The first settler to occupy the Marlo township area was James Stirling around the year 1875. He built a bark hut on the bluff that had two rooms, bark walls, earthen floors and a shingle roof. By 1884, this structure had expanded to a 9 roomed accommodation house and in 1886 became the Marlo Hotel when a liquor license was granted. The Governor-in-Council declared Marlo to be a township on 18 February 1889. During May 1889, the government surveyor, E.L. Bruce set out 19 sections of the new township, with the first sales of subdivided land occurring the following May. At this time, Stirling's Marlo Hotel was the unofficial hub for the community. It was a general store, accommodation house and the unofficial post office, with settlers taking turns in bringing the mail from Orbost or Cunningham. This continued until Aug 1942, and in 1969 was located in a house adjacent to the Marlo Hotel, before being transferred to the Marlo General Store in this year. The official Post Office List states the Marlo Post Office opened around 1902. in 1925, the "Marlo House" (a nine room accommodation guest house) was granted a liquor licence. The "Marlo House" became "The Marlo Hotel". The Marlo Hotel was popular with many Orbost and district settlers, who travelled to Marlo by horseback or buggy. In the early 20th century the hotel advertised itself as " Under Vice-Regal Patronage. Situated on High Cliff, fronting Ocean, Lakes and Snowy River. Those in search of Health, Rest and Sport should visit Marlo. Boating, Fishing, Shooting, Bathing, Golf. Comfort and Convenience at Marlo Hotel, near Orbost, East Gippsland. Nixon's Cars would meet the train at at Orbost. Fare---6s single, 12s return. Telephone No. 1, Marlo. S, P, STEWART, Proprietor." The Marlo Hotel, perched on the hill overlooking the estuaries and the entrance is a significant building in Marlo. Established in 1886, it has been operating for over 120 yearsAn original black / white photograph and a black / white copy of a party being held under trees on the lawn of the Marlo Hotel. It is a postcard with advertising of Marlo on the back.on back - "Where to spend your holiday - Marlo" on front - "Vice Regal Party at Hotel, Marlo"marlo-hotel

This photograph is a record of the time when horse drawn vehicles were the main form of transport.A black / white photograph of five well - dressed men on a four horse drawn cart. It is on a rough bush track. Three men are standing, the others sitting. There are trees and bush in the background There is another horse - drawn vehicle on the left in the background.transport horse-drawn-vehicle

A punt crossed the Snowy River at Orbost from 1884. A bridge was constructed in 1893, but was soon damaged by a huge flood. Flooding was a regular occurrence, the worst inundations being in 1870, 1893, 1925, 1934, 1952 and 1971. Over the years major flood protection works have been implemented. The Princes Highway, which passes Orbost, now crosses the flood plain on raised concrete supports. (info, from Victorian Places Orbost)This item is associated with the Snowy River and its history. It is a pictorial record of transport in the late 19th century.A black / white photograph (copy) of a punt loaded with people and a horse-drawn carriage making its way across a river.on front at bottom - "Snowy River Punt"snowy-river-orbost transport shipping

There are records of members of the Helmers family attending Bendoc State School. George Helmers was a prospector who mined all the gold from the dry gullies that ran into Bendoc. George was born in 1866, in Bombala, New South Wales, Australia. He was married to Euphemia Lock, born on October 19 1870, in Bendoc Upper, Victoria, Australia.This photograph is associated with early settlers of Bendoc, East Gippsland.A large black / white photograph of a man standing in front of a wooden cottage. there is a horse beside him, a woman standing on a verandah in the background and on the left is a clothes line with what seem to be nappies pegged out. There is also a copy of the original. on back - "George Helmers, Errinundra"helmers-george-bendoc

This was a Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre) display item. Cast iron was a suitable material for pots and pans because it heats up fairly quickly and retains the heat for some time. Soot from the fire would cover the cast iron and give the pot its black appearance. This was considered good because dark colours absorb heat more readily. The were used for cooking in a variety of situations, such as on an open fire and wood-burning stove. The long handle was essential for cooking on open fires to keep the flame of the fire at a distance, and to avoid burning one’s hand.This pan is an example of a common domestic item used in the late 19th century by early residents of Orbost.A shallow cast iron frying pan with a long tubular handle. In the top of the handle is a hole for hanging.On the handle is the number 3.domestic-utensils kitchen-ware cast-iron frying-pan

This was A Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre) display item. It may have been used as a coal scuttle or a maize shovel.A well-used cast iron shovel with a tubular fitting for a handle. BRAD?cast-iron shovel

Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This branding iron was used in Orbost. This item is an example of an implement commonly used in the livestock industry in Orbost.A long-handled branding iron with J H at the end. There is a hanging loop at the top.branding-iron rural livestock-industry

