These plans were used by POW Sawmills, Newmerella, probably owned at the time by Henry's Timber Company. Hec Pow and his father sold the Newmerella mill to Henry Silverberg and Les Grace. The mill is currently owned by Mectec.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.Eight large plans for various sections of POW's at Newmerella. The plans were drawn up for Bonang Timbers and Bowman.2317.2 - on back in pen "REC 24/9/80" 2317.3 - on back in red pen "INCOMPLETE SET OF PLANS" ; sticker with "Shire of Orbost Compulsory Inspection" 2317.5 - "DODD" in red ink (John H. Dodd Pty Ltd)

East Gippsland has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the districtEight lever arch folders containing wages sheets for Bonang Timbers Waygara. Seven are black and one is red. Entries are hand-written.2318.1 - on spine - label "July 1993 - December 1993" 2318.2 - on spine - label "January 1994 - June 1994" 2318.3 - on spine - label "July 1994 - December 1994" 2318.4 - on spine - label "January 1995 - June 1995" 2318.5 - on spine - label "July 1995 - December 1995" 2318.6 - on spine - label "January 1996 - June 1996"timber-east-gippsland-waygara

This was used by Bonang Timbers at Waygara.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. Many Orbost men were employed at the Waygara mills.The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.A lever arch folder containing records of timber production at Waygara Mill. Cover is a dark grey mottled cardboard.timber-industry-east-gippsland bonang-timbers

This folder of documents was created by Bonang Timbers at their Waygara mill.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. Many Orbost men worked at the Waygara timber mills. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.A lever arch folder. The cover is a mottled dark grey colour. It contains copies of delivery dockets , called "Log Dockets", coming in to Bonang Timbers.on spine - label - "Log Cartage 1993"timber-industry-east-gippsland bonang-timbers

The folder has been re-used. It was used by Bonang Timbers Waygara from 9.5.1990. It was used by East Gippsland Logging Company Pty Ltd from 3.1.1996Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. Many Orbost nen worked at the Waygara mill. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.A lever arch folder covered in brown paper. It contains records of cartage of gravel.on spine in black - "Gravel Cartage" above "Logging Rates" crossed out 5/1990 - 5/1996 east-gippsland-timber-industry gravel-cartage

This item was made by and used in the Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre). The book was a "Back To" souvenir.This book reflects the kinds of foods / recipes used in the 1930's. These books often had to include cheap dishes during the wars and hard times that dominated long periods of the first half of the 20th century. Recipes in this book contain common ingredients found in rural kitchens of that time.A loose leaf folder from which a book was printed. It contains recipes, advertisements from 1930's and hints. The cover has a coloured picture od two women, one older, in a kitchen cooking. Print is orange and an orange border surrounds the picture and title,:Grandma's Recipe Book".

This ledger was used in Orbost as many of the names written inside are locals. It may have been used at a haberdashery store or by a local person who made items in a private business.This appears to be a record of a small commercial enterprise conducted by an Orbost local. It would have been used in a time when the needlework / knitting skills of women were important for the economy of the family.A buff coloured cardboard covered ledger book. On the front cover is a white rectangular sticker with "LEDGER" in black print. It contains accounts for sewing and knitting items. The hand - written entries are in pencil and blue pen.On front cover - hand -written is "...ANNE MUM's WORK BOOK FOR SEWING & KNITTING". There are some calculations in pen.haberdashery sewing knitting

Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex. A. E. Rodwell was a wholesale and retail butcher in Nicholson Street (the main street), Orbost in the early 20th century.This document is a record of an early business in Orbost and reflects a time when accounts were hand-written. It is a useful research tool.Three accounts. One very yellow with block print and illustration of a bull in the top left hand corner. The other two are white with red lines and blue print. One has a blue receipt attached and a yellow duty stamp. They are from A.E. Rodwell, wholesale and retail butcher, to R. Cameron.document-accounts cameron-r.p. rodwell-a.e.-butcher

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.

