This fence post is from the original Snowy River Station stock yards which were where "Merindah" stands today. It was probably owned by the Marshall family at the time of transfer to "Merindah" in 1985. It was lifted out by Geoff Stevenson with a bucket on a tractor in 1986. The post was originally twice the length. The Snowy River Station was established in 1842 by Peter Imlay. In 1845 the land was sold to Norman MCLeod who named the area Orbost. After financial difficulties in the 1870's the run was taken over by W.J.Clarke and known as Orbost Station.Peter Imlay established the first white settlement in 1842 settling on the eastern side of the Snowy River where the township of Orbost now stands. This settlement was the Snowy River Station. A corner post from a post and rail fence. It is possibly made of red box.. On one side are three rectangular sections cut out with a similar one on the other sides. The post is hollow and has metal staples in the sides for attaching wires.orbost-station mcleod fence-post

This booklet was compiled for the anniversary celebrations of the Orbost Municipal Band on November 8, 1975. It was compiled by Peter Fagg who worked as a scientist with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (now DELWP) to study dieback in eucalypts. He specialised in the silviculture of the eucalypt forest types of South-East Australia for most of his 40-year career, which started with the Forests Commission Victoria. He was in Orbost from 1968 - 1973. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah HallThe various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A 12 pp stapled booklet compiled for the anniversary celebration of the Orbost Municipal Band. It has been typed in black ink on foolscap sized white paper.orbost-municipal-band music-orbost fagg-peter

These invoice forms were to be used by Hector G. Pow's Sawmiller Company in Newmerella ( Henty's & Pow). Pow's had a mill at Cabbage Tree as well. The mill is currently owned by Mectec.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.Unused invoice forms for H.G.Pow Orbost Sawmillers. They are white paper with black print and lines. On the right hand side are two small holes for filing. The page is perforated with carbon underneath to provide two copies - one for filing and one for the customer. At the top of each page is "Telephone 201 Post Office 189 Orbost" and a line for the date. Below this is a line for the customer's name and "Dr to H.G. Pow (Orbost) Sawmiller". There are columns for item descriptions and costs.h.g.pow sawmills timber-orbost

These forms were used by Hector G. Pow's Sawmiller Company in Newmerella ( Henty's & Pow). Pow's had a mill at Cabbage Tree as well. Hec Pow and his father sold the Newmerella mill to Henry Silverberg and Les Grace. The mill is currently owned by Mectec.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.Thirty dark green hard-backed folders with black spines and silver metal fastenings, containing wages sheets for employees of POW's Sawmills P/L. All have labels with "POW's Sawmills P/L" and dates of wages sheets included. They are hand-written.

These forms were used by Henry's Timber Company in Newmerella. Hec Pow and his father sold the Newmerella mill to Henry Silverberg and Les Grace. The mill is currently owned by Mectec.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.Twenty-eight dark green hard-backed folders, with black spines and silver metal fastenings, containing wages sheets for employees of Henry's Timber Co Pty Ltd.All have labels with "Henry's Timber Co Pty Ltd" and dates of wages sheets included. They are hand-written.timber-industry-orbost henry's-timber-company

These plans were used by POW Sawmills, Newmerella, probably owned at the time by Henry's Timber Company. Hec Pow and his father sold the Newmerella mill to Henry Silverberg and Les Grace. The mill is currently owned by Mectec.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.Eight large plans for various sections of POW's at Newmerella. The plans were drawn up for Bonang Timbers and Bowman.2317.2 - on back in pen "REC 24/9/80" 2317.3 - on back in red pen "INCOMPLETE SET OF PLANS" ; sticker with "Shire of Orbost Compulsory Inspection" 2317.5 - "DODD" in red ink (John H. Dodd Pty Ltd)

East Gippsland 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 districtEight lever arch folders containing wages sheets for Bonang Timbers Waygara. Seven are black and one is red. Entries are hand-written.2318.1 - on spine - label "July 1993 - December 1993" 2318.2 - on spine - label "January 1994 - June 1994" 2318.3 - on spine - label "July 1994 - December 1994" 2318.4 - on spine - label "January 1995 - June 1995" 2318.5 - on spine - label "July 1995 - December 1995" 2318.6 - on spine - label "January 1996 - June 1996"timber-east-gippsland-waygara

This was used by Bonang Timbers at Waygara.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. Many Orbost men were employed at the Waygara mills.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 lever arch folder containing records of timber production at Waygara Mill. Cover is a dark grey mottled cardboard.timber-industry-east-gippsland bonang-timbers

