When early settlers began to arrive on the Snowy River somewhere in the 1880s, the land was mostly swamps and heavily timbered jungle on the river frontages. The swamps were drained bit by bit using hand tools. The frontages were cleared by axe and shovel and fire. Several kinds of crops were experimented with such as hops, hemp and maize. Maize grew particularly well and became the main crop of the district. (info. from October 2006 ODHS Newsletter) The Argus was a morning daily newspaper in Melbourne, Australia that was established in 1846 and closed in 1957. It was considered to be the general Australian newspaper of record for this period.Maize-growing has been an important agricultural industry in the Orbost district since early settlement. This item is associated with that history.A typed letter sent to a local maize farmer requesting information on maize growing. The letter has the "Argus" letter head. The name of the recipient is unknown.maize agriculture-orbost correspondence-argus

Orbost and East Gippsland Railway League had proposed a railway extension through East Gippsland in 1908, which aimed to develop an isolated part of the country. At the time, construction of a railway could be considered a beneficial investment for the country as it could increase the population in the region. The proposed railway length in 1908 was about 140 miles and the cost was estimated £800,000. The line was proposed to proceed from Bairnsdale by way of the Lower Nicholson to Bruthen. “After crossing the Tambo River, it would be carried to near Nowa Nowa; the head of Lake Tyers, forward to Orbost. From Orbost it would proceed in a north-easterly way to the New South Wales border. There were different suggested routes between Orbost and the New South Wales border, the first was through Bendoc, another by the Cann River and another which is located between these two. 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. 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. Two small magazines showing the railway extension through East Gippsland. 678.1 has a dark maroon cover with gold print writing. It contains b/w photographs. 678.2 has a red cover with black print writing. Both are bound. 678.1 - inside front cover - M. Beattie ???????? Newmerella 678.2 - inside front cover - Gordon Fisher Orbosteast-gippsland-railway-league railway

Langwill Bros & Davies of Melbourne were agents for imported farm pump engines, windmills and other farm implements.. Because of war shortages, they started building the engines themselves under the Challenge brand in 1916. "..with the exception of the magneto, every part of the engine is manufactured in Australia from Australian raw material." They also sold imported Challenge windmills.This item is associated with the history of agriculture in early Orbost and is a useful research tool.A small light brown covered catalogue which has "Langwill Bros. & Davies Pty Ltd" diagonally across front in black print, items on offer and details of the company. There is a white stamp on the front with red print - "If you're not interested in this; PASS IT ON; Please; It will be doing us a good turn".catalogue farm-machinery langwill-davies

This book was written by Alexander Sutherland from the discovery of Australia, through to the exploration of Victoria and the first settlers to the pioneers. It then continues on to discuss immigration, the era of gold, the development of government, agriculture, music and art, literature and the metropolis of Melbourne. There were two volumes. It was published to co-incide with the centenary of Australia's first settlement.This book is a history of Victoria and Melbourne to 1888 and is useful resource for all local and social historians of Victoria and the metropolis of Melbourne.A very large book. It has no cover. Pages are gold edged and there is string in the binding.history-victoria sutherland-alexander melbourne-history

Comprises extracts from the monthly journals covering rural changes in Victoria, improvements in agriculture and horticulture, Royal Shows and farming history.This item is a useful reference tool.A 448 pp book with a dark blue fabric cover with gold print.agriculture-history-victoria

This catalogue is for the 39th Annual Orbost Show held in 1931. Admission was 2/- for adults and 6d for children under 14. 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 Hall)This 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 thin side stapled paper catalogue for the 39th Orbost Annual Show. It has a red cover and black print"Catalogue of 39th Annual Show Saturday 14th March 1931". It contains details of entry requirements. There are also advertisements for local businesses. 755.1 is a complete stapled photcopy.orbost-agricultural-society orbost-events

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 Hall This program is for the 46th annual show in 1939.This 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 thin grey book with red stripes on the cover. In black print is " 46th Annual Show 1939 Saturday 11th March".orbost-agricultural-show events

This report covers some of the eastern suburbs of Melbourne from 1834 to 1890 (approx). The early settlement of Nunawading, agricultural development, industries, residential development, institutions and hotels. Place names , churches and schools are also included4 pages of typed notes of the short history of Nunawading between 1834 and 1890 (approx) +Additional Keywords: Holland, Clisby, Williams, Riles, Polak,Schwerkolt, Smith, Rooks, Boyle, Sergeant, Matters, Ainger, Slater

Miscellaneous articles and correspondence.Packet includes: . Research paper compiled by Hugh McCall about the first "Ringwood and Surrounding Districts Horticultural Association" Show held March 1897. . Programme for Lilydale Agricultural and Horticultural Society Inc.43rd Annual Spring Show, 1996. . Newspaper clippings, Newsletters and miscellaneous documents of the Ringwood Horticultural and Agricultural Society.

