Damage estimated at £500,000 was caused by the 1934 floods in the Orbost district. This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge, wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle. This photograph shows Lochiel Lagoon ( the billabong) in the foreground. Ten minutes after this photograph was taken, the centre span of the Orbost Bridge was washed away.This item is a pictorial record of the 1934 floods, a significant part of Orbost's history.A black / white photograph of swirling floodwaters with township in the background.orbost-floods-1934 natural-disasters-floods

These articles were collated by Mary Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.These articles are contemporary reports of prominent Orbost identities and are a useful reference tool.A manila folder containing newspaper articles of local identities. 745.1 is titled,"What's In a Name? Their Meanings and Derivations". 745.2 is from the Weekly Times, February 23, 1955, page 25 and is titled, "Orbost Women Who Are Well-Known". 745.3 is from the Weekly Times, May2, 1951, Page 5 and is titled, " People of Orbost (Vic)". 745.4 is from the Snowy River Mail and is titled, "Vale: Richard Forsythe Beattie: Came to Orbost Over 80 Yrs Ago". On the back is an article titled, " Report of Death of Mr George Seymour Luckins". 745.5 is titled, " Happy Family Life is Answer - Harold (79) and Olive (78) Sheffield. It is a black and white photograph. 745.6 is titled, "Tubbut and the Whittakers".beattie-richard-forsythe luckins-george-seymour sheffield-harold whittakers-tubbut

The Orbost Workers' Band was started in 1889 by Donald and Archie Munro. The band folded after the town was devastated by floods in 1893. Charles Spink reformed the group in 1905. It split in 1908 and the breakaway band was named the Orbost Workers Band. The two bands, The Orbost Workers and Orbost Town Band would often compete against each other. Eventually, in 1913, the two bands amalgamated to form the Orbost Municipal band. The old Orbost Municipal Band recorded its last meeting in 1941 -a lack of effort and membership. The new Orbost Municipal Band was restarted by Clem Heather (a previous member) on Wednesday 20th September, 1961 and continued into the late 1980s when lack of interest caused it to become defunct. Members of the 1910 Orbost Workers' Band in the photograph are from back and left to right : Bill Whillance; Vic Lawless, Tom Reeves, August Redenbach, Alex Stirling, Bert McCoy, Bill Stirling, Ray Napier, Ted Swan, Albert Hight; George Jackson, Jack Richardson, Bill Clark, Wally Swan, Arthur Redenbach, Brick Richardson, Jack Healey, Dave Williams; Ossie Wehner, Charles Black, Val Perry, Charlie O'Brien, Arch Lavell; Tom Swan and Harold NapierThis 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 band members with their instruments. In the fron row are two,small boys sitting on either side of a drum. Behind them is a row of young boys, the one on far left holding a small dog. Another row is kneeling behind them and a row is standing at the back with one man centre back by himself. They are all dressed in suits or uniforms. The photograph has been glued onto cardboard.on back - "Flavel, 1910"orbost-municipal-band spink-charles heather-clem

Archie Munro was a well-known Orbost identity who first operated a boot shop in Cameron's barn. He was also active in the promotion of the first brass band in Orbost. He was the son of Hector Munro.Archie Munro was a well-known Orbost identity who first operated a boot shop in Cameron's barn. He was also active in the promotion of the first brass band in Orbost. A collection of photocopied documents. The originals are from the writing desk of A.D. Munro ( Reg. 368).munro-archie dcouments

This is probably a view of Orbost on the Snowy River.This is a pictorial record of the Snowy River in the early 20th century.A small black / white photograph of two canoes on a river bend. There is a small masted boat. In the canoes and boat are some men.On the bank is a horse and rider.indecipherable inscription at bottom front

This label was used by the Orbost Butter Factory.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 label with red and green print on a white background . label orbost-butter-factory

