This program was for an event to celebrate the golden anniversary 950 years) of the official opening of Orbost's Commonwealth Hotel. It was organised by Chas and Una Roberts (nee Marshall) and was a fund-raiser for O.C.C.A. (Orbost Continuing Care}). This group was initiated by Brenda Murray who was the founding chairperson of the Orbost Continuing Care Appeal, which raised money to build an aged persons' facility for Orbost. The evening was compered by Graeme Eddy. The performers included: Victoria Strait, Leslie Strait, Norma Williams, Pauline Strait, Hoard Oberg and Wayne Stuart. All were accomplished musicians from New South Wales. The event took place at 6pm on Saturday September 2 1978.This item is associated with the Commonwealth Hotel which has been operating in Orbost since January 1901.A white paper program with black print.It is one sheet folded.On the back is a picture of the Commonwealth Hotel, Orbost with a brief history of its establishment underneath the photograph. On the front side is the title, "an evening of baroque music and a golden invitation to dinner". There is a stylised drawing of a saxophoene, drum and cello. Inside are details of the program and menu with notes on some of the performers.on front - "MUSEUM".commonwealth-hotel music-concert event-orbost

This program was produced by the Snowy River Mail for a community singalong held in Orbost on Tuesday June 2 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11. In June 1953 , Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and Pakistan, and became the Head of the Commonwealth. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as monarch took place on 2 June 1953. Elizabeth ascended the throne at the age of 25, upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952, and was proclaimed queen by her various privy and executive councils shortly afterwards. The coronation took place more than a year later because of the tradition that holding such a festival is inappropriate during the period of mourning that follows the death of a monarch. This community event was typical of the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family. This item reflects the significance of monarchy for Australia and the constitutional history of Australia.The item reflects the interest in the royal family to Australians at this time as well as the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family.A white paper program with the words of songs printed in black. There is a rust mark from a metal staple in the top left corner. It is titled "Your Coronation Community Songs".queen-elizabeth-11 royalty community-event-orbost souvenir-program

Mrs Arthurena Dora Beattie (nee Morrison), had been teaching privately at Rosedale and came to Orbost with her husband and family in 1890. In 1892 she opened a private school in Salisbury Street (about the site of the Countryman Motor Inn) which she conducted for about 10 to 12 years. Her husband, John Wilson Beattie, a retired State School teacher, had been head teacher at the Rosedale School from July 1870 to August 1884. After coming to Orbost he selected land on Wall Creek. He was a widower with 7 of 11 surviving children when he married Arthurena in 1885. His fist wife, Georgina (nee KELLY) died at Rosedale in 1883 when the youngest child was just 5 weeks old. John and Arthurena had a further 8 children (5 born at Orbost), and after John's death she married George McCARLIE in 1916 at Sale and moved Mirboo North. (references:BEATTIE, Arthurena Dora Music teacher, Orbost - 1903 Electoral Roll. BEATTIE, Arthurena Dora Teacher, Orbost - 1912 Electoral Roll.) There was at least one other private school much earlier, in 1884. It was thought to be the first school in the district and conducted by William Ballantyne. It was located on the flat on the Newmerella side of the Snowy River near where the first railway crossing used to be. Wm Ballantyne had previously taught school at Sarsfield from June 1873 to November 1879. (information from John Phillips) This advertisement was for educational tuition by Mrs Beattie. Tuition would be from 10.00am - 12.00 and from 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Costs were thirteen shillings per quarter for children under the age of 12 years and one guinea for those over 12 years. A reduction would be given for more than one child in the same family. The 1872 legislation required all children aged 6-15 years to attend school unless they had a reasonable excuse. Parents who did not send their children to school were liable for fines up to five shillings for a first offence, with the penalty increasing to 20 shillings for each repeat offence. The Orbost State School had opened on 19th of March 1886 and this "private school" appears to have been a small private enterprise school. This is a useful research item associated with education in Orbost.A white A5 size paper advertisement which has black print. It is an advertisement for private educational tuition. Details of costs and hours are included.beattie education school advertising

