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Orbost & District Historical Society
plans, Elliott Engineering Company Pty Ltd, 1980
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) -
Orbost & District Historical Society
wages sheets, 1993 -1996
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
folder of documents, Production 1995 Bonang Timbers Waygara, 1995
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
folder of documents, Log Cartage 1993, 1993
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
folder of documents, Gravel Cartage, 1990 -1996
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
program, 1971
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
magazines, The Corn Cob, 1976, 1977
These magazines were published fortnightly and distributed to the members of Orbost Apex Club. Apex clubs are volunteer service clubs 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.The Orbost Apex Club was a volunteer service club which contributed to the local community. As the population of the area declined so did the number of social clubs.Thirteen magazines which were a fortnightly publication of the Orbost Apex Club. Titled, The Corn Cob, it has a white cover with blue and yellow print. Inside each cover is duplicated material usually two sheets.On front in pen - the number of the issuemagazines orbost-apex corn-cob -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, Ward Bros, late 19th / early 20th century
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, mid 20th century
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1916
About 1912 work began at Newmerella on clearing the track for the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost. A canvas town sprang up on the higher land adjacent to the river flats. Local farmers supplied meat, milk and fresh produce to the camp, as well as gaining employment carting and labouring. The line opened in 1916, the Orbost railway station being built on the Newmerella side of the 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. On April 10 1916, the first scheduled train service left Orbost for Bairnsdale. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened 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.A black / white photograph of a group of people standing next to a train carriage.orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway celebration-opening-of railway -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, C1914
This photograph shows men working in the gravel pit at Newmerella just outside Orbost. Not long after this photograph was taken an accidental explosion killed three workers. In the newspaper, The Hobart Mercury on Saturday March 1914, There was this report: "EXPLOSION OF BLASTING CHARGE. THREE MEN KILLED. MELBOURNE, March 13 A fatal accident occurred this after- noon on the railway construction works at Hagen's Cutting, about two miles from Orbost, three men being killed. The victims were John Carroll, contractor, 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 Car roll was terribly- injured, and he died before medical aid arrived. ' This is a pictorial record of construction workers associated with the Orbost - Bairnsdale railway. 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. 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. A black / white photograph of a large group of men with horses and wagons. Most are holding tools - picks, spades and shovels. Some of the wagons are loaded with soil.railway-construction east-gippsland-railway orbost-railway quarry-gravel-newmerella -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, early 20th century
This is a photograph of a motor passenger train driven for many years by Fred Christmas.This photograph is associated with the Orbost - Bairnsdale railway. and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost. 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. A black and white photograph of a train carriage next to a grass paddock. On the side of the carriage is "Mt No.14" and at the top is "First" at one end and "Second" at the other.christmas-fred orbost-railway transport-rail -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, late 19th / early 20th century
This is a photograph of the gravel pit at Newmerella, near Orbost. This pit was used during the construction of the Orbost to Bairnsdale Railway line.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. 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. A black / white photograph of a small steam engine with open freight wagons at a gravel pit. There are some men watching. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, late 19th century - early 20th century
The local logging industry had its beginning back in 1882. The first batch of timber was cut in a sawmill at Orbost on the Brodribb River.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 large framed black / white photograph of a large group of timber workers in a bush setting. Above and below the photograph are their names. The names can be clearly read. The photograph is on a white buff card under glass in a black frame.Names are type - written above and below the photograph.timber-industry -
Wycheproof & District Historical Society Inc.
