A dickey is a type of false shirt-front that was originally intended to be worn with a tuxedo. Women made their own lace dickeys as a way to spice up their wardrobe. It was designed to be worn at the front, so that the lace decoration showed underneath another garment. This dickey is small and was worn by Marjorie Burton as a child. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. She came from a middle-class working church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who made most of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the handcraft skills of women in the early twentieth century.A small lace cream / white dickie. It is hand-made and double layered. There are two tapes sewn at both side at the bottom and there are 3 press studs for closing at the back. dickey women's-clothing accessory burton-marjorie

This was probably used by the Powell family. Selena Powell came from Eden to Orbost at the age of 18. She met and married Henry James Powell in Orbost.This item is an excellent local example of the type of hand made tea cosies which were used in an Australian domestic setting during the 1920's through to the 1960's. Fawn coloured hand-knitted tea cosy. The wool has been brushed to resemble the fur. It has brown button eyes and the nose and mouth are sewn in black yarn. The feet are embroidered in black and it has a narrow green velvet ribbon around the neck.tea-cosy domestic-item tableware handcraft knitting powell-selena

This Wertheim Sewing Machine accessory box was donated with twelve accessories, the instruction book and the receipt for the purchase of a Wertheim sewing machine. the box's construction includes a coloured printed label and strong stitching on the joins of the edges. The receipt was written on July 23rd 1891 by the Wertheim distributor in Melbourne, Hugo Wertheim. His business was the Wertheim Sewing Machine and Hapsburg Piano Depot, trading at 173 Williams Street, Melbourne. The purchaser was Mrs Burrowes from Burrumbeet, Victoria, a district northwest of Ballarat. She paid £6-6 (six pounds and six shillings) in cash. The receipt was signed by H. Wertheim and the other signatory looks like John A. Cherry. Hugo Wertheim (1854-1919) was an agent for his father’s cousin Joseph Wertheim, a well-established sewing machine manufacturer in Germany. He was born in Lispenhausen, Germany, and migrated to Melbourne in October 1875, where he opened a merchandising business at 39 Flinders Lane East. He returned to Germany in 1885 to marry Joseph Wertheim's daughter Sophie Emilie. The couple came back to Melbourne, and Hugo quickly established a substantial business selling sewing machines, bicycles, pianos and other mechanical devices, under brands such as Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin and Hapsburg. He exhibited at agricultural shows and in 1901 at the Pan American Exposition, Buffalo, United States of America. One of his staff was O. C. Beale, who later set up his own piano business in New South Wales. Hugo continued to own 25 per cent of one of Beale's companies, which became Wertheim's Queensland business. In 1908 Hugo Wertheim opened a piano factory in Richmond, Melbourne, aiming to produce 2000 pianos and player pianos a year, predominantly using Australian materials. In laying the foundation stone, Prime Minister Alfred Deakin observed that “few men with such opportunities for a life of ease would have embarked on such an enterprise” Hugo died of chronic hepatitis in 1919 at his home in South Yarra. His eldest son, Herbert Joseph (1886-1972), continued the business. The piano factory closed in 1935, becoming a Heinz food processing plant and in 1955, GTV Channel 9 studios and offices. The Wertheim Sewing Machine Company – Joseph Wertheim (1804–1899) founded the company in 1868 in Frankfurt, Germany. At this time Joseph was the Frankfurt city delegate for the Democratic Party. At its height, the Wertheim factory employed approximately 650 workers. The company used a trademark of a dwarf holding a hammer which is known to have been used until at least 1925, however in 1909 a Star of David was also registered. In 1870 a Wertheim subsidiary was formed in Barcelona, Spain. The business imported and sold complete machines, including the English Jones machine. Locals began calling the sewing machines “las rapidas”, and the business became known as “las casa de las rapidas”. In 1915 production began of a totally manufactured Spanish Wertheim machine. Wertheim in Germany continued manufacturing machines until 1932 when the Wertheim family fled to Spain. Despite converting to Christianity from Judaism, they feared the political unrest in Germany during that time. Wertheim Spain became Rapida SA and was then the sole manufacturer of the Wertheim machines. The factory was managed by Karl Wertheim under the alias Carlos Vallin. The box is part of a donation that connected to domestic life in 1891 during the Victorian era. It is significant for connecting the Melbourne distributor of Wertheim sewing machines, Hugo Wertheim, to Victoria’s northwest district where the purchaser lived. It is also significant for connecting the Melbourne distributor to the importing of goods from the well-known German manufacturer of early domestic sewing machines, Joseph Wertheim.Cardboard box, rectangular, with coloured printed labels. The top of the box has a city scene on it, depicting buildings, factories and figures. Made by Wertheim Sewing Machine Co. of Germany. The Box has been sewn around the edges. There is a handwritten pencil inscription on one of the sides (difficult to decipher)."Manufactured in Germany" "WERTHEIM" "The Wonderful Sewing Machines" Handwritten "Ste - - - B - - - - Wbool"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, wertheim, sewing machine, victorian era, sewing machine accessories, sewing machine instructions, wertheim instruction book, wertheim sewing machine and hapsburg piano depot, 23-7-1891, £6 6/-, mrs burrowes, burrumbeet, h. wertheim, wertheim sewing machines, hand-stitched box, accessory box, domestic machines, dressmaking, home industry, fashion

