This appliance was a time saving method of cleaning floors. It appeared at a time (after World War II) when the domestic pressures faced by mothers and domestic staff was on the increase. The necessary "working parents" was through necessity becoming part of the "typical" family environment. It was the start of the ever increasing demand, from an economical reason, for both parents to work outside their property. Historically the period of the 1950s was one of extreme changes. It was an era where established role models were under pressure from an ever increasing demand for new and advancing consumerism. Communication levels via radio, newspapers and television was expanding at an ever increasing rate. Relatively isolated rural areas were opening up (post war) to foreign ideologies of consumerism. The basic restraints of "this will be alright mate, she'll do" was under a slow but effective take over. "I can get this done faster by this new whiz bang gadget that I saw on the TV last night!" was the new way to live by.This item is very significant in that it demonstrates the new consumerism at its infant stage of the social changes occurring due to greater communication levels between the rural Australian communities and other advancing communities world wide. The Kiewa Valley residents (mainly from the intermingling of rural and post World War II refugees working at the construction of the Victorian Hydro electricity installations, resulted in this rural area becoming integrated to new ways of living (both socially and economically). Once the attitude of "we have always done it this way mate!" was challenged and overcome, the acceptance of new time saving "gadgets" which started to pour in from foreign markets, the relative isolation of the Kiewa Valley (being mainly psychological entrenched), was over.This hoover electric floor scrubber and polisher has a main base containing two brushes (can be replaced with polishing pads). The two brushes/pads are fastened or removed from the base unit by pulling/pushing the heads from the small hexagonal shaft on the bottom of the machine motor. A pressure sensitive wire is inlaid at the brush/pad end to hold the brush/pad unit onto the shaft. The discs body and main body covering the electric motor are made from sturdy plastic. The rest of the appliance materials i.e. upright handle and the u framed attaching arm are made from lightweight powder coated steel. A small (350mm) red coloured foot switch protrudes from the back of the motor to release the the upright handle from the storage position to the action position.There are two fork shaped brackets on the rear of the handle, for securing the 6.5 metre long electrical cord and plug. There is no on/off switch on the appliance. A small stainless steel "u" framed clip (for hanging the appliance in the vertical position) for cupboard storage. Within the circle of the cleaning brush is stamped "1 above S.A.B.351" and on the opposite side P/No: 5023792". On the main plastic head of the brush discs are "TO CLEAN" and under this "USE ONLY WARM(underlined) WATER AND SOAP" on the opposite side, and within a circle is the Hoover Trademark. On the front of the blue coloured plastic dome covering the electric motor is (on a raised domed shaped plaque (on a red background) Hoover in slanted print from left to right(in a diagonal level)domestic appliances, floor cleaning, electric floor scrubbers and polishers

Presented to council by A.G.Gibb, Son of Alexander Gibb of MeadowbankPresented by a first-generation settler who was a sixth time shire president.Wooden Chair with Red leather Seat, Brass TacksRight front leg (rear): By lawsshire council, broadmeadows, furniture, alexander coupar gibb, 1916

These three wooden chairs, each upholstered in red leather with brass detailing, are of notable historical and civic significance. One of the chairs features a silver presentation plaque inscribed: "Presented to Council by A.C. Gibb, Son of Alexander Gibb of Meadowbank" This inscription links the chair to A.C. Gibb, the son of Alexander Gibb, a prominent early settler of the district. Alexander Gibb is recognised as a first-generation settler and served as the 6th Shire President, contributing significantly to the early governance and development of the local area. The chairs are believed to have been used in council chambers or other official settings, symbolising both the continuity of civic leadership and the legacy of pioneering families in the region. The craftsmanship—evident in the quality timber, rich red leather, and brass fittings—reflects the period’s aesthetic and the importance placed on civic furnishings. The donation of these chairs by A.C. Gibb may have been intended to honour his father’s service and to contribute to the enduring heritage of the Broadmeadows Shire. Their preservation offers insight into the material culture of local government and the personal histories that shaped it.These three wooden chairs, each upholstered in red leather with brass detailing, are of considerable historical and civic significance. One chair bears a silver presentation plaque inscribed: "Presented to Council by A.C. Gibb, Son of Alexander Gibb of Meadowbank" The chairs are directly associated with Alexander Gibb, a first-generation settler and the 6th Shire President of Broadmeadows, whose leadership contributed to the early development of local governance in the region. The donation by his son, A.C. Gibb, reflects a continued family commitment to civic service and commemorates the foundational role played by pioneering families in shaping the Shire’s identity. The chairs are representative of the material culture of council chambers in the late 19th to early 20th century, demonstrating the values of formality, durability, and prestige in civic furnishings. Their fine timber construction, red leather upholstery, and brass fittings exemplify the craftsmanship of the period and the importance placed on public institutions. As objects of both functional and commemorative value, the chairs contribute to an understanding of the Shire’s political heritage and the legacy of settler leadership. They are significant for their historical associations, aesthetic qualities, and social value within the local community.Three wooden chairs, each with red leather upholstery, brass, 1 x chair, silver plaqueShire president chair plaque: Presented to the shire by Cr. A.C. Gibb J.P. / February 1916, Secretary's Chair: right front leg - Scratched: BYLAWSshire council, broadmeadows, furniture, alexander coupar gibb