Early member of the Bush Fire Brigade, Bon Barrie saw the need for improved speed of communication. With the formation of the Country Fire Authority by mid 1950 Melton introduced H F high frequency two way radio sets. A set was located in the Barrie home, which was an idea location to observe smoke sighting given its 360 degree view of the distant horizon. A large antenna was built to improve reception and sending strength. Author – Edna Barrie hand written notes. In its policy of creating smaller compact groups of fire brigades the Country Fire Authority Regional Officer Harry Rothsay in 1967 requested that the following 6 brigades surrounding Mt Cottrell transfer from their respective groups. Melton and Rockbank from Bacchus Marsh Group, Toolern Vale and Sydenham from Mt Macedon Group and Truganina and Werribee from Little River Group forming a new Group to the be named Mt Cottrell Fire Brigades Group. Group Headquarters was established at the Ferris road residence of Melton Captain E W Bon Barrie, who was elected Group and Communications Officer of Mt Cottrell. E W (Eddie) Gillespie and Keith Watt of the Toolern Vale brigade were appointed Deputy Group Officer and Group Secretary respectively. The Base Radio was installed at the Group Headquarters by the CFA. Brigades contributed to half the cost. A grant of $1000 was made available by the Shire of Melton in 1969 toward the cost of VHS (Very High Frequency) replacing the HF(High Frequency) Radios which has been introduced in the 1950’s. Shire of Werribee and the City of Keilor supported Werribee and Sydenham in a similar manner. The Call sign for the new group became VL3LY VHF Channel 1 163.12 m/cs. HF 3836 k/cs. Mount Cottrell Group's Wireless Licence Scheduleemergency services, local identities

MABEL nee ABRAHAM ROGERS 1920 - 2004 Publications: The First One Hundred Years 1870-1970 Melton State School No 430 Co Author with Edna Barrie The Mechanics [Melton] 1985 Mabel Abraham was daughter of Herbert G Abraham, Butcher of High Street Melton. She attended Melton State School from 1928 qualifying for her Merit certificate in December 1928 and continued her education at Melbourne Girls High School [soon after known as MacRobertson Girls High School] She studied piano and elocution as a school girl. Mabel was associated with many activities in the Melton community. She was a natural writer and interested in research and was committed to documenting and preserving Meltons History. Mabel produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skilfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. Mabel was a member of the C.W.A. holding position of Secretary. She was a member of the Melton and District Historical Society at its inception in 1968 and was a Member of The Willows Committee of Management. She was supporter of the first historical display and the Mechanics Hall and the Historical Society Annual Art and Craft shows from 1974 until 1982. In 1961 she was involved with Melton Development Association and in 1969 with the establishment of the first “Carols by Candlelight” held in Melton. Mabel was a member Anglican Church and Committee. She was a member of the Melton Mechanics Institute and made a Trustee and Life Member in 1965. She was a member of Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee. She was Guide Leader, member of the Red Cross and School Committee. In November 1982 she was a recipient of the Annual Rotary Community Service Award for outstanding service to the Community of Melton over a prolonged time. Mabel married Eric Rogers in August 1944 the wedding reception was held at the Melton Mechanics Hall. Their are children John, Ron, Francis and Judy. The family lived in High Street Melton between the Mechanics Institute and earliest Shire Hall eastern end. Eric was grader operator on the district roads. In their latter years Mabel and Eric lived in Bacchus Marsh. Eric died in Bacchus Marsh in July 2007. Country Women's Association Melton Branch lyrics from Mabel Roger's handwritten noteslocal identities, local significant groups

"Edna Barrie is one of countless women who have played a crucial role in the Melton communityover its history. She was a tireless volunteer and a stalwart of the community who helped to keep many organisations running and thriving. Edna was born in 1918 into a family with deep roots in Melton. Her grandmother Ann Dowling arrived in the colony from Ireland with her two sisters in 1855. Ann purchased land in Melton and settled on the Ballarat Road (High Street) at Ryans Creek with her husband Henry Myers. The three Dowling sisters had ten children between them who attended Melton State School No. 430, as did Edna. Edna was involved with the Melton branch of the Country Women’s Association for 50 years and was an active member of the Melton Mechanics’ Institute and the Melton Uniting Church throughout her life. She was involved with the local CFA branch from 1942. As a member of the CFA’s Women’s Auxiliary, Edna helped raise funds and provide meals to the firefighters. Edna was a founding member of the Melton & District Historical Society in 1968, and was passionate about preserving and sharing local history. The formation of the society at that time, during a period of increasingly rapid growth for the municipality, was crucial, ensuring that many photos, documents and stories of early Melton were not lost".Newspaper clippings about Edna Barrie local identities

Son of Jessie and Charles Ernest Barrie of Darlingsford Melton Married Marion Ferris at Christ Church Melton on 11th May 1939. They lived on the family farm at Ferris Road Melton. They had one son, Ian who has continued in farming in Melton. He served the community in the following – Shire of Melton Councillor Member for 32 years 1941 – 1970 Elected as Councillor for Melton South 1970 – 1973 Councillor for Rockbank 1943 – 1944 Shire President for three terms 1958 – 1959 ditto 1964 – 1965 ditto Council Representative: Bacchus Marsh High School and Western Suburbs Municipalities. Representative on delegation to prevent Melton post primary students being sent to Deer Park prior to the establishment of Melton High School. Melton Bush Fire Brigade 1941 Member Melton Bush Fire Brigade Registered No. 425 1942 1942 2nd Lieutenant 1943 – 1944 4th Lieutenant Country Fire Authority Rural Services Award 1963 20 Years Long Service Badge Scots Presbyterian Church Melton Member of the Board of Management 1947 – 1969 information from Annual Reports Tom farmed the family property with his father and brothers, and later the Ferris Road property which continued with his son Ian. His childhood interest in horses began with the draft horses kept at the bluestone stable and barn at Darlingsford. When the stables were empty in the late 1980s visit, he vividly recalled the names of the horses he had handled in his youth. When the draft horse became obsolete with the introduction of tractors and trucks this interest continued with the breeding and training of harness racers. Darlingsford Drafts and Ponies. Order of Stalls Clydesdales – Dick, Dolly, Flower, Nugget, Blossom, Lofty, Prince. Roger, Rose, Violet, Don, Beauty, Baldy, Diamond. Cart and Mounts Creamy, Digger, Popsy Black and white photographs of Tom Barrielocal identities

Colour slide of a view of Lake Eildon from Big River Road. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a view of Lake Eildon during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Eildon Reservoir from Big River Road' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, trees, forest

Collection of Dolls:- 4 x Corn-Husk dolls dressed in country style clothes; 3 x Straw dolls wearing hats, two carrying baskets and one carrying a baby; 2 x Peg dolls depicted as early settlers wearing mop caps and long aprons edged in lace and a wooden toy duck in a felt pink hat with ribbons, a long cotton floral dress edged in lace and a felt face with a beak.peg dolls, dolls

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.