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 lady’s fine cotton night cap 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 cream voile night mop cap with 4 lacework panels and edging clothing, crochet, mop caps, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This lady’s white, cotton camisole is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th Century. The garment is hand sewn.and ribbons were inserted at yoke and waist 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 Lady's hand sewn white lacework camisole with shoulder straps and ribbon inserts at yoke and waist 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 white cotton nightdress with needlework and lacework 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 Clothing, lady's fine cotton hand sewn full length sleeveless nightdress, with needlework and pintucks and lace trim on neck and armholes and a large lace border at hemclothing, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This lady’s hand sewn white cotton 1/2 slip withe lacework flounce 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 hand sewn fine cotton 1/2 slip with drawstring waist and lacework flounce 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 sachet for keeping handkerchiefs is hand sewn,and hand painted and 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 c1900 Personal Effects, handkerchief sachet silk hand painted clothing, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

Hugo Wertheim (1854–1919) arrived in Melbourne in 1875. He became a successful agent for sewing machines manufactured by his father’s cousin Joseph Wertheim in Frankfurt, Germany. Hugo married Joseph’s daughter Sophie Emilie and they settled in Melbourne. Hugo made many trips back to the main factory in Germany and, with extensive advertising, established a thriving business for sewing machines, bicycles, pianos under various ‘brand names’ - Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin, Hapsburg. It has been said that Dame Nellie Melba preferred a Wertheim piano for her performances. In 1908 Hugo opened a large piano factory in Bendigo St Richmond, Victoria. His son Herbert maintained the business until the factory closed in 1935.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This sewing machine was one of many items they used to exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. A sewing machine was a necessary part of each home.A Wertheim hand–crank sewing machine c1880. The hand machine was operated by turning the handle. The hand machine could also be fitted to a stand with table and draws, the machine could then be used by hand or foot. This type of sewing machine was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm”, and clothes were mended, or ‘re-made’ into another garment 'WERTHEIM' across body of machinemelbourne, clothing, brighton, moorabbin, germany, piano, pioneers, richmond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, sewing machines, wertheim hugo, wertheim joseph

george ward cole, the honourable george ward cole, st ninians, brighton, politician, merchent, horticulturalist., captain, g.w. cole, portrait, st ninian's, male, john irvine, member of the victorian legislative council, royal navy officer, shipping agent

Newspaper clipping titled: “End of the line” The Sun, Saturday July 22 1972 Photos and text of “toastrack” tram # 20 Tram from St Kilda Station to Brighton Beach electric street railway, Bob Prentice, Prahran back garden, 1913 vintage, bought the tram in 1959 when the line closed. Retains original colour scheme of chocolate, cream and read. Served its last days as a breakdown tram confined to Elwood depot. Built by Pengelley & Co of Adelaide in 1913, entered service between May and July 1913. Number 20 served for 5 years until the toastrack design became obsolete and it was replaced. Conductor had to move along narrow running board and enter compartments from the outside to collect fares 5 mile journey took 29 minutes Trams had gas-light fittings made of brass and displayed notice to occupants: "Please hand as nearly as possible the exact fare to the conductor. Passengers are requested to give early notice where they desire to be set down."trams, tramways, toastrack tram, st kilda brighton, 20, pengelly, elwood depot, victorian railways, tram 20

