Showing 1644 items
matching safes
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Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Letter - Correspondence, Report of Committee appointed to go into matter of providing safes for the municipal Chambers and a quotation, 1934
... providing safes for the municipal Chambers and a quotation....Safes ...Quotation by Chubb's Australian Co Ltd for fire retarding door at Shire of Blackburn and Mitcham Council Chambers and a safe and report of the committee.Quotation by Chubb's Australian Co Ltd for fire retarding door at Shire of Blackburn and Mitcham Council Chambers and a safe and report of the committee.Quotation by Chubb's Australian Co Ltd for fire retarding door at Shire of Blackburn and Mitcham Council Chambers and a safe and report of the committee.shire of blackburn and mitcham, safes, municipal offices, fire prevention and control -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Functional object - Kitchen Equipment, Coolgardie Safe, c1900
The invention of the Coolgardie Safe is credited to Arthur Patrick McCormick, a contractor in Coolgardie, and later the Mayor of Narrogin. Coolgardie is in the Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia. Gold was first discovered there in 1892; the townsite became a municipality in 1894, and by 1898 its population of 15,000 made it the third largest town in Western Australia after Perth and Fremantle. In the last decade of the 19th century, Coolgardie was the capital of the West Australian goldfields. Being 180 kilometres from the nearest civilisation, food supplies were initially scarce and expensive. As fresh food was a valuable commodity there was incentive to preserve it, and keep it out of reach of scavengers such as birds, dingos, dogs, ants, and flies. It was in an effort to do this, in the extreme heat of the Australian Interior, that McCormick came up with his design for the Coolgardie Safe. McCormick noticed that a wet bag placed over a bottle cooled its contents. He further noted that if this bottle was placed in a breeze, the bag would dry out more quickly, but the bottle would get colder. What McCormick had discovered was the principle of evaporation: ‘to change any liquid into a gaseous state requires energy. This energy is taken in the form of heat from its surroundings.’ Employing this principle, McCormick made a box for his provisions which he covered with a wet hessian bag. He then placed a tray on top, into which he poured water twice daily. He hung strips of flannel from the tray so that water would drip down onto the hessian bag, keeping it damp. As the water evaporated, the heat dissipated, keeping the food stored inside cool and fresh. The success of McCormick’s invention would not have worked without a steady supply of water. Fresh water was scarce in the eastern goldfields at this time but the demand for water from a steadily growing population encouraged innovation. The solution was to condense salt water. Heating salt water in tanks produced steam that was condensed in tall cylinders, cooled and then collected in catchment trays. By 1898 there were six companies supplying condensed water to the goldfields, the largest company producing 100,000 gallons of water a day. In the early 20th century, Coolgardie Safes were also manufactured commercially. These safes incorporated shelving and a door, had metal or wooden frames and hessian bodies. The feet of the safe were usually placed in a tray of water to keep ants away. (MAV website) The early settlers of Moorabbin Shire depended on this type of Food Safe to protect their food from flies and vermin as they established market gardens in the fertile area around the notorious Elster Creek A metal framed, 4 sided structure standing on 4 legs with 2 hinged doors on one side, a metal tray at base of food safe and a metal cover over top. Ridges on which to rest trays carrying food are inside safe. The Safe is enclosed by fly-wire mesh.'...IN.....GEELONG' A manufacturer's oval metal plate is embossed on one side of Safe but it is illegible.elster creek, moorabbin, brighton, dendy's special survey 1841, market gardens, infant mortality, disease, cemeteries, fruit, vegetables, pioneers, coolgardie safe, mccormick arthur patrick, dendy henry, vaccination, jones martha, jones ethel may -
Heathcote McIvor Historical Society
Bank Chest/Safe
Large cast Iron bank Safe/Chest painted brown with gold trim large lock (not Original)No marking on or inside safe -
Bendigo Military Museum
Document - TELEGRAMS
1. Telegram sent by Ron Morrell on safe arrival in Singapore 1942 after transiting from UK. 2. Telegram sent by Ron Morrell after release as POW on arrival in India, transiting home to parents in UK. Ron Morrell - 1/5 Sherwood Foresters, 18th Div No. 4985826. Refer Cat 316, 305P.1. Telegram to home on safe arrival in Singapore. On yellow paper with Cable & Wireless Limited letterhead. 2. Telegram to home on safe arrival in India at end of war. Stamp with date. Faded yellow paper.1. Cable & Wireless Ltd letterhead & passed by Censor stamp. Addressed to parents saying "Well & Safe". 2. Cable & Wireless Ltd letterhead. date stamp of 9 Sep 1945 and stamp of "X2465".ww2, telegrams, pow, changi -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Souvenir - Key Ring - PIVOT, n.d
