The original small, pioneer cottage was built in the late 1840s to early1850s, by an unknown pioneer. It was located on part of a 30 Acre allotment that was originally part of Dendy’s Special Survey granted in 1841. The doors and window sashes, (made of red deal joinery timber), as well as the brass locks and fittings, are from the original cottage, and were imported from England. The fire-place bricks are from the original cottage, and are sun-dried, (not kiln fired), and are hand-made. Convict marks can be seen on two bricks. There is a small display of external cladding shingles from the original pioneer cottage. These shingles were hand-split, and most likely made from locally collected timber The nails included in this display were used to fasten the shingles on the original cottage, and are also hand-made. The cottage was occupied by William Box and family from 1865 until 1914 when it was sold to William Reitman who resided there until 1950. The enamel nameplate, “Colonial”, on the wall of the cottage, was the name chosen for the original pioneer cottage by Mr William Reitman, when he purchased the property in around 1915, for 1200 Pounds approximately. In 1974 Mr Lewis, a timber specialist, found the dilapidated building on property he had recently purchased in Jasper Rd and suggested it be reconstructed and relocated. Moorabbin Council agreed and the cottage was rebuilt just about 250 metres from its original site. The cost of the rebuild was met by 'Victoria's 150th Committee, plus a small grant from the City of Moorabbin, and Mr Laurie Lewis donated much of the timber for the reconstruction. The re-constructed cottage plan has followed faithfully the original dimensions, and plan of the original pioneer cottage, and as many original items from that cottage’s long occupation have been incorporated. The photographs in Album 1 record the progress of the reconstruction from February 1984 to the First Public Open Day November 18th 1984Mrs H Deam and Mr A. Smith, CMHS members, photographed the progress of the 'Reconstruction' from February 1984 to November 1984. Although 'Box Cottage' is a re-construction, it is an unique museum that, being located in the midst of a modern community in Ormond Victoria, can educate and demonstrate many aspects of the early settler’s way of life in Victoria. As such, it is an invaluable resource for students and all kinds of visitors. A laminated , photocopy of the ‘Plan of Box Cottage c 1865 ‘ Hand drawn layout of 2 houses with shrubs, trees, plants, wells, gardens on the Box Cottage site c1930 as recalled by Stefanie Rietman Rennick. brighton, moorabbin, cottages, pioneers, ormond, colonial, mckinnon, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, reitman william, convicts lewis timber co. ltd., deam h, museums, box alonzo, smith a,

August Rietmann 1877-1951 and his wife Frieda 1878-1942 leased the Box Cottage in 1917 and raised 2 children Stefanie 1918-2006, and William 1920– 1997. August was a Monumental Mason / Potter / Sculptor and he was employed at Corbens Ltd Clifton Hill, to make the War Memorials for many towns post WW1. August purchased the property 1935,and established a pressed concrete business using the cottage as a workshop and storeroom After August died in 1951, William, his son, continued to work in the business from the site until the land was sold to Lewis Co. Ltd Timber Merchants in 1970. Rietman's Landscaping Ltd , managed by William's family, moved to Bay Road Highett 1953 and later to Carrum. The original small, pioneer cottage was built in the late 1840s to early1850s, by an unknown pioneer. It was located on part of a 30 Acre allotment that was originally part of Dendy’s Special Survey granted in 1841. The doors and window sashes, (made of red deal joinery timber), as well as the brass locks and fittings, are from the original cottage, and were imported from England. The fire-place bricks are from the original cottage, and are sun-dried, (not kiln fired), and are hand-made. Convict marks can be seen on two bricks. There is a small display of external cladding shingles from the original pioneer cottage. These shingles were hand-split, and most likely made from locally collected timber The nails included in this display were used to fasten the shingles on the original cottage, and are also hand-made. The cottage was occupied by William Box and family from 1865 until 1914 when it was sold to August Rietman . The enamel nameplate, “Colonial”, on the wall of the cottage, was the name chosen for the original pioneer cottage by Mr August Rietman, when he purchased the property in around 1915, for 1200 Pounds approximately. In 1974 Mr Lewis, a timber specialist, found the dilapidated building on property he had recently purchased in Jasper Rd and suggested it be reconstructed and relocated. Moorabbin Council agreed and the cottage was rebuilt just about 250 metres from its original site. The cost of the rebuild was met by 'Victoria's 150th Committee, plus a small grant from the City of Moorabbin, and Mr Laurie Lewis donated much of the timber for the reconstruction. The re-constructed cottage plan has followed faithfully the original dimensions, and plan of the original pioneer cottage, and as many original items from that cottage’s long occupation have been incorporated. The photographs in Album 1 record the progress of the reconstruction from February 1984 to the First Public Open Day November 18th 1984After the death of Elisa Box in 1914 the house was leased to August Rietmann, a potter / sculptor who with his wife Fieda raised their family there 1917 - 1951. Stefanie Rennick nee Rietman lived at the house until she left to study teaching 1937. August's son, William Rietman and family managed Rietman's Landscaping Ltd after moving to Bay Road Highett 1953 and later to Carrum. The Lewis Timber Company Ltd purchased the land with The Cottage c1970. i) A laminated, black and white, photograph of August Rietmann and Family c1918 at Box Cottage, Ormond, Molly the house cow is in foreground ii) Colour photograph of Rietman's Landscaping Ltd. Bay Road Highett c 1990brighton, moorabbin, cottages, pioneers, ormond, colonial, mckinnon, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, reitman august, convicts lewis timber co. ltd., deam h, museums, box alonzo, smith a, rietmann august, rietman august, rietmann frieda, rietman frieda, stonnington city town hall, war memorials, world war 1 1914-1918, rietman stefanie, rennick stefanie, francis stefanie, rietman william, rietman ray, mountford paul, malvern city town hall, box cottage museum ormond, joyce park ormond, rietman's landscaping pty ltd, bay road highett, macrobertson pty ltd, coleraine soldier memorial 1921, dendy, rietman agust, convicts, macrobertson, war memorial

