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

This event was held on 12th January, 1916 and was held at the Mechanics' Hall. F.A. Nixon was the Shire President. The toast list included toasts to the king, the commonwealth and state parliaments as well as to the pioneers and old soldiers of East Gippsland.This item reflects an event held in Orbost in the early 20th century.A small white menu with black print. On the front are the details of the event, a state parliamentary party dinner with the Orbost Shire emblem at the top. On the back is the menu and the toast list.menu shire-orbost parliamentary-dinner

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 Elector's Right Certificate, No. 206179, is for Samuel Richardson, a sawyer, who lived at Bullarook in the Ballarat East Division. It has been signed by W. Cantwell, the registrar and by Samuel Richardson. As a resident and a male he was entitled to vote in the Ballarat East Division at Victorian State elections. Samuel Richardson was a sawmiller and farmer in Orbost. He built The Curlip, a wooden paddle-steamer of 9 tons gross and dimensions of 43 feet long, 10 feet wide and a depth of 3 feet, on the slipway at their Tabarra sawmill in 1890. This item is associated with the Richardson family, early Orbost pioneers,A white paper certificate with black print and hand-written details. at the top is the British coat-of-arms. It is an elector's right certificate made out to Samuel richardson.suffrage richardson-samuel elector's-right-certificate

This message concerned the P.S. Curlip's entry to the Snowy River Lakes Entrance. It was logged at 2:45 and received at 2:47.This item is associated with the P.S. Curlip and the Richardson family, early Orbost pioneers.A white paper telegram with blue print and details hand-written in black ink. It has been sent fro Orbost to "Allen Richardson Marlo". The handwritten message is difficult to decipher."You may enter - engine driver Curlip within two miles outside Entrance Snowy River."telegram-richardson-curlip communications-19th-century

The Stormbird was built in Southport Tasmania in 1874 and was originally a steamer registered in Hobart. 1876. It was re-registered many times with different owners: William Fergusson & S.Reeves, reg. Port Adelaide; 1878: G.McKay, C.Heath & J.Yeo; 1883: G.S.Simmonds. It made regular voyages from Port Victoria. In 1893 on November14 Stormbird sank at her wharf, near Honey Street, after being struck by the Tenterden. It was raised (29 Nov) & repaired.In 1902. It was registered to A.Le Messurier. In 1904 it was registered to J.& A.Tainsh. This certificate is the record of registration for George Tainsh, a master mariner, Alice Thompson, a widow and John Tainsh, master mariner. 1922. The Stormbird was eventually lost on a voyage Madang to Wewak with the loss of two lives. This was after 1968. It had been changed to a sailing ship with an auxiliary engine in 1938.This certificate is a useful research tool and is a valuable source of information on maritime history.A small, blue folder containing a certificate of British Registry for the ship "Stormbird". Black text with additional hand-written details in red added in 1938. The certificate gives details of size, tonnage and engine. The owners are listed and it is dated 24th May, 1922 and signed by the Registrar of Shipping, Ernest Hall.stormbird-registration tainsh

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

From the THE LAND ACT 1884.-REGULATIONS: "Any person duly licensed under section 93 of The Land Act 1884 to cut and take away any live or dead timber on Crown lands, and any person specially licensed in that behalf by the Governor in Council, may at all times enter upon the said land and therefrom cut and take away live or dead timber. "The Richardson family was one of the very early settler families to establish themselves in the Orbost district. Samuel Richardson was builder of the Paddle Steamer Curlip.A white paper licence certificate No. 182 made out to Samuel Richardson & Son for the purpose of a Saw Mill. It was to cost ten pounds per annum. Print is black and details are hand-written.richardson-samuel certificate-lands-sawmill

"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

Charles Todd was one of the pioneers of meteorology in Australasia. Sir Charles Todd (1826-1910) was an astronomer, meteorologist and electrical engineer. Much of the history of astronomy, meteorology and telegraphs in South Australia is contained in his reports to parliament between 1856 and 1900.This is a useful research tool.A large sheet of lined card with a printed alphabetical list of South Australian towns and hand-written details of wind direction and force. Beside each is a remark.meteorology-records-south-australia todd-charles

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

H. C. Slatterie was a draper, outfitter and boot nerchant in Orbost. This account is for "sox" and a collar. This item is an example of the early 20th century book-keeping of an Orbost business.A white paper account with blue print. It is from H.C. Slatterie, Draper, Outfitter and Boot Merchant. There is a large purple receipt stamp in the centre. Handwritten date is for 4th March 1918. Receipt stamp shows 4th March 1915.account-h.c.slatterie book-keeping

This item is an example of the book-keeping of an early 20th century Orbost business. It bis a useful research item.A white paper account with red lines and black print. It is from J.S. Tomlinson, Newsagent and Stationer to Mr Cameron.book-keeping tomlinson-j.s.account

