This is a photograph of Nicholson Street, Orbost taken from the south and looking northwards. Nicholson Street is the main commercial street of Orbost and this photo is of a re-shaping of the street done in c. 1984 by Orbost Shire Council. Shows evidence of the maintenance works done to refurbish the main street of Orbost A B/W photograph H-20cm W-25.4cm of a street with buildings on both sides of the street. A piece of earth-moving machinery is working in the background on the street. nicholson street, orbost

The book was written by Deborah Hall in order to preserve the memories of Orbost locals as well as to record its early history. Local history tends to be less documented than other types, with fewer books and artifacts than that of a country or continent. Many local histories are recorded as oral tales or stories and so are more vulnerable than more well known issues. Because it records in a scholarly way the meories of local residents, Deborah Hall's book is a commonly used reference for the early history of Orbost and districtA 158 pp book titled In Times Gone By Orbost on the Snowy River. It is a photographic record of early Orbost and District. It has a dark green coverwith a photograph of the first pile bridge over the Snowy river at Orbost. The book was authored by Deborah Hall.orbost-history reminiscences hall-deborah

This is a photograph of Percy Nixon's sons - Jack, Allen, Pres, Keith and Jim. 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. It is also associated with the Nixon family, early settlers in the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of four young boys in a pumpkin with an older boy pushing them. There is a Union Jack flag at each end of the pumpkin with "HMAS ORBOST" on the side. The boys are wearing shirts and ties. A baby has his hand over the side trying to touch the water. pumpkins-orbost warren-helena-photographer nixon-percy nixon-jack nixon-pres nixon-keith nixon-jim nixon-allen

These labels were probably glued to boxes or bags containing butter produced at the Orbost Butter Factory.The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district. Five rectangular paper labels used by the Orbost Butter Factory. They have a white background with the words ORBOST BUTTER printed in red inside a red frame.labels orbost-butter-factory dairy farming butter

This item is a useful reference tool on the history of Indigenous People in East Gippsland and the Orbost district. A manilla folder with typed pages. On the cover is a label, "History of Aboriginal People of East Gippsland". On the inside cover is a letter addressed to the librarian at the Shire of Orbost Library. The letter is clipped to the inside of the folder.on front cover - a stamp -"Orbost Historical Society"aboriginal australians, gippsland aboriginal history, kurnai, brabawooloong peoples, tatungooloong peoples, krowathunkooloong peoples

This instrument was used by the Orbost Municipal Band. the Orbost Workers' Band and the Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Orbost Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights and in 1929 the band played at the official opening of the Buchan Caves, by Sir Albert Lind.A large drum painted white with green lettering. It is made of metal, wood and leather.Orbost Municipal Band on both sides of the drum.musical-instrument drum orbost municipal band spink-charles

This folder of newspaper articles was compiled by Mary Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community. The articles are generally pertaining to Gabo and Point Hicks.These articles are contemporary records of interest in places close to Orbost and are a useful reference tool.A manila folder of black / white newspaper articles relating to Orbost and the surrounding district. 744.2 is titled, " Miranda Tells About a Holiday at Mallacoota". 744.3 is from the Snowy River Mail and is titled, " Historic Spot Now Pt Hicks". 744.4 is from the Snowy Mail and is titled, "Riverina Floats Back on Beach". 744.5 is from the Snowy River Mail and has three articles: "When Gabo Light Keepers Nearly Quit"; "Sydney Convicts For Gabo?'; "Nothing to Eat But Shark".newspaper-articles-gabo- point hicks riverina

This stamp was used at the Orbost Railway Station. 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 stamp with a red plastic handle and a white stamping face - "ORBOST FREIGHT DEPOT".VUESTAMP AUSTRALIAorbost-railway

This poster was made for the sale of the 1,440 acres of Orbost Station after the death of Sir William Clarke. It was sold by Edward Trenchard & Co. which was the oldest Stock and Station agent in Victoria assisted by Desailly, Macarthur & Co were livestock experts. Sir William Clarke had taken over the Orbost run from the McLeods in 1870. When Sir William died the property was owned by his son, Rupert who offered the land for sale at 4 pounds per acre. No sale resulted and the property was leased for a few years until in 1898 it was subdivided and sold to many of Orbost's first families. (info. from In Times Gone By- Deborah Hall)This is an important reminder of the very early history of the settlement of Orbost.A rectangular paper poster for the sale of the Orbost Estate on Forest Road, Orbost. It is dated "Thursday Dec 1898" and was made for the sale of the 1,440 acres of Orbost Station after the death of Sir William Clarke. The poster gives written details of the sale and a plan of the property.orbost-station clarke-sir-william orbost-estate

