The Chick family went fishing and lived on Rockpool Road beside the East Kiewa river from c1934-43. This was before the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The Chick family camped in the Upper Kiewa Valley prior to the KHES being constructed.The memories and photographs are important for their contribution to this time.Black folder bound with plastic spiral ring. Page 1. includes a letter from Jan Hunter (nee Chick) to KVHS. Pages 2 -4 Written history. Page 5 An index to the 7 photosOn letter: 'Barbara - had this ready before I spoke to you. Jan'chick family, rockpool road, early camping

The written and illustrated history of Guides (11 to 14) and Brownies (7 to 10 year olds) in Tawonga commencing in 1951. Lord Baden-Powell first organized the groups for girls in c1914. It was to enable girls to be involved in scouting eg. camping, hiking and similar activities. Guides and Brownies were community organizations for the girls living in Tawonga from 1951. The organisations were based on scouting activities.14 A4 pages stapled in the top left hand corner. Printed on one side, including black and white photostawonga guides, tawonga brownies

During the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme the employees socialised by joining clubs such as the table tennis club.McKay Creek was the site of a power station where the employees lived in the camp while working there. Table tennis entertained them during their leisure time. This activity is of historic and social significance and can be compared with activities of today especially as Mt Beauty was built as a construction town for the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme and is now a small town with the added influence of tourism. McKay Creek was part of the construction with a work force living there.Large Black and white photo of the McKay Creek Table Tennis Club including 18 men and 1 boy.ID on the back and "AM Collection"mckay creek power station, table tennis club, kiewa hydro electric scheme

Originated in the United Kingdom in 1822 with a motto "No man Is At All Times Wise" and a maxim of "Justice, Truth and Philanthropy". A branch of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was formed at Bogong by Grand Lodge Officers from Melbourne and other members. The ceremony was held at Lewis Camp Mess (Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme) with a world record of 78 new members initiated and a world record of over 100 pounds was raised. Another branch, No. 150 was opened in Mt Beauty. The Bogong and Mt Beauty lodges combined in 1948 and organised a Christmas treat for all children of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria working on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Historical: The Bogong R.A.O.B. was formed circa Sept. 1946 and the Mt Beauty R.A.O.B. in 1948. It was a popular organisation in Bogong and then in Mt Beauty during the construction of the K.H.E.S. This club shows how important social clubs were in making up part of the community thus making it socially historic as well. It was a voluntary charitable organisation with a complicated ceremonial tradition and enjoyed by its participants. The donor, Brian William John Bourke was a cook at the pub and other places around the town. He had lived in the area since the 1950s and passed away 2019 and is buried at Tawonga Cemetery.Small brown leather case with attached handle and sliding clips on each side. The corners are reinforced with steel.The hinge appears to be stitched on and is held by an attached leather strap on the right side. Inside: the lid has a material open gathered pocket holding 4 small books and 4 thin booklets / papers. The case holds 2 large leather red and gold cuffs, 1 red with gold decoration apron, 1 red ribboned necklace with a personal badge and 1 of the lodge and 2 short ribbons (one green and 1 blue) with badges attached including the Mt Beauty badge on horns. 1 cardboard roll with B W J Bourke / Mt Beauty on the outside and 4 certificates rolled inside. These are dated 1964, 1970, 1974, 1974 . See also KVHS 0084, KVHS 0945, KVHS 1441 Brian William John Bourkeroyal antediluvian order of buffaloes, bogong, mt beauty, charitable organisation, lewis camp mess, r.a.o.b.

Mt Beauty township, at the head of the Kiewa Valley, is situated at the foot of Mt Bogong. The town was established by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme on the High Plains.Mt Beauty is a popular tourist resort. The main highway from Mt Beauty to the Bogong High Plains is most picturesque throughout the year. During the winter months, Falls Creek provides access to Falls Creek Ski Village for snow sports. Tawonga, 6.5 km north of Mt Beauty, is famed for its trout fishing and camping on the Kiewa River. Deciduous trees make a show of colour during Autumn. The postcards are of historical value showing photos taken at an earlier time.The postcards can be compared to the attractions of the time as they do not include cycling (mountain bikes and road bikes), snow boarding, gliding and paragliding. Advertising for tourism has also changed as attractions are now available on-line. 1. 9 Coloured Photos of Bogong (5) and Visitors Information Centre display (4) 2. Two fold out coloured sets of postcards "Mt Beauty and the Kiewa Scheme", "Mt. Beauty Victoria" 3. x10 Coloured postcards Mt Beauty, Kiewa Valley, Bogong 4. x6 Coloured postcards High Country and Bogong Villagepostcards kiewa valley

