taken(shaving) and costs involved where crucial factors in the ever growing pace of domestic lifestyle in the post 1920s.This historical item presents that, even though the Kiewa Region was an inland rural settlement which in the 1920's was not as close to "modern" fashions and "gadgets", the basic living conditions where still maintained at city levels. This particular razor was in its heyday a sophisticated safety razor and brought down the demand for the services of the "professional" barber(shaver). One of the problems of the superseded straight razor was the high levels of cuts and nicks to the face. As this particular razor was fairly expensive it would have been used by men who were in the middle to upper socio-economical position in Kiewa Valley before the late 1950'sThis item is a Sheffield steel(stamped inside) metal box(Viscount model) containing a red leather fine shaving strap and in its lid a grey honing stone. Both bottom and top lids are removable to allow for replacements of strap and stone. On the bottom lid appears "The Whetter" trade mark, registered in the U.S.A. in 1950.Three bands of a Greek key pattern has been pressed on the lid. A circled identification inscription. " ROLLS RAZOR Ltd, MADE IN ENGLAND" and patented information appears within this inscription. "Patented in England and Abroad. English patents numbers 467383. 284428. 242718. 242717" On the outside of the base lid within a circle are "ROLLS RAZOR" and the sketch of a long haired naked man (side view), crouched, with both hands stretched forward operating the razor. On a slab underneath are the words "The Whetter"safety razor, non disposable, men's shaving implement -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Iron Hand Kerosene, mid to late 1900s
The 1950's saw a revolution in small appliances for use in the average household. This hand held self heating(kerosene) iron was introduced as a time saving and more convenient iron for pressing clothes and other cloth fabrics. It replaced irons needing a separate fire source to heat the ironing plate. These irons continued to be in service, even when electricity was available in cities and larger rural towns (domestic electric steam irons were invented in 1938). This item was used before and during the electricity supplies available from the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. These irons remained in use within regional rural areas that had limited or unreliable electrical reticulation.In the 1950s and later the Kiewa Valley was still a relatively isolated region which was home to rural properties and small settlements. The availability of electricity and or the financial means to afford new types of electric hand irons ensured that older and sometimes less efficient ironing remained for an extended period covering the 1960s to 1970s. Kerosene products, such as this kerosene iron was a cheaper method for farm based domestic and other rural activities requiring a heat source. The use of kerosene as a heat/light source was able to be supplied in bulk and able to be used when floods severed vital roads into this region. The supply of electricity was in summer time subject to interruption from bush fire damaged wooden poles carrying the electrical cables. Self sufficiency by rural populations was the backbone of survival and the ability to store energy sources "on the farm" was a prerequisite of isolated regions, such as the Kiewa Valley, circa 1950s.This Coleman kerosene iron has a solid steel chrome plated(press) base with a painted (blue) wooden handle. The handle is stud fastened onto an oblong shaped rolled steel handle frame and screwed (two screws) onto the base plate. Both the heating plate and the top securing plate are shaped similar to a river boat. The main housing enclosing the heating element is enamel coated(blue in colour) steel and has a half hole for lighting the kerosene at the rear end. Behind the handle and protruding upwards is a stainless steel fully enclosed container (bowl shaped) for the main supply of kerosene to the burner or generator(enclosed within the main body of the iron. The bowl has an air valve and inlet for pressurised air intake (hand pump) On the bottom rear of the fuel bowl there is a screw regulated fuel pump. The fuel heated base plate provides the heat for this advertised "self heating iron(instant lighting). See KVHS 0347B- Instruction sheet; KVHS 0347C- Wrench; and KVHS 0347D Fuel can.Stamped on the base plate of the handle, front region "COLEMAN LAMP & STOVE CO." below this "WICHITA KAN" below this"TORONTO CAN". In the middle of the handle base and in larger print "COLEMAN Instant-Lite" At the rear location in large print "MODEL 4" in smaller print below "MADE IN U.S.A." below this "PAT#1718473"household appliances, alternative non electrical ironing appliances, domestic appliances, kerosene appliances -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Document Instruction and Parts Sheet, Instructions for Operating the Coleman Self Heating Iron Model No. 4 Instant Lighting, circa 1950
