This account form was made for the Orbost Motor Garage owned by George Nixon. George Nixon (1862-1941) selected land in Bete Bolong in the 1890's. He married Emily Warren in 1889 in Orbost. He was a shire councillor. He was a prominent breeder of Clydesdales and after a serious fall off a horse walked with a walking stick and special boot for the rest of his life. He was well-known for his interest in cars, horse-racing and politics.He was married to Emily Warren in 1889 in Orbost. Mrs Nixon (Emily)was the first Red Cross president during WW1. They had ten children.both George and Emily are buried in the Orbost Cemetery. (ref:From White Knowle to Pumpkin Point by Hon Peter Nixon A.O.) This item is associated with a prominent Orbost family. George Nixon was the son of James and Alice Nixon. The Nixon families were among the earliest settlers on the Snowy River. It is an example of the early book-keeping of an Orbost business in the early 20th century.A white paper account form. It has black print, blue ruled lines and is unused. t the top is "Orbost Motor Garage" in black capital letters. document-book-keeping nixon-george

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 was taken at the Orbost High School Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1962. It shows Crs Truscott, Mr R. Osborne (1960-1963 Orbost High School Headmaster, and Mr George Cameron.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. A black / white photograph of three men in suits.on back - hand-written -" Orbost H.S. Jubilee, 1962, Crs. Truscott, Osbourne & Geo. Cameron"education-orbost orbost-high-school

This photograph shows the floodwaters during the 1971 flood at Orbost. The two mahogany trees in the photograph stopped the Snowy River from changing its course. The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)This is a pictorial record of a significant event in the history of floods in Orbost.A black / white photograph of raging floodwaters at the bottom of the Orbost township.orbost-flood-1971

Pigs were taken to Bairnsdale by coaxing them with maize thrown from a wagonette . From Bairnsdale they were freighted to market by train. The journey to Bairnsdale took about five days . This method of transport continued until the rail line to Orbost was opened in 1916.This photograph is a pictorial record of farming practices in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph on a brown buff card showing pigs being taken to market. The photograph shows the pigs close up with men on horseback behind them. The pigs are on a gravel road with a fence on one side and and the Orbost flats can be seen in the background.on back - "Pigs being driven from Orbost to Bairnsdale. M.Gilbert, Orbost"agriculture farming-orbost pigs

This book was compiled after an Orbost Historical Society bus trip to the site of the Prisoner of War Camp at Bete Bolong.This is a locally produced history book which is a useful reference for research into the history of Orbost.A 26 pp spiral bound book with a pale grey cover titled THE CURLIP NO 5, PRISONER OF WAR CAMP, Bete Bolong, Vic. 1943-1946. On the front cover in the top right hand corner is black sketch of a large paddle wheel with the P.S. Curlip in front of it. There is a coloured photograph of the view from the site of the P.O.W. Camp at the intersection of Bete Bolong and Buchan Roads.orbost-history bete-bolong ww11 prisoner-of-war-camp italian-prisoners

These documents belonged to the Orbost Rifle Club.The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's. It had a substantial membership.A light blue folder containing carbon copies of reports from the president of the Orbost Rifle Club from 1958-1964. The folder also contains correspondence from the Australian Rifle Association.orbost-rifle-club shooting documents

On 24 January 1991 a severe hailstorm occurred in Orbost. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1991 damage at $12 million.This is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost.The front and back page of The East Gippsland News dated Thursday January 1991. The main article is a photograph of the hailstorm damage to Nicholson Street in Orbost.hailstorm-orbost east-gippsland-news newspaper-article

Dross Drossou established a cordial factory in Orbost in the 1930s. He sold his cordial manufacturing business to Phillips and Stone, a Bairnsdale company, in 1948. Glass bottles were refillable until the 1960s, creating a demand for their collection and onsale back to beverage manufacturers via ‘bottle merchants’. A deposit on the bottles was added to all sales as they left the factory. The returned bottles were washed and the old label removed. The inside was cleaned by pushing the bottle onto a revolving brush. The reusing of the bottles went on until the bottle was broken or the top became chipped. This bottle is an example of a product manufacture by a local industry no longer existing.A clear glass soda syphon bottle. It has a red syphon pump.D.DROSSOU, ORBOST Soda Watersyphon-bottle drosseau

