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Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, Green, O. S, April 1897
... This photograph shows the Richardson family having a picnic... gippsland This photograph shows the Richardson family having ...This photograph shows the Richardson family having a picnic on the verandah of Captain McNeil' house at Marlo - April 1897. Snowy River Shipping Company formed in 1880. They were soon shipping produce (mainly vegetables) from the area to Melbourne. The Snowy River Shipping Company was formed by Mr Henry James during the 1880s, with Captain McNeil as master. Captain Hegarty was the shipping agent at Marlo. Towing a line of small barges these paddle steamers plied their trade between the port of Marlo, and the farms along the river banks, churning their way almost twenty miles upstream to a landing beside what is now Frank Richardson’s property. On these trips, the barges carried mail and supplies to the townspeople and farmers, loading their produce, mostly maize, on the return trip to the coast. The coming of the railway in 1915 spelt the end for the little river boats. ( ref. F. W. RODWELL in the “Snowy Review”) Frank Richardson 1877-1950 was a sawmiller at Tabbara and helped build and run paddle steamer "Curlip"as engineer. Captain McNeil was an always cheerful Marlo identity and local children had many times sailing with him on the river. Captain McNeil with tug went out through the entrance and brought in the schooners.This item is associated with the Richardson family, early settlers of the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a group of people having afternoon tea on the end of a verandah of a wooden house. All are seated.on back - " The Richardson family picnic at Marlo"richardson-family-orbost-marlo mcneil-captain -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, January 1, 1897
This photograph shows Mr John Bird ( 3rd from left) ; Mr John Gilbert and Mr Lance Herbert among others having a picnic at the popular beach paddock at Old Station, Corringle, on January 1, 1897. Late in 1857 Mr Thomas T. Stirling took over Corringle Run ("Corringle" means "shallow water"). Mr Stirling and his family came from the wester district - Winchelsea. He settled at the Old Station. A few people were employed at the Orbost Stationb and there was settlement on the Orbost flats, Mr T. T. Stirling held the land from Lake Tyrers to Bemm River as a cattle run. About 1888 he became Secretary of the new Tambo Shire.This photograph is a portrait of rural life in the late 19th century. It is an insight into the dress, manners and activities of the first settlers of Orbost.Two copies of a black / white photograph of a group of men and women picnicking on the sand under tall trees.on back - "Beach Paddock - Old Station -1897" with a list of namesold-station-orbost rural-family-life -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, early 20th century - 1910?
From L-R : Nathan Spielvogel, Hector Young, Percy Watt and George Holden. . Taken on the front porch at Illfracombe in 1908 after the four men had enjoyed a weekend fishing There appears to be a photo hanging on the wall in the background which looks like it could be of a young Marion Watt and the family's dog, a golden retriever In "The Gum Sucker at Home: Bound for Croajingolong 1908" by Nathan Spielvogel, published in Mary Gilbert's Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District, 3rd edition, p. 107-116, Spielvogel talks of his trip to Orbost, and fishing with Watt, Bruce and Young aboard Percy Watt's boat, the Maris Stella. Spielvogel's story says Young was the secretary at James & Birds auctioneers and "was one of the builders of the first foot bridge over the Backwater". It says George Holden was a Bank Manager at the Bank of Victoria. (info. from Campbell Watt) This photograph shows Mr Nathan Spielvogel on the left. He was a school teacher at the Orbost State School following Mr Rowe. Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874-1956), teacher, writer and historian, was born on 10 May 1874 at Ballarat, Victoria, son of Newman Frederick Spielvogel, pawnbroker, and his wife Hannah, née Cohen. As well as his stories he published a number of books about the history of Ballarat. Spielvogel taught at Orbost for at least a year Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874–1956) was a teacher, writer and historian. As a country schoolteacher, he traveled widely in the eastern Australian outback and also made a journey to London. Spielvogel gained distinction as one of the only Australian Jewish writers of his time. Many of his early books were best-sellers. He has an association with the history of Orbost having spent a year as a teacher at Orbost. The Watt family were early Marlo settlers.A black / white photograph / postcard of four men sitting around a small table playing cards. Two of the men have pillows behind their heads. Three are smoking pipes.on back - "On R - N. Spielvogel"spielvogel-nathan-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1930 - 1940
