Blue fabic hardcover Children's book, Rob and I, by C.A. Mercer with a coloured front cover illustration in a fancy border and rectangle of a boy and girl out walking in the country. Red lettering for the title and black for the author. The spine has a res box for the title with the publisher at the bottom in a yellow box.fictionA story of a family and the children's adventures in a country village in England. The carved motto written in Latin over the fireplace in their home, translates to - 'By Courage and Faith' and their father comments it is a strong reminder to all of a good way to live. children's fiction, adventure fiction, morals fiction

A green hardcover book, Subtropical Cultivations and Climates - a Handy Book for Planters, Colonists, and Settlers, by R.C Haldane, on agriculture for subtropical countries especially Australia. Plain front cover, gold lettering on spine of title, author and publisher. Contains some black and white illustrations and charts.non-fictionA non fiction book by R.C. Haldane on subtropical cultivations and climates - agriculture for Australian planters, colonists and settlers.agriculture, subtropical plants, australian climate, early settlers

Merve from Auntie Zillie and Uncle Henry. with love Xmas 1927Grey hardcover children's book The Boy Ranchers by Willard F Baker with brown and white illustration on front with two boys riding horses in the rocky country. Cover has title and author, spine has title, author, publisher and illustration of a cow.Merve from Auntie Zillie and Uncle Henry. with love Xmas 1927children's fiction, adventure stories, books

Probably original to Mt Buffalo Chalet. Listed in the Draft Inventory of Significant Collection items. Appendix A.3, Snow sports equipment and other recreational items. (Pg 166 Historica). "Smoker's were well-catered for at the Chalet, and Smoking Rooms in similar resort establishments were considered to be a necessary facility. A guest house in the Blue Mountains in 1905 offered the' full comforts of a refined home' with views, spacious verandahs, tennis court and smoking room. James Boyce commented on expectorating smokers in the the Chalet's public rooms and recommended the provision of spittoons." (Pg 101. Historica) PROV . Undated photo of bedroom sitting room with same chrome ashtray, there are 3 in the MBC Collection. (Fif 52. Pg 63 Historica) Similar ashtray sighted on Ebay listed as Victorian Railways Spitoon, February 2012.3 x Brass and chrome standing spittoons with bulbous bases and bowl on a stem.

Appears to be a Victorian Railways platform seat dated possibly from 1925 onwards when Victorian Railways assumed management of the Chalet. 4 other slatted bench seats are sited in the the games room which was built in 1925. '(Fig 43. Four bench seats like this example on the front verandah are in the Billiard Room. they resemble furnishings used by the Victorian Railways.' ( Pg56. Historica Cultural Heritage Project. Mount Buffalo Chalet Collection. Prepared for Parks victoria, 2011) Listed in Appendix A. Draft Inventory of significant Collection Items. (Pg 162 Historica.)Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection ItemsLong green painted wooden seat. Made of slats with four leg supports (some are metal) at regular intervals. Slightly curved back.

Appears to be original to Mt Buffalo Chalet. "A number of specific items, which have been useful in the day to day operations of the Chalet, remain in the building with each complementing the other to provide context, meaning and character to their setting. Items such as the hall porter bell, the many signs providing information to the guests, the wall clock, barometer and dinner bell point to the Chalet being a well-run social institution with a pleasant environment for rest, recreation and congenial company." (Pg 81 Historica, MBCC) This temperature gauge has a plaques inscribed "Presented by C.P Sanderson 7/08/1973. It is not known who this person was. Listed in Draft Inventory of significant Collection items. A.3 Fixtures and fittings. (Pg165 Historica Cultural Heritage Projects. Mount Buffalo Chalet collection. Prepared for Parks Victoria, 2011)Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection ItemsSmall circular silver coloured temperature gauge mounted to wall. Plaque attached below temperature gauge. Face is white and has a glass cover.Plaque below barometer: "Presented by C P Sanderson / 7 - 8- 1973"