Orbost and East Gippsland Agricultural, Pastoral & Horticultural Society held their annual show in the Mechanics' Institute hall in Orrbost on November 16, 1894. First Prize in Class F Section C was awarded to Elsie Price for "six buttonholes (children under 14)". At this time C.N. Henderson was President and Lauchlan Ross was Secretary. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904, on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall Prior to the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show these smaller shows were held in the Mechanics' Institute hall. Elsie Price, 1886-1897, was the daughter of David J and Mary Faithfull.This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century.A original rectangular white paper certificate. Text is inside a border- all print is black. Details are handwritten.On back - many names. On front -"Mrs Price"award agricultural-show public-event

Orbost & East Gippsland Agricultural Society held an Autumn Show on 3rd March, 1904. First Prize in Class C Section 21 fot Best Lady Ridrer was awarded to Miss Ross. Orbost and East Gippsland Agricultural, Pastoral & Horticultural Society held their annual show in the Mechanics' Institute hall in Orrbost on November 16, 1894. First Prize in Class F Section C was awarded to Elsie Price for "six buttonholes (children under 14)". At this time C.N. Henderson was President and Lauchlan Ross was Secretary. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904, on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall Prior to the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show these smaller shows were held in the Mechanics' Institute hall.This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century.A rectangular, blue card certificate with yellow cord threaded through two small holes at the top centre. Text is black inside a frame. Details of the award are hand-written.On front - "Donated by her daughter Mrs Ethel Palmer"

This ticket was for a grand ball to celebrate the second anniversary of the Loyal Orbost M.U.I.O.O.F. Lodge. It was held in the Mechanics Institute hall on Friday 20th July, 1888. The cost of a single ticket was 5/-. The secretary of the lodge was John Rowe, the first teacher of the state school in Orbost. From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref Mary Gilbert) Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF) had its origins in Manchester, England. It was established in Melbourne on 7 December 1840 when Augustus Greeves, a member of the MUIOOF in England, migrated to Australia and formed the first friendly society. In 1840 Manchester Unity IOOF was founded in Victoria. Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This was a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.A small white rectangular paper ticket with black print. It is for the Loyal Orbost Lodge M.U.I.O.O.F. Grand Ball.front - "Dancing to Commence at 8pm."public-event-orbost document-ticket m.u.i.o.o.f

This concert was held in the Mechanics' Institute on Friday, October 16th, 1891 commencing at 8pm. A dance was held after the concert. The secretary at that time was J. McNair. 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 From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke was a librarian in Orbost for many years. She was the daughter of John Cooke early Brodribb settler. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert)The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.An orange, paper program with black print. The program and details are inside a black frame. It is for a concert in aid of the Orbost Brass Band.At the top handwritten in black pen is" Donated by Mrs Elsie Cooke".orbost-brass-band-programme cooke-elsie

The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. A rail motor which was used from 1924 – 1935, had the appearance of a motor bus on wheels. In October 1926 the rail motor service introduced from Bairnsdale to Orbost in May 1924 was in danger of being abandoned. The Victorian Railways Commissioners stated that patronage had not been satisfactory despite a one and a half hours reduction in the travel time.This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost.A small cardboard first class train ticket - buff coloured with black print. It is from Bairnsdale to Orbost.orbost-bairnsdale-railway transport railway

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

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

This was used by the The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd .The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.A paper/cardboard time sheet book. Some sheets - pp 1-33 - have been torn out at the front. Only the back page has been filled in. On each page as header - Orbost Butter & Produce Co. Ltd. TIME SHEETorbost-butter-factory agriculture farming time-book

Jarrahmond State School, 2745, opened on March 19 1886 with Campbell Mackay as the head teacher and operated on apart-time basis with Orbost State School, 2744. The first building, erected on the bank of the Snowy River, was moved in approximately 1892 to McLeod's Lane. In 1914 a new building was erected by George Lurkins, and this catered for the local children until a school bus service took them to Orbost in 1949. The school building was transferred also and became an integral part of Orbost State School.This school record is of immediate interest and value to the pupils and staff who have learned and taught in theJarrahmond State School. The record also has a much wider significance, to the community in which the school is situated, as a record and research tool.A hand-written school register for Jarrahmond State School. It records the pupils enrolled 1888 until 1907. It has a brown cover with lined pagess which are ruled in tables to list pupils.jarrahmond education school-register mackay-campbell

The title refers to a phrase used in the Australian Gambling game of two-up. "Come in spinner" is the call given by the game manager when all bets have been placed and the coins are ready to be tossed.This novel, set in Sydney, Australia at the end of the second World War was an outstanding best seller in its time and was an honest portrayal of society at that time. It is regarded as one of the best Australian novels ever written.A hardback novel with a red cloth cover. The title is printed in gold at the top of the front cover. Written by Dymphna Cusack and Florence James. Published by William Heinemann Ltd. Melbourne.literature come-in-spinner cusack-dymphna james-florence sydney-1950's