RAAF uniform worn by Squadron Leader Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons, Operations Officer for No. 77 Squadron. Part of the Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons MBE Collection. See Catalogue No. 5374P for details of his service record..1) RAAF uniform jacket, dark blue in colour. Black fabric inner lining. Gold coloured buttons. Coat has two button down breast pockets and two button-down side pockets. Dark blue fabric belt with metal buckle is threaded through two belt loops. Three rows of service ribbons including an MBE ribbon and pilot officer's wings on left hand breast. Rank insignia on the bottom of each sleeve. .2) Dark blue fabric trousers with two side pockets, belt loops and button fly. Buttons for braces on the inner waist band. .3) Dark blue fabric tie. Manufacturer's label on keeper loop..1) On label sewn into neck: 'M TX'. .2) On label sewn onto inside waist band: ' M TX'. .3) On keeper: Trent Nathan'.uniform, raaf, ian a. 'joe' lyons

Item issued to Margaret LAMBIE F3492 W.R.A.A.C. refer Cat No 5019.3. Margaret Married Peter Dodd, refer Cat No 2436.2P for his service details.Beret green outer colour oval shape with stiff cardboard head band, inside is grey lined with sewn in label, badge on front is secured by two safety pins, badge consists of central diamond shape silver colour with stars of Aust Flag, outer gold wreath and plaque under.On the badge, “WRAAC”. On sewn in label, “Commonwealth Government Clothing Factory Melbourne”. Hand written, M LAMBIE”headwear, beret, wraac

Part of the Reverend Chaplain Major Thomas Bruce Williams, No 556101, Collection.Australian Army khaki wool jacket with green polyester lining. Gold coloured plastic buttons with Army Christian Chaplain's insignia. Each lapel has a plain gold coloured metal crucifix attached. Captain's pips on each epaulette. There are two button down breast pockets and two button down side pockets on the jacket. Inside pocket on the left hand side. A white calico manufacturer's label is sewn onto this pocket.Printed on the manufacturer's label: 'A.G.C.F., VICTORIA, 1987 (upwards arrow) ARMY NO, NAME'. Handwritten in black ink on manufacturer's label: '556101, CHAPLAIN, T.B. WILLIAMS'.uniform, service dress, army chaplain, major thomas bruce williams

H.V.Rooke. Refer Cat No 4906.2 for service details..1) Cloth folding wallet light brown colours, inside has small crucifix, badge and oval created edge piece sewn in, has central flower with black writing, other half has open piece with clear plastic sleeve for ID card. .2)Catholic Identification card black print 4 pages, front has space for owners details, written in blue ink..1) “Thy Kingdom Come”. .2) hand written, “VX47141 Pte H.V. Rooke 2/29th Battalion 31 creek St Bendigo, wife 31 Creek St Bendigo”accessory, id, identification, catholic