3154.1 is a postcard of the Orbost viaduct over the flooded Snowy River flats. 4153.2 is of a goods train on the viaduct. 3154.3 is of a loaded goods train with the driver at the window. Two men are standing on the plate and there are two workers below where there is some water and flood debris. 3154.4 is of amachine moving flood debris on the rail line. 3154.5 shows flood damage to the viaduct across the Snowy River flats. Two men are driving a dozer.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.Five black / white photographs associated with the Orbost railway line during a flood.orbost-railway east-gippsland -railway orbost-floods

building of PS Curlip replica in old butter factory building Orbost VictoriaBuilt as tourist attraction on river at Marlo. Plus 6 other photos Colour photograph showing building of PS Curlip replica in old butter factory building Orbost Victoria. Plus 9 other photos tourism, boat building

3289.1 has been taken in the main street of Orbost - Nicholson Street. 3289.2 has been taken on the outskirts of Orbost and indicates that the town population at the time was 2800.These photographs are pictorial record of Orbost C1960s - 1970s.3289.1 is a black / white photograph of a main street with cars parked on both sides of the road and buildings on the left hand side. 3289.2 is a black / white photograph of town entry sign - "ORBOST POP. 2800".orbost-nicholson-street main-street-orbost entry-sign-orbost orbost-1960s-1970s

This is a photograph of Steam Engine K104. K104 was numbered as such in 1923. Engines were renumbered from K100-K109 to K140-149 in 1940. This one was renumbered as K144. 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 is a pictorial record of rail transport in the 1920s. 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.A black / white photograph of a steam locomotive. on back - "Orbost 1924 Steam Engine K104"orbost-railway steam-locomotive-k104 transport-rail

Reverend Alexander Morton was the Presbyterian minister in Orbost between 1894 and 1904. Rev. Alexander Morton earned great respect from the Orbost community, during his ministry here between 1894-1904. He brought with him from the New Hebrides timber which was used for the pulpit. Affectionately known as “Sandy” Morton, he was very friendly and endeavoured to reach all his bush parishioners, often on horseback. He was known up the Gelantipy Valley as an itinerant Preacher with a difference, he often doubled as a dentist, who was quite adept at pulling teeth, often with a pair of pliers. ( information from Margaret Smith Newsletter August 2012)Reverend Alexander Morton was a prominent Orbost citizen in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. He was associated with the Presbyterian Church in Orbost.A black / white portrait photograph on a dark grey buff card. It is a head and shoulders posed photograph of a bearded man in a suit.on back - Rev. Alex Morton, Presbyterian Minister at Orbost"morton-alexander presbyterian-church-orbost

This album was used at the Orbost Visitor Information Centre (the Slab Hut). 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.This item is a useful reference tool for the history of Orbost.A large photo album containing copies of photographs, some historical articles and b/w photos of Orbost. The covers are brown with a narrow gold frame. it has no spine and the covers are tied with tape. The pages, all different sizes, are bolted in.orbost-history album-photographs

These documents were used by the Orbost Rifle Club.The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's. It had a substantial membership.A large plastic envelope containing miscellaneous documents and books from the Orbost Rifle Club. Documents include receipts, cheque books, correspondence, cards, rules and an unused match record book.documents orbost-rifle-club match-records

This item is part of the Mary Gilbert Collection. Top Row on Left - Ethel Scouller; Una Roadknight; Rene Rodwell; Nathan Spielvogel (Head Teacher) Bottom Left - Elsie Cook; Miss Olivier with hat (teacher); Erica Roadknight, Penuel Cameron Far Right - Dorrie Roadknight;with hat (teacher); 3rd from left Vera Nixon; Sally Draffin behind her; Linda Gluth in front of Dorrie Tthe Orbost State School opened on19th of March 1886. The school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, The head teacher was Campbell Mackay who remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second head teacher, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school now had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached. As the population increased so did the needs of the school. This was reflected in the provision of a larger classroom in 1898. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a Higher Elementary School in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost. The Higher Elementary School supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. When fire destroyed the school in 1941 local halls were used as classrooms until a new school was built, opened by the Hon. A. E. Lind, MLA, on 13th of February 1942. But Orbost continued to develop and the new school was soon over­taxed. This resulted in the erection of two Bristol classrooms in 1947. By 1950, when the school population had reached 500 pupils the opening of the new school at Orbost North was welcomed by all concerned. In 1963 the Department purchased land diagonally opposite the school and developed it as a playing area. This item is associated with education in Orbost.A black / white photograph with a list of names attached to the bottom. It shows a group of students and teachers in front of a wooden school building.on label - Orbost S.S. 1909 with a list of identifying nameseducation-orbost orbost-state-school