Key ring clear plastic square, white insert with black lettering, red and black circle with PIVOT Act Safe. Metal ring.Front: 'ACT SAFE' 'Looking out for each other' Back: 'Act Safe' What am I about to do? Can I injure myself or others? How can it be done safely?local business, advertising, contemporary collecting -
Cheese World Museum
Safe, food, Coolgardie safe
Coolgardie safes were invented in the 1890s by Patrick McCormick in the Western Australian town of Coolgardie. Coolgardie safes were usually placed in a draughty areas, often under verandas. The hessian was placed in the water and draped around the sides and the draft cooled the contents of the safe. The legs could be stood in another tray of water to deter ants. This safe was bought at an auction at Orford by Laurie Gunnulson.Coolgardie safe has a box-shaped frame with wire mesh on the sides for air circulation. A four-legged tray for water is at the bottom. A piece of hessian hangs on one side (for demonstration purposes). The safe opens by a hinged door with a wire handle and there is a maker's name on the front. Inside it has a shelf in the middle. The safe is painted with Silvafros.Simpsonallansford, food storage, simpson, coolgardie safes, food safes, orford -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Domestic object - Meat Safe known as a "Coolgardie safe", Early 1900s
The Coolgardie safe was invented in the late 1890s on the Western Australian goldfields. Its invention was credited to a local contractor named Arthur Patrick McCormick. It was a practical system to preserve food prior to modern refrigeration. The wire grid kept the food safe from vermin and allowed breeze to blow through. It was often covered with wet hessian so that as the breeze circulated the water evaporated, creating the same concept as coolant in modern refrigerators and ice boxes. In most respects it was a variation of the bushman’s hessian bag hanging in a tree. In larger towns and cities during this time period large "ice works" could deliver block ice to areas that required a form of refrigeration. These ice blocks where held in early refrigerators to keep perishables cool. In isolated or rural households, the Coolgardie or meat safe was the next best, practical solution for food preservation. This safe was used in the home of the Conway family in Wodonga.This item is very significant to the Wodonga region as it represents the initiative and problem solving skills of the early settlers. It also reflects the primitive conditions in which they lived before the arrival of more modern services such as electricity.Meat safe or Coolgardie safe manufactured in Australia. This safe is made from metal and has been painted in green paint. 2 sides of the safe have a pattern of 6 squares of holes to allow for ventilation and air flow. The holes would also guard against insects and other vermin. There is one shelf inside, dividing it into 2 sections. The safe has a hook attached so that it can be suspended, often from a tree or on a verandah to increase air flow. The safe would often be covered by wet hessian to promote further cooling and preservation of foods such as milk, butter and meat.coolgardie safe, food preservation, pioneers innovation -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document, Federation University Covid Safe Plan, August 2020, 08/2020
In early 2020 the state of Victoria was in lock down due to the Covid19 pandemic. This Covid Safe Plan aimed for a safe transition to campus. A pdf of the Federation University's Transition to Campus Control Groups Covid Safe Plan. covid19, pandemic -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Kitchen Equipment, tin mesh, meat safe, c1900
This is a common small 'meat safe' used in most homes prior to the arrival of Refrigerators. Food, such as milk, butter, cooked meat would be stored for a short time in this safe. It would be suspended from the ceiling / roof in a cool place - Dairy - and the mesh sides allowed air circulation while providing protection from insects and vermin.A green, tin meat safe with mesh sides and a hinged door with a latch lock. early settlers, pioneers, food preservation, meat safe, kalgoolie safe, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, ormond, dairy products, diseases, vermin -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Putting the Lid on Sources of Water, 1987
MMBW undertakes major reservoir covering and replacement program.MMBW undertakes major reservoir covering and replacement program to ensure water supply is constant and safe.MMBW undertakes major reservoir covering and replacement program.wilkes, john, mitcham reservoir, melbourne metropolitan board of works -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Food Safe, Willow Ware Pty Ltd, 1920-1950