A photograph of the earliest "Back to"/reunion for Orbost Higher Elementary School/Orbost Secondary College.The photo is of ex pupils who were at the school when it was first opened in 1912.People in the photo are Dorice Napier (1st L), J.Irvine,? Cumming, Lexie Nixon, Ila Cowell, Arthur Reynolds, Annie Nixon, Dorothy Cameron, Nina Johnston and Pear Napier(nee Cumming -4th L)It is of Historical significance because apparently it is a photo of the earliest "back to/reunion" for Orbost Secondary College.It is of Social Significance because it is a photograph of people who attended Orbost Secondary School.A black and white photograph of nine ladies and one man standing around a table with a large two- tiered cake on it with candles around the base.Hand written on back, hard to read and some words crossed out- "Earliest Pupils H.E.S.1912.Arthur-Reynolds Nina-Johnston/D.Napier J.Irvine ? Cumming- Lexie Nixon/Ila Cowell/Annie Nixon/Dorothy Cameron,"education-orbost orbost-high-school

This photograph is of a group of Orbost children and a Catholic Priest, Fr. Spiteri, taken in association with a ceremony of confirmation at St Josephs Catholic Church, Orbost. The building in the background is the nunnery/priest's residence in Browning Street, Orbost. This building is still in existence (2023) though now privately owned. It is located adjacent to the Catholic Church. Indicated the continuing significance of the Catholic Church in Orbost. A b/w photograph of 12 children and one man. This group of people is posted in front of tree and a two-story building in the background. The man is dressed in black with a white collar and the children have white dresses and white shirts and black trousers. Many of the girls are wearing white veils over their hair.On back of photo: Back row L-R Cheryl Fourter, Tony Fourter, Sharon Barr, Father Spiteri, Fred Jonkers, Catherine Murphy, Tom Robinson. Front row L-R Josephine McMahon, Michael Young, Louise Shanahan, John Sanna, Geoffrey Fourterst josephs catholic church, orbost

This item was sold as a souvenir of Orbost.This item is an example of an early souvenir item especially produced for Orbost.A very small white china jug which is a souvenir of Orbost. It has a painted blue background with a beach scene (representing Marlo) - a jetty, fishermen on the beach and a boat shed. To the right of the spout is "Orbost" in gold lettering.jug souvenir-orbost tableware

This cloth badge was part of the Orbost High School girls' sports uniform. It was sewn onto the inter-school sports uniform.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 badge is representative of its history.A small shield-shaped cloth badge of the Orbost High School emblem. It is of a yellow/gold stalk of maize in a grey circle with ORBOST HIGH SCHOOL in yellow lettering.badge school-uniform education orbost-high-school

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

Used as a tourist souvenir of Orbost. Possibly made and distributed via the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) in 1980's/1990's.The souvenir is an important component of the tourist experience with most tourists bringing back mementos and souvenirs as evidence. Fridge magnets are popular as souvenir and promotional items because they are relatively cheap to manufacture and very portable for tourists. This item is an example of a typical souvenir of Orbost. A small flat rectangular fridge magnet with a colour photograph of the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) on one side. The other side is grey/black, At the top of the coloured side is "SLAB HUT" and below is "ORBOST VICTORIA made in Australia".souvenir-orbost fridge-magnet

On 23 December an act was passed to authorise the construction by the State (Victoria) of a line of railway from Orbost to Brodribb. Even as late as 1913 the railway was still expected to go through Orbost and beyond. In the Orbost area a committee was formed called the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway Trust. The business of the trust was to acquire the land necessary for the railway and levy a rate on the property owners. The other cost to the area wanting a railway was the guarantee against loss in working expenses of the railway, the Orbost Shire had to provide up to £3000 per annum. The line was never constructed and the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway terminated on the western side of the Snowy River. 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 round copper disc with a metal seal on top. "Orbost to Brodribb Railway Construction Trust - 1928"seal railway orbost-bairnsdale-railway

