The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period.Nine envelopes containing correspondence sent to Mr D. Thexton, Secretary of Orbost Rifle Club in 1977-1978. Some are from the Victorian Rifle Association.orbost-rifle-club shooting

This compass as used by Noreen Cuthbertson when she was teaching at St Joseph's Catholic School ,in Orbost. These blackboard accessories were common in the classroom in a time before whiteboards became the norm.This item is an example of an item commonly used in schools before the 21st century.Two wooden pieces which are joined by a wingnut so that it can be opened or closed and held in position. It functions as a chalkboard compass and was used by schoolteachers. One end holds a piece of chalk. The other has a black pointed tip to mark the centre of the circle to be drawn.Noreen Cuthbertsoneducation chalkboard compass st-joseph's-orbost

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period A grey cardboard covered book with a red spine. It contains hand-written match records of the members of the Orbost Rifle Club.records orbost-rifle-club shooting

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. A green Universal exercise book which contains hand-written handicap record of the Orbost Rifle Club. On front cover - handwritten - Handicap Recordsorbost-rifle-club shooting records

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. A plain grey covered indexed book with a light blue cloth spine. It has a yellow label on the front cover. It appears to be a record of individual results for the Orbost Rifle Club.On label - printed - ORBOST RIFLE CLUB 211orbost-rifle-club shooting records

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. A plain light blue minute book with a cloth brown spine. It has a white label on the front cover.On label- Orbost Rifle Clubminutes orbost-rifle-club shooting

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

This report was compiled by Martin Healey for the Department of Conservation and Land Management, Victoria. Martin Healey, a long time Orbost resident, worked for the Department of Conservation and Land Management in Orbost.This is a useful research tool.A small spiral bound book of 30 pp with a plastic cover. It is a report written by Martin Healey and details the close Family allotments at Murrangower, east of Orbost.

The first hotel built in Orbost was the Club in 1885 an old wooden place on the corner built for J. A. Petersen of the Mitchell Hotel Bairnsdale, with the licence in the name of Mr Thomas Maguire (stepson of Petersen). William Archer was the proprietor at the time of the photograph. The coach driver was Sam Dyer and the coach is leaving for the goldfields at Combienbar. In June 1889 there was a rush to Mackenzie River, about 28 miles from Orbost, on Twelve Mile Creek. An estimated 80 men rushed the ground, but yields were patchy and large numbers eventually left. They were coming and going almost daily.The Club Hotel was the first hotel built in Orbost and remains a significant building in the town. It was an important hub for the township with many whole town meetings held there.A faded black / white photograph (with two copies) with a horse-drawn carriage loaded with men and the Orbost Club Hotel behind them. The photo is on a grey buff card.on back - " H. Adams. Driven by Sam Dyer - Leaving for the Combienbar Goldfields"orbost-club-hotel combienbar-goldfields

In 1884 J.A. Petterson built the first Orbost Club Hotel with the licence in the name of Thomas Maguire (his stepson). This hotel was the first in the area and cost 1,400 pounds to build (ref. In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall) and was actually built before Orbost was proclaimed a township - April 17 1885. T.a. Marshall was the proprietor about the time the photograph was taken. This is the bottom pub in Orbost known as the Club Hotel.The Orbost Club Hotel was the first hotel built in the Orbost district and was an important hub for the township with many whole town meetings held there.A black / white photograph on a brown buff card with embossed decorations. It is of the Orbost Club Hotel, a large two-storeyed building with verandahs on both levels. In the foreground are two motor vehicles and a group of men dressed in suits, hats and overcoats facing the camera.on back - "Mrs Mustard"orbost-club-hotel

Around 1885 Mr James Nixon started a sawmill in the paddock below Mr Harry Cameron's dairy. It was in Snaggers Lane on the east side of the present highway. The photo is of James Nixon's sawmill with Percy Nixon in the centre foreground. 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.A very yellowed photograph of five men, probably workers, at a mill site. The photograph is on a grey buff card.on front - "Nixon's Sawmill" on back - "Toby Nixon's Sawmill"timber-industry-orbost sawmill-nixon