In 2015 due to All Saints Cathedral being sold, the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum expressed interest in having the 38th Battalion Colours relocated to the museum. Under the direction of RSM Ceremonial, the colours were ceremonially placed by 8/7 RVR members and dedicated by Bishop Peter Curnow on 31st July 2015. Custodians of the colours were representatives of the Bendigo and District RSL, the 38th Battalion Association and the Passchendaele Barracks Military Historical Society. Refer Cat No 7512 for the plaque that was with the Colours in the Church..1) Rectangular banner representing the battalion colours with battle honours of the 38th Battalion on a green background. The battalion's battle honours are featured on eleven yellow ribbons with green embroidered lettering. Each ribbon is individually sewn onto the banner. In the centre are two concentric embroidered yellow circles. Inside the inner circle is the colour patch of the 38th Battalion. Between the inner and outer circles “THIRTY EIGHTH INFANTRY” has been embroidered. The centre piece is surrounded by a wreath featuring the flowers and leaves of the Golden Wattle. An embroidered King's crown is above the wreath. Red and Gold fringes feature on three edges of the banner. A sewn sleeve for a pike is on the right hand side. .2) Union flag in King's colours configuration. Red and gold fringes feature on three sides. A sewn sleeve for a pike is on the left hand side. In the centre are two embroidered circles. The inner circle contains an embroidered '38'. Between the inner and outer circles the words 'THIRTY EIGHTH INFANTRY' are embroidered. An embroidered King's crown appears above the circles.battalion colours, 38th battalion, colour patches

Item re Frederick Gardner DAVEY DFC No 410533 RAAF. Refer Reg No 3536P for his service details.Hand knitted cream woolen polo neck jumper. Cloth label sewn onto the inside of the neck.Cloth neck label reads: Returned Soldiers League War Service Funduniforms, raaf

Item issued to Geoffrey Wilkin NEVILLE No 438263 RAAF. Rank, Flying Officer. Enlisted 10.9.1943 aged 18 years. Discharged 6.3.1946, posting at discharge, 460 SQD RAAF. Neville was posted to 460 Sqd 22.7.1945 to 6.10.1945, his Sqd during operations over Europe is unknown at this time.RAAF uniform tunic. Dark blue with waist belt. Over left hand breast pocket a woven patch with the letter N (Navigator) & one wing to the side. Under are x 3 service stripes sewn on - 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, on sleeves are metal crown and wings.uniforms airforce, raaf

The helmet belonged to Henry Victor Evans No 418655 RAAF. Refer 1760.4. Type B flying helmet made of dark brown leather and lined with chamois. There is a leather chin strap fastened on the left with a white metal buckle. On the inside of the helmet on either side of the face are two snap fasteners with a strip of chamois backed webbing fastened between them for securing an oxygen mask or face protector. There is a buckled strap across the back of the neck with two thinner buckled straps running vertically above it. Another thin buckled strap is secured across the front of the helmet. A circular ear piece is sewn on either side of the helmet with a zippered opening. Inside each piece is a brass fitting for attaching gosport tubes. Brown leather Flying Helmet, yellow suede lined inside."N361". Hand written "V.H.Evans".flying helmet, raaf, headwear, leather

THE JACKET This jacket has been tailored to flatter the wearer’s figure. It also has elements that keep it in good shape and condition, preserve it from soiling and give it a longer life: - the hooks and eyes that join the jacket to the skirt allow the outfit to be made in two pieces but fit close to the body without exposing undergarments - the seams for the metal stays have been cut and stitched to allow maximum movement of the wearer and still keep a trim figure - the discreet breast pocket allows the wearer to keep a handkerchief, coins or other small items close at hand - the lining includes removable padded shields to absorb underarm perspiration - the lining has two cotton loops attached for hanging up to air and freshen it - new cuffs have been attached over the original sleeves that have buttonholes but no buttons. The buttons may have been used to replace missing buttons on the front of the jacket or perhaps to repair worn cuffs The amber coloured satin jacket is fully lined, has turned-back cuffs, a band collar, and looped, coffee-coloured braid trim. A row of closely spaced, round bronze buttons with a floral motif form a decorative closure most of the way down the front of the jacket, below which are metal hooks and eyes that finish at the waist. Underneath the cuffs there is a closely fitted cuff with a row of three button holes but no buttons. The jacket lining has vertical metal stays spaced around the midriff, sides and back. There is an absorbent, removable pad hand-stitched to the underarm section of each sleeve opening. A small satin pocket is stitched discreetly onto the lining above the chest on the right-hand side. There are also two cotton loops sewn onto the lining. Several small metal rings are sewn at intervals around the inside of the waist A satin bow from the same fabric is attached at the centre back of the jacket at waist level. antique satin jacket, colonial evening jacket, ladies evening jacket, 19th century ladies satin jacket, evening outfit

