The donation was accompanied by the following letter from the donor: "Hi. I found these in with family photos. Taken by family as Mamie McLeod was living in Fellows Street, Kew, so would be near there. Retain (or discard) as you see fit." [Donor's name and address withheld from public view]. To gain an insight into the flood levels at Kew, it is worth reading newspaper accounts of the event. The Age published an article - Valuable Gardens Destroyed at Kew - on 25 September 1916: "VALUABLE GARDENS DESTROYED AT KEW. From the heights of Studley Park, Kew, a splendid view of the flood waters can be obtained, and yesterday afternoon, despite continuous rain, crowds of citizens assembled there to witness the spectacle. There is a vast stretch of water some 300 or 400 yards broad, above the foot bridge connecting Gipps-street, Collingwood, and Studley Park. The river is only about 3 feet from the top of the embankment connecting with the ramp of the bridge on the Studiey Park side. When the upper llood waters come down it is almost a certainty that tne embankment will be submerged and the bridge rendered impassible. Below the bridge the waters again stretch out, and have submerged all the low-lying land on the Collingwood side and invaded the back premises ot the Kodak Co., Phoenix Biscuit Factory, a tannery adjoining thereto, the Shamrock Brewery, and Chinese gardens in the vicinity. At Walmer-street-bridge, at the end of Studley Park, the low-lying land on the Kew side is covered with water to the depth of many feet. Tlie land in question is owned in a great part by Mr Frank Lavers who haa gone in for intense culture on a pretty liberal scale on both the slopes of the hill and on the river flat. On the latter he is cultivating many acres of asparagus, and has at a considerable cost spent three years in preparing the ground and installing an irrigation system, reticulated from the Yan Yean water supply. This year the asparagus was put down, and the plants were in a promising condition. Tlie flood waters are now flowing fast over the land. The crop is ruined, and three years' work and expenditure destroyed. Mr. Laver's private residence fortunately is high above flood level, but two houses he owns off Young-street have been flooded out. Having been warned in time, the tenants removed their furniture hefore the water came down to Mr. Laver's residence, where they themselves have been given accommodation in the meantime. All the river flats in East Kew are under water. One or two low-lying houses have been flooded. Chipperfield's boat shed at Willsmere is nearly covered, and some Chinese gardens in the vicinity are several feet under water."This, and the other three photographs donated of floods in Kew are believed to be the earliest in the collection. Together with our original MMBW River Yarra map showing flood levels, these items, when compared allow researchers to gain a visual perspective of the extent of the flood in 1916. Black and white photograph of flooded trees in Kew with rising dry ground in distance.Inscription on reverse in pencil: "Flood River Yarra Kew Vic"river yarra, kew, floods 1916

This magazine was produced for the 75th anniversary of Orbost High School. 2238.1 belonged to Mary Gilbert. 2238.2 belonged to Ruth Legge.Orbost 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 item is representative of its history. It is a useful reference tool.Two copies of a 48 pp magazine titled, "Orbost High School 1912-1987". It has a pink cover with two photos of Orbost High School - 1925 and 1987. In the centre is the school badge.magazine-orbost-high-school

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

These are copies of an original video shot by Ray Barling on the day that the Orbost-Bairnsdale line closed in 1987. He used a hand-held video camera from his cabin on the train, The video was shown at the 2016 Centenary Exhibition in Orbost. 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. On April 10 1916, the first scheduled train service left Orbost for Bairnsdale. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened 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, The video was shown for the first time at the Centenary Exhibition held in Orbost, by the Orbost & District Historical Society, t created much interest leading to the production of the videos.Two copies of a D.V.D. titled"Last Train To Orbost 21 August 1987". The cover is a photo of the last train.rail-closure orbost-bairnsdale-railway

Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.Three A4 folders containing inward correspondence related to the Orbost Municipal Band. 802.1 has a maroon cover and is dated from 1963 -1977. 802.2 has a grey cover and is dated from 1978 - 1979. 802.3 has a grey cover and is dated 1974 - 1975 .orbost-municipal-band

The original document was published as a hard cover book and was funded by Country Education for Orbost North Primary School. It describes the social life and customs of the older people in Orbost.A black and white printed A3 photocopy of document produced by Grade 6 children of Orbost North Primary School. 44pages.orbost social-life orbost-north

Cec, Curtis was a member of the Orbost Rifle Club. He was a cycle trader with a business in Lind Lane, Orbost. The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period A light blue covered book with a bright red spine. It contains hand-written records of the shooters who were members of the Orbost Rifle Club. Inside are seven letter heads of CED. CURTIS - 9 LIND ST ORBOST and a newspaper cutting ( date unknown). orbost-rifle-club shooting

