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Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
A long swan necked steel scooped drainage shovel head with a long wooden handle, attached to the head by three rivets. It was used to prepare trenches for narrow pipe drains. A swan necked shovel is pushed away from the user by the very long handle. Used in the early 20th century.
A vintage 1903 hardcover children's book with the title Chatterbox printed in white lettering at the top of the front cover which has a green coloured background with an illustration in a large circle showing a girl winding a handle on a wishing well in a garden. The publisher details are printed at the bottom, with Price Three Shillings printed in red letters at the very top. The covers have broken away from the cotton bound spine. The faded light tan coloured back cover has an advertisement for EPPS'S (Breakfast) COCOA. with details of its efficacy and use for good health. The manufacturer details are added at the bottom. Inside the front cover are advertisements for Bird's Custard Powder and Robinson's Patent barley "in powder form". The frontispiece coloured illustration inside depicts a young girl dressed in wintry clothes carrying a lidded cane basket walking along a road on a windy autumn day. The title of the picture is 'Going with the Gale'. The title page has the title plus Edited by J. Erskine Clarke, M.A and publisher details with a black lined illustration of children, a woman with children at her knee reading and flowers. There are further coloured plates in the collection. The book contains plenty of puzzles, poetry, and stories for children. Pp. 412. At the back is an added supplement of Wells, Gardner, Darton & Co's Popular Books. Pp.34.
fiction
A vintage 1918 Chatterbox collection of puzzles, poetry and stories for children with black lined illustrations and coloured plates throughout.
children's books, books, children's stories, adventure stories
A brown hardcover landscape format book with a red dust jacket which has a large coloured painting of a country cottage set amongst gum trees, by the author and artist Frank Mutsaers. It has 42 coloured plates with many accompanying black and white sketches. The title page is signed by Frank in blue biro.
non-fiction
Frank's love for Australia is reflected in his paintings which capture the moods of the Australian landscape.
art books, australian landscape, australian art, australian heritage
A red hardcover book, The Rise and Fall of Marvellous Melbourne by Graeme Davidson. The red cover has large flourished gold embossed letters MM on the front cover with the title and publisher symbol at the bottom of the spine. It has a grey dust jacket with the title printed in black and red letters at the top front and the author written in white letters below. A full page grey and white cityscape of Melbourne wraps around the jacket. On the inside of the jacket there is a blurb explaining briefly the book's contents. There is a Contents, list of Illustrations, Acknowledgements, Notes and Abbreviations pages. On the back inside jacket are details of the author. Tables, black and white illustrations and photographs are included.
non-fiction
This book looks beyond public events to discover how the experience of boom and depression touched the lives of ordinary Melburnians at work and at home and reshaped their society and their sense of urban identity.
history melbourne, australian history, melbourne - economic conditions - 1880-1890
A brown homemade cloth covered adventure novel for young readers, The Uncharted Island by Skelton Kuppord. It has an inscription on the right front end paper, black and white frontispiece illustration of three sailors with a boy on the deck of a sailing ship. The title page has the title and a galleon illustration in full sail with publisher details below. A few black and white illustrations are throughout the book. Pp.350
fiction
It was published c.1910 and is a story set on the high seas. It takes readers on an an adventure to a mysterious and unknown land.
children's fiction, adventure fiction, fiction for boys
Hilda was born in Wandin Yallock in 1899 and was the eldest daughter of William and Frances sebire.. She died on 14th August 2906. aged seven years in Wandin Yallock. She is buried at the Lilydale Cemetery.
A framed photograph of Hilda Rihoy Sebire 1899 - 1906, taken standing next to a decorative stand with a pot plant fern on top of it. Hilda is wearing a frilly long sleeved white dress with a large collar and tie at the neck. She wears a very large frilled hat with ribbon ties. The decorative gold painted wooden frame has a cream cloth mount with a gold edge around the black and white photograph.
