This photo shows Jas Lynn of Orbost driving a team of bullocks pulling a large cart of maize. They are taking it to the fisherman's Wharf in Lakes Entrance. Maize has been grown on the Orbost flats since the late 19th century. Transport was always an obstacle to economic sucess. For a few years prior to the First World War and the construction of the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost, a lot of maize was carted by horse and bullock teams to Lakes Entrance for transhipment to the Melbourne market. At that .time yields of 90 to 100 bushels of maize were quite a common occurrence. James Lynn, a member of the East Gippsland Maize Board, farmed at Jarrahmond.This photograph is associated with the large maize growing industry in the Orbost region. A black / white photograph of a bullock team pulling a large, loaded cart. It is being driven by a man standing on the side of the road, holding a whip. In the background are houses and a telegraph pole.on back - " Carting maize to Lakes Entrance in 1911."transport-bullocks maize-orbost lynn-james

This photograph shows a class of students with a teacher from the Jarrahmond School around 1910. Jarrahmond State School, 2745, which opened on 19th of March 1 886 with Campbell Mackay as head teacher operated on a part-time basis with State School 2744 Orbost, which opened at the same time. The first building, erected on the bank of the Snowy River, was moved in approximately 1892 to McLeod's Lane. In 1914 a new building was erected by George Lurkins, and this catered for the local children until a school bus service took them to Orbost in 1949. The school building was transferred also and became an integral part of State School 2744 Orbost. This photograph is associated with the history of education in the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a lady seated with three rows of children around her. the photograph has been taken outside a wooden building.on back - Jarrahmond School 23 years ago.jarrahmond-state-school education-orbost

This photograph is of the low level bridge across the Bemm River about 50 km east of Orbost in East Gippsland.This is a pictorial record of the 1913 low level bridge across the Bemm River, East Gippsland.A large black / white photograph of a horse - drawn wagon on the low level Bemm River bridge. In the foreground on the bridge is a dog.on back - "Country Roads Board Princes Highway low level bridge"

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

This machine was given to Ada Healey as a child. Ada Healey was for 20 years a volunteer and organizer at the Orbost Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre). She was known for her craft skills and was a particularly fine knitter. Ada was the only child of Tom & Queenie Warne, born in Bombala/Delrgate. She was married to Keith Healey. The Healey family were early settlers in Marlo.This is an example of a toy given as a "teaching" toy. It was used by its owner to practise sewing before graduating to an adult type machine.A small hand-operated sewing machine. The body of the sewing machine is painted black. The top arm appears to have been painted in a white/cream colour. The machine could have been used to make small articles. There is no bobbin.On the stand- A.L.L.sewing handcraft toy toy-sewing-machine

Used as a pickle bottle by Mary Gilbert, local historian and Orbost high school teacher. . Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.Mary Gilbert, B.E.M. was devoted to Orbost. She taught in Orbost for 40 years. She fostered the Orbost Historical Society and initiated the establishment of the Orbost Museum.Cut glass square shaped bottle with lid (202.2). Square designs with large diamond shape in centre.glass-container gilbert-mary

The seated man has been identified as Albert Maddern, France 11/3/1919, 3rd Division Signal Company, World War I. This is a studio photograph of Albert Maddern (Orbost) and another soldier. The name of A W W Maddern is inscribed on the W W I Orbost Roll of Honour of those who served from this district in W W I. A photograph of an Orbost man who served in W W I.A b/w photograph H-21.8cm W-15.2cm of two men in military uniforms, one man seated, the other man standing. world war i, albert maddern

This was A Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre) display item. It may have been used as a coal scuttle or a maize shovel.A well-used cast iron shovel with a tubular fitting for a handle. BRAD?cast-iron shovel

Used at the Orbost Information Centre, the Slab Hut, for various celebrations - possibly 20th birthday in 2007, and for Australia and Anzac Days.A Canadian flag. The National Flag of Canada (also known as the Maple Leaf) consisting of a red field with a white square at its centre, in the middle of which is featured a stylized, 11-pointed, red maple leaf.

Used at the Orbost Information Centre, the Slab Hut, for various celebrations - possibly 20th birthday in 2007, and for Australia and Anzac Days. A synthetic rectangular American flag. It consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the top left corner with fifty small, white, five-pointed stars horizontal rows.The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen first states in the Union.flag orbost-visitor-information-centre american-flag

Used at the Orbost Information Centre, the Slab Hut, for various celebrations - possibly 20th birthday in 2007, and for Australia and Anzac Days. . 1 is a hanging length of natural coloured canvas, a hammock, which can be suspended between two trees or other supports and used as a seat or bed. .2 is the storage bag. hammock orbost-visitor-information-centre

Donated by Mary Gilbert passionate historian of Orbost. Her work in education and community was recognised by the award of the British Empire Medal.This item is an example of an early 20th century porcelain domestic item.Small porcelain cup and saucer. Green background with gold plated circle and violets on front.Bottom of cup - "267cup saucer domestic-items-crockery porcelain gilbert-mary