This document was made by the Shire of Orbost, local government. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres (236 mi) east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres (3,608.9 sq mi), and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. On 2 December 1994, the Shire was abolished, and merged with City and Shire of Bairnsdale, Shire of Tambo, most of Shire of Omeo and the Boole Boole Peninsula from Shire of Rosedale into the Shire of East Gippsland. Local governments play an important role in the lives of citizens in Australia. Local government authorities exist to provide services and amenities to local communities, and are also responsible for regulating and providing services for land and property in their district. This item is representative of a time when Orbost had its own Shire Council. A document with a light blue cover, black print. It is a "statement of accounts for the Shire of Orbost for the year ended 30th September, 1963".document-statement-of-accounts orbost-shire

This booklet contains by law No 28 pertaining to building regulations. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres ), and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. On 2 December 1994, the Shire was abolished, and merged with City and Shire of Bairnsdale, Shire of Tambo, most of Shire of Omeo and the Boole Boole Peninsula from Shire of Rosedale into the Shire of East Gippsland. This item is a useful research tool.A dark grey, stapled, paper covered booklet with title "Shire of Orbost By Law No 28" in black print.

St. James' Anglican Church, Orbost, was conceived and built as a memorial to the men 'who served and suffered during the Great War' as noted on the foundation stone. The Right Reverend GH Cranswick, DD, Bishop of Gippsland, laid the stone on 1 October 1927.This is a local history book written by a local author.A 54 pp book titled The Memorial Church of St James, Orbost, A History. The front cover is cream/white and has a b/w photograph of a church and spire (St James, Orbost). The text is black. The book was written by Jennifer A. McLennanchurch-history anglican-orbost st-james-orbost

This item was made for the Orbost Railway 100 Years Exhibition held at Orbost in March, 2016. It is a copy of an original paper delivered by Maurice Kernot to the Victorian Institute of Engineers in 1917. Maurice Edwin Kernot was the vice president and managed the construction of the Bairnsdale-Orbost Railway in 1912. 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.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.Seventeen pages of photocopied document in a black plastic folder. The pages are in separate sleeves. On the back is a price sticker $1 flat file Marbig Single - Red Orbost Authorid News.orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway kernot-maurice railway

This booklet was compiled for the anniversary celebrations of the Orbost Municipal Band on November 8, 1975. It was compiled by Peter Fagg who worked as a scientist with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (now DELWP) to study dieback in eucalypts. He specialised in the silviculture of the eucalypt forest types of South-East Australia for most of his 40-year career, which started with the Forests Commission Victoria. He was in Orbost from 1968 - 1973. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah HallThe various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A 12 pp stapled booklet compiled for the anniversary celebration of the Orbost Municipal Band. It has been typed in black ink on foolscap sized white paper.orbost-municipal-band music-orbost fagg-peter

This is thefirst edition of "Personalities and Stories of Early Orbost which was collected and compiled by Mary Isabelle Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community. This book is a collection of stories as told and writtenabout Orbost in early times. This is a useful research and reference tool on the early history of the Orbost district.A 130 pp light grey covered book, titled "Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District." The title is in black print inside a black rectangular frame.gilbert-mary orbost-history recollections-orbost

The Snowy River can flood over its floodplain at Orbost/Newmerella. There have been wet periods when floods were frequent and covered the floodplain, sometimes causing great disruption to crops and farming, and also to transport. The 1970s was a wet decade with many floods, the largest one in 1971. This photograph was taken in 1978. Evidence of flood on the Snowy River in 1978. A b/w photograph of a flood scene with trees and the river in the front, a river bank, and a vast area of water in the background. This photograph has been pasted onto a rough cardboard backing. Written below the photograph: Orbost 1978floods, snowy river, orbost

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.Three minute books for the Orbost Aero Club. Inside are loose copies of correspondence, statements and accounts. They are mostly hand-written with some typed and glued in. 2406.1 has a grey mottled cover and is dated 1969-1975. 2406.2 has a green cover and is dated 1976-1977. 2406.3 has a red/white/blue striped cover and is dated 1991-1997.2406.1 - cover : ORBOST AERO CLUB 20/9/69 Minute Book 2406.2 has a price sticker 2.55 2406.3 - cover : ORBOST AERO CLUB P.O. BOX 415 ORBOST 3888 in black texta : Lodge Annual Return to A.S.C. within 1 month after A.G.M. Obtain Audit before A.G.M. orbost-aero-club

The first hotel built in Orbost was the Club in 1885 an old wooden place on the corner built for J. A. Petersen of the Mitchell Hotel Bairnsdale, with the licence in the name of Mr Thomas Maguire (stepson of Petersen). In June 1889 there was a rush to Mackenzie River, about 28 miles from Orbost, on Twelve Mile Creek. An estimated 80 men rushed the ground, but yields were patchy and large numbers eventually left. They were coming and going almost daily.The Club Hotel was the first hotel built in Orbost and remains a significant building in the town. It was an important hub for the township with many whole town meetings held there.A yellowed black / white newspaper clipping of a photograph of people with a horse and cart outside a one-storey hotel building. It is glued onto a piece of cardboard.Caption at bottom - "View taken in 1889 of the Old Orbost Club Hotel"orbost-club-hotel