Ice skates used to skate on Lake Catani. Ice skating was a popular activity for guest and visitors to Mt Buffalo. Ice skates were provided for hire by the the first Lessee of the Chalet, John Newton and also Norwegian born Hilda Samsing, who took over from him in 1919 and did much to pioneer and promote winter sports in the Victorian Alpine region . Ice cover on the Lake has not been sufficient for safe skating for many decades. 'After its initial popularity, skating at Mount Buffalo dwindled in the post-war years. According to Museum Victoria curator, Michelle Stevenson, few collections hold historic ice-skates, so any early examples identified in the Chalet collection will be important for their rarity." (Pg 94. Historica) 'Ice-skating was a popular recreational activity in the later nineteenth and early twentieth centuries...According to Michelle Stevenson, Australian Collections hold little material culture relating to its practice other than images and film. The few pairs of ice skates in the Chalet collection, which are in good condition, are important for their rarity as well as for illustrating the popularity of skating on Lake Catani prior to WW2.' Pair of black leather ice scates, mounted on wall. Skates feature white laces, metal blades and brown leather reinforcing area around laces and ankles.Boots are stffed with 1993 newsprint.On skate blade, "Made in Canada 11 1/3 CCM / Senior A" On boot sole , "Made by J Molony " plus worn name label.

'The collections of winter sports equipment in Australian museums are small and few in number... The pair currently displayed on the Lounge wall has cable binding, a characteristic of skis from the c1930's to 50's and still popular today for cross country and telemark skis.' (Pg 143. Historica) Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection ItemsPair of wooden skis with black leather straps, black leather boots and bamboo stocks."Kandahar Patent Gresvig"

"A number of specific items, which have been useful in the day to day operations of the Chalet, remain in the building with each complementing the other to provide context, meaning and character to their setting. Items such as the hall porter bell, the many signs providing information to the guests, the wall clock, barometer and dinner bell point to the Chalet being a well-run social institution with a pleasant environment for rest, recreation and congenial company." (Pg 81 Historica, MBCC) "The barometer mounted on an ornately carved backing was presented by flour miller John Spencer Brunton (1861-1937), son of Thomas Brunton who founded the Brunton & Co. flourmills. John had responsibility for the New South Wales arm of the company and lived in Sydney.' (Pg 82 Historica MBCC) " Fig 80. It was presented by John Spencer Brunton on 9 December 1930."(Pg83, Historica. MBCC) Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection items A.3.. Fixtures and Fittings (Pg 165.Historica, MBCC)Barometer and thermometer with carved decorative leaf pattern wooden surround.On plaque below barometer:"PRESENTED BY / JOHN SPENCER BRUNTON / 9.12.30" (further inscriptions on face)

Appears to be an original piece from Mt Buffalo Chalet. Purpose made for the Chalet as inscribe d with Mount Buffalo Chalet to Clock face most likely in Victorian Railways era, post 1924.. "Interestingly, the photograph indicates that a big round clock was mounted on the fenestration just behind and above the cabinet (fig 36). Reminiscent of railway clocks, it was perhaps introduced by the Victorian Railways after 1924. it resembles the clock that was subsequently mounted on the wall above the Chalet reception desk, and more recently stored away for safety with other movable items in the Chalet. Closer comparison however seems to indicate that the two clocks have different wooden frames and probably differ in diameter." "A number of specific items, which have been useful in the day to day operations of the chalet, remain in the building, with each complementing the other to provide context, meaning and character to their setting. items such as the hall porter bell, the many signs providing information to guests, the wall clock, barometer and dinner bell point to the Chalet being a well-run social institution with a pleasant environment for rest, recreation and congenial company." (Pg 81, Historica, MBCC)Large circular clock with "Mount Buffalo Chalet" printed in black on face. Clock has Roman numerals in black with two black hands against a white face. Wooden , circular frame. "Mount Buffalo Chalet"

Appears to be an original piece from Mt Buffalo Chalet. Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection Items. Black and white handcoloured photograph of " Alma Coleman, Mt Buffalo Girl 1930" Image depicts woman on skis in snow, facing camera. Photograph is hand coloured, mounted behind a brown cardboard mount. Framed in a black wooden frame with carved decoration around edge."Alma Coleman / Mt Buffalo Girl 1930 / co founder Edelweiss ski club of Australia - 1934 / co founder Karoonda ski club / Mt Hotham 1967"

