This is a photograph of students of Orbost State School. Mary Gilbert has identified the girl holding the sign as Pen Gilbert. The 19th of March 1886 proved an important day in the lives of many early settlers in the Orbost area, because on this day the Orbost State School opened. The fact that the school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the local inhabitants as they saw their offspring commence their education under the guidance of HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school now had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached. As the population increased so did the needs of the school. This was reflected in the provision of a larger classroom in 1898. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948.This photograph is associate with the history of education i n Orbost.a black / white photograph mounted on brown card. It is of a group of school children in front of an open doorwaay of a timber building. A female teacher is seated on a chair among them. A girl in the front is holding a board with what appears to be handwritten in white chalk on a blackboard -"Grades 111 & 1V Orbost".at bottom - "X PEN GILBERT"education-orbost-state-school

This is a photograph of the Orbost High School in 1925. It has been identified by Mary Gilbert.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 photograph is representative of its history.A black / white photograph mounted on brown card. It shows a large building surrounded by bare earth. There is a group of six adults and a child standing at one corner of the building. The building is made of bricks topped by stucco and has a tiled roof. on front bottom -1925 on back - Orbost High School 1925education-orbost-high-school

This is an early photograph of Orbost C1880 - 1890s. The photograph is part of the Mary Gilbert collection.This is a pictorial record of Orbost in the late 19th century.A black / white photograph mounted on crean card. There are trees in the foreground, buildings in the background. The buildings are wooden construction, some with shingle roofs and some bark.There are some red pencil marks around frame of photograph.orbost-1880s main-street-orbost

During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department of Education for the establishment of a Higher Elementary School in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost Higher Elementary School supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. Higher Elementary schools took in students whose parents desired a higher level of education than the completion of Grade 6. Higher elementary classes were added to existing primary schools and were the forerunners of high schools. 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 photograph is representative of its history.A black / white photograph mounted on grey card. it shows three rows of students and teachers in font of a brick building. They are dressed in uniforms with ties and blazers.on back - 1939 D & C FORMS Nance Gilbert front row 3rd from righteducation-orbost higher-elementary-school-orbost gilbert-nance

This item is part of the Mary Gilbert Collection. Noorinbee School, situated on the Bombala Rd approximately 6.5 km north of Cann River, was opened on 26th of July 1900, with Albert Le Page as head teacher until 30th of September 1904. The school no longer functions. A school bus would daily to take the older children to the central classes at Cann River. "Noorinbee" is an Aboriginal word of unknown origin, The historical school is still at the front of the school yard. The Old Noorinbee School was been shifted twice. The first time they used a bullock team in 1924. The second time they used trucks and tractors in 1991. It was the first public building for the Cann Valleyand was first used as a hall and a church until it became the Noorinbee school in 1900. It was built in 1898.This item is associated with education in East Gippsland. It is also associated with the Gilbert family.A black / white photograph / postcard which has a letter written on the back. On the front is a small wooden building, a shed on the right, a wooden fence at the front with children scattered in the yard.on front - "State School No 3372" on back - " Mrs J. Gilbert Talangoota, Orbost"gilbert-annie noorinbee-state-school education-east-gippsland

The seed bean industry was a major industry in the Orbost district for the first half of the 20th century. The total area sown with beans for seed at Orbost was estimated to be about 1000 acres. Fisher Bros, grew or supervised the growing of approximately one quarter of the bean seed produced at Orbost, and, in addition, prepared for market and sold a considerable quantity for other growers. From Newsletter February 2015 : "the Fishers took over the old Butter Factory in Lochiel Street. They had sorting tables there in the 1920s. In Orbost, the Fishers had a Shell fuel depot at the back of the bean factory. The Fishers were very enterprising people, very smart. One of their uncles is supposed to have invented the knot that was used to tie the sheaves of hay in the fields. At their Lochend Barn, they had a Blackstone engine which ran on oil. They used to light a fire under it and hot it up to start it. This engine drove all the bean machinery in the barn" The seed bean industry was a major industry in the Orbost district for the first half of the 20th century. the Fisher Brothers were a significant part of that industry.A black / white photograph tajen from a river bank. On the right behind some trees is a barn. On the left between tres is a small building. Reflections can be seen in the water.on back - "Snowy River, Fisher barn on right. Mary Gilbert"bean-industry fisher-beans snowy-river

