A Gladstone bag is a small portmanteau suitcase built over a rigid frame which could separate into two equal sections. Unlike a suitcase, a Gladstone bag is deeper in proportion to its length.They are typically made of stiff leather and often belted with lanyards. The bags are named after William Ewart Gladstone (1809–1898), the four-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This one has been adapted to suit the needs of a bookmaker. The leather neck strap has been added. 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. A very worn leather bookmaker's bag. It is a Gladstone style bag with a leather neck strap. It has a spring lock with a key hole. It has a curved handle at the top. The leather neck strap does not appear to be original. The inside lining is cotton and there is a metal hinged frame. On the base are four metal studs.On the base - SOLID LEATHERgladstone-bag bookmaker's-bag horse-racing

This bike belonged to Wally Paten who worked in the Orbost Butter Factory in the 1940's. Wally's father, Thomas Paten came to Orbost in 1893 and began growing fancy seeds in 1907 for H. James. He built the first levee bank in Orbost (ref. Mary Gilbert). The Comet bike was distributed by the Myer Emporium. "Comet:" was their house brand. They also sold the "Peter Pan". It was named "The Comet" probably because it was a fast bike. At the time it was an expensive bike . Ted Waterford made headlines riding Melbourne to Adelaide one way then return on a Comet in 1932.Bicycles have been a part of Australian life for more than 140 years. The bicycle soon began competing with the horse as a convenient and economical way for people to get around. This bicycle is an example of an early style which was used by an Orbost local.A man's road bicycle. It has 26inch wheels, back pedal brakes and has a wire basket attached to the curved handle bars. There is a leather seat in poor condition. The back wheel has a mudguard painted white. The bike is ungeared. This is probably the original frame with newer wheels. The pedals are metal.Tyres - made in Korea down tube -COMETcomet-bicycle bicycle paten-wally transport

The Orbost Methodist Church began services in April 1910, the Rev. E. Hooper as the first minister. Reverend R.W. Little was minister in 1930-31.Ministers at that time batched either in a little room at the back of the church or in Locksley House (near the state school). 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. The Sunday School Anniversaries were always a big community event and children usually dressed up for the occasion. The children spent weeks practising hymns and choruses for the occasion and on the Saturday before picked armfuls of flowers from Mrs Hocking's garden ( may blossoms) to decorate the church hall. (ref. Pioneers and Pilgrims Revd Peter Gador-White).For many years the Methodist people of Orbost enjoyed the fellowship of the church and the children, in particular, were socially and spiritually involved. This item is reminiscent of that time.A rectangular cardboard invitation to a service and prize-giving at the Orbost Methodist Sunday School. The print is black on a pale blue background with a black frame and floral decorations in each cornerSpecial Invitation R.W. Little, Ministerorbost-methodist-church sunday-school

The Returned Sailors and soldiers Imperial League of Australia was formed in 1916. Annual RSSAILA Balls (originally known as the Diggers Balls) were held to raise funds for those who returned fromconflicts especially those who were not eligible for war pensions.Socially , the ‘Diggers’ Annual Ball’ accomplished a great deal in bringing Returned Servicemen together. At this time, these functions were organised by self-appointed committees and proceeds were distributed among special causes – mainly to the RSSAILA members who were experiencing hardship.A rectangular card invitation to the Diggers' Military Ball, Monday 1st May 1939. Print is in black. The card is edged in gold. It is a Double Ticket - 7/6 RSSILAmilitary-balls r.s.s.i.l.a.

These items are probably American ). A lot of carved bakelite jewellery/buttons/buckles were manufactured in the U.S.A. The orange (red?) one is especially reminiscent of American bakelite, due to its polished look. The other one is probably butterscotch bakelite. Originally it would have been white or cream, but the plastic oxidises over time and changes colour to a butterscotch colour. The rectangular one is probably a belt slide. Some types of belts don't have any holes in them. The belt is just slid through the clasp. There is no notch in the centre bar indicating that there was never a hasp. ( Info. from Button Bower)These two items are good examples of dress accessories typical of the first half of the 20th century era.Two buckles probably made of bakelite. 1950.1 is orange/ red, circular with a metal prong. 1950.2 is a slide, rectangular shape, light salmon pink (butterscotch) with no prong.buckles dress-accessories women's-clothing bakelite

