This basket was hand-made by Mrs Tiny Solomon, an Aboriginal woman, in Orbost.This item is an example of an Indigenous style hand woven item of the very early 20th century. A shallow hand-woven grass basket. It has a flat bottom and a handle across the top.basket aboriginal weaving handcraft

This jumper was worn by John Court as an employee of Orbost Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council.Local governments play an important role in the lives of citizens in Australia. Local government authorities exist to provide services and amenities to local communities, and are also responsible for regulating and providing services for land and property in their district. This item is representative of a time when Orbost had its own Shire Council.A fawn coloured V - necked long-sleeved woollen jumper. It has a waratah emblem embroidered in red with green leaves. Below this is embroidered the word ORBOST in gold.uniform jumper orbost-shire-council court-john

Flooding of the Yarra Valley, including that section of the Yarra bordering Kew and Kew East in the north and west of the municipality, was a regular occurrence. Extreme flood events of the Yarra River are recorded to have occurred in 1891, 1901, 1916, 1923 and 1934. The Municipality of Kew's response to these floods was to enact planning decisions restricting residential development in flood prone areas following the floods of 1916, 1921 and 1934. While floods continued after the development of the Upper Yarra Reservoir (construction 1948-57), the regularity and extent of these inundations diminished. During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.Late example of the capacity of the Yarra Valley at Kew to flood, even though drainage works and the Upper Yarra Reservoir had reduced their regularity.Original black and white print photograph of the low-lying land at East Kew under floodwater on 16 May 1974. The photograph is of Hyde Park looking north-east.Annotation verso: "Hyde Park looking nth-east / Flood Level / 16 May 1974 11.15am / R.L. 46.61"floods, yarra river, hyde park

Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex. William Cumming was a prominent Orbost identity. He was born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, in 1866 the son of William Cumming and Mary Ann Montgomery. He came to Australia, aged 28, and to Orbost in 1890. He farmed at Bete Bolong and during WW1 ran a butcher's shop on his farm. He was a shire councillor and served as a South Riding representative for 38 years. He was a keen Newmerella football supporter, a member of the Orbost Bowling Club as well as a director of the Orbost Butter Factory. Cumming was married to Ellen Louise Mundy and had four children ( Harold, Mary, William and Gordon).This item is an example of a hand-written account for a local early 20th century business in Orbost. It is a useful research tool.A white paper account with blue lines and black ink . It has a pink receipt attached as well as a yellow duty stamp. It is from W. Cumming, butcher, to R.P. Cameron.cameron-robert-pullar cumming-william-butcher

This pamphlet was probably produced for use in the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre)These pamphlets are useful reference tools and reflect the tourism history of the local area.Two single page tourist brochures, printed on both sides and folded in the middle. They are white with pink and blue print. and have a map of East Gippsland and descriptions of places to visit.tourism-orbost

This photograph shows a large bullock team at the foot (eastern side?) of the Orbost township.This is a pictorial record of transport used in the late 19th century in Orbost.A large black / white photograph of a bullock team pulling a laden cart. A man is sitting on top of the freight. In the background is a horse - drawn cart loaded with sacks (maize?) with a man on a horse to the side and another standing on the shafts. In the foreground are two men on horses. There is a small house and barn in the background.on back - " At the foot of the township - 1889"orbost transport-bullock-teams horse-drawn-transport

This book was used to record entries concerning hospital linen - possibly at the Orbost Hospital. An exercise book with a marbled brown, orange and blue cover and black binding. Inside are entries re Hospital Linen 1940 - 1942.

This book was used byb the Orbost branch of M.U.I.O.O.F. (Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows)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.A hard back book with a green / blue mottled cover with a brown binding. It includes a receipt book with no cover. It holds M.I.U.O.O.F. (Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows) accounts.friendly-society m.u.i.o.o.f. accounts

This minute book was used by the Orbost branch of M.U.I.O.O.F. (Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows)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.A large thick hard back minute book used by M.U.I.O.O.F. ( Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows). It has a blue cover with a red spine.