These photographs are associated with Mary Gilbert. The Mary Gilbert Garden no longer exists. Mary Gilbert was the first curator of the Orbost Museum, and a local teacher. She received a B.E.M. for services to education in 1971. 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. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.Four black / white photographs associated with Mary Gilbert. 3136.1 is of an older women shaking hands with a man in a ceremonial uniform. It has been taken inside a hall. 3136.2 is of a woman sitting on ? outside an athletics track. 3136.3 is of two woman in front of a netball court where girls are playing.A group of spectators in school uniforms is watching the game. 3153.4 is a photograph of a garden and pond in front of a school building.3136.1 - on back -"Mary Gilbert receiving her Queen's Honour. Melbourne Gov. House from Sir Rohan Delacombe" 3136.2 - on back -"Mary Gilbert" 3136.3 - on back - "Mary Gilbert"gilbert-mary-orbost education-orbost

This photograph was taken at the "old station" at Corringle near Orbost. It was a popular picnic spot. Late in 1857 Mr Thomas T. Stirling took over Corringle Run ("Corringle" means "shallow water"). Mr Stirling and his family came from the wester district - Winchelsea. He settled at the Old Station. A few people were employed at the Orbost Stationb and there was settlement on the Orbost flats, Mr T. T. Stirling held the land from Lake Tyrers to Bemm River as a cattle run. About 1888 he became Secretary of the new Tambo Shire. In the photograph L-R are; Hilda Kerr; Myra Malcolm; Marion Nixon; Bess Goudie (teacher); Mary Gilbert; Gwen Hobson (teacher); Pen GilbertOrbost 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 history. It is a useful reference tool.A black / white photograph of a group of young women sitting on a log in a clearing in a bush setting. Five are in school uniform. On the left is a horseeducation-orbost orbost-higher-elementary-school recreation old-station-corringle

During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department of Education for the establishment of a Higher Elementary School in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost Higher Elementary School supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. Higher Elementary schools took in students whose parents desired a higher level of education than the completion of Grade 6. Higher elementary classes were added to existing primary schools and were the forerunners of high schools.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 photograph is representative of its history.A black . white photograph of a large group of students in uniform in front of a school building - "Orbost Higher Elementary school". There are four rows of students.on back - M. Gilbert

3160.1 - front row right - Bet Gilbert P. Richardson. 3160.4 - back - Alice Hammill; Marion Nixon; Bel Kerr; ?; Annie Malcolm; E Gall front - Marion Gilbert; Pen Gilbert; Elsie Pardew; Jean Frewin 1923 These photographs are of students of Orbost Elementary High School. . During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. 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. These photographs are representative of its history.They are also associated with sport in Orbost in the first half of the 20th century.Four black / white photographs. 3160.1 is of three rows of young girls in uniforms - possibly sports uniforms. In the back row standing second left is an older woman - a teacher. 3160.2 is of two rows of girls in uniforms. Each girl in the front row is holding a hockey stick. A small square has been cut out - the head of the girl in the middle of front row. 3160.3 and 3160.4 show two rows of girls - the front row sitting and the back standing. There is a trophy on the ground middle front. all photographs have been taken outside.3160.3 - on back - Pen 6 Mary 4 Marion Gilberts 4 14 @ 5/- day sport-orbost recreation-hockey orbost-elementary-high

