Share journal, dark blue cover, buff spine and corners. Register contains names and transactions of shareholders. No name found on register, front pages removed. Dated 1871 - 1874. Names of shareholders include: A. Sonnenschien, Eaglehawk; Henry Needs, Sandhurst; John Leadbetter Eaglehawk; H. Streckpuss Sandhurst; George Watson Sandhurst; Frederick Srager Sandhurst; A. Kleingarn Sandhurst; William Wirth Sandhurst; R.S. Campbell Melbourne; James Rowe Sandhurst; Charles McManus Melbourne; Henry Gerkin Sandhurst; Joseph Arnold Eaglehawk. See research tab for information, sourced from Government Gazettes online, on mine. ITEM SHOWN IS THE ONLY ITEM IN THIS BOX THAT HAS BEEN SCANNED.business, mining, unknown

George Tibbits, University of Melbourne. Faculty of Architecture, Building and Town & Regional PlanningIndex system that support the research for Beechworth : historical reconstruction / [by] George Tibbits ... [et al]Arranged by street names of BeechworthEach index card includes: street name and number of property, image of property, allotment and section number, property owners and dates of ownership, description of the property according to rate records, property floor plan with dimensions.beechworth, george tibbitsbeechworth, george tibbits

The name ‘Ruttledge’ may have no local significance thought the name ‘Rutledge’ is important in our history, commencing with William Rutledge who purchased the Farnham Special Survey in the 1840s( Tower Hill to Dennington). The name ‘Swinton’ is prominent in our history. Mrs John Swinton (Charlotte Scott nee Dunn, 1871-1944) was married to John Swinton, the son of William and Ann Swinton who came to Warrnambool in 1854. William established a store in Timor Street in the 1850s and opened branches of this store in several local towns. The Swinton family still has commercial interests in Timor Street. This book is of interest because it belonged to Charlotte Swinton, a member of the Swinton family important in Warrnambool’s commercial and community history. This is a black leather-covered book of 656 pages plus a Supplement of Hymns of 32 pages. The cover has gold lettering on the front and the spine. The pages have a gilt edging. The inscriptions are handwritten in pencil. The cover is somewhat scuffed and worn. ‘Mrs John Swinton’ ‘A. Ruttledge, 317 Wattletree Rd., E. Malvern’ swinton family, warrnambool, john swinton, charlotte swinton, history of warrnambool

Matthew Burnett (1839 - 1896). Wesleyan temperance evangelist. Born in Yorkshire, came to Australia in 1857 with his wife Sarah Gibson. He spent the years 1864 to 1867 on the goldfields evangelising against drink and securing temperance pledges. Sarah Burnett died in 1871 and Matthew returned to England in 1873, meeting leading temperance reformers. He returned to Australia in the mid-1870s. He went to South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand as a temperance campaigner, and claimed to have received pledges from 140,000 people. He returned to England in 1890 and died at Scarborough in 1896.Sepia toned head and shoulders studio portrait of Matthew Burnett in three quarter profile."Yours faithfully Matthew Burnett"matthew burnett, sarah gibson, temperance, evangelist, wesleyan

Charles Ernest Barrie b. Ballarat 1871 d. 1931 In May 1911 he purchased the property known as ‘Darlingsford.’ The name of the property is derived from Thomas Bell Darling the purchaser of 176 acres of Crown Grant land on the 29-3-1853 which formed part of the Barrie farm acreage. His three sons continued in the family farming tradition in Melton for the rest of their lives. By 1982 the last remaining connection with the ‘Darlingsford’ property and the Barries. Sons, Ernest (Bon) finally ceased. Edgar died in 1975, Ernest in 1985 and Tom in 1990. Bridge built in 1915. Geoff Collins, Debbie, Coralie and Kim Barrie entering Darlingsford property over bridge built in 1915local identities, landscapes of significance

The Kodak powders inside this tin were used in the production of dry plate photography. Dry plate photography was a photographic technology invented by R.L. Maddox in 1871. Images were captured on a glass plate covered in a gelatin emulsion, which acted as a photographic negative. A negative could then be stored to develop at a later time in a dark room. The introduction of this technology allowed for greater flexibility in photographic practice outside of indoor studios, as earlier wet plate photographic technology required immediate exposure and development. Dry plate photography was superseded by the invention of celluloid film in the early twentieth century.This item forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of social life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history, social history, and the history of photography.A silver toned alloy tin with hinged lid. Inside are two packets of Kodak brand dry plate developer powder. On face of tin lid "20 BELLMETAL REEDS/B.C DUNLOP SYSTEM/CRACKAJACK/HAND FITTED AND TURNED/MADE IN (SENIOR) GERMANY"photography, wet plate photography, dry plate photography, photos, haeusler collection, history of photography, historical photographs, technology, wodonga