This account form was made for the Orbost Motor Garage owned by George Nixon. George Nixon (1862-1941) selected land in Bete Bolong in the 1890's. He married Emily Warren in 1889 in Orbost. He was a shire councillor. He was a prominent breeder of Clydesdales and after a serious fall off a horse walked with a walking stick and special boot for the rest of his life. He was well-known for his interest in cars, horse-racing and politics.He was married to Emily Warren in 1889 in Orbost. Mrs Nixon (Emily)was the first Red Cross president during WW1. They had ten children.both George and Emily are buried in the Orbost Cemetery. (ref:From White Knowle to Pumpkin Point by Hon Peter Nixon A.O.) This item is associated with 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. It is an example of the early book-keeping of an Orbost business in the early 20th century.A white paper account form. It has black print, blue ruled lines and is unused. t the top is "Orbost Motor Garage" in black capital letters. document-book-keeping nixon-george

A school exercise book. The cover is missing.education-orbost hicks-arthur

This ticket is for a dinner given by the Shire of Tambo to welcome the Victorian State Governor, his wife and parliamentary guests to the official opening at Bruthen of the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway on Tuesday 11th January 1916 at 1pm. The cost was to be five shillings. Bruthen Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916, as part of the Orbost railway line. The station officially closed on Monday, 24 August 1987.This item is associated with the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway.A light green ticket with black print - "Welcome Lunch for His Ex The Gov & Lady Stanley and State Cabinet and Parliament at Bruthen Mechanics Institute". It has been endorsed by H.S. Howlett, president of the Shire of Tambo.bairnsdale-orbost-railway bruthen-event

This program was created for the Orbost Theatre group as a souvenir of the official opening held at the Mechanics Institute hall in Orbost. It was held on Thursday, 20th August , 1931.This item is associated with an event which reflects the interests and leisure activities in Orbost in the first half of the 20th century. It was retained as a souvenir / memento.A rectangular light blue card program with black print. It is a souvenir for the opening of the Orbost Theatre. There are details of the venue and time of the event.theatre-orbost program

Daughter of George Temple and Mary McAuslane of Castlemaine, Hilda married James Kerr in 1893 and lived at Lincluden, Raymond Street, Orbost. Her husband, Dr James Kerr, was a Scot who had come to Australia as a ship's doctor and practised in NSW before visiting Orbost on a government vaccination programme. He liked Orbost and returned there, its first doctor, until his death in 1928. Hilda was sometimes referred to as 'Mrs Dr Kerr.' She and her sisters Mabel Stewart Temple and Margaret Ferrie Temple were all talented writers and musicians. This poem is an example of the talent of Hilda Temple Kerr. Hilda Temple Kerr (1874-1956) grew up in Orbost. She was very talented and published several books. It is reflective of the style of poetry in the early 19th century.A rectangular piece of paper with a typed poem titled, "We Come" by Hilda C. Temple-Kerr.poetry literature kerr-hilda-temple

This is a useful research tool.A large cloth map with black and red print. Regions are labelled in black capital letters. There are some hand-written notes.on back - J. Leathamcartography map-tambo-shire

This share certificate is made out to Herman Wehner of Orbost for 25 shares at 20/- per share in the Orbost Butter & Produce Co.. It has been signed by M. Blacklock as the secretary and James Nixon and H. James as directors. 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. The original Orbost Butter and Produce factory was built in 1893 by a group of landholders described in The Snowy River Mail in 1916 as including “two or three exceptionally constituted individuals who did not know when they were beaten”.The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.A pink paper certificate with black print and handwritten details. It has a "Not Negotiable" stamp vertical centre. It has also been cancelled.orbost-butter-produce-co.

These letters were written and sent by John Draffin to his son. 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 His children were Andrina, Eva, George, Maggie, Sally and Nellie.John Draffin was a prominent Orbost citizen involved in many community activities. This item is a useful research tool.Hand-written correspondence, on ruled paper. Central horizontal fold, some foxing on edges.draffin family, john draffin, george draffin, east gippsland shire councillor, northern ireland heritage, c.1900s

This miner's right certificate was issued in Orbost to Donald Munro of Orbost. It was valid from 24.10.1904 until 23.10.1905 and cost two shillings and sixpence. Donald Munro, with his brother, Archie carried on a boot-making business in one of the rooms of a three-storeyed barn at Lochiel. The Munros were musically inclined and through them a band was formed in 1889. Donald Munro was involved in many of the town's activities. (More in Mary Gilbert's Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District). The Miner's Right was introduced in 1855 in the colony of Victoria, replacing the Miner's Licence. Protests in 1853 at Bendigo with the formation of the Anti-Gold Licence Association and the rebellion of Eureka Stockade in December 1854 at Ballarat led to reform giving the right to mine gold, the right to vote, and the right to own land. This new system proved economical and sustainable, operating substantially unchanged up until 1975. This item is of historical significance as it is associated with positive outcomes for gold miners brought about by the Eureka Stockade rebellion and its subsequent democrat changes. It is also associated with the Munro family who were early settlers in Orbost.A white paper miner's right certificate. It has black print with hand-written details. It is an elaborate document with the Victorian coat-of-arms at the top.on back- date, hand-written notescertificate-miner's-right munro-donald

