This booklet was the first of a series of scientific and historical studies of Gippsland to be published by the Bairnsdale Advertiser. The author, Eric Charles Frederick Bird was Principal Fellow, Department of Geography, University of Melbourne, Australia. The Mitchell River silt jetties are an unusually long, thin landform located in the Gippsland Lakes region. They have been formed over millions of years by sediment deposition from the Mitchell River during periods of low water flow and subsequent wash-through during periods of high water flow. The long narrow banks of silt extend more than eight kilometres east into Lake King. This item is a useful reference for the silt jetties of the Mitchell River.A 32 pp book with alight green cover. The title is in black print, " The Silk Jetties of the Mitchell River" and underneath the title there is a b/w photograph of the Mitchell River and silt jetties taken from above in 1931. It was written by E. C. F. Bird.silt-jetties mitchell-river paynesville bird-e.c.f.

Regional fishermen supplied fish to the Melbourne market in these cane baskets. The basket had a flat lid (we are searching for a lid) and bracken fern was packed between the fish as ice was not available at the time. Photos show that fish boxes were introduced in 1900 and no post 1900 photos of baskets in use have been found. The baskets were mainly destroyed once boxes were introduced and only two baskets have been found. . Oval shaped large wicker work basket

This bollard is from the steamer "JCD" and served both to tie mooring lines and to feed them through. It was recovered from the MacMillan Strait some years after the "JCD" was removed from the water and burned.Cast iron bollard

The steamer "JCD" was built in 1888 and served the Gippsland Lakes until 1934 carrying passengers and freight.

This model of the steamer "JCD" was locally made to record the type.Model of steamship, in glass case

Photo shows the steamer "JCD" deteriorating on the MacMillan Strait foreshore somewhere around 1960. It was later removed and burnt.Photographic image

On the Gippsland Lakes fish were caught from small (7m) boats and packed into baskets or boxes on the jetty before shipment to Melbourne.Photo shows fishermen and boats at a local jetty.

The half model is the traditional way for boat-builders to shape a boat before starting construction.Half model of fishing boat mounted on backing board

This bench has been reconstructed using materials from a local boat-builders bench.Boat-builders workbench and tools

Typical of the small toolbox that boat-builders took to the confined areas when working on boatsWooden toolbox containing boat building tools

Boat-builders use the irons to push caulking cotton ito the seams between the planks of the hull to prevent water leaking inSet of steel caulking irons

The drawing board was used to prepare drawings of the parts of the boat so the boat-builders knew what to make.Wooden drawing board, tee square and instruments

The annual regatta circuit of the Gippsland Lakes was very popular with holiday makers and racing would typically attract 3000 spectators to watch. Races were held for both sail and power boatsAdvertising poster on thick paper