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Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Iron Box - Steam or Dry, Model No
The Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme (KHES) produced electricity for the people living in the Kiewa Valley and beyond to many parts of Victoria. The people and their families working on the scheme were encouraged by their employer the State Electricity Commission of Victoria to purchase and use electrical appliances. The iron was popular as it was quick and easy compared to those used previously. This iron belonged to Ron White who was a senior member of staff during the construction and operation of the KHES.This iron was owned by Ron White who was appointed Area Operations Engineer Kiewa in June 1956. He was later appointed General Superintendent and then, in 1974, he was appointed Principal Hydro Engineer of the recently titled Hydro Division.Rectangular yellow and black cardboard box with 'complete' fitting lid. Red and black writing on all sides except the bottom. staples used to hold down the sides of the lid.Front of box - New Revolutionary / Dry/ It steam irons/ it damps as it irons!/ It dry irons too! Back of box - Hoover Steam or Dry Iron Side of box - New Revolutionary / Hoover/ Steam or dry/ Iron / Made By/ Hoover Industries Pty Ltd Meadowbank NSW Top of box has sketch of dial "Big Safety Set Dial" - with black backgroundelectric iron; steam iron; hoover industries; ron white; laundry; kiewa hydro electric scheme -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Plan - Mt Beauty House
Mt Beauty was a construction town built from 1948. The houses were English Pre-cut Types - several of each type were erected with several variations. This house had 3 bedrooms and is dated as 'traced on 18 Dec. 1956'. Mt Beauty is a construction town built by the SECV during the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme for workers and their families. Houses were provided along with many other facilities eg. schools. This house plan is a good indication of the quality of housing provided at the time eg. laundry, toilet etc. Large sheet with title at top "State Electricity Commission of Victoria" showing 'front', 'right' and 'left' elevations and the 'floor plan'. Printed at the bottom - 'Kiewa Scheme / Mt Beauty Housing / English pre-cut Type 3B ILA /. There are further notes printed at the bottom of the sheet.mt beauty housing, english pre-cut type housing, house plan, state electricity commission of victoria -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Bag Whitening Agent Reckitts, circa early 1900s
This little bag of "whitener" additive for the washing of white clothes was manufactured in Hull in the United Kingdom mid and later 1900's. The Manufacturer, Ricketts, was one of the first manufacturers to employ women in equal proportions with males (a rarity before 1914). This product was used to improve the appearance of white fabrics. This ability to use a product that would "whiten" clothes chemically rather than the "hard boiling" of clothes was a time saver and a lot easier on the fabrics. This is a boon to rural families where time was of the essence (boiling took time). The blue coloring was introduced because the white colour perception is enhanced by the blue (fadeable and not permanent). The "washing machine industry" of the late 1900's emphasised "whitening" agents that were not so haphazard in producing blue stains, and allowed a "gentle" washing action. This item is very significant in detailing the early 1900's rural household domestic "chore" of washing white clothes to a "social" standard of cleanliness. White shirts were the mark cleanliness that those outside of the family judged the family unit by. The best clothes were worn to church on Sundays. Hard and mostly rural activities/work in the Kiewa Valley encompassing farming, crop cultivation, cattle/sheep and "field work" to do with the SEC Vic Hydro Scheme involved provided a stain prone environment. As appearances, of clothing, was on the whole not significant it was a different scenario at social and religious scenes. The ability to attain "brilliant" white shirts, dresses and bonnets by a less drastic method to that of "boiling" of clothes in vats, was a boon of that "era". The anti establishment revolt came later in the 1950's onward took longer to migrate from the cities and larger rural townships to eventually sneak into the Kiewa valley.This "blue bag" is a whitening agent wrapped in flannel or muslin, or sold ready bagged (1 ounce).It was used in the final rinse to "whiten white coloured clothes" The string was used to facilitate finger grip onto the "bag" after the wash had finished for easy removal to stop the hand and other surfaces from being stained by the blue colour residue drips.domestic and commercial laundries, starch and whitening additive, washing brightener -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Wringer - washing clothes
