This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost in 1959. 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 is a handwritten record of revenue accounts from local government. The Shire of Orbost as a local government no longer exists havinb absobed into the East Gippsland Shire Council.A heavy ledger with a brown cover and steel bindings. The covers are probably wooden. It is alphabetically indexed and the ledger is lockable. it contains revenue accounts for 1959. On the front cover is "LEDGER (underlined) SHIRE OF ORBOST" in gold print. It is an "Emu Binder".accounts-shire-of-orbost local-government

From L-R : Nathan Spielvogel, Hector Young, Percy Watt and George Holden. . Taken on the front porch at Illfracombe in 1908 after the four men had enjoyed a weekend fishing There appears to be a photo hanging on the wall in the background which looks like it could be of a young Marion Watt and the family's dog, a golden retriever In "The Gum Sucker at Home: Bound for Croajingolong 1908" by Nathan Spielvogel, published in Mary Gilbert's Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District, 3rd edition, p. 107-116, Spielvogel talks of his trip to Orbost, and fishing with Watt, Bruce and Young aboard Percy Watt's boat, the Maris Stella. Spielvogel's story says Young was the secretary at James & Birds auctioneers and "was one of the builders of the first foot bridge over the Backwater". It says George Holden was a Bank Manager at the Bank of Victoria. (info. from Campbell Watt) This photograph shows Mr Nathan Spielvogel on the left. He was a school teacher at the Orbost State School following Mr Rowe. Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874-1956), teacher, writer and historian, was born on 10 May 1874 at Ballarat, Victoria, son of Newman Frederick Spielvogel, pawnbroker, and his wife Hannah, née Cohen. As well as his stories he published a number of books about the history of Ballarat. Spielvogel taught at Orbost for at least a year Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874–1956) was a teacher, writer and historian. As a country schoolteacher, he traveled widely in the eastern Australian outback and also made a journey to London. Spielvogel gained distinction as one of the only Australian Jewish writers of his time. Many of his early books were best-sellers. He has an association with the history of Orbost having spent a year as a teacher at Orbost. The Watt family were early Marlo settlers.A black / white photograph / postcard of four men sitting around a small table playing cards. Two of the men have pillows behind their heads. Three are smoking pipes.on back - "On R - N. Spielvogel"spielvogel-nathan-orbost

This photograph is of Percy Nixon, son of James Nixon and Alice Roberts Percy Nixon married Evelyn Harding. The photographer was Warren, Helena (1871-1962) who was a self-taught photographer who became both the local press correspondent and a producer of humorous trompe l'oeil postcard images. Helena Warren was a thirty-two year old settler living on a small mixed farm with her husband, William, at Newmerella, near Orbost in Gippsland, Victoria, when she bought her first camera, an Austral Box quarter-plate. Her family says she was entirely self-taught, like many women photographers who started out with nothing but the instructions on the packets of film and chemicals. In over fifty years practice she graduated from the total novice, who opened all her first mail order plates in bright sunlight and ruined them, to a competent photographer who became both the local press correspondent and an inveterate producer of humorous trompe l’oeil postcard images. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert). 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. This photograph also has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker.A black / white photograph of a young boy standing next to a very large pumpkin. His right arm is resting on the top.pumpkins-orbost warren-helena-photography nixon-percy

Miss B. Morgan owned a stationery, fancy goods and tobacco shop in Orbost. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is an example of trhe early 20th century book-keeping of an Orbost business. It is a useful research tool.A white paper account with red lines and black print. Details are hand-written. There is a pink sticker attached. It is from Miss B. Morgan to Mr R. Cameron. account-book-keeping cameron morgan-miss-b.

