This photograph shows the second major bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost. The current Snowy River bridge is the fourth to provide a crossing to the township of Orbost. The first, in 1891, lasted just two years before it succumbed to flood waters. The bridge in this photograph was built in the 1920s as a road and rail bridge, and was again partly washed away by flood waters in 1934. After the end of the first World War the Victorian Railways considered an extension of the railhead across the river at Orbost, and in 1922 a new timber and steel girder structure, a joint Country Roads Board — Victorian Railways venture, was built and completed at a cost of £41,000 (the steel girders came from the Flinders Street viaduct reconstruction). Subsequently it was decided not to take the railway across the river, and the bridge was only used by road traffic. It was severely battered by floods during its life. and after the 1971 floods was eventually replaced by the current bridge in 1975. (info from Newletter 54N by John Phillips) This item is an early pictorial record of the previous Snowy River bridge at Orbost.A postcard with a black / white photograph of a bridge - timber and steel girder structure - across the Snowy River at Orbost, Reflections of the bridge are seen in the water.snowy-river-bridge-orbost

This is a photograph of the bridge from the Orbost side. The first pile bridge over the Snowy River was just completed by Mr Jim Granter when the 1891 flood took out the centre,. There were differences of opinion as to whether the council should pay . The Shire Secretary, Mr John Draffin, persuaded them to honour their obligations. Mr Granter and Mr Clarke finished it as a suspension bridge which was opened by Mrs William Watt. Soon after a mob of cattle stampeded, the weight snapped the cable, letting one side sag. Mr R.P. Cameron repaired it and this bridge remained until 1922. "In 1890 the contract for a bridge was let to Mr James Granter for £1450. This structure with additions and improvements made to it was to cost the ratepayers about £2,500, and its erection was proceeded with in a very satisfactory manner until, just as the greater-part of the work had been completed, the flood of 1891 came down on it, piling up mountains of logs, timber and debris against the piers, which had not been made wide enough apart to allow for. contingencies of this kind. The structure held out bravely until the turn of the flood and then gave way with a crash, about five bays from the centre disappearing in the stream." ( Snowy River Mail August 12 1893) This item is a pictorial record of one of the first bridges across the Snowy River in Orbost.A black / white photograph of the old wooden suspension bridge over the Snowy River. There are two copies 919.1 and 919.2. There are two other photos showing the whole bridge taken from further back.on back - "Orbost Bridge...."snowy-river-bridge-orbost granter-james

"The first Presbyterian Church service was conducted at the Orbost Station Homestead in 1885, during a visit by Sir William Clarke, who was accompanied by two ministers. The organist was resident Grace Jennings Carmichael. Services were later held in Mr J. W. Borland’s shop and the Mechanics Hall. In 1887, the land on which the church now stands was purchased from Mr James Hossack snr, for £50 ($100). The trustees were Mr John, Peter and Hugh Cameron, Mr John A Watt and Mr James Hossack Jnr. Timber from Richardson’s Tabbara Mill was used by builder Mr R. P. Cameron and at a cost of £311.3.7 ($622) the church was opened January 9th 1898." (from Newsletter 90 Margaret Smith) In 1928 the Sunday School hall was added to the church. Mr R.P. Cameron was the contractor for both the manse and the church. The first communion service was held on July 17 1892. the Presbyterian Church was commenced in Orbost in 1855 when the Reverend Chas Attwood was settled in pastoral charge.This is a pictorial record of the Presbyterian Church in Orbost as it was in the mid 20th century. It is now the Orbost Uniting Church hall, known as St Andrews Hall,A black /white postcard photograph of the Orbost Presbyterian Church, a wooden structure with a wooden picket fence at the front and trees on right and left sides. on back - " H Gap, Presbyterian Church Orbost"presbyterian-church-orbost religion