Willow started business in 1887 as a metal working company based in Melbourne Australia, making tinned biscuit and tea canisters. The outbreak of the First World War saw their manufacturing change to making armaments and essential packaging for the war effort. In the early 1920’s, the Willow brand was established. Making tin plated canisters and baking pans with the well-known Willow pattern, imprinted on them. Some other items in production at this time include billies, boilers, basins and Coolgardie safes. In the late 1950’s, the company ventured into plastics production. Stepping away from its very successful tin plating industry of more than 50 years. In 1965, the company name changed to Willow Ware Pty Ltd, to be more closely linked to its Willow brand. Willow Ware is still in business today. A food safe known as a “Coolgardie” meat storage made by an emerging Australian company no longer in bushiness. This item gives a snapshot into early Australian manufacturing specifically aimed at the Australian market. Safe metal kitchen safe with two shelves, a hinged door and latch and a small swivel wire handle at the top. cream colour . "Made in Australia" "Willow" warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, willow ware, domestic item, coolgardie meat safe, meat safe, food safe, food preservation -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Coolgardie safe, first half 20th century
Without refrigeration, storage of meat was difficult. Flies were a problem, and it was important to keep meat cool and out of the way of pests. One way of doing this was to use a meat safe: a kind of cupboard designed to store meat and keep it fresh enough to eat. Meat safes are ventilated. They were sometimes made with sides of wire mesh or perforated metal, so that air could circulate around the meat while keeping flies and other animals out.The Coolgardie safe was invented in the late 1890s by Arthur Patrick McCormick, who used the same principle as explorers and travelers in the Outback used to cool their canvas water bags Originally they were handmade using materials to hand. In the early 20th century, Coolgardie Safes were manufactured commercially across Australia, and found their way into homes in both rural and urban areas. These safes incorporated shelving and a door, had metal or wooden frames and Hessian bodies. The feet of the safe were usually placed in a tray of water to keep ants away. (refs ABC-Home; Museum Victoria)The Coolgardie safe was an Australian invention used especially in country areas from the 1890s until the mid 20th century. It began to be replaced by ice chests from the turn of the twentieth century in cities and country towns which had ice works. This item is an example of a domestic appliance commonly used before electricity was widely available for domestic use.A cube-shaped metal Coolgardie safe painted blue. It has a triangular hook on the top for hanging or lifting. There are small feet at bottom . The sides are perforated in a Above the door; Inside a rhomboid shape "WILLOW"food-storage coolgardie-safe domestic -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Coolgardie safe, first half 20th century
Without refrigeration, storage of meat was difficult. Flies were a problem, and it was important to keep meat cool and out of the way of pests. One way of doing this was to use a meat safe: a kind of cupboard designed to store meat and keep it fresh enough to eat. Meat safes are ventilated. They were sometimes made with sides of wire mesh or perforated metal, so that air could circulate around the meat while keeping flies and other animals out.The Coolgardie safe was invented in the late 1890's by Arthur Patrick McCormick, who used the same principle as explorers and travelers in the Outback used to cool their canvas water bags Originally they were handmade using materials to hand. In the early 20th century, Coolgardie Safes were manufactured commercially across Australia, and found their way into homes in both rural and urban areas. These safes incorporated shelving and a door, had metal or wooden frames and Hessian bodies. The feet of the safe were usually placed in a tray of water to keep ants away. (refs ABC-Home; Museum Victoria)This item is an example of a common domestic appliance used before the widespread connection of electricity to homes and refrigeration. The Coolgardie meat safe is an Australian invention used widely in rural areas from the 1890's until the mid 20th century.A metal meat safe, painted white. It has a shelf inside. The door has two perforated rectangular sections metal framed in solid metal. The base is flat.storage domestic coolgardie-safe -
Clunes Museum
Furniture - KITCHEN SAFE
A KITCHEN SAFE TO STORE COOKED FOOD AND PERISHABLES. ON OCCASIONS THE LEGS STOOD IN SAUCERS OF WATER TO PREVENT ANTS GETTING INTO FOODTWO DOOR WOODEN KITCHEN SAFE WITH ZINC GAUZE PANELS TO ALLOW AIR FLOW AND KEEP INSECTS OUT. GLASS DOOR KNOBlocal history, furniture, domestic -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Food Safe, Willow Ware Pty Ltd, 1920s -1950
Willow started business in 1887 as a metal working company based in Melbourne Australia, making tinned biscuit and tea canisters. The outbreak of the First World War saw their manufacturing change to making armaments and essential packaging for the war effort. In the early 1920’s, the Willow brand was established. Making tin plated canisters and baking pans with the well-known Willow pattern, imprinted on them. Some other items in production at this time include billies, boilers, basins and Coolgardie safes. In the late 1950’s, the company ventured into plastics production. Stepping away from its very successful tin plating industry of more than 50 years. In 1965, the company name changed to Willow Ware Pty Ltd, to be more closely linked to its Willow brand. Willow Ware is still in business today. A food safe known as a “Coolgardie” meat storage made by an emerging Australian company no longer in bushiness. This item gives a snapshot into early Australian manufacturing specifically aimed at the Australian market.Safe metal kitchen food safe with 2 shelves, a hinged door and latch and a small swivel wire handle at the top. Painted light green, rusting.Willowwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, safe, food safe, meat safe, coolgardie safe, domestic object, kitchen object, willow ware, food preservation, kitchen safe -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Hook, Mid-20th century
