SKI TICKETS Before tows and lifts were introduced at Falls Creek, it could take skiers 20 minutes to climb to the Summit … but only TWO minutes to go back to the bottom. The arrival of tows, then chairlifts and T-bars changed the face of skiing forever. The first rope tow was constructed by Toni St. Elmo for the 1951 winter season. Bob Hymans installed a smaller tow for his guests at Skyline Lodge. Tows were still quite slow, so in 1956 Bob Hymans created his single chairlift. In 1958 the Village rope tow, designed by Albury engineer Jock Wilson, opened. It was financed by shareholders including Bill Griffith (Bowna Ski Club) and the Bridgford family (St. Trinian’s Ski Club). Several other tows followed including the Summit T-bar in 1961, built by Ron McCallum and operated by Alpine Developments Pty. Ltd. which was a company formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served by 16 different lifts or T-bars, all owned and operated by Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. During the development of Falls Creek, different methods have been used to pay for the use of tows, lifts and T-bars … including metal tokens, single tickets, strips of tickets and season passes. The Falls Creek Historical Society Collection includes many examples of these items.This ski pass is significant because it was issued to a pioneer of the ski industry in Falls Creek, Victoria.A plastic covered ski pass for Axamer Lizum resort in Austria. It was issued to C. H. Bridgeford. in 1968. Charles (Bill) Bridgeford built a family lodge called St. Trinian's in the early 1950s. Bill had previously worked in the family shipping firm and had been Member for South Eastern in the Victorian Parliament. He became one of the shareholders in the Village rope tow which had been a failure partly because too many people had been involved. In 1960 Bridgeford approached Toni St. Elmo with an offer to buy the Nissen tow and Nissen Lodge which was accepted. With friends Geoff Henke and Ron McCallum, an engineer, he formed Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. Ron had also been Lift Manager at Mt. Buller and together they acquired the Village rope tow and replaced it with a T-bar. They gained the franchise to operate all ski lifts and T-bars and later the Falls Creek Ski School. Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd continued to expand the lift network until 1983 when the lifts were sold to Transfield.On front: Photograph and text Innsbruck Olympics 1964 logo in top right Tage M Axamer Lizum № 000157 Gültig für alle Sessel-und Schlepplifte (Valid for all chairlifts and drag tows) 15. FEB. 1968 until 21. FEB. 1968 Preis laut Tarif (Price according to tariff) On back: Condition of use in German, English and Frenchcharles bridgeford, alpine development holdings pty ltd, ski pass, axamer lizum resort

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 2- Nineteen "Kiwis" have arrived, first visiting Mt. Buller, then Falls Creek. Unfortunately Mt. Buller turned on a 3 day blizzard. Falls Creek was a complete contrast. Perfect snow and weather coupled with N.E.D.S.A. hospitality contributed to a "good time being had by all." Races in slalom, downhill and giant slalom were held. Dick Walpole (Myrtleford) won the downhill and giant slalom. Skippy St. Elmo won two of the Women's events. Page 3 - A new event, the Swinburne Cup, was held at the meeting at Falls Creek last month. Eight teams took part in the inter-club race for a trophy presented by the Hon. Ivan Swinburne, M.L.C. who had walked to Falls Creek but skied out, his first time ever on skis.swinburne cup, skippy st. elmo, new zealand visit

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. In 2022 the Men's Winner was Peter Wolter from USA in a time of 1:28:08.2. The winner of the Women's event was Jessie Diggins of USA in a time of 1:31:50.9This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster featuring a cartoon image of hundreds of kangaroo skiers crossing through the blue finishing gate. The date 27 AUGUST 2022 is on a red sign above the gate. FALLS CREEK is also on the gate, as well as the names of some of the sponsors. Logos of AGL, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, Falls Creek, KANGAROO HOPPET/Worldloppet, FIS, Alpine Shire Council, and Community Bank Mount Beauty & District are across the bottom of the poster. , Below the image: 7, 21 & 42 Km Kangaroo Hoppetkangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