John Russell Senior was a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). He was a keen bowler, playing up to, the age of ninety.This item is associated with the Russell family, early settlers in the Orbost district.A black / white, head and shoulders, portrait photograph of a balding man in a suit and tie. There is a badge on his lapel.russell-john

This photograph shows the second major bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost. The current Snowy River bridge is the fourth to provide a crossing to the township of Orbost. The first, in 1891, lasted just two years before it succumbed to flood waters. The bridge in this photograph was built in the 1920s as a road and rail bridge, and was again partly washed away by flood waters in 1934. After the end of the first World War the Victorian Railways considered an extension of the railhead across the river at Orbost, and in 1922 a new timber and steel girder structure, a joint Country Roads Board — Victorian Railways venture, was built and completed at a cost of £41,000 (the steel girders came from the Flinders Street viaduct reconstruction). Subsequently it was decided not to take the railway across the river, and the bridge was only used by road traffic. It was severely battered by floods during its life. and after the devastating 1971 floods was eventually replaced by the current bridge in 1975. (info from Newletter 54N by John Phillips)This is a pictorial record of the flood damage in 1971 when part of the Snowy River Bridge was washed away.A black / white photograph of a bridge which has been damaged by floodwaters. It shows one end has been washed away.orbost-snowy-river-bridge-1971 floods-orbost-1971

This is a photograph of John Draffin and his family. John Draffin was for a time the Orbost Shire Secretary. John Draffin came to Australia as a child with his parents from the north of Ireland . He came to Orbost in 1894 and was Shire Secretary from then until 1910 He had four children: Andrina, Eva, George, Maggie, Sally and Nellie. "Mr Draffin was 67 years of age when he died. He had for many years been engaged in farming pursuits, and at one time held the position of champion plough- man of Victoria. In his younger days he used to make it his boast- that although he was a small man he could do as much work as a big one Some thirty odd years ago be took up land in South Gippsland, but in 1895 gave up farming, and was appointed secretary to the Orbost shire, a position which he held until he was compelled by failing health to resign." - from Snowy River Mail 1 August 1912.John Draffin was a prominent Orbost citizen involved in many community activities.A black / white studio photograph of a family - mother father and six children. The parents are seated with the youngest child, other children are standing.draffin-john orbost-shire-secretary

C.H. Grove spent about 40 years in the area, information is mainly derived from his own recollections and "reliable sources". Charles Henry [Carl] Grove died on 17/4/1938 at Box Hill at the age of 88 and was buried in Orbost. Prior to coming to the Snowy River district, Carl worked as overseer on Buchan Station. In 1880, he selected land at Newmerella after first coming here in 1874 with early selector James A Robertson.He was one of the first selectors at Orbost - in 1880 he selected 320 acres at Newmerella, which he called „Ulinda‟ He married Annie Robertson in 1876. Carl was a farmer, hop and seed grower and nurseryman. He was an elected Councillor of the newly formed Tambo Shire in 1882, and then in 1892 to the Orbost Shire where he served for many years filling varioius public roles. In 1911, he shifted to Queensland, but later returned to Victoria and died at Box Hill. (Ref. Nov 2014 Newsletter) This is a useful reference tool.A carbon copy of a typeset manuscript / transcript book entitled "Bukan Mungee" containing historical and geographical information of the area "bounded by the Snowy River in the east, the Tambo river in the west...and with the following leaseholds, Ensay, Gillingall, and Gelantipy on the north, with Kilmore and Corringle stations on the south..."grove-carl bukan-mungee corringle newmerella snowy-river tambo-river

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of the torso of a man dressed in band uniform. The man is Frank White.Printed on back (partially obscured by the remnants of a stamp) - Richards & ... Ballaratfrank wright, ballarat, cornet, conductor, smeaton

D. Robb was a member of the band.HistoricalSmall cardboard card with cord tie and insert window with a picture of a waratah. Best wishes. An Australian wish. The boys of the Phillip Is. Band, To Mr & Mrs Robb+ Family Xmas 1930philip island band, d.h.robb, greeting card

A photo of four members from the police band playing in Swanston Street as part of Legacy Week fundraising.A record of a way to promote Legacy during Legacy Week in 1995.Colour photo of the police band Boxcar Blues in Swanston St.legacy week, police band

