This coronation bell belonged to Karen Alexander who grew up in Belgrave in the 1940s and 1950s.There was widespread excitement in Australia regarding the coronation of the young queen in 1953 and this commemorative bell reflects that.Small brass bell with crown-like handle and raised lettering around the edge. Souvenir of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Donated by Karen Alexander who grew up in Belgrave.Raised lettering around the edge of the bell: 'Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 1953'. Inside the bell: 'Made by G. & J. England'alexander, bell, coronation, belgrave victoria australia, karen alexander, 1953, queen elizabeth ii, gillet and johnston, england

This toy teddy was owned all her life by Emerald resident, Karen Alexander, (now aged in her 70s). Known to her as 'Confucius'.Indicative of toys owned by young children in mid-20th century.A stuffed toy dog. Hand-made with wool and fabric. Glass eyes. Circa 1940s. Known to its owner, Karen Alexander as 'Confucius'.None discerniblealexander, stuffed toy, toy dog, 1940s - 1950s, mrs wilkinson

This commemorative money box belonged to Karen Alexander who grew up in Belgrave in the 1940s and 1950s.There was widespread excitement in Australia regarding the coronation of the young queen in 1953 and this commemorative money box reflects that.Children's circular tin money box commemorating the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Around the side of the money box is a picture of the royal carriage and separate portraits of the queen and Prince Phillip. Money box has some coins inside but there is no way of opening the money box without severely damaging it.Inscription underneath the photos of the queen and the prince: 'Royal Visit'. Also 'Made in Australia'.alexander, money boxes, coronation, belgrave victoria australia, karen alexander, 1953, queen elizabeth ii

This ruler was used by Geoffrey Alexander 1908-1975, son of local property developer, C. T. Alexander and who was an engineer who was acclaimed for his contributions in the field that became known as stochastic hydrology. Whilst the age of the ruler is unclear, the fact that Geoffrey felt the need to write his name on it suggests he was using it in a school or a work situation. Donated by his daughter, Karen Alexander.A 3-inch wooden Scale Ruler. Owned by Geoffrey Alexander 1908-1975, a Belgrave resident, who was an accomplished engineer but also did surveying. This ruler may have been used for reading scale maps and measuring on scale maps. Donated by his daughter, Karen Alexander.Imprinted: 'Made in England' Hand printed in pencil: 'G N Alexander'.alexander, scale ruler, belgrave victoria australia, geoffrey alexander

This folder was used by Geoffrey Alexander 1908-1975, son of local property developer, C. T. Alexander and who was an engineer who was acclaimed for his contributions in the field that became known as stochastic hydrology. It was probably used in the 1940's-1950s as the names of the cows are female names that were popular at that time (eg Betty, Christine, Judith, Phyllis, Enid etc) Geoffrey lived most of his life at Belgrave but oversaw this family-owned dairy farm at Narre Warren which was share-cropped. His method of recording the productivity of the cows seems to have been abandoned after the first five months of recording as there are no further entries and this folder is otherwise un-used. Donated by Geoffrey's daughter, Karen Alexander.That the cows were individually named is a reminder of a time of small-scale dairy farming.Brown, hard folder containing removable index cards used to record the productivity of the individual cows of a dairy herd. The cows are identified by their individual names. Used by Geoffrey Alexander, a then Belgrave resident, to oversee a family-owned dairy farm at Narre Warren c 1940s-1950s. Donated by his daughter, Karen Alexander.'Modern Office Equipment Pty. Ltd. /Adelaide - Brisbane - Melbourne - Sydney' 'Speedex 8 x 5 double unit'alexander, folders, dairy herd, belgrave victoria australia, geoffrey alexander, modern office equipment pty. ltd.

These items belonged to the Geoffrey Alexander, father of Karen Alexander. Karen's father was a civil engineer but learnt surveying as part of his course and later applied his surveying skills when local properties in the Dandenongs had to be broken up following the death of his father C T Alexander in 1942. Karen grew up in Belgrave in the mid-20th century and remembers being her father's 'staff bearer' when he needed to do surveying pursuant to creating subdivisions in her grandfather's old properties.Leather briefcase with central metal lock and two leather straps. It contains a Chesterman Bakelite 100 ft measuring tape, and a bound notebook used for surveying work - 1930s. Notebook was initially a surveying student's notebook with student assignments completed around Melbourne University. These are followed by written and dated comments of supervisor. First date is 8/3/34. Later the notepad was used by Karen Alexander's father in surveying work in the Dandenongs.Underneath keyhole of metal lock on briefcase: ' English / LEVER' On front of measuring tape case: 'Chesterman England Sheffield'. On centre of measuring tape case: '100 FT' On end of tape: 'METALLIC' No discernible markings on outside of notepad but on inside front page is written 'C.J.R. Johnston / 4 Bambra Road / Caulfield / S.E.7 / Ag. School / University / Carlton N3briefcase, measuring tape, notepad, 1930s, alexander, emerald, victoria, australia, chesterman, c. j. r. johnston, bakelite