Ethel Locke (nee Powell), daughter of Selena Jane And Henry James Powell, was awarded this set of teaspoons at an Orbost Show.This set of silver-plated spoons has aesthetic significance as well as being representative of trophies awarded at an early Orbost Show.A blue/grey leather like case which is padded inside and has a push in catch. It contains 6 silver-plated teaspoons and a pair of tongs.Back of spoon handles - R P 727517 EPNScutlery-spoons pringle-robert silverware powell-family

This is a photograph of Nathan Spielvogel.. Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874-1956), teacher, writer and historian, was born on 10 May 1874 at Ballarat, Victoria. 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 and this book reflects that time. Spielvogel 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 Spielvogel 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.A black / white portrait photograph, head and shoulders, of a man with a goatee beard and moustache and wearing a large hat. he is wearing a buttoned waistcoat, jacket and bow tie.spielvogel-nathan author-spielvogel

This is a photograph of a railway camp, set up to house workers and their families when building the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway from 1914-1916. The man in the foreground was one of three men killed in an explosion "noon on the railway construction works at Hagen's Cutting, about two miles from Orbost, three men being killed. The victims were John Carroll, con- tractor, his son, Peter Carroll, and John Sullivan, a navvy. The gang had just finished work, and the three stayed behind to draw a blasting charge, which had missed fire yesterday. J. Carroll was using a pick, and it is presumed that the tool struck a percussion cap, and fired the charge. He and Sullivan were killed instantly, Carroll being literally blown to pieces. Fragments of his body and garments were recovered from the surrounding bush, and the main portion of the trunk, with leg attached, was hurled a distance of 200 yards. Peter Carroll was terribly- injured, and he died before medical aid arrived." (from The Mercury Saturday March 114 1914) 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. There is a kitchen outside a rough construction. Men and women are standing in the backgroundd with one man and a dog in the foreground.on back - "Man with dog killed in explosion"orbost-railway transport railway-bairnsdale-orbost explosion-railway

This was retrieved in 1982 by Geoff Stevenson. It was a part of the original jetty at Tabbara on the Brodribb River used by Samuel Richardson who established his mill in .1882. The first saw mill plant at Orbost was set up early in 1876, There was a constant demand for timber to supply the growing townships of Orbost , Marlo and surrounds. It was at this mill that the original paddle steamer Curlip was built. More information in "Curlip" by May Leatch.The Richardson family was one of the very early settler families to establish themselves in the Orbost district. Before the Richardson's mill was established, settlers in the Snowy region either rough cut their own timber or had to bring it in from mills some distance away.A portion of a post from the old Tabbara jetty on the Brodribb River - Samuel Richardson's mill . There is still some original preserving tar on it. It has two holes, one with a bolt attached. It is possibly made from mahogany cut on the site.richardson-samuel tabbara-jetty brodribb-river

This spike came from the old Brodribb River bridge which is about 9.6 kilometres from Orbost. The Brodribb River joins the Snowy River north of Marlo. In 1906, a bridge replaced the punt over the Brodribb River, improving communication with Orbost. It was eventually replaced by a reinforced concrete bridge built by the Road Construction Authority in 1989 where the Princes Highway passes over the Brodribb RiverThis item belongs to a significant local structure which has been replaced.A very rusty iron bridge spike from the old Brodribb Bridge.brodribb-river bridge-spike

This ticket is for a dinner given by the Shire of Tambo to welcome the Victorian State Governor, his wife and parliamentary guests to the official opening at Bruthen of the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway on Tuesday 11th January 1916 at 1pm. The cost was to be five shillings. Bruthen Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916, as part of the Orbost railway line. The station officially closed on Monday, 24 August 1987.This item is associated with the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway.A light green ticket with black print - "Welcome Lunch for His Ex The Gov & Lady Stanley and State Cabinet and Parliament at Bruthen Mechanics Institute". It has been endorsed by H.S. Howlett, president of the Shire of Tambo.bairnsdale-orbost-railway bruthen-event

This is the tiller from the SS Stormbird which traded for the Orbost Shipping Company (1906-1915) between Marlo and Lakes Entrance. Mr Peter Nixon (Min. for Transport and for the Navy, 1970s) and Mr Arthur McMullen had the wheel and mast which had been recovered from the wreck of the SS Stormbird in New Guinea. Mr Nixon donated this wheel to the Orbost Historical Society in 1969.The S S Stormbird was an auxiliary-ketch which was owned by the Orbost Shipping Company (Henry James was the principal shareholder and manager of this company). It, along with the Coringle and the Wongrabelle were the main steamers owned by this company. These boats also carried sails. The significance of this item lies with its association with the shipping trade which serviced this region prior to the railway coming in 1915/16.A ship's tiller wheel, made of wood and faced with brass. The wood is painted black. It has eight spokes and handles to grip in order to steer a boat/ship. Two of the grips have strong rope or wire rope wrapped around them.ss stormbird orbost-shipping-company ship-fitting

