This whistle was owned by Nancye Wallace (nee Warren) and used in the girl Guides when she was a guide 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 this group which still operates in Orbost.A silver cylinder shaped metal whistle with a ring at the top for attaching to a belt. The whistle has a waisted tubular mouthpiece and the opposite end has a post mounted on a a metal ring for attachment to a lanyard.ACME GUIDE Made in Englandwhistle acme-whistle girl-guides

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

These badges are unused and were possibly available for those guides who took part in the various camps or became new members. they were designed to sew on to the guide uniforms or blankets. Nancye Wallace (nee Warren) was a Guide 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). These badges used by an Orbost local reflects the history of that organisation in Orbost.Twelve cloth badges. They are unused Girl Guide badges. two are round with a black background and inside a red circle is a wattle tree. One is round with a variegated fairy wren inside a red circle. One is rectangular with an eastern rosella inside a red circle. There are four smaller square shaped badges (cut from a strip) with gold, and red print on a blue background - " 1910 Girl Guides Jubilee 1960". One is a rectangular Camp Kindamindi badge and there are three rectangular strips, white with blue print "1st Orbost".badges-cloth girl-guides

Samuel Lynn (1865-1949) was a farmer and grazier at Jarrahmond. He bred Clydesdales. The 13th Light Horse Regiment was formed at Broadmeadows in Victoria in March 1915; it was the third light horse regiment to have been raised in that state. Its regimental number quickly led to it becoming known as the "Devil's Own" regiment. It left Australia on 28 May and disembarked in Egypt on 29 June 1915. Horses have always been an important part of Orbost's history.A laminated set of photographs on cardboard. it is an arrangement of black / white photocopies posibly for a magazine or display. The photos are of local horses, local people and include Mr S. Lynn, A. Mosely and Orbost No 2 troop 13th Light Horse.photographs-horses lynn-samuel mosely 13th-light-horse

This story was written by Brenda Johnson and details her time in Orbost from 1959 -1966 settling on land at Lake Road in Newmerella.This book is a useful and interesting reference tool on life in Newmerella in the mid 20th century.A thin stapled paperback book of 31 pp. It is titled "The Orbost Story 1959 to 1966 Lake Road Newmerella Victoria". The cover is shiny silver with black print. In the centre is a black/white photograph of the block with numbers ( 2 3 ?) carved into a tree. There is a Land Rover in the background.Stapled inside back cover - "Bob Johnson" with telephone details and email address.newmerella-history johnson-brenda rural farming

This book was compiled in 1983 by Chris Smyth, Isabel Baltvilks, Lorelle Roberts and Maurice Roberts for the Friends of Mallacoota as a guide to Victoria's eastern corner. Friends of Mallacoota is a group of volunteers, established in 1983, aiming to sustain the character of Mallacoota and its surrounds by protecting and caring for the natural environment. This book is a useful guide to Mallacoota's history and environment.A stapled, 40 pp, paperback book, titled "Stepping Stones A Guide to Mallacoota". The cover is green with a background drawing of a beach and river at Mallacoota. It is priced at $2.50. It contains descriptions, history, maps, black/white photographs and drawings.Stamped on inside cover - MAREEBA LODGE 59 MIRRABOOKA ROAD MALLACOOTA 3983 It has telephone details. mallacoota friends-of-mallacoota stepping-stones

The publication, VicRoads Centenary: Keeping Victorians Connected for 100 Years, looks at the people and projects that define VicRoads’ history. Written by current and former VicRoads’ employees, the publication details the organisation’s portfolio of major projects, which includes the Great Ocean Road, Hume Highway and Eastern Freeway. Other sections report on Victoria’s world-first road safety initiatives, VicRoads’ use of technology and sustainability measures. (ref VicRoads) This item is one of several books donated by David Jellie at a presentation to Orbost Historical Society. He was a contributor to the book and was the engineer for the Snowy River Bridge (Princes Highway) at Orbost 1974-1976.This book is a useful reference tool on the history of road construction in Victoria including East Gippsland.A thick, bound paperback book, titled "VicRoads Centenary Keeping Victorians Connected for 100 Years". On the front cover is a black/white photograph of two men working on a road. One has a pick. The book contains the history of VicRoads, photographs, maps and advertisements. Some are b/w. Others are coloured.vicroads book roads snowy-river-bridge jellie-david