This folder of documents was created by Bonang Timbers at their Waygara mill.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. Many Orbost men worked at the Waygara timber mills. 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 lever arch folder. The cover is a mottled dark grey colour. It contains copies of delivery dockets , called "Log Dockets", coming in to Bonang Timbers.on spine - label - "Log Cartage 1993"timber-industry-east-gippsland bonang-timbers

The folder has been re-used. It was used by Bonang Timbers Waygara from 9.5.1990. It was used by East Gippsland Logging Company Pty Ltd from 3.1.1996Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. Many Orbost nen worked at the Waygara mill. 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 lever arch folder covered in brown paper. It contains records of cartage of gravel.on spine in black - "Gravel Cartage" above "Logging Rates" crossed out 5/1990 - 5/1996 east-gippsland-timber-industry gravel-cartage

This ticket was for a grand ball to celebrate the second anniversary of the Loyal Orbost M.U.I.O.O.F. Lodge. It was held in the Mechanics Institute hall on Friday 20th July, 1888. The cost of a single ticket was 5/-. The secretary of the lodge was John Rowe, the first teacher of the state school in Orbost. From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref Mary Gilbert) Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF) had its origins in Manchester, England. It was established in Melbourne on 7 December 1840 when Augustus Greeves, a member of the MUIOOF in England, migrated to Australia and formed the first friendly society. In 1840 Manchester Unity IOOF was founded in Victoria. Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This was a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.A small white rectangular paper ticket with black print. It is for the Loyal Orbost Lodge M.U.I.O.O.F. Grand Ball.front - "Dancing to Commence at 8pm."public-event-orbost document-ticket m.u.i.o.o.f

This concert was held in the Mechanics' Institute on Friday, October 16th, 1891 commencing at 8pm. A dance was held after the concert. The secretary at that time was J. McNair. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke was a librarian in Orbost for many years. She was the daughter of John Cooke early Brodribb settler. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert)The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.An orange, paper program with black print. The program and details are inside a black frame. It is for a concert in aid of the Orbost Brass Band.At the top handwritten in black pen is" Donated by Mrs Elsie Cooke".orbost-brass-band-programme cooke-elsie

The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Band continued on for many years but was disbanded and reformed many times. The last time it was reformed was in 1961. Today it no longer exists. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah HallThe various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A rectangular shaped rubber stamp with a wooden handle. The stamp was used by the Orbost Municipal Band.O.M.B. in black on frontorbost-municipal-band seal stamp

Around 1885 Mr James Nixon started a sawmill in the paddock below Mr Harry Cameron's dairy. It was in Snaggers Lane on the east side of the present highway. The photo is of James Nixon's sawmill with Percy Nixon in the centre foreground. 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 very yellowed photograph of five men, probably workers, at a mill site. The photograph is on a grey buff card.on front - "Nixon's Sawmill" on back - "Toby Nixon's Sawmill"timber-industry-orbost sawmill-nixon

The photograph shows three trucks hauling logs of 120 feet, 116 feet and 118 feet long. Said to be the longest logs ever taken from East Gippsland forests, three special vehicles were needed to transport three giants, the longest measuring 120 feet, from the McKenzie River to Traralgon. Mr. J. De Piazza, of Orbost, was in charge of the transport of the logs. This photograph shows the logs passing through Bairnsdale.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 trucks hauling logs of various lengths.on front - "120 ft; 118 ft; 116 ft" on back -" J. De Piazza, 23 Boundary Rd, Orbost, 1942"timber-industry-orbost

The photograph shows the Delegate Lodge with the Orbost Brass Band at Christmas 1892. They travelled by horseback to play for the Star of Delegate Order of Oddfellows. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah HallThis is a pictorial record of the Orbost Brass Band. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A very yellowed photograph of a band procession with the men holding their instruments. Two men are holding a large banner. In the background are wooden cabins. The photograph is on a white buff card. There are four copies of this photograph.on back - handwritten - "Presented to Mr C Spink Bandmaster Orbost Brass Band by the members of the Star of Delegate Lodge MUIOOF P Crawford Secretary"orbost-brass-band spink-charles delegate-oddfellows

The Commercial Hotel is now the Delegate Hotel (after 1927). This photograph of the Orbost Brass Band and the Delegate Lodge of UIOOF was presented to the bandmaster by the secretary of the Lodge when the Orbost band went to Delegate to entertain them. They travelled by horseback to play for the Star of Delegate Order of Oddfellows. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall This is a pictorial record of the Orbost Brass Band. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A yellowed photograph on a white buff card with band members and their instruments. They are standing underneath a large sign with lodge members, wearing Lodge regalia, in a line on each side. In the background is the verandah of a hotel - The Commercial.on back - "Presented to Mr C. Spink, bandmaster Orbost Brass Band, by the members of the ??? Delegate Lodge of IOOF"orbost brass band, orbost workers'band, ioof, independent order of odd fellows, charles spink, 1892