Wringers were used to wring clothes dry after washing. This is a manual one that can be attached to a trough or container that holds the washing. Later on washing machines were made with the wringer already attached and were operated by electricity. Afterwards washing machines spun the clothes dry as part of their cycle.This wringer was used by a resident of the Mount Beauty township during the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme in the 1940's and 1950's. White metal machine with 2 adjoining cloth cylinders in the middle. The metal rectangular shape forms a frame around the cylinders which have a metal shield above them and a metal flap below them. At the bottom, on each side is a protruding metal vice enabling the machine to be attached to a container. On one side is a lever with a wooden handle that can be wound around to rotate the cylinders towards each other."Acme" in red on the middle of the top front and "Acme" in white in the middle of the top of the back.washing machine; ringer; mount beauty; laundry; -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Ephemera - St. Mary’s Church, Caulfield
Two copies from St. Mary’s Anglican Church Caulfield, orders of service to celebrate Victoria’s 150th anniversary April 28, 1985. Four copies of pamphlet from St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Caulfield for The Joys of Living in Victoria, a festival of flowers and music dated April 25-28 1985. Included is a brief history from the 1850’s to 1985 of the church. Official opening leaflet with details of events and sponsors. The Joys of Living in Victoria, a festival of flowers and music order of service. Roneoed copy dated 25/04/1985.st. mary’s anglican church, caulfield, brooks r.c. rev., glasson william, organists, glen eira road, allen s. m. and sons, furniture stores, kennington laundry and drycleaners, drycleaners, glen huntly road, elsternwick, nepean highway, gardenvale, caulfield south, t. bathursts and co., funeral directors, ricks camera shop, elsternwick furnishing co., rothels pty. ltd., the sausage factory, four corners picture framing co., taylors the discount store, eight st. georges road, reception rooms, mane event hairdressing, fiskens pharmacy, boyd w. fox chemist, elsternwick travel world, mahony denis, hairline 309, hairdressers, madge tulloch florist, florist shops, michelson and associates, estate agents, port phillips press pty. ltd., printing industry, sommers jill, caulfield city choir, choirs, the tait-smith chamber group, tudor choristers, cathedral brass ensemble, trumble joan, brookes raymond rev., porter miss, park street, stephen george sir, hood crescent, bluestone, reid mr., architects, macartney mrs., st. mary’s church, st. stephen’s, gardenvale, st. clement, elsternwick, st. agnes, glenhuntly, glen huntly, st. catherine, caulfield, langley canon, shelford, green bishop, schools, helenslea, caulfield grammar school, davis j.h. rev., house names -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Document - North Rd, 391 -391A, Caulfield South
Auction Notice of property (2 Flats) Caulfield, North Rd nos. 391 – 391a. Includes brief details of each flat. Also includes payment terms. Perhaps 1960’s. Year of auction not known but estimated from Collins 100 years calendar to be calendar no.5 for year 1959.hardie a.o. rev, toilets, caulfield south, business & finance, hardie a.o. mrs, laundries, auctioneers, hardie a.t., hot water service, real estate agents, flats, auctions, bambra rd, tennis courts, garages (private), booran rd -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Photograph - Vermador
Two black and white photocopies of a photograph of Vermador Private Hospital at 761 Glenhuntly Road, corner Watson Grove and Glenhuntly Road, taken c. 1920, Sr. Mary Stuart.glen huntly, vermador, hospitals, watson grove, stuart mary, streetscapes, glen huntly laundry, drapers, advertising signs, glenhuntly road, glenhuntly -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Letter - Centre Road, 196, Bentleigh