The Stony Creek Trestle Bridge was built in 1916 when the existing rail line from Melbourne to Bairnsdale was extended to Orbost. This 97km Bairnsdale to Orbost extension through rugged terrain was reputed to have been the most difficult rail project undertaken in Victoria. In service for over 60 years the bridge was damaged by bushfire in 1980, with the last train crossing in 1987. At 247m long and 20m high, it is the largest standing bridge of its kind in the State, and is listed on the Register of Historic Sites. Built of red ironbark and grey box timber, it is a fine example of the early engineering skills that utilised the resources and materials found on site.The Bairnsdale to Orbost rail line contains the most varied range of timber & timber composite bridges on any Victorian line. The Stoney Creek bridge is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for its architectural and historical significance. A black / white photograph of a very tall wooden railway bridge with a train along the top.railway-bridge stoney-creek-bridge east-gippsland-railway

This 97km Bairnsdale to Orbost extension through rugged terrain was reputed to have been the most difficult rail project undertaken in Victoria. This wooden bridge was one of the unique railway bridges of the East Gippsland Railway line. Mundic Creek Bridge is of unique design because the line crosses at a very sharp angle. This bridge like many others on the line have "disappeared". This one, probably because of a bushfire.The Bairnsdale to Orbost rail line contains the most varied range Of timber & timber composite bridges on any Victorian line. This photograph is a record of that. A black / white photograph of a train on a wooden railway bridge at Mundic Creek.on front - Mundic Creek, Orbost Railway W.S.Vogt, Bairnsdalemundic-creek-bridge east-gippsland-railway

This photograph is of a train on the small rail bridge which crosses over the Burn Road Newmerella cutting. In 1912 work was underway to complete the Bairnsdale to Orbost section of the railway. This meant the end of river transport for the area. The railway was opened on April 10 1916 and closed in 1987. The letter written on the card is from Hilda Graham to her uncle.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 postcard photograph showing a train engine crossing on a small rail bridge. On the back is a handwritten letter.Photo caption - "NEWMERELLA RAILWAY, ORBOST STANLEY VOGT"newmerella east-gippsland-railway

In 1912 work was underrway on the Bairnsdale to Orbost railway. It was opened on April 10 1916. The two bridges on the railway viaduct, which crosses the Snowy River floodplain at Orbost, were built from local Southern Mahogany. The bridge on the Bairnsdale end (770m) is now the longest in Victoria. (info. Helen Martin)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, oval-shaped on white background. It is of the railway viaduct across the flats at Orbost,.photo caption -"ORBOST RAILWAY BRIDGE, NEWMERELLA E. S. Vogt, Bairnsdale"newmerella orbost-viaduct east-gipsland-railway

The two bridges on the railway viaduct, which crosses the Snowy River floodplain at Orbost, were built from local Southern Mahogany. The bridge on the Bairnsdale end (770m) is now the longest in Victoria. Despite various attempts to extend the line, the station stayed on the western side of the Snowy River. (info. Helen Martin)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 / postcard of the Orbost township in the background and the railway viaduct over the flats in the foreground.photo caption - The Rose Series P.479 copywright SNOWY RIVER FLATS, ORBOST, VIC"east-gippsland-railway orbost-viaduct

This photograph shows Mr John Scouller, the manager, on the left with His assistant, Fred ?. Mr Scouller was the manager of the Orbost Butter Factory for 30 years and was succeeded by Mr Stafford after his retirement. The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st, 1892.The first shipment to England went rank and was only good for axle grease on wagons and carts.The milk was brought to the factory by horse and dray.Most people would take the whey home for their pigs,which were abundant on the farms in the Orbost district. First directors – James Nixon (chairman), James Cameron, Carl H. Grove, Harry Richardson, David Rhys Morris, Lachlan Ross. The factory opened 11th January, 1893 with John Scouller as the manager. The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of two men standing near machinery inside the Orbost Butter Factory.on back - " Orbost. m. Gilbert. J. Scouller, Fred?????. Donated by Colin Perry"orbost-butter-factory scouller-john dairying

