This hand-knitted, white double-bed bedspread and matching round cushion were hand-made by Vera Giles. The process took her nine-and-a-half months. She presented it to Flagstaff Hill to be part of the Giles Collection. There are many 19th-century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with the Giles Family and are known as the “Giles Collection”. These items mostly came from the simple home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton), whose photos are in the parlour. They married in 1880. Henry Giles was born at Tower Hill in 1858. He was a labourer on the construction of the Breakwater before leaving in 1895 to build bridges in N.S.W. for about seven years. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook. She attended Mailor’s Flat State School where she was also a student teacher before, as a family legend has it, she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family of six, some of whom were born at Mailor’s Flat and later children at Wangoom, lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940.The Giles family collection has social significance at a local level because it illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill when the Museum was established. The handmade items were knitted in the late 20th century using a craft and design that augment the late-19th to early 20th-century furnishings where they are displayed.Hand knitted white cotton bedspread and cushion with knitted floral pattern. Items are both part of the Giles Collection. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, knitted bedspread, knitting, bedspread, giles collection, henry giles, vera giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, manchester, cushion

Miners not having much to interest them would make their own entertainment . If they did not have what they needed they made it.This Die was found at the diggings and donated to the museum.This item is significent because this is local quartz and handmade on the diggings.White quartz die drilled holes to indicate numbersgold, mining, 1850s, emerald, diggings, sassafras creek

This item is an example the skill and craftmanship of early settler families who of necessity were self-reliant.Bamboo shelves (3 shelves + top) with brown vinyl padded top. Insides are wallpapered with an embossed paper of cream flowers on dark brown background. Wooden sides are covered with same wallpaper which has been painted over tan . There seems to have been a door originally attached as there are two hinges, top and bottom, on right hand side. There are 4 legs angled outwards with stays - all made of bamboo. Back and shelves appear to be slatted timber. Sometimes called a "whatnot".furniture-shelves-handmade

Owned by Alexander Cameron who arrived in Australia in 1853. Alexander Cameron ("Big Alex") was an early settler on the Snowy River flats. he worked the paddle steamer Cheviot for a while, having a wharf and sheds on the Snowy River in 1900. Later moved to Cann River.This item is an example of a handcrafted religious ornament of the late 19th-early 20th century.Handmade, round, religious text ornament of celluloid and cardboard with silver writing.Front - "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?"ornament handmade religious

Donated by the Harry Cameron family, Harry's father, James Cameron, came to Bellagoogan on Majors Creek in 1882. Bellagoogan was on Majors Creek near Orbost and was the site of the first race course. Like many others at the time, the Camerons bred race horses.Harry died in 1964 aged 75.This item is an example of a handcrafted ornament of the early 20th century. The Cameron family were early Orbost settlers.Natural - coloured raffia plant holder. Ornate design. Nails used to hold it together.ornament plant-holder craft-handmade

This item is hand-made shows the skill and craftmanship of women in the early settler families.Very fine, delicate white point lace supper cloth with very ornate design. Handmade.cloth manchester table-linen handcrafts lacemaking

This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the families of the early settlers.Handmade pin cushion with flowered tapestry centre. Tulle covers the whole cushion and has been embroidered. Lace sewn around whole cushion. Backing is satin. Has an assortment of hatpins.pin-cushion tapestry handcrafts needlework hatpins

Gold nugget was found by the father of Lynch, Ray (Mr.) who was Mat Lynch. Nugget was found at McKenzie River in 1890.Matthew Lynch (1861-1939) was a snagger. Selected land at Brodribb. Gold prospector.This item, as well as having an aesthetic significance, is representative of the gold mining activities in East Gippsland.Handmade metallic tie pin with small gold nugget on top.tiepin costume accessories gold-nugget lynch-matthew

This item is an example of a handcrafted bamboo piece of furniture.Small bamboo screen with plain and ribbon embroidery. Handmade.screen-bamboo handcraft furniture