This display of butter was created by Mrs Jessie Petterson for the Harvest Festival. Ten pounds of butter was used. The Harvest Festival display was always put together by the church ladies ( Orbost Presbyterian Church) and was a family friendly festival celebrating the end of summer. The Harvest Festivals were regular community events in Orbost during the first half of the 20th century. This photograph is associated with that time.A black / white photograph postcard of a butter sculpture, a flower arrangement carved out of butter.on back - "display of butter by Mrs Jessie Petterson, 1900"harvert-festival sculpture-butter petterson-jessie

This photograph is a record of the time when horse drawn vehicles were the main form of transport.A black / white photograph of five well - dressed men on a four horse drawn cart. It is on a rough bush track. Three men are standing, the others sitting. There are trees and bush in the background There is another horse - drawn vehicle on the left in the background.transport horse-drawn-vehicle

This photo shows Jas Lynn of Orbost driving a team of bullocks pulling a large cart of maize. They are taking it to the fisherman's Wharf in Lakes Entrance. Maize has been grown on the Orbost flats since the late 19th century. Transport was always an obstacle to economic sucess. For a few years prior to the First World War and the construction of the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost, a lot of maize was carted by horse and bullock teams to Lakes Entrance for transhipment to the Melbourne market. At that .time yields of 90 to 100 bushels of maize were quite a common occurrence. James Lynn, a member of the East Gippsland Maize Board, farmed at Jarrahmond.This photograph is associated with the large maize growing industry in the Orbost region. A black / white photograph of a bullock team pulling a large, loaded cart. It is being driven by a man standing on the side of the road, holding a whip. In the background are houses and a telegraph pole.on back - " Carting maize to Lakes Entrance in 1911."transport-bullocks maize-orbost lynn-james

The photograph shows the Delegate Lodge with the Orbost Brass Band at Christmas 1892. They travelled by horseback to play for the Star of Delegate Order of Oddfellows. 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 HallThis 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 very yellowed photograph of a band procession with the men holding their instruments. Two men are holding a large banner. In the background are wooden cabins. The photograph is on a white buff card. There are four copies of this photograph.on back - handwritten - "Presented to Mr C Spink Bandmaster Orbost Brass Band by the members of the Star of Delegate Lodge MUIOOF P Crawford Secretary"orbost-brass-band spink-charles delegate-oddfellows

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

The photograph shows the Orbost Town Band playing in the procession for the Bairnsdale Carnival. The Bairnsdale band was defunct at this time. 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 of a band playing in a procession with onlookers standing in front of shops.on back - "Bairnsdale"orbost-town-band music entertainment

This photograph is of a combined Sunday School group of children at the old showgrounds about 1905.Sunday School at that time involved a lot of commitment on the part of the teachers towards the children and this was reflected in the efforts they went to to make Sunday School an interesting and enjoyable event. Going to Sunday School was an important part of children's lives in the early 20th century in small towns such as Orbost. This item reflects the importance of Sunday Schools and the churches in Orbost in the early 20th century.A large soiled black / white photograph of many children sitting on bench seats, some standing in an outdoor area.on front - "Combined Sunday School Picnic - Old Show Grounds about 1905"orbost-churches orbost-sunday-school

Alec Cameron was one of the young boys in this photograph. He was the son of Robert Pullar Cameron who was an early settler on the Orbost flats. Alec, (like his sisters, Flora and Penuel) had a beautiful singing voice. He married Annie Nixon and had children, Frank, Wilfred, Dorothy, Alice, Edie and Isobel.This item is a pictorial record of the social life of young people in Orbost in the first half of the 20th century. Children in old photos show us the similarities and differences between their time and ours.A black / white photograph of a group of eleven young boys dressed in different outfits, all holding guns. They are standing outdoors with a wooden building in the background.on back - "Alec Cameron"cameron-alec orbost-youth