Attached to the bottom of the frame is' Hilda Rihoy Sebire 1899 - 1906'. The framer has a sticker on the back, 'TW REF. 3006'
portrait photographs, pictures, frames, photograph frames, photograph accessories, family life
A comprehensive thick catalogue book: D.W. Chandler General Hardware Ltd. Catalogue established 1876 which has a very decorative busy front cover with green, burgundy and cream colours for the title, full details of the contents, address, Registered Trademark, phone numbers and more. It is bound on the spine with red tape, 27.5 Inside on the left front end paper are details about Chandler's mail orders, a map of the Melbourne city location and addresses for Melbourne, Fitzroy and country cities. Opposite is a NOTICE page, explaining prices were current at the time of issue, (October 1937) with several altered prices since printing. Pp. 180 with four thin blue paper Order Forms at the back; two which have been filled in and two with a child's scribble on them. There is a comprehensive four page Index at the back. Hundreds of black and white drawings of hardware items and general life of the times are included throughout. Inserted in the catalogue are four dried plants or flowers, a small leaflet which shows illustrations and information about "Rega" spraying nozzles with diagrams and handwritten prices. A leaflet of a Parts Price List for Stewart No.1 Clipping machine and clipping heads. A copy of a D. W. Chandler Ltd Fitzroy order dated 12 March 1937 for "Ringlock" Fencing. On page 146 is a light blue thin paper Note for P146 about models of Churchill's and Jeffery's guns. Attached to this paper with cellotape is a typed copy dated 10/11/37 for an order for Square Iron Tanks to be delivered by rail. The back cover has advertising for "Perfect" Welded Fencing from Chandler's hardware stores. There is a manufactured hole by the publisher in the top left hand corner to hang it for future reference.
non-fiction
A comprehensive 1937 catalogue of general hardware for household and farm use for buyers to order in Melbourne and rural cities in Australia. The company was established in 1876. This is the 49th issue.
social history, australian history, history, hardware, catalogues, objects, tools
A large green cloth paper wavy patterned covered Norman Bros., Leger Book with burgundy tape on the spine. This blank book was used by the Silvan Progress Association in 1914 as written on the front cover in copperplate writing. Inside the book starts at page 64 so the pages 1 - 63 may well have been used in 1914 and they have been torn out. There is an entry on Page 173, the last page, for Expenses for 1915 & 1916 for the Silvan Progress Assoc.The Leger was used as a Statement of Accounts Processed Strawberries Apl - June 1939 and for other statements too. The last entry was completed on Nov 24 1939. Pp.173
non-fiction
This blank book was used by the Silvan Progress Association. Inside the book starts at page 64 so the pages 1 - 63 may well have been used in 1914 and they have been torn out. There is an entry on Page 173, the last page, for Expenses for 1915 & 1916 for the Silvan Progress Assoc.The Leger was used as a Statement of Accounts Processed Strawberries Apl - June 1939 and for other statements too. The last entry was completed on Nov 24 1939. Pp.173
account books, accounts, business accounts, business records, documents, account records, financial records
A large red, blue and cream wavy lined paper patterned covered Norman Bros., Minute Book with burgundy tape on the spine. This blank book was used by the Silvan Progress Association. Minutes of the first meeting were taken Sat March 1th 1916 and the last minutes were held in the Library Mechanics Hall on 5th Oct. 1922. The book is filled with Minutes of the monthly meetings and has threeo paper insertions - a Mont De Lancey Wine List with three wines and their prices per bottle. A second quite damaged paper is: Wandin ? Progress Association Inaugurated 26th Oct 1912. The meeting was held Jan 11, 1913. It lists the monthly meetings and minutes taken up to March 28 1913. The third document, dated 17th May 1928, is a copy of 13 typed pages from the Shire of Lilydale to The Hon. Secretary, Silvan Hall Committee, Silvan. It includes a list of names of Guarantors and witnesses.
