Wilfred Clarence Busse was born in Chiltern, Victoria in 1898. His family first arrived in this region during the gold rush era, purchasing a piece of land adjacent to the Murray River. The spectacular scenery and rich history of the area is said to have inspired Busse in his writing. He attended Wesley College in his school days, before going on to study law at the University of Melbourne. After graduating from university, Busse would go on to become a barrister, but he is best known as a writer of fiction, publishing two novels: 'The Blue Beyond: A Romance of the Early Days in South Eastern Australia' and 'The Golden Plague: A Romance in the Early Fifties'. Busse died in 1960. This particular object is dated 1895, three years before Busse was born. It can thus be assumed that it was awarded to a relative of his, possibly his father in relation to their land by the Murray River. This object is significant as it is associated with Wilfred Clarence Busse, a celebrated author and barrister who grew up in the locality of Chiltern. It is also a medal awarded by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, a society that has held social and industrial significance since it was founded in the nineteenth century. Small, circular medal - made of either bronze or brass metal - depicting an agricultural background behind a female figure in a toga holding a wreath. Back side: The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria / Busse & Son / 1895wilfred clarence busse, w.c. busse, busse, gold rush, gold rush chiltern, busse author, the royal agricultural society of victoria, "the golden plague: a romance of the early fifties., "the blue beyond, rasv, medal, agricultural medal

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

This is thefirst edition of "Personalities and Stories of Early Orbost which was collected and compiled by Mary Isabelle Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community. This book is a collection of stories as told and writtenabout Orbost in early times. This is a useful research and reference tool on the early history of the Orbost district.A 130 pp light grey covered book, titled "Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District." The title is in black print inside a black rectangular frame.gilbert-mary orbost-history recollections-orbost

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1935-1971. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This item comprises records that belonged to the local government accounting system. The Shire of Orbost Council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council. This is a hand-written record created before the widespread use of computer accounting records.A black, hard cover ledger with light brown leather binding. it is titled "CASh BOOK LOAN ACCOUNT, SHIRE OF ORBOST". Records are hand-written. Inside the back cover is a loose-leaf typed document titled, "Shire Engineers Report 11 Sept 1970".cash-book ledger shire-of-orbost accounting

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance.The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.Three minute books for the Orbost Aero Club. Inside are loose copies of correspondence, statements and accounts. They are mostly hand-written with some typed and glued in. 2406.1 has a grey mottled cover and is dated 1969-1975. 2406.2 has a green cover and is dated 1976-1977. 2406.3 has a red/white/blue striped cover and is dated 1991-1997.2406.1 - cover : ORBOST AERO CLUB 20/9/69 Minute Book 2406.2 has a price sticker 2.55 2406.3 - cover : ORBOST AERO CLUB P.O. BOX 415 ORBOST 3888 in black texta : Lodge Annual Return to A.S.C. within 1 month after A.G.M. Obtain Audit before A.G.M. orbost-aero-club

This magazine was produced and published by Orbost High School as a part of the 75 year celabrationsOrbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This magazine is a useful reference tool for the history of the school.Two copies of a 48 pp magazine with a light pink/orange cover. On the front cover is a photo of the Orbost High School. In the centre is the school badge. The text is in maroon print. The book, produced for the 75 year celebration, contains a history of the school, photographs and articles.Inside the front cover of 2415.1 in pen - David F. Nixon 9/2/88education-orbost orbost-high-school

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1893-1899 . The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council This is a handwritten record of the financial transactions of the first Obost Shire Council. This council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council.A specially printed cash book with a brown cover and lighter brown binding. It has marbled end covers. It contains hand-written accounts of local government transactions .on front inside a red rectangle -"Cash Book Shire of Orbost"cash-book shire-of-orbost accounts

This document was produced in 1989 for Orbost Shire Council. It ccovers the area s of Orbost, Mallacoota, Cann River and Newmerella and includes urban and non-urban areas.This document is a useful reference tool.A book with a brown front cover with a plastic over-sheet and plastic binding.On the cover are b/w drawings of rural landscapes, trees and the coast. It is titled SHIRE OF ORBOST PLANNING STUDY Part 1 Strategic Overviews, March 1989.orbost-planning