This white enamel jug was used to store milk, by early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire A typical enamel milk jug used by early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900A white enamel jug with a lid and wire loop carrying handledairy, dairy farmers, milk, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, cheltenham, containers milk

Early settler women in Moorabbin Shire c1900, were skilled in crochet and made these doilies to cover milk jugs, and other food containers, to protect the contents from flies and other insects while on the kitchen table.The women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900, were very skilled with craftwork, crochet, knitting, sewing, needlework.A crocheted cotton doily with raised decoration of a cup and saucer. Coloured beads anchor the points to add weight to keep the doily in place when protecting contents of a cup or jugpioneers, earley settlers, haberdashery, craftwork, crochet, doileys, kitchen equipment, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, moorabbin, ormond, cheltenham,

In the 19thC and early 20thC men often wore their shirts for a week or more. However the collars were detachable so that they could be changed when they became dirty or for special occasions eg Church on Sundays Collar studs were used to attach the collar to the shirt. The cardboard box was used for storage and when travelling. The collars were very stiffly starched so as to maintain their shape. Some have Laundry instructions printed on the inside of the collar.The Maggs family were pioneer settlers in Moorabbin Shire.12 detachable, stiffly starched, white collars, from various manufacturers, for a man's shirt. Each Collar has 3 buttonholes for attaching to the shirt - 2 at the neck and 1 centre back. They have been stored in a cardboard box marked 'Boheco regd. ' The box has no lid.Base of Box : Boheco REG. SNOW-WHITE COLLARS / 1 3/4 / Strand / 16 1/2 / MADE IN / AUSTRALIA ( there is no lid ) under box in pencil ; 16 1/2 x 1 3/4 / 1/- each / c/o = Doz. 1 / 3 eachmenswear, clothing, shirts, collars, early settlers, fashion, cheltenham, moorabbin, dairy farmers, market gardeners, maggs family, pioneers

This lady’s cotton nightdress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's white fine cotton long nightdress with fine lace around neckline and short sleeve cuffs. There are pin-tuck gathers on each side at waistline.cotton, lawn, lace, dressmaking, craftwork, earlysettlers, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, clothing

This lady’s cotton nightdress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's long white cotton nightdress with lace yoke back and front and lace cuffs on the short sleeves. Possibly maternity wear.dressmaking, craftwork, clothing, cotton, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners

This lady’s crepe negligee is an example of the dressmaking and lacework skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's cream crepe full length short sleeved negligee is hand sewn with handmade lacework on bodice, neckline and sleeve cuffs. dressmaking, craftwork, lacework, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham

This pair of lady’s cotton underwear drawers is an example of the dressmaking and lacework skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's hand sewn lawn long cotton drawers with button waist and long ties. Hand made lacework with ribbon around hem of legs.Waist : D BAYLEYdressmaking, craftwork, lacework, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, ormond

This lady’s underwear set of chemise and drawers is an example of the dressmaking and lacework skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families This silk lawn hand sewn 2 piece underwear set of a chemise and drawers may have been maternity wear. The Chemise has a gathered waist and a front opening with enclosed buttons, hand made lacework on front and back and the cuffs of the short sleeves. The short Drawers with a large dropped waistline have hand made lacework around the hemdressmaking, craftwork, lacework, pioneers, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh ormond