This document was produced in 1989 for Orbost Shire Council. It ccovers the area s of Orbost, Mallacoota, Cann River and Newmerella and includes urban and non-urban areas.This document is a useful reference tool.A book with a brown front cover with a plastic over-sheet and plastic binding.On the cover are b/w drawings of rural landscapes, trees and the coast. It is titled SHIRE OF ORBOST PLANNING STUDY Part 1 Strategic Overviews, March 1989.orbost-planning

The current building was opened on Friday 28th February 1969 by the Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Sir Henry E. Bolte, K.C.M.G., M.P. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. Local governments play an important role in the lives of citizens in Australia. Local government authorities exist to provide services and amenities to local communities, and are also responsible for regulating and providing services for land and property in their district. This item is representative of a time when Orbost had its own Shire Council. A stapled program and invitation to the official opening of the new Orbost Shire Council Municipal Offices. A light blue card with the Orbost Shire Council insignia and gold print on front. The invitation is addressed to the secretary of Orbost Historical Society Judith Walcott.handwritten in blue pen - "Judith G Walcott"orbost-shire-council

The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres ), and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. On 2 December 1994, the Shire was abolished, and merged with City and Shire of Bairnsdale, Shire of Tambo, most of Shire of Omeo and the Boole Boole Peninsula from Shire of Rosedale into the Shire of East Gippsland This is a useful research tool.Two copies of a triple fold paper brochure. It is titled"Shire of Orbost Information Brochure" in black print. It contains the names of councillors, staff, the work program and budget.shire-of-orbost

This magazine pictorial was produced by East Gippsland News as a record of the Floods of June/July 2007.This is a contemporary record of a local event.A magazine pictorial with photos of the June/July East Gippsland flood event in 2007. Photos are of Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers, Orbost, Linenow, Metung, Eagle Point and Paynesville.floods-east gippsland disasters-flood

This survey had been sent to the Orbost Rifle Club c/- C. Curtis.The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres (236 mi) east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres (3,608.9 sq mi), and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it was merged as part of East Gippsland Shire Council.A nine page document stapled in the left-hand corner. It is a recreational survey issued by the Shire of Orbost. It is inside a a large manila envelope which is addressed to the Orbost Rifle club. It contains a covering letter and a form.survey shire-of-orbost orbost-rifle-club

Brochure and book produced for the Back To Orbost Celebrations , Spring Festival in 2000.This is a locally produced book useful for research on the history of Orbost.2195.1 is a yellow brochure with black print. Fold-out format. Titled Back To Orbost 2000 Spring Festival. Friday 27th to Sunday 27th October. 2195.2 is a record of attendance book. It has a red cover and contains signatures, names and addresses.orbost-history celebrations reunions

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1935-1971. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This item comprises records that belonged to the local government accounting system. The Shire of Orbost Council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council. This is a hand-written record created before the widespread use of computer accounting records.A black, hard cover ledger with light brown leather binding. it is titled "CASh BOOK LOAN ACCOUNT, SHIRE OF ORBOST". Records are hand-written. Inside the back cover is a loose-leaf typed document titled, "Shire Engineers Report 11 Sept 1970".cash-book ledger shire-of-orbost accounting

This ledger was a share register used by Orbost Butter Factory. The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.This item is associated with the Orbost Butter Factory which was an important source of income to the Orbost district in the late 19th century - early 20th century.A suede and leather bound ledger with blue / brown covers. It contains hand - written details of share registrations for the Orbost Butter Factory.orbost-butter-factory

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

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. A plain light blue minute book with a cloth brown spine. It has a white label on the front cover.On label- Orbost Rifle Clubminutes orbost-rifle-club shooting

Orbost Playgroup operated from 1986 until 2011. This collection of records was donated the Orbost & District Historical Society in 2011 after the playgroup ceased to exist in July 2011.These records are of immediate interest and value to the children and staff who have been part of the Orbost Playgroup. The record also has a much wider significance, to the community in which the group was situated, as a record and research tool.A collection of records of the Orbost Playgroup - 1986-2011. The collection consists of minute books, financial documents and attendance records.documents orbost-playgroup records

The Bowling Club was founded in 1929, by a group of farmers and businessmen. They set about providing a sporting icon for the town. Six rinks were constructed on the current site using horse drawn scoops and drags. The "Back to Orbost” 1937 book, describes the greens as "a bit rough for the first two seasons but now compare favourably with most country greens". Funds for the construction were raised by the issue of debentures at £5 each, and subscriptions were £1/1s/0d ($2.10). ( info. Margaret Smith)This is a useful research book.A book with a white cover titled Orbost Bowling Club Founded 1929. It contains photocopied pages of extracts from meetings and paper clippings.orbost-bowling-club recreation bowling

This program was created for the Orbost Theatre group as a souvenir of the official opening held at the Mechanics Institute hall in Orbost. It was held on Thursday, 20th August , 1931.This item is associated with an event which reflects the interests and leisure activities in Orbost in the first half of the 20th century. It was retained as a souvenir / memento.A rectangular light blue card program with black print. It is a souvenir for the opening of the Orbost Theatre. There are details of the venue and time of the event.theatre-orbost program