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4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Order of Ceremony, The Royal Australian Amored (sic) Corps the Keeffe Family & Eoghan McDonald Celebrates (sic) the Unveiling of a Commemorative Plaque 16 November 2014, 2014
The 13th Australian Armoured Regiment was a Gippsland militia unit that had been called up for full time duty in December 1941 as a traditional light horse regiment. The early months of 1942 had seen the regiment lose its horses, a conversion to a motor regiment and finally to an armoured regiment in May. During this period there were considerable changes in personnel, however the regiment maintained its strong links to Gippsland and its former identity. Between May and November 1942, individual soldiers had become proficient in their trade training and the regiment changed its focus to troop and squadron activities. On 16 November 1942, the unit was located at the Puckapunyal Army Camp. C Squadron's training program involved a night driving exercise where a column of armoured and B vehicles would depart camp at 0245 hours and proceed to a site to the East of Seymour and set up a bivouac between Whiteheads Creek and Highlands Road. Numerous army camps surrounded the Seymour area; and much of the surrounding farm land had been acquired for military purposes. By November 1942 exercises such as C Squadron's were commonplace and had been repeated on numerous occasions since 1939. At 0400 hrs, C Squadron's vehicles reached O'Sullivan's Paddock on the Kobyboyn Road; prior to reaching the Old Telegraph Road the column turned to the North towards a known crossing point on Whiteheads Creek. The column consisted of seven M3 Medium Tanks and four Universal Carriers. In the case of Corporal McLeod's vehicle, there were seven crewmen rather than the usual five man crew. On arrival at the creek crossing, Captain C.M.I. 'Sandy' Pearson dismounted and with the assistance of Sergeant R.J. Ball began to guide individual tanks across the creek. Four tanks had crossed the creek without difficulty when Corporal McLeod's tank, ARN 24652, began its descent. Captain Pearson stated at the Coroner's Inquiry in December 1942, "Whilst climbing out of the ford the vehicle swerved to the left, apparently striking the tree. It was not the portion of the tank (front) that struck the tree. The tank straightened and appeared to be well under control, suddenly the bank on the left collapsed to the extent of 3ft by 12ft by15ft long causing the vehicle to slide into the creek and turn upside down." Captain Pearson and Sergeant Ball were faced with a nightmarish situation: The Grant had come to rest upside down in soft mud, six crew members were unaccounted for, escape hatches could not be opened and the weight of the tank was settling deeper into the water and mud. Compounding the problem was that the location of the tank did not allow for the other tanks to safely conduct a recovery. It was truly the darkest night.Single A4 card. folded, Contains an account of the raising of 13 Armoured Regiment in December 1941and a tank accident during a night creek crossing in which six crewmen were killed, and, Order of Ceremony for plaque unveiling, Guest of Honour LtCol Stuart Cree CO/CI School of Armour13 armored regiment, tank accident, puckapunyal -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1924
This appears to be a photograph taken during the construction of Orbost High School taken on the western side.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 history. A black / white photograph of a partially constructed brick building. A man is standing on the roof. There is a ladder leaning against a wall on the left and there are tiles on the ground.on back - "M.Gilbert 1924" -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, second half 20th century
This appears to be a photograph of a large group of people at the Orbost Railway Station awaiting a train - a steam train? The group seems to be made up of family groups. 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. The closure of the line was a significant event in Orbost's history. It is a pictorial record of a social event in Orbost.A black / white photograph of a large group of people standing at a railway station. Some are standing on the platform, others on the line. Most are looking toward the right.orbost-railway-station family-activity -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photographs, April 1916
These photographs were taken at the official opening of the Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway Line. In 3150.3 which is of a group of children and two adults those identified in the photograph are ; L - R front row Mary Gilbert; Warren; Betty Gilbert; Marion Gilbert; Mrs Shaw and son; ? Gay; and Pen Gilbert. In 3150.4 L-R front " Mary Gilbert; Bet Gilbert (sitting with glasses); Pen Gilbert(Richardson); Marion Gilbert ( middle front little girl) About 1912 work began at Newmerella on clearing the track for the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost. A canvas town sprang up on the higher land adjacent to the river flats. Local farmers supplied meat, milk and fresh produce to the camp, as well as gaining employment carting and labouring. The line opened in 1916, the Orbost railway station being built on the Newmerella side of the river.