The purpose of this booklet was to share 'some of the insights and practicalities of living in the Hills that have been accumulated by the many Sherbrooke people who helped us prepare it'. The Shire of Sherbrooke existed from 1964 to 1994 at which time most of it was subsumed into the new Shire of Yarra Ranges. (Emerald was subsumed into the new Shire of Cardinia.) The emblem of the Shire of Sherbrooke was the lyrebird. The Shire was known for its promotion of conservation and community - although this is not a publication by the Shire itself.This book is a reminder of the time of the Shire of Sherbrooke (1960s-1990s) and of the conservation issues which people were starting to grapple with.A 19-page A4 booklet produced by the Victorian Association for Environmental Education (V.A.E.E.) - Published 1986.On front of book: LIVING IN SHERBROOKE / PRODUCED BY V.A.E.Eliving in sherbrooke, victorian association for environmental education, 1986, nancy dow, jocelyn aytan & yvonne delacy, shire of sherbrooke, conservation, alexander, karen alexander

This compass was bought by Emerald resident, Karen Alexander, in Europe when she travelled there in the 1980s. Thus it only works in the Northern Hemisphere.An example of personal navigation technology current in the 1980s.Hand-held compass for navigation. Red print on clear plastic. Black dial. Red cord. Suunto brand. 1980s.There is a small ruler of measurements in cm and a scale conversion to metres. Outside the dial: 'A. 10 Finland' Inside the dial: 'SUUNTO'alexander, compass, navigation, suunto

This child's stacking tree toy was made by Mrs Wilkinson, a lecturer at the Kindergarten Teachers College in Melbourne in the late 1940s-early1950s. At that time, student teachers were taught how to make toys for the children they would teach. Karen Alexander's mother was a lecturer at the college and Mrs Wilkinson was her friend. The donor, Karen Alexander, has donated a range of objects from her childhood and from the family-owned farm at Emerald.This stacking tree provides an insight into kindergarten teachers' education at that time. The toy is plain and heavy and painted in a block color (dark green) and would not be considered nowadays as very engaging for a child.Child's stacking tree toy. Heavy wooden. Consists of seven dark green removable rings that fit over a central pole which has a red base to suggest a plant pot.No markingsalexander, toys, educational toys, stacking tree toy, kindergarten teachers college, mrs wilkinson

This was donated by Karen Alexander who is living on the old family farm at Emerald - the land was bought in 1920 by Karen's grandfather, Charles Thomas Alexander, who was a Ferntree Gully Councilor who died in the early 1940s. The property was variously used for dairy farming and cropping.Identification of the use of this unit was made more difficult because it was home-made. As such it is an example of settlers improvising or creating equipment to meet their needs.Water distillation unit consisting of a main cylinder and separate pouring funnel which sits on top of the main cylinder. No maker markings so thought to be home-made. Water distillation is a process in which water is boiled until it evaporates and condenses, leaving behind impurities with different boiling points. Distillation produces clean, pure water. It is an effective water treatment method for removing contaminants like bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals.The unit consists of two cylinders which fit together so there is the appearance of one cylinder Top cylinder 'D [downward arrow] D' Bottom cylinder: 'D [upward arrow] D'alexander, distillation unit, mid-20th century, emerald, victoria, australia

This meter cover was donated by Karen Alexander who is living on the old family farm at Emerald - the land was bought in 1920 by Karen's grandfather, Charles Thomas Alexander, who was a Ferntree Gully Councilor who died in the early 1940s. The property was variously used for dairy farming and cropping.Cast iron cover for a home water meter. No discernible markings.None discerniblealexander, water meter cover, mid-20th century, emerald, victoria, australia

Donated by Karen Alexander from small property in Emerald which was first bought by C. T. Alexander in 1920 and operated as a small, mixed farm. Karen has donated a range of obects from her childhood and from this farm to the Museum.This is an example of domestic objects used in the mid-20th century.Container of Lox Adhesive Paste. White circular ceramic container with dark green label and dark green metal lid. Inside has a compartment which would hold a brush.On front: 'Lox / Adhesive / Paste / Caldwell's Pty. Ltd. / Melbourne On back: 'For / office, home / and general / use / Photo mounting / and / crepe paper /work'lox, adhesive paste, melbourne, caldwell's pty ltd, alexander