796.1 - Crown Land Sale by auction in the township of Mallacoota on Wednesday January 1920 at 2pm. 796.2 - Snowy River farms , 630 acres of river flat land at Orbost on Wednesday April 28, 1909 at 2.30pm. 796.3 - Famous Orbost Flats - "Important Sale of Snowy River Land" , 900 acres subdivided into 13 choice farms on Wednesday 1st December 1920 at 2.30pm. 796.4 - "Second Great Sale in James' Subdivision", adjoining town of Orbost on 16th May, 1919 at 2pm. 796.5 - "Subdivisional Sale Brooklands Estate", 5 rich Snowy River farms on Wednesday 23rd February at 2.30 at Orbost on account of James Hossack Esq. 796.6 - "Subdivisional sale of Splendid Residence Sites and Handy Small Paddocks" adjoining the progressive town of Orbost on 5th March 1915 at 11am at the rooms of H.James & Co. 796.7 - This is a contract drawing on waxed paper. Crossing near Harbecks Cunninghame Signed and traced N. Anderson 17/11/00. 796.8 - A plan and specification on waxed paper. Shire of Orbost Cunninghame Road - signed by the shire engineer. 796.9 - This is a hand drawn map of Orbost Cunninghame Road, November 1896. 796.10 - This is a hand drawn cross-section of a culvert on the Orbost Cunninghame Road. 796.11 - This is a plan of a culvert on Tabbara Road, 13th January 1899 796.12 - This is a poster for an "Important Subdivisional Sale' for land near Orbost Bridge, on Wednesday 16th March 1921 at the rooms of H. James & Co. These documents are an important part of Orbost history in that they show how the town and surrounding areas were subdivided for farming and residential settlement.A set of twelve maps, plans and land sale posters .orbost-land-1900s maps posters h.james

This photograph shows ladies at a patriotic carnival selling goods to help troops during WW1. The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It came into being as a branch of the British Red Cross Society on August 13th 1914 to succour the wounded in the First World War.This is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost. It reflects the involvement of Orbost, a small town, in the efforts of the Australian Red Cross Society to provide comforts to soldiers during World war 1.A black / white photograph of five women in uniform and a small boy in uniform and cap, standing next to a cart selling goods.ww1 orbost-patriotic-carnival

This book containes the story of Agnes Nixon (nee Ross) and some of the history of Nixon family in Orbost. Agnes Ann Nixon was born in Bendoc in 1879, came to Orbost at an early age and married Frances (Frank) Nixon. Also included are original poems by the author, copies of paper clippings, advertisements etc., and photographs.Local history of early families in the Orbost district.A black covered book with gold title lettering and author's name on the spine. 101 pages.To the Orbost Historical Society from Mary Ann Willis [the author]nixon family, frank nixon, agnes nixon, ross family, orbost

3288.1 has been taken in Lawson Lane, Orbost, looking west from the rear of the Shire Offices. 3288.2 has been taken in Lawson Lane, Orbost, looking east from the rear of the Shire Offices.These photographs are pictorial records of the Orbost township C 1970s.Two black / white photographs showing cars parked on an unsealed road with buildings in the background.lawson-lane-orbost streets-orbost-1970s

This is a photograph of Alf R. Barling who was the bandmaster of the Orbost Municipal Band from 1961 - 1978. He played bass and cornet. This photographer, Peter Fagg, worked as a scientist with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (now DELWP) to study dieback in eucalypts. He specialised in the silviculture of the eucalypt forest types of South-East Australia for most of his 40-year career, which started with the Forests Commission Victoria. He was in Orbost from 1968 - 1973. 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. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A coloured photograph of a man in a band uniform holding a brass instrument ( a cornet?). The photograph has been taken outdoors. The photograph is in a frame with gold esges.on back - Alf R. Barling 1977barling-alf orbost-municipal-band

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 photograph shows Nelson Burn reading a telegram from the queen to his grandmother, Mrs Paul Hocking, on her 100th birthday. Her husband, James Hocking, was the first watchmaker in Orbost. He had been a lay preacher at Wangaratta and Yan Yean before coming to Orbost. He was an 1891 Rechabite and an Orbost Shire Councillor. Eliza Ann Hocking (nee Eddy) was born on 16.7.1856 at Blackwater Hall in England, She had arrived in Australia on the sailing boat "Poocia" on 8-7-1880. The voyage following the Cape route took about 7 weeks. For a time, with her husband, she lived at Chewton, on the gold fields, before coming to Orbost. She was a foundation member of the Methodist Ladies’ Guild in 1912. She lived in Salisbury Street, Orbost. She died on 9.4.1957. Colin Nelson Burn, born 7.7.1921, was her grandson, son of Robert Alfred Burn and Edith Jane Hocking. He began Sta-Brite' Painting and Decorating Services in Salisbury Street, Orbost. He served in the forces during World War II. He was a Life member of the Snowy Rovers Football Club. He joined the Orbost Fire Brigade on 1-5-1946. He died 1.2.2015. His son, Peter continues the painting business in Orbost. (info. from John Phillips)This is a pictorial record of an Orbost resident reaching 100 years. A 100 year birthday is a significant milestone. The Hocking / Burn family have been associated with the Orbost district since 1889.A large black / white photograph of an elderly lady standing beside a younger man who is holding a letter and reading to her.hocking-mrs burn-nelson telegram-queen-100th-birthday