A one page typed copy of a letter dated 14/07/1953 from K Gardner and Lang Pty Ltd to H E Waterman Esq containing a valuation of the property at 196 Centre Road, Bentleigh. It provides a detailed description of the house, rooms and its dimensions. The file also includes one page of undated, unattributed handwritten valuations and a one page typed copy of the valuations.waterman h e, waterman annie, centre road, bentleigh, architectural features, sheds, garages, laundries -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Ink Bottle, Early to mid 20th century
This ink bottle was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. ABOUT THE “W.R.ANGUS COLLECTION” Doctor William Roy Angus M.B., B.S., Adel., 1923, F.R.C.S. Edin.,1928 (also known as Dr Roy Angus) was born in Murrumbeena, Victoria in 1901 and lived until 1970. He qualified as a doctor in 1923 at University of Adelaide, was Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1924 and for a period was house surgeon to Sir (then Mr.) Henry Simpson Newland. Dr Angus was briefly an Assistant to Dr Riddell of Kapunda, then commenced private practice at Curramulka, Yorke Peninsula, SA, where he was physician, surgeon and chemist. In 1926, he was appointed as new Medical Assistant to Dr Thomas Francis Ryan (T.F. Ryan, or Tom), in Nhill, Victoria, where his experiences included radiology and pharmacy. In 1927 he was Acting House Surgeon in Dr Tom Ryan’s absence. Dr Angus had become engaged to Gladys Forsyth and they decided he further his studies overseas in the UK in 1927. He studied at London University College Hospital and at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and in 1928, was awarded FRCS (Fellow from the Royal College of Surgeons), Edinburgh. He worked his passage back to Australia as a Ship’s Surgeon on the on the Australian Commonwealth Line’s T.S.S. Largs Bay. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1929, in Ballarat. (They went on to have one son (Graham 1932, born in SA) and two daughters (Helen (died 12/07/1996) and Berenice (Berry), both born at Mira, Nhill ) According to Berry, her mother Gladys made a lot of their clothes. She was very talented and did some lovely embroidery including lingerie for her trousseau and beautifully handmade baby clothes. Dr Angus was a ‘flying doctor’ for the A.I.M. (Australian Inland Ministry) Aerial Medical Service in 1928 . Its first station was in the remote town of Oodnadatta, where Dr Angus was stationed. He was locum tenens there on North-South Railway at 21 Mile Camp. He took up this ‘flying doctor’ position in response to a call from Dr John Flynn; the organisation was later known as the Flying Doctor Service, then the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A lot of his work during this time involved dental surgery also. Between 1928-1932 he was surgeon at the Curramulka Hospital, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. In 1933 Dr Angus returned to Nhill and purchased a share of the Nelson Street practice and Mira hospital (a 2 bed ward at the Nelson Street Practice) from Dr Les Middleton one of the Middleton Brothers, the current owners of what previously once Dr Tom Ryan’s practice. Dr Tom and his brother had worked as surgeons included eye surgery. Dr Tom Ryan performed many of his operations in the Mira private hospital on his premises. He had been House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1902-1926. Dr Tom Ryan had one of the only two pieces of radiology equipment in Victoria during his practicing years – The Royal Melbourne Hospital had the other one. Over the years Dr Tom Ryan had gradually set up what was effectively a training school for country general-practitioner-surgeons. Each patient was carefully examined, including using the X-ray machine, and any surgery was discussed and planned with Dr Ryan’s assistants several days in advance. Dr Angus gained experience in using the X-ray machine there during his time as assistant to Dr Ryan. When Dr Angus bought into the Nelson Street premises in Nhill he was also appointed as the Nhill Hospital’s Honorary House Surgeon 1933-1938. His practitioner’s plate from his Nhill surgery is now mounted on the doorway to the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. When Dr Angus took up practice in the Dr Edward and Dr Tom Ryan’s old premises he obtained their extensive collection of historical medical equipment and materials spanning 1884-1926. A large part of this collection is now on display at the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. In 1939 Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool where he purchased “Birchwood,” the 1852 home and medical practice of