A cast iron hook was made for lifting heavy loads in a marine or warehouse environment. The hook would be attached to the end of a chain or rope around a heavy load such as a pallet or container. The other end may have been joined to a pulley or crane for lifting and moving it around. The inscription on the hook shows the SWL or Safe Working Load as 3 Ton. The SWL was used in the industry for many years to rate safe loads but it is no longer used to identify the maximum capacity of equipment. In 2002 the Australian Standard AS 1418 for Cranes, Hoists and Winches changed, and the term Safe Work Load was changed to Rated Capacity, which was defined differently.The hook represents the equipment needed on a ship or at a port, railyard, transport depot or warehouse in the 19th and 20th centuries to move cargo and loads. The inscription of SWL on the hook is significant for its use as a guide for many years to work out the weight of the load the hook could safely hold. However, time and experience have led to a change in Australian Standards and the load is now measured by another formula that gives the load's Rated Capacity.Hook; large iron hook with a ring formed in the top. Inscription stamped into the metal and indicates that the Safe Working Load (SWL) for the hook to lift is 3 Ton.Marked "ani" "SWL 3TON"warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, lifting hook, maritime equipment, lifting equipment, warehousing, cargo, loads, rigging, marine technology, swl, safe working load, 3 ton, rated capacity, load limit -
Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum Inc
KOOLGARDIE SAFE, Possibly early 20th century
Koolgardie safes were used to preserve perishable foodstuffs eg dairy and meat in the days or places where refrigeration was unknown or not available.Cream painted wooden safe with separate compartment at top which has a drop-down door and latch. Metal fly-wire on three sides, including door. Wooden legs.none -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Pamphlet, Electricity News, 1978
A small pamphlet called Electricity News, Jul- Sep 1978 No. 30.A small pamphlet called Electricity News, Jul- Sep 1978 No. 30, provided to householders of Box Hill and Nunawading about the safe and efficient use of electricity, provided by the Electricity Advisory Centre.A small pamphlet called Electricity News, Jul- Sep 1978 No. 30. electricity supply, nunawading -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Meat Safe, Household, Early 20th century
This meat safe has no known local provenance but it would be typical of the safes used in a domestic situation to house fresh meat. Usually the safe was hung in a house corridor or verandah or outside in a cool place where there was a breeze that passed through the mesh and kept the contents cool. The mesh also prevented flies and other insects from getting into the safe. Meat safes were widely used in Australian homes in the 19th century and early to mid 20th century, sometimes in conjunction with ice chests, until they were replaced by refrigerators. This item is retained for display purposes as an example of domestic food preservation in Australia 80 to 100 years ago.This is a metal box with a rectangular-shape base and a semi-circular top. All sides except the top and the bottom are made of fine metal mesh. The front is reinforced with metal strips and has a metal clip. The curved top is ridged and has a metal clip.The safe is somewhat rusted and damaged. Registered under Commonwealth Act Nos. 101-102-103 G.W.Rowleyfood preservation – australia, warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Meat Safe, Duncan Mcgregor, Circa 1918
This Meat safe was made by Duncan Mcgregor who entered it in the Warracknabeal Show for which he won first prize in the section for the best item made from a kerosene tin.in (circa)1918.Mr McGregor was always inventive and used to working with metalsThis shows the ingenious use of recycled goods.This meat safe is square with a four sided pointed top and hanging ring. The sides have mesh inserts and there is one shelf.it has been painted cream.Nilfood storage.meat safe. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Food Safe, 1890 to 1925
