From The Argus (Melbourne) on January 10 1934 "Damage estimated at £500,000 has been caused by the floods in the Orbost district. No loss of life occurred, largely owing to the heroic efforts of rescue parties. Many families spent Monday night on the roofs of houses or in trees, surrounded by deep, rushing flood waters." This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge - the centre span was washed away -. wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle. This is a pictorial record of the 1934 flood, a significant event in the history of Orbost.A black / white photograph of floodwaters. In the middle of the water can be see debris including a large spoked wheel. In the background are houses and fences.on back - "near Hilyer's garage at foot of hill Main Street Caravan Park on right" on front at bottom left - "1934"orbost-flood-1934 flood-orbost

These are photographs of the construction of the current cement road bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost. Construction of the bridges commenced in January 1975, with an expectation to open the bridge across the Snowy River as soon as possible. Less than two years later, on 25 November 1976, the bridge across the Snowy River was opened to traffic, allowing the old bridge to be demolished. The remainder of the Orbost Bypass, both the floodplain crossings and the eastern section around the township itself, was declared ‘Princes Freeway’ and opened to traffic in December 1977. (ref http://mrv.ozroads.com.au)The opening of this Snowy River Bridge was an important development in the accessibility to the township of Orbost. These photographs record its construction.Two black / white photographs showing the construction of a road bridge across a river. 3257.1 shows piles being dropped beside the bridge, 3257.2 is of the early stages of construction of this bridge.snowy-river-bridge-orbost road-construction-orbost bridge-orbost

These cloths were embroidered by Mrs J.W. Bird of Orbost for her daughter's trousseau. Hilda Bird, the only daughter of Mr and Mrs J.W. Bird married Mr. John Russell of Caulfield in April 1940. Jane Annie (Jean) Herbert married John Whitney Bird on December 18 1902. she was a long-time member of the St James Church of England choir and a very keen tennis player. she died in 1953. (ref, Mary Gilbert - "Personalities and Stories of The Early Orbost District")This item has aesthetic significance and shows the needlework skill of the women of the early settler families.Two white linen cloths with drawn thread work and embroidery in white. 1582.2 has a fringed edge. 1582.1 has a crocheted edge.

The Snowy River Mail is a weekly newspaper published in Orbost in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Previously published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910. In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers.This newspaper is a contemporary record of local events.A Snowy River Mail newspaper dated 17.1.1968. It contains news items, photographs and advertisements in black/white print.newspaper snowy-river-mail

The Snowy River Mail is a weekly newspaper published in Orbost in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Previously published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910. In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business. The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers Thisnewspaper is a contemporary record of a significant local events.A Snowy River Mail newspaper dated 27.7.1983. The main story is "Blaze at Golf Club". It contains news articles, photographs and advertisements - black/white.newspaper snowy-river-mail orbost-golf-club

The Snowy River Mail is a weekly newspaper published in Orbost in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Previously published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910. In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business. The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers. These newspapers are useful research tools as they are contemporary records of events in Orbost.A cardboard box of black/white newspapers. There are 38 issues of the Snowy River Mail from 1987. All contain news reports, articles, photographs and advertisements.newspapers snowy-river-mail

The Snowy River Mail is a weekly newspaper published in Orbost in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Previously published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910. In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business. The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers. These newspapers are a useful reference tool as they contain contemporary reports of local events.A cardboard box of black/white newspapers. There are 32 issues of the Snowy River Mail from 1988. All contain news reports, articles, photographs and advertisements.newspapers snowy-river-mail

The Snowy River Mail is a weekly newspaper published in Orbost in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Previously published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910. In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business. The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers. These newspapers are a useful reference tool as they contain contemporary reports of local events.A cardboard box of black/white newspapers. There are 42 issues of the Snowy River Mail from 1989. All contain news reports, articles, photographs and advertisements.newspapers snowy-river-mail

The Snowy River Mail is a weekly newspaper published in Orbost in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Previously published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910. In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business. The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers. These newspapers are useful research materials as they are contemporary records of local eventsA cardboard box of black/white newspapers. There are 48 issues of the Snowy River Mail from 1990. All contain news reports, articles, photographs and advertisements.newspapers snowy-river-mail

The Snowy River Mail is a weekly newspaper published in Orbost in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Previously published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910. In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business. The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers These newspapers are useful reference tool as they contain contemporary records of local events.A cardboard box of black/white newspapers. There are 36 issues of the Snowy River Mail from 1991. All contain news reports, articles, photographs and advertisements.newspaper snowy-river-mail