These photographs are os students and staff of the Orbost Higher Elementary School. In photograph 3161.1 are; Back- F. Boucher; ? Bundle; Les Nielsen; Arnold;Keith Perry Front - Pen (Gilbert?); Elsie Pardew; Connie Tomlinson; Marion ? In 3161.3 are: Keith Nixon; Frank Perry; Lance Bridle; Arnold Ahern; Frank Boucher; F. ?; M. Nixon; Les Nielsen; Elsie Pardew; Myra Malcolm.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. These photographs are representative of its history.Four black / white photographs associated with Orbost Elementary High School. 3161.1 is of two rows of school students in school uniform. Boys are in the back row standing and girls are seated in the front row. 3161.2 is a smaller photograph of two rows of girls in school uniforms. - four in the back row and three in the front. Both rows appear to be standing. 3161.3 is of students and teachers. The back row is standing and the front sitting. 3161.4 is of a row of girls in sports uniforms , each holding a hockey stick. They appear to be posed in front of goal posts. This is a smaller photograph.3161.1 - on back is a list of names. 3161.3 - on back is 1921 and a list of names 3161.4 on back is "Anne Richardson" and a hand-written Christmas shopping list

This postcard seems to have been written by Grace Cameron to Annie (Cameron) Gilbert. There is mention of a harvest festival.The Cameron and Gilbert families are early settlers of the Orbost area. This photograph is a pictorial record of dress in the late 19th and early 20th century. It depicts the the high standards of dress at informal occasionsA photograph / postcard which shows a group of men and women in a large forest clearing. The women are dressed in white(?) dresses with ribbon bows at the neck. The men are in suits. Most are wearing hats. In the back right corner are two horse - drawn carriages.on the back is a hand -written lettercameron-annie celebrations-outdoor

Included in the photograph are Mrs P. Nixon and her two children, Mary Gilbert, Margaret Irvine, Mrs A. Hossack, Annie Gilbert. they are watching a football match around 1920.This photograph is associated with Mary Gilbert, a well-known Orbost citizen. It is a pictorial record of a social activity of the first half 20th century. It also shows the clothing and transport of that time.A sepia photograph of some women and children sitting in cars. Two of the women are holding babies. Two older girls in school uniforms are seated in the back of the car on the right.cars-1920 gilbert-mary nixon-mrs p. hossack-mrs a. gilbert-annie irvine-margaret

These are photographs of students who participated in The Orbost High School Swimming Carnival in 1939. 3181.1 is of the winners in the Senior Breast Stroke. Included are R. Russell (3rd place); P. Gall (2nd place) and B. Russell (1st place). 3181.2 is of the winners of the Junior Dive. In the photograph are: Ray Russell (1st); Dot Lynn (2nd). 3181.3 has five girls who were members of Rowe A Team, the winning bteam. The girls are: M. Robinson; Ray Robinson; M. Herbert; P. Gall; Nance Gilbert. 3181.4 is of three place-getters in the Junior Freestyle. They were: Marion Herbert (1st); Annette D, (2nd) and Ray Russell (3rd)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. These photographs are representative of its history.Four small black / white photographs of girls wearing swimming costumes. orbost-high-school swimming school-sports recreation-swimming

Edward James Pardew died in 26/9/1927 aged 92. He came to Orbost from New Zealand in 1886 and selected 720 acres of hill land in the Brodribb area. He was a member of the first Orbost Shire Council. His daughter had a fruit & meat shop in McLeod Street. He was an inaugural vestryman of St James Church of England. One of the most prominent farmers on the Snowy was John Gilbert, a large landowner. His breeding establishment was at Tullagoota, about two and a half kilometres down the river from Orbost.Dairying in the Orbost district was once a mainstay of the farming community. Today the properties are fewer and smaller.Two black / white photographs of dairy herds. 3188.1 - on front - printed -"ORBOST EAST GIPPSLAND"; hand-written - :PARDEWS DAIRY & BARN" 3188.2 - on front - printed - " W. S. VOGT"; hand-written - "DAIRY HERD TALLAGOOTA< ORBOST"dairying-orbost agriculture-orbost pardew-dairy tallagoota-dairy

