Showing 281 items
matching shire of stawell
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Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Deep Lead Pioneers Memorial c 1936
... . Robson, of Stawell. The shire engineer Mr. C.W.C. Venables.... Robson, of Stawell. The shire engineer Mr. C.W.C. Venables ...The memorial was erected in c 1936 by the public to the pioneers of Deep Lead District. The memorial was to commemorate the early pioneers of Deep Lead. The bronze tablet depicts two miners at work, one operating the cradle while the other using the shovel. Behind the two men and partly framing the design, is the windlass set in a fork of a tree. On each side of the main tablature are two figures of goats, one a "Billy goat" the other a "nanny goat". The bronze sculpture is set on a pedestal of Grampian freestone, which is placed on the two steps of granite. The whole memorial is surrounded by an ornate stone fence. The bronze sculpture work was executed by Mr. S. J. Hammond of Melbourne while the stone work was carved and erected by Mr. G. Robson, of Stawell. The shire engineer Mr. C.W.C. Venables assisted with advice when necessary.Black and white photograph depicting the stone Deep Lead Pioneer memorial with native gums in the background. stawell -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Pomonal Apples being loaded at the Stawell Railway Goods Shed
... from Northern Grampians Shire Commissioners. stawell Group ...Group of men pushing trolleys with boxes of Pomonal apples at Stawell Railway Goods Shed. In the background are more men overseeing the loading of fruit. In the 1930's many cases of apples were exported overseas. The original photograph is held at the public records office. Y.P.R.S. series no. 3457 no 113. The Stawell Historical Society had permission to copy this photograph from Northern Grampians Shire Commissioners. Group of men in a shed pushing hand trollies with four boxes of apples loaded on each trolly.stawell -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Mr David Scallan & his Wife -- Studio Portrait
Portrait of David Scallan & his Wife. David Scallan was a mining broker. David was also the first Shire President 1864 - 65. In 1864 he was a member of the Roads Board. Also, the first Committee of Management of Central Park. One of the main Stawell inner streets is Scallan St.Photograph of a woman and gentleman standing in a studio setting. Womans frock has a frilled skirt with long sleeves. Gentleman had light coloured trousers with a long dark coat buttoned at the neck. c 1865 - 70'sstawell -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book, Strength Through Adversity
Stories by Brian Wright, Claire Scarsi, Daphne Donaldson, Doreen MacGowan, Elvie Perry, Glen Holden, Ken Stewart, Leila Sutton, Joss Field, Sylvia Birthisel, Barb Robertosn, Harold Keith Blake, J Marie nicholls, Leslie Bennett, Hugh Thompson.Strength Through Adversity Stories from our Community Shared Memories in their own Words Published by Norther Grampians ShirePositive Aging Projectshire aging histories -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Report, Conservstion Status of Roadsides in the Shire, 1991
... Stawell Historical Society Inc 46 Longfield St Stawell ...Cover shire. Roadsides assessment: Species, Flora, Grazing, Cropping, Gravel, Noxious Weeds, Firebreaks, Road Design. With Loose maps x2 in Back Author Nicole StartPlastic front cover. Yellow Paper with Photo -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Somerset, Florence Chuk, The Somerset Years, 1987
End maps: front Somerset Shire. Back VictoriaHardback with dust jacket, Beige. Colour print of mining scene, tent, women, men, minesGovernment Assisted Emigrants from Somerset and Bristol who arrived in Port Phillip Victoria 1839 - 1854 Author Florence Chuk. Signed by Author - Florence Chuk 14-11-89 -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Cato Lake looking from Sloane Street -- Coloured
Cato Lake view from Sloane Street. This photo is one of three showing Stawell Council Works deepening Cato Lake in February c 2002. Tracks from a tractor can be seen all round the lake. Willows branches hang either side of the view with trees along the horizon. The Presbyterian Church tower, Senior Citizen room and Anglican Church can be seen amongst the trees in the background.Coloured photograph of Cato Lake. The view is from Sloane Street and the lake was in the process of being lowered for the deepening of the lake by Shire Council Works. Tractor tracks can be seen all round the lake. Willows hang either side of the view with trees along the horizon. The Presbyterian Church tower in the background near the Senior Citizen room and Anglican Church to the right.Date on back of photo in biro 12.2.2002.stawell -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Cato Lake looking from Viictoria Street -- Coloured