A Gladstone bag is a small portmanteau suitcase built over a rigid frame which could separate into two equal sections. Unlike a suitcase, a Gladstone bag is deeper in proportion to its length.They are typically made of stiff leather and often belted with lanyards. The bags are named after William Ewart Gladstone (1809–1898), the four-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This one has been adapted to suit the needs of a bookmaker. The leather neck strap has been added. Horse racing was a popular past-time in early Orbost. The Nixon family was involved through Keith Nixon. Some of the earliest horse races were held on a course in a paddock belonging to Mr James Cowell at Jarrahmond. For a long time horse races were part of the Marlo Picnic Races.This item is connected to an activity once popular in the Orbost district. A very worn leather bookmaker's bag. It is a Gladstone style bag with a leather neck strap. It has a spring lock with a key hole. It has a curved handle at the top. The leather neck strap does not appear to be original. The inside lining is cotton and there is a metal hinged frame. On the base are four metal studs.On the base - SOLID LEATHERgladstone-bag bookmaker's-bag horse-racing

This type of cast iron kettle was used by pioneer families, mainly rural in the early 1900's upon open fires. It provided a source of boiling water, in or mainly outside the kitchen of homesteads. Early homes often had an open fire containing a fountain, buckets and kettles that hung from a hook in the fireplace. These containers supplied hot water for cooking, washing and cups of tea. The fountain was placed on hob until needed and then hung over fire.This water fountain would have been used by early settlers in Orbost before the connection of electricity.A large cast iron water fountain. It has a hook on the curved swinging handle and a tap at the front. This large cast iron camp pot or cauldron has a long tap connection located at the bottom end at the front. The tap has a simple control swivel at the end to control the water flow.On lid 1934.1 - 3 to 4 On base 1934.2 - A. Kenrick & Sons 4 Gallskettle cast-iron kenrick domestic kitchen

Brass padlock is circular, with a very solid semi-circular hasp, which would swing sideways to open. The key-hole is low on the front of the lock. VAUNpadlock-brass

Adzes are used for smoothing or carving wood in hand woodworking. It is similar to an axe but with the cutting edge perpendicular to the handle. It is used chiefly for shaping wood.A square ended adze that has a thin arched blade set at right angles to the wooden handle. The handle is not original.wood-working-tool adze carpentry

A bit is a type of horse tack used in equestrian activities, usually made of metal or a synthetic material, and is placed in the mouth of a horse to assist a rider in communicating with the animal. It rests in the mouth where there are no teeth.Horses played a vital role in the agricultural history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.An iron horse bit. It has a small piece of leather at one end - possibly from the bridle. It has a piece of wire attached as a hook for hanging.equestrian horse-bit transport

These were used on a horse-drawn wagons, carriages, stagecoaches, and carts. A wheelwright would use this tool to make or repair the wheels. All sizes of buggy spanners, or wagon wrenches, were needed as wagon wheels were of many different sizes. Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Australia’s agricultural history. Light buggies were popular with farmers for trips into town before the common use of motorised vehicles.A collection of thirteen iron wheel spanners on an iron hook. One spanner has a wooden handle and is an adjustable spanner.tool wagon-wrench-spanner transport

This set of winkers was probably used on draught horses in farming.Horses played a vital role in the agricultural history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.A set of dark leather horse winkers. There is a metal chain bit and a leather strap to go around the top part of the horse's head.winkers blinkers farming agriculture horse

Hames are attached to a horse collar used to distribute the load around a horse's neck and shoulders when pulling a wagon or plough. The collar often supports and pads a pair of curved metal or wood pieces, called hames, to which the traces, which attach to the wagon or plough, of the harness are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling. This pair of hames would have been used on a farm in the Orbost district for pulling ploughs or other farm implements.Horses were a vital part of the agricultural industry in Orbost before the mechanisation of farm machinery. This item is associated with that time.Wooden hames with leather traces which have chains and springs (to absorb shock) on each end.equestrian rural farming harness traces

Horses were a vital part of the agricultural industry in Orbost before the mechanisation of farm machinery. This item is associated with that time.Part of leather harness. Brown leather straps with buckles.equestrian harness rural farming

Horses were a vital part of the agricultural industry in Orbost before the mechanisation of farm machinery. This item is associated with that time.A brown leather harness (spider) with a chain on one side and a heavy hook at the end.harness equestrian rural farming horse

Built by the Buffalo Forge Company in New York, USA. It is of a typical hand operated design used in workshops. This item was probably used in an engineering shop locally.A cast iron workshop drill. It has two spanner holes.On wheel at top - BUFFALO FORGE Co. and on frame BUFFALO N.Y.drill press workshop hand-operated

These were used on a horse-drawn wagons, carriages, stagecoaches, and carts. A wheelwright would use this tool to make or repair the wheels. Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Australia’s agricultural history. Light buggies were popular with farmers for trips into town before the common use of motorised vehicles.A metal buggy wheel spanner for various applications.buggy-spanner tool transport

A wooden tennis racquet press with separaters. It has a brass handle and three brass wing nuts on tightening screws. It is heavy and solid and could hold 4 racquets. It is shaped like a tennis racquet frame. Could be mahogany.tennis racquet-press sport recreation

