The original small, pioneer cottage was built in the late 1840s to early1850s, by an unknown pioneer. It was located on part of a 30 Acre allotment that was originally part of Dendy’s Special Survey granted in 1841. The doors and window sashes, (made of red deal joinery timber), as well as the brass locks and fittings, are from the original cottage, and were imported from England. The fire-place bricks are from the original cottage, and are sun-dried, (not kiln fired), and are hand-made. Convict marks can be seen on two bricks. There is a small display of external cladding shingles from the original pioneer cottage. These shingles were hand-split, and most likely made from locally collected timber The nails included in this display were used to fasten the shingles on the original cottage, and are also hand-made. The cottage was occupied by William Box and family from 1865 until 1914 when it was sold to William Reitman who resided there until 1950. The enamel nameplate, “Colonial”, on the wall of the cottage, was the name chosen for the original pioneer cottage by Mr William Reitman, when he purchased the property in around 1915, for 1200 Pounds approximately. In 1974 Mr Lewis, a timber specialist, found the dilapidated building on property he had recently purchased in Jasper Rd and suggested it be reconstructed and relocated. Moorabbin Council agreed and the cottage was rebuilt just about 250 metres from its original site. The cost of the rebuild was met by 'Victoria's 150th Committee, plus a small grant from the City of Moorabbin, and Mr Laurie Lewis donated much of the timber for the reconstruction. The re-constructed cottage plan has followed faithfully the original dimensions, and plan of the original pioneer cottage, and as many original items from that cottage’s long occupation have been incorporated. The photographs in Album 1 record the progress of the reconstruction from February 1984 to the First Public Open Day November 18th 1984 and this event in 1992These 3 photographs show the 'Box Cottage' in 1992 after the 'Reconstruction' . The Moorabbin Pipe Band is shown performing at an Open Day with Cr. Flavell, Moorabbin City Council and Mr Reid CMHS. Mrs H. Deam and Mr A. Smith, CMHS members, took these photographs to record the progress of the ‘Reconstruction’ from February 1984 to November 1984 and this event in 1992 Although 'Box Cottage' is a re-construction, it is an unique museum that, being located in the midst of a modern community in Ormond Victoria, can educate and demonstrate many aspects of the early settler’s way of life in Victoria. As such, it is an invaluable resource for students and all kinds of visitors. 2 x colour photographs of The Moorabbin Pipe Band performing at an Open Day in 1992, with Cr. Flavell, Moorabbin City Council and Mr Reid CMHS , at the 'Reconstructed Box Cottage' in Joyce Park. Ormond 1 x colour photograph of the 'Reconstructed Box Cottage ' c 1992written on back ; a) Moorabbin Pipe Band / Mr Reid & Cr. Flavell / 1992 ; b) Moorabbin Pipe Band 1992 ; brighton, moorabbin, highett, ormond, mckinnon, cottages, pioneers, colonial, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, reitman william, convicts lewis timber co. ltd., deam h, smith arthur, museums, box alonzo, moody & smith builders highett, the moorabbin standard newspaper, the leader newspaper pty ltd., fox max cr. , lewis laurie, moorabbin city council, national trust, connard geoff mlc, lawson geoff mlc, flavell robert cr. moorabbin city council, joyce park, jasper road, moorabbin pipe band,

Francis Box was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He was assigned to work in Beaufort and had various jobs including ‘gold miner’ at Heathcoat where he married Eliza Jane Thompson. Francis decided to return to market gardening after the death of his 1st child Francis George Box in 1875 aged 13months. The child was buried in Brighton Cemetery and Francis then rent/leased the land on the corner of Tucker Road and Elizabeth Street East Brighton ( now Bentleigh) owned by his brother Henry who with another brother John helped Francis clear the land, and establish a market garden. They had 4 children and began to prosper until in 1882 their 2year old child Lena Caroline Box was killed in a fire that destroyed their house. Francis was burned trying to rescue the child. The local community raised money to assist the family. The land boom brought prosperity again and Francis bought more land around Tucker Road which was bequeathed to his children. Francis and Eliza Jane had four more children but one died in infancy and another aged 2 years. Only 5 of their 9 children survived. Francis and Eliza Jane, who died in 1922, are also buried in Brighton CemeteryBox Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 Francis Box was born in Withyham, Sussex 1836 and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. Francis, a brother of William Box, and his wife Eliza Jane Thompson had 9 children and established market gardens in Tucker Road, BentleighA black and white photograph of Francis Box 1836-1912FERRY ... Elizabeth St Melbournebox george, box mary, box william, box elizabeth honor, box alonzo, box mary louisa, dendy henry, were j b, dendy's special survey 1841, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, mckinnon, ormond, market gardeners, dairy farms, early settlers, pioneers, tucker road, box francis , thompson eliza jane, box william henry george, box charles francis, box-hembrow mable alma, box jessie melinda, box edith florence

