Reflections reprinted history extracts from Bentleigh Baptist Church Diary from September 1989 to March 1993. Issues includes a CD with digital photos Reflections reprinted history upon the centenary of Bentleigh Baptist Church 1984 by DL Audemard from May 1985 The Way We Were Feb 1990 pamphlet notes reflections on the churches ministery over the last 50 years by unknown author A brief printed history author unknown and undated on Bentleigh Baptist Church, 10 Vickery Street Bentleigh Two computer generated articles of correspondence between Claire Barton and Robert Bell on the gathering of Bentleigh & Korean Baptist Church history April 2010bentleigh, baptist church, brewer mr, tucker road, box henry, lush gp rev, east boundary, north road, bentleigh baptist church, brighton baptist church, tucker road church, box francis, box edith, clay jack, clay joy, lipman vern, lipman bronwyn, watt family, pioneers, watt richard, watt martha, market gardens, centre road, jasper road, watt herbert, horse drawn vehicles, stamp mr, hall annie, vickery street, watt may, clay family, marriott hector, watt don, watt family, box chris, lipman joy, grewar family, alexander chas, shephard f, chapman samuel rev, chambers h, eunson ta rev, boreham e rev, fletcher w rev, marriott hec – market gardens, kennedy jack, kennedy lil, kennedy isa mary, herron john, seawright celia, streckfuss edith, cole alice, grewar annie, grewar hall, faulkner ern, graham tom, cross mabel, cross w rev, trenches, grewar jean, ormond, wadley mr, wellum mr, hinton wh, rees gp rev, hinton mrs, wade ken rev, wadley mrs, bent st, wade mrs, bell powell, warner lawrence, architects, winckel l rev, richards jl, builders, streckfuss bert, marriott may, streckfuss family, sach florrie, sach family, reid mrs, reid lesley, mcmillan mrs, drapers, mckinnon road, streckfuss edith, simpson mrs, wellum mrs, leadlights, main mary, evans william john, cooke j, cooke mrs, cahill samuel george, smith kate, freeman nancy, wanless mrs, redmore ab, redmore mrs, audemard phil rev, hawkins margaret, ord elton, hawkins shiela, pith ron, bell mr, wallace pat, bell margaret, audemard joan, docker sandra, hubbard mark, thomas bernie, thomas mrs, lamprell mrs, herron mr, herron mrs, freeman mrs, beach mrs, paton john mrs, george lloyd, aspinal eric, bell gwen, sutton mrs, winkel mrs, neil mary, costain mrs, main mrs, baker mrs, cross mrs, kershaw mrs, smith millie, smith jack, freeman alf, harwood lindsay, harwood doreen, bell lesley, bell roberta, bentleigh korean baptist church, barton claire, hoare mike, hoare margaret, bott muriel, bridgeman pat, cook don, small hugh, trewin bill, smith eddie, iggulden sid, neve keith, horsford david, spencer wally, mcewan bill, holmes ron, holmes joyce, pullman peter, pullman elly, probbel peter, robinson john, bott laurie, main alice, disney clarrie, taylor kath, woff miss, rutledge peter, cameo playgroup, bentleigh baptist church, bentleigh, tucker road, foundation stones

Gordon Spittle was the youngest of Three brothers. He grew up in Creswick and attended Creswick Grammar School. Gordon purchased 'Mt Cavern' in 1912. It had 4 years of a 10 year lease to run. His mother and father took delivery of it on 1 April 1916. They lived there and farmed it until Gordon returned from active service in May 1919. S. Gordon Spittle married Violet Holmes and both lived at "Mt Cavern" until their deaths. Gordon died in 1942 aged 51. Violet Holmes-Spittle died in 1949 aged 56. Handwritten lower front 'Do we look down hearted?' Handwritten verso 'Egypt, March 23rd 1916. Dear Mrs Troup. Your very fine and interesting letter dated Feb 15th came to hand to-day and needless to add was delighted to receive it, and can promise you that I'll answer it at my earliest opportunity. We are now having a better time since we came to this part, as we are able to enjoy a little of city life, although we have a good deal more work to do, & which is mostly carting goods to & from the ships & railway stations etc, all of which is interesting & quite a change from our life on the Desert. Hope this card finds you in good health. I will now have to say au revoir for the present with kindest regards to Mr Troup, self and family. From your very sincere friends, A. Gordon Spittle."Two uniformed Australian soldiers pose for a photograph during World War One.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, spittle, gordon spittle

