This photograph shows the Orbost Butter factory, which in 1917, installed a very successful electric light. the dark heap to the left of the road is Supposedly the grave of "Dan the Cook" who was speared by Aborigines in 1857. Dan Moylan, known as "Dan the Cook"was speared to death in 1851 at Orbost Station, Snowy River as punishment for kidnapping a young Aboriginal girl and holding her for three days, refusing to release her. The men of the tribe congregated at Dan's hut. When Dan came outside, a volley of spears was launched at him, killing him. In the tragic aftermath, the camp at Milly Creek was attacked in retribution and a number of Gunai/Kurnai people were killed. The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district. These photos are pictorial records of the Orbsot Butter Factory.A black / white photograph showing a large white building and factory beside it. on the verandah are about thirty milk churns. There are three men standing astride bicycles in front of the verandah. On the left hand side is a mound of dark soil??

This is a photograph of the original Orbost / Snowy River Bridge , a suspension bridge which opened in 1893. It has been taken when the Snowy River was in flood. It is similar to other photographs held in The State Library, Victoria. The Snowy River Mail and Tambo and Croajingolong Gazette Sat 12 Aug 1893 records the opening of this bridge as "the most important public event that has yet been commemorated in Eastern ......The Messrs McLeod, with whom the first settlement of this district is generally associated, took up their residence on the eastern bank of the Snowy River about the year 1841 or 42. The late Mr W. Roadknight and Mr T. T. Stirling took possession of the territory on the western side of the Snowy about 35 years ago. During the occupation of the country by cattle owners, very little progress was made in the way of roads and bridges, and except to the hardy and lexperienced bushman, it might have been generally regarded as inaccessible. About the year 1877, however, the late Mr James Robertson eldest son of Mr James Robertson, of Lochend farm, selected land now occupied by his father, about four miles from Orbost on the west bank of the river, Mr John Cameron visited the. district shortly after a .tour of inspection and returned later with his brothers, James and Alick Gameron, but found that during their absence Mr Ernest Watt had found his way on the scene and pegged out a selection, thus anticipating the advent of the Camerons by about 12 hours. We understand that a Mr Kidd, who selected the property now occupied by Mr W. J. Ross, at Pumpkin Point, was one of the earliest batch of settlors.........."This is a pictorial record of an early bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost.A black / white photograph of a suspension bridge with flood waters below the bridge.orbost-bridge suspension-bridge snowy-river

These photographs were taken on November 25, 1976 at the official opening of the current Snowy River road bridge. Included in the photographs are: John Duggan; Pat Hall, C.R.B. chairman, R.E.V. Donaldson (3240.7) and J.A.Rafferty, the state minister for Transport, who cut the ribbon (3240.8). Di Young and Cheryl Dusting (3240.9) distributed souvenir information pamphlets to official guests. The Snowy River road bridge is one of four built as part of the 8.4 km project spanning the Orbost flood plains. The Snowy River bridge and another over the nearby Ashbys Gulch are among the 10 longest bridges in Victoria, being the eighth and fifth longest respectively. The new bridge removed through traffic from Orbost township crossing the Snowy River 45 m downstream of the old bridge.This bridge is the fourth to provide a crossing to the township of Orbost. (info from CRB NEWS No. 34. DECEMBER, 1976) These photographs are pictorial records of a significant event in Orbost's history.Eleven black / white photographs all related to the official opening of the current Snowy River Bridge. Details are in catalogue folder.snowy-river-bridge

This photograph shows the second major bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost. The current Snowy River bridge is the fourth to provide a crossing to the township of Orbost. The first, in 1891, lasted just two years before it succumbed to flood waters. The bridge in this photograph was built in the 1920s as a road and rail bridge, and was again partly washed away by flood waters in 1934. After the end of the first World War the Victorian Railways considered an extension of the railhead across the river at Orbost, and in 1922 a new timber and steel girder structure, a joint Country Roads Board — Victorian Railways venture, was built and completed at a cost of £41,000 (the steel girders came from the Flinders Street viaduct reconstruction). Subsequently it was decided not to take the railway across the river, and the bridge was only used by road traffic. It was severely battered by floods during its life. and after the 1971 floods was eventually replaced by the current bridge in 1975. (info from Newletter 54N by John Phillips) This item is an early pictorial record of the previous Snowy River bridge at Orbost.A postcard with a black / white photograph of a bridge - timber and steel girder structure - across the Snowy River at Orbost, Reflections of the bridge are seen in the water.snowy-river-bridge-orbost