Franz Gördes (b.1843) who immigrated to Australia from Germany in 1871. After docking in Melbourne Franz headed for the goldfields at Spring Gully near Beechworth, but didn't strike gold. He returned to his trade and opened a boot shop in Wodonga, which burnt to the ground the day before the opening. Undeterred, he rebuilt and operated the business until his death on 8 June 1928. He was survived by his widow, Margaret as well as six sons and three daughters. Franz Gordes’ Boot & Shoe Warehouse was situated in Sydney Road, now High Street, Wodonga.This item has a well documented provenance and connection to the local history of Wodonga.A black and white photo which has also been digitised. Above shop: Cheap / Boot & Shoe Warehousebusinesses wodonga, franz gördes, geman migrants

Postcard as part of a series produced by Shire of Nillumbik for a children's photo project "Nillumbik Naturally" developed by FOCUS FORCE cleebrating Children's Week 2000. Words and photo by Janelle Chambers (Age 13). The logo for the Nillumbik Tourism Assocation Inc is stamped on the front of the postcard. This seat was placed in Alistair Knox Park in commemoration of the end of the Shire of Eltham after Victorian Council amalgamations with the words "Shire of Eltham 1871-1994" included on the back wooden plate of the seat. A similiar seat was placed in the Montmorency Shopping Centre referencing the west riding of the Eltham Shire, which incuded Montmorency. Digital file only - Digitised by EDHS from a scrapbook on loan from Beryl Bradbury (nee Stokes), daughter of Frank Stokes. Also physical postcard (used) alistair knox park, beryl bradbury (nee stokes) collection, janelle chambers, nillumbik tourism association, wattle, seat, children's week, commemoration

Ballarat son Robert O’Hara Burke and his good mate William John Wills are commemorated in the Burke & Wills Fountain. This memorial to the famous explorers also features the names of those who assisted their ill-fated crossing of Australia. The fountain was once lit with gas and stocked with goldfish and tortoises.The fountain is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of BallaratBluestone and cast metal fountain Robert O'Hara Burke, Leader, Died 30th June, 1861. William John Wills, Second, Died 39th June, 1861. Ludwig Becker, Naturalist, Died 29th April, 1861. Charles Grey, Assistant, Died 17th April, 1861. John King the only survivor of the EXPEDITION Died at St Kilda January 13th 1872. In Memory of the explorers who perished while crossing the Australian Continent in the year 1861. Erected by the Inhabitants of Ballarat. burke & wills, robert o’hara burke, william john wills, ludwig becker, charles grey, john king

Coaster showing 'Pannam's Store 1900' is historically incorrect as Pannam did not come to Vermont until c1934. It appears that it was known as 'Vermont Store' in 1900.Boxed set of six square coasters with rounded edges. Gilded alloy surface etched with black line graphics featuring scenes of early of the former municipality of Nunawading. Each coaster is backed with blue foam/felt. Rectangular presentation box with maroon colour lid - label inside.On each coaster-:|Pannam's Store, Vermont 1900|First Nunawading Council Chambers 1925|Backhouse's Dairy 1920|Nunawading Coat of Arms 1872|Blackburn Railway Crossing 1882|Schwerkolt Cottage Pump 1864|On label is typed 'Collector's Item. This is one of only 100 sets of coasters showing early Nunawading, designed by Jean Abbott, for Nunawading Arts Council to celebrate Victoria's 150 anniversary'|Written in ink '75'. Signature in ink 'jean Abbott'.civic mementoes, souvenirs, domestic items, table setting