Set of 24 The Met Public Timetables.Demonstrates tram timetables published by The Met during 1995..1 - Printed 20 page book stapled timetable for East Coburg / Moreland Sth Melbourne Arts centre tram service, Route 1 and 22, dated April 1995. The "The Met" logo, was published by the Public Transport Corporation. Provides a map, description of route, time points, timetable, ticketing information, some ticketing information, introduction by the relevant Depot, including a photo - and an image of a tram available for hire as a party tram. .2 - Route 3 - East Malvern - City - April 1995 .3 - Route 5 - Malvern (Burke Road - City - April 1995 .4 - Route 6 - Glen Iris - City - April 1995 .5 - Route 8 - City - April 1995 .6 - Route 11 - City - April 1995 .7 - Route 11 - City - Nov. 1995 .8 - Route 12 - Sth Melbourne Beach and St Kilda Beach - City - April 1995 .9 - Route 16 - St Kilda Beach - City - April 1995 .10 - Route 19 - North Coburg - City - Nov 1994, revised 8/1995 .11 - Route 48 - North Balwyn - City - 30/4/1995, revised 9/1995 .12 - Route 64 - East Brighton - City - April 1995 .13 - Route 64 - East Brighton - City - Nov. 1995 .14 - Route 67 - Carnegie - City - April 1995 .15 - Route 67 - Carnegie - City - August 1995 .16 - Route 69 - Kew Cotham Road - St Kilda Beach - April 1995 .17 - Route 70 - Wattle Park - City - April 1995 .18 - Route 72 - Camberwell - City - April 1995 .19 - Route 75 - East Burwood - City - April 1995, revised 8/1995 .20 - Route 78/79 - North Richmond - St Kilda Beach or Prahran - April 1995 .21 - Route 86 - Bundoora - City - Oct 1995. .22 - Route 109 - Port Melbourne - Mont Albert April 1995 .23 - Route 109 - Port Melbourne - Mont Albert August 1995 .24 - La Trobe St Service - City - East Melbourne April 1995trams, tramways, tickets, the met, tram services, timetables, route 69, route 1, route 22, route 3, route 5, route 6, route 8, route 11, route 12, route 16, route 19, route 48, route 64, route 72, route 75, route 78, route 79, route 86, la trobe st - east melbourne, route 67, route 70, route 109

JAMES JOSEPH HIGGINS, was born in Dublin in 1821 and, at age twenty, emigrated via Liverpool in 1841 with his wife Ellen and baby daughter Margarete, on board the 'Intrinsic'. They lived in Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, for some years, where their son James John Clarke Higgins was born in 1850. JAMES JOHN CLARKE HIGGINS moved to Brighton East when he married Ruth Simmonds in 1873. The couple lived on Jasper Rd near the corner of Centre Rd for the rest of their lives, and produced eight children HERBERT JOHN HIGGINS was the sixth child born in 1886, to James John Clarke Higgins and Ruth Simmonds, and grew up in Centre Rd, Brighton East, now Bentleigh. He was renting and working a property on Jasper Rd from the time he was married in 1913 to Victoria Matilda Long, daughter of Charles John Long and Annie Matilda Allnutt. Herbert John bought his property on Jasper Rd in 1921. [Metropolitan Board of works plan 3220, Municipality of Moorabbin, shows that in 1928, Higgins Rd was planned (and probably built soon after). Herbert was a dairyman and market gardener. He bred and milked cows and sold milk, cream, butter and eggs to the locals. He supplied hay/corn to be made into chaff to J L Smith’s produce store. He also leased land from other farmers in the area and helped work their land. c1950 he sold the property in lots, some privately, others to the Municipality. Some lots became part of Hodgson Reserve, Higgins Road, Bentleigh, and another lot, the Bentleigh Bowling Club. Herbert and Victoria, known as Queenie, had five children between 1914 and 1928. The youngest Dorothy, who remembered sitting in this pram and later using it to carry papers, wood, vegetable etc., lived on the property in Jasper Road until her passing in 2016. ( Ronald Alexander Higgins, descendant , Helen Stanley CMHS 2017) The family of Dorothy Higgins 1928-2016, were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire establishing a dairy farm c 1873 in East Brighton ( now Bentleigh)Wicker Perambulator, baby carriage, c. 1914, with a lined, painted wicker body, iron spring scrolled frame with leather straps and 4 steel wheels with rubber tyres. The push handle is broken and hood is missing. dairy farms, higgins james joseph, simmonds ruth, higgins dorothy, poultry farms, jasper road bentleigh, city of moorabbin historical society 1961, sheehy t.a., newsletters, ashley r, neville f, blackman n, moorabbin city council, moorabbin roads board toll gates, pioneers moorabin cheltenham, bentleigh, highett

Ladies' gloves for formal and semi-formal wear come in three lengths for women: wrist, elbow, and opera or full-length (over the elbow, usually reaching to the biceps but sometimes to the full length of the arm). In the late 19thC and early 20thC Gloves were expected to be worn for both daytime and evening wear with most types of outfits. The most expensive gloves are custom-made of kid leather. Mousquetaire gloves have buttons at the wrist so the wearer could open the buttons and slip her hand out without taking the whole glove off. The finger section would be folded in and kept away tidily. This is how ladies wore gloves while dining. After the meal they would put their hands back into the gloves, usually for the rest of the evening. William and Elizabeth Box were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and resided in 'Box Cottage' 1865 -1913. John Box 1841-1913 was William's brother. Carole Eldridge was a descendant of John Box who with his first wife Martha Sheldrake were the parents of Alonzo Box.A pair of lady's 3/4 length, lilac, kid leather gloves with 2 pearl buttons at wrist opening.clothing, gloves, leather work, mousquetaire gloves, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, box elizabeth, box william, box avis, eldridge carol, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, box john, sheldrake martha, box alonzo