An early map of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme Works Area prepared by the SECV for use when requesting access to the area. The regulations are printed regarding permits.During construction of the KHES there were restrictions on access to the area. This map identifies the land marks and states the regulations for entry to the area.Black and white map folded into three showing a legend with the townships, camps, gates and dams marked.Also indicating the roads, rivers, mountains and infrastructure of the KHES. khes works area, map of khes

See KVHS 1626 This cast iron camp oven was used inside or outside as it doesn't have any legs or lid. It is smaller than KVHS 1626.Used by people in the Kiewa Valley to cook food.Formerly UKV 023. Smaller cast iron camp oven than KVHS 1626 and without a lid or legs. See KVHS 1626cast iron camp oven

Camp ovens were used for cooking indoors and outdoors. They were used to perform a variety of tasks and to last forever.The use of dry sand moulds for casting the iron created a smoother surface. A more even surface meant more even contact points with food. The lid is close fitting.Used by people in the Kiewa Valley including campers, drovers, shearers, bushmen, miners and groups eg.scouts to cook food.Camp ovens originally named Dutch ovens were made from cast iron, were heavy and were developed in the Netherlands in the 1700s. Australian drovers, shearers, bushmen, campers and miners used the cast iron camp ovens. This one has legs and was used outside. The lid is slightly concave enabling coals from the cooking fire to be placed on top as well as below. This provides more uniform internal heat and lets the inside act as an oven. Formerly UKV 023cast iron oven, outdoor cooking

A bucksaw is a hand powered frame saw similar to bow saw and generally used with a sawbuck to cut logs or firewood to length (bucking).Used by residents of the Kiewa Valley for clearing land, chopping firewood, cutting lumber. Also used while camping because it is portableFormerly UKV 239. Buck Saw with Lightning Tooth Blade. Operated by two men.Ref. Page 10 Tools for all Trade Catalogue. It consists of 3 horizontal bars, the top one being twisted wire and the bottom one being the metal blade with a wood bar in between. They are attached at each end to curved wooden bars. tool for wood, saw, buck saw

This stretcher is for carrying an injured or sick person to another location for treatment or it may have been used as an extra bed. Two people would be able to do the carrying. This stretcher is not able to be folded so was probably not used for eg. a camping trip.Used in the Kiewa Valley.4 wooden rounded handles on each corner. Heavy (strong) material is pulled over both of the long sides and fastened with nails. Just in from each end is a steel rod across the stretcher to maintain the width and allow the stretcher to be put down onto the ground to rest on each of the 4 legs. The legs are steel and curved for extra strength."ARP" stamped in red on the material.stretcher, arp, first aid

This particluar bag (Japara water bag) was used to hold seal skin soles or straps, which were placed onto skis.The first skiers that came to Falls Creek used these. These types of bags were also used to carry water. They were used by scouts and other campers and were to be seen hanging from cars and caravans. This is historically significance because it shows how the first people who skied at Falls Creek used early skiing equipment. This bag and seal skin soles are also significant due to their association with the first winter traverse of Mt Bogong. This item has good interpretive capacity due to its connection with the seal skin soles, skiis, boots that were used at the same time. It is also very rare and is the only one in our collection. Japara water bag has a square base and four upwright panels with cord handles. It can be folded flat. The bag has a zip closure. Originally the bag is a water bag used by campers, currently it is used as a container for a pair of seak skins soles, which are attached to skiis and used during skiing.sport, falls creek, ski, winter, snow, water, scouts, seal skins, camping bag

