MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Two black and white images of John Meyer skiing near Wilkie and Basalt Hill, Bogong High Plains. Wilkinson’s Hut (Wilkie) was built for the SEC in the summer of 1932-3 to accommodate the snow research program manager. The cottage was sited next to a hydro-meteorological station, set on stilts above the snow. It was not a refuge hut but a permanent residence for all of the year. The work carried out there included operation of a meteorological station at the cottage, measuring the snow depth and density along two pole lines, and operating stream gauging stations in the area. The engineers stationed there included Adrian Rufenacht (1934-6), and Norwegian Martin Romuld (1936-42) Romuld was a champion skier, constructing a ski-jump and a grass tennis court near the hut during his residency. Adrian was one of the founders of 'Skyline". The hut was sold in 1948 to the Victorian Ski Club and renamed Wilkinson Lodge. Robert Wood Wilkinson, best known as 'Wilkie, was the 'Father figure' of Victorian skiing. Robert Wood Wilkinson died on May 22, 1939. The hut was resold some 12 years later to the Melbourne Bushwalkers club. In 1983, the National Parks Service described the building as an old SEC hut which had been purchased and, afterwards, maintained and occupied solely by the Melbourne Bushwalking Club. Wilkie Hut survived the 2003 bushfires but burnt down one year later (January 2004) in a cooking accident.falls creek, ray meyer, skyline

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Two black and white images of John Meyer skiing near Wilkie and Basalt Hill, Bogong High Plains. Wilkinson’s Hut (Wilkie) was built for the SEC in the summer of 1932-3 to accommodate the snow research program manager. The cottage was sited next to a hydro-meteorological station, set on stilts above the snow. It was not a refuge hut but a permanent residence for all of the year. The work carried out there included operation of a meteorological station at the cottage, measuring the snow depth and density along two pole lines, and operating stream gauging stations in the area. The engineers stationed there included Adrian Rufenacht (1934-6), and Norwegian Martin Romuld (1936-42) Romuld was a champion skier, constructing a ski-jump and a grass tennis court near the hut during his residency. Adrian was one of the founders of 'Skyline". The hut was sold in 1948 to the Victorian Ski Club and renamed Wilkinson Lodge. Robert Wood Wilkinson, best known as 'Wilkie, was the 'Father figure' of Victorian skiing. Robert Wood Wilkinson died on May 22, 1939. The hut was resold some 12 years later to the Melbourne Bushwalkers club. In 1983, the National Parks Service described the building as an old SEC hut which had been purchased and, afterwards, maintained and occupied solely by the Melbourne Bushwalking Club. Wilkie Hut survived the 2003 bushfires but burnt down one year later (January 2004) in a cooking accident.falls creek, joan meyer, bogong high plains

This VHS was produced by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, to show the pristine state of the Kiewa River and Valley post the completion of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme (Circa 1950s), The late 1970s on wards was the beginning of deeper social scrutineering by pro environmental groups such as the Australian Wilderness Society (1976) and the Greens (political Party), before, during and after the construction phases of any man made structures in forest/bush areas which may or could damage or adversely affect the natural flora and fauna of sites. This promotional VHS, which was produced in the 1990s, was to project that unlike the Tasmanian State Electricity Commission (Franklin Dam issue), the Victorian State Electricity Commission acted in a way to protect the environment to the maximum level possible. With the passage of time since, and the issue of the global push to minimise carbon pollution, and as an alternative to coal fired power stations, the use of hydro electricity can now be seen as a highly efficient alternative to "coal powered" electricity. This VHS is a snap shot in time (1990) when the Kiewa Valley was still relatively under populated and holiday houses owned by city bound workers was still relatively insignificant. As more and more holiday makers retire to a small but friendly region(Kiewa Valley and Mount Beauty) the increase in visitor numbers will affect the local rural bush scene more and more. The changes that will occur (in time) can be measured against the scenes presented in this video. The additional resources provided by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria of "alpine bush" fire control and management, together with an ongoing educational scheme for school children in learning about what constitutes the Alpine country's unique environment, are a very important offshoot, benefitting to both the communities within the Kiewa Valley and regional Victoria.This VHS tape is stored within its own plastic cover which has a front side covered by a coloured photograph(both front and back cover) of the Kiewa River, just to the north east of the Mount Beauty township. The VHS tape is nestled within a formed inner structure which not only prevents the tape from moving to and fro but also unnecessary intrusion of foreign particles.Front cover "KIEWA" on the spine top circle with lines projecting out and below this "SEC". Middle of spine "KIEWA" and bottom of spine "VHS"secv, kiewa valley, dale-bromley, cy-duff, chris- harding, michael-glucz, forestation education, wilderness photography, nature film.