This is an early photograph of Orbost C1880 - 1890s. The photograph is part of the Mary Gilbert collection.This is a pictorial record of Orbost in the late 19th century.A black / white photograph mounted on crean card. There are trees in the foreground, buildings in the background. The buildings are wooden construction, some with shingle roofs and some bark.There are some red pencil marks around frame of photograph.orbost-1880s main-street-orbost

This belt with badges was owned and worn by Nancye Wallace (nee Warren) as a Girl Guide leader in Orbost. The badges indicate that she took part residential camps as part of her membership. she continued in the Guiding movement as an adult leader.Established in 1910, Girl Guiding is now one of the largest all female organisations in the world. It is designed for girls, young and not-so-young women to join and enjoy a program of informal learning, opportunities, fun, personal development and friendship. (ref. Girl Guides Victoria). This whistle used by an Orbost local reflects the history of that organisation in Orbost.A brown leather belt with two badges attached. it has a silver metal buckle engraved with "Girl Guides association Be Prepared" and their emblem. One badge is a black and yellow Camp Kindaminda badge and the other a rectangular blue, green and gold Victoria Camp badge.Inside belt in black - N WALLACE ORBOSTbadges girl-guide-belt

3160.1 - front row right - Bet Gilbert P. Richardson. 3160.4 - back - Alice Hammill; Marion Nixon; Bel Kerr; ?; Annie Malcolm; E Gall front - Marion Gilbert; Pen Gilbert; Elsie Pardew; Jean Frewin 1923 These photographs are of students of Orbost Elementary High School. . 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. Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. These photographs are representative of its history.They are also associated with sport in Orbost in the first half of the 20th century.Four black / white photographs. 3160.1 is of three rows of young girls in uniforms - possibly sports uniforms. In the back row standing second left is an older woman - a teacher. 3160.2 is of two rows of girls in uniforms. Each girl in the front row is holding a hockey stick. A small square has been cut out - the head of the girl in the middle of front row. 3160.3 and 3160.4 show two rows of girls - the front row sitting and the back standing. There is a trophy on the ground middle front. all photographs have been taken outside.3160.3 - on back - Pen 6 Mary 4 Marion Gilberts 4 14 @ 5/- day sport-orbost recreation-hockey orbost-elementary-high

Snowy River Dry Cleaners was situated in Stanley Street, Orbost (previously a hat factory). There was also a shop in the CBD of Orbost. Basil Dowie moved his dry cleaning business from Nicholson Street to 31 Stanley Street where Stuart Hats had been. He had originally bought the business from Laurie Harrington in August 1950. (more information in Orbost & District Historical Society Newsletter No. 138 - John Phillips) This item is from a business no longer existing.A clear plastic bag with green print. - Snowy River Dry Cleaners. attached is orange card - E. Scott 004408Your garment Flower Fresh from Snowy River Dry Cleaners Orbostdry-cleaners-orbost laundry

This collection of articles was collated by Mary Gilbert. 743.1 - In the group are, from left to right:—First Row—Councillors T. W. Murphy (Bairnsdale), J. R. Coate (Lakes Entrance); T. Hodgd (Tambo), W. Wilson (Berwick), A. Inglis (Mirboo), E. S. Whittakers (Traralgon), and W. C. Kingston (Warragul). Second Row—J. S. Lister (Rosedale), R. Stockdale (Narracan), W. Grose (Omeo), and J. Allan (Toora). Back Row—S. Purdy (Maffra), E. Heesom (Morwell), J. Arohibald (Bruthen), Mr. Lind, M.L.A., Councillor A. E. Rodwell (Orbost), Mr. S. Langslow (Health department), and Mr. C. S. Ogllvy (Warragul). A manila folder of newspaper cuttings related to commerce and government in Orbost. 743.1 is titled, " Gippsland Councillors Wait on State Ministers and is from The Argus, July 1926 .It has a large black / white photograph of the representatives of shires and boroughs of Gippsland who formed a deputation to meet which waited most of the State Ministers with various requests. 743.4 is from the Snowy River Mail and is titled, "Cann RIver's first Hotel" and has a black and white photograph of a four-wheeled buggy pulled by four horses standing outside a hotel. 743.5 is titled "At the End of a Long Trip" and is from the Snowy River Mai. It has a black and white photograph of the Cann River hotel with Mr W. Dreverman standing outside. 743.6 is from the Snowy River Mail, September 6, 1967, and is titled, " Orbosr Businessmen 20 Years Ago" and has a black and white photograph of a group of men in business suits.orbost-business cann-river-hotel