In the first half of the 20th century knitting needles were much easier and cheaper to come by than sewing machines. This is possibly why hand knitting was so popular. This pair of knitting needles are part of a time when women often made the family clothing. A pair of No. 7 pink plastic knitting needles.knitting-needles handcraft knitting leisure

This was an invitation to the Premiership and Grand Final Dinner. The invitation belonged to Mrs R. Smith, 20 Raymond Street, Orbost, 3888. Roma Smith (nee Cameron) was the daughter of Harry Purchase Cameron and Lilian Gladys (nee Harding. Roma married Ronald Richard SMITH in 1944 Harry's father, James Cameron, came to Bellagoogan on Majors Creek in 1882. Bellagoogan was on Majors Creek near Orbost and was the site of the first race course. Like many others at the time, the Camerons bred race horses.Harry died in 1964 aged 75.Orbost Football Club through its many changes has always been an important social fabric of the Orbost community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health.A cardboard invitation in the shape of a football. It has a menu inside and a program for the evening. on the back is a list of the team players for both teams.invitation orbost-football-club recreation sport

Coins are one of the worlds oldest types of currency, though the worlds first coins were very basic . They first began to appear in the ancient world and by the time of the Roman and Greek civilisations, coins were being issued in a range of denominations with quite sophisticated designs. With coins being used instead of older systems such as barter, people needed a way to carry and store their money and the coin holder appeared on the scene. Sovereign cases were small portable boxes usually in cylindrical shape and made from various metals with snap shut covers to contain the coin. This one is kept safe by being attached to a fob chain. The silver sovereign holder was used for carrying either full or half gold sovereigns. It had the shape of a locket or of a watch and was often worn on a chain and kept by gentlemen in a waist coat pocket. This item is an example of a commonly used sovereign case.A small round metal ( nickel plated?) sovereign coin holder. it has a spring opening with a slot for insertion of coin, It has a link attached to top.currency coin sovereign-case personal-effects

The Speedweve is a tiny darning loom advertised as ‘Lancashire’s smallest loom’. It was manufactured by E & A Chesstok Ltd of Rusholme, Manchester in 1947/48. It is basically a little loom for mending socks and holes in clothing. - This item was a common household item used a time when people still felt it worth the effort to darn socks.A metal Speedweve - a small darning tool.The slide at the top pushes back and forth making the 10 copper hooks rotate one way then the other. There would have been a wooden disc for keeping the fabric flat. top - SPEEDWEVEdomestic weaving loom

Horses were a vital part of the agricultural industry in Orbost before the mechanisation of farm machinery. This item is associated with that time.Part of leather harness. Brown leather straps with buckles.equestrian harness rural farming

Horses were a vital part of the agricultural industry in Orbost before the mechanisation of farm machinery. This item is associated with that time.A brown leather harness (spider) with a chain on one side and a heavy hook at the end.harness equestrian rural farming horse

James Chester Kerr Trewin (916-1965) was born in Orbost, Victoria, Australia and died there. Service Australian Army  Service Number VX5640. He enlisted on 23 Oct 1939  at Sale, VIC  He was discharged on 5 Aug 1943 with the rank o Lieutenant  He was in 2/7 AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION.  This personal document gives an insight into the human element of World War 11 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and played a vital role during this time are remembered.A rectangular laminated certificate which was given to James C. K. Trewin for contributing to Australia's effort in WW11. It is signed by John Howard-prime minister ; Peter McGauran - federal member and Bruce Scott-minister for veteran affairs.On rectangular picture of the Australian flag - Their Service Our Heritagecertificate trewin-james ww11

This is the army uniform of James Chester Kerr Trewin a lieutenant in 2/7th and 58/59th Battalions. He served in the Middle East, Syria and New Guinea. James Trewin was wounded in action.This item gives an insight into the human element of World War 11 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and played a vital role during this time are remembered.A khaki coloured WW11 jacket (male) with a cap. There are medals on a strip. Three bronze stars : 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star. Round silver medals : 1939-1945 Defence Medal ; 1939-1945 Australian Service Medal . There is a Rising Sun - Australian Commonwealth Military Force - on the lapel and on the cap. On left sleeve is a strip of black and red bars.uniform-military trewin-james ww11

