The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It came into being as a branch of the British Red Cross Society on August 13th 1914 to succour the wounded in the First World War. Carnivals were held in Orbost during war times to raise money for the overseas troops. This is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost. It reflects the involvement of Orbost, a small town, in the efforts of the Australian Red Cross Society to provide comforts to soldiers during World war 1.A black / white photograph / postcard of four women in white uniforms standing in front of a cart filled with goods for sale. The cart is decorated with Union Jack flags.on back - "Patriotic Carnival 1914-1918"orbost-red-cross ww1

The Old Station at Corringle was a popular picnic spot in 1901. 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.This is a contemporary pictorial record of rural family life in Orbost in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of a group of early settlers (it appears to be a family group) having a picnic underneath trees. There is a young boy on a horse on the left hand side.on back - "Picnic at the Old Station"family-rural-life-orbost old-station-corringle

This photograph shows the Richardson family having a picnic on the verandah of Captain McNeil' house at Marlo - April 1897. Snowy River Shipping Company formed in 1880. They were soon shipping produce (mainly vegetables) from the area to Melbourne. The Snowy River Shipping Company was formed by Mr Henry James during the 1880s, with Captain McNeil as master. Captain Hegarty was the shipping agent at Marlo. Towing a line of small barges these paddle steamers plied their trade between the port of Marlo, and the farms along the river banks, churning their way almost twenty miles upstream to a landing beside what is now Frank Richardson’s property. On these trips, the barges carried mail and supplies to the townspeople and farmers, loading their produce, mostly maize, on the return trip to the coast. The coming of the railway in 1915 spelt the end for the little river boats. ( ref. F. W. RODWELL in the “Snowy Review”) Frank Richardson 1877-1950 was a sawmiller at Tabbara and helped build and run paddle steamer "Curlip"as engineer. Captain McNeil was an always cheerful Marlo identity and local children had many times sailing with him on the river. Captain McNeil with tug went out through the entrance and brought in the schooners.This item is associated with the Richardson family, early settlers of the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a group of people having afternoon tea on the end of a verandah of a wooden house. All are seated.on back - " The Richardson family picnic at Marlo"richardson-family-orbost-marlo mcneil-captain

This photograph shows George Temple's store which began operating C1888 opposite the post office in the main street of Orbost. The store stocked other stores at Bendoc supplying the gold fields. The men with their pack horses are on their way to the survey camp. George Temple, born in Yorkshire on 26/2/1832 was one of the earliest Orbost storekeepers. Temple's Store was on the corner of Ruskin and Nicholson Streets opposite the post office. He packed stores to the Bendoc area goldfields. The store building eventually became part of Herbert's store when he died in 1917.This item is associated with the very early history of Orbost. George and Mary Temple were early shopkeepers who operated a store opposite the Post Office for many years. Their daughters were very talented women.A faded black / white photograph of men with pack horses standing outside George Temple's store, The Orbost Equitable, in the main street. It is on a cream coloured buff card.temple-george-orbost gold-fields-bendoc

This photograph shows the main street of Orbost and in particular, the Orbost Post Office. The wagon in the photograph is on its way to Cann River.This photograph is a pictorial record of the township of Orbost in the early 20th century,A black / white photograph with a cart drawn by three horses. Standing in the street are three young girls and a man. There is a motor car, roof down, on the right hand side. There are two dogs in the photograph whic has been taken outside the post office in the main street of Orbost. There is a hand-drawn cross on the roof of the building adjacent the post office. Buildings are wooden.on back - "X indicates bank, caravan and ? horses is coach bound for Cann River, meeting place"transport-orbost post-office-orbost

This photograph shows Mr John Bird ( 3rd from left) ; Mr John Gilbert and Mr Lance Herbert among others having a picnic at the popular beach paddock at Old Station, Corringle, on January 1, 1897. 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.This photograph is a portrait of rural life in the late 19th century. It is an insight into the dress, manners and activities of the first settlers of Orbost.Two copies of a black / white photograph of a group of men and women picnicking on the sand under tall trees.on back - "Beach Paddock - Old Station -1897" with a list of namesold-station-orbost rural-family-life

Before official competition began in 1894, scratch matches were held in the Old Station paddock. The Orbost football club players were known as the Busters and wore green and gold guernseys. An Orbost football team has participated in the East Gippsland League since the early 20th century. In 2003 in response to a dwindling population, the Snowy Rovers and Orbost Football Clubs were driven to merge into the Orbost Snowy RoversFootball 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 large black / white photograph on a cream coloured buff card. It shows three rows of men, one seated, dressed in football uniforms. The photograph has been taken outdoors.There are three copies.on front - "Orbost Team 1906" There is a list of names.sport orbost-football recreation

This photograph is possibly a theatrical group on stage. There is no information with the item.A black / white photograph on a brown buff card. It is of a group of eight people, four men and four women, sitting and standing in front of a painted backdrop.