This item is one of many 19th century items donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the Giles Family, and known as the “Giles Family Collection”. Henry Giles was born at Tower Hill, Victoria in 1858 and worked as a labourer on the Warrnambool Breakwater. His wife, Mary Jane, was born in 1860 at Cooramook and worked as a student teacher at Mailor’s Flat Secondary School. The Giles family lived at The Maam, Wangoom in the late 19th century, before moving to New South Wales in 1895, where Henry built bridges. Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane died seven years later. Flagstaff Hill holds a number of objects associated with the Giles family, which were donated by Flagstaff Hill volunteers Vera and Aurelin Giles (Henry and Mary Jane’s daughter and granddaughter respectively). These are predominantly located in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage and include: Living room • Cloths (made by Vera Giles) • Portraits of Mary and Henry Giles • 1 x dresser • Covers on dresser • 1 x bellows Baby’s room • 1 x blessing (in the baby’s room) • 1 x picture of boy and girl • 1 x rocking chair • 1 x cushion (made by V Giles) • 1 x chest (belonging to Mary Jane Giles’s mother, Jane Fleming who migrated to Australia from Ireland in 1843) • 1 x chest cover • Bed materials Bedroom • 1 x knitted bedspread and cushion cover (knitted by V Giles) • Pillow shams and covers (Mrs Catherine King) • Pillow cases (Mary Giles) • 1 x wash stand (Mary Giles) • Towels (lace knitted by Aurelin Giles) • 1 x washstand cover • 1 x white ceramic dog • Shaving items • 1 x dressing table mirror • 1 x dressing table cover (made by Aurelin Giles) • 1 x framed motto • 2 x texts • 1 x settee (sofa) • 1x wardrobe (Vera Giles donated the wardrobe in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage to Flagstaff Hill. According to Aurelin Giles, it was originally owned by William Swinton junior and was later given to a friend of the Giles family.) Kitchen • Settee covers (made by V Giles) • 1 x sideboard • 1 x butter churner • 2 x pictures • 1 x white cheese dome • 1 x wash-up tray • 2 x jugs • 1 x vegetable bowl and dish • 1 x willow pattern dinner set • Glass butter and jam dishes. 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.Calico bag of assorted fabrics, trims and sewn pieces (originally donated together with sewing machine). Items include clothing, lace, tablecloth, tray cloth, collars, oversleeves, trims, jug cover, lace inserts. (part of the Giles Collection)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, linen, fabric, dressmaking, sewing materials, 19th century sewing, 19th century fashion, giles family, 19th century hand craft, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century clothing, 19th century linen, 19th century handcraft

Part of Graham Collection, donated by the Family of Misses Mary and Edith Maude Graham, of 4 Blair Street, Portland.Cream silk child's dress. Elbow-length gathered sleeves with smocking at wrists. 2-panels of hand crocheted lace forming a 3-panel yoke with central insert of cream embroidery. Full-length dress in silk with two rows of smocking on bodice. At base of dress are two panels of 6 rows of pin-tucking, separated panel of lace over silk backing. Lace at neck. Opening in centre back with 7 button holes and 5 mother-of-pearl buttons with striution carved design. Cream satin ribbon runs under smocking at back and sewn into side seams.clothing, costume, dress, 1900s

Displayed at History House.Hand-made fabric doll made from brown velvet (head, torso, arms and feet) and yellow velvet (legs and lower torso-overalls). Glass eyes, brown. Painted eye-brows, eyelashes (black), and lips, nostrils (red and white). Appears to be human hair sewn into head. Body stuffed with wadding, head with a firmer material that crunches.toy, doll, childhood