This is a photograph of Orbost Shire Councillor Henry James J.P. who represented Central Riding 1902-1905 and 1916-1927. Henry James (1860-1932) was a well-known identity in the Orbost district. He was a stock agent and auctioneer who helped to establish the seed bean industry in Orbost. He was the second secretary of the Snowy River Shipping Co. as well as a shire councillor and prominent member of MUIOOF.This item is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Henry James was a well-known Orbost identity.A black / white head and shoulders portrait photograph of a moustached man in a suit.on back - "Cr H. James JP"james-henry orbost-shire-council

Dudley Charles Seymour Courtney , with a fellow worker, was trapped on the Orbost Raailwaay Station roof until rescued by an army duck. These photographs were his. He worked on the railway in Orbost from 1942 - 1952 approximately. During the 1952 flood nearly half of Orbost rail way station is washed away. The stationmaster and four members of his staff were rescued by police using army ducks.This is a pictorial record of a significant event in the history of Orbost.Nine small black / white photographs of a derailed train at a railway station. Derailed trucks and floodwaters can be seen. The photographs have a narrow white frame. Some are portrait and others landscape.on back of 3082.8 - hand-written in blue pen :"The floods worked the line from under the trucks in a couple of hours"floods-orbost orbost-railway-station rescue courtney-dudley-charles-seymour

This photograph of the Orbost Municipal Band was taken outside the Orbost Youth Centre in Nicholson Street, Orbost. Those in the photograph are: At Rear- Peter Fagg and Alan Miles; Back Row - Jacqueline Solomon' Cryatal Barling, Julie West, Raymond Barling, Maddy Barr' Peter Rowley, Luigi Battel, Michelle Zuccolo, Helen Light; Seated - Phillip Barling, Russell Jensen, Susan Wood, Alf Barling (Band Master), Edward Knight, Charles Soloman; In Front - Mark Barling and Peter Knight 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 Municipal 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 large black / photograph of a group of uniformed band members standing and seated in rows outside a building. All are holding musical instruments. There is a drum in the centre front row.on back - label with list of namesmusic-orbost orbost-municipal-band entertainment recreation

The potato was grown at Fred Mundy's farm, Orbost.This photograph is a reflection of social life in the first half of the 20th century. It is a whimsical, fun photograph.A black / white photograph of a potato which has been dressed as a doll.on back - "Farquhar" on front - "Potato grown at Fred Mundy's"

This jumper was worn by John Court as an employee of Orbost Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council.Local governments play an important role in the lives of citizens in Australia. Local government authorities exist to provide services and amenities to local communities, and are also responsible for regulating and providing services for land and property in their district. This item is representative of a time when Orbost had its own Shire Council.A fawn coloured V - necked long-sleeved woollen jumper. It has a waratah emblem embroidered in red with green leaves. Below this is embroidered the word ORBOST in gold.uniform jumper orbost-shire-council court-john

This photograph shows Harold Rodwell and his daughter, Ina, in a paddock full of pumpkins. Pumpkins were grown widely on Orbost farms and used to feed pigs. There was usually a competition for the heaviest or biggest pumpkin at the annual Orbost agricultural Show.This photograph is associated with the history of pumpkin growing in the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a man and a woman people standing in a large paddock of pumpkins.on front - INA & H, Rodwellrodwell-harold rodwell-ina pumpkins-orbost agriculture-orbost farming-orbost

This photograph shows members of the first Orbost Agricultural Show committee.. 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) This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.A sepia photograph of eleven men, wearing suits and waistcoats, standing on a vacant block of land. In the background are houses among tress. The photograph is mounted on grey card - rectangular with rounded corners.on back -"Toby Nixon" on front - "First Show 13th March 1892"orbost-agricultural-society annual-show-orbost agriculture-orbost

Mr E. Knight was the president of the Orbost Municipal Band from 1972 - 1978. The photographer, Peter Fagg, worked as a scientist with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (now DELWP) to study dieback in eucalypts. He specialised in the silviculture of the eucalypt forest types of South-East Australia for most of his 40-year career, which started with the Forests Commission Victoria. He was in Orbost from 1968 - 1973. 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 The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A coloured photograph of a man in a band uniform holding a brass instrument ( a french horn?). It is under glass framed in a white and gold wooden frame.on back - ".....E. Knight.......Dec 1978"music recreation orbost-municipal-band knight-g.