This photograph shows ladies at a patriotic carnival selling goods to help troops during WW1. The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It came into being as a branch of the British Red Cross Society on August 13th 1914 to succour the wounded in the First World War.This is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost. It reflects the involvement of Orbost, a small town, in the efforts of the Australian Red Cross Society to provide comforts to soldiers during World war 1.A black / white photograph of five women in uniform and a small boy in uniform and cap, standing next to a cart selling goods.ww1 orbost-patriotic-carnival

This photograph shows a group of WW1 returned soldiers at a special dinner which was held at the old show ground. Those in the photograph are: Frank Cowell; Jack Irving; Les Waller; Tom Martin; Dick Beattie; Bill Russell; Bill Cowell; Dave Williams; Col Cameron; Bert Shaw; Jack Gluth; Henry Thomas; Alec Butters; Mrs A. G. Nixon; Nell Cameron; Grace Cameron; Ivy Richrdson; Nita WinchesterThis is a contemporary pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost. This item, associated with WW1 is a reminder of the involvement of the Orbost men who served in that conflict and the appreciation of their efforts by the Orbost communityA long black / white photograph of a large group of men sitting at tables having a meal . There are some women standing behind them. They are outdoors. The photo is in a light pink wooden frame under glass. 1010.2 is a copy.at front on paper label - "A DINNER GIVEN TO RETURNED SOLDIERS OF 1914 - 1918 WAR" and a list of names.armed-services ww1 orbost-soldiers

There is no information with this item.An oval shaped black / white photograph with a white paper frame. it is of four soldiers sitting outside a dugout. Two men are smoking pipes.on back - "5153?????Mitchel. Depot Pay Office......N.S.W."ww1 armed-services soldiers-dugout

From L-R : Nathan Spielvogel, Hector Young, Percy Watt and George Holden. . Taken on the front porch at Illfracombe in 1908 after the four men had enjoyed a weekend fishing There appears to be a photo hanging on the wall in the background which looks like it could be of a young Marion Watt and the family's dog, a golden retriever In "The Gum Sucker at Home: Bound for Croajingolong 1908" by Nathan Spielvogel, published in Mary Gilbert's Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District, 3rd edition, p. 107-116, Spielvogel talks of his trip to Orbost, and fishing with Watt, Bruce and Young aboard Percy Watt's boat, the Maris Stella. Spielvogel's story says Young was the secretary at James & Birds auctioneers and "was one of the builders of the first foot bridge over the Backwater". It says George Holden was a Bank Manager at the Bank of Victoria. (info. from Campbell Watt) This photograph shows Mr Nathan Spielvogel on the left. He was a school teacher at the Orbost State School following Mr Rowe. Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874-1956), teacher, writer and historian, was born on 10 May 1874 at Ballarat, Victoria, son of Newman Frederick Spielvogel, pawnbroker, and his wife Hannah, née Cohen. 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 Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874–1956) 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. The Watt family were early Marlo settlers.A black / white photograph / postcard of four men sitting around a small table playing cards. Two of the men have pillows behind their heads. Three are smoking pipes.on back - "On R - N. Spielvogel"spielvogel-nathan-orbost

Alec Cameron was one of the young boys in this photograph. He was the son of Robert Pullar Cameron who was an early settler on the Orbost flats. Alec, (like his sisters, Flora and Penuel) had a beautiful singing voice. He married Annie Nixon and had children, Frank, Wilfred, Dorothy, Alice, Edie and Isobel.This item is a pictorial record of the social life of young people in Orbost in the first half of the 20th century. Children in old photos show us the similarities and differences between their time and ours.A black / white photograph of a group of eleven young boys dressed in different outfits, all holding guns. They are standing outdoors with a wooden building in the background.on back - "Alec Cameron"cameron-alec orbost-youth

This photograph shows three generations of the Russell family in Orbost. On the left is John Russell with his son Bill Russell and his wife Ede and their son Ian. John Russell Senior was a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). Bill was born at Orbost in 1893, the youngest son of John and Elizabeth Maud (nee Clarke). Upon his father’s retirement he took over the homestead part of the holding, 1,000 acres of river flats and hill land. He was involved in dairying and was also a successful beef cattle breeder and maize grower. He was elected to the Orbost Shire Council in 1929 and shortly afterwards was President for 18 months (from May 1930 to August 1931). He served a further term as President in 1934-35. He represented the South riding. He was chairman of the Bean Board and a well-known horse and show judge and a member of the Royal Agricultural Society. He was an elocutionist of some note and a member of the committee of management of the Orbost Hospital. He was also a prominent member and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge and a Justice of the Peace. He served as president of the Orbost Golf Club and assisted with the preparation and layout of the present Orbost Golf course. This item is associated with the Russell family, early settlers in the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a family. A lady is in the middle with a man on each side and a young boy in front. They are standing outside a house in the garden.on back - "3 generations, Johnny Russell, Ede & Bill Russell & Ian Russell"russell-family-orbost

