The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interest Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS The issue of Chinese migration was very inflamed and caused much distress to local market gardeners c1900. Issue 18 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in August 2010. Notice re meeting august 29th. Items of Interest explain that volunteer Ronnie has completed The CMHS site on Vicnet, Dennis Maynard has built display benches for the Barn and repaired school desks, Mr Neil Follett has donated a photograph of the Tuck family and ‘Baydon Hill’ c1800, Trish Smythe, manager Kingston Library, has displayed Posters and Flyers about Box Cottage Museum, and 3 bridal gowns are now on display at Box Cottage. Robina Naughton has researched a photograph , 1906, of His Excellency Hwang Hon Cheng, Chinese Commissioner, donated by Frank and Lorna Thatcher. A copy of this photograph has been sent to Sophie Couchman, Curator of Museum Of Chinese History. Helen has compiled a 3 page history of Hwang Hon Cheng and the Chinese in Victoria 1840- 1906.CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER city of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, mckinnon, kingston, clothing, bridal gowns, weddings, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, box cottage museum, city of moorabbin, box william, glen eira historical society, vicnet, brighton historical society, museum of chinese history, hwang hon cheng, follett neil, thatcher frank, thatcher lorna, smythe trish, city of kingston library, the grange, baydon hill, tuck family

The Common School No. 213 East Brighton 1864 - 1878 replaced the original St Stephen's Church of England School in Tucker Road. 1878-1908 the School was known as Education Department State School No. 2083 Brighton East. 1908 - 1936 the School changed it's name to Bentleigh and then from 1936 - 1993 was known as East Bentleigh. 1993 the school was closed due to low enrollments and the building was demolished and land sold . Charles J Coates, the father of Pam Thomas, attended this school.A school photograph of one of the original schools in the Bentleigh area showing a gathering of adults and children who had connection with this school either as teachers, pupils, parents or neighbours in 1925.A Black & White panoramic photograph of a group of adults and children in front of the classrooms of the East Bentleigh SS No. 2083 in 1925on back : handwritten 1925education, st stephens anglican school east brighton, education department state schools, state school number 2083, coates charles j, thomas pam, tucker road bentleigh, henry dendy special survey brighton 1841,market gardeners, dairy farmers, poultry farmers, early settlers, pioneers, tuck family bentleigh, moorabbin shire, moorabbin roads board, city of moorabbin, bent thomas,

The Common School No. 213 East Brighton 1864 - 1878 replaced the original St Stephen's Church of England School in Tucker Road. 1878-1908 the School was known as Education Department State School No. 2083 Brighton East. 1908 - 1936 the School changed it's name to Bentleigh and then from 1936 - 1993 was known as East Bentleigh. 1993 the school was closed due to low enrollments and the building was demolished and land sold. Eric Hutchinson, the uncle of Les Hutchinson, attended this school. Eric is second row far left ' behind the boy with the white handkerchief '. The 1920 gathering may be for the unveiling of a World War 1 Honour Roll - for past students killed or injured - as can be seen at the back of the group A flag pole may be the central wood post as all the boys and men have removed their hats and caps. A school photograph of one of the original schools in the Bentleigh area showing a gathering of adults and children who had connection with this school either as teachers, pupils, parents or neighbours in 1920.A black & White photograph showing a group of adults and children in front of Education Department State School Bentleigh no. 2083 in 1920 (Reprint)education, st stephens anglican school east brighton, education department state schools, state school number 2083, coates charles j, hutchinson eric, hutchinson les, tucker road bentleigh, henry dendy special survey brighton 1841, market gardeners, dairy farmers, poultry farmers, early settlers, pioneers, tuck family bentleigh, moorabbin shire, moorabbin roads board, city of moorabbin, bent thomas

Cream Silk Nightgown. Lace trimmed on neck and sleeve. Flowers embroidered on Bodice. Spoke stitch under embroidery and pin tucked below. Owens Family.stawell clothing material

