Herman Wehner, had learned his trade as a blacksmith and coach builder in Germany before coming to Australia in about 1884. After working for some time in Melbourne and at Wallan he came to Orbost in 1889 and bought John William Borland‟s wheelwright and blacksmithing business in Nicholson Street. At the time there were two blacksmithing and wheelwright businesses in Orbost, the other one, also in Nicholson Street, was owned by Mr John Russell. (ref, John Phillips Newsletter July 2015) Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex. 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. This item is an example of book-keeping in the early 20th century. It is a useful research tool.A white paper account with blue print, red lines. At top left is a blue illustration of a horse. The account is from H. Wehner, General Blacksmith and Wheelwright to R. P. Cameron.wehner-blacksmith account book-keeping cameron-r.p.

MacKinnon and Sons were seed and produce merchants. Mackinnon was the Orbost agent for the Vacuum Oil Co., and his business extended to Cann River, 60 miles away. This item was probably used by Robert Pullar Cameron who was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex. This item is an example of book-keeping for an Orbost business in the early 20th century. It is a useful research tool.A white paper credit note with black print and red lines made out for MacKinnon & Sons, merchants.mackinnon-&-son-seed-merchants credit-note

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 St. He also had small shops at Cann River, Noorinbee and Genoa which were run by members of his family, as well as a carrying business and fuel outlets. Lancelot died on 2/6/1911 and his wife Martha [died 1945] are buried in a joint grave in Orbost Cemetery. (info. Noreen and Lindsay Thomson) Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is associated with a well-known Orbost business which started in 1888 and finally closed in c.1970. it is an example of book-keeping in the early 20th century and is a useful research tool.A white paper account with black print and red lines. Hand-written from Lancelot Herbert of Snowy River Stores to R.P. Cameron.herbert-lancelot snowy-river-stores cameron-robert-pullar

There were several small private hospitals in Orbost in the early 20th century. Babies were born at these private hospitals and mostly only a midwife attended as the doctor could be away on horseback treating another patient. As the new Orbost and District Hospital ( officially opened June 30th, 1930) developed and its facilities grew private hospitals closed. By the 1930's in Victoria there was an increase in the demand for beds in public hospitals by those who found private hospital costs prohibitive and wanted the higher standard of care provided in public hospital . This meant that many small private hospitals closed. Maldon Hospital in Orbost was one of several which could not compete with the new Orbost public hospital.A small white paper account with black print from Maldon Private Hospital to Mrs Lovell. It has a yellow tax stamp. orbost-health maldon-private-hospital

This certificate was issued on January 30, 1903 to Captain Alan Richardson by the Marine Board of Victoria entitling her to carry 25 passengers and only 10 passengers when engaged in towage service. Two children under 12 years of age to be reckoned as one passenger. The penalty of 20 pounds would be levied if these limits were exceeded. the certificate was valid until 21st July 1903. The original Paddle Steamer Curlip was built by Sam Richardson and his sons Mark, Albert and Frank, at their sawmill at Tabbara, a pioneering settlement on the Brodribb River, a tributary of the Snowy River. Curlip's keel was laid on 14th October 1889 and PS Curlip was launched in 1890. The Paddle Steamer Curlip was designed to travel up and down the Snowy and Brodribb Rivers with essential supplies from coastal ketches and schooners, that plied their trade up and down the coast between Melbourne, Sydney and Tasmania. The Curlip regularly towed one or two barges and up to five barges loaded with local farming produce and timber for the thriving cities, that was loaded offshore or in the Snowy River estuary, tide and depth permitting, on to the trading vessels.This item is associated with the P.S. Curlip and the Richardson family, early Orbost pioneers.A paper passenger certificate for a river steam ship.Details are handwritten in black and red ink.curlip-p.s. certificate-passenger richardson