Dr John Hunter Henderson, at 214 Koroit Street. (This property was sold in1965 to the State Government and is now the site of the Warrnambool Police Station. and an ALDI sore is on the land that was once their tennis court). The Angus family was able to afford gardeners, cooks and maids; their home was a popular place for visiting dignitaries to stay whilst visiting Warrnambool. Dr Angus had his own silk worm farm at home in a Mulberry tree. His young daughter used his centrifuge for spinning the silk. Dr Angus was appointed on a part-time basis as Port Medical Officer (Health Officer) in Warrnambool and held this position until the 1940’s when the government no longer required the service of a Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool; he was thus Warrnambool’s last serving Port Medical Officer. (Masters of immigrant ships arriving in port reported incidents of diseases, illness and death and the Port Medical Officer made a decision on whether the ship required Quarantine and for how long, in this way preventing contagious illness from spreading from new immigrants to the residents already in the colony.) Dr Angus was a member of the Australian Medical Association, for 35 years and surgeon at the Warrnambool Base Hospital 1939-1942, He served with the Australian Department of Defence as a Surgeon Captain during WWII 1942-45, in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. During his convalescence he carved an intricate and ‘most artistic’ chess set from the material that dentures were made from. He then studied ophthalmology at the Royal Melbourne Eye and Ear Hospital and created cosmetically superior artificial eyes by pioneering using the intrascleral cartilage. Angus received accolades from the Ophthalmological Society of Australasia for this work. He returned to Warrnambool to commence practice as an ophthalmologist, pioneering in artificial eye improvements. He was Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist to Warrnambool Base Hospital for 31 years. He made monthly visits to Portland as a visiting surgeon, to perform eye surgery. He represented the Victorian South-West subdivision of the Australian Medical Association as its secretary between 1949 and 1956 and as chairman from 1956 to 1958. In 1968 Dr Angus was elected member of Spain’s Barraquer Institute of Barcelona after his research work in Intrasclearal cartilage grafting, becoming one of the few Australian ophthalmologists to receive this honour, and in the following year presented his final paper on Living Intrasclearal Cartilage Implants at the Inaugural Meeting of the Australian College of Ophthalmologists in Melbourne In his personal life Dr Angus was a Presbyterian and treated Sunday as a Sabbath, a day of rest. He would visit 3 or 4 country patients on a Sunday, taking his children along ‘for the ride’ and to visit with him. Sunday evenings he would play the pianola and sing Scottish songs to his family. One of Dr Angus’ patients was Margaret MacKenzie, author of a book on local shipwrecks that she’d seen as an eye witness from the late 1880’s in Peterborough, Victoria. In the early 1950’s Dr Angus, painted a picture of a shipwreck for the cover jacket of Margaret’s book, Shipwrecks and More Shipwrecks. She was blind in later life and her daughter wrote the actual book for her. Dr Angus and his wife Gladys were very involved in Warrnambool’s society with a strong interest in civic affairs. He had an interest in people and the community They were both involved in the creation of Flagstaff Hill, including the layout of the gardens. After his death (28th March 1970) his family requested his practitioner’s plate, medical instruments and some personal belongings be displayed in the Port Medical Office surgery at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and be called the “W. R. Angus Collection”. The company was founded by Charles Michael Higgins (born Ireland) in New York in partnership with his brother-in-law John Gianella Snr. in 1885. It began as just Charles M Higgins in 1880. It produced a range of popular inks including India, indelible, and laundry ink, later expanding into adhesive manufacture; originally based in Brooklyn the company expanded with offices in New York, Chicago and London (106 Charing Cross Road) selling products world wide; Charles Higgins died 1929 and was succeeded by his son Tracy. It became an incorporated company in 1930. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery. Clear glass ink bottle with cork stopper, containing small quantity of red ink.Part of the W.R. Angus Collection. Made by Higgins of Brooklyn, New York. Impressed into base "HIGGINS BROOKLYN N.Y. INKS" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, dr w r angus, dr ryan, surgical instrument, t.s.s. largs bay, warrnambool base hospital, nhill base hospital, mira hospital, flying doctor, ink bottle, ink bottle containing red ink, higgins & co brooklyn n.y., stationery, writing equipment, pen and ink -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Clothes Iron, last quarter of the 19th century