These postcards were made for sale in the Orbost Ehibition Centre. The Snowy River Talking Wall is on the lower outside of the Orbost Exhibition Centre. The cards relate the history of Orbost both indigenous and white. The contributors are: Barry Miller; Gary Green; Becky Illume; Dawn Van Den Berg; Ruth Hansen; Geordie Webb; Graham Falls; Laurie Harvey and Jonathon Renn. The Orbost Exhibition Centre is a community based, not-for-profit arts and entertainment center in Orbost, Victoria. It is the home to the National Wood Design Collection and the Annual Australian Wood Design Exhibition. Wood Workers of Orbost and District initiated the Orbost Exhibition Centre back in 1997 and it was opened in 2004. (from web-site)These postcards are pictorial advertisements for Orbost. They are associated with the Orbost Exhibition Centre, an important tourist attraction, in the town.A set of eleven coloured postcards. Each depicts a section of the Snowy River Talking Wall. Each is a folded rectangle of cardboard with a photograph of a section of the display and information relating to it.talking-wall-orbost postcards orbost-exhibition-centre

This fence post is from the original Snowy River Station stock yards which were where "Merindah" stands today. It was probably owned by the Marshall family at the time of transfer to "Merindah" in 1985. It was lifted out by Geoff Stevenson with a bucket on a tractor in 1986. The post was originally twice the length. The Snowy River Station was established in 1842 by Peter Imlay. In 1845 the land was sold to Norman MCLeod who named the area Orbost. After financial difficulties in the 1870's the run was taken over by W.J.Clarke and known as Orbost Station.Peter Imlay established the first white settlement in 1842 settling on the eastern side of the Snowy River where the township of Orbost now stands. This settlement was the Snowy River Station. A corner post from a post and rail fence. It is possibly made of red box.. On one side are three rectangular sections cut out with a similar one on the other sides. The post is hollow and has metal staples in the sides for attaching wires.orbost-station mcleod fence-post

The original slab hut was built in 1872 as a family dwelling on a site about 3 km upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers about 40 kms from Orbost on the Yalmy Rd. No nails were used in the construction; it was all wired together. After a period in storage the Slab Ht was opened in its present location in Orbost as the Information Centre in 1987. This album documents an important event in Orbost.A photo album with a navy blue cardboard cover with gold embossing on the front and spine. It contains 32 photos of the 1997 10 year anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Slab Hut - the Orbost Visitor Information Centre. It also contains 3 postcards and 2 fridge magnets.slab-hut album orbost

This book was compiled by volunteers at the Orbost Visitor Information Centre(Slab Hut) as a reference for visitors.This item is a useful reference tool.A white plastic-covered 2 ring binder with title Historic Photos inside cover. It contains photos of past and present residents , businesses, streets, transport, scenery, bridges and nearby places. It also contains a newspaper - Snowy River Holiday News (1986).orbost-history slab-hut

This magazine cost $2.50 and was produced to support the East Gippsland Red Cross Flood Appeal. Following heavy rain in East Gippsland in June, 1998, major flooding occurred in the Mitchell, Nicholson, Tambo, Snowy, Brodribb and Bemm Rivers. Other streams in the region also experienced high flows during this time. Probably the most severe direct impacts of the floods were to the rural sector.This magazine is a contemporary record of a significant local event.Two copies of a magazine pictorial of the floods of 1998. Photos are black and white. They are of Bairnsdale, Orbost, Lakes Entrance, Raymond Island, Bemm River, Bruthen , Tambo and Cabbage Tree. flood-1998 flood-east gippsland disaster-floods

This brochure was produced as a tourist guide to Orbost.This item is a useful research tool.A magazine/brochure for use as tourist information. It contains the history, maps and touring routes of the Orbost district.tourism-orbost