Tennis days were always held at the tennis courts at Bete Bolong. Those in this photograph are: (L to R) Alan Richardson; Jack Irvine; Marion Nixon; Molly Thompson; Inez Pardew; Stacy and Cleve McKeon. This item is a pictorial representation of Orbost in the 1930s. It records a common recreational activity - the dress and social aspects of tennis at that time.A small black / white photograph of seven people sitting on a wooden bench. They are dressed in tennis outfits - probably white.on back - "Tennis at Bete Bolong" with a list of namessport-tennis bete-bolong recreation

This photograph shows spectators watching the Orbost Races on the flat in 1899. Some of the earliest horse races were held on a course in a paddock belonging to Mr James Cowell at Jarrahmond. For a long time horse races were part of the Marlo Picnic Races. Bellagoogan on Majors Creek near Orbost was the site of the first race course.This item is a pictorial record depicting the popularity of horse racing in Orbost in the late 19th century.A black / white photograph of a large group of people in the background with three horse carriages under trees. Some ladies are sitting in the open carriages which are parked underneath tress. Some are holding open umbrellas. It is on a grey buff card.on front - " On the flat. Orbost Races 1899"equestrian orbost-horse-racing recreation

This is the annual photograph of Grades 111 and 1V for pupils of the Orbost State School. 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 Head Teacher Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second Head Teacher, 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. This item is associated with the history of education in Orbost.A black / white photograph mounted on brown car. There are five rows of school children standing outside a wooden building. Some are sitting and others standing. A female teacher is seated on a chair in the second front row. A girl in the front row is holding a card - "Grades 111 & 1V Orbost".on front - "W. Stanley Vogt Bairnsdale"orbost-state-school education-primary-schools

In the late 19th century in the Orbost area roads were just bush tracks which generally were unsuitable for any type of vehicular traffic so were traversed mainly by horseback. As the settlement grew, a weekly mail service from Cunninghame (Lakes Entrance) was estab-lished. The settlers had to carry the mail for three months and each took a turn as mailman during that time. The first coach was driven by Mr Alex Hall. Eventually a daily mail service was set up and many drivers included B. Sutherland, W. Middleton, Jonson Bros., J. Mitchell, F. Newport, J. Geddes, A. Coulson, Bert Cessor, H. Weekes and A. Barthile. (info. from Newletter August 2007) This photograph is one of A. Coulson’s Coach crossing the Sand Bar at Lake Tyers.This is a pictorial record of very early transport in East Gippsland.A very faded small postcard / photograph of a horse and cart crossing a beach.on front in black writing - " Crossing at Lake Tyers" on back - "A Coulson"lake-tyers transport coulson-coaches

Mary Lynch was the daughter of Matthew and Mary (nee Loorham) Lynch. She became Mrs Ivell. she was a noted horse-woman having ridden the Nixon Bros hack, "Gold Dust" at the Melbourne Show coming first in the 10 stone hack and first in the Eagley Hunting Contest. (info. Mary Gilbert) Horse racing was a popular past-time in early Orbost. The Nixon family was involved through Keith Nixon. Some of the earliest horse races were held on a course in a paddock belonging to Mr James Cowell at Jarrahmond. For a long time horse races were part of the Marlo Picnic Races.This item is connected to an activity once popular in the Orbost district. The Nixon family were prominent early settlers in the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a lady dressed in a a tailored hip coat, bowler hat, knee breeches and boots. She is holding the reins of a saddled horse. There is a copy.on front at top - " 1st 10st hack - 19 entries 1st "EAGLEY" Hunting Contest - 22 entries. Still the only horse to win the double." on front at bottom - " MELBOURNE SHOW 1918 "GOLD DUST" owned by Nixon Bros ridden by Miss MARY LYNCH"lynch-mary nixon-bros-horses equestrian melbourne-show gold-dust