James Redmond Gilbert (sr) was born in 1837 at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He married Ellen Spouse. He , James Gilbert died on 26 July 1900 at Melbourne, and is buried at Boroondara Cemetery (Kew). J.R Gilbert lived at Running Creek (later Havilah) for some time, and during that time was employed in one of the bigger mines in the district. (Research by Ren at Havilah Research, 2019) Leatherbound ledger with hand written names, professions, residence and remarks relating to visitors to the Ballarat School of Mines. Sample Names: 1881 May 2 David Kerr Diamond Miner South Africa May 2 S. R. Dodds Diamond Miner South Africa May 3 Albert E. King Accountant Adelaide, South Australia "see signature 6 leaves back" May 6 William Morley Wesleyan Minister Auckland, New Zealand May 6 Rainsford Ravin Wellington, New Zealand May 7 Frank E. Lawrence, Lake River, Tasmania May 9 M. Richter Engineer Germany May 9 Dr Wilhelm Landall naturalist Berlin, Germany May 10 William Ralph Heaton Mercantile Birmingham May 11 Arthur I. Traill Grazier Llanpollen, New South Wales May 10 Marian Traill 1882 July 10 Arthur W.W. Brown London July 10 Benjamin Spargo Mining Mananger and owner Snowy Creek July 10 Thomas Cooke Miner Ballarat July 14 Robert H. Kenny July 14 Mr and Mrs Buston, [Indigo Planter?] Bengal, Indonesia July 14 Samuel H. Halker Ballarat July 14 Charles Phelan Talbot July 14 E. Walker Ballarat 1884 June 30 M.N. Cooper Dunedin, new Zealand June 30 Richard Hosking gardiner Gong Gong Well pleased with School June 30 Humphrey John Ballarat July 1 Cecily Gilbert Melbourne July 1 Florence Shrivall Melbourne July 1 [W.N. Marsh?] Colonial Secretary Hong Kong July 1 Louis Fause Engine Driver Dunolly July 1 John L. Bertram Blacksmith Melbourne July 1 Thomas Eardley Coachmaker London "Exceedingly obliged to Mr Oddie for a very pleasant instruction time spent in inspection of the various scientific appliances in the Ballarat School of Mines." (Donation 2/6) July 4 E. Goodwin [David?] Artist Spellbound July 4 W. Glumley Station Master Murtoa July July 4 James Thomas Miner Corrinondie, New Zealand "Very pleased with the School in all its branches. I hope to contribute to the specimen department. J.T." July 8 Robert Wall Engine Driver 1885 September 16 J.W. Springthorpe, M.D., Melbourne (very much pleased in every way) September 26 M. Oddie, Ballarat 1886 January 12 William Piekard, Leicester, England January 12 Robert Linford, Norwich, England January 12 H. Tipping, Draughtsman, Adelaide (Very instructive and should be taken advantage of by all who can) January 12 Fred H.K. Dreslecher, London (ditto) January 23 Walter Redgate, Manchester (ditto) April 7 Annie Bellingham, Richmond April 9 Fred Kruger, Landscape Photo, Geelong April 14 Mary Barry, Murtoa April 19 N.J. Tabuteau Accountant Napier, New Zealand April 19 George N. [Baroft?] Gentleman Cheshire, England April 21 Hon. George D'Almaine, Peer of England, London April 21 Lord Augustus Honour April 21 William Holt, South Melbourne April 21 H. Bartell, Gentleman, Smythes April 21 Fred Musgrove, Gentleman April 21 A. Chirnside, Squatter April 23 Alice Cravino, student, Buninyong April 24 East Melbourne Bicycle Club April 28 J. Kinnear, Kyneton April 28 J.P. Kinnear, Kyneton May 19 Bob Selby, Doctor, Ballarat May 19 J.W.M.. Quiggin, globe trotter, Picton (NS Wales) May 25 Arthur Night, Sutton Hotel, Ballarat (very fair) May 28 D. Kelly, attendant, China May 28 J. Kelly, schoolboy, China June 1 Joseph Jelbart, Blacksmith, Harrow September 9 David Ham, M.L.C. Ballarat ( A right to be pleased) September 9 J.J. Green, Merchant, Adelaide (Very much pleased with my visit to this intitiution it has my hearty sympathy and appreciation, Much pleased at what I have seen its value to the community) 9 December James H. Tappin, Agent, Ballarat (very pleased with instruction 1887 March 20 Thomas Bath Learmonth March 20 James R. Gilbert= Miner Running Creek March 20 C. Holtermann Out of business Adelaide 1890 21 May Mr and Mrs Fairchild, gentleman. Yarra house, Dalgety St, St Kildaballarat school of mines, visitors, j.w. springthorpe, chinese visitors, visitors' book, running creek, james redmond gilbert sr, havilah