Sharp transistor radio (2 band) manufactured in Japan with reverse painted plastic (ie painted on the inside of the plastic preventing wear or damage to the artwork). (Classic to Japanese radios of this vintage). Includes brown leather case and ear phones in separate container.2 BAND TRANSISTOR 8. Front: ON/OFF Band Numbers. VOL / 8 / SHARP Side switch: SW/BC Back: JAPAN radio, transistor, sharp

This is a photograph of students of Orbost State School. Those in the photograph have been identified by Mary Gilbert. Back Row - Billy Nixon; ?; ?; ?; Albert Williams; Stan Porter; Stan Farmer; Bert Johnston; Betty Gilbert; Bernice Feltis; Olive Gall; Lorna Farquahar: Bessie Gibbs; Cora Morgan; Dorothy Broome ?: Jack Gargan; Bill Dreverman; Tom Stevenson; George French; ?; Jim Nixon; Dorothy Tipping; Lorna Sadler; Ivy Swan; ?; ?; Edie Gall; ? ?; ?; Ray Tyrell; ?; ?; Tom Rodwell; /; Una Perry; Perth Hardy; ?; Molly Pardew; Alice Hammill; Effie Hammill; Muriel Grose; Francie Robinson; Marion Gilbert Jim Tipping; Dave Murray; Arthur Simpson; ? Grose 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.This photograph is associated with the history of education in Orbost.A black / white photograph mounted on brown card. It shows a group of school children in front of an outside wallm of of a timber building. A boy in front is holding a board with "Grades 1V & V" written on it.A hand-written list of names is attached to the photograph. There is an arrow with "MARION" next to it. At top - BETT

This is the seventh issue of the Orbost High School annual magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". this magazine was owned by Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This seventh issue of the annual magazine of Orbost High School is a useful reference tool.A 22 pp grey covered magazine titled Croajingolong 1954 Vol. 1 No. 7 Dec. 1954On front cover - M. Gilbert handwritten in blue pencroajingolong orbost-high-school

This is the eighth issue of the Orbost High School annual magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This eighth issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine is a useful reference tool.A 24 pp magazine with a grey cover titled Croajingolong 1955. Vol.1 No. 8croajingolong orbost-high-school

The painting was created by Mrs M. Bazeley who was the wife of the current Church of England minister and the mother of Dr Percival Bazeley, born in Orbost (1909) who was credited with assisting Dr Jonas Salk who produced the polio vaccine.This item is an example of the artistic talents of many women in the early 20th century. It is of aesthetic significance.Picture of small village by the sea with passersby. In all gold coloured frame.Front RH corner - M Bazeley,1912painting oil-painting bazely

This blazer was probably worn by Doris Trewin (nee Mehlert) in her role as a chaperone of the Orbost Marching Girls, the Waratahs.Together with a trophy, a uniform and photos this blazer forms part of the history of the Orbost Marching Girls group.An Orbost Marching Girls' Chaperone's blazer. It is navy wool, lined, has two pockets (one on each side) and fastens with two silver buttons. On each sleeve cuff is a smaller silver button.blazer uniform orbost-marching-girls

This 97km Bairnsdale to Orbost extension through rugged terrain was reputed to have been the most difficult rail project undertaken in Victoria. This wooden bridge was one of the unique railway bridges of the East Gippsland Railway line. Mundic Creek Bridge is of unique design because the line crosses at a very sharp angle. This bridge like many others on the line have "disappeared". This one, probably because of a bushfire.The Bairnsdale to Orbost rail line contains the most varied range Of timber & timber composite bridges on any Victorian line. This photograph is a record of that. A black / white photograph of a train on a wooden railway bridge at Mundic Creek.on front - Mundic Creek, Orbost Railway W.S.Vogt, Bairnsdalemundic-creek-bridge east-gippsland-railway

