The first Orbost Presbyterian Church was opened on January 9 1898. It was built by Mr R. P. Cameron for three pounds. The Harvest Festival display was always put together by the church ladies. The Festival was a family friendly festival celebrating the end of summer.This item is reminiscent of the late 19th - mid 20th centuries when church-going was more common.A black / white photograph of inside the Orbost Presbyterian Church decorated with rural produce and flowers for the "Harvest Festival". It is on a white buff card with a blue photographer's stamp in the bottom left hand corner.on front - stamp -" Herbert Sherwood" on back - "M. Gilbert, Orbost" - "Mrs J. Sterling, 6 Marine Parade , Elwood"church-presbyterian-orbost harvest-festival

A photograph of the earliest "Back to"/reunion for Orbost Higher Elementary School/Orbost Secondary College.The photo is of ex pupils who were at the school when it was first opened in 1912.People in the photo are Dorice Napier (1st L), J.Irvine,? Cumming, Lexie Nixon, Ila Cowell, Arthur Reynolds, Annie Nixon, Dorothy Cameron, Nina Johnston and Pear Napier(nee Cumming -4th L)It is of Historical significance because apparently it is a photo of the earliest "back to/reunion" for Orbost Secondary College.It is of Social Significance because it is a photograph of people who attended Orbost Secondary School.A black and white photograph of nine ladies and one man standing around a table with a large two- tiered cake on it with candles around the base.Hand written on back, hard to read and some words crossed out- "Earliest Pupils H.E.S.1912.Arthur-Reynolds Nina-Johnston/D.Napier J.Irvine ? Cumming- Lexie Nixon/Ila Cowell/Annie Nixon/Dorothy Cameron,"education-orbost orbost-high-school

Grace Cameron was the daughter of John Cameron who selected the first land on the Snowy River flats. She was the sister of Annie (later Mrs John Gilbert) who was the first white girl born in Orbost.This item is aesthetically significant and shows the skill and craftmanship of the women of the early settler families.Large oblong oil painting on green painted tin with the top and bottom rolled for decoration. Painting of three single petalled pink roses in full bloom with two small buds.tin painting cameron-grace art

Painted by Miss Nell cameron, daughter James and Jean (nee Moffat) Cameron.This painting has aesthetic significance and shows the skill and craftmanship of the women of the early settler families.A piece of rectangular tin curled on each end. Painted green background with white roses, yellow stamens and green and brown leaves.MRcameron-nell painting art tin

Owned by Alexander Cameron who arrived in Australia in 1853. Alexander Cameron ("Big Alex") was an early settler on the Snowy River flats. he worked the paddle steamer Cheviot for a while, having a wharf and sheds on the Snowy River in 1900. Later moved to Cann River.This item is an example of a handcrafted religious ornament of the late 19th-early 20th century.Handmade, round, religious text ornament of celluloid and cardboard with silver writing.Front - "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?"ornament handmade religious

Donated by the Harry Cameron family, Harry's father, James Cameron, came to Bellagoogan on Majors Creek in 1882. Bellagoogan was on Majors Creek near Orbost and was the site of the first race course. Like many others at the time, the Camerons bred race horses.Harry died in 1964 aged 75.This item is an example of a handcrafted ornament of the early 20th century. The Cameron family were early Orbost settlers.Natural - coloured raffia plant holder. Ornate design. Nails used to hold it together.ornament plant-holder craft-handmade

Donor was sister of historian/teacher Mary Gilbert. She was the daughter of Jonathon Gilbert and Annie Cameron. Professional golfer.This item is an example of an early 20th century ceramic container.Stoneware demijohn, cylindrical body with domed shoulder, short narrow everted neck with cylindrical central hole, handle from shoulder to neck. Colour is two-toned - tan and cream. Front "Suddeth" smoke mixture, No1 poison Patented April 6th '08 No. 11205 Aus. Patented......N.Z. This mixture goes in bottle nearest to machine. F. Green, Patentee 102 Sussex St Sydneyceramic stoneware container demijohn