These badges were awarded for participation in a Cross Country Ski Race from Mount Hotham to Falls Creek. The Hotham to Falls began in 1978 They were owned and donated by Diana Patterson who was a founding member of Falls Creek Historical Society.These badges belonged to a highly recognised Australian and founding member of the Falls Creek Historical Society.Three enamelled metal pins to commemorate participation in a cross country ski race from Mount Hotham to Falls Creek. Each badge features an image of two snow capped mountains, the sun and a rainbow. A bird is at the bottom with outstretched wings supporting the central image. One badge features a pair of birds and text. On badge 2: Hotham to Falls Creek.diana patterson, falls creek, hotham to falls creek race

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it reflects the relationship between Bob Hymans and the Management Committee.A handwritten letter from Mr Hymans to the Management Committee. The letter applies for permission to construct a double chairlift from near the Upper Kiewa Valley Road in the valley at Falls Creek to a point in the vicinity of the Ski Bowl near the Snow Crystal Inn.falls creek tourist area management committee, chairlift licence negotiations, double chairlift falls creek

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it reflects the relationship between Bob Hymans and the Management Committee.A letter from the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee to Bob Hymans advising that a proposal for new ski lift from another company has been accepted. It also states that is premature to discuss a intro-tow ticketing system at this stage.falls creek tourist area management committee, ski lift proposals

Used by local skier at Falls Creek on the High Plains during the early 1970s.Cross country skiing was a popular sport during the 1970's and has developed since with a variety of equipment enabling different types of cross country skiing.These cross country ski boots are size 8 (men's) and made of leather. The sole of the boot is slightly extended to accommodate four holes into which pegs on the ski bindings insert. cross country ski boots. nordic skiing. langlauf skiing. falls creek. bogong high plains.

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski industry in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Cover - Image acknowledging the Australian team in the Oslo Winter Olympics Page 31 - TRANSPORT TO FALLS CREEK - Following press reports in recent months regarding curtailment of the work of the State Electricity Commission on Bogong High Plains, there will be no snow clearing on the road above Howman's Gap next winter, and possibly no snow clearing at all. Traffic will not be permitted to proceed where no clearing is being carried out. Apart from this, it is hoped that it will not be necessary to curtail any further the general arrangements in force last winter. During this summer the road will be closed to visitors generally, but arrangements will be made for working parties at ski huts to proceed to or from Falls Creek between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only, provided that prior arrangements have been made.winter olympics 1952, road access to falls creek 1952

Winter Olympics, Innsbruck, Austria. This uniform was donated to the Falls Creek Historical Society by Dr. Howard W. Farrow who was appointed as a Medical Officer for the Australian Olympic Games Team of 1976. Dr. Farrow's father, Dr. Claude Farrow was a founding member of the Edelweiss Ski Club of Australia which was formed in 1947. He was also the Founding President of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs (F.O.V.S.C) which produced the Ski-Horizon journal. Dr. Howard Farrow reported that "the Europeans laughed at us and called us the prisoners". Australia sent a team of eight athletes to Innsbruck, five men and three women. The team consisted of alpine skiers Kim Clifford, David Griff, Robert McIntyre, Joanne Henke and Sally Rodd; figure skaters Billy Schober and Sharon Burley and speed skater Colin Coates, who was competing in his third Winter Olympics. This uniform was designed by famous fashion designer Pru Acton OAM, in response to a request by athletes for a more colourful uniform than the standard green blazer previously worn by the Australian team at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games.This uniform is significant because it was a modern development of Australian Winter Olympic team uniforms created by a famous Australian fashion designer.The Australian Ski Suit for the 1976 Winter Olympic Games. It has patches of big bold black and white stripes, set horizontally and vertically, with panels of yellow. The Australian emblem of Olympic circles and a kangaroo are placed on the back and front of the jacket and on the arm and leg. A bib-and-brace overall in matching stripes was worn under the jacket.1976 winter olympics, australian winter olympics uniforms, pru acton, dr. howard farrow