The Orbost Coach Factory was in Wolseley Street OIrbsot, opposite the police station and was owned by Thomas John McCoy. Its business was coach-building, undertaking, blacksmithing and as a farrier. 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 the early 20th century book-keeping of a business in Orbost. It is a useful research tool.A white paper account from T. McCoy to Mr R. Cameron. It has black print and handwritten details. In the top left-hand corner is a black drawing of a carriage and in the top right-hand corner is a black drawing of workers shoeing a horse. a green duty stamp is attached.account-book-keeping mccoy cameron

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 later chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). His blacksmith business was 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 the book-keeping of an early 20th century Orbost business and is a useful research tool.A white paper account with red lines and black print. Details are hand-written in blue ink. It is from J. Russell to R. P. Cameron.account-book-keeping russell-john blacksmith cameron-r.p.

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.

Mr Carl Otto (Clyde) Drevermann was born at Lucknow and worked in various parts of Victoria before coming to Orbost in about 1902. In July 1902 he entered into partnership with Mr Edward Fisher Reynolds and the ironmongery, hardware and tinsmithing business was carried on by the new firm as Drevermann and Reynolds. In about 1905 Mr Drevermann assumed proprietorship and the tinsmith and plumbing section of the business was sold off to Mr Edward Swan. The ironmongery, hardware and timber business was known as Carl Dreverman & Co until 1917 when it was changed to Orbost Hardware and Timber Co. This shop had a row of nails on the window sill to prevent people sitting on the ledge. 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 the book-keeping of an early 20th century Orbost business and is a useful research tool. A white paper account with red lines and black print. Details are hand-written. It is from Carl Drevermann, Furnishings and General Ironmongers, to R. Cameron.

Mr Carl Otto (Clyde) Drevermann was born at Lucknow and worked in various parts of Victoria before coming to Orbost in about 1902. In July 1902 he entered into partnership with Mr Edward Fisher Reynolds and the ironmongery, hardware and tinsmithing business was carried on by the new firm as Drevermann and Reynolds. In about 1905 Mr Drevermann assumed proprietorship and the tinsmith and plumbing section of the business was sold off to Mr Edward Swan. The ironmongery, hardware and timber business was known as Carl Dreverman & Co until 1917 when it was changed to Orbost Hardware and Timber Co. This shop had a row of nails on the window sill to prevent people sitting on the ledge. Carl Drevermann was a prominent Orbost identity and the Drevermann family owned the current Orbost Hardware Store for many years. Clyde [Carl] Drevermann died on 15/11/1946 aged 72. He was born in Lucknow and went into partnership with E P Reynolds on 9/8/1902 in Orbost selling furnishings, general ironmongery, furniture and tinsmith items. This partnership did not last long as on 6/9/1902 the shop then operated as Carl Drevermann & Co. later to become the Orbost Hardware & Timber Co. Mr Reynolds relocated the tinsmith part of the business to a new address. Mr Drevermann was a keen motorist and promoter of East Gippsland during the time when motor tourism was in its infancy. ( Lindsay and Noreen Thomson)A small white paper order form. It has black print an details are hand-written.drevermann-carl order-form-book-keeping

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

A pair of small round bronze coloured metal cuff links or studs. There is a gold coloured circle inset on each.studs cufflinks accessories jewellery

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

"The History of Australasia" by David Blair was one of three important publications of the author. Written in 1879, the book relates the history of both Australia and New Zealand from their discovery through to the establishment of self-government in both colonies. Blair was born in Ireland and after studying for the ministry in Ireland came to Australia in 1850. Instead of a missionary career he took up journalism, became a member of the Legislative Assembly in Victoria and published his books on Australasia.A large thick hard leather covered book -History of Australasia by David Blair and published in 1879. The covers are black with a gold pattern border. The front cover shows an embossed Australian crest in gilt with kangaroo and emu and ' Advance Australia'. It is an illustrated edition with beautifully coloured maps for each Australian colony and New Zealand.book blair-david history-australasia

A red covered book - the annual Young Australia for boys Throughout the English-speaking World comprising issues of Young England bound together. On the cover is St George on horseback and the St George's cross flag. Contents - adventure, school and historical stories; articles on many topics such as science, natural history, sports, hobbies and crafts; as well as verse, competitions and puzzles.On spine - Vol X1Vbook magazine young-australia

This is a souvenir of Orbost from 1945.A set of 13 black and white postcards in a fold-out format. Pictures are of : Nicholson Street, Snowy Rriver flats from Grand View, avenue leading to Obost. Snowy River bridge at Orbost, Snowy River at Orbost, Marlo from the sand dunes, Prince's Highway at Victorian-NSW. border, Genoa River and bridge at Genoa, Prince's Highway at Mt. Drummer, Cann River hotel, fern scene, Euchre Valley, ponsasinorum near Cann River. SOUVENIR Orbost to Vic Border 13 camera viewspostcard souvenir photographs orbost cann-river