Cec, Curtis was a member of the Orbost Rifle Club. He was a cycle trader with a business in Lind Lane, Orbost. The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period A light blue covered book with a bright red spine. It contains hand-written records of the shooters who were members of the Orbost Rifle Club. Inside are seven letter heads of CED. CURTIS - 9 LIND ST ORBOST and a newspaper cutting ( date unknown). orbost-rifle-club shooting

This survey had been sent to the Orbost Rifle Club c/- C. Curtis.The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres (236 mi) east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres (3,608.9 sq mi), and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it was merged as part of East Gippsland Shire Council.A nine page document stapled in the left-hand corner. It is a recreational survey issued by the Shire of Orbost. It is inside a a large manila envelope which is addressed to the Orbost Rifle club. It contains a covering letter and a form.survey shire-of-orbost orbost-rifle-club

The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres ), and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. On 2 December 1994, the Shire was abolished, and merged with City and Shire of Bairnsdale, Shire of Tambo, most of Shire of Omeo and the Boole Boole Peninsula from Shire of Rosedale into the Shire of East Gippsland This is a useful research tool.Two copies of a triple fold paper brochure. It is titled"Shire of Orbost Information Brochure" in black print. It contains the names of councillors, staff, the work program and budget.shire-of-orbost

These photographs were probably published in the Snowy River Mail. Some of the Orbost identities in the photographs are: Jim Holden; Brian Morgan; Clarrie Ingram; Jeffrey Fecondo; David Holden; Brian Holden; Richard Morgan; Sue Joiner and Charlie Owen. They were taken in the Poultry Shed at the Orbost Show at the Newmerella Showground. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall)These photographs are associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.Twenty-two black / white photographs and four coloured photographs. all are related to the Orbost Agricultural Show.poultry agriculture-show-orbost

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. A plain light blue minute book with a cloth brown spine. It has a white label on the front cover.On label- Orbost Rifle Clubminutes orbost-rifle-club shooting

This ledger was a share register used by Orbost Butter Factory. The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.This item is associated with the Orbost Butter Factory which was an important source of income to the Orbost district in the late 19th century - early 20th century.A suede and leather bound ledger with blue / brown covers. It contains hand - written details of share registrations for the Orbost Butter Factory.orbost-butter-factory

Brochure and book produced for the Back To Orbost Celebrations , Spring Festival in 2000.This is a locally produced book useful for research on the history of Orbost.2195.1 is a yellow brochure with black print. Fold-out format. Titled Back To Orbost 2000 Spring Festival. Friday 27th to Sunday 27th October. 2195.2 is a record of attendance book. It has a red cover and contains signatures, names and addresses.orbost-history celebrations reunions

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1960-1962. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council This is a handwritten record of accounts for the Shire of Orbost Council. It vpredates computer records. The Shire of Orbost no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council.A heavy cash book with wooden covers and metal hinges. It is lockable and contains handwritten records of accounts. Emu Binding.On front cover - East Gippsland Shire council logo label with "ORBOST" handwritten in black.

This program was created for the Orbost Theatre group as a souvenir of the official opening held at the Mechanics Institute hall in Orbost. It was held on Thursday, 20th August , 1931.This item is associated with an event which reflects the interests and leisure activities in Orbost in the first half of the 20th century. It was retained as a souvenir / memento.A rectangular light blue card program with black print. It is a souvenir for the opening of the Orbost Theatre. There are details of the venue and time of the event.theatre-orbost program

This is the third edition of "Personalities and Stories of Early Orbost which was collected and compiled by Mary Isabelle Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community This edition was organised by the Orbost & District Tourist Association. Extra photographs in this edition were supplied by the Orbost Historical Society and the Orbost Shire lent money towards the project.This is a significant reference book on the history of the Orbost district.A 141 pp soft-covered bound book with a pale blue cover. On the cover is a b/w photograph of the main street of Orbost, Nicholson Street, in approximately 1890 below the title, "Personalities and Stories of the Orbost District". This is inside a black line frame. On the back cover is a photograph of Mary Isabelle Gilbert (1905-1989). It contains obituaries, newspaper reports, sketches and b/w photographs.orbost-history gilbert-mary

At Orbost Vic. The largest maize crib in Australia 500 ft longNote on back of postcard reads Xmas 1923 To wish you a Merry Xmas and a very prosperous New Year from Yours Sincerely W J Cameron GenoaSepia postcard showing very long maize crib, horse and two men on left and small girl on right next to crib. Post and rail fence on right. Orbost Victoriapeople, agriculture