In this image Sarah appears young and has a wide wedding band on her left ring finger which dates it to after her marriage to Charles Aldous in June 1880. By the mid 1880s dresses were becoming more tailor made and form fitting. Hair in the 1880 was plainly dressed, close to the head, with a small bun in the early eighties, and a higher one from 1885 suggesting early 1880s for this image, shortly after her marriage. A duplicate image is located on page 27 of the album. Stewart & Co operated from 217 Bourke St., East from 1871 to 1876 and from 217-219 from 1877 to 1889. Other locations included 42, 284 and 286. Overall, they operated in Melbourne from 1871 through at least 1910 though Carte-de-Visite photos were superseded by 1890. CARTE-DE-VISITE (cdv) 1857-1890 Cartes-de-visite (cdv's) are the most common form of photograph from the nineteenth century, generally measuring two and a half inches by four and an eighth inches (6.3 x 10.5 cm) when mounted, sepia toned, mounted on a card which was generally printed with the photographer's name and address on the back or beneath the portrait. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 1, 1871-1890, 1882, sarah aldous (nee shillinglaw 1854-1925), stewart & co photographers melbourne

This is the second edition of a book published originally in 1851. It is an early work concerned with the recording of aboriginal languages and was published in Geelong. The author, Daniel Bunce (1813-1872) was a botanist who went on journeys with aborigines in Victoria in 1839 and later in 1846 joined Ludwig Leichhardt’s second expedition in his attempt to cross Australia from east to west. This was unsuccessful. Bunce’s experiences in 1839 and in 1846 enabled him to write his book on aboriginal languages. In 1858 Bunce became the Director of the Geelong Botanic Gardens and designed and planted out the gardens. No information has been found on Noel Hallowill. This book is of antiquarian interest as an early dictionary of aboriginal languages and as a book written by the botanist, Daniel Bunce. This is a hard cover book of 60 pages. The cover is yellow with black lettering. There is an ornamental border around the printing. There are two blue stamps of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society on the front cover and on the first page. The book is bound with brown tape. The book has a Preface, an Introduction and sections on the aboriginal languages in areas of Victoria and beyond. A copy of a letter from the explorer, Ludwig Leichhardt, is included at the end of the book. Stamp of ‘Noel Hallowill’ (name unclear) daniel bunce, aboriginal languages, ludwig leichhardt

The Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) was opened on March 28, 1987. It was officially opened by Dr D. Caughey, the governor of Victoria. The Orbost Visitor Information Centre is situated in Forest Park on Nicholson Street. The centre is housed in the historic Slab Hut. The hut was an original family dwelling built in 1872, on a site approximately three kilometres upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers. The Hut was removed from its original site around 1970, and stored until 1984 when the Shire Council approved the current site. It was restored and brought to life as a Tourist Information Centre in 1987.The Slab Hut is an icon of Orbost. These newspaper articles are contemporary records of the opening of this building.A selection of articles from The News and the Snowy River Mail. All relate to the opening of the Slab Hut, the Orbost Visitor Information Centre. They are photographs, information and the history of the Slab Hut.slab-hut-orbost newspaper-snowy-river-mail

Carl Wehl and Son Bark Mill, located in Taylor Street Stawell. The coloured photo depicts what remains of the building in Taylor St. Stawell. The mill has not been used for many years. The original factories were on Stawell Flat. Carl Wehl a native of Hanover, Germany came to Victoria in 1861. Carl Wehl was at Pleasant Creek in 1872 when he started business as a wool scourer and tanner. By 1880 his business of tanning wool scouring discontinued, and he commenced trading, (mongering) in Bark Milling. The Mill was described as being the largest of its kind outside Melbourne,Two photographs of a weather board building with corrugated iron roof. One black & white photo and an enlarged photo of the building when used as a Bark Mill. The coloured photo obviously more recent as the writing has faded and can just be made out on the front of the building. One of the original colour photos is missing (152-2). A disused railway line can be seen in the foreground. Sign on the door "Depot Wimmera." Stawell Bark Mill C. Wehl & Son. Merchants.stawell

The Club known today as the Bendigo Bowls Club originated from the Sandhurst Bowling Club in 1870/71 changing its name to Bendigo in 1872. It is located in central Bendigo just a short walk through the picturesque Rosalind Park from Bendigo’s central business district. https://bendigobowlsclub.com.au/history/ William Henry Sunderland was a Bendigo investor, member of the Bendigo Stock Exchange and director of many mining companies. His father, George, had been a mounted trooper assigned as a gold escort between Melbourne and Bendigo. William became the President of the Bendigo Bowling Club in 1916.Leather satchel with gold embossed text. Text reads B.B.C Holmes Trophy. Won by W. H. Sunderland. 1906-7. Inside the satchel are eight items pertaining to a men's toiletry set. These include; a comb, a mirror, a clothing brush, a glass cylinder with metal lid, a small metal tin, a razor strop, a shoe hook and a soap case. Four items appear to be missing from the set. The satchel has a leather carry handle.B.B.C Holmes Trophy Won by W.H.Sunderland 1906-7bendigo bowling club, men's toiletry set

