MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.This image is significant because it depicts aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Black and White Image of Skiers on Eskdale Spur Left to Right:- Wal Johnson, R. Gibbs, Raye Meyerfalls creek, bogong high plains, ray meyer, timms spur

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.This image is significant because it depicts aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Black and White Images taken at Cleve Cole Hut Photo 1 Outside Cleve Cole 1951 - From Left: Ray Meyer, Wal Johnson and other people from a visiting group Photo 2 Cleve Cole Hut Mt. Bogong CLEVE COLE HUT was built in 1937 for the Ski Club of Victoria, to commemorate pioneer skier, Cleve Cole, who died on a disastrous ski trip across the high In August 1936 three men, Cleve Cole, Mick Hull, and Howard Michell, skied from Mount Hotham across the Bogong High Plains to Mount. On reaching the mountain they became trapped for four days on the summit ridge by appalling weather conditions. For three days they followed the Big River through rough country before deciding that Howard should continue alone to find help, leaving Mick to care for Cleve who was barely able to continue. Three days later a search party, raised after Howard had reached Glen Valley, found Cleve and Mick. Within two days the group arrived at Glen Valley where, tragically, Cleve Cole died later that night. In memory of Cleve’s life and his pioneering work in the Victorian alpine country it was decided to build a refuge hut on the mountain. It is called the Cleve Cole Memorial Hut.falls creek, bogong high plains, ray meyer, cleve cole hut

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.This image is significant because it depicts aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Black and White Image of Wal Johnson near a stand of trees on Timms Spurfalls creek, bogong high plains, timms spur, wal johnson

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.This image is significant because it depicts aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Black and White Image of Mt. Bogong from above Roper's Hut with Wal Johnson and Ray Meyer seated on the ground. ROPER'S HUT Frederick Roper and his family grazed the Bogong High Plains from the 1890s until 1908. Frederick "Jack" built three huts. The hut known as Roper’s Hut was built on Jack's new grazing lease after his former run had been acquired by the SEC in the late 1930s. It had become a well-used refuge hut prior to its destruction in the 2003 bushfires. It was rebuilt by Victorian High Country Huts Association in 2008.falls creek, bogong high plains, wal johnson, ray meyer, ropers hut

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.A blue and brown checked shirt made of woollen fabric. It has a buttoned down collar and front closing. Meyer Family records suggest that it could have been handmade by Rel Gibbs who hand made woollen shirts and embroidering Skyline badges.falls creek, building skyline, skyline founders, toni st elmo, adrian ruffenacht, jack minogue, ray meyer, lloyd dunn, david gibson

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski industry in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 256 - Explanation of the A.N.S.F. tests and results. Instructions for Test Judges are also included. Mrs. S. St. Elmo is listed as a judge. Page 263 - All skiers visiting Bogong High Plains must comply strictly with the requirements of the State Electricity Commission in regard to transport and general activities in the area. The detailed regulations were set out in the following page.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, skippy st. elmo, sec regulations

Wallace's Hut is the oldest surviving cattlemen's hut on the High Plains, built in 1889 by the three Wallace brothers - Arthur, William and Stewart. Their father David bought land at Kergunyah as well as grazing land on the banks of the Kiewa River, North East Victoria. Once the boys were old enough, the family followed the local squatters’ custom of taking their cattle up to the mountains for the spring and summer to fatten the mob, at the same time resting their home pastures. They decided to build a hut where they could shelter from the extreme mountain weather. The timber was cut from the forest about four hundred metres east of the hut, and the hearth stone was dragged in from Pretty Valley. The chimney had a base of rubble and above this iron sheeting on a timber frame. The slab walls were lined with hessian and later with tar-paper, and inside there was a bush table, sleeping platform and a rustic fire-side settle. The hut nestled among snow gums sheltered by a rocky outcrop. The names of the Wallace brothers were burnt into the tie-beams of the roof and at the back of the mantelpiece. The Wallace family’s lease expired in the late 1930s and the hut was bought by the State Electricity Commission to house staff on the High Plains and it became the first home of Toni and Skippy St. Elmo. The SEC covered the old shingles with iron, and later on the walls and chimney as well, and they added a lean-to. Wallace’s Hut is now owned by the Crown and maintained by Parks Victoria. It is on the Historic Buildings Register and is classified by the National Trust.This image is significant because it depicts an important heritage-listed structure and refuge for cattlemen and other travellers in Victoria's High Country.A black and white photograph of a skier outside of Wallace's Hut. Several sets of skis and poles are standing around and other skiers are in the background.wallace's hut, toni and skippy st. elmo, high country huts