The photograph shows Bairnsdale carnival procession which the Orbost Band led as there was no Bairnsdale group. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall This is a pictorial record of the Orbost Brass Band. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A black / white photograph showing a procession through a main street. There is a band in the lead followed by several motor vehicles and a horse drawn vehicle. In the background is Bairnsdale Farm and Dairy Produce Market - The Mart - Mr C. A. Drevermann, A. Macarthur & Co. in Macmillan Street.on back - "Bairnsdale Band was defunct and Orbost Band played at the Bairnsdale carnival - includes Eric Wehner - Mrs O. Wehner"orbost-band orbost-municipal-band orbost-brass-band

The photograph shows the Orbost Town Band playing in the procession for the Bairnsdale Carnival. The Bairnsdale band was defunct at this time. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall This is a pictorial record of the Orbost Brass Band. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A black / white photograph of a band playing in a procession with onlookers standing in front of shops.on back - "Bairnsdale"orbost-town-band music entertainment

This is a photograph of a railway camp, set up to house workers and their families when building the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway in 1916. 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.A black / white photograph of a campsite kitchen. The kitchen is outside against a roughly constructed hut. There are three women preparing food. Two men are drinking from tin mugs. a small child is crawling on the ground and another is seated.on back - "Railway Camp"orbost-railway newmerella-railway-camp transport

This is a photograph of a railway camp, set up to house workers and their families when building the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway from 1914-1916. The man in the foreground was one of three men killed in an explosion "noon on the railway construction works at Hagen's Cutting, about two miles from Orbost, three men being killed. The victims were John Carroll, con- tractor, his son, Peter Carroll, and John Sullivan, a navvy. The gang had just finished work, and the three stayed behind to draw a blasting charge, which had missed fire yesterday. J. Carroll was using a pick, and it is presumed that the tool struck a percussion cap, and fired the charge. He and Sullivan were killed instantly, Carroll being literally blown to pieces. Fragments of his body and garments were recovered from the surrounding bush, and the main portion of the trunk, with leg attached, was hurled a distance of 200 yards. Peter Carroll was terribly- injured, and he died before medical aid arrived." (from The Mercury Saturday March 114 1914) 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.A black / white photograph of a campsite. There is a kitchen outside a rough construction. Men and women are standing in the backgroundd with one man and a dog in the foreground.on back - "Man with dog killed in explosion"orbost-railway transport railway-bairnsdale-orbost explosion-railway

This is the Dalgety bridge across the Snowy River. It is a steel construction.The first bridge over the river was constructed in 1888. There was a punt across the river before the bridge was built . Dalgety is a small service centre, located on the Snowy River approximately 235 km from Orbost. It was an early consideration for the site of Australia,s capital city. The Dalgety Bridge over the Snowy River has been an important item of infrastructure in the history of New South Wales for over 110 years. It was designed by noted bridge engineer J. A. McDonald,and was a technically sophisticated bridge structure for its time. This is a pictorial record of a significant structure on the Snowy River.A small black / white photograph of a large bridge over a river.bridge-dalgety-snowy-river

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 photograph shows people walking over the bridge for the last time.This is a pictorial record of the former Snowy River Bridge at Orbost.A black / white photograph showing a group of people walking across a bridge. There are several cars, a man on a horse and people standing on the side of the roadway.on back - "1976 - old bridge"snowy-river-bridge-1976

A Gladstone bag is a small portmanteau suitcase built over a rigid frame which could separate into two equal sections. Unlike a suitcase, a Gladstone bag is deeper in proportion to its length.They are typically made of stiff leather and often belted with lanyards. The bags are named after William Ewart Gladstone (1809–1898), the four-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This one has been adapted to suit the needs of a bookmaker. The leather neck strap has been added. Horse racing was a popular past-time in early Orbost. The Nixon family was involved through Keith Nixon. Some of the earliest horse races were held on a course in a paddock belonging to Mr James Cowell at Jarrahmond. For a long time horse races were part of the Marlo Picnic Races.This item is connected to an activity once popular in the Orbost district. A very worn leather bookmaker's bag. It is a Gladstone style bag with a leather neck strap. It has a spring lock with a key hole. It has a curved handle at the top. The leather neck strap does not appear to be original. The inside lining is cotton and there is a metal hinged frame. On the base are four metal studs.On the base - SOLID LEATHERgladstone-bag bookmaker's-bag horse-racing