This half petticoat was made by Jean Green's mother and worn under her Wedding Dress in 1922. Jean Green also wore it under her Wedding Dress in 1950. This item of lady’s underwear is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families.A lady's ankle length white cotton half petticoat with a gathered elasticised waist. The lower half of the petticoat has an overlay of Cut-work cotton.dressmaking, craftwork, lacework, pioneers, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh ormond

This lady’s fine lawn cotton half petticoat is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's hand sewn fine lawn full length half petticoat with elasticised waist and a large band of hand made lace around hem. Ribbon is inserted through the lace.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework, underwear

This lady’s hand sewn fine cotton nightdress is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's hand sewn fine cotton long sleeved nightdress with the bodice and cuffs decorated with handmade lace. clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh,, lacework

This lady’s fine cotton hand sewn chemise is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families .The Marriott family were pioneer market gardeners from 1850 to 1960's in the Moorabbin Brighton areaA lady's hand sewn fine cotton chemise with set in sleeves and concealed buttons along front bodice opening.The waist is elasticised and hand made lacework decorates the front and back with panels of pintucksclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework

This lady’s cotton 1/2 apron completely handsewn is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C A lady's cotton hand sewn half apron with 1 pocket and long ties. The cotton material has an alternating pattern of crosses and spotsunsigned Note attached " Every stitch by hand"clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh

This lady’s cotton bib apron, completely handsewn with lacework and embroidery is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C. A lady's fine white cotton, full length hostess Apron with a bib and long ties. The hem border is cut-work 10cm and the whole apron is decorated by hand embroidered floral designs. unsigned Note attached " Every stitch by handclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework

This lady’s cotton apron, is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C. A lady's white cotton half apron with long ties and 2 diagonal pockets The apron is machine sewn but the lace on the hem and pockets is hand sewnclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This baby's white cotton long nightgown, is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C.A baby's white cotton long nightgown with a band of smocking on yoke and lace around neck and cuffs clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh

Early settlers were self reliant and made their own clothes. This nightgown is a good example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women A lady's white cotton full length nightgown with handmade lacework on yoke and sleeve cuffsclothing, dressmaking, craftwork, lacework, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, cotton, lace

This offcut of hand made lace from a cotton nightdress is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C An offcut from a lady's cotton nightdress or petticoat. This piece of material has two bands of lace 10cm separated by 2 bands of 7 rows of fine pintucks .clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework

This lady’s white cotton combination petticoat , commonly called a 'teddy', is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C . Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's white cotton combination underwear with a buttoned crotch and hand worked decoration on bodice clothing, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This lady’s cotton 1/2 slip with a large lacework flounce and elastic insert at waist is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families Lady's white cotton 1/2 slip hand sewn with lacework flounce, and elastic insert at waist clothing, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This chemise is an example of the dressmaking and needlework skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families This lady’s white cotton chemise has short sleeves, and drawstring waist . The neckline has cut work and needlework flowers and the cuffs have lace edging. is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C clothing, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This lady’s cotton nightgown is an example of the dressmaking and lacework skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's long white cotton nightdress with long sleeves , heart shaped neckline,and lace bodice.fastened with mother of pearl button. The cuffs have wide lace edging and ribbon insert lace midriff.clothing, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This is a hand worked lace panel for laying over a baby's dress for a Christening ceremony. It is an example of the dressmaking and lacework skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shirec1900 and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A hand-worked lace panel with collar and armholes that would be placed over another white baby's gown for a christening or special eventclothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, risstrom l, dairy farms, fruit orchard

This lady’s cotton combination drawers is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families Lady's white cotton combination drawers with buttoned crotchclothing, underwear combination, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This lady’s cotton full length petticoat is an example of the dressmaking and needlework skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families Lady's fine lawn Full Length slip with hand embroidered floral design at centre front bodice and hem and on shoulder straps. The hem has a hand sewn scalloped edge .clothing, underwear combination, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This lady’s hand sewn cotton 1/2 petticoat with cut work is an example of the dressmaking and needlework skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families Lady's white cotton 1/2 slip with cutwork front, hand sewn scalloped hem.clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, marshall d, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This lady’s cotton full length nightdress is an example of the dressmaking and lacework skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and this item shows the dressmaking and lacework skill of the women of these families Lady's white cotton, Full Length , V neck, sleeveless nightdress with lace shoulder straps and bodice. The bodice has pintucks and front bone buttons at opening.clothing, needlework, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, milne meryl, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This baby's white cotton Christening gown is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families Baby's long sleeved white cotton christening gown with 2cm bands of pintucks on yoke and long ties. Bone button fastens at napeclothing, needlework, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, milne meryl, dairy farms, fruit orchards