'The Grange ' was a 2 storey home built 1857 by Mr Charles Tuck, originally named 'Baydon Hill', at 1011 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin ( South Brighton). Mr Charles Tuck was Veterinary Surgeon from Baydon Hill, Wiltshire, England, who migrated to Australia c1850. He married his cousin Miss Jan Chaudler in Melbourne in1853. He was at the Ballarat gold-fields at the time of the riots and then they settled in South Brighton (later Moorabbin) and built a large Georgian styled home called 'Baydon Hill'. The Tucks had a large family - 9 children. Charles enjoyed a prosperous Veterinary Practice as his advice was needed for stock purchases by the farmers / settlers. Charles died in 1893 and Jane left the property c 1903 and died at Blackburn in 1928. The House had 5 owners, the last being the Healey family c1920 and at some stage the name was changed to 'The Grange' and the gates shown were installed. The Healey Family were also prosperous in developing vegetables and flower seeds and seedlings. 'The Grange' was sold to Moorabbin City Council 1972 and then used by the City of Moorabbin Historical Society for meetings and storage of historical material. It was demolished amidst considerable controversy 1983 and the Moorabbin Police Station was built on the site. ( S.T.Mulvany, Grand-daughter of Charles Tuck 26/7/1974)The Grange was a significant property 1853 -1983 in Moorabbin. It was built by Mr Charles Tuck 1857and in1900 extended from Point Nepean Road to South Road - 10acres. Mr Harold James Healey purchased the property in c1920 and leased a portion to a Chinese market gardener. Later with his sons he established a profitable Plant Nursery that they managed for 42years. Keith Healey, a son, remodelled the house extensively mid 20thC. The Moorabbin City Council purchased it in 1972 for $255,000 and it was demolished amid controversy 1983. The Moorabbin Police Station is built on the site.3x black and white photographs of the property at 1011 Nepean Highway Moorabbin built by Mr Charles Tuck c1853 known as 'The Grange'. Originally it was named 'Baydon Hill' because he migrated from Baydon Hill, Wiltshire, England c1850. PHOTOGRAPHS: c 1880, 1920 and 1950 showing the original and later additions made to the property by some of the 5 owners. PLAN: Proposed Alterations & Additions to 'The Grange" brick and stone residence for Mr K Healy Dack & Armstrong, Home & Industrial Designers 12 Station Street, Moorabbin. c1950sWritten in pencil on back a) " This Photo donated by Mr Neil Follett - at the time it came into his possession he had a photography studio in Cheltenham. Photographer unknown"; Folio 6 b) The Grange c 1950 Folio 6/10 c) 'Baydon Hill' ( alias "The Grange" ) / Donated by Mrs Elsa Jones, daughter of Leslie Stephen Tuck, youngest son of Charles Tuck Folio 6 /18tuck charles, tuck jane, veterinary surgeons, livestock, market gardeners, early settlers, dendy's special survey, brighton, moorabbin, ballarat, gold diggings, horses, chickens, cattle, bullocks, flower shows, fruit garden, mulvaney s. t., healey haold james, healey keith, moorabbin city council, chinese market gardeners, plant nursery, tuck leslie stephen, jones elsa