Alexander Wright was born on 25 August, 1898 in Smeaton He was the brother of musician Frank Wright. Alex Wright was killed whilst performing at the Birmingham Empire as the result of a German air Attack in October 1940. The theatre had a direct hit. According to Frank Wright Alex was a great impersonator with a unique range Bass - tenor with many accents (not unlike Peter Dawson) "AUSTRALIAN CARUSO Smeaton Boy's Fame Andre Navarre, who left Australia about three years ago to study opera in Europe, bids fair to take a place among the world's great tenors. A few months ago Navarre sang for Melba for the first time, and she immediately acclaimed him to be a finished artist, describing his voice as the nearest approach to the immortal Caruso she had ever heard, writes the Ballarat "Courier." Andre Navarre is, however, only a stage name adopted by Alexander Wright, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William. Wright, of Armstrong street North, Ballarat, and brother of Mr. Frank Wright and Mrs. William Ritchie, of that city. Born at smeaton 31 years ago, in what may be termed a musical atmosphere; Alex. Wright showed a definite desire to sing at a very early age, and in his boyhood figured as soloist at school concerts, etc. His youth was spent around Smeaton, working at home and at various farms in the district until he was about 19 years of age, when he secured a position at the Dunlop rubber works, Melbourne. Up to this period Wright had no vocal training whatever, but being the possessor of a good resonant baritone voice, was persuaded by some of his friends to "have a go at the stage.'' Securing a position in the chorus of "Maid of the Mountains," which was at that time showing at the Theatre Royal, he soon made his voice heard to advantage, and also commenced to take lessons from Signor Robottaro. It was about this time that Wright was invited by a fellow musician to a musical evening at which a member of Rigo's grand opera company, then performing at " The Playhouse," was also present. Hearing Wright sing, the musician immediately said : ' You're a fool to waste your time in a chorus with that voice. Rigo is looking for a singer like you for the role of 'Figaro' in 'Barber of Seville'." Alex, however, did not take the remark seriously, and it was only after the numerous persuasions of friends who obviously knew the real value of his voice that the modest young man was eventually induced to meet Rigo. The Italian maestro was so delighted with the voice that without hesitation he was given the principle role of "The Barber" to study. Many singers having previously been tried and rejected for the part, Wright was astonished at his success in being chosen, and awakened suddenly to the fact by the maestro that a world voice, if properly trained, would surely develop in the young artist, Alex at once settled down to study, and all day long in his boarding house at St. Kilda could be heard rehearsing his new role. In less than a month he had completely mastered the part, and on the opening night, in the exacting role of "The Barber," he was an outstanding success. Later, he toured Australia with many leading artists, including Elsa Stralia and Harry Lauder, and spent his last two years in Sydney, where he was engaged as soloist in the biggest picture house. Realising that a training in Italy and on the Continent was essential for a successful operatic singer, the young artist decided to go overseas to continue his studies. He did not leave Australia, however, before he gratuitously gave a concert in his little home town to the obvious delight of all his old friends, who flocked from all parts of the district to hear him. The hall was packed to overflowing , and so pleased was Alex with the tumultuous reception he received that he sang fewer than 20 songs. Once in Italy, he lost no time in placing himself under the tuition of Cottone, and it was at the studio of this maestro that he met Toti dal Monte, a former protege of the same master. Two years were spent in Italy, when "Navarre" learned to speak the Italian language fluently, and acquired a wide knowledge of the operas. He sang in Milan about a year ago, and was paid some glowing tributes by the Italian Press critics, who likened his voice to that of Caruso. From Italy he went to Paris, where he met John Brownlee and many other famous singers. The critics on the Continent are unanimous that Andre Navarre-the unassuming Smeaton boy, whom his schoolmates still affectionately call "Hock"--is destined to become one of the luminaries in music history. It is interesting to recall some facts concerning the remarkable family from which this artist springs. Four other members have won championship honors in the musical world. Mr. Frank Wright has the Australasian cornet championship to his credit ; Mr. Norman Wright, of Sydney, has won a tenor championship of New Zealand, and has recorded for the Columbia Gramophone Company ; Mrs. Wm. Ritchie ( formerly Miss Laura Wright) won the A.N.A. contralto championship in Melbourne; whilst the oldest member, Lydia (Mrs. C. Cane, now in N.Z.) won the violin championship at South Street when 17 years of age. Last year Mrs. and Mr. Wright celebrated their golden wedding. Both of the old folk are intensely musical, and it has been said that the voice of the mother, although entirely untrained, showed in her earlier days glimpses of the beautiful quality which made Melba famous. Andre Navarre does not propose leaving the Continent for some time. Recently he was offered a 12 months' contract to sing in London for £2500 but on the advice of Melba and his coach, it was refused on the grounds that yet another 12 months' French study was necessary to ensure absolute perfection. That "Alex " has lost none of his school-boy wit is evinced by his own jocular remark that he has "a top C sharp that will crack every window in the Sydney Town Hall!" (Horsham Times, 20 February 1931) "AUSTRALIAN KILLED An Australian, Alexander Wright, radio variety star, who toured Europe and Australia under the pseudonym of Navarre, was killed during a recent air raid in a Midland . town. His broth-er, Frank Wright, is musical director for the London County council."(Border Morning Mail, 22 Oct 1940) Black and white image of Smeaton born Alexander Wright whose professional name was Navarre "Prince of Mimics". alexander wright, alec wright, navarre