non-fiction
This blank book was used by the Silvan Progress Association. Minutes of the first meeting were taken Sat March 1th 1916 and the last minutes were held in the Library Mechanics Hall on 5th Oct. 1922. The book is filled with Minutes of the monthly meetings and has three paper insertions - a Mont De Lancey Wine List with three wines and their prices per bottle. A second quite damaged paper is: Wandin ? Progress Association Inaugurated 26th Oct 1912. The meeting was held Jan 11, 1913. It lists the monthly meetings and minutes taken up to March 28 1913. The third document is a copy of 13 typed pages from the Shire of Lillydale to Mr. S. Bradley, Hon. Secretary, Silvan Hall Committee, Silvan suggesting to the Committee that the attached plan for the maintenance and betterment for the hall be forwarded to the Public Health Department for approval. It includes a list of names of Guarantors and witnesses.
meetings, reports, proceedings, minutes of meetings
A large green paper patterned covered Minute Book with orange tape on the spine. This blank book was used by The Australian Primary Producers Union Wandin Branch. Minutes of the first meeting were taken Nov 20th 1947 in the Seville Hall and the last minutes were on 23.11.1954. The book is filled with Minutes of meetings and has two paper insertions - a paper photopcopy of an Invoice Wandin Yallock April 30th1909. Mr Aitken for The Evelyn Preserving Co. Limited Manufacturers of Pure Jams and Jellies. Terms Cash. On the same paper The Colonial Bank of Australasia Limited stating a Sale and acknowledgement receipt of a letter and the enclosure of a remittance, signed by the manager. The second insertion is dated Sept 1950 - a Survey of cost of Production Berry Fruit Wandin Silvan Area. Youngberries. Based on Land at 100 pounds per acre and average 2 ton crop. Full details are listed.
non-fiction
This blank book was used by The Australian Primary Producers Union Wandin Branch. Minutes of the first meeting were taken Nov 20th 1947 in the Seville Hall and the last minutes were on 23.11.1954.
meetings, reports, proceedings, minutes of meetings
A damaged small brown Invicta Australian 1955 Business Diary No.41 with two days on a page. The front cover lists the brand, and detail already mentioned, with 1955 Business Diary No.41 crossed out and 1965 Petter Fielding LOG book written over them in blue biro. The printer and publisher is printed at the bottom. There is tan cloth tape holding the covers together on the left. Inside it has the calendar for 1955, postal, money order and telegraph Information along with other miscellaneous information. It was used as a Log Book for a Petter Fielding engine which was manufactured in 1952. The entries start 21/7/65 and finish Sun 2/3/2008. On the page Monday 4 July 1955 there is an entry dated Mon6/7/59 with little or no information apart from a few names and costs.There is a Cash Account section at the back.
non-fiction
On the front cover, 1955 Business Diary No.41 is crossed out and 1965 Petter Fielding Log Book is written over them in blue biro. Log Books were used and still are these days to record information for many different work needs.
books, documents, notebooks, log books, engines
A small pink front covered docket book with REF. SD Brand printed at he top and Duplicate Docket Book underneath. A small red seal of quality with Plastibound REG.D Thermoplastic Flexible Binding - Opens flat- 50Pp. Duplicate Numbered 1 to 50. The book was used as a Saw Mill Log Receipt Book. It was used up to receipt no 27 and has a carbon paper sheet included.
non-fiction
This Docket Book was used as Saw Millers' Log Receipt book by local workers.
dockets, receipts, log books, saw millers, sales records
A damaged small brown cardboard Saw Millers' Complete Log and Timber Ready Reckoner book. It has a Preface, Tables No. 1, 2 and 3. which give full details of round timber, circumference of logs, contents of timber in general building sizes and full details of circumference of circles and more. There are handwritten notes inside the back cover. Opposite the title page is an advertisement for high grade circular saws and knives. Pp.120
non-fiction
Log Books and Ready Reckoners were used and still are these days to record information for many different work needs. This small one would have been very practical for ease of use kept on-hand in a pocket. It was invaluable to carriers and all persons engaged in the timber trade.
books, documents, notebooks, log books, ready reckoners
A damaged small black plastic covered Saw Mill Log note book with purchases listed 1963 - 1992. Various names and the wood bought is listed with measurements and amounts ordered and supplied. There is a small white envelope inside with listings noted.
non-fiction
Log Books were used and still are these days to record information for many different work needs. This small one would have been very practical for ease of use kept on-hand in a pocket.