The Bogong Village was originally constructed (1937-1940) by the State Electricity Commission to house, engineers and construction workers working on the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme. These workers were initially settled in 26 houses and were mainly of European heritage. At the completion of the scheme, in the 1960's, the village was opened to public/tourism use. This photograph shows the village before beautification for tourism was introduced and "bare bones" homes and village usage existed.This photo clearly presents a period of restricted human occupation of a very fragile Alpine environment(up to 4000 workmen involved). This was the beginning of a planned and controlled form of sustainable tourist orientated development of the Victorian Alps and high plains region. The Bogong Township was the base camp for workers employed by the State Electricity Commission. After the construction phase was completed, the planning and controls originating from this period have been modified to allow a greater public access of this unique environment.Photograph of a framed glass enclosed black and white photograph of the Bogong settlement Paper details "KodakXtraLife paper" on back of photo. bogong village, bogong township, sec alpine constructions, hydro, kiewa scheme

The machinery in this photo shows a Tournapull C earth moving machine, one of many during this period Circa 1950 - 1960s when hydro electricity powered turbines were being constructed in both the Victoria and New South Wales Alps. This was Australia's answer to a non polluting supply of electricity for a fast growing city population. It was at this time that air pollution from coal powered furnaces was becoming more and more under attack by health authorities.This item is part of a visual account of the construction of dams and hydro electricity facilities during the early 1950s. It was the beginning of the environmental push not to allow the degrading of Australian Alpine regions. Air pollution of the major cities and the increase in power demands of both industries and population within them required an alternative pollution free alternative electricity supply. These for runners of Hydro electricity generators required both large supplies of machinery and human resources. This construction phase within the region brought not only tradesmen but also unskilled workers to an area which had mainly had farming and mining activities. It was the catalyst for the creation of the smaller towns/villages e.g. Bogong Village, Mount Beauty and Bright.Black and white photograph on Kodak Xtralite II paper.(gloss)paper marking on back Kodak Xtralite II papermining, hydro electricity, victorian alps, construction camps, earth moving machines, secv

This item shows the excavation of the side of a railway track using a pneumatic shovel and a rail mounted truck by two workmen. The period covered was well before State Health and Safety requirements, such as helmets, became law. It also details that the workmen were from European heritage as their head coverings were a handkerchief knotted at each corner. This was typical for workmen of this heritage, others used caps or hats or no head covering at all (the macho male look)The photograph of this item was one of many depicting great achievements and opening up the region. A visual link or time capsule of the 1950s rural/mining sectors clashing with the established rural industriesThis photo depicts the time (1950's) and place (Bogong and Mount Beauty) where construction workers had an immense impact, not only on the physical environment but also on the social and economic development of the Victorian Alps region. The fast expansion of smaller settlements brought about increased pressures on the welfare viability of certain subgroups within the region e.g. farming, droving and commerce (caravan hawkers versus static shops). These changes brought about a heightened awareness by both local and State Governments to upgrade not only facilities within the region but also access to the region. Black and white photo of two workmen on a rail mounted shovel truck. The photo is of good definition allowing a clear view of the subject matter. The paper is semi gloss.On the back of the photo, paper suppliers etchings are "Kodak XtraLife II paper"mining, hydro electricity, victorian alps, construction camps, earth moving machines

The Bogong Township (circa 1930s) was constructed by The State Electricity Commission of Victoria as a base camp for construction workers under the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme starting in 1938. The Scheme employed 4000 men during its construction phase. A small number were first housed at Bogong Village and when required the Mount Beauty Township was established(1949). Construction at the dams and Power Stations was interrupted during World War II. June 1951 started construction at full pace. The Bogong Township was developed firstly as an accommodation centre (base camp) for construction workers employed under the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme. Due to the influx of European workers into the Township the beautification of the immediate surrounds(gardens etc.) had a distinct European flavour. This environment has been very beneficial for tourism in later years. Strict environmental control has not allowed for any extensive redevelopment in tourist accommodation and basically restricted it to the accommodation initially built for the construction workers. Activities such a bike riding, snow skiing, restricted horse riding and bush walking on the Alpine plains and mountains are now a viable part of the Kiewa Valley Tourist Industry.Scanned copy of original black and white photo. Paper manufacturer is Kodak. Paper is Kodak XtraLife II.On reverse side "Kodak ExtaLife II paper"bogong village, bogong township, sec alpine constructions, victorian alpine tourism, winter sports.