Cato Lake view from Victoria Street looking towards Sloane Street. This view shows the emptying of the lake carried out in c 2002 for deepening the lake by Shire Council Works. This view shows a tractor working around the empty lake. Coloured photograph of emptied Cato Lake from Victoria Street side looking towards Sloane Street. The lake was emptied in c 2002 for deepening by Shire Council Works. This view shows a tractor working around the emptied lake. In the background are trees with houses amounts them.Written in biro 5.2.2002stawell -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Mr A. B. Clemes -- Shire Secretary 1871-1914 -- Studio Portrait
... grampians Portrait of A. B. Clemes Shire Secretary 1871-1914 Stawell ...Portrait of A. B. Clemes Shire Secretary 1871-1914stawell -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Royal Hotel in Glenorchy 1855-1968
Two story brick Royal Hotel Glenorchy 1855-1968. Horse drawn vehicle and lamplight at front.shire -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Jack & Jean McGuan of Sugarloaf in Great Western -- Studio Portrait
Studio Portrait of two children. Jack & Jean McGuan of Sugarloaf Great Westernshire -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Willoughby and Raitt families Picnicing & Camping in the Grampians in tents c1900
Picnic in the Grampians of Willoughby and Raitt families camping in tents. C1900shire -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Silver Band Falls in the Grampians with Mrs Howlld in the front of photo
Silver Band Falls. Water Fall in the Grampians with group of people posing for photo. Mrs Howlld front of photo and some of Heals.shire -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book, Robert Kingston, Good Country for a Grant -- A History of the Stawell Shire by Robert Kingston, 1989
... Good Country for a Grant -- A History of the Stawell Shire... -- A History of the Stawell Shire by Robert Kingston Book Robert ...Robert Kingstonstawell -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book, Lorna L Banfield, Shire of Ararat Centenary 1864-1964, 1964
... Stawell Historical Society Inc 46 Longfield St Stawell ...For the Shire of Ararat Centenary. Settlement and Development of the Shire of AraratBlue Hard Cover with Gold Embossed Title in the centre, and the Shire Seal in the top left. the dates are in the lower right.Neil A McLennan Box 106 Stawell 17 April 1964ararat -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Stawell Water Supply, Gary Vines, Invitation to Stawell Water Supply Heritage Marking Ceremony Sunday 12 October 2014, 2004
Booklet with glossy paper in colour: Ceremony:Hosted By:Engineers Australia;Engineering Heritage Victoria; Engineers Australia Wimmera Regional Group;Institute Of Public Works Engineers Australasia;Notrthern Grampians Shire Council;GWM Water stawell -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, View of Stawell from Big Hill April 1874 showing mines centered on north end of Main Street -- 2 Photos
... Stawell Historical Society Inc 46 Longfield St Stawell ...From left Shire Hall Pleasant Creek in distance, Mathers & Franklin, Stawell Coach Factory, Coffee Palace, Christ Church of England Church Hill, Mechanics Institute, Temperance Hotel, Matherson Cross Reef Hotel.Black and White Holtermann photograph of Stawell from Big Hill with mining in foreground. 1874 Site of fire in Main and Street Patrick Street 22 April 1874 visible in centre of photograph.mining, panorama, streetscape -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Dudley Yorke, Mr Thomas Hutchings c1920's -- Studio Portrait
... Stawell Historical Society Inc 46 Longfield St Stawell ...Photograph of Thomas Hutchings taken off card sized copy which is identical to the framed portrait (in Poor Condition) at the shire offices. shire, councillor, president -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Map, Northern Grampians Shire, Town of Stawell Planning Scheme, 1981
Amendment No 21 (1981) Scale 1 : 3168 ie 4 Chains = 1 inchmining, gold -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Realia, 2003
Two wine Glasses Inscripted in grey Northern Grampians Shire Councilstawell -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Slide, Ian McCann, Shire Yard 1962
Five men with a portable Conctrete Mixer in front of tow open sheds.stawell business -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Slide, Ian McCann, Old Shire Offices
... Longfield Street Stawell Old Shire Offices Slide Ian McCann ...Old shire hall with Literary institute in background Longfield Street Stawell -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - White Silk Wedding Dress, c.1869
Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', were the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Two-piece white silk wedding dress comprised of a short tailored bodice and a bell shaped skirt. The most prominent feature of the bodice is the wide pagoda sleeves, with false undersleeves of muslin. The edge of the sleeves includes small posies of orange blossom. Separate panels of lace, dropping from the waist are the only form of decoration on the skirt. The round high neckline was later converted to v-line in the 19th century.coombs collection, women's clothing, australian fashion, fashion & design collection, costumes, wedding dresses -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Accessory - Cream Silk & Lace Parasol, c.1900
Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One of a pair of cream silk parasols, each bordered by overlapping bands of beige lace. The underlying structure and mechanism includes a bent cane handle and black metal expanding spokes. The lace borders are layered to create an overlapping fringe. The high-domed umbrellas may have been created for a bridal party."Coombs Collection"coombs collection, clothing accessories, parasols -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Accessory - Cream Silk & Lace Parasol, c. 1900
Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One of a pair of cream silk parasols, each bordered by overlapping bands of beige lace. The underlying structure and mechanism includes a bent cane handle and black metal expanding spokes. The lace borders are layered to create an overlapping fringe. The high-domed umbrellas may have been created for a bridal party. This umbrella cannot be opened due to the silk being shattered."Coombs Collection"coombs collection, clothing accessories, parasols -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Quilted Wool & Silk Afternoon Dress, c.1878
Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1969, Coombs had already purchased 10 acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original 10 acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Periwinkle blue afternoon dress made of finely woven wool with silk quilting to the yoke and cuffs. The one-piece outfit is fastened at front with large mother of pearl buttons. The dress includes a very long train. At one stage, the buttoning at the waist has been modified, presumably due to changes in the owner's waistline. women's clothing, australian fashion, costumes, dresses -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Blue Silk & Velvet Jacket and Skirt, 1868-1872
Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Two-piece royal blue heavy silk dress comprised of a tightly waisted top that extends below the waist at the front and the back, and a floor-length skirt. The full skirt and the sculpted fabric that is part of the top are designed to cover a bustle. The elaborately styled bodice is joined with fabric-covered buttons at centre front. The bodice is distinctively styled with the use silk velvet banding and tassles that extend the woven silk webbing. The outfit is in excellent condition apart from some wear on the velvet and the buttons.women's clothing, australian fashion, dresses, costumes, fashion & design, outerware -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Blue Silk Day Dress, 1860-1863
Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One-piece, floor length blue silk day dress with a bell skirt that is slightly longer at the back. The dress is joined, centre-front with hooks and eyes. It is probable that the 19th century cream-coloured lace on the bodice and cuffs is a later addition. The lace extends in a long loop at the font of the skirt. The bodice has a high round neck, later modified to a V-shape. The dress must at one stage have been reconfigured or strengthened at the join of the bodice and skirt, as there is evidence of the use of new machine stitching. The dress is fully lined with a stiffened cotton lining fabric. Apart from minor staining, the dress is in excellent condition. The dress is the earliest complete costume in the collection. Measurements - 145.0 cm (centre back) 25.0 cm (waist, flat)Nilcoombs collection, fashion - 1860s, women's clothing, costumes, daywear -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Blue Silk Jacket & Skirt, 1868-1872
Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Blue silk, floor length day dress comprised of a tightly fitted, long, waisted jacket joined by hooks and eyes at centre front. The bodice features large ornamental buttons from neck to waist, covered in a figured silk fabric of the same colour as the dress. The gown has extensive pin tucking on the sleeves, on the flounce of the skirt, and on the long train. The line of the outfit is emphasised by the flattened front, which is typical of the period. Its cut and lack of adornment emphasises the tailored effect.australian fashion, fashion & design, costumes, dresses, women's clothing, fashion - 1860s, fashion - 1870s -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Gold Silk Taffeta Wedding Dress with Silk Braid & Tassles, 1875-1880
Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Single-piece, floor length, gold silk taffeta evening dress featuring the use of a very long fishtail train to which is attached a silk cord to allow the wearer to hold it above the floor. The dress includes a number of decorative features including the extensive use of box pleats on the sleeves and on the hem of the skirt; contrasting gold and cream braiding and tassles; and the extensive use of ruching on the bodice at the front. Due to the age and fine quality of the silk taffeta used, there is evidence of the degradation of the fabric on one shoulder and a tear in the rear of the skirt. Otherwise the dress is in excellent condition.fashion - 1870s, australian fashion, wedding dresses, costumes, women's clothing, coombs collection