This item was owned and used by James Chester Kerr Trewin during WW11.These personal items give an insight into the human element of World War 11 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community who played a vital role during this time are remembered.A khaki coloured container which holds a clothes brush, a tiny pencil and other items.M.E. Co 1940ww11 trewin personal-effects military

This belt was owned and worn by William Johnson, father of Ian Johnson of Orbost.This personal item gives 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 khaki coloured canvas belt from WW1. It has assorted military brass badges attached.badges - RFA; crossed swords; crossed rifles; wheel with crown at top; union makes strength; Royal Army Medical Corps; Royal Berkshire; ASCww1 johnson-william belt badges

This medal was approved in 1919 for issue to officers and men of British and Imperial forces who served between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. This medal gives 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 circular silver medal with a bare-headed King George V facing left and GEORGIVS V BRITT:OMN:REX ET IND:IMP: on one side and on the other is a naked St George, on horseback armed with a short sword. It has the dates 1914 and 1918 on either side. The ribbon has a wide central watered stripe of orange and two narrow white stripes on either side, two black pin-stripes and two outer stripes of blue.medal ww1 military

Glass milk bottles were used to store milk that was supplied by local vendors to houses in a region. The glass bottles would be reused continually until stolen or broken. Milk would be brought to individual houses where payment may be received on the day or as a larger payment at another time. After finishing the milk, the family would return the glass to a prearranged place outside their home where it would be collected and a new milk bottle returned in its place. A clear glass milk bottle used for 600ml. This would have had a foil lid.Pasteurised MILK 600ML Wash and return Milk Bottle Distributers PASTEURISED 600ml MILK Wash and Return Property of dairy milk bottle glass milk-bottle food container

Miss Ethel Lynn nursed in England for a time in her later life. She did private nursing at Orbost Hospital until she had a fall and broke her hip -1950's.The Lynn family is well-known in the Orbost area. Ethel Lynn is believed to have been working at Bairnsdale in 1924. Two white linen collars to be worn on a nurse's uniform. A white linen belt to be worn with a nurse's uniform.E. LYNNnursing health lynn-ethel uniform-nursing

The Batman Deed is sometimes called the Batman Treaty, the Dutigullar Deed, the Dutigullar Treaty or the Melbourne Deed. The deeds had been drafted by JT Gellibrand, a leading lawyer in the colony. Batman's Treaty was a document signed on 6 June 1835 by John Batman, an Australian grazier, businessman and explorer, and a group of Wurundjeri elders, for the purchase of land around Port Phillip, near the present site of the city of Melbourne. The document came to be known as Batman's Treaty and is considered significant as it was the first and only documented time when Europeans negotiated their presence and occupation of Aboriginal lands directly with the traditional owners. The so-called treaty was implicitly declared void on 26 August 1835 by the Governor of New South Wales, Richard Bourke. The original Batman Deed is of enormous significance to the history of the European settlement of Victoria. Framed print of the Batman Deed, dated 1835. This is a printed copy of the Batman Deed, made in 1966 from the 'original' by the State Library of Victoria. The frame is wood. The document consists of handwritten text in black ink with eight signatures in the lower right hand side and three signatures in the lower left hand corner. It has been signed by John Batman beneath the eight signatures.document batman-deed melbourne

This handkerchief was designed to remind owners of her extensive dominions, covering Canada, Australia, India and Africa, specifically recalling her title of Empress of India. Queen Victoria died on 20 January 1901, after almost 64 years as reigning monarch, currently the longest serving in British history. There were many souvenirs produced at the time, This handkerchief is an example.Souvenir white cotton handkerchief made to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897. There is a picture of Queen Victoria in the centre with a younger 1837 version above it. Around the central picture are pictures of the prime ministers during her reign. She is flanked by her son and grandson, both later to take the throne and the title of Emperor of India. souvenir handkerchief queen-victoria