These seal skin straps and webbing were introduced into the Victorian Alps by European engineers, conducting survey work for the SEC Hydro scheme in the late 1930s. This period in time produced many immigrants from a war torn Europe with highly developed technical skills. Many of these immigrants provided articles that were well suited to the alpine regions of Australia, ones they used in their homelands. These were times when the home grown cultures of the Anglo Saxon heritage of the earlier settlers within the Kiewa Valley became interwoven with the various European cultures and this formed, what in later years became the beginning of the Australian multi-cultural society. The Kiewa Valley and its surrounding regions where the major rural areas which did not progress in a so typical Aussie "dinky-di", "she'll be right" fashion. The European influence was however not too strong, so as to obliterate the flavour of the home grown rural society.The major populated sections of the upper Kiewa Valley and the Alpine regions were accelerated by the SEC Hydro Development which brought into the slow growing rural regions a quasi multi ethnic society, however this was only noticeable up to the time when the final Power Station was commissioned in the 1960s. The slight variations to the typical Australian rural settlements of the time were in some food preparations, winter apparel such as these seal skin straps and soles and "langlauf" (cross-country skis). The sealskins were sewn so that their grain ran from front to back thereby allowing the skins to grip going up hill and glide going downhill.The gardens and varieties of flowering shrubs and trees where also more in line with traditional European "outdoor" settings. Seal skin sewn onto one side of a strap of webbing. There is a webbing loop on the front that slips over a small point at the front of the ski. There is a webbing strap attached to the back of the seal skin sole coming over the back of ski that clips metal fasteners onto a loop of webbing behind the ski boot. alpine sports, snow skis, winter clothing, mount bogong recreational activities, snow sports

These photographs were taken in and around Falls Creek by Samuel Keith Pearce and printed for him as a foldout postcard by NuColor Vue. The postcards state they were printed for S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd of Tawonga and Mount Beauty. Samuel Keith Pearce was born on 24 June 1917 in Armadale, Victoria. By the late 1940s he owned the Mt Beauty Supermarket, Newsagency, Drapery and Hardware store at Mount Beauty and also a store at Tawonga in partnership with his brother Gordon Cathew Pearce. For some time, they operated as Pearce Brothers. In the early 1960s Keith also opened a mini mart In Falls Creek. As well as being a keen photographer and an astute businessman, Keith Pearce was a well-known identity in the Kiewa Valley, making many contributions to the development of the area over a long period. This included serving as a member of the Bright Shire Council for many years. He worked hard to promote the interests of the Upper Kiewa Valley. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the community, the park opposite the grocery store in Mount Beauty was named the SK Pearce Gardens in his honour. Samuel Keith Pearce died on 7 July 1994 in Mount Beauty, Victoria.This collection of postcards and images is significant because they were commissioned by a highly successful businessman in Falls Creek, Victoria.A colour image of skiers and buildings at Falls Creek Ski Bowl.falls creek, falls creek chairlifts, poma lift falls creek

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Two black and white images of John Meyer skiing near Wilkie and Basalt Hill, Bogong High Plains. Wilkinson’s Hut (Wilkie) was built for the SEC in the summer of 1932-3 to accommodate the snow research program manager. The cottage was sited next to a hydro-meteorological station, set on stilts above the snow. It was not a refuge hut but a permanent residence for all of the year. The work carried out there included operation of a meteorological station at the cottage, measuring the snow depth and density along two pole lines, and operating stream gauging stations in the area. The engineers stationed there included Adrian Rufenacht (1934-6), and Norwegian Martin Romuld (1936-42) Romuld was a champion skier, constructing a ski-jump and a grass tennis court near the hut during his residency. Adrian was one of the founders of 'Skyline". The hut was sold in 1948 to the Victorian Ski Club and renamed Wilkinson Lodge. Robert Wood Wilkinson, best known as 'Wilkie, was the 'Father figure' of Victorian skiing. Robert Wood Wilkinson died on May 22, 1939. The hut was resold some 12 years later to the Melbourne Bushwalkers club. In 1983, the National Parks Service described the building as an old SEC hut which had been purchased and, afterwards, maintained and occupied solely by the Melbourne Bushwalking Club. Wilkie Hut survived the 2003 bushfires but burnt down one year later (January 2004) in a cooking accident.falls creek, ray meyer, skyline