This photograph is of a group of pre-schoolers returning from a train trip to Nowa Nowa. It has been taken at Orbost Railway Station. A steam train? Although the Orbost Bairnsdale Rail Line was closed as a passenger line from 1935 to be used as a freight line, there were often special passenger trains.A black / white photograph of a group of women and young children alighting from a train.railway-orbost excursion-children

This is a photograph of Councillor George Nixon who represented South Riding on the Orbost Shire Council from 1902 - 1916. He was president 1914-1915. George Nixon (1862-1941) selected land in Bete Bolong in the 1890's. He married Emily Warren in 1889 in Orbost. He was a shire councillor. He was a prominent breeder of Clydesdales and after a serious fall off a horse walked with a walking stick and special boot for the rest of his life. He was well-known for his interest in cars, horse-racing and politics.He was married to Emily Warren in 1889 in Orbost. Mrs Nixon (Emily)was the first Red Cross president during WW1. They had ten children.both George and Emily are buried in the Orbost Cemetery. (ref:From White Knowle to Pumpkin Point by Hon Peter Nixon A.O.)This item is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. This item is associated with a prominent Orbost family. George Nixon was the son of James and Alice Nixon. The Nixon families were among the earliest settlers on the Snowy River.A black / white head and shoulders portrait photograph of man wearing a suit.There is also a framed copy.nixon-george orbost-shire-council

This portrait is of James Cameron who was the first president of the Croajingolong Shire ( later Orbost Shire). He was also an inaugural member for East Gippsland in the Legislative Assembly from 1902 until 1920. In 1882 Cameron was the first Orbost councillor of the newly constituted Tambo Shire. In the next twenty years he served as justice of the peace, shire councillor, guardian of St James's Anglican Church, Sunday school superintendent, and president of the local agricultural society and railway league Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council.This item is associated with James Cameron, a prominent early Orbost identity. It is also associated with Orbost Shire Council.A black / white head and shoulders portrait photograph of a moustached man in a suit.on back - "James Cameron"cameron-james orbost-shire-council governance-orbost

This account book was used by the Orbost Shire council to record payments made for work done on the Bete Bolong Drainage Area between 1910 and 1913. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This item is a hand-written record of the accounts of the local government. The Orbost Shire Council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council.A brown leatherette, hard cover book. In gold lettering on the front is "BETE BOLONG DRAINAGE AREA PAY SHEET". It contains records of payments made for work done 1910-1913.In gold lettering on the front is "BETE BOLONG DRAINAGE AREA PAY SHEET".bete-bolong-drainage-area accounts orbost-shire -council

Five photographs of the Plenty River in flood 1974, taken around Greensborough by June and Brian Roberts.Five photographs b & w; one note with #3#1: Plenty River may '74 flood. Flintoff St. bridge wrecked #2: [Unmarked]? #3: Plenty at Greensborough1974 flood (Note: "The house on left hand side of the picture - would it be the Medical/dental #4: Rand St. foot bridge remnants (Plenty R.) May '74 #5: Debris dumped on park by Plenty R. flood May 1974 floods, plenty river

This item was made by and used in the Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre). The book was a "Back To" souvenir.This book reflects the kinds of foods / recipes used in the 1930's. These books often had to include cheap dishes during the wars and hard times that dominated long periods of the first half of the 20th century. Recipes in this book contain common ingredients found in rural kitchens of that time.A loose leaf folder from which a book was printed. It contains recipes, advertisements from 1930's and hints. The cover has a coloured picture od two women, one older, in a kitchen cooking. Print is orange and an orange border surrounds the picture and title,:Grandma's Recipe Book".