Age of the couple, and Mrs Steane's orchard spray suggests it may be a Golden Wedding portrait.Black and white photograph of Albert W. Steane and his wife, Grace Steanealbert steane, albert w. steane, grace steane

This letter was written by Henry Davis, editor of the Warrnambool Standard, to Joseph Archibald, curator of the Warrnambool Museum. Dated 11 October 1883, it refers to Davis’s recovery of a saturated volume of ‘Longfellow’s Poems’ from the sea at Loch Ard Gorge. The retrieval of this book, and its possible connection with one of the survivors from the LOCH ARD shipwreck in 1878, prompted Archibald’s letter of 1 December 1883 to Eva Carmichael, and Eva’s reply of 21 January 1884 (No, it was not her book). Miss Carmichael’s reply to Archibald’s inquiry (2290.4) and the water-damaged book itself (541) are both in the Flagstaff Hill collection along with this letter from Davis, which connects the two. The Davis letter reads: “Dear Sir, ― This book was found by me in the waves which broke on the sands [….] the Gorge where Tom Pearce rescued Miss Carmichael after the wreck of the ill-fated ‘Loch Ard’. I ran in with the receding waves and picked up the soddened volume, and, coincidentally, the first illustrations that met my gaze, on parting its dripping pages, was that portraying the fair maiden in the ‘Wreck of the [Hersperus’.] On the Bluff, 200 feet above me, were the dead forms of Mrs and one of the Misses Carmichael, whilst [by] them, stiff and [….] were two gentlemen passengers [by] the wreck[ed] [v]essel]. Having just left them before [….] [my] capture in the Gorge, you may imagine [m]y feelings on alighting upon, under such circumstances, Longfellow’s beautiful and sympathetic poem. Yours truly, H.W. Davis.” The book referred to here is The Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1877, Nimmo, London. It is on display under glass in the Great Circle Gallery at the Maritime Village, alongside a typed transcript of the Davis letter. A 1996 audit of the rare book collection at Flagstaff Hill notes: “Inscribed ‘Loch Ard June 1 1878’ in pencil within ― believed to be a salvage from the shipwreck”. The letter is connected to the salvaged items from the 1878 LOCH ARD shipwreck, which is of State significance ― Victorian Heritage Number S417Letter from H. Davis, editor of the Warrnambool Standard, to J. Archibald, curator of the Warrnambool Museum. It was handwritten in ink on “Standard Office, Warrnambool” letterhead note paper, and dated 11 October 1883. The cursive script appears carelessly written and the original single sheet of paper is in poor condition (torn and creased). At some stage the original document has been backed with stiff cardboard and then sealed in a clear plastic cover.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, loch ard, longfellow’s poems, eva carmichael, joseph archibald, henry davis, warrnambool standard