The story of this gold fob watch is intriguing. The letter is dated March 6, 1905, 27 years after the Loch Ard was wrecked. It appears to be a quick personal note from a relative or friend who briefly writes the history of the enclosed ‘souvenir’ watch, found in Loch Ard Gorge at Port Campbell. Although the finder is not named, it is likely the letter’s author. The writer mentions that the letter and watch would be sent once photographs of the area where the watch was found had been added. The fancy, lined envelope’s date stamp is October 12th, 1917 (12.10.17), almost 12 years after the letter was written. It has a postmark from Florence (Firenze), Italy. The handwriting on the envelope differs from that of the letter, and there is no further mention of photographs being included. The condition of the watch certainly shows the effects of time in the sea. Some inner workings can be seen through broken encrustations and missing sections of its case. The winding knob on the top is recognisable even though it is covered by sand and other adhesions from the sea. Its dainty size and gold case suggest that it was made for a well-to-do female. The watch, envelope and letter were donated along with a 1971 newspaper cutting, all neatly folded and tucked with the watch into a small, strong cardboard box with metal reinforcing on the corners and a fitted lid. The newspaper article gives context to the watch, telling the story of the Loch Ard shipwreck tragedy and the two survivors, but does not refer to the watch. Perhaps one of the 17 passengers sailing on the Loch Ard, including members of the Carmichael family, owned the watch, or maybe it was amongst the cargo, as the ship’s manifest includes ‘clocks and watches £25’. . Considering the dates of the letter and the envelope, did the finder of the ‘souvenir’ watch take it to Europe? Was it used for good luck during service in the military? . Comparing the different writing on the letter and the envelope, does it suggest that the watch’s finder was overseas and asked someone to send the envelope to the intended recipient, with postage from Italy? ABOUT the address, “Glencove”: The details on the envelope are faint and obscured by stiff creases in the paper. The address appears to be “Mrs J. Mortton, Glencove, Portsea, Victoria, Australia”; though the family at that address had the surname “Morton”. Mrs J. Morton, formerly Elizabeth Ford, married her second husband, James Morton, in 1904, the year before the date of the letter. The couple lived at the Nepean Hotel before they were at “Glencove”. Although they never owned that property, it was their home when James died in 1937. Elizabeth’s nephew, Alfred Sandle Ford (1894-1981), and a nephew-in-law were overseas during World War I. Alfred Ford had moved to Melbourne as a young boy with his father. He entered service as Second Lieutenant in 1915, naming his father, Alfred Sandle Ford, as his next of kin. He served in Egypt, France and Belgium with the Australian Imperial Forces as a member of the Field Artillery Brigades. He returned to Melbourne in 1919 and worked in Richmond and Box Hill. He later married Frances Whyburn. Previously, in 1872, Elizabeth Ford’s sister, Julia Ford, acquired the 1-acre property with a 3-room house that became known as “Glencove”, Portsea. The building was originally the first school in the area, established before Crown Land sales. In the Parish of Nepean, it was first assessed for rates in 1871. Julia Ford (1843-1912) and Elizabeth Ford (1859-1957) were daughters of James Sandle Ford (1811-1890), a well-known pioneer of Portsea, formerly a convict limeburner. James Ford acquired several Crown allotments in Portsea. In 1872, he converted his old hotel into the large residential establishment known as the Nepean Hotel, which his family largely ran until it was demolished in 1971. During those years, different family members lived at the Nepean Hotel or Glencove. In 1877, Julia Ford married a significant landowner, John Cain, a limeburner from Rye. They had five daughters, four of whom were never married; Kathleen (1880-1949), Mabel (1881-1973), who was the last family member to own the house until her death, Hilda (1884-1974) and Julia Ethel (1888-1949). Some of the newspaper records refer to “Glencove”, Portsea, inform that: 1927 - Dr. and Mrs. J. E. Shilliday are staying with Mrs. R. B. Sanderson at Glencove. (Australasian) 