The Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) was opened on March 28, 1987. It was officially opened by Dr D. Caughey, the governor of Victoria. The Orbost Visitor Information Centre is situated in Forest Park on Nicholson Street. The centre is housed in the historic Slab Hut. The hut was an original family dwelling built in 1872, on a site approximately three kilometres upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers. The Hut was removed from its original site around 1970, and stored until 1984 when the Shire Council approved the current site. It was restored and brought to life as a Tourist Information Centre in 1987.The Slab Hut is an icon of Orbost. These newspaper articles are contemporary records of the opening of this building.A selection of articles from The News and the Snowy River Mail. All relate to the opening of the Slab Hut, the Orbost Visitor Information Centre. They are photographs, information and the history of the Slab Hut.slab-hut-orbost newspaper-snowy-river-mail

On 24 January 1991 a severe hailstorm occurred in Orbost. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1991 damage at $12 million. This newspaper records contemporary accounts of significant local events.A Snowy River Mail newspaper, dated 30.1.1991. the main article relates to the severe hail storm in Orbost on January 24, 1991. The newspaper contains news articles, photographs and advertisements.hail-storm-orbost-1991 snowy river mail

In early 1974, as an Engineer with the Country Roads Board, David came to Orbost as the Supervising Engineer for the construction of the new bridges which were part of an 8.4km Orbost bypass road design. This was a major project involving not only a new bridge over the Snowy River (including Lochiel Lagoon), but other bridges over Ashby’s Gulch and Watt’s Gulch. These new bridges were opened in November 1976 with the unveiling of a plaque on the eastern end of the $2.4M Snowy River Bridge. The new bridge, built by the CRB at a cost of $2.4 million, is 1.6 metres above the record flood levels of 1971. (ref. May Leatch) This newspaper contains contemporary reports of a significant event in Orbost.A Snowy River Mail newspaper, dated 1.12.1976. It contains news articles, photographs and advertisements. The main article relates to the official opening of the Snowy River Bridge and the unveiling of a plaque on the eastern approach. It also contains a history of the first Snowy River Bridge.snowy-river-bridge orbost-bridges snowy-river-mail

This item was used by Victorian Railways 1970's/1980's. It was used at Orbost Railway Station for the consignment of timber from Orbost to Westall.. Westall was a major timber-receiving depot near Dandenong, Victoria. Westall railway station is located on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines in Victoria, Australia. It serves the south-eastern Melbourne suburb of Clayton South, opening on 6 February 1951. Westall station was opened as a workers only platform on 16 October 1954. It was provided for the adjacent Martin & King railway coachbuilding factory. The station was opened to the public on 1 June 1959 when all trains on the line began stopping there. 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.An unused brown/buff coloured goods/freight consignment envelope used by Victorian Railways, this one for timber from Orbost to Westall. It is DL size.2497-78 VICTORIAN RAILWAYS G.F 63 From ORBOST to WESTALL MASS Tonnes kg Vehicle No Contents TIMBER Consignee Date orbost-bairnsdale-railway westall

This is a ball ticket purchased by Marilyn Morgan C1950's.Community events such as balls were an important feature of the mid 20th century. This was pre-television and night social events were well attended. This item is reminiscent of that era.A pale pink coloured rectangular shaped ticket made of cardboard. It has fluted gold edging. The wording is in black " Orbost Urban Fire Brigade and Orbost & District Table Tennis association CABARET BALL Friday May 28th at Assembly Hall. B.Y.O. £14 double £7 single"7 written in red ink on left hand top.recreation dancing ticket cabaret

This ticket was for an entertainment at Brodribb for the celebration of the incoming bi-centennial year, 1988. The bicentenary of Australia was celebrated in 1988. It marked 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet of British convict ships at Sydney in 1788. Many events were organised to celebrate the occasion.The Apex Club of Orbost was a volunteer service club which contributed to the Orbost community. A declining population has led to the demise of many social groups in the area. The Apex Club, like other groups in Orbost have organised social events for the local community for many years.A rectangular shaped cardboard ticket coloured white/cream. On the front in brown print is " APEX 'Up the Broddy' new Year's Eve - '87/88 WElcome in the Bi-Centennial Year BYO barbecue and drinks. 50/50 dancing - prizes and games. Light supper provided. Entertainment for all the family. $10 per family/couple". In red is 000052.celebration bicentennial-celebration-orbost