This chair would have originally had a different seat. The grooves and regular perforations seen underneath suggest that it was originally woven with chair cane. Chair caning is a method of weaving cane to build a comfortable seat. Donated by the Harry Cameron family, Harry's father, James Cameron, came to Bellagoogan on Majors Creek in 1882. Bellagoogan was on Majors Creek near Orbost and was the site of the first race course. Like many others at the time, the Camerons bred race horses.Harry died in 1964 aged 75.This item used by the Cameron Family has aesthetic significance. Luterma chairs are well known in Northern Europe. However they are becoming rarer. The Cameron family was a significant part of early Orbost.Little High Bentwood chair with perforated seat, metal screws and bolts, unreadable label underneath.Under seat - Luterma Fabrique en estonie. Made in Estonia. Inside seat rim J + ? Kehn rubber stampdomestic chair furniture cameron-harry

Brought from Skye, Scotland, in 1850's by Malcolm McLeod, an early Orbost pioneer, and donated by his granddaughter, Margaret McLeod. The tapestry was worked by Miss Grace Cameron. This was possibly a repair job done when acquired by the donor. Grace Cameron was the daughter of John Cameron who selected the first land on the Snowy River flats. The McLeods and Camerons were early Orbost pioneers. This chair has aesthetic significance and reflects the needlework skill of Grace Cameron.Wooden rocking chair with chair cane It has a tapestry back with a floral design. Wire has been placed around the legs for support.chair rocking-chair mcleod-malcolm cameron-grace tapestry

Made as wedding present for Cameron, John (Mrs) in 1880 at Lakes Entrance. John Cameron (1847-1930) selected first land on Snowy River flats. Married Elizabeth Roadknight (1863-1939) who was born in Cunninghame (now Lakes Entrance).This item is associated with the Cameron family who were early Orbost settlers.Large handmade woven Aboriginal basket.basket household basket-woven aboriginal lakes-entrance cameron-john

Studs used by Mrs Jean Snow, daughter of John Cameron who in 1875 selected the first lan on the Snowy River flats.Block with 13 asorted studs used with clothing. Glued to block with putty.studs costume-accessories haberdashery

Belonged to Mary Gilbert who was a passionate local historian. She was awarded a British Empire medal in recognition of her work for education and the community. 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 an example of late 19th century English porcelain.Hand-painted Conway plate with illustrations of birds, sunsets, butterflies and sailing ships. Cream background.Back - British coat of arms. 3 logos.plate domestic crockery porcelain conway gilbert-mary

Belonged to Mary Gilbert who was a passionate local historian. She was awarded a British Empire medal in recognition of her work for education and the community. . 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 has aesthetic significance. It was owned by Mary Gilbert, a prominent Orbost personality, the first curator of the Orbost Museum. Handmade, tall carved wooden vase painted red. Bush scene painted black with pokerwork.vase ornament-wood gilbert-mary

This doily was handmade by Penuel Cameron (nee Hossack). The Hossack family farmed land on the Marlo Road. Like the Camerons they were staunch Presbyterians. Robert Cameron was one of earliest settlers on Orbost flats and ran the paddlesteamer "Cheviot". He served many years on shire council and built the first Presbyterian. church in Orbost.This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the families of the early settlers.Hand tatted medium sized doily. Small round linen piece in centre and large tatted border.doily handcrafts needlework linen lace cameron-robert

Used as a pickle bottle by Mary Gilbert, local historian and Orbost high school teacher. . 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.Mary Gilbert, B.E.M. was devoted to Orbost. She taught in Orbost for 40 years. She fostered the Orbost Historical Society and initiated the establishment of the Orbost Museum.Cut glass square shaped bottle with lid (202.2). Square designs with large diamond shape in centre.glass-container gilbert-mary