1937 - James Morton died at his property, Glencove, Portsea, aged 83 years (Argus) 1949 - Julia Ethel Cain died at Glencove, Portsea. (Argus) 1949 - Probate application by sisters of Julia Ethel Cain, deceased, formerly of Nepean Hotel, Portsea, but late of Glencove, Nepean Highway, Portsea. The connection of the watch with the sands of Loch Ard Gorge and to the ship Loch Ard contributes to our knowledge of personal items brought to Australia in 1878, whether as the belongings of a passenger or as cargo; a gold watch would be intended for a wealthy buyer. The little artefact helps us understand the survival of artefacts in the powerful sea, over a quarter of a century after the wreck of the ship. Although many people would have visited the shipwreck site, the length of time before it was found helps us understand the effects of the sea on shipwreck artefacts. The survival of the carefully packaged watch and related documents shows the respectful understanding of preservation of historic artefacts, even from almost 150 years ago at the time of writing (2025). Ladies' fob watch, thought to be gold. It is now covered in encrustation. A bump on the edge would be the winding mechanism for the watch. A small section of the back of the case has broken away, and an engraved surface can be seen. Face and hands are missing, revealing the spring workings inside. Donated with the watch were two documents and a newspaper cutting about the story of the shipwreck of the Loch Ard. They are all in a strong cardboard box with reinforced corners on the base and lid. Found at Loch Ard Gorge and said to have been from the Loch Ard. The three donated documents are: - 1. A rectangular envelope made of cream waxy paper lined with black and white diagonally striped paper. The top right corner, usually meant for a postage stamp, has been torn off, partly exposing text on a rectangular printed logo. A round black postmark stamp near the top centre shows the post office location and date. The address on the front is handwritten in black ink. The creases on the envelope suggest it has been folded three times. 2. A letter on cream rectangular paper features clear, handwritten script in black ink. The unevenly cut bottom edge has two short black vertical lines, possibly the tops of tall written letters. There are creases where the page has been folded three times. 3. A newspaper clipping featuring text, an illustration, and handwritten details of the newspaper’s source.1. Envelope: - Address: ”Australia (per Postage) / [looks like “Mrs J. Mortton”] / Glencove, (Portsea) / Victoria” Postmark: “FIRENZE” 12 10 17” “ - - - -PORTEN – (illegible)” Logo inside envelope: “BUSTA BRE--- / Earliera Lialia” [Italian; Busta = envelope, Earliera == earlier] 2. Letter: - “I am sending you a ‘souvenir’ from the wreck of the Loch Ard 28 years ago at Port Campbell. It is the remains of a lady’s gold watch found in the gorge where Miss Carmichael & Tom Pearce (the only two saved) were washed up. This souvenir was lying there ever since. I went down into the awful gorge & saw the cave where these two unfortunates (or fortunate perhaps, as they were saved) lived until rescued. I also saw the graves of those who were washed up from the wreck. One grave contains Dr and Mrs Carmichael & six of their children. Later on, when I can get some good views of that wild coast I will send them to you. 6/3/05.” 3. Newspaper cutting: - History of the Lochard. Refer to the Sydney Morning Herald, Nov. 28th, 1971: “Loch Ard: the wreck that became a legend” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch ard, eva carmichael, tom pearce, loch ard gorge, loch ard souvenir, port campbell, miss carmichael, mrs carmichael, dr carmichael, 1878, loch ard: the wreck that became a legend, ladies fob watch, gold watch, fob watch, pocket watch, horology, accessory, time keeping, scientific instrument, ladies' watch, ladies' pocket watch, lady's watch, souvenir watch, survivor, clocks and watches, diagonally striped envelope lining, firenze, busta, earliera, florence, italy, glencove, portsea, victoria, 1905, 1917, nepean hotel, moreton, morton, elizabeth morton, mrs j. morton, james morton, elizabeth ford, julia ford, alfred sandle ford, frances whyburn, james sandle ford, john cain, kathleen cain, mabel cain, hilda cain, julia ethel cain, australian imperial forces, field artillery brigades, limeburner

