Orbost has been subject to major floods throughout its history, such as those which left the town isolated in 1934, 1952, 1971 and 1978. It is recorded that the Snowy River broke its banks and flooded the flats 104 times between 1884 and 1978. Extensive flooding in Eastern Victoria during June 1978, caused widespread damage to roads, road closures and hazards to traffic, particularly over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend.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. This paper is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost's history of flooding.A newspaper, Snowy River Mail, which contains black / white photographs of the 1978 floods in Orbost.orbost-floods-1978

A Mechanics’ Institute hall was constructed in 1885 and opened as Orbost's first library. It was situated in Browning Street, Orbost. The hall is still in use today as a community venue. Mechanics' Institutes are the forerunners of public libraries and adult education in Australia. The origin of mechanics' institutes is attributed to Dr George Birkbeck, who in 1799 gave a series of free lectures for the working men of Glasgow. At the time, 'mechanic' meant artisan, tradesman or working man. The movement spread quickly throughout the British Empire. The first Victorian Mechanics' Institute was the Melbourne Mechanics' Institute established in 1839. From the 1850s, Mechanics' Institutes quickly spread throughout Victoria wherever a hall or library, or a school was needed. This ledger was used by the Orbost Mechanics' Institute from 1884 until 1926. 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 Mechanics' Institute was a very early feature of the Orbost community. The building became a community facility used for a variety of essential civic needs in particular a library. It also provided a suitable venue for community social requirements and functions.A heavy minute book with faded black covers and brown binding. The edges of the pages are marbled as are the end covers. Pages inside are blue with hand-written black ink records. It contains minutes from the Orbost Mechanics Institute.on spine on red leather in gold lettering: "MINUTE BOOK"minute-book orbost-mechanics'-institute

This creditors' ledger records information about Shire purchases. The purpose of the Creditors Ledger is to provide knowledge about which suppliers the Shire has paid money to. This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost pound keeper from 1901 -1960. 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 is a hand-written record of the accounts of the Orbost Shire local government. It pre-dates computer records. The Orbost Shire council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire council.A large book with a black patterned cover with brown binding, it contains records handwritten in ink. These are records of money paid out by the local government. There are typewritten sheets of sundry creditors added to the back section of the book.hand-written on front cover on white sticker - " Creditor's Ledger" on spine in gold on red - "Ledger" ; on black - "Shire of Orbost" accounts ledger orbost-shire-council

This book was compiled to celebrate the centenary of secondary education in Orbost. It was launched on Saturday April 28 2012 as part of the centenary celebrations. Compiler of the book, John Phillips, was a teacher at Orbost Secondary College for a period of 34 years from 1966-1999.This is a usefeul reference item.This publication is a bound soft-covered book of 150 pages with a loose sheet insert depicting the Centenary Garden gate, the 2012 Roll Call of Students and the 2012 College captains.On front cover -"A Centenary of Secondary Education at Orbost - 1912-201. Orbost Higher Elementary School 1912-1947 ; Orbost High School 1948-1989 ; Orbost Secondary College 1990-2012book education orbost-seecondary-college

Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Orbost Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.Five correspondence books with carbon pages. They contain outward correspondence related to the Orbost Municipal Band. 803.1 is dated March 1962 - May 1965. 803.2 is dated September 1972 - May 1974. 803.3 is dated February 1973 - July 1975. 803.4 is dated august 1975 - March 1977. 803.5 is dated March 1977 - 79. The books are "TUDOR DUPLICATE BOOK"s with blue covers and white print.labels on front covers with datesorbost-municipal-band

This book was produced for the 1937 celebrations. It was a souvenir and official program. Probably published by the organising committee.This is a locally produced book which is a useful reference tool on the history of Orbost.A 44 pp buff coloured book titled Back To Orbost 1937. Contains b/w photographs, advertisements, historical articles.orbost-history celebrations reunions