Invitation to Rev W Clemens and Mrs Clemens from the Victoria Government to the opening of Parliament in Exhibition Buildings Melbourne 9 May 1901flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Invitation to Rev W Clemens and Mrs Clemens from the Victoria Government to the Royal Review at Flemington on Friday 10th May 1901flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This collection of items belonged to Emma Eliza Jane Watson's (bPhillips) son and daughter-in-law, John Richard and Edith Emma Watson (b Yung). Emma married Thomas William Watson at St Paul's Anglican Church , 11/11/1865.They lived in Sebastapol, Ballarat North and lastly at "Gracedale" Yendon - a small farm. They had 10 children and also brought up three grandhildren. .7 Emma Eliza Jane Phillips was born on 25th April 1844 in Barrabool (Geelong), the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Anne Phillips (b Goodenough). Sometime in the 1850"s after the death of Richard and the breakup of her marriage to Anthony Beck, Elizabeth moves to Ballarat with her children. The eldest boy Richard William Phillips would have been in his late teens. Elizabeth died on 4th August 1858 (aged 42?) before any of her children married. Emma married Thomas Watson in Ballarat. .1 Black memorial card with gold ink for Henrietta Tierney who was the wife of Daniel Tierney of the Victorian Police. Henrietta died April 28, 1905, aged 25 years. .2 Black and white photographic post card of two girls (Florence and Esma) addressed to Mrs Watson from Maurice H. It was sent from Mascoffs, High Street, Rushworth. c 1910-1915. .3 Black and white photograph of two children (Alma and Ida Watson) sent as a 1920 Christmas Greeting to Auntie Edie and Uncle Jack (Watson) from Ted and Jean Watson. Sent from "Kia Ora", Olinda Court, Bendigo. .4 Embossed presentation folder containing a black and white photo of two women and a man who is in an air force uniform. Inscription - "With love to mother from Bill 6th May '42" (possibly Beatty family NSW - connection through Richard Henry Watson's wife Margaret Alison Pike. Richard (Harry) was the son of this collection's owner Edith Emma Watson) .5 Post Card addressed to Jack and Edith .6 Sepia photograph of Ethel, 1890 .7 Sepia photograph of a small child sitting on a cushion . G.L. Massingham. Geelong. Frank Lauder (Hand written in biro) Verso: Gran Emma Eliza Jane Watson b Phillips in Geelong (Barrabool) .8 Two army officers seated on rocks between large cactus plants, possibly overseas in WW1. .9 Black and white photograph of three sisters .10 Black and white photograph of Reverend Stubbings, Mrs Stubbings and their daughter Jackie Stubbings.watson, emma eliza jane phillips, elizabeth anne goodenough, richard phillips, g.l.massingham, geelong, barrabool, reg. g evans, post card

Norwood High School started the school year in multiple temporary premises while the new school was being erected in Byron Street, eventually opening mid 1959.Ringwood Post 7 May 1959 Headline "Minister at Norwood to see for himself" article in response to earlier letter to the editor headed "Piecemeal Education" regarding inadequate temporary accommodation.Deputation participants: Norwood High School Parents and Citizens' Association - Mrs. H. Couche, President, R.L. David, Honorary Secretary; Minister for Education, Mr. H.S. Bloomfield; Mr. J. Manson, M.L.A. (Member for Ringwood); Mr H. Hopkins, District Inspector; Mr. A. Gibson, Headmaster.