Birthday Books are personal record books for names and birth dates of friends and relatives. This book includes a quote from Charles Dickens for each day of the year. The books were published in many editions, with different publishers, illustrators, covers and designs. This Dickens Birthday book was presented as a gift to fifteen-year-old Clara Skirrow on January 19th 1911, by Mr and Mrs B Watson, perhaps the 'Benji Watson' in the book, whose birthday was July 1st, 1887. The entries in the book include several with the surnames Watson and Skirrow. Interestingly, names are entered in various writing styles, perhaps because each entry was written by the person of that name, similar to an autograph book. Curiously, there are two entries for Connie Watson, one in brackets on March 16th, the other on March 23rd, without brackets. The artist, Pilford Fletcher Watson (1892-1907), was born in London. He moved to Sydney, where he became a prominent and well-established artist and a founding member of the Academy of Arts, Australia, established in 1891. His works included local scenery, architecture, and the interiors of historic buildings. Many of his pieces were bequeathed to the State Library of New South Wales. The firm, Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, was a printer and publisher that operated in London from 1866 to 1960. Its logo was the artist's easel, palette and brush. The firm that specialised in greeting cards and produced puzzles. It also became the world’s largest postcard publisher. In 1960, the firm amalgamated with others to become the British Printing Corporation. The fly page states that Ralph Tuck & Sons, Ltd. was the publisher to Their Majesties, the King and Queen, and Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales. This would suggest that this book was published from 1901 to 1910, when King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and Prince George and his wife Princess Mary were permitted to use these titles. NAMES LISTED IN THE BIRTHDAY BOOK (the museum has photographs of every entry in the book, which are available on enquiry): - January 1 Mrs J (or S) Watson January 11 Wilfred Skirrow, 1904 January 16 Elsie Watson, 1897 January 17 Elsie Hartley, 23/06/2012 [error?] January 21 Frances Victoria Haieck January 29 Annie Skirrow, 1884 February 14 Willie Illingworth February 17 Bessie Watson February 19 Mrs Butterfield, 22 Apperley Rd, Idle [UK] February 27 William Ernest Futter ? March 13 Carrie Barker March 16 Connie Watson March 19 Hilda Graham March 20 Mrs W. Illingworth March 23 Connie Watson April 5 Mrs Ruth Ann Skirrow April 6 William Dickinson Goldsbrough April 11 Norman Goldsbrough April 16 May Jessen April 19 Mrs A Dixon April 20 Mrs S Watson April 23 John Fred Stansfield, 1912 April 24 Reginald Goldsbrough May 12 Bertha Ellis May 18 Gladys McInnes May 28 Mrs Arthur Watson June 3 Jack Watson, 1910 June 10 Mr James Watmough June 18 Miss Hilda Hodgson, 1895 June 26 Sarah Atkinson, 1894 June 30 Mary A Bannister, 1896 July 1 Benji Watson, 1887 July 1 Ester Watmough, 1896 July 2 Clara Skirrow, 1896 July 2 Aunt Jinni July 2 Aunt Hannah July 10 Ellen Gertrude Connolly July 11 Violet Mathieson July 23 Hady Rogers July 26 Sarah Atkinson August 2 Allan Watson August 3 George Skirrow August 6 Thomas Skirrow August 6 Gladys Patten August 8 John Waite, 1909 August 21 Lilian Pattison, 1909 August 25 Ethel Watson, 1889 August 25 Evellyn Goldsbrough September 4 Miss Frances Barker September 12 Ernest Hartley, 1888 September 14 Harry Stansfield, 1895 September 20 Harry Padgett September 25 Leslie Watson September 26 Florrie Wise, 1896 September 27 Dorothy Watson, 1909 October 1 Madge Ferrier October 3 Elizabeth Padgett, 1896 October 5 Violet Altridge, 1895 October 13 Elsie Hodgson, 1893 October 18 Arthur Watson October 21 Emily Bradshaw November 14 Mr A Dixon December 27 Laura Hartley, 1890 December 29 Arther Skirrow, 1894 December 29 Dolly GrahamThis early 20th-century Birthday Book is significant for containing quotes by the famous writer Charles Dickens. It is also connected to the popular and prolific publisher and printer, Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, and the renowned illustrator and artist, Pilford Fletcher Watson. Ownership of a rare and beautifully presented book like this indicates the value placed on keeping records of family and friends, and remembering their birthdays, in the early 1900s. The book is highly significant for the entries of local family names, some with birth dates. Book: small book with padded maroon leather hard cover and embossed with gold text on cover and spine; cover also has a gold motif. The pages include coloured illustrations, sketches, and lines for personal entries. The first pages are about Charles Dickens. Title: The Dickens Birthday Book, with six illustrations in Colour by P. Fletcher-Watson Publisher: Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, Britain Printed in England 1901-1910 Artist: P. Fletcher-Watson This padded red leather hardcover book has embossed gold text on the front cover and spine. The six colour illustrations throughout the book were by artist P. Fletcher-Watson; one is a portrait of Dickens. Each day has a quote from Charles Dickens' works and blank lines below. The drawing on the fly page depicts a stone building with side pillars and a logo in the centre of the horizontal beam. It has a gift inscription for Clara Skirrow on January 19th, 1911. There are handwritten entries under many of the dates, some include years that range from 1884 to 1912, and one includes an address in the U.K.. Embossed on cover and spine: “The DICKENS Birthday Book” Handwritten in black ink: "From Mr & Mrs B. Watson / To Clara Skirrow / With Best wishes / January 19th 1911" Illustration on fly page: Logo [artist's palette, brush and easel] Publisher information: “Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, London, Paris, Berlin, New York, Montreal,” “Publishers to their Majesties the King and Queen, and T.R.H. the Prince and Princess of Wales” “Printed in England” Handwritten entries with names, some dates, and one address. flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, birthday book, p. fletcher-watson, raphael tuck & sons ltd, 1901-1910, illustrated, 19-01-1911, mr & mrs b. watson, clara skirrow, red cover, british printing corporation, king and queen and trh prince and princess, king edward vii and queen alexandra, antique book, rare book, atkinson, bannister, barker, bradshaw, butterfield, connolly, dixon, ellis, ferrier, futter, goldsbrough, graham, hartley, hodgson, illingworth, jessen, mathieson, mcinnes, padgett, patten, pattison, rogers, stansfield, waite, watmough, watson, wise, dickens birthday book, charles dickens, dickens quotes, skirrow