This is a certificate of indenture, a legal agreement, between George Beattie of Forest Creek, near Castlemaine in the colony of Victoria, and Peter Christian Smith of the same place. Both were miners. Beattie was the vendor and Smith paid twenty-five pounds for a land parcel. The contract was witnessed by John Hedderwick, a law clerk in Castlemaine. There is a record in the Mount Alexander Mail, dated Wed. 22 April 1857, of George Beattie purchasing land for three pounds, sixteen and sixpence in Castlemaine and that it was withdrawn. Records also show that a Peter and Thomas Smith farmed in Sandon near Castlemaine.This item is a useful research tool as it a hand-written record of part of the history of the gold fields region of Victoria.A white paper certificate of conveyance with black print and hand-written details from George Beattie to Peter Smith. There is a wax seal on the second page.beattie-george smith-peter-christian castlemaine-certificate-conveyance

"The theatre itself was located in a barn close to the village pond. Its location is indicated on the attached 1827 map of Hampton Wick and the Swan arrowed where tickets were to be had. The picture of Ye Swan around 1900 is probably not too dissimilar to how it would have looked in 1797. One of the regular patrons at the theatre is believed to have been William, Duke of Clarence (later King William IV, uncle of Queen Victoria). The Duke lived in Bushy House about a mile away from the village and was a known devotee of theatrical entertainments. The theatre had disappeared by 1865. It would have been a touring company who were playing on the night of 3 October 1797." ( information from Ray Elmitt, historian of Hampton Wick ) The doors were to be opened at 6 to begin precisely at 7 o'clock,. Boxes were 3 shillings, Pit seats were 2 shillings and seats in the gallery were 1 shilling. Tickets could be bought at the printing office in Kingston or from Mr Ansel of Adam and Eve in Kingston or from Mr Pattenden of the Swan in Hampton Wick. "First Love" is a 1795 sentimental comedy play by the British playwright Richard Cumberland. It was first performed at the Drury Lane Theatre in May 1795. Frederick Mowbray becomes the protector of Sabrina Rosny after her abandoment by Lord Sensitive. The Agreeable Surprise is a 1781 comic opera to music by Samuel Arnold and a libretto by John O'Keeffe. The work in two acts was first performed at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket (London), on 3 September 1781. It was one of the most performed works of its kind in London in the last quarter of the 18th century. In England the 18th century saw the flourishing of theatre as a popular pastime. Many theatres were enlarged and new playhouses built in London and the provinces. This item was kept as a souvenir / memento and brought to Australia by an early settler.A very old program from the Richmond Company at the Theatre Hampton-Wick. It is white with black print. There are two performances - First Love and The Agreeable Surprise. There is a cast list for each. theatre hampton-wick-richmond-company

This account was sent to R.P. Cameron for building repairs. Many local businesses were diverse in what they offered in attempts to keep their businesses viable. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is an example of early 20th century book-keeping in Orbost and is a useful research tool.A white paper account with black lines and black print. Details are handwritten. It is from Williams Bros, Builders, Undertakers and Sawmillers, to R. Cameron.account-book-keeping williams-bros-builders-undertakers-sawmillers cameron-r.p.

This article was published on March 28th 1910 when Henry Lawson spent some time in a bush camp at Mallacoota, set up E.J. Brady who later recalled Lawson's visit, "We were in our first camp on Captain's Point, living like gipsies. The fishing was good, the shooting was good and a temporary solving of the economic problem had left one free to write when and what one liked - in blessed literary emancipation and far enough from all that vulgar, strident condition that is miscalled 'modern civilization'". The article describes an event that took place on March 6 and is attributed to Henry Lawson.This item is a contemporary record of the writing of Henry Lawson, one of Australia's best known poets.A newspaper clipping from the Eden Magnet. It is titled "A Day at Mallacoota (And A Night Too).handwritten at top - March 28th, 1910 below title -11/3/6newspaper-clipping-eden-magnet lawson-henry-mallacoota