Located near the NSW border in the far east of Victoria, the Bendoc school served the needs of a rural population which opened the land to grazing at the turn of the century. It opened on September 8 1896. In December 1956 falling attendances forced the Education Department to close it. It is interesting to note that children here sought their secondary education in NSW. The first head teacher) was John M. Cass and the last R R King. In 1953-54 Lower Bendoc operated part-time with Goongerah. In 1955 it regained full-time status, but in 1956 worked part-time with Tubbut. Author, Dorothy Hepburn, attended Bendoc State School.This is a useful reference tool on the history of Bendoc.A spiral bound book with a plastic sheet front. The cover is white with black print and a b/w photo of a man sitting on a wooden chair outside a log building . Underneath is written "FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO FINAL CLOSURE".bendoc-state-school

A Mechanics’ Institute hall was constructed in 1885 and opened as Orbost's first library. It was situated in Browning Street, Orbost. The hall is still in use today as a community venue. Mechanics' Institutes are the forerunners of public libraries and adult education in Australia. The origin of mechanics' institutes is attributed to Dr George Birkbeck, who in 1799 gave a series of free lectures for the working men of Glasgow. At the time, 'mechanic' meant artisan, tradesman or working man. The movement spread quickly throughout the British Empire. The first Victorian Mechanics' Institute was the Melbourne Mechanics' Institute established in 1839. From the 1850s, Mechanics' Institutes quickly spread throughout Victoria wherever a hall or library, or a school was needed. This ledger was used by the Orbost Mechanics' Institute from 1884 until 1926. 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 Mechanics' Institute was a very early feature of the Orbost community. The building became a community facility used for a variety of essential civic needs in particular a library. It also provided a suitable venue for community social requirements and functions.A heavy minute book with faded black covers and brown binding. The edges of the pages are marbled as are the end covers. Pages inside are blue with hand-written black ink records. It contains minutes from the Orbost Mechanics Institute.on spine on red leather in gold lettering: "MINUTE BOOK"minute-book orbost-mechanics'-institute

Orbost has been subject to major floods throughout its history, such as those which left the town isolated in 1934, 1952, 1971 and 1978. It is recorded that the Snowy River broke its banks and flooded the flats 104 times between 1884 and 1978. Extensive flooding in Eastern Victoria during June 1978, caused widespread damage to roads, road closures and hazards to traffic, particularly over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend. These newspaper articles are contemporary records of a significant event in Orbost history.A collection of black/white newspaper clippings relating to the 1978 flood in Orbost. Some are original articles. others are photo-copies. They appear to be from the Snowy River Mail newspaper.floods-orbost-1978 newspaper-articles

Young Farmers is a network of clubs for young people aged 16 to 30. Young Farmers helps people meet new friends, improve skills, participate in their community and have fun. Activities range from weekends away to casual BBQs, field days, balls, farm tours and team events. (ref. Victorian Young Farmers Inc.) Traditionally a debutante ball was held for debutantes to formally come out into society. Debutante balls continue to have a devout following in parts of Victoria, particularly in smaller regional areas.Community dances/ balls are an important part of Orbost's social history and this item reflects that.A white/cream sheet of paper folded in half. It has black print "ORBOST YOUNG FARMERS CLUB DEBUTANTE BALL 5th OCTOBER 1973 President Mr Colin Granter Secretary Miss Helen Codey". Inside are lists of the official party, flower girls and debutantes with partners.dancing ball debutantes-ball

The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987.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.A large rectangular shaped paper map of all railway stations in Victoria. It is dated 1st August 1965. It is divided into grids. Stations are listed around the map. A key is provided and each station has a grid reference.map-railway victorian-railways

The Richardson family was one of the very early settler families to establish themselves in the Orbost district. Samuel Richardson was builder of the Paddle Steamer Curlip.The Richardson family was one of the very early settler families to establish themselves in the Orbost district. Samuel Richardson was builder of the Paddle Steamer Curlip. This is a useful reference tool.A C.D. of the Richardson Collection of diaries and ledgers dated 1878-1935. It contains information of the Richardson families in Orbost and the Ballarat district in Victoria. On the front is a photograph of a seated Samuel Richardson with a paper in hand. The disc is in a clear orange plastic case.richardson-samuel orbost-history p.s.curlip

This book was produced by Ron Anderson, a resident of Cann River in 1985 - 159 years following the establishment of Victoria. It contains a collection of photographs as well as a brief history of the Cann River District. This book is a pictorial record of Cann River and as such is a useful research tool.A large format black covered book, titled, "The Cann River Collection Volume 1". On the front cover is a black and white photograph of a four-wheeled buggy pulled by four horses standing outside a hotel. It contains a collection of photographs of the Cann River district.