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in May 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grande Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th May 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob’s endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today. This map is significant because it documents boundaries of early leases in Falls Creek Tourist Area.This map is part of Bob Hymans documents. It is a large Surveyor's Plan of a section of the Falls Creek Tourist Area. It is endorsed by J Parker, Chief Surveyor of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria on 27-3-84. It shows streets, lot numbers and measurements. It was a compilation created from existing lease maps. Heading - PART OF FALLS CREEK TOURIST AREA PART OF CROWN ALLOTMENT 1 PARISH OF CARRUNO PART OF CROWN ALLOTMENT 1 PARISH OF DARBALANG COUNTY OF BOGONGmap of falls creek, falls creek leases, falls creek 1980s

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in May 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grande Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th May 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob’s endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today. This map is significant because it documents plans being proposed by Bob Hymans for Falls Creek.This diagram is part of Bob Hymans documents. It contains design drawings, measurements and cross sections for one of the pylons for a chairlift proposed by Bob Hymans. The design has been drawn up by Australasian Ropeways. It has been signed by Vladimir Hájek, a Czech engineer who Mr Hymans had consulted on several projects.Top right: AUSTRALASIAN ROPEWAYS with signature V. Hájek Bottom right: 204-01 PYLONmap of falls creek, falls creek leases, falls creek 1980s

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in May 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grande Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th May 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob’s endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today. This map is significant because it documents plans made by Bob Hymans for Falls CreekThis diagram is part of Bob Hymans documents. It is a detailed plan, including elevation, detail of pivot and the general arrangement views of a turnstile. This is part of overall plans for the construction of a new chairlift at Falls Creek. At bottom of diagrams: PLAN TURNSTILE/ GENERAL ARRANGEMENT Scale 1 1/2" = 1'- 0"map of falls creek, falls creek leases, falls creek 1980s

State Electricity Commission (SEC) outlined details of a site available for the development of a Tourist Hotel Project in Falls Creek in late 1962/3. SEC estimated that by the winter of 1963 Falls Creek Village would be able to accommodate 500 persons. The site for development was up to 2½ acres adjacent to the Upper Kiewa Valley Road. It envisaged a building able to accommodate about 100 guests. The successful developer would be granted a lease for 45 years at a rent of £300 per annum. Written applications for the lease were to be submitted by 31st March 1963.This item is significant because it documents plans made by the State Electricity Commission to develop the Falls Creek Tourist Area. A folder with a black and white image of skiers outside a hotel on the left. The logo of the State Electricity Commission and text is on the right half of the folder.On right half of cover: Logo of the State Electricity Commission TOURIST HOTEL PROJECT Falls Creek / North East Victoria Forwarded with the compliments of the State Electricity Commission of Victoriafalls creek tourist area, hotel development falls creek, falls creek projects 1963

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.A circular from the Management Committee outlining regulations and parking fees for the winter of 1964falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, parking regulations falls creek

