GFS Australia began as a local branch of the Girls' Friendly Society founded in England in 1875 by Mary Townsend. This was an Anglican Church group which formed to give maids and female domestic staff spiritual guidance and social activities for their days off. The Society later also functioned in part as an employment agency. The first local Australian branch was formed in Adelaide in 1879, with branches being established in all states by 1901. Vera Constance Sophie Saunders (1897 -1967) was the daughter of Arthur Scott Saunders and Agnes Louise Stuart Morris. Her father was a storekeeper in Orbost.The Girls' Friendly Society was an early youth group and was associated with the Anglican Church and were a common way to attract children and teenagers to the congregation. The group is an example of the social importance of the churches in rural communities in the early 20th century.A folded card which is a senior candidate's card for membership of the Girls' Friendly Society. The card is white with blue print. On the front is the name of the member with details of the diocese and parish as well as the date of enrolment. At the top is the emblem of the Girls' Friendly Society.Vera Saunders written in cursive with red pen Orbost April 4 1912 St Jamessaunders-vera girls'-friendly-society anglican-church-orbost

This item was used at The Men's Club Orbost in Livingstone Street, Orbost.This item is representative of the leisure activities of people during the nineteenth century and early 20th century. The Orbost Men's Club no longer exists. It is also significant as being associated with the history of Australia's leading manufacturer of billiard tables, Alcock of Melbourne who were established in 1854 and are still in business today.Billiard table iron; a heavy iron of cast metal. This has a large, rectangular face with attached, cast metal handle. This was used for pressing the cloth of a billiards table. Engraved/embossed on handle is ALCOCK THOMSON & TAYLOR PTY LTDrecreation billiards billiards-table-iron men's-club-orbost

In the early 1950's Lionel Nowlan had a Hairdresser & Billiard Room in Nicholson Street (where the Caltex Service Station stands today). A circulating library is a small library with books lent for a small fee to subscribers and was often inside an existing business. Circulating libraries were common before a more substantial local library was established. Circulating libraries offered an alternative to the large number of readers who could not afford the price of new books in the nineteenth century but also wanted new material. Circulating libraries rented out bestsellers in large numbers, allowing publishers and authors to increase their readership and increase their earnings. They were also profitable for those businesses that established them. Nowlan's, Marshall's and McCoys were circulating libraries which operated in Orbost in the first half of the 20th century.Circulating libraries offered an alternative to the large number of readers who could not afford the price of new books in the nineteenth century but also wanted new material. It was common for them to stock the latest novels.A red cloth covered hard back book with a repaired black spine. It is titled "The Cost of a Promise" and is a novel in Three Parts by Mrs Baille Reynolds.Stamped on some pages - McCoy's Circulating Library On inside front cover - No 249 Contains a sticker for Nowlan's Library Orbost Stamped - Marshall's Circulating Library McCoy's Circulating Librarythe-cost-of-a-promise reynolds-baillie libraries-orbost circulating-libraries

This photograph was found inside item 2441 - a book titled "The cost of a Promise".This item is an early photograph of the Nowa Nowa Hotel.A black and white photograph taken in the main street of Nowa Nowa. It is of three men sitting on the verandah of the Nowa Nowa Hotel. Two men are standing in front and another one is holding a book. There is a car on the right.On back - stamped KODAK PRINT in pen - NOWA NOWA HOTEL photograph nowa-nowa-hotel

Wooden Fishing Reels are the earliest reels ever made, with most wooden reels dating between 1800 and 1920. They were very simple reels and the design stayed basically the same for the entire period of manufacture.These reels represent a large part of common fishing history. Fishing is a significant recreational activity in the Orbost area.Four wooden fishing reels. They have brass fittings and nylon(?) line. 2443.2 has one handle missing. 2443.1 has K A scratched int the wood.2443.1 has K A scratched in the wood.fishing-reels

This special edition was issued as a souvenir of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as monarch of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon took place on 2 June 1953. Elizabeth ascended the throne at the age of 25, upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952.On the 2nd June 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place and the commonwealth countries, including Australia joined in the celebration. Saving an item dedicated to the royal family is typical of the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family, especially towards Queen Elizabeth II.A 64 pp Daily Mail souvenir edition titled, The coronation. It is b/w and cost one shilling. It traces the accession of Queen Elizabeth 11 to the coronation and afterwards.coronation royal-family elizabeth-11