The Daily Mail printed this handkerchief to raise funds for the "Soldiers' Families Fund" after the outbreak of the Second Boer War (1899-1902. (The Daily Mail, devised by Alfred Harmsworth (later Lord Northcliffe) and his brother Harold (later Lord Rothermere), was first published on 4 May 1896 and was an immediate success.) Patriotic handkerchiefs were popular during the Victorian era and this one featuring a popular song and well-known people was probably the most popular.This handkerchief was produced to raise funds for the families of soldiers involved in the Second Boer War. This fund, The Soldiers' Families Fund was the first such charitable effort for a war. The handkerchief and other related items raised more than 250,000 pounds.A white linen man's handkerchief. It is printed in blue. It has a map of the South African Republic and the music and words of The Absent Minded Beggar - music by Arthur Sullivan, words by Rudyard Kipling. There is a picture of Lord Roberts, the British Commander in Chief, in the top left corner with the British flag and a picture of Queen Victoria in the bottom right corner.handkerchief souvenir boer-war

Mechanical pencils were first used in the 18th century with many designs patented in the 19th and 20th centuries.A metal pencil holder which holds a pencil at one end. It has an adjustable slide. At the top is a small metal loop.pencil writing-implement office-equipment mechanical-pencil

This is a small souvenir or promotional book for Herbert Stores in Orbost and Cann River. 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 St. He also had small shops at Cann River, Noorinbee and Genoa which were run by members of his family, as well as a carrying business and fuel outlets. Lancelot died on 2/6/1911 and his wife Martha [died 1945] are buried in a joint grave in Orbost Cemetery. (info. Noreen and Lindsay Thomson. More from "In Times Gone By' by Deborah Hall)Associated with a well-known Orbost business which started in 1888 and finally closed in c.1970. A small book with a white/cream cover and black printing. It has three cardboard pages inside which are blank. A pencil holder is attached to the back cover. On front cover: SNOWY RIVER STORES AND BAKERY. Established 1886, AND CANN RIVER. Lancelot Herbert, Wholesale and Retail DRAPER, OUTFITTER, Grocer & Ironmonger, MILLINERY A SPECIALTY. BAKERY, SMALLGOODS FRESH DAILY. Tobacco & Cigars of the Best Brands. AGENT FOR: Age, Leader, Every Saturday, Argus, Australasian, Melbourne Punch, and Sydney Morning Bulletin. WINES AND SPIRITS.souvenir herbert-stores

This printer's block was used by the Snowy River Mail in the 1920's. This block is an advertisement for Tomlinson and McFarlane Bros, Drapers and General Merchants of Nicholson Street, Orbost.Since 1890 the Snowy River Mail has been the local newspaper of the Orbost district.This local paper has been the means by which readers in Orbost were able to learn about newsworthy events and issues in their local community for over a century.A printer's block from the Snowy River Mail. It is an advertisement for ladies' wear in the 1920's. It is an ad for Tomlinson and McFarlane Bros.of Nicholson Street Orbost and advertises fashionable contour corsets. The plate is nailed onto a block of chipboard.printing newspaper media advertisement tomlinson-and-mcfarlane-bros

This book was used by Orbost Cemetery Trust to record letters written especially to provide a running account of the trust's activities. Although the cemetery was officially gazetted in November, 1891, it seemed certain that burials had taken place before that time. The early trusts were diligent in their record keeping and visionary in their planning.The original Trust members approved by the Public Health Department included C. N. Henderson, E. Watt (Ernest), D. Munro (Donald), M. R. Coote (Massy) and James Cameron (recorded at the first meeting of the Trust dated 29th May 1891. The first mention of a Mr. C. Richardson wasn’t until 25th February 1916 whilst the cemetery was under the control of the Orbost Shire Council with select councillors on the committee. Orbost Cemetery is an important part of Orbost's history. Its records are essential in research of local history.A grey covered letter book used by the Orbost Cemetery Trust to record letters written between 1894 and 1907.On spine-Letter Bookorbost-cemetery letter-book

Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874-1956), teacher, writer and historian, was born on 10 May 1874 at Ballarat, Victoria. as well as his stories he published a number of Books about the history of Ballarat. Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874–1956) was a teacher, writer and historian. As a country schoolteacher, he traveled widely in the eastern Australian outback and also made a journey to London. Spielvogel gained distinction as one of the only Australian Jewish writers of his time. Many of his early books were best-sellers. A paper back book with 146 pp.written by Nathan Spielvogel. On the front cover is a drawing of a farm-house in a green paddock. The book is about school life and farming at Sale, Stawell, and the Wimmera district. the-cocky-farmer spielvogel-nathan literature

The Christy Minstrels were originally formed in New York by Edwin Pearce Christy in 1843. Special sheet music was published for Minstrel Groups to perform and Australian versions of the troupe were very popular. Archibald Munro was an early Orbost bootmaker, became a post master until the telegraph line came and was an original member of the Orbost Brass Band.In the United States these early minstrel groups were successors to individual minstrel performers who imitated Negro singing and dancing. Minstrel shows developed in the 1840’s, peaked after the Civil War and remained popular into the early 1900s. Minstrel groups in Australia followed the custom of blackening their faces. Minstrelsy was a product of its time.A note book with three papers which are copies of letters. It has a brown cover with marbled edges.. It contains the minutes of the Orbost Christy Minstrels Troupe. The letters are hand-written in black ink and signed by Archibald Munro. .1 is the book .2 notes on the preeiminary meeting .3 letter to Mr Grahamentertainment christy-minstrels munro-archibald music

These books were owned and used by sisters, Hilda and Elsa Wehner who were the daughters of Hermann Wehner, early Orbost blacksmith. Sir James Cantlie was a Scottish physician who was a pioneer of First Aid.These first aid guides produced by the St John Ambulance, the largest teacher of first aid in Australia, were an important addition to the home library and used regularly. Two small books on first aid. Both books are published by St John Ambulance Association. 1829.1 is First Aid to the Injured - a small book with a black cover. It is the 37th edition. 227pp. It was written by Colonel Sir James Cantlie. 1829.2 is Home Nursing - a small book with a brown cover. 272pp. It was written by Mildred Heather-Bigg. The title and spine printing is white on both books.1829.1 has Hilda Wehner written inside the front cover. 1829.2 has Elsa Wehner written inside the front cover.

In 1922 a Memorial Scroll was presented to the next of kin of those soldiers, sailors, and nurses who died while serving in the Australian Imperial Force or Royal Australian Navy during the First World War. Later they were presented with a Next of Kin Memorial Plaque. This was presented to Edward Lawless' mother, Elizabeth Lawless. This certificate is part of the Lawless Collection. The Lawless family lived in Orbost from 1907 - c 1920. John Francis Lawless had a saddlery shop. He died at an early age - 47 years - June 7 1912, leaving his wife, Elizabeth and seven children. The eldest son, Victor Rowland lawless volunteered for serv ice in WW1 but did not leave Australia because of illness. The second son, Edward Vincent Lawless (b 1895 d 1917) worked for McCoy & Co. in Orbost, coachbuilding, undertakers, general blacksmiths and farriers, prior to enlisting in WW!. He was trained as a signaller and was sent to France where he was killed in action on 9.10.1917. Elizabeth Lawless worked as a ladies' nurse (midwife) in Orbost prior to leaving the district in 1920. She lived to 6.6.1975 aged 104 years. On October 9, he was first recorded as missing in action and then confirmed killed in action. He was initially buried at Tyne Cot British Cemetry and then exhumed and buried at Passchendaele New British Cemetry, Plot 14, Row 2, Grave 2. Correspondence in his file dated April 7, 1925 providing the grave details show that his mother was still seeking that information. It was possibly due to the fact that his body was exhumed and reburied. While there is no correspondence to his mother about this move on file, the correspondence that is there indicates she had not received the specific information on his grave until 1925.These personal documents, medals, photographs and books give an insight into the human element of World War 1 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and died while playing a vital role during this time are remembered.A death notice or memorial scroll which has the British Coat of Arms at the top and a message paying tribute to the soldiers who gave up "their own lives that others might live in freedom". The text is printed in calligraphic script beneath the Royal Crest followed by the name of the commemorated serviceman giving his rank, name and regiment. The scroll was sent on December 20, 1921. At the bottom - Pte. Edward Vincent Lawless 21st Ba. A.I.F.lawless-family certificate death-scroll ww1

