These articles were collated by Mary Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.These articles are contemporary records of significant events in the history of Orbost and as such are useful reference tools.A cardboard folder of black and white newspaper cuttings relating to the 1934 floods in Orbost, war photographs and local events and residents. 747.1 is from the February 3, 1934 Weekly Times and is titled, " FLOOD PHOTOS ORBOST". 747.2 is from the Weekly Times, 9 June 1917 and contains war photos and photographs of Orbost - 11 May, 1929.orbost-floods-1934 ww1-photgraphs-orbost-weekly-times

This photograph was taken at the Orbost High School Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1962. It shows Crs Truscott, Mr R. Osborne (1960-1963 Orbost High School Headmaster, and Mr George Cameron.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. A black / white photograph of three men in suits.on back - hand-written -" Orbost H.S. Jubilee, 1962, Crs. Truscott, Osbourne & Geo. Cameron"education-orbost orbost-high-school

The Lochiel barn was used as the church for all denominations until 1885 when the parishioners were offered the use of a school room, then used the Mechanics' Hall after it was built in 1887. Mr James Cameron, fostered the developing Church, not only by allowing his barn at Lochiel Park to be used for Church services but also by making a home there for Mr Martin ,First Church of England clergyman stationed at Orbost - 1884-1891 over a period of years, until a small Vicarage was built on the spot where the present church stands. From Mr Cameron’s barn the church migrated to the school building erected in the main street and thence after a short time to the Mechanics Hall, built in 1887. This item is reminiscent of the late 19th - mid 20th centuries when church-going was more common.A very old black / white photograph of a house with a barn in the background. The house is on a bush block with many trees around it.on back - handwritten "From Mrs N Edgar, 4 "Heecer" Parade....... Lochiel + Barn M. Gilbert"church-orbost lochiel-barn

The first Orbost Presbyterian Church was opened on January 9 1898. It was built by Mr R. P. Cameron for three pounds. The Harvest Festival display was always put together by the church ladies. The Festival was a family friendly festival celebrating the end of summer.This item is reminiscent of the late 19th - mid 20th centuries when church-going was more common.A black / white photograph of inside the Orbost Presbyterian Church decorated with rural produce and flowers for the "Harvest Festival". It is on a white buff card with a blue photographer's stamp in the bottom left hand corner.on front - stamp -" Herbert Sherwood" on back - "M. Gilbert, Orbost" - "Mrs J. Sterling, 6 Marine Parade , Elwood"church-presbyterian-orbost harvest-festival

A photograph of the earliest "Back to"/reunion for Orbost Higher Elementary School/Orbost Secondary College.The photo is of ex pupils who were at the school when it was first opened in 1912.People in the photo are Dorice Napier (1st L), J.Irvine,? Cumming, Lexie Nixon, Ila Cowell, Arthur Reynolds, Annie Nixon, Dorothy Cameron, Nina Johnston and Pear Napier(nee Cumming -4th L)It is of Historical significance because apparently it is a photo of the earliest "back to/reunion" for Orbost Secondary College.It is of Social Significance because it is a photograph of people who attended Orbost Secondary School.A black and white photograph of nine ladies and one man standing around a table with a large two- tiered cake on it with candles around the base.Hand written on back, hard to read and some words crossed out- "Earliest Pupils H.E.S.1912.Arthur-Reynolds Nina-Johnston/D.Napier J.Irvine ? Cumming- Lexie Nixon/Ila Cowell/Annie Nixon/Dorothy Cameron,"education-orbost orbost-high-school

Grace Cameron was the daughter of John Cameron who selected the first land on the Snowy River flats. She was the sister of Annie (later Mrs John Gilbert) who was the first white girl born in Orbost.This item is aesthetically significant and shows the skill and craftmanship of the women of the early settler families.Large oblong oil painting on green painted tin with the top and bottom rolled for decoration. Painting of three single petalled pink roses in full bloom with two small buds.tin painting cameron-grace art