The first commercially available, Australian-made domestic refrigerator to operate without ice was produced by Edward Hallstrom in 1923. It used kerosene as a power source and was promoted as ideal for outback stations where ice was not available. According to Museum Victoria, Hallstrom introduced the 'Silent Night' which ran on electricity or gas in 1935. However, Hailstorm's great-grandson, stated that the Silent Night refrigerator was introduced in 1928. Although Australians were among the pioneers of refrigeration in the 1850s, the technology wasn't adapted for domestic use until many decades later. The first domestic electric refrigerator was sold in America in 1913. It had an air-cooled refrigeration unit mounted on top of an ice box. The Frigidaire and Kelvinator brands date from 1918 when the first self-contained fridges were sold. Before this food safes were used as well to keep food away from flies and to keep items cool.A significant item used from the late Victorian era until around 1940 when people were beginning to be able to afford domestic refrigerators. After the second world war, most households had replaced their food storage cupboards or safes with refrigerators. The subject item gives a snapshot of domestic life from this time.Wooden kitchen safe with 3 metal perforated panels & 2 shelves inside. Was painted light Green but has been restoredflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, refrigeration, refrigerator, food storage, food safes, edward hallstrom -
Orbost & District Historical Society
food safe, from the 1890s until the mid 20th century
A food safe was a piece of domestic equipment widely used in Australia before refrigeration to preserve perishable food in summer. A food safe was a common domestic item widely used in rural Victoria before cheap refrigeration was available.A rectangular tin food safe. It is painted green and has thin wire bent into a triangular shape for hanging.Inside is a cream coloured painted shelf. It has six circular air vents on three sides and four on the door.domestic food-preservation food-safe -
Churchill Island Heritage Farm
Functional object - Coolgardie type meat safe, circa 1920s
This safe was invented in the 1890’s to protect and maintain food longer. The wire grid kept the food safe from vermin and allowed breeze to blow through. Hessian curtains hung down the sides and hessian strips lay in the water reservoir on top. The water wicked down the sides of the safe wetting the curtains. The breeze blew over the wet hessian keeping the inside cool. Meat safes were often kept on the verandah to increase breeze. The legs would stand in bowls of water to stop ant infestation.Pale green enamelled meat safe fitted for Coolgardie curtains (not present) fittings and 3 sides for curtains. One internal shelf 1/2 way and base. Grids of holes square with cross shaped decoration to each grid. Some surface rust. Water reservoir on top."PORTABLE PANTRY"meat safe, coolgardie, food -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Food Safe, 1920s
The first commercially available, Australian-made domestic refrigerator to operate without ice was produced by Edward Hallstrom in 1923. It used kerosene as a power source and was promoted as ideal for outback stations where ice was not available. According to Museum Victoria, Hallstrom introduced the 'Silent Night' which ran on electricity or gas in 1935. However, Hailstorm's great-grandson, stated that the Silent Night refrigerator was introduced in 1928. Although Australians were among the pioneers of refrigeration in the 1850s, the technology wasn't adapted for domestic use until many decades later. The first domestic electric refrigerator was sold in America in 1913. It had an air-cooled refrigeration unit mounted on top of an ice box. The Frigidaire and Kelvinator brands date from 1918 when the first self-contained fridges were sold. Before this food safes were used as well to keep food away from flies and to keep items cool.A significant item used from the late Victorian era until around 1940 when people were beginning to be able to afford domestic refrigerators. After the second world war, most households had replaced their food storage cupboards or safes with refrigerators. The subject item gives a snapshot of domestic life from this time.Wooden kitchen food safe, 2 door with wire mesh at sides. Raised back panel has shaped edges and includes a shelf above bench area that has turned legs. The safe has 4 plain legs.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, food safe, kitchen safe, kitchen furniture, food storage -
Orbost & District Historical Society
cabinet
Food safes / cabinets are used principally to keep food safe (from flies and other pests), clean and cool. They have been used to store perishable foodstuffs for centuries, and are still made and used today. They are usually placed in a well ventilated area to allow for air flow, thus ensuring the produce is kept cool. This was a normal household item before iceboxes came into regular use.This was a normal household item before iceboxes came into regular use.A wooden cabinet / safe. It has two doors and zinc mesh insets on the sides and front. Inside are two shelves. The back and top are closed. The knob fittings are brass. It has four turned wooden legs and the doors are hinged.furniture-domestic cabinet food-safe -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Propaganda
Safe Conduct Passdocuments, korea, general -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Textile - Food Safe Cover, Mary Jane Giles (Mrs Harry Giles), Late 19th to Early 20th Century