This toy koala was owned all her life by Emerald resident, Karen Alexander, now aged in her 70s. Karen believes this toy was made by Mrs Wilkinson, a teacher at the Victorian Kindergarten Teachers College, Kew who was a friend of her mother.Indicative of toys owned by children in mid-20th century.A stuffed toy koala bear. Made with kangaroo fur, leather and rubber. Circa 1940s. Known to its owner as 'Teddy'.None discerniblealexander, stuffed toy, koala bear, 1940s - 1950s

This personal navigator was owned and donated by Karen Alexander - an Emerald resident. At the time (early 2000s) it was a revolutionary step in personal navigation, providing much more assistance to a traveler than a compass. However, it has now been superseded by the widespread use of mobile phones for navigation.An example of personal navigation technology still current in the early 21st century.Personal navigator - hand-held GPS receiver with a lanyard. eTrex brand. Garmin manufacturer. 2003.On front of navigator: 'etrex / 12 CHANNEL GPS / GARMIN' On back of navigator: 'MADE IN TAIWAN' / FC / CEalexander, personal navigator, navigation, etrex, garmin ltd., taiwan

These cannisters originated from a farming property originally bought by C T Alexander in 1920 and which has remained in the Alexander family since then. Karen Alexander, grand-daughter of C T Alexander, has donated a range of items from the property including domestic, wood-working and agricultural.These cannisters were in use in kitchens in mid-20th century and originated from an Emerald farm.Five graduating aluminium kitchen cannisters with brown bakelite knobs. These are in good condition with the usual marks and patina consistent with their age. They are separately labelled with raised names on the side of each container. These are in order of the size of each container: 'Flour', 'Sugar', 'Tea', 'Rice' and 'Coffee'. Maker's name 'Sunray' is on the base.Aluminium label fixed to the side of each cannister with two studs: 'Flour', 'Sugar', 'Tea', 'Rice', 'Coffee' 'Sunray Brand' with a sunray graphic on bottom of each cannisterkitchen cannister, 1950s, alexander

This switchboard originated from a farming property originally bought by C T Alexander in 1920 and which has remained in the Alexander family since then. Karen Alexander, grand-daughter of C T Alexander, has donated a range of items from the property including domestic, wood-working and agricultural.This is an example of an older style switchboard with rewireable fuses - but which was vulnerable to catching fire.Switchboard with old ceramic fuses which were a feature of older homes. It features several ceramic fuses which were rewireable. The switchboard provided a basic level of overload protection. Modern switchboards have (mandated) circuit breakers to reduce the risk of house fires. This switchboard's actual age is unknown but believed to be 40+ years old.emerald, victoria, australia, 1957-1971, switchboard

This mincer originated from a farming property originally bought by C T Alexander in 1920 and which has remained in the Alexander family since then. Karen Alexander, grand-daughter of C T Alexander, has donated a range of items from the property including domestic, wood-working and agricultural.Hand-operated mincers were common items of domestic equipment up until 1960s.Fowlers Vacola Meat Mincer or Juicer - hand-operated with a clamp below the main structure which permitted fastening of the mincer to a solid table or ledge. Made of cast iron with a red wooden hand grip. The mincing attachment is missing.'Vacola' on one side of cup 'Fowlers' on other side of cup 'Vacola' on both sides of wing nutsemerald, victoria, australia, mid-20th century, mincer, alexander

This telephone originated from a farming property originally bought by C T Alexander in 1920 and which has remained in the Alexander family since then. Karen Alexander, grand-daughter of C T Alexander, has donated a range of items from the property including domestic, wood-working and agricultural.This telephone is an original version of the 801dial telephone. It is unusual in that the numbers are around the outside of the dial (instead of the inside of the dial). It was available in six different colours and was released in 1962 when the Postmaster General's Department (PMG) was the authority in charge of telecommunications. Telephones were not owned by the user but were rented out by the PMG. This telephone was donated by a resident of Emerald.Red desk telephone 801 series. Released in 1962. The first fully Australian designed phone. This telephone is the original version with numbers around the outside (instead of inside) the dial.On underside: ' P.M.G. / 801 A1 / 88 81/204 'telephone, desk telephone, pmg, clematis, alexander