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

Mary Ann Willis is a member of The Orbost Nixon family and as a child spent time in Orbost. Mrs Marion Dwyer held office at Bairnsdale Golf Club and the East Gippsland Golf Associates Association for many years, being honoured with Life Membership from both. She was also a member of the YGLU (now Golf Victoria) council for 10 years. Mrs Dwyer won a number of titles including: Victorian Country Champion 9 times, Victorian Veteran Champion 3 times, Gippsland Champion 13 times, East Gippsland Champion 16 times, East Gippsland Foursomes' Champion 2 times, Bairnsdale Golf Club Ladies Champion 32 times, Bairnsdale Golf Club Foursomes' Champion 4 times & 106 single tournaments.A large book with a black cover. Book written by Mary Ann Willis. Contains poetry and articles including an oral history of Marion Dwyer. willis-maryann literature dwyer-marion nixon-family orbost

This mincer was donated to the Slab Hut (Visitor Information Centre) as a display item.This domestic kitchen appliance is typical of the period when food processing was done at home. It would have been before the time of mass food processing factories.A cast iron food mincer with a wooden handle. It has a funnel shaped cup at the top through which the pieces of meat are pushed to come out of the side. The wooden handle is turned to help this action. It has one blade. The mincer clamps to a flat surface by a hand operated vice/screw. MODEL No 2food-preparation mincer appliance kitchen domestic

This butter pat is typical of the period when food processing was done at home. It would have been before the time of mass food processing factories.A hand-made wooden butter pat.butter-pat hand-made dairy butter

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

Mrs. Potts invented the Potts Removable Handle Iron. Her invention of the Cold Handle Sad Iron changed the clothing iron industry. The detachable insulated handle was designed to be always cool for ironing. The handle was detachable, so that several irons could be on the stove at one time and the handle swapped between several bodies.This item is an example of an invention that was universally adopted because it meant that users could keep several irons on the stove at one time and the handle swapped when needed. The original Mrs Potts irons had handles made of wood (walnut) and this enabled the user to us the iron without sustaining burns.A Mrs Potts Sad Iron.It is a double point design with detachable handle. The detachable insulated handle was designed to be always cool for ironing. The handle was detachable, so that several irons could be on the stove at one time and the handle swapped between several bodies. There is no handle with this iron. MRS POTTS. Rest is indecipherable.domestic-appliance mrs-potts sad-iron flat-iron laundry

At one time, almost all breweries in Australia had their own brand of returnable bottle or were members of bottle co-operatives that managed returnable bottles. Instead of being crushed to make new bottles, as happens in most cases today, these returnable bottles were returned to the brewery or bottle co-operative, washed, inspected for cracks and chips and returned to service.A green clear glass bottle with the word COUNTRY embossed on the front and MBCV in a spade below it. the base is dimpled and the bottle is designed for a crown seal.At bottom - Property of the Manufacturers Bottle co-op of Victoria PTY Ltd on front - COUNTRY with MBCV in a spade beneath itcontainer bottle m.b.c.v.

This plate was used for serving carved meat at the dining table. This serving meat plate/platter dates to the 1914 to 1930's period in time. Generally fine bone china and crockery was imported. Pieces like this tray were often considered to be "good" crockery for use on special occasions.The item is an example of a piece of china used by local families in the early 20th century. It also has aesthetic significance.A large meat carving plate with a floral design around its rim. The plate is white china with pink and blue painted flowers. The edge is scalloped and painted with a gold edging.Underneath - H 4.....?domestic kitchen crockery, serving-plates platters food-preparation

Older gem scone trays were made of cast iron. This more modern one is made of cast aluminium.This domestic kitchen baking tin is typical of the period when when most food was made at home. It would have been before the time of mass food processing factoriesA solid cast aluminium gem scone tin. It has hemisherical indents for baking 12 small cakes.WAYdomestic food-preparation gem-scones baking

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 Orbost Municipal Band continued on for many years but was disbanded and reformed many times. The last time it was reformed was in 1961. Today it no longer exists. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah HallThe various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A rectangular shaped rubber stamp with a wooden handle. The stamp was used by the Orbost Municipal Band.O.M.B. in black on frontorbost-municipal-band seal stamp

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 HallThe brass bands of Orbost in their various forms provided entertainment to the Orbost community as well as benefits to the many members.Miscellaneous documents from the Orbost Municipal Band. These include; meeting notice registration cards; players list for VBL; a brief history of the band; constitution; directory of Victorian music organisations; list of attendees; attendance book-1976-1977brass-band orbost-municipal-band music entertainment