This photograph shows men working goldfields - possibly the battery mines at Club Terrace or near Bendoc? Clarkeville?This item is a pictorial record of the gold mining history of East Gippsland.A black / white postcard / photograph of a group of miners in the foreground with horses an wagons in the background on gold fields.gold-mining-east-gippsland

Mr Carl Otto (Clyde) Drevermann was born at Lucknow and worked in various parts of Victoria before coming to Orbost in about 1902. In July 1902 he entered into partnership with Mr Edward Fisher Reynolds and the ironmongery, hardware and tinsmithing business was carried on by the new firm as Drevermann and Reynolds. In about 1905 Mr Drevermann assumed proprietorship and the tinsmith and plumbing section of the business was sold off to Mr Edward Swan. The ironmongery, hardware and timber business was known as Carl Dreverman & Co until 1917 when it was changed to Orbost Hardware and Timber Co. This shop had a row of nails on the window sill to prevent people sitting on the ledge. He married Carrie Bird and had children: Molly and Bill. Carl died in 1946.This is a pictorial record of a general store in early Orbost. It carried general merchandise, a variety of goods and staples needed by the surrounding community. The rural general store played a vital in regional communities throughout the 19th century and into the 20th century.. A black / white photograph of the inside of a shop with many good displayed on the floor, walls and ceiling.on back - "In Dreverman's shop"dreverman-carl-orbost shops-hardware-general

Tennis days were always held at the tennis courts at Bete Bolong. Those in this photograph are: (L to R) Alan Richardson; Jack Irvine; Marion Nixon; Molly Thompson; Inez Pardew; Stacy and Cleve McKeon. This item is a pictorial representation of Orbost in the 1930s. It records a common recreational activity - the dress and social aspects of tennis at that time.A small black / white photograph of seven people sitting on a wooden bench. They are dressed in tennis outfits - probably white.on back - "Tennis at Bete Bolong" with a list of namessport-tennis bete-bolong recreation

This photo shows people at the running of the Orbost Cup in 1890s. The Orbost Race Club was founded in 1890. Many early members were: George Morgan, James Cowell, J. Farquhar, J. Cameron, L. Herbert, S. J. Lynn, Arch. Rodwell, J. Ashby, A. W. McLeod, W. Middleton, W. Archer, J. Pleydell and J. Drew. The races were conducted on a course laid out in a paddock of Mr James Cowell at Jarrahmond. (info. from Newsletter HISTORY OF ORBOST) This item is associated with horse racing in early Orbost.A black / white photograph of a large group of men, women and children at an outing in a bush setting with a large flat area. They appear to be watching an event. Many of the women are holding opened large umbrellas. It is on a grey buff card.horse-racing-orbost orbost-race-club

This photograph was taken at the Farmers Conference held in Port Fairy (possibly June 1916). The local men in the photograph are; Archie Rodwell; Sam Lynn; Percy Nixon; Frank Nixon; John Russell; Jacob Perry; John Johnston; Keith Lynn and John Gilbert.This item is associated with agriculture which has always been a significant part of Orbost's history. The men in the photograph are prominent early settlers of the Orbost district.A large black / white photograph on a grey buff card. The photograph shows nine men, dressed in suits and overcoats standing outside a stone / brick building.on front - " Farmers Conference at Port Fairy" with a list of namesagriculture-orbost farmers-conference-port fairy

This photograph was taken during the 1971 floods at Orbost. The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)This is a contemporary pictorial record of a significant local event.A large black / white photograph of a man, dressed in shorts and a checked shirt, sitting on a fence post surrounded by mud. He is holding on to the leg of a cow which is stuck in the mud.on front - "Mr Harrison on Tracey's Dairy" on back - " Herald 11 Feb 1971"floods-orbost-1971 tracey-dairy natural-disaster-flood

There is no information with this item. John Tynan's Victoria Agricultural Implement Factory began making ploughs in 1857. His company is also believed to be the first to have produced drilling tools suitable for use in basalt quartz-load gold mining. Tynan was the first person to manufacture swing ploughs. His ploughs won numerous prizes, including the first gold medal ever given in Victoria for a colonially made plough.This is a photograph of an early farming tool.A black / white photograph on a discoloured cream coloured card. It is of a shiny new plough on a carpet with walls and drapes in the background.on cutting arm - Tynan Bros Prize Ploughphotograph-plough-tynan