This was retrieved in 1982 by Geoff Stevenson. It was a part of the original jetty at Tabbara on the Brodribb River used by Samuel Richardson who established his mill in .1882. The first saw mill plant at Orbost was set up early in 1876, There was a constant demand for timber to supply the growing townships of Orbost , Marlo and surrounds. It was at this mill that the original paddle steamer Curlip was built. More information in "Curlip" by May Leatch.The Richardson family was one of the very early settler families to establish themselves in the Orbost district. Before the Richardson's mill was established, settlers in the Snowy region either rough cut their own timber or had to bring it in from mills some distance away.A portion of a post from the old Tabbara jetty on the Brodribb River - Samuel Richardson's mill . There is still some original preserving tar on it. It has two holes, one with a bolt attached. It is possibly made from mahogany cut on the site.richardson-samuel tabbara-jetty brodribb-river

This booklet was printed by the Snowy River Mail newspaper to be used at a community event celebrating the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the Abbey Church of St. Peter, Westminster, on Tuesday, the second day of June, 1953. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11 was a significant event in 1953. This booklet is representative of a community event.A booklet containing word of songs for a community celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11. It is titled "Your Coronation Community Songs". For Tuesday June 2 1953 at 7.45pm.coronation booklet-songs souvenir

The annual Snowy River Country Music Festival was organised by the Lions Club of Orbost and held at the Newmerella Recreation Reserve. The 6th event was held on Sunday, Jan 11 1987.This program is significant in that it is a souvenir of a local event which no longer takes place.An official souvenir program for the 6th annual Snowy River Country Music Festival, 1987. B/W print.snowy-river-country-music-festival program souvenir

Snowy River Dry Cleaners was situated in Stanley Street, Orbost (previously a hat factory). There was also a shop in the CBD of Orbost. Basil Dowie moved his dry cleaning business from Nicholson Street to 31 Stanley Street where Stuart Hats had been. He had originally bought the business from Laurie Harrington in August 1950. (more information in Orbost & District Historical Society Newsletter No. 138 - John Phillips) This item is from a business no longer existing.A clear plastic bag with green print. - Snowy River Dry Cleaners. attached is orange card - E. Scott 004408Your garment Flower Fresh from Snowy River Dry Cleaners Orbostdry-cleaners-orbost laundry

The Snowy River Boat Club was formed in 1950, went into recess in 1972 but re-formed in 1977. It was a power boating club based in Marlo.A brim and band from a Snowy River Boat Club hat. There is a cloth badge of the Snowy River Boat Club. It is embroidered in blue and black with a boat outlined in red. The badge is square shaped and has rounded corners. It is loosely sewn above the black brim.snowy-river-boat-club power-boats

This book was purchased new by Orbost & District Historical Society. Written by Buchan historian, Rhonda Coates, the book was commissioned by Tubbut Neighbourhood House following a commemoration event in 2002 when many people gathered for a special day organised by Sister Helen Barnes and the Tubbut community. (ref. Bombala Times)This book is a useful research item.A paper back book, titled McKillops Bridge, written by Rhonda Coates. On the front cover is a photograph tractors crossing the bridge during the Great Snowy River Tractor Stampede ( The Snowy River Tractor Strampede, a 560-kilometre journey, is organised by the Bega and District Historical Machinery Club every January - the first being held in 2009.) this photograph is inset over an earlier phpotograph by Howard Bulmer c 1936. The book contains the history of the bridge, photographs of the bridge and times before its construction.On front fly-Orbost &District Historical Society Incmckillops-bridge

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.Two souvenir programs and one advertising flyer. 2406.27 is a souvenir program for the Orbost Captain Cook Bi-Centenary Air Show 1970. It is purple print on a white background. It has seven folded glossy pages and cost 20c. On the cover is a photograph of a small plane. 2406.28 is a flyer for the Captain Cook Bi-Centenary Air Show, Sunday, April 19th 1970. It is black print on a pink background, 2406.29 is a souvenir program for Morwell Aero Pageant, Monday, January 30, 1950. Cost 3/-. No 4216. It is a grey/brown coloured card folder with black print.2406.28 - on back - Bruce Ham......(?) Yarram Tiger Moth orbost-aero-club captain-cook-bicentenary

This magazine was produced and published by Orbost High School as a part of the 75 year celabrationsOrbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This magazine is a useful reference tool for the history of the school.Two copies of a 48 pp magazine with a light pink/orange cover. On the front cover is a photo of the Orbost High School. In the centre is the school badge. The text is in maroon print. The book, produced for the 75 year celebration, contains a history of the school, photographs and articles.Inside the front cover of 2415.1 in pen - David F. Nixon 9/2/88education-orbost orbost-high-school