Book - Book, paperback, The Cream of Corack 1844-1997, 1977
Useful reference listed for further reading and research e.g.page 11. Many Corack names and almost all people in the group photos are named. Effectively relates to social and enviromental themes in local history that led to closed rural schools with the drift and decline in population.Green and cream cover A4 size 94 page book - a record of the Corack district with photographs and town map blocks featuring owners.Topics covered include,churches,sports,community organisations and buildings,mail runs,rabbits,war memorial, water,Lake Buloke,Corack Station.Top of introductory page:handwritten text-"Donated to the Wycheproof Historical Society by Mick Giddings of 'Willandra' Museum."corack, local history -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Letter for payment of account Mortlake Mill, March 7 1864
This letter was sent by a customer D. Menzies at Skipton to the Mortlake Mill, detailing an unusual payment method for the processing of his wheat into flour. David Menzies was a Scots farmer who lived in Skipton c. 1860's on a bend in the Mount Emu Creek. He helped establish the local school and a lane in the township bears his name. The letter illustrates the nature of commerce and the difficulties of communication and life generally in the country at the time. The bluestone Mortlake Mill built in 1856, has been a prominent landmark in Mortlake for over 150 years. It played a significant role in the commercial life of the town and was initially a wind-mill to process district grain for sale. The goldrush at Ararat 100 km. away led to a temporarily increased population and demand for foodstuffs. In 1857 the Mill was sold to Aikman, Hamilton and Geddes who converted it to steampower and later built the prominent chimney, which is on the Heritage Register as part of the National Estate. D. Menzies at Skipton lived at least 85 km away - his wheat which urgently needed milling, faced a slow and arduous journey by bullock dray. After the demise of the Ararat goldfields and the decline in population (as well as the district soils proving unsuitable for sustained wheat cultivation), the operation of the Mill declined too and the proprietors increased their involvement in other activities - supply of building materials, timber felling and sawmills. Despite the apparent difficulties of conducting business in the 1850's, it is notable that commerce thrived at that time in country districts, as an examination of Mill accounts and records show.Handwritten letter dated 1864 (water-stained)Skipton March 7 1864 [to] Messrs. Hamilton & Co. Mortlake. Dear Gentlemen, I was in hope of hearing from you before now that you had commenced working the Mill, & that I could have sent you the enclosed money [for a] load of wheat for Gristing. Please receive the enclosed 2 halves of 2 [two] 5 [pound sign] notes forwarded to your account. the other halves will be sent on receipt of your stating you having received those notes sent. As I am out of flour be so good as say how soon I may send a load of wheat. In haste I am Gentlemen Yours truly D. Menziesmortlake mill grain wheat hamilton geddes aikman laang dixie menzies skipton -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Painting, William Alen, The Old Windmill, 1916
The Old Wind Mill in Mill Street Mortlake was constructed in 1856 by Thos. Bostock. It was erected to process locally-grown grain to supply the increased population of the Ararat goldfields with flour. It was painted in 1916 by W.Alen a local artist, who did not have first-hand knowledge of the old Mill, but would have relied on descriptions from those living in the district who did, as well as possibly recollections of windmills in Europe and Britain. The Mill has been a prominent landmark in Mortlake for over 150 years. It was converted to steam after it was sold in 1857 to Hamilton, Aikman and Geddes. Its use declined after the Ararat goldfields petered out, the diggers moved on and local soils proved unsuited to the sustained cultivation of wheat. The existing Mill Chimney is Heritage listed and is part of the National Estate.1 paintingSigned W.Alenmill windmill mortlake national estate hamilton bostock aikman geddes -
Ararat & District Historical Society (operating the Langi Morgala Museum)
Photograph
The photograph is taken from the balcony of Leopolds Hotel, as favoured by many photographers. This photograph features Barkly Street in Ararat during a busy day of business and commercial activity. The vehicles in this photograph enable an estimated date circa 1950's and the pedestrian traffic state of dress in the image suggest it was taken in the cooler months.Langi Morgala museum holds a succession of photos taken from this same vantage point, which allows a comparison of the main street of Ararat over 100 to 150 years. The growth and decline of businesses and perhaps government buildings can also be ascertained. Because of this comparison value, this photo is of regional significance.Black and white photograph of Barkly Street, Ararat. Notable feature is the Turf Hotel to right of image.barkly street, ararat, turf hotel, 1950s -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Mt Beauty High School Speech Night 1971 and 1972