books, documents, notebooks, log books
A small rectangular blue textured hardcover book of postcard style fold-out Views of Loch Lomond in Scotland. It has a decorative brass clip on the right short side to close it. Inside are the faded labelled pale blue and purple prints which have fan fold illustrations, as well as a 16 page Descriptive Letterpress explaining the contents and information about each view. Pp.16. with pp.3 -14 missing.
non-fiction
A small book of fan folded postcard style Views of Loch Lomond with an explanatory 16 page addition at the back for each view. These books were given as souvenirs of travels.
photographic postcards, cards, postcards
Children played 'Mother and Fathers' when young so a dolls pram was very common as it still is today.
A plastic white wicker dolls pram with orange and tan trim on the hood and carriage, and is held together by metal staples. It has a long curved cane handle and a wooden dowel frame. The base is wooden with four red plastic wheels with black trims for tyres.
dolls prams, toys, dolls accessories
These wooden handmade toys were used by young children to play 'House' with their dolls.
A lilac and white painted wooden dolls cot with an eight railed drop side, a wooden base with four white slats. The drop railed side has thick wire rungs to slide it up and down with metal clips to engage it up or down. There is bedding in the cot.
toys, children's toys, toy accessories, dolls bed, dolls furniture
These wooden toys were handmade for children to play 'House'.
A white and lilac painted wooden homemade dolls high chair with a lift up tray, four legs, two arms and a back support.
toys, children's toys, dolls accessories, dolls chairs, dolls furniture
History of Clock Wandin North 8th Jan'y 1952. This clock was bought by the late Henry Sebire of 'Mont de Lancey' Wandin Yallock, at a clearing sale of Mrs Newey's at Seville about the year 1890; After his death in July 1902 the clock was given to his eldest son, one of his Executors, (Henry T. Sebire) of Ivanhoe, who died on 29th November 1935. On 6th February 1945 nearly 10 years later Mrs H. T. Sebire gave the clock to Wandin T. Sebire of Wandin North, who very much appreciated the gift. The clock was called for at Ivanhoe by Len Sebire, on 21st March 1945. Wandin T. Sebire. The clock was oiled and repaired by Mr Upton Watchmaker of Wandin North returned by him on 4th Dec 1951. Oiled again and returned 7th Feb. 1953.
A tall narrow pendulum wooden wall clock with a white round clock face, with Roman numerals, elaborate fine hands and a brass pendulum enclosed in a glass faced compartment which has a decorative dark wood at the top. There are small clips at the top and bottom to open the case door. A brass key is stored inside the cabinet.
This note was attached to the donation sheet. 'History of Clock Wandin North 8th Jan'y 1952. This clock was bought by the late Henry Sebire of 'Mont de Lancey' Wandin Yallock, at a clearing sale of Mrs Newey's at Seville about the year 1890; After his death in July 1902 the clock was given to his eldest son, one of his Executors, (Henry T. Sebire) of Ivanhoe, who died on 29th November 1935. On 6th February 1945 nearly 10 years later Mrs H. T. This note was attached to the donation sheet. Sebire gave the clock to Wandin T. Sebire of Wandin North, who very much appreciated the gift. The clock was called for at Ivanhoe by Len Sebire, on 21st March 1945. Wandin T. Sebire. The clock was oiled and repaired by Mr Upton Watchmaker of Wandin North returned by him on 4th Dec 1951. Oiled again and returned 7th Feb. 1953.'
wall clocks, plaques
Bootmaking is a complex process requiring a variety of tools. The leather is cut to shape, glazed & burnished (polished) with heated irons. The pieces are stretched onto, and nailed to, a wooden last to form the boot. Once attached to the insole, the boot is finished on a metal last. Uppers are stitched with waxed thread through holes made with an awl. Heels comprise pieces nailed together and neatened with a heel shave. Metal plates, short nails or hob nails driven into the sole & heel, often in a pattern, improved durability.
A pair of handmade, adult brown leather work boots, with brown leather laces, decorative stitching, metal eyelets and are stitched with waxed thread. The soles are covered with hob nails in a decorative pattern. They have metal caps on the heels.
bootlaces, boots, footwear, clothing
The box was used for storing long gloves post W.W.II. The box was possibly later used as a pencil case.
