The Sons of Temperance was founded in New York in 1842 and brought to New South Wales by the Baptist minister, Dr William Hobbs, a short time later. Division, or local branches, grew quickly so that in October 1864, a provisional Grand Division was formed with a commitment to spread the word on temperance throughout the country, and the advantages gained by joining a temperance benefit society. It was reported that by 1869, in New South Wales, there was a National Division, two Grand Divisions, and one hundred and seven Divisions, with a total membership of 5970. While a distinct part of the temperance movement, the Sons of Temperance was also a 'friendly society'. Friendly societies were fraternal organisations established to assist members and their families cope with unemployment, sickness and death. No government unemployment or hospital benefits were available to individuals when the societies were initially formed. In each society, members contributed financially to a common fund which could be drawn upon in times of need. In 1868, members of the Church of Christ, Cheltenham, initiated a meeting to form a Division of the Sons of Temperance, which was subsequently called Star of Moorabbin Division, No 29. The meeting was held at the Cheltenham Temperance Hall on 30 September, with office bearers appointed and the larger membership acknowledged.This minute book records the minutes of the meetings of the Star of Moorabbin Division of the Sons of Temperance. It also records the first office holders. Additional members and some financial information is also recorded.Hard covered book, lined in brown fabric with red leather corners and spine used as a minute book for the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division. Inside pages are unlined, although a red margin has been printed. Additionally, the fly sheet of the book has printed text, which has been completed in handwriting.Handwritten in blue ink on the inside of the front cover: J.W. Hall G.S. / Brighton Cottage / Freeman Street / North Carlton The fly sheet has printed text which has been crossed out with handwritten edits: Star of Moorabbin Division / No 29 / Instituted: September 30th 1868friendly societies, societies, temperance, cheltenham, moorabbin

This ticket was for a grand ball to celebrate the second anniversary of the Loyal Orbost M.U.I.O.O.F. Lodge. It was held in the Mechanics Institute hall on Friday 20th July, 1888. The cost of a single ticket was 5/-. The secretary of the lodge was John Rowe, the first teacher of the state school in Orbost. From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref Mary Gilbert) Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF) had its origins in Manchester, England. It was established in Melbourne on 7 December 1840 when Augustus Greeves, a member of the MUIOOF in England, migrated to Australia and formed the first friendly society. In 1840 Manchester Unity IOOF was founded in Victoria. Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This was a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.A small white rectangular paper ticket with black print. It is for the Loyal Orbost Lodge M.U.I.O.O.F. Grand Ball.front - "Dancing to Commence at 8pm."public-event-orbost document-ticket m.u.i.o.o.f

This Warrnambool Rowing Club medal was awarded to the winners of the Society Fours in 1908. The Friendly Society group that won the race was the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a benefit society owned by members who assist other members in times of illness or unemployment. Originally founded in Manchester, England, the M.U.I.O.O.F. started in Melbourne in 1840. The Warrnambool branch was founded in 1860. The Warrnmbool Rowing Club was established in 1873, though there had been several boat clubs associated with the Hopkins River going back to the 1850s. No information has been found on R.Russell. This medal is of interest as a memento of a Warrnambool sporting club award in 1908 and of the winner of the award, a Warrnambool group and a member of that group.This circular brass medal has a shield shaped centrepiece with text on both obverse and reverse surrounded by a plain annulus edged with small scrolls. It has a ring at the top.Obverse- W.R.C. Regatta 1908 Reverse SOCIETY FOURS Won by M.U.I.O.O.F.R RUSSELL. A maker's hallmark.warrnambool rowing club, the friendly society, m.u.i.o.o.f.

This badge has been issued by the Victorian branch of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of OddFellows. This is a benefit society owned by members who assist other members in times of illness or unemployment. Originally founded in Manchester, England, the M.U.I.O.O.F. started in Melbourne in 1840. The Warrnambool branch was founded in 1860. This badge has no known local provenance but Warrnambool members of the M.U.I.O.O.F. would probably have worn such a badge in the past so it is kept as a memento of those times.Gold metal badge in a shield shape with royal blue enamel with text as a banner across the top and again at the bottom . An inner shield contains a cross in red with five stars . The four corners each contain a symbol .MANCHESTER UNITY IOOF . Victoria at the top of the badge. Makers name Newman is stamped on the back.manchester unity independent order of oddfellows, manchester

Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This was a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. When Dr James Kerr came to be Orbost's first residential doctor, he was sponsored by M.U.I.O.O.F. This item reflects those times. A ledger/cash book with a blue and tan fabric cover. on spine on red felt/suede in gold lettering - NIGHT BOOK