Written on back of photograph, "E609, N18, 19/6/1981. Old Warrandyte Road at entrance to Parkwood High School (at SEC pole).

CD player belongs to Peter Simmenauer.Panasonic car/portable CD player Silver colour with coloured printing and illustrations on top.Panasonic CD player SL 53111C car/portable 25 playback car accessories. Made in Japan 10 sec ASM II.cd player, panasonic, japan, peter simmenauer

Black and White Photograph of Bendigo No. 2 at the Eagle Hawk terminus, Jan. 1971, night photograph. Tram has the destination of Quarry Hill. In the background is the Foodland Store, a Milk bar. The tram has arrived at the terminus, the trolley pole has been turned, but the headlights and dash canopy lights have yet to be turned. Tram has the destination of Quarry Hill. Photo Chris Wurr, early 1970's. "Photo by Chris Wurr" stamped on the rear. In top left hand corner, in ink "71)" and "Bendigo (SEC) Tramways / 1.1971 / Eaglehawk Terminus"trams, tramways, bendigo, eaglehawk, night photo, tram 2

Yields information about Ballarat Trams and streetscapes early 1960's and the details of the Victoria St terminus while running specials for the AETA.Black and white print of Ballarat 18 and 37, at the Lydiard St gates, while B79 crosses the street. Photographed by Wal Jack, 21/4/1962. Two copies. Tram has advertisements for "The Age". Tram is showing Special and has a number of people photographing the scene - AETA tour. Photo print courtesy of Port Dock Railway Museum, now the National Railway Museum. See worksheet 4311 for letter and details of prints sent to Bill Scott, 19/10/2001. Any photo credit to mention NRM Collection.On rear of copy 1" "73)" and "SEC Ballarat / 18 & 37 / Lydiard St North / 21/4/62 2091 / Wal Jack" trams, tramways, lydiard st, railway crossing, aeta, tram 18, tram 37

Yields information about Ballarat's trams, and the City centre area and motor vehicles late 1950's.Black and white print of Bendigo 28 at the Quarry Hill terminus, 12/4/1959, photo by Wal Jack. Has a lady walking across to the tram - dressed in gloves and hat. Tram has the destination of Eaglehawk. Photo print courtesy of Port Dock Railway Museum, now the National Railway Museum. See worksheet 4311 for letter and details of prints sent to Bill Scott, 19/10/2001. Any photo credit to mention NRM Collection.On rear of copy "SEC Bendigo #28 / Quarry Hill terminus / 12/4/59 / Wal Jack photo / National Railway Museum.trams, tramways, bendigo, quarry hill, tram 28

Black and White print contained within the Wal Jack Bendigo and Geelong Album, see Reg Item 5003 for more details. Photo of Geelong No. 40 in Ryrie St, with the destination of East. Has centre poles in Ryrie St. Photo by Wal Jack 27-6-1955. i1 - scan of print in the album i2 - rear of image i3 - scan of negative at 3200dpi added 27/6/2020. On rear in ink "SEC No. 40 Ryrie St Geelong 27-6-55" Has the Wal Jack copyright stamp but no number written in.trams, tramways, geelong, ryrie st, tram 40

Book has a blue cover and brown leather spine. The book is a register of land sales. The sales are recorded in alphabetical order. The records give the number of the application, the date of registry, the date of application, the surname of the purchaser, the Christian name and address, the parish, allotment, section and area, the decision, special condition, the license and remarks. The book covers the years from 1896 to the 1940's. On the cover a white sticker with the words: "Castlemaine Sec 12 register" and in texter the number 26 and letter C. On the spine "S 12 171"land sales, castlemaine