Painted by Miss Nell cameron, daughter James and Jean (nee Moffat) Cameron.This painting has aesthetic significance and shows the skill and craftmanship of the women of the early settler families.A piece of rectangular tin curled on each end. Painted green background with white roses, yellow stamens and green and brown leaves.MRcameron-nell painting art tin

This dress was handed down through the family of Harry Cameron, Orbost. It was likely worn by a member of the family.Associated with the Cameron family, Orbost.A full length black satin dress with long sleeves. It has two rows of 6 buttons across the bodice and lace applique on the shoulders. The neck and sleeves are trimmed with a fine white lace. There are metal stays inside the front of the dress.women's-clothing

They are both pieces of ribbon used for the opening of the snowy River Bridge on July 4 1922. The ribbon was made to represent the red, white and blue of the British flag. This was the second bridge over the Snowy River. The first bridge was officially opened in August, 1893 (ref. S.R.M. 12.8.1893) by Mrs W. Watt, the mother of Councillor Watt, who presided over the opening of the 1922 bridge. This bridge was extensively damaged when a herd of cattle allegedly stampeded over it causing the cable to snap. Even after repairs it became obvious that a new bridge was needed. This second bridge, was built by the Victorian Railways and the Country Roads Board. Constructed at a cost of 35,000 pounds and used second-hand girders from the Flinders Street- Spencer Street viaduct. On July 4 1922 it was officially opened by Mrs James Cameron. Unfortunately, her husband, who had long championed the building of the bridge so that it would be ready for the railway to continue to the border, was too ill to attend the ceremony. In fact, James Cameron died on July 13 after a long and severe illness (ref. S.R.M. 20.7.1922). Souvenirs kept by enthusiastic spectators like this have helped to preserve the history of an important Orbost event.Two pieces of ribbon in British flag pattern of red, white and blue. These have been pinned onto card with a handwritten description of their history.snowy-river cameron souvenir

This ribbon was won at the Orbost Annual Show Gymkhana in 1944 by Ron Cameron on a horse called Gene. 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 white felt ribbon with gold writing - "Orbost Annual Show Gyhkhana-1944"ribbon equestrian cameron-ron orbost-show gymkhana

This dress and petticoat come from the estate of James Cameron who was one of the first Snowy River councillors for the Tambo Shire. He selected land at Lochiel in 1892. From 1902-1920 he was the Assembly member for East Gippsland.A white voile dress with a white cotton petticoat underneath. It is not attached. The dress has a lace frill at the hem. It has lace inserts - two at the bodice and along the three-quarter length sleeves. There are several lace inserts on the skirt. It has been machine embroidered.dress costume cameron-james

This is a photograph of students from Orbost State School. Those in the photograph have been identified by Mary Gilbert. Back Row L-R - Eva Morgan; R. Powell; Doris Smith; ?; Mona Arkins; E. Hardy; H. Beattie; Molly Hammill; Jessie Morgan; Kath Daley; Jessie Gall; Nina Williams; Billy Kerr; Gwenda Beveridge; Emily Mackley; Chrissie Mackley; Myra Malcolm; Annie Malcolm; Betty Gilbert; K. Beattie; Doreen Feltis; B Woodlands; ?; ?; ?; Carl Wehner; Bill Grose; Ham Bird; Eddie Lowater; ?; Jack Morgan; B. Hawkless; Jack Nixon; Harry Perry; Georg perry; Arthur Simpson; Albert Shaw; Bill Laycox; ? Lock; Neha Cameron; Stan Smith; Stan PorterThis photograph is associated with the history of education on Orbost.A black / white photograph showing a group school children in front of an outside wall of a timber building. Seated in the front row is a boy holding a sign with "GRADES 5 & 6" hand-written in what appears to be white chalk on a blackboard. The photograph is mounted on grey card and has a list of names attached to the bottom.