Colours of ticket reflect school, colours of green and yellow. The ticket was issued for a ball/celebration for the centenary of Orbost Primary School. This school was the earliest primary school in Orbost established in 1886.Orbost Primary School was the earliest primary school in Orbost. A centenary celebration ball would have been a popular local event.A rectangular shaped yellow card with a fluted gold edge. Printed in green is "ORBOST PRIMARY SCHOOL 2744 CENTENARY BALL 1886 - 1986 Venue - Orbost Assembly Hall 8.00pm -2.00am Saturday Nov. 1st Music by "MAINSTREAM" Cost $15 per head. Supper provided -BYO drinks & glasses." In bottom right corner is No.56orbost-primary-school-centenary celebration

This is a program for the 7th Annual Timber Ball held in August 1996. It was sponsored by the Timber Industry.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 these balls are no longer held. Community balls and dances are becoming rarer as more home entertainment is available and musical tastes have changed. This item is reminiscent of a previous social activity.A pale mauve coloured paper folded in half as a program. Print is black. Front page is framed with a graphical musical frame. Underneath print are images of two timber trucks on either side of a tree. The wording is : "Members of the Orbost Timber Ball Committee welcome you to our 7th Annual Ball Saturday 24 August 1996.' Inside are the names of committee members and sponsors. dancing recreation orbost-timber-industry

Young Farmers is a network of clubs for young people aged 16 to 30. Young Farmers helps people meet new friends, improve skills, participate in their community and have fun. Activities range from weekends away to casual BBQs, field days, balls, farm tours and team events. (ref. Victorian Young Farmers Inc.) Traditionally a debutante ball was held for debutantes to formally come out into society. Debutante balls continue to have a devout following in parts of Victoria, particularly in smaller regional areas.Community dances/ balls are an important part of Orbost's social history and this item reflects that.A white/cream sheet of paper folded in half. It has black print "ORBOST YOUNG FARMERS CLUB DEBUTANTE BALL 5th OCTOBER 1973 President Mr Colin Granter Secretary Miss Helen Codey". Inside are lists of the official party, flower girls and debutantes with partners.dancing ball debutantes-ball

Published by the Orbost Golf Club.The golf club was established in 1906 it was originally formed as the Snowy River Golf Club and played on private land near the banks of the Snowy River just to the south of town. In the 1930’s the Golf Club relocated to its present site and was renamed Orbost Golf Club. The land was shared by the Show grounds and Racing Club. Orbost Golf Club later acquired the land outright to provide a permanent home for golfers in Orbost and surrounding district.A thin, 24pp booklet with a grey cover titled "Orbost Golf Club Rules". It contains the rules of the Orbost Golf Club and has a loose sheet with amendments. The cover has blue print.orbost-golf-club recreation sport golf

Massey Herbert was a prominent Orbost citizen being the youngest candidate In Orbost's history to have been elected to the shire council. This letter was written by Massey Herbert for Marilyn Morgan as a job reference. Marilyn worked at Herbert's Snowy River Store in Nicholson Street, Orbost from 1.1.1966 until 27.4.1968.Associated with a well-known Orbost business which started in 1888 and finally closed in c.1970.A typed letter of reference from Massey Herbert for Marilyn Morgan. It is typed on a Herbert's Snowy River Pty Ltd letter head. The header is green and red print and the text black. The envelope is 2599.2.herbert-massey snowy-river-stores morgan-marilyn

This was created for the annual Orbost Show 1975. It provides information to potential exhibitors. 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 HallThis 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 six fold sheet of white paper with information on categories for the Orbost Annual Show, March 10th 1975. Tet is black print.orbost-show

This ledger was used initially by H. James & Co., Shipping and General Commission agents in Orbost in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Henry James (1860-1932) was a well-known identity in the Orbost district.He was a stock agent and auctioneer. H. James proved a very keen businessman and did well. He eventually formed agencies, conducted an auctioneering business and controlled the bean market. He also helped to establish the seed bean industry in Orbost and was the second secretary of the Snowy River Shipping Co. as well as a shire councillor and prominent member of MUIOOF.Henry James (1860-1932) was a well-known identity in the Orbost district.He was a stock agent and auctioneer who helped to establish the seed bean industry in Orbost. He was the second secretary of the Snowy River Shipping Co. as well as a shire councillor and prominent member of MUIOOF.A heavy ledger. Covers are heavy cardboadr coloured green It has a brown leather spine. the bottom right hand corners have been cut off. It contains records of auction sales and lists goods sold on assignment.on spine : LEDGER On the first 3-4 pages in pencil are O's and 's gamesjames-harry shipping-orbost auctioneer