The children in this photograph are Frank abd Ivy Warren. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert). This photograph has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A black / white studio portrait photograph of a young boy and girl standing against an outdoor wall. The girl is wearing a long white dress and has a ribbon bow in her hair.The boy a tunic with a wide belt and lace collar. His long sleeved have wide cuffs. The photograph is an oval shape on a grey / white background.warren-frank warren-ivy

This photograph was taken during the flood of 1934 in Orbost. The people in the photograph are related to Billie and Ilma Nixon and Charlie Johnston. 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 item is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history. It is associated with local families.A black / white photograph / postcard of floodwaters. On the right is a young man with four young boys sitting on a log. In the bckground is a rowing boat with one man rowing and three others sitting on the edges . A field of maize / corn is in the background and a large willow tree on the right.on back - "M. C. Rice Orbost 19 /1/20 M Gilbert. Mostly Billy Nixons & Charlie Johnstons 1934" [Note alteration: W C Rice rather than M C Rice].floods-orbost-1934 nixon-william johnston-charles

This postcard was sent to Annie Gilbert (Mrs John Gilbert) of Tullagoota, Orbost. It was written by "Grace", probably her sister, Grace Cameron Annie Gilbert was the daughter of John Cameron who selected the first land on the Snowy River flats. This is a photograph of the original Orbost / Snowy River Bridge , a suspension bridge which opened in 1893. It has been taken when the Snowy River was in flood. It is similar to other photographs held in The State Library, Victoria. The Snowy River Mail and Tambo and Croajingolong Gazette Sat 12 Aug 1893 records the opening of this bridge as "the most important public event that has yet been commemorated in Eastern ......The Messrs McLeod, with whom the first settlement of this district is generally associated, took up their residence on the eastern bank of the Snowy River about the year 1841 or 42. The late Mr W. Roadknight and Mr T. T. Stirling took possession of the territory on the western side of the Snowy about 35 years ago. During the occupation of the country by cattle owners, very little progress was made in the way of roads and bridges, and except to the hardy and lexperienced bushman, it might have been generally regarded as inaccessible. About the year 1877, however, the late Mr James Robertson eldest son of Mr James Robertson, of Lochend farm, selected land now occupied by his father, about four miles from Orbost on the west bank of the river, Mr John Cameron visited the. district shortly after a .tour of inspection and returned later with his brothers, James and Alick Gameron, but found that during their absence Mr Ernest Watt had found his way on the scene and pegged out a selection, thus anticipating the advent of the Camerons by about 12 hours. We understand that a Mr Kidd, who selected the property now occupied by Mr W. J. Ross, at Pumpkin Point, was one of the earliest batch of settlers.........."This item is associated with Annie Gilbert (nee Cameron) reported to have been the first white girl to be born in Orbost. It is a pictorial record of the suspension bridge over the Snowy River which has since been replaced twice.A faded black / white postcard of a bridge across a river. There are cattle in the river and the banks are tree-covered.on back - a hand-written letter addressed to Mrs J. Gilbert Tullagoota Orbost.cameron-annie suspension-bridge-orbost snowy-river-orbost

This is a photograph of Dave Hawkless at Bete Bolong with a wagon load of maize from the farm of Sam Lynn. David Hawkless was married to Mary Downey in 1906. They had five children. This is a pictorial record of the transporting of maize in the Orbost district in the late 19th century. A black / white photograph of a man standing in front of a wagon loaded with sacks. There are six large horses tethered to the wagon. In the background are buildings. The wagon is standing on a gravel road.on back - "D. Hawkless M. Gilbert"hawkless-david maize-orbost transportation-agriculture wagon-horses