Until 1960 there were no telephones in Falls Creek. The only access to a phone was at Rocky Valley Camp where the State Electricity Commission (SEC) had an extensive network to Mount Beauty, Bogong and the other camps such as Clover power station and Howman's Gap. There were test points with a phone beside the road where contact could be made to the office in Mount Beauty. The SEC was unconcerned about Falls Creek, so no power was connected until 1960 when Tom Mitchell aired the matter in parliament. Tom was a keen skier. He applied to the Post Master General who was then responsible for telephones as well as mail. The PMG staff came up from Bright and installed an exchange in Diana Lodge. There were only about 15 lines to a post across the road uphill about 20 metres. It was from here that you could put a line from the building into a box where connections were possible. You had to buy a cable from the disposal store. It needed to have an alloy of copper and steel in the wire similar to what the army had used during the war. If the phone failed the owner would have to find the break in the wire, not an easy task in the heavy snow. Then came the telephone itself. Falls Creek was given old-fashioned sets with a hand wound magneto to ring the bell at the exchange. When the operator answered she could then plug a line into another phone line or the exchange in Bright. In the phone were two dry cell batteries that carried the spoken word to the other phone connected. Trunk lines were expensive then, so each trunk call was timed by the minute. The operator would disconnect you after a minute if you did not reply to her question "are you extending?". These telephones were donated by Julian Newton Brown. Julian's Lodge Arundel was known as Falls Creek 11.These telephones are significant because they illustrate the earliest form of technology available to connect Falls Creek Village to other areas.Telephones constructed of polished wood, brass bell, handles and cabling. Designed to operate through a telephone exchange. They operated on two dry cell batteries.Attached to front of telephone: Instructions on how to make or receive a call.falls creek village, falls creek communicaton

SKI TICKETS Before tows and lifts were introduced at Falls Creek, it could take skiers 20 minutes to climb to the Summit … but only TWO minutes to go back to the bottom. The arrival of tows, then chairlifts and T-bars changed the face of skiing forever. The first rope tow was constructed by Toni St. Elmo for the 1951 winter season. Bob Hymans installed a smaller tow for his guests at Skyline Lodge. Tows were still quite slow, so in 1956 Bob Hymans created his single chairlift. In 1958 the Village rope tow, designed by Albury engineer Jock Wilson, opened. It was financed by shareholders including Bill Griffith (Bowna Ski Club) and the Bridgford family (St. Trinian’s Ski Club). Several other tows followed including the Summit T-bar in 1961, built by Ron McCallum and operated by Alpine Developments Pty. Ltd. which was a company formed by C. H. (Bill) Bridgford. By 1982 Falls Creek was served by 16 different lifts or T-bars, all owned and operated by Alpine Developments (Holdings) Pty. Ltd. During the development of Falls Creek, different methods have been used to pay for the use of tows, lifts and T-bars … including metal tokens, single tickets, strips of tickets and season passes. The Falls Creek Historical Society Collection includes many examples of these items.These tickets are significant because they are representative of activities at the National Fitness Camp at Falls Creek.A set of Identification cards, including a photograph, belonging to Bruce McDowell at the National Fitness Camp, Falls Creek for the years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Also included is the back of one ticket showing Conditions of use of the tickets. The National Fitness Camp at Howmans Gap was run by the Victorian State National Fitness Council. Initially the camp was leased from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It had a capacity of 110 participants and offered both summer and winter activities.national fitness camp howmans gap, falls creek management

Australian Magazine (A.M.) published a special three page article about Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains on 24th August 1954. The article was titled "Australia's playground of the future". Written by Muir Maclaren, it referred to the Bogong High Plains as a comparatively new and unexploited winter playground which could be one of the best snow resorts in the world. There were 13 huts which were at Falls Creek which were there due to "hard work, the grace of God, and the permission of the Victorian State Electricity Commission". A brief history of the Albury Ski Club Lodge was included. In 1954 the Lodge was run byLes Meikle and had the Club had a membership of 200 people. Lodges with accommodation established at this time, with the ability to house a total of 280 people, included Albury, Skyline, Bogong, Myrtleford, Hymans, Dawn, Galleon, Kiewa Valley, Snowden, Nelse, Moroma, Trowalla, St, Trinian's, Bowna and Nissen. The reporter also interviewed Skippy and Toni St. Elmo and gave a description of the tow and its fees. He outlined Toni's earlier background with the SEC and noted that Toni had recently named a peak in the area Mt.. Hillary in honour of the success of Edmund Hillary in conquering Mt. EverestThis article and accompanying images are significant because they capture early information about the Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek and its pioneers.A centre spread from a monthly publication featuring text and colour imagesBeneath photo Toni St. Elmo and his wife, Skippy, who run the ski tow and a ski school. Skippy won the Albury Club Club Championship against men.bogong high plains, skippy st. elmo, toni st. elmo