A long rectangular pale yellow plastic glove box with faux wood grain and a piano hinge. Engraved on the top in navy blue cursive script is the word 'Gloves', with extensive flourishes.
'Gloves'
glove boxes, gloves, boxes, clothing storage containers
The tin was made for Glen Valley Tea, importers of the finest tea growing countries in the world, Ceylon, India and Java. Henry James was a well known Australian importer. The tins when emptied became useful storage containers.
A large square rusty metallic silver surface green coloured Glen Valley Tea storage tin with a lift off lid. It has gold font with a green line border. Both sides of the tin have Fresh Fragrant in large letters with Five Pounds Net Weight printed inside an inner circle. The back of the tin has a lot of information about the Glen Valley tea and where it is imported from - Ceylon, India and Java and how it is carefully selected and blended.
The tin has much information as noted above. ' Henry Berry & Co. Pty Ltd. Collins St., Melbourne. 5lbs. Net. Glen Valley Tea'
food containers, tea, tea caddies, tins, containers
The tin was made for Griffiths Bros who were Australian merchants of tea, coffee and cocoa. They had branches in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. The tins when emptied became useful storage containers.
A large rectangular Griffiths Bros Choice Tea Net 7lbs. 1834 - 1934, metal storage tin with a hinged lid. Victoria's Centenary 1934 -5 is printed on the top left corner of the label. The Griffiths Bros label is in yellow script on the front with other text related to the contents, as well as a Trade Mark "SIGNAL" illustration and text at the bottom right. The label is outlined in green and yellow edging with country landscape at the top and city views at the bottom.
The tin has much information as noted above, as well as - 'Packed by Griffiths Bros Ltd 30 Flinders St. Melbourne.'
food containers, tea, tea caddies, tins, containers
c.1924 Arnott's Family Assorted biscuits were popular as they are today. The tin would have been reused as a storage container for other household items.
An antique metal ARNOTT'S Famous Family Assorted Biscuits tin, NETT 5LBS 645. Trademark Registered. It is square shaped with a hinged lid. It has a paper label with black, yellow, red and white lettering, on the front, top and sides. 'Please keep the lid closed to preserve contents'. On the left side of the tin's paper label is a parrot sitting on a wooden perch eating a biscuit. Wheat stalks and flowers decorate around the bird. It is very rare.
On the top of the tin is a paper label in black the red saying ' 'This tin is the property of Arnott's Biscuits Pty Ltd., N.S.W. Division. Forty Cents Deposit paid on this tin will be refunded on return in returned in good order and condition with this label attached. Keep the lid closed down. In red lettering 'Arnott's FAMILY ASSORTED'. Stamped on the base is ' 'This tin is the property of William Arnott Pty. Ltd. Homebush 5037'. No. 6095 stamped onto base.
biscuits, biscuit containers, foodstuffs
A badly damaged vintage 1915 hardcover children's book with the title Chatterbox. printed in white lettering at the top of the front cover which has a green coloured background with an illustration in a large circle of a dog with a red bandana wrapped around its head, lying in a straw lined box. A black cat is sitting looking at the dog and is wearing a blue ribbon with a bow around its neck. It is sitting near the dog's food bowl. The yellow and red coloured outside of the back cover has an advertisement for "Pears" soap with 'The Night of the Bath' printed underneath. The title page is missing as is the frontispiece coloured illustration usually found in these books. The pages 1 - 18 are missing. There are black and white illustrations, diagrams and coloured plates in the collection as well as puzzles, poetry, and stories for children. Pp. 400. The endpapers have several advertisements related to children, their health, food and sweets included. Its condition shows it was very well used.
fiction
A vintage 1915 Chatterbox collection of puzzles, poetry and stories for children with black lined illustrations and coloured plates throughout.