These photographs are of Lochiel "Lagoon next to the Cameron House, "Lochiel" owned by James Cameron. The three Cameron brothers had entered into a partnership - John selected 200 acres, James 235 acres and Alex. 273 acres, all adjoining. They also took up 'Lochiel' under the suburban lot scheme. The 'Lochiel‟ property went to James on the dissolution of the partnership.This is a pictorial record of Orbost in the early 20th century. This item is also associated with James Cameron, a prominent early Orbost identity. 3125.1 is a black / white photograph on grey card. It is of a lagoon surrounded by trees, grasses. 3125.2 is a black / white photograph of a lagoon showing a fence on the left side,with two men (one holding a baby), a child and a dog in front of the fence on the bank.on front of 3125.1 - Lochiel Lagoon 1906lochiel-orbost cameron-james

This photograph is part of the Mary Gilbert Collection. This photo shows the first Orbost State School which is now known as Ruskin Street Primary School. "The 19th of March 1886 proved an important day in the lives of many early settlers in the Orbost area, because on this day the Orbost State School opened. The fact that the school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the local inhabitants as they saw their offspring commence their education under the guidance of 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 now 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. This new building was a fine type of school of which both the pupils and the HT Leslie Collins were indeed proud. But 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." (re.f Schools East Gippsland")This item is associated with education in Orbost.A black / white photograph showing a group of children posed in front of a wooden school building. A sign on the building has "STATE SCHOOL No. 2744"3127.1 - "front row left is W.J. Cameron" 3127.2 - "Teachers, Mr Rowe, Miss Lucy Watt (sewing) back row Mrs Kerr (Hilda Temple) Miss Hofen back left W. Roadknight 4 from left back Annie Cameron 1 left centre row" 3127.3 - as per above education-orbost state-school-orbost

3134.2 has been taken inside the Mechanics Institute hall. 3134.3 was taken in Munro Street. Cr J. Perry was the president of the organising committee for the Back To Orbost celebrations in March 1937. M.W. Cowell was the Secretary.These photographs are pictorial records of a significant community event in Orbost's history.Three black / white photographs and an envelope. 3134.1 is of a group standing in front of a banner - WELCOME HOME - and a welcome arch - 3-3-1937. A group of men, women and children are standing or sitting in front of the arch. 3134.2 is of a large group of men and women seated and standing dressed in formal outfits in front a stage inside a hall. 3134.3 is of two men in a jinker pulled by one horse. The person holding the reins appears to be wearing a false beard and wig. 3143.4 is an unused white envelope. On the left-hand side in brown print circle is a boomerang with "Back To Orbost 1937", two corn cobs and pumpkins. Underneath is "27/2/37 to 6/3/37" with the names of the committee.3134.1 - on front - handwritten with an arrow pointing to "Grndma Cameron" bottom front - "Some Former Residents at the Welcome Arch Orbost 3.3.37" 3134.2 - on front - " a memento of the Ball at Orbost. Back to Celebrations 4.3.37"back-to-orbost-1937 celebrations community-events

These photographs are associated with Mary Gilbert. The Mary Gilbert Garden no longer exists. Mary Gilbert was the first curator of the Orbost Museum, and a local teacher. She received a B.E.M. for services to education in 1971. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.Four black / white photographs associated with Mary Gilbert. 3136.1 is of an older women shaking hands with a man in a ceremonial uniform. It has been taken inside a hall. 3136.2 is of a woman sitting on ? outside an athletics track. 3136.3 is of two woman in front of a netball court where girls are playing.A group of spectators in school uniforms is watching the game. 3153.4 is a photograph of a garden and pond in front of a school building.3136.1 - on back -"Mary Gilbert receiving her Queen's Honour. Melbourne Gov. House from Sir Rohan Delacombe" 3136.2 - on back -"Mary Gilbert" 3136.3 - on back - "Mary Gilbert"gilbert-mary-orbost education-orbost

