Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Single-piece, floor length, gold silk taffeta evening dress featuring the use of a very long fishtail train to which is attached a silk cord to allow the wearer to hold it above the floor. The dress includes a number of decorative features including the extensive use of box pleats on the sleeves and on the hem of the skirt; contrasting gold and cream braiding and tassles; and the extensive use of ruching on the bodice at the front. Due to the age and fine quality of the silk taffeta used, there is evidence of the degradation of the fabric on one shoulder and a tear in the rear of the skirt. Otherwise the dress is in excellent condition.fashion - 1870s, australian fashion, wedding dresses, costumes, women's clothing, coombs collection

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Very fine, lightweight silk two-piece pink and white striped dress comprising a long skirt and a short fitted jacket. The jacket is edged with cream lace at the collar and front. On examination, the lace, while appearing to be in a later style has been judged to be of the period.There is a small faded label on the rear collar of the dress, on which is hand printed the name of the dressmaker. The name has been variously interpreted as reading Miss Gibbens, Miss Gibbons, or Miss Gibbuis. women's clothing, day dresses, australian fashion - 1900s

This is one of a series of photos that document John Turnbull’s First Communion. They are representative of this important rite of passage in the Catholic Church in the 1950s. The sacrament of First Communion is an important tradition for Catholic families and individuals. Originally this was celebrated when a child was 10, 12 or even 14 years of age, however in 1910, Pope Pius X issued the decree Quam singulari, which changed the age at which First Communion is taken to 7 years old. Traditions of celebration surrounding First Communion usually include family gatherings and parties to celebrate the event. The first communicant wears special clothing. The clothing is often white to symbolize purity. It is more elaborate for girls but boys wear ‘Sunday best’; it could be a suit and tie or even a tuxedo. Many families have formal professional photographs taken in addition to candid snapshots in order to commemorate the event and some churches arrange for a professional photographer to attend after the ceremony. A black and white photo of a boy taken in a garden in front of a picket fence. He is wearing a white shirt, shorts and long socks and his hands are in prayer position. In the background is a Californian bungalow house. On rear in black ink: "John on his / First Holy / Communion Day / 28/10/51". Below this in John Turnbull's writing: "MY PARENTS / HOUSE 30 PROSPECT / ST. BOX HILL"

This dress, which was made around 1820, was passed down through five generations of a single family before its donation to Brighton Historical Society in 2007. It originally belonged to a great-grandmother of Margaret Reynolds (1881-1958) of Hertfordshire, England, who herself came into possession of the dress around the early twentieth century. Having no daughters of her own, in 1945 the 64-year-old Margaret sent the dress as a Christmas gift to her niece, Margaret Willoughby Reynolds (1907-1996). In the letter accompanying the parcel, donated to the Society with the dress, the elder Margaret writes that she loves the dress very much but has now outgrown it. She makes reference to her own mother Mary Reynolds (nee Lloyd)'s pleasure at seeing the dress worn, indicating that it may originally have belonged to one of Mary's grandparents. She had two requests of her niece: first, that the younger Margaret wear the dress on Christmas Eve as a treat for her Mary (the letter includes styling advice on how the dress should be worn and accessorised), and second, that she one day pass the dress on to her own daughter or niece. In March 1968, the younger Margaret gifted the dress to her Australian-born niece, Dorothy May England (nee Reynolds, 1924-2013), along with a letter of her own. Dorothy, a Bayside resident, donated the dress and both letters to the Society in 2007. The letters paint a picture of the significance of the dress within the Reynolds family and its journey from England to Australia.A white, mauve, purple, red, and green paisley / floral printed cotton day dress from circa 1820. The day dress features a wide scooped neckline, with a dropped shoulder line. At the head of the sleeve is has three lines of gathering creating a narrow arm hole around the shoulder, flaring out into a leg of mutton sleeve. The sleeve finishes neatly at the wrist with a cuff that secures with two brass hook and eye closures. The dress bodice is open at the centre front and secures with six hook and eye closures to the empire line waist. Over the breast on either side of the opening are six diagonal pleats, pressed and secured facing towards the neck. This pleated detail is on a facing that extends from shoulder to shoulder and finishes with a bound edge. The remainder of the front bodice is plain and secures to the skirt at the empire waistline. The skirt pleats onto a binding, wrapping around the torso and securing to the bodice with eight hook closures. At approximately knee, height the skirt has an additional gathered flounce with the dress finishing at approximately ankle length. From the back, the bodice is plain and the skirt is gathered and sewn to the bodice at Empire line. Alterations to the garment have been made with the addition of hooks and eyes. The garment is generally in good condition although the skirt at the front shows evidence of damage and subsequent repair.day dress, 1820s, migration, dorothy may england, margaret willoughby reynolds, margaret reynolds