Blacksmiths started forging simple flat irons in the late Middle Ages. Plain metal irons were heated by a fire or on a stove. Some were made of stone. Earthenware and terracotta were also used, from the Middle East to France and the Netherlands. Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. This stayed cool while the metal bases were heated and the idea was widely imitated. Cool handles stayed even cooler in "asbestos sad irons". The sad in sad iron (or sadiron) is an old word for solid, and in some contexts this name suggests something bigger and heavier than a flat iron. Goose or tailor's goose was another iron name, and this came from the goose-neck curve in some handles. In Scotland people spoke of gusing (goosing) irons. At least two irons were needed on the go together for an effective system, one would be in use, and the other re-heating. Large households with servants had a special ironing-stove for this purpose. Some were fitted with slots for several irons, and a water-jug on top.An early domestic object that gives an insight into how the ironing of clothes was done before the electric type irons we use and take for granted today.Clothes Iron, wedge shaped, cast iron painted black with cylindrical handle small funnel through centre of handle.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, iron, flat iron, laundry equipment, sad iron, domestic object -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Clothes Iron, last quarter of the 19th century
Blacksmiths started forging simple flat irons in the late Middle Ages. Plain metal irons were heated by a fire or on a stove. Some were made of stone. Earthenware and terracotta were also used, from the Middle East to France and the Netherlands. Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. This stayed cool while the metal bases were heated and the idea was widely imitated. Cool handles stayed even cooler in "asbestos sad irons". The sad in sad iron (or sadiron) is an old word for solid, and in some contexts this name suggests something bigger and heavier than a flat iron. Goose or tailor's goose was another iron name, and this came from the goose-neck curve in some handles. In Scotland people spoke of gusing (goosing) irons. At least two irons were needed on the go together for an effective system, one would be in use, and the other re-heating. Large households with servants had a special ironing-stove for this purpose. Some were fitted with slots for several irons, and a water-jug on top.An early domestic object that gives an insight into how the ironing of clothes was done before the electric type irons we use and take for granted today.Clothes Iron, wedge shaped, cast iron painted black with cylindrical handle small funnel through centre of handle.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, iron, flat iron, laundry equipment, sad iron, domestic object -
Greensborough Historical Society
Domestic object - Clothes Pegs, Dolly pegs, `1950 c
Clothes pegs, turned wood, also known as "Dolly pegs". Similar to "Best American clothes pegs". For household use, pegging wet clothing out to dry on clothes line.Clothes pegs, turned wood.clothes pegs, dolly pegs, laundry equipment -
Greensborough Historical Society
Domestic object - Soap, J. Kitchen and Sons Pty Ltd, Velvet Soap, 1950s
Velvet soap, commonly used for washing of both hands and items such as dishes and clothingTwo cakes of Velvet soap"Velvet" molded on face, J. Kitchen and Sons Pty Ltd on obverse; colour yellowsoap, laundry soap -
Greensborough Historical Society
Domestic object - Clothes Pegs
Used to secure clothes etc. on a clothes line to dry.Four square wooden clothes pegs, two with sliding tightenersclothes pegs, laundry equipment -
Greensborough Historical Society
Domestic object - Laundry Starch, Robert Harper & Co. Ltd, Silver Star Starch, Box 1: 1950s Box 2: 1970s
Starch is used to stiffen cloth when ironed, eliminating creases and giving a smooth finish . Now seldom usedTwo cardboard packets containing "Silver Star Starch" Box 1 Blue, light blue printed on white. Box 2: Multicoloured on whiteBox 1: Net weight 12 ounces when packed. Box 2: 300g Net. The very best since 1890starch, laundry starch -