Francis Box was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He was assigned to work in Beaufort and had various jobs including ‘gold miner’ at Heathcoat where he married Eliza Jane Thompson. Francis decided to return to market gardening after the death of his 1st child Francis George Box in 1875 aged 13months. The child was buried in Brighton Cemetery and Francis then rent/leased the land on the corner of Tucker Road and Elizabeth Street East Brighton ( now Bentleigh) owned by his brother Henry who with another brother John helped Francis clear the land, and establish a market garden. They had 4 children and began to prosper until in 1882 their 2year old child Lena Caroline Box was killed in a fire that destroyed their house. Francis was burned trying to rescue the child. The local community raised money to assist the family. The land boom brought prosperity again and Francis bought more land around Tucker Road which was bequeathed to his children. Francis and Eliza Jane had four more children but one died in infancy and another aged 2 years. Only 5 of their 9 children survived. Francis and Eliza Jane, who died in 1922, are also buried in Brighton Cemetery Mable ‘May’Alma Box, who was born in Brighton, married Earnest Hembrow in 1899 and they had a daughter Doreen May Hembrow 1900. After Earnest died early 1900’s , May married John Amos Wright Batchelor 1912, a widower with 3 children, and then together had 2 children. Amos died in 1958 and May in 1969 in Cowra, NSW Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Francis Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. Francis established market gardens in Tucker Road Bentleigh. . Mable ‘May’ Alma Box was the 3rd child of Francis Box Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of Mable (May) Alma Box daughter of Francis Box c1879YEOMAN & Co 47 CHAPEL STREET / PRAHRANbox george, box mary, box william, box elizabeth honor, box alonzo, box mary louisa, dendy henry, were j b, dendy's special survey 1841, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, mckinnon, ormond, market gardeners, dairy farms, early settlers, pioneers, tucker road, box francis , thompson eliza jane, box william henry george, box charles francis, box-hembrow mable alma, box jessie melinda, box edith florence , hembrow earnest, batcheldor john amos wright, hembrow doreen may,

Francis Box was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He was assigned to work in Beaufort and had various jobs including ‘gold miner’ at Heathcoat where he married Eliza Jane Thompson. Francis decided to return to market gardening after the death of his 1st child Francis George Box in 1875 aged 13months. The child was buried in Brighton Cemetery and Francis then rent/leased the land on the corner of Tucker Road and Elizabeth Street East Brighton ( now Bentleigh) owned by his brother Henry who with another brother John helped Francis clear the land, and establish a market garden. They had 4 children and began to prosper until in 1882 their 2year old child Lena Caroline Box was killed in a fire that destroyed their house. Francis was burned trying to rescue the child. The local community raised money to assist the family. The land boom brought prosperity again and Francis bought more land around Tucker Road which was bequeathed to his children. Francis and Eliza Jane had four more children but one died in infancy and another aged 2 years. Only 5 of their 9 children survived. Francis and Eliza Jane, who died in 1922, are also buried in Brighton Cemetery Jessie Melinda Box 1888- 1975 was born in East Brighton ( Bentleigh) the 8th child of Francis and Eliza Jane Box. She was a teacher in Eskdale, Victoria and married William Robinson d 1983, a farmer at Mitta in 1921. The family later moved to Tucker Road, Bentleigh where they ran a market garden until in 1950 they established "The Hilandale Poll Hereford Stud" at Notting Hill and Rowville. They moved to Mornington c 1960 where they continued their stud farming and enjoyed success at Melbourne, Sydney and local Shows. They had 2 children Jack Francis Robinson b1921, William James Robinson b1925. Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Francis Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. Francis established market gardens in Tucker Road Bentleigh. Jessie melinda Box was the 8th child of Francis Box Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of Jessie Melinda Box a daughter of Francis Box and Elizabeth Jane Thompson Box c 1889YEOMAN & Co 47 Chapel Street, / Prahran* box george, box mary, box william, box elizabeth honor, box alonzo, box mary louisa, dendy henry, were j b, dendy's special survey 1841, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, mckinnon, ormond, market gardeners, dairy farms, early settlers, pioneers, tucker road, box francis , thompson eliza jane, box william henry george, box charles francis, , box mabel alma. box jessie melinda, robinson william, robinson jack francis, robinson william james, poll hereford stud farming, rowville, mornington, notting hill victoria, royal melbourne agricultural show, royal sydney agricultural show. cattle breeding,