In 1891, Premier James Munro said he would introduce a bill into parliament for women's suffrage if it were demonstrated that ordinary women wanted this right. The Victorian Woman's Temperance Union and the Victorian Women's Suffrage Society took up the challenge, joining forces to organise a petition. Embarking on a door knocking campaign across Victoria they collected about 30,000 signatures in six weeks. The 'Monster Petition' is housed at the Public Records Office Victoria where a purpose-built perspex case protects the 260 metres of signed pages glued to sewn swathes of calico. (ref. Creative Victoria). In 2008 the petition was a centrepiece of the centenary celebrations of women's suffrage. This document was prepared for that centenary celebration.The Women's Suffrage Petition (1891) reflects the dedicated work of those women, who went from door to door across Victoria to collect the signatures. Its tremendous length earned it the name of the ‘Monster Petition'. This document is a useful research item.A stapled 9 pp document containing names, photographs, signatures of the Orbost women who signed the petition for Women's Suffrage in 1891.women's-suffrage-orbost

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.A red covered ledger book of hand-written membership records for the Orbost Aero Club. It is alphabetically indexed. The book is a Collins 3880 Series Ledger.orbost-aero-club

Orbost Lions Club was established in 1969. The first president was Don McKenzie. David Nixon was a director. In 1989 the president was Rom Konieczny. The club was formed to assist with local community fundraising for special causes. This program was produced to be used at the 20 Year Celebration held in 1989.The Lions Club of Orbost is a volunteer service club which contributes to the Orbost community. A program printed in black type on yellow paaper. It was used for the Orbost Lions Club 20 years celebration. It contains a program for the event, a list of 1969 and 1989 members as well as the Lions Charter.lions-orbost community

These books were used at the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) as visitor sign in books. Orbost. This slab hut was built in 1872 as a family dwelling on a site about 3 km upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers about 40 kms from Orbost on the Yalmy Rd. No nails were used in the construction; it was all wired together. After a period in storage the slab hut was opened in its present location in Orbost as the Information Centre in 1987. The Slab Hut is an Orbost icon.Five books used by the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) as visitor sign in books. 2467.1 has a green cover with "Visitors" in gold print and is dated 28.3.87 - 6.7.87. 2467.2 has a black cover with a gold border and "Visitors" in gold print. It is dated 11.6.87 - 3.11.89. 2467.3 has a black cover with red corners and spine. 2467.4 has pink and red flowers on a black background and is dated Sept 93 - 9.3.98. 2467.5 is a Children's Visitor Book and has a white cover with gold print. It is dated 9.4.87 -23.7.89. All contain handwritten comments, details of visitors to the Orbost Visitor Information Centre.2467.1 - Inside front cover - OFFICIALLY OPENED 28.3.1987 by VIC. GOVERNOR DAVIS McCAUGHEY 2467.2 - label on spine - VISITOR BOOK 2 inside a circle. 2467.3 - label on front - VISITORS ; label on spine - dates Feb 89 - Sep 93 2467.4 - label on front - VISITOR'S BOOK Sept 93 -9.3.98 tourissm slab-hut orbost-visitor-information-centre

Roma CAMERON was the daughter of Harry Purchase CAMERON and Lilian Gladys (nee HARDING). She was the youngest of three siblings: Jean (Mrs John Gavin (Jack) RALSTON) and James (Jim) (m. Joan HOSSACK). , 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. Roma married Ronald Richard SMITH in 1944.Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant role in the education of senior students in the district. It is the sole institution for secondary education. This item is representative of its history. The Cameron families were early settlers in the Orbost area.A school report on card/paper for Roma Cameron, Form F at Orbost Elementary High School. It is dated 1936. Typewritten with handwritten entries.education orbost-elementary-high-school school-report cameron-roma

The original slab hut was built in 1872 as a family dwelling on a site about 3 km upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers about 40 kms from Orbost on the Yalmy Rd. No nails were used in the construction; it was all wired together. After a period in storage the Slab Ht was opened in its present location in Orbost as the Information Centre in 1987. This album documents an important event in Orbost.A photo album with a navy blue cardboard cover with gold embossing on the front and spine. It contains 32 photos of the 1997 10 year anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Slab Hut - the Orbost Visitor Information Centre. It also contains 3 postcards and 2 fridge magnets.slab-hut album orbost

The Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia is the national body of Aero Clubs and other aviation associations. The prime objectives of the Federation are to foster aviation in Australia, to ensure adequate flying training is available to all pilots and to encourage national and local competitions, air races and other aviation events.(ref R.F.A.C. web site) Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.A cream coloured folder ( NORMAN BROS) containing documents pertaining to membership of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia. It contains membership cards, receipts, correspondence, minutes, application forms for gold, silver and bronze seals.On front - Orbost Aero Club R F A Corbost-aero-club royal-federation-aero-clubs

