The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. A rail motor which was used from 1924 – 1935, had the appearance of a motor bus on wheels. In October 1926 the rail motor service introduced from Bairnsdale to Orbost in May 1924 was in danger of being abandoned. The Victorian Railways Commissioners stated that patronage had not been satisfactory despite a one and a half hours reduction in the travel time.This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost.A small cardboard first class train ticket - buff coloured with black print. It is from Bairnsdale to Orbost.orbost-bairnsdale-railway transport railway

This photograph shows members of the Orbost Agricultural Show committee about 1908 with L to R : S. Lynn; John Russell; Mat Lynch; W. Warren; John Johnson; Will Cumming & Geo. Perry. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall) This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. A faded black / white photograph of seven men standing outside with trees in the background.on back - " Orbost Agricultural Show" and list of men in photograph.orbost-agricultural-society annual-show

This photograph was taken at the Farmers Conference held in Port Fairy (possibly June 1916). The local men in the photograph are; Archie Rodwell; Sam Lynn; Percy Nixon; Frank Nixon; John Russell; Jacob Perry; John Johnston; Keith Lynn and John Gilbert.This item is associated with agriculture which has always been a significant part of Orbost's history. The men in the photograph are prominent early settlers of the Orbost district.A large black / white photograph on a grey buff card. The photograph shows nine men, dressed in suits and overcoats standing outside a stone / brick building.on front - " Farmers Conference at Port Fairy" with a list of namesagriculture-orbost farmers-conference-port fairy

This photograph is of Mr J.W. Lynn riding over the jumps. In the background ids the first motor car in Orbost - 19132. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall) Equestrian events have always been an integral part of the show. This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. Horse riding as a recreational and sporting activity has always played a significant role in the social history of Orbost.A faded black /white photograph of a rider and horse jumping over a fence. People are watching. It appears to be a male rider.on front at bottom - " 1912 Orbost Show" on back - "1st motor car - G. Nixon, Orbost Show J. W. Lynn riding over jumps"equestrian orbost-show recreation

The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. Horse riding as transport, a recreational and sporting activity has always played a significant role in the social history of Orbost. A small black / white photograph of several small groups of people at an agricultural show. Some are walking, others are on horseback and some are in carts / coaches. They are in an open grassed area with trees in the background.equestrian orbost-agricultural-show recreation

The pumpkin in this photograph was an award winner and was grown by Fred Mundy Snr. It weighed 194 lbs (approx. 88 kgs). Pumpkins were grown widely on Orbost farms and used to feed pigs. There was usually a competition for the heaviest or biggest pumpkin at the annual Orbost agricultural Show.This photograph is associated with the history of pumpkin growing in the Orbost district.A small black / white photograph of man with three children sitting in a hollowed out pumpkin in water. An Australian flag is on the left side of the pumpkin.on back - "Alec Cameron, Mr Fred Mundy" ; "Record pumpkin - Mr Fred Mundy 194lbs"mundy-fred pumpkins-orbost

The child in the photograph is Delia Murray (Mrs Jack Kenny). She was one of eight children of Herbert Cecil Murray and Evelyn Murray. Photographs of children families sitting in hollowed out pumpkins were common in the first half of the 20th century. This item is associated with a popular activity of the Orbost community in the first half of the 20th century. Pumpkins have been been paat of the district's agricultural history since settlement.A black / white photograph / postcardof a small girl sitting in a hollowed out pumpkin. It appears to have been taken outside on a verandah of a wooden house.on front - " H. M. S. Orbost" ; "Stanley Vogt, Bairnsdale" on back is a letter - "I got the plants......."pumpkins-orbost murray-delia

This postcard is addressed to Tom Lloyd from Uncle Frank c/o F. Lloyd Esq, Bairnsdale.This item is a pictorial record associated with the agricultural history of Orbost. .The extensive Snowy river flood plain was swampy, but by the 1880s the river flats were being drained. The Orbost flats are very fertile and crops were planted on the rich deep soil, with maize rapidly becoming widespread.A black / white photograph of the Orbost farming flats. The sky is very cloudy. There are paddocks of crops in the foreground.on front - "Orbost Flats" on back - "How are you enjoying your holiday.......Uncle Frank"orbost-flats-farming lloyd-frank

This is a photograph of a railway camp, set up to house workers and their families when building the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway in 1916. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels.This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost.A black / white photograph of a campsite kitchen. The kitchen is outside against a roughly constructed hut. There are three women preparing food. Two men are drinking from tin mugs. a small child is crawling on the ground and another is seated.on back - "Railway Camp"orbost-railway newmerella-railway-camp transport