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Two black and white images of John Meyer skiing near Wilkie and Basalt Hill, Bogong High Plains. Wilkinson’s Hut (Wilkie) was built for the SEC in the summer of 1932-3 to accommodate the snow research program manager. The cottage was sited next to a hydro-meteorological station, set on stilts above the snow. It was not a refuge hut but a permanent residence for all of the year. The work carried out there included operation of a meteorological station at the cottage, measuring the snow depth and density along two pole lines, and operating stream gauging stations in the area. The engineers stationed there included Adrian Rufenacht (1934-6), and Norwegian Martin Romuld (1936-42) Romuld was a champion skier, constructing a ski-jump and a grass tennis court near the hut during his residency. Adrian was one of the founders of 'Skyline". The hut was sold in 1948 to the Victorian Ski Club and renamed Wilkinson Lodge. Robert Wood Wilkinson, best known as 'Wilkie, was the 'Father figure' of Victorian skiing. Robert Wood Wilkinson died on May 22, 1939. The hut was resold some 12 years later to the Melbourne Bushwalkers club. In 1983, the National Parks Service described the building as an old SEC hut which had been purchased and, afterwards, maintained and occupied solely by the Melbourne Bushwalking Club. Wilkie Hut survived the 2003 bushfires but burnt down one year later (January 2004) in a cooking accident.falls creek, joan meyer, bogong high plains

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in May 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grande Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob’s endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This document is significant because it documents discussion concerning the operation of Falls Creek.MInutes of the Falls Creek Alpine Village Advisory Committee held on 21 September 1957 typed on foolscap size paper. Topics of discussion included contributions to the Ski Improvement Fund, equipment in the Casualty Room and also the possibility of erecting a simple rope tow on the nursery slope.chairlift falls creek, bob hymans, ski improvement fund, falls creek alpine village advisory committee

This magazine is part of a collection of yearly marketing magazines promoting Falls Creek ski region. These include magazines for summer and winter programs.This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortMagazine titled Falls Creek 90 containing information and images for 1990 winter holidays including activities and accommodation.On Front Cover: Falls Creek - For the Best Snow Fallsskiing, ski, falls creek, victoria, school holidays, winter, snow, winter sport, 1990s, marketing, graphic design

Knitting example by Joyce Hucker. Hucker began working with unspun wool and making dyes from the natural sources from her garden and the farm trees around her. From knitting and croceting articles, she progressed to felting and a 'wrapping' technique, always using unspun wool. She was a successful exhibitor at many craft shows and was always willing to pass on her experience and knowledge to others, often travelling widely to help groups requiring a demonstration.Knitting example by Joyce Hucker.Late J. Hucker 1972 Ski Capknitting, hucker, mrs joyce

Falls Creek was operated by the Falls Creek Area Management Committee. Its composition changed over time but generally the Committee was composed of representatives of the State Electricity Commission, Representatives from Ski Clubs and commercial enterprises, the Country Roads Board, the Ski Tow company and a Representative of the Upper Murray Regional Committee of the Central Planning Authority. This Committee was responsibility for long term planning for the Falls Creek Tourist Area as well as the day to day running of the Village, These patches were part of the uniform of people employed by the Management Committee.These cloth badges are significant because they indicated employees of the Area Management Committee and the role they played in Falls Creek.A group of cloth badges indicating the role of personnel employed by the Falls Creek Area Management. Shield shaped badges - 2 Falls Creek Area Management - PARKING CONTROL 1 Falls Creek Area Management - with red cross of SKI PATROL Rectangular - Green and yellow - FALLS CREEK AREA MANAGEMENT Red and blue - FALLS CREEK AREA MANAGEMENTfalls creek village, falls creek area management committee

