Historical information

The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community.

The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s.

This object is a scoop for measuring tea leaves, also known as a tea caddy spoon. It was manufactured in Melbourne, Australia by Stokes & Sons. Stokes & Sons was established in 1856 by Thomas William Stokes, a die-sinker from Birmingham, England. It was likely manufactured in the early twentieth-century.

Significance

This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history, social history, and women’s history.

Physical description

A small metal tea caddy, or tea measure, with an engraved clock face on the scoop showing the time as 4 o'clock. On the reverse of the scoop a makers mark lists place of manufacture as Australia, and lists a registration number.

Inscriptions & markings

"MADE IN AUSTRALIA REG NO 15733"