... A black / white photograph of a family. A lady... gippsland This photograph shows three generations of the Russell ...This photograph shows three generations of the Russell family in Orbost. On the left is John Russell with his son Bill Russell and his wife Ede and their son Ian. John Russell Senior was a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). Bill was born at Orbost in 1893, the youngest son of John and Elizabeth Maud (nee Clarke). Upon his father’s retirement he took over the homestead part of the holding, 1,000 acres of river flats and hill land. He was involved in dairying and was also a successful beef cattle breeder and maize grower. He was elected to the Orbost Shire Council in 1929 and shortly afterwards was President for 18 months (from May 1930 to August 1931). He served a further term as President in 1934-35. He represented the South riding. He was chairman of the Bean Board and a well-known horse and show judge and a member of the Royal Agricultural Society. He was an elocutionist of some note and a member of the committee of management of the Orbost Hospital. He was also a prominent member and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge and a Justice of the Peace. He served as president of the Orbost Golf Club and assisted with the preparation and layout of the present Orbost Golf course. This item is associated with the Russell family, early settlers in the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a family. A lady is in the middle with a man on each side and a young boy in front. They are standing outside a house in the garden.on back - "3 generations, Johnny Russell, Ede & Bill Russell & Ian Russell"russell-family-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, second half 20th century
This was the switch on ceremony for the power going to Bonang. The ribbon was cut by Mr Ted Ingram at the age of 100. Ted Ingram, was one of 22 children. The Ingram family originated from the Bombala, Bonang and Delegate area, migrating throughout out the rich farming country of East Gippsland in the early 1900s.This is a pictorial record of a significant event in the history of East Gippsland.A black / white photograph of two men cutting the ribbon at an official occasion. The ribbno is strung between to models of electricity pylons. On the table to the left is a kerosene lantern.on front - "Bonang Switch on, Mr Ted Ingram, age 100 years"bonang-electricity-supply ingram-ted -
Orbost & District Historical Society
photograph / postcard, first half 20th century
... and Evelyn Murray. Photographs of children families sitting... and Evelyn Murray. Photographs of children families sitting ...The child in the photograph is Delia Murray (Mrs Jack Kenny). She was one of eight children of Herbert Cecil Murray and Evelyn Murray. Photographs of children families sitting in hollowed out pumpkins were common in the first half of the 20th century. This item is associated with a popular activity of the Orbost community in the first half of the 20th century. Pumpkins have been been paat of the district's agricultural history since settlement.A black / white photograph / postcardof a small girl sitting in a hollowed out pumpkin. It appears to have been taken outside on a verandah of a wooden house.on front - " H. M. S. Orbost" ; "Stanley Vogt, Bairnsdale" on back is a letter - "I got the plants......."pumpkins-orbost murray-delia -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, late 19th / early 20th century
There is no information with this item. It may be associated with the Guthrie family of Bendoc. ( Peter Guthrie’s Grandfather was John Charles Guthrie, (born 1880), and the photo is of his brother Charles Henry Guthrie (born 1884 at Bendoc - from Patricia and Peter Guthrie who farm sheep and cattle at Bendoc).This photograph is associated with the Guthrie family , early settlers in Bendoc.A black / white photograph on a thick cream coloured buff card. It is of two me, both seated with one of the men resting an arm along the back of the other man's chair. It appears to be a studio portrait.on front - "Charlie Guthrie" on back - "Charlie Guthrie"guthrie-charles -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, Bayley's Studios, WW1 ?