These photographs are os students and staff of the Orbost Higher Elementary School. In photograph 3161.1 are; Back- F. Boucher; ? Bundle; Les Nielsen; Arnold;Keith Perry Front - Pen (Gilbert?); Elsie Pardew; Connie Tomlinson; Marion ? In 3161.3 are: Keith Nixon; Frank Perry; Lance Bridle; Arnold Ahern; Frank Boucher; F. ?; M. Nixon; Les Nielsen; Elsie Pardew; Myra Malcolm.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 photographs are representative of its history.Four black / white photographs associated with Orbost Elementary High School. 3161.1 is of two rows of school students in school uniform. Boys are in the back row standing and girls are seated in the front row. 3161.2 is a smaller photograph of two rows of girls in school uniforms. - four in the back row and three in the front. Both rows appear to be standing. 3161.3 is of students and teachers. The back row is standing and the front sitting. 3161.4 is of a row of girls in sports uniforms , each holding a hockey stick. They appear to be posed in front of goal posts. This is a smaller photograph.3161.1 - on back is a list of names. 3161.3 - on back is 1921 and a list of names 3161.4 on back is "Anne Richardson" and a hand-written Christmas shopping list

The new Post and ·Telegraph Office at Orbost was completed in 1898 This clock was presented by Mr A Cooper to the Postal Dept.in 1899 for erection outside the local post office. The clock arrived in Orbost on Monday 5th June 1899 in the charge of Captain Mortimer of the schooner Orbost. Before the clock could be placed in position permission had to be obtained from the postal department headquarters, and Mr Cooper nominated the appointment of Messrs W. Gluth Snr, J. Watt and H. James as a committee to take charge of the clock on behalf of the people of Orbost. In a letter to Mr Gluth at that time, Mr Cooper said, " If the people of Orbost receive this clock in the same goodwill in which it is given I shall be exceedingly pleased." Mr Alfred Cooper built the Orbost Club Hotel in the early 1890's. Captain Mortimer skippered the Schooner Orbost between Marlo and Melbourne until it was wrecked in 1904This clock is a significant part of Orbost's history.A metal clock from the Orbost Post Office. It is circular with black Roman numerals. It is open with no cover.orbost-post-office cooper-alfred schooner-orbost clock-orbost-post-office

The Coat of Arms of the Shire of Orbost has been designed in the form of a cross in which five stars are set on a shield. This was typical of those used by many shires and cities throughout Victoria and the Commonwealth. A small crown above the cross indicates the loyalty of the President, Councillors and Ratepayers to the reigning King or Queen. The inner circle of the shield contains four figures, a sheaf of wheat, a factory, a cow, and a ship, which represents the activities of agriculture, fishing, industry and dairying undertaken in the district. Originally part of the Bairnsdale district, Orbost split away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, and became a Shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on the 30th may 1892. The name changed to the Shire of Orbost on 17 February 1893. Orbost was divided into four ridings on 31st May 1895, they were the North, South, East and Central riding, which was represented by three elected councillors. The Shire coat of arms was on the wall on the right of the front entrance to the building and was removed from the current building when Orbost Shire Council was amalgamated into East Gippsland Shire in 1994.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. 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 large round metal plaque with the words SHIRE OF ORBOST1892 in gold letters around a crown and shield divided into four sections to represent four industries : Shipping ; farming - maize ; dairy and mining.SHIRE OF ORBOST 1892government orbost-shire-council coat-of-arms plaque

This a copy of an original photo supplied by Lachlan Macalister in 2013. The photo is evidence of local children from farms in the Orbost district attending an Orbost Show. The calves are dairy calves and all of the handlers are children. Orbost is a farming area with dairying and cropping. An early photo of children at the Orbost Show.This b/w photo is of a group of children and their calves at the Orbost Show. In the background is a large crowd of people and a tent. Written onto the photo and below the photo are these words: Aenis Leatham, Marie Colson, Penel Yantses, Sylvia Field, George Leatham, Cathie Kelly, Ruby Joy, Walter Webb, Joe Webborbost agricultural show, dairying, children at the show

This ribbon was won at the Orbost Annual Show Gymkhana in 1944 by Ron Cameron on a horse called Gene. 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 white felt ribbon with gold writing - "Orbost Annual Show Gyhkhana-1944"ribbon equestrian cameron-ron orbost-show gymkhana