There is no information with this item. "The Pyramids", was named due to huge rocks that jut out from the hill, being shaped similarly to the Egyptian Pyramids. " Where the Murrindal River winds between high limestone bluffs before disappearing into a mountainside and becoming an underground river, four miles north-east of Buchan, is the region known as The Pyramids. It is an area of limestone caverns and sink holes overshadowed by three rock stacks. Some of the caves are the last resting places of long dead Murrindal animals." ( from MBW Walk magazine 1970 - Melbourne Bushwalkers"A hand-painted colour photograph of a view of mountain ranges with men on horses in the background.on front - "Pyramid Gorge Buchan"pyramid-gorge-buchan murrindal limestone-caves

There is no information with this photograph. It could be associated with the construction of the East Gippsland Railway.This is a pictorial record of construction work in the early 20th century. It shows the use of hand tools and horse and cart transport.A black / white photograph on a black buff card. It shows men working with picks and shovels to construct a pass. There is a horse and cart in the foreground.road-construction railway-construction civil-engineering

This photograph shows entrants in the fancy dress competition at a swimming carnival held at Cameron Lagoon (the billabong at the back of the football oval) in 1898.This item is a pictorial record of community recreational sports common to the Orbost district in the 19th century.A small black / white photograph of six men in fancy dress standing on a plank of wood suspended over water. One is holding a bicycle.on back - " Swimming Match, Cameron Lagoon, fancy dress 1898"recreation-orbost sport-swimming cameron-lagoon

This photograph is of Mr J.W. Lynn riding over the jumps. In the background ids the first motor car in Orbost - 19132. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall) Equestrian events have always been an integral part of the show. This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. Horse riding as a recreational and sporting activity has always played a significant role in the social history of Orbost.A faded black /white photograph of a rider and horse jumping over a fence. People are watching. It appears to be a male rider.on front at bottom - " 1912 Orbost Show" on back - "1st motor car - G. Nixon, Orbost Show J. W. Lynn riding over jumps"equestrian orbost-show recreation

The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. Horse riding as transport, a recreational and sporting activity has always played a significant role in the social history of Orbost. A small black / white photograph of several small groups of people at an agricultural show. Some are walking, others are on horseback and some are in carts / coaches. They are in an open grassed area with trees in the background.equestrian orbost-agricultural-show recreation

This photograph shows spectators watching the Orbost Races on the flat in 1899. Some of the earliest horse races were held on a course in a paddock belonging to Mr James Cowell at Jarrahmond. For a long time horse races were part of the Marlo Picnic Races. Bellagoogan on Majors Creek near Orbost was the site of the first race course.This item is a pictorial record depicting the popularity of horse racing in Orbost in the late 19th century.A black / white photograph of a large group of people in the background with three horse carriages under trees. Some ladies are sitting in the open carriages which are parked underneath tress. Some are holding open umbrellas. It is on a grey buff card.on front - " On the flat. Orbost Races 1899"equestrian orbost-horse-racing recreation

This is the annual photograph of Grades 111 and 1V for pupils of the Orbost State School. 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 Head Teacher Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second Head Teacher, 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. This item is associated with the history of education in Orbost.A black / white photograph mounted on brown car. There are five rows of school children standing outside a wooden building. Some are sitting and others standing. A female teacher is seated on a chair in the second front row. A girl in the front row is holding a card - "Grades 111 & 1V Orbost".on front - "W. Stanley Vogt Bairnsdale"orbost-state-school education-primary-schools

This photograph appears to have been taken during the construction of the rifle range just north of the Orbost township. "The photo shows the range stop butt being formed by the scoops being pulled by the horses. It appears that the rear of the mound there is a wall of logs lining it, most likely to help with being eroded or washed away. They haven’t yet formed the mantlet and target machines." ( Info, from Victorian Rifle Association) The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. After Federation in 1901, rifle clubs came under army control, but in 1921 they were reconstituted as a civilian organisation, which they have remained ever since. After World War I a system of national training was embodied in the Defence Act and the rifle clubs reverted to their purely sporting role. A black / white photograph of four men and four horses standing an a soil bank with another man, a lady and a small girl at the base of the hill. It is in a clearing in forest. It appears to have a row of targets set at the edge of the bank. The photograph is mounted on a very mouldy cream coloured buff card.on front - "Wood" ; "Rifle Range - 1901" ; "Orbost 1901"sport-shooting orbost-rifle-range

Could be Cape Conran. Both Ruby Richardson and Mr O. S. Green have associations with the Orbost district.A black / white photograph mounted on a grey buff card. It shows an ocean view with a ship in the background, rocks in the foreground.on back - "From Ruby Richardson - Mr O. S. Green"ocean-east-gippsland-sailing-ship