Forty page colour magazine with printed text, coloured and black and white graphics and photographs. The front cover shows a colour photograph of three women, two are holding quoits dressed in swim wear and one is seated. The back cover features two colour illustrations of men playing golf. front: [printed] THE MAGAZINE THAT HELPS YOU MOST / Women’s Day / AND HOME / SUMMER CRUISE FASHIONS / Registered in Australia for transmission by post as a periodical. / BIG FICTION ISSUE / Sensational New Serial, “Windom’s / Way,” by James Ramsey Ullman . . / also Complete Novelette . . Erle Stanley / Gardner Mystery. / JANUARY 12, 1953 9D.women's day, fashion, women, magazine, serials, novelette

Framed portrait of Elsie Henderson who was a tireless worker for the Association for the Blind. From 1934 until the 1960s Elsie Henderson worked at the Association for the Blind as a home visitor for women who were blind or vision impaired. Blind herself, Ms Henderson had 300 women on her visitation list and would visit three to four women daily. She wears a mid-blue jacket with a floral shirt, pearl necklace and her MBE attached to her jacket. This painting hung in the former Kooyong Day Centre until it was demolished in 1999.1 art original in frameelsie henderson, association for the blind

This photograph is a record of Head Nurse, Sister Lee-Archer, and her staff of six Trained nurses, 'Nurses', of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) outside their new Nurse’s Home and Headquarters rented at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. The bicycles seen were the first mode of transport purchased by MDNS and allowed these Nurses to extend the nursing visits they made into more Melbourne suburbs.The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) moved into larger premises at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy in May 1904. Head trained Nurse, Lee-Archer and her staff of six Trained nurses pose outside the new ‘Nurse’s Home’ at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. The Nurses worked in the districts of North and West Melbourne, the City Proper, Carlton, Richmond, South Melbourne, Fitzroy and Collingwood making 17,954 visits during the year. The Society had a set of bye-laws which outlined the work conditions for the Nurses. Section 111.1 states ‘Each nurse shall be ready to go to her district at 9 am. She will be expected to visit urgent cases on Sundays, and will be required to work eight hours on each week day, to wear the special uniform, and live in the Home of the Society’. In February 1885, only 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), the first Society of its kind in Australia, was founded with one Trained nurse, known as 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later. They liaised with Doctors and worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel for her use. They loaned equipment, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing clean bed linen and nightdresses as necessary. Trained Midwives began home births in late 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. This was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer. As the work increased a third Nurse was employed but due to this arduous work many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. Permission to use bicycles was given to the Nurses in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added, at a cost of £5 per frame, so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses’ bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week and if patients could not arrange to have it collected the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. The use of bicycles caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chin, now being used. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered by a Doctor, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. In 1913 a Nurse had her Board and residence, uniforms, bicycle and laundry expenses provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earns £60 a year. Over the years the nurses complained that their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform but this did not occur until 1921. Bicycles continued to be used in inner areas until 1945. Black and white photograph of six Trained nurses and their Matron, who has her hair swept up, and is wearing a long white uniform with belt, and white cap; part of her veil is seen hanging down her back, outside their Nurses Home The trained. nurses are holding their two wheeled bicycles, and are wearing long grey frocks, white collars and belts and straw hats with a Maltese cross in the centre of headband, this is held in place with scarves over the hat and tied under their chins. Their nursing bags are strapped to the handlebars of the bicycles. A black sign with the white capital letters 'Melbourne District Nursing Society. ....nursing the sick poor in their own homes' is on the metal spiked fence. The building is made of brick and five long sash windows are seen in the upper section. A metal roofed veranda, held up with four posts and two brick columns, divides the upper and lower section. A door and three long windows are seen which are partly obscured by several bushes behind the fence.melbourne district nursing society, 5 royal terrace, nicholson st carlton, nurses home, bicycles, mdns transport, royal district nursing service, rdns, mdns trained nurses, sister florence lee-archer