This old wood plane was donated by Karen Alexander who is living on the old family farm at Emerald - the land was bought in 1920 by Karen's grandfather, Charles Thomas Alexander, who was a Ferntree Gully Councilor who died in the early 1940s. The property was variously used for dairy farming and cropping. This is likely a jointer plane used to flatten and straighten the surface of the wood. It is likely that the farmer would have done their own carpentry.Old wood Plane - has a long body and wide blade set at a high angle to the body. Used in creating furniture and other wooden objects.None discerniblealexander, wood plane, mid-20th century, emerald, victoria, australia

This rake head originated from a farming property originally bought by C T Alexander in 1920 and which has remained in the Alexander family since then. Karen Alexander, grand-daughter of C T Alexander, has donated a range of items from the property including domestic, wood-working and agricultural.Rakes were and continue to be common items for garden and farm use.Rake Head for garden, yard or farm work. Rusted. Presumed to be mid-20th century. Protectors at either end of the row of tines are warped.No inscriptions.emerald, victoria, australia, mid-20th century, rake

This old thistle remover was donated by Karen Alexander who is living on the old family farm at Emerald - the land was bought in 1920 by Karen's grandfather, Charles Thomas Alexander, who was a Ferntree Gully Councilor who died in the early 1940s. The property was variously used for dairy farming and cropping. The thistle remover has a long handle which makes it easier for the user to pull thistles out of the ground without getting pricked.Thistle remover. Long wooden handle with forked metal blade.None discerniblealexander, thistle remover, mid-20th century, emerald, victoria, australia

This golf bag was used by Geoffrey Alexander, son of local property developer, C. T. Alexander. It was probably used in the 1920s and 1930s. Geoffrey lived most of his life at Belgrave which is where his daughter Karen Alexander grew up. Karen donated this bag. It is not believed that Geoffrey ever played golf at the Emerald Golf Course.This golf bag speaks to the enduring popularity of golf.Golf bag containing three golf clubs, five tees and one golf ball. Leather. 1920's-1930s.VEMU2122.1 On front of bag is a sticker which may not be as old as the bag: '.. GOODS / EVANS BALFOUR / 269 ....' (Some of the print is missing.) VEMU2122.4 On head of golf club: 'Made in Australia / Spalding / True Swing'alexander, golf bag, balfour, belgrave victoria australia, geoffrey alexander

This dowelling jig came from an Emerald property which had been owned by the Alexander family since 1920 and was at the property when current owner (and donor), Karen Alexander, moved there in 1986. A dowelling jig is a purpose-made tool that takes the worry out of drilling the holes into which the dowels will be inserted in joinery. The jig acts as a drill guide.This tool is emblematic of the variety of skills that small farmers needed to have.Dowelling Jig - No. 30. Silex brand with four different diameter dowel sleeves / drilling tubes and two depth gauges /stop with original instructions in original box.On front of jig: MADE IN AUSTRALIA SILEX No 30 On front of box (partly torn so part of the label is missing): No. 30 / DOWELLING / JIG / Made in Australia / Tubes 1/4" to 1/2"alexander, dowelling jig, carpentry tool, silex, new south wales, no. 30 dowelling jig, emerald, victoria, australia

This shoe brush was used by Karen Alexander's family when she was a child - she was born in 1948 and grew up in the Dandenongs. As part of the shoe-cleaning process, polish would be applied to the shoes and the brush would be used after the polish had dried. Karen has donated a range of objects from her childhood and from the family-owned farm at Emerald.Shoe brush. Oval wooden brush with black bristles and metal handle.Possibly '1262' on the top of the handle but this is unclear.alexander, shoe brush, shoe cleaning

Alexander Mathieson & Son was a prominent maker of hand tools in Scotland during the 19th century. Their success was closely tied to the growth of shipbuilding industries on the Firth of Clyde and the emergence of Glasgow as a major hub. Mathieson planes are highly regarded by collectors and woodworkers. This plane was donated by Karen Alexander and came from the farm of her grandfather who bought the property in 1920.Hand Plane - small with wooden body with wooden wedge and iron blade. Made by A. Mathieson & Son, Glasgow.At one end: 'A. MATHIESON & SON / GLASGOW' At the other end: '5/4'wood plane, a. mathieson & son, alexander, emerald, victoria, australia, carpentry tool, glasgow, scotland

These shoe lasts belonged to the family of Karen Alexander (donator). Her grandparents, Charles Thomas and Alice Mary Alexander owned a farming property in Emerald but lived in Ferntree Gully. Shoe lasts were used for making and repairing shoes and were a common feature in homes in the early and middle twentieth century where they were often used to replace the soles of family members' shoes.Two shoe lasts of different dimensions - each shoe last consists of a 3-size sole working surface - each sole is set at 90 degrees to each other. They are rusted cast iron and would have been used for repairing or replacing the soles of shoes or boots.None discernibleshoe last, 1920s, alexander, domestic item