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. It is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history. On April 10 1916, the first scheduled train service left Orbost for Bairnsdale. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened to serve the agricultural and timber ndustry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Four black / white postcards of people at the opening of The Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway. 3150.1 - on front - "The Ministerial Party" 3150.2 - on front - hand-written - " The Hon James Cameron" with arrow pointing to a man standing in the back row. at bottom - "The Ministerial Party X Florie Cameron" on back- "Opening the Orbost Railway" 3150.3 and 3150.4 - on back - hand-written "First train to Orbost with a list of names.orbost-bairnsdale-railway celebration-opening-of-railway east-gippsland-railway -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photographs, second half 20th century
3151.1 is of a water tanker on stand by at Orbost ready for emergency use. Similar suppliers were at Bairnsdale and Nowa Nowa. The two tankers hels about 9,000 gallons (34068.7 litres) - from a news item in "Gippsland" September, 1971. 3151.2 is of Victoria's X class 1,800 H.P general purpose diesel electric locomotive. Si had been ordered for the Victorian Railways and cost about £ 250,000 each. 3151.3 is of several loaded, covered railway trucks on a rail line. 3151.4 was taken at the goods yard at Orbost Railway Station. 3151.5 has some rail wagons with "SHOWMOBILE COUNCIL OF ADULT EDUCATION" on the sides. 3151.6 is of goods wagons (Probably not at Orbost Station) 3151.7 is a goods train 3151.8 shows the loading or unloading of farm produce at Orbost railway Station. 3151.9 shows cattle being loaded at Orbost Railway Station. 3151.10 is of a container N.Y.K. LINE ( a Japanese shipping company) 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.Ten black / white photographs related to Orbost rail. orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway transport-railway railway-engine orbost-railway-station export-produce -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photographs, C 1981
... was a significant event in Orbost's history. Orbost-Railway East-Gippsland ...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. The closure of this railway was a controversial issue at the time with many public protests in the district. Protesters stood in front of a VR locomotive holding up signs with " SAVE FUEL JOBS ROADS LIVES ORBOST MR HAMER DON"T LET THIS HAPPEN SAVE RAIL" Others held placards with "DON"T CUT OFF ORBOST" and "We the Children demand our ????secure railway"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. The closure of the line was a significant event in Orbost's history.Seven black / white photographs related to the closure of the Orbost Railway Line.orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway protests-rail-closure -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photographs, second half 20th century
3154.1 is a postcard of the Orbost viaduct over the flooded Snowy River flats. 4153.2 is of a goods train on the viaduct. 3154.3 is of a loaded goods train with the driver at the window. Two men are standing on the plate and there are two workers below where there is some water and flood debris. 3154.4 is of amachine moving flood debris on the rail line. 3154.5 shows flood damage to the viaduct across the Snowy River flats. Two men are driving a dozer.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.Five black / white photographs associated with the Orbost railway line during a flood.orbost-railway east-gippsland -railway orbost-floods -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, C 1922
DESCRIPTIONA black / white photograph on a grey buff cardboard frame. It is of a group of students standing outside the Orbost State School building. One child holds a sign reading "Form F". There is a photographer's label at the bottom.SIZEH-199mm W-028mmOBJECT REGISTRATION890KEYWORDSeducation-orbost orbost-state-schoolHISTORICAL INFORMATIONThe 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. When fire destroyed the school in 1941 local halls were used as classrooms until a new school was built. Work was quite rapid and a new brick structure was opened by the Hon. A. E. Lind, MLA, on 13th of February 1942. This new building was a fine type of school of which both the pupils and the HT Leslie Collins were indeed proud. But Orbost continued to develop and the new school was soon overtaxed. This resulted in the erection of two Bristol classrooms in 1947. By 1950, when the school population had reached 500 pupils the opening of the new school at Orbost North was welcomed by all concerned. In 1963 the Department purchased land diagonally opposite the school and developed it as a playing area. In 1965 two LTCs were opened in November, and in October 1968 the Brodribb School building was moved to SS2744 Orbost for use as a general purpose room. ( Info. from Schools East Gippsland)This item is associated with the history of education in Orbost.A black / white photograph of a large group of children standing outside a school building - " Orbost State School No. 2744". The younger students are standing in the front. High School students are at the back.on back - "Mr C. Connor S.M. Mr Tipper H.M. State & H.E.s. about 1922"education-orbost orbost-state-school orbost-higher-elementary-school -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photographs, 20th century