This handmade pinafore was worn by the donor, Ellen Brown, at her christening in 1905. It was made by Ellen's grandmother, Mrs Beeching, for the first daughter born in the Fagg family. The pinafore was a treasured family heirloom, and was not worn again. It is a rare example of a modest, homemade christening costume. Most costumes were gowns, but this humble pinafore still shows loving attention to detail.The connection between milestone moments and the wearing of a particular garment carries great significance. The christening gown represents the rites of passage: great importance is placed on the clothing, as well as the ceremony.This is a white cotton infant's christening pinafore, round neck with a flounce, sleeveless with a sash attached at the front and tied at the back. There are lace inserts and lace at the hemline. Tucks are machined as embellishments and a tie at the back of the neck.lace, celebrations, handmade, white, brown, ceremony, textile, cotton, bacchus marsh, brown family, 1905, mrs beeching, fagg family, pinafore, infants clothes, rituals, fagg, costumes, family heirloom, christening, ellen brown

Small Christmas card produced for the Australian Comforts Fund, Christmas 1918. Christmas & New Years Greetings, 1918-19, with scenes of battles at Villers-Brettonneux and Hamel, and views of a captured tank and a 14cm. gun. Produced by Raphael Tuck & Sons, Publishers to the King and Queen.These cards were sent by service personal serving overseas to family members back home.l Sent by J.L.Mcintre while on active service in France to his loved ones back home.Christmas card with blue and black lettering Australian Comforts Fund Christmas & New Years Greetings, 1918-19, Produced by Raphael Tuck & Sons, Publishers to the King and Queen. The card depicts four scenes from the First World War: Australians Advancing from Villers-Brettonneux August 8th 1918, A German tank captured by the Australians near Villers-Brettonneux, Capture of Hamel Village July 4th 1918 by Australians assisted by a detachment of Americans, Captured by The Australians a 14 C.M. German Naval Gun intact with its Train & Equipment.Australian Advancing from Vlllers-Brettonneux.August 8th 1918. From Original specially painted for the Australian Comforts Fund by Captain Will Longstaff.A.I.F.War Artist.