According to the paper label "Over 300 Legatees participated in the ANZAC Day march commemorating Legacy's 70th Anniversary." Photos show the Legatees assembling before the march, including Legatee Barbara Leach with a tray of Rosemary for the marchers to wear. The sign says "A gift from Legacy". The Legacy Widows club puts together the trays of rosemary prior to Anzac Day to give to the public. (See also 00754 and 00756). Plus an article in the Answer reporting on the day.A record of a Anzac Day march to commemorate the 70th Anniversary.Black and white photo of Anzac Day March 1993.Marked B15 which is the frame number from the B proof sheet (00754.2)70th anniversary, anzac day, answer, march, rosemary

This item is from a collection donated by descendants of John Francis Turner of Wodonga. Thimbles were used for both practical and decorative purposes and were created in a range of styles. Popular history also suggests that roots of the modern-day wedding ring in America had an interesting tie to a thimble. Puritans that colonized in early America did not believe in adornment. A common practice among these early Americans was for a man to present a thimble to his fiancée which was symbolic of his wish to marry her. These brides began to cut off the rim on these thimbles and making a simple band they would wear on their finger. Thus, the practice of wedding rings for women started.This item comes from a collection used by a prominent citizen of Wodonga. It is also representative of a domestic item common in the 1930s.A silver thimble decorated with filigree work above a solid bottom section.domestic items, filigree thimble, womens social history, women's work

A photo of a group of defence force personnel with Volunteer Helper tags at Legacy House with a stack of Legacy Appeal tins. The slogan says "Legacy Cares for families of deceased servicemen". It appears to have been professionally taken to publicise Legacy Week in the newspapers. Labels found with a second copy say: "Fifty personnel from the RAAF's headquarters logistics command took to Melbourne's streets to collect on behalf of Legacy's Annual Badge Day Appeal. All were volunteers and were part of a tri-service effort." "Legacy is indebted to members of the Defence Force Services for their invaluable help to sell Legacy badges during "Legacy Week". The Annual Badge Day Appeal is the one time of the year that Legacy asks all Australians to remember the work of Legacy and to wear a Legacy badge with pride."A record of the defence forces help in promoting Legacy in Badge Week and selling badges.Black and white photo of defence force personnel with Legacy Appeal tins.Hand written Legacy Appeal 1990 in blue pen.fundraising, legacy appeal, legacy week, raaf, adf personnel

According to the paper label "Over 300 Legatees participated in the ANZAC Day march commemorating Legacy's 70th Anniversary." Photos show the Legatees assembling before the march, including Legatee Barbara Leach with a tray of Rosemary for the marchers to wear. The sign says "A gift from Legacy". The Legacy Widows club puts together the trays of rosemary prior to Anzac Day to give to the public. (See also 00754 and 00756). Plus an article in the Answer reporting on the day.A record of a Anzac Day march to commemorate the 70th Anniversary.Black and white photo x 3 of Anzac Day March 1993.Marked B15, B17 and B14 which are the frame numbers from the B proof sheet (00754.2)70th anniversary, anzac day, answer, march, rosemary