These photographs are probably of bridges on the East Gippsland railway line. 3162.2 is possibly Hospital Creek and 3162.3 possibly Burn Road Newmerella. The Orbost-Bairnsdale railway initially played a crucial role in developing agricultural industries in Gippsland as well as tourism. It opened in 1916 and operated until 1987, principally carrying timber and farming produce. In the early days of the railway's operation dedicated passenger trains ran but these ceased by the 1930s. The line was completely closed to freightage in 1987.The track infrastructure was dismantled in 1994 and has been redeveloped as the East Gippsland Rail Trail.These photographs are 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. Three black / white photographs of railway bridges. 3162.1 has a steam train on the bridge. 3162.3 shows three men on the right working at clearing vegetation. 3162.3 has been taken from a height.orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway bridges-railway -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, first half 20th century
This appears to be the Boggy Creek bridge and to have been taken at Nowa Nowa. The Boggy Creek Bridge was built in 1916 as part of the Bairnsdale to Orbost extension to the main Gippsland Railway, and is situated in the middle of the township of Nowa Nowa, crossing a steep-sided and well-timbered creek-valley. This section of the line closed in 1987.This bridge plays a major part in the identity and history of the town of Nowa Nowa, since Boggy Creek’s steep sided valley divides the township into two components. It is part of the East Gippsland Railway line.A black / white photograph / postcard of a tall railway bridge, with concrete pylons in the centre,There is a creek below.on front - bottom left - " NOWA NOWA BRIDGE"boggy-creek-railway-bridge nowa-nowa railway-bridge east-gippsland-railway orbost-bairnsdale-railway -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photographs, 1890s
Peter Cameron, came to Orbost in 1885, at the age of 69, having sold his farm at Geelong. Peter bought the property ―Glen Avon from a Mr Street. The home was situated at the bottom of the paddock, near the corner of Morley and Livingstone streets. The farm stretched from Tennyson Street to the end of Snaggers Lane and along the river frontage to “Carinya” Cameron Home. In the Gippsland Times on Wednesday. 2 Jul 1890 on Page 3 is an article titled "THE SNOWY RIVER CALAMITY" which describes an ".unexpectedly sudden rush of water down the flats..... the terrified people commenced to remove their stock from the land and the work of saving property was continued all day ............ many head of cattle were washed away.......The river road, for its entire length, is obliterated, and the approaches to the bridge at Watt's Gulch are gone, with the enormous volume of flood water," These photographs are pictorial records of a significant event in the history of Orbost. There are few personal records of the very early floods.Three black / white photographs of wooden buildings with flood water in foreground. There are post and rail fences. 3193.2 has been taken from a distance.on back -" "Glenavon east of Lagoon 1897 Feb"floods-orbost-1890s glenavon-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1920s
The Shrine of Remembrance was created to meet the needs of a grieving community after the extensive loss of lives in the First World War (1914 –18). sixteen dark Buchan marble Ionic columns. In the early 1900s black marble was being mined in the Bruthen district. Some was used for the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and Australia House in London. 900 tonnes were shipped to London to be included in the construction of Australia House. Marble quarrying has been a significant part of the history of Buchan in East Gippsland. Its inclusion in the Shrine of Remembrance War Memorial is noteworthy.A black / white photograph of a team of eight horses hitched to an open top cart. The cart is loaded with lrge slabs of marble. The driver is on top of the load. It is on a gravel road in a forest. The photograph has a grey frame background.om front - "HAULING BUCHAN MARBLE FOR SHRINE OF REM'ANCE"marble-buchan quarry-marble-south-buchan shrine-of-remembrance -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Book, The Iron Horse Stopped at Orbost Railway Station, 2019