The earliest appearance of these helmets went back as far as 1840 for use in the field and then worn with dress uniform only in the 20th century. The helmet was part of military uniform from 1840 up until the the mid 20th century.Pith Helmet is khaki colour with khaki puggaree, the puggaree has three folds and sewn on the left hand side of the puggaree is a blue white red colour patch. There is a leather band around the brim of the helmet and across the front visor there is a leather chin strap with metal adjustment buckles there is a ball shaped finial in the top of the hat.Handwritten inside the helmet is the name of Sgt. Canr A.E.khaki pith helmet field use dress uniform headware

Three early to mid 20th century baby's nighties, purported to have been worn by Nesta Drew nee Cooper. The Cooper family lived in Tawonga for three generations.The nighties were hand-made in the 1920s when clothing was usually hand made especially in the Kiewa Valley where access to shops was limited. The Cooper family were farmers in Tawonga.Three Vyella (brushed cotton) baby's nighties. White vyella fabric with silk thread embroidery. Very well home-sewn items, with cotton lace trimming.1920s.Home-made so no marking or brandingbaby nighties, nesta drew, cooper family of tawonga

These trousers are part of a winter mess dress uniform belonging to Bernard Farley during service with the Australian Airforce. Worn in 1978, this trouser style was first developed in the 1950s and continues to be worn as mess uniform in the present day.This item has aesthetic significance and is a representative example of uniform design from the 1950s to present day. This item has clear provenance, having been donated by RSL member and Secretary (2019), Bernard Farley after its use during Bernard’s service in the Airforce. As a former member of the Australian Airforce and member of the Warrnambool ex-service community, Bernard’s uniform has great social significance, telling a broader story of life after service.Dark navy blue dress trousers with cream coloured lining on waistband and pockets; dark synthetic material rectangles are sewn on interior of pants hem on pressed edge. Seven buttons, coloured black, are present on the interior of the waistband and were likely used as attachments for suspenders; reverse of pants rise into two points either side of the spine. Pants are fastened with a black plastic zip and a hook and eye at the top of the fly. Two pockets are present on both left and right hips and one small pocket on the front right hand side near the pelvic bone. Fabric is pleated twice on the front and has two darts on the reverse. Label on interior collar reads “A.G.C.F./VIC. 1978/(arrow symbol)/NO./NAME” Inscription on interior left hand pocket lining reads “992”dress uniform, airforce, commonwealth government clothing factory, uniform

This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the early 20th century.Small hand-crafted linen doily with embroidered lace-like edging. Flower embroidery and the word "scones" sewn along bottom.Front - "scones"doily handcrafts needlework linen embroidery

this item was made to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth !! in 1953. In June 1953 , Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and Pakistan, and became the Head of the Commonwealth. Many souvenirs were made to mark this occasion. Some were unique and hand-made. The main sources for crochet and other needlework designs available to women were in journals, magazines and pattern books.This milk jug cover reflects an important pastime for Australian women of the late 19th to mid 20th century. Women's focus was the home and its decoration was important. Embroidery and crochet work was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value, and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes, decorating or protecting furniture, floors and walls, and keeping flies and insects away from food. It is also a tangible souvenir of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11.A rectangular jug cover hand crocheted in white thread. It has blue and red beads sewn into the edges. the design is "JUNE" above a crown with "E 11 R 1953" below the crown.

A sailmaker's hook is also called a sail hook, bench hook, stretching hook or third hand. It is used to hold the canvas of a sail or similar object while pulling tight with the left hand. This ensures the canvas is tight while stitching, keeping the sewn seam straight. This tool is still in use today wherever a canvas sail requires stitching. it's design has not changed since it was invented centuries ago as a sailor's third hand, helping to keep canvas sails taught during edge stitching or repairs.Hook; sailmaker's bench hook. Metal rod with a hook at one end and a flat head at the other end. This tool would be used in conjunction with a brass swivel and a lanyard.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, sailmaker's hook, sail hook, bench hook, stretching hook, third hand, sailmaker's tool, sailmaking, canvas sewing, maritime trade, sailmaker

