This photograph is a "snap shot" in time circa 1950s detailing the rural environment before the effects of the Kiewa Valley Hydro Scheme altered the basic rural setting of the valley. The golfing fairway was being mapped out on previous grazing land, before the laying of a golf course, for use by the construction workers and auxiliary administration employees of the Victorian State Electricity Commission. This photograph details a dramatic period in time which saw an enormous change to the exclusively rural area of the Kiewa Valley region in the mid 1900s. This change presented both physical and mental challenges to the existing quiet rural inhabitants of the valley. The State of Victoria had to make adjustments to the changing demands imposed by population and industrial expansions. The development of cleaner energy supplies to a growing population has its downside ,which ever way the intrusion into the "natural" landscape is made.Black and white photograph detailing surveyor posts for construction of golf course. Land used, before establishment of the Mount Beauty Village, as farming/grazing cattle and viewed towards Mount Bogong and its Alpine ranges. The photo is on 200gms paper and not on photographic paper.nilmount beauty in the 1940s - 1950s, grazing in the kiewa valley, sec victoria

An article about the small fruit and fowl farm at Greensborough owned by Mr J. A. Bosch in 1913, with detail on farming methods.Mr J. A. Bush was formerly known as Johannes Adem Bosch, an early Greensborough orchardist. He changed his name during World War 1.4 pages, copy of newspaper article.Edited by S. Ballantyne28/02/2021.plenty river, bosch family, bush family, farming, orchardists

Alphabetic ledger containing names of people holding acreage in the Districts.large format lined ledger for correspondence. blue water marked hard card cover with red spine and corner bindings, marked "Index, Correspondence Ledger". Alphabetic ledger containing names of people holding acreage in the Districts.marked "D" on the spineindex - correspondence ledger, land register

A,B,C,E paper copies, D, tracing paper copy of plan. Hand drawn sketch of central area of grounds. Figures given for acreage of ornamentals, crops and grazing although only 1 acreage is shown on plan. (E) has further annotation. Scale 1 inch:40 ft.burnley gardens, ornmental, crops, grazing, burnley school of horticulture

Laminated Parish map of Ringwood detailing original Land Owners' names, property locations and acreages. Details reproduced in 1957 by the Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne, from original surveys of varying dates.

Plan on linen-backed paper of Burnley Gardens showing Yarra River, Swan St., railway, plan of west orchard and old garden sketched by hand in pencil. Inscription, "Presented to the Society, by A. Purchas C.E." Shows acreagesInscription, "Presented to the Society, by A. Purchas C.E." Oct 4th 1865"gardens, richmond, a. purchas, horticultural society of victoria

This map contains the names, acreage details and dates of the original property owners of the Parish of Wangoom (County of Villiers), excluding the township of Warrnambool. It also has details of the Crown Lands adjoining the Merri and Hopkins Rivers. This is a most important map as it has details on the original property owners. It is a most valuable research tool and is one of our most-used maps.This is a map, printed in black and white and mounted on cardboard. Where there was intensive land ownership the details have been reproduced in larger print on the margins of the map. There are scuff and dirt marks on the map but it is otherwise in good condition.‘Wangoom, County of Villiers’wangoom, warrnambool, county of villiers

Six photographs showing different portions of a multiple hitch manufactured in Queensland to pull three 24 or 28 row seed drills It was manufactured by Massey Ferguson Multiple hitches were found to be necessary for pulling several machines by powerful tractors therefore covering large acreages in much less timemassey ferguson, sunshine harvester works

Photocopied Shire of Croydon council rates records showing owners, acreages, valuations and rates payable for properties in Grandview Grove Warranwood over financial years 1963/64 to 1966/67. With amalgamation of Croydon and Ringwood councils to form Maroondah City Council in 1970s, Grandview Grove was renamed to Bemboka Road Warranwood (western side) and Bemboka Road Croydon Hills (eastern side). Property owners and occupiers include Alexander George Ashmore and Ruby May Ashmore Dulcie Ellen Mau and Darcy Mau Francesco Mirabella. Graham Brooke and Joyce Brooke Theodorous Hendricus Wysman. Wesley Horace Blackmore and Doreen Isobel Blackmore Lucy Elaine Winter Lenos Leslie Hanscombe William Ray Crossman and Marjorie Edith Crossman Edward Martin Grose David Roger Allan and Emily Helen Allan Lavinia Maud Stewart and Frederick William Stewart Kevin Collins Alexander William Brown. Oliver Burgess Evelyn Goudie Philip George Morris and Vera Doris Morris Ellen Margeret Dalgleish. Donald Charles Anderson and Margaret Anne Anderson Christopher Simmonds and Pam Edith Simmonds. Dennis Bernard Griggs and Julianne Roma Griggs Emmanuel John Poulianakis and Georgette Poulianakis Harold Francis Webber and Grace Webber William George Carter Marjorie Eleanor Davies and Lionel Rothery Davies. Leslie James Scouller and Margaret Denise Scouller Adele Mary Young and Kyrie Anthony Young

Entered for, and winner of, 2012 Expression: The Wool Quilt Prize. Artists statement: "Out there" refers to the wide view of the undulating land extending from our home acreage towards the escarpment and the coast. There are also the millions of small organisms that live out there. As well, out there is the vast Australian landscape which I find thrilling"Wool quilt in landscape orientation with three distinct design patterns, primarily orange/brown/red in colour. Top panel is a light brown background with paler circles inset. Middle panel is an ochre colour with horizontal uneven lines. Bottom panel is an orange colour with pale bordered square shapes. Artists panel on back bottom right corner.