Mavis Grace Lindsay born in 1917 and married Toni St. Elmo in Ballarat on 18 December 1944. She was known as “Skippy” from childhood. They moved from Melbourne in 1945 and spent the year living in Wallace’s Hut. Toni was employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data. They were to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. Toni entering her in the first club championships held by the Bogong Ski Club at Rocky Valley, which he had established. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950s and represented Australia in New Zealand. In 1947, the first ski lodge was built by six SEC employees including Toni St Elmo. The lodge was named “Skyline”. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow at Falls Creek, called Nissen. He also established the Nissen Ski School. In 1949, Skippy won the Downhill and Combined State Championship held at Mt Buller. In 1950, Skippy was selected to compete in New Zealand with the Victorian team. Skippy trained with the men at the Bogong Ski Club which became a talking point in 1953 when the Albury Ski Club held an Open Championship and Skippy won in the Giant Slalom and Downhill. She went on to win many more races. In 1960, Skippy and Toni said farewell to Falls Creek. Skippy passed away in Queensland in July 2005 and Toni passed away in September of the same year. In November 2006 they were honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek by the spreading of their ashes over Eagle Rock.A black and white photograph of Skippy and Toni St. Elmo standing in the doorway of their hut on the Bogong High Plains. A line of washing stretches behind the hut connected to the outside toilet.skippy st. elmo, toni st. elmo, sec hut skippy and toni st. elmo

This is a framed receipt in the name of Skippy St. Elmo for completion of the Ski Club of Victoria Junior test for ski instructor. The test was completed on 25 August 1945 at the Scout Hall, Bogong High Plains. The receipt was found inside the cover of a typed manuscript. Mavis Grace Lindsay (Skippy) born in 1917 and married Tony St. Elmo in Ballarat on 18 December 1944. She was known as “Skippy” from childhood. They moved from Melbourne in 1945 and spent the year living in Wallace’s Hut. Toni was employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data. They were to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. entering her in the first club championships held by the Bogong Ski Club at Rocky Valley, which he had established. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950’s and represented Australia in New Zealand. In 1947, the first ski lodge was built by six SEC employees including Toni St Elmo. The lodge was named “Skyline”. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow at Falls Creek, called Nissen. He also established the Nissen Ski School. In 1949, Skippy won the Downhill and Combined State Championship held at Mt Buller. In 1950, Skippy was selected to compete in New Zealand with the Victorian team to compete in New Zealand Skippy trained with the men at the Bogong Ski Club and that fact became a talking point in 1953 when the Albury Ski Club held an Open Championship and Skippy won in giant slalom and downhill. She went on to win many more races. In 1960, Skippy and Toni said farewell to Falls Creek. Skippy passed away in Queensland in July 2005 and Toni passed away in the September of the same year. In November 2006 the pair was honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek by the spreading of their ashes over Eagle Rock.This certificate is an early document belonging to Skippy St Elmo, a pioneer of Falls Creek.Framed marking sheet for a Junior ski test for Ms Skippy Elmo at Bogong High Plains on August 25 1945. The test sheet is attached to a white backing paper which has 'My First achievement....skiing. Bogong High Plains' typed on it. The sheet has been framed for displau.skippy st elmo, ski instructor test, ski club of victoria, bogong high plains

Mavis Grace Lindsay born in 1917 and married Tony St. Elmo in Ballarat on 18 December 1944. She was known as “Skippy” from childhood. They moved from Melbourne in 1945 and spent the year living in Wallace’s Hut. Toni was employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data. They were to become responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. entering her in the first club championships held by the Bogong Ski Club at Rocky Valley, which he had established. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950’s and represented Australia in New Zealand. In 1947, the first ski lodge was built by six SEC employees including Toni St Elmo. The lodge was named “Skyline”. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow at Falls Creek, called Nissen. He also established the Nissen Ski School. In 1949, Skippy won the Downhill and Combined State Championship held at Mt Buller. In 1950, Skippy was selected to compete in New Zealand with the Victorian team to compete in New Zealand Skippy trained with the men at the Bogong Ski Club and that fact became a talking point in 1953 when the Albury Ski Club held an Open Championship and Skippy won in giant slalom and downhill. She went on to win many more races. In 1960, Skippy and Toni said farewell to Falls Creek. Skippy passed away in Queensland in July 2005 and Toni passed away in the September of the same year. In November 2006 the pair was honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek by the spreading of their ashes over Eagle Rock.Photograph of Ms Skippy Elmo and man at Bogong High Plains on August 25 1945 as well as a framed receipt for the Ski Club of Victoria Junior Test for Ski Instructorsskippy st elmo, skyline lodge, bogong high plains, ski instructor test