Mrs. E Pullin MBE was the President of The Ringwood Research Group for many years and was associated with many groups in the area hence she was well known by successive Mayors and Mayoresses.1. White bifold Invitation to Mrs. E. Pullin to attend luncheon at Civic Centre, Braeside Avenue, Ringwood on Wednesday 19th. March 1975, from the Mayoress Mrs. Lois Morris. 2. Bifold typed letter with City of Ringwood Crest inviting Mrs. E. Pullin to a "last supper" on Monday 28th August 1975 after the Council Meeting. 3. Inviation to Luncheon by the Mayoress Mrs. Shirley Martin to Mrs. Pullin at Braeside Avenue, Ringwood, 17th. March. 1976. 4. 24th June, 1987, letter from the Mayoress Mrs. Lillian Rosewarne to Mrs. Pullin thanking her for the photograph taken at the opening of the Poppet Head in the Ringwood Lake area. 5. Invitation to Mrs. Pullin from the Mayor, Councillor John Caffyn and the Councillors of the City of Ringwood to a "Thank you" for local community organisations at Mines Road on Thursday 19th. May 1988. 6. Invitation to Mrs. Pullin by the Mayoress Mrs. Verna Gardini to a Luncheon at the Ringwood Convention and Performing Arts Centre, Mines Road, Ringwood on Friday 17th. March 1989. 7. Inviation from The Mayor of Ringwood Councillor Margaret Cheevers to Mrs. Pullin MBE to Afternoon Tea at the Convention Centre, Mines Road, Ringwood East on 26th. October 1993.

The records of the Ringwood Croquet Club given to Gail Abbe - Archivist for safe - keeping with the request that they may be borrowed should the club require them for reference - 10-Dec-1993.Minutes of Ringwood Croquet Club from 1931 to 1947. Includes formation meeting held on 8th September 1931 at Ringwood Town Hall. The Moyoress, Mrs Honora Blood convened the meeting and occupied the chair. At that stage, the Ringwood Bowling Club had been formed. Men joined the croquet club in years to come. The Constitution was adopted with club colours blue, orange and green at a special meeting on the 6th October 1931 at the Town Hall under the presidency of Honora Blood.

Open Day, Ringwood Technical School, 31st May, 1961, Mr Veitch (left), Principal and Mayor Bob Horman speaking. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned. Some photos have been taken by Peter Payens of Ringwood Studios, 36 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, WU-7609, probably for the Ringwood mail newspaper. From The Ringwood Mail, 8 June 1961 - "Part of the Commonwealth Technical Training Week, the Mayor, Cr Robert Horman, performed the official opening of a display at the Ringwood Technical School. Present in the official party were Mayoress, Hon. WER Garrett, MLC, and Mrs Garrett, the Town Clerk, Mr Fred Dwerryhouse, and the President of the School Council, Major-General LE Beavis, CBE, DSO, and Mrs Beavis."

Open Day, Ringwood Technical School, 31st May, 1961. Major-General Beavis CBE DSO speaking. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned. Some photos have been taken by Peter Payens of Ringwood Studios, 36 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, WU-7609, probably for the Ringwood mail newspaper. From The Ringwood Mail, 8 June 1961 - "Part of the Commonwealth Technical Training Week, the Mayor, Cr Robert Horman, performed the official opening of a display at the Ringwood Technical School. Present in the official party were Mayoress, Hon. WER Garrett, MLC, and Mrs Garrett, the Town Clerk, Mr Fred Dwerryhouse, and the President of the School Council, Major-General LE Beavis, CBE, DSO, and Mrs Beavis."

Open Day, Ringwood Technical School, 31st May, 1961. Mayor Horman speaking, with audience. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned. Some photos have been taken by Peter Payens of Ringwood Studios, 36 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, WU-7609, probably for the Ringwood mail newspaper. From The Ringwood Mail, 8 June 1961 - "Part of the Commonwealth Technical Training Week, the Mayor, Cr Robert Horman, performed the official opening of a display at the Ringwood Technical School. Present in the official party were Mayoress, Hon. WER Garrett, MLC, and Mrs Garrett, the Town Clerk, Mr Fred Dwerryhouse, and the President of the School Council, Major-General LE Beavis, CBE, DSO, and Mrs Beavis."

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 1984The Moorabbin Standard was the local newspaper for the City of Moorabbin during the 20thCentury until it was absorbed into The Leader Newspaper Group Pty Ltd. This article shows the builder Mr Arthur Smith working on the roof shingles during the reconstruction of Box Cottage in Joyce Park Ormond May 1984. Mrs H. Deam and Mr A. Smith, CMHS members,kept this article to record the progress of the ‘Reconstruction’ from February 1984 to November 1984. A Moorabbin Standard Newspaper article, May 9th 1984, with 2 x black and white photographs of the builder, Mr Arthur Smith, working on the Roof shingles during the reconstruction of Box Cottage in Joyce Park , Ormond. Written on article ; Moorabbin Standard, May 9th Wed. 1984brighton, 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.,

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. 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