This poster was made for the sale of the 1,440 acres of Orbost Station after the death of Sir William Clarke. It was sold by Edward Trenchard & Co. which was the oldest Stock and Station agent in Victoria assisted by Desailly, Macarthur & Co were livestock experts. Sir William Clarke had taken over the Orbost run from the McLeods in 1870. When Sir William died the property was owned by his son, Rupert who offered the land for sale at 4 pounds per acre. No sale resulted and the property was leased for a few years until in 1898 it was subdivided and sold to many of Orbost's first families. (info. from In Times Gone By- Deborah Hall)This is an important reminder of the very early history of the settlement of Orbost.A rectangular paper poster for the sale of the Orbost Estate on Forest Road, Orbost. It is dated "Thursday Dec 1898" and was made for the sale of the 1,440 acres of Orbost Station after the death of Sir William Clarke. The poster gives written details of the sale and a plan of the property.orbost-station clarke-sir-william orbost-estate

This magazine is a guide to the Buchan and Murrindal Caves of East Gippsland. From 1985 to 1993 Kent Henderson had published a number of full colour tourist-orientated books about limestone caves. This book is the second in the series. This one and a book on Jenolan Caves, in New South Wales, are the only two still in print.This item is a valuable research tool on the history of Buchan and in particular, The Buchan Caves.A soft cover, 64 pp stapled magazine with a glossy cover. On the cover is a coloured photograph of limestone stalagmite formations in a cave. The magazine contains coloured photographs and historical information about Buchan Caves.Inside on fly is "Mary Gilbert" hand-written in black felt tip.caves-victoria-buchan geology buchan

This copy book is for the practice of copperplate handwriting and was used at the Orbost School. It was not until the mid-20th century that Australian schools were investigating the modern cursive styles being taught overseas. Writing slates and slate pencils had been a commonplace item of everyday life in colonial Australia. Slates were generally only used by school children in the most junior grades By Class III, however, school children in Victoria had normally passed beyond the need for slates in shaping letters and used ink and copybooks instead. Writing slates often continued to be used for arithmetic exercises. the use of slates was discontinued mainly because paper became cheaper and writing on paper was deemed to be more hygienic.This item is an example of a school text book commonly used for the practice of handwriting in most primary schools in Australia. It shows a style of handwriting not commonly used today. The Cameron family is significaant in the history of Orbost.A school handwriting copy book. It contains examples of copperplate writing for copying and practice. On the front cover there are drawings of a kangaroo, emu, platypus and echidna in each corner. The book is titled "AUSTRALIAN COPY BOOK FIFTH GRADE No. 4". It is designed for use in all states and New Zealand. Inside a banner is "small hand proverbs geography commercial terms". All print is black.on front cover: Jean Cameron Inside front cover: Jean Cameron 1924, J.M. Ralston 1924handwriting education cameron

This item was made by John Russell Senior, a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and later chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). The buggy lifter was handed down to George Henry Russell (Doug), the second son between 1970 and 1973.Blacksmiths played an essential part in the regional parts of Victoria and were required to use their ingenuity and skills to design and make tools needed on local farms. This item is an example of a tool specifically designed for a horse-drawn wagon. 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 lifter. It has two hooks connected at the top by a bolt and a shackle. The hooks fit under the rim to enable the wheel to be lifted with a pulley / crane system operated by a man or a horse.tool buggy-lifter russell-john blacksmith wheelwright

This magazine was edited by Meredith Fletcher. Lake Tali Karng is a natural lake in the Alpine region of Victoria, in eastern Australia. Lake Tali Karng is a sacred place to the Gunai Kurnai people.This item is a useful reference on the history of Gippsland.A 64 pp magazine, titled Gippsland Heritage Journal. It has a grey cover with a b/w photograph of Tali Karng lake in 1929. It contains photographs and articles on the history of Gippsland. The magazine is dated September 1996 and cost $8.00.There is a library bar code on the outside of the back cover and a call number 994.56 on the front. GIPgippsland-heritage-journal lake-tali-karng history-gippsland

The Weekly Times was first published on September 11, 1869. In September 1875, The Weekly Times absorbed two other Melbourne-based rural publications, the Economist and Town and Country.In 1892 the Daily Telegraph company sold its buildings and mastheads to the Herald group, which has published The Weekly Times continuously since. In 1902 The Herald and Standard Newspaper Company Ltd changed its name to the present Herald and Weekly Times. These booklets were published as souvenir magazines to "celebrate 100 years on the land". They had ten parts published weekly from September 15 - November 17 1999. These magazines are records of 20th century rural history of Victoria. Ten magazines inside a hard plastic covered folder. They are Weekly Times souvenir booklets/magazines titled "Our Land, Our Century 1900-1999: Celebrating 100 Years on the Land". They contain pictures and stories of events related to rural Australia. Each edition covers ten years from 1900 -1989.