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

The Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) was opened on March 28, 1987. It was officially opened by Dr D. Caughey, the governor of Victoria. The Orbost Visitor Information Centre is situated in Forest Park on Nicholson Street. The centre is housed in the historic Slab Hut. The hut was an original family dwelling built in 1872, on a site approximately three kilometres upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers. The Hut was removed from its original site around 1970, and stored until 1984 when the Shire Council approved the current site. It was restored and brought to life as a Tourist Information Centre in 1987.The Slab Hut is an icon of Orbost. These newspaper articles are contemporary records of the opening of this building.A selection of articles from The News and the Snowy River Mail. All relate to the opening of the Slab Hut, the Orbost Visitor Information Centre. They are photographs, information and the history of the Slab Hut.slab-hut-orbost newspaper-snowy-river-mail

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. from 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 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.on back - "Alen Roach" on front - "1919" education-orbost orbost-state-school

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. The closure of this railway was a controversial issue at the time with many public protests in the district. These articles are contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost history.Three articles relating to the closure of the Bairnsdale - Orbost Railway in 1987. They are from the Snowy River Mail and The News. They contain photographs, news articles and the history of the line and its closure. orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway snowy-river-mail

The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This is the thirty-second edition of the annual magazine of Orbost High School. The magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school. This 32nd issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine is a useful reference tool.A white 62 pp light card covered magazine. On the front cover in the middle is the title in green print. Around it are photographs of men and women - staff of Orbost High School.orbost-high-school magazine croajingalong

This issue was produced to consolidate information gathered on the inaugural Historical Bus Trip organised by the Orbost Historical Society on Saturday 28th May, 2005. It developed from a four page flyer produced for the bus trip. Additional information collected on the day was collated and added to create this magazine/book. John Phillips did the original research.This is a locally created book on the history of the Orbost district and is a useful research tool.A 15 pp white covered book which is spiral bound. It has a plastic cover and is titled in black text : THE CURLIP ISSUE N0 : 4 Historical Information Bete Bolong, Newmerella, Corringle and Lochend.On front cover: SLAB HUT COPY in red inkorbost-history bete-bolong corringle newmerella lochend

This program was made for the Orbost Apex Club to be used on the "change over night" of August 6th 1971. Apex Clubs were begun in March 1931 when three young architects, looking to make a contribution to their local community of Geelong Victoria, decided to create Apex. Apex is a volunteer community service organisation whose members work in local clubs across urban, regional and rural Australia to raise awareness about social justice issues, assist the needy in a practical way and contribute resources to worthwhile causes. (ref Apex website)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.A white triple fold cardboard program. It has blue print on the white background.APEX CLUB OF ORBOST 13th Change Over Nightprogram apex service-club

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.Drossou lemonade bottle. Large bottle tinted light blue.Front - D. Drossou, Orbost Bottom G938, 647drossou bottle glass lemonade-bottle

This notebook was owned by Penuel Richardson (nee Gilbert). Entries were made by the treasurer of the Orbost High School Sports Club, P. Gluth.This item is a contemporary record for a community organisation. The group no longer exists. 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. The Gluth family was a prominent family of Marlo/Orbost in its early history.A small red covered stapled notebook used to record expenses of the Orbost High School Sports Club. Entries are hand-written. A small window has bee cut into the ront cover to reveal "P Gluth Tres."inside back cover hand-written in pen -"Pen Richardson".orbost-high-school-sports-club

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 manufactured by a local industry which no longer exists.A clear glass bottle which has a broken top. The bottle is seamed.Base - AGM F516 Front (written sideways) - A DROSSOU ORBOST Bottom (written around whole bottle) This bottle is the property of A Drossou Orbost M bottle drossou container soft-drink

This is the eighteenth 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". 2213.1 belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school. 2213.2 belonged to Brenda Murray, a former mayor of East Gippsland Shire and a prominent Orbost resident. This magazine is a useful reference tool.Three copies of a white covered magazine with black print : Croajingolong Vol.1 No. 18 1965. On the left side is the Orbost High School badge, a sheaf of corn inside a double oval which contains the school motto, " acti labores iucundi".on front cover of 2213.2 - Brenda Murray handwritten in pen.

This photograph shows the main street of Orbost and in particular, the Orbost Post Office. The wagon in the photograph is on its way to Cann River.This photograph is a pictorial record of the township of Orbost in the early 20th century,A black / white photograph with a cart drawn by three horses. Standing in the street are three young girls and a man. There is a motor car, roof down, on the right hand side. There are two dogs in the photograph whic has been taken outside the post office in the main street of Orbost. There is a hand-drawn cross on the roof of the building adjacent the post office. Buildings are wooden.on back - "X indicates bank, caravan and ? horses is coach bound for Cann River, meeting place"transport-orbost post-office-orbost

Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905, the daughter of John and Annie (nee Cameron) Gilbert. She had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. She died in 1989 aged 84. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community. Mary Gilbert was not only the founder of the Orbost Historical Society and Museum but was a teacher at bhe Orbost High School for many years. She contributed much to the community as she was involved in so many aspects of it. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.A black / white photograph of an elderly women accepting an award from a young womanl. Below the photograph is a medal and inscription on a light blue buff card. This is all inside a light blue wooden frame with gold edging.on front - "British Empire Medal, Miss M. Gilbert for Services to Orbost High School and Education in Greneral"gilbert-mary-orbost

This catalogue is for the 39th Annual Orbost Show held in 1931. Admission was 2/- for adults and 6d for children under 14. 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 thin side stapled paper catalogue for the 39th Orbost Annual Show. It has a red cover and black print"Catalogue of 39th Annual Show Saturday 14th March 1931". It contains details of entry requirements. There are also advertisements for local businesses. 755.1 is a complete stapled photcopy.orbost-agricultural-society orbost-events

These photographs were taken in the main street of Orbost looking south along Nicholson Street. Nicholson Street was remade in 1984 with new kerb alignments, the introduction of red brick paving and the planting of oak trees. This has since been changed.These photographs are pictorial records of construction in the main street of Orbost.Two black / white photographs of roadworks. 3278.1 is of two tip trucks on a newly sealed road. The commonwealth Bank is on the left and in the background is a sign to "COIN LAUNDRY'. 3278.2 is of three men at the edge of the road, backs to the camera.3278.1 - on back - "Resealing of Nicholson Street, Orbost, 1984" 3278.2 - on back - "Peter Dreverman in middle"orbost-nicholson-street construction-nicholson-street roadworks streetscape

This is the nineteenth 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". 2214.1 belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school. 2214.2 belonged to Brenda Murray, a former mayor of the East Gippsland Shire and a prominent Orbost citizen. 2214.3 belonged to Deborah Buckland. This magazine is a useful reference tool.Three copies of white covered magazine with dark blue print : Croajingolong Vol.1 No. 19 1966. On the left hand side is the Orbost High School crest of a sheaf of corn inside a double oval containing the school motto, " acti labores iucundi".2214.2 - on front cover in pen - Brenda Murray 2214.3 - many autographs, names written on front and back coverscroajingolong orbost-high-school

The certificate was produced by John Phillips for the Orbost Secondary College Centenary Celebrations on Saturday 28th April and Sunday 29th April 2012. The original certificate was in the possession of Lindsay Thomson. Lindsay Thomson lives in Orbost and is a current member of the Orbost & District Historical Society.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 a merit certificate awarded to Lindsay Thomson on 30.11.45 Form 11 High School Orbost. It is signed by the J.R. Jones (head teacher) and F. Whelpston (Inspector of Schools). The original was issued by the Education Department, Victoria 443252On back : Produced by John Phillips for the Orbost Secondary College Centenary Celebrations on Saturday 28th April and Sunday 29th April 2012.education orbost-high-school certificate

The occurrence of 10 sets of twins at Orbost Primary School at one time was obviously a remarkable occurrence and has resulted in this special photograph being taken of the children. A remarkable photograph of a 'baby boom' at Orbost Primary SchoolB/W photograph of a total of 20 young children, some standing, some seated, wearing school uniforms. On back of photograph are the names of the children (see Media image 2686.1). Snowy River Mail Wednesday 18 September 1968. Twenty twins at Orbost State School. .............................orbost, orbost primary school, 10 sets of twins

Published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910 In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business.The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers. They also produce the Bairnsdale Advertiser, the East Gippsland News and the Lakes Post and the yearly publications East Gippsland Visitor Guide and the Great Alpine Road Touring Guide. This newspaper is still being produced today. Local newspapers play a vital role in communities as they are central to communication networks in regional areas of Australia. They are a valuable source of local news, act as a forum for debate and often set the agenda for local discussion. This item is a useful research tool as it reflects contemporary views.This newspaper is a first issue of 4 pp. It is titled "Snowy River Mail & Tambo and Croajingolong Gazette Orbost Saturday August 9 1890".snowy-mail-newspaper first-issue

These photographs were probably taken in the late 1940s - mid 1950s. 3275.1 was taken at the roundabout in Nicholson Street / Salisbury Street intersection looking south. On the right is the The Commonwealth Hotel and the Gippsland Northern Store can be seen on the right. The war memorial can be seen in the centre of the intersection. 3275.2 has been taken from a height (possibly from behind the hardware store) overlooking Orbost House in McLeod Street. The butter factory can be seen in the background. Back yard toilets and paling fences can be seen with a narrow lane for the sanitary truck. Mrs Ruth Hannah Macalister, 1861-1932, established “Orbost House” as a boarding house in about 1900. Following her demise “Orbost House” was taken over by her son, “Reg” and his wife and they continued the Macalister family‟s association until the accommodation house was purchased by “Slim” and Eileen Somerville and Lindsay and Joan Jensen, in partnership, in 1963. (info. from Marilyn Morgan)These photographs are detailed pictorial records of Orbost in the mid 20th century. They show the objects in their spatial context with detail.Two coloured photographs. 3275.1 is a streetscape with a large hotel on the right, a main shopping area in the background and a wooden fence on the left. 3275,2 is overlooking backyards and fences. In the middle is an extensive red roof with "ORBOST HOUSE" in white print.on back - 1948-1954orbost-1950s orbost-house commonwealth-hotel