This medal was presented to J.G.Ralston by the Orbost Cricket Club in 1929 for Fielding. John Gavin Ralston was born 26 July 1914 at Eden, N.S.W. and came to Orbost in the early 1920's, with his parents and siblings. They lived at the corner of Tennyson and Salisbury Streets. Jack was educated at Orbost Higher Elementary School before being apprenticed to William Ross at the Snowy River Mail as a lino-type operator. He married Jean Cameron. After WW11 when he served overseas in the islands) He resumed his trade at the Snowy River Mail until 1949 when began J.G.& J.M. Ralston, Seed & Produce Merchants. Jack Ralston was very involved in the Orbost sporting community, the Presbyterian Church and the Orbost Municipal Band. He also served in the Orbost sub-branch of the R.S.L. He died on April 15 1967. (ref. Margaret Smith O.D.H.S. Newsletter)John Ralston was a prominent Orbost citizen.A 9 ct gold shield-shaped medal with a small hanging hoop. In the centre is an embossed picture of a batsman at the wicket. This is inside a circle. The bottom edge is decorated with leaves. The medal is inside a thin leather look wooden box which is hinged and has a push button metal latch. The box is brown and the inside lid is padded.on back - OCC At bottom - 9 ct Presented to J.G. Ralston Fielding Trophy 1928-1929cricket-orbost sport ralston-john-gavin medal

The Weekly Times was first published on September 11, 1869. After absorbing two other rural publications and expanding its publications, in 1902 The Herald and Standard Newspaper Company Ltd became the Herald and weekly Times, now Australia's oldest rural newspaper (more information on Weekly Times website). The article on Orbost was part of a series written by Steve Cooper with photographer, Mark Griffin. It explored communities which were struggling to survive. At that time the timber industry in the area was in decline and there was much discontent about flows to the Snowy River,This newspaper is a useful research tool.A newspaper, titled The Weekly Times, dated October 23, 1996. It contains articles about Orbost - Towns Against The Tide. The paper has an orange cover with the title in blue print and coloured photographs throughout. orbost-history-1996 weekly-times-newspaper

This issue edited by Meredith Fletcher.This item is a useful reference for the history of Gippsland.A 64 pp magazine, plastic covered, titled Gippsland Heritage Journal. The front cover is purple with a b/w photograph of the Hamilton Brothers on the verandah of Ensay Station. The magazine contains photographs, articles on the history of Gippsland. It includes a story on "The Snowy River Bandit".On back is a library barcode and a price sticker-$13.20. On the front cover is a call no. 996.65 GIPmagazine-gippsland-heritage-journal history-gippsland snowy-river-bandit

Water For the Thirsty Inland was published by The Murrumbidgee Valley Water Users Association as a case for diversion of part of the Snowy River waters to the Murrumbidgee. In 1950 The Murrumbidgee Valley Water Users Association and the League established the Murray-Murrumbidgee Development Committee to ensure the Snowy Scheme was completed.This book is a significant research tool for the history of the diversion of the Snowy River.A 44 pp book, titled Water For The Thirsty Inland. On the front cover is a coloured print of a painting of a river (Snowy River?) from the mountains to the flats. The text of the title is white with a black shadow. The book contains b/w photographs and the print is black and green.Some pencilled notes on back.snowy-river murrumbidgee-valley-water-users' irrigation

These books were used at the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) as visitor sign in books. Orbost. This slab hut was built in 1872 as a family dwelling on a site about 3 km upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers about 40 kms from Orbost on the Yalmy Rd. No nails were used in the construction; it was all wired together. After a period in storage the slab hut was opened in its present location in Orbost as the Information Centre in 1987. The Slab Hut is an Orbost icon.Five books used by the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) as visitor sign in books. 2467.1 has a green cover with "Visitors" in gold print and is dated 28.3.87 - 6.7.87. 2467.2 has a black cover with a gold border and "Visitors" in gold print. It is dated 11.6.87 - 3.11.89. 2467.3 has a black cover with red corners and spine. 2467.4 has pink and red flowers on a black background and is dated Sept 93 - 9.3.98. 2467.5 is a Children's Visitor Book and has a white cover with gold print. It is dated 9.4.87 -23.7.89. All contain handwritten comments, details of visitors to the Orbost Visitor Information Centre.2467.1 - Inside front cover - OFFICIALLY OPENED 28.3.1987 by VIC. GOVERNOR DAVIS McCAUGHEY 2467.2 - label on spine - VISITOR BOOK 2 inside a circle. 2467.3 - label on front - VISITORS ; label on spine - dates Feb 89 - Sep 93 2467.4 - label on front - VISITOR'S BOOK Sept 93 -9.3.98 tourissm slab-hut orbost-visitor-information-centre