Water For the Thirsty Inland was published by The Murrumbidgee Valley Water Users Association as a case for diversion of part of the Snowy River waters to the Murrumbidgee. In 1950 The Murrumbidgee Valley Water Users Association and the League established the Murray-Murrumbidgee Development Committee to ensure the Snowy Scheme was completed.This book is a significant research tool for the history of the diversion of the Snowy River.A 44 pp book, titled Water For The Thirsty Inland. On the front cover is a coloured print of a painting of a river (Snowy River?) from the mountains to the flats. The text of the title is white with a black shadow. The book contains b/w photographs and the print is black and green.Some pencilled notes on back.snowy-river murrumbidgee-valley-water-users' irrigation

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

Women’s magazines during WWII played a “reflecting role,” meaning they cooperated with government agendas while still including topics of readers’ interests Women’s employment rate skyrocketed during WWII. However, even though the number of women working outside the home grew rapidly most of them were still engaged entirely in homemaking. Therefore women’s magazines centered mostly on the stresses and shortages of wartime. Articles as well as advertisements presented information on “product rationing, tips on keeping the family healthy, guidelines for thrifty shopping and advice on how to look good through it all.This is an example of an English women's magazine published during WW11.It gives practical advice on needlework / knitting and evidences the widespread interest in contemporary fashion. In doing so it shows what were the fashionable, but broadly affordable, women's and children's clothing styles of their day. These magazines also reflect women's interests.A 64 pp magazine, titled Woman and Home and Good Needlework Magazine. The front cover has a a coloured picture of a man in a uniform and woman sitting at a round table drinking tea and photographs of knitted jumpers, the patterns of which are inside the magazine.Handwritten on front cover in pencil -Mehlert

The magazine was started in 1933 by Frank Packer as a weekly publication. The first editor was George Warnecke and the initial dummy was laid out by WEP (William Edwin Pidgeon) who went on to do many famous covers over the next 25 years. It is the most widely read magazine in the history of Australian publishing. During wartime despite printing restrictions, and it began publishing coloured photographic covers.This is an example of anAustralian women's magazine published during WW11.It gives practical advice on needlework / knitting and evidences the widespread interest in contemporary fashion. In doing so it shows what were the fashionable, but broadly affordable, women's and children's clothing styles of their day. These magazines also reflect women's interests.A 32 pp magazine, titled The Australian Women's Weekly. On the front cover is a coloured drawing of a man and a woman sitting under a tree. The woman is pouring tea from a billy into the tin cup held by the man. A tethered horse is grazing to their right and a small brown and white dog is in the foreground. This illustration is signed WEP (William Edwin Pidgeon). The magazine contains advertisements, stories and recipes.The special 4 page peace supplement is missing from the centre.In handrwitten pencil on the front cover - Gibbs.australian-women's-weekly magazine-ww11

Women’s magazines just after WWII played a “reflecting role,” meaning they cooperated with government agendas while still including topics of readers’ interests Women’s employment rate had skyrocketed during WWII. However, even though the number of women working outside the home grew rapidly most of them were still engaged entirely in homemaking. Therefore women’s magazines centered mostly on the stresses and shortages of wartime. Articles as well as advertisements presented information on “product rationing, tips on keeping the family healthy, guidelines for thrifty shopping and advice on how to look good through it all.This is an example of an English women's magazine published post WW11.It gives practical advice on needlework / knitting and evidences the widespread interest in contemporary fashion. In doing so it shows what were the fashionable, but broadly affordable, women's and children's clothing styles of their day. These magazines also reflect women's interests.A 64 pp magazine, titled Woman and Home and Good Needlework Magazine. On the front cover is a coloured drawing of a fashionably dressed and made-up woman with red hair and holding a bunch of similarly coloured flowers (gerberas?) At the bottom left are knitted baby clothes - pattern inside - as well as a man and woman wearing fashionable clothing - suggesting patterns are inside the magazine. The magazine cost 1/6 and is dated October 1951.magazine-woman-and-home