This bridge over the Snowy River was opened on July 4 1922. It was constructed in 1922 alongside the previous suspension bridge. Its building was a combined effort of the Victorian Railways and the Country Roads Board at a cost of 35,000 pounds. It was replaced in 1976 by the present bridge after several major floods. This photograph shows people walking over the bridge for the last time.This is a pictorial record of the former Snowy River Bridge at Orbost.A black / white photograph showing a group of people walking across a bridge. There are several cars, a man on a horse and people standing on the side of the roadway.on back - "1976 - old bridge"snowy-river-bridge-1976

This book was written at the same time as the replica of the PS Curlip was being built in Orbost. The great grandson of Samuel Richardson is Gil Richardson who lives in Bete Bolong just outside Orbost. Gil and Heather Richards presented the author, May Leatch with a box of old diaries written by Sam Richardson and Sam's sons, Alan and Frank. Using these as the basis of the story, May wrote the full story of the Curlip and the Richardson family.This book about a local icon and a local family was written in Orbost by a local historian.A green and grey covered book titled, CURLIP The life and times of a Snowy River Paddle Steamer and the family who built her. On the front cover is a black and white photograph of the PS Curlip taken shortly after its launch in 1890. On the back cover is a black and white photograph of phragmites on the Snowy River floodplain. The book traces the history of the Richardson family from Godalming, Surrey, England to Orbost, East Gippsland, Victoria in Australia. It contains b/w photographs, diary extracts and newspaper extracts. The book was written by May Leatch.p.s.curlip paddle-steamers orbost richardson-family richardson-samuel

Herbert John Rumsey (1866-1956) started a nursery and seed business at Barbers Creek (Tallong) near Marulan in 1895. In 1901 he moved his operations to Dundas. From 1896 he regularly published seed catalogues. Some time before 1929 he set up a company, Herbert J. Rumsey & Sons Ltd, which later on (before 1937) changed its name to Rumsey Seeds Pty. Ltd.A small book with a cream cover which has colourful drawings of vegetables. The print is green and red. The book is titled "RUMSEY'S SEED CATALOGUE BEST SEEDS THAT GROW". It has 50 pp.agriculture horticulture catalogue seeds rumsey

2169.3 is from the Mary Gilbert Collection. Graham Dyce was a long-time member of Orbost & District Historical Society. His family came from the Combienbar / Club Terrace district.This is a local history written by a local author, Graham R. Dyce.Three copies of a book of 80 pp titled Combienbar The Valley of Contentment. It has a cream cover with a b/w photograph of a family standing outside a log house (probably late 19th century). The book was written by Graham Dyce, Orbost.combienbar-history-settlement

This book was published by Orbost & District Historical Society in 2009 after the death of Graham Dyce in 2007. Graham Dyce was a long-time member of Orbost & District Historical Society. His family came from the Combienbar / Club Terrace district.This is a local history book written by a local author, Graham Dyce.A 144 pp book titled Club Terrace, A Town and its Diary 1895-1939. It has a grey and sepia cover with a sepia photograph of The club Terrace Hotel.The book was written by Graham Dyce.club-terrace-history-settlement gold-mining

This was a Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre) display item. Cast iron was a suitable material for pots and pans because it heats up fairly quickly and retains the heat for some time. Soot from the fire would cover the cast iron and give the pot its black appearance. This was considered good because dark colours absorb heat more readily. The were used for cooking in a variety of situations, such as on an open fire and wood-burning stove. The long handle was essential for cooking on open fires to keep the flame of the fire at a distance, and to avoid burning one’s hand.This pan is an example of a common domestic item used in the late 19th century by early residents of Orbost.A shallow cast iron frying pan with a long tubular handle. In the top of the handle is a hole for hanging.On the handle is the number 3.domestic-utensils kitchen-ware cast-iron frying-pan