This Edwardian era mourning outfit was worn by a wealthy woman from the rural area of Willaura, southeast of the Grampians. It was inherited by the donor from his mother, who had purchased it from a clearing sale in the 1960s. The jacket has a peplum or flounce below the waistline, a fashion that was seen in the 1860s and is still around in the 1900s. The outfit represents the female mourning fashion and wardrobe from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Such garments were a necessary inclusion as death occurred often to the young, due to illness, accidents and hard work - it was a regular part of life in rural Victoria. Mourning outfits were a part of a person’s wardrobe and often passed from one generation to the next. This particular outfit appears to have been adjusted at some stage to allow for a wider waistline. The original skirt may have been replaced by the one that is now part of this outfit; the skirt is all machine-sewn, unlike the jacket and petticoat. The fabric of the skirt may be silk or it could be a synthetic fibre such as artificial silk or rayon; both were available in the 1800s,but nylon wasn’t invented until the 1930s. This skirt has sunray pleating, which was advertised on skirts for sale in the 1890s, and 1909, and was part of a fashionable bridal gown train in the 1930s. The mourning of death was part of both family and community life, particularly in rural and remote areas. People were bonded through work, religion, disasters, tragedy and social activities, supporting one another. They came together from near and far on such an occasion, giving each other the care that was needed and showing respect for the member who had passed away.This three-piece silk Edwardian mourning outfit is significant historically for its connection with rural Victoria and the social and religious customs surrounding the death of a family or community member. The high-quality outfit is also significant for representing the financial management of the times, being tailored by a dressmaker for a person of means and then adjusted to fit at least one different-sized person. The black silk tailor-made jacket is one of three pieces of a ladies’ Edwardian mourning outfit. It has long sleeves, a stand-up collar trimmed with appliqued black crochet lace, and pleated sashes on the left and right sides from front to back fastened at the shoulder and waist. The jacket has a peplum or flounce below the waistline. The front of the jacket has brass hooks and fabric eye fastenings. The back of the jacket has two tails. The jacket is lined and the shoulders are padded. It has been machine sewn and finished with hand stitching. A white card is tied with a ribbon inside and has an inscription. The poplin skirt on the jacket has been cut up to the waist at the side seams. There is an attached card with an inscription, handwritten in ballpoint pen.“Jenny” and “Mrs Sheila Handscombe, Wallaura, Jenny”flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, edwardian era, tailor-made, dressmaker, mourning outfit, handmade garment, mourning dress, death mourning, sunray pleats, sunburst pleats, western district victoria, mourning jacket

This bolster sham is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes and household linens - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. Most beds during the late 19th and early 20th century had a feather, hair or spring mattress covered by a blanket and topped with an under sheet, an upper sheet, several blankets and a bedspread. A flat bolster could be placed either under the pillows or on top of the pillows with a decorative sham. Washing pillows and quilts by hand would have been a very onerous task (involving heating water and handwashing in a tub or using a copper) and so it became the practise of many housewives to cover the pillows and bolsters with an outer slip (or sham) of washable material which could be easily removed and washed when needed. If the bolster was kept under the pillows it wouldn't need to be very decorative but many shams or slips that were "on show" were often highly decorated with embroidery, pintucks, ribbons or lace. This bolster sham is machine made and quite plain with the exception of some pintucking and eyelet lace on each end which suggests that it would mostly be hidden under the top pillows with just the decorative edges on display.This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the early 20th century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery to personalise and embellish a practical domestic object. It is also significant as an example of an early 20th century innovation that helped make the working lives of housewives a little bit easier.A long white cotton rectangular bolster sham, machine sewn, with seven ties and two buttons (plus one missing button) to enable it to be folded over lengthwise and closed. It has two pull string ties near each end to enclose a bolster and is finished with a decorative edge of pintucks and handmade eyelet lace and embroidery.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, eliza towns, sham, bedding, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, warrnambool, household textiles, sewing, bolster sham, housework, pillow sham, charles towns, nhill, haberdashery, needlework, manchester, handmade, household linen