The Australian Woman's Mirror, was an Australian weekly women's magazine published by The Bulletin magazine in Sydney, between 1924 and 1961.Women's magazines reflect class and family structures as well as contemporary women’s role in society. A 32 pp magazine, titled The Australian Woman's Mirror. The magazine's contents include recipes, knitting patterns and articles about fashion, holiday destinations and household tips.It also contains short stories, poems, and a serialised novel. On the front cover is a b/w photograph of a woman wearing a knitted jerkin indicating that the pattern is inside the magazine. The magazine cost 3d and is dated Tuesday, Sept. 4 1945.magazine-the- australian-woman's-mirror literature

The Country Roads Board was the government authority for the construction and maintenance of main roads in Victoria between 1913 and 1983. It was succeeded by the Road Construction authority on 1 July 1983 and later merged with the Road Traffic Authority on July 1 1989 to form the Roads Corporation. James Cameron, an Orbost farming pioneer and Member of the Legislative Assembly, fathered the Country Roads Board.This item is a useful research source on the Princes Highway, Gippsland.A 19 pp magazine, titled CRB ( Country Roads Board) News. It is dated August 1976. On the front cover is a coloured photograph of a truck carrying cars. In the background is a road bridge. It contains an article on the Princes Highway, Gippsland.magazine journal-crb-news princes-highway

The folder has been made especially for this collection of articles .The label is from a box of limited edition signed watercolour drawings by ROSSER, Celia. THE BANKSIAS OF VICTORIA. Six Watercolour Drawings. Born Celia Elizabeth Prince in 1930, Celia Rosser began painting Australian wildflowers early in her artistic career. She first began painting Banksias after seeing a Banksia serrata near her home in Orbost, Victoria. She lived in Orbost in the 1960's( her husband had been posted to Orbost High School) where she painted and drew native flowers , in particular, banksias. Her first exhibition was at Leveson Gallery in Melbourne in 1965, and included three watercolours of Banksia species. Two years later she published Wildflowers of Victoria.Celia Elizabeth Rosser (born 1930) is a renowned Australian botanical illustrator, best known for having published The Banksias, a three-volume series of monographs containing watercolour paintings of every Banksia species. She began painting Australian wildflowers early in her artistic career. She first began painting Banksias after seeing a Banksia serrata near her home in Orbost, Victoria.A collection of newspaper and magazines articles pertaining to Celia Rosser. There are six newspaper and magazine articles inside a a folder labelled "The Banksias of Victoria Six Watercolour Drawings by Celia Rosser". The articles are from The Australian Women's Weekly, The Sun, The Sunday Herald and The Herald Sun.

The Herald was a broadsheet newspaper published in Melbourne, Australia from 1840 to 1990. The Herald ceased publication on 5 October 1990, but on 8 October 1990, The Herald's name was merged with sister morning newspaper The Sun News-Pictorial to form the Herald Sun, which contained columns and features from both The Herald and The Sun News-Pictorial.This newspaper gives an insight into everyday life in the late 1950's and is a useful reference tool.A 40 pp complete broadsheet newspaper, The Herald - Melbourne. It is dated Saturday, August 16, 1958. It cost 3d.newspaper-the herald media communication-print

David Hollands is a country doctor who has had a lifelong passion for birds and bird photography. Born and educated in England he arrived in Australia 1961 with his wife Margaret.Together they were in practice in Orbost from 1963 - 2000.Dr's David and Margaret Hollands have made a significant contribution to the Orbost district with their service to medicine as well as their documentation off its history. These articles are useful research items.Original plus a copy of a newspaper article titled, Dramas of a Real Country Practice. It is from the Herald newspaper of September 9, 1987. The article pertains to the life and practice of Dr David Hollands of Orbost. 2454.1 is the original and 2454.2 is a copy.hollands-david medicine

New Idea is a long-running Australian weekly magazine published by Pacific Magazines and aimed at women.The magazine was first published in 1902 by Fitchett Bros. Southdown Magazines purchased Fitchett Bros. after World War II.. . This magazine reflects the contemporary ideology about class, family structures and women’s role in societyA 34 pp magazine, titled The New Idea. The front cover has a coloured picture of a woman in a stylish red dress. In white print across the bottom is written "Baby Hold Your Tongue". The magazine cost 3d and is dated September 5 1945. It contains stories, articles comics and advertisements , all in b/w.magazine-the new idea

