Historical information

Alonzo Box was the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who resided in the Cottage 1865 - 1913. He was the 9th child of John Box 1841 - 1913 and Martha Sheldrake Box who lived in Oakleigh, Alonzo enlisted in the Army and landed at Gallipoli 25/41915. After the evacuation to Egypt he served in France and Flanders and returned to Melbourne February 1918. Alonzo was a pavier / pitcher who was employed to lay the bluestone drains for the roads and sewerage channels in Moorabbin Shire - a skilled and well paid occupation.

Significance

Alonzo Box was the 9th child of John Box ,who emigrated to Australia in 1854 with his parents, George and Mary Box , and siblings who included William Box. Alonzo enlisted in the 1st AIF and landed at Gallipoli 25/4/1915. After the evacuation to Egypt he served in France and Flanders before returning to Melbourne in February 1918. He married Mary Closter in June 1918. His elder sister Rebecca, who was a missionary in China, sent a bolt of hand embroidered Chinese silk to Mary for her Wedding Dress. This unique dress is on display at Box Cottage Museum and is recorded on the Australian Dress Register 2015.

Physical description

A large photograph in a wooden frame of Alonzo Box 1881-1958 in 1st AIF Army Uniform c 1915