Historical information

The business of Kitchen and Sons began in 1856 when John Kitchen began to make tallow candles in their backyard in Emerald Hill but had to move two years later due to it being an offensive trade. Bad luck plagued them again after two years when fire destroyed their premises. However after rebuilding , the expanded and moved to Footscray ten years later. Over the next 30years the business expanded further employing upwards of 300 people and became one of the leading manufacturers of soaps, candles and associated products in Australia and New Zealand. They were makers of long standing brands such as Velvet soap and Solvol and by the mid 1920's were employing about 1400 people. It was around this time that they merged with the Lever Co of Sydney and after absorption of other soap companies over the next 40 years , the company became known as Lever & Kitchen in 1962. This box contained gift soaps and probably belongs to the period prior to 1924. Miss C M Trigg of Wangoom was the owner.

Significance

A common item with links to a district family.

Physical description

White card box with overlapping lid which is covered in white paper with green and red text. A red banner across right bottom corner. Light grey floral pattern as background.

Inscriptions & markings

Miss C M Trigg Wangoom written in black ink on left corner. Made by J Kitchen & Sons Pty Ltd.