This display of butter was created by Mrs Jessie Petterson for the Harvest Festival. Ten pounds of butter was used. The Harvest Festival display was always put together by the church ladies ( Orbost Presbyterian Church) and was a family friendly festival celebrating the end of summer. The Harvest Festivals were regular community events in Orbost during the first half of the 20th century. This photograph is associated with that time.A black / white photograph postcard of a butter sculpture, a flower arrangement carved out of butter.on back - "display of butter by Mrs Jessie Petterson, 1900"harvert-festival sculpture-butter petterson-jessie

This item was found in the collection with no information recorded. On the back is a short message wishing a happy Christmas to Bessie and Jack from M.W. The photograph shows miners at Club Terrace.This item is a pictorial record of the gold mining history of East Gippsland.A yellowed black / white photograph on grey buff card. It is of men panning for gold and digging trenches.on front - " Club Terrace" on back - " To Bessie, Jack from M.W."club-terrace gold-mining gold-panning gold

The photo shows miners looking for gold at Dead Horse Creek at Club Terrace. The subjects are unknown.This is a pictorial record of gold mining in East Gippsland in the late 19th century.A yellowed black / white photograph on grey buff card. It is of seven men in the bush mining for gold.on back - "Dead Horse Creek - Club Terrace, 1897"gold-mining gold-panning-club-terrace dead-horse-creek-gold

This photograph is a record of the time when horse drawn vehicles were the main form of transport.A black / white photograph of five well - dressed men on a four horse drawn cart. It is on a rough bush track. Three men are standing, the others sitting. There are trees and bush in the background There is another horse - drawn vehicle on the left in the background.transport horse-drawn-vehicle

The photograph shows the coach owned by Mr Tom Malinn of Sardine Creek. It is in front of the Orbost Club Hotel in Nicholson Street, Orbost. On lst Juy 1926, Tom Malin took over the horse drawn coach run from Orbost to Delegate. After a few years he obtained an International 2-3 ton truck. On his first trip to Bendoc he did not carry mail, but brought Miss Cunning, the first lady head teacher and collected ballot boxes. On his next trip (March 1930) he made history as the first mailman on this route to deliver mail in a motor vehicle. (info. Bendoc History) Tom and Sophie Malinn farmed at Martin’s Creek. Sophie (nee Jensen) married Tom Malinn in 1926. Sophie’s family had run the historic “Danebo Hotel” at Martin’s Creek for many years, and in 1931, Tom and Sophie began farming at Martin’s Creek, initially cropping maize and beans. The first hotel built in Orbost was the Club in 1885, an old wooden place on the corner built for J. A. Petersen of the Mitchell Hotel Bairnsdale, now known as the Victoria Hotel. Tom Maguire, a step­son of the late Mr. Petersen, carried on the club Hotel Orbost for 5 or 6 years. The property then came into the possession of Alfred Cooper, a Yorkshireman who purchased the freehold about 1890, pulled the building down and erected the present structure.This is a pictorial history horse-drawn transport used widely in Orbost until the late 1920sA black / white photograph of a horse-drawn buggy with four men on the buggy and two mmen standing beside it, It is in front of the Orbost Club Hotel in Nicholson Street, Orbost..on back - "Tom Malinn on coach run"malinn-tom club-hotel-orbost transport-orbost

The photograph shows a loaded truck outside the Noorinbee Store. This is a pictorial record of early road transport in East Gippsland.A black / white photograph of a large truck loaded with large bundles. It is in front of a small store at Noorinbee on the main road.on back - "in front of Noorinbee Store"transport noorinbee

Buldah School was No. 4555. Mrs L. Petterson made application for a school at Buldah during 1936. It was opened on 8th of August 1937 by Herbert H. Eynstone acting as Head Teacher. He held this position for only about two weeks. The school closed during 1941. The Petterson brothers were early settlers in Cann River - late 19th century. This is a pictorial record of a school route in the first half of the 20th century. The Buldah School no longer exists.A black / white photograph of a bush track in a forest. There is water running across the track.on back - Don. by Mrs D. Petterson, only track to Buldah School in winter 1939...."buldah-east-gippsland