Donated by the Harry Cameron family, Harry's father, James Cameron, came to Bellagoogan on Majors Creek in 1882. Bellagoogan was on Majors Creek near Orbost and was the site of the first race course. Like many other at the time, the Camerons bred race horses.Harry died in 1964 aged 75.Hand saw with a skew-back, steel blade and a wooden handle. It has three metal saw pins and a medallion marked 'warranted superior'. There is a chip carved wheat sheaf decorating the front hand grip. This handsaw is probably a Disston Keystone K-4 Air MasterOn a metal disc around a keyhole is "Warranted Superior".tool timber-industry handsaw

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) This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the first half of the 20th century.Small round hand-crocheted doily of white thread.doily handcraft knitted cook-elsie

This item would have been very common on farms throughout the Orbost area. Prior to bulk milk, cream was the major commodity which was sold to the butter factory. This is a small separator, typical of home use. 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 factoriesHand operated rusted metal cream separator with metal and wood handle.Front - A.O Handle-75.T.PR.MIN Back- (RHS) A.O. (LHS) Co-op in outline of Australia.cream-separator domestic-food-preparation dairy-farming

This is one of many models of the Enterprise Tinned Meat Chopper No5This 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 factoriesSmall black metal meat grinder with screw down grip for use on bench tops and tables. Still in working order. Carved wooden handle.Enterprise MFG.Co. PH'A, U.S.A. on clamp. Pat.Jan.30.83.June.5.88 on other side. Enterprise-Tinned-Meat-Chopper on barrel.grinder domestic food-preparation enterprise-mfc

This domestic appliance is typical of the period when food processing was done at home. It would have been before the time of mass food processing factoriesBlack metal grain grinder. Top slides off to collect the ground grain. Opening at top to pour in grain. The back has holes to screw or nail to bench. There is a long grinding arm of metal with a wooden handle.Underneath -3 Under storer - T&C Clark & Co - Wolverhampton Bottom of handle - Clark & Cogrinder food-preparation domestic clark-t&c

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 and before domestic refrigeration was common.Round earthenware butter cooler. Red/orange in colour.Has lid. Small holes at bottom so that butter could breathe. Handle on top for lifting cover. Inside is glazed.butter-cooler ceramics earthenware domestic food-storage food-preservation

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.This item is an example of the type of beer bottle commonly used in the late 19th-early 20th century.MBCV brown glass beer bottle. Has the word COUNTRY embossed below shoulder. The letters MBCV in a spade below that.Front - MBCV in a spade. (Manufacturers Bottle Co. of Victoria) At bottom - Property of the Manufacturers Bottle Co-op of Victoria Pty Ltdbottle mbcv glass

Australia was not self sufficient in glass making until the turn of the 20th century and many bottles were made overseas and shipped to Australia with their contents and when emptied were re-filled with other company’s products. This bottle has an aesthetic element in that the shape , colour and texture are visually appealing. It reflects the type of glassware that was in circulation at that time in history. Small blue hexagonal sided bottle with cork. Not to be takenglass bottle container

Inspected by Joanna Freslov, archaeologist 2.6.22008. Grinding stones are slabs of stone that Aboriginal people used to grind and crush different materials. Bulbs, berries, seeds, insects and many other things were ground between a large lower stone and a smaller upper stone. This is the lower stone.Large grinding stones such as this one were designed to be left at a camp site for use the next time the group moved there. Smaller grinding stones were carried between sites. Grinding stones were not abandoned when they became worn and smooth through use. The stone would simply be roughened again so it was once again suitable for its function. This is an example of a food preparation utensil used by the Early Indigenous people of Eastern Australia.A large flat rock with grind hole in top. Rock has split. gridstone aboriginal stone-artefact

Inspected by Joanna Freslov, archaeologist 2.6.2008. This club was brought from New Hebrides to Orbost by Reverend Alex Morton in 1894. Morton was the minister at the Presbyterian church about 1890. He had spent time in new Hebrides and went on to New Zealand.A handmade carved wooden club with carved rings at top and bottom.weapon new-hebrides hunting-club morton