This photograph was taken at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Orbost High School in 1962. the group is singing "Old Lang Syne" after the celebratory dinner. There had been a cake on the small table at the front. With earlier levels of schooling available at the Orbost State School or nearby schools of Newmerella and Jarrahmond, it was not until April 1912, and after much campaigning from parents and other notable community members, that the Orbost Higher Elementary School was opened. Mr Richard Trembath was appointed the new Head teacher of Orbost Higher Elementary School and was assisted by Miss Olga Ernst. The senior class consisted of 26 pupils, and the junior class, 16 pupils. A limited curriculum was available which included lessons in Latin, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Geography, History, Drawing and advanced English. this school eventually became the Orbost High School.Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This item is representative of its historyA black / white photograph of a large group of people with linked hands. The photograph has been taken at night. There is a table at the front covered with a tablecloth.education-orbost orbost-high-school celebration

A punt crossed the Snowy River at Orbost from 1884. A bridge was constructed in 1893, but was soon damaged by a huge flood. Flooding was a regular occurrence, the worst inundations being in 1870, 1893, 1925, 1934, 1952 and 1971. Over the years major flood protection works have been implemented. The Princes Highway, which passes Orbost, now crosses the flood plain on raised concrete supports. (info, from Victorian Places Orbost)This item is associated with the Snowy River and its history. It is a pictorial record of transport in the late 19th century.A black / white photograph (copy) of a punt loaded with people and a horse-drawn carriage making its way across a river.on front at bottom - "Snowy River Punt"snowy-river-orbost transport shipping

Stuart Hats commenced manufacturing hats in about 1948 and closed their factory in Orbost around 1953 probably because of the high transport costs. The company's head factory was in Melbourne. The hats made in Orbost were sold all over Australia as well as in Melbourne at Myers and David Jones. Orme Andrews Ladies' Wear was the only store in Orbost to stock the locally produced Stuart Hats. The building became first a Dry Cleaners and then a private home.Stuart Hats was a significant manufacturing business in Orbost in the 1950's employing nearly 20 local people.A woven straw hat with a wide brim. It is a natural colour with braid as a hat band. Inside are two sewn on pieces for a pink tie.millinery stuart-hats clothing accessories hats

This is the third issue of the Orbost High School annual magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This book belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at Orbost High School.This third issue of Croajingolong, the annual magazine of Orbost High Schoo,l is a useful reference tool.A 40 pp grey covered magazine. On the front cover is the school crest in black and gold. The book is titled Croajingolong 1950 - this is not on the cover.orbost-high-school croajingolong

This photograph shows three generations of the Russell family in Orbost. On the left is John Russell with his son Bill Russell and his wife Ede and their son Ian. John Russell Senior was a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). Bill was born at Orbost in 1893, the youngest son of John and Elizabeth Maud (nee Clarke). Upon his father’s retirement he took over the homestead part of the holding, 1,000 acres of river flats and hill land. He was involved in dairying and was also a successful beef cattle breeder and maize grower. He was elected to the Orbost Shire Council in 1929 and shortly afterwards was President for 18 months (from May 1930 to August 1931). He served a further term as President in 1934-35. He represented the South riding. He was chairman of the Bean Board and a well-known horse and show judge and a member of the Royal Agricultural Society. He was an elocutionist of some note and a member of the committee of management of the Orbost Hospital. He was also a prominent member and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge and a Justice of the Peace. He served as president of the Orbost Golf Club and assisted with the preparation and layout of the present Orbost Golf course. This item is associated with the Russell family, early settlers in the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a family. A lady is in the middle with a man on each side and a young boy in front. They are standing outside a house in the garden.on back - "3 generations, Johnny Russell, Ede & Bill Russell & Ian Russell"russell-family-orbost

These articles were compiled by Mary Gilbert who was the first curator of the Orbost Museum and a prominent historian / teacher in Orbost. The 1971 floods at Orbost were the worst on record. At Jarrahmond the river rose to a height of 11 metres and on the flats spread to one and a half kilometres wide. Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)These articles are contemporary records of a significant historical event in Orbost.A manila folder containing black / white newspaper clippings from various publishers. They all relate to the 1971 floods in Orbost. (Details of contents in catalogue 735-900)floods-orbost-1971

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1898 to 1912. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This item contains handwritten accounting records of the Shire of Orbost. The Orbost Shire local government no longer exists as it was absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council.A black, hard cover ledger with light brown leather binding. It is titled "TREASURER'S CASH BOOK" and contains hand-written records.orbost-shire-council ledger-accounts

Owned and used by Nance Gilbert, sister of Mary Gilbert, Orbost teacher and historian. Nance Jenning was a professional golfer, daughter of Jonathon Gilbert and Annie Cameron.This item is an example of a camera used in Australia in the early 20th century.Small Kodak camera, black with concertina lens. Has brown leather case.Inside leather case : Nance Gilbert Orbost Vic.camera photography kodak