This is the third 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". It belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This item is a useful reference tool.A 39 pp grey paper back magazine with the Orbost High School badge in black and gold on the front cover, a sheaf of corn inside a double oval. inside which is the school motto, " acti labores iundi".on front cover - "M. Gilbert 1950" in red peneducation magazine-croajingolong-1950 orbost-high-school

This item is an early souvenir of the local district.Small white plate with black rim. Black and white illustration of the bridge over the Snowy River at Orbost.Back - Made in Orbost. Front - The Bridge Over The Snowy River At Orbost, Vic.plate souvenir snowy-river orbost

This is the thirty-first 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 belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This magazine is a useful reference tool.A magazine with a bright yellow cover. On the cover is the school crest of a sheaf of corn inside a double oval containing Orbost High School and the school motto, :"acti labores iucundi". The title Croajingolong is underneath in an arc shape.croajingolong orbost-high-school

This program was for an event to celebrate the golden anniversary 950 years) of the official opening of Orbost's Commonwealth Hotel. It was organised by Chas and Una Roberts (nee Marshall) and was a fund-raiser for O.C.C.A. (Orbost Continuing Care}). This group was initiated by Brenda Murray who was the founding chairperson of the Orbost Continuing Care Appeal, which raised money to build an aged persons' facility for Orbost. The evening was compered by Graeme Eddy. The performers included: Victoria Strait, Leslie Strait, Norma Williams, Pauline Strait, Hoard Oberg and Wayne Stuart. All were accomplished musicians from New South Wales. The event took place at 6pm on Saturday September 2 1978.This item is associated with the Commonwealth Hotel which has been operating in Orbost since January 1901.A white paper program with black print.It is one sheet folded.On the back is a picture of the Commonwealth Hotel, Orbost with a brief history of its establishment underneath the photograph. On the front side is the title, "an evening of baroque music and a golden invitation to dinner". There is a stylised drawing of a saxophoene, drum and cello. Inside are details of the program and menu with notes on some of the performers.on front - "MUSEUM".commonwealth-hotel music-concert event-orbost

This is a photograph of students of Orbost State School. Mary Gilbert has identified the girl holding the sign as Pen Gilbert. 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.This photograph is associate with the history of education i n Orbost.a black / white photograph mounted on brown card. It is of a group of school children in front of an open doorwaay of a timber building. A female teacher is seated on a chair among them. A girl in the front is holding a board with what appears to be handwritten in white chalk on a blackboard -"Grades 111 & 1V Orbost".at bottom - "X PEN GILBERT"education-orbost-state-school

The Christy Minstrels were originally formed in New York by Edwin Pearce Christy in 1843. Special sheet music was published for Minstrel Groups to perform and Australian versions of the troupe were very popular. Archibald Munro was an early Orbost bootmaker, became a post master until the telegraph line came and was an original member of the Orbost Brass Band.In the United States these early minstrel groups were successors to individual minstrel performers who imitated Negro singing and dancing. Minstrel shows developed in the 1840’s, peaked after the Civil War and remained popular into the early 1900s. Minstrel groups in Australia followed the custom of blackening their faces. Minstrelsy was a product of its time.A note book with three papers which are copies of letters. It has a brown cover with marbled edges.. It contains the minutes of the Orbost Christy Minstrels Troupe. The letters are hand-written in black ink and signed by Archibald Munro. .1 is the book .2 notes on the preeiminary meeting .3 letter to Mr Grahamentertainment christy-minstrels munro-archibald music

This magazine was produced as a program for the 75th Annual Show at Newmerella Recreation Reserve. 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 HallThis 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 small thin 40 pp paper booklet with a buff coloured cover. On the cover is the title, "75th Annual Show in black print. It is inside a black border with "Orbost Agricultural Show" at the top. There is the date of the event, details of the committee members and costs of admission beneath the title.orbost-annual-show

The certificate was produced by John Phillips for the Orbost Secondary College Centenary Celebrations on Saturday 28th April and Sunday 29th April 2012. James Brownlee CAMERON lived in Orbost- 1920-2001. He married Joan Findlay Hossack.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 an Orbost Higher Elementary School Certificate issued to James Cameron for : Honours Algebra Geometry Pass English History French Arithmetic Science Geography Drawing It is signed by the principal and dated December 1932.On back : Produced by John Phillips for the Orbost Secondary College Centenary Celebrations on Saturday 28th April and Sunday 29th April 2012.education orbost-higher-elementary-school certificate cameron-james

This is the twenty-seventh issue of the annual magazine of Orbost High School. 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 magazine is a useful reference tool.A magazine with a pale blue cover, Croajingolong 1974. The cover has dark blue print. In the centre is a sheaf of corn inside a double oval which contains Orbost High School and the school motto, " acti labores iucundi".croajingolong orbost_high-school