There is no information with this item. The Kenny family is associated with the history of Newmerella. This item is associated with WW1.A black / white photograph of four soldiers. Two are seated and two standing behind them. It appears to be a studio portrait.on back - "Dear Mother, Y Kenny"photograph-soldiers kenny-y -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, !916 - 1918
This photograph is of Shire Councillor, Robert Pullar Cameron, J.P. for East Riding - 1916 -1 1938. He was tghe Shire president for one term - 1919 - 1920. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.A black / white head and shoulders portrait photograph of an elderly man wearing a suit. There is also a framed photograph.on back - "Cr R.P. Cameron ........."cameron-robert-pullar orbost-shire-council -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, C1920
This is a photograph of Councillor Donald Munro who represented Central Riding on the Orbost Shire Council. Donald Munro, with his brother, Archie carried on a boot-making business in one of the rooms of a three-storeyed barn at Lochiel. The Munros were musically inclined and through them a band was formed in 1889. Donald Munro was involved in many of the town's activities. (More in Mary Gilbert's Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District).This item is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. 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. It is also associated with the Munro family who were early Orbost settlers.A black / white head and shoulders portrait photograph of a bearded man in a suit.on back - "Cr D. Munro, Central Riding 1897 - 1929"munro-donald -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, C1944
This is a photograph of Councillor Jacob Perry who represented Central Riding in the Orboast Shire Council from 1928 - 1931. and from 1934 - 1944. He was president twice in 1934-1935 and 1943-1944 Jacob Perry was an Orbost farmer. Born 1874. Died 1950. He was a Boer War veteran , 4th Victorian Imperial Bushmen. He was a shire councillor and worker for school affairs.This item is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. 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. It is also associated with the Perry family early Orbost settlers.A black / white head and shoulders portrait photograph of a moustached man in a suit.on back - "Cr Jacob Perry J.P."perry-jacob orbost-shire-council -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph
This is a photograph of Councillor George Nixon who represented South Riding on the Orbost Shire Council from 1902 - 1916. He was president 1914-1915. 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.)This item is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. 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. This item is 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.A black / white head and shoulders portrait photograph of man wearing a suit.There is also a framed copy.nixon-george orbost-shire-council -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, C1916
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, C1914
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, Green, O. S, late 19th - early 20th century
Orbost locals have been fishing recreationally at Cape Conran since at least the early 20th century. The original of this photograph was possibly a glass plate negative.This is a pictorial record of family recreational activity in the late 19th to early 20th century.A black / white photograph of three people fishing off rocks into the ocean. Others are sitting on the rocks nearby.on back - " Cape Conran"recreation-fishing-cape-conran -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1918
Mary Lynch was the daughter of Matthew and Mary (nee Loorham) Lynch. She became Mrs Ivell. she was a noted horse-woman having ridden the Nixon Bros hack, "Gold Dust" at the Melbourne Show coming first in the 10 stone hack and first in the Eagley Hunting Contest. (info. Mary Gilbert) 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. The Nixon family were prominent early settlers in the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a lady dressed in a a tailored hip coat, bowler hat, knee breeches and boots. She is holding the reins of a saddled horse. There is a copy.on front at top - " 1st 10st hack - 19 entries 1st "EAGLEY" Hunting Contest - 22 entries. Still the only horse to win the double." on front at bottom - " MELBOURNE SHOW 1918 "GOLD DUST" owned by Nixon Bros ridden by Miss MARY LYNCH"lynch-mary nixon-bros-horses equestrian melbourne-show gold-dust -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, late 19th century - early 20th century
There are records of members of the Helmers family attending Bendoc State School. George Helmers was a prospector who mined all the gold from the dry gullies that ran into Bendoc. George was born in 1866, in Bombala, New South Wales, Australia. He was married to Euphemia Lock, born on October 19 1870, in Bendoc Upper, Victoria, Australia.This photograph is associated with early settlers of Bendoc, East Gippsland.A large black / white photograph of a man standing in front of a wooden cottage. there is a horse beside him, a woman standing on a verandah in the background and on the left is a clothes line with what seem to be nappies pegged out. There is also a copy of the original. on back - "George Helmers, Errinundra"helmers-george-bendoc -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1919