Mount Beauty High School was proclaimed in 1963 with 213 pupils, 12 staff members. The enrolments and staff numbers increased as the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme continued to be constructed . 1. The Annual Report gives details re Accommodation, Grounds & Buildings, Equipment, Curriculum, Activities, Advisory Council, Cafeteria, Staff and Thanks. 2. In 1972, 27 teachers (names & subjects) are listed as well as other staff. The Reports are similar to that in 1970Mt Beauty High School grew quickly and then declined in numbers as the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme was constructed from the late 1940s to the 1960s. It is currently (2023) still operating serving the population in the Kiewa Valley. 1.Pale yellow paper folded x2 opening up to 3 columns of green print. 12 items listed followed by 'Extracts from the Eighth Annual Report. The Report contiues on the back. Front page has logo, title & date 14th Dec. 1970 2. Booklet of 12 pages (6 paper sheets)14 items on page 2, Staff listed on page 3, Principal's Report on page 4- 6. S.R.C. Report page 7, 10th Annual Report page 8-9,President's Report page 10. Scholarships & Awards page 11-12. Front page has logo and title. Tenth Annual Speech Night and Student Revue 12th December 1972 mt beauty high school, speech night programmes 1970 1972 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
magazines, Atlas Press Pty Ltd, East Gippsland & Railway Extension, 10 September 1908
Orbost and East Gippsland Railway League had proposed a railway extension through East Gippsland in 1908, which aimed to develop an isolated part of the country. At the time, construction of a railway could be considered a beneficial investment for the country as it could increase the population in the region. The proposed railway length in 1908 was about 140 miles and the cost was estimated £800,000. The line was proposed to proceed from Bairnsdale by way of the Lower Nicholson to Bruthen. “After crossing the Tambo River, it would be carried to near Nowa Nowa; the head of Lake Tyers, forward to Orbost. From Orbost it would proceed in a north-easterly way to the New South Wales border. There were different suggested routes between Orbost and the New South Wales border, the first was through Bendoc, another by the Cann River and another which is located between these two. 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. 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. Two small magazines showing the railway extension through East Gippsland. 678.1 has a dark maroon cover with gold print writing. It contains b/w photographs. 678.2 has a red cover with black print writing. Both are bound. 678.1 - inside front cover - M. Beattie ???????? Newmerella 678.2 - inside front cover - Gordon Fisher Orbosteast-gippsland-railway-league railway -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, VR Printing Works, 1975
This photograph, one of set of six, shows Ken Donchi, the youngest family member (at the time of photograph) at work as a sleeper cutter in the Orbost area since the 1890s. The photograph was used in an article for the Victorian Railways Magazine 1975. . 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 item 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 Ken Donchi driving a bulldozer in bushland outside of Orbost.on back - Pr 8769donchi-pat sleeper-cutting timber-industry-orbost-railway -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1975
The Donchi family has been cutting sleepers since the 1890s in the Orbost area. This photograph , one of a set of six, was taken for an article in the Victorian railways Magazine in 1975. This was 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 item 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 a bush scene of a timber harvesting coupe used by the Donchi family.on back - Pr 8766sleeper-cutting-orbost donchi-orbost timber-industry-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, VR Printing Works, 1975
Pat Donchi's grandfather came to Orbost to cut sleepers in the 1890s. Pat and his sons have carried on since then. This photograph, one of six, was taken for 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 familyThis item 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 Pat Donchi, a local sleeper cutter, falling a tree with a chainsaw.on back - Pr 8708timber-industry-orbost donchi-orbost sleeper-cutting-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, VR Printing Works, 1975
