The photograph shows the Orbost Town Band playing in the procession for the Bairnsdale Carnival. The Bairnsdale band was defunct at this time. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall This is a pictorial record of the Orbost Brass Band. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A black / white photograph of a band playing in a procession with onlookers standing in front of shops.on back - "Bairnsdale"orbost-town-band music entertainment

The bridge shown in the background was built in the 1920s as a road and rail bridge, and was partly washed away by flood waters in 1934. There is no known history of this item.This photograph is a contemporary record of rural life in Orbost in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of a group of young girls dressed up and posing on the banks of a river. On the left hand side of the photograph is an older man and on the right is an older lady. In the background is a bridge - the first Snowy River bridge. The photograph is on a cream coloured buff card. orbost snowy-river

This photograph was taken at the 1937 Back to Orbost celebrations. Some of the family names recorded are: Boucher; Farquhar; Nixon; Richardson; Gilbert; Henderson; Rodwell; Herbert; Cameron; Reynolds; MacDonald; Cowell; Lyons; Warren; Pleydell; Ralston and Perry.This is a useful research tool. It is a contemporary pictorial record of Orbost residents in 1937.Two long black / white photographs of a large group of people standing or sitting outside a building. 983.1 has some names written underneath it. Both are on grey buff cards.on front - "Orbost Celebrations 1937 Back To School'orbost-back-to-celebrations-1937

This photograph was taken at a combined denominational Sunday School picnic in 1905. The group was at the Orbost Show. Back Row: Miss A. winchester; Mr A. Royce; Miss M. Pardew; Miss D. Pleydell; Mr a. Pardew; Mr G, Ford Next Row: Mrs J. Pleydell; Mrs Hossack; Mrs Kant; Mrs J. Cameron; Mrs Stirling; Mrs H. Ross; Mrs Draffin; Mr Hossack; Mr Winchester Next Row; Mrs Shortell; Mrs Shortell; Mr Battley; Miss C. Pleydell; Miss J. Munro; Mr D. Munro; Mrs Scharlemann Front Row: Mr A. Munro; Mr Kent; Miss M. Hildyard; Mrs BattleyFor many years the people of Orbost enjoyed the fellowship of the church and the children, in particular, were socially and spiritually involved. This item is reminiscent of that time.A black / white photograph of a group of ladies and gentlemen sitting outside on tiered seats. The ladies are wearing hats and the men , in suits, are holding their hats. The photograph is on a cream buff card.on front - list of namesreligion sunday-schools churches-orbost orbost-show-1905

This is a photograph of the Saunders Family at Orbost 1888-89. It is Arthur and Agnes Saunders with their children, Beatrice, Cyril, Hilda and Vera. Arthur Scott Saunders was born 1864 in Orbost and died 3.12.1913 in Orbost where he is buried. He was the son of Son of Thomas Frederick Saunders and Lucy Beard Scott. He was a storekeeper at Orbost, a member of the early Show Committees, a Rechabite in 1893, and was a member of the Board of Guardians of the Church of England from 1894 to 1913 where he served as secretary and treasurer of the Board. His wife was Agnes Louisa Stuart Morriss who was born in 1862 and died 26-11-1938 at East Malvern and is buried in . Orbost cemetery. She sold the business in 1919 to Mr J. H, V. Dale. She left Orbost with her two daughters for East Malvern in April 1927. Saunders General Store was opened in 1900, overlapping part of the present Mensland and Coultons. The ―Melbourne Store‖ refers to it being a branch of their Melbourne store. The shop was burnt down in the early 1930‘s. ( info. from Saunders Family Newsletter by John Phillips)This is a pictorial record of a prominent early Orbost family and is a useful research item.A black / white photograph of a family group with the parents seated and their children standing around them. In the background is a wooden fence. It is on a beige coloured buff card.on front - "Saunders family at Orbost" on back - " Saunders family at orbost, 1888 - 1889"saunders-orbost

James Hossack and his wife, Penuel, arrived from Scotland to Geelong on Christmas Day 1852. James and Penuel had one daughter, Penuel who married Robert Pullar Cameron at Orbost. They had two sons, James(1858) and George(1860). James Hossack farmed "Brooklands" which he bought from John Cameron The Hossack family was a prominent Orbost family with strong ties to the Presbyterian Church in Orbost. This item is a part of the Hossack family history.A black / white photograph of a family group with the mother seated on the left and the father on the right and twin girls standing between them. Three smaller children are seated in front. It is mounted on a grey buff card with the names written at the bottom.on front - "Charlotte, Jessie, Lizzie, James, Alex, Penuel & Jim Hossack"hossak-family-orbost