The Argus was a morning daily newspaper in Melbourne that was established in 1846 and closed in 1957 and was considered to be the general Australian newspaper of record for this period. Widely known as a conservative newspaper for most of its history. Newspapers reflect the contemporary society at the time of print i.e. post-war Australia. This item is a useful reference for that history.A complete 32 pp newspaper, titled The Argus - Melbourne. It is dated Saturday January 12 1946.newspaper-the argus media-print

The Daily Telegraph is a broadsheet newspaper published in London by Telegraph Media Group and distributed across the United Kingdom and internationally. It was founded by Arthur B. Sleigh in 1855 as The Daily Telegraph and Courier. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as monarch of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon took place on 2 June 1953. Elizabeth ascended the throne at the age of 25, upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952, and was proclaimed queen by her various privy and executive councils shortly afterwards. The ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey. Celebrations took place and a commemorative medal was issued throughout the Commonwealth. Saving an item dedicated to the royal family is typical of the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family, especially towards Queen Elizabeth II.A supplement from the Daily Telegraph, June 2 1953, titled Coronation Day Supplement. On the front cover is a b/w picture of Westminster Abbey.newspaper-supplement-daily-telegraph coronation royal-family elizabeth-11

The Sunday Pictorial was the original name of the Sunday Mirror. It was first published in 1915 by Lord Rothermere and edited by F.R. Sanderson. The idea of the paper was to balance quality journalism with entertainment, presented in a largely photographic format. The Sunday Pictorial was renamed “The Sunday Mirror” on 7th April 1963, forty-eight years after its foundation. Hugh Cudlipp was the editor in 1951.Newspapers reflect contemporary society. Saving an item dedicated to the royal family is typical of the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family, especially towards Queen Elizabeth II.A complete 16 pp newspaper, titled Sunday Pictorial. It is dated November 18, 1951 and cost twopence halfpenny. The headline story , "They're Home Again!", is of the return of Phillip and Elizabeth from a tour of Canada and the United States of America.newspaper-sunday-pictorial media-print royal-family

The Sun News-Pictorial, also known as The Sun, was a morning daily tabloid newspaper in Melbourne, Australia, established in 1922 and closed in 1990. It was part of The Herald and Weekly Times stable of Melbourne newspapers. For more than fifty years it was the Australian newspaper with the largest circulation. This special edition was issued as a souvenir of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as monarch of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon took place on 2 June 1953 at westminster Abbey. On the 2nd June 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place and the commonwealth countries, including Australia joined in the celebration. Saving an item dedicated to the royal family is typical of the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family, especially towards Queen Elizabeth II.A broadsheet sized newspaper supplement designed to be folded into four - 8 pp. It is titled The Sun News Pictorial - Coronation Service.newspaper-supplement-sun-news-pictorial media-print

The Sun News-Pictorial, also known as The Sun, was a morning daily tabloid newspaper in Melbourne, Australia, established in 1922 and closed in 1990. It was part of The Herald and Weekly Times stable of Melbourne newspapers. For more than fifty years it was the Australian newspaper with the largest circulation Newspaper reflect contemporary society. This item is a useful reference for the history of the late 1920's.A newspaper, cover missing, Sun News-Pictorial dated Saturday July 30 1927.newspaper-sun-news-pictorial media-print

The Sun News-Pictorial, also known as The Sun, was a morning daily tabloid newspaper in Melbourne, Australia, established in 1922 and closed in 1990. It was part of The Herald and Weekly Times stable of Melbourne newspapers. For more than fifty years it was the Australian newspaper with the largest circulation George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George; 14 December 1895 – 6 February 1952) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death.Newspapers reflect contemporary society. Saving an item dedicated to the royal family is typical of the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family.A newspaper - middle pages missing, containing articles relating to the death of King George V1. It is dated Saturday February 1952..newspaper-sun-news-pictorial media-print george-v1 royal-family