These photographs were taken at the official opening of the Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway Line. In 3150.3 which is of a group of children and two adults those identified in the photograph are ; L - R front row Mary Gilbert; Warren; Betty Gilbert; Marion Gilbert; Mrs Shaw and son; ? Gay; and Pen Gilbert. In 3150.4 L-R front " Mary Gilbert; Bet Gilbert (sitting with glasses); Pen Gilbert(Richardson); Marion Gilbert ( middle front little girl) About 1912 work began at Newmerella on clearing the track for the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost. A canvas town sprang up on the higher land adjacent to the river flats. Local farmers supplied meat, milk and fresh produce to the camp, as well as gaining employment carting and labouring. The line opened in 1916, the Orbost railway station being built on the Newmerella side of the river.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 a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history. 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 ndustry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Four black / white postcards of people at the opening of The Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway. 3150.1 - on front - "The Ministerial Party" 3150.2 - on front - hand-written - " The Hon James Cameron" with arrow pointing to a man standing in the back row. at bottom - "The Ministerial Party X Florie Cameron" on back- "Opening the Orbost Railway" 3150.3 and 3150.4 - on back - hand-written "First train to Orbost with a list of names.orbost-bairnsdale-railway celebration-opening-of-railway east-gippsland-railway

This postcard seems to have been written by Grace Cameron to Annie (Cameron) Gilbert. There is mention of a harvest festival.The Cameron and Gilbert families are early settlers of the Orbost area. This photograph is a pictorial record of dress in the late 19th and early 20th century. It depicts the the high standards of dress at informal occasionsA photograph / postcard which shows a group of men and women in a large forest clearing. The women are dressed in white(?) dresses with ribbon bows at the neck. The men are in suits. Most are wearing hats. In the back right corner are two horse - drawn carriages.on the back is a hand -written lettercameron-annie celebrations-outdoor

This is a photograph of the original Orbost / Snowy River Bridge , a suspension bridge which opened in 1893. It has been taken when the Snowy River was in flood. It is similar to other photographs held in The State Library, Victoria. The Snowy River Mail and Tambo and Croajingolong Gazette Sat 12 Aug 1893 records the opening of this bridge as "the most important public event that has yet been commemorated in Eastern ......The Messrs McLeod, with whom the first settlement of this district is generally associated, took up their residence on the eastern bank of the Snowy River about the year 1841 or 42. The late Mr W. Roadknight and Mr T. T. Stirling took possession of the territory on the western side of the Snowy about 35 years ago. During the occupation of the country by cattle owners, very little progress was made in the way of roads and bridges, and except to the hardy and lexperienced bushman, it might have been generally regarded as inaccessible. About the year 1877, however, the late Mr James Robertson eldest son of Mr James Robertson, of Lochend farm, selected land now occupied by his father, about four miles from Orbost on the west bank of the river, Mr John Cameron visited the. district shortly after a .tour of inspection and returned later with his brothers, James and Alick Gameron, but found that during their absence Mr Ernest Watt had found his way on the scene and pegged out a selection, thus anticipating the advent of the Camerons by about 12 hours. We understand that a Mr Kidd, who selected the property now occupied by Mr W. J. Ross, at Pumpkin Point, was one of the earliest batch of settlors.........."This is a pictorial record of an early bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost.A black / white photograph of a suspension bridge with flood waters below the bridge.orbost-bridge suspension-bridge snowy-river

3185.1 is a view from Hofen's Bluff at Bete Bolong. 3185.2 is a view taken from Mt Raymond looking west at swampland. 3185.3 was taken from Warrens Road, Newmerella looking over the flats towards Orbost, north-east. 3185.4 was taken at Cameron's Lagoon / Lochiel Lagoon in Orbost.These postcards are pictorial records of Orbost in the first half of the 20th century.Four black / white postcards of views around Orbost. postcards-orbost hofen's-bluff newmerella lochiel-lagoon cameron's-lagoon

There is no information with this item.This is a pictorial record of local Orbost people in typical mid 20th century fashion clothing which tended to be more conservative than current fashion..A black / white photograph of three people in - a man on the left in a suit and tie; two women with hats and pearl necklaces.The woman in the middle is wearing a spotted dress and holding a white hat with a handbag over her arm. The other woman, in glasses, is wearing a plain dark dress and a more formal hat.on back - "Jack Irvine, Audrey Cameron, Elsie Norman (nee O'Brien)"irvine-jack cameron-audrey norman-elsie