This child's dress is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. A photograph of their youngest child, Alice, taken in circa 1903 depicts her wearing the dress. The dress would have been only worn on special occasions (such as a formal family photographic portrait) as most young girls in that era would have smocks or pinafores for everyday wear. The age of the dress is in question as it may have been made by Eliza for her eldest daughter, Dorcus, who was born in 1884. This dress has some machine sewing at the neck, waistband and pintucks but much of the dress is handsewn and richly embroidered with Broderie anglaise. Broderie anglaise (also known as eyelet lace) is a form of cutwork embroidery. The foundation fabric is cut to make decorative holes which are sewn with overcast or buttonhole stitches to create a lace like effect. Designs often involve floral motives that are enhanced with simple embroidery stitches such as stem stitch and satin stitch and scalloped edges finished with buttonhole stitches. It was commonly used to trim baby clothes, dresses, nightclothes, underclothes and household linens - particularly in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the late 19th century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery to personalise and embellish a child's special dress.Child's white dress made of cotton and lawn, with a skirt of hand embroidered circular cutwork (broderie anglaise), a scalloped hem edged in buttonhole stitch and a gathered waist. The lined bodice has three panels of hand embroidered broderie anglaise (eyelet lace) inserted in a V shape with pintucks and bordered with a broderie anglaise lace frill. The short sleeves also have an inserted broderie anglaise lace strip, three pintucks and a broderie anglaise lace frill. The skirt is semi lined with fine lawn. The dress has a back opening with one button and two ties. The neckline is decorated with two rows of hand embroidered broderie anglaise lace.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, nhill, wimmera, eliza towns, dorcus towns, child's dress, machine sewing, hand sewing, broderie anglaise, cutwork, embroidery, eyelet lace, clothing, handmade, charles towns, alice towns

The cape is of a style from the Victorian or the Edwardian Era and so provides a good example of women's clothing from that time. The light colour, silk material and lace suggest a cape used for special occasions with the possibility of initially being a wedding cape.The item is of significance historically and socially as an example of women's clothing in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.Ladies cape consisting of two circular tiers and a collar. The inner tier is knee length with a thin lace insert around the hem. The outer tier is elbow length with a wide lace edge and the thin lace insert inside this. The collar has lace edging and a lace insert of the same width. The lace used is of a repeat flower pattern most likely made of a combination of silk and cotton. The cape material appears to be a cream ribbed silk with the lining being of a polished cotton or silk variety. Both materials have a silken sheen in the right light. A silk ribbon ties the cape at the neck. The lining and lace have been sewn with fine hand stitching.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, ladies cape, double cape, silk cape, layered cape, cape with lace collar, decorative lace edging, victorian era, edwardian era

20th C and probably earlier families could make this simple 'knitting machine' by using a piece of round, hollow wood and knocking 4 nails into one end of the cylinder leaving a protrusion of 2cm. An empty cotton reel was commonly used with left over knitting wool. Children were taught to wind the wool around the nails in loops, figure of 8 and other patterns so that a chain was made which gradually protruded through the base of the cylinder as a knitted chain. The chains could be made to any length and then sewn together to make a usable object eg face washer.Gladys Reed was a member of the Ormond Choral Society c 1950. who performed plays and musicals the City of Moorabbin and she was skilled in hand knitting, crochet and dressmakingGladys Reed was a member of the Ormond Choral Society c 1950. who performed plays and musicals in the City of Moorabbin and this Doll was made and used by her family.c1950A small piece of painted, carved wood with central hollow and 4 nails on top used for making/ knitting a woollen chain.Painted doll featuresknitting, clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, reed gladys, dairy farms, fruit orchards