The Daily Telegraph is a broadsheet newspaper published in London by Telegraph Media Group and distributed across the United Kingdom and internationally. It was founded by Arthur B. Sleigh in 1855 as The Daily Telegraph and Courier. This is the third supplement to the Daily Telegraph containing photographs and articles on the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as monarch of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon took place on 2 June 1953. On the 2nd June 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place and the commonwealth countries, including Australia joined in the celebration. Saving an item dedicated to the royal family is typical of the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family, especially towards Queen Elizabeth II.A 23 pp newspaper supplement from the Daily Telegraphdated June 3rd 1953. It is titled "Coronation Picture Supplement". On the front is a photo captioned The Duke Pays Homage.newspaper-supplement-daily-telegraph media-print royal-family coronation

The Daily Mirror is a British national daily tabloid newspaper founded in 1903 by Alfred Harmsworth. George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George; 14 December 1895 – 6 February 1952) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his deathNewspapers reflect contemporary society. Saving an item dedicated to the royal family is typical of the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family.Cover of a Daily Mirror newspaper dated February 8 1952. At the top of the page is the headline, "THIS IS A VERY TRAGIC HOMECOMING" above a photograph of the Princess Elizabeth.The article relates to the death of her father, King George V1,newspaper-daily-mirror media-print george-v1 royal-family

The Argus was a morning daily newspaper in Melbourne that was established in 1846 and closed in 1957 and was considered to be the general Australian newspaper of record for this period. It was widely known as a conservative newspaper for most of its history. The wedding of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh took place on 20 November 1947 at Westminster Abbey in London.Newspapers reflect contemporary society and this clipping reflects the interest in the royal family to Australians at this time.A cut-out b/w photograph from the Argus dated Saturday November 1947. It is captioned "Request Picture of Royal Wedding Group.and is an airmail picture of the royal wedding group.newspaper-the-argus media-print royal-family elizabeth11-wedding

The 1Tambo & Orbost Times was published between 1887 and 1903. It later became the Bruthen and Tambo Times. This item is a useful reference for the early history of East Gippsland.A double spread folded newspaper. Tambo & Orbost Times. It is dated November 10 1888. This newspaper has been laminated.newspaper-tambo-orbost-times

These documents were compiled by the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) Committee.These documents are a useful reference item.A manila folder of ten documents. It contains reports of Orbost & District Tourist Association and of South East Coast Tourism Limited.tourism-orbost slab-hut

These books were used at the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) as visitor sign in books. Orbost. This slab hut was built in 1872 as a family dwelling on a site about 3 km upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers about 40 kms from Orbost on the Yalmy Rd. No nails were used in the construction; it was all wired together. After a period in storage the slab hut was opened in its present location in Orbost as the Information Centre in 1987. The Slab Hut is an Orbost icon.Five books used by the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) as visitor sign in books. 2467.1 has a green cover with "Visitors" in gold print and is dated 28.3.87 - 6.7.87. 2467.2 has a black cover with a gold border and "Visitors" in gold print. It is dated 11.6.87 - 3.11.89. 2467.3 has a black cover with red corners and spine. 2467.4 has pink and red flowers on a black background and is dated Sept 93 - 9.3.98. 2467.5 is a Children's Visitor Book and has a white cover with gold print. It is dated 9.4.87 -23.7.89. All contain handwritten comments, details of visitors to the Orbost Visitor Information Centre.2467.1 - Inside front cover - OFFICIALLY OPENED 28.3.1987 by VIC. GOVERNOR DAVIS McCAUGHEY 2467.2 - label on spine - VISITOR BOOK 2 inside a circle. 2467.3 - label on front - VISITORS ; label on spine - dates Feb 89 - Sep 93 2467.4 - label on front - VISITOR'S BOOK Sept 93 -9.3.98 tourissm slab-hut orbost-visitor-information-centre

These folders contain letters written to the Slab Hut either requesting information or making comments. There are copies of the replies.The Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) is an Orbost icon. This slab hut was built in 1872 as a family dwelling on a site about 3 km upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers about 40 kms from Orbost on the Yalmy Rd. No nails were used in the construction; it was all wired together. After a period in storage the slab hut was opened in its present location in Orbost as the Information Centre in 1987.Two manila folders containing correspondence to/from Orbost Visitor Information Centre. The letters are tied together with string/ribbon. Most are information requests with copies of the replies.correspondence-orbost-visitor-information-centre tourism