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

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"

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

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

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

Matthews and Sons' Snowy River Garage was situated in Nicholson Street Orbost. 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 book-keeping in Orbost in the early 20th century and is a useful research tool.A white paper account with black print, blue lines and an illustration of an old car in the top left corner. It has a blue receipt attached for W.A. Matthews & Sons General Motor Engineers to R. Cameron.matthews-w.a. cameron-robert-pullar

This group is signing the visitors' book at the Orbost State School "Back To" on March 1 1937. The school burnt down three years later in 1940 under suspicious circumstances. In the photo are Mrs Ralston and Harold Rodwell.This item is associated with the history of education in Orbost.A black / white photograph showing a group of people standing waiting to sign a book which is on a small table. They appear to be outside the school building. A woman is bent signing the book. The men are wearing suits, one is smoking, the women well-dressed and most are wearing hats. on back - handwritten " Includes Mrs Ralston & Harold Rodwell. Signing Visitors' Book at 1937 Back to School"education-orbost orbost-state-school

Major General Sir Reginald Arthur James Talbot KCB (11 July 1841 – 15 January 1929) was a British Army officer, Member of Parliament, and Governor of Victoria in Australia. March 1905 and in April 1908 he visited East Gippsland, in particularMarlo and Orbost. Mr W. Cumming was the president of the Orbost Shire at the time. One of the topics discussed was the need for a railway in East Gippsland.This is a contemporary record of a significant event.A long narrow cutting from a newspaper. It is titled, "Governor in Gippsland National Railway Wanted". It relates to the visit of the then governor of Victoria, Reginald Talbot, to Orbost and Marlo. There is a photocopy and an original.talbot-sir-reginald governor's-visit-to-marlo

This photograph shows the Orbost - Cunninghame coach leaving from outside Dickson's Hotel in Nicholson Street Orbost. Although noted as the Dickson Hotel, this may have been the Commonwealth Hotel which opened on New Year's Day 1902. Mr Jasper Drew held the first licence. Laura Dixon held the hotel licence from 04/04/10 until 05/02/17 and during that time it was known as Dickson's Hotel. A township, known as Cunninghame after a pioneer Gippsland squatter, was surveyed near Lake Bunga in 1866. The name changed to Lakes Entrance in 1915.This is a pictorial record of horse-drawn transport commonly used in Orbost, early 19th century. It also shows the Commonwealth Hotel before the second storey was added.A black / white photograph of a large single-storey building with a horse drawn coach and seneral people and horses standing nearby. The road is unsealed. On the side of the carriage is "CUNNINGHAME".transport-horse-drawn dickson's-hotel commonwealth-hotel cunninghame

This is a bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost. This bridge was built in the 1920s as a road and rail bridge, and was partly washed away by flood waters in 1934. After the end of the first World War the Victorian Railways considered an extension of the railhead across the river at Orbost, and in 1922 a new timber and steel girder structure, a joint Country Roads Board — Victorian Railways venture, was built and completed at a cost of £41,000 (the steel girders came from the Flinders Street viaduct reconstruction). Subsequently it was decided not to take the railway across the river, and the bridge has only been used by road traffic.This is a pictorial record of an early bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost.A very large black / white photograph under glass in a timber frame. It is of a bridge across a river and is framed by trees.bridge snowy-river-bridge road-transport-orbost

This album was donated to the Orbost & District Historical Society after the death of Judy Walcott, a long-time member. The veiling of McKillops bridge was a 'Year of the Outback' event. The event was organised by Orbost resident, Sr Helen Barnes RSJ. to show solidarity with rural people. The local community transformed the bridge into "a symbol of communal love and hope", when its sides were draped with hundreds of personal messages. McKillop's Bridge, located high in the Snowy Mountains, is named after George McKillop, a pioneering explorer of the area. The bridge is a vital link for isolated farming communities living beyond the Bonang highway.This album is a useful reference tool.A large photo album with a bright yellow cover and 19 plastic sleeves. It contains photographs, newspaper clippings, brochures , maps and an invitation to the veiling of McKillops Bridge on 8th August 2002. It also contains the history of McKillops Bridge.On inside cover - left hand side - "To Marie with Best Wishes from Judy Walcott 8/8/2005"mckillops-bridge album

The East Gippsland News is generally printed in Bairnsdale. this edition was a Snowy River Mail edition. 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 black / white newspaper, titled The East Gippsland News and dated Wednesday 28 1990. It contains articles , reports., advertisements and photographs.newspaper east-gippsland-news snowy-river-mail

Miss B. Morgan owned a stationery, fancy goods and tobacco shop in Orbost. 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 trhe early 20th century book-keeping of an Orbost business. It is a useful research tool.A white paper account with red lines and black print. Details are hand-written. There is a pink sticker attached. It is from Miss B. Morgan to Mr R. Cameron. account-book-keeping cameron morgan-miss-b.