This item is one of a collection of clothing items that belonged to the Stephenson family who lived at 22 McCracken Street, Kensington, Melbourne. Matthew Stephenson (1861 – 1943) who had grown up on the Bendigo goldfields and shifted to Melbourne in the early 1900’s was a train driver and later, a fireman with the railways. His wife Elizabeth Jane (Betsy) Wigley (1865 – 1953) also grew up on the goldfields around Majorca and Bendigo. They married in 1885 in Bendigo. They had two daughters – Ethel Evelyn Stephenson (1886 – 1956) and Lillian or Lila (1891 – 1977) who were milliners and dressmakers and who continued to live in the family home after the death of their parents. The family are recorded as living at 22 McCracken Street, Kensington, as early as 1914. It is not known who made or owned the clothing that makes up this collection but as it appears to be from the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, the different pieces were probably made and worn by any of the three ladies of the house – Betsy, Ethel and/or Lila. During W.W.2, a local Warrnambool couple (Meryl and Tony Everard) boarded with them – Tony was in the airforce training paratroopers to jump into (and survive) enemy territory and his wife Meryl worked in the Methodist baby Home. The Everards developed a close friendship with the Stephensons and were responsible for clearing out the house (and finding this clothing collection) after Lila died in 1977. A petticoat is a lady's undergarment - worn under a skirt or dress. They provided warmth, modesty and shape to the dress. In the middle of the 19th century, petticoats were worn over hoops, bustles or in layers. Petticoats varied according to the style of the outside skirt or dress. Plain petticoats tended to be worn with everyday wear whilst better dresses (party dresses or silk gowns) were worn with petticoats that often had more trim and embellishments. Edwardian petticoats had less volume than Victorian era petticoats and they had a "dust ruffle" or lining under a lace flounce. The "dust ruffle" protected the lace flounce and gave the petticoat more flare at the bottom, greater freedom when walking as well as saving the flounce (which was often made of finer material) from everyday wear and tear. Tucks are another feature of Edwardian petticoats - when the lace at the bottom became worn, it could be cut off and the tucks released. This extended the life of the petticoat. This petticoat features an intricate trim of broderie anglaise. Although broderie anglaise was a lace that could be made by hand, it was very time consuming to make. St Gallen was a city in Switzerland that had become known for producing quality textiles. At the beginning of the 19th century, the first embroidery machines were developed in St Gallen. Factories used embroidery machines but people also had them in their homes. They were able to produce broderie anglaise for export. By the early 20th century, machine made lace, fabric, ribbons etc. were being sold in drapers shops all over England and Wales to women who were making clothes and furnishings for their families. It is highly likely that the lady who made this petticoat brought the lengths of broderie anglaise already made to embellish and personalise her petticoat.This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the late 19th century - creating pintucks and adding lace to personalise and embellish a practical item of clothing.A lady's ankle length petticoat made in three sections. The top section is made from three rectangles of fine cotton (batiste) joined into a round with narrow french seams and inserted into a simple drawstring waistband with a small opening. The second section is made with rows of alternating strips of fine pin tucked lawn, white cotton cut work embroidery and a wider cotton lace design all joined in a diagonal pattern and lined with fine lawn. The bottom section of the petticoat has a horizontal strip of eyelet lace followed by a wider strip of fine pin tucked lawn and is finished with a deep hem of white cotton crocheted lace fabric and has the same lawn lining as the section above.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, warrnambool, petticoat, lady's petticoat, needlework, sewing, broderie anglaise, stephenson family, drawstring waistband

This long, white cotton pin-tucked baby's dress is an example of the clothing the women of pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire made for their familiesAfter the 1841 Dendy Special Survey of Brighton, Victoria, allotments of land were rented or sold to pioneer settlers. These settlers had to be self reliant and the women made most of the clothing for their families. This garment is one of the examples of the skills and craftsmanship of these women.A white, cotton, pin-tucked, long Baby's dress c 1900clothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, pioneer settlers, craft working

This white, cotton, baby's pinafore with hand crochet work is and example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families.A white cotton infant's pinafore, with hand crochet work around armholes, and lower edge of garment. Feather stitch embroidery, and pin-tucking on bodice. Waist ties.clothing, crochet work, moorabbin, bentleigh, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, dendy special survey, brighton pioneers