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents the wide range of actions and responsibilities undertaken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee.A Circular from the Management Committee prior to the 1967 season. It includes a wide range of topics including; the growth of accommodation capacity at Falls Creek; slope improvements; parking and improved road access; Tows and Ski School; garbage collection and suitable containers; tender called for a new hotel; Medical Service arrangements for 1967; Sewerage System reminders; new arrangements for Oversnow Transport; composition of the Committee; a tobogganing franchise; the Ross Milne Memorial Ski Jump; careful use of the Water Supply; Finances and appointment of an Advisor from the SEC to plan for the future; Price Structure for 1967; a request for more involvement in publicity of the Resort and a tribute to R. T. (Bob) Scott.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, r.t. (bob) scott, ross milne memorial ski jump

The SECV constructed the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme which included the building of Rocky Valley Dam on the Bogong High Plains near Falls Creek. H.H.C. Williams, construction engineer, Kiewa wrote to the Ski Clubs at Falls Creek outlining the dangers arising with the filling of Rocky Valley Dam. He lists 5 warnings in the interest of safety.The plan and letter provide the dates for the completion of Rocky Valley dam and its effect on the people living and working in the area including miners and ski clubs. It describes some of the features of Kiewa Works Area at the time.Plan No. K 6612 of Fall Creek showing Rocky Valley Dam's shape when it is full. Letter dated 6th April 1959 from H.H.C. Williams to Ski Clubs at Falls Creek re public safety as Rocky Valley fills. Refers to roads, transmission lines, pole lines etc in the Kiewa Works Area.Written in ink at top of letter - "Secretary / Mt Beauty and District Progress Association"rocky valley dam, falls creek ski clubs, h.h.c. williams, khes 1959, safety

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.This image is significant because it depicts developments made to "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.A floor plan of Skyline Lodge, probably after renovations were carried out by the Ski Club of Victoria which bought in to Skyline in 1950. In 1951 - 1952 a road up to the Lodge as well as drains, trenches and culverts were added. renovations to the lounge, basement drainage and porch resurfacing were completed in 1955. falls creek, victorian snowfields, skyline lodge

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it reflects the regard in which Bob Hymans was held for his contribution to Australian skiing.A framed letter to Bob Hymans from Wendy J. Cross on behalf of the Victorian Sk Association (V.S.A). The letter is a request to be interviewed for a book about the history of Australian skiing which the V.S.A. aimed to publish the following year. It accompanied questions which she hoped he would be willing to answer as a contribution to the publication.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, bob hymans

Two Interschool championship 1990 first pennants (boys and girls ski teams) Two 1987 ski patch badges One Worldloppet Falls Creek 1995 pennant One Worldloppet Falls Creek 1994 pennant

Two iron cowbells. One bronze coloured and is somewhat faded and simple, and the other is gold and has a colourful leather strap attached to the handle, with a cow and a heart shape riveted on. This cow bell is engraved:W.H.S Ski Team donated by Justin Nish 1995