John Russell Senior was a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). He was a keen bowler, playing up to, the age of ninety.This item is associated with the Russell family, early settlers in the Orbost district.A black / white, head and shoulders, portrait photograph of a balding man in a suit and tie. There is a badge on his lapel.russell-john

This photograph is of Percy Nixon, son of James Nixon and Alice Roberts Percy Nixon married Evelyn Harding. The photographer was Warren, Helena (1871-1962) who was a self-taught photographer who became both the local press correspondent and a producer of humorous trompe l'oeil postcard images. Helena Warren was a thirty-two year old settler living on a small mixed farm with her husband, William, at Newmerella, near Orbost in Gippsland, Victoria, when she bought her first camera, an Austral Box quarter-plate. Her family says she was entirely self-taught, like many women photographers who started out with nothing but the instructions on the packets of film and chemicals. In over fifty years practice she graduated from the total novice, who opened all her first mail order plates in bright sunlight and ruined them, to a competent photographer who became both the local press correspondent and an inveterate producer of humorous trompe l’oeil postcard images. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert). This item is associated with a prominent Orbost family. George Nixon was the son of James and Alice Nixon. The Nixon families were among the earliest settlers on the Snowy River. This photograph also has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker.A black / white photograph of a young boy standing next to a very large pumpkin. His right arm is resting on the top.pumpkins-orbost warren-helena-photography nixon-percy

This was used by Snowy River Dry Cleaners. Snowy River Dry Cleaners was situated in Stanley Street, Orbost (previously a hat factory). There was also a shop in the CBD of Orbost. Basil Dowie moved his dry cleaning business from Nicholson Street to 31 Stanley Street where Stuart Hats had been. He had originally bought the business from Laurie Harrington in August 1950. (more information in Orbost & District Historical Society Newsletter No. 138 - John Phillips)This item is from a business which no longer exists in Orbost.A clear rectangular shaped plastic bag with red print inside a red frame - : Snowy River Dry Cleaners Orbost Moth Proof Storage Bag Service". It has a logo for FlexPak on an outline of Australia. snowy-river-dry-cleaners

This T shirt was sold as a souvenir of Orbost in the 1980's -1990's.This item was made for the tourism industry in Orbost.A short sleeved, round-neck white T shirt with a cartoon captioned "Where the hell is..." There is a kangaroo with an echidna and next to a signpost with a koala climbing up the pole and a kookaburra sitting on the top. Beneath this is "Orbost Vic" clothing souvenir tourism

The Old Station Homestead site at Corringle Beach was a popular destination for Orbost people to have picnics late 19Century. They would travel out in buggies from Orbost or Newmerella with food hampers, have a picnic, play games etc. This location was always referred to as the Old Station because it had been one of the earliest Stations in this district in the early days of European settlement. evidence of recreation, entertainment in the Orbost districtA sepia coloured photograph pasted onto grey cardboard. Photo shows a group of people standing and sitting under trees with picnic baskets and hampers in the foreground. Many people wear hats. On back of photograph: Mrs Reynolds Senr, 72 Boundary Road. Old Station Beach, Orbost orbost, corringle, old station homestead site, picnic

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

This photograph shows Sam Lynn with his team of Clydesdales. Samuel James Lynn was born in 1865 in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. His father was James Lynn and his mother was Mary Jane Keith. Sam, as he was known, was the second of three brothers, his older brother being William and his younger brother was John Wilson Lynn. (info. Margaret Hollands) Samuel Lynn was a well-known Orbost pioneer. He owned much property throughout the district , bred Clydesdale horses and fattened about 600 cattle. He was in great demand as a judge of both cattle and horses at agricultural shows in Victoria and interstate. He was a shire councillor for 30 years and president several times. He took a great interest in the sporting clubs of the town and played cricket until late in life. He was goal umpire for the local football team for many years, judged for the Orbost Racing Club and was the first president of the Orbost Bowls Club. He was also a member of the first municipal band. Sam Lynn was a well-known Orbost pioneer. The Lynn family has a long historic connection with the Orbost agricultural history.A small black / white photograph of four men, two standing and two sitting, in a horse draw buggy. Four large horses are harnessed to it.lynn-sam transport-horse-drawn clydesdale-horses