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. This white, cotton Lady's blouse with pin-tucked front and back is and example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in the Moorabbin Shire. Ladies long-sleeved white cotton blouse with high collar. Pin-tucking to front and back, guipure lace inserts on front of bodice. Significant tear at lower edge of the garment.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, home dressmaker, craft work

These white cotton underpants were made for Mr Geoff Maggs by his mother in 1907 as his first underwear at age 2 years old. The Maggs family were early settlers in the Moorabbin ShireThe pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. White, cotton underwear for a 2 year old boy. Made at home on a sewing machine with hand feather stitching and factory-made guipure lace on leg-bands. Buttons at waist, and a tuck pleat to let down as child grows.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, dressmakers, market gardners, early settlers, maggs geoff

This long calico baby's nightdress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families.A short-sleeved, long calico baby's nightgown. There is extensive hand-embroidery and pin-tucks on the bodice. Waist ties embroidered at the front. Crochet edges to neck and sleeves. The garment opens at the back.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work

This long, white fine lawn cotton pin-tucked baby's christening dress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families.A white, fine lawn cotton, pin-tucked, baby's long christening dressclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, craft work

This cotton baby's nightgown is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The Maggs family were early settlers in the Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. A long white cotton infant's Christening or 'walking-out' dress. The neckline and short sleeves have broderie anglais trim. Bodice has extensive cut-work and hand embroidered feather-stitching. There is further hand-embroidered feather-stitching around the waist band. The skirt of the garment has pin-tucking and lower borders of further cut-work The garment is in good condition.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, baptism, dressmakers, craft work, maggs nance

This lady’s long, decorative nightgown was worn c1920 by Mrs Alice Maude Haynes, nee Slew, (1890 – 1978), a member of a Moorabbin Shire early settler family.Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A long cotton lady's nightgown with pin-tucking, lace and embroidery.clothing, moorabbin, dressmaking, cheltenham, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, slew alice, haynes alice

This white, cotton child’s pinafore is an example of the dressmaking skills and craftsmanship of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the dressmaking skills and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesA white, cotton ,small child's pinafore with pin-tucking, feather stitch, lace and embroiderybrighton, moorabbin, pioneers, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, clothing dressmaking

Early settler women used their dressmaking and craft skills to make clothing and homewares for their homes and familiesA pair of white cotton pillowslips with pin-tucking and broderie frillclothing, brighton, moorabbin, linen, pioneers, haberdashery, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, risstrom lorna

This girl's half petticoat is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th CEarly settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Walker family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire.A young girl’s half-slip, pin-tucked and with lace edge. Notice the sewn "tuck" of extra material to be "let down" as the child grows.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, walker alice

This lady’s silk bodice is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families, in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire A lady’s silk bodice with pin-tucking and drawer-string waistclothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, blackburn nance, craftwork

This baby’s long, white cotton christening gown is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA baby’s long, white cotton, christening gown with pin-tucks and bodice tiesclothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, mr peck, christening service, rites, baptism

This lady’s cotton nightdress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's white fine cotton long nightdress with fine lace around neckline and short sleeve cuffs. There are pin-tuck gathers on each side at waistline.cotton, lawn, lace, dressmaking, craftwork, earlysettlers, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, clothing

This Baby's long white Christening gown is made from fine muslin, with short sleeves and cut-work and pin tucked front panels The women of the early settler families were very skilled dressmakers and made the clothes for their families. The early settler families followed the religious rites of their Christian Church and this Baby's Christening gown shows the dressmaking skills of the pioneer women of Moorabbin Shire c1900 , A Baby's Christening gown of fine white muslin with cut-work and needlework on yoke, gathered skirt and short sleeves with a draw string waist and neck . The front panel has 5 sections of pin tucks and cut work . clothing, christening gown, methodist church, church of england, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, lacework, cutwork, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, , moorabbin shire blackburn nance, dairy farms, fruit orchards