Dutch Australian Heritage Centre Victoria Carnegie, Victoria

The metal bucket is enamelled in green on the outside and grey on the inside. It has a plain handle.

Historical information

Vegetables buckets were used to collect vegetables from the garden, greengrocer or other supplier.

Significance

The item speaks of a time when people either grew their own food or bought it from delivery carts.

Inscriptions & Markings

The word "GROENTEN" (vegetables) in white enameling underlined by 3 gold rings that go right around the bucket.

A round pewter ashtray with a scene from a Jan Steen interior in the centre bowl section. 4 cigarette resting places are round the outside edge.

Significance

Smoking became common in The Netherlands as a result of trade with the West Indies. The Jan Steen illustrations of typical chaotic households were well known and eventually came to be used to poke fun at excessive tidiness.

Inscriptions & Markings

The outside edge is decorated with scroll type engravings. A pewter manufacturer's mark is impressed on the reverse side of the bowl.

Dustpan with handle made out of sheet of brass folded into shape and held together by copper rivets.

Significance

During the latter part of the 20th century utilitarian objects such as this were often replicated in brass to become part of brassware collections.

Pair of male size wooden clogs - completely covering feet, finished with clear varnish and shoe lace like decorations.

Historical information

Wooden shoes are / have been widely used in North-Western Europe (Scandinavia, parts of Germany, UK, The Netherlands, Belgium and Northern France). The models vary from a wooden sole and toe covering (Scandinavia, UK, Northern France) to a complete cover of the whole foot (The Netherlands and parts of Belgium). They are mostly made from poplar wood, but occasionally also from other softwoods like willow. The clogs' finish varies from plain wood or carved wood to varnished or painted versions, often with decorations. Nowadays special models are made for tourists with pictures of Dutch landscapes, tulips or windmills.

Significance

Although wooden shoes are also used in other countries, the full foot covering model has become one of the symbols of the Netherlands, like the tulips and the old style houses in towns like Amsterdam.

Inscriptions & Markings

Brand indication V Z clog and size 43/44 = 28 1/2cm - Shoe laces like decorations.

Small Indonesian fan produced for the 50th anniversary of Tempo Doeloe in Australia. The fan is made in a similar manner to the so-called Wayang dolls and is reminiscent of this aspect of traditional Indonesian culture.

Historical information

A number of these fans were ordered from Indonesia by Lia Kellener, the founder of Tempo Doeloe in Melbourne.

Significance

The item relates to the move of many Dutch to The Netherlands or Australia from post-WWII Dutch East Indies. After a 4year struggle immediately following the ousting of the Japanese in 1945, Indonesia officially gained independence from The Netherlands in 1949.

Inscriptions & Markings

An orange central patch bears the words: Tempo Doeloe 1945-1995 Indonesia - Australia.

Pewter spoon on wooden frame. Saint Peter figure top of handle, crossed keys below. Spoon bowl shows market scene with dentist.

Decorative hat from silk-like material, coloured orange, green and cream and finished off with silvery gold band and other decorative items (see picture - also see items 6352 and 6353).

Historical information

Carnival (Dutch: Carnaval) is an important annual event heralding Lent in the southern provinces of The Netherlands, with each village often having its own "Carnavalsclub" and traditions. Many Dutch immigrantsg from the southern provinces have continued this tradition and formed their regional Carnavals Clubs in Australia. Each club has its own colourful uniforms, including specific hats. There are potentially three types of hats: A formal hat for official events, a work hat for use during normal club nights and for those members lucky enough to be chosen for a year as the "Prince" of the club, a Prince's Hat. Dutch Carnival is primarily a festival celebrating human folly which is why the hats are like jesters' caps. "Carnaval" comes with a rich tradition of ridiculing people and institutions of authority, and so, for instance, the "Prince" is saluted with military salutes which are performed the wrong way round, to the great merriment of onlookers. Special songs celebrating the foolishness of people in high places, such as politicians, are composed each year for "Carnaval".

Significance

For people from the southern provinces of the Netherlands, the annual "Carnaval" is an important cultural event.

Inscriptions & Markings

Has the name "L. Havel" on the inside.

A common ceramic plate, originally white but painted over as a tribute to those who fell defending their country against the Nazi invasion on May 10, 1940. A handmade wire hanging is twisted around the plate.

Historical information

This plate was obviously created to honour those who were killed defending their country at the time of the invasion - May 10, 1940. The maker appears to have taken an ordinary plate and painted it him or herself.