Document. Envelope containing: - War Damage Commission receipt. Agreement with State Electricity Commission (1938), Share Register, Lease Agreement, Receipt from Holland Bros Engineers, Agreement for water rights. Lease agreement Use of Water Race, Application for Shares, Tribute Agreements. Napoleon (B.M.L.) Mines No Liability.McColl, Rankin & Stanistreetorganization, business, gold mining - legal, mccoll, rankin & stanistreet, central napoleon gold mining co nl, gold mining, share register, leases, sec, holland bros engineers, water rights

Ballarat - Gives details of where purchased from, date of purchase, type, body builder, seating capacity, overall length, overall height, overall width, condition of tram, trolley base, Lightning arrester, controller make and type, Truck Maker and type, type of truck, axle type, wheel base, axle diameter, motors type and maker, Motor horsepower, Armature bearings, suspension bearings, gear teeth, Air compressor make and type, Brake Valves make and type, Governor make and type, Weight in tons and details of advertising space in racks. At base has typed (original) list of trams of the two types, single truckers and bogie trams. List of trams includes the scrubber and No. 20 which was scrapped prior to system closure but excludes No. 19 which was transferred to Bendigo 1961. Item undated - mid to late 1960s?. See also items 3430, 8721, 8722 and 9182 for other versions.Yields information about the dimensions and equiipment on Ballarat Tramcars operated by the SEC.Wooden varnished frame and glazed typed list with a backing board.tramcars, ballarat, equipment, lists, data

Set of 27 Stamped enamelled round brass pieces with a hole stamped at the top and ring placed through. Used as a SEC tramways employees pass for either all Provincial tramways, Ballarat or Bendigo only. All badges have the SEC logo in the centre, organisational name (State Electricity Commission of Victoria) in white enamel and outer ring the words "Electricity Supply Department, Provincial Tramways", or "Electric Tramways Ballarat" or "Electric Tramways Bendigo". This is in blue enamel. On the rear are stamped numbers and manufacturers name - "AMOR" or "AMOR MELB" or "STOKES & SONS MELBOURNE" in the bottom portion of the pass. Items .1 -> .10, .12, .13 individually tagged. Item .11 not tagged Item .13 -> .27, single tagged, tied together with a length of string. 1941.1 - Bendigo - No. 9 - Stokes - silver background instead of gold, appears to have been used. .2 - Bendigo - No. 43 - Stokes - has been used - partially worn, has additional clip joined to main ring. .3 - Ballarat - No. 51 - Stokes - has been used, worn and chipped under main ring. .4 - Ballarat - No. 61 - Stokes - has been used, worn, and chipped on blue enamel in at least two places. .5 - Ballarat - No. 72 - Stokes - has been used, worn and chipped on blue enamel in many places - btm1941i1 for reverse side. .6 - Ballarat - No. 86 - Stokes - has been used, worn, dirt on rear - see image btm1941i2 for front side. .7 - Bendigo - No. 107 - Stokes - appears not to have been used - see image btm1941i3 for front side .8 - Bendigo - No. 108 - Stokes - ditto, but gold by SEC shield is discoloured - see image btm1941i4. .9 - Bendigo - No. 121 - Stokes - appears to have been used, more silver than 1941.8 .10 - Provincial - No. 124 - AMOR - may have been used - see image 1941i5 for front side .11 - Provincial - No. 156 - AMOR - small clip broken off at top, has been used, worn (Not tagged) .12 - Provincial - No. 306 - AMOR - no larger ring, has been used, worn and discoloured .13 - Provincial - No. 656 - AMOR MELB - has not been used, no larger ring, see image 1941i6 for back side. .14 - Provincial - No. 642 - AMOR MELB - has not been used. .15 - Provincial - No. 644 - ditto .16 - Provincial - No. 645 - ditto .17 - Provincial - No. 646 - ditto .18 - Provincial - No. 647 - ditto .19 - Provincial - No. 648 - ditto .20 - Provincial - No. 649 - ditto .21 - Provincial - No. 650 - ditto .22 - Provincial - No. 651 - ditto .23 - Provincial - No. 652 - ditto .24 - Provincial - No. 653 - ditto .25 - Provincial - No. 654 - ditto - to A. Reither for 21st from BTM 2/8/03 - see attached image btm1941i7 .26 - Provincial - No. 655 - ditto - to P.Mong for 21st from BTM 2/8/03 - see ditto .27 - Provincial - No. 564 - ditto - added 21/1/2007 from somewhere - at WAD's house 12/2006. .28 - Provincial - No. 589 - ditto - dittotramways, trams, employees pass, tickets, provincial tramways, badges

