This is a photograph of a railway camp, set up to house workers and their families when building the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway in 1916. 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. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels.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.A black / white photograph of a campsite kitchen. The kitchen is outside against a roughly constructed hut. There are three women preparing food. Two men are drinking from tin mugs. a small child is crawling on the ground and another is seated.on back - "Railway Camp"orbost-railway newmerella-railway-camp transport

Brought to Orbost by Wehner, Herman in 1889. Herman Wehner (1862-1937) was a blacksmith and married Agnes Scouller. He had foundation shares in Orbost Butter Factory.This item is associated with the Wehner family who were early Orbost residents.Large black iron kettle with long handle and long pouring spout.Bottom -underneath C. Clark & Co Ltd England, No. 6658, ? Quarts, No 4, First Qualitykettle cooking ironware clark wehner-herman domestic

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. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels. 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.A handsaw with a wooden handle and a metal blade with serrated teeth which continue around the nose of the blade.Marked V an upward pointing arrow Rsaw carpentry orbost-bairnsdale-railway orbost-railway-station

Brought to Orbost in 1900.A diamond shaped palm fan hand-woven in natural colours. It has a narrow handle and is closely woven.fan handcraft ethnographic new hebrides dress-ornament

This box was used by Lindsay Thomson's mother, Annie M. Thomson for the transport of hen eggs from Orbost to Melbourne by rail - C 1940's -1950's. 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. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels. 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. A wooden box with two inside sections and a wooden lid which is secured on both ends by large nails/spikes which are fitted into a groove and are then turned. On front and back in black stencilled letters A M T O B container railway eggs

This is a memorial plaque for John Scott Tomlinson, a member of Tomlinson family who were amongst the first settlers in the Lake Curlip/Tabbara area, along with the Richardsons.A rectangular brass plaque which can be screwed to a wall with screws at each corner. Written on the plaque are the words IN MEMORY OF JOHN SCOTT TOMLINSON. SECRETARY OF LOYAL ORBOST LODGE M.U.I.O.O.F. FOR 21 YEARS. DIED APRIL 16TH 1938. LOVED AND ESTEEMED BY ALL. as above.memorial-plaque john-tomlinson-plaque m.u.i.o.o.f.-lodge

Also black and white enlargement 16 x 25 cmBlack and white photograph showing fishing boat Black Fin aground on Coringle Beach, near Orbost. Picture shows boat on its side, some people onboard and small crowd on beach. Bow of boat facing beach. Lakes Entrance Victoriashipwrecks, coast, ships and shipping

This was owned and used by J.G. Ralston of Orbost. John Gavin Ralston was born 26 July 1914 at Eden, N.S.W. and came to Orbost in the early 1920's, with his parents and siblings. They lived at the corner of Tennyson and Salisbury Streets. Jack was educated at Orbost Higher Elementary School before being apprenticed to William Ross at the Snowy River Mail as a lino-type operator. He married Jean Cameron. After WW11 when he served overseas in the islands) He resumed his trade at the Snowy River Mail until 1949 when began J.G.& J.M. Ralston, Seed & Produce Merchants. Jack Ralston was very involved in the Orbost sporting community, the Presbyterian Church and the Orbost Municipal Band. He also served in the Orbost sub-branch of the R.S.L. He died on April 15 1967. (ref. Margaret Smith O.D.H.S. Newsletter) Collecting match box holders / grips was a popular hobby. They were made to fit over a box of matches for protection. Some were especially produced for significant occasions. This item is an example of a very common personal item rarely used today.A painted metal matchbox cover with a thin wooden matchbox inside. It is cream coloured with a picture of a cricketer being bowled out. In the top right hand corner is "OWZAT". The matches are Bryant & May's Crown Safety Matches. it is a rectangular cardboard box with a sliding cardboard drawer. The box has a paper label with text reading, "BRYANT & MAY'S CROWN SAFETY MATCHES" and an image of a crown. The top and bottom side has a purple striking paper, to light match. Bottom and sides of sliding drawer are a green color.J.G.Ralstonmatchbox-holder smoking-accessories ralston-j.g.