Original plans for the Mount Buffalo Chalet, framed architectural drawings for the Chalet, titled " Additions to Government Chalet Mt Buffalo. Dated 1909. Signed Jas G Spence & E F Leary. "Ground Plan, first floor plan, elevation, Section M5 and side elevation –beautiful coloured plan, hand price onit of £970, also called Drawing No. 1.Beautiful plan suitable for reproduction for graphic work." (Pg 45. Heritage Impact Assessment, September 2013. MGS Architects and McDougall & Vines, Conservation and Heritage Consultants) 'The Mount Buffalo Chalet opened in April 1910 as a remarkable Victorian State government venture into alpine tourism and recreation. Designed by Public works Department architect, George Austin (1860-1921)." (Pg 4 Historica, 2011). "The collection of ephemera builds on the Chalet's holding of archival material with a range of interesting, original items. Dinner menus., stationery., luggage labels, tickets, dockets and plans help to interpret the structured routine and social conventions of the Chalet that held sway for so many years." (pg 127 MBCC) These plans drawn were most likely to have been drawn upon recommendation by Government Tourist Officer, J.C.Boyce. John Newton (the Lessee) suggests the addition of 2 new wings (24 rooms) and creation of a billiards room. Treasury approved money for these extensions which were not completed until1914. Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection Items. Four framed hand-drawn and coloured drawings / plans of the Chalet. Framed and mounted behind glass. 1: Dated 1911 -1912. 2: -dated 6th oct 1909 3: -Dated 25th Sept 1909. 4: -Dated 6th Oct 1909.Handwritten at the top of each drawing," Mount Buffalo / Wood Chalet"

Guest sign in book of visitor achievements in climbing the 'cathedral'. Names of people who have climbed it and the dates they climbed it.Ruled paper bound into a hard backed book. Vertical columns have been drawn in red and names of people have been entered in pen. Headings include dates and times, name and addresses, room and car numbers. Yes

Appears to be original to Chalet. Used to display trophies won by guests for various winter sporting competitions. Similar cabinet stored in garage. Also in original location. 'The Chalet's lounge area and nearby spaces include various cabinets. The most eye-catching is the tall metal-framed, glazed cabinet standing in the commanding position at the entrance to the Ballroom at the historic core of the Chalet. It once displayed an array of trophies and silver cups relating to various snow sports that the Chalet had fostered since its opening in 1910. A photograph taken in c.1937 shows the same chrome-framed cabinet with squat cabriole legs standing in the same position in the hall, confirming that it has stood there for decades (fig 36). It is still in the same location in 2011... Some of the old trophies that once graced the cabinet disappeared in the 1980's.' Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection Items. Solid, chrome edged display cabinet with three glass sides. Back section is mirrored. Features two glass shelves. Base of cabinet features four claw feet. Green felt on base of cabinet interior.

"Today the Chalet lounges and hallways are stocked with a number of disparate furnishings of unknown provenance - table and chair settings... many ranging in styles from Edwardian and Art Deco periods. While they may appear to be original to the rooms, the items are not evident in any of the historic photographs surveyed in the course of this report, so their historical association with the Chalet does not appear to be strong and enduring. Some, including the Art Deco dining table and chairs in the Music Room ( MBC0038.2) ... appear to be domestic furnishings rather than those of a 'resort house'. Two blonde wood chairs with brown leather seats. Carved floral design at back, top of chairs.

"Today the Chalet lounges and hallways are stocked with a number of disparate furnishings of unknown provenance - table and chair settings... many ranging in styles from Edwardian and Art Deco periods. While they may appear to be original to the rooms, the items are not evident in any of the historic photographs surveyed in the course of this report, so their historical association with the Chalet does not appear to be strong and enduring. Some... appear to be domestic furnishings rather than those of a 'resort house'.Six lounge / club chairs, covered in brown vinyl. They are solid and bulky and have square, short block-like feet of dark wood.