Carrol Preston has used newspaper references from 1877 through to 1917, to document the history of the Orbost - Bairnsdael railway line.. It starts with the lobbying and jockeying, and moves through to the opening in 1916. The title is a reference to plans to further extend the railway beyond Orbost - but "The Iron Horse stopped at Orbost Railway Station". Most articles are from the Snowy River Mail and Bairnsdale Advertiser. All newspaper articles are dated and sourced. About 1912 work began at Newmerella on clearing the track for the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost. A canvas town sprang up on the higher land adjacent to the river flats. Local farmers supplied meat, milk and fresh produce to the camp, as well as gaining employment carting and labouring. The line opened in 1916, the Orbost railway station being built on the Newmerella side of the river.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. On April 10 1916, the first scheduled train service left Orbost for Bairnsdale. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened to serve the agricultural and timber industries. This book has been compiled by a local historian. A spiral bound book titled, "The Iron Horse Stopped at Orbost Railway Station". The cover is blue / green with the title in black and red print. Underneath is a railway track leading to the bottom of the page. The book is 110 pages, A4 size and contains maps and photos. in black print on cover - "The Iron Horse Stopped at Orbost Railway Station ; The newspaper story of the eventual construction of the ORBOST RAILWAY LINE (in red print); Compiled and produced by CARROL PRESTON (in white print)railway-transport orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway -
Orbost & District Historical Society
postcards, 2008
These postcards were made for sale in the Orbost Ehibition Centre. The Snowy River Talking Wall is on the lower outside of the Orbost Exhibition Centre. The cards relate the history of Orbost both indigenous and white. The contributors are: Barry Miller; Gary Green; Becky Illume; Dawn Van Den Berg; Ruth Hansen; Geordie Webb; Graham Falls; Laurie Harvey and Jonathon Renn. The Orbost Exhibition Centre is a community based, not-for-profit arts and entertainment center in Orbost, Victoria. It is the home to the National Wood Design Collection and the Annual Australian Wood Design Exhibition. Wood Workers of Orbost and District initiated the Orbost Exhibition Centre back in 1997 and it was opened in 2004. (from web-site)These postcards are pictorial advertisements for Orbost. They are associated with the Orbost Exhibition Centre, an important tourist attraction, in the town.A set of eleven coloured postcards. Each depicts a section of the Snowy River Talking Wall. Each is a folded rectangle of cardboard with a photograph of a section of the display and information relating to it.talking-wall-orbost postcards orbost-exhibition-centre -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Book, Stories From Wairewa, 2017
This book is a social history collected orally and from the private records of residents of the Wairewa Valley, Victoria, Australia. It includes a brief history of the old primary school. Appended is a performance piece 'Waltz for Wairewa", a dialogue with poems and songs. It was sponsored by the Hospital Creek Bush Band and Dance Group. The book was partly the result of two song writing courses, one run on-line for six weeksby Sheffield University, U.K., and another year-long course at U3A in Lakes Entrance, East Gippsland. The bridge pictured on the front cover is O'Grady's railway bridge which was severely damaged in the bushfires of January 2020.This item is a useful reference on the history of the Wairewa Valley, East Gippsland.A soft covered book, titled "Stories From Wairewa". On the front cover is a tall wooden rail bridge. the book contains stories, photographs, scanned documents, shet music, drawings and poetry. book-wairewa blakeman-elizabeth school-wairewa -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1954
The Orbost Football Club began in 1894. This photograph shows the 1954 team. 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. The East Gippsland Football League in its present incarnation began in 1974 with the merger of the Gippsland Football League and the Bairnsdale District Football League .In 2003 in response to a dwindling population, the Snowy Rovers and Orbost Football Clubs were driven to merge into the Orbost Snowy Rovers Football clubs, through their many changes, have always been an important social fabric of the 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 black / white photograph of three rows of men wearing sports uniforms (players) and seven men in suits (officials). The fornt row is seated on the ground, the middle row on seats and the back row is standing with arms folded. a man in front row left has a case / box with the club emblem facing the camera. on back - a typed list of names and history of formation of League.sport-football orbost-football-club recreation clubs-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Photograph - photo of a milk carton
Orbost had its own milk distribution and butter factory from 1893 to 1969 when Gippsland Consolidated Milk Products took it over and became the new company. This company also included milk supplies from the Bairnsdale to Maffra region in Gippsland. Four years later, in 1973, this company changed to Gippsland Amalgamated Milk Products which included suppliers from Yarram, Foster, Traralgon and Heyfield. It is likely that this carton photo is from 1969-1973. Also, the quart fluid measurement gave way to Metric from 1971 onwards. Related to Orbost Butter Factory and its demise in the late 1960s.b/w photograph of a milk carton - 1 quart - Dairy Pride Milk1Quart net. Dairy Pride MILK. Homogenised & Pasteurised. A product of Gippsland Consolidated Milk Ltd. Maffra. Victoria.orbost, orbost butter factory, dairying history -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Book - publication, Mary Ann Willis, DANCINGTHROUGH THE DAISIES, 2017