The road to Marlo was cut by flood waters from the Snowy River in two places. The road was closed when water flowed over Gilbert's Gulch (3243.1) The Snowy River broke its banks and flooded surrounding Orbost, Marlo, Lochend and Jarrahmond were isolated. The river bank at the bridge site was broken and filled with earth and rock fill. (3243.2) The new Snowy River Bridge was nearing completion when the river rose 7.2 metres causing erosion on the eastern bank. (3243.7) Contractors involved in the construction of the Princes Freeway and bridge were delayed by the flood waters. (3243.8) The 1976 flood at Orbost was a significant event which delayed the construction of the current Snowy River Road Bridge.These photographs record that event.Nine black / white photographs of flood waters across roads. orbost-flood-1976 snowy-river-bridge marlo-road-flood-1976 gilbert;s-gulch-flood

These photographs were taken from Warren's property at Newmerella. They were taken looking to the north-west.These photographs form an interesting panoramic landscape of the Snowy River flats in Orbost. The method of photographing two scenes and placing them side-by-side was used if a specialist panoramic camera was unavailable.Two black / white photographs which are designed to fir together to make a panorama. They are of river flats with maize crops and houses in the background. The photographs have been taken from a high point.on back - "From Warrens to N.W."newmerella snowy-river-flats maize-crops photography

From The Argus (Melbourne) on January 10 1934 "Damage estimated at £500,000 has been caused by the floods in the Orbost district. No loss of life occurred, largely owing to the heroic efforts of rescue parties. Many families spent Monday night on the roofs of houses or in trees, surrounded by deep, rushing flood waters." This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge - the centre span was washed away -. wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle. This is a pictorial record of the 1934 flood, a significant event in the history of Orbost.A black / white photograph of floodwaters. In the middle of the water can be see debris including a large spoked wheel. In the background are houses and fences.on back - "near Hilyer's garage at foot of hill Main Street Caravan Park on right" on front at bottom left - "1934"orbost-flood-1934 flood-orbost

this is a photograph taken at the original jetty at Tabbara on the Brodribb River used by Samuel Richardson who established his mill in 1882. There was a constant demand for timber to supply the growing townships of Orbost , Marlo and surrounds. It was at this mill that the original paddle steamer Curlip was built. More information in "Curlip" by May Leatch. Helena Warrem (1871-1962) was a self-taught photographer who became both the local press correspondent and a producer of humorous trompe l'oeil postcard images. Helena Warren was a thirty-two year old settler living on a small mixed farm with her husband, William, at Newmerella, near Orbost in Gippsland, Victoria, when she bought her first camera, an Austral Box quarter-plate. Her family says she was entirely self-taught, like many women photographers who started out with nothing but the instructions on the packets of film and chemicals. In over fifty years practice she graduated from the total novice, who opened all her first mail order plates in bright sunlight and ruined them, to a competent photographer who became both the local press correspondent and an inveterate producer of humorous trompe l’oeil postcard images. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert).This photograph is a pictorial record of a typical family activity in the late 19th - early 20th century in the Orbost area, The clothing and manners are reflective of that time, This photograph also has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A black / white photograph of a family group seated on a wooden jetty. There is a man on the right with a fishing rod. A man is standing next to woman holding a teapot and cup and saucer. On the left a woman is sitting and holding a baby on her knee. The rest are sitting or kneeling with a picnic cloth spread in front of them. There are bottles, jars, plates and cups on the cloth. on back - "The Warren Family Tabara Jetty"tabbara-jetty warren-family-orbost recreation-picnic

Black and white photograph - Grade 8, 1935"Attached to photograph" Back Row - L to R: Alan Wilkins, Bob Adolphson, Norm Bissettt, Herb Washusen, (?) Tasker, Doug Jamieson. 2nd Row -- L to R: ?, Doris Aird, Evelyn Major, Natalie Moulder. 3rd Row - L to R: Jenny Rowe, Jean Payne, Doris Rutter, ?, Marjorie Clegg. Front Row- L to R: Geoff Williams, Gilbert Johnson, John Anderson, Keith Norris, Les Lloyd, Bruce Hone. Teacher:

Black and white photograph - Grade 2, 1929"Attached to photograph" Back Row - L to R: No names Middle Row - L to R: No names Front Row - L to R: ?, Gilbert Johnson, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Quita de Gruchy, ?, ?, ?.