Herman Wehner, had learned his trade as a blacksmith and coach builder in Germany before coming to Australia in about 1884. After working for some time in Melbourne and at Wallan he came to Orbost in 1889 and bought John William Borland‟s wheelwright and blacksmithing business in Nicholson Street. At the time there were two blacksmithing and wheelwright businesses in Orbost, the other one, also in Nicholson Street, was owned by Mr John Russell. (ref, John Phillips Newsletter July 2015) Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex. The Wehner family is/ was a prominent family in Orbost from the late 19th century. Herman Wehner founded Wehner's Blacksmith's at Orbost in 1889. Oswald Wehner began working in 1910 with his father. In 1947 Ossie's son Tom started blacksmithing, retiring in 1991 and closing the business, The building remains in Nicholson Street. This item is an example of book-keeping in the early 20th century. It is a useful research tool.A white paper account with blue print, red lines. At top left is a blue illustration of a horse. The account is from H. Wehner, General Blacksmith and Wheelwright to R. P. Cameron.wehner-blacksmith account book-keeping cameron-r.p.

A new bridge over the Snowy River at Orbost was opened for traffic on June 20th 1922. It was intended as a road and rail bridge, and was again partly washed away by flood waters in 1934. After the end of the first World War the Victorian Railways considered an extension of the railhead across the river at Orbost, and in 1922 a new timber and steel girder structure, a joint Country Roads Board — Victorian Railways venture, was built and completed at a cost of £41,000 (the steel girders came from the Flinders Street viaduct reconstruction). Subsequently it was decided decided not to take the railway across the river, and the bridge was only used by road traffic. This is a pictorial record of an early bridge over the Snowy River at Orbost.A black / white postcard photograph of a bridge across a shallow river with men on horseback underneath.snowy-river-bridge

In early 1974, as an Engineer with the Country Roads Board, David came to Orbost as the Supervising Engineer for the construction of the new bridges which were part of an 8.4km Orbost bypass road design. This was a major project involving not only a new bridge over the Snowy River (including Lochiel Lagoon), but other bridges over Ashby’s Gulch and Watt’s Gulch. These new bridges were opened in November 1976 with the unveiling of a plaque on the eastern end of the $2.4M Snowy River Bridge. The new bridge, built by the CRB at a cost of $2.4 million, is 1.6 metres above the record flood levels of 1971. (ref. May Leatch) This newspaper contains contemporary reports of a significant event in Orbost.A Snowy River Mail newspaper, dated 1.12.1976. It contains news articles, photographs and advertisements. The main article relates to the official opening of the Snowy River Bridge and the unveiling of a plaque on the eastern approach. It also contains a history of the first Snowy River Bridge.snowy-river-bridge orbost-bridges snowy-river-mail

The Wangaratta Tin Kan Band, a significant part of local folklore, was formed mainly for the purpose of raining funds for the district hospital. The original drum was a discarded carbine tin, hence the band's name Tin Kan Band. The band was formed in 1914 by Syn Emery and was active until 1935. Music was important in this era for public and social functions. The instruments played were tin whistles, mouth organs, accordions, banjos, violins, guitars, drums, wash boards and anything that would make a musical sound; they often made their own instruments such as one string fiddles. Each band member had their own distinctive costume. The band members were mostly business men and shop owners who used their talents to entertain at public functions. They organized sports meetings, dances, concerts and anything that would help the hospital financially and in the depression of the 1930's; they were the mainstay that helped keep the hospital going. Very significant in local public and social functions and a part of local folk lore.The Wangaratta Tin Kan Band, a significant part of local folklore, was formed mainly for the purpose of raising funds for the district hospital. The original drum was a discarded carbine tin, hence the band's name Tin Kan Band. The band was formed in 1914 and was active until 1935. Music was important in this era for public and social functions. The instruments played were tin whistles, mouth organs, accordions, banjos, violins, guitars, drums, wash boards and anything that would make a musical sound; they often made their own instruments such as one string fiddles. Each band member had their own distinctive costume. The band members were mostly business men and shop owners who used their talents to entertain at public functions. They organized sports meetings, dances, concerts and anything that would help the hospital financially and in the depression of the 1930's; they were the mainstay that helped keep the hospital going. tin kan band syn emery music