This small writing desk currently in the 'Smoker's ' lounge or Drawing Room can be seen in Victorian Railways photographs dated between 1925 and 1930's. This writing table has a raised back containing compartments for stationery printed with the Chalet letterhead provided for Guests to write letters and post cards. "Photographs of the main lounge taken between 1925 and the 30's confirm that the room was equipped with at least 2 small writing desks... Made of light coloured wood, they have raised backs containing compartments for stationery printed with the chalet letterhead. Two of the same historic desks remain at the Chalet today." Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection Items. Two small blonde wood writing desks. Has backboard with upright document slots. Varnish is irregular.

'There are also a number of framed portraits, including those of...Dr. John Wilkinson, a doctor who started a practise in Bright in the late 1880's and helped develop the tourist potential of the Mount Buffalo Plateau. " (Pg 84, Historica, 2011) Dr John .F. Wilkinson was a significant figure in the pioneering of tourism at Mt Buffalo. A Doctor and resident of Bright, he and W.A. Staker were the founder members of the Bright Alpine Club formed in 1887 to promote the natural attractions of the Buffalo plateau. " They form the Alpine Club and charge a membership fee for guiding people up the mountain (led by official guides Bill Weston and Edward Carlisle). this is matched by a grant from the local shire council.... They advertise in the Argus and promote the Australian Alps, Bright district as "The Switzerland of Victoria'. Mt Buffalo, with the railways nearby, is the most accessible snowfield and becomes 'the cradle of skiing in Victoria'." (Pg 179 Historica . 2011) The initial funds raised by the Alpine club funded the Staker's walking track, the first easily accessible route up the mountain. . They engaged the services of early Victorian photographer Nicholas Caire, whose scenic photographs helped to promote the beauty of the mountain. The efforts of these gentlemen culminated in securing 2.800 acres for the one of the first National Parks in Victoria, 1898. Listed in Draft Inventory of significant Items. Framed sepia photograph. Grey mount in wooden frame. Portrait of Dr.J.F Wilkinson. Brass name plaque at base of frame. Hand finished / highlighted in places." DR J.F.WILKINSON"

'The distinctive lyrebird firescreen has become a popular feature of the lounge. It is not known how long it has stood in this position, but it appears to have been custom-made for the fireplace. Firescreens are not clearly shown in early photographs. It is popularly believed that the fenders on the floor..came from the Victorian Railways workshops and were made from railway line metal..' (Pg 72 Historica. 2011) "In 1924 amateur naturalist and mountain-guide, Alice Manfield (18-78 -1960) popularly known as Guide Alice, released 'The Lyre-birds of Mount Buffalo', a 23 page booklet detailing her studies into the lyre-birds on Mount Buffalo, the first pictorial record of lyre-birds to be published.... It is not known whether the lyrebird fire screen in the Chalet Lounge was dedicated to Alice Manfield and her study into local lyrebirds, but this popular feature is a most appropriate tribute." (Pg 132 Historica,2011) Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection Items . 1. Forged and beaten steel firescreen. opens in the centre and is closed with two latches. One lyre bird design on each side. Heavy mesh with scrolling work. Attached to fireplace. 2. Poker is forged steel with a knob on one end and a hook on the other.