Photo of No. 17 in Wendouree Parade (east side of Lake) showing 'View Point'. Looking across lake foreshore, at rear of tram. Tram not yet fitted with dash canopy lights, but small white stripe has been painted as has the tiger stripes on the bumper and the roof of the tram. Has ads for 'The Age' and 'Bourne Liquid Plastics'. Car number positioned under headlight. Slide going red, Taken on 23-1-61.'SEC Ballarat, No. 17 Wendouree Parade, View Point Line, 23-1-61' in blue ink and 'W.Jack' in purple ink stamp.tramways, trams, view point, wendouree parade, dash canopy lights, tram 17

Ballarat No. 21 in City Loop, 2-1-61. Tram has been painted with small white strip under headlights, pending dash canopy lights. Slide dark, sun directly overhead. Has T&G buildings, Odeon Theatre in background along with some cars.'SEC Ballarat Tramways, No. 21, ex Adelaide A10, Sturt St. loop, 2-1-61' in blue ink, and 'W.Jack' stamped on.tramways, trams, ballarat, city loop, tram 21

Brown fabric hardcover book - Eveline's Key-Note by Edith C. Kenyon has an illustration in black. pink and green of two young women sitting on a garden seat with a girl lying on the grass next to them reading. In the background a couple are chatting. The top of the edges of the pages are gold. The Endeavour Library is written at the top in black lettering with the title in yellow underneath. The spine has the title, series and publisher initials at the bottom for The Sunday School Union, The frontispiece has a black and white illustration the same as is on the front cover. and there are five full page black and white illustrations throughout. The chapter heads have an Illuminated style decoration called a vignette. 192p.fictionVictorian fiction with a moral slant for young women about life, growing up and relationships in an English village. family life fiction, religious stories

The photograph shows Geelong 7 as built, understood to be a test tram prior to the opening of the system. Photo taken in the then Corio Terrace, now Brougham Street Geelong 1912. Has a number of men on board the tram - depot workers for the photograph? See Item 4314 for another photo looking the other way and item 8612 for a framed version.Shows Geelong tram No. 7 as built.Black and White photograph with details on rearHas SEC Publicity photo stamp on the rear and number 9/274 and a pencil note "Corio Terrace before opening In March 1912"geelong, mesco, tram 7, corio terrace, opening, tramways

Catelogue of flora and fauna of the 1960s in the Kiewa Region.A collection of papers including: 1. Three poems. 2. The ''Three Floras of Bogong'Oct 1964. 3. 'SEC Bird Life within and adjacent to the Kiewa Works area' recorded between 1963 and 1964. 4. 'General Geology of the Kiewa Area' June 1963. 5. Victorian Department of Agriculture, 'Tobacco', Notes for Students/Geology/Maize Culture/The Buffalo Dam Project/Stamped with 'Hoys Passenger Service Pty Ltd'. 6, SEC Kiewa Region, Forestry and Conservation.No. 5. - Stamped with 'Hoys Passenger Service Pty Ltd'flora, bogong, birds, geology, kiewa valley, tobacco, forestry and conservation, secv

Black and white photograph of three SEC single truckers on No. 1 road at the SEC Wendouree Parade depot during 1971. Second tram is 26, third (partly in depot) - 14. Trams have drop end blinds down. Tram 14 has a Cinzano spirits advertisement on the roof and a Twin Lakes ad on the front of the tram. Photo by Dave Macartney. Photocopy made 4/1999 for display purposes. Small copy added 10/10/2019. Image updated.On rear in pencil "DJM"trams, tramways, sec depot, ballarat, tram 26, tram 14

Black and white print of a donated negative. Print made 8/1998. Photo of SEC tram No. 40 in Barkly St., Ballarat, Mt. Pleasant line. Side on view of the tram going up a slight hill, looking across a vacant block of land. Photo taken 29-10-1962. Ron Fluck collection. Has "Eureka Roofing Tiles" and SEC "Electricity Best for Cooking" advertisements on the roof of the tram. High Res scan of negative added 17/1/2019.tramways, trams, mt pleasant, barkly st., ballarat, 40, tram 40