Ladies' gloves for formal and semi-formal wear come in three lengths for women: wrist, elbow, and opera or full-length (over the elbow, usually reaching to the biceps but sometimes to the full length of the arm). In the late 19thC and early 20thC Gloves were expected to be worn for both daytime and evening wear with most types of outfits. The most expensive gloves are custom-made of kid leather. Mousquetaire gloves have buttons at the wrist so the wearer could open the buttons and slip her hand out without taking the whole glove off. The finger section would be folded in and kept away tidily. This is how ladies wore gloves while dining. After the meal they would put their hands back into the gloves, usually for the rest of the evening. The Eldridge family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and relatives of William and Elizabeth Box. A pair of lady's white, 'Opera length', kid leather gloves with 3 pearl buttons at wrist opening, or 'Mousquetaire'clothing, gloves, kid leather, leather work, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, box elizabeth, box william, box avis, eldridge carol, box john, sheldrake martha, box alonzo

Ladies' gloves for formal and semi-formal wear come in three lengths for women: wrist, elbow, and opera or full-length (over the elbow, usually reaching to the biceps but sometimes to the full length of the arm). In the late 19thC and early 20thC Gloves were expected to be worn for both daytime and evening wear with most types of outfits. The most expensive gloves are custom-made of kid leather.The Box family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and resided in 'Box Cottage' 1865 -1913 The Eldridge family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire Carol Eldridge was the Daughter in law of Alf and Avis Box, descendants of John Box 1841-1913 A pair of lady's cream, nylon, wrist length gloves with a pearl buttonALL NYLON / MADE IN ENGLAND / 7clothing, gloves, nylon, england, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, box elizabeth, box william, box avis, eldridge carol, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, box john, sheldrake martha, box alonzo

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 fine lawn sleeveless bodice 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 lawn sleeveless bodice with tiesclothing, 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 cream fine cotton combination 'teddy' is an example of the dressmaking , lacework 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 hand sewn fine cream cotton , 'teddy', a combination petticoat with a crotch that fastens with 2 mother of pearl buttons Shoulder straps and neckline are edged with crochet and the yoke has coloured needlework. Hand sewn gathering at hip line of side seams clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This lady’s fine cream cotton camisole 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 Lady's hand sewn cream silk camisole with lacework yoke, neckline and cuffs of short sleeves, and a drawstring waist clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchardscancel

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interest.Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS.1 x A4 paper printed on both sides Issue 13 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in August 2009. Notice of next meeting August 30th , and thanking Gary McInnes, CMHS , for his talk ‘The Centenary of the Bentleigh Cricket Club’ and donation of the book to our library. Gary has offered to catalogue our collection of the ‘Standard News’ 1945 – 1984. CMHS member Lesley has audited the Index of the photograph Folios. Glen Eira Council has organised maintenance on ‘Box Cottage. Item of Interest is regarding ‘New Conditions of Employment’ Sydney 1852 CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / AUGUST 2009 NEWSLETTERcity of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, box cottage museum, dendy’s special survey 1851, bentleigh cricket club, mcinnes gary, standard news

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interest. Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS. 2 x A4 paper printed on 3 sides with attached A4 page of photocopied photographs of St Peter’s Schoolchildren at Box Cottage Issue 14 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in October 2009. Notices of the meeting October 25th , the purchase of a Sign directing visitors to Grace Lewis Room, the maintenance work on Box Cottage by Glen Eira Council and the construction by Dennis Maynard CMHS of bench for the wash-trough in Barn. A report on the visit by Grade 1 pupils from St Peter’s Primary School, East Bentleigh on October 12th and a page of photographs of the event. CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / October 2009 NEWSLETTER city of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, box cottage museum, st peter’s catholic primary school east bentleigh, lewis grace, john keys, keys road