This book developed from a project undertaken by the Orbost Women's Awareness Group. It began as an activity in learning how to conduct "Oral Histories". With a substantial amount of information resulting the group decided to publish the information in the form of this book. Orbost Women's Awareness Group was originally the "Orbost Women's Pulp Mill Association" created in 1989 to disseminate information about a proposed pulp mill planned for the area. When the proposal became non viable the group continued to meet as an awareness group. It continues today as the Orbost Women's Awareness Group.This book is a research tool for those interested in the timber industry of East Gippsland.A spiral bound 44pp book with a photo of the forests of East Gippsland on the cover. The title is in cursive writing in white print. it contains the personal stories and b/w photographs of both women and migrants who have been associated with the timber industry in East Gippsland. timber-industry east-gippsland orbost-women's-awareness-group

Large demijohn donated by Tomlinson, Connie Miss) daughter of Tomlinson, John (Mr) who worked in Temple's then Herbert's store, then his own business - very keen worker for starting Orbost Hospital. Father was also secretary of Loyal Orbost Lodge for 21 years.Miss Tomlinson owned Connort (now Moogji building) and worked as a secretary at the Orbost Shire Council.This item is an example of an early 20th century ceramic container. The Tomlinson family was a prominent Orbost family in the early to mid 20th century.Large cream-coloured demi-john with screw top lid with rubber seal. Cylindrical body with domed shoulder, screw stoneware stopper. Handle from shoulder to neck.NOXO Products Pty Ltd Melbournedemijohn tomlinson-connie container-commercial stoneware ceramics

Used by Nance Gilbert, Orbost.This is a useful research tool.A blue covered book of songs with music and lyrics. Edited by Frederic Earp, Melbourne High School.In back is a handwritten song with notes below. On fly at front handwritten in red ink is : "Nance Gilbert".book music education earp-frederic

Used in a house in the Orbost district.Two coffee coloured openweave curtains with a scalloped fringe around the bottom. manchester - furnishings

Used at Orbost & District Hospital.This item is associated with Orbost & District Hospital,A large pair of metal tweezers with grip pad in the middle of each side. The pointed end has a claw for grasping. Possibly made of stainless steel.Medicon - Germanymedical-instruments tweezers

This item was used at Orbost Hospital.This item reflects the changes and development in medicine over the last century.A first aid kit in a metal carry case. It contains bottles, containers a thermometer, cotton bandages and iodine ampoules.TRAFALGAR (in red) FIRST AID KIT ( in green) Inside a green circle is a white cross. medical health orbost-hospital trafalgar-first-aid

These 2 photos are of Orbost men who were part of the 13th Light Horse volunteer regiment. This military training activity continued on after W W I. These photos were taken at the training camp at Seymour, Victoria. The Orbost troop would journey to other areas for training, sometimes to Bombala, and also practice on the Orbost Rifle Range. Although not identified in these photos, George William Wraight was a leader of the Light Horse Troop in Orbost and it is his daughter Dorothy Hepburn who has donated these photos. George W Wraight was the railway-station master at Orbost from 1935. The Troop often met at the Wraight house in Tarra Street, Orbost for training. George had been in W W I in the Middle East with the Light Horse. While at the railway station at Orbost, George had an accident and suffered 2 broken legs which meant that he could no longer work there. During W W II, he worked as a recruiting officer at Sale and Warrnambool. The Troop was disbanded in the c. late 1930s.Shows evidence of military training activities, Orbost district Two sepia photographs onto grey card. Both photos show a line-up of 20 soldiers standing at attention. Size is H-22cm W-34cmIn Line Picket 2 Troop C Squad 13 LH - written on to both photos13th light horse brigade, c squad 2 troop, military training, george w wraight

This bassinet was used for new born babies at the first Orbost Hospital. It would have been used before 1961 as in August 1961, the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Orbost Hospital bought ten new chrome plated cribs for the hospital nursery. These new cribs were on wheels and could easily be taken to the wards. (ref. Orbost Hospital History, Personalities and Stories by Margaret Hollands)The Orbost Hospital was completed by the end of October 1929 after more than twenty years of agitation and preparation. Orbost is an isolated town and the importance of the medical service in the community is immense. This crib is a reminder of its early history.A very rusty wire baby's bassinet. it is oval shaped and has four connected legs. It could be hand made.bassinet health orbost-hospital medical, bassinet health orbost-hospital medical

Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She was a fine amateur photographer who supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert)This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the early 20th century.A hand-crafted toy fluffy dog. It is cream coloured with brown patches.It is made from sheep skin and has a pink silk protruding tongue, ears lined with brown silk and felt foot pads. It has one glass eye.handcraft toy needlework warren-helena

Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She was a fine amateur photographer who supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert)This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the families of the early settlers.A hand-made papier mache basket in a floral pattern - roses, pansies and frangipanni. It is coloured red, purple, cream and green. It has a glossy finish. It is octagonal shaped and has a handle.papier-mache handcrafts warren-helena