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, first half 20th century
This is a photograph of Nathan Spielvogel.. Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874-1956), teacher, writer and historian, was born on 10 May 1874 at Ballarat, Victoria. as well as his stories he published a number of Books about the history of Ballarat. Spielvogel taught at Orbost for at least a year and this book reflects that time. Spielvogel was a teacher, writer and historian. As a country schoolteacher, he traveled widely in the eastern Australian outback and also made a journey to London. Spielvogel gained distinction as one of the only Australian Jewish writers of his time. Many of his early books were best-sellers. He has an association with the history of Orbost having spent a year as a teacher at Orbost Spielvogel was a teacher, writer and historian. As a country schoolteacher, he traveled widely in the eastern Australian outback and also made a journey to London. Spielvogel gained distinction as one of the only Australian Jewish writers of his time. Many of his early books were best-sellers. He has an association with the history of Orbost having spent a year as a teacher at Orbost.A black / white portrait photograph, head and shoulders, of a man with a goatee beard and moustache and wearing a large hat. he is wearing a buttoned waistcoat, jacket and bow tie.spielvogel-nathan author-spielvogel -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, c1920-1954
This is a copy of "THE BRIDGE AT BOGGY CREEK, NOWA NOWA, LAKE TYERS." which is a Rose Stereograph Co postcard. Boggy Creek Bridge was built in 1916 as part of the Bairnsdale to Orbost extension to the main Gippsland Railway, and is situated in the middle of the township of Nowa Nowa, crossing a steep-sided and well-timbered creek-valley. This section of the line closed in 1987. This bridge plays a major part in the identity and history of the town of Nowa Nowa, This item is associated with the East Gippsland Railway.A large black / white photograph of a large wooden bridge across a creek. There is a house and outbuildings in the background on the right. It is in a bush setting. on back - "Boggy Creek bridge - Nowa Nowa 1887 LaTrobe Collection"boggy-creek-bridge east-gippsland-railway -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, late 19th century - early 20th century
This photograph has been set as Christmas postcard. It could be the front page of a greeting card.Postcards and greeting form a vital part of social and historical records for researchers. They are very interesting records of places gone, architecture gone and people gone, showing social history such as dress, or early automobiles. This one record an earlier means of transport in east Gippsland.A small black / white oval shaped photograph set in a cream card with green writing at the bottom. The photo is of two horse teams and buggies crossing a large sandy beach.on front just below photograph - CROSSING LAKE TYERS SANDS Beneath that in cursive script is " This little view is sent from here To wish you joy and Christmas cheer And say you are remembered still with kindly thoughts and right goodwill"lake-tyers-east-gippsland greeting-card -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, first half 20th century
This appears to be the Boggy Creek bridge and to have been taken at Nowa Nowa. The Boggy Creek Bridge was built in 1916 as part of the Bairnsdale to Orbost extension to the main Gippsland Railway, and is situated in the middle of the township of Nowa Nowa, crossing a steep-sided and well-timbered creek-valley. This section of the line closed in 1987.This bridge plays a major part in the identity and history of the town of Nowa Nowa, since Boggy Creek’s steep sided valley divides the township into two components. It is part of the East Gippsland Railway line.A black / white photograph of a bridge across a creek. A young man in a suit is standing in the foreground.boggy-creek-bridge-nowa-nowa -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, early 20th century
Before 1850, Bendoc was peopled by a few Chinese settlers. History sources reveal little of its beginnings, Cattlemen used the spot as a temporary watering place and Ben Boyd sometimes brought his cattle down from the Monaro High Plains to be docked. “Ben's Dock” then is a possible derivation of the name Bendoc. (info. Bendoc Progress Association)This is a pictorial record of Bendoc in the late 19th -early 20th century. It shows early horse-drawn transport.A black / white photograph of a horse-drawn wagon and a man on a horse outside a wooden building.on back - "stop before Bendoc Hotel"bendoc transport-horse-drawn -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, late 19th century - early 20th century