Significance

This is a rate item as it was produced during the war in contrast to the many plates and other items to commemorate the Liberation in May 1945.

Inscriptions & Markings

Aan Hen Die Vielen Voor Hun Vaderland (To those Who Fell For Their Country). 10 Mei 1940. The centre of the plate is handpainted and shows a Dutch flag, a lion rampant and two military graves. On the back is the makers's symbol (a resting lion), the manufacturer's name and Maastricht 1941. Also Made in Holland.

Cream enamel with green upper rim. Three-legged. Consists of two circular compartments, the lower one of which is the kerosene tank. Adjustable wick in holder attached to a handle with which the wick can be raised and lowered. Spare wick in tank. Upper compartment has small brass porthole with glass centre through which to monitor flame. Inside bottom of upper compartment there is a longitudinal slit within an oval raised section. Perforations around slit for ventilation. Steel trivet on top has five pointed star pattern.

Historical information

Brought to Australia by Dutch migrants in the 1950s. Used for slow cooking of dishes such as soups and stews.

This is a copper, oval-shaped dish with low (about 2cm) sides, part covered in brass, with brass handle and about 15cm in length.

Significance

Used to collect coins from those listening to street musicians, particularly the barrel organ grinder. It was customary to rattle the coins in an attempt to attract further donations.

Inscriptions & Markings

Cover displays barrel organ in relief.

Part of Dutch army uniform: (1) dress jacket with (2) cotton dress belt, (3a) leather belt with (3b) cross belt, (4) khaki tie and (5) cap with names W. van Reed//Dorland on the inside. Jacket has brass buttons, NL lion embroidered on sleeve, "genie" emblem on shoulder strap and rank sign (one star - Lieutenant) on collar. Note: match box "Drogist Lucifers" left in pocket.

Historical information

Part of the small collection of uniforms in DAHC's possession. Like most of these uniform this one stems from the 1950's. The shoulder insignas indicate a "Genie" division (Engineering Corps).

Significance

Many of the 1950's period uniforms came from people that had been discharged after having served in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) during the Indonesian Indepence War.

Inscriptions & Markings

(1) Label jacket text "Maatkleding, Maison Jordi & Cie, tel 4608, Amersfoort" and rank indication (Lt). (5) Cap has names W van Reed & Dortland. "Drogist Lucifers" on matchbox in pocket.

Single wooden clog decorated with burnt-in rustic scene and patterned decorations.

Historical information

Wooden clogs were common footwear for farmers and their families.

A brass, pear shaped container with handle on three short clawed feet. The lid has a Delft blue porcelain knob.

Small brass-coloured ornament from the former Dutch East Indies. It depicts a team of two bullocks drawing a plough. The farmer is seated on the plough and swinging a whip.

Historical information

Very likely a souvenir brought back from the former Dutch East-Indies.

(a) and (b) - A set of two ceramic wall tiles featuring historic buildings in the town of Heemstede in the province of North Holland. The images are in shades of blue. Tile (a) depicts the Dutch Reformed Church building (Netherlands Reformed Church). Tile (b) is an image of the Cruquius Museum on the site of a one-time pumping station.

Inscriptions & Markings

On the back of each tile are the words Mosa Royal Holland. Tile (a) also has the numbers 86 and 89 imprinted.

Hollow cylindrical copper tube with copper screw top with circular handle.

Historical information

Given to former prisoners in Japanese camps in the former Dutch East Indies after liberation 1946.

Significance

Dutch colonists suffered incarceration under the Japanese occupation of former Dutch East Indies. Post-war many returned to The Netherlands where they suffered from the cold. It was difficult for them to settle in and this gift would have been a welcome gesture of acceptance.

Inscriptions & Markings

Handwritten label says: Warm water kruik aan ons gegeven toen wij koud en berooid uit de Japanse kampen kwamen Jan 1946 (Hot water bottle given to us when we came out of the Japanese camps, cold and destitute, Jan 1946).

A 270p. soft cover book.

Significance

Multatuli was considered the most important Dutch language publication of the 19th century.

Inscriptions & Markings

This 1958 edition is based on the 1881 edition, the final one edited by the author himself.

A colourful 32pp booklet published as extra-edition of the historic Bunschoten periodical 'Bunscote'.

Significance

Although this publication has no date it is obviously from the 2nd half of the 20th century and put together by the local historic society in an effort to record certain traditions and promote the local area. It is aimed at visiting tourists and includes maps with walk and cycle routes.

Inscriptions & Markings

Names of the editing team, co-ordinator, graphic artist and printer are all recorded.