This photo shows Jas Lynn of Orbost driving a team of bullocks pulling a large cart of maize. They are taking it to the fisherman's Wharf in Lakes Entrance. Maize has been grown on the Orbost flats since the late 19th century. Transport was always an obstacle to economic sucess. For a few years prior to the First World War and the construction of the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost, a lot of maize was carted by horse and bullock teams to Lakes Entrance for transhipment to the Melbourne market. At that .time yields of 90 to 100 bushels of maize were quite a common occurrence. James Lynn, a member of the East Gippsland Maize Board, farmed at Jarrahmond.This photograph is associated with the large maize growing industry in the Orbost region. A black / white photograph of a bullock team pulling a large, loaded cart. It is being driven by a man standing on the side of the road, holding a whip. In the background are houses and a telegraph pole.on back - " Carting maize to Lakes Entrance in 1911."transport-bullocks maize-orbost lynn-james

The photograph shows two modes of transport in the early 1900s. Mr F. Gibbs is driving the bullock team and Mr G. Nixon and his family are in the car.This is a pictorial record of transport in Orbost in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph post card showing a bullock team and a motor car.on front at top - " F Gibbs; W.W. G. Nixon, Orbost." on front at bottom - "The two modes of travelling in East Gippsland" on back is a letter from "Jack & Nell to "Alice" transport bullock-team nixon-george

Harry Ingram delivered milk, bread, groceries and meat to towns between Delegate and Orbost with his eldest son. The pair generally drove a four wheeled wagon pulled by five horses along a hand carved winding track through the mountains. This is a pictorial record of transport in the early 20th century in Orbost. It is associated with the Ingram family settlers in Orbost from 1938.A black / white photograph of a man on a horse drawn cart.on back - "Harry Ingram"ingram-harry transport-c19th

The photograph shows the Royal Mail wagon outside Herbert's General Store in the main street of Orbost. Lancelot Herbert came to Orbost in 1886, taking up a partnership with local store-owner George Temple. After Mr Temple’s death in 1891, Lancelot took over the store and progressively developed Herberts Snowy River Stores which grew into a department store of several shops along Nicholson StThis is a pictorial record of transport in 19th century Orbost. It is associated with the Herbert family.A black / white photograph of a travelling salesman and his samples on the Orbost Coach outside Herbert's grocery store. Two other men are standing nearby. The photograph is on a cream buff card.on front - "Traveller's Samples on Orbost Coach"herbert's-store transport

This photograph is of the low level bridge across the Bemm River about 50 km east of Orbost in East Gippsland.This is a pictorial record of the 1913 low level bridge across the Bemm River, East Gippsland.A large black / white photograph of a horse - drawn wagon on the low level Bemm River bridge. In the foreground on the bridge is a dog.on back - "Country Roads Board Princes Highway low level bridge"

This photograph shows a large bullock team at the foot (eastern side?) of the Orbost township.This is a pictorial record of transport used in the late 19th century in Orbost.A large black / white photograph of a bullock team pulling a laden cart. A man is sitting on top of the freight. In the background is a horse - drawn cart loaded with sacks (maize?) with a man on a horse to the side and another standing on the shafts. In the foreground are two men on horses. There is a small house and barn in the background.on back - " At the foot of the township - 1889"orbost transport-bullock-teams horse-drawn-transport

There is currently no information on this item.A faded black / white photograph / postcard of a horse - drawn cart with one of the two horses rearing up. Two men are on the cart. on front - "Sherwood"transport-horse-drawn