Ian and Jean McDonald were the children of Mr and Mrs Norman McDonald of 42 Gladstone Street, Orbost. This photograph was taken in late January, 1919 on Jean's first day at school.. It was taken at the home of John Rowe, the former headmaster of Orbost Primary School. He was then living opposite the school. Norman Alexander McDonald was a book-keeper at Macarthur‟s and was very musical. He was proprietor of the Capitol Cafe, Nicholson Street, Orbost, selling the business to Mr Coad on 4th December 1947. This photograph record an important event in the life of an Orbost family in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of two young children, a boy and a girl, sitting on the verandah of a house.mcdonald-ian mcdonald-jean education-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1919
Ian and Jean McDonald are the children of Mr and Mrs Norman McDonald of 42 Gladstone Street, Orbost. This photograph was taken in late January 1919 on the occasion of Jean's first day of school at the house of John Rowe, a former headmaster, who then lived opposite the school. Norman Alexander McDonald was a book-keeper at Macarthur‟s and was very musical. He was proprietor of the Capitol Cafe, Nicholson Street, Orbost, selling the business to Mr Coad on 4th December 1947.This is a pictorial record of a significant event in the life of the McDonald family of early Orbost.A black / white photograph of two children, holding their hats , standing in front of a tree outside a school fence. on back - "Ian & Jean McDonald opposite the school"mcdonald-ian mcdonald-jean orbost-education rowe-john -
Orbost & District Historical Society
first half 20th century
This is a scene of Cape Conran, East Gippsland. It appears to have been a postcard which was trimmed. Cameras in the early 20th century were not a common family possession and a postcard was a common souvenir and way of sending a short message.Early photographs are very interesting records of places gone, architecture gone and people gone, showing social history such as dress, or early automobiles. This scene is of a popular tourist destination in East Gippsland.A black / white photograph of a rough ocean over rocks at Cape Conran in Far East Gippsland. It looks as if the photograph has been trimmed.cape-conran -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, first half 20th century
This is a scene of Cape Conran, East Gippsland. It appears to be a copy of a postcard which was one of a collection of commercial post cards available to tourists or East Gippsland residents to send to friends or relatives. Cameras in the early 20th century were not a common family possession and a postcard was a common souvenir and way of sending a short message. Postcards are a valuable research tool in the social and environmental history of a community.A black / white photograph of the ocean with rocks in the background. It appears to be a copy of a postcard and has been hand trimmed.cape-conran -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, first half 20th century
this photograph is of Cape Conran in Far East Gippsland. It appears to be a copy of a commercial postcard available to tourists or East Gippsland residents to send to friends or relatives.Cameras in the early 20th century were not a common family possession and a postcard was a common souvenir and way of sending a short message.Postcards form a vital part of social and historical records for researchers. A black / photograph of trees and a beach with rocks and the ocean in the background. It appears to be a copy of a postcard and has been hand trimmed.cape-conran -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, From "White Knowle" to "Pumpkin Point", 2004
Peter Nixon, the author of this book, grew up on the family farm on the Snowy River. He entered Federal Parliament in 1961 as the Member for Gippsland, holding various portfolios before retiring in 1983. The Nixon family has been in the Orbost district since 1885.This book records the history of the Nixon family and its association with Orbost.A book, titled From White Knowle to Pumpkin Point, the Nixons from 1593. On the cover is a coloured photograph of Pumpkin Point, taken by Peter Nixon, the author. There is a b/w photograph of James Nixon, with the caption, James Nixon 1832-1899 and Family, beneath it. The book is a compilation of stories and b/w photographs of the the first three generations of Nixons in Australia. There is a brief history of the Nixons in 1593 - the earliest records.2136.1 has "With compliments Peter Nixon 6/7/04" inside.nixon-family orbost-history nixon-james pumpkin-point snowy-river -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, Curlip, November 2008