The Donchi family has ben involved in sleeper cutting in the Orbost district since the 1890s. This phootograph , one of a set of six, was taken for the Victorian Railways Magazine, August,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.Name 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 Pat, Ken and Alan Donchi working a large saw at a timber coupe in Orbost.on back - Pr 8767timber-industry-orbost sleeper-cutting-orbost donchi-family -
Orbost & District Historical Society
VR Printing Works, 1975
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, VR Printing Works, 1975
This is one of a set of six photographs taken for the Victorian Railways Magazine, a pamphlet produced for Victorian Railways. t 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 The man in the photograph is Pat Donchi, a member of the Donchi family, who have been involved in the sleeper - cutting industry since the 1890s. This item 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 a sleeper cutter at work swinging a broad axe.on back - Pr 8765timber-industry-orbost sleeper-cutting-orbost donchi-family -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photographs, April 1916
These photographs were taken at the official opening of the Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway Line. In 3150.3 which is of a group of children and two adults those identified in the photograph are ; L - R front row Mary Gilbert; Warren; Betty Gilbert; Marion Gilbert; Mrs Shaw and son; ? Gay; and Pen Gilbert. In 3150.4 L-R front " Mary Gilbert; Bet Gilbert (sitting with glasses); Pen Gilbert(Richardson); Marion Gilbert ( middle front little girl) About 1912 work began at Newmerella on clearing the track for the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost. A canvas town sprang up on the higher land adjacent to the river flats. Local farmers supplied meat, milk and fresh produce to the camp, as well as gaining employment carting and labouring. The line opened in 1916, the Orbost railway station being built on the Newmerella side of the 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. It is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history. On April 10 1916, the first scheduled train service left Orbost for Bairnsdale. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened to serve the agricultural and timber ndustry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Four black / white postcards of people at the opening of The Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway. 3150.1 - on front - "The Ministerial Party" 3150.2 - on front - hand-written - " The Hon James Cameron" with arrow pointing to a man standing in the back row. at bottom - "The Ministerial Party X Florie Cameron" on back- "Opening the Orbost Railway" 3150.3 and 3150.4 - on back - hand-written "First train to Orbost with a list of names.orbost-bairnsdale-railway celebration-opening-of-railway east-gippsland-railway -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photographs, November 1976
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, April 1979
In this photograph are : L -R Margory Smith, Margaret Vincent, Michael Pardew, Rob Young and George Thomas. Orbost Apex Club donated $1,800 to the Orbost Continuing Care Appeal (now Lochiel House). The money had been raised at a successful New Year's Eve Ball. Margory Smith and Margaret Vincent, Acting President, were the O.C.C.A representatives. Michael Pardew was the co-ordinator of the New Year's Eve Ball, Rob Young was the Apex President and George Thomas was the Apex Social Director. Apex clubs were made up of volunteers who "raise awareness about social justice issues, assist the needy in a practical way and contribute resources to 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 black / white photograph of two women and three men standing in front of a wall. The men are wearing wearing long - sleeved tops with a triangular shaped logo at the top left shoulder,on back -a list of namesorbost-clubs apex-club-orbost service-club -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photographs, 3281.1 : September 1987
3281.1 is a photograph of Terry Martin. "Terry Martin travelled to Melbourne to Melbourne to display his extensive collection of axes and to demonstrate the art of broadaxe cutting. The axe Terry is holding is over 200 years old and is believed to have been used by ship builders in their trade. Terry makes his own axe handles from district timber." (Snowy River Mail 23 September 1987) 3281.2 is of Erasmo Giove. who came to Australia with his wife, Mina. They eventually settled in Orbost where Erasmo worked as a sleeper cutter withn his wife working alongside him. The Gioves lived with their four children, Tina, Rocco, Benodino and Graziela, in Forest Road, Orbost,These photographs are 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.3281.1 is of a man standing holding a long handled axe. 3281.2 is of a man holding a cross cut saw and holding in the other hand a framed photograph of a swing saw.woodcutting-tools axe saw-cross-cut saw-swing timber-orbost sleeper-cutting giove-erasmo martin-terry