Alick Gipps (1928-2014) was the son of Richard Brook Woodthorpe Gipps (1872-1946) and Mary Alys Kirkland (1889-1981), and the older brother of Christopher David Gipps (1930-52) and Rosemary Alison Gipps (1930-2013). While many scrapbooks of the period were created by, and or added to by their child owners, it is believed that "scrapbooks were considered by later Victorian parents to be an educational tool to teach children how to organise and classify information and to develop their ‘artistic’ senses" (Margaret Simpson, MAAS, 2008), and that the scrapbooks may have been compiled by the parent, rather than the child.The scrapbook is part of a large and significant collection of items donated by Rosemary Vaughan-Smith, past member and office-bearer of the Kew Historical Society. between 2005-12. The collection includes costumes, scrapbooks, autograph books, artworks and objects.Hard cover, 50-page album covered in red cloth and red leather corners and spine, the latter embossed with the words 'SCRAP BOOK' in gilt lettering. On the inside front cover, top left is an oval green label with retailer information - "WEDDING CHRISTENING / R. E. PENN. / Bible Warehouse / 213 REGENT St / BIRTHDAY PRESENTS". The paper used for the pages are in alternating blue, cream and green-coloured sections. The front pages of the scrapbook include the signature of the owner as Alick Kirkland [Goulburn] Gipps (1928-2014). Items pasted into the scrapbook include black and white and coloured illustrations, photographs, and extracts from books. Items selected for the scrapbook fill a single page or are arranged in groups. The oldest items in the scrapbook appear to date from 1859 and include a colour cover of the Illustrated London Almanack and pictorial handbills of electoral results for the seat of Holmesdale and Filmer in Kent, England. While other items in the book are of later periods, most can be classified as sentimental Victorian-era illustrations. The biblical scenes in the scrapbook reflect one aspect of the values of the Gipps family. The focus in the album on material about or published in Great Britain also suggests a preoccupation with, and a valuing of, traditional British culture. This is confirmed by the memberships of Alick and his sister Rosemary (Gipps) Vaughan-Smith in the English-Speaking Union Club, for which they welcomed guests at an 'Elizabethan party and barbecue' during the Coronation festivities of June 1953. (The Age, 3 June 1953, page 5). The album entered the collection of the Kew Historical Society as part of the Raymond and Rosemary (Gipps) Vaughan-Smith donation.manuscripts - kew historical society, rosemary vaughan-smith, vaughan-smith collection, alick kirkland goulburn gipps, scrapbooks - 20th century

Coimadai is a rural community located 10km north of Bacchus Marsh. The Coimadai School was opened in 1862. It was at first entirely funded by the local residents in the area. In these early years it was known as the Pyrete School after the nearby creek of that name. The building shown in this 1883 image was constructed in 1872 and replaced an earlier wooden structure. Over time the Coimadai School became a government funded and administered school. A famous pupil to attend the school was John Cain Senior, Premier of Victoria in the 1940s and 1950s, who attended the school for one year in 1893. This school still operates as a state primary school.Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the album, 'Photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll'. The image is a large group portrait of the pupils of the Coimadai State School and their two male teachers. There are about 60 pupils. The older children are standing in rows and a younger group of pupils is seated on forms or benches in front of them. One teacher stands on the right of the group of pupils and the other is on the left. The School building can be seen in the background.On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE schools, schools coimadai vic., stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district