These items were donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. 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. The East Gippsland Region Water Authority was constituted on January 1, 1995. The new Authority assumed responsibility for the services previously provided by the Mitchell Water Board, the Tambo Water Board, the Orbost Water Board and the Mallacoota Water Board. East Gippsland Water is the registered business name of the East Gippsland Region Water Authority. (info. from P.R.O.) These items are a historical record of Orbost Shire transactions with water management authorities which no longer exist.Seven rate books for the Shire of Orbost, Mallacoota and Cann River Water Trust. 2554.1 with records from 1977-1978 has a brown cardboard cover and string binding. 2554.2 has a brown cardboard cover with a hand-written title and green string binding. Records are from 1978 -1979. 2554.3 has a brown cardboard cover with a hand-written title and green string binding. Records are from 1919 - 1980. 2554.4 has a white cardboard cover and taped spine. In black print on the cover is 1980/1981. 2554.5 has a green cover with a metal fastening clip. Records are from 1980 -1981. 2554.6 has a white cover, taped binding and metal clips.Records are from 1982 -1983. 2554.7 has a white cover and metal rings. It is dated 1984.water-rates cann-valley-water-board

Date made February 1947Black and white photograph showing part of the road bridge over there Snowy River, river level low, man in shorts standing at edge of river. Orbost, Victoria.bridges, waterways

This photograph is probably of school teams.This is a pictorial record reflecting the importance of sport in Orbost society.Two black / white photograph / postcards of a group of girls dressed in sports uniforms. In photograph 3155.2 a man is holding a drum stick and another a drum. There are two other men on the left. All men are wearing suits.3155.2 - on back - "Girls Hockey Team Orbost V Newmerella Newmerella won"sport-hockey-orbost recreation

This fine wooden building is located in Browning Street, Orbost and is now (2022) used as the St Andrews Uniting Church Hall. It has a supper room and toilets attached and is a hall that has been used for many community purposes including a Flower Show, exhibitions, concerts, Sunday School, and Harvest Festival etc. In1977, the Orbost Presbyterian Church became the Orbost Uniting Church and the old church became a hall when a new church was built nearby. an excellent photograph of this building which shows the original fence A b/w photograph of a building which is a church with the entrance to the front of the picture. A fence made partly of post and rail, and of white picket in the front of the photo. Some trees in the background. No people can be seen. On back of this photo: 'The first Presbyterian services were held by Rev. Charles Atwood in 1885. He held services in the Mechanics Institute for 5 years. The Presbyterian Church was opened on 9th January 1898. Timber was cut at Richardson's Tabbara mill. Mr R P Cameron built the Church.'presbyterian church, orbost

The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.Three stamps used by the Orbost Aero Club. 2406.13 has a red plastic handle with a circular base. 2406.14 has a black plastic handle with a narrow rectangular base. 2406.15 has a black wooden handle with a small rectangular base. 2406.13 : In centre circle THE COMMON SEAL OF In outside circle ORBOST AERO CLUB INC ACN 004 832 991 on top of handle ESCO 2406.14 On stamp - Orbost Aero Club 2406.15 On stamp Orbost

The book was used in the Orbost High School library. A blue covered book covered in plastic, Inside the front cover is a library card with a stamped date - 27 February 61 - 2 March 1983. On the back cover is a bar code. written by Alec H. Chisholm. Published by J M Dent & Sons.Stamped throughout is High School Orbostnature-fantasy-in-australia chisholm-alec-h, birds

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.Two souvenir programs and one advertising flyer. 2406.27 is a souvenir program for the Orbost Captain Cook Bi-Centenary Air Show 1970. It is purple print on a white background. It has seven folded glossy pages and cost 20c. On the cover is a photograph of a small plane. 2406.28 is a flyer for the Captain Cook Bi-Centenary Air Show, Sunday, April 19th 1970. It is black print on a pink background, 2406.29 is a souvenir program for Morwell Aero Pageant, Monday, January 30, 1950. Cost 3/-. No 4216. It is a grey/brown coloured card folder with black print.2406.28 - on back - Bruce Ham......(?) Yarram Tiger Moth orbost-aero-club captain-cook-bicentenary