This is thefirst edition of "Personalities and Stories of Early Orbost which was collected and compiled by Mary Isabelle Gilbert. 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. This book is a collection of stories as told and writtenabout Orbost in early times. This is a useful research and reference tool on the early history of the Orbost district.A 130 pp light grey covered book, titled "Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District." The title is in black print inside a black rectangular frame.gilbert-mary orbost-history recollections-orbost

This label was used by the Orbost Butter Factory.The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district. A paper label with red and green print on a white background . label orbost-butter-factory

This item is a useful reference tool.A 40 pp book on the history of Lakes Entrance. It has a bright orange cover with the title "Lakes Entrance - a short History & Tourist Guide" in black print above a black line drawing of a paddle steamer tied up to a jetty with other boats on the water. It depicts "the S.S. Bonang at Carpenter Street jetty".on front - F. Richardson

This book is a useful reference tool on the history of Newmerella.Four copies of a 80 pp soft covered stapled book with a light brown cover with the title, "NEWMERELLA - VALLEY OF PLENTY' in a darker brown print at the top. Below is an illustration of the Snowy River flats. It contains an outline of the history of Newmerella from the beginning of the 19th century until 1978. There are black/white photographs, detailed information and maps.newmerella-history valley-of-plenty

These items are from the Heyfield estate in 1899 from the pine lining of the old Orbost School residence which was opposite the school on the corner of Tennyson Street. The Orbost State School opened on 19th of March 1886 .The school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond. The first head teacher was 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 then had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached.This item is part of the history of education in Orbost.Two pieces of pine wood lining boards with newspaper glued on to a blue painted background. 715.1 is the larger if the two pieces. On the larger piece is a tattered label with a hand-written description of the history of the board. The smaller piece has a nail on each side at the top with a piece of string tied to each ( for hanging). orbost-school education-orbost

A "Cash Book" being used as a recipe book. The cover is brown / red / purple fabric. On the spine in gold print is "Cash Book". It contains hand-written recipes.inside cover - "Mrs J. Kennedy, Waterholes, Fernbank"recipes domestic cookery

Sunday School at that time involved a lot of commitment on the part of the teachers towards the children and this was reflected in the efforts they went to to make Sunday School an interesting and enjoyable event. Going to Sunday School was an important part of children's lives in the early 20th century in small towns such as Orbost.This item reflects the importance of Sunday Schools and the churches in Orbost in the early 20th century.A Sunday School exercise book with a black leather cover. It contains hand -written information - bible stories - and some printed material pasted in.inside front cover - Arthur Hickssunday-school hicks-arthur

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

this book was used by Max Gall when a student at Orbost Higher Elementary School. he was in Form 111 and the book was his poetry book.This item is representative of students' work in the 1940's and is useful for comparison in the development of education in Victoria.An exercise with a mottled brown cover - a St George exercise book - with a knight on a horse at the top. It has hand - written details ," Max Gall Form 111 O.H.S.Poetry"on front : " Max Gall Form 111 O.H.S.Poetry"education-orbost exercise-book-poetry gall-max

This book records the minutes of th Orbost Maize Growers' Association from December 10 1926. Meetings appear to have been held monthly.This item is an example of the hand - written records of an early Orbost agricultural association. It is associated with the large maize growing industry in the Orbost region 1880s - 1950s.A black covered exercise book containing hand - written minutes for the Orbost Maize Growers' Association.orbost maize agriculture orbost-maize-growers-association

Brodribb State School was State School 3635. It is now on the grounds of the Primary School at Orbost. The schoolopened on 1st of January 1910. It consisted of a building constructed by the parents of the children concerned. This early structure was leased to the Department which had refused requests by the parents to provide a school. This arrangement persisted until 1950. The first Head Teacher was Hubert E. Neville who served there from 1st of January 1910 to 7th of July 1910. In 1950 the Jarrahmond School building was moved to Brodribb, and provided much improved facilities for the teacher and pupils. This building remained in use until 1965 when the school closed because of insufficient numbers. The Brodribb School remained vacant until 1968, when, moved to Orbost, it became an integral part of the school in Ruskin Street Orbost. This school record is of immediate interest and value to the pupils and staff who have learned and taught in the Brodribb State School. The record also has a much wider significance, to the community in which the school is situated, as a record and research tool.Hand - written minutes of the Brodribb State School Committee. They are bound together but with no cover. The writing is in black ink.brodribb-state-school-history

