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

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

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

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>"

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 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

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 program is for the 46th annual show in 1939.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 grey book with red stripes on the cover. In black print is " 46th Annual Show 1939 Saturday 11th March".orbost-agricultural-show events

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

Cream card ticket with green printed text. Member's ticket for horticultural show.Text: ' Linton Horticultural Society / President, Dr. J.B. DONALDSON / Member's Ticket ' FOR AUTUMN SHOW, 1916.linton horticultural society, dr. j.b. donaldson, w. todd

Sign for show floors and auction room.Show Floors & Auction Room.sign

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

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

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

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

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

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 service was held on January 28, 1936 at the Mechanics' Institute, Orbost. Born in 1865, George V was the second eldest son of Edward VII and Alexandra 1865. He first visited Australia with his elder brother Prince Albert as midshipmen aboard the HMS Bacchante in 1880. He was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 until his death in 1936. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. On 2 December 1994, the Shire was abolished, and merged with City and Shire of Bairnsdale, Shire of Tambo, most of the Shire of Omeo and the Boole Boole Peninsula from Shire of Rosedale into the Shire of East Gippsland.This item reflects the significance of monarchy for Australia and the constitutional history of Australia.The item reflects the interest in the royal family to Australians at this time as well as the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family..A folding single sheet, white paper program with a dark purple print. It is a program for the Orbost Shire Council memorial service for the death of King George V. On the front is "Shire of Orbost Memorial Service for his late Majesty King George V". Details of the time and venue are below. This print is inside a rectangular border. On the back of the program are the words of the national anthem, Kipling's "Recessional" and a prayer. Inside is the order of the service.royalty george-v-death-memorial orbost-shire-council

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

These drinking glasses were produced as souvenirs celebrating the 75th anniversary of Orbost High School. Two designs were produced for the occasion.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. These souvenir glasses are representative of its history.Two drinking glasses - clear with a gold rim around top The Orbost High School badge is printed on one side and the school motto on the opposite. A stylised print of the school front entrance is on another side, printed in blue.Orbost High School - Act Labores Iucundi 1912-1987orbost-high-school souvenir

Sheep judging at the Science Sheep Show - Sydney 1961Science Sheep Show, Sydney 1961.corriedale sheep sheep breeding, australian corriedale association, pettitt, mr r. w., corriedale sheep, sheep breeding

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 some of the Orbost Shire councillors standing outside their council chambers. This photograph was taken before 1969 outside the previous council offices in Orbost. The current building was opened on Friday 28th February 1969 by the Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Sir Henry E. Bolte, K.C.M.G., M.P. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. Local governments play an important role in the lives of citizens in Australia. Local government authorities exist to provide services and amenities to local communities, and are also responsible for regulating and providing services for land and property in their district. This item is representative of a time when Orbost had its own Shire Council. A black / white photograph of a group of men standing in front of an open door of a brick building. On the left of the building is a Shire of Orbost notice board and on the right wall is a notice of the office opening hours - 10AM - 12 NOON 2PM - 4PMorbost-shire-council local government

In 1884 J.A. Petterson built the first Orbost Club Hotel with the licence in the name of Thomas Maguire (his stepson). This hotel was the first in the area and cost 1,400 pounds to build (ref. In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall) and was actually built before Orbost was proclaimed a township - April 17 1885. T.a. Marshall was the proprietor about the time the photograph was taken. This is the bottom pub in Orbost known as the Club Hotel.The Orbost Club Hotel was the first hotel built in the Orbost district and was an important hub for the township with many whole town meetings held there.A black / white photograph on a brown buff card with embossed decorations. It is of the Orbost Club Hotel, a large two-storeyed building with verandahs on both levels. In the foreground are two motor vehicles and a group of men dressed in suits, hats and overcoats facing the camera.on back - "Mrs Mustard"orbost-club-hotel

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

Tomlinson & Gall were general grocers and provision merchants in Nicholson Street, Orbost. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is an example of book-keeping for a business in Orbost in the early 20th century. It is a useful research tool.A white paper account with black print and red lines. It is a hand-written account to R.P. Cameron from Tomlinson & Gall, general grocers and provision merchants in Orbost.account book-keeping cameron-r.p. tomlinson-gall

This is the sixth 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 sixth issue of the Orbost High School's annual magazine is a useful reference tool.A grey covered magazine of 28 pp. The front cover has dark blue text The Magazine of the Orbost High School Croajingolong 1953 Vol.1 No. 6on front cover - M Gilbert handwritten in blue inkcroajingolong orbost-high-school

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

E. Swan (of Bairnsdale) purchased the Orbost Tank Factory from Mr E. F. Reynolds. Swan was a tinsmith, coppersmith, plumber, zinc and iron worker who specialised in repairing tanks. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is an example of the book-keeping of an Orbost business in the early 20th century and is a useful research tool.A very stained shite paper account with black print and red lines from E. Swan, Orbost Tank Factory, to R. Cameron.swan-e. cameron-robert-pullar