Newspaper clipping from The Courier, Ballarat, dated Wednesday 17/5/1972 titled "July date set for depot auction". Item reporting that the depot will be auctioned on July 17, 1972. This was announced by SEC Manager for the Mid-Western Branch, Mr. I. F. Pellas and that it would be auctioned by Edgar Bartrop. Discussed the proposed development that was abandoned by the SEC and that six houses could be built on the site. One of a large group of newspaper cuttings from John Bainbridge, 7/4/02.sec depot, sale of sec depot

Photo of SEC Ballarat Tram No. 40 at the City terminus in Sturt St. at Lydiard St. Tram has destination of "Mt Pleasant" and roof advertisements for Eureka roofing tiles and SEC "Electricity Best for Cooking". In the background are the Post Office and the ANZ bank buildings. The driver and conductor appear to be looking at the points. 2041.1 - with lady boarding the tram 2041.2 - with conductor returning to the tram. All of the tram in the photo. Note lady on the seat. Kodak cardboard mount slide, taken by Peter Moses January 1966.On back of both slides in blue ink "Jan. 1966 “Main St.” Ballarat No. 40 / 125 f11" and in bottom right hand corner "P. Moses".tramways, trams, city terminus, sturt st, tram 40

Photo of SEC Ballarat Tram No. 34 turning from Sturt St into Lydiard St. North. Tram has destination of "Lydiard St. North, SEC roof advertisement "Electric Cooking is Matchless" and small painted number above the headlight and large number under the headlight. In the background is the Town Hall, waiting shelter at the terminus and ANZ bank sign. Photo also shows track arrangements at intersection. Kodak cardboard mount slide, taken by Peter Moses January 1966.On back of both slides in blue ink "Jan. 1966, Lydiard St. Tram / 125 f11." and in bottom right hand corner "P. Moses".tramways, trams, city terminus, sturt st, lydiard st, tram 34

Colour slide - Photo of SEC Ballarat Tram No. 35 crossing Sturt St. from Lydiard St. North. Photo taken from the north side of Sturt St. Photo shows the tram stop arrangements for east bound trams in Sturt St. with passengers waiting on the seats. Tram has "Everything's under control in my all electric kitchen" SEC roof advertisement panel. Kodak cardboard mount slide, taken by Peter Moses August 1971.On back of slide in red ink "Ballarat / into Sturt St from Lydiard St." and in top left hand corner in black ink "P. Moses".tramways, trams, sturt st, lydiard st north, tram stops, tram 35

Photo of SEC Ballarat Tram No. 35 leaving the Sturt St. south side "City" terminus. No. 35 has "Everything's under control in my all electric kitchen" SEC roof advertisement panel. Tram has destination of "Sebastopol". Photo has building on the south side of Sturt St., including the Town Hall in the background. Kodak sign on the shop next door to the Town Hall. Kodak cardboard mount slide, taken by Peter Moses August 1971.On back of slide in blue ink "N35 / Ballarat / Sturt St. terminus" and in bottom right hand corner in black ink "P. Moses".tramways, trams, sturt st, town hall, tram 35

Photo of SEC Ballarat trams No. 42 and 11 during a photo stop in Wendouree Parade adjacent to the 1956 Olympic rings monument during the ARHS/TMSV tours prior to closure of the Ballarat Tramway system. .1 - 42 and 11 with monument in the foreground. No. 42 has a SEC briquette roof advertisement. .2 - 42 ditto with the St Therese of the Little Flower catholic church in the background. Kodak cardboard mount slide, taken by Peter Moses 21 August 1971.On the rear of the slides in black ink .1 - "N42, N11 / Ballarat/ Hamilton Ave." and "P. Moses" in the bottom left hand corner. .2 - "Ballarat / ARHS Special Hamilton Ave" and "P. Moses" in the bottom left hand corner.tramways, trams, wendouree parade, tram tour, olympics, tram 42, tram 11