This book was written at the same time as the replica of the PS Curlip was being built in Orbost. The great grandson of Samuel Richardson is Gil Richardson who lives in Bete Bolong just outside Orbost. Gil and Heather Richards presented the author, May Leatch with a box of old diaries written by Sam Richardson and Sam's sons, Alan and Frank. Using these as the basis of the story, May wrote the full story of the Curlip and the Richardson family.This book about a local icon and a local family was written in Orbost by a local historian.A green and grey covered book titled, CURLIP The life and times of a Snowy River Paddle Steamer and the family who built her. On the front cover is a black and white photograph of the PS Curlip taken shortly after its launch in 1890. On the back cover is a black and white photograph of phragmites on the Snowy River floodplain. The book traces the history of the Richardson family from Godalming, Surrey, England to Orbost, East Gippsland, Victoria in Australia. It contains b/w photographs, diary extracts and newspaper extracts. The book was written by May Leatch.p.s.curlip paddle-steamers orbost richardson-family richardson-samuel -
Orbost & District Historical Society
books, Combienbar The Valley of Contentment, 1982
... The Valley of Contentment. It has a cream cover with a b/w photograph... photograph of a family standing outside a log house (probably late ...2169.3 is from the Mary Gilbert Collection. Graham Dyce was a long-time member of Orbost & District Historical Society. His family came from the Combienbar / Club Terrace district.This is a local history written by a local author, Graham R. Dyce.Three copies of a book of 80 pp titled Combienbar The Valley of Contentment. It has a cream cover with a b/w photograph of a family standing outside a log house (probably late 19th century). The book was written by Graham Dyce, Orbost.combienbar-history-settlement -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, Club Terrace, 2009
This book was published by Orbost & District Historical Society in 2009 after the death of Graham Dyce in 2007. Graham Dyce was a long-time member of Orbost & District Historical Society. His family came from the Combienbar / Club Terrace district.This is a local history book written by a local author, Graham Dyce.A 144 pp book titled Club Terrace, A Town and its Diary 1895-1939. It has a grey and sepia cover with a sepia photograph of The club Terrace Hotel.The book was written by Graham Dyce.club-terrace-history-settlement gold-mining -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Book, Crossing The Bar, 1993
Jim Henderson has written several books about the Wareiwa and Hospital Creek area.This is a useful reference item.A 40 pp book titled Crossing The Bar , Stories,Songs, Poetry. On the front cover is an early photograph of two coaches and horses on the sand bar at Lakes Entrance at the Gippsland Lakes. In the top right corner is a photograph of part of the memorial plaque erected by the Jonson family of Tostaree in 1993. " In memory of the coach drivers Cunninghame-Orbost 1886-1916." The book was compiled by Jim I. Henderson.Jim Henderson 31/10/1993wairewa nowa-nowa hospital-creek waygara transport-history-east-gippsland -
Orbost & District Historical Society
framed photo, APFA- Davisigns (PG & ME Davis)
This photo was inherited with the building when the museum was established. Lind was born in 1878 in East Charlton, Victoria, the son of Oliver Nicholas Lind, a farmer from Denmark, and his Welsh wife Mary Ann Clay. In 1882, drought forced the family to move to East Gippsland where Lind was educated at Lucknow, and then to Bairnsdale in 1884 where he attended Bairnsdale state school. In October 1920, he was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly for the seat of Gippsland East for the Victorian Farmers' Union. Lind was made Minister of Forests, President of the Board of Land and Works and Commissioner of Crown Lands and Survey in Albert Dunstan's cabinet. He was knighted in 1951. In 1926 two national parks east of Orbost were named the Albert and the Lind national parks after him.A framed photo of Sir Albert Eli Lind. It is a black and white head and shoulders photo in a black wooden frame.Sir Albert E. Lind Knighted !951photograph politician lind-albert government -
Orbost & District Historical Society
framed photograph, Vogt. W.S, 1917
... family. framed photograph Vogt. W.S. ...This photograph was on display in the Orbost Information Centre - the Slab Hut - for many years. Originally the post office was not at Orbost at all but in the small settlement of Newmerella. The building in the photograph was completed and opened in 1898 at a cost of 1038/4/8 pounds. The post office building today is a replica of this building, opened in 2004 after a local campaign to retain a full post office in the town.The photograph of the early post office shows that it was a popular meeting place. Today's post office is a replica of this one and stands on the same site.A framed photograph of the Orbost Post Office (photocopy?) in 1917. The glass was cracked and has been removed. The frame is a wooden one with carved shell shape decorations. In the foreground of the photo is a horse and coach and an early model car. The mail coach is on its way to Cann River. In the car is the Warren family.W.S. Vogt, Bairnsdaleorbost post-office -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c.1914