Local land boards were community based "tribunals" consisting of a chairman appointed by the the state government and two(?) local members who were there or their knowledge of local land management practices. These boards were establishe in the mid-late 19th century and generally dealt with disputes about fencing, water rights, general land enquiries and the opening or closing of local roads.This document is a record of local land issues in the late 19th century. A sheet of paper, held together with sticky tape, stating the names of cases to be read by court regarding land. document land-use land-board gregson

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.This item is associated with an early transport business of the local district. The Snowy River once had its own paddle steamers. This item is reminiscent of that time.A light blue and white blank cheque for the Snowy River Shipping Company. The cheque is for The National Bank of Australasia and is numbered 01,491 in bold black print. It has a one penny stamp duty imprint.snowy-river-shipping-company james-harry

These documents were written and prepared for Lindsay Thomson, Scott Street, Orbost. The correspondence is for costing of freight delivered for use by Lindsay as a builder.These documents are 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.Seven documents relating rail freight. Two are cash deposit accounts to Lindsay Thomson from Victorian Railways. There is correspondence and receipts referring to the rail freight. Both typed and hand-written information.2609.1 on back handwritten in pen "L D Thom(p)sonthomson-lindsay railway-freight accounts

These are copies of an original video shot by Ray Barling on the day that the Orbost-Bairnsdale line closed in 1987. He used a hand-held video camera from his cabin on the train, The video was shown at the 2016 Centenary Exhibition in Orbost. 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. On April 10 1916, the first scheduled train service left Orbost for Bairnsdale. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened 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, The video was shown for the first time at the Centenary Exhibition held in Orbost, by the Orbost & District Historical Society, t created much interest leading to the production of the videos.Two copies of a D.V.D. titled"Last Train To Orbost 21 August 1987". The cover is a photo of the last train.rail-closure orbost-bairnsdale-railway

The video shows Laurie LIght, a sleeper cutter for 42 years, using a swing saw. There is also a video of a lyre bird display. Laurie Light was born on May 12, 1938 to parents, Arthur Vernon Light and Nellie Hall. He started work with his father, a sleeper cutter for the Victorian Railways, at the age of 16. (More info. from newsletter LAURIE LIGHT, SLEEPER CUTTER - Heather Terrell)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. It is also associated with the timber industry of East Gippsland.A D.V.D. of pictures and a video on Laurie Light, a sleeper cutter from 1950-1992. The disc is in a clear plastic case with a black insert. It is a copy of the original. this copy was probably made in 2016.On disc in red marker : "LAURIE LIGHT SLEEPER CUTTING with swing saw and lyre bird display"sleeper-cutting light-laurie timber-industry-orbost

John Harding Nixon (Jack) was born in Orbost on July 16, 1905. He married Lydia May Trewin and had two boys, Max and Brian.He was a successful farmer, making the most of the land he owned, growing maize, seed and green beans and also dairying.This item is a pictorial record of early agriculture in the Orbost district.A disc of farming scenes of Max and Jack Nixon Snr on the Jarrahmond flats at Orbost.nixon-john-harding-jack agriculture jarrahmond

In October 2006, Orbost Secondary College 9/10 Enhancement Studies Class worked to preserve the memories of the Orbost community with three short films describing recollections of Orbost floods. There are ten stories including memories of the 1952, 1971 and 1991 floods. They are narrated by various Orbost identities - Anne Bridges; Kay Lynn; Ken Edlington; Margaret Adams; Max Reynols; Shirley Reynolds and Ngaere Donald.Floods have been part of the history of Orbost since settlement. These stories record impressions of local people.A D.V.D. in a black plastic case. On the cover ia a brown sketch of a tree. Above in black print is the title, "Flood Stories" with " Year 9/10 Enhancement Studies 2006 presents" at the top.sticker and stamp - Orbost & District Historical Society

The Orbost Workers' Band and the Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. This photo, taken in 1907, is probably of the orbost Town Band. In the photo are : Percy Watt, Geoff Beattie, Bill Gluth, Charles Spink, Bert McCay, R. Cotterill, Fred Smooker, George Draffin and Jin Lynn. The various Orbost bands have played a major role in the Orbost community activities as well as providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. A black and white photograph of two rows of men,front row kneeling and back row standing. The men are dressed in suits with waistcoats and are wearing hats.Each is holding a brass instrument.