By 1881 Bunguluke was a small settlement as recorded, December 5, in the Charlton "Mercury". It reports that in that year Draper's Store, Hotel and Post Office and residence at Bunguluke North was totally destroyed by fire. For years now there has been little sign of community life with houses few and far between and acreages have gone into larger holdings. The map references land blocks and owners for that era.This important map shows the local land ownership and local features that existed in 1923. This is a photocopied black and white map of Bunguluke in the County of Kara Kara, Number L5149. Marked - Photo Lithographed by W.J. Butson 27.2.1923. The details include numbers of allotments, property owners, roads, rivers. The boundaries marked are the Parish of Jeruk, Parish of Wycheproof, Parish of Cooroopajerrup. Wycheproof township location is shown with the Scale of Chains. Bunguluke maps for other years are also in the collection.map, bunguluke, jeruk, wycheproof, cooroopajerrup

This covered glass bowl with lid was made in a period when there was a strict discipline in the use a various dishes and accompaniments with respect to the type of crockery used. This was in the English style, especially in well to do rural family estates. This period was part of the early 1900's, when large rural acreage was family owned and the economical return to rural produce was very high. It was a time when the Australian economy "rode on the back of sheep"This item has relative significance to the Kiewa Valley as part of the rural and mining(gold) era when the strong return from local gold mining and grazing was demonstrated by the "landed gentry" and significant household cutlery, crockery, etiquette and old English mores, influenced by "Mother Britain"This green opalescent covered bowl is similar to the French PV cabbage form. When the lid is on the bowl appears as a small cabage with three sets of half peeled leaves. There are five outer leaves, next row are five inner leaves and finally three core leaves. The main bowl has a lip encircling the inside of the bowl for the lid to rest upon with closed. The glass has been pressed to show the leaves with their web like stalks. The inside area of the bowl and lid are smooth. This is to allow the mashed up contents to be easily scraped into a serving ladle.Barely visible "VALLERYSTHAL"glass bowls, kitchen crockery, serving etiquette, meal presentation

This cruet set was owned by the Ure family. Scottish migrants, John and Jane Ure settled on acreage north of Gembrook in 1874. They called their property 'Silver Wells' because of finding a pure and plentiful water source when digging their initial well. Silver Wells became the commercial centre of the early Gembrook settlement with shops, post office etc. When the train came through in 1900 the Gembrook commercial centre shifted to its present location, near the railway station. The Ure family continued to play a significant role in the Gembrook community. Items were donated by Jean WorrellThe Ure family of 'Silver Wells' was significant in the early history of Gembrook.Ceramic cruet set consisting of a stand with a handle and containing a pepper container and salt container which are removable. Red floral decoration with some green on a white background. Gold rim.1889, silver wells

William Dower came with his family to the Mt Dandenong in 1898, taking up a 10 acre allotment. William and hs wife Elizabeth had seven boys (Will, Harry, Bert, Walter, Joe, Edgar, Robert) and four girls (Emmy, May, Ada, Ruby). The property secured by William Dower was known as ‘Cambridge Gardens’ and had a two room slab hut. William and his sons added another five rooms using trees from the property. The family established extensive crops and worked hard for their success. The acreage extended to 30 when the family bought up neighbouring properties.Black and white photograph showing rows of berry crops. Reverse of photograph has handwritten description by John Lundy-Clarke.LOT 10 section 2 of the Village Settlement owned as registered by Dobson, then Bert Dower, then Edgar Dower. Property was named "Bonnie View" and photo was taken from near where the Channel O tower stands looking south east towards corner of Ridge Road and Selwyn Lane taken 1920.bert dower, edgar dower, bonnie view, channel o, dobson, selwyn lane

Charles Ernest Barrie b. Ballarat 1871 d. 1931 In May 1911 he purchased the property known as ‘Darlingsford.’ The name of the property is derived from Thomas Bell Darling the purchaser of 176 acres of Crown Grant land on the 29-3-1853 which formed part of the Barrie farm acreage. His three sons continued in the family farming tradition in Melton for the rest of their lives. By 1982 the last remaining connection with the ‘Darlingsford’ property and the Barries. Sons, Ernest (Bon) finally ceased. Edgar died in 1975, Ernest in 1985 and Tom in 1990. Bridge built in 1915. Geoff Collins, Debbie, Coralie and Kim Barrie entering Darlingsford property over bridge built in 1915local identities, landscapes of significance