A canvas golf bag with 5 clubs - two wooden and three metal. The bag has leather handles and leather binding. It has wooden handles with leather grips. The inscriptions are too worn to be legible.On one club : R. Forgan & Son Hand forged (crown) Another club St Andrews JIGGER Hand forged Scotlandgolf-clubs recreation leisure sport forgan

The clock was the original clock located over the bar in the Orbost Club Hotel. In 1884 J.A. Petterson built the first Orbost Club Hotel with the licence in the name of Thomas Maguire (his stepson). This hotel was the first in the area and cost 1,400 pounds to build (ref. In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall) and was actually built before Orbost was proclaimed a township - April 17 1885 The R A on the pendulum stands for: retard/advance. It is a common pendulum bob, used by many manufacturers, worldwide. Regulator clocks, sometimes referred to as pendulum clocks, were invented in the late 18th century in a quest for greater timekeeping accuracy. They were weight-driven devices. The pendulum on this clock appears to be German made. .The Orbost Club Hotel was the first hotel built in the Orbost district and was an important hub for the township with many whole town meetings held there.A wall clock with Roman numerals inside a dark brown wooden case. It has a brass pendulum and the key is inside the case.R A on the pendulum.wall-clock orbost-club-hotel

No historical information, but used to weigh sovereigns and half sovereigns to make sure that they are the correct weight and therefore genuine.This item is an example of an item no longer in common use as sovereigns were once unique in that it had no denomination, or currency value printed on the coin. Its value was tied to the value of gold.A brass sovereign and half-sovereign balance and its cardboard case. The case is principally red and pulls apart in the middle.On a label on the box: IMPROVED SOVEREIGN BALANCE To weigh and gauge Sovereigns and Half Sovereigns. Warranted b......with steel. On the balance: SOVEREIGN WARRANTED and SOVEREIGN 1/2 also a crown image.sovereign-balance money-coins

An ink bottle was made of glass or ceramic and typically sat on a desk. The writer would dip the pen (or quill) into the bottle to put more ink on the pen. Because they sat on a desk, ink bottles were often decorative. We have mostly dispensed with ink bottles and quills. This item is an example of early stationery equipment commonly used in schools, households and commercial enterprises.Small, squat, brown, salt-glazed ceramic inkwell with small opening at top. It has a short neck and a round squat body. This type of inkwell is also known as a penny ink well.container ink-bottle penny-inkwell stationery writing

This item is an unusually shaped glass container.Oval green tinted bottle with wide neck. One flat side. Torpedo type bottle.bottle torpedo-bottle container-glass

This is one of many models of the Enterprise Tinned Meat Chopper No5This domestic kitchen appliance is typical of the period when food processing was done at home. It would have been before the time of mass food processing factoriesSmall black metal meat grinder with screw down grip for use on bench tops and tables. Still in working order. Carved wooden handle.Enterprise MFG.Co. PH'A, U.S.A. on clamp. Pat.Jan.30.83.June.5.88 on other side. Enterprise-Tinned-Meat-Chopper on barrel.grinder domestic food-preparation enterprise-mfc

At one time, almost all breweries in Australia had their own brand of returnable bottle or were members of bottle co-operatives that managed returnable bottles. Instead of being crushed to make new bottles, as happens in most cases today, these returnable bottles were returned to the brewery or bottle co-operative, washed, inspected for cracks and chips and returned to service.This item is an example of the type of beer bottle commonly used in the late 19th-early 20th century.MBCV brown glass beer bottle. Has the word COUNTRY embossed below shoulder. The letters MBCV in a spade below that.Front - MBCV in a spade. (Manufacturers Bottle Co. of Victoria) At bottom - Property of the Manufacturers Bottle Co-op of Victoria Pty Ltdbottle mbcv glass

This bottles is aesthetically pleasing and reflects an earlier stage of development in glass manufacturing.Very long, thin, green tinged bottle with spiralling glass neck. Contained salad oil.bottle glass container

tin Keens mustard Lord-Nelson domestic-item containerLarge colourful mustard tin - Keen's. Has illustrations on top and both sides of Lord Nelson in combat. The top and each side of this multi-sided tin have a different captioned illustration: Horatio Nelson Lieutenant volunteering to board a Prize in a gale; Nelson’s conflict with a Spanish Launch; Order of the Indian Empire; Rear Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson K.B.; Victoria & Albert; Horatio Nelson Midshipman; Distinguished Service Order; Lord Nelson mortally wounded Oct. 21st 1805; The Victoria Cross. On the inner side of the lid is a colourful decal: Keen’s Mustard. tin mustard keens container

A knobkerrie is a form of club used mainly in Southern and Eastern Africa. The large knob at one end can be used for throwing at animals in hunting or for clubbing an enemy's head. It would have been carved from a branch thick enough for the knob, with the rest being whittled down to create the shaft. The name is Afrikaans and comes from 'Knop', meaning knot or ball and 'Kierie', meaning cane. A short brown wooden knobkerrie club which has a thin handle and spherical club on one end. It has a leather thong threaded through a hole at the end of the handle. knobkerrie club weapon hunting