children's books, books, children's stories, adventure stories
A brown hardcover book with the title printed in black text, The Weekly Times Farmers' Handbook on the front cover. Compiled from the Farmers' Information Bureau with Practical Information from the Rural Section of The Weekly Times. Second Edition is printed in a black rectangular shape at the bottom with the price - 2/6. Three black lines decorate both sides and across the cover information. Ink stains on the front. The spine has the faded title written. The title page is missing, but there remains A Forward and Preface. An index is at the back, along with advertising for farming products and equipment. Diagrams, illustrations are included. 286Pp. Stains and foxing on the edges of the pages are visible. Some damage to the spine top and bottom.
non-fiction
A handbook for farmers compiled from articles from practical information from the Rural Section of the Weekly Times in Australia. It has informed generations of farmers on the way of the land, with useful tips and invaluable advice. Few farms would have been without a well-thumbed copy.
farming australia, the weekly times, farmers
A slim brown badly damaged paperback book with the title, Dainty Dishes for Children, Invalids and Convalescents printed in black lettering inside a black lined patterned square shape which has full details of the author and her qualifications as well as other titles available in the series. Price 1/-, 1/1 posted is listed too. There are many advertisements supporting the use of ingredients throughout the book as well as on both sides of the covers. There is a Preface and Index to Recipes. Pp. 46.
non-fiction
A useful third edition text book for Mothers and Nurses originally compiled by Miss Lucy Drake (Trained Cookery Teacher of the Education Department, Melbourne, Victoria) in the 1920's. Lucy trained as a Cookery teacher in London, England. This edition was revised and enlarged by Dorothy M Giles (Diploma of Domestic Economy, Trained Teacher of Domestic Arts, Melbourne, Victoria) and was used as a text book for Nurses' Cookery Certificate required by The Royal Victorian Trained Nurses' Association in Victoria. Both sometimes Head of Cookery Section of Swinburne Technical College, Glenferrie, Victoria.
cooking, recipes, textbooks, mothers
A small brown and blue covered book, Laundry Bygones, with the title in white lettering at the top of the front cover with the author Pamela Sambrook printed in blue underneath. The cover has a full sized photograph of the old fashioned laundry at Shugborough, Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service in England. The contents show the history of laundries from the past with information as well as black and white photographs. There is a List of Further Reading and Places to Visit at the back. Pp.32.
non-fiction
This book illustrates the simple, rare but often extremely beautiful traditional laundry aids as well as machines which were used before and in the first quarter of the twentieth century.
laundry aids, laundry equipment, laundry irons, laundry dollies, washboards, washing machines
A small green format school reader No 353 from the Whitcombe's Story Books series : The Crooked Brownie for Ages 8 to 9 Years. The title is printed in red lettering on the front cover with the series above and age group beneath in black lettering. Inside a black lined rectangular shape is a lined drawing of a frog talking to the brownie - on a sign is written 'Samuel Frog Furniture Maker'. 1/- for the cost is in the right hand bottom corner. Inside the front and back covers are additional series Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd publishes. The story has 10 chapters with black and white illustrations. Pp62.
non-fiction
A school reader for children ages 8 to 9 years. The brownie has many adventures.
school reader, australian schools, school equipment
A very small grey covered paperback book titled - Order for the Administration of The Lord's Supper and Other Services for the use of the Methodist Church of Australasia. At the bottom of the front cover is printed the publishing details. On the back cover is printed underneath a symbol of the printer - Epworth Press 218 Castlereagh St., Sydney. Pp.56.
non-fiction
Order for the Administration of the Lord's Supper and Other Services for the use of The Methodist Church of Australasia. Prayers included are - The Holy Communion, Baptism of Infants, Reception of Members and Covenant Service.
religious books, religious services, prayer books
A blue covered book of the Railways of the Yarra Valley with a photograph on the front cover of the last steam train from Warburton in August 1965 and the back cover showing an old locomotive 'Little Yarra' in 1913. There is historical text and maps with black and white and coloured photographs of the railways and of the area.Pp.96.
non-fiction
The railway reached Lilydale in 1882, Healesville in 1889 and Warburton in 1901 linking the area to Melbourne. Sawmillers and farmers prospered, as well as tourists visiting the region.
trains, rail vehicles, australian history, yarra valley
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