Greensborough Historical Society
Domestic object - Flatiron, Silvester, Silvester Flatiron, No.9, 1900c
Used to iron clothes, heated over a stove. These irons came in different sizes, this is a large iron, number "9".Black cast ironSilvester [no.] 9 flatirons, irons, laundry equipment -
Greensborough Historical Society
Domestic object - Flatiron, Silvester, Silvester Flatiron, No.7, 1900c
Used for ironing clothes, heated on stove. These irons came in various sizes, this is a number "7".Black cast iron"Silvester Patent Salter". "7"flatirons, laundry equipment -
Greensborough Historical Society
Domestic object - Flatiron, Silvester, Silvester Flatiron, No.1, 1900c
Usually heated over a stove, used for ironing shirt collars and similar garments, this flatiron has a curved or rounded base.Small black flat iron, rounded baseSilvester patent [No.] 1flatirons, laundry irons -
Greensborough Historical Society
Domestic object - Bathtub
Used as a bath or for washing clothes where water supply not connected. This mass produced tub has no manufacturer's marks.Galvanised bath, with carry handlesbaths, bathtubs, laundry equipment -
Greensborough Historical Society
Blue bag, Reckitt's Blue Bag, 1950s
Commonly used when washing whites in a copper to whiten the materialPaper wrapping printed in red on white paper, enclosing blue material"Robin starch for better starching" "Remove label, wrap block in flannel and stir in the last rinse"laundry item, reckitts blue bag -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Hurstbridge shops, cnr of Heidelberg-Kinglake Road and Parker Road, c.1989, 1989c
Streetscape evolutionRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 stripsFuji 200Ahurstbridge, shops, heidelberg-kinglake road, parker road, coin laundry, ian mccubbin and associates solicitors, naomi's nook, take away food -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Hurstbridge shops, cnr of Heidelberg-Kinglake Road and Parker Road, c.1989, 1989c
Streetscape evolutionRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 stripsFuji 200Ahurstbridge, shops, heidelberg-kinglake road, parker road, coin laundry, ian mccubbin and associates solicitors, naomi's nook, take away food -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Hurstbridge shops, cnr of Heidelberg-Kinglake Road and Parker Road, c.1989, 1989c
Streetscape evolutionRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 stripsFuji 200Ahurstbridge, shops, heidelberg-kinglake road, parker road, coin laundry, ian mccubbin and associates solicitors, naomi's nook, take away food -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Iron Hand, circa 1867 to circa 1871
This is size one of three sizes (Mrs Potts) irons available in the late 1800s and early 1900s which were used for (press) ironing clothes etc. using wood or coal based heaters. The majority of these irons would have been placed on top of wood or coal fuelled stoves. They survived longer in isolated outback regions where electricity had not been connected. The weight of these irons was intentionally heavy so as to press the clothes etc. neatly. These irons were used in an era where stiff collars and creases in particular types of clothing was essentially a social requirementHistorically these irons fulfilled a particular function that was the norm in isolated or semi isolated country locations. Cities and larger towns had professional laundry and pressing shops. In smaller towns and homesteads, wives and relatives would use these heavy irons and required strong arms. In middle and higher levels of society these irons would be used by maids or nannies. Their use was a necessity to conform to the social requirements of acceptable appearances that all clothing worn had been "pressed" clean. In the Kiewa Valley the majority of these irons would have been used by mothers or relatives. Men would hardly have used these irons as society labelled this type of activity as "women's work"This double pointed, heavy and solid cast iron, is a Mrs Potts No. 1 type. It does not have a handle. It was used to iron clothes. Open cavity on top for handle (not included) see KVHS 0369 for No. 3 ironMrs Potts No. 1house hold, ironing, domestic, pressing, clothes appliance -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Iron Hand, 1867 to 1871