Dross Drossou sold his cordial manufacturing business to Phillips and Stone, a Bairnsdale company, in 1948. Phillips and Stone continued to manufacture soft drinks at Orbost until the early 1970's when the factory became a distribution centre. It closed as a distribution centre in 1978 and later served as the headquarters of the Orbost State Emergency Service. The site of the Cordial Factory now forms part of a carpark. A deposit on the bottles was added to all sales as they left the factory. The returned bottles were washed and the old label removed. The inside was cleaned by pushing the bottle onto a revolving brush. The reusing of the bottles went on until the bottle was broken or the top became chipped.This bottle is an example of a product manufacture by a local industry no longer existing.A clear glass bottle with a screw thread top. The label and print ( in upper case) are white.Front- Refreshing Drinks Back-Manufactured by Phillips & Stone Base-1121 P&S Bairnsdale and Orbost Ask for Phillips and Stone Artificially Coloured & Flavoured Net Contents 30 fld ozscontainer beverage bottle phillips-and-stone

An ink bottle was made of glass or ceramic and typically sat on a desk. The writer would dip the pen (or quill) into the bottle to put more ink on the pen. Because they sat on a desk, ink bottles were often decorative.We have mostly dispensed with ink bottles and quills. This item is an example of early stationery equipment commonly used in schools, households and commercial enterprises.A cylindrical brown glazed ceramic ink bottle with the neck narrowing to a pouring lip.Below the pouring lip - ANGUS & CO INK COMMERCIALcontainer ink-bottle ceramic angus-&-co writing-materials

Ada Healey was for 20 years a volunteer and organizer at the Orbost Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre). She was known for her craft skills and was a particularly fine knitter, She did own, as a child, a handheld mini sewing machine and it is possible that the item was made using this. Ada was the only child of Tom & Queenie Warne, born in Bombala/Delegate. She married Keith Healey. The Healey family were early settlers in Marlo.This hand-sewn ornament is an example of the skill and craftmanship of women in pioneer families.A hand-sewn silk tortoise. The head is padded. Four small beads are sewn to each side. It has white/brown lining. Pink beads are sewn on either side of the head for eyes.hand-made handcraft silk ornament

This was used by the Cameron family on their dairy farm at Orbost. The Cameron families were early farmers at Orbost and Marlo.This was used by the Cameron family on their dairy farm at Orbost. The Cameron families were early farmers at Orbost and Marlo.A rectangular shaped iron bell with a clapper inside. bell sheep-bell agriculture stock iron

This machine was given to Ada Healey as a child. Ada Healey was for 20 years a volunteer and organizer at the Orbost Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre). She was known for her craft skills and was a particularly fine knitter. Ada was the only child of Tom & Queenie Warne, born in Bombala/Delrgate. She was married to Keith Healey. The Healey family were early settlers in Marlo.This is an example of a toy given as a "teaching" toy. It was used by its owner to practise sewing before graduating to an adult type machine.A small hand-operated sewing machine. The body of the sewing machine is painted black. The top arm appears to have been painted in a white/cream colour. The machine could have been used to make small articles. There is no bobbin.On the stand- A.L.L.sewing handcraft toy toy-sewing-machine