These Silver Cadet Badges are worn on the front of slouch hats which are traditionally worn by senior cadets for all parades and by the whole unit for Final Parades and formal events (ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies). These badges are significant as most cadet units do not have a separate unit badge for their slouch hats and instead wear the similar Australian Army Cadets badge. However, a separate badge is often commonplace within school units as community units will usually display the other badge. 2 x Silver Metal Badge showcasing the Peninsula Grammar logo in a sphere of silver. Possibility for clasps on back and comes attached with two gold hat pins to do so. Peninsula Grammar Logo with engraved 'The Peninsula School Cadet Unit'cadets, cadet badge, peninsula grammar army cadet unit, silver badge, metal badge, australian army cadets, peninsula grammar

This dress was featured in the book "Love Vintage", published 2009 by Carter's and has appeared in vintage fashion parades at the "Love Vintage" fair and the 2016 Glen Eira Storytelling Festival. This dress is an example of the "atomic" style printed design that was popular in the '50s and also shows adaptive use by its wearer, to facilitate breast-feeding.Sleeveless day dress with flared, mid-calf length skirt and big style front. Extra deep pockets and black piping trim to ornament. Bib style front features two large buttons and has been adapted for breast-feeding: the front is secured with press studs and the centre front seam underneath has been opened up, secured with a hook and eye. Side metal zipper. Printed cotton in multi-coloured "atomic" style design. Labelled Julius Pollack Original

Black and white negative, by Wal Jack, of S class 166 (Destination, Depot) and an a X2 class in Leeds Street before Irving Street at the Footscray railway station. Photo may be taken on the same day as the other photos of S 166 - 21-4-1945 In the background are View Bakery, Appleton and Wright - Men's Wear, Rainbow Knit Wear, Marx's Laundry and at least one solider.trams, tramways, footscray, s class, leeds st, tram 166, x2 class., mmtb

Digital image of a photocopy of the Agreement dated 23-8-1912 between the Australian Tramway Employees Association with the Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company Limited and a supplemental agreement dated 12-8-1913. The agreement was the first between the Union and the Company which had long resisted unionism. The Victorian Branch of the ATEA was formed in November 1910. The agreement was the result of an Arbitration hearing before the Commonwealth Conciliation Commission. Frank Brennan & Rundle represented the Union and Louis Waxman the Company. The agreement covers wages for all the Companies employees, working days, rostered days off, travelling time, meal breaks, rosters, Sunday work, exchange of shifts, public holiday rates, training of students, accident reports, ability to wear their union badge on their watch chains, disputes re revenue, trackmen, ropemen, the establishment of a Board of Reference, dispute resolution, breach of the agreement and expiry - 30 June 1916, the day the Company Franchise ended. See item 7361 for a copy of the MTOCo employee rules that reflect this agreement. Signed by L L Hill Union President, A C Warton Union Secretary, H A Wilcox Company Secretary, and W G Sprigg, one of the Company Directors. The supplemental agreement - has a long introduction to the dispute regarding workers being represented on the grounds of alleged misconduct. Notes the name of the Court President, Mr. Justice Higgins. Provides the process for representation of any man who is accused of misconduct, discipline, and proof of the charge. Notes the use of the company's private (detective) staff - known as spotters. The wearing of union badges was the cause of a large General Strike by tramway men and others during 1912 in Brisbane.Yields information about the first agreement between the Melbourne cable tram operator and the Union that represented the workers. Digital Image of the 1912 Agreement between MTOCo and the ATEA and a supplemental agreement of 1913tramways, trams, unions, atea, mtoco, cable tramways, employment conditions, agreements, cable trams, disputes, discipline, spotters

- Worn at wedding day, May 1967 - Purchased on wearer's mother's account at Buckley & Nunn, Melbourne.- Black woollen trousers and jacket - Black ribbon trim on side seams - pleated waistline - cotton pocket - silk lapels (plain) Size 36 (men's) Garment has been altered See NA5570 (white formal shirt) NA5575 (Bow Tie) and NA5576 (Cummerbund) 'The Buckleigh" - exclusive to Buckley's & Nunnclothing, formal wear, men