This book was produced by Ron Anderson, a resident of Cann River in 1985 - 159 years following the establishment of Victoria. It contains a collection of photographs as well as a brief history of the Cann River District. This book is a pictorial record of Cann River and as such is a useful research tool.A large format black covered book, titled, "The Cann River Collection Volume 1". On the front cover is a black and white photograph of a four-wheeled buggy pulled by four horses standing outside a hotel. It contains a collection of photographs of the Cann River district.

These are photos of the second Orbost Butter Factory built in 1916 in Forest Road Orbost.These photos are pictorial records of the Orbsot Butter Factory.Two b/w postcards of the Orbost Butter Factory. Both are copies of the originals.2627.1 on back ; John Scouller and Jo Cross standing behind grave of Dan the Cookorbost-butter-factory

This photograph was taken inside the Orbost Butter Factory. The person standing near the large piece of equipment might be Ray Holmes. The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district for many years.A b/w photograph of a man in white overalls and black boots with white soles. He is standing to the right of a large butter churn.

This photograph was taken inside the Orbost Butter Factory.The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.A b/w photograph of a man in a white short-sleevedoverall standing behind vats of butter inside the Orbost Butter Factory.

The second Orbost Butter Factory was based in Forest Road.The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.A coloured photograph of a large white building - the Orbost Butter Factory.

This booklet was the result of a class project at Orbost Primary School. It was created by the year 6 students assisted by Terry Hooper, teacher, and Debbie Hall, a local historian. 2227.1 was owned by Ruth Legge and 2227.2 by Jean RalstonThis booklet is a useful research tool.Two copies of a 100 pp light green paper covered magazine/booklet titled "Yesterday's Memories are Tomorrow's Treasures". The print on the front cover is black and has a black/white photograph of the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) below the title which is inside a scroll border, The booklet contains b/w photographs and details of the history of Orbost.2227.1 : on contents page - "Ruth 1992" 2227.2 has autographs inside the back cover. book orbost-history orbost-primary-school

2228.1 belonged to Ruth Legge. 2228.2 belonged to Mary Gilbert. This book was produced as a souvenir history of Orbost Primary School. The Orbost State School opened on 19th of March 1886 .The school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond. The first head teacher was HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, 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 then 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. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. When fire destroyed the school in 1941 local halls were used as classrooms until a new school was built. Work was quite rapid and a new brick structure was opened by the Hon. A. E. Lind, MLA, on 13th of February 1942. The head teacher then was Leslie Collins. Orbost continued to develop and the new school was soon over­taxed. This resulted in the erection of two Bristol classrooms in 1947. By 1950, when the school population had reached 500 pupils the opening of the new school at Orbost North was welcomed by all concerned. In 1963 the Department purchased land diagonally opposite the school and developed it as a playing area. In 1965 two LTCs were opened in November, and in October 1968 the Brodribb School building was moved to SS2744 Orbost for use as a general purpose room. This book is a useful research resource.Two copies of a yellow paper book book. On the front cover is a sketch of some trees beneath the title which is in green print ( these are the school colours) . This is a souvenir record of the history of Orbost Primary School.2228.1 has autographs on the back fly.orbost-primary-school book orbost-history

The history of Marlo dates back to the days when ships voyaged between Melbourne and Lakes Entrance. Attempts were made to use the Snowy River for trading purposes but the bar at Marlo proved too dangerous. The school opened on 3rd of July 1903 with the HT Walter Scott. At present Marlo is noted for fishing and tourism. The fete, held each Easter, is a major fundraiser for the school and all money goes towards sustaining the schools Music ProgramThe Marlo Fete is a significant yearly event in the local community. This book celebrates that. It is a useful research tool.A stapled 31 pp A4 sized booklet produced to celebrate 40 years of the Marlo Fete which is held annually at Easter at Marlo Primary School. It contains photographs, history and recipes. On the white front cover below the title (black text) is a coloured photograph of two young boys with faces painted and holding fairy floss.marlo marlo-primary-school celebrations fetes

The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This is the thirty-second edition of the annual magazine of Orbost High School. The magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school. This 32nd issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine is a useful reference tool.A white 62 pp light card covered magazine. On the front cover in the middle is the title in green print. Around it are photographs of men and women - staff of Orbost High School.orbost-high-school magazine croajingalong