This display of butter was created by Mrs Jessie Petterson for the Harvest Festival. Ten pounds of butter was used. The Harvest Festival display was always put together by the church ladies ( Orbost Presbyterian Church) and was a family friendly festival celebrating the end of summer. The Harvest Festivals were regular community events in Orbost during the first half of the 20th century. This photograph is associated with that time.A black / white photograph postcard of a butter sculpture, a flower arrangement carved out of butter.on back - "display of butter by Mrs Jessie Petterson, 1900"harvert-festival sculpture-butter petterson-jessie

This is the twenty-sixth issue of the annual magazine of Orbost High School. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east. 221.1 belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This is a useful reference tool.Three copies of Croajingolong 1973. Itb has a pale blue cover with dark blue print and an illustration of stylise ocean waves and mountains.2221.3 has autographs inside.croajingolong orbost- high-school

This is the twenty-eighth issue of the annual Orbost High school magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east. 2223,1 belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This is a useful reference tool.Two copies of Croajingolong 1975, It has a cream cover with dark blue print. There is a blue and yellow stripe on the left hand side.croajingolong orbost-high-school

This group of adult students were part of a "Common Skills1 Day Time" course at Orbost T.A.F.E. In the photograph are: Mrs Vincent; Marianne Pelz; Marilyn Morgan; Wilma Faulk; Susan Haylock; Carrol Findley; Margaret Legge and Fiona Ashlyn.This photograph is associated with Adult Learning in Orbost.A black / white photograph of a group of people standing outside a wooden building.education-adult-orbost t.a.f.e.-orbost

This certificate is part of the Lawless Collection. The Lawless family lived in Orbost from 1907 - c 1920. John Francis Lawless had a saddlery shop. He died at an early age - 47 years - June 7 1912, leaving his wife, Elizabeth and seven children. The eldest son, Victor Rowland lawless volunteered for service in WW1 but did not leave Australia because of illness. The second son, Edward Vincent Lawless (b 1895 d 1917) worked for McCoy & Co. in Orbost, coachbuilding, undertakers, general blacksmiths and farriers, prior to enlisting in WW!. He was trained as a signaller and was sent to France where he was killed in action on 9.10.1917. Elizabeth Lawless worked as a ladies' nurse (midwife) in Orbost prior to leaving the district in 1920. She lived to 6.6.1975 aged 104 years.These personal documents, photographs and books give an insight into the human element of World War 1 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and died while playing a vital role during this time are remembered.A communion and baptism certificate for Edward Vincent Lawless. It is dated 25th May 1911. The communion took place at St James Church Orbost. This communion certificate is part of the Lawless collection.certificate lawless-family religious-text baptism ww1

Australian Army issue slouch hat issued to all members of the Australian Army owned by a person by the name of Phipps.Post World War 2 Australian Army Hat pinned into the slouch position. The pinned brim has a Rising Sun Badge attached by two metal pins. Hat Band is cotton and rouched. It also has a leather chin strap. Hand written on leather band inside the hat: PHIPPS Embossed into leather band: MADE BY/"FAYREFIELD"/MELBOURNE/6 5/8/19[indecipherable]australian army slouch rising sun phipps fayrefield

This was presented to Mr A.D. Munro by the residents of Orbost on his retirement as postmaster in 1888. In 1883 the mail terminus was at Newmerella. In July 1883 it was extended to the north side of the river and Archie Munroe became Acting Post Master. He was Post Master until 1885 when the telegraph line came to Orbost.Archie Munro was a well-known Orbost identity who first operated a boot shop in Cameron's barn. He was also active in the promotion of the first brass band in Orbost. He was the son of Hector Munro.A large brown leather portable writing desk. It has a brass handle on the top. Inside are copies of some Munro family documents in a document folder.On a brass plate-Presented to Mr A.B. Munro by the RESIDENTS OF ORBOST on his retirement as Post Master. A.D. 1888munro-archie writing-desk post-office