Black and white photograph and 2 Souvenir copies enclosed in folders. Photo by T.R.G. Williams.Attached to photograph: Champion Floral Display Royal Agricultural Show, Melbourne, 1946 Image shows a floral exhibit with a sign at the base of the display reading- "Display by Ringwood Horticultural & Agricultural Society. One souvenir copy includes the following names: J.W. Gillespie, B. Hubbard, H.D. Bott, E.C. Bolitho, Roger Webber, H.C. Howship, E. Maggs, L.W. Caterer, R.W. Wheeler, H. Sjogren, E.S. Murray, John ?, ?, E.M. Polson, Geo.W. Burns. Copy given by Mr Ron Burns.

In 1891, Premier James Munro said he would introduce a bill into parliament for women's suffrage if it were demonstrated that ordinary women wanted this right. The Victorian Woman's Temperance Union and the Victorian Women's Suffrage Society took up the challenge, joining forces to organise a petition. Embarking on a door knocking campaign across Victoria they collected about 30,000 signatures in six weeks. The 'Monster Petition' is housed at the Public Records Office Victoria where a purpose-built perspex case protects the 260 metres of signed pages glued to sewn swathes of calico. (ref. Creative Victoria). In 2008 the petition was a centrepiece of the centenary celebrations of women's suffrage. This document was prepared for that centenary celebration.The Women's Suffrage Petition (1891) reflects the dedicated work of those women, who went from door to door across Victoria to collect the signatures. Its tremendous length earned it the name of the ‘Monster Petition'. This document is a useful research item.A stapled 9 pp document containing names, photographs, signatures of the Orbost women who signed the petition for Women's Suffrage in 1891.women's-suffrage-orbost

The Bowling Club was founded in 1929, by a group of farmers and businessmen. They set about providing a sporting icon for the town. Six rinks were constructed on the current site using horse drawn scoops and drags. The "Back to Orbost” 1937 book, describes the greens as "a bit rough for the first two seasons but now compare favourably with most country greens". Funds for the construction were raised by the issue of debentures at £5 each, and subscriptions were £1/1s/0d ($2.10). ( info. Margaret Smith)This is a useful research book.A book with a white cover titled Orbost Bowling Club Founded 1929. It contains photocopied pages of extracts from meetings and paper clippings.orbost-bowling-club recreation bowling

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period.A small blue folder with a metal grip. It contains assorted documents concerning the Orbost Rifle Club.orbost-rifel-club documents

This booklet was the result of a class project at Orbost Primary School. It was created by the year 6 students assisted by Terry Hooper, teacher, and Debbie Hall, a local historian. 2227.1 was owned by Ruth Legge and 2227.2 by Jean RalstonThis booklet is a useful research tool.Two copies of a 100 pp light green paper covered magazine/booklet titled "Yesterday's Memories are Tomorrow's Treasures". The print on the front cover is black and has a black/white photograph of the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) below the title which is inside a scroll border, The booklet contains b/w photographs and details of the history of Orbost.2227.1 : on contents page - "Ruth 1992" 2227.2 has autographs inside the back cover. book orbost-history orbost-primary-school

Gate fold program printed in blue ink on two sided colour paper. Includes details of the musical program performed for visiting delegates. July 7th, 1909.Bendigo Agricultural / and Horticultural Society. / Welcome / to / The Delegates / of the / Farmers' Convention / 1909 making a nation exhibition, bolton brothers printers, bendigo town hall, city of greater bendigo commerce, city of greater bendigo events

The Orbost Workers' Band and the Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights and in 1929 the band played at the official opening of the Buchan Caves, by Sir Albert Lind. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.Two hard back minute books with black covers and red spines. There is a white paper label with details of dates and the title "ORBOST MUNICIPAL BAND MINUTE BOOK".orbost-municipal-band

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. A green Universal exercise book which contains hand-written handicap record of the Orbost Rifle Club. On front cover - handwritten - Handicap Recordsorbost-rifle-club shooting records

This book records the minutes of th Orbost Maize Growers' Association from December 10 1926. Meetings appear to have been held monthly.This item is an example of the hand - written records of an early Orbost agricultural association. It is associated with the large maize growing industry in the Orbost region 1880s - 1950s.A black covered exercise book containing hand - written minutes for the Orbost Maize Growers' Association.orbost maize agriculture orbost-maize-growers-association