Historical information

This wood traveling trunk was used by the LePage family when emigrating from Guernsey , Channel Isles, to Melbourne on SS Caliope 1852.
Nicholas LePage , a tailor, and wife Elizabeth arrived in Melbourne in 1852 with their son Frank Thomas and daughter Elizabeth. Joshua Holloway released land in his 'Two Acre Village' in Cheltenham 1851. Nicholas bought a LOT for 10pounds and began a market garden that was managed by successive generations.
The LePage family became involved with the Methodist Church , local friendly societies, sporting clubs and civic councils that endured.

Significance

'The LePages became one of the best known Moorabbin market gardening families, with a tradition of service to communal and civic affairs that is unmatched' John Cribbin, ' Moorabbin ,Pictorial History 1862-1994.' (City of Kingston)

Physical description

A handmade wood trunk with brass lock and hinges and Guernsey ( Channel Isles) Newspaper lining 1851

Inscriptions & markings

Top of lid; White Stencil BETSEY LEPAGE / PASSENGER TO MELBOURNE
Lining of box; Guernsey Newspaper 1851