This dress was handed down through the family of Harry Cameron, Orbost. It was likely worn by a member of the family.Associated with the Cameron family, Orbost.A full length black satin dress with long sleeves. It has two rows of 6 buttons across the bodice and lace applique on the shoulders. The neck and sleeves are trimmed with a fine white lace. There are metal stays inside the front of the dress.women's-clothing

James Hossack and his wife, Penuel, arrived from Scotland to Geelong on Christmas Day 1852. "Granny" Hossack was born in 1821 and died in 1921 within two months of a century. James and Penuel had one daughter, Penuel who married Robert Pullar Cameron at Orbost. They had two sons, James(1858) and George(1860). James Hossack and his wife, Penuel, arrived from Scotland to Geelong on Christmas Day 1852. The Hossacks travelled to Australia on the "Ann Thompson"The Hossack family was a prominent Orbost family with strong ties to the Presbyterian Church in Orbost. This item is a part of the Hossack family history.A brown rectangular shaped photo album On front is a print of three large pink/red dahlia flowers. It has a pasted on label - GRANNY HOSSACKS CARDS. It has plastic sheets inside with a collection of cards sent to Granny Hossack -Christmas, funeral, New Year. On first page is a hand-written history of James Hossack and his wife Penuel.album "granny"-hossack hossack

Ina Cameron was the daughter of Alex Cameron and Helen nee Stirling. They lived for a time at Metung and then at Cann River. She was the grand-daughter of the Hon. James Cameron. She married Jack Campbell.Small ink illustration of flowers (blossoms) with foliage on pink background. There is a box showing name and date. The picture is in a plastic gold and cream frame with scalloped edges and has a stand on the back.Front - Ina Cameron, Cann River, 1910illustration cameron, ina cann-river

They are both pieces of ribbon used for the opening of the snowy River Bridge on July 4 1922. The ribbon was made to represent the red, white and blue of the British flag. This was the second bridge over the Snowy River. The first bridge was officially opened in August, 1893 (ref. S.R.M. 12.8.1893) by Mrs W. Watt, the mother of Councillor Watt, who presided over the opening of the 1922 bridge. This bridge was extensively damaged when a herd of cattle allegedly stampeded over it causing the cable to snap. Even after repairs it became obvious that a new bridge was needed. This second bridge, was built by the Victorian Railways and the Country Roads Board. Constructed at a cost of 35,000 pounds and used second-hand girders from the Flinders Street- Spencer Street viaduct. On July 4 1922 it was officially opened by Mrs James Cameron. Unfortunately, her husband, who had long championed the building of the bridge so that it would be ready for the railway to continue to the border, was too ill to attend the ceremony. In fact, James Cameron died on July 13 after a long and severe illness (ref. S.R.M. 20.7.1922). Souvenirs kept by enthusiastic spectators like this have helped to preserve the history of an important Orbost event.Two pieces of ribbon in British flag pattern of red, white and blue. These have been pinned onto card with a handwritten description of their history.snowy-river cameron souvenir

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

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

This newspaper was sent by the Shire President Cr F. Deery from Bairnsdale to P.C. Cameron, Orbost Shire President. It was sent on the first aeroplane to arrive in Orbost. The Commonwealth plane in the charge of Lieut. Oakes landed in Mr McPhee's paddock at Newmerella. It left for Sale on the same day.The purpose of the plane's visit was to raise subscriptions towards the WW1 peace loan. There is a plaque commemorating the oversubscription to the peace loan by the Shire of Orbost by 1919.A yellowed Herald newspaper from September 9 1919. It has the brown paper packaging in which it was sent. It is tied with string.newspaper document herald-melbourne first-aeroplane-orbost peace-loan

These roof nails are from the Orbost Butter Factory which was on the corner of Lochiel and Browning Streets, Orbost. The Orbost Butter and Produce Co Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893. The site of the factory was purchased at a cost of five pounds from Mr James Cameron. (See In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall)The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.Two lead headed roof nails from the Orbost Butter Factory roof. They are painted red on top.nails metal orbost-butter-factory cameron-james