These folders contain letters written to the Slab Hut either requesting information or making comments. There are copies of the replies.The Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) is an Orbost icon. This slab hut was built in 1872 as a family dwelling on a site about 3 km upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers about 40 kms from Orbost on the Yalmy Rd. No nails were used in the construction; it was all wired together. After a period in storage the slab hut was opened in its present location in Orbost as the Information Centre in 1987.Two manila folders containing correspondence to/from Orbost Visitor Information Centre. The letters are tied together with string/ribbon. Most are information requests with copies of the replies.correspondence-orbost-visitor-information-centre tourism

These were compiled for the WW1 exhibition held in Orbost in April 2015.During World War 1 letters were a welcome means of personal communication for many people. Most information came from newspapers or broadcasts. Two blue plastic folders containing copies of letters from Gallipoli. They are printed copies of letters which had ben publuished in the Snowy River Mail from 10.9.1915 - 10.10.1915.On folders -Folders Made in Chinagallipoli-correspondence ww1 soldiers-orbost

This folder of articles was compiled by the Department of Land & Water Conservation / Forestry.This item is a useful reference tool on the pulp /paper mill proposed for East Gippsland.A small 8 pp folder of photocopied articles from the Snowy River Mail. They relate to the pulp/paper mill proposal in East Gippsland. pulp-mill-orbost

These invoice forms were to be used by Hector G. Pow's Sawmiller Company in Newmerella ( Henty's & Pow). Pow's had a mill at Cabbage Tree as well. The mill is currently owned by Mectec.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.Unused invoice forms for H.G.Pow Orbost Sawmillers. They are white paper with black print and lines. On the right hand side are two small holes for filing. The page is perforated with carbon underneath to provide two copies - one for filing and one for the customer. At the top of each page is "Telephone 201 Post Office 189 Orbost" and a line for the date. Below this is a line for the customer's name and "Dr to H.G. Pow (Orbost) Sawmiller". There are columns for item descriptions and costs.h.g.pow sawmills timber-orbost

The official Newmerella Football Club was probably started in 1913. Simon Gargan was the founder of the Newmerella Football Club.Prior to that teams played socially in Orbost and district. This item probably belonged to A. WaitFootball clubs, through their many changes, have always been an important social fabric of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health. A red cardboard shield - shaped ticket with "NEWMERELLA FOOTBALL CLUB member's ticket 1956" on it. It has two blue coloured cord ties.Newmerella Football Club Season 1956 Member's Ticket. N.G. Heinko Pres; G.C. Collis, Hon Sec"newmerella-football-club recreation

Snowy River Boat Club was formed in 1950. It was for power boats. By 1956 the Snowy River Club had been reformed and joined the Gippsland Group.This item reflects the popularity of water-based recreation in the Marlo area.Two small square shaped metal badges. 2274.1 has a pin at the back for attachment. 2274.2 is a stud type. Both has an enamel painted pale blue background, a white circle with "Snowy River Boat Club" around a smaller circle with a white boat on a dark blue sea.badge snowy-river-boat-club recreation boating water-sports

This event was held in Orbost near the billabong and present football field.These items are part of a significant event held in Orbost.Two posters with blue background and red and blue print. There is a photograph of a gas rig and helicopter below "EAST GIPPSLAND TRADE FAIR" in red print. Below headings in red print -"Displays, Demonstrations and Catering" are, in black prin,t lists of activities and exhibitions at the fair. At the bottom of the page there is a logo which appeaars to be that of the Electricity Supply Department. In the bottom right corner is "Enquiries to G. Holding" with an Orbost post box number. The date is noted as October, 11th and 12th 1968.east-gippsland-trade-fair