The Snowy River Mail is a weekly newspaper published in Orbost in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Previously published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910. In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business. The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers These newspapers are useful references as they contain contemporary records of local events.A cardboard box of black/white newspapers. There are 17 issues of the Snowy River Mail from 1992. All contain news reports, articles, photographs and advertisements.newspapers snowy-river-mail

The Snowy River Mail is a weekly newspaper published in Orbost in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Previously published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910. In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business. The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers. These newspapers are useful research tools as they contain contemporary accounts of local events.A cardboard box of black/white newspapers. There are 49 issues of the Snowy River Mail from 1993. All contain news reports, articles, photographs and advertisements as catalogue inserts.newspapers snowy-river-mail

The Snowy River Mail is a weekly newspaper published in Orbost in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Previously published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910. In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business. The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers These newspapers are useful research tools as they contain contemporary accounts of local events.A cardboard box of black/white newspapers. There are 49 issues of the Snowy River Mail from 1994. All contain news reports, articles, photographs and advertisements a catalogue inserts. newspapers snowy-river-mail

All photographs seem to have been takenfrom the Telecom tower on the corner of Browning and Wolseley Streets in Orbost 3259.1 is a view of the Orbost township looking north-east. The swimming pool and bowling club can be seen in the foreground. 3259.2 is aview looking north-west and showing the tennis courts and clubhouse, the Recreation Reserve oval, the Youth Centre, Historical Museum, Municipal Offices, Senior Citizens clubrooms with the fire station in the foreground. 3259.3 is a view looking south with the Shire of Orbost Municipal offices and Ruskin Street in the foreground. Munro Street can be seen running from Ruskin Street to St Joseph's School in the middle distance. Lochiel Park oval, Lochiel House, the Snowy River and highway bridge are in the background. 3259.4 is a view looking south showing the Club Hotel, C.B.C. Bank in the middle distance and Hoffman's paddock (Forest Park) and the Snowy River beyond. 3259.5 is a view looking north-east over houses. 3259.6 is aview over the main street, Nicholson Street.showing the main shopping precinct. Shop signs for Permewans, Williams Shoes, F.B. Dicken and Orbost Bakery can be seen. 3259.7 is a view looking south west and shows Forest park and beyond towards Bete Bolong.These photographs are detailed pictorial records of the township of Orbost.Seven black / white photographs taken from above a township. Chimney smoke can be seen in the photographs.orbost-township-1980s aerial-photograph-orbost

This document was produced for Orbost Shire Council to look at the repercussions of a pulp and paper mill proposal for the shire. in 1988 the Victorian government called for expressions of interest from companies to construct a pulp and paper mill in Victoria using the hardwood from East Gippsland.This document is a useful reference on the pulp and paper mill issue which caused much concern in the community and resulted in the formation of several new community groups.A plastic covered 99 pp document titled, A Pulp and Paper Mill in East Gippsland, Implications for Orbost Shire Council, June 1989. pulp-mill-orbost

Mrs John Draffin was the wife of a Shire President of Orbost Shire Council. She is reported to have made this lace herself. The design might have been copied from a book of laces.Associated with the wife of an early resident of Orbost who was Shire President. A large white cotton lace collar, roughly rectangular in shape, made from tape lace and with decorative infills. This collar is very pretty and beautifully made. tape-lace lace-collar women's-clothing

Prior to the sealing of the Princes Highway west of Orbost, the road surface was anything but good, even by C1917 when cars started to use the road. From Orbost the old road via Marlo to Sydenham was abandoned for the new location which traversed more rugged country via Cabbage Tree, Bell Bird and Club Terrace to Cann River, and the reason for this diversion was on account of settlements being established at Murrungowar and Club Terrace, at which latter place there was a temporary rush to obtain gold. This road was constructed by the Public Works department and a maximum grade of 1 in 19 was adopted, and as speed was not to be catered for the grade followed in and out round the spurs and gullies, resulting in a maze of turns and twists which required a good deal of skill on the part of the horse driver to negotiate." - Bairnsdale Advertiser, Friday, May 2, 1947. (More information from Newsletter February 2010)n 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 road is still in use in East Gippsland as a part of many four-wheel-drive touring routes.A large black / white photograph of two horse - drawn wagons on a narrow sandy bush track. It is surrounded by scrub. There is one man standing beside a horse not harnessed to a wagon.on front - "The Coast Road to Mallacoota from Orbost JPC"

Used at Orbost & District Hospital c. mid 20th century for urinary problems.This item is associated with Orbost Hospital and is an example of an early medical tool.A long metal catheter with a curved end, made of metal, possibly stainless steel. It has a small eyelet hole near the curved end. Inside is a fine metal tube. It has a red tag ORBOST. medical-instrument catheter