This photograph shows part of the railway constructed and used for the removal of soil and rocks from the tunnels bored out of the mountains for the pipeline servicing the Hydro Electricity power stations in the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme. This photo details an era when there were 4,000 construction workers located in two main accommodation camps, Mount Beauty (the larger one) and Bogong village. These accommodation sites were constructed and maintained as a secured or gated residential area with access only available by a special pass authorised by the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme. All the power used by the rail system was from electric motors connected to batteries. Overhead power poles seen on either side of the embankment details that electricity from the Scheme was in use. This use was cleaner and more environmentally friendly than the coal still used by large locomotives from city to country railways. The worker shown is not however wearing protective head and hand coverings. This is also an era where there was a lack of health and safety legislation covering workers in dangerous working conditions.Scanned photo of original black and white photo on Kodak XtraLife II paper. Picture is of a section of railway track servicing the tunnels of the Hydroelectric scheme during the 1940s - 1950sOn back of photo "Kodak XtraLife II paper"railway in kiewa electric scheme, tunneling

Originated in the United Kingdom in 1822 with a motto "No Man Is At All Times Wise" and a maxim of "Justice, Truth and Philanthropy". A branch of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was formed at Bogong by Grand Lodge Officers from Melbourne and other members. The ceremony was held at Lewis Camp Mess (Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme) with a world record of 78 new members initiated and a world record of over 100 pounds was raised. Another branch, No. 150, was opened in Mt Beauty. The Bogong and Mt Beauty lodges combined in 1948 and organised a Christmas treat for all children of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria working on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Historical: The Bogong R.A.O.B. was formed circa Sept. 1946 and the Mt Beauty R.A.O.B. in 1948. The Members Board, the 78 members initiated and the money raise indicate that it was a popular organisation in Bogong and then in Mt Beauty during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. This club also shows how important social clubs were in making up part of the community thus making it socially historic as well. This board has good interpretive capacity as it tells the story of this club which was important to the community at the time. Large hollow wooden box with 2 wooden doors at the front that open out the from centre to a hollow box. Attached to the front of the box, at the top, is a wooden decoration with curved edges along the top. In the centre of this are the letters R.A.O.B.- the letters having been carved out of the wood and then filled with a different wood. Both doors have steel attachments and a locked padlock hangs on the door on the left. Inside the box is a white paper sign with black writing backed onto masonite. Inside the right hand side door a coloured paper sign is attached."R.A.O.B." top centre of box. "Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes" etc. on black and white sign inside box. "Mt Beauty Lodge No. 150. This is to certify that Brother (blank) initiated into ...on 19th March 1949 ....signed by Chas / Chris A. Angus, Secretary" on coloured paper inside right hand side door.royal antediluvian order of buffaloes. bogong. mt beauty. charitable organisation. kiewa hydro electric scheme. lewis camp mess, clubs, societies

In 1940 Field Headquarters for the Kiewa Scheme were established at Bogong with office, workshop facilities and accommodation for workmen, staff and some families constructed. (There had been a 'tent camp' on this site in 1939 but was destroyed by bushfires) Construction of accommodation continued until 1947. A total of 40 houses plus a hostel for single staff, post office, police station, medical centre and primary school all with water and sewerage and electricity supply. The staff hostel was known as Kiewa House and is now occupied by the Education Department. Lake Guy was named after Mr. L.T. Guy who was the Resident Engineer in charge of construction work and associated activities on the Kiewa area. He held this position from 1939 to November 1946 when he was transferred to Head Office.This photograph is an excellent historical record of Bogong Village in about 1945. It shows the layout of the town in the fairly steep terrain, the workmen's camp between the houses and the lake foreshore, the Commissioner's Lodge on the hill behind the Village, the walkway through the dam wall can be seen to the left of the spillway, the dam is on spill and note damage to the large trees is still evident from the 1939 bush fires. The Commissioner's Lodge was lost in the 2003 fires and the camp buildings were in service until 1962, when they were removed and the site converted into a public picnic area with lawns and gardens.A Black and white photograph"Lake Guy and Bogong" hand written on back of photograph.kiewa, accommodation, lake, dam, bogong