This Almanac records the many various organisations, such as churches schools councils and law related information.It lists public holidays, members of Parliament as well as births and deaths natural events such as rainfall, sunrise/sunsets and moon charts. it records mail charges and coach timetables.A middle section presents a calendar for 1870 with a record of events which were deemed important since the time of settlement It lists such things as the first telegram from Melbourne to Sydney1858, Governor Bligh deposed 1808, Burke and Wills funeral 1863. At the bottom of the page is a Warrnambool Business Directory which includes J S Rowley Corio brewery, Royal Hotel , J H Rule Painter, plumber and glazier, J Brady , tinsmith and A Lanagan , Golden Boot The Warrnambool Examiner was founded by John Wilkinson and Richard Osburne in 1851. After a gap of a couple of years Richard Osburne resumed publication in October 1853 and continued until 1867. William Fairfax and Henry Laurie then leased the paper (1867 to 1872) before Richard Osburne again became the proprietor from October 1872 to April 1878 and from December 1879 to December 1880 when publication ceased. Fairfax and Laurie were the proprietors of the paper when this Almanac was published. William Fairfax was a member of the Fairfax family which was, and still is, associated with the publication of many Australian newspapers. Henry Laurie later became well-known as a Melbourne University Philosophy Professor.This single sheet of newspaper is an interesting and valuable record of Warrnambool and its people in 1870. There are names of many local people recorded and it also gives an insight into the variety of businesses and orhganisations which were established by 1870. It is also interesting to note that there are at least ten different styles of print on the page.Large single broadsheet of newspaper with large black heading and eight columns of print. The back of the page is blank.Fairfax and Laurie's Almanac for 1870 presented with the Warrnambool Examiner. Published as a supplement to the Warrnambool Examiner of 7th January 1870 Vol.XX No 1597.warrnambool, warrnambool almanac 1870,, examiner almanac warrnambool, fairfax and laurie, examiner warrnambool

J.T Minns was president of the Shire Council from 1923-24 Isaac Robinson was president of the Shire Council from 1924-25. The Robinson family lived in the area. The following is from 100 Years at Melton: Isaac and Henrietta Robinson. Jeanette nee Rohner Robinson 1985. Creighton Melton. The Robinsons of Wyndham William Robinson married Ann Bee in 1952, Weardale, Durham England. They arrived in Australia on the ship “Ben Nevis” in 1852. They settled in Wyndham in 1855 and began dairying and haygrowing. They bought 50 acres and rented 300 acres until buying 300 acres in 1872 – Mt Pleasant Farm. Their children were sent to school even though Ann had been a school teacher in England. The older boys had to travel 5 ½ miles to Mt Cotterell school before one was built at Tarneit, a mile from their home. The children of William and Ann: George, Thomas, William, Isaac, Mary Ann, Mary Ann , John and Thomas. Thomas moved to Melton aged 19. When Ann died in 1898 Mt Pleasant farm was let then sold about 1920. In 1872 William Snr bought more land in Melton. William, Isaac and George worked on the land until 1887 when George and Isaac bought more land in Melton Creighton. Thomas and John also bought adjoining land. Outside Shire Offices, High Streetcouncil, local identities

This is the program of a concert held at Price’s Exchange Hall in Warrnambool in December, 1867. The concert was under the management of the Warrnambool Anglican Minister, Archdeacon T. P. Beamish and the proceeds were in aid of the Warrnambool Church of England Common School. The programme was printed on silk at the office of the Warrnambool Examiner newspaper. This paper was founded in 1851 by a pioneer settler in Warrnambool, Richard Osburne and it was leased by Henry Laurie and William Fairfax from 1867 to 1872; these latter two became the founders of the Warrnambool Standard (1872 to the present day) and were the printers of this program. There were 26 musical items, a recitation by John Flaxman and a ten minute interval. Three of the performers at this concert were well-known in Warrnambool for their musical talents – singer, William Fairfax, noted above, singer Sarah Welchman (also the proprietor of a private school for girls) and singer Mrs Steedman (also the proprietor of a girls’ private school in Warrnambool). The Warrnambool Church of England Common School (number 661) was established in Warrnambool as a Government-subsidized denominational school in 1860 and closed in 1876 when the Jamieson Street Warrnambool State School (SS1743) opened. Archdeacon Peter Beamish, the sponsor of the concert, was the Anglican Minister in Warrnambool from 1850 to 1895. Price’s Exchange Hall was part of a Temperance Hotel opened in Liebig Street in 1861 by Richard Wrench. In the 1860s Thomas Price opened the Royal Exchange Hotel on these premises and his Exchange Hall was the largest hall in Warrnambool at that time. This is a most significant item because:- 1. It is a rare example of a 19th century programme printed on silk 2. The listed concert programme is a good example of the type of entertainment held in Warrnambool in the 1860s 3. Some of the participants in the concert were well-known entertainers in Warrnambool in the 1860s – Fairfax, Steedman, Welchman 4. The programme is one of the few mementoes we hold of the Church of England Common School 5. Other people important in Warrnambool’s history are connected to this item – Archdeacon Beamish, Fairfax and Laurie of the Warrnambool Standard and Thomas Price and his Royal Exchange Hotel Hall. This is a programme printed on silk. The sheet has a decorative border, black printing and an image of musical instruments and music scores. The programme has frayed edges.Church of England Common School Grand Amateur Concert Wednesday 4th December 1867 Price’s Exchange Hall, Warrnambool royal exchange hotel, liebig street, warrnambool, archdeacon beamish, warrnambool, fairfax and laurie, warrnambool examiner, church of england common school 661, warrnambool, william fairfax, sarah welchman, mrs steedman, dr mckenzie, william chambers, henry chambers, john fairfax