Possibly predates Chalet. ".There is also a wooden plaque displaying the names of notable guests who stayed at the Buffalo Falls Hotel that once stood at the foot of the mountain. the pioneering Manfield family opened this early hotel in the late 1880's and soon began taking visitors on walking treks up onto the plateau." (Pg 84 Historica, 2011). The Buffalo Falls Hotel was originally known as The Buffalo Falls Temperance Hotel and was built in 1888 by James Manfield. His daughter Alice became well known as a Mt Buffalo guide and was renowned for her mountain knowledge as well as for her distinctive alpine pant suit. The Hotel was constructed opposite the newly opened 'Staker's Track', a walking track , now known as the "Big Walk" was, a steep 6 hour walk, which nevertheless opened the mountain up to early tourism, attracting leading figures from Melbourne Society as well as significant artists, Naturalists and Scientists eager to explore and experience the unique scenery and geological features of the Mountain. Baron Von Mueller as Government botanist was one of the first white men to ascend to the plateau in 1853, collecting alpine specimens . Each of the names on this honor roll were significant cultural and society figures of Victorian/Edwardian Melbourne .Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Items. Appendix A3. Framed Photographs, Pictures, etc. (Pg 165, Historica, 2011)Wooden plaque with black painted inscription, framed in black painted wood. Plaque is peaked at the top."BUFFALO FALLS HOTEL.... Historic list of prominent guests 1888-1919. Proprietor Jane R. Manfield. Lord Hopetoun. Lord & Lady Brassey. Lord Lamington. Baron Sir F. Von Mueller. Sir William Zeal. Judge Sir H. William & Lady William. David Syme & Mrs Syme. Percy Grainger. Sir John & Lady Monash. George Farlow A.D.C. Prepared by Geo. W. Sykes "Buffalo House'."

The Billiard Room and South wing were completed in 1914, built by recommendation of the Lesee John Newton and the Government Tourist Officer and Supervising officer of the Government Chalet, James Boyce... "Boyce was present at the Chalet on 14 March to witness the completion of the new wing's foundations ...when he returned in June he found the wing approaching completion and that '... the billiard table was expected to reach the Chalet during the week'. The table possibly came second-hand from the Oriental Hotel, Bright. When visiting in March, Boyce had heard from a Mr Tewksbury 'that he is disposing of those at the Oriental Hotel so that if the Public Works Department is going to provide the table for the Chalet it might be possible to pick one up cheap from the Hotel'. It's reasonable that the Chalet did acquire one of the second-hand tables in 1914 and, and changed over to a new model in the 1930s. Three billiard tables remain in the Chalet Billiard Room today; one full sized table and two smaller tables, one perhaps a pool table. The full-sized table was made by the well-known billiard table manufacturers Alcock, Thomson & Taylor, who adopted this name when they merged their billiard businesses in January 1930. Henry Upton Alcock had initially established the business in Fitzroy in the mid-1850's and the table at the Chalet resembles the 'Squatter's Favourite' model that Alcock first produced in the nineteenth century from Australian timbers. this style of table was installed in Melbourne's Parliament buildings, several prestigious clubs as well as hotels and houses."(Pg 13-14. Historica)Listed in Appendix A.1 Furnishings. - Billiard Room. Draft Inventory of significant Collection Items. (Pg 162 Historica, 2011)1. Full size billiard table made of dark wood with eight turned legs. Green blaize covered table surface. 2.Wooden triangle to enclose balls. 3.balls(16) .4 Wooden backed bristle brush with VR stamp. 5. Billiard scorer with Alcock & Taylor, Pty, Ltd. 6. framed billiard rules. 7. Pool balls & cue rest. .8Plus 1x revised rules of pool framed behind glass.(stored in area 23) 1 x original cue rest.Alcock, Thomson & Taylor.

Appears to be Original to the Chalet.) 'These have been at the Chalet from at least 1937, when they were photographed at the head of the Dining Room above the mantlepeice (fig 10). They were still there in 1950 as testified by another photograph of the dining room ( Fig11). By 2002, they had been moved to the main Lounge where they were displayed above the north mantelpeice, and have since been transferred to the Billiard Room. Information printed in gold on the buffalo mount states that the horns are from Northern Territory and were presented (date not stated) by Mr T.N. Sayle of Whitfield, a town in the King Valley near Mt Buffalo.' (Pg 57. Historica ) Listed in . Draft Inventory of Significant Collection Items. A.1. Furnishings - Billiard Room. (Pg 162. Historica) Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Items.Appendix A.3. Other Objects - ornamental items. (Pg 165. historica Buffalo horns mounted on a wooden plaque with an inscription."BUFFALO COW HORNS / 9ft from tip to tip. Weight 20 lbs / from NORTHERN TERRITORY / presented by / Mr T.N. SAYLE / Whitfield Victoria."

