Portrait of George Jennings "Mayo Park" Lubeck. George Jennings was elected to Old Roads Board in 1863. Except for the years 1882 - 84. He served on the Council until 1891 - 1874 Shire President. From County Galway in Ireland. Jennings arrived in Pleasant Creek in 1858. For many years he owned "The Western Turf Hotel at Quartz Reefs. Selected land on the Ashens Run - settled there in 1870.Black and white photograph of a male in a oval setting with decoration in corners making a rectangle. Photograph in brown folder. The male is dressed in a suit, tie at neck of shirt, short hair and with a beard. Also an enlargement of studio photograph.George Jennings Mayo Park Lubeck written in biro.lubeck stawell shire president

Illuminated Address for George Jennings "Mayo Park" Lubeck. The top photo is of George Jennings, The other portrait is of Alfred Clemes. The illumination was given to George Jennings for his serviced over many year to the council. Enlarged colour photograph of an illuminated address presented by Stawell Shire Council. Included in the folder is a Black and white photograph also of the illumination in a brown folder. Included in the illumination are three photographs, two of males and one of a building with people. Floral decorations surround the writing and photographs. George Jennings Esq Mayo Park, Warranook Victoria stawell shire president

Series of Six photographs showing people at the unveiling of the bust of Sir William Stawell. 0318-2 Sir John Young speaking at the unveiling 0328-2a Sir john young unveiling the bustof Sir William Stawell 0328-2b Secretary of the Stawell Historical Society, wendy Melbourne with the bust 0328-2c Sir John Young with teh bust of Sir wWllaim Stawell 0328-2d Shire President Alan Holden Speaking at the unveiling 0328-2e A section of the crowd at the Unveiling.6 Colour Photographs showing various people at he unveiling of the bust of a past Chief Jsutice Sir William Stawell. and who Stawell is named after.stawell

B/W photo of Stawell R.S.L. Memorial Hall "Oban" with cannon on front lawn and after verandas had been removed. The hose was built by Edward Simmons. Edward and his brother W.E. were the largest share holders in the Oriental Mine. Edward Simmons was one of the first Trustees of the School of mines, also Shire President 1890-1891. This building was used by many people as a home after World War 2. It became the club rooms for the Stawell Branch RSS & AILA still remails so. The initial first and second floor balconies with balustrade are now demolished.Black and white photo of two storey building with artilary piece to the left of the photo.R.S.L. Memorial Hallstawell houses

B/W Photp Bronze PlaqueThe Building served as the Deep Lead State School No. 721 from 30 March 1877 Until 12 July 1963. After Restoration by Brambuk Inc. In Co-operation with the Department of Conservation ad Natural Resources and the Deep Lead Progress Association it was reopened as a Community Amenity on 30 October 1993.'By the Shire President Cr. C.A. Hall.deep lead school, education

Heather Stokes - Grant Representative Cliff Loats - President Progress Association Karen Douglas - Mayor N.G.S.C.Colour Photograph 2 Woman and One Male in front of Brick building to the leftOn Sign: Community Support Fund: The Deep Lead Redevelopment Project Is A Partnership for Growth Joint Initiative with the Northern Grampians Shire and the Deep Lead Progress Association. deep lead school, education

Photograph of Thomas Hutchings taken off card sized copy which is identical to the framed portrait (in Poor Condition) at the shire offices. shire, councillor, president

Major Mitchell Trail Plaque at Kanya to Wal WalColour Photograph: Shire President Mr. Keith Smith addressing the crowd prior to the unveiling.stawell

Portrait – Charles F. Procter (Shire President 1883-84) in wooden framestawell

Schoolers Homestead Lake Lonsdale. Part of a collection of Photographs by Mr. O.G. Armstrong as commissioned by the Shire of Stawell for the Inter-colonial and Paris Exhibition in Melbourne in 1866. Similar Photo Scoullar station Rosehill Cat No 3888 G.F. Scoullar originally from Canada, according to W.G. Sharply in his 1930 Stawell Borough History, was a member of the Stawell Shire Council 1870-1888 and president 1875-1876. Maynard Ord in Stawell Past and Present says G.F. Scoullar, M. Brinkman and one other, took up small pieces of land fronting Lake Lonsdale. The owners of the Squatting Run, presumably Ledcourt, charged them with illegal occupation. They were heavily fined at Pleasant Creek Court, or in default gaol. As they could not afford the fine, some friends raise the money. Note re the spelling of ‘Schooler’. Variations in local records are ‘Schoullar’ and ‘Scoullar’. stawell education

Portrait – Charles F. Procter (Shire President 1883-84)stawell

Stawell Shire Hall built 1866. These photographs of the Shire Hall, Longfield Street Stawell. This building has had many changes since 1866. Ronald Campbell, the Shire's second president laid the foundation of the hall on 28th April 1866. The contractors were Hutchings and Delbridge. The first Hall and office were the front part of the existing building. These rooms consisted of two 18 ft square rooms with an entrance hall separating them. The facade was almost the same as it is today. The building cost 502 pounds. Black and white photograph of a brick building which has been cement rendered with a parapet on top. The front of the building has 2 arched windows and arched entrance door. A glass notice board to the right of the door. Shire Hall 1866 is written on the top front of the building. Many small flower pots line either side of the front entrance with a flag post in the lawn on the left. stawell