This is a photograph of a railway camp, set up to house workers and their families when building the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway from 1914-1916. The man in the foreground was one of three men killed in an explosion "noon on the railway construction works at Hagen's Cutting, about two miles from Orbost, three men being killed. The victims were John Carroll, con- tractor, his son, Peter Carroll, and John Sullivan, a navvy. The gang had just finished work, and the three stayed behind to draw a blasting charge, which had missed fire yesterday. J. Carroll was using a pick, and it is presumed that the tool struck a percussion cap, and fired the charge. He and Sullivan were killed instantly, Carroll being literally blown to pieces. Fragments of his body and garments were recovered from the surrounding bush, and the main portion of the trunk, with leg attached, was hurled a distance of 200 yards. Peter Carroll was terribly- injured, and he died before medical aid arrived." (from The Mercury Saturday March 114 1914) The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels. This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost.A black / white photograph of a campsite. There is a kitchen outside a rough construction. Men and women are standing in the backgroundd with one man and a dog in the foreground.on back - "Man with dog killed in explosion"orbost-railway transport railway-bairnsdale-orbost explosion-railway

Ruston & Hornsby, later known as Ruston, was an industrial equipment manufacturer in Lincoln, England, the company's history going back to 1840. The company is best known as a manufacturer of narrow and standard gauge diesel locomotives and steam shovels. This photograph records early an early type of excavator used to construct drainage channels in rural Victoria.A black / white photograph / postcard of a man digging in a very large trench, probably a drainage channel, with an earth mover in the background. The machine has the name "RUSTON" on it. In the foreground is a man, dressed in a long dark coat, watching.agricultural-machinery drainage-channels ruston

This is a book written by a local historian containing historical information pertaining to Orbost and the surrounding district. A spiral bound book of 191pp. On the front and back covers are coloured print of the Morgan Barn c 1900, an original watercolour, artist unknown. The book documents the distinctive slatted barns of the lower Snowy River, Orbost, Victoria. The book was published by the Orbost Historical Society and was written by May Leatch and Ngaere Donald. It contains B/w photographs, drawings and stories of the barns and their histories.history-agriculture-orbost barns-slatted

Horses played a vital role in the agricultural history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.A brown leather working horse saddle, a dray saddle. Probably used from 1890's -1950's. It has 4 silver metal studs. The pads underneath have been re-covered with blanket material.saddle leather equestrian rural

Horses played a vital role in the agricultural and transport history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.A heavy brown leather saddle used for a working horse to pull a dray. Probably used 1890's -1950's. It has 4 silver metal studs in the corners.saddle equestrian transport dray

A pack saddle is designed to be secured on the back of a horse so it can carry heavy loads. It would rest on a saddle blanket or pad to spead the the weight of the saddle. The underside of the saddle is curved to fit the shape of the animal's back. It would be symmetrically divided by a gap at the top to ensure it does not rest on the animals' backbone and to provide ventilation. This saddle was possible owned by the Forestry Department for use by fire spotters.Horses played a vital role in the agricultural and transport history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.A large brown leather pack saddle. The underside is curved to conform to the shape of the horse's back. It is divided into two parts for weight distribution. The upper side is like a rack for the load to rest on and for it to be tied down.saddle pack-saddle equestrian

The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall)Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.1944.1 is an Orbost Agricultural Society Member's Ticket No. 484. 1944.2 is an Orbost Agricultural Society Lady's Ticket no.484. Both are white cardboard edged in gold. The tickets are joined. There is a blue cord attached through a hole. The print is blue.Orbost Agricultural Society John Lynn President Member's Ticket E.H.D. White Secretary 1959 £1orbost-agricultural-society

Owen 'Doc' Matthews is remembered for his spectacular Grand Prix dressage exhibitions with his horse Aintree Boy, performed to music under spotlights at Melbourne Royal Show from 1965-1975. He also performed at smaller country shows. Doc Matthews was born in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy in 1923, during the Great Depression. He and his brother Paddy were placed in a foster home and then in a Geelong orphanage before being put to work at a dairy farm. Doc was given an elderly piebald mare to ride, which ignited his passion for horses. When he was 16, he enlisted in World War 2 but captured by the Japanese and ended up working on the Burma Railway, spending years as a prisoner of war in the notorious Changi Prison. Doc joined Victoria Police in 1952 and by 1962 was chief horse master and riding instructor in the mounted branch. He drilled teams to perform musical rides and horses and riders were always turned out to perfection. Doc and Aintree Boy became a partnership after the horse had been used in the mounted branch for four years. Doc decided to try his hand at dressage and as there were few instructors, trained Aintree Boy with nothing to go by but a couple of books and film of a single dressage competition. Owen 'Doc' Matthews was truly a pioneer of Grand Prix dressage in Australia. ( ref. TOPHORSE )Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.A square shaped ticket for Orbost Show - Monday, March 10th 1975. It is on white card with blue print.Orbost Wonder Horse "Aintree Boy". Monday, March 10th 1975aintree-boy dressage equestrian matthews-owen