This photo shows the group of ladies who were the official collectors for the Red Cross 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 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 post card of a group of nine ladies wearing white uniforms with red crosses on the front. They are wearing hats / veils.on front - "Leila Perry, Grace Cameron,Nell Cameron, Jean Cameron, Flora Cameron, Jean Stirling, Lily Perry , Anne Stirling" on back - "For Historical Society - official collectors for Red Cross 1914-1918 War"red-cross-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) The railway line was destroyed and was not expected to be opened for a fortnight. Orbost was cut off by 50 square miles of Snowy River floodwater. This train was being shunted across the viaduct when waters smashed through washing away several trucks sending the crew running for their lives.This is pictorial evidence of a significant local event. It is connected to the history of the railway in East Gippsland.A large black / white photograph of flooded railway yards with a train engine stranded on a small section of track surrounded by water and debris.on front - "1971 Flood, Railway Yards"floods-1971-orbost orbost-railway natural-disasters-orbost

Broadmeadows was home to the major army training camp for the Australian Imperial Force. The land was previously known as Mornington Park. It was a wide field, suitable for military practice, including training for the Light Horse regiments. It is the current location of the Maygar Army Barracks on Camp Road in Broadmeadows. To reach the camp, soldiers marched from Victoria Barracks in St Kilda Road and headed north up Sydney Road, only resting near Fawkner Cemetery. Soldiers slept in tents and food was basic. Training was hard, but it did not prepare soldiers for a modern war with machine guns, gas, shells and aeroplanes – technology that did not exist in previous wars. Some men only completed a few months training before departing on troopships from Port Melbourne. Once overseas, some soldiers received further training in Egypt. It is likely that these men are associated with the Orbost district.This photograph is a reminder of the personal stories of those who were involved in WW1.Two copies of a black / white photograph on dark grey buff cards. The photos show a group of soldiers having a meal. Some are sitting on the ground with others standing behind them.on back of 989.1 - "Sept 14 Broadmeadows"w.w.1 broadmeadows-army-training-camp

There is no information associated with this photograph.This item is a pictorial record of prominent Orbost citizens.A very faded black / white photograph of seven men sitting and eight men standing behind them. All are wearing a lodge sash and apron. It is on a grey and red buff card.on front - "Regan J. Nixon Sheffield Herbert Mundy Wener Mundy J.Russell Olney GDP J Drew Dr Kerr Mundy ' front bottom - "C. Mason Photography Bairnsdale"m.i.o.o.f

This photograph shows the wedding of Maggie (Fran Margaret) Middleditch form Murrangowar to Frank Day who worked in the local saddler's shop. An article in the The Snowy River Mail and Tambo and Croajingolong Gazette : ORBOST PETTY SESSIONS. 8 April 1909 Constable O'Shannassy proceeded against Frank Day on a charge of being unlawfully in possession ol four kangaroo skins. Frank Merson Day was born in 1887 and died 1950. he was the son of George Seears Day and Annie Grose He and Maggie had four children : Eileen Margaret Annie Day; Francis Day; Anne Day and Frank Day. This is a pictorial record of a social event in Orbost in the early 20th century. Those recorded have connections to Orbost.A large black / white photograph of a wedding party. The bride and groom are surrounded by family. Some are seated and most standing in front of some tall trees. There is a photocopy with a list of those in the photograph.on back - "Mary Gilbert"day-frank middleditch-maggie

This photograph was taken at the "old station" at Corringle near Orbost. It was a popular picnic spot. Late in 1857 Mr Thomas T. Stirling took over Corringle Run ("Corringle" means "shallow water"). Mr Stirling and his family came from the wester district - Winchelsea. He settled at the Old Station. A few people were employed at the Orbost Stationb and there was settlement on the Orbost flats, Mr T. T. Stirling held the land from Lake Tyrers to Bemm River as a cattle run. About 1888 he became Secretary of the new Tambo Shire.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 people sitting in a clearing under some trees having a picnic. On the left - hand side is a young boy on a horse.on back - "Old Station"old-station-orbost family-life

This photograph shows members of the Orbost Agricultural Show committee about 1908 with L to R : S. Lynn; John Russell; Mat Lynch; W. Warren; John Johnson; Will Cumming & Geo. Perry. 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) 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. A faded black / white photograph of seven men standing outside with trees in the background.on back - " Orbost Agricultural Show" and list of men in photograph.orbost-agricultural-society annual-show

Patriotic Fund Raising days were held in order to raise money and support for the soldiers fighting overseas. In the photograph are L to R: Marion Gilbert; Annie Nixon; Jean Cameron; Hattie Nixon and Grace Cameron' 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 / postcard of four ladies and one little girl dressed in Red Cross outfits standing in front of a cart loaded with patriotic goods for sale. A sign on the cart has ":SOLDIERS' COMFORTS" on iton back is a list of namesorbost-red-cross ww1

This photograph is of a combined Sunday School group of children at the old showgrounds about 1905.Sunday School at that time involved a lot of commitment on the part of the teachers towards the children and this was reflected in the efforts they went to to make Sunday School an interesting and enjoyable event. Going to Sunday School was an important part of children's lives in the early 20th century in small towns such as Orbost. This item reflects the importance of Sunday Schools and the churches in Orbost in the early 20th century.A large soiled black / white photograph of many children sitting on bench seats, some standing in an outdoor area.on front - "Combined Sunday School Picnic - Old Show Grounds about 1905"orbost-churches orbost-sunday-school

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