Portrait of David Scallan & his Wife. David Scallan was a mining broker. David was also the first Shire President 1864 - 65. In 1864 he was a member of the Roads Board. Also, the first Committee of Management of Central Park. One of the main Stawell inner streets is Scallan St.Photograph of a woman and gentleman standing in a studio setting. Womans frock has a frilled skirt with long sleeves. Gentleman had light coloured trousers with a long dark coat buttoned at the neck. c 1865 - 70'sstawell

Portrait of Jean Pierre Trouette who planted vines at St Peters Great Western 1862. Jean Pierre Trouette, was a Frenchman who had difficulty obtaining a block of land at Great Western about 1862. He was permitted to purchase a small allotment on the Concongella Creek in 1863. In 1863 Jean Pierre and Mr. Blampied began planting grape vines. The winery that Trouette and Blampied established was called St Peters. Jean Pierre was Shire President in 1876. E. Blampied was also Shire President in 1887.Black and white photograph setting oval in a rectangle, mounted in a brown folder. The male is neatly dressed, trimmed hair and beard.great western shire president

Staff and Councillors of Shire of Stawell 1988. Standing L. to R. Cr. Stewart Gray, Cr. Irene Reid, Cr. Len Martin, Cr. Daryl Scherger, Cr. Bill Kilpatrick, Cr. Fred Grellet, Cr. Peter Hodder, Cr. Alistair Cox, Cr. Charlie Newall, Cr. Alan Kingston, Cr. Laurie Delahunty. Seated, Bob Turner (Ass. Secretary), Barry Thomas (Secretary), Cr. Allan Holden, O.A.M. (Shire President), John Wynd (Shire Engineer), Colin Mibus (Deputy Engineer).Black and white photograph of a group of people. First row are seated remaining standing. Photo of Queen Elizabeth on the wall.Staff and Councillors of Stawell Shire 1988. Standing L. to R. Cr. Stewart Gray, Cr. Irene Reid, Cr. Len Martin, Cr. Daryl Scherger, Cr. Bill Kilpatrick, Cr. Fred Grellet, Cr. Peter Hodder, Cr. Alistair Cox, Cr. Charlie Newall, Cr. Alan Kingston, Cr. Laurie Delahunty. Seated, Bob Turner (Ass. Secretary), Barry Thomas (Secretary), Cr. Allan Holden, O.A.M. (Shire President), John Wynd (Shire Engineer), Colin Mibus (Deputy Engineer).stawell government

Photograph taken at Stawell West Court House. A presentation of a bequest from relatives of late Ronald Campbell to Stawell Historical Society. Accepted by President (left) Mrs Betty Jackson. Ronald Campbell was the first Mayor of the Borough of Stawell 1869-70. Ronald Campbell was the second president of the Shire of Stawell 1865-6 1868-9.Colour photograph of three people at a presentation. stawell

Cr. C. Hall & Mrs Hall (Shire President 1994) Last President of the Shire of Stawell before amalgamation.stawell

Colour Photo Stawell Shire Hall built 1866, c1980. The Shire Hall is in Longfield Street Stawell and has had many changes since 1866. Ronald Campbell, the Shire's second president laid the foundation of the hall on 28th April 1866. The contractors were Hutchings and Delbridge. The first Hall and office were the front part of the existing building. These rooms consisted of two 18 ft square rooms with an entrance hall separating them. The facade was almost the same as it is today. The building cost 502 pounds.Colour photograph of Stawell Shire Hall 1866. Very similar view to 0084 the photo clearly showing the two windows and arched entrance door. Landscaping outside the building is exactly the same as in 0084. stawell

This photograph is a copy obtained from State Library of Victoria. The photograph is of Stawell Shire Hall. Two persons can be seen in the foreground. The two story brick building beside the Stawell Shire Hall was once the Literary Institute. The Stawell Shire Hall building has been added to over the years. Ronald Campbell, the Shires second president laid the foundation stone on 28th April. 1866. The contractors were Hutchings and Delbridge. The photograph shows the first hall and office. The building contained simple 18 feet square rooms, with an entrance hall separating them, the facade was almost as it is now. The initial cost of the Shire Hall was $502.Black and white photograph of Stawell Shire Hall as one single storey brick building with parapet on top. Beside the Shire Hall is a two storey brick building. Also, a dwelling between the two building in the background in Cooper St. Two persons in the foreground, one on the road the other on the pathway. stawell

“Swinton” Homestead with three children of Mr and Mrs Gray and pony on lawn B/W. Photgraph: A house in the background. Three children, two boys and a girl, the boy in the middle is seated on a pony. The boy on the right is dressed in a uit and wearing a hat. The girl is holding a Doll. They are the children of Mr & Mrs Gray, Owners of "Swinton". Boy on the left A. J.H. gray, known as "Jack" became a Shire Councillor and President, Brothe ron the Pony - Swinton - and Sister mary.glenorchy

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 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 of a pair of cream silk parasols, each bordered by overlapping bands of beige lace. The underlying structure and mechanism includes a bent cane handle and black metal expanding spokes. The lace borders are layered to create an overlapping fringe. The high-domed umbrellas may have been created for a bridal party."Coombs Collection"coombs collection, clothing accessories, parasols

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 of a pair of cream silk parasols, each bordered by overlapping bands of beige lace. The underlying structure and mechanism includes a bent cane handle and black metal expanding spokes. The lace borders are layered to create an overlapping fringe. The high-domed umbrellas may have been created for a bridal party. This umbrella cannot be opened due to the silk being shattered."Coombs Collection"coombs collection, clothing accessories, parasols

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