This photograph is of Orbost Shire Councillor James Steele-Lester. He was president in 1901-1902.This item is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council.A black / white head and shoulders portrait photograph of a bearded man in a suit.on back - " Cr James Steele-Lester"steele-lester-james orbost-shire-council

This appears to be a photograph taken during the construction of Orbost High School taken on the western side.Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This item is representative of its history. A black / white photograph of a partially constructed brick building. A man is standing on the roof. There is a ladder leaning against a wall on the left and there are tiles on the ground.on back - "M.Gilbert 1924"

This is a photograph of Tambo and Orbost Shire Councillor, Hugh Cameron (born 1850 died 1921) who represented S R/ Bendoc Riding in 1184-1886 and from 1891-1892. Hugh Cameron was also on the Orbost Shire council from 1892-1915. (more info. in O.D.H.S. newsletter -Tambo Shire)This item is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. It is also associated with Hugh Cameron.A black / white head and shoulders portrait photograph of a bearded man in a suit.There is also a framed photograph.cameron-hugh orbost-shire-council

Item donated by Mary Gilbert, headmistress at Orbost High School, a historian who initiated the Orbost Museum.The album contains cigarette cards/swap cards. These were generally collected by schoolchildren and placed in albums made specifically for these cards. Collectors would try to collect the cards for complete teams of footballers, cricketers.Small green-covered album with tile in faded gold on front. Filled with small cigarette cards. Eight cards per page. Cards put into slit corners.Seven pages of footballers in black and white. One page coloured, one with 5 only, coloured.Three page cricketers in black and white. Three pages butterflies in colour. One page Australian birds in colour. Four pages film stars black and white, six to a page,one page of 5, one of 1.Inscription on front cover in centre.Faded gold cursive writing."Cigarette Pictures". At foot of cover in faded gold block letters."HOLDS 224 SMALL AND 24 LARGE CARDS"album, cigarette cards, 1920 1930, football players, cricketers, film stars, australian birds, butterflies, mary gilbert, english cigarette cards

3290.1 is an aerial photograph of the township of Orbost looking south along Nicholson Street. The tennis courts and recreation reserve are on the left. The War Memorial, Commonwealth Hotel at the Saisbury Street intersection is in the centre of the photograph. 3290.2 is an aerial view of the Orbost township looking north, showing the bridge across the Snowy River in the foreground,These photographs are detailed pictorial records of the Orbost township C 1960s - 1970s.Two photographs which are aerial views of a township showing streets, buildings and vehicles. 3290.1 is a black / white photograph. 3290.2 is a coloured photograph.orbost-township-c1960s-1970s aerial-photograph-orbost

This book belonged to Lottie Johnson (nee Mehlert) who owned Leatham & Mehlert’s . ( now boarded up, Wilson St cnr ) Leatham & Mehlert's possibly took over Robinson & Hayes. This item is representative of an early Orbost business.A carbon copy pad of unused dockets branded for Robinson and Hayes, Butchers of Nicholson Street, Orbost. There is space for the details of the order including the description, price and total. There are two copies of each receipt joined together, one copy for the office the other for the customer. The paper is yellowing and has blackto print.. Each docket is numbered in red print - this pad begin with number 11 - and a carbon page is located at the front of the book. It also has cardboard backing.Robinson and Hayes, Butchers, Orbost, Nicholson streetdocket-book butchers-orbost robinson-hayes