Edith (Eadie) Florence Box 1890- 1976, was born in East Brighton ( Bentleigh) the 9th child of Francis and Eliza Jane Box. In 1912 she married Jack Samuel Clay a market gardener in South Road, Moorabbin and they had 6 children. They retired to live in Balnarring, Victoria and are buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. Francis Box 1836-1912, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He was assigned to work in Beaufort and had various jobs including ‘gold miner’ at Heathcote where he married Eliza Jane Thompson 1852-1922. Francis decided to return to market gardening after the death of his 1st child Francis George Box in 1875 aged 13months. The child was buried in Brighton Cemetery and Francis then rent/leased the land on the corner of Tucker Road and Elizabeth Street East Brighton ( now Bentleigh) owned by his brother Henry who with another brother John helped Francis clear the land, and establish a market garden. They had 4 children and began to prosper until in 1882 their 2year old child Lena Caroline Box was killed in a fire that destroyed their house. Francis was burned trying to rescue the child. The local community raised money to assist the family. The land boom brought prosperity again and Francis bought more land around Tucker Road which was bequeathed to his children. Francis and Eliza Jane had four more children but one died in infancy and another aged 2 years. Only 5 of their 9 children survived. Francis and Eliza Jane, who died in 1922, are also buried in Brighton Cemetery Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Francis Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. Francis established market gardens in Tucker Road Bentleigh. Edith 'Eadie' Florence Box was the 9h child of Francis Box. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh a) A black and white photograph of Edith ( Eadie) Florence Box a daughter of Francis Box and Eliza Jane Thompson Box b) A black and white wedding photograph of Edith Box and John Clay a) YEOMAN & Co 47 Chapel Street / Prahran b) Kodak reprint /handwritten Eadie and John Claycity of moorabbin, brighton, dendy henry, box william, box elizabeth, rietman august, rietman frieda, box cottage museum ormond, box alonzo, glen eira city council, city of moorabbin historical society, ormond, bentleigh, cheltenham, box francis, box eliza jane, box edith florence, clay jack samuel

Francis Box was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He was assigned to work in Beaufort and had various jobs including ‘gold miner’ at Heathcoat where he married Eliza Jane Thompson. Francis decided to return to market gardening after the death of his 1st child Francis George Box in 1875 aged 13months. The child was buried in Brighton Cemetery and Francis then rent/leased the land on the corner of Tucker Road and Elizabeth Street East Brighton ( now Bentleigh) owned by his brother Henry who with another brother John helped Francis clear the land, and establish a market garden. They had 4 children and began to prosper until in 1882 their 2year old child Lena Caroline Box was killed in a fire that destroyed their house. Francis was burned trying to rescue the child. The local community raised money to assist the family. The land boom brought prosperity again and Francis bought more land around Tucker Road which was bequeathed to his children. Francis and Eliza Jane had four more children but one died in infancy and another aged 2 years. Only 5 of their 9 children survived Two boys William Henry George Box 1876 -1957, Charles Francis Box 1882 – 1947. Three girls Mable (May) Alma Box 1878 – 1969, Jessie Melinda Box 1888 – 1975, Edith ( Eadie ) Florence Box 1890 - 1976 .Francis and Eliza Jane, who died in 1922, are also buried in Brighton Cemetery Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Francis Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. Francis and his wife Eliza jane Thompson box had 9 children but only 5 survived. They established market gardens in Tucker Road Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of a) Francis Box 1836-1912 and his wife Eliza Jane Thompson Box 1852 - 1922 Two black and white photos b) Francis Box ,Eliza and grandchildren Dorothy, Francis baby George - children of Francis and Emily Jane Thompson c1900 c) William Henry Box and Emily Jane McCurry with children Dorothy, Francis, George and Joan c1900 a) YEOMAN & Co 47 Chapel Street PRAHRAN b) Kodak Film Handwritten - Francis Box / Ellizabeth Jane Thompson / children of William Henry Box & Emily Jane McCurry / Girl standing Dorothy / Boy Francis / Baby George. c) William Henry Box m Emily Jane McCurry with children, Dorothy, Francis, George and baby Joanbox george, box mary, box william, box elizabeth, box alonzo, box mary louisa, dendy henry, were j b, dendy's special survey 1841, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, mckinnon, ormond, market gardeners, dairy farms, early settlers, pioneers, jasper road, gurr jabez, gurr eliza, pay henry, pay anna, ward willam, box henry, ward elizabeth emma, box john, sheldrake martha, rushall eleanor, box caroline, box william henry, mccurry emily jane,

Francis Box was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He was assigned to work in Beaufort and had various jobs including ‘gold miner’ at Heathcoat where he married Eliza Jane Thompson. Francis decided to return to market gardening after the death of his 1st child Francis George Box in 1875 aged 13months. The child was buried in Brighton Cemetery and Francis then rent/leased the land on the corner of Tucker Road and Elizabeth Street East Brighton ( now Bentleigh) owned by his brother Henry who with another brother John helped Francis clear the land, and establish a market garden. They had 4 children and began to prosper until in 1882 their 2year old child Lena Caroline Box was killed in a fire that destroyed their house. Francis was burned trying to rescue the child. The local community raised money to assist the family. The land boom brought prosperity again and Francis bought more land around Tucker Road which was bequeathed to his children. Francis and Eliza Jane had four more children but one died in infancy and another aged 2 years. Only 5 of their 9 children survived. Two boys William Henry George Box 1876 -1957, Charles Francis Box 1882 – 1947. Three girls Mable (May) Alma Box 1878 – 1969, Jessie Melinda Box 1888 – 1975, Edith ( Eadie ) Florence Box 1890 - 1976 .Francis who died 1912 and Eliza Jane, who died in 1922, are also buried in Brighton Cemetery Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Francis Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. Francis and his wife Eliza Jane Thompson Box had 9 children but only 5 survived. They established market gardens in Tucker Road Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of Eliza Jane Box( sitting) and 3 three daughters, May ( sitting) and standing Eadie (L) and Jessie (R) probably taken after the death of Francis Box in 1912 because they are all dressed in black mourning dresses.nil but similar to the other photographs in the collection

Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham, Sussex in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1970 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death in 1913 owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of a boy who could be a son of Henry Box 1839 -1913BENSEN & STEVENSON PHOTOS / 108 Elizabeth Street Melbourne/ COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME

Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1870 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death in 1913 owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of a young girl and boy who may be 2 of the surviving 7 children of Henry Box 1839 -1913Goulter Prahran

Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1970 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of Henry Box 1839 - 1913Bensen & Stevenson Photos / 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne/ COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME

Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1970 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. William Ward JP was a prominent figure in East Brighton . William was elected to the Moorabbin Road Board in 1863, JP at Cheltenham Court, and Shire President 1875-82. He was appointed Post Master at East Brighton in 1865 and held the position until his death in 1908 Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of a young woman who may be Elizabeth Emma Ward 1863 - 1921,the wife of Henry Box.1839-1913Stewart & Co ' Coat of Arms" Melbourne

John Box 1841 - 1913 the 4th son of George and Mary Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex England and came to Australia in 1856 with his parents. He lived and worked on his fathers market garden in East Brighton ( now Bentleigh) for several years and then rented a property in Tucker Road in 1862. John married Martha Sheldrake and they had 10children who were all born in East Brighton ( now Ormond ). After Martha died 1895 John Box married Eleanor Rushall c1900 Eleanor (Nellie) Rushall b 1866 in Fitzroy daughter of George Rushall b 1823 in London and Mary Ann Jones b 1823 in Battersea, who arrived in Portland 1849 and later settled in Fitzroy. George was an Auctioneer and was elected to Council 1874 becoming Mayor of Fitzroy 1875 and the family enjoyed the benefits of their prosperity. She had singing lessons with Dame Nellie Melba. His business foundered during the 1892/93 Bank Crash. However Nellie is recorded as the owner of the 10 roomed Terminus Hotel in Williamstown a favoured watering hole for the sailors from the many ships that came to the port. Nellie had a daughter Lavilla who sadly died aged 1 year in 1898. Nellie is then recorded as a housekeeper to a medical doctor in Cockatoo and later working for John Box, in Brighton. She married John Box in 1900 and they had 3 children Nellie, Jack and Alexander. After John Box died 1913, Nellie rented a house on the family estate in Oakleigh. She raised 2 other children Ray and Thelma and received some income by caring for several welfare children. In her later years Nellie lived with each of her children who had inherited from the John Box Estate when they turned 21 years. John Box is the brother of William Box who, with his wife Elizabeth Box, lived in Box Cottage . John Box was a pioneer market gardener in East Brighton now Bentleigh. He married Martha Sheldrake and they had 10 children. The eldest daughter Rebecca was a Methodist Missionary in China and Alonzo, their 9th child, served in the Army WW1 at Gallipoli, France and Flanders. Rebecca sent the hand embroidered Chinese silk material for the Wedding Dress worn by Mary Closter at her marriage to Alonzo Box 1918. After Martha died he married Eleanor Rushall and they had 3 children. John was well respected by the community and also a Methodist lay preacher. Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who, with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children, lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of Eleanor Rushall b1866 the 2nd wife of John Box 1841 -1913F.C Burman Photos / 196 Smith St. Fitzroybox william, box elizabeth, box george, box john, sheldrake martha, box alonzo, box mary, box rebecca, rushall eleanor, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, ormond, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, withyham sussex england, rushall george, fitzroy melbourne, dame nellie melba, helen porter mitchell, terminus hotel williamstown, williamstown melbourne,

John Box 1841 - 1913 the 4th son of George and Mary Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex England and came to Australia in 1856 with his parents. He lived and worked on his fathers market garden in East Brighton ( now Bentleigh) for several years and then rented a property in Tucker Road in 1862. John married Martha Sheldrake and they had 10children who were all born in East Brighton ( now Ormond ). After Martha died 1895 John Box married Eleanor Rushall c1900 Eleanor (Nellie) Rushall b 1866 in Fitzroy daughter of George Rushall b 1823 in London and Mary Ann Jones b 1823 in Battersea, who arrived in Portland 1849 and later settled in Fitzroy. George was an Auctioneer and was elected to Council 1874 becoming Mayor of Fitzroy 1875 and the family enjoyed the benefits of their prosperity. She had singing lessons with Dame Nellie Melba. His business foundered during the 1892/93 Bank Crash. However Nellie is recorded as the owner of the 10 roomed Terminus Hotel in Williamstown a favoured watering hole for the sailors from the many ships that came to the port. Nellie had a daughter Lavilla who sadly died aged 1 year in 1898. Nellie is then recorded as a housekeeper to a medical doctor in Cockatoo and later working for John Box, in Brighton. She married John Box in 1900 and they had 3 children Nellie, Jack and Alexander. After John Box died 1913, Nellie rented a house on the family estate in Oakleigh. She raised 2 other children Ray and Thelma and received some income by caring for several welfare children. In her later years Nellie lived with each of her children who had inherited from the John Box Estate when they turned 21 years. John Box is the brother of William Box who, with his wife Elizabeth Box, lived in Box Cottage . John Box was a pioneer market gardener in East Brighton now Bentleigh. He married Martha Sheldrake and they had 10 children. The eldest daughter Rebecca was a Methodist Missionary in China and Alonzo, their 9th child, served in the Army WW1 at Gallipoli, France and Flanders. Rebecca sent the hand embroidered Chinese silk material for the Wedding Dress worn by Mary Closter at her marriage to Alonzo Box 1918. After Martha died he married Eleanor Rushall and they had 3 children. John was well respected by the community and also a Methodist lay preacher. Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who, with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children, lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841. Three black and white photographs of Eleanor Rushall the 2nd wife of John BoxA Nellie Rushall; B Mum ( Nana) C possibly 'Eleanor'* box william, box elizabeth, box george, box john, sheldrake martha, box alonzo, box mary, box rebecca, rushall eleanor, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, ormond, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, withyham sussex england, rushall george, fitzroy melbourne, terminus hotel williamstown, williamstown melbourne,