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 frame was made by Mary Lynch, wife of Matt Lynch. Pictured in the photograph are: Back: W. Fisher, Archie Rodwell, Mat Lynch, Rupert Mosley, George Granter, Arthur Saunders, Arther Pardew, John Bird, John Gilbert. Front: Bill Ginning, George Perry (secretary) John Johnston (president), Carl Dreverman.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. It is also an example of the craft skills of women in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of a group of thirteen men, some standing, some sitting in front of a wooden shed. The photograph is in an ornate frame made of dried seeds.on front - "Orbost Agricultural Show Committee probably 1904"orbost-agricultural-society lynch-mary orbost-show

This concert was held in the Mechanics' Institute on Friday, October 16th, 1891 commencing at 8pm. A dance was held after the concert. The secretary at that time was J. McNair. 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 Hall From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke was a librarian in Orbost for many years. She was the daughter of John Cooke early Brodribb settler. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert)The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.An orange, paper program with black print. The program and details are inside a black frame. It is for a concert in aid of the Orbost Brass Band.At the top handwritten in black pen is" Donated by Mrs Elsie Cooke".orbost-brass-band-programme cooke-elsie

The photograph shows Linda Warren, Enid Eaton, Jim Trewin and Jim Nixon. The photographer was Warren, Helena (1871-1962) who was a self-taught photographer who became both the local press correspondent and a producer of humorous trompe l'oeil postcard images. Helena Warren was a thirty-two year old settler living on a small mixed farm with her husband, William, at Newmerella, near Orbost in Gippsland, Victoria, when she bought her first camera, an Austral Box quarter-plate. Her family says she was entirely self-taught, like many women photographers who started out with nothing but the instructions on the packets of film and chemicals. In over fifty years practice she graduated from the total novice, who opened all her first mail order plates in bright sunlight and ruined them, to a competent photographer who became both the local press correspondent and an inveterate producer of humorous trompe l’oeil postcard images. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert). This photograph has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A black / white photograph of a young girl on a horse pulling a group of children in a large pumkin. On the side of the pumpkin is "HMAS ORBOST"pumpkins-orbost warren-helena nixon-jim trewin-jim warren-linda eaton-enid

During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department of Education for the establishment of a Higher Elementary School in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost Higher Elementary School supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. Higher Elementary schools took in students whose parents desired a higher level of education than the completion of Grade 6. Higher elementary classes were added to existing primary schools and were the forerunners of high schools.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 photograph is representative of its history.A black . white photograph of a large group of students in uniform in front of a school building - "Orbost Higher Elementary school". There are four rows of students.on back - M. Gilbert

This is a photograph of the "Diggers Reunion" for the "Back To" celebrations held in Orbost in March 1937.This is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history.A black / white photograph on a grey buff card. It shows a large group of people sitting or standing on the floor of what appears to be a church hall.on back - "Mrs Mars. View St ?????????" on front - "Diggers Reunion Back to Celebrations Orbost 3.3.37"orbost-back-to-celebration festivals

Orbost Bowling Club was founded in 1929 and still operates in Orbost today. The Bowling Club was founded 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 menu suggests that dinners for members were held regularly - at least annually and were fairly formal events. This item represents an era when formal dinners were important as a community event. Local clubs were significant in providing recreation and companionship by bringing people together and providing opportunities for social interaction.A green card dinner menu for the Orbost Bowling Club. It is dated 16/6/38 and is black print on a green background. It has 6 courses for choice.orbost-bowling-club recreation bowling