Made as wedding present for Cameron, John (Mrs) in 1880 at Lakes Entrance. John Cameron (1847-1930) selected first land on Snowy River flats. Married Elizabeth Roadknight (1863-1939) who was born in Cunninghame (now Lakes Entrance).This item is associated with the Cameron family who were early Orbost settlers.Large handmade woven Aboriginal basket.basket household basket-woven aboriginal lakes-entrance cameron-john

This item was made by Dick Wilkinson as a copy of simuilar article made during the Depression.Handmade ornamental metal pot plant holder made from painted milk tins. Curled metal decorations. Lined with milk tin.FRESH FROZEN PASTEURISED HOMOGENISED MILK. PRODUCT OF AUSTRALIA -inside DAIRY FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE LTD.container milk-tin plant-holder handcrafts

In 1896 Albert Richardsonand his bride, Lettice, came to the mill at Tabbara. Their daughter, Mrs Mary Barclay, was born at Marlo in 1897. Her Scottish great-great grandmother who was born about 1800, kept silk worms. When she was about 12, she collected and spun the silk to later make this shawl.This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the families of the early settlers.A handmade shawl of beige silk. Edge is fringed.shawl costume-female handcraft silk

Belonged to Mary Gilbert who was a passionate local historian. She was awarded a British Empire medal in recognition of her work for education and the community. . Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.This item has aesthetic significance. It was owned by Mary Gilbert, a prominent Orbost personality, the first curator of the Orbost Museum. Handmade, tall carved wooden vase painted red. Bush scene painted black with pokerwork.vase ornament-wood gilbert-mary

This item is an example of a hand crafted item showing the needlework skills of women in the early 20th century.Two small square handmade doilies. Tattered centres and crochet edging of bells. On white linen.doily handcrafts needlework linen embroidery

This item is an example of a hand crafted item showing the needlework skills of women in the early 20th century.Square brown and white beaded teapot stand. Handmade.

Made by Ruth Richardson who was the daughter of Alan Richardson.This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the first half of the 20th century.Small handmade linen doily with circular designs and plain centre.doily handcrafts needlework linen embroidery richardson-alan

Handmade by Mary Tomlinson in approx. 1900. Daughter of Arthur James Tomlinson who in 1887 selected at Tabbara.This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the first half of the 20th century.Handmade square shaped point lace doily with linen centre.doily handcrafts lace-making tomlinson-arthur

Ruth Woodward was the daughter of Alan Richardson a sawmiller at Tabbara. Richardson Helped build and held ticket for paddle steamer "Curlip". Crochet covers for milk jugs, teacups and bowls were produced to repel the dreaded Australian blow fly. They were typically decorated with Australian flora and fauna and commemorative motifs and sometimes edged with beads, shells and other three dimensional forms, not only for appearance, but also to weigh down the crochet so it would stay safely in place on the jug. The three dimensional parts were stiffened with sugar syrup, or sometimes starch, paraffin or gelatine. The main sources for crochet cover and other needlework designs available to women were in journals, magazines and pattern books. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the families of the early settlers.Small handmade star-shaped milk cover with a white tulle centre and beading coming down to points off the centre. Beads are clear and black.milk-cover handcrafts needlework beading richardson

This doily was handmade by Penuel Cameron (nee Hossack). The Hossack family farmed land on the Marlo Road. Like the Camerons they were staunch Presbyterians. Robert Cameron was one of earliest settlers on Orbost flats and ran the paddlesteamer "Cheviot". He served many years on shire council and built the first Presbyterian. church in Orbost.This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the families of the early settlers.Hand tatted medium sized doily. Small round linen piece in centre and large tatted border.doily handcrafts needlework linen lace cameron-robert

Handmade by Alice Cowell as an entry for the annual Bombala (southern New South Wales) Show.This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the first half of the 20th century.A white machine-made petticoat with hand embroidery and pink ribbon threaded around middle. It has broderie anglaise along scalloped edge and comes with a blue certificate for First prize at the Bombala Annual Show.petticoat costume female-underwear handcrafts dress-making