Hames are attached to a horse collar used to distribute the load around a horse's neck and shoulders when pulling a wagon or plough. The collar often supports and pads a pair of curved metal or wood pieces, called hames, to which the traces, which attach to the wagon or plough, of the harness are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling. This pair of hames would have been used on a farm in the Orbost district.Horses were a vital part of the agricultural industry in Orbost before the mechanisation of farm machinery. This item is associated with that time.A pair of hames, joined together by a metal chain. Iron has been cased over wood to form the hames. Each has a hook attached and a ring.WARRANTED picture of bull's head FORGEDsaddlery equestrian agriculture horses hames

Hames are attached to a horse collar used to distribute the load around a horse's neck and shoulders when pulling a wagon or plough. The collar often supports and pads a pair of curved metal or wood pieces, called hames, to which the traces, which attach to the wagon or plough, of the harness are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling. This pair of hames would have been used on a farm in the Orbost district. Horses played a vital role of the agricultural industry in Orbost before the mechanisation of farm machinery. This item is associated with that time.A pair of hames, iron shaped over a wooden frame. They are linked together by a metal chain. Each has a hook attached and a metal ring at the end.WARRANTED PLOUGHMANBRAND FORGEDequestrian saddlery rural agriculture horses hames

Hames are attached to a horse collar used to distribute the load around a horse's neck and shoulders when pulling a wagon or plough. The collar often supports and pads a pair of curved metal or wood pieces, called hames, to which the traces, which attach to the wagon or plough, of the harness are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling. This pair of hames would have been used on a farm in the Orbost district. Horses were a vital part of the agricultural industry in Orbost before the mechanisation of farm machinery. This item is associated with that time.A pair of horse hames, iron shaped over a wood frame and linked together by a metal chain and hook. Each has a hook attached and a ring at the end held by string,WARRANTED SWAN BRAND FORGEDsaddlery horses hames agriculture rural equestrian

An ink bottle was made of glass or ceramic and typically sat on a desk. The writer would dip the pen (or quill) into the bottle to put more ink on the pen. Because they sat on a desk, ink bottles were often decorative. 'Stephens' Ink' was invented by the British physician, Dr Henry Stephens (1796-1864), who in 1832 first developed his indelible "blue-black writing fluid" that became the basis of a successful manufacturing enterprise lasting over 130 years. Stephens' ink revolutionised office life in the latter half of the 19th century saving clerical workers much time previously spent mixing powdered inks and cleaning nibs. It was indelible and non-fading. After changes to the Australian import duties on inks, a local manufacturing works was established in the early 1930s by Stephens Inks (Australia) Ltd.We have mostly dispensed with ink bottles and quills. This item is an example of early stationery equipment commonly used in schools, households and commercial enterprises. A cylindrical brown glazed ceramic bottle with a pourer lip. This would have contained ink and had a cork seal. It would have had a paper label.Near base - This bottle is the property of Stephens' Inks Aust. Ltdcontainer ceramic stephens'-inks writing-equipment communication bottle stationery

Women wore frames characterized by an upsweep on the top rim, a style that was very popular until the end of the 1950s, while men tended to sport gold wire frames. These glasses are probably men's glasses. By the latter half of the 20th century, spectacles were considered part of a person's wardrobe. Similar to clothes, eyeglasses needed to be continually updated or a person could be perceived as old-fashioned. More and more celebrities were influencing spectacle fashion.These items reflect how glasses styles have changed over time and are becoming a fashion accessory as well as a prosthesis and support for lenses, Six pairs of assorted glasses and 4 cases. spectacles

This collection of glasses and cases was donated by Miss Connie Cruickshank. She was part of the family of Orbost's first doctor, Dr James Kerr. As the 19th Century came to a close, more and more people wore their eyeglasses everyday. A popular style of inexpensive, everyday spectacles was the pince-nez. French for "pinch nose," the pince-nez was first developed in France circa 1840 and began to be imported after the 1850s. Pince-nez have no temples, but are fit snugly on the bridge of the nose. Pince- nez could be uncomfortable to wear and broke often from falling off the nose. These items demonstrate how glasses' styles have changed over time. One pair of pince-nez glasses and its brown leather case shaped to fit. One solid black wooden case with a small hinged door at one end. One blue/black case with the words A A Abotomey 14 Carpenter Street Middle Brighton in gold lettering. Five pairs of spectacles, one with blue coloured glass with crack in one lens.A A Abotomey 14 Carpenter Street, Middle Brightonspectacles spectacles-cases pinz-nez