These domestic items belonging to the Alexander family were donated by Karen Alexander who is living on the old family farm at Emerald - the land was bought in 1920 by Charles Thomas Alexander and was variously used for dairy farming and cropping. Karen's grandfather, C T Alexander. was a Ferntree Gully councillor - he died in the early 1940s. Emily, who compiled the scrapbook, lived in Brighton. Her sister, Fanny, who compiled the recipe book also lived in Brighton. These items were passed to Karen's father in 1964 when his mother died and thence to Karen.Although these items did not originate in Emerald they offer an insight into domestic life in Melbourne during the period of approximately 1890s-1940s.Scrapbook of newspaper cuttings compiled by Emily Alexander in late 19th and early 20th centuries. Recipe book of handwritten recipes and newspaper cuttings compiled by F. T. Alexander 1920s-1940s. Shoe stretchers - 2 pairs Leather strop Crocheted clothes hangers Butter pats - 1 pairScrapbook: On front cover - 'Name: Emily H Alexander / My Collection of Newspaper Cuttings' On back cover: a verse of several stanzas related to Coles Book Arcade followed by the following: 'Sold at Coles' Book Arcade Melbourne Price 1s / By post in Victoria 1s 6d' Recipe book: No inscription on the front and back covers. 'F. T. Alexander' inscribed inside front cover.alexander, scrapbook of newspaper cuttings, 1890s-1940s, recipe book, shoe stretchers, leather strop, clothes hanger, butter pats

This artist's case was owned by John Alexander, son of Belgrave councilor and property developer, C T Alexander. John inherited a small mixed farm at Emerald after his father died in 1942 - this is now owned by his niece, Karen Alexander, who has donated this equipment. John did not live on the farm but managed its leases. It is thought that his interest in oil painting was pursued mainly in 1970s-1980sPortable, wooden artist's box with six compartments plus a palette holder. Leather covered strap. Artist's box contains 21 paint brushes, 3 palette knives, many partly used tubes of oil paint, a container of varnish, a bottle of an oil and an empty bottle which is a pre-used pill bottle repurposed to hold oil or the like. and one metal 12'' / 30cm ruler.No discernible markingsalexander, artist's equipment, oil painting, belgrave victoria australia, john alexander, emerald, victoria, australia

This camera was used by Geoffrey Alexander, son of local property developer, C. T. Alexander. It was probably used in the 1960s and 1970s. Geoffrey lived most of his life at Belgrave which is where his daughter Karen Alexander who donated this bag, grew up. Geoffrey Alexander was an engineer who was acclaimed for his contributions in the field that became known as stochastic hydrology. Karen has donated a range of objects, tools and equipment to the Emerald Museum.Yashica camera J1072355 - 35-ME Film Compact Viewfinder Camera with a Yashinon lens in a 2-part brown leather case. Made in Japan. Circa 1960s. Owned by Belgrave resident, Geoffrey Alexander 1908-1975 who is notable for his outstanding contributions to the water engineering profession.Camera case has 'Yashica' on front and 'Made in Japan' on the back. Camera: 'Yashica J1072355'alexander, cameras, yashica, belgrave victoria australia, geoffrey alexander, yashinon lens, camera case, japan

Noel Gross (1933-2026) was a teacher, environmentalist, photographer and world traveller. She and her husband Dudley Gross who died in 2016 were involved in various local environmental groups including Friends of Dandenong Ranges National Park, Friends of Lysterfield Lake Park, Friends of Wright Reserve, Friends of Butterfield Reserve, Friends of Sassafras Creek, Friends of Menzies Creek (MEANDER}, Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, Wildlife Watch, Johns Hill Landcare Group, and others.Noel Gross was a respected and admired member of local environmental groups.Black and white photograph of Noel and Dudley Gross; A4 Certificate for 'Conservation Achievement' to Dudley and Noel Gross (1991); A4 Certificate of 'Life Membership' of Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater to Dudley Gross (2013); 2 A4 'Best Friend' Awards to Dudley Gross and to Noel Gross for dedication as a friend of Wright Forest (2013); A4 'Certificate of Thanks' to Noel Gross from South Dandenongs Community Nursery Inc. (2016); 'Avonsleigh Common' article by Karen Alexander; 'BOCA'S Little Blue Birdlist' recording Noel Gross's observations of local birds; Decorative bookmark featuring the helmeted honeyeater.environmentalist