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

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

A small presentation box for Potter & Moore Old English Spice soap, that was probably given as a gift to a resident of City of Moorabbin c1950 . Women often kept these boxes, after the soap had been used, for storing small jewellery and trinkets. Throughout the 20thC Potter & Moore cosmetics were popular with the families in the City of Moorabbin. An empty cardboard box with lift off lid and decorated with 18thCentury figures that held 'Potter & Moore' Soap c1950On lid ; Old English / Spice / 2 figures / POTTER & MOORE / OF LONDONcosmetics, personal effects, potter & moore pty ltd london, early settlers, market gardeners, post world war 2 estates, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, clothing, perfumes,

A pressed metal spectacle case with brass hinges and clasp and lined with blue moire taffeta. The lid is decorated with an inlaid floral motif and inside each section is a 1/2 pocket . Both top and bottom expand by 1cm with concertina folded materialfloral design inlaid on lidspectacles, optomotrists, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, early settlers

A typical enamel jug used by families in City of Moorabbin for measuring liquids for cooking and preserving c1970A typical enamel measuring jug used by families in City of Moorabbin c1970A cream enamel jug with a green rim graduated measurements 40 oz, 2 pints, 1000gramsInside jug graduated measurements 40oz, 2 pints 1000gms kitchen equipment, cooking, crockery, casserole, stewed meat, vegetables,post world war 11 settlers, moorabbin estates c1970, early settlers , market gardeners, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham,

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

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

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

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

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

This 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

c1900 Decorative silver, pewter or brass buckles were attached by ribbons or straps to plain shoes for evening and special occasions . These buckles were worn by the a lady in the family of Ailsa Hunt in Moorabbin ShireThese decorative shoe buckles were a common accessory for early settler women in Moorabbin Shire c19002 x rectangular white metal buckles with floral filigreefootwear, shoes, buckles, clothing, silver, pewter, brass, victorian fashion, edwardian fashion, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, moorabbin, cheltenham, wedding dresses, evening wear,

2 x oval metal filigree buckles

c1900 Decorative silver, pewter or brass buckles were attached by ribbons or straps to plain shoes for evening and special occasions . These buckles were worn by the a lady in the family of Ailsa Hunt in Moorabbin ShireThese decorative shoe buckles were a common accessory for early settler women in Moorabbin Shire c19002 x oval metal buckles filigree wheat sheathesOn crossbar back : MADE IN FRANCEfootwear, shoes, buckles, clothing, silver, pewter, brass, victorian fashion, edwardian fashion, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, moorabbin, cheltenham, wedding dresses, evening wear,

c1900 Decorative silver, pewter or brass buckles were attached by ribbons or straps to plain shoes for evening and special occasions . These buckles were worn by a lady in the family of Ailsa Hunt in Moorabbin ShireThese decorative shoe buckles were a common accessory for early settler women in Moorabbin Shire c19002 x fan shaped gold metal filigree buckles with claspfootwear, shoes, buckles, clothing, silver, pewter, brass, victorian fashion, edwardian fashion, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, moorabbin, cheltenham, wedding dresses, evening wear,

c1900 Decorative silver, pewter, gold plated or brass buckles were attached by ribbons or straps to plain shoes for evening and special occasions . These buckles were worn by a lady in the family of Ailsa Hunt in Moorabbin ShireThese decorative shoe buckles were a common accessory for early settler women in Moorabbin Shire c19002 x fan shaped gold metal buckles joined by a clasp and with 2 bars at back footwear, shoes, buckles, clothing, silver, pewter, brass, victorian fashion, edwardian fashion, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, moorabbin, cheltenham, wedding dresses, evening wear,