The Kennedy and Hume families were pioneer market gardeners and dairy farmers from the 1850's in the Parish of Moorabbin in the Shire of Bourke and later Shire of Moorabbin.A photocopied photograph of Mary Kennedy nee Hume in a clear plastic framekennedy mary, hume mary, market gardeners, dairy farmers, vegetables, milk products, moorabbin, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, brighton, dendy henry, pioneers, early settlers, photography

Circa late 1800s. Wooden domestic butter-churn. This is a paddle churn, a barrel that contains a paddle, which is operated by a handle. The paddle churned the butter inside the container when the handle was turned. Early settlers had to be self sufficient, growing their own vegetables, making tools and clothing and usually had a house cow to produce their milk supply. An unsigned note states it was used by a Chinese market-gardener’s family. From the mid 1800s into the1900s, there were numbers of Chinese market gardeners working in Bentleigh, Moorabbin, Mc Kinnon, and Cheltenham in the Shire of Moorabbin. After the sale of land following 'Dendy's Special Survey' 1841 many Chinese settlers rented allotments and established market gardens in the area and sold their produce to the increasing population of Melbourne at the markets in St Kilda and Melbourne.Circa late 1800s. Wooden domestic butter-churn consisting of a wooden barrel with a lid and a crank that manually turned a paddle inside to separate the butter fat from the butter milk 'BUTTER CHURN' written in chalk undated, unsignedchinese, melbourne, brighton, moorabbin, butter, cows, milk, pioneers, dairy, settlers, fruit, bentleigh, markets, mckinnon, cheltenham, vegetables, dendy henry

A hard cover book 192pp, published and printed in City of Moorabbin 1985.non-fictionmoorrabbin, brighton, cheltenham, bentleigh, ormond, market gardeners, early settlers, pioneers, mckinnon, highett, dairy, farming, moorabin shire, city of moorabbin, craftwork, blacksmiths, box cottage museum

The invention of the Coolgardie Safe is credited to Arthur Patrick McCormick, a contractor in Coolgardie, and later the Mayor of Narrogin. Coolgardie is in the Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia. Gold was first discovered there in 1892; the townsite became a municipality in 1894, and by 1898 its population of 15,000 made it the third largest town in Western Australia after Perth and Fremantle. In the last decade of the 19th century, Coolgardie was the capital of the West Australian goldfields. Being 180 kilometres from the nearest civilisation, food supplies were initially scarce and expensive. As fresh food was a valuable commodity there was incentive to preserve it, and keep it out of reach of scavengers such as birds, dingos, dogs, ants, and flies. It was in an effort to do this, in the extreme heat of the Australian Interior, that McCormick came up with his design for the Coolgardie Safe. McCormick noticed that a wet bag placed over a bottle cooled its contents. He further noted that if this bottle was placed in a breeze, the bag would dry out more quickly, but the bottle would get colder. What McCormick had discovered was the principle of evaporation: ‘to change any liquid into a gaseous state requires energy. This energy is taken in the form of heat from its surroundings.’ Employing this principle, McCormick made a box for his provisions which he covered with a wet hessian bag. He then placed a tray on top, into which he poured water twice daily. He hung strips of flannel from the tray so that water would drip down onto the hessian bag, keeping it damp. As the water evaporated, the heat dissipated, keeping the food stored inside cool and fresh. The success of McCormick’s invention would not have worked without a steady supply of water. Fresh water was scarce in the eastern goldfields at this time but the demand for water from a steadily growing population encouraged innovation. The solution was to condense salt water. Heating salt water in tanks produced steam that was condensed in tall cylinders, cooled and then collected in catchment trays. By 1898 there were six companies supplying condensed water to the goldfields, the largest company producing 100,000 gallons of water a day. In the early 20th century, Coolgardie Safes were also manufactured commercially. 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. (MAV website) The early settlers of Moorabbin Shire depended on this type of Food Safe to protect their food from flies and vermin as they established market gardens in the fertile area around the notorious Elster Creek A metal framed, 4 sided structure standing on 4 legs with 2 hinged doors on one side, a metal tray at base of food safe and a metal cover over top. Ridges on which to rest trays carrying food are inside safe. The Safe is enclosed by fly-wire mesh.'...IN.....GEELONG' A manufacturer's oval metal plate is embossed on one side of Safe but it is illegible.elster creek, moorabbin, brighton, dendy's special survey 1841, market gardens, infant mortality, disease, cemeteries, fruit, vegetables, pioneers, coolgardie safe, mccormick arthur patrick, dendy henry, vaccination, jones martha, jones ethel may