This operating and parts information sheet was supplied to consumers to help users of this kerosene iron, not only understand the operation of this self lighting iron, but also to be able to order any replacement parts that may be required for this high level usage appliance. At this period in time(1950's), this item was at the leading edge of ironing technology. During the earlier 1900's and before "the throw away" culture evolved(circa 1950's), reliability and long term application of domestic appliances was a necessity above all costs, especially in isolated rural areas. The construction of these appliances was geared to a longer service life and not to a cheaper two to three year life warranty. With levels of world wide technology at an ever increasing pace, long term reliability of any appliance was no longer sought after. Appliance upgrades and new improved model accessibility especially in rural areas has changed rural consumer's buying patterns. Although the concept of instructional and parts/warranty information booklets has not become obsolete, the ability to access information via electronic means has vastly improved the ability to obtain qualified technical help through local avenues. This access was not available in the time period(circa 1950), when the appliance covered by this document was issued. The rate of development within the home appliance field has mushroomed during the time period post 1950. The costs and the increased levels of product choices and consumer awareness has provided rural areas (once isolated e.g. Kiewa Valley) with a greater ability to satisfy their needs because of a greater diverse range of domestic appliances offered.This discoloured, sepia paper has black print and is folded into three equal pages. The information contained covers operational and part numbers for the kerosene fired hand held iron. there are kerosene stains on the last page and these have soaked through onto the second page. The form no.-3-3C- McACO.-4363Printed in U.S.A.instructions, household appliances, ironing, domestic ironing -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Wrench Coleman, circa 1950
... iron maintenance tool domestic appliances household This item ...The 1950's saw a revolution in small appliances for use in the average household. This hand held wrench was provided exclusively for the Coleman self heating kerosene (KVHS 0347A) iron and used for the regular changing the kerosene used in it. The iron was used before and during the electricity supplies available from the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. These irons remained in use within regional rural areas that had limited or unreliable electrical reticulation. Kerosene supplies were cheaper than electricity but also more inconvenient than electric. Electrical appliances become cheaper to buy and maintain in the later part of the 1900's and the now older kerosene iron was faded out.This wrench was required to open the fuel container which stored kerosene in the Coleman hand iron(see KVHS 0347A). This item was part of the maintenance requirement of this particular hand iron. In the 1950s and later the Kiewa Valley was still a relatively isolated region which was home to rural properties and small settlements. The availability of electricity and or the financial means to afford new types of electric hand irons ensured that older and sometimes less efficient ironing remained for an extended period covering the 1960s to 1970s. Kerosene products, such as this kerosene iron was a cheaper method for farm based domestic and other rural activities requiring a heat source. The use of kerosene as a heat/light source was able to be supplied in bulk and able to be used when floods severed vital roads into this region. The supply of electricity was in summer time subject to interruption from bush fire damaged wooden poles carrying the electrical cables. Self sufficiency by rural populations was the backbone of survival(use of this wrench was a part of rural life). The ability to store energy sources "on the farm" was a prerequisite of isolated regions, such as the Kiewa Valley, circa 1950s.This item is a flat cast iron wrench, which has been specifically made for KVHS 0347A (kerosene iron). The wrench has four specific forms cut into the steel which fit firmly around their targeted nut and other fixtures. Also see See KVHS 0347B- Instruction sheet; and KVHS 0347D Fuel can.ironing, iron maintenance tool, domestic appliances, household -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Can Fuel Measuring, circa 1950
The 1950's saw a revolution in small appliances for use in the average household. The hand held self heating(kerosene) iron for which this filling can was provided ,was introduced as a time saving and more convenient iron for pressing clothes and other cloth fabrics. It replaced irons needing an external fire source to heat the ironing plate. These irons continued to be in service, even when electricity was available in cities and larger rural towns. This item was used before and during the electricity supplies available from the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. These irons remained in use within regional rural areas that had limited or unreliable electrical reticulation and the ability to service them from this filling can was an essential part.n the 1950s and later the Kiewa Valley was still a relatively isolated region which was home to rural properties and small settlements. The availability of electricity and or the financial means to afford new types of electric hand irons ensured that older and sometimes less efficient ironing appliances remained for an extended period covering the 1960s to 1970s. Kerosene products, such as the kerosene self heating (KVHS 0347A) iron and this kerosene filling item, was a cheaper method for farm based domestic and other rural activities requiring a heat source. The use of kerosene as a heat/light source was able to be supplied in bulk and able to be used when floods severed vital roads