Photo of SEC Ballarat No. 21 at the Lydiard St. North terminus. No. 21 fitted with a SEC "Everything's under control in my all electric kitchen" roof advertisement. .1 - Soon after arrival of the tram at the terminus. Destination showing "Lydiard St. Nth". Cemetery in the background. .2 - Waiting for departure. Destination showing "Sebastopol". Shows view down Lydiard St Nth and shelter at the terminus. Kodak cardboard mount slide, taken by Peter Moses 21 August 1971.On the rear of the slides in black ink. .1 - "N21 Ballarat / Lydiard Nth terminus" and "P. Moses" in the bottom right hand corner on the other side of the slide. .2 - "N21 Ballarat / Lydiard Nth terminus" and "P. Moses" in the bottom right hand corner on the other side of the slide.tramways, trams, lydiard st north, cemetery, tram 21

Letter from the City of Ballaarat - 13 Sept. 1971 inviting people to attend a civic reception to be held in the Reception Room at the City of Ballaarat on 20 Sept. 1971 following the closure of the tramways the previous day. Noted the 84 years of service, the takeover of the tramways by the SEC in 1934, welcome to the newly appointed Chairman of the SEC, Mr. N. R. White. Mayor Cr. J.A. Chisholm with the support of Cr. N.F. Donald, the Mayor Sebastopol Borough Council. Invitation addressed to Mr. L. Walker."Mr. L. Walker" in black ink.trams, tramways, closure, city of ballaarat, civic functions, secv

Demonstrates uniform cap manufacture for a SEC Inspector and has a strong association with Theo Dunstan.A well used - SEC Inspectors/Conductors cap - black cloth exterior, grey cotton interior lining, brown leather internal hat band, on exterior with a plastic band at the front half of the cap terminating in two small SEC gold coloured metal buttons on either side, black plastic peak. Missing the Inspectors trip or "braid" Sewn to the inside top of the cap, a white label with red printing "Commonwealth Government Clothing Factories Melbourne" and stamped "6 5/8".tramways, trams, ballarat, uniforms, cap, inspectors

Yields information about Ballarat tramcars in 1956, fleet lists, car numbers in use and defunct tramcars.Letter, two typed sheets, foolscap, from SEC Ballarat Office to Wal Jack on SEC Letterhead, dated 27 July 1956 replying to Wal's letter of 24 June, enclosing photographs and details of the present fleet (27 cars), modifications to cars 38 and 41, transfer of three trams from Geelong, single truck cars written off and car numbers not in use at present. Has the initials HWL:WM, signed H. W. Linaker as Manager. First sheet Watermark. trams, tramways, tramcars, ballarat, bogie trams

Yields information about Ballarat tramcars in 1956.Letter, one typed foolscap sheet, from SEC Ballarat Office to Wal Jack on SEC Letterhead, dated 27 Feb 1956 replying to Wal's letter of 25 Feb, advising of the mileage of 16, 18, 24 and 31 in Ballarat, the disposal of tram 16, additional bogie trams from Geelong and the ban of the use of 38 as a one man tram. Has the initials HWL:WM, signed H. W. Linaker as Manager. The paper has an Invicta Bond watermark. trams, tramways, tramcars, ballarat, bogie trams, 16, atmoea, one man trams

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Cover - Rudi Wurth, winner of the National Slalom and Downhill titles at Kosciusko, 1954. Page 2 - SEC has assisted Falls Creek Village again by installing a culvert for the Creek crossing in front of the Bogong Lodge. Page 3 - SEC is considering the possibility of giving skiers more freedom of movement on the road between Mt. Beauty and Howman's Dam.bogong ski club, falls creek road access, sec falls creek

Frank May gained employment with the SEC on 1st July 1950 and was initially placed at Mount Beauty as a clerk. In September 1950 he transferred to a similar position at the Rocky Valley Dam construction site. He worked from October to April at Rocky Valley but then moved to Bogong Village as the construction site was closed during the winter. In October 1951 he returned to Rocky Valley but in November 1951 government funding cutbacks forced the SEC to he and many others from the Kiewa Hydro-Electricity Scheme were transferred or retrenched. Frank was transferred to the SEC in Colac where he worked as a meter reader. During his time at Falls Creek, Frank was a member of the Bogong Ski Club and enjoyed many adventures skiing on the High Plains.These images are significant as they depict an early SEC working skiing at Falls Creek.Two black and white images of Frank Mayfrank may, sec falls creek, bogong ski club