This report was written by Dianne Lavell for the Department of Conservation and Land Management. Dianne Lavell worked for the Department of Conservation and Land Management in Orbost. She was a long time resident of Orbost. A spiral bound, plastic covered book titled Scout Camp Wall Creek. It is a report on Scout Camp at Wall Creek in Orbost. It contains description and history of the site deemed to be a place of potential cultural significance. on the front cover is a coloured photo of the site.scout-camp-wall-creek

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.Five gold coloured metal badges which are wing-shaped on both sides of a black circle with a prop in the centre. each badge has a pin at the back. The two smaller badges have a locking clasp.ORBOST AERO CLUB around the prop in the centre.orbost-aero-club badge

Wehner's Blacksmith's was founded at Orbost in 1889. This door was in the blacksmith shop. The door has many brands burnt into both sides. These brands are for local farmers and the brands would have been made at Wehner's.The Wehner family is/ was a prominent family in Orbost from the late 19th century. Herman Wehner founded Wehner's Blacksmith's at Orbost in 1889. Oswald Wehner began working in 1910 with his father. In 1947 Ossie's son Tom started blacksmithing, retiring in 1991 and closing the business, The building remains in Nicholson street.A large solid wooden door - tongue and grooved oregon. It is made of 12 vertical boards. On it are local branding marks. wehner's-blacksmith brands

These photographs were taken at the Country Education Project's conference at Dinner Plain, Victoria. The Country Education Partnership (CEP) has been working in the area of rural and remote education for over three decades. It was initially established in Victoria during 1977 and in 2012 it changed its name from Country Education Project. In 3098.9 are Al Balfour (Far East Gippsland Area Coordinator CEP); John Pritchard (Orbost); and Kennie Ellis (Ministry of Education) at FEAST at Dinner Plain. In 3098.10 are: Rod Falconer (Genoa PS); Al Balfour (FEG Coordinator); Jeff Neale ( Club Terrace PS); Lorraine Wylie(Ottways?) and Naomi Ellis (Ministry of Education). They are sharing information at CEP's Dinner Plain conference. In 3098.11 are the East Gippsland representatives at the Country Education Project's Dinner Plain conference. L-R are Al Balfour (far East Gippsland Area CoordinatorCEP); Jeff Neale (Club Terrace)PS); Henrie Ellis ( Ministry of Education); John PritchardThese photographs are pictorial records associated with education in East Gippsland.Three black / white photographs associated with adult education in Orbost.. education-east-gippsland country-education-project balfour-al

The Old Station at Corringle was a popular picnic spot in 1901. Late in 1857 Mr Thomas T. Stirling took over Corringle Run ("Corringle" means "shallow water"). Mr Stirling and his family came from the wester district - Winchelsea. He settled at the Old Station. A few people were employed at the Orbost Stationb and there was settlement on the Orbost flats, Mr T. T. Stirling held the land from Lake Tyrers to Bemm River as a cattle run. About 1888 he became Secretary of the new Tambo Shire.This is a contemporary pictorial record of rural family life in Orbost in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of a group of early settlers (it appears to be a family group) having a picnic underneath trees. There is a young boy on a horse on the left hand side.on back - "Picnic at the Old Station"family-rural-life-orbost old-station-corringle

This is a photograph of a group of people dressed up in traditional Japanese costumes for a Church of England bazaar and fete C 1900. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Churches in Orbost provided venues for social activities, fellowship and entertainment. Many concerts, festivals and money-raising fetes were held by the church committees. St. James' Anglican Church, Orbost, was conceived and built as a memorial to the men 'who served and suffered during the Great War' as noted on the foundation stone. The Right Reverend GH Cranswick, DD, Bishop of Gippsland, laid the stone on 1 October 1927.This item is reminiscent of the late 19th - mid 20th centuries when church-going was more commonA black / white photograph on grey buff card. It is of a large group of men and women dressed in traditional Japanese costume.on front at top - handwritten - "E. H. NIXON" with an arrow pointing to the first lady standing in the back row.churches-orbost church-of-england-orbost anglican-church-orbost festivals celebrations

The photograph shows Bairnsdale carnival procession which the Orbost Band led as there was no Bairnsdale group. 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 Hall This is a pictorial record of the Orbost Brass Band. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A black / white photograph showing a procession through a main street. There is a band in the lead followed by several motor vehicles and a horse drawn vehicle. In the background is Bairnsdale Farm and Dairy Produce Market - The Mart - Mr C. A. Drevermann, A. Macarthur & Co. in Macmillan Street.on back - "Bairnsdale Band was defunct and Orbost Band played at the Bairnsdale carnival - includes Eric Wehner - Mrs O. Wehner"orbost-band orbost-municipal-band orbost-brass-band