Collected by Mary Gilbert. This folder belonged to Mary Gilbert and was probably used by her whilst teaching at Orbost High School and as a member of the Orbost Historical Society. 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. This item is a useful research tool.A manila folder containing b/w newspaper cuttings relating to the progress of Orbost power, mail and water supply. The articles are from various newspapers.. 732.2 is a report by Mr A. Sambell. C.E. on the Orbost Water Supply. 732.3 is from the Weekly Times, July 17 1968 and is titled "Snowy River Mail Follows Our Ancient Track". 732.4 is from the Snowy River Mail, May 16 1962 and is titled " Power To Orbost in Keeping with State's Progress. 732.5 is from the Snowy River Mail, May 16 1962 and is titled " The Vital Power of Electricity".orbost-power-water-supply

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.Since 1890 the Snowy River Mail has been the local newspaper of the Orbost district.This local paper has been the means by which readers in Orbost were able to learn about newsworthy events and issues in their local community for over a century. This paper is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost's history of flooding.A newspaper, Snowy River Mail, which contains black / white photographs of the 1978 floods in Orbost.orbost-floods-1978

This folder of newspaper articles was compiled by Mary Gilbert. 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. The articles are generally pertaining to Gabo and Point Hicks.These articles are contemporary records of interest in places close to Orbost and are a useful reference tool.A manila folder of black / white newspaper articles relating to Orbost and the surrounding district. 744.2 is titled, " Miranda Tells About a Holiday at Mallacoota". 744.3 is from the Snowy River Mail and is titled, " Historic Spot Now Pt Hicks". 744.4 is from the Snowy Mail and is titled, "Riverina Floats Back on Beach". 744.5 is from the Snowy River Mail and has three articles: "When Gabo Light Keepers Nearly Quit"; "Sydney Convicts For Gabo?'; "Nothing to Eat But Shark".newspaper-articles-gabo- point hicks riverina

These newspaper 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, 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.These articles are contemporary records of events in the history of Orbost and as such are useful reference tools.A manila folder containing black / white newspaper cuttings of articles relating to the local history of Orbost. They are from the Snowy River Mail. 746.1 is titled, "Historic anchor for Orbost Museum". 746.2, August 9, 1967, is titled, ""Orbost Historical Museum". 746.3 is titled, "When The Snowy Was Angry". On the back is "Resident's Sudden Death - Mrs Ada Bowtell (67)". 746.4 from 1934 is titled, "The Duke's Visit - Welcome at Cann River'. 746.5, Wednesday November 24, 1954 is titled, "Naming of Orbost District Landmarks". 746.6, Wednesday November 24, is titled, " Convict First White Settler in Orbost District?". 746.7, Wednesday, July 25, 1928 is titled, " Dedication of St James' Memorial Church, Orbost". 746.8 and 746.9, Wednesday September 24, 1975 are titled, "Piece of History Returns".orbost- museum anchor-orbost street-names-orbost st-james'-orbost

These unused labels would have been used at the Orbost Butter and Produce Factory.The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.Large square white labels with red print - "ORBOST BUTTER".labels-orbost-butter commerce

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

Annie Cameron was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Cameron. Her father was a keen geologist and botanist. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex. He was listed as a significant plant collector at Orbost, Victoria who collected on the Bemm, Cann and Snowy Rivers. (Based on the list published by J.H. Willis, D. Pearson, M.T. Davis, and J.W. Green, Western Australian Herbarium Research Notes Number 12, August 1986. Enhanced with information from George, A.S. (2009) Australian Botanist's Companion, Four Gables Press, WA.)These items are significant as a record of the occurrence of a plant species at a particular place and time and are a useful research resource. They are associated with the Cameron family, early Orbost settlers. Two albums of pressed flowers. 765.1 has a red cover with gold trim and printing. 765.2 has a blue cover. 765.1 - "Collected at Cann River 1874-98 by Annie Cameron " 765.2 - "Collected we believe by Robert P. Cameron in 1890's"botany australian-plants-flowers cameron-robert-pullar cameron-annie