This photograph depicts a soldier, credited on the reverse as Fred Foster. The young man is dressed in military attire and is standing tall with a gun beside him. He is located in the Australian bush and the date of the photograph is unknown. Frederick “Fred” Arthur Foster was nephew to famous Bushranger Edward “Ned” Kelly. He was born on the 15th of March 1889 in Forbes, New South Wales. He was the eldest son of Catherine “Kate” Kelly and William Henry “Bricky” Foster. After the death of his mother in October of 1898 from apparent drowning, Foster (then aged 9) was raised by his grandmother Ellen Kelly (née Quinn) at Eleven Mile Creek in Victoria. On the 29th of June 1915, 26 year old Foster travelled to Melbourne, Victoria and enlisted in the Australian Army. He was a Private in the 17th Infantry Battalion (originally C.Company, 47th battalion). He previously was attached to the 55th Battalion but transferred in 1916. Prior to enlisting in the army, Foster worked as a Bee Keeper and served in the 16th Light Horse regiment at Benalla. Foster had blue eyes, brown hair and was of Presbyterian faith. On the 28th of February 1917, Foster travelled to France aboard SS “Golden Eagle”. He was killed in action in Lagnicourt, France on the 15th of April 1917 at 28 years old. The Battle in Lagnicourt France, on the Western Front, occurred from the 1st of March to the 30th of April of 1917 and was the location of fierce fighting between Germany and the British Empire. Germany became aware of a weakness they had along the Hindenburg Line, one of these weaknesses was located in Lagnicourt which is a small village in Northern France. Therefore, the Germans decided to launch a counter-attack in this area on the 15th of April at dawn. During this fight, German forces captured several batteries of the 1st Australian Division’s artillery but the Australians led a strong counter-attack by four of their battalions and recaptured the village and most of the guns from the German forces. German forces were forced into a premature withdrawal. This battle was not undertaken in typical WW1 “trench” style warfare. Instead, the battle was up on the ground in what was described as “old open style warfare”. In this battle, slightly more than 1000 casualties were Australian, with 300 of these prisoners of war. German forces suffered a loss of over 2300 casualties with 360 taken captive. Foster was one of 43 in his regiment who died, 87 were wounded and 51 reported missing. Foster was buried at location in Lagnicourt and whilst the grave was initially marked, it is now unknown. Foster’s service, alongside those who fell at Lagnicourt, is commemorated at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, France along with other national Australian memorial sites.Photography played an important part in World War 1. Photographs of men in their military uniforms served as propaganda during the Great War to reassure civilians back at home of the military prowess of their nation and the bravery of their men. It did this while hiding the true horrors which faced the men in battle. These photographs, which includes those taken at home prior to embarking overseas like Fred Foster’s, act as censored memory for those who have lost a loved one at war. It enables families to remember their relatives in their youth and standing proudly rather than having to face the actual danger and horror which faced these men at the front line. The battle of Lagnicourt France was a victory for the European Empire and therefore, men who lost their lives protecting their countries became heroes and were awarded posthumous medals for their service. Photos of soldiers in their uniforms, were undertaken by men like Foster, so their families would be able to retain their memories and likeness before they embarked for war. Many men were killed or horribly wounded so these images were important for reminding families about their sons/ husbands/ brothers/ cousins and friends. This photo is a part of the Burke Museum Kelly album which includes numerous photographs relating to the Kelly Gang. As the son of Kate Kelly and William “Bricky” Foster, Fred Foster is an important part of the Kelly story after the execution of Edward “Ned” Kelly which has information it can impart relating to the history of the family after 1880. Whilst an important element of the Kelly Album, Foster’s photograph is also historically important in its own right for its connection to the Great War and the experiences of a soldier at the Western Front.Original sepia rectangular photograph developed on matte photographic paper, unmounted.Reverse: (Top right corner of reverse:) FRED FOSTER/ (Top centre of reverse:) Kate Kelly's son.kelly album, fred foster, kate kelly, photograph, australian soldier, the kelly gang, australian bush, burke museum, sepia photo, gum trees, family of the kelly gang, world war i, langnicourt, france, great war, 1917, ned kelly, frederick foster, william "bricky" foster, ellen kelly, military history, australian military