This is an example of a hand crafted item made to personalise and add aesthetic value to a home.A pressed dried native flower arrangement in a large oval frame of wood. It has a glass front. It is handmade.handcraft pressed-flowers picture

This article was handmade by Amelia Frances Selwyn probably in England after she married Lance Mallett in London. Amelia was the mother of Brenda Murray, dedicated community worker and local government councillor. Brenda was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community. Amelia Mallett was an early Croajingalong resident and she and Lance are buried in the Orbost Cemetery.This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in thefirst half of the 20th century.A handmade black lacy bolero. It has beadwork along the edges and fastens with an ornate black clasp.bolero costume-women handcraft clothing

This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the families of the early settlers. A small handmade fabric pincushion. It is edged in beading and embroidered on the top side. The padding is soft.

The outrigger gives greater stability and seaworthiness to the canoe. Outrigger canoes were originally developed by the peoples of the islands of Southeast Asia for sea travel, and were used to transport these peoples eastward through to Polynesia and New Zealand more than 2000 Years ago. Today they are still in use. This item possibly came to Orbost with Reverend Alexander Morton . Morton was the minister at the Presbyterian church about 1890. He had spent time in new Hebrides and went on to New Zealand.This item is an example of a handcrafted artefact from the New Hebrides.Detailed model of an outrigger canoe from the Polynesian islands. It isa handmade wooden (possibly breadfruit wood) model of an outrigger canoe - one outrigger attached to the main hull. Bound with string. It has two wooden paddles.handcraft morton-alexander model-outrigger-canoe

A pillow sham is a decorative pillow case. This is a handmade pillow sham especially crafted for a household in early Orbost.This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the early to mid 20th century. Embroidery was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value to domestic linen and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes,A rectangular lace pillow sham. the centre rectangle is white and made of pulled thread lace. The edging is pale pink and blue lace,handcraft pillow-sham needlework

Without refrigeration, storage of meat was difficult. Flies were a problem, and it was important to keep meat cool and out of the way of pests. One way of doing this was to use a meat safe: a kind of cupboard designed to store meat and keep it fresh enough to eat. Meat safes are ventilated. They were sometimes made with sides of wire mesh or perforated metal, so that air could circulate around the meat while keeping flies and other animals out.The Coolgardie safe was invented in the late 1890's by Arthur Patrick McCormick, who used the same principle as explorers and travelers in the Outback used to cool their canvas water bags Originally they were handmade using materials to hand. In the early 20th century, Coolgardie Safes were manufactured commercially across Australia, and found their way into homes in both rural and urban areas. These safes incorporated shelving and a door, had metal or wooden frames and Hessian bodies. The feet of the safe were usually placed in a tray of water to keep ants away. (refs ABC-Home; Museum Victoria)This item is an example of a common domestic appliance used before the widespread connection of electricity to homes and refrigeration. The Coolgardie meat safe is an Australian invention used widely in rural areas from the 1890's until the mid 20th century.A metal meat safe, painted white. It has a shelf inside. The door has two perforated rectangular sections metal framed in solid metal. The base is flat.storage domestic coolgardie-safe

This is a handmade item reflecting the style of baby wear in the early 20th century.A crocheted baby's cap. It is hand made in ecru cotton with a scalloped edge.headwear baby's-clothing bonnet

This felt deer was made by Helena warren of Newmerella. The deer was exhibited in the Royal Melbourne Show in the 1950's. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She was a fine amateur photographer who supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert).This object reflects the needlework skills of women in the early to mid 20th century. This item also has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A handmade felt toy fallow deer which is light brown with darker brown spots. It has dark brown antlers, dark brown feet and plastic eyes.handcrafts needlework warren-helena

This item was made by Mrs Helena warren of Newmerella. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She was a fine amateur photographer who supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert).This item reflects the needlework skills of women in the first half of the 20th century. This item also has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A handmade white fluffy squirrel holding a gum nut. It is possibly made of sheepskin. The eyes are pink plastic. The whiskers are white nylon thread (item no. 2495.4)toys needlework warren-helena handcraft