The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au) The railway line was destroyed and was not expected to be opened for a fortnight. Orbost was cut off by 50 square miles of Snowy River floodwater. This train was being shunted across the viaduct when waters smashed through washing away several trucks sending the crew running for their lives.This is pictorial evidence of a significant local event. It is connected to the history of the railway in East Gippsland.A large black / white photograph of flooded railway yards with a train engine stranded on a small section of track surrounded by water and debris.on front - "1971 Flood, Railway Yards"floods-1971-orbost orbost-railway natural-disasters-orbost

This is a useful tool for researching the history of Orbost.A black plastic folder containing invoices and various other items relating to businesses in Orbost during 1980's and 1990's. it has 92 pp.orbost-history commerce

This book was written by Dr Margaret Hollands in 2010. Margaret and her husband David Hollands were long-serving GPs in Orbost. This book was researched by Margaret and details the evolution of medical services in the Orbost district from the 1880s. An excellent book about the medical services in the Orbost district. A book with composite colour photographs on the front cover. 213 pagesOrbost Hospital. History, Personalities and Stories medical, doctors, hospital, orbost hospital, margaret hollands

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.A manila folder containing plans and approvals for the airport terminal building at Marlo Airport. On a label on front - AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING 1992/1993 plans & approval ORBOST AERO CLUBorbost-aero- club marlo-airport

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years. A manila folder containing applications for charter, aerial work and flying school licences.On front in black - ORBOST AERO CLUB CHARTER, AERIAL WORK & FLYING SCHOOL LICENCE APPLICATION orbost-aero-club

This book was produced as part of the centenary celebrations in 2006. In 2006 Orbost Golf Club celebrated its’ Centenary having originally been formed as the Snowy River Golf Club and played on private land near the banks of the Snowy River just to the south of town. In the 1930’s the Golf Club relocated to its present site and was renamed Orbost Golf Club. The land was shared by the Show grounds and Racing Club. Orbost Golf Club later acquired the land outright to provide a permanent home for golfers in Orbost and surrounding district.This is a local history book.A 38 pp spiral bound book titled Orbost Golf Club Centenary Booklet 1906-2006 Centenary Celebrations 9/12 2006. The front cover is cream and has a black line sketch of the old club house at Orbost Golf Club.recreation orbost-golf-club

This is the second edition of "Personalities and Stories of Early Orbost which was collected and compiled by Mary Isabelle 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.This is a useful research tool on the history of Orbost.Two copies of a 141 pp soft covered book titled "Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District". It has a light brown cover and is stapled. On the front cover below the title is a sketch of the Orbost Bean Factory in dark brown print. It contains personal reminiscences of early Orbost. There are also some b/w photographs and sketches.2267.1 - "Len and Mary Best Wishes Mary Gilbert" hand-written in blue pen. 2267.2 - in pencil on front cover "Ron Cameron".history-orbost gilbert-mary book-personalities-and-stories-of-early-orbost

Painted about 1896 by Dawson, Miss.This painting has aesthetic significance and shows the skills and craftmanship of women of early settler families.Painting of wildflowers on alabaster with plain wooden frame with nails. Flowers include orchids and grevilleas.Orbost Wildflowers - painted by Miss Dawson about 1896 - donated by Mrs Alice Slatterpainting -handcraft wildflowers

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.A green covered ledger book used by the Orbost Aero Club to record expenditure. The book is a Collins Green Circle 13 Column Cash Book. It contains a hand-written record of the club's expenditure.aero-club-orbost

This is the eleventh issue of the annual magazine of Orbost High School. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This magazine is the annual magazine of Orbost High School and is a useful reference tool,A stapled magazine with 46 pp. The front cover is grey and has Craoajingolong Vol. 1 No. 11 in dark blue print. The Orbost High School crest of a yellow sheaf of corn inside a dark blue oval is in the centre. This publication is a rough print. It contains some photos. croajingolong orbost-high-school