Are believed to have been worn by a jockey riding horses inthe Orbost district. They were found stored inside a leather valise with other "horse" items which are also believed to have been owned by the jockey.Horses played a vital role in the history of Orbost both in agriculture and horse racing.This item is connected to that role.Two pairs of spurs. The spurs are a metal "U" shape with the spurs attached and with leather straps which are designed to buckle over a boot when riding a horse.spurs horse-riding horse-racing

Are believed to have been worn by a jockey riding horses in the Orbost district. They were found stored inside a leather valise with other "horse" items which are also believed to have been owned by the jockey. Horses played a vital role in the history of Orbost both in agriculture and horse racing This item is connected to that role.A pair of metal stirrups. The bottom of each stirrup is an oval shape with a rod in the middle. This is suspended by a "D" shaped metal piece which has a rectangular hold in it at the top.stirrups horse-racing horse-riding

This riding crop is a short type of whip without a lash, used in horse riding, It would have been used by a rural family in early Orbost.Horses played a vital role in the agricultural history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.Two whips. .1 is a small leather riding whip with metal casings and small metal horse head at one end. This is a lady's riding crop. .2 is a very long buggy whip with metal casings. Both are hand-made.equestrian whip leather-work

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

Used by station staff on the Bairnsdale to Orbost railway line which closed in 1987. 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.Three stamps used by Victorian Railways, for WAYGARA, BRUTHEN, and ORBOST stations. All stamps have black painted handles. The stamp is made of rubber and the handles are wood.WAYGARA BRUTHEN ORBOSTrailway-stamp railway-history orbost-railway-line

Used on the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line which closed in 1987. 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. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels 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 stamp holder made of aluminium into which numbers and possibly letters can be inserted. Also a square shallow wooden box containing numbers which are used with the stamp. The numbers appear to be made of rubber.possibly V G R railway-history orbost-bairnsdale-railway

Used at Orbost railway station for the consignment of goods/freight, in this case, timber to Westall. 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. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels. 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.An unused brown/buff coloured goods/freight consignment envelope used by Victorian Railways, this one for timber from Orbost to Westall. 2498-78 VICTORIAN RAILWAYS From ORBOST to WESTALL Contents TIMBER railway-history orbost-bairnsdale-railway

Used by Victorian Railways at stations on the Orbost-Bairnsdale line. 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. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels. 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 thick, hexagonal shaped pencil made of wood, painted dark blue, containing blue graphite marker.VICTORIA RAILWAYS written in gold lettering Emperor, Made in Australia railway-history victorian-railways orbost-bairnsdale-railway

Used at Orbost Railway Station, possibly by the Station Master, between 1944 and 1984. 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. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels. 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.Book with a red cover. On the front cover VICTORIAN RAILWAYS Audit Inspectors Remarks Book, Orbost. Inside are numbered and lined pages with hand written information dating from 28/3/1944-13/8/1984, dated and signed by various station masters. Cover has a section missing from the bottom left.VICTORIAN RAILWAYS Audit Inspectors Remarks Book, Orbost.railway-history orbost-bairnsdale-railway

Horses played a vital role in the agricultural history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.421.3 is a leather horse stirrup. 421.4 is a leather belt with one shoulder strap. It has brass attachments.On 421.4 -34 MARTINS ?AMMLLIMPbelt stirrup leather horse-transport

This horseshoe comes from England. It is unusual because it cannot be heated and shaped.Horses played a vital role in the agricultural history of Orbost. This item is connected to that role.A small cast iron horse shoe which is very corroded.horseshoe transport horses

Wagon wheels were required equipment in Australia early days. They were used for transporting goods, commodities, agricultural materials, supplies, and sometimes people. Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Orbost’s agricultural history.Two large solid elm bullock dray wheel hubs. They have a hole through the centre for spokes and have cut out sections at the sides. They are possibly hand-made. 456.1 is lighter coloured.wheel-hubs transport-bullock handcraft carving