This is a photograph of John Draffin and his family. John Draffin was for a time the Orbost Shire Secretary. John Draffin came to Australia as a child with his parents from the north of Ireland . He came to Orbost in 1894 and was Shire Secretary from then until 1910 He had four children: Andrina, Eva, George, Maggie, Sally and Nellie. "Mr Draffin was 67 years of age when he died. He had for many years been engaged in farming pursuits, and at one time held the position of champion plough- man of Victoria. In his younger days he used to make it his boast- that although he was a small man he could do as much work as a big one Some thirty odd years ago be took up land in South Gippsland, but in 1895 gave up farming, and was appointed secretary to the Orbost shire, a position which he held until he was compelled by failing health to resign." - from Snowy River Mail 1 August 1912.John Draffin was a prominent Orbost citizen involved in many community activities.A black / white studio photograph of a family - mother father and six children. The parents are seated with the youngest child, other children are standing.draffin-john orbost-shire-secretary

C.H. Grove spent about 40 years in the area, information is mainly derived from his own recollections and "reliable sources". Charles Henry [Carl] Grove died on 17/4/1938 at Box Hill at the age of 88 and was buried in Orbost. Prior to coming to the Snowy River district, Carl worked as overseer on Buchan Station. In 1880, he selected land at Newmerella after first coming here in 1874 with early selector James A Robertson.He was one of the first selectors at Orbost - in 1880 he selected 320 acres at Newmerella, which he called „Ulinda‟ He married Annie Robertson in 1876. Carl was a farmer, hop and seed grower and nurseryman. He was an elected Councillor of the newly formed Tambo Shire in 1882, and then in 1892 to the Orbost Shire where he served for many years filling varioius public roles. In 1911, he shifted to Queensland, but later returned to Victoria and died at Box Hill. (Ref. Nov 2014 Newsletter) This is a useful reference tool.A carbon copy of a typeset manuscript / transcript book entitled "Bukan Mungee" containing historical and geographical information of the area "bounded by the Snowy River in the east, the Tambo river in the west...and with the following leaseholds, Ensay, Gillingall, and Gelantipy on the north, with Kilmore and Corringle stations on the south..."grove-carl bukan-mungee corringle newmerella snowy-river tambo-river

This is the seventh issue of the Orbost High School annual magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". this magazine was owned by Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This seventh issue of the annual magazine of Orbost High School is a useful reference tool.A 22 pp grey covered magazine titled Croajingolong 1954 Vol. 1 No. 7 Dec. 1954On front cover - M. Gilbert handwritten in blue pencroajingolong orbost-high-school

This is the eighth issue of the Orbost High School annual magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This eighth issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine is a useful reference tool.A 24 pp magazine with a grey cover titled Croajingolong 1955. Vol.1 No. 8croajingolong orbost-high-school

The painting was created by Mrs M. Bazeley who was the wife of the current Church of England minister and the mother of Dr Percival Bazeley, born in Orbost (1909) who was credited with assisting Dr Jonas Salk who produced the polio vaccine.This item is an example of the artistic talents of many women in the early 20th century. It is of aesthetic significance.Picture of small village by the sea with passersby. In all gold coloured frame.Front RH corner - M Bazeley,1912painting oil-painting bazely

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.A buff coloured rectangular shaped cardboard box which contained badges for the Orbost Aero Club. The sides are stapled and the lid has a finger opening, written in blue pen on the lid is Orbost Aero Club Big Wings and Large$10.00 Small $2.00.Top in black print - STOKES (Australasia) Ltd METALWARE DIVISION MANUFACTURERS OF BADGES BUTTONS AND MEDALLIONS SINCE 1856 322-332 ALBERT STREET BRUNSWICK VICTORIA AUSTRALIA TEL 382101 orbost-aero-club

This is a photograph of students of Orbost State School. Those in the photograph have been identified by Mary Gilbert. Back Row - Billy Nixon; ?; ?; ?; Albert Williams; Stan Porter; Stan Farmer; Bert Johnston; Betty Gilbert; Bernice Feltis; Olive Gall; Lorna Farquahar: Bessie Gibbs; Cora Morgan; Dorothy Broome ?: Jack Gargan; Bill Dreverman; Tom Stevenson; George French; ?; Jim Nixon; Dorothy Tipping; Lorna Sadler; Ivy Swan; ?; ?; Edie Gall; ? ?; ?; Ray Tyrell; ?; ?; Tom Rodwell; /; Una Perry; Perth Hardy; ?; Molly Pardew; Alice Hammill; Effie Hammill; Muriel Grose; Francie Robinson; Marion Gilbert Jim Tipping; Dave Murray; Arthur Simpson; ? Grose 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 brown card. It shows a group of school children in front of an outside wallm of of a timber building. A boy in front is holding a board with "Grades 1V & V" written on it.A hand-written list of names is attached to the photograph. There is an arrow with "MARION" next to it. At top - BETT

Unknown Please contact [email protected] to request access to this record. A plastic plaqueAdrienne & Nathan Baron Computer Centre

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.