Alonzo Box, of Oakleigh ,a nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who resided in 'Box Cottage' 1865 - 1914, married Mary Closter (Kloster), of Oakleigh, on June 12th 1918. Alozo's elder sister, Rebecca, sent a bolt of Chinese hand-embroidered silk from which this wedding dress was made. Rebecca Viloudakia, nee Box, was a missionary in China, and married to a Greek Silk Merchant. Alonzo Box, the 9th child of John and Martha Sheldrake Box , enlisted in the Army and landed at Gallipoli 25/4/1918. He was evacuated to Egypt and then sent to the battlefields of France and Flanders before returning home to Melbourne in February 1918. Rebecca Box, the eldest child of John and Martha Sheldrake Box, was in the first party of Methodist Missionaries to leave Australia for the China Inland Mission in 1890. During the Boxer Uprising 1900-1901 her Mission outpost was attacked but she escaped and was taken to Shanghai. She later married one of the rescue party Nicholas Viloudakia a Greek silk merchant .Australian Dress Register ID 573 12/5/2015 Following Henry Dendy's Special Survey 1841 pioneer settlers bought allotments of land in the area of Moorabbin Parish. Alonzo Box was the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who bought the cottage on the 30acre allotment from an unknown pioneer settler in 1868 and resided there until Elizabeth's death in 1914. Alonzo Box served in the Army World War 1 1914- 1918 at Gallipoli, France and Flanders. Rebecca Box -Viloudakia was in the first party of Methodist Missionaries to leave Australia for the China Inland Mission in 1890 and was rescued during the Boxer Rebellion 1900-1901 and taken to Shanghai by her future husband.A cream two piece wedding dress made from a bolt of hand embroidered Chinese silk for the marriage of Mary Closter and Alonzo Box on June 12th, 1918. The bolt of Chinese silk was sent by Alonzo’s older sister, Mrs Rebecca Viloudakia, a missionary in China, who was married to a Greek silk merchant. The machine sewn dress was made by a dressmaker in Dandenong, Victoria. The jacket is blouson, with a front opening and is gathered at the waist by a band enclosing a drawstring. The collar is a sailor style that forms a slight / high V-shape front neckline. Four vertical roses are separated by three bands of lacework. The back of the jacket is plain silk. The right front of the jacket has a panel of embroidered roses, band of lacework and a facing fold that encloses 4 fastening presses. There are crocheted bobbles on the front representing buttons. The left jacket front also has the panel of embroidered roses, lacework and matching fold for the 4 fastening studs. The full length inset sleeves are gathered to a cuff that fastens with silk covered buttons. The sleeves have floral embroidery down the outside centre line. The left sleeve has an extra detachable cuff with embroidery on the flounce that matches the bottom panel of the skirt. It is held in position around the wrist by 4 white metal press studs. The skirt sits above the ankle. It consists of 5 panels slightly gathered at the back waistline with a left side placket 21cm with hooks and eyes and press studs. The waistband is lined with petersham and has 6 whalebone inserts. The front of the skirt has small pleats to fit the 3 decorated panels to the waistline. The front has 3 bands of lacework around the lower part. 3 panels form the centre front each embroidered with a different floral pattern. The back of the skirt is plain with 3 bands of lacework rising from the hem, which is sewn with spoke work stitch. The long waist sash/belt is plain silk with embroidered ends and 3 silk balls with crocheted caps suspended on 3 crocheted silk chains. It has a rose knot with 2 metal press stud fasteners. There are a variety of floral designs embroidered on the material including ‘corner motifs’ on the 2nd inner front panel of skirt. brighton, moorabbin, silk, box william, box elizabeth, box alonzo, box mary, kloster mary, closter mary, oakleigh, dandenong, chinese silk merchant, boxer rebellion 1900-1901, box rebecca, methodist china inland mission, viloudakia nichols, anzac landings, world war 1, gallipoli

This girl's white cotton sun-hat has been made at home by a mother determined to get the maximum usage from the garment. The hat has been simply made with a plain crown for the child's day-to-day use. However, the mother has also made a second, very decorative crown, that can be buttoned on and is suitable to be worn on more "dressy" occassions - such as attending Sunday School or on special outings.Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesGirl's home-made plain white cotton sun-hat with wide brim. There have been three rows of fine cord sewn at intervals around the circumference of the hat brim to stiffen it. There is also hand crochet decorating the edge of the hat brim. A very decorative "second" hat crown has also been made. This hat crown has hand crocheted lace, and criss-cross seams, and is designed to be buttoned on over the original plain crown to provide a more decorative hat for special occasions, such as when attending Sunday School.clothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork