George Temple, born in Yorkshire on 26/2/1832 was one of the earliest Orbost storekeepers. Temple's Store was on the corner of Ruskin and Nicholson Streets opposite the post office. He packed stores to the Bendoc area goldfields. The store building eventually became part of Herbert's store when he died in 1917.George Temple was one of Orbost's earliest storekeepers.A large piece of hessian - probably an opened bag which was used for sending goods. The material is pinned around cardboard. It has black lettering stencilled on it."1850 G. Temple Orbost via Cunninghame carpenter"temple-george

DESCRIPTIONA black / white photograph on a grey buff cardboard frame. It is of a group of students standing outside the Orbost State School building. One child holds a sign reading "Form F". There is a photographer's label at the bottom.SIZEH-199mm W-028mmOBJECT REGISTRATION890KEYWORDSeducation-orbost orbost-state-schoolHISTORICAL INFORMATIONThe 19th of March 1886 proved an important day in the lives of many early settlers in the Orbost area, because on this day the Orbost State School opened. The fact that the school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the local inhabitants as they saw their offspring commence their education under the guidance of HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, 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 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. When fire destroyed the school in 1941 local halls were used as classrooms until a new school was built. Work was quite rapid and a new brick structure was opened by the Hon. A. E. Lind, MLA, on 13th of February 1942. This new building was a fine type of school of which both the pupils and the HT Leslie Collins were indeed proud. 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. In 1965 two LTCs were opened in November, and in October 1968 the Brodribb School building was moved to SS2744 Orbost for use as a general purpose room. ( Info. from Schools East Gippsland)This item is associated with the history of education in Orbost.A black / white photograph of a large group of children standing outside a school building - " Orbost State School No. 2744". The younger students are standing in the front. High School students are at the back.on back - "Mr C. Connor S.M. Mr Tipper H.M. State & H.E.s. about 1922"education-orbost orbost-state-school orbost-higher-elementary-school

This is a photograph of Bruce Evans, Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, signing the visitors' book at the Orbost High School Golden Jubilee in 1962. In 2012, Orbost Secondary College and the wider community celebrated 100 years of secondary education in Orbost. With earlier levels of schooling available at the Orbost State School or nearby schools of Newmerella and Jarrahmond School, it was not until April 1912, and after much campaigning from parents and other notable community members, that the Orbost Higher Elementary School was opened. Mr Richard Trembath was appointed the new Head teacher of Orbost Higher Elementary School and was assisted by Miss Olga Hirst. The senior class consisted of 26 pupils, and the junior class, 16 pupils. A limited curriculum was available which included lessons in Latin, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Geography, History, Drawing and advanced English. (inf0. from O.S.C. website)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 a man in a suit signing a book.on back - hand-written -" Orbost H. S. Golden Jubilee 1962. Bruce Evans M.L.A. signing Visitors' Book>"

The official opening of the Obost Theatre was held on 20th August, 1931, opened by Hon. T. Paterson M.H.R. Thomas Paterson was Minister for Markets and Migration from June 1926 to January 1928. He was elected as the Country Party Member for Gippsland in 1922 and held the seat until he retired in 1943. In January 1928 his portfolio was changed to Minister for Markets and in December of that year it was again changed to Minister for Markets and Transport. Nance Gilbert was the sister of Mary Gilbert, Orbost teacher and historian. Nance Jenning was a professional golfer, daughter of Jonathon Gilbert and Annie Cameron.This item is reflective of local community events in the first half of the 20th century.A white, rectangular paper program with blak ink. It is for the official opening of the "Orbost Theatre".On front - "Nance Gilbert - Aged 6 years"orbost-theatre-program paterson-thomas

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

This photograph is of a train on the small rail bridge which crosses over the Burn Road Newmerella cutting. In 1912 work was underway to complete the Bairnsdale to Orbost section of the railway. This meant the end of river transport for the area. The railway was opened on April 10 1916 and closed in 1987. The letter written on the card is from Hilda Graham to her uncle.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 postcard photograph showing a train engine crossing on a small rail bridge. On the back is a handwritten letter.Photo caption - "NEWMERELLA RAILWAY, ORBOST STANLEY VOGT"newmerella east-gippsland-railway

This photograph shows Mr Alex McDonald, the head of the Education Department, opening the new extensions at the 1962 Golden Jubilee of the Orbost High School.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 historyA black / white photograph of a man standing behind a lectern on a stage delivering a speech. There are other seated behind him.on back - " Mr Alex McDonald, head of Education Depet. Orbost H.S. Jubilee, 1962"

This is a series of photographs of the demolition of the 1922 bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost. This bridge over the Snowy River was opened on July 4 1922. It was constructed in 1922 alongside the previous suspension bridge. Its building was a combined effort of the Victorian Railways and the Country Roads Board at a cost of 35,000 pounds. It was replaced in 1976 by the present bridge after several major floods.This bridge was replaced in 1976 after several major floods. These photographs record the demolition of that bridge.Ten black / white photographs of a road bridge demolition. In the photographs are cranes, one on a barge, and workmenon back - Orbost Snowy River Bridge demolition 1977

Orbost has been subject to major floods throughout its history, such as those which left the town isolated in 1934, 1952, 1971 and 1978. It is recorded that the Snowy River broke its banks and flooded the flats 104 times between 1884 and 1978. Extensive flooding in Eastern Victoria during June 1978, caused widespread damage to roads, road closures and hazards to traffic, particularly over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend.Since 1890 the Snowy River Mail has been the local newspaper of the Orbost district.This local paper has been the means by which readers in Orbost were able to learn about newsworthy events and issues in their local community for over a century. This paper is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost's history of flooding.A newspaper, Snowy River Mail, which contains black / white photographs of the 1978 floods in Orbost.orbost-floods-1978

This photograph shows the Orbost Shire Council in 1907. In the back row are : A. Hillyard; John Draffin (sec.); David Jonson; Archie Rodwell; Hugh Cameron; Geotge Nixon; J. Hassett; Percy Watt; Wm Anderson (engineer); Wm Ross (S.R. Mail) Seated in front on chairs are : Sam Lynn; R. Pearse; John Johnston; Henry Luke (pres.); Donald Munro; Bill Cumming; Charles Grove 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 is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. 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. A large black / white photograph of a group of men in two rows - front row seated; back row standing. The photograph has been taken outdoors with trees in the background and to the right a wooden building and tank. There is a copy.on front - "Orbost Shire Council - 1907" on back - "March, 1907, Shire Council"orbost-shire-council-1907 local-government

Used at Orbost Railway Station, possibly by the Station Master, between 1944 and 1984. 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.Book with a red cover. On the front cover VICTORIAN RAILWAYS Audit Inspectors Remarks Book, Orbost. Inside are numbered and lined pages with hand written information dating from 28/3/1944-13/8/1984, dated and signed by various station masters. Cover has a section missing from the bottom left.VICTORIAN RAILWAYS Audit Inspectors Remarks Book, Orbost.railway-history orbost-bairnsdale-railway

On 24 January 1991 a severe hailstorm occurred in Orbost. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1991 damage at $12 million. This newspaper records contemporary accounts of significant local events.A Snowy River Mail newspaper, dated 30.1.1991. the main article relates to the severe hail storm in Orbost on January 24, 1991. The newspaper contains news articles, photographs and advertisements.hail-storm-orbost-1991 snowy river mail

The Orbost Fire brigade was formed in 1919. With the help of some large donated funds a fire station was built in 1920. the foundation leader of ther Brigade was Captain George Hudson with Mr Jack Healey as secretary. A street procession was held on Saturday November 12 as part of the celebrations.This item is associated with the Orbost Fire Brigade an integral part of community support in Orbost. The article is a useful research tool.A copy of a newspaper article from the Snowy River Mail. It is the history of the Orbost Fire Brigade which was celebrating 75 years of service.orbost-fire-brigade

All of these photographs were taken prior to 25th November, 1876, the official opening and crossing of the current Snowy River Bridge. Gary Downey, an Orbost Apeian, did a "De Groot" and crossed the bridge on horseback prior to the official cars crossing the bridge to signal the opening of the new structure. There was a closing ceremony for the old bridge with a group arriving in a 1927 Chrysler, owned by Apexian, Peter Dreverman. This was watched by groups of school students. Some of the Apex members, including Jim Duggan, Noel Smart and Pat Hall, dressed in formal attire to speak to the audience.This event was organised by the Apex Club of Orbost.The Apex Club of Orbost was a volunteer service club which contributed to the Orbost community. A declining population has led to the demise of many social groups in the area.Ten black / white photographs related to the unofficial opening of the Snowy River Bridge at Orbost. snowy-river-bridge-1976 apex-club-orbost ceremony

This certificate for the Orbost Secondary College Centenary Celebrations on Saturday 28th April and Sunday 29th April 2012. Connie Tomlinson was the daughter of Tomlinson, John (Mr) who worked in Temple's then Herbert's store, then his own business - very keen worker for starting Orbost Hospital. Father was also seecretary of Loyal Orbost Lodge for 21 years.Miss Tomlinson owned Connort (now Moogji building) and worked as a secretary at the Orbost Shire Council.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 certificate is representative of its history.A laminated copy of Orbost Higher Elementary School 1920 Pass Certificate. It was awarded to Constance Tomlinson for History Drawing Geography and is signed by A.A. Tipping (headmaster)On back : Produced by John Phillips for the Orbost Secondary College Centenary Celebrations on Saturday 28th April and Sunday 29th April 2012certificate education orbost tomlinson-connie

This is the thirtieth 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. 2225.1 belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school. 2225.2 belonged to Brenda Murray, a former mayor of East Gippsland Shire and prominent Orbost resident.This magazine is a useful reference tool.Two copies of the magazine, Croajingolong 1977. 2225.1 has a torquoise cover and 2225.2 has a mid blue cover. Both have a large graphic design on the front cover of CROAJINGOLONG 1977 created in stone with 5 workers chizeling and polishing the structure. There are heavy clouds above. Contents are type-written.2225.2 has Brenda Murray handwritten in pen on the front cover as well as the stamp of the Orbost Historical Society.croajingolong orbost-high-school

This is a photograph of Alan, Keith, Preston and Jim 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.) 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.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, This item is also 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 black / white photograph of three boys and a baby in a carved out pumpkin with a flag at each end and "HMAS ORBOST" carved in the front.warren-helena pumpkins nixon

These books were used by the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Orbost Municipal Band.The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. One blue-covered folder containing inward correspondence. Three exercise books ( one blue and two red) and one red covered ledger book which contain minute of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Orbost Municipal Band.orbost-municipal-band correspondence documents

This is the fifth issue of the Orbost High School annual magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This fifth issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine is a useful reference tool.A grey covered magazine of 32 pp. On the front cover is the text Orbost High school Croajingolong 1952 Dec. 1952 Vol.1 No.5croajingolong orbost-high-school

This is a photograph of the bridge from the Orbost side. The first pile bridge over the Snowy River was just completed by Mr Jim Granter when the 1891 flood took out the centre,. There were differences of opinion as to whether the council should pay . The Shire Secretary, Mr John Draffin, persuaded them to honour their obligations. Mr Granter and Mr Clarke finished it as a suspension bridge which was opened by Mrs William Watt. Soon after a mob of cattle stampeded, the weight snapped the cable, letting one side sag. Mr R.P. Cameron repaired it and this bridge remained until 1922. "In 1890 the contract for a bridge was let to Mr James Granter for £1450. This structure with additions and improvements made to it was to cost the ratepayers about £2,500, and its erection was proceeded with in a very satisfactory manner until, just as the greater-part of the work had been completed, the flood of 1891 came down on it, piling up mountains of logs, timber and debris against the piers, which had not been made wide enough apart to allow for. contingencies of this kind. The structure held out bravely until the turn of the flood and then gave way with a crash, about five bays from the centre disappearing in the stream." ( Snowy River Mail August 12 1893) This item is a pictorial record of one of the first bridges across the Snowy River in Orbost.A black / white photograph of the old wooden suspension bridge over the Snowy River. There are two copies 919.1 and 919.2. There are two other photos showing the whole bridge taken from further back.on back - "Orbost Bridge...."snowy-river-bridge-orbost granter-james

The three men in this photograph, one of a set of six), are all from the Donchi family who have been involved in sleeper - cutting since the 1890s. From left to right they are Brian, Ken and Alan Donchi. The photograph was taken for an article in the Victorian Railways Magazine in 1975, a pamphlet produced for Victorian Railways. It contains photographs and an article about Orbost as "Timber Country" and a detailed article titled, " Cutting Sleepers is a Family Business" which tells about the Donchi family.This photograph is associated with the timber and sleeper-cutting industry in the Orbost Region. Timber sleepers were superceded by concrete sleepers in c. 1970s. Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years..The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.A black / white photograph of three members of the Donchi family working at sleeper - cuttingin a timber coupe in Orbost.on back - Pr 8764timber-industry-orbost sleeper - cutting donchi-family-orbost

The 19th of March 1886 proved an important day in the lives of many early settlers in the Orbost area, because on this day the Orbost State School opened. The fact that the school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the local inhabitants as they saw their offspring commence their education under the guidance of HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, 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 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. When fire destroyed the school in 1941 local halls were used as classrooms until a new school was built. Work was quite rapid and a new brick structure was opened by the Hon. A. E. Lind, MLA, on 13th of February 1942. This new building was a fine type of school of which both the pupils and the HT Leslie Collins were indeed proud. 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. In 1965 two LTCs were opened in November, and in October 1968 the Brodribb School building was moved to SS2744 Orbost for use as a general purpose room. (info. Schools east Gippsland) This item is associated with the history of education in Orbost.A black / white photograph on a grey buff cardboard frame. It is of students outside the Orbost State School. A child in the centre bottom row is holding a sign reading " Grades 5 & 6".on back - "Mary Gilbert"education-orbost orbost-state-school

The Committee of Management held monthly meetings and "the members were conscientious in their attendance". 1938/1939 were busy years for the Orbost Hospital as there was a serious outbreak of poliomyelitis and some cases had to be sent on to Sale. There was also pressure from Dr Nettleton to begin a garbage collection in the town to clean up the town As the polio epidemic abated, diptheria took over and Dr Nettleton urged the shire to fund a further free immunisation campaign. In February, 1939t here were major bush fires in the district and the fire came within 300 yards of the Orbost Hospital. (info. from Orbost Hospital History, Personalities and Stories by Margaret Hollands)The Orbost Hospital was completed by the end of October 1929 after more than twenty years of agitation and preparation. Orbost is an isolated town and the importance of the medical service in the community is immense. This report is a reminder of its early history.A small book - 9th annual report of the Management Committee of Orbost & District Hospital, incorporated 1930. In black print inside rectangular border is title plus "For the Year Ended 30th June, 1939."orbost-hospital report-orbost-hospital-committee-of-management

This photograph shows Ina Warren with Jack warren, Linda Warren and Cora Lynn. 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 woman with three small children sitting in a pumpkin on water . There are small flags (Australian and British) at each end. On the pumpkin is "HMAS ORBOST".pumpkins-orbost warren-helena-photographer

These photographs are of the 1922 road bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost. This bridge over the Snowy River was opened on July 4 1922. It was constructed in 1922 alongside the previous suspension bridge. Its building was a combined effort of the Victorian Railways and the Country Roads Board at a cost of 35,000 pounds. It was replaced in 1976 by the present bridge after several major floods.This bridge was replaced in 1976 after several major floods. These photographs are pictorial records of the 1922 brige.Two small black / white photographs of a road bridge across a river. 3248.1 is a close-up of wooden pylons.on label on back - "Snowy River Bridge at Orbost 1922 Bridge"bridge-orbost snowy-river-bridge

This photograph shows Peter Nixon, Minister For The Interior officially opening the Orbost Historical Society Museum on December 1st, 1967. The first Orbost Museum was opened in 1967. It was situated in Nicholson Street, Orbost. Peter Nixon grew up on the family farm on the Snowy River. He entered Federal Parliament in 1961 as the Member for Gippsland, holding various portfolios before retiring in 1983.Peter Nixon grew up on the family farm on the Snowy River. He entered Federal Parliament in 1961 as the Member for Gippsland, holding various portfolios before retiring in 1983. The Nixon family has been in the Orbost district since 1885.A large black / white photograph of a man in a suit with one hand in his pocket Standing behind him are two men and a woman. The photograph has been taken inside the museum. The photograph is mounted on a white buff card and is in a white wooden frame. on front below the photograph - " Opening of the Orbost Historical Society Museum by Mr Peter Nixon M.H.R., Minister of the Interior 1st December 1967"museum-orbost-opening nixon-peter

This was published by Years 9/10 Information Technology Class at Orbost Secondary College with information provided by Mrs Lottie Johnston.A copy of a small publication of 86pp. It has a plastic cover and is titled Honour Roll. It contains the names of those from Orbost and surrounding districts who have represented Australia in battle overseas and on the homefront.military orbost-history honour-roll

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). William Archer was the proprietor at the time of the photograph. The coach driver was Sam Dyer and the coach is leaving for the goldfields at Combienbar. 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 faded black / white photograph (with two copies) with a horse-drawn carriage loaded with men and the Orbost Club Hotel behind them. The photo is on a grey buff card.on back - " H. Adams. Driven by Sam Dyer - Leaving for the Combienbar Goldfields"orbost-club-hotel combienbar-goldfields

This photograph shows George Temple's store which began operating C1888 opposite the post office in the main street of Orbost. The store stocked other stores at Bendoc supplying the gold fields. The men with their pack horses are on their way to the survey camp. George Temple, born in Yorkshire on 26/2/1832 was one of the earliest Orbost storekeepers. Temple's Store was on the corner of Ruskin and Nicholson Streets opposite the post office. He packed stores to the Bendoc area goldfields. The store building eventually became part of Herbert's store when he died in 1917.This item is associated with the very early history of Orbost. George and Mary Temple were early shopkeepers who operated a store opposite the Post Office for many years. Their daughters were very talented women.A faded black / white photograph of men with pack horses standing outside George Temple's store, The Orbost Equitable, in the main street. It is on a cream coloured buff card.temple-george-orbost gold-fields-bendoc

This reference is part of the Lawless Collection. The Lawless family lived in Orbost from 1907 - c 1920. John Francis Lawless had a saddlery shop. He died at an early age - 47 years - June 7 1912, leaving his wife, Elizabeth and seven children. The eldest son, Victor Rowland lawless volunteered for serv ice in WW1 but did not leave Australia because of illness. The second son, Edward Vincent Lawless (b 1895 d 1917) worked for McCoy & Co. in Orbost, coachbuilding, undertakers, general blacksmiths and farriers, prior to enlisting in WW1. He was trained as a signaller and was sent to France where he was killed in action on 9.10.1917. Elizabeth Lawless worked as a ladies' nurse (midwife) in Orbost prior to leaving the district in 1920. She lived to 6.6.1975 aged 104 years.These personal documents, photographs and books give an insight into the human element of World War 1 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and died while playing a vital role during this time are remembered.A photocopy of a reference given to Edward Lawless when he enlisted for service in WW1.It is signed by J.Y. McCoy his employer.Signed by J. Y. McCoy General Blacksmiths Wolseley Street Orbost June 20 1916lawless-family reference ww1 mccoy-blacksmith