This book, Uncle Tom's Cabin was the best selling novel in the 19th century in the USA. It was given to Alexander Ure in 1889, the son of Scottish migrants, John and Jane Ure who settled on acreage north of Gembrook in 1874. They called their property 'Silver Wells' because of finding a pure and plentiful water source when digging their initial well. Silver Wells became the commercial centre of the early Gembrook settlement with shops, post office etc. When the train came through in 1900 the Gembrook commercial centre shifted to its present location, near the railway station. The Ure family continued to play a significant role in the Gembrook community.The Ure family of 'Silver Wells' was significant in the early history of Gembrook.Moss green hard cover book with title embossed on gold panel. 326 pages.On front cover printed: 'UNCLE TOM'S CABIN' On page i handwritten: 'Alexander Ure / A Present / from Mr & Mrs Wood / Cot 3rd 1889'alexander ure, uncle tom's cabin, 1889, silver wells

This cheese plate and cover which is probably Edwardian was owned by the Ure family. Scottish migrants, John and Jane Ure settled on acreage north of Gembrook in 1874. They called their property 'Silver Wells' because of finding a pure and plentiful water source when digging their initial well. Silver Wells became the commercial centre of the early Gembrook settlement with shops, post office etc. When the train came through in 1900 the Gembrook commercial centre shifted to its present location, near the railway station. The Ure family continued to play a significant role in the Gembrook community. Items were donated by Jean WorrellThe Ure family of 'Silver Wells' was significant in the early history of Gembrook. This ornate cheese cover is indicative of their prosperity.Ornate rectangular ceramic cheese cover with handle on top and floral design on all four sides.silver wells, ure, 1900s

Multi-fold brochure with Order of Sale list of home sites, industrial land, subdivisional land and bushland acreages being auctioned at "Leonda" Ballroom, Hawthorn, Vic., Tuesday 23rd May (year not documented, circa 1980). Brochure includes 8 homesites with handwritten sales notations for Lots 94, 99, 100, 102, 104 and 105 Highland Boulevard, Ringwood at 11.30a.m., and at 11.45a.m., 3 completed homes at Lots 86, 88 and 89 & 5 near-completed homes Lots 74, 75, 76, 77 and 79 Highland Boulevard. Auctioneers - Blackburn & Lockwood Pty Ltd., 1017 High Street, Malvern, Phone 207821 After Hours 20 4444.Liquidator's Realization Auction under joint instructions from Brendan O'Connor and Co., agents for the Liquidator of Regency Homes Group Pty. Limited (in Liquidation) and the Mortgagee. Receiver's Auction by order of Hungerfords, Agents for the Receiver of Cambridge Credit Corporation Limited and other vendors. Order of Sale property locations include Mulgrave, Ringwood, Doncaster, Portartlington, Geelong, Altona, Mooroolbark, Scoresby, Gembrook, Maidstone, Port Melbourne, Laverton, Werribee, Werribee North, and Sunshine.

This ornate ceramic cheese plate and cover which is probably early 20th century was owned by the Ure family. Scottish migrants, John and Jane Ure. They settled on acreage north of Gembrook in 1874 which they called 'Silver Wells' because of finding a pure and plentiful water source when digging their initial well. Silver Wells became the commercial centre of the early Gembrook settlement with shops, post office etc. When the train came through in 1900 the Gembrook commercial centre shifted to its present location, near the railway station. The Ure family continued to play a significant role in the Gembrook community. Items were donated by Jean WorrellThe Ure family of 'Silver Wells' was significant in the early history of Gembrook. This ornate ceramic piece is indicative of their prosperity.Ceramic cheese cover and plate. Ornate design in green and white with floral design around all sides. Gold edging. Handle.silver wells, 1900s, ure

This plate which is part of an ornate cheese cover and plate appears to be Edwardian. It was owned by the Ure family. Scottish migrants, John and Jane Ure, who settled on acreage north of Gembrook in 1874. They called their property 'Silver Wells' because of finding a pure and plentiful water source when digging their initial well. Silver Wells became the commercial centre of the early Gembrook settlement with shops, post office etc. When the train came through in 1900 the Gembrook commercial centre shifted to its present location, near the railway station. The Ure family continued to play a significant role in the Gembrook community. Items were donated by Jean WorrellThe Ure family of 'Silver Wells' was significant in the early history of Gembrook and this ornate ceramic piece is indicative of their prosperity.Green & White coloured ceramic plate which is part of a matching set comprising a cheese cover and plate.silver wells, ure, 1900s

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. MEASUREMENTS (CM): BODICE: Shoulders 37 x waist 56 x front 33 x back 40 SKIRT: Waist 56 x Front 114 x Back 131coombs collection, women's clothing, australian fashion, fashion & design collection, costumes, wedding dresses

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

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

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

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

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