This is a photograph of Councillor William Cumming who represented South Riding 1895-1911 and 1921 - 1943. William Cumming was a prominent Orbost identity. He was born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, in 1866 the son of William Cumming and Mary Ann Montgomery. He came to Australia, at the age of 20, in 1890 and to Orbost in c.1890. He farmed at Bete Bolong and during WW1 ran a butcher's shop on his farm. He was a shire councillor of the Orbost Shire Council and served as a South Riding representative for 38 years. He was a keen Newmerella football supporter, a member of the Orbost Bowling Club as well as a director of the Orbost Butter Factory. Cumming was married to Ellen Louise Mundy (b1880, d1945) and they had three children ( Harold, William and Gordon). Information from Lori Fellows (Grand-daughter) April 2020: William Cumming. My paternal grandfather born in Ballymena Northern Ireland. Came to Australia aged 18. Married Ellen Mundy on 25/08/1902. This photo taken during his time as Orbost Shire Council President. Father of Harold, William and Gordon. Died in Orbost 24.11.1950. William Cumming (1866-1950) arrived in Australia in 1884 on the "Orient". His brothers David (1868-1932), John (1870-1920) & Samuel (1871-1953) arrived in 1887 on the "Orizaba". On the passenger list Samuel is listed as David. Also my grandfather was Chairman of Directors of the Dandenong Bacon Factory [later Australian Bacon Co]....he raised pigs on the farm at Bete Bolong, that supplied the butchery on the farm and also the Dandy Bacon Factory. This item is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. It is associated with William Cumming who was a prominent Orbost identity.A black / white head and shoulders portrait of a moustached man in a suit.On back - "Cr W. Cumming, South Riding"cumming-william orbost-shire-council

This calling card / visiting card belonged to Jean Munro, the daughter of Donald Munro who was an Orbost Shire Councillor for 20 years. Donald Munro, with his brother, Archie carried on a boot-making business in one of the rooms of a three-storeyed barn at Lochiel. The Munros were musically inclined and through them a band was formed in 1889. Donald Munro was involved in many of the town's activities. (More in Mary Gilbert's Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District). Jean Munro was for many years a librarian and was involved in the Presbyterian Church in Orbost. She died in 1934.In the early 20th century when formal introductions were a normal expectation of good manners , the exchange of calling cards was a social custom that was essential in developing friendships. This item reflects a time of when courtesy was an important aspect of society. A small white rectangular calling card / visting card with "Miss Munro" printed on the front.on front - "Miss Munro"munro-orbost calling-card-jean-munro

Daughter of George Temple and Mary McAuslane of Castlemaine, Hilda married James Kerr in 1893 and lived at Lincluden, Raymond Street, Orbost. Her husband was a Scot who had come to Australia as a ship's doctor and practised in NSW before visiting Orbost on a government vaccination programme. He liked Orbost and returned there, its first doctor, until his death in 1928. Hilda was sometimes referred to as 'Mrs Dr Kerr.' She and her sisters Mabel Stewart Temple and Margaret Ferrie Temple were all talented writers and musicians.This booklet is an example of the talent of Hilda Temple Kerr. Hilda Temple Kerr (1874-1956) grew up in Orbost. She was very talented and published several books. It is reflective of the style of poetry in the early 19th century.A small book with a cream coloured cover. It is titled Nell - A Story of the Sea and contains poetry, a libretto written by Hilda E. Temple Kerr for a musical event, a musical cantata by Mr W. R. Furlong.On front cover - donated by Connie Cruickshank.music kerr-hilda

This photograph was taken at the "old station" at Corringle near Orbost. It was a popular picnic spot. Late in 1857 Mr Thomas T. Stirling took over Corringle Run ("Corringle" means "shallow water"). Mr Stirling and his family came from the wester district - Winchelsea. He settled at the Old Station. A few people were employed at the Orbost Stationb and there was settlement on the Orbost flats, Mr T. T. Stirling held the land from Lake Tyrers to Bemm River as a cattle run. About 1888 he became Secretary of the new Tambo Shire.This is a contemporary pictorial record of rural family life in Orbost in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of a group of people sitting in a clearing under some trees having a picnic. On the left - hand side is a young boy on a horse.on back - "Old Station"old-station-orbost family-life