Set of 12 Stamped enamelled round brass pieces with a hole stamped at the top and ring placed through. Used as a SEC tramways employees pass for either all Provincial tramways, Geelong, Ballarat or Bendigo only. All badges have the SEC logo in the centre, organisational name (State Electricity Commission of Victoria) in white enamel and outer ring the words "Electricity Supply Department, Provincial Tramways", or "Electric Tramways Ballarat" or "Electric Tramways Bendigo" or "Electric Tramways Geelong". This is in blue enamel. On the rear are stamped numbers and manufacturers name - "AMOR MELB" or "STOKES & SONS MELBOURNE" in the bottom portion of the pass, except .9 which is "STOKES" only. Items .1 -> .12 individually tagged. 1941.1 - Geelong - No. 46 - Stokes - silver background, has been used - see image file btm1942i1 and for back btm1942i2. .2 - Bendigo - No. 51 - Stokes - has been used - partially worn, silver background. .3 - Ballarat - No. 49 - Stokes - may have been used, silver background, silver background. .4 - Ballarat - No. 100 - Stokes - has been used, red in shield very faded, silver background. .5 - Ballarat - No. 102 - Stokes - has been used, worn and chipped on blue enamel near top gold centre, brass back. .6 - Bendigo - No. 105 - Stokes - gold/brass back, may have been used, some wear on right side. .7 - Ballarat - No. 106 - Stokes - appears to have been used - dirt marks on rear and front of badge, brass/gold background. .8 - Bendigo - No. 106 - Stokes - appears not to have been used, brass/gold quite bright. .9 - Geelong - No. 111 - Stokes - appears to have been used, silver back - see image file btm1942i3. .10 - Bendigo - No. 123 - Stokes - may have been used - silver background. .11 - Provincial - No. 570 - AMOR MELB - has not been used brass/gold background. .12 - Provincial - No. 657 - AMOR MELB- has not been used, brass gold background.tramways, trams, employees pass, tickets, provincial tramways, badges

Gives details with an index of the rules for Motorman, Conductors, and both types of employees together. Has an "Issued to" form inside the front cover - no entries. Has printer details on inside title sheet and on rear sheet and print stock details "FTY 18-8,-1507/40 on inside front only." Printed by the Government Printer H.E. Daw. Glued into the rear of the book is SEC By-Law No. 1, brown covers giving definitions, fares and charges, regulations re passengers, behaviour, smoking, dangerous goods, luggage, and behaviour of crews. Gives a schedule of fares and charges for Ballarat, Bendigo, and Geelong. Fares applied from 1937 to 1949. (See also item 3110). Printed by the Government Printer H Green. Details names of SEC Commissioners, Minister in Charge of Electrical Undertakings.Demonstrates aspects of the way the SEC issued rules to employees on how they should behave and perform their duties safely. Yields information on particular items and operations.Booklet with green cloth covers, titled in gold block "State Electricity Commission of Victoria - Tramways - Rules Governing Employees - May 1936"on heavy card with inside paper covers on heavy paper and 24 pages printed both sides, with stitched pages with white cotton. By-Law 1 dated 9/3/1937 has been glued into the back of the book.tramways, ballarat, secv rules, by-laws, tickets, fares, motormen, conductors