In 1943 a camp for workmen was erected and a commencement made with the erection of plant storage and workshop buildings in the new township of Mt. Beauty. The photograph was probably taken after the completion of these buildings. There is no sign of construction of the town itself. In the latter part of 1945 work was commenced on the Mt. Beauty township area with a medical centre, general trading store and some houses under construction. The No. 5 Road, from where the photograph was taken, is the road to West Kiewa Power Station and Big Hill Scenic Lookout.Is an excellent view of the Kiewa Valley before there was little work undertaken to establish the town of Mt. Beauty. Farming was well established with the evidence of huge areas of cleared land. The junction of the East and West Kiewa Rivers can be clearly seen. The first Workmen's camp is near the river and some workshop buildings can also be seen. Black and white photograph of the Kiewa Valley, looking North.Handwritten on the back of photograph "Kiewa Valley from No. 5 Road".kiewa valley, camp, buildings, mt. beauty

This photo is of the very newly constructed State Electricity Commission town of Mt. Beauty. The houses up to Nelse street were erected from 1946 onward and then the township was extended beyond Nelse Street in 1950 which places this photograph about 1950/51. There is no evidence of work being commenced on the regulating pondage but the tail race canal can be seen on the centre right of photo. The workmen's camp was enlarged in 1950 to the extent of providing accommodation for a total of 1,200. There are a number of dwellings on Simmonds Creek and the road to Falls Creek can clearly be seen. Snow capped Mt. Bogong is in the upper left of the photo with Mt. Beauty behind the township rising to Big Hill beyond that.Shows the newly constructed town of Mt. Beauty surrounded by farmland and before the regulating pondage was built to discharge water from the power stations via the West Kiewa tail race tunnel into the Kiewa River. Black and white photographHand written on back of photograph "Mt. Beauty from Transmission Line"mt. beauty, construction, pondage, state electricity commission

This ceramic mug is titled "Bill Bogong's Mug" in honour of one of Australia's Scouting (Rovers) notable office holders, Mr.W.F."Bill" Waters. He was born on 22nd August 1897 in Taralgon, Victoria, Australia and died 8th October 1968 in Fitzroy, Victoria. He was instrumental in the Rovers building two chalets in the Victorian Alps. The Victorian Award of the National Rover Service Award(1980) has been named after Bill Waters. Bill Waters was also the leader of the first team that climbed Mount Bogong in winter in 1929. Also was part of rescue team of what is now know as the Cleve Cole tragedy on Mt Bogong in the mid 1930's. There is also a water fall named after him Waters Falls on the Bogong High Plains. W.F."Bill" Waters aka "Bill Bogong" (Bogong mountain, were his ashes were scattered), was not only a prominent bush walker (Melbourne Walking Club) of the high country (Victorian Alps) but was instrumental in establishing two Chalets. One of these Chalets was the first one to be built on the Bogong High Plains. This item, "Bill Bogong's Mug" is what the Flinders Petrie(famous English Egyptologist/Archaelogist) Rover Crew(formed in 1940) presented newly invested members of the exclusive(200 membership) Alpine Rover Crew. The Melbourne Walking Club has a long history with the Victorian High Plains area, of which the Kiewa Valley is an integral part of the Victorian Alpine Region. Due to the connections Bill Waters has with the Bogong High Plains and Mt Bogong this cup has a lot of significance to the social history of the area.. Round glazed stoneware mug, white in colour, with a heritage green coloured band covering the top rim and handle. Written inscription on the front "Bill Bogong's Mug" in large print and beneath it, in smaller print, "with compliments from Flinders Petrie Rover Crew" The other side of the mug is a free hand landscaped drawing of green bush and blue hills with a tree supporting a tent and a camp fire (with smoke rising from it).To the left of the inscription is the Scout (Rover) emblem coloured black with an unraveled and unwritten signage scroll fowler ceramics, local alpine history, alpine rovers, scouts, mugs, mt bogong, bogong high plains

This photograph was probably taken at the site of McKay Creek Power Station. Excavation of this site did not commence until 1951 but road access(a narrow track) was provided in 1948 and widened in 1954. The logs would have been milled for timber at the State Electricity Commission's mill at Howman's Gap and thus provided a much needed source of timber for construction of camps and houses as there was a general of shortage of this commodity. Because of trouble with landslides in this area, a decision was made to place the machine hall of the power station underground instead of on the surface. Restricted financial resources and the repositioning of the power station retarded construction activities and it was not completed until early 1961.. An excellent pictorial record of the general working conditions, type of machinery and vehicles in use in the 1950/s.Black and white photograph showing logging equipment, fallen logs.Handwritten on the back of the photograph "Logging at McKay Creek)logging, mckay creek, timber, machinery