First croquet committee in Orbost started up in 1919. (ref : The Whos' Who of Orbost Settlers - Mary Gilbert). Often croquet lawns were in private gardens eg. at Connort (now Moogji). (Date on photograph?)This item is part of the history of Orbost Croquet Club. In the museum, there is also a mallet, a trophy and a photo of the first committee.A framed black/white photograph. It is of six women standing on a croquet lawn holding mallets. All are wearing hats. The frame is brown wood.On a glued sheet of paper - First Croquet Committee Orbost - 1929 Mrs Neil Edgar..........Mrs Dave Pardew Mrs Molly Dreverman Mrs Carl Dreverman (President) Miss M. Reynolds Mrs A. Nixon Mrs G. Hovey

The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, initially as a branch of the British Red Cross Society. Its first president was Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, wife of the then governor-general. Via a network of state branches and division, also presided over by women, the organisation extended its influence throughout the community of Australian women, urban and rural. Mary Gilbert was the first curator of the Orbost Museum, and a local teacher.Mary Gilbert was the Orbost Red Cross Superintendent. She was a long time member of Red Cross.Mary Gilbert was a member of Red Cross for over 40 years. She was a noted Orbost identity.1518.1 is a rectangular brass and blue, white and red enamelled badge. The badge shows a red cross in the centre and the words 'RED CROSS EMERGENCY SERVICE'. The reverse has a pin fastening. 1518.2 is a yearly Red Cross membership card. 1518.1 front- Red Cross Emergency Service 1518.2 - Membership Number -8813 Mary Gilbert, East Gippsland 26/12/1988 red-cross membership-card badge

These cloths were embroidered by Mrs J.W. Bird of Orbost for her daughter's trousseau. Hilda Bird, the only daughter of Mr and Mrs J.W. Bird married Mr. John Russell of Caulfield in April 1940. Jane Annie (Jean) Herbert married John Whitney Bird on December 18 1902. she was a long-time member of the St James Church of England choir and a very keen tennis player. she died in 1953. (ref, Mary Gilbert - "Personalities and Stories of The Early Orbost District")This item has aesthetic significance and shows the needlework skill of the women of the early settler families.Two white linen cloths with drawn thread work and embroidery in white. 1582.2 has a fringed edge. 1582.1 has a crocheted edge.

These cotton reels were owned and used by Helena Warren of Newmerella. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She was a fine amateur photographer who supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert).Helena Warren was a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,Four wooden cotton reels. 2495.1 is an empty reel with paper labels at both ends. " Best Linen lace thread Barbours No 50 200 yards Wm Barbour & Sons Ltd Lisburn Ireland" 2495.2 is a wooden reel with thick linen thread. On one end " H11 underlined" 2495.3 is a narrow wooden reel with white thread and grey wound over it. It has paper labels at both ends. " J. & P. Coats 500 yards No 50 457 metres - Chain Brand Mercerised Cotton MR WHITE" 2495.4 is a wooden reel with synthetic thread - one paper label. "J. & P. Coats 6 Cord 200 yards 40 183 metres"needlework cotton-reels warren-helena

This item was made by Mrs Helena warren of Newmerella. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She was a fine amateur photographer who supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert).This item reflects the needlework skills of women in the first half of the 20th century. This item also has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A handmade white fluffy squirrel holding a gum nut. It is possibly made of sheepskin. The eyes are pink plastic. The whiskers are white nylon thread (item no. 2495.4)toys needlework warren-helena handcraft