This photograph shows the pile drivers at work in the construction of the viaduct across the Snowy River flats. The Snowy River Floodplain Railway Bridges, two sequential and exceptionally long and low timber railway bridges on the Snowy River floodplain just west of Orbost, were built in 1916, and provided the original terminus point for the Bairnsdale-Orbost railway. The bridges are 770 metres and 183 metres long respectively. The shorter bridge is of uniformly 4.57 metre timber-beam construction, and has a sweeping curve in its deck. The longer bridge has a combination of 4.57 metre and 6.1 metrespans, and two 3.66 metre spans. The bridges are constructed from 'Southern Mahogany', Eucalyptus Botryoides, which grew along the coast east of Bairnsdale. The Snowy floodplain bridges were initially built in the context of an early twentieth-century interest in American-style 'Developmental Railways', designed to open remote areas to closer settlement, even if that meant running at a loss. The line was closed in August 1987. (information from Victorian Heritage Database)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 the farming flats at Orbost during the construction of the East Gippsland railway.orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway viaduct-orbost transport railway

The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This is the second edition of the annual magazine of Orbost High School. The magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This magazine is the second issue of the Magazine producd by Orbost High School and is a useful reference tool.A 28 pp buff coloured magazine titled Croajingolong 1949. This is the second issue of the annual magazine of Orbost High School.on front cover - M Gilbert handwritten in blue penorbost-high-school magazine

This is the 4th issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This magazine was owned by Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This magazine is the fourth issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine and is a useful reference tool. A 36 pp green covered magazine titled Croajingolong 1951. This is the 4th issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine.croajingolong orbost-high-school

This is a photograph of the first committee and members of the Orbost Bowling Club in 1931. L-R: Rev. Montgomerie, Ab Trewin, Dave & Dick Pardew, Jack Cameron, Harry Cameron, Carl Dreverman, Lance Herbert, Rupert Mosley, J. McKeown, Sam Lynn, T. Bartold - Geo. Haymes. The first meeting was held on 23/3/1922, then the Orbost bowling Club was formed in 1929 when the funds for the construction of the green were issued by debentures of five pounds each. These were all taken up and a six rink green was laid down. Inaugural President, Sam Lynn and Secretary T. Bartold, the first Club Champion was M. Rothberg. It was not until 1951 that women were admitted as associates albeit restrictions.Associate members were not to exceed 25 and ladieswere to be of good character with preference to be given to wives of male members. Ladies had tot be off premises by 4pm. It was not until 1935/1936 that Orbost became a member of the Central Gippsland Bowling Association. Bowling clubs play a significant role in community recreation needs. The Orbost Bowling Club plays an important role in the Orbost community.A small black / white photograph of a group of men wearing lawn bowling uniforms. In front of them are two balls.on back - handwritten - "Opening Orbost BC Committee Oct 1931"

This item was produced as a souvenir for the opening of the Orbost High School Assembly hall. The ball was held on October 24, 1975. The school was established in 1912.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. Balls werefor many years a common community event in the Orbost district.A rectangular cardboard program for the "Grand Opening Ball Orbost High School Assembly Hall". It is a single card folded in half with black print on a white background.orbost-high-school dance-ball entertainment recreation

This is a photograph of a group of students of the Orbost Higher Elementary School dressed in costume performing "The Poppy Song:" on a stage. In the photograph are: Dolly Broome; Mary Reynolds; Lily Perry; Hilda Guy; Rene Parker; Madge Grose; Audrey Cameron; Annie Gibbs, Zenie Irvine and Violet Gibbs. This is probably the song connected with a poem called “In Flanders Fields” written by Major John McCrae, a Canadian surgeon attached to the 1st Field Artillery Brigade and stationed at Ypres salient, Belgium, in the spring of 1915. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. 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.A black / white photograph with a label attached. It is of a group of students in costume on a stage. Each figure has been numbered 1 - 13.on label attached to bottom - "POPPY SONG ORBOST HES ?1915" with a list of names.education-orbost orbost-higher-elementary-school poppy-song

Orbost Beans & Grains Co-Op was an extension of Snowy River Sweet Corn Co-Op which also sold fresh produce such as corn, squash, zucchini and cucumbers. This bag is unused and would have been packed with borlotti beans.Snowy River Seeds started life as a farmers' co-operative (Snowy River Co-op) in 1967. This item is significant because it was specially made for the seed bean industry which was a major industry in the Orbost district for over a century. A white woven synthetic bag used for packing borlotti beans. Inside a red outline of Australia are seven green beans. Victoria is outlined and Orbost is indicated with a red d t. Print is red and green. On front : Grown & Packed By Orbost Beans & Grain Co-Op 25 kg Orbost Victoria Produce of Australia seed-bag snowy-river-co-op agriculture farming orbost-beans