This medal was presented to J.G.Ralston by the Orbost Cricket Club in 1929 for Fielding. John Gavin Ralston was born 26 July 1914 at Eden, N.S.W. and came to Orbost in the early 1920's, with his parents and siblings. They lived at the corner of Tennyson and Salisbury Streets. Jack was educated at Orbost Higher Elementary School before being apprenticed to William Ross at the Snowy River Mail as a lino-type operator. He married Jean Cameron. After WW11 when he served overseas in the islands) He resumed his trade at the Snowy River Mail until 1949 when began J.G.& J.M. Ralston, Seed & Produce Merchants. Jack Ralston was very involved in the Orbost sporting community, the Presbyterian Church and the Orbost Municipal Band. He also served in the Orbost sub-branch of the R.S.L. He died on April 15 1967. (ref. Margaret Smith O.D.H.S. Newsletter)John Ralston was a prominent Orbost citizen.A 9 ct gold shield-shaped medal with a small hanging hoop. In the centre is an embossed picture of a batsman at the wicket. This is inside a circle. The bottom edge is decorated with leaves. The medal is inside a thin leather look wooden box which is hinged and has a push button metal latch. The box is brown and the inside lid is padded.on back - OCC At bottom - 9 ct Presented to J.G. Ralston Fielding Trophy 1928-1929cricket-orbost sport ralston-john-gavin medal

This copy was used by Jean Ralston (nee Cameron) of Orbost. She was married to Jack Ralston. John Gavin Ralston was born 26 July 1914 at Eden, N.S.W. and came to Orbost in the early 1920's, with his parents and siblings. They lived at the corner of Tennyson and Salisbury Streets. Jack was educated at Orbost Higher Elementary School before being apprenticed to William Ross at the Snowy River Mail as a lino-type operator. He married Jean Cameron. After WW11 when he served overseas in the islands) He resumed his trade at the Snowy River Mail until 1949 when began J.G.& J.M. Ralston, Seed & Produce Merchants. Jack Ralston was very involved in the Orbost sporting community, the Presbyterian Church and the Orbost Municipal Band. He also served in the Orbost sub-branch of the R.S.L. He died on April 15 1967. (ref. Margaret Smith O.D.H.S. Newsletter) This item reflects community affiliation with the Presbyterian Church as well as being a popular domestic reference item for many households. A cardboard covered spiral bound recipe book with a colourful cover - photographs of prepared food. Above the photos is the title, "P.W.M.U. Cookery Book" in black print.front cover: Jean Ralston handwritten in blue pen Inside back several recipes have been handwritten.cookery recipes book-cookery p.w.m.u.

These pencils were supplied to the Orbost railway Station office to be used for clerical work. They were used by Victor Smithers who was the Assistant Station Master at Orbost from 1957 - late 1960's. He was also a reliever until the 1970's after which he returned to Ormond Station on the Frankston line where he worked until his death in 1979. 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. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels. 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.Two coloured pencils. 2580.1 is a hexagonal blue pencil and has "Wolff's Emperor MADE IN AUSTRALIA". 2580.2 is a round red pencil with "Wolff's Fintorex MADE IN AUSTRALIA coloured copying". Both have "VICTORIAN RAILWAYS" marked in gold lettering on the sides. orbost-railway-station smithers-victor

Hardcover book of sermons preached in the early days of Victoria by the Rev. Thomas Hastie with a short account of the growth of the Presbyterian Church in that colony. Published by Andrew Elliot, Edinburgh, 1877, 386 pages.Book of sermons with an historical introduction to life in 1840s Port Phillip.thomas hastie, presbyterian church, buninyong

Worn by the grandmother of Marjorie Burton (nee Whiteman) in England early 19th century. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. When she was admitted to Waratah Lodge, Orbost, following a stroke, her daughter Ann Quaadgras donated a number of her mother's personal belongings to the Orbost & District Historical Society. Marjorie died in 2015.These items are examples of the needlework skills of women in the 19th century. They are items which are no longer commonly worn.Two night caps. 2483.1 is a pink lady's night cap, hand sewn and cotton edged in lace. It has been embroidered with pink flowers. the straps are red. 2483.2 is a hand sewn man's night cap of pale striped cotton. It is brown, and grey stripes on a white background with white tapes for tying. night-cap sleepwear burton-marjorie

The children in this photograph are Frank abd Ivy Warren. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert). This photograph has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A black / white studio portrait photograph of a young boy and girl standing against an outdoor wall. The girl is wearing a long white dress and has a ribbon bow in her hair.The boy a tunic with a wide belt and lace collar. His long sleeved have wide cuffs. The photograph is an oval shape on a grey / white background.warren-frank warren-ivy

Likely used by the Jensen family who were early settlers in the Martin's Creek area, 35 miles north of Orbost, along the Bonang - Orbost Road in c. 1890. Peter Jensen came from Denmark. A flat iron blade, sharpened on the bottom and attached to a wooden handle. The blade has a pointed end.BRADES CO.shingle-making roofing-shingles house-construction

The tennis racquet belonged to John Phillips who used it in the late 1950s / early 1960s. It was not a new racquet when Ihe started using it, but a pass-me-down from his father. He purchased his first new racquet in the mid 60s and gave this racquet to the Orbost Museum to go in the racquet press so that people would have an idea of what the item (press) was used for - to stop wooden framed racquets with gut strings from warping. John played tennis at Orbost Tennis Club from 1969-1981 - vice president 1971-77, president 1977-81, secretary of Orbost & District Tennis Association 1975-81. He is a Life Member of the Orbost Tennis Club (1980). John is also a Life Member of the Orbost & District Historical Society.This item is an example of an early piece of sports' equipment which was manufactured using different materials.A wooden tennis racquet with a reinforced cane handle. The handle has a black leather grip. The frame is wooden ash with gut strings.ALL ENGLAND Genuine Weather Proof SLAZENGER Reinforced Cane Sealed finishtennis-raquet sport recreation phillips-john orbost-tennis-club

These items were owned and used by Alice Pow (nee McWilliam), known as Maccie. Maccie was a nurse who came to Orbost in 1936. She was highly respected in Orbost for her nursing skills particularly during the 1938 outbreak of polio, Most patients were cared for in their homes and Miss McWilliam was sent out to care for them. Over 14 months she travelled 9560 miles supervising their treatments. She eventually married Mr Hec Pow who had been left to bring up his three daughters after his wife died.. The Pows lived in Orbost where Hec Pow was worked with his father Fred at the saw mill in Cabbage Tree. Maccie Pow was a member of the Orbost Bowling Club, Red Cross and Orbost Golf Club.Three vase shaped pottery shakers. Each has a cork stopper i n the base and sprinkle holes on the top. They are pale green coloured to half way and the rest is pale green with pink flowers. The surface is dimpled. On the base : ANDOVER Made in Japanchina tableware shakers pow-maccie mcwilliam-alice

This item was owned and used by Alice Pow (nee McWilliam), known as Maccie. Maccie was a nurse who came to Orbost in 1936. She was highly respected in Orbost for her nursing skills particularly during the 1938 outbreak of polio, Most patients were cared for in their homes and Miss McWilliam was sent out to care for them. Over 14 months she travelled 9560 miles supervising their treatments. She eventually married Mr Hec Pow who had been left to bring up his three daughters after his wife died.. The Pows lived in Orbost where Hec Pow was worked with his father Fred at the saw mill in Cabbage Tree. Maccie Pow was a member of the Orbost Bowling Club, Red Cross and Orbost Golf Club.An oval shaped metal food cover made of pressed tin painted tan. It has a loop handle on the top. The sides slope outwards and it is seamed on both sides. The bottom edge is rolled. The sides have a perforated design for air flow.food food-protection kitchen-ware pow-maccie mcwilliam-alice

This wooden box was possibly a plain brown box which has been hand decorated with shells and pieces of glass. It might have been stored on a mantelpiece or dressing table and was used to store "bits and pieces". The Australian Natives' Association (ANA), a mutual society was founded in Melbourne, Australia in April 1871 as the Victorian Natives' Association. In 1872 it voted to extend membership to men born in the other Australian colonies and changed its name at the same time. The Association played a leading role in the movement for Australian federation in the last 20 years of the 19th century. In 1900 it had a membership of 17,000, mainly in Victoria. The ANA provided sickness, medical and funeral cover. Membership in the ANA was restricted to men born in Australia.The ANA consisted mainly of energetic middle-class men aged under 50. In 1880 the ANA committed itself to the federation of the Australian colonies, and provided much of the organisational and financial support for the Federation Leagues which led the campaign, particularly in Victoria. (ref Wikipedia)This item is an example of a small hand decorated container used to store domestic items. It might have been stored on a mantelpiece or dressing table.A wooden box with a hinged lid. The outside lid is decorated with shells and glass. There is a keyhole at the front. Inside the box is padded and lined with cream/gold decorated paper. It contains photographs, cards a 1906 calendar, postcards, postage stamps and a membership card for A.N.A. - Orbost Branch No.267container handcraft a.n.a.