Wagon wheels were required equipment in Australia early days. They were used for transporting goods, commodities, agricultural materials, supplies, and sometimes people. Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Orbost’s agricultural history.A hand carved wagon spoke made of treated ironbark.wagon-spoke transport handcraft carving

This is a photograph of An Orbost Agricultural Show Committe. 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 Hall) This photographs 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 large Black / white photograph on grey card. It shows two rows of men. The back row is standing and the front sitting. They are posed in front of a wooden building with an open door. On the left is a water tankon front - Howard D. Bulmer Photographer on right - hand-written < Jack Gilbert X on back - hand-written - L_R Arthur Rodwell, Mat Lynch, Rupert Mosely, S. Lynn, A. Pardew, John Gilbert, John Bird on sticker - "Take off man marked X Mr Matthew Lynch of Orbost"photograph-orbost-agricultural-society

This is a photograph of Steam Engine K104. K104 was numbered as such in 1923. Engines were renumbered from K100-K109 to K140-149 in 1940. This one was renumbered as K144. 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 is a pictorial record of rail transport in the 1920s. 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. 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 industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987.A black / white photograph of a steam locomotive. on back - "Orbost 1924 Steam Engine K104"orbost-railway steam-locomotive-k104 transport-rail

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

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. The closure of this railway was a controversial issue at the time with many public protests in the district. Protesters stood in front of a VR locomotive holding up signs with " SAVE FUEL JOBS ROADS LIVES ORBOST MR HAMER DON"T LET THIS HAPPEN SAVE RAIL" Others held placards with "DON"T CUT OFF ORBOST" and "We the Children demand our ????secure railway"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. The closure of the line was a significant event in Orbost's history.Seven black / white photographs related to the closure of the Orbost Railway Line.orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway protests-rail-closure

These photographs are probably of bridges on the East Gippsland railway line. 3162.2 is possibly Hospital Creek and 3162.3 possibly Burn Road Newmerella. The Orbost-Bairnsdale railway initially played a crucial role in developing agricultural industries in Gippsland as well as tourism. It opened in 1916 and operated until 1987, principally carrying timber and farming produce. In the early days of the railway's operation dedicated passenger trains ran but these ceased by the 1930s. The line was completely closed to freightage in 1987.The track infrastructure was dismantled in 1994 and has been redeveloped as the East Gippsland Rail Trail.These photographs are 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. Three black / white photographs of railway bridges. 3162.1 has a steam train on the bridge. 3162.3 shows three men on the right working at clearing vegetation. 3162.3 has been taken from a height.orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway bridges-railway

This is probably a photograph of An Orbost Agricultural Show Committee. Those in the photograph are: Back L-R Archie Rodwell; Rupert Mosley; A. Pardew; John Gilbert. Front - Bill Cummings; Draffin; John Johnstone. 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 Hall)This photographs 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 black / white photograph of a group of men, dressed in suits, standing in outside a wooden building. The front row is seated and the back row standing.on back - 'Pop on N.E. Corner"orbost-agricultural-society

Carrol Preston has used newspaper references from 1877 through to 1917, to document the history of the Orbost - Bairnsdael railway line.. It starts with the lobbying and jockeying, and moves through to the opening in 1916. The title is a reference to plans to further extend the railway beyond Orbost - but "The Iron Horse stopped at Orbost Railway Station". Most articles are from the Snowy River Mail and Bairnsdale Advertiser. All newspaper articles are dated and sourced. 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. 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 industries. This book has been compiled by a local historian. A spiral bound book titled, "The Iron Horse Stopped at Orbost Railway Station". The cover is blue / green with the title in black and red print. Underneath is a railway track leading to the bottom of the page. The book is 110 pages, A4 size and contains maps and photos. in black print on cover - "The Iron Horse Stopped at Orbost Railway Station ; The newspaper story of the eventual construction of the ORBOST RAILWAY LINE (in red print); Compiled and produced by CARROL PRESTON (in white print)railway-transport orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway

This photograph shows members of the first Orbost Agricultural Show committee.. 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 Hall) This 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 sepia photograph of eleven men, wearing suits and waistcoats, standing on a vacant block of land. In the background are houses among tress. The photograph is mounted on grey card - rectangular with rounded corners.on back -"Toby Nixon" on front - "First Show 13th March 1892"orbost-agricultural-society annual-show-orbost agriculture-orbost