This is size one of three sizes (Mrs Potts) irons available in the late 1800s and early 1900s which were used for (press) ironing clothes etc. using wood or coal based heaters. The majority of these irons would have been placed on top of wood or coal fuelled stoves. They survived longer in isolated outback regions where electricity had not been connected. The weight of these irons was intentionally heavy so as to press the clothes etc. neatly. These irons were used in an era where stiff collars and creases in particular types of clothing was essentially a social requirementHistorically these irons fulfilled a particular function that was the norm in isolated or semi isolated country locations i.e., ironed clothes and linen.The iron was heated by using locally acquired wood in a cast iron stove or "pot Belly". It would be placed on top of the stove but not directly in the flames. Cities and larger towns had professional laundry and pressing shops. In smaller towns and homesteads, wives and relatives would use these heavy irons which required strong arms. In middle and higher levels of society these irons would be used by maids or nannies. Their use was a necessity, to conform to the social requirements of acceptable appearances in that all clothing worn had been "pressed" clean. In the Kiewa Valley the majority of these irons would have been used by mothers or relatives. Men would hardly have used these irons as society labelled this type of activity as "women's work"This double pointed, heavy and solid cast iron, is a Mrs Potts No.3 type. It does not have a handle. It was used to iron clothes. Open cavity on top for handle (not included) Note: one end is pointed up to allow the natural weight of the iron to increase the pressure at any of the "hard to press" spots or emphasizing required creases. see KVHS 0368 for No. 1 ironMrs Potts No. 3house hold, ironing, domestic, pressing, clothes appliance -
Orbost & District Historical Society
handle, First half 20th century
Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. The detachable insulated handle was designed to be always cool for ironing. The handle was detachable, so that several irons could be on the stove at one time and the handle swapped between several bodies. This handle appears to belong to a Mrs Potts' sad iron - Reg. No. 1885. This item is an example of an invention that was universally adopted because it meant that users could keep several irons on the stove at one time and the handle swapped when needed. The original Mrs Potts irons had handles made of wood (walnut) and this enabled the user to us the iron without sustaining burns. The item reminds us of the difficult circumstances experienced in their daily routines by the early families in Orbost A wooden handle which has been painted green. The base is made of cast aluminium and is attached to the handle by two screws ( not original). In the base is a hinged piece for attaching to the iron, held to the base plate by a spring and operated by a wooden knob for quick release. A hook holds the handle to the iron.On the base is an indecipherable number.handle sad-iron flat-iron mrs-potts domestic laundry -
Cheese World Museum
Washing machine, Lehmann
Hand-operated washing machine consisting of a cylindrical barrel with a handle on either side, a wooden hand rail to one side on the top and three legs running down the outside. A conical plunger with a fluted apron is connected to the handle. A water outlet is in the base of the barrel.Lehmann's Patented Vacuum Washing Machinelehmann, laundry equipment, washing machines -
Cheese World Museum
Manual, How to operate the ABC Spinner
Donated with the ABC Spinner washing machineBlue heavy paper cover with black lettering and an illustration of Model 60. Full title is 'How to operate the ABC Spinner -Spins Away Water -Spins Away Dirt. The Porcelain Washer -Manufactured by Altofer Bros Company Established 1909 Peoria Illinois Contents include parts price list and instructions for use'allansford, altofer brothers, abc spinner, washing machines, laundry aids -
Cheese World Museum
Iron, simple flat iron
Purchased at a clearing sale.Simple flat iron with heavy metal base and a curved handle riveted to the base.Aallansford, irons, ironing, laundry equipment -
Cheese World Museum
Iron, spirit iron
No known provenanceOmega spirit iron with cast base and semi-circular airholes at the edge. The metal bottom is polished. A hooked clip holds the top plate in place and the wooden handle is D-shaped. The silvered supply tank has a jet control.OMEGA Ω (Greek symbol on opposite side of top plate)allansford, irons, ironing, laundry equipment, spirit irons