into this region. The supply of electricity was in summer time subject to interruption from bush fire damaged wooden poles carrying the electrical cables. Self sufficiency by rural populations was the backbone of survival and the ability to store energy sources "on the farm" was a prerequisite of isolated regions, such as the Kiewa Valley, circa 1950s.This specially spout fitted can was provided with the Coleman self heating kerosene iron (see KVHS 0347A). On one side of the half enclosed top of the can there is a small spout(for poring the appropriate liquid into the egg shaped fount container) at the rear end of the hand iron. The can is made from tin. See KVHS 0347B- Instruction sheet; KVHS 0347C- Wrench.On one side of the can in black print on yellow background is "FUEL MEASURING CAN" underneath is "For Coleman Instant-Lite Iron" underneath are four numbered paragraphs detailing the use of this can. Below this is the name and places of manufacture. On the other side of the can is printed "BE SURE" with filling and maintenance instructionskerosene can, ironing, domestic appliances, household appliances -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Plate, side, C1920
The Ozone Hotel was formerly the Grand Ozone Coffee Palace which was erected in 1890 at a cost of around ten thousand pounds. Coffee Palaces were temperance hotels which were popular in the latter part of the 19th century which offered recreation and superior accommodation. The coffee palace operated until 1915 and was then closed before re-opening in 1920 as Hotels Mansions. It had major renovations including a large theatre area. February 23rd 1929 saw the most spectacular fire in Warrnambool's history when the Hotel mansions was burnt to the ground. Evelyn O'Brien was granted a temporary licence and in September 1930 she was given permission to rebuild. The new hotel named Hotel Warrnambool was opened in March 1931. This item has local significance having come from one of Warrnambool's grandest buildingsSide Plate with Hotel Mansions crest in black, with Warrnambool in banner underneath and a black line around rim of plate. Loftus Moran Pty Ltd Melbourne stamp on back (distributor?)Hotel Mansions crest on front of plate, with Warrnambool in banner underneath.grand ozone coffee palace, hotel mansions warrnambool, ozone hotel warrnambool, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Ladies evening purse, C1900
Dame Nellie Melba was born Helen Porter Mitchell in 1861 and took the stage name of Melba after her home town of Melbourne. Dame Nellie went on to become one of the most successful and highly regarded sopranoes of the late 19th a nd early 20th centuries. She had a number of Farewell tours as she neared the end of her career. When Dame Nellie Melba was a house guest of Miss Florence Lake at "Lyndoch" Warrnambool during her farewell tour in 1927. The bag was purported to have been given to a house maid in recognition of favours done. An item owned by Dame Nellie Melba............ WDHS also has a program from Dame Nellie Melba's Farewell Tour.Ladies evening purse "Made in France" Beige/ecru silk on canvas backing, heavily beaded and sequinned in beige and coffee, some pearl decoration, with an ornate enamelled button closure mechanism for a press stud. Two fabric handles also heavily beaded. A scalloped shape with gusseted side insertions.Bag is too fragile to open.nellie melba, evening bag, warrnambool, lyndoch warrnambool, florence lake, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Fletcher Jones Coat Hanger, Late 20th century
David Fletcher Jones commenced his tailoring and hawking business in the 1920’s. The business expanded through the decades to become the main manufacturing employer in the city of Warrnambool. The business moved from Liebig Street around 1947 to a site in East Warrnambool which was once an old quarry. The factory which was built at “Pleasant Hill” manufactured quality clothing, initially men’s trousers, suits which expanded in later times to include ladies’ wear. A network of stores was opened throughout Australia to sell the garments. A common item linked to a significant business and personality of Warrnambool.Fletcher Jones Factory held a significant place in the economic development of the city. The Fletcher Jones Gardens remain a significant landmark in the cityBlack plastic coat hanger with metal hook. Fletcher Jones in gold lettering below the hook.warrnambool, fletcher jones, pleasant hill, fletcher jones gardens, coathanger -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Baby's Plate, Child's feeding dish
Heavy, flat-sided baby’s feeding bowl, the design of which encourages the child to feed himself. A good example of a common household item.Round cream ceramic bowl with flat lip and straight sides which is straight on the inside and indented on the outside. “BABY’S PLATE “ written in brown on rim. Transfer of three young girls with one astride a black and white dog, in garden setting. Gold on rim.Baby’s plate.bowl, ceramic -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Invalid Cup, Ceramic Invalid Cup, Circa early 20th century
Invalid feeding cups were common in Victorian and early 20th century. They were ideal for patients and the infirm to be able to drink food, soups and broths while propped up slightly in bedCommon item which could be purchased at the chemist and was well suited to its purpose.Small white china cup with spout and partially covered top.Made in England stamp on base.cup, ceramic -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, Ward & Lock, Treasures in Needlework, 1855