This photograph shows land clearing at Bendoc. From 1845 the Bendoc area was part of pastoral leases. In the 1850s alluvial gold was discovered in the Bendoc River. This was quickly exhausted, and a number of mines began successful reef operations. At the head of the river, the settlement of Clarkville clustered round several other mines. Many miners, including numbers of Chinese, sluiced the rivers. The population of the area was as high as 500 during this period. The township was surveyed in 1869 and the hotel built in 1870. This building was burnt down in the early 1900s and rebuilt. A school was also begun at this time. In the 1870s there was a decline in gold mining. Some miners selected land, which in many cases is still held by descendants. Dairying was common in the early days, supplying a butter factory at the New South Wales border, and a milk factory at Orbost in more recent times. Wheat was grown for the settlers' own use and ground at Bombala. Now beef cattle grazing is the main occupation. (info. from Victorian Places)This is a pictorial history associated with the early settlement of Bendoc in East Gippsland.A badly distorted black / white photograph of a horse drawn wagon, three men and two women clearing land.on back - "Clearing land at Bendoc"bendoc-land-clearing bendoc-early-settlement -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1916
About 1912 work began at Newmerella on clearing the track for the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost. A canvas town sprang up on the higher land adjacent to the river flats. Local farmers supplied meat, milk and fresh produce to the camp, as well as gaining employment carting and labouring. The line opened in 1916, the Orbost railway station being built on the Newmerella side of the river. 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. On April 10 1916, the first scheduled train service left Orbost for Bairnsdale. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened 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 black / white photograph of a group of people standing next to a train carriage.orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway celebration-opening-of railway -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, C1914
This photograph shows men working in the gravel pit at Newmerella just outside Orbost. Not long after this photograph was taken an accidental explosion killed three workers. In the newspaper, The Hobart Mercury on Saturday March 1914, There was this report: "EXPLOSION OF BLASTING CHARGE. THREE MEN KILLED. MELBOURNE, March 13 A fatal accident occurred this after- noon on the railway construction works at Hagen's Cutting, about two miles from Orbost, three men being killed. The victims were John Carroll, contractor, his son, Peter Carroll, and John Sullivan, a navvy. The gang had just finished work, and the three stayed behind to draw a blasting charge, which had missed fire yesterday. J. Carroll was using a pick, and it is presumed that the tool struck a percussion cap, and fired the charge. He and Sullivan were killed instantly, Carroll being literally blown to pieces. Fragments of his body and garments were recovered from the surrounding bush, and the main portion of the trunk, with leg attached, was hurled a distance of 200 yards. Peter Car roll was terribly- injured, and he died before medical aid arrived. ' This is a pictorial record of construction workers associated with the Orbost - Bairnsdale railway. 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. 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 black / white photograph of a large group of men with horses and wagons. Most are holding tools - picks, spades and shovels. Some of the wagons are loaded with soil.railway-construction east-gippsland-railway orbost-railway quarry-gravel-newmerella -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, early 20th century
This is a photograph of a motor passenger train driven for many years by Fred Christmas.This photograph is associated with the Orbost - Bairnsdale railway. and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost. 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 black and white photograph of a train carriage next to a grass paddock. On the side of the carriage is "Mt No.14" and at the top is "First" at one end and "Second" at the other.christmas-fred orbost-railway transport-rail -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, late 19th / early 20th century
This is a photograph of the gravel pit at Newmerella, near Orbost. This pit was used during the construction of the Orbost to Bairnsdale Railway line.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. 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 black / white photograph of a small steam engine with open freight wagons at a gravel pit. There are some men watching. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, Warren, Mrs H, firts half 20th century
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 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, Warren, Mrs H, first half 20th century
These children are the Rice family. In 1925 Walter Rice built a general store in Marlo and in 1930 built the "Ozone Picture Theatre" also in Marlo.This item is associated with a popular activity of the Orbost community in the first half of the 20th century. Pumpkins have been been part of the district's agricultural history since settlement. It is associated with Walter Rice a prominent citizen of Marlo in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of a group of six children sitting in a pumpkin in water. there is a flag on each side and "HMAS VICTOR" on the side of the pumpkin.pumkins-orbost warren-helena rice-walter