Jan 3rd, "This history of Rose's Gap police station is sketchy and rather short despite the fact that the lock up was built in 1860. The police station was closed in 1863. During its six years of operation, eleven mounted police were reported to have been stationed there" extract from Victoria's Wonderland: a Grampians history - Ch Roes Gap and Troopers Ck. Photo shows road past remains of police station Man sitting on fence rail at left of picture. Rocks on right side of photo. Opposite present Troopers Creek camping areaaccess routes, roads, buildings, police station

This is size one of three sizes (Mrs Potts) irons available in the late 1800s and early 1900s which were used for (press) ironing clothes etc. using wood or coal based heaters. The majority of these irons would have been placed on top of wood or coal fuelled stoves. They survived longer in isolated outback regions where electricity had not been connected. The weight of these irons was intentionally heavy so as to press the clothes etc. neatly. These irons were used in an era where stiff collars and creases in particular types of clothing was essentially a social requirementHistorically these irons fulfilled a particular function that was the norm in isolated or semi isolated country locations. Cities and larger towns had professional laundry and pressing shops. In smaller towns and homesteads, wives and relatives would use these heavy irons and required strong arms. In middle and higher levels of society these irons would be used by maids or nannies. Their use was a necessity to conform to the social requirements of acceptable appearances that all clothing worn had been "pressed" clean. In the Kiewa Valley the majority of these irons would have been used by mothers or relatives. Men would hardly have used these irons as society labelled this type of activity as "women's work"This double pointed, heavy and solid cast iron, is a Mrs Potts No. 1 type. It does not have a handle. It was used to iron clothes. Open cavity on top for handle (not included) see KVHS 0369 for No. 3 ironMrs Potts No. 1house hold, ironing, domestic, pressing, clothes appliance

This is size one of three sizes (Mrs Potts) irons available in the late 1800s and early 1900s which were used for (press) ironing clothes etc. using wood or coal based heaters. The majority of these irons would have been placed on top of wood or coal fuelled stoves. They survived longer in isolated outback regions where electricity had not been connected. The weight of these irons was intentionally heavy so as to press the clothes etc. neatly. These irons were used in an era where stiff collars and creases in particular types of clothing was essentially a social requirementHistorically these irons fulfilled a particular function that was the norm in isolated or semi isolated country locations i.e., ironed clothes and linen.The iron was heated by using locally acquired wood in a cast iron stove or "pot Belly". It would be placed on top of the stove but not directly in the flames. Cities and larger towns had professional laundry and pressing shops. In smaller towns and homesteads, wives and relatives would use these heavy irons which required strong arms. In middle and higher levels of society these irons would be used by maids or nannies. Their use was a necessity, to conform to the social requirements of acceptable appearances in that all clothing worn had been "pressed" clean. In the Kiewa Valley the majority of these irons would have been used by mothers or relatives. Men would hardly have used these irons as society labelled this type of activity as "women's work"This double pointed, heavy and solid cast iron, is a Mrs Potts No.3 type. It does not have a handle. It was used to iron clothes. Open cavity on top for handle (not included) Note: one end is pointed up to allow the natural weight of the iron to increase the pressure at any of the "hard to press" spots or emphasizing required creases. see KVHS 0368 for No. 1 ironMrs Potts No. 3house hold, ironing, domestic, pressing, clothes appliance