This postcard was sent to Annie Gilbert (Mrs John Gilbert) of Tullagoota, Orbost. It was written by "Grace", probably her sister, Grace Cameron Annie Gilbert was the daughter of John Cameron who selected the first land on the Snowy River flats. This is a photograph of the original Orbost / Snowy River Bridge , a suspension bridge which opened in 1893. It has been taken when the Snowy River was in flood. It is similar to other photographs held in The State Library, Victoria. The Snowy River Mail and Tambo and Croajingolong Gazette Sat 12 Aug 1893 records the opening of this bridge as "the most important public event that has yet been commemorated in Eastern ......The Messrs McLeod, with whom the first settlement of this district is generally associated, took up their residence on the eastern bank of the Snowy River about the year 1841 or 42. The late Mr W. Roadknight and Mr T. T. Stirling took possession of the territory on the western side of the Snowy about 35 years ago. During the occupation of the country by cattle owners, very little progress was made in the way of roads and bridges, and except to the hardy and lexperienced bushman, it might have been generally regarded as inaccessible. About the year 1877, however, the late Mr James Robertson eldest son of Mr James Robertson, of Lochend farm, selected land now occupied by his father, about four miles from Orbost on the west bank of the river, Mr John Cameron visited the. district shortly after a .tour of inspection and returned later with his brothers, James and Alick Gameron, but found that during their absence Mr Ernest Watt had found his way on the scene and pegged out a selection, thus anticipating the advent of the Camerons by about 12 hours. We understand that a Mr Kidd, who selected the property now occupied by Mr W. J. Ross, at Pumpkin Point, was one of the earliest batch of settlers.........."This item is associated with Annie Gilbert (nee Cameron) reported to have been the first white girl to be born in Orbost. It is a pictorial record of the suspension bridge over the Snowy River which has since been replaced twice.A faded black / white postcard of a bridge across a river. There are cattle in the river and the banks are tree-covered.on back - a hand-written letter addressed to Mrs J. Gilbert Tullagoota Orbost.cameron-annie suspension-bridge-orbost snowy-river-orbost

Those identified in this photograph are: Grace Cameron - back row second right and Effie Wait on the left. (Smooker? Firth?)This photograph is a pictorial record of typical women's fashion in the mid 20th century when women's dresses were were modest, revealing very little skin, compared to today’s fashion. Squared shoulders, narrow hips, and skirts that ended just below the knee were the height of fashion. Tailored suits were also quite popular. Generally older women wore hats, gloves and jewellery. The women in the photograph are associated with Orbost.A black / white photograph of a group of women most wearing hats and jewelry. on back- "left Effie Wait Grace Cameron back second row right"cameron-grace wait-effie orbost-social-gathering -mid 20th

This fine wooden building is located in Browning Street, Orbost and is now (2022) used as the St Andrews Uniting Church Hall. It has a supper room and toilets attached and is a hall that has been used for many community purposes including a Flower Show, exhibitions, concerts, Sunday School, and Harvest Festival etc. In1977, the Orbost Presbyterian Church became the Orbost Uniting Church and the old church became a hall when a new church was built nearby. an excellent photograph of this building which shows the original fence A b/w photograph of a building which is a church with the entrance to the front of the picture. A fence made partly of post and rail, and of white picket in the front of the photo. Some trees in the background. No people can be seen. On back of this photo: 'The first Presbyterian services were held by Rev. Charles Atwood in 1885. He held services in the Mechanics Institute for 5 years. The Presbyterian Church was opened on 9th January 1898. Timber was cut at Richardson's Tabbara mill. Mr R P Cameron built the Church.'presbyterian church, orbost

Black and white photograph - Grade 5A, 1972."Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: Jef James, ?, ?, ?, Ted Beard, Gary Oxley, Craig Lucas, Lyal Tan, Cameron Nichol. 2nd Row- L to R: ?, ?, Andrew Taylor, John O'Sullivan, Rodney Cuthbert, Angelo Espizito, Ross Bird, Wayne Hodgson, ?. 3rd Row- L to R: Vicki Jacobs, ?, ?, Dianne Axford, Ingrid Birgna, ?, ?, Elizabeth Cuzens, ?. Front Row- L to R: Helen Mesur, ?, Teresa Taggart, Julie Griffith, Cathy Riggerans, Janet Taylor, Natalie Beresnik, Julie Griffiths, Lori Lancaster. Teacher:

Black and white photograph - Grade 4A, 1971."Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: ?, ?, Wayne Hodgson, John O'Sullivan, Cameron Nichol, ?, Rodney Cuthbert, Max Berry, Ross Bird, ?. 2nd Row- L to R: ?, ?, ?, Helen Mazur, Gary Oxley, Craig Lucas, Jeffrey Hopkins, Jeff James, ?, Lyal Tan. Front Row- L to R: Elizabeth Cuzens, ?, ?, Hayley Brownrigg, Natalie Bereznick, ?, Erica Birkner, Julie Griffith, Terasa Taggart, Dianne Axeford. Teacher: Mr J Roach.

Black and white photograph - Grade 3B, 1970."Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: Craig Lucas, Mark Brackhus, Colin Johus, David Taggart, David Beard, Warren Rawson, Gary Oxley, Stephen Graham. 2nd Row- L to R: Lyall Tann, Robert Beal, Michael Schelfhout, Mary Hurley, Diedre Taylor, Donna Tirney, Gaye Bacun. 3rd Row- L to R: Jeffrey James, Cal Harris, Rodney Foote, Warren Alexander, Ross Williams, Rodney Cuthbert, John O'Sullivan, Cameron Nichol. Front Row- L to R: Susan Halsall, Fluer Kellet, Lynne Smith, Rochelle Backhouse, Sharon Hales, Diane Simpfenderfer, Deborah Smilie, Diane Axford, Joanne Persons. Teacher: Mrs Isabel Marshall

Black and white photograph - Grade 3, 1980"Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: Frances Barbato, ?, Deanne Dinic, Rachael (?), Melissa Beard. 2nd Row- L to R: ?, Steven Gillen, Dean Mavroudis, Chris McEwan, Peter Rigg, Sean Cawley, Steven Harris. 3rd Row- L to R: Cory Price, Cameron Browne, Dean Munzie, Scott (?), Andrew (?), Mark McDougall, Anthony Day, Carl (?). Front Row- L to R: Cindy Belingeri, ?, Tina Gould, Nichole Banks, ?, Joanne Tabone, Natasha Haggar, ?. Teacher: Mr Foreman

Christening gowns are traditional outfits made just for baby’s baptism. They are almost always white and can be very ornate, highly decorated garments. Usually, the christening gown is quite long – much longer than the baby being christened, particularly when it is worn by a young or very small baby. Many families keep a “family” christening gown that has been passed down through various family members and is used for the baptism ceremony. This christening robe was probably used by the Cameron family.The christening gown was a late 18th century innovation usually made of white lawn, muslin or net, longer than the baby and fancier than a day gown. The design was a more moderate version of contemporary adult fashion. Most 19th century christening gowns featured lace. All, until the end of the century, had low necklines and short sleeves. This gown reflects the style of christening robes in the early 20th century. A high waisted, short-sleeved long white broderie anglaise christening robe made of fine cotton. It is hand made edged with machine stitched cut work lace. The bodice is pin tucked.christening-robe clothing-childhood

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost in the late 1950's - 1970's.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. The Country Roads Board was the government authority for the construction and maintenance of main roads in Victoria between 1913 and 1983. It was succeeded by the Road Construction authority on 1 July 1983 and later merged with the Road Traffic Authority on July 1 1989 to form the Roads Corporation. James Cameron, an Orbost farming pioneer and Member of the Legislative Assembly, fathered the Country Roads Board This item is a hand-written record of Orbost Shire Council accounts. It pre- dates computer records. The Shire of Orbost local council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council.A black ledger with wooden covers. It contains hand-written records of transactions between Orbost Shire Council and the Country Roads Board.bottom left corner - Orbost in black on a white East Gippsland Shire logoledger accounts shire-of-orbost country-roads-board