In 1956 television came to Australia, just in time for the Melbourne Olympics. Television sets were very expensive, they were comparable to buying a car. This television set was purchased in Wonthaggi in 1962. it originally had a 12ft long trailing antenna. Mr Ernie Baker of Farmers Lane, Orbost, set it up to receive Channel 12 (in black and white) with power generated from the Orbost Butter Factory.This item is an example of one of the first television sets to be used in Orbost.A television set in a wooden case (laminated ply). It has speakers on both sides and a picture tube protruding at the back. The television has a wood casing, a glass tube screen and a control panel with channel changer, volume, on/off switch, brightness control at the front of the set. media television communication

This book was published by the Municipal Association of Victoria to commemorate the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The addresses were made on the occasion of the Duke &​ Duchess of Cornwall &​ York's visit to Melbourne in May 1901. They were in the city for the opening of Federal Parliament which took place at the Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens on 9 May 1901. .This item is associated with the history of the Federation of Australia and is a useful research tool.Hard-covered book, red cloth, with gold impressed lettering, containing 118 pages of illustrated copies of addresses to HRH Duke of Cornwall & York and His Excellency, Earl Hopetoun, the Governor General from the Shires of Victoria (includes Orbost). The addresses are surrounded by elaborate borders containing native flowers, particularly wattle. There are alsos cenes of rural Victoria. Incised on front cover - Addresses to H.R.H. Duke of Cornwall & York and his Excellency the Gov. General, the Earl of Hopetoun from the Municipalities of Victoria.federation duke-of-cornwall speeches-addresses

Donated and worked by Ruth Woodward. Ruth was a member of Richardson family which was one of the pioneering families of the Orbost region from the 1870s.A cream cloth runner, woven body with hand worked designs in diamond shapes, cream fringe.cloth-runner hand-embroidery

The local logging industry had its beginning back in 1882. The first batch of timber was cut in a sawmill at Orbost on the Brodribb River.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.A very large framed black / white photograph of a large group of timber workers in a bush setting. Above and below the photograph are their names. The names can be clearly read. The photograph is on a white buff card under glass in a black frame.Names are type - written above and below the photograph.timber-industry

The association was formed as a means of giving Marlo residents a voice with the then Orbost Shire Council. It has continued as the Marlo Ratepayers & Residents association.This is associated with the history of Marlo which is a small town which has a close association with Orbost. Marlo sits at the mouth of the Snowy River and was the port for Orbost. It came under the Orbost Shire Council. A small dark blue covered diary with "Diary" in gold print written diagonally across the top and in the centre "MARLO PROGRESS ASSOCIATION" in light green print with "MEMBERSHIP 5/-" in light green print underneath. It is unused.marlo, east gippsland, coastal communities, orbost shire council, progress association, memberships

From Grand United Order of Oddfellows. MU100F - membership and competition. 1966-67 winners in "B" Class - Loyal Orbost Lodge.Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This was a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.Membership and competition certificate from Bairnsdale district. Large certificate with large painting of Collins Street Melbourne in wood and glass frame.document oddfellows certificate lodge muioof

Called a silage or hay knife, this implement is used to cut through compacted silage or hay and was in common use on farms in the Orbost area. An implement used in the farming industry which was, and is still, very significant to the Orbost region.A flat iron blade with large serrations on one side, two handles both with round wooden hand-holders. farming-implement hay-knife silage-knife

This crochet tea cosy was made by Marjorie McKeown who was member of the early pioneering families of the Orbost district. She was an expert needlewoman.An example of Australiana in design.A hand crocheted white / echru coloured tea cosy with an Australiana design which incorporates two kangaroos and a bush setting on the front and back. The cosy is lined with yellow satin and a deep yellow ribbon is threaded through the sides to hold the tea cosy together. The ribbon ties into a bow at the top of the cosy.tea-cosy womens-arts-crafts crochet australiana-design

This screwdrivers is a woodwork toolused for driving screws into materials or for securing or loosening parts on machinery. It was probably used on a rural property in early Orbost...This is an example of a domestic tool commonly used in the first half of the 20th century before the widespread use of power tools.A large steel flat head screw driver with a rounded, wooden grooved handle.tool screwdriver woodworking

These scales were in the Dicken building in Nicholson Street Orbost. Frank B. Dicken and his son, Selwyn, were General Merchants. These scales are an example of a commercial measuring instrument used in Orbost before the common use of the metric system and digital scales.A large set of commercial scales painted white. The measuring scale gives the weight in pounds and the price per pound. There is a brass plate with NO A572/19951 W. & T. AVERY LTD.On front in green print - AVERY Beneath scale in green print - SOLE AGENTS On a brass plate - MACHINE ??????? "WHITE KNIGHT" AUSTRALASIAN FNO4 BRITISH MADE SCALE CO LTD TRULY LEVEL BIRMINGHAM ENGLANDscales measuring-machines weights dicken-frank