This cape comes from the estate of James Cameron who was one of the first Snowy River councillors for the Tambo Shire. He selected land at Lochiel in 1892. From 1902-1920 he was the Assembly member for East Gippsland.A black shoulder cape made of crepe silk. It has scalloped edges and is probably hand-made. It fastens with press studs and the hems have been machined.cape silk clothing

This dress and petticoat come from the estate of James Cameron who was one of the first Snowy River councillors for the Tambo Shire. He selected land at Lochiel in 1892. From 1902-1920 he was the Assembly member for East Gippsland.A white voile dress with a white cotton petticoat underneath. It is not attached. The dress has a lace frill at the hem. It has lace inserts - two at the bodice and along the three-quarter length sleeves. There are several lace inserts on the skirt. It has been machine embroidered.dress costume cameron-james

This dress is from the estate of James Cameron who was one of the first Snowy River councillors for the Tambo Shire. He selected land at Lochiel in 1892. From 1902-1920 he was the Assembly member for East Gippsland.Long black silk dress with long sleeves. It is hand-made - machine stitched. There is black beading around the neck and collar. The belt is also beaded. There are small black buttons on the belt and sleeves. It has a black underskirt.costum -female cameron

This is a photograph of students at Orbost State School in 1915. Included in the photograph, as identified by Mary Gilbert' are Brian Harrison; ?; ? Whillance; Rupert Perry; ; Dolly Nixxon; Dot Stagg; Ella Cowell; Annie Macalaster; ? ?; ? Winchester; Rupert Bird; Mac Kerr; :; Clarrie Reynolds; D. Daly; Marion Watt; Audrey Cameron; Teen Dixon; Ethel Morris; ?; Toby Nixon; Charlie Winchester Miss Marie Haynes; Doris Smith; Alison Cameron; Ruby Morgan; Thida(?) Guy; Elsa Wehner; Gladys Boucher; Gloria Swanson; ? Lay; ? Rodwell Wally Simpson; ? Morgan; Reece Harrison; P. Summers; ?; Les Morgan; W. Lawless; ? Craker; A. Nish; P. Hocking Zenie Irvine; Essie Nixxon; Violet Gibbs; Adelaide Hardy; Verna Perry; Mary Gilbert; Margaret Irvine; Marge Henderson; Nellie Draffin; Roy Cameron 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.This photograph is associated with the history of education in Orbost.A black / white photograph of a group of children and one female teacher in front of an open doorway of a wooden school building. agirl seated in the front row is holding a board with "Grades V V1 Orbost" hand-written in what appears to be white chalk on a blackboard. .A list of those in photograph is attached.on back - "Grades V V1 Teacher Miss Merle Haynes who is now married, graduated at Monash, Maisie Ross holding board. Mary Gilbert on her right in picture"education-orbost-state-school

This is a photograph of students from Orbost State School. Those in the photograph have been identified by Mary Gilbert. Back Row L-R - Eva Morgan; R. Powell; Doris Smith; ?; Mona Arkins; E. Hardy; H. Beattie; Molly Hammill; Jessie Morgan; Kath Daley; Jessie Gall; Nina Williams; Billy Kerr; Gwenda Beveridge; Emily Mackley; Chrissie Mackley; Myra Malcolm; Annie Malcolm; Betty Gilbert; K. Beattie; Doreen Feltis; B Woodlands; ?; ?; ?; Carl Wehner; Bill Grose; Ham Bird; Eddie Lowater; ?; Jack Morgan; B. Hawkless; Jack Nixon; Harry Perry; Georg perry; Arthur Simpson; Albert Shaw; Bill Laycox; ? Lock; Neha Cameron; Stan Smith; Stan PorterThis photograph is associated with the history of education on Orbost.A black / white photograph showing a group school children in front of an outside wall of a timber building. Seated in the front row is a boy holding a sign with "GRADES 5 & 6" hand-written in what appears to be white chalk on a blackboard. The photograph is mounted on grey card and has a list of names attached to the bottom.