In the photograph are the Rice family, Billy Nixon' family and Charlie Johnston. William Nixon, son of James Nixon and Alice (Roberts) Nixon was married to Ilma Muriel (Cadwallader) Nixon on 2 Apr 1902 in Orbost. They had six children - Llewella Adele (Nixon) King, Sydney William Columbo Nixon, Arthur Harry Nixon, Jack Warton Nixon, Claudine Frances (Nixon) Taylor and Daphne Joyce (Nixon) Menz Damage estimated at £500,000 was caused by the 1934 floods in the Orbost district. This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge, wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle. Note: although this card has the date 1934 written onto the rear, the flood incident depicted most likely dates from 1920 (ref. Weekly Times, Saturday 6 March 1920 p 41 when this photo was printed).This item is a pictorial record of a flood in 1920 (ref. Weekly Times, Saturday 6 March 1920 p41). Snowy River flood are a feature of the Orbost area. These floods cover the rich agricultural land. A black / white photograph / postcard of a group of people standing in floodwaters outside a timber building. Included are young children and babies being held by women. Two boys are holding dogs in front of them.on back - "Billy Nixon's house (now Downys 1991)"orbost - floods - nixon - 1920

These photographs were taken on November 25, 1976 at the official opening of the current Snowy River road bridge. Included in the photographs are: John Duggan; Pat Hall, C.R.B. chairman, R.E.V. Donaldson (3240.7) and J.A.Rafferty, the state minister for Transport, who cut the ribbon (3240.8). Di Young and Cheryl Dusting (3240.9) distributed souvenir information pamphlets to official guests. The Snowy River road bridge is one of four built as part of the 8.4 km project spanning the Orbost flood plains. The Snowy River bridge and another over the nearby Ashbys Gulch are among the 10 longest bridges in Victoria, being the eighth and fifth longest respectively. The new bridge removed through traffic from Orbost township crossing the Snowy River 45 m downstream of the old bridge.This bridge is the fourth to provide a crossing to the township of Orbost. (info from CRB NEWS No. 34. DECEMBER, 1976) These photographs are pictorial records of a significant event in Orbost's history.Eleven black / white photographs all related to the official opening of the current Snowy River Bridge. Details are in catalogue folder.snowy-river-bridge

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost in 1959. 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 revenue accounts from local government. The Shire of Orbost as a local government no longer exists havinb absobed into the East Gippsland Shire Council.A heavy ledger with a brown cover and steel bindings. The covers are probably wooden. It is alphabetically indexed and the ledger is lockable. it contains revenue accounts for 1959. On the front cover is "LEDGER (underlined) SHIRE OF ORBOST" in gold print. It is an "Emu Binder".accounts-shire-of-orbost local-government

This is a group of students of Orbost State School. A list of those in the photograph has been hand-written by Mary Gilbert. Back Row- ?; Alan Nixon; Amy Yandle; Rose Whillance; Una Perry; Nellie Cross; Hilda Coverdale; Ada Morgan; Lesley Gluth; Molly Macalaster; Mel Gluth; Allie Macalaster Marion Gilbert; Ettie Hammill; Gwen Simpson; Marge Daley; Edie Boucher; ?; ? Burns; Gladys Gall; Billy Momford; mary Kavagnah; Hugh Hawkless; Norman Burns Royce Andrews; Syd Hardy; ? Lowater; Jim Tipping; ?; ? Joiner; ?; Sinclair Mosley; ? Pleydell; Ian McDonald The 19th of March 1886 proved an important day in the lives of many early settlers in the Orbost area, because on this day the Orbost State School opened. The fact that the school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the local inhabitants as they saw their offspring commence their education under the guidance of HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school now had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached. As the population increased so did the needs of the school. This was reflected in the provision of a larger classroom in 1898. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. This photograph is associated with the history of education in Orbost.A black / white photograph mounted on grey card. It shows a group of school children posed in rows in front of an outside wall of a wooden building. A boy in the front row is holding a sign with "GRADE " written on it. The sign appears to be in white chalk on a blackboard.There is a handwritten list of names attached to the bottom of the photograph.education-orbost-state-school

Grace Cameron was the daughter of John Cameron who selected the first land on the Snowy River flats. She was the sister of Annie (later Mrs John Gilbert) who was the first white girl born in Orbost.This item is aesthetically significant and shows the skill and craftmanship of the women of the early settler families.Large oblong oil painting on green painted tin with the top and bottom rolled for decoration. Painting of three single petalled pink roses in full bloom with two small buds.tin painting cameron-grace art