These photographs were taken in and around Falls Creek by Samuel Keith Pearce and printed for him as a foldout postcard by NuColor Vue. The postcards state they were printed for S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd of Tawonga and Mount Beauty. Samuel Keith Pearce was born on 24 June 1917 in Armadale, Victoria. By the late 1940s he owned the Mt Beauty Supermarket, Newsagency, Drapery and Hardware store at Mount Beauty and also a store at Tawonga in partnership with his brother Gordon Cathew Pearce. For some time, they operated as Pearce Brothers. In the early 1960s Keith also opened a mini mart In Falls Creek. As well as being a keen photographer and an astute businessman, Keith Pearce was a well-known identity in the Kiewa Valley, making many contributions to the development of the area over a long period. This included serving as a member of the Bright Shire Council for many years. He worked hard to promote the interests of the Upper Kiewa Valley. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the community, the park opposite the grocery store in Mount Beauty was named the SK Pearce Gardens in his honour. Samuel Keith Pearce died on 7 July 1994 in Mount Beauty, VictoriaThis collection of postcards and image is significant because they were commissioned by a highly successful business in Falls Creek, Victoria.A high definition photo of the first Ski Jump beside the Snow Crystal Inn and Bogong Ski Lodge. The Snow Crystal Inn was built by Milan Kovacic in the early 1950s. It has since been demolished and rebuilt. The Bogong Ski Club was established in the 1940s and built a clubhouse in the Falls Creek basin. The original building later burned down and a new Lodge was constructed.falls creek resort, tows and lifts at falls creek, snow crystal appartments

This medal commemorates the Nordic Ski Club and belonged to Diana Patterson. Diana Patterson was born in Tasmania and originally pursued a career as a physical education teacher. After making a major career change, she applied to join the Australian Antarctic Division. She applied four times before she was accepted. Diana first travelled to the Antarctic in October 1987. By this time only ten Australian women had spent a winter there. She first worked at Casey Station, before becoming leader at Mawson Station therein becoming the first female leader of an Antarctic base of any nation. After retiring Diana guided tourist expeditions to the Antarctic for many years, as well as continuing work in research and conservation. In 2012 she published her story “The Ice Beneath My Feet: My Year In Antarctica”. Diana Patterson was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for "service to conservation and the environment”. As well as these outstanding career achievements, Diana has been a Board Member of both the Mt. Buller Alpine Resort Management Board, including a period as Chairman, and also the Falls Creek Resort Management Board. She was also a founding member of Falls Creek Historical Society.This medal belonged to a highly recognised Australian and founding member of the Falls Creek Historical Society.A triangle shaped medal with a red, white and blue lanyard attached. It bears an embossed figure of a Nordic Skier and text.On front, around edges: 1972 TELEMARK NORDIC SKI CLUB AUSTRALIA On back: Rocky Valley Rush W40 1991nordic ski club, australian skiing, diana patterson, falls creek, telemark skiing

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it reflects the relationship between Bob Hymans and the Management Committee.A letter from the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee to Bob Hymans advising him that his application to establish a Ski Hire store as well as a General Store with postal facilities has been rejected in favour of another applicant. His proposal to operate a public restaurant cannot be considered until he is prepared to conform with procedures.falls creek tourist area management committee, ski lift proposals

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it documents the developments supported by the Management Committee for the winter season of 1961.A bulletin published by the Management Committee to inform licensees and residents of the most recent developments. These include:- negotiations with the SEC for new power connections; parking area extension and the Committee's approach to commercial development; and the announcement of the successful applicant for the new Ski School - Alpine Developments. It also reported on improved First Aid facilities and Parking Fees for the next season.falls creek tourist area management committee, amendment to regulations 1959

SKI TICKETS Before tows and lifts were introduced at Falls Creek, it could take skiers 20 minutes to climb to the Summit … but only TWO minutes to go back to the bottom. The arrival of tows, then chairlifts and T-bars changed the face of skiing forever. The first rope tow was constructed by Toni St. Elmo for the 1951 winter season. Bob Hymans installed a smaller tow for his guests at Skyline Lodge. Tows were still quite slow, so in 1956 Bob Hymans created his single chairlift. In 1958 the Village rope tow, designed by Albury engineer Jock Wilson, opened. It was financed by shareholders including Bill Griffith (Bowna Ski Club) and the Bridgford family (St. Trinian’s Ski Club). Several other tows followed including the Summit T-bar in 1961, built by Ron McCallum and operated by Alpine Developments Pty. Ltd. which was a company formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served by 16 different lifts or T-bars, all owned and operated by Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. During the development of Falls Creek, different methods have been used to pay for the use of tows, lifts and T-bars … including metal tokens, single tickets, strips of tickets and season passes. The Falls Creek Historical Society Collection includes many examples of these items.These ski passes are significant because they were issued to a pioneer of the ski industry in Falls Creek, Victoria.Passes for Phyl and Bill Bridgford for 1991' Charles (Bill) Bridgeford built a family lodge called St. Trinian's in the early 1950s. Bill had previously worked in the family shipping firm and had been Member for South Eastern in the Victorian Parliament. He became one of the shareholders in the Village rope tow which had been a failure partly because too many people had been involved. In 1960 Bridgeford approached Toni St. Elmo with an offer to buy the Nissen tow and Nissen Lodge which was accepted. With friends Geoff Henke and Ron McCallum, an engineer, he formed Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. Ron had also been Lift Manager at Mt. Buller and together they acquired the Village rope tow and replaced it with a T-bar. They gained the franchise to operate all ski lifts and T-bars and later the Falls Creek Ski School. Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd continued to expand the lift network until 1983 when the lifts were sold to Transfield.Card 1 - 91 Season Adult BILL BRIDGFORD "SNOW CRYSTAL" Card 2 - 91 Season Adult PHYL BRIDGFORD "SNOW CRYSTAL" Card 3 - 91 ADULT MORNING AUG 18 - 18 VIC VETERANS RACE !! On Reverse - instructions $032.00 Card 4 - 91 1 DAY ADLT JUL 26 - 26 FRYERS FRIDAY FRENZY On Reverse - instructions $043.00bill bridgford, 1991 season pass, vic veterans race falls creek 1991

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it reflects the relationship between Bob Hymans and the Management Committee.A letter from the Management Committee related to complaints regarding standards of accommodation and service in commercial premises at ski resorts. The possibility of the introduction of a grading system was raised. Whilst not being specific in regard to Mr. Hymans, the Committee asked him to keep a close watch on aspects of accommodation and service in the coming season with a view to improving standards generally at Falls Creek.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, bob hymans

This photograph was taken circa 1981 - 1982 by Tourism Victoria. Orest “Ory” Frueauf was born in Kharkov, Russia in 1925 and moved to Germany with his family to escape persecution. He was conscripted to the German Army during the Second World War. He was a POW until 1948. He was recruited by a French construction company to work as and interpreter on a hydroelectricity project in Tasmania. Ory then moved to work on the Snowy Mountain Scheme including driving a truck to fill the wall of the Rocky Valley dam. In 1952 Ory was recruited by the Albury Ski Club as its lodge supervisor. That year he also entered into a business partnership with Cecil Dobson, running the general store “Whitehaven” and Post Office at Falls Creek. They extended their business by adding accommodation turning Whitehaven into one of the best commercial lodges at Falls Creek. Ory and Cecil dissolved their business partnership in 1963 and Ory went on to build a new lodge called “Snowhaven” at the site of the present day Frueauf Village, Falls Creek. The trail known as Ory's Trail is also named in his honour. Ory retired to Tawonga, Victoria in 1992 and passed away in 1999.This image is significant because it portrays a pioneer of Falls Creek.A4 size black and white photograph of Ory Frueauf standing at the bar at Snowhaven Lodge with Vovka-Finlandia VodkaOn back of photograph: Orest Freauf 1925-1997. 1925 - Born in Kharkov, Russia, 1951 Tasmania Hydro Electric Co; 1954 Howman's Gap, Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme; 1955 Falls Creek Trading and Transport Co; 1957 Winterhaven Ski Lodge; 1963 Snowhaven Ski Lodge; 1992 Tawonga Southory freauf, hydro electric, tourism victoria, winterhaven ski lodge, snowhaven ski lodge, snow, orest frueauf