Matilda Marian Pullan, who wrote under the name of Mrs Pullan, was a prolific and influential writer on needlework. She contributed to many magazines as well as authoring numerous books on needlework. This book was first published in 1855 and co-authored by Eliza Warren who was also a well-known authority on household management related subjects. This book was published before Mrs Pullan moved to America.The 1840s saw the rise of domestic instruction for young women as a new area of publishing in both magazines and books. This item is an example of needlework in the mid 19th to late 19th century.A red fabric covered book, titled "Treasures in Needlework".inside cover - "Lizzie G. Broomde from her affectionate brother, Arthur - 1856" -
Orbost & District Historical Society
cake stand, late 19th century
This item was donated as a display item for the Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre). Quadruple silverplate items were four times as heavily plated with silver as standard items. Quadruple plate hollowware was some of the highest quality made during the latter part of the 19th century.This item clearly has an aesthetic significance as silver cake baskets were a common sight in upper-class households in the 18th and early 19th centuries.A silver plated cake plate on a pedestal with a handle. It has a pattern of flowers and birds etched into the top of the plate.SIMPSON HALL MILLER & Co. Quadruple platesilver-plate cake-stand tableware domestic -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, Stanley,Paul & Company, The Lady's Realm, November 1910 - April 1911
The Lady's Realm was a illustrated monthly women's magazine published in London in the 19th century, initially edited by W. H. Wilkins. It also published 36 volumes between 1896 and 1914. The Lady's Realm was a British women's magazine published from 1896 until 1914, possibly until 1915. It primarily targeted upper-class readers as well as an aspirational middle-class audience, featuring photographs, poems, fiction, and columns by popular authors such as Marie Corelli, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Jack London, and H.G. Wells. (Wikipedia) Founded in 1833, the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts is the longest running School of Arts (also known as a "Mechanics' Institute") and the oldest continuous lending library in Australia. These magazines reflect women's interests in the early 20th century. Women’s magazines developed rapidly through the 1800s, reflecting both marketing developments and social changes. As the century progressed, publications aimed at women changed from the middle-class drawing-room journals of the 1830s and 1840s to the cheaper, chattier, more domestic magazines of the 1880s and 1890s. This item oi an example of a publication aimed at a particular social class.A thick hard back book with a dark blue and red fabric cover. It contains short stories by various authors. "SYDNEY MECHANICS SCHOOL OF ARTS 225 PITT STREET" on front cover.literature-lady's-realm short-stories -
Orbost & District Historical Society
water fountain, late 19th century
... is an example of a common domestic item used in early Orbost before ...Iron fountain used on open fires etc. Donated by Mrs Norah Osborne, wife of Bruce , principal of High School. Early homes often had an open fire containing a fountain, buckets and kettles that hung from a hook in the fireplace. These containers supplied hot water for cooking, washing and cups of tea. Fountain was placed on hob until needed and then hung over fire.This kettle is an example of a common domestic item used in early Orbost before electricity was widespread.Large black iron fountain with swing handle and hook for using over a fire. Large brass tap and handle. Lid - Clark & Co * 4 Galls. Bottom - Clark & Co - 4 Gallons FINEST QUALITY T & C CLARK & COcooking domestic kettle fountain-iron ironware -
Orbost & District Historical Society
iron kettle
... domestic item used in the early 20th century. kettle ironware ...Kettle sat on open fire or hob - probably used on wood stove before 1940's.This item is an example of a commonly used domestic item used in the early 20th century.Black iron kettle with long handle and spout. Bottom - underneath -No 3, Kenrick 6 PINTSkettle ironware domestic kitchen -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Lamp - kerosene, first half of 20th century
This lamp pattern was originally made in USA between 1880 and 1900. The pattern is called Feathered Cartouche and generally had a painted motif on each of the panels on the front. This lamp is probably a copy of the American lamp and made in Australia sometime in the first half of the 20th century. The lamp has an English style collar rather than an American one and the pattern is not as crisp as the American ones. There were several lamp patterns made here that were copies of American patterns and that style of collar was used on most of them. (ref Oil Lamp Antiques)This item is an important example of the early technology of artificial light. It has historical significance in demonstrating lighting devices used before the widespread use of electricity.Ornate clear glass kerosene lamp. Glass chimney is missing. Base is square and patterned with raised oval shapes, as is the stem. Both base and stem are hollow. At the top, the kerosene holder is squarish with round corners.. The wick holder is of brass and has a small wick adjustor.lamp, kerosene lamp, lighting - domestic