Metal Peat cutter with wooden handle.Varnished pine has been used and the cutting blade is painted black. Used together with wooden flat-bed wheelbarrow (Item 4139) and peat spade (Item 4142)

Historical information

Originated in Drente where cutting peat was one of the main industries. Used together with wheelbarrow (Item 4139) and peat spade (Item 4142).

Significance

A rare example referring to the peat cutting industry.

Orange painted tin with inscriptions and decorations. Motifs of thatched huts and palm trees suggest it was painted in the (then) Dutch East Indies.

Significance

Used for storing sugar

Inscriptions & Markings

Suiker (sugar) on front and back.

Decorative hat made of a silky material in green, orange, purple and cream, finished off with wavelike band and brown koala at front of hat (see picture - also see items 6351 and 6353).

Historical information

Carnival is an important annual event in the Southern Provinces of The Netherlands with each village often having its own Carnival Club and traditions. The Dutch People from the Southern Provinces continued in many cases this tradition and formed their regional Carnavals Clubs in Australia. Each Carnaval Club has a Council of Eleven with its own colourful uniform, including a hat. There is a variety of hats for the various roles within the committee and club.

Significance

For people from the Southern Provinces of the Netherlands Carnival is an important cultural event.

Inscriptions & Markings

Has the name "Tony" on the inside

A souvenir pottery mug handed out to school children in Amsterdam in 1948 to commemorate the abdication of Queen Wilhelmina and the accession to the throne of Queen Juliana. This kind of mug (without a handle) was typically used by children to drink their milk. It is illustrated with the initials of the two Queens surrounded by oranges (for the House of Orange). Blue banners link the bunches of oranges. There is also a depiction of the famous steeple of the Wester Church, the Amsterdam coat of Arms, a ship, a bridge and a typical canal house.

Historical information

In 1898, when Princess Wilhelmina attained her majority, she succeeded her Mother, Queen Emma, who had been Regent for 10 years. Wilhelmina reigned for 50 years until her abdication in favour of her daughter Juliana in 1948.

Significance

The House of Orange is one of the most popular monarchies in Western democracies. Widespread celebrations accompanied the Abdication/Accession.

Inscriptions & Markings

Above the W: "Dankbaar voor het verleden" (Grateful for the past) 1898-1948. Above the J: "Vol vertrouwen in de toekomst" (Full of confidence in the future) 1948

Tan earthenware bottle with cork stopper with plastic top.

Inscriptions & Markings

Inscribed around shoulder: ERVEN LUCAS BOLS ‘T LOOTSJE AMSTERDAM 1 LITER. On front of bottle: Upper label Z.O. GENEVER = very old gin. The name BOLS in bold black diagonally across the label. Description in Dutch and English . Smaller lower label with serving suggestions in 6 languages except Dutch. Back of bottle: label stating again this is a very old gin and a barcode which suggests a relatively recent date of manufacture.

Rectangular light green cardboard container which slides open to reveal 7 slate pencils. The lid is busily illustrated with scenes of English Victories on Sea and Land including Trafalgar and Waterloo. The upper halves of the slate pencils are covered in paper decorated with various designs.

Historical information

Slate pencils were used extensively in primary schools throughout The Netherlands.

Significance

These pencils may have belonged to a child who attended school either towards the end of or post WWII when there was a scarcity of paper and books.

Inscriptions & Markings

In the left margin of the picture are the words: "Designed in England". Underneath the Trafalgar scene is the quotation: "England expects that every man this day will do his duty." Under the Waterloo scene is the quotation: "Up Guards and at them!" In the right margin are the words: Copyright ENT * STAT HALL. GES.GESCHUTZT. In the centre are the words The Box enclose a crown surmounting a coat of arms which in its turn surmounts crossed slate pencils, then the words SLATE PENCILS and Made in Germany. In pale ink the name Harold is written above the picture.

Official declaration establishing the Dutch Consulate in Melbourne. The framed declaration is signed by the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch Queen, Wilhemina of Orange, on 9 May 1924.

Historical information

The declaration was noticed in an antique shop by a Dutch antique dealer who purchased it and donated it to the DAHC.

Inscriptions & Markings

Dated: 9 Mei negentien vier en twintig ( 9 May 1924 ) and signed by Queen Wilhelmina. Has creases that somebody tried to fix with white-out.

The scoop is likely a brass replica of the enamelled scoops commonly used by milkmen when delivering milk to housewives. It has a curved handle. 2DL indicates a volume of 200ml.

Inscriptions & Markings

2DL is engraved on the scoop's side.