This food safe cover is one of many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by, Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with Warrnambool and the Giles Family history. Items donated by the family have come to be known as the “Giles Collection”. Many items in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage were donated by Vera and Aurelin Giles and mostly came from the home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton) who married in 1880 and whose photos are on display in the parlour. Henry was born at Tower Hill in 1858, and was a labourer on the construction of the Warrnambool Breakwater before leaving in 1895 for around seven years to build bridges in NSW. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook and she attended Mailor’s Flat State School and where she eventually was to become a student teacher. After which she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, had once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family consisted of six, some of the children were born at Mailor’s Flat and later some children at Wangoom. They lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, and this is where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940. The Giles family collection is of social and historical significance at a local level, because it not only illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill during it’s establishment. But the Giles collection also gives us today a snapshot into what domestic life was like in early colonial times prior to Federation.Food safe cover, white with knitted lace on the front and part of the two sides.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, safe cover, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century household goods -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Textile - Safe Cover, Mary Jane Giles (Mrs Harry Giles), Late 19th to Early 20th Century
This food safe cover is one of many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by, Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with Warrnambool and the Giles Family history. Items donated by the family have come to be known as the “Giles Collection”. Many items in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage were donated by Vera and Aurelin Giles and mostly came from the home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton) who married in 1880 and whose photos are on display in the parlour. Henry was born at Tower Hill in 1858, and was a labourer on the construction of the Warrnambool Breakwater before leaving in 1895 for around seven years to build bridges in NSW. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook and she attended Mailor’s Flat State School and where she eventually was to become a student teacher. After which she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, had once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family consisted of six, some of the children were born at Mailor’s Flat and later some children at Wangoom. They lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, and this is where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940.The Giles family collection is of social significance at a local level, because it not only illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill during it’s establishment. But the Giles collection also gives us today a snapshot into what domestic life was like in early colonial times prior to Federation.Food safe cover, white with knitted lace on the front and part of the two sides.Nonewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, safe cover, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century household goods, textile -
Churchill Island Heritage Farm
Domestic object - meat safe, circa 1920s
Meat safes were used to keep meat and vegetables cooler before the availability of ice and then kerosene or electric refrigerators. The safe would be hung in the shade on a tree by a hook on the top,and pieces of damp hessian would be hung over each side. As the wind hits the hessian it causes the water to evaporate and the items inside the safe to stay cooler. This meant that the items inside the safe would last a day or two longer.Painted pale green safe. Rectangular grid pattern of ventilation holes with circles of ventilation holes within the pattern. Surface rust patches. Water reservoir and wire hook added later on top. Internal trays bottom and 1/2 way. Door detached - hinges rusted away. No base apart from shelf. Hanger missing.churchill island, meat safe, kitchen object -
Churchill Island Heritage Farm
Domestic object - Meat Safe, c. 1890s
Meat safes were used to keep meat and vegetables cooler before the availability of ice and then kerosene or electric refrigerators. The safe would be placed on a bench in a cool place. Water would be placed in a small container on each leg to stop ants getting into the safe there would be another water container at the top also to stop the ants. Pieces of damp hessian would then be hung over each side. As the wind hits the hessian it causes the water to evaporate and the items inside the safe to stay cooler. This meant that the items inside the safe would last a day or two longer. Meat safes were being used throughout the time period showcased by the displays at Churchill Island and this expands understanding of how refrigeration worked prior to electricity.painted pale yellow metal meat safe with square grid hold pattern for air flow. No internal shelves. Broken hanger hook. Catch no longer works. Re-painted from dark green. Raw galvanised base. Four feet, knobs top and bottom attached to rod at four corners. Pressed dome top.meat safe, early refrigeration, food preservation, evaporation techniques, farming