Historical information

This item is one of a collection of clothing items that belonged to the Stephenson family who lived at 22 McCracken Street, Kensington, Melbourne.
Matthew Stephenson (1861 – 1943) who had grown up on the Bendigo goldfields and shifted to Melbourne in the early 1900’s was a train driver and later, a fireman with the railways. His wife Elizabeth Jane (Betsy) Wigley (1865 – 1953) also grew up on the goldfields around Majorca and Bendigo. They married in 1885 in Bendigo. They had two daughters – Ethel Evelyn Stephenson (1886 – 1956) and Lillian or Lila (1891 – 1977) who were milliners and dressmakers and who continued to live in the family home after the death of their parents. The family are recorded as living at 22 McCracken Street, Kensington, as early as 1914. It is not known who made or owned the clothing that makes up this collection but as it appears to be from the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, the different pieces were probably made and worn by any of the three ladies of the house – Betsy, Ethel and/or Lila.
During W.W.2, a local Warrnambool couple (Meryl and Tony Everard) boarded with them – Tony was in the airforce training paratroopers to jump into (and survive) enemy territory and his wife Meryl worked in the Methodist baby Home. The Everards developed a close friendship with the Stephensons and were responsible for clearing out the house (and finding this clothing collection) after Lila died in 1977.

This overskirt is an outer protective garment made of durable cotton and was probably worn over a lady's skirt or dress to protect it whilst they were working. The pockets are large enough for the wearer to keep small items in and there is a loop at the back that would allow the wearer to hang it on a hook, when she finished her work.

Significance

This item is an example of clothing worn by working women in the late 19th and early 20th century

Physical description

A heavy cotton ankle length overskirt made with two wide gored sections containing inset pockets joined to a middle T shaped front band. It has a waistband of grosgrain ribbon and a side opening with 3 pairs of metal snaps (one pair is missing) and a hook and eye at the top. The waistband also has a taped loop (for hanging) and an unusual double fabric overlay with unattached curved ends.