This is the ninth 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 magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This magazine is the 9th issue of the annual magazine produced by Orbost High School and is a useful reference tool.A 50 pp magazine with a gold/orange cover with dark blue print : Croajingolong printed vertically on the left hand side . The Orbost High School crest , a dark blue oval around a a sheaf of yellow corn is in the centre. This is a rough printed book. The contents have not been professionally printed.croajingolong orbost-high-school

This is the tenth 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 magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This 10th issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine is a useful research tool.A stapled 50 pp magazine with a cream cover with dark blue printing : Croajingolong vertically on the left hand side. The Orbost High School crest , a dark blue oval around a a sheaf of yellow corn is in the centre. The cover has been professionally printed while the contents are rough printed.croajingolong orbost-high-school

This is the 11th 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 magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This is the eleventh issue of the Croajingolong magazine and is a useful reference tool.A stapled 54 pp magazine with a blue cover. Croajingolong is printed vertically on the left hand side in dark blue. The Orbost High School crest of a yellow sheaf of corn inside a dark blue oval is in the centre of the front cover. This publication is a rough print. It contains some photo pages.croajingolong orbost-high-school

This book was made for celebration of the centenary of the Orbost Football Club in 1994. The Orbost football club players were known as the Busters and wore green and gold guernseys. An Orbost football team has participated in the East Gippsland League since the early 20th century. In 2003 in response to a dwindling population, the Snowy Rovers and Orbost Football Clubs were driven to merge into the Orbost Snowy Rovers.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 soft covered book of white with large green and gold print on the cover. There is a photograph of a football ovel with a township behind it.orbost-football-club-centenary recreation sport football

Set of 11 black and white photographs sent to Keith Kings received from Ken Flood 4/6/1975. .1 - Bus No 203 1940 Leyland TD5c - Turning from Nicholson Street into Gertrude Street. - bound for Northcote. .2 - Bus No 201 1940 Leyland TD5c - In Nicholson Street at Albert Street - Photo. bound for Northcote .3.- Bus No 492 1943 Ford Austerity - at Queens Pde Clifton Hill - Note the Pram and Passenger bus sign by the front doorway. Photo not dated. .4 - Bus No 365 1948 OPS1 - Nicholson Street at Victoria Pde. bound for East Brunswick. Photo not dated. .5 - Bus No 325 1950 OPS4 - Nicholson Street at Victoria Pde. bound for East Brunswick. Photo not dated. Bus did not enter service until 1950. .6 - Bus No 500 1943 Ford Austerity - Marine Pde. Point Ormond. Note the Pram bus sign by the front door. .7 - Bus No 19 1938 Leyland Cub (diesel) with Preston Workshops body. - Lonsdale Street at William Street. W2 No 305 passes behind the bus. Late 1940's photo. .8 - Bus No 143 1940 Leyland TS8c drop enter - in Russell Street at LaTrobe Street bound for North Kew. (Belford Road via Collingwood). Photo not dated. .9 - Bus No 9 1938 Leyland Cub (diesel) with Preston Workshops body. - in Russell Street at LaTrobe Street bound for North Carlton .10 - Bus No 4 1938 Leyland Cub (Diesel) with Preston Workshops body - in Lonsdale Street at William Street. note destination not reset for the return trip. .11 - Bus No 150 1940 Leyland TS11c Drop enter - Nicholson Street at Victoria Pde. Photo not dated. Most of the photos dated 9/6/1949 unless noted otherwise. Notes on photos provided by Rod Atkins - see htd5860doc.pdfOn rear of the photos in ink; .1 - MMTB 203 9/6/49 - K Flood .2 - MMTB 201 - 9/6/49 - K Flood .3 - MMTB Ford #492 - K Flood .4 - MMTB #365 - K Flood .5 - MMTB #325 - K Flood .6 - MMTB #500 Pt Ormond 6/6/49 - K Flood .7 - MMTB #19 9/6/49 - K Flood .8 - MMTB #143 - K Flood .9 - MMTB #4 9/6/49, K Flood .10 - MMTB #4 9/6/49, K Flood .11 - MMTB #150 - K Floodtrams, tramways, buses, double deck buses, prams, mmtb buses, austerity buses, w2 class, tram 305, bus 203, bus 201, bus 492, bus 365, bus 500, bus 19, bus 143, bus 9, bus 4, bus 150, leyland, ford motor company, td5c class, ops1 class, ops4 class, ts8c class, cub class, ts11c class