Large framed map of Victoria, showing Victorias extensive rail network. Printed by Victorian Railways and is one of a number of 'framed pictures, particularly photographs of scenery, which have always been a feature of the Chalet.' (Pg 83. Historica, 2011) This map has been a permanent fixture situated in the hallway alongside the ballroom leading to the ski hire area since the 1950's and most likely earlier. Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection ItemsLarge railway map of Victoria, Melbourne & Ballarat framed in white painted wood. Scale eight miles to one inch. Areas of the map have been whited out.Yes

Bluthner piano dated 1889 (patent no. 32310). PWD engraved imprint to wood. "The Bluthner grand piano came second-hand to the Chalet in 1920 when it was obtained by lessee, Hilda Samsing. This high quality German piano, which stands out as an item of individual significance, is now one of the oldest furnishings in the Chalet. When it was acquired in 1920, the Chalet already had a Beale brand upright piano which had been at the Chalet from the earliest days." (Pg. 77 Historica. 2011) 'A photograph taken of the Music Room (also known as the Drawing Room) between 1920 and 1924, when Hilda Samsing was lessee is one of the earliest known photographs of the Chalet's lounge areas. Published in the undated promotional booklet, Victoria's Wonderland Mount Buffalo, it shows 'A corner of the music room'... On the right, is the Chalet's second piano, which was purchased second-hand in 1920 from Gardner & Lang in Swanston Street, Melbourne. This impressive grand piano of walnut wood still stands in the Chalets Music Room. It was made in the world-famous factory of Julius Bluthner, in Leipzig, Germany, which has made Bluthner pianos since 1853 for numerous royals, composers, conductors, artists, authors and performers including Brahms, Mahler, Bartok, Debussy, Wagner, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. The present stool is not part of the ensemble." ( Pg. 42. Historica )Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection Items. Appendix A.1. Furnishings, Lounges and Hallways (Pg 163. Historica"Bluthner" grand piano made from walnut wood with accomanying wooden stool.(not matching). Piano features three large turned and carved legs on brass castors. Pedals on piano are solid brass, surrounded by carved and turned wooden pedal stand. Stool seat slants towards piano and two plain stretchers support four curved legs. Has 'PWD' stamped on it. PWD engraved imprint to wood.

"The Chalet has 8 cutlery cabinets, all in the same undecorated Edwardian style, with tapered legs and slightly flared feet. They were identified in the 1992 inventory and listed on the Third schedule ... The cutlery cabinets and serving table probably date from the earliest years of the 1925-26 Dining Room ... Although the items lack a recorded provenance, their stylistic unity implies that they are part of a specific set of Chalet furnishings. Such items derive their meaning from their relationship with other furnishings and objects in the setting where they were originally used, with each complimenting the other." (Pg 77. Historica, Cultural heritage projects - Mt Buffalo Chalet Collection - Significance Assessment, Prepared for Parks Victoria, 2011)Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection Items. (Pg 162. Historica)8 x small cabinets with 2 cutlery drawers each and wire to hang towels or curtains on underneath the drawers. Lower open shelf under drawers to store crockery. Some cabinets have laminex on top. (later addition)

Silver plated vase which was part of the Dining room silver service settings . 'When the Victorian railways took over managemen of the Chalet from 1 october 1924, they ran their dining room and cafe in similar fashion to the dining cars on their trains and refreshment rooms on their stations, using the same ceramic hotel-ware and electro plated nickel silverware (EPNS), all made to order items that are clearly idenitified by the distinctive 'VR' monogram. The Chalet retains a good selection of of the diverse range of EPNS item formerly used in the dining room..- which in all their variety and function help to interpret the dining room protocols of the 'tourist house' and the service provied by the Victorian Railways refreshment and Services Branch. Many of the items were manufactured by by Stoke & Sons of Melbourne (est. 1856.' (Pg 103. Historica) Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection items. Appendix A.3.Tableware. (Pg 166 Historica).Two fluted electroplated silver vases with Victorian Railways insignia and a number at base."VR" and more...