When marking a boundary for a registered plan, a surveyor would place “Reference Marks” with a stated bearing and distance to a boundary corner. These trees were typically marked by cutting the bark of the tree in a shield or blaze. Until July 1886, surveyors were only able to use trees as reference marks to boundary corners. After July 1886 surveyors were able to use “permanent marks” which were either a glass bottle, gas pipe or iron bolt (for homestead surveys only). This photograph shows the reference tree, 83 miles from Marlo via the original surveyed road v ia Sydenham Inlet and Tamboon, south of Mount Drummer to the New South Wales border - now the Princes Highway.This is a pictorial record of an old survet tree. Knowledge of their location, abundance and condition not only provide important insights to past survey practice, but also provide a lasting legacy of a regions land-use history. Old survey trees serve as one of the few remaining physical legacies of early European land settlement history.A large black / white photograph of a horse and buggy pulled up alongside a reference tree which has notches and markings of Roman numerals.on back - " Refernce tree 83 miles from Marlo........to N.S.W. Border"survey-tree reference-tree

This photograph shows the regrowth of vegetation on the road between Genoa and the border - now the Princes Highway.This is a pictorial record of the main road from Orbost to the New South border, The Princes Highway, in the early 20th century.A large black / white photograph of a bush road wwith a vehicle and a man on the side of it.on back - " Princes Highway showing the regrowth.....1913"princes-highway-genoa transport

Photo shows an unidentified lady standing on the Orbost / Brodribb Road.A black / white photograph of a women in a long dress standing on a bush road surrounded by dense scrub.on back - " Track near Orbost / Brodribb Road, May 1897"orbost-brodribb-road

Bunga Creek is approximately 5km east of Lakes Entrance.This is a pictorial record of horse-drawn transport of the late 19th century used in East Gippsland.A black / white photograph of a bush scene with a horse - drawn coach running along a track beside a creek.. It is on a cream coloured buff card.on back - "No. 5" on front - "At Bunga Creek"bunga-creek horse-drawn-coach

History unknown. Oswald Stuart Green taught at the Bete Bolong State School in the 1920s /30s. He wrote many books about East Gippsland including several on thee Orbost / Marlo district.Oswald Green has an association with the Orbost area.A black / white photograph of a dirt road in the bush with a motor vehicle on the road and a man standing beside it.on back - " O.S. Green 31 Malcolm St Blackburn Princes Highway east of Coolwater Creek."princes-highway-coolwater-creek green-oswald-stuart

Boggy Creek Bridge was built in 1916 as part of the Bairnsdale to Orbost extension to the main Gippsland Railway, and is situated in the middle of the township of Nowa Nowa, crossing a steep-sided and well-timbered creek-valley. This section of the line closed in 1987.This item is a pictorial record of the construction of the Boggy Creek railway bridge on the East Gippsland line. This bridge plays a major part in the identity and history of the town of Nowa Nowa, since Boggy Creek’s steep sided valley divides the township into two components. A black / white photograph on a postcard showing the construction of a railway bridge across a creek. The end pylons are evident and there is scaffolding on both sides of the creek. Two copies of a black / white photograph showing the construction of a railway bridge across a cree. The end pylons are evident and there is scaffolding on both sides of the creek. There is a steam train on the rail track.on front of postcard - caption - " Boggy Creek, Nowa Nowa, W.S. Vogt, Bairnsdale"boggy-creek-bridge vogt-w.s. railway-bridges east-gippsland-railway railway-construction train

In the late 1800's early 1900's transporting goods by road was difficult and at times impossible because roads as thoroughfares did not exist.The means of travelling along the roads in the 1800's was by bullock wagon, horse pulled dray, pack horse or simply by foot. This is a pictorial record of transport in the mid 18th - early 19th century. Pack horses were vital for the delivery of goods, responding to emergencies as they could travel in country inaccessible to larger horse - drawn carts or wagons.A black / white photograph on a black buff card. It is of a group of pack horses being guided across a waterway with a man on horseback on either side of the river.transport pack-horses