Portable candleholders were commonly in use in Australian homes in the 1800s. Candles were very expensive in Australia and often were not available in stores. However, after 1850 the price of candles was reduced and they became readily available throughout Australia. Candleholders were popular as they protected furniture from hot wax. The dish around the candle stem collected the hot wax that could be reused later. When carrying the candleholder, the dish also protected the hand from the hot wax. This candle-holder is an example of an item commonly used before electricity was connected to the area.The candleholder is a hollowed round,saucer-shape with a ring finger-grip on the side. It has been enamelled but the original blue paint has worn off and it is very chipped and rusted.candlestick-holder lighting

This item is an example of the self-reliance needed by families during hard times. Many household necessities were made from available materials.A roughly made wooden cutlery tray/container made from a recycled dried fruit box. It has a leather strap handle attached to the divider. ITtis divided into two rectangular compartments. With it are 14 items of cutlery. There are 6 knives, 6 forks and 2 spoons. The spoons and forks are all silver and the knives are stainless steel with bone handles.Forks made of silver Spoonsgreat-depression container cutlery homemade domestic tableware

This item is an example of the self-reliance needed by families during hard times. Many household necessities were made from available materials. A roughly made wooden writing box which has been made from recycled materials including a COCOA ESSENCE lid. The corners are dovetailed.The lid is brass hinged and there are finger tabs to lift the lid.writing-box container homemade great-depression

The Mundy family were farmers / settlers in the Snowy River area since c. 1880s. The original Mundy family moved to a land "selection" at Betebolong in the early 1880's from Buchan. John Mundy grew up in the Orbost district. This item highlights the comparison between today's educational equipment and those of the 1930's.A 15 inch wooden ruler with carvings and holes.On back - J. MUNDYmeasurement ruler mundy-family educational

Children used slates to practise writing letters and numbers. They sometimes used their slates to play games when not learning their lessons Early models of small, hand-held chalkboards were slates encased in a wood frame to keep the slate from breaking. Pencil and paper were available but paper was very expensive. Using a small, hand-held slate meant that a child could practise writing, erase and write again without having to consume expensive paper.This item is an example of early educational equipment and can be compared to modern school equipment.A double-sided rectangular-shaped school slate with a wooden frame.Chalk markings - number sentences. On frame-Made in Portugalschool-slate education writing educational-equipment

This reference is part of the Lawless Collection. The Lawless family lived in Orbost from 1907 - c 1920. John Francis Lawless had a saddlery shop. He died at an early age - 47 years - June 7 1912, leaving his wife, Elizabeth and seven children. The eldest son, Victor Rowland lawless volunteered for serv ice in WW1 but did not leave Australia because of illness. The second son, Edward Vincent Lawless (b 1895 d 1917) worked for McCoy & Co. in Orbost, coachbuilding, undertakers, general blacksmiths and farriers, prior to enlisting in WW1. He was trained as a signaller and was sent to France where he was killed in action on 9.10.1917. Elizabeth Lawless worked as a ladies' nurse (midwife) in Orbost prior to leaving the district in 1920. She lived to 6.6.1975 aged 104 years.These personal documents, photographs and books give an insight into the human element of World War 1 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and died while playing a vital role during this time are remembered.A photocopy of a reference given to Edward Lawless when he enlisted for service in WW1.It is signed by J.Y. McCoy his employer.Signed by J. Y. McCoy General Blacksmiths Wolseley Street Orbost June 20 1916lawless-family reference ww1 mccoy-blacksmith

A razor strop is flexible strip of leather or canvas used to maintain a shaving edge on a thin blade such as a straight razor. Fine powdered jeweler's rouge or other pastes can be added as an abrasive to polish the blade. The strop may be a hanging strip or a hand-held paddle. This one is a hanging strop. Strops were quite commonly found in barber shops and homes before the invention of the safety razor, They are still used for sharpening tool blades.This item is an example of the self-reliance shown by rural families when household necessities were not readily available.A flexible double-layered horse hide leather strop. One strip has a slightly coarser texture. This is a hanging strop which has a metal swivel on top so that the strop can be turned over while hanging from a hook/peg.On hand grip The Keen Edge Strop, genuine horse hide All Black Stropper No. 2strop razor-strop shaving personal-effects