This was probably for a light buggy. Heavy farm, and lumber wagons had wider tires. It would have been made by a blacksmith. The blacksmith fitted steel rims onto wooden wagon wheels. The red hot metal rim expands when hot, so it can be fitted to the wagon wheel. Then it contracts to create a tight fit as it cools after being dropped into a tank of water.Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Orbost’s agricultural history. Light buggies were popular with farmers for trips into town before the common use of motorised vehicles.A large iron rim for a wagon wheel.wheel-rim wagon transport agriculture

A bit is a type of horse tack used in equestrian activities, usually made of metal or a synthetic material, and is placed in the mouth of a horse to assist a rider in communicating with the animal. It rests in the mouth where there are no teeth.Horses played a vital role in the agricultural history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.An iron horse bit. It has a small piece of leather at one end - possibly from the bridle. It has a piece of wire attached as a hook for hanging.equestrian horse-bit transport

These were used on a horse-drawn wagons, carriages, stagecoaches, and carts. A wheelwright would use this tool to make or repair the wheels. All sizes of buggy spanners, or wagon wrenches, were needed as wagon wheels were of many different sizes. Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Australia’s agricultural history. Light buggies were popular with farmers for trips into town before the common use of motorised vehicles.A collection of thirteen iron wheel spanners on an iron hook. One spanner has a wooden handle and is an adjustable spanner.tool wagon-wrench-spanner transport

This hook was probably used in lift sacks of corn / maize to the lofts in the barns using a pulley beam system sometimes driven by a small tractor or a horse.This item is connected to the agricultural history of the Snowy River flats of the Orbost district. Intensive farming for maize was an integral part of the history of Orbost.A double bag hook consisting of two double metal hooks on a metal ring.bag-hook rural

This set of winkers was probably used on draught horses in farming.Horses played a vital role in the agricultural history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.A set of horse winkers made of dark brown leather with a metal chain bit. The strap which goes behind the ears is green hide - possibly not original. winkers horse-equipment equestrian agriculture

This set of winkers was probably used on draught horses in farming.Horses played a vital role in the agricultural history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.A set of horse winkers made of dark brown leather with a metal chain bit. There are two leather cups that are placed on either side of the eyes. agriculture winkers blinkers horse farming

This set of winkers was probably used on draught horses in farming.Horses played a vital role in the agricultural history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.A set of dark leather horse winkers. There is a metal chain bit and a leather strap to go around the top part of the horse's head.winkers blinkers farming agriculture horse

This harness would have been used on a rural property in the Orbost district.Horses played a vital role in the agricultural history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.A dark brown leather horse harness with a britchen strap.harness horse farming rural

These were used on a horse-drawn wagons, carriages, stagecoaches, and carts. A wheelwright would use this tool to make or repair the wheels. Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Australia’s agricultural history. Light buggies were popular with farmers for trips into town before the common use of motorised vehicles.A metal buggy wheel spanner for various applications.buggy-spanner tool transport

The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah HallAgricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.A booklet which is a schedule of the Orbost Show 2010. It has a coloured cover and has 32 pages.Orbost Agric. Soc. Inc, 101st Annual Orbost Show Monday, March 8th 2010document orbost-show agricultural-societies program

This illustrates the early attempts to have a water supply connected to Cowes. Shows figures on local properties and what is required for water supply. Also the history of local guesthouses.HistoricalFoolscap carbon copy of letter to the Minister of Water Supply. Seven pages of typewritten letter. water supply, shire of phillip island island, agriculture, population, cowes, isle of wight hotel, bonnie doon guest house, d.h.robb, r.a. grayden, h.v. johnston, j. thornborrow, charmandene guesthouse, mrs a. anderson

This photograph shows the show ring at the Orbost Annual Agricultural Show in 1907. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall) This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. A black / white photograph of a large group of riders on horseback. They are in a paddock. In the background is a wooden building.on back - "Orbost Agric. Show Ring, 1907, Mrs A M Marshal East Bairnsdale"orbost-agricultural-show-event

This photograph shows an early Orbost Agricultural Show committee. Included in the photograph are: Phil Nixon; John Johnston; Percy Morris; Harry Richardson; Arthur Saunders; Archie Rodwell; Geo. Nixon; J. Warren; John Draffin; W. Fisher; D.R. Norris; Paul Hocking; Waller; JasHossack; Jim Cameron; John Cameron. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall) This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. A large black / white photograph of a large group of men outside a wooden building. There is a tank on the left side. Some men are standing, some sitting and the man if front is lying , leaning on his elbow. There is a smaller copy of same photograph.on front - "show committee"orbost-agricultural-show-committee