This photo was most likely taken at the site of the proposed McKay Creek Power Station. Excavation of this site was commenced in 1951 but an access road (a rough, narrow track) was put it in 1948 and widened in 1954. The State Electricity Commission would have milled logs from this area at their mill at Howman's Gap. The timber was used for building of housing and camps and provided a much needed resource as there was a general shortage of this commodity. The power station was relocated underground owing to repeated problems with landslides in the area. Restricted financial resources and the repositioning of the power station retarded construction activities and it was not completed until early 1961. An historical pictorial record of the type of machinery used in the 1950's - logging truck with bogie attached, the bull dozer and winch for hauling logs to the truck and note the lack of protective clothing!Black and white photograph showing a logging truck, bogie and bull dozer with winch for hauling the logs to the truck. Two men are on the truck, a driver on the bull dozer and a large log on the bogie. Hand written on the back of photo "Logging at McKay Creek".logging, mckay creek, timber, machinery

Work commenced at Rocky Valley Dam site in early 1947 and proceeded until May. Resumed work in October after the winter and a camp for the accommodation of workmen was commenced at this time. Work continued in 1948 with the establishment of work facilities, including the erection of two large excavators. At the dam site the river was diverted through a temporary pipeline. Work proceeded in the summer months with the placing of concrete in the foundations and earth and rock fill for the construction of the wall. Rocky Valley and associated spillway and outlet works were completed in March, 1959. A very good representation of the type of machinery available in the 1940's used for excavation of the dam and the construction of the dam wall.Black and white photograph of Rocky Valley Dam wall under construction. There are at least three cranes plus workmen in the photo. This is taken from the Heathey's Spur side of the dam wall looking back toward Sun Valley.Hand written on back of photograph "Rocky Valley Dam Wall Excavation" in blue ink.rocky valley, dam, wall, machinery

Howman's Gap camp was erected in 1948. The proposed dam to be built at this site was postponed in 1954 because of financial restraints imposed by the government at this time. It was to have supplied water for No. 2 Power Station at the Junction of the Pretty Valley and Rocky Valley branches of the East Kiewa River. This power station was not constructed until 2008 - 2010 and now gets it water from McKay Creek Power Station. The site of this camp is now occupied by the Howman's Gap Alpine Centre. Some of the original buildings still remain. An excellent photographic record of the type of buildings and size of the camp for accommodation of workmen during construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Black and white photograph of the buildings erected at Howmans Dam site as accommodation for workmen.Handwritten in blue ink on the back of photograph "Howmans Dam Camp"howman's gap, camp, water, dam

At the Pretty Valley Dam site erection of staff quarters was completed in April, 1947 and accommodation for workmen commenced in 1948 but suspended on 11th May for winter and resumed on 9th November. Construction of this camp was completed in 1949. A large dam was proposed at this site but was never constructed. Instead a small diversion dam was built which diverts water either to Rocky Valley Dam or to McKay Creek Power Station.An historical record of the type of accommodation provided for workmen during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme during the 1940's/50'sBlack and white photograph of Pretty Valley Camp showing general terrain and the huts built to accommodate workmen employed on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.pretty valley, dam, water, workmen, camp

Erection of staff quarters at Pretty Valley was completed in April, 1947 and accommodation for construction workers commenced in 1948 but suspended on 11th May for winter and resumed on 9th November. Construction of this camp was completed in 1949. A large dam was proposed at this site but was never constructed. Instead a small diversion dam was built which diverts water either to Rocky Valley Dam or to McKay Creek Power Station.An historical record of the type of accommodation provided for workmen during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme during the 1940's/50's.A black and white photograph of Pretty Valley Camp, c 1949. Dead trees are in the foreground, on both the left and right side of the photograph and a small snow gum is evident. There are camp huts and a much larger building behind these, possibly a workshop, and power poles are evident bringing electricity to the site.Handwritten in blue ink on back of photograph "Pretty Valley Camp. 5600 ft. above sea level".pretty valley, dam, water, workmen, camp

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Images of John Meyer in the High Plains 1. John Meyer at Rocky Valley, Bogong High Plains. Rocky Valley Camp can be seen in the background. 2. John Meyer near Skyline, Falls Creekfalls creek, victorian snowfields, john meyer, skyline