Photograph of Bendigo Tram 21, decorated for the 1937 Coronation of King George VI that took place on 12/5/1937. Photo taken outside the depot. Used in the SEC Magazine Contact Vol 2, No 2 August 1937 - see item 2973.Yields information about Bendigo tram 21 decorated for the 1937 Coronation event.Photograph, black and white, with notes on rear.In ink "Coronation 1936" and Ken Magor stamp.tramways, trams, bendigo, tram 21, coronation, decorated trams

In the post-war era from 1947 to the mid-1980s, the Forests Commission sponsored Australia's only military sawmilling unit, the 91 Forestry Squadron. It was a special reserve unit of the Royal Australian Engineers (RAE). Established and commanded by Commission forester and WW2 veteran, Major Ben Benallack, the "Woodpeckers" as they were known comprised a small pool of specialised soldiers capable of rapid mobilisation in the event of need. Several other Victorian departments such as the State Electricity Commission (SEC) did the same thing who supported a construction squadron based at Newborough in the Latrobe Valley. The scheme created a very active and capable part-time military group that completed many worthy projects across the State. In addition to their military training, the Woodpeckers operated bush sawmills, built timber bridges along the Murray River, the Snake Island Jetty, forest roads and performed various demolition tasks.Presentation plaque from the "Woodpeckers" Mounted on polished wooden burl forests commission victoria (fcv)

Used to send a letter to Wal Jack in Jan. 1951 by the SECV Ballarat Office. Is an example of a Franked enveloped - see item 9544 for an example of a SECV franking record book.Yields information SEC envelopes and postal methods in 1951.Envelope printed for the SEC Ballarat office, giving address details, typed for a letter to Wal Jack, 31 York St, Ballarat East and franked in red ink for a 3d Australian stamp and partly franked "Electricity the Modern Servant" and cancelled with a Ballarat PO Vic stamped on 8-1-1951. Marked "ENE 1-2" trams, tramways, ballarat, sec, envelopes, mails

Used for SEC safety messages and a welcome to a tour group by the Ballarat Tramway Preservation Society.Demonstrates a SEC Safety sign and a reuse by the BTPSSheet of plywood painted green, with of our mounting holes & clip on the right hand side. With a "SEC safety" transfer applied to one side. Has rounded corners on the tap. Has had two hinges on the left hand side. On rear in yellow paint faded with brown mark stains "BTPS / WELCOMES / RCTA / TOUR / GROUP" (Rail Coach Touring Association.) Used late seventies?trams, tramways, sec, safety, ballarat, depot, rcta

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in May 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grande Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob’s endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This document is significant because it documents the plans for the maintenance and development of the Falls Creek Village.MInutes of the Falls Creek Alpine Village Advisory Committee held on 14 December 1957 typed on foolscap size paper. Topics of discussion included the number and placement of tows to operate at Falls Creek, possible extension of the title held by the S.E.C. on the Bogong High Plains to encompass the Falls Creek Village and a submission by Bill Hymans to build a tennis court.chairlift falls creek, skyline chair lift, bob hymans, falls creek alpine village advisory committee

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in May 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grande Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob’s endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This document is significant because it documents discussion concerning the operation of Falls Creek.MInutes of the Falls Creek Alpine Village Advisory Committee held on 21 September 1957 typed on foolscap size paper. Topics of discussion included contributions to the Ski Improvement Fund, equipment in the Casualty Room and also the possibility of erecting a simple rope tow on the nursery slope.chairlift falls creek, bob hymans, ski improvement fund, falls creek alpine village advisory committee

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in May 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grande Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob’s endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This document is significant because it documents the Rules of Falls Creek Tourist Area Regulations 1959.A letter from the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee reinstating the policy to ensure that licensees must not encroach on land for which they don't hold a license.bob hymans, licensee requirements